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Winners and losers from Week 16
The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped their second straight game to fall to 10-5 on the year in what was just their second loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the last 10 games. As always, let’s highlight the good and bad performances.
Varsity
WR Calvin Austin
I was very wrong about Austin coming into this season. I didn’t think he’d become a viable weapon in the offense, but he has absolutely smashed it this season. He had four catches for 65 yards, including a great catch on a 44-yard bomb.
RB Jaylen Warren
Arthur Smith figured out Jaylen Warren is really good, I just wish it didn’t come all the way in Week 16. Warren was explosive all night, totaling 92 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches. More consistent touches for him going forward is a must.
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick had what should have been the complete momentum-changing interception that led to a Steelers win. Instead, we all know what happened shortly after. That said, it was great to see him break a nearly two-year long streak of not having an interception.
Role skill players
Cordarrelle Patterson and MyCole Pruitt got their first touchdowns as Steelers. Van Jefferson made a big catch over the middle in the red zone to set up a touchdown. Ben Skowronek continues to be a reliable tool. They aren’t George Pickens, but these guys who aren’t exactly household names did what was asked of them.
EDGE Alex Highsmith
Highsmith was getting constant and consistent pressure all night. He had a strip sack early in the game and a tackle for loss.
Junior-varsity
QB Russell Wilson
Even though Wilson battled back and threw two touchdowns, he also had two turnovers that were gut punches and cost Pittsburgh a win. His fumble inside the five came on a drive in which the Steelers could have gone up 14-7, and he threw a pick-six that all but ended the game. Two plays that completely changed the outcome.
Secondary
The defense was without DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson, and Joey Porter left the game with a calf injury. Cory Trice jumped on a short route, which opened up the corner to Rashod Bateman in the end zone that Damontae Kazee couldn’t get to quick enough. Then in the red zone, Kazee got lost which left Mark Andrew open for a touchdown. The Steelers’ depth players didn’t give much to be hopeful for if they need to be put in that spot again.
Run defense
The Steelers got hit in the mouth, and Cam Heyward alluded to it after the game when he said if you don’t stop the run, you can’t control the game. Derrick Henry did whatever he wanted on the ground all day, with six carries of 10 or more yards. The defense has been rough over the last two weeks, which isn’t a very good omen for what is to come in the final two weeks and into the playoffs.