Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have found their groove offensively.
After a slow start in Weeks 1 and 2, Pittsburgh has fielded one of the NFL’s best offenses over the last three weeks. Per Sumer Sports, the Steelers have the fourth-highest EPA per play since Week 3, trailing only the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals. Aaron Rodgers has stacked solid performances, as well, ranking a respectable 13th in the league in EPA per play (of all QBs with 10 snaps) over this
three-week span, ahead of Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, and Matthew Stafford. His nine touchdown passes are the most in the league since Week 3, and his 827 yards rank seventh.
Not bad for a quarterback we are constantly told is too old to lead a team to any sort of relevancy.
The real takeaway, though, is just how dominant the Steelers have been on the ground in this three-week span. They trail only the Atlanta Falcons in EPA per rush since Week 3, and their 5.58 yards per carry leads the NFL. Which brings us to. the man of the hour, Jaylen Warren, who has almost single-handedly taken the Steelers from a nondescript offense and given them a sense of self.
Over the last three games, Warren has shown the Steelers, and the entire league, what he is capable of when he is used as the dual-threat every-down bell cow many have longed for him to be. In that span, Warren is first in total EPA among all running backs to have at least 10 touches. Not Bijan Robinson. Not Jahmyr Gibbs. Not Derrick Henry. Jaylen Warren. Additionally, he is second in total rush EPA, second in rushing yards, second in impact place, second in yards per carry, third in missed tackles forced, and he leads all running backs in receiving yards.
The win over the Colts was Warren’s magnum opus, as it was his first with over 100 yards rushing and 50 receiving. Per Zachary Smith, his 87 receiving yards are a new career high, as well.
The Steelers have found what works – feed No. 30 in both the run game and short passing game, and allow his efficiency to be what sets up the intermediate passing game. It helps Rodgers stay clean, as teams can’t just pin their ears back and send five or six rushers when Warren is a threat to catch a swing pass on every play, or beat a blitz out of the backfield to bust a long run. It took a few weeks of getting the math right, but Pittsburgh found a formula that works.
It’s the morning after game day, and the Steelers offense is capital G Good.
Welcome to the show, Germie Bernard
The Steelers leaned heavily on Germie Bernard, and he came through when called upon. The rookie caught six passes for 80 yards. His 2.42 yards per route run ranked ahead of Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, and Justin Jefferson in Week 5, and his role continues to grow as the season goes on. With both Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson down for multiple weeks, and DK Metcalf’s struggles continuing, Bernard could end up being the Steelers’ top target by season’s end, which could be a big net positive.
Pat Freiermuth chasing Steelers history
The rebirth of Pat Freiermuth in the Steelers’ offense has been a delight. He is currently on pace for 65 catches and 14 touchdowns – his current career high is seven. Back in June, I wrote about Freiermuth being the biggest beneficiary of the Mike McCarthy hire due to his track record of getting high-level production out of tight ends, and so far that’s been the case. And after his performance on Sunday, Freiermuth passed Bennie Cunningham for second place in franchise history. Freiermuth is back in full form, and the offense has benefited greatly from his resurgence.
Quick hitters
- The offensive line was tremendous. Rodgers had the lowest pressure percentage of all quarterbacks to take at least 10 snaps in Week 5.
- Secondary still needs work. Jaquan Brisker’s play is concerning. That said, they are out there without Jamel Dean and leaning heavily on rookie Daylen Everette. Hopefully DeShon Elliott returns soon.
- Lack of pressure from the edge rushers is also a concern. Nick Herbig has zero sacks through five games. Need more from him.
- Asante Samuel had two big pass breakups in the end zone. He has been far from perfect, but promising plays from No. 22.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Steelers WR Roman Wilson to miss multiple weeks with injury
- Steelers signing LB Elandon Roberts
- Aaron Rodgers surpasses Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning in major achievements
- Steelers ride Jaylen Warren’s 188 yards to 34-22 win over Colts
- Steelers vs. Colts: Week 5 Predictions
