As we’ve performed up to now, under are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers successful (or shedding) in the present day’s recreation. Three issues that must occur for them to finish up on the precise facet of the rating and vice versa of their Week 5 contest in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys.
My Steelers’ prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. The Inside O-Line Wins The POA
The Cowboys’ run protection has been weak for a lot of the season, although they tightened the screws in Week 4’s win over the New York Giants, holding them to primarily 1-yard per carry. Pittsburgh’s speeding assault is coming off their worst recreation of the yr and will probably be with out two of their three backs, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson.
With Isaac Seumalo again, this line should win up entrance. The inside blocking of Seumalo-Frazier-McCormick has to have the ability to assert its nicely and get extra of a push on its doubles than they did in opposition to the Colts. Caring for Cowboys NT Mazi Smith, coming off his finest recreation of his younger profession, is mission No. 1.
2. Protection Devises Good Third Down Plan For Lamb
There’s no simple method to cease CeeDee Lamb. Frankly, it’d be silly to anticipate it. However Pittsburgh should pay attention to No. 88 each snap, particularly on weighty downs and big-time moments. CB Joey Porter Jr. is prone to shadow more often than not however in opposition to guys of Lamb’s caliber, it’s not a single man’s job. Bracketing Lamb will probably be key, particularly given his alignment may be anyplace on the sphere, opening up his route tree and making it tougher to make use of CB leverage to remove a lot of the discipline (i.e. inside leverage in opposition to a extensively aligned receiver).
General, Pittsburgh does a very good job limiting the opposition’s star participant. However Lamb is a unique type of process.
3. Play-action Brings Chunk
Earlier this week, we mentioned Pittsburgh’s poor play-action numbers. There’s an opportunity to alter that in opposition to Dallas. Being at dwelling and getting off a silent rely permits cadence to be an element and an opportunity for the Cowboys’ protection to play just a little slower. However extra to the purpose, Dallas is an aggressive bunch who likes to take possibilities and may be fooled by fakes and double-moves. That is the prospect for Justin Fields, with a fantastic ball-fake, to hit an enormous play downfield.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys ‘Groups Spoils The Night time
Particular groups might be the difference-maker on this one. And Dallas has a fantastic trio. Aubrey is the league’s strongest kicker who may hit from 60-yards even in Acrisure Stadium. Punter Bryan Anger is seventh in gross common at 51.5-yards whereas returner KaVontae Turpin already has a punt return this season, the one punt return rating of the season.
Clearly, Pittsburgh brings power with Ok Chris Boswell however Dallas has the stronger collective. That may’t be missed.
2. Hunter Luepke Turns into A Thorn In Protection’s Facet
Past Lamb, the Cowboys lack bonafide weapons. However they’ve a speedy group of receivers whereas Luepke has elevated his function within the offense, taking part in over half their snaps final week. He’s a cross protector, lead blocker, and getting concerned within the passing recreation with 5 targets the final two video games mixed. He may choose up essential third downs to maintain drives alive.
3. Sim Strain Is Too A lot To Deal with
The Cowboys’ protection is hurting however what they nonetheless can do is present stress and threaten Pittsburgh’s line up the center. In apparent passing conditions, they’ll Mug the gaps and present an excessive blitz look. Generally they rush, typically they drop out. A rookie like middle Zach Frazier and the crew’s operating backs should type every thing out and execute. RB Aaron Shampklin may have a key function if he assumes some third down duties like he did final week.
Prediction
Steelers: 27
Cowboys: 23
Season Prediction File
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