Post by cityofchamps on Sept 4, 2012 18:21:44 GMT -5
In a playoff rematch, the Steelers take on the Broncos in Denver on Sunday, September 9th. Here are some things to watch for and my predictions.
1) Peyton Manning's first game since 2010
- This will be Peyton's first true test since having neck surgery and it will be a challenge against the Steelers Defense. Will Peyton be able to return to MVP form?
2) Steelers OL vs Denver Pass Rush
- The evolution of the Steelers OL has been put on hold for at least 8 weeks thanks to the injury of touted 1st Round Pick David DeCastro. It will be interesting to see how they hold up against the 1-2 punch of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.
3) Eric Decker vs Demayrius Thomas
- Who will become Peyton's #1 target? Preseason performances indicate it will be Decker, but Thomas gained some crucial big game experience last year in the playoffs.
4) Steelers RBs
- The Steelers kept 5 RBs on the roster this year along with FB Will Johnson. Rashard Mendenhall is recovering from ACL surgery, but has made strides to get back earlier than expected and has been taking 1st Team reps in Practice. Isaac Redman is dealing with his own injuries(particularly an ankle injury suffered late in the season last year). Jonathan Dwyer has seemed to have gotten his weight issues under control. Baron Batch has shown flashes, but hasn't really done anything to warrant significant snaps. Chris Rainey has been the most impressive Steeler in the Preseason. He has shown explosiveness as a Runner, Receiver, and Kick Returner. He is a new dynamic weapon that the Steelers haven't seen the likes of in their entire history.
5) Overall health concerns
Ben has built a reputation for taking hits that he shouldn't. Peyton Manning is recovering from Neck Surgery. Rashard Mendenhall, Max Starks, and Casey Hampton are all coming off ACL surgery. Hopefully, both teams can come out of this game unscathed.
Prediction:
Steelers win 23-20 in OT
1) Peyton Manning's first game since 2010
- This will be Peyton's first true test since having neck surgery and it will be a challenge against the Steelers Defense. Will Peyton be able to return to MVP form?
2) Steelers OL vs Denver Pass Rush
- The evolution of the Steelers OL has been put on hold for at least 8 weeks thanks to the injury of touted 1st Round Pick David DeCastro. It will be interesting to see how they hold up against the 1-2 punch of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.
3) Eric Decker vs Demayrius Thomas
- Who will become Peyton's #1 target? Preseason performances indicate it will be Decker, but Thomas gained some crucial big game experience last year in the playoffs.
4) Steelers RBs
- The Steelers kept 5 RBs on the roster this year along with FB Will Johnson. Rashard Mendenhall is recovering from ACL surgery, but has made strides to get back earlier than expected and has been taking 1st Team reps in Practice. Isaac Redman is dealing with his own injuries(particularly an ankle injury suffered late in the season last year). Jonathan Dwyer has seemed to have gotten his weight issues under control. Baron Batch has shown flashes, but hasn't really done anything to warrant significant snaps. Chris Rainey has been the most impressive Steeler in the Preseason. He has shown explosiveness as a Runner, Receiver, and Kick Returner. He is a new dynamic weapon that the Steelers haven't seen the likes of in their entire history.
5) Overall health concerns
Ben has built a reputation for taking hits that he shouldn't. Peyton Manning is recovering from Neck Surgery. Rashard Mendenhall, Max Starks, and Casey Hampton are all coming off ACL surgery. Hopefully, both teams can come out of this game unscathed.
Prediction:
Steelers win 23-20 in OT