Unlike previous seasons, the Steelers have been unpredictable on a week to week basis this year. The same team that blew leads against the hapless Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders also won against the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. A team that allowed Carson Palmer to throw for three touchdowns (no other team has allowed 2) in Week 3 only to see Andy Dalton throw for 105 yards last week.
What about this week?
The Steelers certainly have an uphill battle against the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are first in the NFL in rushing thanks to rookies Alfred Morris and quarterback Robert Griffin III. It will be up to Pittsburgh’s ninth ranked rushing defense to slow down the Redskins which, if they do, they’ll be the first team all season to do so.
Two years ago, the Steelers would have easily stone-walled RGIII and the rest of the Washington offense; however, times have changed and the current defense is further away from their record-breaking ground totals than time would suggest. James Farrior and Aaron Smith have retired, James Harrison and Casey Hampton (aside from one play) look past their primes, Troy Polamalu is injured, and young guys like Ziggy Hood have been bad.
Not exactly the best squad to send out against the top rushing team in the league. So, how do you beat the Washington Redskins? Outscore them.
Seriously. Allowing 328.4 passing yards per game, the Redskins own the worst passing defense in the league. Just watch Victor Cruz’s 77 yard touchdown against Washington last week to win the game for the New York Giants. Or, go back two weeks to see this stellar group donning burgundy and gold give up 352 yards to Christian Ponder of the Minnesota Vikings.
Led by Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have the 6th ranked passing offense in the NFL with Ben having his best season to date. With all the weapons at Roethlisberger’s disposal, this should be a game where the offense puts up 35-40 points regardless of who is the starting running back. The offense can redeem themselves from their embarrassing performance against the Tennessee Titans two weeks ago.
This is an opportunity for the Steelers to get over the .500 hump for the first time all season. Fortunately, they are playing at home where they are winners in 9 of their last 10 games. The Steelers are 4.5 point favorites according to the latest lines. It’s hard to say whether or not they’ll cover, but it seems awfully safe to say both teams will combine for more than 48 points.
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Sports Report
