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Early Impressions By The Numbers: Steelers vs Dual Rookie-Threat Cardinals

By Jordan Newman

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 24: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 24: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 24: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 24: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Steelers open  as favorites vs. the Cardinals

Much can generously be said about the work this coaching staff has done in keeping this team competitive, but a name that is weekly thrown to the wolves is OC Randy Fichtner. Run, run, pass, or perhaps when he taps into his creative side, QB design, QB design, then pass are tendencies that questions if common sense exist at times for Fichtner.

Before this becomes the opening of a “hate” piece, Randy needs to hand over the keys to QB Devlin Hodges. Not necessarily the complete control of the offense and pre-adjustments, but to where they sustain aggression down the field, throughout the game unlocking every facet of this offensive unit.

In his defense, every resource that could be available is not present, but matching up against a Cardinals secondary that has allowed 350+ passing yards in three of their last five games is not something to ignore. Including the facts, according to teamrankings.com, that Arizona is ranked 32nd in opponents completions per game (27.5), completion percentage (71.25%), passing yards per game (307.5), and then tied 30th in opponents passing yards per attempt (8.0), it has had an atrocious effect in their losses.

However, as these dropbacks do occur for Hodges, he will have to worry about possibly the most underrated NFL pass rusher in Chandler Jones. Since being traded to the Cardinals in 2016, Jones leads the league sacks at 54, is third in TFL (63), and 4th in QB hits (89). This year is no different either as he has totaled 13 sacks on the season so far, in addition with 5 forced fumbles (tied 2nd-best).

A bit stingier against the run, they still have allowed opposing teams to rush for 100+ yards in each game but one, as well as average 4.3 yards per carry. What could be an eventful day for Hodges & WR James Washington, a steady track as provided by RB Benny Snell & company could push the needle into a dominating performance by the offense.

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