Steelers vs. Rams Preview
The Steelers are fighting for playoff position, and they get to face one of the worst teams in the NFL this weekend.
The 2-12 St. Louis Rams visit Heinz Field on Saturday (that’s right, Saturday). Only the 1-13 Indianapolis Colts have a worse record than the Rams.
If you have any questions about why the Rams are so bad, here’s something that may help you understand. Pop quiz: Name 4 players on the Rams.
Or try this one; name 2 players on the Rams’ defense.
See what I mean? It’s pretty easy to understand why they’re 2-12.
To make matters worse, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has been suffering from a high ankle sprain (sound familiar?) for the past 3 weeks. He’s not likely to play on Saturday.
With Bradford out, the Rams will likely call on Kellen Clemens to start at quarterback. The Rams signed Clemens off waivers on December 7, and he’s already surpassed A.J. Feeley on the Rams’ depth chart. Feeley did a horrendous job in his 3 starts replacing the injured Bradford.
Regardless of whether they start Clemens or Feeley, neither of them is likely to do very well against the Steelers’ defense. That may provide ample justification for Steelers’ Head Coach Mike Tomlin to sit Ben Roethlisberger, and play Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon.
Ben showed during the last game that his ankle is still bothering him. Most fans probably believe that it’s more important for Ben to be healthy during the playoffs than it is for him to play against the Rams. If Batch or Dixon can’t beat the Rams, then they don’t belong in the NFL.
Personally, I believe that the Steelers should take this opportunity to rest Big Ben, Maurkice Pouncey, and LaMarr Woodley. And if the Steelers get a big lead, I’d also remove Troy Polamalu from the game. Troy looked good against the 49ers, but he’s been battling hamstring problems, so why take an unnecessary risk?
The Steelers defense is going to be bolstered by the return of James Harrison. Harrison had to sit out the last game due to a suspension (that Harrison believed was unjust), so I’m sure that he’s going to be playing this game with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. An angry James Harrison is not a good thing for any opponent.
Regardless of who starts for the Rams, the Steelers should win this one pretty easily. I’m predicting a final score of 24-6 Steelers.
Go Steelers!
I could not have said it better ! I do hope James will keep the chip he deserves to have in check though so nothing else happens ..I know we will win and keep winning …Steelers will give it all they have
1Well lets see the last team they played was not good so if Ben’s ankle is no better, PLEASE keep him on the side lines I know we will win and I love my Steelers, and even playing a bad team the next one might be, so keep him for the last game.
2