Clutch drive should silence critics of Steelers HC Mike Tomlin, QB Kenny Pickett

Pickett's been under siege after a rough start to the season. Entering Week 5, he was 77-of-127 (60.6 percent) for 803 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. Sunday's game didn't exorcise all his demons but was a step in the right direction.

Against the Steelers' biggest rival, he avoided critical mistakes. Pickett came up big down the stretch, too, connecting with wide receiver George Pickens on the go-ahead touchdown with 77 seconds remaining.

Pickett finished Sunday's game 18-of-32 for 224 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers. 

The criticism of Tomlin has mainly stemmed from him sticking with offensive coordinator Matt Canada despite the offense's slow start. The offense remains a work in progress, but as long as Tomlin is around, the defense will be solid enough to keep Pittsburgh in most of its games. 

The Steelers didn't look like a threat for the first month of the season and still have issues that need fixing. That makes their place atop the AFC North after Week 5 even more impressive. If the Steelers are in first now, imagine how good they will be once things finally click.