Nemo
Veteran Starter
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- Oct 18, 2001
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I think the Steeler gameplan against the Saints will be to feature the running game, with lots of trap plays and toss plays to the perimeter, where we have shown vulnerability against backs who have enough speed to get to the corner. Every now and then they will look for play action down field, as our corners and safeties have struggled at times defending the deep ball.
On defense the Steelers are going to blitz like there is no tomorrow. It's clear that if they sit back in zone that Brees has the accuracy to pick a secondary apart and our line has played well in pass protection against standard rush packages. The blitz is also effective against the run as it tends to clog running lanes with defenders. Of course, the blitz can result in big plays down field, but at 2 and 6 the Steelers really have nothing to lose and will gladly roll the dice with an attacking defensive scheme.
The key for the Saints on offense is going to be quick passes and screens by Brees to the backs, tight ends and Colston, mixed in with a few select deep passes to our receivers against what is likely to be man coverage on most downs.
The other key is going to be for us to match the early intensity of the Steelers in the "must win" game, from their perspective. If we can match their early intensity, avoid costly mistakes and get into halftime with any kind of lead, a good start to the second half by the Saints (like a touchdown on the first drive of the 3rd qtr.) and there is a good chance that Pittsburg starts to fold up their tents for the season.
On the other hand, if we come out flat and falter like we did against the Ravens, the Steelers and their crowd will feed off of this and we will likely be in for a long afternoon.
Your thoughts?
On defense the Steelers are going to blitz like there is no tomorrow. It's clear that if they sit back in zone that Brees has the accuracy to pick a secondary apart and our line has played well in pass protection against standard rush packages. The blitz is also effective against the run as it tends to clog running lanes with defenders. Of course, the blitz can result in big plays down field, but at 2 and 6 the Steelers really have nothing to lose and will gladly roll the dice with an attacking defensive scheme.
The key for the Saints on offense is going to be quick passes and screens by Brees to the backs, tight ends and Colston, mixed in with a few select deep passes to our receivers against what is likely to be man coverage on most downs.
The other key is going to be for us to match the early intensity of the Steelers in the "must win" game, from their perspective. If we can match their early intensity, avoid costly mistakes and get into halftime with any kind of lead, a good start to the second half by the Saints (like a touchdown on the first drive of the 3rd qtr.) and there is a good chance that Pittsburg starts to fold up their tents for the season.
On the other hand, if we come out flat and falter like we did against the Ravens, the Steelers and their crowd will feed off of this and we will likely be in for a long afternoon.
Your thoughts?