NFL
By: Melo Williams
The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) will host the New Orleans Saints (3-6) in Week 10.
The week that couldn’t arrive quickly enough for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. Pittsburgh could get the much-needed boost in the defense with the return of reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. He’s been on injured reserve since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 1 but is expected to be activated for this game.
KEYS TO VICTORY:
T.J. Watt! Steelers’ defense has been horrible without T.J. and maybe now the Steeler’s defense will be able to get off the field. With Watt having no restrictions expect him to get back to doing what he does best, putting pressure on the right tackle and getting to the quarterback.
When Watt was asked by a reporter if he was gonna play in Week 10 he said “Yes”!
“I am very excited. It’s been a long time coming,” said Watt. “I feel very, very good about the week that I had and excited to play, excited to be back at Acrisure Stadium and get the fans involved.
Watt was asked about a pitch count and he said ” No pitch count.” “I don’t want to put limitations on myself. I’ve never played 100 percent of the snaps anyways.”
When asked if his return would give the Steelers a spark Watt said “I hope so.” “I think everybody in here is trying to find a spark and trying to get in the win column,” said Watt. “Every week it starts with having a great week of practice, which I feel like we have. I’m excited to go out and see what we’re made of on Sunday.”
RUN THE BALL
Matt Canada has survived. He’s not going anywhere this season so Pittsburgh fans must understand this is their reality going forward, for the remainder of the season.
Steeler’s former Super Bowl winning coach Bill Cowher said after the Steelers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles that Pittsburgh needs to take the ball out of Kenny Pickett’s hands some. For Steeler’s nation hopefully, Matt Canada got the message.
The Steelers have had the inability to rush the ball all season. Some of that if not most of the reason is because of the lack of rushing play calls. They are 27th in rushing offense at 94.9 yards per game. Very uncharacteristic of the Steelers. Pittsburgh is averaging four yards per carry and has a total of four rushing touchdowns through eight games.
Najee Harris, leads the team with 108 carries and 361 yards but is averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt and has one rushing touchdown.
Jaylen Warren, an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma State, has been very effective and has looked better than Harris. With fewer opportunities (29 carries) Warren has averaged more yards per carry (5.3) than Najee Harris. Rumors are that Warren could be more involved in the game plan against the Saints.
“He’s a quality back that’s made some plays,” answered Tomlin. “We’ll keep giving him an opportunity to do so, and maybe he’ll write that script.” “We’ve gotten some awesome contributions from Jaylen, and it’s reasonable to expect that to continue,” said Tomlin.
The Saints are giving up 120.9 rushing yards per game, which ranks 19th in the NFL. Running backs are averaging 4.5 yards per carry against the Saints while the Saints have surrendered nine total rushing touchdowns through Week 9, so Pittsburgh should look to have a heavy running attack against New Orleans.
GET PAT FREIERMUTH INVOLVED MORE
Tight end Pat Freiermuth is expected to see an increased role in the Steeler’s offense since the team traded receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears.
Freiermuth has been one of the few consistent positive signs for the Steeler’s offense this season. When Freiermuth was asked about his role possibly increasing he said “I don’t care about the extra targets, numbers, stats,” said Freiermuth.
“I just want to do anything I can to help the team win. If that is me catching the ball more, making plays down the middle of the field, I am going to do that. We just want to win. We just gotta get the win this week. Whatever is asked of me I am going to do.”
So far this season Pat Freiermuth has 32 receptions for 367 yards with 1 touchdown. Averaging 11.5 per reception.
PREDICTION:
Steelers win 24-20
FUN FACT: The Saints are the only team that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t beaten in his 16 seasons. He is 0-3 against New Orleans.
The Saints have won three in a row in the series and lead the all-time series, 9-7.
