It feels like ages since the Pittsburgh Steelers last played a game, and that is in large part due to the “mini bye” teams get after playing on Thursday Night Football (TNF). However, it’s worth looking back at how the team performed, and some key Next Generation (Gen) Stats during the performance.

The first stat which was picked up by Zebra Technologies was for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Not just his reception down the sideline, but also him ending his crazy drought of not catching a touchdown pass in a game.

“In the 4th quarter on TNF, Kenny Pickett found Diontae Johnson on a go route for 32 yards. The pass was Pickett’s 1st deep completion of the game and added +25.0% win probability for the Steelers. A few plays later, Johnson capped off the Steelers’ comeback drive with a 3-yard TD, his 1st TD since Week 17, 2021. Johnson snapped a scoreless streak that spanned 771 routes.”

Johnson wasn’t the only player who played well in the win over the Titans. Alex Highsmith continued to show he is worth every penny of his new contract, posting double-digit pressures on rookie quarterback Will Levis.

“Alex Highsmith generated 11 pressures against the Titans, 9 of which came in matchups against Andre Dillard. Highsmith now leads the NFL in pressures (49) and win probability added on sacks (+74.0%).”

These stats are certainly interesting to analyze, but the players who performed at a high level will be key to the team’s success in the future. Can Diontae Johnson pick up where he left off, and get into the end-zone for the second straight week? Will Highsmith and Watt continue to dominate another poor offensive line when Green Bay comes to town in Week 10?

They’ll need all hands on deck to get that done, so be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they get ready for Sunday’s game.

Want more stats? Check out the Stat Geek podcast by Dave Schofield in the player below where he talks about these stats, and MORE!!