Late Thoughts (Week 15): The Pittsburgh Steelers Blistering Passing Game

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers wound up playing ketchup at Heinz Field and got the job done against the Denver Broncos.

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) runs the ball past Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last month or so, we have seen a number of outstanding passing performances. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has totaled five touchdown passes in a game three times in the last five weeks.

Over that same span, Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson has thrown for 19 scores without an interception during the team’s five-game winning streak.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Early Thoughts: Houston Texans Grab AFC South Lead

But just think about some of the numbers that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has put up as of late with the help of his top-notch receiving corps. This is a team that has scored at least 30 points in each of their last six games, five resulting in victory. The latest performance came on Sunday at Heinz Field, where the Steeler trailed 27-10 in the second quarter and scored the final 24 points of the game to cap off an impressive rally (as documented by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).

Entering Week 15, the Broncos and Seattle Seahawks ranked first and second, respectively, in the NFL in total defense. Last month, Ben came up big in the Pacific Northwest, throwing for 458 yards in a 39-30 loss to the defending NFC champions. On Sunday at home against the Broncos, Roethlisberger amassed 380 yards and three touchdowns (two interceptions) through the air against Wade Phillips’ quality unit. The 12-year pro has thrown for 330-plus yards in five of his last six outings.

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Explosive wide receiver Antonio Brown is in the discussion when it comes to being the best player at his position in the NFL. He’s been on a real tear as of late and over the last six games alone has totaled 64 receptions for 868 yards and six scores, catching at least 10 passes three times and reaching the 100-plus yard receiving mark on four occasions. On Sunday, he totaled 16 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the comeback win over the Broncos, the second time in six games he’s totaled at least that many receptions in a game.

Want more? Last year, Brown became the first Steelers player in history to lead the NFL in catches (129) and receiving yards (1,698) in a season. That reception total was the second-highest in a season in league annals. In 14 contests in 2015, he has already amassed 116 receptions for 1,586 yards and has totaled 100-plus receptions three straight years.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Brown is complemented by both Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton, the latter becoming a bigger threat in recent weeks. A total of 22 of Wheaton’s 38 receptions and three of his four scores have come in the last five games. Bryant didn’t score against Denver but did haul in 10 passes for 87 yards in the 34-27 victory.

While the new-look Steelers defense has had its ups and downs, especially when it comes to stopping the pass, they have shown enough as of late to make Mike Tomlin’s team a dangerous entity should it reach the playoffs. But it’s their astounding passing attack that seems to strike downfield at will that makes this team so dangerous.

Next: New York Jets Win Ugly at Dallas

You will notice that over the last six games, Roethlisberger’s touchdown pass to interception numbers (13-7) aren’t overly imposing. But one thing they do show you is that the strong-armed passer isn’t afraid to take chances no matter the situation or the score.

Of course, if you’re offense included the likes of Brown, Bryant and Wheaton (as well as veteran tight end Heath Miller) you may be inclined to “gamble” a bit as well.

And really…really like your chances.