The Steelers are currently on a well-deserved bye week, sporting a 6-2 record and standing atop the AFC North. As good as things are right now, it won't get any easier when they come back.
Their first hurdle will be the upstart Washington Commanders, led by gifted rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. They stand at the top of the NFC East at 6-2 with no signs of slowing down. Daniels has proven to be the catalyst for a team that has been waiting a long time for something to cheer about.
For the Steelers, they will not only have their hands full trying to neutralize Daniels, but they also face a formidable offense that includes talented receiver Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and a backfield led by running back Brian Robinson. Their defensive unit will be just as difficult to solve, as they have collectively registered 22 sacks in their eight games and currently rank 11th in points against.
The Steelers' remaining schedule has been acknowledged by many as the hardest in the NFL. In Week 11, they'll face off against quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, renewing their rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens. Following that week, they'll be given a serious test against Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Fast forward to Week 15, they'll face off against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently sit behind the Commanders with a 5-2 record.
Arguably, their biggest test of the season will come on Christmas day against Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. In their last three games against the Chiefs, the Steelers have gone 0-3, allowing an average of 40 points in each of those losses.
Despite the challenges that await them, the Steelers have successfully married a drastically improved offense with one of the top-ranked defensive units in the league. With this, the Steelers have a good chance of winning the majority of their games on their schedule, putting themselves in position to clinch a playoff spot before the end of the season.
Commenti