Steelers Defense vs. Peyton Manning and Broncos Offense



Ike Taylor Has Something To Prove on SNF

 This will be the first series of Steelers posts that will lead up to the kickoff of the season.  I plan on doing this for every game, but lets face it, sometimes life throws you curveballs....and if I hit like the Pirates players I'll swing and miss.  Nonetheless, the Steelers are gearing up for the big Week 1 matchup in Mile High vs Peyton Manning and the Broncos.  Here is the breakdown:

Peyton Manning vs Steelers Defense - Many Steelers fans will tell you that the Steelers play Peyton Manning well.  I went back, and since Ben Roethlisberger has been the QB ('04) the Steelers are 1-2 vs Peyton and the Colts.  The only win coming in the divisional round of the playoffs as they went on the win Superbowl 40.  Although 1-2 doesn't seem that great, take away the MNF debacle when Peyton went deep to Marvin Harrison on the 1st play from scrimmage and the Steelers haven't been carved up by the illustrious QB.  I will say this, I am glad that the Steelers play Peyton and the Broncos early on, because I am thinking the defense might get a few breaks in terms of miscommunication and/or mistakes being made.  I think the Broncos are going to be really good, but hopefully there are still some kinks to be ironed out in week 1.

- Ryan Clark is OUT for the SNF Matchup - News has just broke that Steelers Safety Ryan Clark will NOT play in Denver as expected.  Its not worth having him literally risk is life for a football game.  With that, will Peyton Manning look to exploit the less experienced Ryan Mundy, and will Mundy be capable enough so that Troy can be Troy?  Although not a gigantic loss, it is a big one for the Steelers as they face an high powered passing attack.

- Ike Taylor (and Secondary) Out for Revenge - All Steeler fans know that the last time this team went to Denver it ended with a D. Thomas stiff arm that sent shockwaves through the Steel City.  The Steelers were embarrassed by that loss to the Broncos and I'm sure they are out for revenge on Sunday Night.  The 2 teams are significantly different, but the secondary is the biggest question mark on this Steelers defense.  If I were a betting man, and I kinda am, I would say that the Broncos will try to open the pass with the run, and when they do throw look for it to be Keenan Lewis' way.  I look for Ike to have a shut down game and to shut up the critics he faced after the playoff loss last year.

- Who Will Win the Turnover Battle - The Steelers have feasted on turnovers this preseason, but will that trend continue into the regular season?  Peyton Manning rarely makes mistakes, and hardly ever turns the ball over, however, this preseason Manning has been undeniably more erratic and has turned the ball over.  Preseason doesn't mean anything, but if the Steelers can get to the QB and force some bad throws, the INTs will follow.  Peyton has proven he is able to be rattled, but will the defense feast on potential turnovers is the big question.

- Can the Pass Rush be Effective? - The answer to this question could lie in whether or not James Harrison plays on SNF.  If Harrison is even remotely healthy, I like the Steelers odds of stacking the run and forcing Mr. Manning into obvious passing downs.  That doesn't mean the Steelers will get to him, but any time that Dick Lebeau has an idea as to what the opponents are doing, I like the Steelers chances.  I like to think they will at least get 3 sacks on Peyton and hopefully force some ill-advised throws in the process.

- Big Snack is Back - The Steelers had to play the majority of the playoff loss without the likes of Brett Keisel and Casey Hampton.  Not to mention the slew of other injuries that the team had.  Casey Hampton has made a tremendous comeback from a torn ACL, but we'll see how he does when live game action consists of more than 2 series in a meaningless preseason game.  Steve Mclendon has done a great job filling in and I think could still see alot of playing time.  Put Hampton in on obvious rushing downs and Big "Mac" in on passing downs to get after the QB. 

The Steelers defense has its work cut out for them in this opening matchup.  The NFL surely did them no favors in terms of scheduling a powder-puff matchup in Week 1.  I warn all Steeler fans to remember, even if the team doesn't play up to our standards, doesn't mean the entire season is a wash.  Last year was a 12-4 season after that opening week drumming by the Ravens.  I have a feeling this team will show up and the defense will lead the way into Denver.