DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Patterson, Harris Tell Tale of Two Backs

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered their first loss of the season in true heartbreaking fashion, with a failed shotgun snap halting a potential game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter of what became a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Despite being favorites in this one and Indianapolis being severely banged up on the defensive side of the ball, we knew this was going to be a tough test on the road. It was largely a disappointing defensive performance and while the offense provided some splash, they struggled to get out of their own way during key moments throughout the contest. Let’s take a look at some dudes & dudes from week 4.

Dude: RB Cordarrelle Patterson

When Pittsburgh inked 33-year old running back Cordarrelle Patterson to a contract this spring, it was assumed that his primary contributions would be as a kick returner. But even with opposing teams avoiding him in that space, he’s provided some much needed lift to an otherwise uninspiring rushing attack. With the Steelers down three scores in the second quarter, the veteran ripped off three straight gains of 10+ yards to put them in scoring position. It’s not hard to tell why Arthur Smith is a fan of his downhill rushing style and there’s no doubt that he’s still a quality rotational back. Unfortunately, he left this one on a cart after being injured late in the first half which explains how frustrating of a day this was overall.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson getting carted off after sufering an ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Dud: RB Najee Harris

Pittsburgh entered today ranked 30th in rushing success rate and things didn’t improve for Harris as he averaged just 1.5 yards per carry on 13 tries. To say that the run game is a work in progress would be an understatement and much of that can be linked back to the offensive line that is now without their two best players: Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. With that being said, Harris didn’t create for himself today outside of his long reception on a screen pass late in the game. Sure, he was up against some loaded boxes but that’s the world they’re going to live in with all of this heavy personnel.

Dude(s): Steelers Interior Defensive Line

Let’s start with Cam Heyward who continues his ultra-strong start to his age-35 campaign as he was the Steelers only real semi-consistent pass rusher on the day, including a massive play in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Larry Ogunjobi was also very active on the afternoon, refusing to be reach blocked on a couple of zone runs and tackling backs for negligible gains. Keeanu Benton had a couple flashy reps where he penetrated into the backfield. The first couple of drives were pretty ugly but they settled in fine after that, holding the Colts to a 33% rushing success rate on the day.

Dud: HC Mike Tomlin

Simply put, Tomlin makes this list because the team got caught sleep walking through the entire first quarter of this one. You just can’t spot teams 17 points off the jump in this league and expect to pull out a win at the end. DeShon Elliott, who is truly a pros pro, hinted that the defense lacked attention to detail in practice this week. His excuse on preparing for Anthony Richardson but largely seeing Joe Flacco isn’t one worth buying. Sure, the styles are completely different but it’s not as if Pittsburgh is unfamiliar with his game. Add in the fact that Colts head coach/play caller Shane Steichen’s offenses have now pummeled his defense in three straight matchups and that’s a recipe to ending up on the wrong side of this list.

Dude: QB Justin Fields

Pittsburgh moved the ball fairly well and Fields was the primary reason for that, both as a runner and passer. Despite the offense never feeling fully in sync, Fields ability to thrive out of structure was a big reason they were able to climb back into this one. He had a pair of scrambles in the low red zone to put points on the board and he connected on a few big-time throws outside the pocket after keeping his eyes upfield to find receivers. The sack+fumble combo which knocked them out of field goal range was brutal but this was another solid performance where he even carried them at times. I don’t know if it’s ever going to look pretty for 60-minutes straight but his traits give the Steelers a chance to at least compete offensively.

Dud: EDGE T.J. Watt

Maybe this guy is human after all? It was an absurdly quiet afternoon for the former Defensive Player of the Year and the box score certainly reflects that: just two tackles and no sacks on the day. As the game transpired, I kept waiting for him to step up and make one of those signature plays that turn the tide of the momentum, but for what seems like the first time ever, that play just never came. With Alex Highsmith out of the lineup, Pittsburgh couldn’t generate any pressure off the edge despite going up against an immobile backup signal caller. Indy said that they had a good game plan for him and as it turns out, they were right. Kudos.

Dude: WR Calvin Austin

After a career day last week against the Chargers, Austin had a couple of nice moments again in week 4. His biggest contribution was a 30-yard punt return to open up the second half which gave the ball to the offense in scoring position. In addition to that, he had a 17-yard snag to help convert on third and long earlier in the game. Pittsburgh is begging and pleading for any semblance of dynamic playmaking from their wide receiver spots right now. So, it’s worth highlighting a youngster who seems to be trending in the right direction, slowly but surely.

Dud: Spot Drop Cover-3

Pittsburgh’s zone spacing was atrocious today and the Colts passing offense took advantage by ruthlessly attacking in between the numbers. Entering the week, the Steelers were sitting all alone at the top of the NFL’s leaderboard for third down defense but that fell apart today, with Indy converting 8 of their 15 chances. Flacco’s final touchdown toss was the result of a miscommunication with Beanie Bishop seemingly not getting the play call prior to the snap. Even Joey Porter struggled in coverage today when it came to finishing plays at the catch point. We’ll see what the tape says but it felt like the back seven struggled mightily when the pass rush didn’t dominate.