Not too way back, the Pittsburgh Steelers had been perennial Tremendous Bowl contenders. Nonetheless, like most groups, dropping their franchise quarterback has left them in a transition interval. Not like most groups, although, the Steelers have nonetheless stayed comparatively aggressive. That hasn’t stopped folks from selecting in opposition to them of their first recreation this yr, although. Analyst Invoice Simmons of The Ringer will not be a type of folks.
On his podcast, Simmons defined how he believes nearly all of the general public views the Steelers.
“Pittsburgh is the ‘No one believes in us’ staff,” Simmons stated. “That’s clear. No one believes in Pittsburgh. Folks have shit on them for the final three weeks to the purpose that they had been one among my favourite picks for them to make the playoffs, one among my favourite zags, and even I had actual doubt.”
Simmons is appropriate that many media members are taking the Atlanta Falcons to beat the Steelers. This recreation is basically a coin toss, particularly with so many rivalries inside this recreation. Arthur Smith most likely needs to get a win over the staff that simply fired him, whereas Falcons head coach Raheem Morris greater than doubtless needs to attain a win over his shut pal, Mike Tomlin.
The Falcons made lots of enhancements this yr, although, so though they haven’t made the playoffs since 2017, they appear to be an incredible staff on paper. If quarterback Kirk Cousins bounces again from his Achilles harm, then their offense might be harmful. A number of key additions on protection ought to preserve them competent on that facet of the ball.
Regardless of all of that, Simmons said that he’s not selecting in opposition to Pittsburgh.
“I like this spot for the Steelers. They get a lead, Russ [Wilson], no turnovers, perhaps two deep photographs to Pickens downfield. Aside from that, simply steer the automobile.”
Simmons’ reasoning is sound, but it surely looks as if he recorded this episode of his podcast earlier than Wilson’s calf harm turned a problem once more. That might most likely influence his resolution. It’s unclear if Wilson might be able to go Sunday, but when he’s, it will likely be curious to see if he’s at his finest. Simmons appears to consider he simply must be a recreation supervisor, although, so maybe he might nonetheless accomplish that.
Wilson’s potential to maintain the offense regular is probably going why he received the beginning job within the first place. If he’s wholesome sufficient to play, that most likely received’t change. The Steelers’ recreation plan on offense was most likely going to closely characteristic the working recreation anyway, and if Wilson can do as Simmons says and simply make one or two splash performs, that could be sufficient to safe the victory.
