Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 5 vs. Eagles
By Samuel Teets
4. Eagles limited to 70 rushing yards
The Steelers dominate against the run. Pittsburgh ranks first in run defense this season, allowing a measly 54.0 rushing yards per game. Only seven teams in the NFL are allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game this season, placing Pittsburgh’s defense among the elite of the elite. With Cameron Heyward clogging the middle while Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt work the outside, Pittsburgh’s defensive front is the best in football.
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Keith Butler’s defense allowed 29 rushing yards against the New York Giants and Saquon Barkley in Week 1. Denver and Melvin Gordon fared better. Gordon amassed 70 rushing yards against the Steelers, but Pittsburgh rebounded by limiting Houston to 29 rushing yards in Week 3. Miles Sanders is an electric running back, but he’s not immune to formidable defenses.
Against the San Francisco 49ers, Sanders produced 46 rushing yards on 13 carries. Philadelphia finished the game with 93 total rushing yards. Keep in mind, that’s a San Francisco defense without Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Solomon Thomas from last year. If the 49ers handled Philly’s ground game that well, Pittsburgh should too.
3. Smith-Schuster scores twice
Conner isn’t the only Steeler fighting for a new deal this year. JuJu Smith-Schuster is also in the final season of his rookie contract. Two years ago, Smith-Schuster made 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. He hasn’t approached those numbers over the past year and a half. Injuries and poor quarterback play sunk Smith-Schuster’s 2019 campaign, but he’s experiencing some renewed success in 2020.
Through three weeks, Smith-Schuster has 17 receptions for 160 yards and three touchdowns. He’s only averaging 53.3 yards per game, which is worse than his rookie season average. The Steelers have several mid-level receivers, but Smith-Schuster has the highest ceiling. He and Roethlisberger have a great connection, and the veteran quarterback should target his trusted receiver in the red zone.