2 winners and 5 losers from Steelers’ loss to Patriots: Abysmal offensive performance creates major concerns going forward
Nick Herbig and TJ Watt did their part, but the offensive line, DK Metcalf, and the coaching staff earned failing grades in New England.
The Pittsburgh Steelers turned in one of the most abysmal performances in recent memory in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. A lot of fans didn’t have the highest expectations heading into this game. Coming off Week 1, the Patriots got embarrassed on national TV against the Seahawks. Drake Maye had a horrible game. Pittsburgh was heading to New England against a team that looked vulnerable. The product the Steelers put on the field, at least offensively, was downright embarrassing. Here are the winners and losers from a game that, in reality, was over long before the final whistle.
Steelers Winners against Patriots
Nick Herbig
Nick Herbig had an early punch-out that forced a fumble and helped the Steelers gain momentum. He followed it up with a big-time tackle for loss later in the game, keeping Pittsburgh in it on third down. Herbig was all over the football field. After a quiet Week 1, he delivered in a major way in Week 2.
T.J. Watt
TJ Watt added yet another sack and a half. He’s up to 3.5 on the season and has looked dominant through two weeks, which makes the offense’s performance all the more painful. Watt pancaked tackles multiple times, walking them back into the quarterback. He looks incredible to start the year.
Steelers Losers against Patriots
Offensive Line
The offensive line was a disaster. I don’t even know where to start with that unit. Run blocking was horrific. Rico Dowdle left and then came back and then left again with an injury, but even with Jaylen Warren in the backfield, the line created zero displacement in the run game. It didn’t matter if they ran to the perimeter, up the middle, power, or zone. There was no room. Pass protection was even worse. Dylan Cook is unplayable at this point. Max Iheanachor needs to be the starting right tackle. Spencer Anderson had a bad game. Mason McCormick got injured. Troy Fautanu had multiple holding calls. That offensive line is going to get Aaron Rodgers killed.
Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson had a rough day after a good Week 1. He got blown off the ball early in the run game and made a bad attempt to cover on a tight end pass where he got called for a penalty and got mossed. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf takes the cake. After a Week 1 that you thought couldn’t get much worse with multiple drops, he was in a blender all day in New England. He couldn’t separate against Christian Gonzalez to save his life. He had multiple drops. He has looked horrible. This trade has looked horrible.
DK Metcalf stats against Patriots
- 2 drops
- 4 receptions
- 27 receiving yards
Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy is supposed to be the offensive guru, the guy who was brought in to elevate this offense. The inability to motion people, to manufacture easy throws for Rodgers, to get the ball to Germie Bernard or Pat Freiermuth after the catch was abysmal. When the Steelers put Metcalf in the slot, he was actually able to get open. Whether or not he caught the ball was a different story, but at least he was generating separation. McCarthy needs to scheme around his personnel, not force them into spots where they can’t win.
Omar Khan
Omar Khan didn’t step foot on the football field and didn’t call a single play, but this is a general manager who wanted to build the roster from the inside out, through the trenches. That offensive line he has invested 3 first-round picks in over the 4 drafts is one of the worst units in the NFL. He traded for Metcalf, gave up a second-round pick, and paid him to be a top-4 wide receiver in the league. Metcalf cannot play to save his life right now. Khan put all his chips into Rodgers at quarterback. He has created an environment on offense and defense that is not conducive to winning games. Khan is to blame just as much as McCarthy, just as much as the players on the field.

