Steelers Bold Predictions: Martavis Bryant an afterthought?
I love making predictions. I love it even more when some of them actually come to fruition.
Last week I was thinking Bud Dupree would have a breakout game. He didn’t get two sacks, but man, he sure was close!
The defense got two interceptions, and I even called my shots that Joe Haden would be one of those two to pick off a pass. Heck, I even stuck my neck out and said Antonio Brown would score a touchdown (he scored the first one of the game). I even went a bit bolder and said A.J. Green would be completely shut down on Sunday; I’d say three receptions for 41 yards is about as close to being a non-factor as Green has been to the Steelers in years.
I was lobbying for the tight ends to score (does JuJu count?) and I also thought this would be the week the Steelers laid 40 on an opponent.
Those two things didn’t happen, but I’m feeling good about some other predictions on Sunday night.
NBC cameras show Martavis Bryant at least five times
They can’t help themselves. If Bryant travels with the team, TV cameras will be fixed on his reaction to every single play. You might want to start a new drinking game because I predict this will happen frequently…
Steelers score 30-plus
I wanted 40-plus last week, but I’m willing to take 30-ish on the road. I think the Lions are a mirror image of the Bengals but with a weaker secondary and defense overall.
This week the Steelers get in the end zone rather than kick field goals. Write it down.
JuJu scores
We want to see what his next celebration is, don’t we? Who doesn’t want to make sure he finds the end zone? Here’s why…
Ben Roethlisberger touchdown celebration
I wanted to say that Smith-Schuster does some play off of his bike being stolen, like maybe miming it being locked to the goalpost, but after the wide receiver said he’d donate his game check if Big Ben joined in on the festivities, I’m placing my bets that the challenge might be accepted!
What they do, however, will be interesting. Can Ben dance? I don’t think he can hide as fast as Le’Veon either… to be continued!
Reminding you of Martavis
Just a spot in the article to remind you that NBC will be showing Martavis Bryant’s reaction during all of the above. Wanted to remind everyone, that’s why it’s in the headline of this article.
Defense gets 7 sacks
I’m going for bold here and considering Andy Dalton was put on his backside four times last weekend, Lions QB Matt Stafford is in for a rougher night. Detroit’s signal-caller has been sacked 17 times in the last three games: six each by the Vikings and Panthers, and five last week by the Saints.
That’s not a misprint. The Saints.
Who’s in on the action? Well, I’ll give one for Deebo who might see a dozen snaps. Let’s continue with Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt getting at least one each. Cam Heyward, I’m going to give you one as well as Javon Hargrave, who needs some lovin’ too.
That’s five if you’re keeping count. The sixth will go to one of the two inside linebackers, Ryan Shazier or Vince Williams. But lucky number seven is for my man, CB Mike Hilton. That guy is scary fast off the edge and has been used in blitz packages all season. He’s overdue and it’s time Hilton collects!
