"We've got punched two weeks in a row and, hopefully, we can respond...This will be a great challenge for us. Short week, and our backs are kind of against the wall. We need to get our 10th win and seal up this thing."Thursday games - can't live with 'em, the NFL can't live without 'em. In an attempt to extort our money, under the guise of "bringing us more action," the NFL has so graciously scheduled our Steelers to do battle with the St. Louis Rams just a mere four days after we were run over by the Jaguars for 224 yards.
- Brett Keisel
For what it's worth - my feeling on this is that both teams are in the same boat. The Steelers may have gotten trounced this past Sunday (physically, but not on the scoreboard) and the one before, but the 3-11 Rams have been trounced all season long. And we may have some guys nursing injuries, but at least 8-10 of the Rams key players have not been their normal, healthy selves for much of the 2007 season. So short week or not, I don't really want to hear excuses...
But I digress. The Rams. 3-11. I want to say that's kind of deceiving, but I'm really not so sure. The thing is - they have some great talent. Their biggest challenge this season, as previously mentioned, has been injuries. Franchise QB Marc Bulger has missed 4 games, stud RB Steven Jackson has missed 4 games, the X-Factor Dante Hall is done for the year after missing some games, their O-line is down 3 starters, and not to mention some Defensive injuries (Tinoisamoa principally) have kind of held them back. It seems like it's just been one of those seasons for the Rams. But the reason I think 3-11 might actually be kind of deceiving is the Rams Offense really hasn't gotten going like we all know it can. So I guess my concern is - have the Rams been sleeping, just waiting for a game like this to awaken?
Answer that question however you like. Either way, the reality is here's how this matchup looks for us:
OFFENSE:
Passing Yards: StL - 3146 (#15) | Pit - 2911 (#24)
Rushing Yards: StL - 1362 (#21) | Pit - 1952 (#3)
Total Yards: StL - 4508 (#22) | Pit - 4863 (#15)
Points Scored: StL - 220 (#29) | Pit - 331 (#8)
DEFENSE:
Pass Yards Allowed: StL - 3256 (#19) | Pit - 2661 (#4)
Rush Yards Allowed: StL - 1556 (#19) | Pit - 1168 (#3)
Total Yards Allowed: StL - 4812 (#18) | Pit - 3829 (#1)[God knows how...]
Points Allowed: StL - StL - 349 (#27) | Pit - 218 (#1)
Having said that, here's the deal. Nothing surprising about the Rams. They have top tier Offensive talent (albeit a depleted line) that hasn't had a chance to get any steam yet this year, and a middle of the pack Defense (at best) that sports a solid secondary and a Middle Linebacker that's bound to be in our backfield a good amount. None of that changes the fact that no matter who the opponent, the Steelers need to show some balls. Hit somebody. Get a pass rush. Run the football (well). Pass efficiently. Utilize play action and the TEs. Maybe a gadget play or two if the game so permits. Ain't nothing revolutionary about it. Just be careful not to turn the ball over, give up too many 3rd down conversions, big kick returns (fingers crossed), or sacks (not holding my breath though). Am I wrong?
But honestly, as of 5 weeks ago, who thought we'd be afraid of the Rams right now? Yep, me neither...
PS - We'll be doing the weekly Gameday
PPS - For the first time in my life, I'm a Bungles fan this weekend...beat the Browns to a pulp...please...
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Not Excited to Play Again Soon [Associated Press]
Steelers May Find Home Away from Home [Associated Press]
Steelers vs. Rams - Early Look [Behind The Steel Curtain]
2007 Rams Stats [Pro-Football-Reference]
More Rams Stats [ESPN]
Smith is Dropped As Starter at Safety [Post-Gazette]
Rams Rush to Get Ready for Steelers [St. Louis Post Dispatch]
