Happy Thanksgiving, Steelers Nation! On this holiday, we celebrate and give thanks for everything we have — including our struggling Steelers.
Here are six things we should be thankful for this Thanksgiving:
6
Chris Boswell
Chris Boswell is as reliable as they come. Of the Steelers’ 166 points scored this season, Boswell is responsible for 68. He’s missed just one field goal all year, a 61-yarder versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
5
Steelers 2023 draft class
The Steelers’ 2023 draft class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years. Three of their rookies have made immediate impacts: Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton have all had solid outings and Nick Herbig has played well in limited snaps.
4
Jaylen Warren
The run game finally got going, and it’s in large part thanks to the motor of second-year back Jaylen Warren. Unlike his teammate Najee Harris, he runs with purpose, grinding out yards. If it hadn’t been for his 76-yard touchdown versus the Cleveland Browns, a field goal might’ve been all Pittsburgh mustered in the loss.
3
The remaining schedule
Pittsburgh has one of the easiest schedules in the league this year (7th per Sharp Football Analysis), which could be the underlying reason they’re 6-4 despite having one of the worst overall teams statistically. None of the Steelers’ remaining seven opponents scares anyone. Though Pittsburgh is often its own worst enemy, every remaining game is winnable.
2
T.J. Watt & Alex Highsmith
T.J. Watt’s sack numbers have fallen off in the second half of the season and Alex Highsmith’s have never quite taken off, but they wreak havoc at every turn. One of the best pass rush duos in the league, Watt and Highsmith are responsible for wins (Browns, Rams) when the offense just couldn’t put points on the board.
1
Matt Canada's GONE!
In a move nobody saw coming — at least not when it did — the Steelers showed Matt Canada the door on Tuesday. We don’t know what the future holds for the offensive coordinator position, but the fact that it doesn’t involve Canada is good enough. For now, duties will be handled by running backs coach Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. We’ll see what they can put together to help Kenny Pickett get back on track.
