NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

5 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 8 Win

Fresh Videos

By @RoKnowsDFS

5 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 8 Win

antonio brown pittsburgh steelers wr wide receiver
Getty Images

In a game where the Vegas over-under line was 49 points and the Indianapolis Colts were a four-point favorite, the actual outcome made those projections seem way off. First off, the Pittsburgh Steelers won by 17 points and the total of the game ended up being 85, with a final score of 51-34. There were some key observations made from this contest and the following are the five main takeaways regarding the Steelers and their dominant win.

5. Pittsburgh's Pass Rush With LBs is Improving

james harrison pittsburgh steelers lb linebacker
Getty Images

5. Pittsburgh's Pass Rush With LBs is Improving

james harrison pittsburgh steelers lb linebacker
Getty Images

The Steelers have been struggling with applying adequate pressure to opposing QBs throughout the season and only had 10 sacks coming into this contest. This means they were generating 1.42 sacks per game. However, the signing of Steelers legend James Harrison last month seems to have finally sparked the LB pass rush for Pittsburgh as they recorded two sacks, seven QB hits and a multitude of QB hurries. Their effectiveness is trending up.

4. Pittsburgh's Pass Coverage is still Exploitable

cortez allen pittsburgh steelers cb cornerback
Getty Images

4. Pittsburgh's Pass Coverage is still Exploitable

cortez allen pittsburgh steelers cb cornerback
Getty Images

Despite an improving pass rush, Andrew Luck was still able to burn the Pittsburgh secondary for 400 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two interceptions, but those were caused mainly from Luck having to throw more in order to help the Colts catch up. Cortez Allen was especially exploitable as he seemed to have issues containing rookie WR Donte Moncrief, even though it was his first career start and Allen had the experience advantage.

3. Rookie Martavis Bryant is Quickly Emerging

martavis bryant pittsburgh steelers wr wide receiver
Getty Images

3. Rookie Martavis Bryant is Quickly Emerging

martavis bryant pittsburgh steelers wr wide receiver
Getty Images

When the Steelers drafted Martavis Bryant, they had visions of another Plaxico Burress dancing in their heads minus the legal issues. It took them a few games to unleash this former standout from Clemson, but when they finally decided to play him, he was very productive. His two touchdowns today now give him three on the season over the span of two games. His effective presence has opened up the passing game even more for Pittsburgh.

2. Antonio Brown is the Most Complete WR in the NFL

antonio brown pittsburgh steelers wr wide receiver
Getty Images

2. Antonio Brown is the Most Complete WR in the NFL

antonio brown pittsburgh steelers wr wide receiver
Getty Images

This may seem like hyperbole, but it's not. Antonio Brown literally does it all for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his 10 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns prove it. He's extremely effective in all aspects of the receiving game, from short to medium to deep. He also returns kicks, can take direct snaps and even pass for a TD once in a while. There are several elite WRs in the NFL, but as of today, none are better than Brown.

1. Ben Roethlisberger has a Dangerous Aerial Attack at His Disposal

ben roethlisberger pittsburgh steelers qb quarterback
Getty Images

1. Ben Roethlisberger has a Dangerous Aerial Attack at His Disposal

ben roethlisberger pittsburgh steelers qb quarterback
Getty Images

With the emergence of Martavis Bryant, which seems to have lit a fire under fellow WR Markus Wheaton, Big Ben now has an extremely dangerous and deep passing attack at his disposal. He proved it today by throwing for a career-high 522 yards and six touchdowns. He completed at least one pass to nine different players and threw at least one TD to four of them. Today won't be the last time we see Roethlisberger put up such gaudy numbers.

Roje Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on