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Writer's pictureKelly Anozie

2024 Steelers Week 2 Recap - Team Overcome Penalties And Questionable Play To Beat The Broncos





On the road, in high altitude, facing a gritty Denver Broncos team and first-round rookie quarterback Bo Nix.


In one of the ugliest games in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a 13-6 win at Empower Field to improve their record to 2-0 to begin the 2024 season.


The game was defined by penalties. Both teams combined for 19 penalties, resulting in 202 penalty yards. For the Steelers, they would finish with ten penalties for 78 yards, seven of them by the offense, which cost them several first downs and a touchdown in the second quarter.


In the first half, the Steelers got off to a fast start, taking a 10-0 lead before halftime. Second-year tight end Darnell Washington would record his first career touchdown off a 5-yard pass from quarterback Justin Fields. In the second half, however, the penalties and poor offensive line play would result in them recording only 96 total yards and six points. Despite not turning over the ball for a second straight week, Field would finish with only 117 passing yards on 13 completions. Running back Najee Harris had a modest game with 69 rushing yards on 11 carries. Tight end Pat Freiermuth led the team with 4 receptions for 39 receiving yards.


As expected, the Steelers defense came up big when it mattered, as they registered two sacks, two interceptions, and six pass deflections. Leading the way was linebacker Alex Highsmith, who finished with four tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt recorded his 98.5th career sack in the win, along with a pass deflection. Second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. came in relief for Donte Jackson and made an immediate impact with a timely interception in the third quarter after a strong drive by the Broncos offense. Lastly, defensive back Damontae Kazee has a well-balanced game with four tackles, a pass deflection, and the final interception to seal the win.


The biggest issue heading into their first home game of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers is whether Fields will continue to be their starting quarterback, or if they would play veteran Russell Wilson, who has been limited by an ongoing calf ailment. Based on today's performance, it's not surprising that they'd make a change if they want to compete with Justin Herbert and his powerful offensive unit.

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