Game Day Preview: New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers enter Sunday with a 7-4 record and in a must win situation. The rest of the division continues to win and if the black and gold want to make the playoffs, especially through winning the AFC North, they’ll need to do the same.
The Saints enter 4-7 and remarkably tied for first place in their division. They too must win if they want a chance at the playoffs. While their record is bad, the Saints have a ton of talent and given the Steelers struggles against teams with losing records, this could be a dangerous matchup.
Here are the Keys to A Steelers Victory:
•    The Saints have a horrid run defense and the Steelers should hammer LeVeon Bell down their throats. The Ravens proved last Monday night that an effective run game will go a long way against this New Orleans team.
2. The secondary will be challenged and they’ll need to step up. Drew Brees is still one of the best QB’s in football and he can light up any secondary if given the chance. The word is Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu will be returning for the game and not a moment too soon.
3. The defense will need to find a way to cover Jimmy Graham. Graham may be covered by Polamalu, a cornerback or even Lawrence Timmons from time to time. He’s the Saints most dangerous weapon and one the Steelers must stop at all costs.
4. The Steelers must use home field as an advantage. The Saints are an indoor team who’s generally mediocre on the road, the Steelers must step up and remind the Saints why they struggle away from New Orleans.
Here are a Few Things to Watch:
•    Troy Polamalu-He’s returning this week after missing the last couple of games. What will his impact be?
2.  Ike Taylor-Taylor is back after being out since the Carolina game. He’s still the teams’ top corner and they need him to play as such.
3. LeVeon Bell-How will he follow up his 204 yard performance?
4. The Coaches-They’ve had a bye week to prepare for this game; what will the game plan look like and will the discipline show on the field?
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.