Pittsburgh Steelers Hit With Harsh Reality Check Despite Strong Start..

Although they haven’t lost a single game yet, there’s one aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ performance that may be unraveled in the coming weeks if they don’t resolve it fast. According to the latest NFL analysis by ESPN, though, they may need to improve that part of their game or suffer the consequences later on.

The Steelers secured a hard-fought 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos, showcasing a dominant defensive performance that kept the latter scoreless for much of the game. The former’s defense was relentless, holding Denver to just three points until the closing moments.

Jul 27, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh’s offensive efforts were highlighted by a strong ground game, accumulating 141 rushing yards. Quarterback Justin Fields, stepping in for the injured Russell Wilson, completed 13 of 20 passes for 117 yards and added 27 rushing yards. The Steelers’ first touchdown came early in the game when Fields connected with tight end Darnell Washington for a five-yard score, marking Washington’s first career touchdown.

Despite some setbacks, including penalties that stalled drives, the Steelers managed to extend their lead with a 22-yard field goal from Chris Boswell, making it 10-0 at halftime. In the second half, the Broncos attempted a trick play that resulted in a substantial gain, but a crucial interception by Cory Trice thwarted their scoring opportunity.

Boswell added another field goal, increasing Pittsburgh’s lead to 13-0. The Broncos finally got on the board with a field goal of their own, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. With just seconds left in the game, safety Damontae Kazee intercepted a pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix, sealing the win for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers Hit With Harsh Reality on Touchdowns By ESPN’s Latest NFL Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields — Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers’ start this season may not be as great as many thought. According to an NFL analysis by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, their lack of touchdowns is a concern that needs to be addressed.

The early surprise: The Steelers are winning without scoring touchdowns.

The verdict: Mirage. The Steelers are 2-0 despite scoring only one touchdown thanks to kicker Chris Boswell and an aggressive, ball-hawking defense. But the Steelers can’t rely on those things for an entire season and will need to find the end zone more consistently. Justin Fields threw his first touchdown pass as a Steeler to TE Darnell Washington in the first half of the Week 2 win in Denver, but self-inflicted wounds have prevented other such scores. The Steelers are the fifth team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-0 despite scoring one or zero offensive touchdowns, per ESPN Research. The Steelers’ 2010 team, which went 12-4 before losing to the Packers in Super Bowl XLV, is among that group.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite having only one touchdown in two weeks, are undefeated as they prepare to face the 2-0 Los Angeles Chargers. To secure a victory, the Steelers must elevate their performance, especially against a Chargers team that ranks high in point differential after impressive wins over the Raiders and Panthers.

The said victory marked the Steelers’ first 2-0 start since 2020. Even if that’s the case, though, their lack of touchdowns can bite them back down the line, especially when they face offensively superior teams in the league.