Certainly, Ben Roethlisberger’s performance will be paramount for the Steelers, and defenders TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick are always capable of game-changing plays, but here are 5 other pivotal players Sunday night in Buffalo.
5. Maurkice Pouncey The Steelers were having trouble running the ball even before Pouncey went on the COVID list, but their goal line offense became atrocious without him the past two games. JC Hassenaur did his best. “JC did a great job with communication,” Roethlisberger says, “but Pouncey is Pouncey, he’s my comfort blanket. I think he’s the best in the business.” Pouncey needs to play at or near that level to get the offense back on track.
Related
4. James Conner While the run-blocking has been below the line to say the least, inexperienced RBs Bennie Snell and especially Anthony McFarland appear tentative. We should find out early on if Conner will look rusty or will be quicker with fresh legs.
3. Diontae Johnson/Eric Ebron You may remember Mike Tomlin’s not-so-subtle message at his weekly news conference - “They can catch the ball or they can get replaced by those who will catch it, you know?” Yes, we know. But what we don’t know is if Tomlin will follow through with that threat if the drops continue, especially is Chase Claypool’s “illness” turns into what some other illnesses have; i.e. a trip to the COVID list.
2. Marcus Allen Allen had started to get more reps, anyway - “We bring him in on third down quite a bit to do a lot of the coverage stuff for us,” says DC Keith Butler. – and now with Vince Williams on the COVID list, plus the Bills using a lot of 4 receiver sets, Allen should see more snaps which means he will need to make plays.
Related
1. Avery Williamson Williamson came in as a luxury as Robert Spillane continued to perform admirably but after Spillane’s knee injury he became a necessity and with Williams also out, Williamson is one of their most indispensable players. “Seems someone was real timely making that trade,” says Butler. Williamson was part of the crew that was exploited by Washington RB JD McKissick in the fourth quarter Monday night. He will have to be much better against Buffalo and Devin Singletary.