The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field Saturday for the seventeenth, and final, game of the 2023 regular season when they played the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 of regular season action. The Steelers were winners in the contest, but that doesn’t mean every player had a good or bad performance.

Players who play well can be considered ‘Winners’, while those who left a lot to be desired can be called ‘Losers’. It may sound harsh, but it is the crux of this exercise.

Let’s check in to see who fell on which side of the ledger after the latest game…

Winners

T.J. Watt
Stat Line: 8 tackles, 6 solo, 2 sacks, 3 TFL, 2 QB Hits

Watt was dominant in this game before leaving with a knee injury. He racked up 2 sacks, and was looking as if a 3rd, and 20th on the season, was a lock before leaving the game. Injuries happen, but Watt might have locked up leading the league in sacks for a 3rd season. Capped off an incredible season, and the hope is Watt’s knee injury is the best-case scenario…more on that later.

Mason Rudolph
Stat Line: 18/20, 152 yards, 7.6 ave., 1 TD, 0 INT, 3 sacks-for-18 yards, 115.0 rating, 1 fumble

Rudolph was far from perfect in this game, but he made the necessary plays to win. Regarding of how it happened, his throws, both to Diontae Johnson, were critical to victory. In a game where there was only one big play made, it was Rudolph’s dart to Johnson for a 71-yard touchdown. Making the big play matters.

Najee Harris
Stat Line: 26 carries, 112 yards, 4.3 ave., 1 TD, 15 long / 5 catches, 5 targets, 21 yards

This was a game for mudders. A game where the big back, the first round pick, takes over. And that’s exactly what happened in Baltimore. There are a lot of fans who have soured on Harris, but he proved his worth vs. the Ravens, and this entire season. He eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the 3rd straight season, and is the first Steelers running back to do so. Kudos to Najee for having himself a game when the team needed him the most.

Diontae Johnson
Stat Line: 4 catches, 89 yards, 22.3 ave., 1 TD, 71 long, 5 targets

Diontae Johnson had a big game, and this is what should happen when the defense decides they will do whatever it takes to stop George Pickens. It should leave Johnson with single coverage, where he should thrive. Johnson might not be the deep threat Pickens is, but he can still be a game changer. Still not perfect, but Johnson made the plays necessary to win.

Eric Rowe
Stat Line: 12 tackles, 10 solo, 1 PD, 1 FF

Can you believe Eric Rowe was unemployed and not even on the Steelers at the midway point of the season? I’ve seen enough versatility from Rowe where I’d love for the Steelers to sign him after the season and let him compete for a spot on the defense in 2024. He, and Myles Jack, have been pleasant surprises in the waning weeks of the season, worthy of the “winners” tag.

Takeaways
Stat Line: 2 Fumble Recoveries

The Steelers gave it away twice, more on that shortly, but the defense’s ability to get the ball back was critical in this game. Both forced fumbles, one by Mark Robinson and one by Eric Rowe, were vital in the Steelers keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Running Game
Stat Line: 39 carries, 155 yards, 4.0 ave., 1 TD, 23 long

The Steelers running game really started warming to the task in Baltimore, and that was against a very good Ravens defense. No, they didn’t have players like Roquan Smith in the lineup but the Steelers run game did the job.

Red-Zone Offense
Stat Line: 1-for-2

Last week I had the red-zone offense on the loser list, and I realized there are extenuating circumstances in this regard. The Steelers only got to the red-zone twice, and cashed in once. The second trip was one to protect the ball, kill the clock and get a two-score lead. Mission accomplished for that drive.

Losers

T.J. Watt Injury
Stat Line: It sucks

Watt’s injury is said to be a best-case scenario for the pass rusher, but don’t confuse that for being ready for the playoffs, if the Steelers get there. Best-case scenario means Watt won’t need surgery, and will have a full offseason. He was on pace for a 20 sack season too…

Pressley Harvin
Stat Line: 41.7 yard average

Pressley Harvin is inconsistent, at best, to the point where fans were ready to cut him when he got off the plane from Baltimore. That won’t happen, but the Steelers absolutely will be looking for a competition at the punter position next year. The crazy thing is Harvin could win that competition, like he has the last two seasons, and we’ll be right back here next season.

Jaylen Warren
Stat Line: 9 carries, 33 yards, 3.7 ave., 0 TD, 23 long, 2 fumbles

This is the first time Jaylen Warren has been on the losers list, and it is all based on ball security. To be honest, I’m shocked he was still getting carries in the 4th quarter after two fumbles. Yes, the conditions were bad, but Najee Harris was rock solid in ball protection after the first bobbled snap of the game. Warren will learn from this, hopefully.

Mason Cole
Stat Line: More crappy snaps

Some might same it’s piling on the guy, but it has become clear Mason Cole is not the answer at center. I always viewed him as a stop-gap center, but replacing/upgrading the position is a top priority this offseason.

Turnovers
Stat Line: 2 is 2 too many

The Steelers had been taking care of the football throughout this season, but you could just feel as if there were chances for turnovers in the weather conditions. One turnover might be viewed as excusable in the conditions, but two is too many. Thankfully, the defense bailed out the offense in this regard.

If you want a more detailed look at the above list, check out my “Let’s Ride” podcast in the player below where I outline each Winner and Loser, and MORE!