Pittsburgh Steelers' two big trades pay huge early dividends in Commanders win

LANDOVER, Md. — The Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Washington Commanders had some contributors that make a lot of sense. George Pickens, Russell Wilson, Cam Heyward, and others were front and center towards anchoring the win.

Yet, it was Mike Williams and Preston Smith, the team‘s new two trade acquisitions, that helped slam the door shut on the game. Williams’ only target of the game came after Calvin Austin III suffered an injury. Williams did not even know the play, but was told the route before the play and made something happen.

“None, I didn’t run it one time,” Williams said.

In his first game with the Steelers, he saw his role open clearly. As a contested catch specialist, he fits with Wilson perfectly.

On the other hand, Smith was desperately needed on the team’s final drive after Alex Highsmith rolled his ankle badly. He registered a sack, and believes he fits right in with the identity the Steelers are trying to create.

“These dudes are relentless as hell. I love the mindset and the dawg mentality. It’s not one person with the dawg mentality, it’s everybody. Those are great people to be around,” Smith said.

All in all, the Steelers gave up picks for both players in the fifth and seventh rounds. Recency bias is in play, but the Steelers are earning huge gains early on from their two trade deadline moves.

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