SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Trap” Edition

November 4, 2020

223

Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.

Ah yes, the classic “trap” game. Commonly thought of as that game between two bigger games that a team often overlooks. In this situation, the better team often loses. As many of you know, Mike Tomlin teams have suffered this fate before and there is fear that this will occur again on Sunday. The Cowboys are wounded. They’ll be starting a QB who likely hasn’t taken a snap all season. Their defense is dead last against the run and overall. Their offensive line is a shell of its former self to boot. All of this adds up to a “trap” game and a shocking Dallas victory. Not so fast my friends. If I’ve learned anything this year it’s that this version of the Pittsburgh Steelers feels different. In situations where cracks would have once occurred, they haven’t. I just can’t see the Steelers looking past this, or any other opponent right now. There is indeed a division foe waiting in the wings in the form of the Cincinnati Bengals but I’ll be very surprised – shocked even – if they don’t leave Texas with a win.

From the Injury Front

STEELERS

QB Ben Roethlisberger (NIR) – DNP
CB Mike Hilton (Shoulder) – Limited
S Jordan Dangerfield (Quadriceps) – Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (NIR) – DNP
OL Stefan Wisniewski (Pectoral) – DNP
DE Tyson Alualu (Knee) – DNP
DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle) – Limited
DE Cameron Heyward (Quadriceps) – Full

COWBOYS

RB Ezekiel Elliott (Hamstring) – Limited
P Chris Jones (Adbomen) – DNP
DE Aldon Smith (Knee) – Limited

Injury Thoughts… We already know Alualu is out this week but that injury to Buggs concerns me (see below). Mike Hilton still limited. They may try to get by with him on the sidelines for one more week.

Tweet of the Day… Same story in Houston, Denver, Baltimore etc….

Colts announce staff member tested positive for COVID-19, team enters intensive protocols. Virtual meetings, but practice remains scheduled

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 5, 2020

The Podcast

We recorded episode 194 of the Steel City Blitz Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing last night. We relived the Steelers’ huge win in Baltimore, looked ahead to the game in Dallas and discussed the addition of linebacker Avery Williamson. Tune in!!

Beating a Dead Horse

I’ve already mentioned this twice since Sunday but I’m concerned about the Steelers’ current situation along the defensive line. Perhaps I’m overthinking it with a very poor Cowboys’ offensive line on tap but hear me out. Tyson Alualu is out. Isaiah Buggs has a sore ankle. Can Heyward has a quad issue and Chris Wormley is already on IR. That leaves Stephon Tuitt and Henry Mondeaux as the only “healthy” guys right now. Obviously the Steelers are less concerned with this than I am and that’s all that matters but it doesn’t eliminate my fears.