Intriguing Game- Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints
Steelers: Okay, so I won’t take anything away from their win on Sunday against the Patriots. It’s about time that they finally beat their arch nemesis!! They prevailed and kept their foot on the gas pedal. What really impressed me with the win was how they “out Patriots’d” the Patriots by taking away their best offensive weapon (Gronkowski) and forcing Brady to throw elsewhere. This was also a must-win game for them to remain in contention. Now, let me be very honest here. I can’t figure the Steelers out with their inconsistent ways because they showed up for the Patriots game, but they struggled against a Raiders team in week 14 that they had no business losing. I really don’t know what Steelers team Mike Tomlin will put out on the field. Their offense has been one of the best over the last few seasons, but the running game hasn’t been strong which is shocking considering Steelers football is always built on running the football. However, they may have received a boost in that area of the game with Jaylen Samuels and whenever James Conner comes back, this tandem could be exactly what the team needs out the backfield. Sunday was the best their defense has looked all year long. They were consistent in every tier from the pass rush collapsing Tom’s pocket, the linebackers took away the middle of the field and the secondary finally stepped up and prevented those big plays from getting down the field. Have they finally snapped out of it? Only time will tell. They travel to New Orleans for a showdown with the Saints on Sunday afternoon.
Saints: Ever since their loss to the Dallas Cowboys a few weeks back, their offense hasn’t looked as strong as it did when they were on their ten-game winning streak. The Saints are known to have that high-flying, prolific offense that can light the scoreboard up on anybody, but as of late, that has been the opposite. Let’s go furthermore into the numbers. Drew Brees hasn’t eclipsed the 200-yard passing mark since November 18th when the Saints played the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the last four games, Brees has averaged just 175 yards passing. They became the first team to win 12 games after their Monday night battle with the struggling Carolina Panthers. To be honest, that was their most impressive win to me and I’m sure you’re reading this and thinking I’m crazy, but I can explain. What makes a team great is the ability to win in different ways and no team has been better at that than the Saints. I’ve said before, this isn’t your typical dome team because they can go on the road, play in the elements and play a physical brand of football. Their defense has been solid all around once again. They’re ranked first against the run allowing 79 yards per game, they’re ranked 11th in total defense and they’ve played shut down football giving up only 11 points a game in their last three games. With a win on Sunday, the Saints will lock up home-field advantage.
Steelers Player To Watch: Stephon Tuitt– He’s a big guy standing at 6’6 and weighing in at 303 pounds. He moves very well for a guy his size. Pressuring Brees and tackling Kamara in space will be the objective.
Saints Player To Watch: Tre’Quan Smith– If the Patriots couldn’t get a receiver to attack this Steelers secondary, please believe the Saints will. Here’s the thing about the Saints receivers. If you’re open, you are going to get the football. Tre’Quan can catch screen passes, run the deep drag routes over the middle and he’s explosive with the ball in his hands.
Final Analysis: This is a huge game for both teams in week 16. This is also one of those star quarterback matchups between Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees, both men have three Super Bowl rings between them. If the Steelers can play defense how they did last week, they have a good chance to win this game. The secondary must be stronger than they were in week 15 against an offense that can spread you out then attack. Is this the game the Saints offense wakes up? Something’s gotta give.
Prediction: Saints 35 Steelers 31
