STEELERS (5-2) VS. LIONS (3-3)
SUNDAY, 8:30 P.M. ET, FORD FIELD, DETROIT uTV: NBC
Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
About the Steelers: The offense has developed a run-first identity, and the defense is playing its best football in years. The Steelers haven’t been perfect and have dealt with a little drama, but they’ve scored two straight impressive wins and have the manpower to make it three. RB had a slow start after he sat out the entire preseason, but he has worked his way into shape and is running his way toward the top of the NFL’s rushing charts. LB is one of a handful of defensive players having careerbest seasons, and though the Steelers still trust in QB and WR
to create big plays, they’ve been sticking with a simple, smashmouth formula. It’s still October, but the Steelers are firmly in command in the AFC North and appear to be trending upward near the midseason mark.
About the Lions: QB needed the bye week to heal his bruises, and the offense knows it needs to do more for the Lions to be legitimate NFC North contenders. Stafford has been sacked 23 times, and though he has had some big games the Lions have been inconsistent in the passing game and need more production from their pass-catchers besides WR The defense has been active, has forced turnovers and looks good enough to push the team to the playoffs, but the offensive line has to keep Stafford upright and the run game has to keep defenses honest. DE has become a force off the edge, and rookie LB has been key for a run defense that faces a tremendous challenge this week.
Matchup to watch: Steelers CB Artie Burns vs. Tate. The Steelers believe Burns is on his way to becoming a true No. 1 cornerback. He matches up with Brown in practice and the opposing No. 1 receiver on Sundays. Tate knows how to get open and has developed a strong rapport with Stafford. Though the Lions want to spread the ball around, they’re fine knowing that Tate sparks many of the big plays they’ll need to win a game like this one.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The defense never really recovered from Heyward’s season-ending injury last season. Now that he’s back he’s spending plenty of time in the opposing backfield, and though Heyward has only four sacks he’s still making a lot of other big plays.
Bell has had at least 32 carries three times in the last four games. The offensive line is playing to its pay grade, and Bell is using his vision and patience to exhaust opposing defenses.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Stay aggressive: The Steelers’ offense has a history of road struggles, and the rested Lions should have the energy to get off to a hot start, maybe with the help of some turnovers.
2. Mix it up: Lions RB has posted a couple of big games, and he also has disappeared at times. The Lions need Abdullah, TE and rookie WR
to deliver when called upon for the offense to get rolling.
3. Let it loose: The Steelers don’t mind punishing opponents with their run game, but the thought of the big play to Brown and to rookie WR keeps defenses both honest and on alert. Brown’s overall numbers are down, but he’s still getting his share of targets.
4. Keep it close: It’s not as if the Lions are going to totally shut down Bell. But if they can contain him and keep themselves within range, Stafford has produced fourth-quarter heroics before and can beat this secondary.
Zac Jackson