Sin City Victory: Steelers Defeat Raiders 23-18

It was a game of firsts last night in Las Vegas as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Raiders for the first time in Sin City by a score of 23-18.

The Steelers managed to generate a few solid offensive drives as Kenny Pickett threw his first multi touchdown game of his career, with touchdown passes to Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth. The first bomb to Calvin Austin was Austin's first career touchdown catch, and it was quite a perfect throw by the Steelers second year quarterback. Calvin Austin 72 yards later turned the momentum of the game.

The Steelers offense managed to end the run of not having a first down in the first quarter and the  offense began to click. 

The Steelers run game had their first 100-yard game on the ground. Najee, Warren, and Kenny Pickett were able to work the ball on the ground effectively for the first time this season. 

The passing game and route combinations looked better as Kenny and company used the middle of the field more, and Pat Freiermuth had more targets this game. Kenny still had a few poor throws, but this game served as a fantastic confidence boost for the second year QB trying to get on track this season. 

The offensive line still struggled at times, however one thing that may not be talked about enough is the way the offensive line has been able to limit the impact of opposing teams’ star defensive players. Nick Bosa was held to 1 tackle and zero sacks, Myles Garret had 1 tackle and no sacks. Raiders stud pass-rusher Maxx Crosby was the first of the bunch to get a sack last night. Overall, the Steelers Oline has done a good job limiting the impact of some of the league’s premier pass rushers. 

The defense continued to make their presence felt as the defense as a whole has 10 sacks and 8 takeaways on the young season. TJ Watt continued to pressure the QB, sacking Jimmy G for the quarterbacks first time this season and earning 2 sacks on the night. Watt also forced an eared throw from Garoppolo which was intercepted by Patrick Peterson for his first INT with the Steelers and his 36th all time. 

Keeanu Benton also recorded his first career sack on a beautiful defensive swim move, preventing a potential TD as Jimmy G had a WR open in the endzone. 

Levi Wallace also made a big impact on the game intercepting two passes in big moments, including the game sealing INT. Much needed confidence boost for the CB who was also named by NBC as one of the game's three stars. 

Special teams also deserve recognition after their efforts last night as Danny Smith's group came ready to play! Chris Boswell continued to show why he is one of the league’s premier kickers, hitting 3 FGs including a 57-yard field goal attempt. 

Pressley Harvin also had a terrific night punting the football with 5 punts, including a 63-yard punt with terrific net time. 

The Steelers move to 2-1 on the young season and sit atop the AFC north, they will look to build off their  offensive success this week as they take on the red-hot Texans in Houston Sunday October 1st.