Post by cityofchamps on Oct 2, 2012 1:26:15 GMT -5
The Steelers are coming off of a MUCH needed Bye Week. Recent news suggests things are looking up for the Steelers as Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Rashard Mendenhall, and Stevenson Sylvester are all likely to return to action Week 5. Troy played Week 1 against the Jets, but was out Weeks 2 and 3 with a calf injury. James Harrison has been out all season with lingering problems from a late offseason knee surgery. Rashard Mendenhall has also been out all season due to an ACL tear he suffered Week 16 of last season that kept him out of the regular season finale and the playoffs. Stevenson Sylvester has been out all season as well from a MCL injury he suffered in preseason. Also, some more good injury news as David DeCastro is out of the walking boot and was seen at the West Virginia/Baylor game walking without a limp and even walking "briskly". While there isn't too much to be gathered from that, it seems his recovery is on schedule.
Keys for the Steelers against the Eagles
1. Contain Michael Vick
- If the Steelers can keep Vick in the pocket and get disruption from their front 7, then it could force Vick to throw when he doesn't want to and cause some turnovers.
2. Better coverage downfield
- Hopefully this can be helped with the addition of Troy Polamalu from injury as he and Ryan Clark have not played on the same field since Week 17 of last season. Ryan Mundy has been abused by everyone he has covered and has been part of the problem when trying to close out games. We need better coverage from our Secondary, especially with the Eagles' Receiving corps
3. Spread the ball around
- Ben hasn't had too much trouble with this as he hasn't connected with fewer than 9 receivers in each game played this season. This has also resulted in Ben protecting the ball better and not throwing many Interceptions or losing fumbles.
4. Keep the penalties down
- An interesting fact here that not many people know about. The Steelers Offense is leading the NFL in penalties per game with 9.3. That is inexcusable. Our OL is the main cause of it, particularly the right side of Marcus Gilbert and Ramon Foster. We need to play disciplined against the fearsome DL of the Eagles.
5. Pressure from the outside
- The Steelers Pass Rush has been lax at best in the 1st three weeks. They should have abused the Raiders OL, but they let Carson Palmer have time to throw and the Pass Rush sputtered out and died in the 4th Quarter. Hopefully with James Harrison back, it can take some pressure off of LaMarr Woodley and vice-verse.
Prediction:
Steelers win 31-30
Keys for the Steelers against the Eagles
1. Contain Michael Vick
- If the Steelers can keep Vick in the pocket and get disruption from their front 7, then it could force Vick to throw when he doesn't want to and cause some turnovers.
2. Better coverage downfield
- Hopefully this can be helped with the addition of Troy Polamalu from injury as he and Ryan Clark have not played on the same field since Week 17 of last season. Ryan Mundy has been abused by everyone he has covered and has been part of the problem when trying to close out games. We need better coverage from our Secondary, especially with the Eagles' Receiving corps
3. Spread the ball around
- Ben hasn't had too much trouble with this as he hasn't connected with fewer than 9 receivers in each game played this season. This has also resulted in Ben protecting the ball better and not throwing many Interceptions or losing fumbles.
4. Keep the penalties down
- An interesting fact here that not many people know about. The Steelers Offense is leading the NFL in penalties per game with 9.3. That is inexcusable. Our OL is the main cause of it, particularly the right side of Marcus Gilbert and Ramon Foster. We need to play disciplined against the fearsome DL of the Eagles.
5. Pressure from the outside
- The Steelers Pass Rush has been lax at best in the 1st three weeks. They should have abused the Raiders OL, but they let Carson Palmer have time to throw and the Pass Rush sputtered out and died in the 4th Quarter. Hopefully with James Harrison back, it can take some pressure off of LaMarr Woodley and vice-verse.
Prediction:
Steelers win 31-30