Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
Here are some numbers that stood out from the Steelers snap counts last week.
On Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers used a late defensive stand to hold off the Las Vegas Raiders and extend its win streak to two games and move to 2-1 on the season. We’ve had a chance to pour over the gamebook and here are 4 things that stood out.
Helping the Steelers get by the Raiders were a few usually quiet guys.
A win is a win, and it was a typical one for the Pittsburgh Steelers — non-dominant, doing just enough to get by. Helping them get it done were a few usually quiet guys who showed up when Pittsburgh needed it most.
The Steelers plane had mechanical issues forcing the team to spend Sunday night in Kansas City.
After the Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the team planned to fly home to Pittsburgh and relax. Instead, the team’s flight was diverted to Kansas City en route to Pittsburgh and the team stayed there Sunday night instead.
According to Steelers Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauten, everyone on the plane is fine and the team is making arrangements to fly to Pittsburgh early Monday morning.
Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward went on social media during the experience and after being asked noted that it was simply a mechanical issue with the plane and everyone was good.
Our team charter plane was unexpectedly diverted to Kansas City early this morning on our way back to Pittsburgh following our game in Las Vegas. Everyone on the plane is safe, and we are making necessary plans to arrive back in Pittsburgh later today.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) September 25, 2023
The Steelers probably didn’t need any more excitement after their thrilling 23-18 win over the Raiders on Sunday Night Football. The game came down to the final moments before Pittsburgh cornerback Levi Wallace sealed the win with an interception.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
Did we see enough from the Steelers to take them seriously as a playoff team?
Stacking wins, as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin put it is exactly what Pittsburgh did by beating the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night. Pittsburgh improved to 2-1 and after starting the season 0-1 is in a three-way tie for the lead in the AFC North. Here are our big takeaways from the win.
The Steelers used big plays in all three phases to beat the Raiders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers went to Las Vegas and won the jackpot with a 23-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The offense seemed to show a little more confidence and played a little better at times and the defense looked impressive. Here are our studs and duds from this week’s huge win.
Steelers DB Patrick Peterson get picks with a little help from his friends.
Teamwork makes the dream work, and T.J. Watt and Patrick Peterson were prime examples of that tonight. As he’s known for doing, Watt got in Jimmy Garoppolo’s face, forcing him to get the ball out to avoid a sack.
After allowing the only touchdown currently on the board from the Las Vegas Raiders, Peterson made up for it with a pick of Garoppolo.
Patrick Peterson celebrates his 35th career INT…most amongst active players. 🔥 #HereWeGo
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/Ln4S7Pddw0
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 25, 2023
Previously tied with the Vikings’ Harrison Smith with 34 interceptions, Peterson is now alone among active players with 35.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
Kenny Pickett is having his best game of the season.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has two passing touchdowns on Sunday night through just over two quarters against the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks the first time in Pickett’s career that he has two passing touchdowns in a game. You have to go back to 2021 for the last time a Steelers quarterback threw for two touchdowns in a game.
Sunday night marks Pickett’s 15th NFL start. Last season, Pickett started eight games and threw only seven touchdowns to nine interceptions. So far this season, Pickett has four passing touchdowns and three interceptions.
We cookin' 👨🍳@pat_fry5 | 📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSng3KS pic.twitter.com/0thFdtCpyw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2023
The Steelers currently lead the Raiders 23-7 midway through the third quarter. Both teams came into the game at 1-1. If the Steelers can pull off the win they would find themselves in the three-way tie for the lead in the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
Calvin Austin gets the Steelers on the board with a long touchdown.
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense started off slow on Sunday night but midway through the first quarter, trailing 7-0, the Steelers got on the board thanks to one of those splash plays we all love.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett connected with speedy wide receiver Calvin Austin III on a 72-yard catch and run to tie up the score. Austin just blew past Las Vegas cornerback Marcus Peters and the Raiders safety has no shot in keeping up. This was the longest touchdown of Pickett’s career. Props to Pickett and Austin for the score but the play was made by running back Jaylen Warren and his excellent blitz pickup that made the throw possible.
Can't Catch Cal living up to his nickname on this 72-yard TD run. @CalvinAustinIII | @Raiders
📺: #PITvsLV on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/oKZBIH1Rly pic.twitter.com/JCnMrQqz3q— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2023
The healthy return of Austin has proven to be huge for the Steelers. After missing all of his rookie campaign with a foot injury, Austin definitely seems to be back to full strength (speed) and gives the Steelers an added dimension opposing defenses cannot account for.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
The Steelers travel to Las Vegas this week to take on the Raiders.
Here is everything you need to know so you can watch, listen to, or stream this week’s Pittsburgh Steelers game. Pittsburgh is coming to Las Vegas after a big win over the Cleveland Browns and the Raiders are finally coming home and hoping to rebound after a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Online: You can also tune in online with NFL+ and FuboTV (try it for free).
Radio: Westwood One and Steeler Nation Radio will have the game, as well as WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970, AM local.
You can also follow the game with us @TheSteelersWire and of course here on Steelers Wire with our live updates during the game, along with highlights of all the key moments from this week’s game. Join us straight after the final whistle for more in-depth coverage, injury updates, and analysis of all the action.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
The Steelers defense needs to stack the box, key on Josh Jacobs and let the edge rushers do their work.
Lost in the disappointing start to the Pittsburgh Steelers season on offense is just how poor the Steelers defense has been. This group has allowed almost 800 yards of offense in two games and has been particularly weak against the run.
This week the Steelers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders and despite their struggles, present some interesting challenges. Here are the Steelers four keys to victory on defense.
