This week the Pittsburgh Steelers have a golden opportunity to create some distance going into the final week of the season and take steps toward a spot in the playoffs. But if the Steelers want to keep their narrow playoff hopes alive, they have to get past the New York Jets first.
Here are our keys to victory.
Force the Jets to throw the football
The top priority for the Steelers defense this week will be to stuff the run and make the Jets one dimensional. Running back Le’Veon Bell is a talented football player but far from unstoppable. This is especially true for a team that knows him well. He and the Jets run game has to be the focus, then when Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is forced to throw, the Steelers pass rush can take over.
Establish the run on offense
Meanwhile, when Pittsburgh has the football, they must establish the run. It’s time for that offensive line to strap on their helmet and control the line of scrimmage. Running back James Conner has had a full week of practice and should be the feature back this week with a gameplan built around him getting plenty of touches.
Limit mistakes on offense
The entire offensive philosophy should be built around not putting quarterback Devlin Hodges in a position to throw the football 38 times. The gameplan was a disservice to his skills and was a part of why Hodges threw four interceptions. If this means scaling back the scheme so be it but you can’t turn the ball over that much and expect to win.
Get points on defense
It would be great this week if the Steelers defense could put some numbers up on the scoreboard. Whether it’s a scoop and score off of a fumble or an interception return, you get the feeling if Pittsburgh wants to win this week, the offense can’t be the only ones to put up points.
