The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a win-now mode, as every game this late counts. The Ravens are biting at their heels, and every victory gets this team one step closer to locking up the division.
This week poses a real challenge with the Detroit Lions, though.
While not the elite overall team as many expected them to be, Detroit still boasts one of the best offenses in the league. The amount of points that they put up is hard to overcome.
It would be one thing if this defense were playing as promised, but it isn’t. Simply put, the Steelers will have to keep pace with the best offense in the league. And thankfully, they got a huge break this week with their injury report.
Pittsburgh Steelers dodged a major injury bullet this week with Zach Frazier set to start
Early in the week, the Steelers looked like damaged goods. While some injuries weren’t shocking, such as T.J. Watt and his injured lung, others seemed out of left field. In particular, Zach Frazier's popping up on the injury report was a concern.
Add in the injury to Isaac Seumalo, and the Steelers' offensive line looked dire. Dylan Cook performed well in his first start, but he also benefited from playing next to a stalwart guard and a talented center.
Unfortunately, Seumalo will miss this game, but that wasn’t the biggest issue this week. Spencer Anderson can fill in at guard well enough, and Andrus Peat can take snaps there while Anderson plays as a tackle eligible.
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Frazier was the real question mark. He has quietly been an elite center this season and is quickly establishing himself as a top option in the NFL. Losing him meant that this line would have been in complete shambles.
For a game that will require the Steelers to control the ball and put up points, having a weak offensive line would have been a disaster. While having a backup left tackle and left guard is less than ideal, it is a problem that they can overcome.
Had Frazier been out as well, and suddenly the Steelers have an obvious chink in their armor. Three of five starters being out gives the Lions a clear spot to gameplan around. With Frazier there, you still have your glue along the line.
Are there questions on the left side of the line still? Yes, and the Steelers will need to be prepared to combat that against the Lions. However, Fraizer avoiding being out is a massive win for this team ahead of a critical game.