Pittsburgh Steelers make unique NFL history with win over Titans on TNF

There’s a bizarre stat for the Steelers that points out the most befuddling trend of the season. And what’s that? Every opponent puts up better numbers, yet Pittsburgh still is winning most games.

Here’s what we’re talking about. The Steelers have been outgained in each of their first eight games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau via ESPN Stats & Info, Pittsburgh is the 34th team to pull off this ignominious feat in NFL history. That’s a streak you don’t publicize.

The Steelers are the 34th team in NFL history to be out-gained by their opponent in each of their first 8 games of a season.

They are the first to have a winning record through those 8 games. h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/m8dSrzERkT

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 3, 2023

Steelers OC Matt Canada moved from booth to sidelines

Yet here’s what’s weird about the stat detail. Despite being outgained for so many games in a row, the Steelers are 5-3. None of the previous 33 teams had a winning record through those eight games. But maybe this trend sounds familiar to Pittsburgh fans. The Steelers did the same through the first eight games of 2022. And they were the only team of the 33 that ended the season with a winning record.

The Steelers aren’t pretending that their offense is fine. Pittsburgh won its fifth game Thursday night with a come-from-behind home victory over the Titans. They won the scoreboard, 20-16. But Tennessee, led by rookie starter Will Levis, outgained the Steelers 340-326. The yardage difference turned out to be negligible.

There was at least one subtle change with the offense. Embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada moved from the coaches booth to the sidelines to be closer to the players. He stuck by Kenny Pickett’s side. Offensive assistant Glenn Thomas took Canada’s seat (and headset) in the coaches box. Meanwhile, quality control coach Matt Tomsho, tagged along with Canada to the sidelines. It also was the first time that Canada ever made offensive calls, in either pros or college, from the sidelines.

Pittsburgh’s running game had its best performance of season

It looked like the perfect decision, at least early in the game. Najee Harris rushed for a 10-yard touchdown on the Steelers first drive of the game. And it marked the first time Pittsburgh has scored on the opening drive this season.

Pittsburgh’s running game also turned in its best overall performance of the season. Jaylen Warren rushed 11 times for 88 yards and Harris gained 69 on 16 carries. The Steelers made a change on their offensive line, moving rookie Broderick Jones, their first-round pick in April, from left to right tackle.

The running game generated 166 yards, which was six more than Kenny Pickett had passing the ball. But Pickett had enough plays in him to win the game. His three-yard pass to Diontae Johnson with 4 minutes to play game the Steelers their second offensive TD of the game. It was only the third time this season Pittsburgh scored more than one touchdown on offense. Yes, that’s a bizarre stat, too.

Who knows, maybe the streak will end on Nov. 12th, when Pittsburgh plays host to Green Bay. Fans can dream of the day when the Steelers offense outgains any team.