In typical Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) tradition, the defense rules and provides the team’s greatest opportunity to prevail on most Sundays. In 2015, that trend is more balanced than ever before, dare I say even tipping towards the opposite.
New defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s squad has not been bad, let me make that clear. In fact, they have probably surprised most with the performance given through these first five weeks of the NFL season. But let’s save a complimentary critique of what the Steelers defense has accomplished thus far for another day and focus on an ever-growing, ever-changing, dangerous Pittsburgh offense. I describe it as an arsenal, because there are weapons everywhere and Todd Haley has built a diverse attack. It is a brash group, confident and brave, willing to try a lot of new and exciting things.
“New and exciting” is one way to describe it, at least. Some pundits will argue that this group has underachieved, that they cannot punch it into the end zone enough, that they put the pressure on the field goal kicker too often (sorry, Josh Scobee). Many have questioned, and rightfully so, certain play calls. Some have worked (Bell scoring on the final play to beat San Diego) and some have not (basically the entire Baltimore game), but there are options galore for Haley and head coach Mike Tomlin. So much so, that the insertion of a slightly washed-up, veteran quarterback such as Michael Vick has hardly mattered. The Steelers are able to move the chains, occasionally strike big, and score in the clutch even without Ben Roethlisberger.
Le’Veon Bell is a force to be reckoned with on the ground and in the short passing game. DeAngelo Williams has come in as a quality and bruising backup, filling in beautifully for Bell in the first two weeks and continuing to make an impact after his return. Antonio Brown is Antonio Brown – more on him later. Defenses always have to keep an eye on tight end Heath Miller, especially in the red zone. How about Darrius Heyward-Bey? He has made his name known as a highly-targeted receiver and a great compliment to Brown. Markus Wheaton has had his moments as well in a similar role to Heyward-Bey’s. And, perhaps most importantly, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has done quality work creating room for the rushing attack and protecting the quarterback, even without Maurkice Pouncey. Coach Mike Munchak’s line has not been perfect, but solid, even while replacement center Cody Wallace has been beaten a handful of times.
All of this positivity, again, without Roethlisberger for the past two weeks and probably for at least a couple more. And, alas, we have not even mentioned the return of Martavis Bryant. The 6-foot, 5 inch, big-play receiver changes everything when he returns from his four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. He also sat out a fifth game when he was not activated last week at San Diego.
With the 4-1 Arizona Cardinals coming to Heinz Field with a 2-0 road record and quarterback Carson Palmer nearly impossible to beat lately, the Steelers defense will face its most difficult task since visiting Tom Brady and the Patriots in the opener. Pittsburgh will likely need to score points early and often to keep up and against Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu and his Arizona defense, the addition of Bryant comes at the perfect time.
Most notably, Bryant’s height and big-play ability will be on display first and foremost. Vick has hardly been what can be considered accurate or confident throwing downfield, but there’s a good chance Bryant can go up and get a pass that is a bit off target. In the red zone, the Steelers now have a great option to just throw up a jump ball in the back of the end zone. Bryant’s presence will demand attention on one side of the field, opening up Brown and the other receivers from double coverage.
Speaking of Brown, his weekly feast has not been quite as bountiful with Vick under center. Paired with Roethlisberger, Brown set the record for consecutive games with at least five receptions and 50 yards receiving. In the last two weeks with Vick as the starter, Brown has had less than 50 yards each week and had five and three receptions in the Ravens and Chargers games, respectively. The streak ended at 35 games in the loss to Baltimore. Brown has, at times, been visibly frustrated and unhappy on the sidelines and he said this week that he wants Vick to take some shots and let him make the plays he knows he can make. Brown was targeted 35 times in the first three games, but just 15 in the last two by Vick.
Even with Vick still filling in for Roethlisberger, look for that trend to change Sunday on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Bryant’s return ought to invite a return of the “Killer B’s”, provided that the game plan is as it should be: attack, attack, attack. If Haley can include both Brown and Bryant early, expect the ground game to open up for Bell and Williams. Early conservatism and allowing Arizona to settle in defensively would allow the Cardinals the opportunity to take an early lead and force the Pittsburgh offense to be more desperate and reactive rather than proactive.
Go big, go deep, spread the field and let Bryant fly. His ability was on full display late last season as a play-maker, including in the playoff loss to Baltimore. The Steelers would regret not properly using the biggest weapon in the arsenal.
