Two clubs enter this matchup in two completely different situations. The Steelers are coming off a big win last week over the Bengals on the road. It showed that they can move the ball up and down the field, but their scoring touch is still missing. Nonetheless, Pittsburgh was able to win the ball game and show positive signs on offense for the first time in a while.
The Cardinals come to town in a hole as they will probably be a top choice in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Kyler Murray is back and that has helped their offense become more effective, but their roster has a lot of deficiencies overall. They are a bad team, but the addition of Murray could get them a couple of wins by surprising a few clubs down the stretch.
Things to pay close attention to as the Steelers host the Cardinals
A couple of things to pay close attention to in this game that will directly affect the outcome. First off, Murray could be a game-changer at quarterback for the Cardinals. One would have to imagine that he can throw the ball on this defense, but Minkah Fitzpatrick looks like he will be back from injury this game. Murray has pure athletic ability and should add to his stats.
Another thing will be the Steelers' defense stopping James Conner and Murray from running the ball. Murray is similar to Lamar Jackson when it comes to escaping and hurting you with their legs. The defense will have to be smart with how they rush the passer and clog run lanes. Otherwise, this could become a tough game in a hurry.
Perhaps the biggest difference-maker this week will be Pittsburgh's offense. They need to bring over what they did last week and continue that trend here. They need to build off that by finishing drives with touchdowns more times than not. Cut down the turnovers and keep the run game established. That might allow them to overcome the other factors of this game listed above.
The Still Curtain crew has the Steelers winning this game without much contest
"With Canada gone and an improved offense so far I think the Steelers will take that next step and execute better in the red zone." - Blaze (Steelers 24-13)
"Looking to build off the veritable offensive explosion against the Bengals, the Steelers will capitalize on a rejuvenated offense at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Although it will prove to be difficult to contain Kyler Murray, the Steelers' defense will hold its own against the Cardinals' offense. The Steelers run game will prove to be the difference in this game as both Najee and Jaylen will amass at least 100 yards on the ground." - Eric C Hassel (Steelers 24-17)
"I'm not sold on this team despite the small turnaround, and it isn't uncommon to see this team drop a game against an inferior opponent. That said, I think this team rides another week off the Matt Canada firing and does enough to win. This team is still far from fixed." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 23-13)
"Pittsburgh seizes an opportunity to build on the offensive momentum from last week facing a Cardinals defense that gave up 457 yards to the Rams, including 228 on the ground. Harris and Warren combine for 175 yards on the ground and Kenny Pickett has his second career 2+ passing TD game." - Brandon Kring (Steelers 28-10)
"The Steelers finally found some momentum on offense with Matt Canada -- going over 400 yards of offense for the first time in 59 games. However, Pittsburgh turned this to just 16 points on the board in a one-score victory against the Bengals. This week, I think Mike Tomlin's team takes care of business against an underwhelming Cardinals squad, but until we see changes on the scoreboard, I have a hard time believing that the margin of victory will be huge." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 20-16)
Final prediction has the Steelers winning a close game that goes to the wire
The last time these two teams met, the Steelers were able to beat the Cardinals on the road with Duck Hodges at quarterback. Turnovers will be a big factor in the outcome of this one, but the Steelers' offense has to bring over their production from last week and turn it into 20 or more points to have a chance. Their defense can only help them so much.
Pittsburgh's defense has held opponents below 18 points on average recently and they have shut down the run. If they can do that again this week, then they should be able to win this game without too many scares. The issue is that they are playing a quarterback that can play lights out but can also struggle from week to week.
Kyler Murray is going to put up a respectable stat sheet this week against the Steelers. The Arizona quarterback has led his team to some decent offensive outings since his return. It will be up to the black and gold's defense to make certain that they apply pressure and cause a turnover or two. If they fail at that then Murray could beat them.
Steelers win 20-16
A couple of things that seem probable to happen this week and that Murray will keep the Cardinals in the game, and the Steelers still find a way to win. Pittsburgh has an easy schedule the rest of the way, but it wouldn't be like the Steelers to blow bad teams out of the water. Murray is going to have a great game next week.
The difference between Arizona shocking everyone and winning is whether they can finish drives in the end zone or not. Expect the Steelers' defense to bend and not break with a couple of big plays with their backs up against the wall. Kenny Pickett and the offense probably won't have as good of a week as last time in terms of production, but they should be able to get an extra touchdown on the board.