How do you add some entertainment to a boring preseason week two game against the Buffalo Bills? Bold predictions, that’s how. Or a drinking game. Alright, let’s try this, every time one of my bold predictions comes true, you have to chug a bottle of (insert name of your favorite alcoholic beverage here). Too much? Alright forget it, to the predictions….
Howard Jones will have two more takeaways cementing his status as the 53rd man on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. Jones had two fumble recoveries in the first preseason game against the New York Giants, even returning one for a touchdown. Those are the only stats he recorded besides one tackle, but coaches love players with a nose for the ball. If the only stats he ever records are takeaways its fine with me as long as he does it consistently.
Jarvis Jones will double his current sack count with two against the Bills. Jarvis showed the improvement he has been working on throughout the offseason in the first preseason game by sacking Eli Manning. If he plays after sitting out a few practice days with a possible groin issue, he will continue his exhibition by attaining another two sacks in the second exhibition game. Buffalo’s offensive line is just about as bad as New York’s so it is not that bold of a prediction.
Aug 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Dri Archer (13) during warm ups before taking on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The first team offense will score two touchdowns. LeGarrette Blount will have a short one and Dri Archer will have a long one. In this display of the offense’s new weapons, these two running backs, that have been impressing since arriving in Pittsburgh, will get a score apiece and show that the offense can get it done against a rising defense. In case you haven’t heard, Archer had a big 46 yard play against the Giants, even if he failed to score. Blount is going to showcase his goal line skills leading into his poaching of some of those duties from Le’Veon Bell in the regular season.
There will be two million penalties called. Okay, of course there will not really be two million, but have you seen how many penalties there have been so far in the preseason? It’s ridiculous. I am pretty sure during one of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive drives against the New England Patriots, Friday night, there was a penalty on every play. No joke.
There will be no major injuries. The Steelers managed to make it out of the first preseason game with no injuries except for Marcus Gilbert’s poked eye. If they can be so lucky to do the same in week two, Steeler Nation will be able to sleep peacefully for another week at least.
The Steelers will win! I hate that this has to be a “bold prediction,” but they are now 0-5 in the last five preseason games. I know it’s just an exhibition, but let’s get a win and some confidence to move forward with.
What say you, Steeler Nation?