Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Players to Watch

Steelers Pass Rush

Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Arthur Moats (55) reacts during player introductions before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers defense currently rank 25th in sacks made, while the Falcons offensive line ranks 21st in sacks allowed.  They have done a decent job of protecting Matt Ryan this season, despite the constant changes along their offensive line.  First round pick Jake Matthews appears to be following his father’s footsteps quite well as he has already taken over the left tackle position.  Against the Bengals, who have allowed the third fewest sacks this season, the Steelers recorded three sacks despite not having James Harrison available.  Arthur Moats recorded two sacks and Cameron Heyward added another one.  The Steelers also forced both Andy Dalton and Jason Campbell to fumble during the game.  While the task of getting to Matty Ryan may not be easy, it could be crucial to the Steelers success.  In the Falcons past five games, Ryan has gotten sacked only eight times.  In three of those games he has been sacked only once.  The Falcons are 2-1 in those games, with the loss coming last night to the Packers where the Falcons offense scored 37 points.  In the one sack games, Ryan has had a passer rating over 100 twice and his lowest passer rating was 96.  Against the Browns, Ryan got sacked three times in a 26-24 loss.  Ryan threw an interception in that game and his QB rating fell to 86.7, which isn’t awful but it’s definitely not as good 116.9 (Ryan’s rating against the Packers).  The Steelers ability or inability to get to Ryan could make a difference in the game.