1. Um…
The fact that winning a home game against Buffalo is even being thought about as a game that the Steelers might not win should tell you everything you need to know about this season.
2. Stop the Run
The Steelers haven’t been able to do this all year. The Raiders and Patriots have put up 197 rushing yards on them in back to back weeks. Now we have to face a fully healthy CJ Spiller and a bruising Fred Jackson. The Bills will lean heavily on their running game with QB EJ Manuel making his return from injury.
3. The Legend of Kiko Alonso
If you haven’t heard of this yet, you will soon. One of our blogging buds and co-founder of the #BillsMafia movement @mrdeadlier also started the Legend of Kiko Alonso after the Bills rookie ILB’s string of ridiculous play to start the season. Alonso, a second-round pick out of Oregon, has been all over the field and is pretty much involved in every tackle.
4. No Turnovers
The Steelers are 0-6 in games when they turn the ball over 2 or more times. They are 2-0 in games where they have turned it over less than twice. Last week against New England we committed two turnovers in the first quarter, the second of which Brady turned into a quick 7 points. The Steelers aren’t built to play from behind, even though that is what they have been doing for most of the season. If the Steelers are going to win today, the offense can’t give the ball away to the Bills defense and give EJ Manuel extra drives.
5. Block
The Steelers offensive line is banged up. David DeCastro should be back from his ankle injury, but both Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert are questionable. The Bills are tied for 3rd in the league in sacks and will likely be in Ben’s grill all day. The Steelers could take some pressure off if they had a competent running game, and even though Le’Veon Bell has shown flashes of ability, the Steelers line has not blocked very well all year. If the Steelers can contain the Bills pass rush, they will have a chance today.
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