When it comes to big-time match-ups you typically hear things like “Immovable Object vs. Unstoppable Force”, when it comes to the underdog versus the mighty you hear “David vs. Goliath” is there marketable phrase for two teams who are both pretty ticked off going head to head? That’s what we’ve got on deck this week. Buffalo outplayed the Chiefs but one crucial mistake left them in the L column, and Pittsburgh is pretty embarrassed after having a franchise worst 55 points scored against them. The Movable Object vs. the Stoppable Force.
Quarterback:
EJ Manuel is back, and he’s certain to be rusty. But he brings an intensity and sound decision making to the line-up. Buffalo will rally around Manuel, but don’t expect him to light the Steelers D on fire. Ben Roethlisberger is struggling this season, his 12TD’s and 9INT’s is among the leagues worst differentials. He’s been sacked 32x (2nd worst) and hit 45 times, Ben is mobile and can buy time, but his line is not making it easy for him to stay vertical. Roethlisberger has thrown 2 interceptions in his last two starts and I expect that to continue this week. = Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger: 200/308, 2,330 yards, 64%, 12TD/9INT, 88.5
EJ Manuel: 85/150, 985 yards, 56%, 5TD/3INT, 79.4
Running back:
Le’Veon Bell has been active for 5 weeks, his performance in those games has been up and down, he’s averaging just 56 yards per game, and on 3rd and short he’s been atrocious. Bell is able to catch the ball and make plays in the passing game, but his OLine is too inconsistent up to allow him to be a threat on the ground. = Bills
Fred Jackson: 117/502 yards, 4.3ypc, 6TD
Le’Veon Bell: 80/282 yards, 3.5ypc, 3TD
Wide Receivers/Tight ends:
Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders have both filled the void left by Mike Wallace, but it’s been the contributions of Jerricho Cotchery that makes this group tough to defend. The Steelers can spread you out and find space in every level of the field. Add Heath Miller and Bell in the short game, and it’s easy to see why this is the NFL’s 8th best passing team. = Steelers
Antonio Brown: 61/701 yards, 3TD
Emmanuel Sanders: 37/ 494 yards, 2 TD
Stevie Johnson: 38/423 yards, 3TD
Scott Chandler: 32/367 yards, 2TD
Oline:
Bad. That’s the best way to describe the Steelers Oline. One of the leagues worst in sacks allowed (31st), 28th in rushing yards, it’s no surprise they’re 27th in points scored. The Bills held the NFL’s best pass rush to zero sacks last week with Jeff Tuel under center no less. No brainer = Bills
Dline/LBers:
Last week, people thought picking the Bills over the Chiefs was a homer pick. Do I have your attention yet?
Buffalo’s big three have to be licking their chops looking at this match-up. If there was ever a game to dominate in the trenches it’s this one. A persistent, nagging pass rush can easily be the deciding factor in this game. If they can get to Ben, the secondary will get turnovers. The Steelers have gotten to the opposing QB 13x this season, (Wait, that must be a typo? It’s not.) only two teams have less Jacksonville and the Giants. Mario Williams almost has more sacks than the entire team. = Bills
Kiko Alonso: 89 tackles, 2 sacks, 4INT
Jerry Hughes: 29 tackles, 4 sacks, 2FF
Lawrence Timmons: 70 tackles, 1INT
LaMarr Woodley: 28 Tackles, 5 sacks
Defensive backs:
Much like last week the Bills are facing an elite secondary. They’re not ball hawks but they are sure tacklers who are not going to give the QB any room for bad throws. Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and William Gay are going to force the Bills to challenge them vertically, and speed will be our best weapon against this group. The Bills secondary is going to be challenged more Sunday than they have been all year. Gilmore and McKelvin have been solid but Nickell Robey and Aaron Williams will most likely be matched up with Cotchery and that’s one to watch. = Steelers
Troy Polamalu: 43 tackles, 1 sack, 6 TFL, 1 INT, 1FF
Aaron Williams: 54 tackles, 3 INT
Coaching:
Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau are two of the most respected coaches in the NFL. Todd Haley (OC) is not, if the Steelers don’t get a win this week it will be Haleys head on the chopping block and he might not make it until next week. = Steelers
Mike Tomlin: 65-39 (2-0 vs Buffalo)
Doug Marrone: 3-6
