Steelers Today – A Pittsburgh Steelers blog

On Monday, the Steelers travel to Invesco Field in Denver to take on the 6-1 Denver Broncos.  This is a highly anticipated game with lots of interesting storylines.

We all know that the Steelers tend to do very well when they play on Monday Night Football.  Linebacker James Harrison, in particular, tends to put on seemingly super-human performances anytime he is on the big stage of MNF.

Here is a look at some of the key match-ups that may determine the outcome of the game.

LB James Harrison vs. LT Ryan Clady
The match-up against James Harrison is always of interest.  I like Ryan Clady, and I advocated him as a potential draft pick for the Steelers when he came out of college.  He is a very good left tackle.  Unfortunately for him, James Harrison is an extraordinarily good LB.

Clady is going to learn what every other left tackle that the Steelers have faced already knows.  The only way to stop James Harrison is to hold him.  Advantage – Steelers.

LB LaMarr Woodley vs. RT Tyler Polumbus
Woodley hasn’t been able to amass sacks this year like he did last year.  However, this may be just the game that Woodley needs to get on track.  Broncos’ starting RT Ryan Harris is injured and won’t be playing on Monday night.  So Woodley will be lining up against backup Tyler Polumbus.

LB LaMarr Woodley

Woodley is a tough match-up for most starters.  He should have an advantage against a backup.  Woodley may have a multi-sack performance against the Broncos.  Advantage – Steelers.

LT Max Starks vs. LB Elvis Dumervil
Dumervil is second in the NFL with 10 sacks.  He is short for his position, very strong, and plays with a non-stop motor.  Sound familiar?

Dumervil is like a clone of the Steelers’ own James Harrison…only shorter.  Max Starks knows what to expect when he faces Dumervil.  After all, he has to practice against James Harrison each week.  That experience should help Starks.  Unfortunately, it probably won’t help him enough.  Advantage – Broncos.

DE Nick Eason vs. RG Chris Kuper
The Broncos are not fools.  They know that Aaron Smith is out for the season.  They also know that his backup, Travis Kirschke, is injured.  NFL teams are adept at exploiting opponent’s weaknesses, and the Broncos are sure to try to take advantage of this match-up.  However, the Broncos are going to be surprised to find that Nick Eason is a very experienced veteran backup.  He’s big for a defensive end, and he’s a good run stopper.  Eason won’t win this battle, but he won’t lose it either.   Advantage – None.

CB Ike Taylor vs. WR Brandon Marshall

Marshall is a big (6’4″, 230 lbs.) target, and he is adept at winning jump balls against most cornerbacks.  However, Ike Taylor isn’t most cornerbacks.  Taylor takes on the best receivers on the opposing team each week, and he seldom comes out on the losing end of those battles.   Advantage – Steelers.

Rashard Mendenhall & Willie Parker vs. Broncos defense
The Broncos have the #1 ranked defenses in the NFL.  They’re #3 against the run, and only allow 86.1 yards per game on the ground.

It’s going to take both Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker to beat the Broncos’ defense.  If the Steelers can get their running game going, it will be a tremendous advantage for Big Ben in the passing game.  Unfortunately, the Steelers’ running game has been up and down this season.  The offensive line is greatly improved, but they’re still prone to occasional lapses.  It’s hard to know which version will show up from week to week.   Advantage – Broncos.

Ryan Clark vs. Thin Colorado air
Ryan Clark suffers from sickle cell.  The last time he played in Denver, it almost killed him.  Both Clark and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin have been wrestling all week with the question of whether Clark should play.  Personally, I don’t see what there is to wrestle with.  This one is pretty black and white.  Nobody foresaw the reaction that Clark’s body had last time, and no doctor can say with 100% certainty what will happen this time.

I appreciate Clark’s attitude, and his desire to be there for his teammates.  But playing in this game would be foolish.  Sit this one out, Ryan.  In fact, don’t even take the flight to Colorado.  Stay home and watch the game on TV.  Advantage – Thin Colorado air.

Also, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to read our Steelers vs. Broncos Preview.

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Before reading this week’s key match-ups, please read my Steelers-Bengals Preview.

Each week I look at the key match-ups that will most likely impact the outcome of the game.  As the Steelers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals, there are several match-ups that should prove to be interesting.  Here are this week’s key match-ups.

Steelers CB Ike Taylor vs. Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco was once one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.  However, he has seen his productivity decline drastically over the past 2 seasons.  With Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer finally healthy again, Ochocinco’s numbers should improve considerably.

Steelers CB Ike Taylor has always risen to the challenge against Ochocinco.  In fact, it would be fair to say that Taylor owns Ochocinco.  Sorry Chad, but I don’t think you’ll be doing any celebration leaps into the crowd this week.

I own you, Ocho Cinco!

Steelers LT Max Starks & LG Chris Kemoeatu vs. Bengals DE Antwan Odom

Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom has been a terror this season.  He leads the NFL in sacks, and had 5 sacks last week against the Green Bay Packers.  That’s right, 5 sacks in one game.  That’s more sacks than the entire Steelers defense has accumulated this season.

We all know that Ben Roethlisberger holds the ball too long and makes himself susceptible to sacks.  Thus, the pressure will be on left tackle Max Starks and left guard Chris Kemoeatu to keep Odom off of Big Ben. 

Steelers S Tyrone Carter vs. Bengals TE Daniel Coats

It’s no secret that Troy Polamalu is out with an injury.  Until Polamalu returns, we can expect opposing offensive coordinators to target Polamalu’s replacement Tyrone Carter. 

Last week the Chicago Bears repeatedly threw across the middle to tight end Greg Olsen.  Carter landed some big hits on Olsen (one of which resulted in a $5,000 fine), but a catch by Olsen was a critical play in the Bears’ game-winning drive.

Carter has been battling a thigh injury, and if the Steelers have to play 3rd string safety Ryan Mundy, he’ll be targeted even more than Carter will be.

Steelers LB James Harrson vs. Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth

James Harrison is probably growing tired of hearing that Bengals DE Antwan Odom has more sacks than the entire Steelers team.  Moreover, he’s probably tired of being reminded that he has no sacks this season.  I suspect that Harrison is going to take out his frustration on Whitworth.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Streaks

The Steelers have won 8 consecutive games in Cincinnati.  Ben Roethlisberger has never lost in the state of Ohio (versus the Bengals and Browns).  It would appear that history is not on the side of the Bengals.  Lets just hope that the Bengals are a superstitious bunch.

I predict a closer game than we’ve had in recent years when these two teams have met.  Many national analysts are picking the Bengals to win this game.  However, we at Steelers Today know better.  Look for a 9th consecutive Steelers win in Cincinnati.  Final score:  Steelers 21, Bengals 17.

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Before reading this week’s key match-ups, please read my Steelers-Patriots Preview.  Also, you may want to read our reports on Patriots’ QB Matt Cassel and Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick.

This week, the Steelers will face their perennial AFC rivals the New England Patriots. Anytime you are discussing AFC supremacy, these two teams are likely to be included in the conversation.

Both teams need a win this weekend to stay in the race for division titles.  The Steelers are one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, but the Ravens play the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, and will probably get a win.  Meanwhile, the Patriots are one game behind the New York Jets in the AFC East.  They need a win to stay within striking distance of the Jets.

These are the match-ups that I believe will have the highest likelihood of impacting the outcome of the game.

Steelers’ linebackers James Harrison & LaMarr Woodley vs. Patriots’ QB Matt Cassel

We all know that Matt Cassel has been a more than adequate replacement for Tom Brady.  However, Cassel has really not faced many above average defenses.  The toughest defense that he’s faced this year is the Indianapolis Colts, and he lost that game.  The Steelers’s defense is much better than the Colts.

Cassel had proven to be susceptible to pressure.  He’s been sacked even more often than Ben Roethlisberger has this year (and I didn’t think that was possible).  That has got to have Steelers’ linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley watering at the mouth.  Each is among the NFL’s leaders in sacks, and they have a friendly competition going against one another.  They’ll both be looking forward to adding to their sack count against Matt Cassel.  Advantage: Steelers.

CB Ike Taylor vs WR Randy Moss.

Despite his hands of stone, Ike Taylor is one of the best cover corners in the NFL.  He has the size and speed to guard even the biggest and fastest receivers.  He’ll need every ounce of his size and speed this week when he faces Randy Moss.  Moss epitomizes the tall, fast receiver.  If there is a receiver in the NFL who is more dangerous than Randy Moss, I don’t know who he is.  After a terrible stint with the Raiders, Moss has been reborn with the Patriots.  This may be the best match-up of the game. Advantage: Patriots

Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau vs. Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick

One of the best match-ups of the game won’t even take place on the field.  Instead, it will take place along the sidelines as Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau matches wits with Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick.  Belichick has owned the Steelers since he became head coach of the Patriots.  Some would argue that his success is due to his cheating, but that’s a discussion for another time.

Belichick runs a complicated 3-4 defensive scheme, so he is not as unfamiliar with what LeBeau does as many opponents are.  Belichick always develops game plans that are perfectly crafted to beat the Steelers.  Against any other foe, Dick LeBeau would have the advantage, but against the mad scientist Bill Belichick, well……… Advantage: Patriots.

WR Santontio Holmes vs. Patriots’ CB Deltha O’Neal

Deltha O’Neal couldn’t guard the Steelers’ receivers when he was a young cornerback playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.  He certainly can’t contain them as a 75 year old cornerback for the Patriots.  Unless Holmes breaks his leg during the game, he should burn O’Neal like firewood.  Advantage: Steelers.

DE Travis Kirschke vs. G Logan Mankins

It’s not often that Travis Kirschke’s name is mentioned as a key match-up.  However, this week he will play a pivotal role in the game.  Starter Brett Keisel is out with an injury, and Kirschke will be called upon to fill in for him.  Kirschke must hold stout against the run in order for the Steelers to contain the Patriots offense.  Kirschke, along with backup defensive ends Nick Eason and Orpheus Roye, have played surprisingly well each time they’ve been called upon this season.  Advantage: Neither.

Steelers’C Justin Hartwig vs. Patriots’ NT Vince Wilfork

Justin Hartwig was brought in to handle the big AFC nose tackles who seemed to overpower Sean Mahan last year.  Hartwig has held his own so far, but he will receive a good test from Patriots’ nose tackle Vince Wilfork.  Wilfork is a former 1st round draft pick, and at 6’2″ 325 lbs, he is built very similar to Steelers’ NT Casey Hampton.  He is short for his size, which allows him to get under his blockers and use incredible leverage to collapse the line of scrimmage.

Hartwig has held his own against Browns’ NT Shawn Rogers and Chargers’ NT Jamal Williams, two of the best in the game.  Moreover, he practices everyday against Steelers’ NT Casey Hampton, so he should should be well prepared for his battle with Wilfork.  Advantage: Neither.

Overall, I anticipate that the Steelers’ defense will contain the Patriots’ offense, while the Steelers’ offense overwhelms the Patriots’ defense.  Final score prediction: Steelers 24, Patriots 14.

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This week the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars. The 8:15pm game will be a nationally televised on NBC.

Before reading this week’s key match-ups, please read my Steelers-Jaguars Preview here.

Ordinarily, I would focus on the key individual match-ups that are likely to determine the outcome of the game. However, there are extenuating circumstances that need to be considered before looking at individual match-ups.

Following their Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers limp into Jacksonville with a depleted line-up. Offensively, the Steelers will be without running backs Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Carey Davis. Their running game was left so short-handed after the Ravens game that the Steelers had to sign two new players (Najeh Davenport and Gary Davis) in order to field more than the lone running back (Mewelde Moore) that remained healthy.

While the Steelers will still attempt to run the ball like they usually do, they can’t be expected to have the same measure of success as usual when fielding their 4th string running back and two JV players.

On defense, the Steelers will be missing 2/3 of their defensive front line. Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and defensive end Brett Kiesel are both out. This will have an effect (though not a devastating one) on the Steelers’ defense.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Jaguars running attack has been ineffectual. The Jags have failed to hold onto a 4th quarter lead in 3 consecutive games. David Garrard’s arm, and not Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew’s legs, have carried the Jaguars.

Because of those uncontrollable circumstances, these dynamics will probably control the game:

Steelers running backs vs. Jaguars defense

Mewelde Moore was once a starting running back for the Vikings. He is an experienced veteran in the NFL. However, he is no Willie Parker. For that matter, he’s no Carey Davis (which isn’t saying a lot). Admit it Steelers fans, you were surprised when he made that one long run against the Ravens. I was too.

If the Steelers have to rely on Najeh Davenport or Gary Russell for significant carries, it is going to be a very long day. Both players watched the Steelers’ game against the Ravens with a beer in one hand and a remote control in the other. While the Jaguars defense is not as intimidating as they once were, they should be able to handle the Steelers’ 4th string running back and two couch potatoes. Advantage: Jaguars.

Jaguars running backs vs. Steelers Defense

Despite having a difficult year so far, Fred Taylor is still a Steelers killer. He always comes to play against the black n gold. And unfortunately, they can never seem to stop him. They cannot stop him on the ground. They cannot stop him with a hound. They cannot stop his forward run. They cannot stop it with a gun. They cannot stop him here or there. They cannot stop him anywhere.

Maurice Jones-Drew has rushed for less than 35 yards in three of the Jaguars 4 games this season. Can you say “scrub”, boys and girls?

The Steelers D is ranked #2 in the NFL. James Harrison is playing at a Pro Bowl level once again, and LaMarr Woodley is a budding superstar. Troy Polamalu is healthy again, and despite being a safety, he often lines up like a linebacker in Dick LeBeau’s defensive scheme. Even the loss of Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel has not slowed the Steelers D. Chris Hoke is an underrated backup, and the Steelers seldom miss a beat when he comes in for Casey Hampton. Despite my earlier Dr. Seuss rhyme, Advantage: Steelers.

Steelers Offensive Line vs. Jaguars rush

The Steelers offensive line hasn’t been able to stop anybody lately. Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 729 times in the last 4 games. In fact, I think the Philadelphia Eagles are STILL sending blitzers after Big Ben. If I were Roethlisberger, I’d be doing everything in my power to try to undo whatever it is that he did that has made his offensive line hate him. Perhaps he can fly them all to Hawaii with him when he goes to the Pro Bowl. Oh wait, he already tried that. Nevermind.

34th sack this quarter!

Fortunately for Roethlisberger, the Jaguars defense seems to be allergic to sacks. Last week against the mighty Texans (yes, that’s sarcasm you hear in my voice), Jacksonville had a whopping zero sacks. For once, I don’t fear for Big Ben’s life going into a game. Advantage: Neither.

Steelers Receivers vs. Jaguars Secondary

The Jaguars secondary is almost as banged up as the Steelers running backs. CB Rashean Mathis has 5 interceptions in his last 4 games against the Steelers. However, his is battling a shin injury suffered against the Texans, and he hasn’t practiced this week. Safety Reggie Nelson didn’t play last week after injuring his knee the previous week. His status is questionable. Scott Starks is out for the year with an ACL injury. Chad Nkang is on the PUP list. The Jaguars have been reduced to signing high school players to fill their defensive backfield (okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit. But not much). With Jacksonvilles DB’s in such bad shape, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes should be able to get 9 touchdown apiece in this game (but we’ll settle for one apiece). Advantage: Steelers.

Now let’s take a look at a few individual match-ups that may have an impact on the game.

Ike Taylor vs. Matt Jones

Jones has emerged David Garrard’s favorite target. He’s big, he’s fast, and he’s finally learned how to catch the ball. Fortunately, Ike Taylor is also big and fast. Despite having hands of stone, Taylor usually does a good job of stopping some of the best receivers in the league. Advantage: Steelers.

James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley vs. David Garrard

Since the Jaguars haven’t been able to run the ball this year, they’ve been forced to rely on David Garrard’s arm to win games. Despite being slow as molasses, Garard also manages to make plays with his legs. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are going to have to keep pressure on Garrard to keep him from picking the Steelers’ defense apart. Advantage: Steelers.

Chris Kemoeatu vs. John Henderson

Kemo has shown that he basically sucks in pass protection. Fortunately, he is big (6’3″, 344 lbs.). He is going to need every bit of his size to battle man-mountain John Henderson. “Big John” is 6’7″, and weighs 335 lbs. Hopefully, Kemo and Henderson will be magnetically drawn together by their respective gravitational fields and essentially rendered motionless. If this doesn’t happen, Kemo is toast. Advantage: Jaguars.

The real X-factor in this game will probably prove to be the Jacksonville fans. The game is being played in Jacksonville, where their fans get up for the Steelers more than they do for any other opponent. It is going to be tough for the Steelers to go in there and get a win. It is definitely going to be a loud, hostile environment for the Black and gold.

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