Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds from Week 2 vs. Broncos
By Samuel Teets
Stud: T.J. Watt, OLB
Watt intercepted a pass in Week 1, but he didn’t record a sack. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate rectified that against the Broncos. Denver kept Lock upright throughout Week 1, but the young quarterback and his backup, Jeff Driskel, faced constant harassment against Pittsburgh. Watt finished the game with 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits.
The younger Watt battled his way into the Defensive Player of the Year discussion last season when he amassed eight forced fumbles and 14.5 sacks. He’s off to another fast start this year.
Bud Dupree and Cameron Heyward also feasted against the Broncos. Dupree recorded three quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble. Meanwhile, Heyward registered half a sack and four quarterback hits. Stephon Tuitt contributed three quarterback hits of his own.
Dud: Benny Snell, RB
Last week, I jumped the gun by saying Snell should start for Pittsburgh moving forward. It turns out that Pittsburgh’s skill position players play inconsistently week-to-week, but what else is new? After carrying Pittsburgh’s running game in Week 1 and amassing 113 yards on 19 carries, Snell rushed for five yards on three carries against Denver. His long was three yards, and he lost a fumble.
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The Steelers have several serviceable running backs on their depth chart, but they’re incredibly inconsistent. Conner battles injuries, Snell can’t get into the open field, and Anthony McFarland hasn’t established himself in the rotation. Jaylen Samuels lurks in the background as well. It’s an extremely mismatched puzzle that Pittsburgh must solve early in the season.