Takeaways From The Steelers Week 4 Dub In Dublin

Nick Herbig is making it tough to get excited about Alex Highsmith’s return in a few weeks. Herbig looked great in Ireland, making three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and one and a half sacks. He is proof that the Steelers are loaded on the edge. He isn’t as dominant as Highsmith in the run game, but he brings the juice on the pass rush. Once Highsmith is healthy, Pittsburgh must find a way to have all three players on the field. 

4. The Second Half Was Scary

The Steelers played great in the first half, but the second half was shaky. They took their foot off the gas, allowing Carson Wentz and the Vikings back into the game. Mike Tomlin showed shades of living in his fears, deciding to punt late when Pittsburgh needed one yard to get a first down. Luckily, it didn’t end up costing them the game. They love making it harder than it has to be. There is never a dull moment for Steelers fans.

3. The Injuries Continue

Unfortunately, Jalen Ramsey, Calvin Austin, and Brandin Echols all had to leave the game due to injury. Echols was cramping, and he will be fine, but the other two have more serious injuries. According to Gerry Dulac, Ramsey’s hamstring and Austin’s shoulder will force them out of a couple of games. Pittsburgh can’t get rid of the injury bug, but nobody can this season. Injuries are running rampant through the NFL. Health will be a factor down the stretch for the Steelers. 

2. Kenneth Gainwell Can Play

Kenneth Gainwell got his first start in black and yellow in Dublin with Jaylen Warren out. He carried the ball 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns while catching six passes for 35 yards. He became the first Steeler to reach 99 rushing yards in his first start since James Conner. Gainwell has played a significant role in the offense all season, but he has consistently shown the coaching staff that he can hold his own when needed. 

1. The Steelers’ Defense Was Dominant

The Steelers’ defense had Wentz seeing ghosts on Sunday morning in Dublin. The Vikings were down a few offensive linemen, and Pittsburgh got to tee off on him. Herbig and Keeanu Benton combined for three sacks, and T.J. Watt added another. Those Wisconsin Badgers are pesky. The Steelers posted ten tackles for loss as a team. DeShon Elliott made his return in Week 4 and picked off Wentz and got the game-winning pass breakup. If they play like that every week, Pittsburgh will be a threat down the stretch. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Steelers Rant

Steelers fans were pleasantly surprised by the team’s performance against the Vikings. Minnesota is a strong team, and Pittsburgh proved that it could keep up with them. Aaron Rodgers made a career out of dominating the NFC North, and he did it again in Week 4. The Steelers have to be happy with that investment through four weeks.