Sunday, October 5, 2008

Steelers vs Jaguars, 10/5

After facing a tough, physical Ravens team, the Steelers head to the road to face another tough, physical team in Jacksonville. To make matters worse, they do so on a short week.

Here are the keys to tonight's game for the Steelers according to The Sporting News:
1. Make plays in the passing game. The Steelers will be without their top two running backs -- Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall -- and that will likely put more pressure on Ben Roethlisberger to make big plays similar to the ones he made in the second half against the Ravens. The Steelers believe they can attack the Jaguars secondary.

2. Reduce turnovers. In what is usually a tight defensive matchup, the Steelers must eliminate giveaways, which have plagued them the past two games. Roethlisberger committed five turnovers in three games, including three fumbles and two interceptions. The fumbles were a result of heavy pressure in the pocket.

3. Corral Garrard. The sight of Garrard scrambling 32 yards to set up the winning last-minute field goal in last year's playoff loss at Heinz Field is a disturbing memory. Garrard's ability to run will force the Steelers defensive lineman to play contain, which will limit their opportunities to pressure the pocket in passing situations.

Game Prediction: Steelers 17, Jaguars 13

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