DB’s Steelers Film Room: Don’t Let Point Total Fool You, Defense Dominant vs. Commanders

DB's Pittsburgh Steelers Film Room: Despite giving up 27 points, the Steelers defense was still dominant against the Washington Commanders.

Derrick Bell |

Updated: Nov 13, 2024

Prior to kickoff, you could make an argument that Steelers-Commanders was the game of the week last weekend and by all accounts, this matchup delivered in nearly every way. Washington’s offense came into the week as the leagues top unit in multiple important advanced metrics and Pittsburgh’s defense was been stout all season long yet again. The 27 points allowed on the scoreboard don’t quite tell the full story on how well this unit played on Sunday as they forced 6 punts and held a high-octane offensive attack led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels to a measly 4.1 yards per play on the afternoon. So, how did they do it?

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Mike Tomlin deserve kudos for some schematic changes made on that side of the ball that was centered around a more aggressive approach with an increased blitz and man coverage rates. They got standout performances from guys like Patrick Queen, who had his best game in a Steelers uniform and the pass rush led by Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith not only harassed the quarterback but kept him in the pocket.

It wasn’t perfect and there are a couple things that need to be cleaned up with Ravens week on the horizon but the Steelers defense aced their biggest test to date.

Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel for more Steelers & NFL Draft content.

Want more from Derrick, Alan Saunders and the rest of the Sports Now crew? Subscribe to SN+ to get the best coverage anywhere on the internet, plus all the best coverage from Pittsburgh Hockey Now and Pittsburgh Baseball Now with one subscription.