A detailed look at the Steelers’ first half of the 2024 season
As we approach the midway point of the NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have given their fans plenty to talk about. From quarterback controversies to defensive standouts, the first nine weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions and performances.
This article will dive deep into each game, examining key performances, pivotal moments, and how the Steelers are shaping up for the remainder of the season.
Week 1: Pittsburgh 18, Atlanta 10
The season opener was a showcase of the Steelers’ new-look offense under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with a surprise start at quarterback from Justin Fields and a defense that seems to have not missed a beat.
Fields, stepping in for an injured Russell Wilson, managed a solid game with 156 passing yards and added 57 on the ground.
However, the real story was the defense, with T.J. Watt recovering a fumble and the secondary picking off Kirk Cousins twice. Special teams were also crucial, with Chris Boswell tying a franchise record with six field goals, including three from over 50 yards.
Week 2: Pittsburgh 13, Denver 6
The Steelers showcased their defensive strength by holding the Denver Broncos to just six points, continuing their early-season defensive dominance.
While Justin Fields’ first touchdown pass as a Steeler was a highlight, the offense showed inconsistency, particularly in the second half. This performance raised questions about the offense’s ability to maintain momentum, indicating areas that needed improvement.
Week 3: Pittsburgh 20, L.A. Chargers 10
The Steelers’ confidence was on full display in Week 3 as they put up a season-high 20 points against the Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Fields had a standout game, throwing for 245 yards and a critical fourth-quarter touchdown to Calvin Austin III.
The defense remained formidable, with Nick Herbig stepping up for the injured Alex Highsmith and adding two sacks: effectively shutting down the Chargers’ running game and contributing to a solid team victory.
Week 4: Indianapolis 27, Pittsburgh 24
In their first defeat of the season, the Steelers grappled with the Indianapolis Colts in a close encounter.
Despite Justin Fields’ strong comeback efforts, including two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, Pittsburgh’s defense struggled against explosive plays early, particularly through the air.
The Colts exploited this with efficient passing, including crucial third-down conversions that kept their drives alive. This game highlighted areas of concern in the Steelers’ defense that would need fortification against dynamic offenses.
Week 5: Dallas 20, Pittsburgh 17
The Steelers’ inconsistency was once again evident in a narrow loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Justin Fields contributed two touchdowns, yet fluctuating offensive performance and costly penalties hindered their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Defensively, while they managed to force three turnovers, but they struggled on third downs, allowing Dallas to convert 60% of their attempts, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.
Week 6: Pittsburgh 32, Las Vegas 13
Pittsburgh bounced back against the Las Vegas Raiders with a commanding win in front of a crowd that had more of their fans than the home team’s.
Justin Fields’ dynamic play included two rushing touchdowns, showcasing his improving command of the offense.
T.J. Watt was dominant on defense, forcing two fumbles and making crucial tackles for loss, which disrupted the Raiders’ rhythm and underscored the Steelers’ defensive prowess.
Week 7: Pittsburgh 37, N.Y. Jets 15
Russell Wilson’s return sparked a stellar performance as he accounted for three touchdowns (two passing and another on the ground) revitalizing the Steelers’ aerial attack.
Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice, bolstering a defense that also saw significant special teams contributions, including a blocked field goal that preserved their commanding lead.
Week 8: Pittsburgh 26, New York Giants 18
The Steelers maintained their momentum with a balanced attack against the New York Giants during this crucial phase of the NFL Season. Russell Wilson led the offense efficiently, while the defense, spearheaded by T.J. Watt’s sack and fumble recovery, held the Giants in check.
Special teams continued their impactful play, highlighted by Calvin Austin III’s punt return touchdown, demonstrating their season-long effectiveness.
Following this strong performance, the Steelers entered a bye in Week 9, giving them a chance to rest and prepare for their upcoming challenges.
Looking Ahead: Steelers and the Odds
As we move past the halfway mark of the NFL season, the Steelers’ performances have stirred quite a bit of discussion. The team’s resilience and tactical execution have naturally influenced their NFL betting odds and standings. Bettors and fans will be keenly watching the injury reports and player updates, as these could significantly sway the Steelers’ odds in upcoming games.
Their current form suggests a strong potential to climb higher in the rankings, provided they maintain their strategic play and key players like Russell Wilson and T.J. Watt continue to perform at their peak. New additions such as Mike Williams and Preston Smith should help reload the roster alongside returning players such as Zach Frazier, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Cameron Sutton.
Conclusion
The Steelers’ first nine weeks have been a testament to their resilience and depth. While there have been ups and downs, the team has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back and improve. Both of their losses have only come by three points each.
Having just come off their bye week, they are well-rested and ready to tackle the second half of the season with a solid foundation.
The return of Russell Wilson and the continued excellence of the defense and special teams could be the key to a successful playoff push. With their next game against the Commanders this Sunday, Steelers Nation should stay tuned as the team continues to march forward toward the postseason.
