Week 15:Philadelphia Eagles(11-2)

Elliott is a big part of that defense. Kazee is a decent backup, but he can't match the physical presence Elliott brings to the defense. It is no fluke that he is second on the team in tackles.

 

Plenty of options too!!!

No shortage of them either!!

 

I'm not feeling confident in the defense with Larry O and Elliott being injured.

 

Austin has to step up now or get out of the way

This is a prime opportunity

 

Williams is the one who must step up in the absence of Pickens. He seems to be stepping into that role in the offense. I don't think it was a coincidence that he finally started contributing with Pickens out of the lineup last week. Of course, the other receivers also need to contribute more, but Williams has to be the down-field threat. He is the best option for those moon balls Wilson likes to throw down the sideline.

 

I do not think people realize how much the O has evolved since not only when Russ came in, but even the last couple of weeks. I was waiting to see Smith using more TE sets, and saw a vid on it. Muth has not the stats I thought he would, but the last couple of games has made some nice catches. Definitely need Williams to step up, but both TE's need to be more involved.

 

Agreed. The one potential advantage of Pickens being out is that it might encourage Wilson to spread the ball out more. The disadvantage is what it does to the deep passing game. It was absent early in the game against the Browns, then not as successful when they did get to it later. I think the biggest difference in the offense since Wilson took over is the deep passing game is a threat. It isn't just about the big gains, though those are great. It opens up everything else. The Steelers are going to have to prove they can hurt opposing defenses early on as long as Pickens is out. That is why Williams is crucial. Austin has great speed, but he's not going to win 50-50 balls. Williams can do that.

 

It's hard to step up when you only get 2-3 targets a game.

 

Get open

Get targets

 

I have heard the local media say he's open quite often, he's just not getting the targets.

 

Not arguing but one game recently Wilson hit 10 different receivers

Do you think he’s ignoring an open receiver

Maybe he can’t see The Little Dude

 

He's tied for the team lead in touchdowns so he makes the most of the opportunity when he does get the ball.

 

The Little Dude played well today and was our best receiver

 

Today he stepped up

 

He was the lone bright spot on our offense, 5 receptions for 65 yards. That isn't amazing but it is when consider the other 4 WR's combined for 2 catches for 32 yards.