Week 3 NFL Analysis - Steelers Defense vs Bears Offense

Containing Cutler Is Mission #1 for the Steelers D

Just like Bob Seger said..."Turn the Page".  Its time for Steelers and their fans to pick themselves up off the canvas, quit feeling sorry for themselves, and get ramped up for a home prime time game against the Chicago Bears.  The Bears offense vs the Steelers defense will be a significant factor in the outcome of the game, and with it comes many story lines.  Lets tackle the top 5 (according to me) story lines in this matchup...

- Control Cutler - Jay Cutler is a unique QB in the NFL.  Not a straight line runner like RGIII or Cam Newton, nor is he strictly a pocket passer like Brady or Manning.  Cutler has the ability to run, but also has one of the stronger throwing arms in the league.  This can pose several problems for a defense.  In Week 1, Cutler escaped the Cincinnati Bengals pressure several times and used his legs to make plays.  This is a situation that can absolutely burn the Steelers' defense.  The Steelers will want to get pressure on Cutler, but keeping him in the pocket is of the utmost importance in this matchup.  Practicing against Ben Roethlisberger certainly will help the defense in their preparations, but Cutler is much more nimble and quick outside the pocket that Big Ben.  Controlling Cutler is going to a HUGE key in whether the Steelers get their first win of the season, or if they fall to 0-3.

- Shut Down the Running Attack - As always, the Steelers ultimate goal is to make teams one dimensional.  The Steelers always feel that if they can stop the running attack of their opponent and force 3rd and long...then that is playing to their strengths.  However, as was on display on Monday Night, the Steelers have had troubles with their run stopping in recent weeks.  Steve McLendon hasn't had his name called much this season, and has fans longing for Casey Hampton who used to clog the interior and allow the Steelers linebackers to make plays.  If the Steelers can stop Matt Forte and force the Bears into 3rd and long situations, it will certainly help them in slowing down the Bears offense.

- Create Turnovers - As great as Jay Cutler CAN be, he also has been known to be careless with the football.  Cutler is a risk taker, and sometimes the defense can benefit from the risks being taken.  There are a couple aspects of this storyline that beg to be discussed.  First, as great as the Steelers defense is, the last few years they have been in an unbelievable drought in terms of creating turnovers.  Most importantly because they aren't getting to the QB.  When QBs, like Cutler, are under pressure is when they are more likely to make a mistake.  The Steelers have only recorded ONE sack in 2 football games.  Against the Bengals, the Steelers only breathed on Andy Dalton on a couple occasions.  Its a two part puzzle...part 1 - get to the QB, and part 2 - take advantage of turnovers when they present themselves.  Ike Taylor and company are known for their hands of stone, and with a team struggling to create turnovers there is no margin for "almost" getting a key turnover.

- Play Big when the Game Gets Big - There was one play from that Monday Night game that sticks out in my head.  I don't know why, but it does.  It was a crucial point in the game.  The Steelers had just thrown an INT and the Bengals had the ball in their own territory.  The Bengals faced a 3rd and 7...the Steelers D had a chance to make a play and get the ball back into their offense's hands.  What happened next was disturbing because the Bengals RAN THE BALL for a first down.  3rd and 7, and the Steelers give up an 8 yard run.  When a big play was needed, the Steelers D was nowhere to be found.  For things to turn around, the Steelers need to be Big when the game gets "Big".

- Create Offense - Some might read this and simply think that I am referring to taking a fumble or INT back to the house for a TD.  This could be as simple as a 3 and out.  The Steelers offense is not prolific (that putting it nicely) and struggles to get the ball into the redzone, let alone into the endzone.  The Steelers defense can help the offense by stopping drives, and if the occasional turnover comes their way...take full advantage.  If the defense could put points on the board, then the Steelers will only benefit from such a play being made.  Everyone on this Steelers team can improve, the defense included.  Creating offense could put the Steelers in the drivers seat to get their first win of the season.

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