Cardinals’ defense could be perfect tonic for Steelers
The Steelers had success, as expected, last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. They gained a season-high 421 yards, breaking the 400-yard barrier for the first time since 2000.
They also outgained their opponent in a game for the first time this season, doing it by nearly 200 yards.
They dominated that game. And yet the final score was still just 16-10.
The Steelers’ defense is playing lights out. Over the past seven weeks, the Steelers are allowing 15 points per game. During that timespan, they haven’t allowed any team to score more than 20 points.
That’s winning football.
Now, if they can get the offense to follow suit, they’ll be just fine.
“I know the points weren’t what we want, but the success we had last week really gave me a good stage to be able to coach, like sink the hook in and get the guys to buy in and be like, OK, let’s go,” said Eddie Faulkner, who took over as offensive coordinator last week when Matt Canada was relieved of those duties.
“It just made this week easier in the process of preparation. From that standpoint, I wouldn’t expect anything for us to continue to be on a steep trajectory.”
It won’t hurt that this week, the Steelers face a Cardinals team that is, quite frankly, perhaps the worst defense in the NFL.
The Steelers’ struggles in the red zone last week weren’t something new. Their 1-for-4 effort dropped them to 10 of 23 scoring touchdowns inside the 20-yard line this season. But Arizona has allowed opponents to get into the red zone 54 times, giving up touchdowns on 32 occasions.
The Steelers looked better on offense last week, but they should have. The next step is to start scoring touchdowns.
As Faulkner said, it was easier to get the players to “buy in” to what he and playcaller Mike Sullivan have been telling them this week because there were tangible results last week.
Now, if they can post some points, confidence should really start to build.
• The Steelers have rushed for 150-plus yards in four consecutive games. If they do it against the Cardinals – who are 30th in the league, allowing 140 rushing yards per game – it will mark the first time since the first five games of the 1977 season they have accomplished that feat.
• Running the ball and playing good defense are two things that travel in the playoffs.
If the Steelers can get two wins in the next four days – they host the hapless Patriots Thursday – they’ll be all but a lock for the postseason. Win these next two games and then get at least two of three in games against the Indianapolis Colts, Bengals and Seattle Seahawks, and there’s a good chance the Steelers’ regular-season finale at Baltimore will be played with the AFC North title on the line.
Baltimore, which is one game ahead of the Steelers in the loss column, is on its bye this weekend. Post-bye the Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams, but then travel to Jacksonville and San Francisco before finishing their schedule at home against the Miami Dolphins and Steelers.
This week’s games
Cardinals (plus 5½) at Steelers: As bad as Cincinnati’s defense is, Arizona’s is worse. But the Cardinals won’t be starting a backup quarterback. Kyler Murray could cause some issues. The Steelers will move the ball and should score a few touchdowns. If they don’t turn it over, and Kenny Pickett has gone a team-record seven games without throwing an interception, the Cardinals will have a tough climb. Take the Steelers, 27-16.
Bengals (plus 8 ½) at Jaguars: The Bengals seem insistent on allowing Jake Browning to try to play like he’s Joe Burrow. That’s not a good idea. The Jaguars have lost once since starting the season 1-2. Take the Jaguars, 26-13.
Browns (plus 3½) at Rams: The Cleveland home-road splits on defense are real. The Browns’ defense just isn’t as good on the road. And the Rams will test that considerably. Cleveland won’t be able to score enough to keep up, even with Joe Flacco at QB. Take the Rams, 23-10.
Broncos (plus 3½) at Texans: The Broncos are playing better defensively and aren’t turning the ball over. That’s a good recipe for success and a big reason why they’ve won five in a row. Houston lost last week in a big game against Jacksonville. The loser of this game is in trouble to make the playoffs. The winner is in good shape. Take the Texans, 24-20.
49ers (minus 2½) at Eagles: The Eagles are 9-1, but have been living on the edge for weeks, winning tight games. The 49ers have been rolling since their bye. It says a lot that the 49ers are favored in Philadelphia. Take the 49ers, 27-24.
Last Week: 3-2 ATS; 4-1 straight up
Overall: 34-24-2 ATS; 39-21 straight up
Dale Lolley hosts The Drive on Steelers Nation Radio and writes a Sunday column for the Observer-Reporter.