If there is one thing every person that has worked a job can agree on is that at some point they must have run into an employer that just rubbed them the wrong way. Bruce Arians used to be the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and he was basically booted out the door without any fanfare or appreciation for what he had done with the franchise as both a wide receivers coach and OC, helping the team go to three Super Bowls and take home two. This weekend, Arians gets a chance to lead his Cardinals team against his former employer.
Making Vick Work
With Ben Roethlisberger out for the game it will likely be a run heavy offense for the Steelers. However, last week against San Diego Michael Vick showed that he still has a cannon for an arm when asked to throw it deep and his one scramble did all the damage it needed to do as it put the Steelers in position for their walk off touchdown to win the game. The San Diego secondary isn’t as polished or talented as the Cardinals by a long shot, but with the heavy run attack that Pittsburgh has shown with Roethlisberger out it would be wise for the corners of Arizona to avoid getting brought in by the play action and staying on their men at all times. Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and the returning Martavis Bryant can all do serious damage to a defense if given even the slightest amount of cushion. Rather than give that cushion to the Steelers wide outs, the Cardinals must force Vick into tough throws and challenge the former Virginia Tech quarterback to make tight throws into small windows.
Running Back Platoon At Full Force
Already this year Chris Johnson has proven to be a steal for the amount of money the Cardinals giving him as of right now. David Johnson has been a big time contributor for a rookie in the Cardinals system and Andre Ellington in his moments on the field still shows signs of being a game changing kind of running back. Getting all three healthy is crucial for the Cardinals on the road in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense has proven to be very stout against the run most weeks with their 15th ranked rushing defense. Surprising considering the team only works with two down linemen on any given down for the most part with Stephon Tuit and Cameron Heyward. The turf in Pittsburgh is also known for being notoriously difficult to get good footing on and for the running backs of Arizona that could prove a problem. Each player must find the sweet spot in the line and hit it hard with a single move through the gap. This may be a game where cut back lanes are not going to be easy to get into for the running game.
Don’t Let The Bell Toll
Le’veon Bell is going by a new nickname in Pittsburgh in “Juice.” He certainly runs with a little bit of juice to be sure. The three year pro out of Michigan State is already showing signs of perhaps becoming one of the top overall running backs and maybe the argument could be made for one of the top overall players in the league even. He has certainly given reason to spark that discussion with his last few performances since his return from suspension with his 100 yard performance against the Ravens in an overtime loss and the touchdown run to win the game that was snapped to him with only five seconds left. It is difficult to corral a player like Bell as he is a talented runner and more than gifted out of the backfield as a receiver. He has even lined up at times as a slot receiver and shown impressive route running for a halfback. This could prove to be the most difficult player for the Cardinals to cover as linebacker Kevin Minter and even strong safety Deone Bucannon may find it difficult to either keep up with Bell’s speed in the route or in coverage as the route progresses. This may be a case of let Bell get his, but keep the other members of the Steelers offense from getting after it as well.
Traveling to Pittsburgh and winning is a difficult feat in the National Football League, but the Cardinals may just prove tough enough to do it. The number one scoring offense in the league should have a field day with the sub par Steelers secondary and take home a victory. The game ball from this game may sit on Bruce Arians’ shelf higher than any other accolade the former Steelers coach has received, and that may even include his two Super Bowl rings. The game will kick off from Heinz Field on October 17th at 10:00 AM on Fox.
Cardinals – 27 Steelers – 13