It’s another good week to be a Steelers fan! Pittsburgh is 7-2 and stands alone atop the AFC North following a win against a very formidable opponent in the Washington Commanders. Here are some thoughts following the win.

The Steelers Offense is For Real

In the prediction article prior to the game, I thought this might be one where the Steelers offense would have to step up to secure the win. This so happened to be true this week with Russell Wilson’s game-winning touchdown pass to newly acquired Mike Williams. In the 3 games with Russell Wilson as the starter, the Steelers offense has had a spark back that fans have not seen since prior to Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. It is a unit that one can truly believe in again. For me, this game cements that the Steelers offense can be a real force, and it will allow for Pittsburgh to be a true playoff contender.

The Khan Man Does It Again

I will admit I was not on the train of absolutely needing a WR trade to happen this season; I felt like the offense was fairly productive with Pickens and with two more than capable tight ends for Russell Wilson to spread the ball out to. However, from the very small sample size presented, I am happy to be wrong about that. Mike Williams only has one target so far in Steelers uniform, but that target was the go-ahead touchdown catch to take the lead late this week. Williams is an experienced, big-bodied receiver, and if he isn’t on the roster, I’m not sure that ball is thrown to Van Jefferson or Calvin Austin.

The presence of Preston Smith could be felt in this game as well. Late in the game, when Highsmith went down with an ankle injury, Smith was able to step in and help to stop the Commanders’ final drive. He may prove to be a quality depth piece down the stretch that will result in both fewer injuries and more production at the linebacker position. Guys will be able to be rotated more frequently throughout a game and can be fresher on the snaps that they do get.

With the acquisition of Williams and Smith this past week, I feel like the Steelers believe in their team and want to win now. Omar Khan and company did a great job of making the moves they thought were necessary to put the team in the best position to do just that.

Was the Special Teams Unit a Little Too Aggressive this Week?

The fake punt on a 4th and 1 inside the Steelers’ 20-yard line was a gutsy call. Although it would have been successful had James Pierre been able to secure the catch, the decision to go that deep in one’s own territory is incredibly risky. In this case, it resulted in a Commanders touchdown and brought some momentum back to a young and talented opponent. Granted, I do not get paid the big bucks to make those decisions and it did almost work, but even if the play was successful, I’m not sure I like the call at that point of the game.

How Good is Jayden Daniels?

This is a Steelers website focused on black and gold content, but I have to give credit where it is due here. Pittsburgh was able to secure a win against the Commanders this week, but I have been so impressed with Jayden Daniels throughout this season. In my opinion, the Commanders have finally found their franchise quarterback. He will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, and being just a rookie this season, he is bound to only get better in the coming seasons. Hats off to a rookie quarterback who was only one play away from earning his team a chance at a game-winning field goal against one of the most talented defenses in the league.

The Steelers Always Play at Home

Steelers fans travel well. Always have and always will. However, it really felt like Steeler Nation was in full force at Northwest Stadium on Sunday. There’s nothing quite like a sea of Terrible Towels and a here we go chant, but this is especially true seeing it at an away game. In moments like that, I take a little extra pride in being part of such a passionate fanbase. It certainly put a smile on my face watching it over the TV broadcast!