Quarterback Jayden Daniels supplied an excellent take a look at for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ protection. He would possibly solely be a rookie, however he’s helped flip the Washington Commanders into one of many NFL’s finest groups. He’s been nice as a passer, however his biggest power has arguably been his mobility. Towards the Steelers, that side of his recreation was a non-factor. Daniels credited the Steelers’ recreation plan for holding him as a runner.
“Simply schematically, what Pittsburgh was doing, just about self-discipline within the rush lanes,” Daniels mentioned Tuesday by way of the crew’s Twitter account. “Zone reads, they’re type of taking me out of the zone-read sort of state of affairs. So, it was simply extra so making the precise soccer play.”
That self-discipline was evident, with Daniels solely speeding for 5 yards on three carries. That’s simply the fewest variety of yards he’s rushed for this yr. It tied for the least quantity of speeding makes an attempt he’s had as properly. Within the different recreation the place he had three speeding makes an attempt, Daniels left within the first quarter ended due to an damage that ended his day.
That speaks to how well-prepared the Steelers had been. The Commanders had been additionally lacking some starters alongside their offensive line, however the Steelers nonetheless didn’t enable him to scramble. They pressured him to attempt to beat them by means of the air, and to his credit score, Daniels virtually did that.
It was a crew effort as properly. Cam Heyward and the remainder of the inside defensive position saved Daniels on his toes. T.J. Watt may not have had his typical impression, however he nonetheless saved Daniels contained within the pocket. Alex Highsmith was having a stellar recreation as properly earlier than struggling an ankle damage.
There have been a couple of extra unsung heroes in within the Steelers’ 28-27 win as properly. Preston Smith had simply joined the crew, however he did an excellent job filling in for Highsmith. He even recorded a sack. The one who would possibly deserve probably the most reward is Patrick Queen. The speedy linebacker hasn’t been as wonderful as some individuals anticipated him to be, however towards the Commanders, he performed like a person possessed.
Quen was flying across the subject, recording seven whole tackles and two tackles for loss. His presence clearly had an impact on Daniels, serving to to restrict him when he did get previous the road of scrimmage. He regarded extra just like the All-Professional individuals doubtless anticipated him to be.
Having a bye week earlier than enjoying the Commanders in all probability helped too. Mike Tomlin had his crew prepared for the problem, and the Steelers emerged victorious. This week, they’ll have an identical however harder problem towards Lamar Jackson. Maybe they’ll make use of an identical technique though Jackson is rather more harmful than Daniels.
.png?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "F1 affirm plans for first ever season launch occasion")
