It took until the final play to secure victory but the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 6-3 on Sunday after beating the Green Bay Packers 23-19. The day was carried by the Steelers rushing offense getting on track and timely takeaways on defense. Here are our studs and duds.
Stud - RB Najee Harris
We love seeing Najee Harris playing with the type of energy and quickness he showed on Sunday. Harris finished with 82 yards rushing and 96 yards of total offense.
Dud - QB Kenny Pickett
We are genuinely worried about Pickett at this point. 126 passing yards on 23 attempts is unacceptable and his poor performance almost negated the team’s exceptional rushing game.
Stud - RB Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren got his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and looked impressive once again. He and Harris are a dynamic duo and the heart of the offense.
Dud - WR Calvin Austin
This was going to be George Pickens until wide receiver Calvin Austin III got a huge offensive pass interference on Pickens reception that would have been the game-clinching catch. Austin was a non-factor again this week.
Stud - DT Keeanu Benton
The Steelers got themselves a star in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Benton got a full-time role on Sunday and shined. His quickness and power is elite as he finishes with six tackles, a pass defended and a quarterback hit.
Dud - LB Elandon Roberts
It’s hard to put so much on Elandon Roberts but after losing Cole Holcomb and now Kwon Alexander that just put too much heat on Roberts and he struggled chasing and tackling.
Stud - EDGE T.J. Watt
By Watt’s standards, it wasn’t his best game but Watt got a sack giving him 88 career sacks in 96 games. This gives him the second most in 100 games trailing only Reggie White.
Dud - DT Larry Ogunjobi
One big reason the Packers were able to run the ball quarterback Jordan Love had so much time in the pocket was because Larry Ogunjobi and Cam Heyward had very little impact. Ogunjobi in particular was missing in action with only one tackle.
Stud - CB Patrick Peterson
Two of the biggest plays of the game came from Patrick Peterson. His blocked extra point put all the pressure on Green Bay on that final drive to get a touchdown and his deflection that turned into an interception late kept the Packers from scoring.
