Steelers vs. Rams: Five questions with Ramblin’ Fan

The Steelers head back out on the road this weekend to face their second NFC West opponent in as many games. The game is a Super Bowl XIV ‘rematch’ between the Steelers and Rams. The Steelers are looking to win their first back-to-back games this year while the Rams are looking to rebound from a loss against Washington.

Throughout the season Still Curtain will be taking you inside to get the dirt on the opposing team through the FanSided network. We’ll be interviewing the opposing teams’ site to get you the inside info on the opposition.

Up this week is Michael Condon, editor of Ramblin Fan, Fansided’s St. Louis Rams-themed site. Michael gives us the info on the Rams on everything from their fan attendance to the possibility of Todd Gurley playing including a prediction for the game with a score.

The Steelers get Le’Veon Bell back this week as the Rams are coming off of game where they gave up almost 200 yards on the ground to Washington. What changes do the Rams defense need to make to try and stop Bell?

"The Rams obviously need to a better job stopping the run in against Pittsburgh than they did in Week 2 against Washington. The answer to that lies in more than place though. The front four needs to do a better job getting into the backfield at the point of attack. They excelled here against Seattle, but dropped off severely against Washington. St. Louis also needs to a better job controlling the clock and keeping Le’Veon Bell and company off the field. The Rams have lost the time of possession battle the last two weeks with varied results."

Todd Gurley was a full practice participant this week but is listed as questionable on the injury report. Are Rams fans hoping/expecting to see him on the field this Sunday?

"Rams fans have been chomping at the bit to see what Todd Gurley can do since the team drafted him back in April. However, the tam has been smart with Gurley and allowed the recovery process to play itself out in hopes of going full steam when the time is ready without setbacks. This could certainly be the week Gurley returns. A home game on a solid turf field and the offense in need a jump-start seem like obvious signs he plays. But Jeff Fisher still won’t reveal his hand leaving the cloud of doubt hanging around. A betting man would say he plays Sunday, but in a limited role."

With the down attendance for the home opener and the moving speculation, are Rams fans prepared for a lot of Terrible Towels in the Edward Jones Dome?

"The Rams have posted poor attendance numbers for the better part of the last decade unfortunately. With the team on the verge of possible relocation filling the Edward Jones Dome has never been more important than now. With the dome only three quarters full for the home opener against Seattle, a division rival, it safe to expect the Pittsburgh fans to show up by the bus load. It doesn’t leave the best taste in your mouth as a fan, but the games are won and lost on the field, not in the stands."

Is Jeff Fisher on the hot seat this season?

"Jeff Fisher and Les Snead find themselves squarely on the hot seat this year. Brought in to turn things around, the duo have yet to crack .500 to finish the season and have started below .500 through the first five weeks each year they have been in St. Louis. Penalties and below-average play have followed Fisher throughout his career and St. Louis is no different. Having made the postseason only six times in 17 years as a head coach prior to taking over the Rams in 2012, it was difficult to expect a miracle for the 2-14 squad he inherited. However, Fisher and Snead have done a very good job drafting impact players."

What is your prediction with score for the game?

"I don’t want to call this a must win for the Rams, but with Arizona and Green Bay coming up in the next two weeks, the Steelers are the team ripe for the picking. This is the typical game no one would expect the Rams to win and they rise to the occasion. I expect St. Louis to take a few deep shots out of necessity to keep up with the Pittsburgh offense and try to take advantage of a suspect secondary. When it’s all said and done, I’ll take the Rams by the score of 28-24. It should be a good game if the Rams can keep it close."

There you have it, Steeler Nation. What would you have asked?

Check out my answer to Michael’s questions over at Ramblin Fan.

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

Next: Steelers Game Day Grub

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