Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders: Preview, Prediction, TV and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Steelers:
Oct 20, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le
1. Score Touchdowns: Even though they have won their past two games, this Steelers offense has scored 19 or fewer points in four of their six games, including both wins. Kicker Shaun Suisham has been automatic, but the Steelers need to start getting six instead of three more often.
2. Run, Run, Run: The Steelers found a running game last week against the Ravens and it is something that must continue. It won’t be easy as for the third consecutive week they face a competent run defense. The Steelers have a run game that averaged 61.0 yards through the first five games, but recorded 141 versus Baltimore. Rookie Le’Veon Bell gained 93 yards on 19 carries, surpassing his total of 91 entering the game. Expect Bell to get a lot of touches against the Raiders.
3. Pressure, Pressure, Pressure: The Raiders struggle on the ground as quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the team’s leading rusher (285 yards). The Steelers need to not only stop the run, but contain Pryor as well. That won’t be easy as they rank next to last in the NFL in sacks. Pryor went three straight games without an interception, but he threw three at Kansas City in Oakland’s last game. The Steelers can’t get to the quarterback and can’t force turnovers, but they need to find a way to make Pryor uncomfortable for 60 minutes.
However this could be a good opportunity for that Steelers defense to make big plays as the Raiders’ offensive line dealing with injuries to center Stefen Wisniewski(knee), tackle Tony Pashos (hip and groin) and Andre Gurode (quad). A makeshift line was mostly responsible for the Chiefs sacking Pryor nine times.
After allowing 27.5 points per game while going winless in September, Pittsburgh (2-4) has yielded 22 total in consecutive victories over the New York Jets and Baltimore this month. The Steelers defense should be confident heading into this matchup.