The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a significant victory on the road in Los Angeles, defeating the Rams 24-17 in Week 7 of the NFL season. This win moves the Steelers to a 4-2 record in the highly competitive AFC North divisional race.
In their triumph, the Steelers’ offense showcased the return of Diontae Johnson, who had been sidelined for four weeks due to injury. Johnson had an impressive performance, finishing second on the team in receiving yards with 79. However, it was George Pickens who stood out the most, surpassing the 100-yard mark in receiving for the third time this season and the fourth time in his career. The offensive drives were sealed by Kenny Pickett, Jaylen Warren, and Najee Harris, who contributed with crucial rushing touchdowns.
The Rams relied on a two-man running back committee composed of Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson. Together, they amassed 30 carries, 127 yards, and a touchdown on the ground. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 231 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown pass to Tutu Atwell. However, Stafford’s performance was tarnished by an interception and a completion rate of just 48%.
On the defensive end, the Steelers’ T.J. Watt, a consistent standout, made a pivotal play by intercepting a pass while his team was trailing by six points early in the second half. Watt’s interception sparked a turnaround for the Steelers, leading to their first touchdown and setting them on the path to victory.
A notable mention in the rookie department goes to Puka Nacua of the Rams, who continues to impress in his first season. Nacua had an exceptional game, receiving 12 targets and recording eight receptions for an impressive 154 yards. Nacua’s performance far exceeded that of his teammates, who struggled to contribute effectively.
In summary, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ big road win against the Los Angeles Rams keeps them firmly in contention in the AFC North divisional race. The return of Diontae Johnson and the standout performances of George Pickens and T.J. Watt were critical factors in their victory. Meanwhile, the Rams’ running back committee and Matthew Stafford’s mixed performance were not enough to secure a win. Puka Nacua, a rookie for the Rams, provided a silver lining with his exceptional numbers. Ultimately, this game showcases the competitiveness and determination of both teams as they continue their campaigns in the NFL season.
