Bettis: Steelers Should Be Careful How They Use Polamalu
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis joined Bob Pompeani Saturday to preview the Steelers-Ravens playoff game.
Bettis told Pompeani that he would be selective with how he would use Troy Polamalu.
"If he's healthy, I play him," Bettis said. "The problem is that a lot of teams are trying to target him in terms of the long-yardage situations and getting him out of position. So I'd just be very careful with some of the third down situations. Maybe play him in the run down situations and sub for him at times."
Running back Le'Veon Bell, who has zero fumbles this season, will be out for the game. Bettis believe that will be a significant loss for the Steelers.
"It's huge because I believe this game is going to hinge on turnovers so when you have a guy that never turns the football over and he's out, all of a sudden you find yourself susceptible for that turnover that could potentially change the outcome of the game," Bettis said.
Bettis said that the Ravens secondary is weak, so a key will be the Ravens front seven.
"If their front seven can get pressure on Ben (Roethlisberger), then it will be a pretty even matchup. If they can't get pressure on Ben, I think the Steelers are going to be able to really get after them and do some good things throwing the football, which I think gives a clear advantage," Bettis said.