At 6-2, it may seem like the Steelers can afford "one of those games" since the rest of the AFC North is down and Pittsburgh already has a stranglehold on its division. However, the Steelers know this is a year they can play for first place in the entire AFC and not just win the division. To ensure they don't have a setback this weekend in Indy, here are three keys to a Steelers' victory in the Heartland.
1. It can't be "one of those games"
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| Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post Gazette Interactive |
Given the situation, this is a perfect "trap game," or what Yinzers say, "one of those games" for Mike Tomlin's Steelers. They are facing an upstart backup quarterback on a struggling team, on the road and fresh out of a bye week. It happened last year when Pittsburgh laid an egg in Baltimore as well as many other times in the past against a bad quarterback on the road. Ryan Mallet, Terrelle Pryor (yes, when he was a QB) and just this season, Mike Glennon in Chicago, have all gotten the best of the Black and Gold. The Steelers have a chance this year to control their destiny and snag the number one seed in the AFC going into the playoffs. This seems like a different Steelers team with a more mature defense that has grown so much since that embarrassment against the Bears earlier this year. If the Steelers can control Jacob Brissett, they will be in good shape.
2. No drama
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| Photo creds to Blurred Culture |
The Martavis Bryant saga has been one of the lone negatives the entire season. Bryant has not had a breakout game this year, which has led to his disgust. It appears that after his little arguments with the team and rookie wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster have been put on hold for now. Bryant is expected to be active Sunday, but something that would lead to a Steelers' loss would be sideline drama. That can't happen. Bryant didn't get traded before the trade deadline because the Steelers still saw his big-play ability and explosiveness that they hope to utilize when they play the big dogs in the AFC later in the season and in the playoffs. Proper sideline etiquette will help lead to a decisive Steelers' victory.
3. Blitz Brissett
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| Photo creds to CafePress |
The Steelers defense has thrived in the past when it consistently blitzes a young QB. Last year, Pittsburgh pressured Scott Tolzien when he filled in for Andrew Luck on Thanksgiving night. Pittsburgh has gotten fortunate enough to not face Andrew Luck in their last three meetings. Two years ago, they faced Matt Hasselbeck, then Tolzien last year. Getting a consistent rush on young Brissett will fluster him and lead to mistakes. If Brissett can use his versatility, the Steelers could be in trouble.
Final prediction
I think the Steelers will be okay this Sunday in Indianapolis, but never say never. Mike Tomlin's team has disappointed us before. This group this year, seems different. More focused and more determined. So with that, I am picking the Steelers to win this week, and I expect somewhat of an offensive explosion. Here we go Steelers!
Prediction: Steelers 34 Colts 23
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