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The Pittsburgh Steelers will put their undefeated record on the line when the Washington Football Team come to town for some Monday Evening football. In what will hopefully be the last re-scheduled game of the year, The Steelers will play the early game on a Monday night double header. The Football team will be the Steelers final opponent of the pitiful NFC East, however the Football Team are riding a three game winning streak and will be the toughest out of conference opponent of the regular season.
Location/Time
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5 PM EST Sunday, the Steelers will play its penultimate game at Heinz Field. The Steelers sporting a 6-0 home record and only Washington and Indianapolis standing in the way of a perfect home record. The Washington Football team hold the all time series with the Steelers 42-33-3 however he Steelers have won the last 6 consecutive matchups dating back to 1997.
Football Teams Best Player
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‘Scary’ Terry McLaurin has quickly developed into one of the best receivers in the entire NFL. From effort plays to flat out skill, McLaurin perfectly blends talent and work ethic making him one of the toughest players to defend while making him extremely likeable in the process. He’s one of those players that you can only hope to limit, completely shutting down McLaurin will not happen especially without Steven Nelson in the lineup or a week removed from Bud Dupree season ending knee Injury.
Weakest position group
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The Football Team has one absolute stud in Brandon Scherf on its offensive line. However, outside of its left guard there is a steep talent drop off. Morgan Moses is a decent left tackle, and will be a good challenge for Alex Highsmith’s first career start. From Center to Right tackle however, I would expect a big day from Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and T.J. Watt. Alex Smith has also lost a considerable amount of his mobility in the pocket since his nearly life ending injury, and is something the Steelers may be able to take advantage of.
Coaching
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‘Riverboat’ Ron Rivera is still the risk taking head coach he was in Carolina. Rivera is one of those guys with a great football mind that you know will have a solid game plan each and every week. Don’t forget the Football Team has had six extra days to prepare for this game because of the Steelers Week 12 Covid re-schedulings. I would anticipate the team from Washington to throw everything, including the kitchen, sink at the Steelers.
How will the Football Team attack the Steelers defense
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Expect a heavy dose of rookie phenom running back, Antonio Gibson and future All Pro receiver Terry McLaurin. The Football team loves using its running backs and the Steelers will see a dose of situational backs Peyton Barber, and J.D. McKissic as well. Like I was saying before however the WFT will run a number of trick plays in this game. The Steelers will need to play an honest game, and can't cheat as much as they did last week against the Ravens.
How will the Football Team defend the Steelers offense
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It all starts with the Football Teams front four. The quartet of Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne spear head the second best team at getting to the quarterback in football. Factor in Ryan Kerrigan, and it would be a safe bet that Ben Roethlisberger's game without a sack streak is bound to come to an end. Former Steeler Jon Bostic has looked pretty good in the middle of the WFT’s 4-3 scheme but it’s the secondary which the Steelers will be able to attack. If Pittsburgh can give Ben Roethlisberger time in the pocket they shouldn't have a problem moving the ball.
X-Factor
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Washington Football Team Tight End, Logan Thomas has seen his targets rise since Alex Smith returned to the field. The 6’6” 250 pound target is a huge outlet for Smith to dump the ball off to when he’s in distress. In the previous five games, Thomas has been targeted at least four times, and has picked up four scores on the season. Terrell Edmunds, Robert Spillane, and Avery Williamson will be tasked with slowing the big fella down.
Monday, 5PM EST. We will see if the Steelers can push their record to 12-0.