Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Lions:
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass as he is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Manny Lawson (91) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
1. Big day from Reggie Bush: A lot of attention will be paid to MegaTron, which means Bush could have a big afternoon in both the passing and running game. You still have to look back at what the Patriots did against this Steelers defense and wonder which unit will show up.
The Steelers have struggled at times this season allowing big plays to opposing running backs. Bush has the speed to burn the Steelers defense in a big way. The Lions need to find ways to get him a lot of touches.
2. Get to Big Ben: Even in victory last week, Ben Roethlisberger took another beating. Roethlisberger’s 87.6 passer rating is his lowest in five seasons and he managed 204 yards passing against the Bills for his third-lowest total of the season. He has been sacked 35 times for the NFL’s second-highest total. If the Lions find ways to keep pressure on him for four quarters, they likely come away with a big road win.
3. Make Steelers One Dimensional: Detroit struggles against the pass, ranking only 25th in the NFL, but they need to make the Steelers one dimensional. Take away the run and force the Steelers to air it out. They may give up some big plays, but by forcing the Steelers to become one dimensional they will be able to pin their ears back and attack Big Ben and will likely create a few costly turnovers in the process.
It’s easier to defend the pass when you know it is coming all the time. The Lions need to start quick, get an early lead and have a field day going after the quarterback.
Key Matchup: Ike Taylor vs. Calvin Johnson
Ike Taylor usually does a good job on the opposition’s top target and has turned in decent performances against the likes of A.J. Green, Brandon Marshall and others this season. But he has his work cut out for him on Sunday.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said it best:
“Johnson needs no endorsement from me,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He is the best wide receiver in the game and one of the best football players period regardless of position in the game of professional football.
“He’s got over 900 yards receiving; he’s got nine touchdowns through nine games. You can talk about ways to minimize his impact on the game, people, coverages, all of that’s been done through nine games this year and he’s still at about 100 yards per game and a touchdown per game. Obviously we’re going to take our swing at it.”
If Taylor swings and misses, this one could get ugly quick.
Prediction: There’s a lot I like about the Steelers this week, but there’s more that I don’t like. The Lions will be able to make the big plays that the Steelers likely won’t and at the end of the day I just don’t think the Steelers can do enough on both sides of the ball to come away with a win. It will take a mistake free afternoon to do so and I just don’t feel confident in them turning in that type of performance. Lions 24, Steelers 20.