Steelers - Rams Preview: Can Pittsburgh Overcome the Odds?

Going into week seven I think we can all agree that both the Steelers and Rams are a little surprised about their season so far. The Rams had little hype and looked to be on the verge of a complete rebuild but have come together and shown how important great coaching is and can be for a team that is very young with some savvy veterans. The Steelers on the other hand have had the opposite problem. There was a mountain of hype behind Pittsburgh going into week 1 and when the offense just could not get going it was frustrating. They are winning games through defensive splash plays. While it has been hard to watch, there is plenty of football left and after their bye last year, the Steelers ended 7-2 over the final nine. Hopefully, this offense can get kicked into high gear and show off the talent it really has.

No team can perform better with their back against the wall like a Mike Tomlin led team. Do we want to always have our back against the wall, no, but that is where they are at and where they will be for the foreseeable future since they are rolling with Matt Canada for the remainder of the year. They will be presented with a good opportunity to show off the aerial attack against a familiar face in Ahkiello Witherspoon who has the lowest passer rating allowed so far this year. That is a real change from what he presented last year in Pittsburgh.

The key to the game for the Steelers offense is to make sure that Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is held in check as much as possible so there is time to extend the plays. Most importantly though they need to pound the rock while rotating Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to keep the Rams defense honest and use the play action off that. It looks like they will be going into this game healthier on offense, with the return of Diontae Johnson. However, we learned today that tight end Pat Freiermuth will not suit up. Getting an elite route runner in Johnson back will open up the playbook massively and create more separation for everyone.

On the defensive side of the ball, they will have their hands full with rising start Puka Nacua and All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp. If fans and the coaching staff want to see if they have a true dog in cornerback Joey Porter Jr, this is the game you put him on both those receivers and see what he can do. The way he fights through adversity will show his passion and commitment to his craft and ultimately, he will be better from this game if he is put on a top receiver in the league. The key on defense is always to create splash plays and eliminate them from the offense but they can’t do that unless the offense puts the pressure and foot on the Rams neck to start.

I think we see Porter Jr. step up to the plate and hit a home run.

Steelers win 24-20.