Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets: Preview, Prediction, Live Stream & more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Steelers:
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) celebrates a tackle against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
1. Pressure Geno Smith: The Steelers have to find a way to make things uncomfortable for the rookie quarterback. Smith has completed 64.4 percent of his attempts with six touchdowns and three interceptions in three victories, compared to 55.1 percent with one score and five picks in two losses. However, both defeats came on the road, and New York has gone 2-0 at home.
Smith showed Monday night what he can do when he is comfortable in the pocket. He will turn the ball over when he is under pressure, but that’s not necessarily playing to the Steelers strengths.
Despite being 10th in total defense with 321.8 yards allowed per game, Pittsburgh is the only team in the league yet to create a turnover. The Steelers’ minus-11 turnover differential is second-worst only to the New York Giants and their four sacks are the NFL’s fewest. Something has to change for the Steelers to get a win.
2. Stop the run: The Steelers are having all kinds of problems on defense. What makes it worse is the fact that they rank No. 25 in the NFL in run defense. After a bye week to prepare for the Jets, the Steelers better not start out flat or the Jets could grind them into submission.
The Jets are not a great rushing team, but they are certainly good enough to continue to move the chains. If the Steelers continue to get gashed on the ground on first down, it could turn into a long afternoon.
3. Protect Ben Roethlisberger: This is certainly getting old to type, but if the Steelers are to find their way into the win column, they must find a way to get a better performance from the offensive line.
Roethlisberger has played well, throwing for 789 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games but has six turnovers in that span. Much of that is due to being under too much pressure.
Things won’t get any easier this week against a pretty good Jets defense that can pressure Big Ben. The good news is that Mike Adams is headed to the bench. The bad news is that he will be replaced by either Levi Brown or Kelvin Beachum. There’s also a chance that guard Ramon Foster could miss the game, which would shift Beachum back to guard.
The Jets front seven should be licking their lips as they could have a big day.