Five Takeaways From Sunday’s Steelers 17-9 Win In Jacksonville

1. Youth was Served – While everyone was talking about the huge six-pick play by Brice McCain, there was a couple other key players that stepped up. WR Justin Brown, who was best known for his opening drive fumble, had a couple key catches, and punter Brad Wing rebounded from that awful final punt vs the Bucs last week to have a solid week vs the Jaguars. All in all, young players stepping up was good to see.

2. Third-Down Stops – Maybe the most frustrating thing is seeing a Steelers D do the job on first and second down, and then give up a 7, 10, or 15 yard play to allow the opposing offense convert a third down. Overall in 15 chances on Sunday, the Steelers D only allowed 3 third-down conversions. It was about time the defense stepped up.

3. Not Worried About Offense – Sure the Steelers offense only put up 17 points against maybe the worst D in the NFL from a stats standpoint, but let’s not push the panic button just yet. Overall the big skill players, Le’Veon Bell (82 yards rushing on 15 carries) and Antonio Brown (five receptions for 84 yards), didn’t have the huge games they have been, but the performances came in a win, and I think you have to credit the Jags D a little for stepping up and playing a much better game than many felt they would. The offense will be fine.

4. Big Play For The Beard – Many were clutching their Terrible Towels when the Jags took over down 17-9 with about 5 minutes to play. Many fans on Twitter were sick thinking this would be the time the Jags drove downfield, scored a TD and got a two-point conversion to tie the game. It wouldn’t be. While the D stepped up on first and second downs, it was a 3rd-and-5 play by Brett Keisel that basically sealed the win. Keisel came through the line untouched and batted Blake Bortles’ pass down. It was a great play for the vet and D to force the Jags final punt of the day.

5. Still Too Much Laundry – Sunday the Steelers were better in terms of penalties, getting flagged 7 times for 50 yards, but at the end of the day, the team simply has to get that number down to 3-4 a game. The week before against the Bucs, the numbers were a staggering 12 penalties for 125 yards in the 27-24 loss. Maybe the worst penalty of the day was a delay on WR Lance Moore, who decided to kick the ball after a catch. Moore, rightfully so, got an earful from Mike Tomlin, who has promised those penalty numbers wold improve. Sunday they were better, but still need to improve greatly.