The Chicago Bears make a rare trip to the Steel City to Face the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night. The two teams have rich histories, championships to boast, and are heading in different directions.
Bears vs. Steelers. Let’s go!
Offensive linemen Kyle Long and Jordan Mills will have their hands full today as they line up against a 3-4 defense for the first time as pros. Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley have been two of the better outside linebackers in the 3-4 in the league. Throw in ideal pass rushers Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood, and the rookie linemen will have to adjust to numerous shifts and looks pre-snap.
Cornerback Ike Taylor will line up against wide receiver Brandon Marshall for majority of the game tonight. Taylor has been excellent early in 2013, and his success against Cincinnati wide out A.J. Green and Tennessee’s Kenny Britt is no fluke. Alshon Jeffery and (insert Bears third wide receiver here) have to win their battles early. Jay Cutler loves Marshall enough to try and force throws his way. If the other wide outs and monster tight end Martellus Bennett draw attention early, Marshall should have a little less of an issue getting targets.
Will the Bears defensive line take advantage of a porous Steelers offensive line? Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was last for the season week one, and he was clearly their best lineman. If Julius Peppers has his edge back and his hamstring injury is at bay, he should feast on Steelers left tackle Mike Adams. Peppers and Henry Melton are getting the reps they missed in camp, and signs of life should be shown sooner than later.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is on the wrong side of a Hall-of-Fame-like career. Polamalu loves to blitz and cheat by timing the snap. If you have not seen videos of his knack to do so, look them up. That being said, Jay Cutler should take advantage of Polamalu’s jumpiness by hot-routing Bennett. A hot read is a check down pre-snap to cue a receiver/running back to change their route. Troy’s penchant to leave the second and third level open on blitzing plays means a simple out route (running straight ahead) would put a linebacker in a horrible position to block “Black Unicorn.”
During another season, Bears vs. Steelers would be appointment television. The Bears are the better team, and should win with some comfort, road game or not.
Bears 24, Steelers 13.
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