Keys to Success Tomorrow?

Match or exceed Buffalos intensity, run the ball don't turn it over
and force turnovers.

 

No need to . That would be just fine.

 

Exactly. Setup a good run game to open up the pass. If they can establish a run with some intermediate throws they won't look one dimensional. Very important for our defense to have a good game otherwise if Allens gets up on the Steelers enough it will make our offense have to throw more.

 

With Watt out, they will probably test the run defense on his side.

 

1) Win the turnover battle
2) Mason with > 300 yards passing
3) Shut down Bills running game to make their offense one-dimensional

 

https://x.com/matthewluciow92/status/1746601284856152369?s=20

Use the Infinity Gauntlet.

 

FOCUS

 

Break strong from the gate . That's been such a huge playoff problem for them .

 

We need a big play by the special teams. Another blocked punt from Killebrew or a big punt return by Austin, maybe even a great kick return from Igwebuike.

 

I think either Herbig or Golden will make a big play in the absence of Watt.

 

both will

 

Our secondary will have to play well since they won't be getting the pressure up front that they are used to without Watt. Our safeties are back, and if that unit can acquit itself well, we can frustrate Allen and win this game. The linebackers also have to bring it and keep Cook in check. Both teams will work to establish the run.

 

I hate to say this but our deficiency in LB play may be exposed tomorrow. I agree with all the keys mentioned previously but tackling and covering the middle of the field scare the hell out of me. For me the Offense needs to win this game unlike anything we are used to. The Offense needs to control the ball and scores TDs when in the red zone. I just don’t know if we are built for that.

 

Run the ball up the middle to the spot where Pro Bowl MLB Tremaine Edmunds played last year. If there defense has a weakness it is where Edmunds played last year.

 

Play a solid 60 minutes - all 4 quarters - both halves - down to the last tick of the clock.

I have watched the Steelers lose games way too many times but coming out slow and then making a valiant effort but coming up short OR even more rare as of late - playing well enough in the 1st and then faultering in the 2nd.

Not saying it’s the most critical factor, but it’s something that I see and rarely hear criticized.

 

Would love to see this happen!!

 

If Najee and Warren both continue running like they have the last 3 games, I like their chances

 

Not let the governor of NY to the game. She'll probably turn the sprinklers on when we kick a FG.

 

She doesn't have to worry about cancelled airplane flights because she travels by broom.

 

Pray for snow! Oh wait.

 

Nailed it!

 

Buffalo is a balanced team. They could beat us on the ground or through the air. Josh Allen could make Swiss cheese out of our secondary . Our safety play has been bad lately. Our run defense is also been poor since losing most for our starting LB's. I believe the only chance we have is if we create turnovers, run the ball to avoid 3rd and long, and execute on big pass plays. If Tomlin gets conservative it will be a blow out loss. Tomlin's post season record the past 10 years gives me zero confidence in this game. Hopefully we can get some lucky bounces. My worry is Tomlin thinks aggressive play calling means stupid trick plays or dumb 4th down decisions.

Last time we beat these guys was because Watt was all over Allen. I think to get that kind of pressure we need to use corner and safety blitzes.

 

I read somewhere that Cook has an issue with protecting the ball, too.

 

The Steelers' safety play should be better than it had been the last four weeks. Remember, they lost Fitzpatrick and Kazee in the second quarter of that stinker against the Colts and that was when things fell apart. Both Fitzpatrick and Kazee will be back today. Hopefully, Fitzpatrick is close to 100 percent. He probably could have played last week, but sitting him was smart, especially with the heavy rain.

I'm curious what field conditions will do to both teams. I'm guessing it is still going to favor a power-running game.

Injuries other than Watt are also a factor. It helps that Gabe Davis is out. Tyler Rapp, a decent safety, is also out. The extra day did help the Bills in that area, too. Cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker Tyrel Dodson are both questionable. Douglas is arguably the Bills' best corner with Tre'Davious White out for the season. He did not practice all week due to a knee injury suffered in the season finale against the Dolphins. Dodson was also hurt in that game. He got in one limited practice Friday. If those two both miss the game, that could be a big boost for the Steelers.