The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough task ahead of them against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but there are still avenues to an upset in Week 10.
The Pittsburgh Steelers justifiably have the right to feel underrated by those expecting the Washington Commanders to roll over them in Week 10. Pittsburgh is a three-point underdog on the road in Landover.
Concerns are justified. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels looks like a superstar and he is leading arguably the NFC’s most dangerous team. In a hostile environment, things could go awry for the Steelers.
But there are pathways to victory if Pittsburgh can limit Daniels’ effectiveness and opportunities.
The “moon balls” must land.
Washington traded for former New Orleans Saints corner Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline. In doing so, it ensured its defense can play the style head coach Dan Quinn would prefer – single-high and aggressive.
There’s merit to Quinn’s decision, but it also leaves the outside corners vulnerable to the deep ball – if the receivers are capable of winning above the rim.
That’s exactly what the Steelers are built to do. Between quarterback Russell Wilson and receiver George Pickens, few teams have flashed a more impressive rapport downfield. Throw in receiver Mike Williams, who they just traded for, and the unit is all the more dangerous.
There will be opportunities to stretch the field. Converting on them will be critical in keeping pace with an electric Washington offense,
The pass rush must be cohesive.
There’s no shortage of talent on the Steelers’ defensive line. From edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to the Canton-bound Cameron Heyward and emerging Keeanu Benton. Nick Herbig and Preston Smith make the group arguably the league’s deepest.
But Daniels is among the league’s elite scramblers and promises to pose a challenge on Sunday.
Subsequently, it will be imperative to rush as a unit rather than a collection of individuals. Keeping contain (as well as one can against Daniels) and funneling him into other defenders is the key to mitigating the damage he can do on the ground.
If Washington can routinely find explosives on broken plays, things could get ugly.
Najee Harris must stay hot.
It’s incredibly difficult to win in January if you can’t run the ball and stop the run.
Sunday’s game is an early November contest, of course. But with legitimate playoff implications, a ton of star power, and Super Bowl aspirations gaining steam, it might as well be a playoff game.
Harris has played well in recent weeks, logging three consecutive 100-yard games. He’s been everything Pittsburgh could’ve asked as other backs deal with injuries and he’s embodied the role of a workhorse back.
He’ll play a critical role in keeping the ball out of Daniels’ hands on Sunday, keeping his opportunities to a minimum and thus limiting the game’s volatility. But Harris may also play a role in the four-minute offense, should the Steelers hold a late lead. His ability to help close out Week 10’s festivities could prove crucial.
