Comments on: Three Keys to a Steelers Win in Chicago

By: mark

mark — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:25:56 +0000

Amen to that assessment. The run game will be key. I understand we pass more then we run, but critical run situations HAVE to be converted. The Bears will not cover our receivers all day and will have to drop LB into coverage which should help the run game. If the Bears can stop the run without the extra man, the Steelers will struggle to move the ball.If it somehow becomes a shootout, you have to favor the Steelers!

By: DrGeorge

DrGeorge — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:28:24 +0000

Today we find out whether the Steelers can run the ball when they want: in short yardage and goal line situations. I doubt that Mendenhall is the answer, but if Moore or Parker can move the ball on the ground when needed, it will make the passing game much more effective. With Ward, Holmes, Wallace, and McDonald, the Steelers have one of the best corps of receivers in the NFL. The O-line’s pass blocking is improving. And Ben is growing more patient and more prudent as a QB, and therefore more deadly. The Bears secondary is not capable of covering our receivers if Ben has time to find them. Making 30 points against a second-tier defense attainable. But if we can’t run when the situation requires it, the Bears will load up the D-line with 7 or 8 defenders (as the Titans did), and pressure Ben all day, making it a low scoring game. That is the Bears only hope. Cutler is not effective when forced to roll left to pass or pressured, and no team applies pressure like the Black and Gold. The Steelers are favored and should be, but whether this will be another squeaker or a blowout depends heavily on the quality of our rushing game.

By: mark

mark — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0000

I agree 100%, except that it does not look like the Steelers are going to put up 27 points against anyone this early in the season. They need to find a running game and because of the lack of one, the offense is not quite in sync. I know a defensive TD or special teams TD can push the score up, but the offense is only good for 16 to 20 points right now. Just my opinion. On paper the Steelers are the better team and should win. Without Troy, Dick Lebeau cannot employ his total package which I think means more drives will be sustained against the defense. This will make the game a bit closer unless of course Cutler starts throwing to the wrong team. I see the Steelers pulling away later in the 4th and winning 20 to 13 or so. If they find a running game and keep the Bears from hurting them on Special teams (Devin Hester)the Steelers might put up 27.