The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers Will Face NFL’s Elite: Which Games Are You Most Looking Forward To?
By Brett Tunno
Jun 16, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gestures while talking to running back DeAngelo Williams (34) in drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of tests this season. With the most difficult schedule, the three-headed monster on offense will need some help. The Steelers lost Super Bowl 30 and won Super Bowl 40. Can they make it to Super Bowl 50?
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It will be strange not seeing soon-to-be Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu in the secondary. The defensive unit has undergone a youth movement, and the offense hopes the defense can return to past form. With Ben Roethlisberger, LeVeon Bell, and Antonio Brown, the Steelers should have the capability of putting up points. The big question, in my mind, is how well will the defense perform?
The Steelers have the possibility of facing QBs Tom Brady (barring the deflated balls appeal), Colin Kaepernik, Nick Foles, Joe Flacco, Philip Rivers, Alex Smith, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning. I hope the younger defense is ready for the challenge. Hopefully linebackers Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier, and Bud Dupree become a force and put loads of pressure on the opposition. I believe one player who may break out is defensive end Stephon Tuitt.
Though the season opener is awhile away, it is never too early to start thinking about the upcoming schedule. With such a difficult schedule to tread through, the following games are the ones that I am most looking forward to:
5. vs Indianapolis Colts (December 6, 8:30): The Indianapolis Colts made it to the AFC Championship Game last season, despite their embarrassing defensive performance at Heinz Field last season, as Ben Roethlisberger threw 6 TDs and a franchise-record 522 yards passing in a 51-34 victory. The Colts defense will get another shot at the dangerous Steelers’ offense. This will also be an important AFC game, as QB Andrew Luck will attempt to exploit the young Steelers secondary. This should be another high-scoring battle. Since Pittsburgh plays at Seattle the week before, will the Steelers be beaten up going into this AFC showdown?
4. at Baltimore Ravens (December 27, 8:30): I always look forward to both Ravens games, but I listed this one because it is the second-to-last game of the season. This matchup could have AFC North implications and may decide the champion and a potential playoff berth. I am still sick from last season’s home loss in the playoffs to Baltimore, as I was at Heinz Field and witnessed the debacle. This time around, the Ravens will have to deal with LeVeon Bell, and I think he has the potential to have one of his best games of the season here. Will this game decide the AFC North, and can the Steelers keep Flacco and the Ravens in check on 3rd down?
Pittsburgh Steelers
3. vs Denver Broncos (December 20, 4:25): This game is another AFC showdown, as two powerhouses collide. This may be the last ride for QB Peyton Manning, and WR Emmanuel Sanders will be making his Heinz Field debut in a different jersey. Like I mentioned earlier, I think many of these games will be decided on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh may face Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Joe Flacco to name a few. Will the defense be ready for passing attacks? Can Pittsburgh shut down the eventual Hall of Famer, or will the Broncos try a different attack from the ground game and CJ Anderson?
2. at Seattle Seahawks (November 29, 4:25): We always hear the talk of how great Russell Wilson is, despite only being in the league for a few years. Roethlisberger seems to be overlooked, and this will be a fun QB matchup with two of the best playmakers. Pittsburgh will have to deal with the 12th man, as this will be the loudest stadium all season. Can the Steelers go “Beast Mode,” as well as handle Marshawn Lynch? I think WR Antonio Brown could be the difference maker against a stout Seahawks defense. Is this a potential Super Bowl 50 matchup? Seattle fans are still bitter about Super Bowl 40, and maybe the Steelers have the capability of giving them their 3rd Super Bowl loss in 10 seasons.
1. at New England Patriots (September 10, 8:30): The Steelers begin the quest for Super Bowl 5o in the NFL’s Thursday night Opener against the defending Super Bowl Champs. Upon “deflate-gate” and the potential suspension of QB Tom Brady, a raucous New England crowd will be ready to host the Steelers. I may attempt to buy a ticket and go to this road game. If Brady does play, it will be an immediate test to the Steelers’ secondary. Regardless, LeVeon Bell and LeGarrette Blount will miss this opener due to last year’s marijuana citations in Pittsburgh. This means that newcomer DeAngelo Williams will immediately be given the chance to make an impact with the Steelers. Will the Steelers dethrone the champs, or will the Steelers get “gronked?”
As the season gets closer, I’ll provide a season preview and predictions on the 2015 schedule. Which games are you eager to watch or attend?
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