Game Overview ::
By papy324 >>
- This is a poor game environment that should feature a lot of running.
- Both backfields are timeshares.
- The pass catchers are all cheap but are also unlikely to post a tournament-worthy score.
- This game should be low scoring but the defenses aren’t likely to rack up sacks or turnovers
How pittsburgh Will Try To Win ::
The 5-8 Steelers are limping into Week 15 off a close loss to divisional rival Baltimore. The loss all but mathematically eliminates the Steelers from the playoffs and makes “Mike Tomlin’s first losing season” a near lock. As Tomlin eloquently put it in his post-game press conference, “there is nothing mystical about it.” Although watching the Steelers offense might make you wish that a pack of fire-breathing dragons would incinerate the field, it’s hard to argue with Tomlin’s 10 million-dollar-a-year analysis, there is nothing mystical about being bad at your job.
The Steelers play at a moderate speed (13th overall) and don’t change much based on the scoreboard. They are middle of the pack when the game is close (16th situational neutral pace) and play their fastest if they are winning (8th in pace when leading), and slowest if they are behind (16th in pace when trailing). The Steelers splits here don’t offer much in the way of tendencies but serve to further illustrate that the coaching staff is mashing buttons. The Panthers have been below average on the ground (19th in DVOA) and equally subpar against the pass (19th in DVOA). The Panthers lack a relative weakness on defense but the Steelers coaching staff wouldn’t have been looking for one anyway. The problem with Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t talent. Kenny Pickett is a first-round pick. George Pickens, Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, and Chase Claypool (to start the year), are all above average NFL talents. The Steelers offensive line was pegged to be a bottom five unit but they have overperformed expectations (18th ranked by PFF), especially protecting the passer (8th ranked in pass blocking efficiency). The problem with Pittsburgh’s offense is the scheme. The Steelers run on first down out of running formations, and they throw on passing downs out of passing formations. They use motion but it’s always pointless. Their WR route trees consist of go routes, slant routes, and curl routes. They rarely use screen passes or misdirection in the running game, and it would be mystical if Tomlin ever drew up a trick play. The offense’s biggest advantage is that they know where the ball is going, and the defense doesn’t, which is something Tomlin never tries to exploit. Expect the Steelers to attack with their usual uncreative, run-balanced style, with a “beat the man across from you” mentality that relies on people making plays rather than scheming players into space.
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