The Steelers walked into Highmark Stadium hopeful that rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett could bring a breath of fresh air to the team’s struggling offense, but a poor defensive showing and questionable play-calling allowed the Buffalo Bills to walk away with a monstrous 38-3 win on Sunday.
Buffalo gained a stronghold just three plays into the game as quarterback Josh Allen found Gabe Davis for a 98-yard touchdown. Return man James Pierre allowed the Bills another offensive possession after he muffed the following kick-off, but Buffalo was forced to go three-and-out.
Pickett led the Steelers down to the Buffalo 11-yard line in his first drive, but they would settle for a Chris Boswell field goal to bring them within four. Buffalo then extended its lead throughout the final minutes of the first half with a field goal and three touchdowns.
Things unraveled even more in the second half as Pittsburgh would turn the ball over on downs three times while Buffalo added a touchdown towards the end of the third quarter, that coming from rookie running back James Cook from 24 yards out.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers knew the Bills would be tough to beat.
When asked if personnel changes could be made this week, Tomlin said “absolutely.”
Pickett said the team needs to capitalize more in the red zone.
Things got heated in the third quarter when Pickett attempted to scramble on second down with five minutes remaining but was hit hard by former Pitt teammate Demar Hamlin when he went to slide. Lineman James Daniels retaliated by shoving Hamlin, leading to a scrum near the sideline.
No flag was thrown for Hamlin’s hit, as it was deemed legal by the officiating crew, but one was thrown for Daniels’ retaliation.
Tomlin said he knows Hamlin meant no harm to Pickett, but there should have been a flag thrown.
On the Steelers injury front, tight end Pat Freiermuth and cornerback Levi Wallace each left the game with a concussion and did not return. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi left early with a back injury, and wide receiver Steven Sims was diagnosed with an eye injury prior to the game but entered the game late in the first quarter.
The Steelers return to action Sunday as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium.
NFL
In other AFC North action, the Cleveland Browns lost to the Los Angeles Chargers, 30-28, and the Baltimore Ravens came back to beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 19-17, last night thanks to a 43-yard field goal by Justin Tucker as time expired.
Week Five of the NFL season wraps up tonight as the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Kansas City Chiefs.
