PHILADELPHIA -- The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in tough fashion Sunday. While they did clinch a playoff berth with losses from the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, between injuries and some key parts that fell flat in their play, they have questions to answer. So, here are the winners and losers from Sunday’s game: Winner: Pat Freiermuth Pat Freiermuth is the first tight end since Heath Miller to score three touchdowns in three straight games.
What a dazzling last few weeks he has put together, and all of the praise should go to him because Freiermuth has found his groove. The Steelers have started working with him more on the vertical plane, and it has unlocked another level to Freiermuth’s game. Is he perfect? No.
But it is becoming clear that Freiermuth is an excellent seam buster who can take all the different routes on the vertical plane, including on his touchdown. Add in a leap in his blocking, and Freiermuth is on an upward trend despite most players going downward. Loser: Najee Harris Tough day at the office for Najee Harris, who had the huge fumble on the toss play that hit him right in the hands.
Harris had to catch that ball, and even on his six runs, he did not maximize the runs often. The run game struggles are often schematic, but Harris had as poor of a game as he has had since he entered the NFL. Right now, Jaylen Warren looks more dynamic and is in the groove.
He is fully healthy and ready to go, so the Steelers should give.
