The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the AFC North, one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, with an 8-2 record. They are on a five-game winning streak after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. What’s fascinating is what that victory revealed about their squad.
The Steelers defeated the Ravens despite failing to score a touchdown. Chris Boswell delivered all of Pittsburgh’s 18 points, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. However, it’s the second time the Mike Tomlin-coached squad has won a game without scoring a touchdown this season.
The first instance came during their season-opener against the Atlanta Falcons. While then-starter Justin Fields had a solid stat line, he failed to bring the Steelers across the goal line. Like he did against the Ravens, Boswell rescued the Steelers with six field goal conversions.
The @steelers are also enjoying a 5-game win streak! pic.twitter.com/TaMtpvGTTW
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 20, 2024
Meanwhile, winning two games without scoring a touchdown is a massive statement for their defense. In addition to limiting the Ravens to 16 points, they had two sacks and six hits on quarterback Lamar Jackson. One of those sacks was courtesy of former NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, who has 7.5 sacks for the season.
As a unit, the Steelers rank eighth in total yards allowed (305.3), fourth in rushing yards allowed (90.8), and second in points allowed (16.2) per game. Pro Football Focus also identified the Steelers as the team with the fewest missed tackles, with 61.
This elite defense will help Pittsburgh extend its winning streak to six games when it faces the Cleveland Browns in a Week 12 Thursday Night Football showdown.
-Lance Fernandez