There are a couple of worries going into this game for the Pittsburgh Steelers to overcome if they want another win this season. They have yet to win two games in a row going into their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will take several things happening for them to reach glory this Sunday.
The Steelers need their offense and defense to play smart football.
Their offense has to play a calculated brand that refuses to turn the football over and find success behind Jaylen Warren and their tight end tandem. Any sort of game where the offensive line struggles and forces Aaron Rodgers into precarious situations will lead to defeat. When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, it's simple: shut down the run and attack the undrafted rookie quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers must rely on a smart effort on offense and defense to secure victory
Stop Bucky Irving
It's easier said than done, but there are almost no paths to victory without the Steelers stopping Bucky Irving. The star running back just destroyed the Dallas Cowboys in a game where many thought Tampa was toast going in. Irving had his best outing of the season and totaled 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He is an elite talent and someone who could give the defense headaches.
The good news is that the Steelers just showed they can slow down an elite running back last week against the Colts.
They only allowed Jonathan Taylor to gain 45 yards on the ground, and no touchdowns. They will need a similar effort, or better, against a Buccaneers offense that is overly relying on Irving to move the ball. The Steelers defense must be consistent in stopping the run.
Win the turnover battle
You cannot highlight the turnover battle enough going into this contest. The Steelers have gotten into trouble before when they lose the matchup in this department. Aaron Rodgers must be careful with the football, and the offensive line must keep the pressure away from him. They cannot afford a sack, fumble, or costly interception, asthe oppositions will look for opportunistic moments to strike.
On the defensive side of things, Pittsburgh has to force the rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels into bad situations. If they can shut down Irving or at least slow him down enough to force Daniels to make throws, they must make him uncomfortable. Accomplishing both of those tasks should lead to a turnover or two by Tampa Bay. It's easier said than done, but they must be careful with the football.
Find different ways to pressure Jalon Daniels
In two starts this season, Jalon Daniels hasn't been anything special. That can be said for most undrafted rookies put into his situation, but he did help lead the Bucs to victory over the Cowboys last week. That was mostly from Dallas producing costly turnovers and allowing Bucky Irving significant numbers on the ground.
With that all being said, it's clear that you can decide this game by pressuring Daniels.
He does have scrambling ability, and the use of his legs has helped him this season. The Steelers' defense must pressure him in different ways and cause confusion for the rookie. If they do that and close escape lanes, then Daniels will be in for a long day at the office. Pittsburgh's defense hasn't looked great for most of the season, but they could change that narrative during this game.
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