So, since we need to win to get in, I wanted to take a look at this week's matchup against the Steelers.
The Steelers defense is not the steel curtain that it used to be. They are vulnerable against the pass, ranking in the 20s. They are decent against the run, ranking 11th.
In passing D, they are in the bottom ten in sacks, interceptions, touchdowns allowed, and yards/pass. They also are vulnerable to passing against TEs specifically.
In rushing D, they are in the bottom 10 in yards per attempt. They don't give up a lot of TDs, and they do cause a decent amount of fumbles.
I think we should be able to move the ball on their D. If the WRs, OL, and Alex perform at least like they did last week (hopefully a little better), then we should be able to keep their defense honest and get things going for Charles and KD, assuming they are healthy (I suspect JC's injuries are affecting him and Reid is limiting him in touches because of it). They have had a lot of injuries at CB, so I think Bowe, Wilson, and Avant should be able to get some success. Maybe this will be the game we get a WR TD? Our run game should be consistent if we can keep their safeties out of the box.
At times this year they have put up gaudy numbers on offense. They have the number two passing attack on O, but they do give up a decent number of sacks. They also have a top 10 rushing attack. I think we have a slightly above average secondary when we can keep pressure on the opposing QB. The key I think is going to be stopping the run. We did it well last week, although I think it was more because the Raiders abandoned it early. If we can keep LeVeon Bell under control, and put pressure on Roethlisberger, then we should be able to keep their high powered offense under control.
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