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The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to feel good about heading into their Week 9 bye. At 6-2 and riding a four-game winning streak, they’ve managed to turn things around following a disappointing loss to Cleveland earlier in the season. Their running game has become a strength, the defense is finding its footing, and several players have stepped up when their numbers have been called.
However, the Steelers are going to need more than what they’ve shown over the last month if they want to maintain their lead in the AFC North. The upcoming schedule features several challenging opponents, and Pittsburgh will need contributions from players who haven’t necessarily been the center of attention during its recent success.
With that in mind, here are five Steelers who could have a bigger impact when the team returns from its bye week.
It’s difficult to imagine Pittsburgh reaching its full potential offensively without getting more consistent production from DK Metcalf. The veteran wide receiver remains one of the team’s most dangerous offensive weapons, but the passing game hasn’t always provided him with opportunities to make a difference… and the few they have provided, have ended with Metcalf whiffing on those chances.
Some of that comes down to the Steelers leaning more heavily on their rushing attack. With Jaylen Warren producing explosive runs and Pittsburgh finding success controlling the line of scrimmage, there hasn’t been as much pressure on Aaron Rodgers to throw the football. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but there will be games when the Steelers need Metcalf to take over.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio addressed Metcalf’s confidence following a missed opportunity against Cleveland, indicating that the receiver hasn’t allowed the play to affect his approach. The Steelers should use the bye week to examine how they can create more favorable matchups for Metcalf, particularly when defenses begin committing additional resources to stopping Warren.
One of the more encouraging developments in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps has been the emergence of rookie Germie Bernard. With injuries affecting the position, Bernard has been given opportunities to contribute earlier than some might have anticipated, and he’s beginning to show why the Steelers believe he can become a valuable part of their offense.
Angelichio praised Bernard’s development earlier this week, particularly his ability to create yards after the catch. That’s an important element for an offense that hasn’t consistently generated explosive passing plays, especially when Rodgers can get the ball out quickly and allow his receivers to make something happen.
Of course, there’s still a learning curve for any young receiver. Bernard will need to continue refining his route running, understanding defensive coverages, and developing chemistry with Rodgers. However, the additional practice time during the bye could help accelerate that process, giving Pittsburgh another option as it prepares for the second half of the season.
At some point, the Steelers need to ask themselves whether they’re doing enough to take advantage of Darnell Washington’s unique physical abilities. The massive tight end has already demonstrated that he’s more than capable of contributing as a blocker, but his receiving potential deserves additional attention.
Washington’s 58-yard reception against Cleveland was a reminder of what can happen when Pittsburgh gets the football into his hands. Defenders have a difficult enough time bringing him down in confined spaces, and he’s capable of creating significant gains when he gets an opportunity to build momentum.
Washington has also become a huge target in the red zone, daring teams to matchup with the monster tight end, who has three touchdowns so far this season.
This doesn’t mean the Steelers should suddenly build their passing game around Washington. However, using him more frequently in play-action concepts and creating opportunities down the seam could provide Rodgers with another reliable target. With opposing defenses increasingly focused on stopping Pittsburgh’s running game, Washington could become an important part of keeping those units honest.
Pittsburgh’s defensive improvement has been one of the biggest stories of its four-game winning streak, but there’s still room for younger players to make their mark. Robert Spears-Jennings is among those who could benefit from the additional preparation time provided by the bye week.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham recently discussed Spears-Jennings’ development, emphasizing the importance of improving his eye discipline and understanding what opposing offenses are trying to accomplish. Those details might not generate headlines, but they’re essential for a young defensive back attempting to earn greater responsibilities.
The Steelers have relied on experienced players such as Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean to stabilize their secondary, but depth will become increasingly important as the season progresses. Spears-Jennings has an opportunity to build upon what he’s learned and potentially provide Pittsburgh with another dependable option as the competition gets tougher.
While Jamel Dean has already made significant contributions to Pittsburgh’s defense, his importance could grow considerably during the second half of the season. The veteran cornerback has helped the Steelers become more effective against the run while also providing the coverage ability necessary to challenge opposing receivers.
Graham specifically praised Dean’s tackling and versatility earlier this week, two qualities that have helped the defense become more consistent. His willingness to contribute against the run has been especially valuable as Pittsburgh has worked to correct some of the issues that plagued the unit earlier in the season.
However, the upcoming schedule will present a different set of challenges. Cincinnati’s passing attack will test Pittsburgh’s secondary immediately following the bye, and the Steelers will need Dean to continue playing at a high level. With the defense generating more pressure up front, his ability to hold up in coverage could be a major factor in whether Pittsburgh can maintain its recent success.
The Steelers have already demonstrated that they don’t need every player to produce eye-popping statistics to win football games. Their recent success has come from improved execution, better communication, and contributions throughout the roster.
Still, the second half of the season will require more from several players, particularly as opponents adjust to what Pittsburgh has been doing successfully. Getting Metcalf more involved, continuing Bernard’s development, finding additional opportunities for Washington, and strengthening the secondary could make an already competitive Steelers team even more dangerous.
The bye week provides an opportunity to make those adjustments without the pressure of preparing for an immediate opponent. What matters now is whether the Steelers can translate that preparation into results when they return to the field against Cincinnati.
