5 reasons for optimism after Steelers' Week 10 win over the Commanders

andrew vasquez

Mon, Nov 11, 2024, 4:12 PM·1 min read

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) celebrates with Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Steelers fans rejoice! The team has improved to 7-2 on the season, and while the Steelers had their struggles in the Week 10 victory, there is plenty to love about Pittsburgh moving forward. Here are 5 reasons to be optimistic following the Steelers victory over the Commanders.

Pickens-Wilson combination is unstoppable:

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown while defended by Noah Igbinoghene #1 of the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of a game at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

George Pickens has quickly become Russell Wilson's top target, hauling in five of his seven targets for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Steelers' defense shut down one of the NFL’s best offenses:

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh’s defense faced some challenges near halftime, but they ultimately held a top-tier offense to under 250 total yards in Week 10.

Russell Wilson's veteran presence was what the Steelers needed:

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after throwing an interception in the third quarter of a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Wilson’s play may have won Pittsburgh the game, especially his cadence and hard count that forced a neutral zone infraction to seal the win at the end of the contest.

Pittsburgh has the blueprint to climb atop the AFC playoff standings:

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the second half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh is just two games from the top AFC seed, and wins over other contenders they face down the stretch could secure their place at the top of the conference.