NFL · 8 months ago

5 Things We Learned From the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

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Rollercoaster Ride for Wilson
Russell Wilson had some moments on Saturday against the Ravens where he played the part of a quarterback that can give the Pittsburgh Steelers a real shot to win January. Still, two moments stood out that hindered the experience and helped lead to a second loss in a row for Pittsburgh. Wilson scrambled for a first down in the red zone and fumbled the ball, turning the football over in a key spot where points were necessary. He followed that up with a poor read, resulting in a Baltimore pick-six. If the Steelers hope to compete in the AFC, they must play mistake-free football, starting with Wilson.

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The Steelers Need Pickens Back ASAP
Star wideout George Pickens has now missed three games in a row for Pittsburgh. The Steelers survived in Week 14 against the Browns, but that wasn't the case in Weeks 15 and 16 against the Eagles and Ravens. We haven't understood Pickens's importance to the offense until he's been out. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches makes him invaluable to this offense. Early expectations suggest that an incoming return on Christmas Day against the Chiefs is probable.
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Alex Highsmith Makes a Huge Difference Off the Edge
If teams continue focusing on keeping T.J. Watt off the scoresheet, Alex Highsmith needs to continue taking advantage of that, as he did on Saturday afternoon. Although the Steelers didn't take full advantage of the impact that Highsmith brought to the table, it's hard to see any team in the playoff picture matching what Pittsburgh can bring on defense off the edge. The Steelers must hope this duo is healthy and ready come January.
Calvin Austin Needs to Stay Involved
If the Steelers want to make a deep run in the postseason, they need a wide receiver to emerge as the number two. In my eyes, Calvin Austin has done that, but it still doesn't appear that the Steelers trust him enough to give him a more significant role. Austin caught four balls for 65 yards in the losing effort against Baltimore, and his ability to stretch the field needs to be utilized more, even with Pickens returning.
Jaylen Warren's Explosiveness Needs to be Featured
Jaylen Warren will never be the feature back in this offense. Still, the Steelers need to keep getting him involved in the passing game like they did against the Ravens, not just because they were trailing. Warren has an explosive ability that few have in this offense, and the Steelers need to utilize that more heading into the postseason.

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Check out The Smylie Show on SportsGrid
Rollercoaster Ride for Wilson
Russell Wilson had some moments on Saturday against the Ravens where he played the part of a quarterback that can give the Pittsburgh Steelers a real shot to win January. Still, two moments stood out that hindered the experience and helped lead to a second loss in a row for Pittsburgh. Wilson scrambled for a first down in the red zone and fumbled the ball, turning the football over in a key spot where points were necessary. He followed that up with a poor read, resulting in a Baltimore pick-six. If the Steelers hope to compete in the AFC, they must play mistake-free football, starting with Wilson.

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