Pittsburgh Steelers Continue Winning Streak with Dominant Run Game and Turnover Battle Triumph
ICARO Media Group
The Pittsburgh Steelers have proven their mettle once again as they clinched a victory against the Green Bay Packers, securing a 23-19 win and extending their record to an impressive 6-3. Building on their recent success in the ground game, the Steelers delivered a dominating performance with 36 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
However, it was the Steelers' ability to win the turnover battle that played a crucial role in their triumph. The defense intercepted Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love twice, including a game-saving play on the final play of the game. Remarkably, this victory marked another interception-free game for Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, solidifying his status as the player with the longest active streak of passes without an interception in the NFL.
Pickett's remarkable streak stretches back to Week Four when the Steelers suffered a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans. Since then, he has thrown 147 consecutive passes without an interception. The closest quarterback to Pickett's streak is Tyrod Taylor of the New York Giants, who currently sits at 87 passes but is sidelined due to a rib injury sustained against the New York Jets.
The Steelers have found a winning formula this season, boasting a 5-1 record when Pickett avoids interceptions. The lone exception was a 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, during which Pickett was sidelined in the second half due to a rib injury. When Pickett does throw an interception, Pittsburgh's record stands at 1-2, with their sole victory coming against the Cleveland Browns in Week Two.
These impressive statistics showcase Pickett's exceptional ball security skills throughout his first 21 games in the league. In fact, his interception percentage has dropped to a commendable 1.6% following his interception-free performance against the Packers.
While Sunday's game marked the fourth time Pickett failed to throw a touchdown this season, the Steelers seem to have rediscovered their winning identity through a dominant running game. Consistently winning the turnover battle has proven to be a game-changer for the team, as their record when achieving this feat aligns with Pickett's interception record.
Looking ahead, if Pickett can continue to make smart decisions when throwing the ball, the Steelers' chances of success will only increase. The team's only loss this season in which they won the turnover battle was against the Jaguars, underscoring the importance of Pickett's improved passing skills.
As the Steelers push forward, their dominant run game and ability to win the turnover battle serve as solid foundations for future victories. With each passing game, Pickett's interception-free streak becomes more impressive, instilling confidence in the team's ability to emerge victorious in high-stakes matchups.