Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Bold predictions vs. Rams, Week 10
By Samuel Teets
2. Defense intercepts Jared Goff twice
While Goff enjoyed a pleasant stay behind his offensive line in Weeks 7 and 8, his battered line will face a superior defensive front on Sunday. Goff thrived in Weeks 7 and 8 because he wasn’t sacked once. That gave him time to survey the field and he didn’t throw an interception during that time either.
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Goff’s peace will end when the Rams travel to Pittsburgh though. The Steelers have 29 sacks this season, which ranks in the top ten this season. The pass rush got off to a poor start this year as well, but the Steelers have been racking up sacks in recent weeks.
In particular, Bud Dupree, Cameron Heyward, and T.J. Watt have come alive for Pittsburgh. Dupree has five sacks in his last five games. During that same span, Heyward has 4.5 sacks and Watt has 6.5. The three have combined for 28 quarterback hits during that time as well.
Heyward and Watt are both Pro Bowlers and are the hammer and anvil of Pittsburgh’s defense. Both players are beloved by fans and dreaded by quarterbacks. With both of them breathing down his neck, Goff will make some hasty throws on Sunday. That’s where Pittsburgh’s secondary will capitalize.
Goff is completing his lowest percentage of pass attempts since his rookie season. Part of that is due to Los Angeles’ failing run game. Goff has thrown seven interceptions this season, which already tied his 2017 total. This season, in the four games where he was sacked multiple times, Goff threw five interceptions and five touchdowns.
If the Steelers can get consistent pressure on Goff, Minkah Fitzpatrick and company will have time to work their magic. This all relies on Pittsburgh shutting down the run game though, which brings us to my next point.