One Unsung Hero of Sunday's Pittsburgh Steeler Win

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Photo Credit: Justin Berl/Associated Press

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The obvious heroes stood out in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Minkah Fitzpatrick loudly made his presence known by an early pick-six and by blocking the potential game-winning extra point.  T.J. Watt had six tackles and an interception before leaving with his pec injury.  Also, Alex Highsmith got in on the action with three sacks in the game.

Even the offensive side of the ball, despite the many negative comments made across Steeler nation about the offense after Sunday's win, had its share of great plays.  Diontae Johnson had a catch that has since been sweeping social media as one of the best catches in his career.  There were many players that jumped out as contributing to the Steeler victory on Sunday.

However, one very familiar name flew under the radar.  For once, this guy not being mentioned is for the best.  Devin Bush finally had a good game for seemingly the first time since he was injured in the Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns in 2020 that knocked him out for the remainder of the season.  Since his return from that ACL injury, Bush has had difficulty flying under the radar in a bad way.  Typically, there are videos each week coming out showing Bush blatantly missing assignments, letting ball carriers run right passed him, or letting receivers become wide open over the middle.  Not this game, however.

In fact, Bush was in large part one of the reasons that Bengal running back Joe Mixon was held out of the end zone, and limited to only three yards per carry on Sunday.  Mixon is one of the best running backs on one of the most prolific offenses in the league.  Additionally, the Bengals offensive line was touted as one of the most improved this offseason.  Take away Mixon's longest run of 31 yards, and he had just a ho-hum day thanks to guys like Bush.  

Bush had five tackles on the day and stuffed Mixon on one occasion. 

It finally looked like Bush was willing to embrace contact again.  Since his injury Bush looked as if he shied away from contact on more than one occasion and really didn't have a feel for where ball carriers were going.  There were countless times that opposing players would simply run right passed him.  However, this Sunday Bush, alongside new Steeler linebacker Myles Jack, just played an overall solid game.  

Hopefully Bush can build off of this and put the criticism behind him.  He has been brutalized on sport talk radio, social media, and really anywhere sports talk occurs for the last year or so.  It's warranted with what the Steelers gave up to acquire the former 10th overall pick, but nevertheless, the criticism has been brutal.  If he can simply stay out of the spotlight in a good way, Bush should begin to build his reputation back up.  

A few more games like Sunday and hopefully Bush won't face quite the criticism he has over the past year.  I look forward to seeing Bush build off of Sunday, especially if TJ Watt is unable to dress for a while.  Guys like Bush stepping up when they aren't expected to would really bolster this defense in Watt's absence.  Here's hoping we continue to not hear about Devin Bush...but in a good way!