After a much-needed Week 9 bye, the Pittsburgh Steelers head into their Week 10 matchup with the Washington Commanders, sporting a solid 6-2 record. They’ll be up against the 7-2 Commanders, a team that has outperformed nearly every preseason expectation.
Washington’s offensive firepower, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, has made them a surprising contender; while Pittsburgh’s strong defense and resilience have kept them in the playoff hunt. This clash between contrasting styles. The Steelers’ tough defense and Washington’s explosive offense, and is setting up to be one of the more intriguing games of the week.
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Struggles and Key Players Returning
In Week 8, Pittsburgh managed to grind out a 26-18 win against the New York Giants, but the victory revealed a major area of concern. The Steelers struggled to finish drives with touchdowns. While they were able to move the ball up and down the field, they only managed one offensive touchdown, relying on field goals and timely defensive plays to secure the win. This inability to find the end zone has been an issue throughout the season. Against a team like Washington, who boasts a high-scoring offense, it could spell trouble.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the bye week has given several key players a chance to heal. Depth players like outside linebacker Nick Herbig and running back Cordarrelle Patterson are expected to be back in the lineup, which should improve the Steelers’ flexibility on both sides of the ball.
Additionally, rookie center Zach Frazier’s anticipated return is perhaps the biggest boost for the team. Frazier has been instrumental in the offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback and open up lanes in the running game, and his presence will be critical in helping Pittsburgh establish any offensive rhythm.
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels: A Rookie on a Hot Streak
Washington, on the other hand, has defied expectations thanks to the outstanding play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels has led his team to an average of over 29 points per game, putting himself in the MVP conversation, and as a clear frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
His poise and accuracy have been remarkable for a first-year player, and his ability to limit turnovers has kept the Commanders’ offense consistently productive. Daniels’ low interception rate has contributed to Washington’s NFL-best mark of just three turnovers all season, which will be a key factor in their strategy against Pittsburgh.
The Commanders showed their resilience in Week 9, pulling out a 27-22 win over the Giants despite missing star running back Brian Robinson. Robinson, who has been a critical part of Washington’s ground game, is expected to return against the Steelers, which will add another dimension to their offense. Washington’s ability to balance the pass and run has put a strain on defenses, as teams are forced to respect Daniels’ deep passing threat while also preparing for Robinson’s power running.
The Steelers’ Defense: Can They Limit the Big Plays?
Pittsburgh’s defense has been the backbone of their success this season. They’ve consistently holding opponents to under 20 points and ranking among the best in the league in key defensive stats. However, as they showed against the Giants in Week 8, they are vulnerable to giving up big plays, even to struggling offenses.
The Steelers will need to tighten up their coverage against a Washington team that thrives on explosive plays. Limiting the deep ball and maintaining containment on Daniels will be paramount for Pittsburgh’s secondary.
One challenge for Pittsburgh will be their handling of Washington’s pass rush, which remains formidable even after losing Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a season-ending pectoral injury.
Daron Payne and Dante Fowler Jr. have stepped up admirably in Allen’s absence, and they will look to apply pressure on Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett. With Frazier back in the lineup, the Steelers’ offensive line is better equipped to handle the Commanders’ front, but they’ll need to be sharp to prevent Wilson from facing constant pressure.
The Importance of Turnovers and Coaching
Turnovers will be another crucial aspect of this matchup. Pittsburgh has struggled when they lose the turnover battle, going 1-1 in games with a negative turnover differential. Against Washington, a team that is currently ranked fourth in total points scored per game, giving up extra possessions could be disastrous.
The Steelers defense has thrived on forcing turnovers, but Pittsburgh will be up against a Commander’s offense that leads the league in fewest turnovers. If Pittsburgh can’t find a way to generate takeaways, their path to victory becomes much more difficult.
In a game like this, coaching could be the deciding factor. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff has shown an ability to adapt their game plan based on their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, and they will need to be at their best to craft a game plan that limits Washington’s offensive output.
