Steelers vs. Seahawks: Still Curtain’s week six predictions

In its sixth edition, the Still Curtain provides their predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Does optimism begin to settle for the trajectory of the season, or does doubt continue? A question asked last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers win against the Denver Broncos last week finally felt complete and gave weight to the former.

It was the first time since week 11 of the 2020 season that the Steelers ran for over 100 yards as a team and the first time since week 6 of last year that they had an RB eclipse the 100 yard mark. Aside from also hitting their season-high in total yardage, QB Ben Roethlisberger too, made his presence known, recording his highest QB rate to date in 2021 (120.9).

Although the Broncos were able to find some momentum on offense in the fourth quarter, the defense of the Steelers only allowed six points entering the last 15 minutes & recorded a takeaway for a third week in a row. And to make up for the lack of appreciation towards the special teams unit, K Chris Boswell converted all five attempted kicks (FG + XP) – his fourth perfect week this season.

Optimism. It’s been a while, but the feeling has returned. Now faced with a Russell Wilson-less Seattle Seahawks for week six, just how optimistic are we at the Still Curtain?

Still Curtain 2021 Records

Kody Duncan (3-1)

Andrew Falce (0-5)

Eric Hassel (1-4)

Brendan Howe (0-0)

Tommy Jaggi (2-3)

Brandon Kring (2-3)

Shayne Kubas (1-4)

Scott Long (3-2)

Luke Metrinko (1-2)

Jordan Newman (3-2)

Ryan Pawloski (2-3)

Loyal Ricks Jr (3-2)

Casey Sadekoski (3-2)

Week Six Predictions vs. SEA

KODY DUNCAN: With Russell Wilson out, the Steelers have no excuse not to win this game. In typical Steelers fashion, I could see them make Geno Smith look like the next Joe Montana. Since the Steelers are still in desperation mode, they will pull this one out. FEED NAJEE THE BALL. (PIT 28-14)

ANDREW FALCE: The Steelers found their key to success last week in Harris, and they continue to focus on the running game. It isn’t pretty, but the Steelers win. (PIT 17-10)

ERIC HASSEL: The Steelers look to build on the momentum from the win against the Broncos. The Steelers score the first and last TD of the game.  The defense plays lights out. (PIT 27-17)

BRENDAN HOWE: Najee Harris continues rolling against a Seattle defense that’s allowed the second-most ground yards in the league up to this point. The Seahawks can’t get going without Russell Wilson under center. (PIT 24-14)

TOMMY JAGGI: The Steelers are coming off their best offensive performance of the season, and there is reason to believe they will continue this momentum on Sunday Night Football against the Seahawks. Seattle is allowing 450.8 yards per game (32nd) and this defense has been suspect all year. Meanwhile, losing Russell Wilson with a finger injury is a massive blow to this team. I have Pittsburgh taking care of business at Heinz Field under the lights. (PIT 26-17)

BRANDON KRING: The Seahawks are down Russell Wilson and things could get ugly for the Hawks with Geno Smith starting. The Steelers defense should feast and may be able to get the splash plays and turnovers going against that offense. The Steelers offense should be able to build on last week against a bad Seahawks defense. (PIT 27-13)

SHAYNE KUBAS: Pittsburgh should try and flex their muscles against a Seattle defense that has been one of the worst run defenses in football this year. The defense should respect Geno Smith and not let him surprise them after a strong showing in relief of Russel Wilson last week. This is a must win for Pittsburgh and I see them showing up in a big way with a two-touchdown win. (PIT 31-17)

SCOTT LONG: The defense should hold its own against Geno Smith by getting pressure and forcing a turnover or two. With a lead entering the second half the Steelers will just look to kill the clock by running the ball and using the short passing game in the second half. (PIT 24-13)

JORDAN NEWMAN: The Steelers were able to find their footing against the Denver Broncos & carrying that momentum, they leave a footprint on the Seattle Seahawks without Russell Wilson & its treacherous defense. (PIT 30-10)

RYAN PAWLOSKI: This is going to be a closer game than it should when you look at Pittsburgh’s prior history with lesser opponents. Seattle is without Russel Wilson and that should lead to a lot of turnovers and short fields for the black and gold’s offense. (PIT 26-17)

CASEY SADEKOSKI: No Russell Wilson means the Seahawks shouldn’t have a shot. Pittsburgh lets it stay closer than it should but wins. (PIT 24-17)

LOYAL RICKS JR: The Pittsburgh Steelers will benefit from a battered Seahawks team. Ben Roethlisberger will find a way to produce despite Juju Smith-Schuster’s injury. (PIT 20-13)