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Steelers vs Cardinals: 3 Key matchups to watch in week 14

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Greedy Williams #26 of the Cleveland Browns in the first half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Greedy Williams #26 of the Cleveland Browns in the first half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 23: Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 23: Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

WR 1 vs Patrick Peterson

This will be very key as Patrick Peterson is having an off-year. Unfortunately, the Steelers receiver corp could be missing Juju once again and has less than three years of experience across the board.

Despite being injured and inexperienced, the Steelers have found a weapon for Devlin Hodges: James Washington. Washington has elevated to the Steelers #1 receiver in the absence of Juju; racking up 4 catches for 111 and an impressive touchdown last year.

Would James Washington be able to beat Patrick Peterson? Despite his off-year grading at 53.6 (per Pro Football Focus), he is still a very good corner.

If Peterson does get the nod to shadow James Washington all game, this can open up an opportunity for other receivers. Deon Cain and Tevin Jones have seen increased snaps at the number 3 spot–both having big first down grabs last week to set up points.

In addition, Diontae Johnson will have ample opportunities to create plays against the NFL’s worst ranking secondary. The bottom line is, while Patrick Peterson is the number one presence in the secondary, the man he guards will have to make plays in addition to the supporting cast creating similar opportunities.

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