It's all on the defense...

[Luvnit2]

(01-08-2016, 01:51 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: ...or at least it makes me feel more confident to think about it that way. If our defense can limit Antonio Brown like they have all season (averaging 67 yards on 10.3 ypc) while forcing Pig Ben to turn it over (4 INTs combined), I really think we'll win this one.

DeAngelo Williams has been an x-factor for the Steelers all season. While the passing game got all the credit, he really softened the blow of losing Leveon Bell. There was almost no drop off.

Leveon Bell in 5 complete starts- averaged 127 all purpose yards with 3 TDs. 4.9 yards per carry.
D. Williams in 9 complete starts- averaged 122 all purpose yards with 11 TDs. 4.5 yards per carry.

Williams replaced Bell's production completely, and was a better red zone threat than Bell, tbh. Williams averaged over 100 yards from scrimmage with 2 TDs against us this year. With him out, word is that the Steelers will lean on Fitzgerald Toussaint, who has 27 career touches and a 2.3 ypc average.

The Steelers are acting like this is no big deal, but it clearly is. Especially with the forecast calling for rain. Williams was a big-time producer through the run, on dump-offs and in the red zone. It will put more pressure on Ben to produce, and we've seen what happens when Ben is pressured this year.

I have to agree especially with the weather prediction. Our defense has to shut down their run game and create turnovers, let hope we can force these new backs to fumble.