After having a chance to go back over the Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Indianapolis Colts this week, there were some things that really stood out in relation to players and who played well and who didn’t. This list could be must longer in both categories here are three studs and three duds from last week’s win.
Stud-RB Trey Edmunds
If you predicted Edmunds would lead the team in rushing, then you need to start playing the lottery. The run game still wasn’t where it should be, even with reserves but you cannot discount 73 rushing yards on 12 carries in Edmunds’ first NFL action. Let’s just hope the team doesn’t have to keep counting on him going forward.
Dud-WR Ryan Switzer
First and foremost, we are Switzer fans. We have been since he joined the Steelers. But as we see his production drop week after week we have to wonder what his future holds. Swtizer had no offensive stats on Sunday and only played a handful of snaps. And as a kick returner the threat of the big return is gone.
Stud-S Minkah Fitzpatrick
The highlight of Sunday’s game is the 96-yard interception return for a touchdown by Fitzpatrick. But when you re-watch that play and hear Fitzpatrick talk about it you understand when he brings to the Steelers defense that they haven’t had in a very long time. His impact on the Colts’ ability to throw deep was significant.
Dud-QB Mason Rudolph
The struggles of Rudolph are going to be heavily debated. Is it because offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner won’t let him be great or is it because his weapons aren’t getting open? Maybe it is neither of those things. Perhaps it is simply a case of Rudolph not having the confidence to make those throws and instead against the Colts he just chose to dump it off to Jaylen Samuels more times than not.
Stud-LB Bud Dupree
We will dig deeper this week into Dupree and his big season but no matter how critical you’ve been of him you cannot discount the effort he put in on Sunday. Dupree lit up the boxscore with two sacks a forced fumble and a fumble recovery but his third-and-one stop of Marlon Mack with 20 seconds left won the game for Pittsburgh.
Dud-DL Javon Hargrave
The Steelers defense has seen a huge resurgence this season. But once again on Sunday, it was not because of Hargrave. His lack of playmaking continues to disappoint. It is hard to be too critical because of how the rest of the unit has played but I expected more out of him this season, especially when Stephon Tuitt was hurt.
