The Steelers roared to a 2-1 record after man handling the Carolina Panthers last week.
It wasn’t without casualties however; Ike Taylor, Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier all left the game with significant injuries. In the best defensive performance of the young season, to have these three starters go down may prove disastrous. Time will tell.
In the meantime, the guys who do play need to step up and the offense in particular needs to play the way they did last week.
Here are the Keys to A Steelers Victory:
1. The offense needs to run a balanced attack. Last week the team limited the passing game and it was more effective because of it. Big Ben still tossed two TD’s and Antonio Brown went hog wild. To top that off, LeVeon Bell and LaGarrette Blount each eclipsed 100 yards. Perfect harmony.
2. Markus Wheaton is going to have to play a pivotal role. I expect the Bucs to do everything they can to take out Antonio Brown, so if that’s the case, expect Wheaton to play a big part of the offensive scheme.
3. The defense will need to overcome the injuries. In particular Antwon Blake needs to fill in for Ike Taylor better than he did in the 4th quarter of last weeks’ game. Blake will have to follow Tomlins overused phrase, ‘next man up’.
4. It’s assumed Doug Martin is going to play. He is the biggest offensive threat the team has and the Steelers will need to stack the box and force Tampa to try to beat them in the air.
Here are a Few Things to Watch:
1. James Harrison-He’s back! Now will he play and if so, how much?
2. Arthur Moats-He will be starting at inside linebacker for Shazier. How will he do? The offseason signing will now be put to the test, though it makes you wonder where Vince Williams falls on this team?
3. Big Ben-How can he not make the list? He’s always capable of a game changing play. Look for 250 yards and 2 more TD’s out of him, no turnovers.
4. LeVeon Bell-LaDanian Tomlinson said this week that Bell is the best running back in the league. He’s been running like that may be true, will he keep up the 5 yards per carry average?
Mike Pelaia hosts the website Steel Nation Association www.steelnationassociation.com– Covering the Steelers and helping Children’s Hospital All Day Everyday. You can e-mail him at mike@steelnationassociation.com.
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