Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6) – New Orleans Saints (3-7): 20-10
The Saints haven’t been very dashing up front lately, but they may have hit rock bottom this Sunday. With only 186 yards and 10 points in 10 offensive series, they failed to get a game yet never very far from their reach.
If he did not amass crazy statistics (4 tackles, 1 QB hit), TJ Watt seemed to galvanize his defense teammates, who folded the game in the second half. Andy Dalton (17/37, 174 yards, 1 TD, 2 int) could not do better than two interceptions and a fourth failed attempt on his last three chances to bring his team closer in the last quarter.
A bit of life for Kenny Pickett
After a first drive without points, Kenny Pickett (18/30, 199 yards) led his team to a course from George Pickens (3 rec, 32 yards) in the end zone to allow his team to lead 7-0 , then 10-0 after a field goal on the following offensive. A solid start not confirmed, while New Orleans went the opposite way, with a field goal, then a touchdown from Juwan Johnson (5 rec, 44 yards, 1 TD), to equalize at 10-10 at the break.
The decision is made at the start of the last quarter, when Damonte Kazee intercepts Dalton who was looking for Jarvis Landry.
Pickett and his attack set out again in opposing territory, and it is the quarterback who takes care of scoring himself to put his team ten lengths ahead (20-10). An already insurmountable gap for Pittsburgh.
Dalton is therefore stopped twice more, and the Saints sink further and further in the standings. In addition to a slow attack, Dennis Allen’s men were hurt a lot with 10 penalties. Inefficient (3/12 on 3rd attempt), undisciplined and destroyed in possession time (21 nm), the men of Louisiana seem a little lost.
The Steelers no longer play much, but they continue to try to advance Pickett. This time he was helped by a ground game that collected 217 yards on 43 carries, a nice average of 5 yards per carry.
