3 Takeaways from Steelers' Week 1 Win

Chris Boswell missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with 2 minutes and 27 seconds remaining in overtime on Sunday. At that point, it seemed quite likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals would play to a tie at Paycor Stadium.

That wasn't Boswell's final opportunity to try to win the game for the Steelers, though. As time expired in OT, the 31-year-old kicker made a 53-yard field goal that lifted Pittsburgh to a thrilling 23-20 season-opening win over Cincinnati, the defending AFC champions.

Earlier in the day, it seemed like the Steelers may cruise to victory. They had a 17-3 lead late in the second quarter. The Bengals came back and had an opportunity to win, as Joe Burrow threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase with 2 seconds to go in regulation. But Evan McPherson missed the extra point that would have given Cincinnati the lead (and likely the win).

Neither team impressed in overtime, with each punting once and missing a field goal. But Boswell and the Steelers pulled it out just in time.

Here are three takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 1 win.

The Defense Has a Ton of Big-Play Potential

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

The reason why the Steelers built a big early lead was the play of their defense. The Bengals turned the ball over on four of their first five possessions, as Burrow threw three interceptions and lost a fumble while getting sacked to end another drive.

On Cincinnati's second offensive snap of the day, Burrow was intercepted by Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who returned it 31 yards for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 7-0 lead 3:17 in.

Pittsburgh finished with five forced turnovers, picking off Burrow four times. The Steelers' defense is filled with playmakers, and that's what can happen when they're performing at full potential, even against a team with a strong offense, like the Bengals.

Fitzpatrick was the defensive star, as he had a game-high 14 tackles in addition to his pick-six.

“That’s who he is," Pittsburgh cornerback Cam Sutton said, per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "He’s a high-energy player for us the way he flies around. He was creating havoc on the ball.”

After one week, it's clear that Fitzpatrick could be in store for a big year. And he may not be the only player on the Steelers' defense who may make a huge impact throughout the season.

Trubisky Isn't the Answer at Quarterback

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10), front, is pressured by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, back,as he throws during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Pittsburgh had plenty of positives to take away from its opener win. But it didn't have much offensive success throughout the 75-minute game. And that started with quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who made his first start for the Steelers after signing with the team over the offseason.

The 28-year-old Trubisky went 21-for-38 for 194 yards and one touchdown, which came on a 1-yard pass to running back Najee Harris in the second quarter. After that, the Steelers struggled to move the ball, with their final 11 possessions resulting in two field goals, six punts, a missed field goal, the end of the first half and the end of regulation.

Trubisky won the starting job during training camp and the preseason over rookie Kenny Pickett (a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft) and returning veteran Mason Rudolph. But Trubisky, who previously spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears and one with the Buffalo Bills, wasn't overly impressive in his Steelers debut.

"There’s a lot to get better on and correct, but always feels better to do that after a win," Trubisky said, per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Win or lose, though, Trubisky may not get a ton of time to prove he can do better with Pickett waiting in the wings. At some point, the Steelers may opt to turn to the rookie if Trubisky continues to struggle early in the year.

Injuries to Star Players Looming Large

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) adjust his chin strap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Although the Steelers came out on top, their resilient victory was overshadowed a bit by injuries. That's because two of their most important players—linebacker T.J. Watt and Harris—didn't make it to the end of Sunday's game.

Watt, the defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year, exited in the fourth quarter with an injury that the team believes is a torn pectoral, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Watt is scheduled to undergo scans on Monday, per Schefter, but if he misses substantial time, there's going to be a huge void on Pittsburgh's pass rush.

"I know a guy like him, that's gonna hurt him that he's not out there because he loves football so much," Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "We're just going to rally around him. We've got the guys to just be able to step in and deliver if he's not able to go."

Harris also exited in the fourth due to a foot injury. The second-year running back hadn't made a huge impact in the game (10 carries for 23 yards, two catches for 3 yards and a TD), but he's a top offensive playmaker when he gets going.

So Pittsburgh is 1-0 and has plenty to be excited about heading into Week 2. But if it gets bad news on Watt and/or Harris, it will have a lot of adversity to overcome moving forward.