DENVER - Pass rush and coverage are often looked at as a chicken-or-egg-type situation.
Is it a good pass rush that leads to quarterback mistakes, or is it good coverage that is more important?
Watching these Steelers play, it's obvious that a good pass rush leads to big plays on the back end of the defense.
Look no further than Sunday's 13-7 victory over the Denver Broncos as proof.
Even though Denver often got the ball out of rookie quarterback Bo Nix's hands quickly, the Steelers were able to sack him twice and hit him seven times, forcing him into misfires on his throws and two interceptions, the first of which just might have saved this game for the Steelers.
With the Steelers leading 10-0, the Broncos hit a trick play for a 50-yard gain out of a Wildcat formation that gave them a first-and-goal at the Pittsburgh 7.
But on second-and-goal from the 6, Nix saw defensive tackle Cam Heyward bearing down on him in the pocket and tried to loft a pass in the back of the end zone for wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
What he didn't see with the 6-foot-5, 295-pound Heyward bearing down on him was 6-foot-3 cornerback Cory Trice stepping in front of Sutton. It turned into an easy interception for Trice, the first of his career, turning the Broncos away in their best opportunity to score a touchdown in this game.
"I could see the quarterback and could see where he was going," said Trice, who missed all of his rookie season last year with a torn ACL. "I looked over and saw the guy. I couldn't believe he really threw the ball, but he really threw it. It was crazy. The pick felt good."
Trice was quick to credit the pressure provided up front for the easy interception.
"Those guys up front make it so easy for us. They just make our jobs so easy," Trice said. "All those boys just rushing and getting to the quarterback, stopping the run. All we've got to do on the back end is make sure we capitalize on the big plays."
Sounds simple. But it's not.
However, the Steelers have one of the most dangerous front-7 groups in the NFL. In T.J. Watt, Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton, along with others, the Steelers can rush the passer with anyone.
And even though the team has only produced four sacks in its first two games, the pressure that group has applied has led directly to four interceptions over the first two games.
That's how things are supposed to work.
It started early in this game, as the Steelers allowed the Broncos just one first down on their first three possessions. That gave the offense time to open a 10-0 lead on its fourth possession.
After that, it was only going to be a matter of if the Broncos would score in this game, something they didn't do until kicking a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter.
"I thought we were able to apply pressure. We were able to stop the run," said Heyward. "I thought we controlled the game for the most part. I never felt like it was out of hand. When you can get three-and-outs early, it allows your offense to settle in."
Even though the Steelers' offense didn't put up big numbers — largely thanks to some inopportune penalties — the outcome never really seemed in question.
"We love making plays. We know there are big plays to be made," said Watt. "We're not trying too hard to do more than we're supposed to. We're trusting each other. I think we're only going to continue to get better.
"In the second half, it got real one-dimensional for them. I felt like overall, we made enough plays."
It's how the Steelers are built.
"They've got to be a catalyst for us," said head coach Mike Tomlin, now 25-6 in his career against rookie quarterbacks after handing Nix a loss. "They know it, they own that, they don't run from that, they run to that."
• Much like last week's 18-10 win over the Falcons, this wasn't particularly pretty.
But remember, this is a new offense under first-year coordinator Arthur Smith. It's also a new quarterback. And the line has been going through some upheaval.
Against the Falcons, second-year guard Spencer Anderson and rookie center Zach Frazier were making their first career starts. Sunday, both were still in the starting lineup, while rookie first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu made his first career start at right tackle.
That means three-fifths of the Steelers' offensive line had two combined starts. And they were playing on the road and in one of the league's traditionally more loud stadiums in which to play.
It wasn't pretty, but the Steelers have controlled both games with their rushing attack. The overall numbers haven't been huge — Sunday, it was 36 carries for 141 yards — but it's been effective.
"For us, it's just the details in the stuff we do over and over," said Fautanu. "Just clean stuff up. We felt like we did a good job of keeping them out of their exotic looks that we were working on all week. The biggest thing is trying to stay on track with this offense. The thing that they want is third-and-18, they get to pin their ears back and rush the passer. As long as we're being efficient and consistent on third down, I think we'll be good."
That the Steelers have so much newness on their line and are still winning is significant.
"I feel like we're getting a good feel for it," said running back Jaylen Warren of the running game under Smith. "Teams are noticing. They played a lot of (heavy boxes). They wanted to stop the run. I feel like we're getting to the point where we can run it against any team."
It should only get better when left guard Isaac Seumalo, for whom Anderson has been starting, returns and Frazier and Fautanu get more experience.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88), Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers at the line of scrimmage during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers pray following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers pray following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
• It was a rough day for 2023 first-round draft pick Broderick Jones.
Not only did Fautanu start in his place at right tackle, when the Steelers did rotate him in to start the second quarter, he had a false start. And then a holding penalty. And then another holding penalty. Jones was pulled in favor of Fautanu after that second holding penalty, which negated a perfect throw by Justin Fields to George Pickens to the Denver 6.
"It was kind of frustrating, but you've got to flush it as soon as possible," Jones said. "We still had a game to win. I didn't want to bring that bad energy to the sideline with the rest of the team and it just goes haywire from there. I just tried to stay locked into the game and just continue to finish and push my teammates to be better and talk to Troy, tell him what I see.
"I feel like he had a great game. There's a couple of things he can clean up, but for him, his first start, I feel he did really good."
Jones remains a big part of the Steelers plans, but this was a rough game for him.
He needs to grow from this and continue to work to get his way back into the lineup. The Steelers will need him down the road.
"I'm chewing myself out," Jones said. "It's something you don't want to happen as an offensive lineman."
• There were way too many penalties in this game — on both sides.
Referee Clete Blakeman's crew walked off 19 penalties in this game. And that doesn't include the ones that were declined or were offset by fouls on both teams.
Somebody needs to let Blakeman know that nobody paid money to watch him and his crew throw flags. They want to see a football game.
The Steelers took advantage of knowing that Blakeman's crew is one of the more flag happy ones in the league — especially when it comes to pass interference. They drew two pass interference penalties with deep shots that accounted for 64 yards.
Those yards don't show up on the stat sheet, but they more certainly help move the ball.
"We knew coming into this game that this crew threw the most DPIs last year," said Fields. "We knew that coming in and that was a big effect on taking those shots down the field."
Of course, having a crew that is especially watchful of things in the secondary also can work the other way.
A few plays after drawing a big pass interference penalty to put the Steelers in scoring position late in the first half, wide receiver Van Jefferson was called for an offensive pass interference panlty that negated a touchdown catch by George Pickens.
Jefferson said after the game he wasn't trying to set a pick on the play.
"I was just running my route," Jefferson said.
But when you have a crew such as Blakeman's, everything is under the microscope.
• The Steelers added wide receiver Ben Skowronek to their practice squad at the start of the season. He's already been elevated to the active roster for each of the first two games.
He'll be elevated again for next week's game against the Chargers, of that you can be certain. He's been a catalyst for special plays on special teams.
Last week against Atlanta, Skowronek was working as a punt gunner and forced a fair catch on Chris Boswell's 43-yard punt that, if the Falcons had gotten a return on, might have spelled doom for the Steelers.
In this game, he drew two big holding penalties as a gunner in this game that kept the Broncos backed up in their own territory and added another special teams tackle.
Once you're elevated from the practice squad three times, you have to be added to the 53-man roster. It seems a lock that will happen with Skowronek.
• After two weeks, the Steelers are 2-0. The Browns are 1-1. The Ravens and Bengals are both 0-2.
That's significant.
Why?
Per the NFL, since 2000, teams that start the season 2-0 have a nearly 64 percent chance of making the playoffs. Over 41 percent of those teams have won their division.
If you get off to a 1-1 start, the odds drop to a 42 percent chance to make the postseason with a 23.7 percent chance to win the division.
Start 0-2 and you're really behind the 8 ball. Of the 279 teams that started the season 0-2 since 2000, just 32 have made the postseason — just 11.5 percent. Of those teams, 17 — or 6.1 percent — did so as division champions.
Even more meaningful in the Steelers' start is that their two wins both came on the road, leaving them with seven games away from Acrisure Stadium and eight at home.
Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland all have already lost at least one game at home.
Then there is this: Eight of the past nine teams who have started a season by going 2-0 on the road have made the playoffs.
• The Steelers have now allowed 16 points in their first two games.
The only team that has given up fewer are the Chargers, who have allowed 13 points in their first two games.
Those two teams meet at Acrisure Stadium next Sunday.
Both teams are content to run the ball and play defense. The Steelers attempted 20 passes Sunday. So did the Chargers in a 26-3 win over the hapless Carolina Panthers.
Los Angeles ran the ball 44 times in their victory. The Steelers ran the ball 36 times in their win.
Sunday's game could be over in record time.
• What kind of advantage is Boswell?
Consider Tomlin had no qualms sending his placekicker out last week against the Falcons for three 50-plus-yard field goals, including a 57-yarder.
In the second quarter Sunday, the Broncos could have attempted a field goal from the Pittsburgh 39, which would have made it around a 57- or 58-yard kick. In Denver, which is famous for adding several yards onto a kicker's range.
Denver head coach Sean Payton elected to attempt to convert a fourth-and-7 play instead of sending placekicker Will Lutz onto the field or punting.
"Will felt like he wanted to kick it. I did not like where the field position was," Payton said. "I liked, if we were going to take a risk, going for it rather than punting. In the back of my mind, I just knew going into the game it was about field position. Eventually, we decided to go for it. I do not have any second thoughts about it relative to where we were field position-wise."
Rest assured, Tomlin would have had no such reservations about sending Boswell onto the field to attempt that kick.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast
• After the game, Tomlin gave Russell Wilson a game ball.
Of course, Wilson did not play in this game, serving as the Steelers' third quarterback while he continues to recover from a calf injury.
Fields played largely mistake-free football in his place for the second week in a row, completing 13-of-20 passes for 117 yards.
It wasn't a big passing day, to be sure, but with the way the Steelers are playing on defense, they didn't need Fields to take many chances. He finished with a passer rating of 97.3.
All of that said, Fields was more than happy that his mentor, Wilson, got a game ball following this win.
Wilson was unceremoniously benched by Payton after 15 starts last season despite throwing 26 touchdown passes with eight interceptions and leading the Broncos to wins over the Packers, Chiefs and Bills because he didn't mesh with the system Payton wants to run offensively.
At the same time, he's doing his best to guide the Steelers to victories.
"We have a great defense," Fields said. "That is no secret. You never want to turn the ball over as a quarterback, running back or receiver. Our No. 1 goal on offense is to protect the ball."
That has been job No. 1 for Fields. And he's accomplished that.
• Watt is now at 98.5 sacks in his career.
If he can get 1.5 more over the next six games, he'll get to 100 sacks in the second-fewest games in NFL history. Reggie White did it in 96 games. DeMarcus Ware did it in 113, and is currently the second-fastest to get to 100 sacks. Watt has now played in 106 games.
