Somehow the Pittsburgh Steelers are still playing meaningful football in Week Nine of the NFL season. Sitting at 3-4, Pittsburgh needs to keep winning and if the Baltimore Ravens stumble could find themselves on top of the AFC North before its all said and done.
This week the Steelers welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Heinz Field and are riding a two-game winning streak. Can they win this week? They can but here are three things we are worried about.
All those injuries
There is a real possibility the Steelers will be without two of their three best running backs and two starting offensive linemen. This would absolutely cripple the Steelers run game and force quarterback Mason Rudolph to carry the offense. I’m not sure he’s ready for that with this cast of characters.
That physical Colts offensive line
Having watched several Colts games, the first thing that pops off the screen is how their offensive line just beats up opposing defensive fronts. The Steelers are minus Stephon Tuitt and will be pushed to the limit this week. The Colts want to run the football and Cam Heyward, Javon Hargrave and Tyson Alualu better be up to the challenge.
The impact of ego
The Steelers won the last two games after looking like their season was over. This team plays well when its back is against the wall. Sitting at 3-4 is hardly anything to get excited about but would anyone be shocked if some of the Steelers got a little wrapped up in this recent run of success and come out flat?
