In a rivalry that dates back to the 1970s, it feels like every matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers has a lot riding on it. While this year’s Week 6 contest pails in comparison to the playoff bouts from 40 or 50 years ago, both Las Vegas and Pittsburgh could use a win as the two clubs have been losing some steam lately.
To preview the game for Raider Nation, Ryan Parish from Behind the Steel Curtain was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Steelers.
Q: The Raiders and Steelers were two teams who were potential destinations for Justin Fields this offseason, so I’m curious what your impressions of him are so far? Is Fields’ play tied to the difference in Pittsburgh’s three-game win streak to begin the year and latest two-game skid?
A: I’m in the camp that thinks Fields should remain the starter regardless of Russell Wilson’s health, but I don’t think either streak has particularly hung on Fields.
The offensive line isn’t playing particularly well in the run game right now, which is a huge wrench in what the Steelers would like to do on offense. As for Fields, his rushing ability is as advertised, especially in the red zone.
As a passer, Fields is proving that he isn’t as terrible as some would have you believe, but he isn’t without his warts either. He’s cut down on the interceptions and is completing passing at a career-best 67.6 percent. However, he still takes more sacks than you would like, has fumbled five times — some of those are fumbled snaps — and his timing is inconsistent.
Still, I believe he’s proving he can develop in the right situation. The Steelers desperately need to find a trade partner for a quality starting receiver to pair with George Pickens if they want to see the passing game open up this year.
Q: What’s going on with George Pickens? He leads the team in receiving yards by a wide margin, but his effort has been in question recently. Is Pickens in the dog house with Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff?
A: There is no easy answer to your question because George Pickens is an enigma and he contains multitudes.
After the game against Dallas, much was made about Pickens only playing 59 percent of the team’s snaps. The common refrain has been that he was “benched” and Tomlin’s insistence that the team was implementing some form of load management did nothing to dispel those rumors.
It’s true that the Steelers called a lot of plays with heavy personnel, plays they typically take Pickens off the field for, but that leaves you wondering why you’re calling so many plays with your best weapon off the field? It’s not like the running game was paying off that decision.
Pickens’ effort when the ball isn’t coming his way has been noted and still will show up on tape — when he’s not being involved. I think Pickens is a hooper at heart because when he’s playing his best, it’s clear he loves ball. But if he isn’t getting the rock consistently, he starts to check out.
It’s a problem, but we also forget he is still only 23 years old. I still think he’ll figure things out. And whether they like it or not, the Steelers coaching staff can’t afford to phase Pickens out, he’s too talented and the Steelers are too thin on talent behind him.
Q: Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt will likely be putting on gold jackets when it’s all said and done. Depending on the injury report this week, those two could be lining up across from rookies Jackson Powers-Johnson (left guard) and DJ Glaze (right tackle). If you were the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, how would you gameplan around Heyward and Watt?
A: You’ve got to chip Watt to have any chance at stopping him. He’ll still beat them enough times in a game to make an impact, but it’d be malpractice to not give help to your rookie. Heyward is still elite against the run. Doubling him is a tougher prospect because the man next to Heyward, Keanu Benton, is a star in the making that will cause just as many problems for the offense.
Q: Joey Porter Jr. made some headlines this offseason by declaring himself the best cornerback in the NFL after just one season. I think we can all agree that’s an exaggeration, but how has Porter looked in Year 2?
A: Find me a cornerback who doesn’t think he’s the best at his job, and I’ll show you a guy who isn’t long for the NFL. Borderline delusional confidence is a job requirement, and Porter isn’t that far off from his statement.
The two players I think most consider to be fighting for the top spot — Patrick Surtain and Sauce Gardner — have similar numbers to Porter. Porter and Gardener both allow a 66.7 percent completion rate, with Porter being targeted 18 times against Garnder’s 15 targets. Surtain is 71.4 percent on 14 targets. Porter (28.8), Gardner (27.2) and Surtain (22.2) all allow an average of less than 30 yards a game. Surtain has two interceptions, Porter one, and Gardner has yet to secure an interception this season.
Porter may not be the best corner in the league right now, but he’s proven he can travel with another team’s best player and is a crucial part of the Steelers’ defense. The list of corners I’d trade him for is short.
Q: Other than the players discussed above, can you give us one guy on each side of the ball who you think will make an impact on Sunday?
A: On offense, Jaylen Warren is participating in practice again after missing some time with an injury. If he’s ready to go, he might be able to inject some life into the Steelers rushing game. On defense, I gave you Benton for free earlier, so I’ll highlight safety DeShon Elliott. He’s tough against the run and a perfect running mate for Minkah Fitzpatrick in the defensive backfield.