The Steel City Insider: With Jim Wexell & Jeremy Hritz
Steelers Offense FINALLY Explodes vs. Bengals — Real Breakthrough or Just a Fluke?
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense finally came alive against the Cincinnati Bengals, and Jaylen Warren was right in the middle of everything. Pittsburgh’s 30-27 AFC North win featured Warren’s monster performance, Aaron Rodgers’ best game of the young season, a huge play from Darnell Washington and Derrick Harmon’s game-sealing strip-sack of Joe Burrow. Now comes the question Steelers Nation really needs answered: Was this the offensive breakthrough we’ve been waiting for—or do the Steelers have to prove it Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns? Warren finished with 127 rushing yards and 176 total yards from scrimmage, even after an 87-yard run was wiped out by a penalty. Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns, while Washington delivered one of the biggest plays of the afternoon with a 47-yard catch-and-run. Jim Wexell and Jeremy Hritz break down what changed offensively, why Warren’s physical running seems to energize this team, Washington’s expanding role, the offensive line’s performance and whether Roman Wilson can turn his flashes into consistent production. Then we move to the defense. Patrick Queen delivered a big performance, Derrick Harmon made the play that mattered most, and Pittsburgh survived Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals—but questions remain about the run defense and the secondary. We also discuss the unusual Joey Porter Jr. situation and why getting JPJ back could matter going forward. Finally, it’s on to Steelers vs. Browns on Thursday Night Football, with Pittsburgh looking to build on its first AFC North victory of the Mike McCarthy era. IN THIS VIDEO Why Jaylen Warren may be the key to Pittsburgh’s offensive identity What changed for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense Why Darnell Washington’s physicality gives Pittsburgh another weapon The encouraging—and concerning—signs from the Steelers defense Derrick Harmon’s game-sealing strip-sack of Joe Burrow The latest discussion surrounding Joey Porter Jr. * Why Thursday night’s Steelers-Browns AFC North matchup could tell us much more about this team If you love Steelers football, make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Steel City Insider so you don’t miss the latest Steelers news, analysis, reactions, rumors, predictions, and AFC North coverage. Know a Steelers fan who needs to see this? SHARE this video with your friends, family, fellow Steelers fans, and everyone in Steelers Nation. The goal is to make this channel a place where Steelers fans come together. DEBATE: After watching Jaylen Warren carry the offense against Cincinnati, should Mike McCarthy make Warren the clear No. 1 back—or continue splitting the workload when Rico Dowdle is healthy? DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS. #Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #SteelersNation #JaylenWarren #AaronRodgers #SteelersBengals #SteelersBrowns #AFCNorth
