Opinion | The Steelers are winning ugly, and that’s ok

In a shocker to people outside of the fandom, the Pittsburgh Steelers hold a 3-0 record and sit atop the AFC North. 

What isn’t surprising is how the team has done it, with an elite defense and a clean, but not high-flying, offense. It’s a formula for success the Steelers have operated with for a half-century now. 

It’s not controversial to say the Steelers’ offense has struggled so far. They are 24th in total offense and points per game, while the passing offense currently sits at 29th in yards per game — not exactly winning numbers. 

But the defense has dominated. The Steelers are first in the NFL in total defense and points allowed, giving up a paltry 8.7 PPG. 

As always, the stats only tell part of the story. They don’t answer the big questions of how the Steelers have won games or if their method is sustainable as they continue through the 2024 season. 

While the numbers suggest the Steelers’ offense is once again terrible, there is a bit more beneath the hood to explain it. Presumptive-starting quarterback Russell Wilson has dealt with a strained calf since the beginning of training camp. He saw limited play during the preseason, and the Steelers have yet to activate him during the regular season. 

Justin Fields has taken over for the injured Wilson, and while it was theorized Fields would eventually take over starting duties, no one expected that it would come this early in the season. Fields has done exactly what the team has needed him to do so far in the season. If Wilson needs to step in eventually, his veteran presence could work as a nice touch to the offense.

Fields and the offense have played turnover-free football that makes an occasional big play and gives the defense enough time off the field to maintain their dominance. The limited playcalling for Fields is likely offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin easing Fields into the role. But as the quarterback grows, his opportunities might become more expansive. 

In the Steelers’ 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday, Fields had his best game yet and injected a shot of excitement into the Steelers fandom. Fields finished with 25 completions, 245 passing yards and two total touchdowns. One touchdown came from the Ohio State product’s legs and the other from a 55-yard strike to Calvin Austin III. If Sunday was any indication, the Steelers and their fans can expect more impressive performances from Fields and the offensive attack. 

On the other side of the ball, the defense has proven itself one of, if not the best, units in the NFL. The Steelers are the only team in the last ten years to win their first three games of the season while only allowing 10 points or fewer in each. 

The “Big Three” of T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward have continued to dominate as expected, but they are backed by young and veteran talent. Patrick Queen, the team’s big offseason signing, has produced in the interior linebacking corps, and he is joined by rookie Payton Wilson, who has impressed as well. 

The secondary was the most concerning part of the Steelers’ defense heading into the season, but the unit has exceeded expectations so far. The cornerbacks have received a surprising boost from Donte Jackson, the former Carolina Panther who recorded a 49-yard interception return against the Falcons in week one which sealed the win for Pittsburgh. 

The pass rush has also performed well, as expected. The edge-rushing duo of Watt and Alex Highsmith has upheld their standard as the best in the league. They have also received a big boost from second-year Nick Herbig who recorded two sacks in the win over the Chargers. 

Unfortunately for the Steelers, Highsmith went down with a groin injury against the Chargers and is expected to miss some time, but if Herbig can continue his productive play, the Steelers’ pass rush should stay dominant. 

Depending on what you think of the Cowboys and Jets’ offenses, the Steelers don’t see an “elite” offense until they play the Ravens in week 11, meaning the defense can continue their dominance — assuming they stay healthy. 

While it might not be pretty or completely drama-free for Steelers fans, the team has shown signs of life and improvement after an agonizing 2023 campaign. The Steelers seem poised to take advantage of the “easy” portion of their schedule before going on their end-of-season gauntlet and could find themselves in AFC North title contention come the end of the year.