Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Seahawks in Week 2
By Samuel Teets
4. Defense records six sacks
The Steelers have led the NFL in sacks in each of the past two seasons, finishing in first in 2017 and tied for first in 2018. However, New England canceled out Pittsburgh’s pass rush in Week 1, and Tom Brady was only sacked one time.
Pittsburgh’s pass rushers will have a chance at redemption in Week 2. The Seahawks have an embattled offense. Outside of left tackle Duane Brown, the unit is mediocre and serves as a mere patchwork. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt should be ready to feast on Sunday.
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Russell Wilson was sacked four times in Week 1. Last season, he was sacked 51 times. That averages out to three sacks per game. However, the Steelers have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. They will come out and hunt Wilson all game long. He might dodge and evade some near takedowns, but Pittsburgh will be in his face all afternoon.
3. James Conner gets 25 touches
I know the Steelers fell behind early, but it was surprising that James Conner only carried the ball 10 times in Week 1. He was a Pro Bowl asset last season, and yet the Steelers failed to utilize him properly. Conner did catch four passes for 44 yards, but the Steelers completely gave up on using his as a runner.
In 2018, Conner averaged 16.5 carries and 4.2 receptions per game. Moving forward, expect his usage to align closer with those averages. However, I think he’ll see more action in Week 2 in an effort to bounce back from his performance against the Patriots.
Besides, the Steelers as a team struggled to run the ball last season. They had the 31st-best rushing attack in the NFL, averaging 90.3 rushing yards per game. If Pittsburgh’s ground game gets traction against the Seahawks, then the Steelers should commit to it and focus on punishing Seattle’s defense.