In a remarkable turn of events during a game against Washington, the Pittsburgh Steelers demonstrated their evolving strategy, which might seem daring to outsiders.
In the first quarter, with the Steelers outnumbered and preparing to punt, All-Pro Miles Killebrew, aligned as the upback, noticed one of the Commanders’ players inching closer to the line in an effort to block the kick. This action inadvertently left teammate James Pierre free on the outside.
Emboldened by the trust granted by longtime special teams coordinator Danny Smith, Killebrew made a bold decision. Instead of the usual punt, he took the snap and passed it to an unmarked Pierre along the sideline. Unfortunately, Pierre, a cornerback rather than a wide receiver, dropped the pass, giving the Commanders excellent field position. They swiftly capitalized on it, scoring a touchdown.
However, this misstep was overshadowed by the Steelers’ dramatic comeback, as they overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to secure a 28-27 victory, improving to a 7-2 record. This match encapsulated significant changes within a franchise known for its stability over the years.
If we take a broader view, Killebrew’s move reflects an intensified urgency that has spread throughout the organization over the past several months.
For instance, the decisive touchdown pass was thrown by quarterback Russell Wilson, a recent addition to the team who joined in October. The catch was made by Mike Williams, who had just transitioned from the New York Jets the week prior.
The Steelers have spent the early years following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement attempting to maintain their traditional, measured approach, but with mixed results. The expected development from quarterback Kenny Pickett failed to materialize under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, and even the NFL’s most expensive defense was unable to consistently bridge the gap with the top teams in the AFC.
That gap now seems far more closeable than it did recently. Just a month ago, head coach Mike Tomlin was praising quarterback Justin Fields, who had performed solidly during a 4-2 start, before ultimately deciding to switch to Wilson. Fields had carried out the expectations set by Tomlin and coordinator Arthur Smith, managing the ball smartly and making plays with his feet, but Tomlin felt the team needed more.
Tomlin’s switch to Wilson, who has proved his critics wrong performance after performance, sends a clear message—it’s no longer sufficient to simply avoid losing. The games with Fields at the helm mirrored many past matchups: the defense holding steady while the offense scraped by with just enough plays to win.
Now, Tomlin knows that to break a playoff-winning drought dating back to the 2016 AFC Championship—a wait that marks the longest span between postseason victories since the iconic Immaculate Reception 52 years ago—more is necessary from the offense to compete with teams like Kansas City and Buffalo.
Wilson’s latest achievement, connecting on a long pass to Williams in the dying moments of the game, highlighted the newfound possibilities unfolding in Pittsburgh. Tomlin, having witnessed this play unfold, appreciated its significance beyond just highlights.
The season ahead remains challenging, with crucial matches against six AFC North opponents, a game in Philadelphia, and a Christmas showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Despite the obstacles ahead, Pittsburgh’s first half of the season has illustrated a refusal to remain complacent. Tomlin hinted at this transformation when discussing a fourth-and-1 decision that caused a critical offside penalty for the Commanders, paving the way for the Steelers to clinch the victory.
When asked if Wilson would have proceeded with the snap had the Commanders not flinched, Tomlin simply smiled and quipped, “We will never know, will we? You all know I’m a degenerate.”
This shift marks a departure from Pittsburgh’s historical approach, as they adapt and conquer new challenges. Nine games into the season, the team is not just contending but thriving, with possibilities expanding week by week.
A key to the Steelers’ success is their diverse offensive strategy. Wilson has successfully distributed the ball to nine different targets throughout the game, reflecting a flexible playstyle. His connection with Williams not only came unexpectedly but also signaled an adaptable philosophy, suggesting an offensive revival not seen since the prime of the “Killer B’s” era in the late 2010s.
Despite being just a few plays shy of an undefeated record, the Steelers have plenty of room to improve. If Williams’ addition allows for more opportunities for standout receiver George Pickens, Pittsburgh could all of a sudden boast one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
Examining the team dynamics, nine months after the Denver Broncos let Wilson go for nearly $40 million, the quarterback is demonstrating renewed vigor in Pittsburgh.
On the downside, while Pittsburgh’s defense maintains its elite status, its aggressive nature can sometimes backfire. The team must work to minimize penalties—such as face masks and pass interference calls—that allowed Washington to extend drives.
As they gear up for the latter part of the season, the Steelers find themselves generally healthy, though there are concerns about depth at outside linebacker following Alex Highsmith’s ankle injury in the fourth quarter.
One significant statistic to note: since 1990, 92.3% of teams that have started the season with a 7-2 record have gone on to reach the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will aim to continue their strong performance against the Baltimore Ravens, particularly with Lamar Jackson, who has struggled against Pittsburgh in his career, achieving just two wins against them in six matchups.