Steelers Will Prove Tough For 49ers To Beat On The Road In Week 2
By Sam McPherson
The Pittsburgh Steelers had the misfortune of opening the season on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions in Week 1, while the San Francisco 49ers had a relatively easy home game against the Minnesota Vikings to start the season on Monday Night Football. The road gets a little easier for the Steelers in Week 2, and it gets a little tougher for the 49ers: Pittsburgh will be rested and ready, while San Francisco loses a day of rest and has to travel across the country.
With 11 Super Bowl wins between the two organizations, this game represents a snapshot of the NFL's elite—even if neither team is considered a serious threat to win it all this season. Neither is even a relative favorite to reach the postseason, in fact, although the Steelers would seem to have a better chance since they don't play in a division full of quality teams. The NFC West is decidedly tougher than the AFC North in 2015.
Teams that begin the season 0-2 have made the postseason just 12% of the time since the 1990 season. Pittsburgh will hear all about this reality during the week leading up to this game, and every fan will be fully aware of the consequences of losing again in Week 2. That almost makes this early-season matchup a must-win game for the Steelers.
Season Record
The Steelers are 0-1 after losing the opening game of the season in New England, 28-21. Pittsburgh played without two of its best players, both under suspension currently: running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Martavis Bryant. In Week 1, Bell was ably replaced by veteran RB DeAngelo Williams (21 carries, 127 yards), while quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still threw for 351 yards on 38 attempts without Bryant in the game. Both players will miss the 49ers game this weekend, too, but clearly the depth is there on the Pittsburgh roster to compensate.
Pittsburgh on Offense
The Steeler offense starts with Roethlisberger, a two-time SB champion QB. He is still an elite player at this point in his career, having thrown for 4,952 yards and 32 touchdowns last season—both career highs. Big Ben can still bring it any day of the week on any team. Despite the suspensions noted above, he also has plenty of weapons to hand the ball off to and/or to throw to in order to win a shootout. Williams may not be the back he was once in Carolina years ago, but clearly he can still tote the rock.
Antonio Brown may be the best WR in the game currently, and tight end Heath Miller is an ageless veteran who is always open for his QB when needed. Bryant is an excellent WR and can't be replaced, but Markus Wheaton is a young WR with the tools to eventually develop into a steady option for Roethlisberger. The 49ers are catching a bit of a break in missing Bell and Bryant—just not as much as most fans might think.
Pittsburgh on Defense
There aren't too many familiar names on the Steeler defense. Former Super Bowl MVP linebacker James Harrison is one, but he is way past his prime. Strong safety Will Allen, linebacker Ryan Shazier and cornerback Cortez Allen lead the group now, as some longtime Pittsburgh defenders have retired or moved on. It showed last week as the Patriots went 7-for-11 on third downs against the Steelers on their way to a victory.
The run defense was still stout, however, against New England, holding the opponent to just 3.3 yards per carry. The secondary was the weak spot, against Tom Brady, giving up 25 of 32 completions for 288 yards on the night. The Patriots ran only 58 plays against the Steelers, but somehow they gained 26 first downs in the process. The Pittsburgh defense gave up chunks of yardage, basically.
Pittsburgh's Players to Watch
Williams will be key for Pittsburgh's offensive game plan, as the running game always opens up major lanes for Big Ben's laser throws. If Roethlisberger has space and time to throw, it will be a long day for the 49ers defense. Meanwhile, the S.F. offense has to account for Allen and Shazier, perhaps the next generation of Steeler defensive superstuds on the Black Curtain.
Outlook
Due to the advantages of home field and preparation time, the Steelers are going to be ready for this game—desperate almost. That's not good for the 49ers. San Francisco's defense looked much better than anyone expected against the Vikings on Monday night, but it's a whole different beast preparing for Big Ben & Co. Look for Pittsburgh to avoid the 0-2 hole by pulling out a close one at home.
Sam McPherson is a freelance writer covering baseball, football, basketball, golf, hockey and fantasy sports for CBS, AXS and Examiner. He also is an Ironman triathlete and certified triathlon coach.
