Key takeaways from Steelers-Broncos: Pittsburgh wins with defense (again) as Bo Nix’s mistakes continue

Mike Tomlin matched Bill Belichick with his 25th win against a rookie quarterback as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos 13-6 on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

Pittsburgh’s defense stymied Denver rookie Bo Nix, sacking him twice and intercepting him twice, including on the game’s final play.

Pittsburgh’s offense, with Justin Fields starting in place of Russell Wilson for the second consecutive week, only scored one touchdown, a 5-yard reception from tight end Darnell Washington. But it was enough to get the job done as Pittsburgh improved to 2-0.

The Broncos fell to 0-2 for the second year in a row under Sean Payton.

Fields shows growth, but offense stalls in second half

What was billed as Wilson’s return to Denver instead turned into another chance for Fields to make his case to remain the starter. Fields managed the game well in the first half, completing 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also added 26 yards on the ground. It was one of the better quarterback performances the Steelers have seen in the last several seasons, clearing the low bar set by Kenny Pickett and others.

However, in the second half, the offense struggled to stay in rhythm. The Steelers possessed the ball seven times in the second half. The longest of the seven lasted just five plays. Three times in the second half, the Steelers went three-and-out. The Steelers gained just 62 yards of offense after halftime and picked up just three first downs.

While Fields has continuously shown his dynamic running ability and has continued to improve as a passer, the Steelers still have scored just one touchdown in two games. Whether it’s with Fields or Wilson, Pittsburgh needs to continue to improve offensively. — Mike DeFabo, Steelers beat writer

Can Pittsburgh cut down on penalties?

Tomlin called penalties “low-hanging fruit” for criticism following Week 1, when the Steelers committed nine penalties for 60 yards. The issues rolled over into Week 2.

On several instances, the Steelers negated big plays because of miscues. In the first half, Fields made a spectacular throw on the run to hit George Pickens along the sideline. However, that play was called back because of a Broderick Jones holding penalty, one of three flags the offensive tackle drew during his lone series on the field. Also in the first half, an offensive pass interference penalty on Van Jefferson wiped out what would have been a touchdown to Pickens. The Steelers finished the day with 10 penalties for 78 yards. — DeFabo

Steelers’ defense is 2-for-2

After holding Atlanta to a single touchdown in Week 1, the Steelers defense turned in another stellar performance in Week 2. The Broncos went three-and-out on three of their first five series. That set the tone, as the Steelers held the Broncos out of the end zone for the entirety of the game.

Even one of Denver’s most productive drives of the day ended with a Steelers highlight when second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. intercepted Nix in the end zone. — DeFabo

How concerning are Nix’s mistakes?

When the Broncos named Nix the team’s starting quarterback in August, they cited his poise and decision-making as two of the major factors in deciding to push the rookie into the QB1 role at the start of his career.

A quarterback’s development is a long-term process, but it’s the nature of Nix’s struggles through the first two games of his career that are concerning. His interception in the back of the end zone in the third quarter was his third of the year, and they’ve all been agonizingly similar. Nix forced the throw off his back foot to his top target, Courtland Sutton, and a defensive back lurking underneath, this time Trice, made the easy pick. It was a mistake that erased Denver’s best chance to get back into the game.

Nix is not solely to blame for Denver’s anemic offensive performance, which includes a 1-of-6 start in the red zone through two games. The protection of a high-priced offensive line has been inadequate. Starting running back Javonte Williams has been unable to reach the second level of the defense consistently. Tight end Greg Dulcich dropped two passes. Payton has been unable or unwilling to establish a consistent rhythm in the running game.

But Nix is making the kind of mistakes — even beyond the interceptions, his accuracy has been subpar — the Broncos were hopeful he’d be able to avoid early in the season. And with two straight road games against defensive head coaches (Buccaneers, Jets) ahead, the road doesn’t get easier. — Nick Kosmider, Broncos beat writer

Rough outing for Pat Surtain II

Cornerback Pat Surtain II was beat early in Sunday’s game by speedy wide receiver George Pickens, and things never got much better from there for the Broncos star. Surtain was called for three penalties, including a pass-interference call on a deep ball for Pickens that cost Denver 37 yards on a drive that ultimately resulted in a Pittsburgh field goal.

Surtain was also beat deep by Pickens on what would have been a 51-yard gain, but Pittsburgh was called for a holding penalty.

Surtain before the season signed a four-year, $96 million contract that came with $77.5 million in guarantees, a record for a cornerback. One rocky outing doesn’t diminish his standing as one of the best defensive backs in football, but it was indicative of the wholesale struggles Denver had during a home opener to forget. Even on a day when the defense played well — defensive end Zach Allen was particularly impressive — mistakes spoiled progress. — Kosmider

Required reading

(Photo: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)