Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' Week 8 loss

The Steelers lost 20-10 to the Jaguars on Sunday. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 8 loss.

Another slow start

The Steelers, once again, struggled to get anything going on offense to start the game, totaling just three points heading into half time. The offense has looked inept the first two months of the season and Pittsburgh is now the only team in the NFL with less than 10 first downs in the first quarter (nine). 

The team has also scored only seven points in the first quarter all season. It won't get any easier for the Steelers in Week 9 as they host the Titans (3-4), who are allowing just 20 points per game, on "Thursday Night Football."

Get Pickens the ball

Budding star WR George Pickens finished the game with just one catch. However, he took his lone catch for 22 yards and a touchdown, which just continued to prove good things happen when Pittsburgh gets him the ball. The second-year wide receiver was seeing a lot of double coverage Sunday, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada must find creative ways to get him the ball. Backup QB Mitchell Trubisky agrees.

"We've got to figure out ways to continue getting him the ball," Trubisky told reporters after the game. "That's the type of player he is. We know that. We've got to find ways to get him the ball."

Battle of the backups?

QB Kenny Pickett suffered a rub injury in the Steelers' loss and never returned in the second half. His status is now "up in the air" for Thursday night's game as the team wants to see how he's feeling Monday, although there is "not a lot of optimism."

If Pickett misses the Week 9 matchup, that likely means Trubisky will get the start in what would be a battle of the backup quarterbacks. Titans QB Ryan Tannehill is still recovering from a high ankle sprain and will likely not be able to play on a short week. So barring a surprise, QB Will Levis, Tennessee's 2023 second-round pick, is expected to start once again following his four-touchdown performance in Week 8.