From high to low, it was a highly disappointing loss from the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home opener.

In Aaron Rodgers’ first home game with the black and yellow, the Steelers for the most part shot themselves in the foot.

The Seattle Seahawks made sure to be prepared for the hostile environment in Pittsburgh. The Terrible Towel was in full effect, but due to an effective run game and a quality performance from Sam Darnold, the Steel Curtain had a few chinks in the armor.

It was an extreme 180 from what we saw in Week 1, when the Steelers got in a head-to-head battle with the New York Jets.

So now the big question is, which version of the Steelers was the real one? Week 1 or Week 2?

Let’s break down some takeaways from Week 2’s loss.

Inability to Stop the Run

Roundtable’s Matthew Schmidt went over this immediately after the game, but the Steelers have been shockingly bad when it comes to their run defense.

Partially, it’s no fault of their own, given the insurmountable injuries that Pittsburgh has suffered.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a high-ankle sprain according to coach Mike Tomlin, and NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport speculated that he may be out for 4-6 weeks. Not only that, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, who subbed in for the injured Derrick Harmon also suffered a similar injury to Highsmith.

Running back Kenneth Walker had his way with the Steelers defense, rushing for 105 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown that ended up being a dagger to the game.

Zach Charbonnet didn’t really have much of an impact, but it didn’t matter because it was the Walker show.

Typically, it shouldn’t be that much of a concern, considering Walker is so dominant in yards after contact, but Pittsburgh just allowed over 150 rushing yards against the Jets last week as well.

For a team that finished sixth in rushing defense last season, what has happened so far is inexcusable.

What Happens with Calvin Austin?

It was two mistakes too many.

Calvin Austin, who currently lists as the Steelers second wide receiver, made two mistakes that hurt the Steelers chances.

It’s likely that the Kaleb Johnson flub on the kickoff was the one that cost Pittsburgh the game, but Austin’s mistakes didn’t help.

As the Steelers marched down the field in an answer to the Seahawks’ game-tying touchdown, Austin made a mistake running his route. 

Initially marked for a corner route, Austin was covered by Josh Jobe. When his first read was rejected, Austin improvised and instead of sticking by the sidelines, opted to go inside more, but that’s where Pat Freiermuth was. The ball bounced off Freiermuth’s body and it fell into Seattle’s Derion Kendrick’s hands for the interception.

And then towards the end of the game as the Steelers attempted to comeback, Austin was ruled for an illegal motion penalty. 

Outside of Metcalf, there aren’t many playmaking pass catchers. Austin is a fine slot guy, but in his current role, he’s being asked to do something out of skillset. That’s probably why Pittsburgh is looking for outside help.

Zero Protection for Rodgers

For a quarterback who’s nearing 42-years old, Rodgers has very little protection in front.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line let up consistent pressure forcing Rodgers to either run for his life, or throw the ball into the abyss.

Rodgers was sacked three times, was called for an intentional grounding penalty, and was hit nine separate times. Not only that, he threw several balls in the dirt because he had no time to make a decision.

Give Jaylen Warren More

It’s something we’ve known for quite a bit. Jaylen Warren is legit.

While the run game as a whole seemed to struggle (which goes back to the offensive line woes), Warren was a bright spot.

He broke several tackles, including on an explosive catch where he broke four separate tackles and ran for 65 yards.

65 YD GAIN for Jaylen Warren #SEAvsPIT on FOX Aaron Rodgers found Jaylen Warren for a 65 yard gain against the Seahawks#HereWeGo #Steelers #NFL

And how about that impressive feat of athleticism, where he hurdled over Shaquill Griffin?

Warren needs to be involved in the play more. He had a limited role in the win against the Jets, but he was the only difference maker on offense for the Steelers.