Steelers offense has explosive win over Bengals after initial struggles this season
· Yahoo Sports
The Steelers secured a 30-27 win over the Bengals on Sunday.
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It was an explosive day on offense for a group that really struggled in the first two games of the season.
Players told us in the locker room after the game that a lot of it came down to just playing the way they’ve been playing since training camp.
“I felt like we had to score 31 or 38 today based on how things were going,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said,
The offense came to life. Rodgers threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns after finding the end zone just once in their first two games.
“Yeah, we definitely needed it, you know, ‘cause it was just uncharacteristic of us,” wide receiver Ben Skowronek said. “Throughout camp, we felt really confident in what we were doing, moving the ball. In the first two weeks, we just weren’t us, so credit to the coaching staff, the guys in the building. We locked in this week, and we knew we had to have it. We knew we could do it.”
Rodgers credited the explosive plays they were able to create, as well as their success on third down, as part of the reason the offense was able to bounce back.
But the real difference was the run game.
Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 yards, along with an 87-yard run that was negated by a holding penalty.
“Jaylen, I think, is one of the most underrated players in the National Football League,” Skowronek said.
Rodgers added, “What a tough guy. I’ve always had respect for him, played against him, and then being his teammate now for a little more in the season. He is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with. Just can’t say enough about his energy and the way he runs the football and the way he cares about his teammates. Glad he’s on our team.”
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Even on a day when he averaged seven and a half yards per carry, Warren still noted there were plays they left out there, including his stumble in the red zone that could’ve resulted in a touchdown.
Channel 11 Sports Director Jenna Harner asked the running back about the momentum he built with each strong run.
“I think the biggest part of it is what it does for my teammates,” Warren said.
And even with a collective 411 yards of offense, Rodgers said they have to be critical of some things, especially heading into a short week.
“There’s a lot of things to clean up,” Rodgers said. “... but I thought it was a tighter week for us mentally, as far as execution-wise.”
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