As we’ve finished previously, beneath are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers profitable (or shedding) right now’s sport. Three issues that have to occur for the Steelers to finish up on the correct facet of the rating and vice versa of their Wild Card sport towards the Houston Texans.
My Steelers prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Aaron Rodgers’ Expertise Fools Texans’ Younger Secondary
Houston’s energy rests in its protection. In its go rush, the world getting most consideration, but in addition its secondary. These two sides go hand-in-hand, however even nonetheless, a defensive again core of All-Professional Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter (wholesome and accessible Monday evening), Jalen Pitre and Callen Bullock is formidable.
It’s additionally a younger group. Pitre is the “elder” at 26 years outdated with Bullock, Stingley and Lassier no older than 24. Whereas they’ve a good quantity of beginning expertise, their mixed 171 begins are nonetheless fewer than Aaron Rodgers’ profession 257. Can Rodgers use that to his benefit? Houston additionally performs a static protection that doesn’t depend on overly advanced schemes or wrinkles, as an alternative trusting expertise to win out. Rodgers wants to have the ability to idiot this comparatively younger crew. If he does, it may very well be a giant day.
One other key level value squeezing in. A quicker begin or put one other manner, avoiding a giant early deficit. Pittsburgh’s been outscored an unimaginable 73-0 within the first quarter of its final six playoff video games – all losses. The protection should step up however Rodgers must get this offense on the board in a rush.
2. Texans’ Offense Turns into One-Dimensional And Folds
Houston’s dashing assault pales compared to Baltimore’s. Woody Marks has made performs however not a ton of them, and the bottom sport isn’t the Texans’ energy. Pittsburgh’s run protection has improved the final month and will shut down one dimension of Houston’s offense. Even realizing the Texans can transfer the ball by way of the air, it’s powerful sledding for any workforce to solely depend on the go sport, particularly on the street in a hostile place like Acrisure.
3. Protection Stops Change Routes
Houston’s go sport has pure expertise however combines it with sound scheme. On third down, the Texans love utilizing bunch units and change routes that power defenses to regulate and match on the fly. Pittsburgh’s protection has communicated higher this yr than final however had its points in Week 18 and has usually struggled towards movement and these types of post-snap adjustments.
Pittsburgh should win in these moments. Both with banjo calls to go it off, matching routes, or having acceptable spacing to keep away from operating into one another.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Houston Doesn’t Solely Rating On Offense
Houston doesn’t have an elite offense, but it surely’s scoring doesn’t come simply from the offense. The Texans’ protection has a pick-six and three fumbles returned for a landing. That’s one of many NFL’s high numbers.
Whereas rookie receiver Jaylin Noel hasn’t scored within the return sport, he’s a risk. He sports activities wholesome averages within the kick and punt return sport with 50-plus returns in each. That may flip discipline place in a rush.
Although this is on offense, kicker Ka’imi’ Fairbairn is tied-fourth within the NFL with 9 boots from 50-plus yards this yr. Doing so in Pittsburgh might be more durable however there’s numerous methods this group can put up factors or no less than put themselves int place to attain. That may be the distinction within the postseason.
2. Pittsburgh’s ‘Chip Plan’ Limits Offense
Pittsburgh didn’t have to fret a few high go rush risk towards Baltimore, making it no coincidence that RB Kenneth Gainwell had a prolific day within the passing sport. That process might be harder towards a Houston rush boasting fierce expertise at defensive finish in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson. Formally, two All-Execs.
Meaning devoted extra chip and assist. That would dredge again up the problems of Week 17 towards Cleveland, limiting route timber for tight ends and backs. Even with DK Metcalf again, undoubtedly a giant enhance, it’s nonetheless going to be a tricky problem if Rodgers can’t unfold the ball round like he prefers.
3. Secondary Can’t Cease Houston’s Measurement
Pittsburgh has confronted gifted receivers, however hasn’t handled the dimensions Houston’s extensive receivers have shortly. Nico Collins is 6’4. So is Jayden Higgins. Collins is Tee Higgins-like and might be a handful. Higgins is ascending and tight finish Dalton Schultz completed third at his place in receptions.
The Steelers can match with measurement at cornerback however there’s little protection for a bounce ball the place a obtain simply goes up and makes a play. Houston is actually able to producing them.
Prediction
Steelers: 24Texans: 16
Season Prediction Document
4-13
I do know you might be all very disenchanted in my prediction. I began the week feeling like I used to be going to choose Houston. The extra I thought of it and the extra I studied the Texans, the extra assured I grew to become within the Steelers. On Monday evening, Pittsburgh should defeat Houston and the Kozora Curse. Simply think about in the event that they do. Speak about a workforce of future.
