The 32-13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders was the epitome of Mike Tomlin football. While many think of a “Tomlin win” as a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, it’s really about succeeding in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. Tomlin, a defensive-minded coach, does love to lean on his high-paid defense to secure victory, but his ideal game plan revolves around clock control on offense, winning field position on special teams, and forcing turnovers to give the offense shorter fields.

Tomlin has often emphasized the importance of running the ball to control the game and how a mobile quarterback can create challenges for defenses. Justin Fields demonstrated exactly why mobility is so valued, turning potential sacks into positive gains while rushing for 59 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to scramble moved the chains and kept the offense on the field, allowing the Steelers to dictate the pace of the game against the Raiders.

The high-risk, high-reward defense did its part, forcing three turnovers, including two huge forced fumbles by TJ Watt and an interception by Donte Jackson. Sure, the Raiders were dealing with injuries, but the Steelers aren’t going to apologize for who they line up against. The Steelers dealt with their own injury issues, missing key pass rushers Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and DeMarvin Leal, but still made life difficult for the Raiders, even with Watt drawing extra attention. Captain Cam Heyward also made his presence felt as he was dominant against the run while adding a qb sack.

Special teams also made a big impact. Chris Boswell was perfect on the day, hitting all four of his field goals, including a 52-yarder. Corliss Waitman had a solid game, punting three times with an average of 45.7 yards and putting two inside the opponent’s 20. The standout moment, however, came from Jeremiah Moon, who blocked a punt that set the Steelers up inside the 10-yard line, giving them a major momentum swing they wouldn’t relinquish.

Offensively, the Steelers remain a work in progress, especially in the passing game. Fields completed just 14 passes for 145 yards and struggled at times, missing open receivers. Despite the challenges through the air, the ground game carried the load. Najee Harris had his best game of the season, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. Harris looked powerful and elusive, breaking tackles and showing the form Steelers fans have been waiting for. Fields’ two rushing touchdowns and 59 yards on the ground added another layer of frustration for the Raiders’ defense.

In total, the Steelers racked up 183 rushing yards, owning the ground game and controlling the clock in a way that surely had Tomlin smiling. While the passing game remains a concern, the team’s ability to run the ball and avoid costly mistakes kept them in command throughout the game. At the end of the day, yards are yards and points are points. Whether the offense scores three rushing touchdowns or three passing touchdowns, it still adds up to three touchdowns.

This win over the Raiders was classic Mike Tomlin football: the defense creating splash plays, special teams controlled field position, a strong running game controlling the clock, and the offense doing what it takes to secure the win. There’s plenty to work on, but for now, a win is a win—and this one felt like a blueprint of what Tomlin envisions every week.

Continue to follow The Steel Curtain Network for news and updates.

Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”