The Steelers took a beating from the San Francisco 49ers, who overwhelmed Tomlin’s crew on both sides of the ball in a 30-7 Niners win.
The 49ers scored on their first four possessions while the Steelers went three-and-out on their first five. The only positive for the Steelers was a 12-play, 95-yard drive late in the first half that resulted in a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth. That made the score 20-7 at the half, but on the second play of the third quarter, 49ers running back Christian McCaffery ended any thoughts of a Steelers comeback with a 65-yard touchdown run.
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett had a miserable day, going 31-of-46 passing for 232 yards, throwing two interceptions with a third sure pick dropped, and taking five sacks.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the Steelers were never in the game.
Tomlin says the Steelers got kicked in the teeth.
The coach says the Steelers’ offense couldn’t stay on the field and never gave the team a chance to win.
Kenny Pickett says the 49ers are good, but the Steelers didn’t do themselves any favors.
Linebacker TJ Watt had three sacks for the Steelers, tying James Harrison for the all-time team record of 80-and-a-half. But he was upset with the entire defensive effort.
Running back Najee Harris carried the ball only six times for 31 yards, and was frequently on the sidelines watching Jaylen Warren play in his place. Harris says the Steelers have to keep this game in perspective.
Steelers injuries included defensive end Cam Heyward, who left the game with a groin injury; wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury; and tackle Chuks Okorafor, who was placed in concussion protocol. Freiermuth had a chest injury but returned to action; and defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, who replaced Heyward, suffered a triceps injury but returned.
The Steelers’ inactive list for the game included recently acquired cornerback Desmond King, wide receiver Gunner Olszewski, offensive lineman Dylan Cook and defensive lineman Armon Watts. In view of the injuries to Heyward and Johnson, Olszewski and Watts might find themselves in the lineup a week from tonight when the Steelers play the Browns at Acrisure Stadium
In the AFC North, The Browns clocked the Bengals, 24-3. The Ravens beat Houston 25-9 but lost running back JK Dobbins for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
