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What Can The Steelers Do To Try And Limit Lions WR Calvin Johnson?

Calvin Johnson

Sunday the Steelers will have to take on by all accounts the best wide out in the game today in Lions WR Calvin Johnson.

All Johnson has done this season is pile up 53 catches for 904 yards and nine touchdowns and put up near historic numbers a few weeks back vs the Cowboys.

So how do the Steelers stop Johnson? Health could be a factor, as he missed a second day of practice on Thursday, but is expected to play Sunday.

Here’s three ways the Steelers can help and hopefully limit the man they call ‘Megatron.’

1. Pressure Matthew Stafford
– Last week the defense rebounded off that awful game against the Pats with a solid effort against the Bills and rookie QB E.J. Manuel. They didn’t pound Manuel, but made him hurry throws, as well as use his feet a lot, which isn’t much in Stafford’s game plan. If they can collapse the pocket early and often, it will help stop getting those throws to Johnson.

2. Safety Help – Both Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu have to keep an eye on Johnson, as not many corners can cover Johnson one-on-one, and that includes Ike Taylor. Hopefully Polamalu and Clark can help out Ike, and that will also have to do with the first reason which is trying to get to Stafford to make sure he doesn’t have a lot of time to get the ball to Johnson.

3. Be Physical – Taylor has to be tough with Johnson, who loves to try and out-physical the corners he plays. This is a test to challenge Johnson early and often, trying to frustrate him with being physical in that five-yard cushion corners have. If Johnson is having issues with his knees, this may help distract him from making those key plays that could do the Steelers in Sunday.

Matt Loede has been in the sports media for over 16 years, with experience covering the MLB, NBA, and NFL. On Sunday’s during football season, you can hear Matt on national networks like Fox Sports Radio, Associated Press, and others. Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Matt studies and talks football inside and out, and is anxious to share his thoughts and comments with readers on a daily basis.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Blkandgold4life

    November 14, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    It all starts up front..Stafford has a strong arm and quick release..Can’t let Johnson off the line without a jam. Can’t 4get Bush out the backfield either.LBs are Gona have to be really disciplined

  2. Daniel

    November 14, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    stay on the quarterback and play zone with troy floating…
    as long as the qb is rushed, mistakes will come…

  3. Blkandgold4life

    November 15, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Its the safeties I’m worried about..Clark can’t have his eyes in the backfield and Troy can’t be running around gambling and end up 20 yards away from the play..play ya cover 2 and trust the LBs and other Nickle and dime DBs to make plays. They need to stay at home and play their position

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