Good Thursday to you Steelers’ Fans!
I don’t know that I can recall a game where so much is expected of the offenses. The Atlanta Falcons come to Heinz Field averaging 29 points per game. The Steelers average over 25 points per game. Defensively, the Falcons surrender 30.5 points per game while the Black and Gold give up 29 per contest. In other words, how can we view this game as anything other than a shootout? A lot of times when we expect this it turns into the complete opposite where neither team can suddenly score but I’m not expecting that here. What I do know is that Ben Roethlisberger can’t afford to play the way he did in the second half Sunday night. This will be ugly fast if that happens. The Falcons have already announced that defensive lineman Grady Jarrett will not play. He joins Keanu Neal and others who are already out which should give Big Ben easier sledding in this one.
We’ve got some major questions about the return of Le’Veon Bell which is why we threw this together.
Make sure you check out Ian’s WPIAL Playoff-Clinching Preview!
Tweet of the Day… If you watch ANY of Tom Rinaldi’s stories you’ll get this.
Tom Rinaldi, boarding a flight this morning, greeted the flight attendant with, “Good morning! What are your hopes and dreams?” She began weeping uncontrollably. Flight delayed. pic.twitter.com/ANPCoFq6Ve
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) October 4, 2018
The latest injury news courtesy steelers.com… QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) – DNP, K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) – Full, CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) – DNP, CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) – Full, S Morgan Burnett (Groin) – Limited, C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) – DNP , WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) – DNP, LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) – DNP
Chris Boswell was a late addition to the injury report. His plant foot was stepped on yesterday in practice but as of right now he’s scheduled to be all-set for Sunday.
I realize I’m old school and this runs counter to a lot of today’s thinking but Ben Roethlisberger needs to practice on Wednesdays. The same thing was happening last year and then he had that game against the Jaguars. Afterward, he started practicing on Wednesdays and his performances were a lot better. I understand the need for veteran days off but QBs need to work on timing and communication because everything changes one week to the next.
Mike Hilton returned to practice wearing a fairly bulky brace on his elbow. He says it’s a little awkward but as of right now he’ll play on Sunday barring any setbacks.
There’s been a question recently about whether the lack of a deep threat is causing the problems between Big Ben and Antonio Brown. There’s some merit to this but on the other hand the Steelers have tried going deep on many occasions. The problem is that Ben’s accuracy has not always been so good. Once James Washington gets more acclimated to the offense I think you’ll see him go deep more often.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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