2024 Week 2: Steelers 13, Broncos 6
I can’t believe my friend made me sit down and watch an entire Steelers game live, it was boring to say the least. Pittsburgh played better than Denver but they were able to hang in there even with a rookie QB.
Denver is (0-2) but have been in both games thanks to their defense. If this is the worst version of the Broncos then they could be a beast in a few weeks.
Pittsburgh (2-0) are winning through their defense and behind the leg of Kicker Chris Boswell. The Steelers have more wins than touchdowns.
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QB Report:
- Bo Nix (20/35 for 246 yards, 2 INT, 4 rushes for 25 yards) hasn’t looked all that bad in his first two NFL starts. Caleb Williams issues are blamed on everything but him, but Bo is the only problem in the Denver offense, not the lack of WRs, not the lack of RB talent, not the strength of defenses he’s played. It's Bo and Bo alone. Double standard much?
- Bo was the leading rusher for Denver.
- Justin Fields (13/20 for 117 yards, 8 rushes for 27 yards) is playing football exactly the way he should, and exactly the way the Steelers need him to. He is playing solid, mistake free football, and letting the defense win games.That’s the formula Pittsburgh needs and Fields + Russell Wilson are the perfect QBs to make that happen.
RB Report:
- Denver RB Jaleel McLaughlin (3-6-0) started at RB but was outsnapped by Javonte Williams (11-17-0) 40-17. Javonte was the real game plan but Jaleel would likely see more snaps against weaker defenses that they can throw on more reliably.
- Najee Harris (17-69-0, 1 catch for 5 yards) is the Steelers running back. Jaylen Warren (9-42-0, 2 catches for 19 yards) hardly plays anymore.
WR/TE Report:
- My most underrated WR in the league, George Pickens (2-29-0/4) has lost so many yards and multiple TDs due to penalties. Pickens would be one of the most beloved players and 2024 breakout star if the Steelers, namely lineman Broderick Jones, didn’t commit so many penalties.
- Another reason Pickens has a lot of his plays called back is because he gets so open that defenders try to slow him down or jump on the proverbial sword and commit a penalty to prevent a bigger play from happening.
- Pickens had 4 targets in this game but it was actually 7 or 8 if you count the plays with penalties.
- Devaughn Vele (DNP) debuted week 1 with 8 targets and 8 catches in the slot. Lil’Jordan Humphrey (4-50-0/5) fills in for him and sees 4 catches on 5 targets. Nix loves the slot, and Vele isn’t even a blip on anyone’s radar.
- Greg Dulcich (3-16-0/8) dropped two open passes, the door is opening for Lucas Krull to take the starting role.
D/ST Report:
- This game was a battle of the defenses, one established (PIT) and one on its way (DEN). Denver is already there against the pass, their run game is going to catch up soon.
- Steelers defense: 5th in yards allowed, 2nd in PPG.
- Broncos defense: 9th in yards allowed, 8th in PPG.
image source: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-2-recap-pittsburgh-steelers-13-denver-broncos-6. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)