When the Pittsburgh Steelers square off with the Los Angeles Rams this week, playoff position for both teams will be on the line. Much is made about coaching and schemes but ultimately for the Steelers it is going to come down to winning individual matchups. Here are the three matchups we want to keep an eye on this weekend.
Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster vs Rams CB Jalen Ramsey
With Ramsey in the mix, the Rams aren’t going to have to commit extra defenders to cover Smith-Schuster. This presents an interesting challenge for not only Smith-Schuster but quarterback Mason Rudolph as well. Can Smith-Schuster get open and will Rudolph trust him enough to throw it up and let Smith-Schuster go get it?
Steelers OL Matt Feiler vs Rams DT Aaron Donald
The Steelers are experimenting with starting right tackle Matt Feiler at left guard in place of Ramon Foster who remains in the concussion protocol. The team hasn’t commented much about this but you have to think at least some of this is to get Feiler, who is a massive strong blocker, but agile, inside to work against Donald. B.J. Finney is a strong guy but doesn’t have the footwork and hand usage to do the work Feiler can against an elite defender like Donald.
Steelers OLB T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree vs the Rams offensive tackles
If there is a spot where the Steelers have a clear edge in this week’s game it is in the matchup between outside linebackers Watt and Dupree against Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein, the Rams starting tackles. Watt and Dupree have been on a tear this season combining for 13.5 sacks.
