The Steelers improved to 7-2 on the season, pulling off a miraculous road victory against Washington. The Steelers never say die attitude reflects that of their head coach, Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in his career with Pittsburgh. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith leaned on the running game as Jaylen Warren ran for 66 yards and Najee Harris ran for 53 yards as the Steelers had 43 carries as a team. About half of Warren’s carries came when Harris left the game with an ankle injury. This is certainly something to monitor heading into Week 11 when Pittsburgh plays Baltimore. Expect Warren to be more involved in the passing attack as well, considering the Ravens have been generous to opposing running backs out of the backfield.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass to newly acquired receiver Mike Williams for 32 yards. Williams had only practiced with the team a few times and had a limited knowledge of the offense. They designed a package for him, and Russell Wilson did well to find him to win the game. Williams’s presence is a big boost for star receiver George Pickens. Pickens had five receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown, but the emergence of Williams will make sure that opposing defenses do not double-cover Pickens as much as they have.
Jayden Daniels
For the Commanders this was a disappointing day as the team now is 7-3 on the season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was not able to find the end zone, throwing for only 202 yards. The Steelers defense also kept him in the pocket, as Daniels only rushed for five yards, which is very unusual for him. Perhaps more concerning is how Daniels’ rib injury seems to be affecting him as well. He has gone from averaging 53 yards rushing per game to slightly above 30. Washington has a BYE in Week 14, so it would not be surprising to see Daniels continue to stay in the pocket to protect himself.
Other Commanders Playmakers
Veteran running back Austin Ekeler took over for the injured Brian Robinson and had 44 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. Ekeler has been a good presence for the young Commanders, but they clearly miss the explosiveness that Robinson brings to the offensive attack. Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin led all Commanders receivers with five receptions for 113 yards. The team clearly needs another wide receiver to step up and help McLaurin as no other receiver had more than 33 yards receiving (Noah Brown).