Bucaneers can prove they’re for real: Steelers vs. Buccaneers preview
In a battle of the unbeaten, the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Tampa Bay to take on the upstart Buccaneers. For the Buccaneers, a 3-0 start would be a pleasant surprise, as it would be for the Steelers. Normally we wouldn’t associate an undefeated Pittsburgh
team as any shock, but that is indeed the case as the Steelers are down to their fourth string quarterback.
When Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension was reduced to four games, many agreed that the goal for the Steelers should be to at least go 2-2 while he was out to salvage their season. They’ve already guaranteed that by winning their first two games. To go 3-0 would
be credited to their defence that has been nothing short of unbelievable. They’ve only allowed 20 points in two games and were the main reason the Steelers won their first two games, as the offence was dull.
The young Buccaneers’ offence may be prime pickings for the Steelers as Josh Freeman is only in his second year. While he deserves some praise for leading Tampa Bay to a 2-0 start, albeit with wins over Cleveland and Carolina, his development will truly be
tested this Sunday. Freeman will have to avoid turnovers and will have to remain patient. He’ll have to turn to Cadillac Williams and trust his offensive line to establish a running game while he manages the game and controls the clock. That’s the Buccaneers
best chance to win with a young offence lacking fire power. Tight end Kellen Winslow will have to prove his value, as he’ll try to help his quarterback find easy completions through the Steelers’ secondary.
The Steelers will be hunting this Sunday. A defence including linebackers James Harrision, Lamar Woodley and James Farrior is a daunting obstacle for any offence - and Troy Polamalu is back there at safety. This dominant unit is the reason Pittsburgh is 2-0
as they’ve been ball hawks and have punished opposing offences. They will give the young Buccaneers the ultimate test.
It’s no secret what the Steelers will try to do on offence, run the ball. With Charlie Batch as their starter, don’t expect miracles out of the passing game, but expect many carries for Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall had a big week one against Atlanta, scoring
the winning touchdown in overtime before a stingy Titans’ defence shut him down last week. The Buccaneers averaged 116 yards rushing allowed in their first two games so Mendenhall will try to exploit that and give his team a chance to control the ball.
The Buccaneers will look to stop the run first. They should be keying in on it and not be so worried about Batch beating them. Batch will simply be looking to avoid turnovers and will only throw the ball when absolutely necessary. Batch has some good receivers
around him with Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and tight end Heath Miller, but hasn’t built chemistry with them.
The Steelers’ offensive line is also still a weakness and Batch does not have the scrambling ability that the injured Dennis Dixon had in his two starts. The Buccaneers’ no-name defence will look for the opportunity to force turnovers and will look to be
the first team to take advantage of Ben Roethlisberger’s absence.
The Steelers will be in tremendous shape if they start 3-0 without their franchise quarterback. They’ll have Roethlisberger back soon and can be very scary down the stretch. The Buccaneers are looking to pull off a shocking upset and prove they’re for real.
A win over the Steelers is always impressive and at 3-0 Tampa Bay will begin to garner attention around the league. It will be very interesting to see how this one plays out.
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