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Biggest takeaways from Steelers' Week 4 loss
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' Week 4 loss

The Steelers were handed their second loss of the season against the Texans in Week 4. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's 30-6 loss.

Change is coming

Following a promising Week 3 showing, the Steelers offense fell back into its struggles in Houston. Pittsburgh's offense couldn't get anything going once again and is now the fourth-worst team in total yards per game (263) and fourth-worst team in points per game (15.5). Head coach Mike Tomlin said change is coming after the loss.

"Hell yeah we've got to make some changes," Tomlin told reporters. "That was an ugly product we put out there today, and so we're not going to do the same things and hope for a different outcome."

What the changes will be are still unknown, but fans are certainly hoping the team parts ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who has been highly criticized for his predictable play-calling. Tomlin has been adamant in his confidence in Canada, but someone must take responsibility for the Steelers' terrible start to the season.

Injuries continue to pile up

Pittsburgh has had a bit of the injury bug through the first few weeks and that continued Sunday. The Steelers lost four players during the game, including left tackle Dan Moore Jr. (knee), tight end Pat Freiermuth (concussion), defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (concussion), and quarterback Kenny Pickett (knee). Pickett is, of course, the most worrisome, but the team remains optimistic about his injury.

"The belief is this is not a season-ending situation for Kenny Pickett," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said. "I would expect him to miss some time ... but he should be back sometime relatively soon."

If that is the case, Pittsburgh dodged a bullet. But in the meantime, it will be backup QB Mitch Trubisky taking over in the absence of Pickett.

RB1 controversy shut down ... again

There has been somewhat of a running back controversy for the Steelers since the beginning of preseason. Although backup RB Jaylen Warren tried to say there is no competition for the RB1 job, he has given RB Najee Harris a run for his money. Nonetheless, Harris put it to bed once again Sunday. 

Harris was about the only bright spot on the team with 14 rushes for 71 yards, a 5.1 yards per carry average, as well as one catch for 32 yards. The former first-round running back led Pittsburgh in rushing and receiving on the day. If Harris can continue playing like he did in Week 4, the Steelers will surely rely on him, especially with Pickett expected to miss some time.

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