The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 20-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football, improving their record to 5-3. Despite numerous penalties that extended the Titans' drives, the Steelers managed to come out on top with a strong defensive performance. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed concern over the team's penalties but commended their resilience.
The Steelers' defense held Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 75 yards on 17 carries, keeping him in check throughout the game. However, Tomlin emphasized the need to address the penalties, which he described as "catastrophic" to the team's defensive efforts. To rectify this issue, the Steelers plan to bring in officials during practice to help clean up their play.
On the offensive side, the Steelers saw improvement in their ground game, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and accumulating a season-high 166 rushing yards. Rookie running back Jaylen Warren contributed 88 yards, while Najee Harris added 69 yards. The offense also made strides in the passing game, despite quarterback Kenny Pickett's inconsistent accuracy.
Although it was not a flawless performance, the Steelers were able to rely on their defense and make crucial plays when it mattered most. With a short week ahead, the team will rest before preparing for their next challenge.