Buffalo Rumblings
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Buffalo Bills this weekend in a game that has major playoff implications for both teams. Buffalo is currently the seven seed in the AFC Playoff picture, and a win would go a long way towards solidifying their bid for a franchise-record seventh consecutive playoff berth. For Pittsburgh, they hold a half-game edge over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, and a win would give them a leg up on their competition in what’s shaping up to be a wild chase for the divisional crown.
Pittsburgh’s playoff chances swing wildly based on the result of Sunday’s contest. With a win, their playoff chances sit at 53%, according to the New York Times’ Playoff Simulator. With a loss, that chance drops all the way down to 30%. Buffalo’s chances swing wildly based on this one, as well. Buffalo has a 91% chance at making the postseason if they win, and just a 69% chance if they lose. While all of those simulations are just that—simulations—it doesn’t change the fact that Sunday’s game is a big one for both clubs.
With that in mind, here are five Steelers we’re watching this week. It’s five players that Buffalo will either need to keep an eye on or neutralize as they try to pick up a big win on the road.
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QB Aaron Rodgers
Buffalo can’t let the venerable Rodgers sit comfortably in the pocket, because that’s merely a recipe for disaster. They’ll need to apply pressure early and often in order to make Rodgers feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Speeding up his internal clock and forcing him into throws that he doesn’t want to make will be a key to victory. While many quarterbacks hate pressure coming from directly up the middle, Rodgers has always been susceptible to pressure from the edges, especially in the form of corner blitzes.
I expect that the Bills will give Rodgers some pressure coming from players who normally stay in coverage, players like cornerback Tre’Davious White or nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, which will force Rodgers into some quick spin-moves or quick throwaways. If they can win their assignments up front, defensive ends Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa, as well as A.J. Epenesa, could have a huge impact on the game.
Rodgers is going to be playing just one week after sitting out with a fracture in his left wrist. He’s not looking to take extra hits, so I expect that he’ll look to throw the ball even quicker than usual. Bringing quick, pointed pressure from the edge after simulating pressure looks up the middle could be the ticket to heating him up and disrupting his rhythm on Sunday.
RB Jaylen Warren
Pittsburgh’s best running back is a well-rounded player. Warren is equally adept in the run game and in the passing game, as he can break long gains when given space thanks to his agility and breakaway speed. Stopping him on early downs, especially when Pittsburgh goes heavy with mammoth tight...
