Steelers Week 7 Winners and Losers

Another week and another nail-biting game from the Steelers, fortunately, they were able to squeak it out against the L.A. Rams, 24-17. I was really impressed with how the offense came to life when it mattered most. The Steelers continue to rely on the defense, and it continues to pay off. There is a lot to be happy about this week for yinz! Let’s look at some of the Winners and Losers of Week 7:

Winners

OC Matt Canada

Credit to Matt Canada for a very impressive 4th quarter of play calling. I’m sure he and his family can’t even turn the TV on without hearing “Fire Matt Canada” chants. He definitely hears the noise and Sunday was a display of improvement. He played to his players' strengths and really allowed the offense to show its teeth. While 24 points of offense might not sound like a huge accomplishment, Canada’s offense was a perfect 3 for 3 in the red zone while scoring their first rushing TDs of the year. I can see what the plan is and he has silenced the critics for another week. If we can put together a complete game, he might just save his job in Pittsburgh.

WR Diontae Johnson

One of the more underrated wide receivers in the league, Dionte was missed dearly in this Steelers offense. His route running is next-level and helps create a lot of separation for his quarterback. In his first game back from IR, he was able to reel in 5 catches for 79 yards and I have a good feeling that his touchdown drought will be coming to an end soon. Fellow wide receiver, George Pickens, was able to take advantage of coverage because of what Johnson brings to the team. Really glad to have him back. 

OLB TJ Watt

TJ is not only the best player on this Steelers' defense (and the best in the NFL), but he might be the most important player on the Steelers' offense. Every game it feels like he makes one or two major plays that set up the offense with great field position. Usually, you can find him in the backfield making plays, but this week he was able to drop into coverage and come away with an interception (let’s see Myles Garrett do that). Even better, the offense was able to convert the short field to a quick touchdown. Easily the team MVP at this point in the year, can’t wait to see what he does next week against the visiting Jaguars. 

QB Kenny Pickett

There have been plenty of tweets tweeted about Kenny Pickett and his development. Many yinzers, including myself, are hot and cold every week on Kenny Pickett but he continues to “wow” in the second half and more specifically the fourth quarter. Pickett notched his 6th fourth-quarter comeback win of his career against the Rams after a lights-out final quarter. Sunday was just his 18th career start so maybe we need to back off on the criticism of the sophomore QB who is now 10-4 in his last 14 starts. 

Honorable Mentions: OT Dan Moore, CB Joey Porter, RBs Najee Harris/Jaylen Warren

Losers:

CB Levi Wallace

It is only a matter of time until rookie Joey Porter Jr. takes this man’s job and I think Levi knows this as well. He has not had a great season to this point and the writing is on the wall as Wallace has allowed 4 touchdowns and over 400 yards this season. Joey has been getting more snaps every week, and after the showing on Sunday, I really expect Joey Porter to start within the next few weeks. 

OT Brodrick Jones

This has nothing to do with Brodrick and everything to do with Mike Tomlin’s approach when it comes to rookies. Mike Tomlin has never been a guy to demote a player due to injury and the current LT position is no different. Perhaps the fast come-up of Jones lit a fire under Dan Moore as he played his best game of the year on Sunday and if he continues to play well it might be a while before Brodrick gets his opportunity.

Fire Canada/Tomlin Crowd

Can we set down the pitchforks for now? Say what you will about Tomlin, but this team is 4-2, which is impressive on all accounts. They aren’t just beating the bad teams either (like the Dolphins), the Rams and Ravens are impressive wins. Matt Canada was great in the fourth quarter yesterday. He understood what needed to be done to win the football game and at the end of the day that is all that matters. It might not be flashy but when they need to they deliver. The Steelers win football games and I assure you that as long as they continue to win, Tomlin and Canada are not going anywhere. All that being said, the coaching staff will still be on a short leash in the minds of Yinzer Nation.