FanPost

A Week 2 Preview - Its time to move on


I think we have all covered Week 1 enough. I am not going to mention that game again. But make sure you know that come the Monday before Week 9, all we will here on ESPN is how the Ravens bet our ass in that game and that is why they will do it again week 9 (that is what ESPN will be saying). Anyways here are some keys to the game, matchups to watch, and a prediction. Also, for those of you wondering about my Power Rankings that I published last year, they will start again in week 6. The formula's only work with at least 6 weeks of data.

The Keys to the Game

  1. PROTECT THE BALL: This one gets capital letters because it is the most important. We are not going to win any games where we turn it over 7 times. It needs to be 1 or fewer turnovers.
  2. Win the TO differential: I don't want to see another game all year where we lose the turnover differential. We should go +2 or +3 vs. T-Jax.
  3. Run the ball early: I think we can establish a run vs. the Seahawks early in the game. Mix it up with Mendy and Redman and pound the ball. That will negate the Seahawks pass rush and bring the PA into the game.
  4. DON'T GO WITH ANY EMPTY SETS: I think this is self-explanatory. Our OL is too awful to go with empty sets. Keep 1 TE/RB in on every play to help block.
  5. Confuse the Seahawks OL: If I recall correctly, Dick Lebaus defense is predicated on confusion. I did not see any pre-snap confusion in our first game of the season and I want to see it this week.
  6. Blitz early and often: T-JAX is not good and if we hit him a lot early, we will get in his head. Also, it is not like the Seahawks have great WR's. Ike should shut down Mike Williams and then they are low on weapons. Attack.
  7. Shut down the TE's and RBs: The Seahawks have good TE's and a good trio of RBs. We can't let the Seahawks dink and dunk us like Flacco did. See this fanshot for proof that it was typical dink and dunkage from Flacco.
Key Matchups
  1. James Harrison vs. the Seahawks LT: We need Deebo to cause havoc this week. I want at least 2 sacks and 1 FF.
  2. Marcus Gilbert vs. Chris Clemons: Clemons is the Seahawks best pass rusher and it will be on Gilbert to stop him. Good test for Gilbert this week.
  3. Steelers WRs vs. Seahawks CBs: This is the biggest advantage the Steelers have. The five WRs for the Seahawks are better than the Seahawks respective corners at every spot. We need big days from the WRs.
Predictions (offense)
  • Ben Roethlisberger: 26 for 36 for 304 Yards and 2 TDs
  • Rashard Mendenhall: 25 carries for 117 Yards and 1TD
  • Isaac Redman: 9 carries for 47 yards and 1TD
  • Mike Wallace: 10 Receptions for 156 yards and 1TD
  • Emmanuel Sanders: 4 Receptions for 61 Yards and 1TD
  • Heath Miller: 5 Receptions for 45 yards
Predictions (defense)
  • James Harrison: 2 sacks, 6 tackles, 1FF
  • Lawrence Timmons: 13 tackles, 1 sack, 1INT
  • Lamaar Woodley: 4 tackles, 1 sack
  • Troy Polamalu: 5 tackles, 1 INT
  • Ike Taylor: 3 Pass Deflections, 0 receptions allowed
  • Aaron Smith: 4 tackles
  • Ziggy Hood: 1 sack, 2 tackles
  • James Farrior: 7 tackles
Prediction (score)
  • Steelers: 34
  • Seahawks: 3
I think the Steelers blow them out. The Defense will play pissed off and the offense will play smart, turnover free football. If you guys like this, it will become a weekly post.

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