Wide receiver Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after a reception in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 2023. /CFP
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after a reception in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 2023. /CFP
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans 20-16 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday. Securing their fifth win of the season.
The Steelers' quarterback (QB) Kenny Pickett completed 19 of his 30 passes for 160 yards and his first touchdown of three games. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was his main throwing target who caught seven of the nine passes targeting him, including a 32-yard deep throw in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers completed 11 plays in that 92-yard drive. At the end of it, Johnson received a three-yard short pass from Pickett in the red zone to score the team’s second touchdown, helping them come back to lead with only four minutes left.
Despite the win, the Steelers struggled in passing to attack. Pickett only threw his sixth touchdown of the season after making eight appearances. Rushing remained the team's most important offensive weapon and they ran 166 yards in Thursday's game. Running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined to complete 26 carries for 157 yards. Each had a run of 20+yards.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander (#54) of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after intercepting a pass by the Tennessee Titans in the game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 2023. /CFP
Linebacker Kwon Alexander (#54) of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after intercepting a pass by the Tennessee Titans in the game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 2023. /CFP
The other part of the Steelers' winning formula was their defense. The Titans' QB Will Levis, who replaced Ryan Tannehill in the starting position, threw four touchdowns in his debut on October 22 and drew attention from all over the league.
Then Levis encountered the Steelers' ferocious defense that sacked him four times and limited him to 22-for-39 in passing without a touchdown, but one interception.
The Titans were in possession of the ball when there was one minute and 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. After 11 plays, they reached the Pittsburgh's 19 yards on a 3rd & 5 with 14 seconds left. However, Levis' pass to the tight end Josh Whyle was intercepted by linebacker Kwon Alexander, which shut down the Titans' final rally.