Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' Week 12 win

The Steelers defeated the Bengals 16-10 on Sunday to jump the Browns for second place in the AFC North. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 12 win.

So long, Canada

Following the Steelers' loss to the Browns in Week 11, the team finally made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada. The performance by the offense this week only further proves fans' beliefs that it should have happened a long time ago as it gained 400+ total yards for the first time in 59 games, per Pro Football Focus.

Pittsburgh still struggled to score, mustering just 16 points by the end of the game, but it was enough to win, which is all that matters. There's still a lot of room for growth, but it was a solid first showing by RB coach/interim OC Eddie Faulkner and QB coach Mike Sullivan, who's handling play-calling duties.

"I think we came together as a unit. Huge shoutout to coach Faulk and coach Sully. I think those guys did a great job preparing us this week," QB Kenny Pickett said after the game. "I think we did a great job of coming together and staying together in a time of adversity."

Freiermuth is back

TE Pat Freiermuth made his presence known on Sunday, leading the team with nine catches and 120 yards. Before last week, the third-year tight end hadn't played since Week 4 as he was dealing with a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin is happy to see his and Pickett's connection heating back up.

"It's probably more of a reflection of him getting back on things and Kenny getting back on things with him," Tomlin told reporters. "He's significant, certainly."

The Steelers didn't target the middle of the field very much during Freiermuth's absence. But with him back in the lineup, the offense adds another element that defenses must prepare for, which surely played a role in its big day.

A diamond in the rough

Safety Trenton Thompson, an undrafted rookie in 2022, proved Pittsburgh right for taking a chance on him as he made a clutch interception in the third quarter. He may have never gotten a chance if it weren't for Minkah Fitzpatrick's injury, but LB T.J. Watt knew his time was coming sooner than later.

"Trent's been balling. He really has. No one's surprised by his success," Watt said. "A guy that's come in. He's not doing a whole lot of talking ... and he's performing, and credit to him."

Fitzpatrick will take back the starting role when healthy, but the Steelers should find comfort in having a talented safety who's ready to step up whenever needed.