Every week, NFL pundit talk about schemes and gameplans but to win sometimes it is as simple as winning your individual matchups. There are times when regardless of the play call or design, you just have to whip the guy across from you. This could be what it comes down to for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week when they take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Here are the three matchups we want to keep an eye on this week because Pittsburgh must win them.
DK Metcalf vs Artie Burns
It really feels like the Steelers are going to be without Joe Haden. If this is the case, Burns could see plenty of work going against Metcalf. He might only be a rookie but Metcalf has already established himself as the Seahawks top receiving option. If I’m the Seattle coaches, I attack Burns early and often to see how he responds.
James Conner vs Bobby Wagner
The Steelers gave up on the run game far too soon last week and reminded everyone of last season. This week we sincerely hope the Steelers stick with the run regardless of the situation. Wagner is Seattle’s best defender and one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. If Conner is going to get moving, there could be some serious collisions between these two.
T.J. Watt vs Germain Ifedi
Watt broke out in 2018 with 13 sacks and was one of the best all-around linebackers in the league. One game into the 2019 season, Watt doesn’t have any sacks and this needs to change against Seattle. Pittsburgh asks Watt to drop into coverage often but they need to cut Watt loose in the pass rush. This means he’s going to have to figure out a way to get past Ifedi who played well last week.
