The Pittsburgh Steelers began their 2023 campaign on Sunday, less than 18 hours after the University of Pittsburgh hosted Cincinnati on the very same grass. It did not get off to a hot start.
Both the Panthers and Steelers play at Acrisure Stadium, formerly and colloquially known as Heinz Field. For the most part, the two parties try to schedule their home games on different weekends.
That was not the case during Week 2 of the college football season and Week 1 of the NFL season.
Pitt played on Saturday night.
Pittsburgh played on Sunday afternoon.
On the same field.
Mix in some overnight rain and the field conditions were poor come kickoff for the second of two games. Players were slipping left and right.
It all got started on the 49ers’ first drive when Brandon Aiyuk shook Patrick Peterson to his core. Although the route was gross, the Steelers defensive back completely slipped and lost his footing while trying to cut back and keep up with the receiver.
Not long thereafter, it was Pittsburgh on the wrong end of field conditions once again. Kenny Pickett threw a pass toward the sideline in the direction of Diontae Johnson. Johnson also slipped and the pass was intercepted.
It was more of the same on a drive during the second quarter. Pickett looked for tight end Pat Freiermuth on third down and delivered a dart. Freiermuth slipped and the pass hit the turf, which forced a punt.
The Steelers went into the locker room at halftime down 20-0. To say that it was not ideal would be a significant understatement.
Pittsburgh struggled on both sides of the ball and the field conditions did not help!