5 key questions the Steelers must answer to beat the Lions
By Andrew Falce
Will Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt feast?
T.J. Watt is on pace to have his best season as a pro football player this season. The former first-round pick has already accumulated 11.5 sacks despite only playing in seven games so far this season. He picks apart any offensive tackle that he plays as he uses a rare blend of speed and power when rushing the quarterback. Just about every day is a good game for him, but this week has a chance to be special.
The Lions are set to start Matt Nelson at right tackle this week. The former Hawkeye was thrust into action when Taylor Decker was injured, and he has struggled heavily as a starter. The Lion’s line isn’t an extraordinary strength for this team, but Nelson is the clear weak link of the group. Watt will be lining up across from him in this game, and frankly, that should be keeping Nelson up at night now.
Watt will have an impact this week as he always does, so the question becomes just how big of an impact will it be. Watt should have little issue beating Nelson off the edge, and as a result, Goff could be bullied this week. Watt has to be licking his lips here. Assuming the Steelers take a lead, he will have a lot more freedom to rush the passer recklessly. If he does this against Nelson, his impact could be huge.