The Pittsburgh Steelers are fourth in the AFC North. How will the team respond against tough teams in their upcoming schedule?
The AFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions in the National Football League. Since obtaining its current name in 2002, the division has become a home for some of the toughest teams in football. The Pittsburgh Steelers share the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Baltimore Ravens. As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to struggle early in the season, the importance of their matchups has increased.
Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been experiencing a rough start to the 2021 regular season. Their 1-2 start has placed them at the bottom of the divisional standings. After receiving a brutal loss in week three against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers must make some changes.
Ben Roethlisberger’s fifty-eight passing attempts shocked many NFL analysts. Roethlisberger was reported to be nursing a pec injury earlier in the week. Many fans believed that Matt Canada would incorporate the run, due to Ben’s health. The Steelers’ offense could not create enough space for their first-round pick. As a result, Najee Harris ended the game with forty yards on fourteen carries.
The Steelers have not scored more than nineteen points in any of their first three games. Their offensive performance has put the team in a tough situation. Pittsburgh is currently ranked 4th in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh’s upcoming schedule will act as a test for the team. Their next three opponents have a combined record of 6-3. The Green Bay Packers are the first of the bunch that the Steelers must defeat. The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks are also on the schedule. As the Steelers finish this tough stretch, they will be met by the Cleveland Browns.
The #Steelers were the first to have played a division game in the AFC North.
— Loyal Ricks Jr. (@LoyalJRicksJr) September 30, 2021
They will also play the second divisional battle against the Browns in week 8.
In the mean time, Pittsburgh must beat Green Bay, Denver & Seattle.
Combined they are 6-3.#NfL
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The Cleveland Browns are tied first place in the AFC North. Nick Chubb and the Cleveland offense have been able to carry the team to victory. In fact, the Browns are second in the league in rushing offense. Their 174.7 yards per game on the ground have helped the team take control of ball games. The only team that rushes for a higher average is the Baltimore Ravens.
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens also share the same record. Their rushing attack has produced similar success. Jackson has helped the Raven average 185.3 yards per game on the ground. His 251 total rushing yards is the 4th best in the National Football League.
The Steelers’ matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals was the first divisional matchup to be played this year by any team in the division. Each team in the division will have six opportunities to obtain a weighted victory. The team with the most divisional wins will clinch a playoff berth.
It will be important for the Steelers to solve their issues in a quick manner of time. The team’s playoff chance decline with every loss received. The Steelers must shift gears in order to save this season.