Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Bold predictions vs. Cardinals, Week 14
By Samuel Teets
2. Murray held below 200 passing yards
While the first overall pick has flashed signs of brilliance and has four 300-yard passing games under his belt, Murray has also thrown for fewer than 200 yards four times. He’s averaging just 156.5 passing yards over the past two games and has two passing touchdowns and one interception during that time.
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The rookie quarterback is already at a disadvantage facing the Steelers’ strong secondary. Pittsburgh possesses the seventh-best pass defense in the NFL, allowing 213.5 yards per game. The unit also has 15 interceptions this season, which only trails New England’s league-leading 20. Quarterbacks only post an 82.4 passer rating on average against the Steelers. That’s the fifth-lowest in the NFL.
Murray could crest 200 passing yards if the Cardinals hit some deep passes. Teams have burned the Steelers deep before, and Arizona has some energetic, young receivers. However, Pittsburgh’s secondary has played lights out football for most of the season.
The cornerback trio of Joe Haden, Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson has served the Steelers well. Haden has slipped up once or twice, but the veteran is having another solid season. Hilton is having perhaps his best season yet. Even Nelson, who the Steelers signed as a free agent this past offseason, who has zero interceptions, is having a career year. Add Minkah Fitzpatrick to the group and Arizona is in trouble.