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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players to watch against the New Orleans Saints

By Noah Strackbein

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first half during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first half during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Ben Roethlisberger

Two interceptions against the Patriots should’ve been too much to overcome. As great as Ben Roethlisberger plays, he makes a lot of mistakes and it’s hurting his team this season. That needs to change before the playoffs, and starting Week 16 would be a great time to make the change.

If Big Ben comes through with an MVP performance, something people saw during the middle of the season, Pittsburgh is one of the hardest teams it beat. This game being in the Steel City, and Ben having a strong day turns the tables completely – making the Saints try and figure out how to beat the Steelers.

No interceptions would be key, but finding ways to not force the ball and stay consistent is what’s important. Roethlisberger needs to allow this offense to win with him commanding the horses, not by trying to be the hero. How he approaches this week will go a long way in determining the outcome.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

T.J. Watt

In every game T.J. Watt has gotten to the quarterback, the Steelers have won. It’s no coincidence either, Watt forcing pressure changes everything about this defense and adds momentum both sides of the ball rides with all game long.

Sacking Tom Brady last week set off a chain of reactions that basically ended the game. Watt getting Brady in the second half gave the defense enough to ride on that they seemed unstoppable.

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That needs to happen again. Finding Drew Brees not only shakes up the Saints’ offensive line but it gives the Steelers defense all the momentum in the world. Anyone can get to the quarterback, but this unit relies on Watt to be their sack leader and this week he needs to come through.

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