Week 4 Blog: Wearing them down

Sep 23, 2024 at 05:22 PM

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

Monday, September 23

Wearing them down: When the going got tough, the Steelers got going on Sunday against the Chargers.

The offense put up only 14 yards rushing in the first half, eight of those yards coming from quarterback Justin Fields. But the team finished the game with 114 yards rushing, turning it on in the second half and wearing down the Chargers defense.

"It's just closing out the game," said tackle Broderick Jones. "We really don't want to lean on our defense. We don't want to put our defense back out there. We tried to eat as much clock as we could. By doing that, we have to run the football.

"We knew we were going to have to run the football. They knew we were going to have to run the football. It was the end of the game. People are tired. We just try to lean on that time. We lean on our conditioning big here in Pittsburgh. Coach (Mike) T(omlin) does a great job of making sure we're physically conditioned, mentally conditioned so when those times come, we can execute to the best of our ability."

Jones said later in the game he could feel the Chargers were wearing down, and the offense was able to take advantage of it.

"They didn't have as much fire as they did at the beginning of the game," said Jones. "I felt like they got tired, so we were able to run it at the end of the game and eat up the clock."

Jones, who started at right tackle with Troy Fautanu now on the Reserve/Injured List, felt good about the way he rebounded from the Broncos game when he had three penalties in six plays before getting pulled.

Jones said what happened a week ago didn't impact his approach or mindset, knowing he has to go at it the same every time.

"My mindset is always the same," said Jones. "I feel like when I get out of rhythm is when things start to go bad. I just try to stick to my routine."

But he isn't satisfied yet. He said it was what he was looking for, but 'it wasn't at the same time.'

"We've got to continue to build as an offense," said Jones. "It's not one single player, it's all 11 on the field doing what they have to do at one given time and executing to the best of our ability. I'm glad the offense got to see the endzone a couple of times. I'm willing to push the team to want to do more because we can't always lean on our defense. We've got a great defense, but if the defense makes stops the offense has got to score. That's what we trying to build on. We're just trying to continue to go down that right track."

Wait and see: Linebacker Alex Highsmith left Sunday's game against the Chargers with a groin injury, re-aggravating an injury he dealt with in training camp.

Highsmith said he is awaiting the result of tests to know how it is but is frustrated by it.

"I'm feeling alright," said Highsmith. "It's just sore. It's frustrating. It's been a lingering thing. I have to find out what it is and get some rehab and attack that every day."

Highsmith said it had progressed since camp, but he felt it in game and had to come out.

"It was feeling great, recovering from it, taking all of the proper precautions and getting a bunch of recovering and stuff, so it's frustrating when it happens," said Highsmith. "The same injury happened. I just have to get back, get rehab and work my way to get back. I just have to keep working."

Highsmith didn't know how the injury would impact him moving forward, stressing he had to wait and see.

"I just have to see what the results are," said Highsmith. "It's a long season. I don't want this to be something that is lingering all season. When I am out there, I want to be 100 percent healthy."

With Highsmith leaving the game, it was second year linebacker Nick Herbig who stepped up. And that didn't come as a surprise to Highsmith.

Herbig finished the game with two sacks, including one Highsmith watched on television from the athletic training room.

"He balled out. I knew he was going to," said Highsmith. "It's awesome having a guy like that who comes in, is able to make plays. He is only going to get better and better.

"I was in there watching the game in the training room and I called the play before he even got his sack. It's awesome to see him go out there and ball. He's worked for it. It's paying off for him. I am excited to see how he continues to get better every single week."

Highsmith is encouraged by the depth the Steelers have on defense, something that can only benefit them as they deal with injuries.

"It's been huge. Having the depth is huge," said Highsmith. "Guys come in and are able to make plays for us, Nick being the prime example. Also having guys like Montravius (Adams).

"Having a bunch of guys is huge for us when guys do go down, guys are able to step up and make big plays."

As a whole the defense stepped to the plate on Sunday, holding the Chargers to a crazy -5 yards in the second half.

Highsmith knew the challenge the defense was facing, and they stepped up big time.

"We knew the job at hand," said Highsmith. "We knew we had to be the best defense on the field yesterday. We definitely were. We held them to -5 yards in the second half which is insane, it's awesome.

"We have to keep building on it, continue to get better. Coach (Mike Tomlin) said it, the best defense is going to win this game, so we came out and did what we had to do.

"We have to keep getting better, not get content, not get complacent. We have to want to continue to strive to get better."

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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The team in the locker room during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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A flyover during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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The team prayer in the locker room during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) ]during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and \psduring a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rodney Williams (87) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Plenty of value in depth: Depth.

It's something you can't have enough of in the NFL and that has been the case for the Steelers so far this season.

With just three games played, the team has lost multiple players to the Reserve/Injured List, including on special teams where Cameron Johnston, Tyler Matakevich and Ben Skowronek have all landed since the season began.

But thanks to depth, the train has kept on rolling.

"I would say it's a testament to our preparation process," said special teams captain Miles Killebrew. "It's something that Coach (Mike) Tomlin puts a lot of emphasis on, the next man up mentality. Guys around here don't feel like their work is in vain. Everyone feels like if I work hard, if I prepare and do what is diligent, then when my number is called, I'll have an opportunity to go out there and showcase it."

Killebrew said even with the injuries the team is able to keep their chemistry going because of the feel inside the locker room, where it's a family atmosphere.

"What you see, it's organic. It's real," said Killebrew. "Guys genuinely care about each other. It's not a selfish team. It's probably one of the least selfish teams I've been on. At every corner you see guys really investing in not only their betterment, but the betterment of their peers.

"It's a culmination of a lot of effort going on collectively. Everybody's doing it together. So, what you're seeing is a result of that. We go ones-on-ones, twos-on-twos, so you never see this huge drop off of competition in practice. I think that's key."

One thing Killebrew loves is the approach starts at the top with Tomlin, knowing that everyone on the 53-man roster has a role and their contributions are a key.

"You can definitely tell when you're in an organization that values this guy, and doesn't value anybody else," said Killebrew. "This isn't one of those organizations.

"Coach Tomlin, he's made it very clear that our goal here is to win. That's our business. He doesn't care where good ideas come from. Everybody chips in and puts their hand in the pile, understanding that as long as they can help us win, that they are valuable."

Next man up: Against the Broncos, it was Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones who started off the game rotating at right tackle.

This week, it was Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick who rotated at left guard, with Anderson getting the majority of the snaps, but McCormick doing his part as well.

Anderson said it didn't have a negative impact on his rhythm as he went with the flow.

"When it's told to you, kind of similar with Troy and Broderick," said Anderson. "Obviously, you do what the coaches say and the coaches' best interest. If they tell you you're going to be rotating here and there, you roll with it and do your job when you're on the field because everybody is depending on you."

Anderson and McCormick were both on the field at the same time as well when the Steelers were in the jumbo package, using six offensive linemen. The initial plan was to use Jones in the jumbo package, but the injury to Fautanu changed that.

"It was good when Mason came in. We got a lot of movement in the run game," said Anderson. "The thing that was good for us was the plan we had going in was with Broderick, but Mason stepped up and did his job.

"Mason stepped up and came in and provided us some quality tight end looks."

Anderson said it's all part of the next man up mentality on the line. Before the season started center Nate Herbig was placed on the Reserve/Injured List, and rookie Zach Frazier has stepped in. Guard Isaac Seumalo was injured in practice before the season started and hasn't seen game action, with Anderson and McCormick stepping up. And now the latest injury to Fautanu has Jones back as the starting tackle.

"It's next man up mentality," said Anderson. "Football is a game of attrition and injuries are going to happen. People have to be ready whenever their number's called and perform.

"It's always good (to have depth) because you never know what can happen. Nobody expected Isaac to be hurt. Nobody expected Troy to get hurt. You never expect anybody to get hurt.

"You always have to be ready. That's why you prepare throughout the week and are always on your toes in this business."

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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