The 5: Steelers to watch in Wild Card game versus Chiefs
How about that Steeler Nation? Somehow, after all the pain and struggle, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the playoff race this season.
They will have a tough mountain to climb to make it to the promised land, starting with a foe that embarrassed them a few weeks ago in the Kansas City Chiefs.
Something feels different. The energy surrounding Pittsburgh after their clutch finale against the Baltimore Ravens seems like a possible beast has awoken.
Is this fate for the team to make noise in the 2021 playoffs? Let us look at the five Steelers who can make this a reality.
Ben Roethlisberger
I feel like this is the elephant in the room. The Steelers’ chances of success rest on the shoulders of their old warrior. Seven times gunslinger Roethlisberger has been clutch and he’ll have to do it again.
This game can become a shootout or a defensive struggle. Either way, Big Ben is not going to go quietly into the night. Look for him to play spoiler at his own retirement party (and possibly expand his finale tour.)
Najee Harris
Harris has been nothing short of spectacular in his rookie season. With the impact he has made so far, he gives all of us great expectations for his future career.
I highly expect him to bring extra energy in his first-ever playoff appearance.
Expect the game plan to flow through the backfield this time around. I would not be surprised if Harris exceeds 40 touches in this game.
Ray-Ray McCloud
A man of many talking points, both good and bad this season, McCloud can be an x-factor in this matchup. The young receiver and return specialist is actually coming off his greatest game so far this season.
Better late than never?
What makes this interesting is McCloud is facing a secondary that embarrassed him a few weeks ago. It seems that Matt Canada is adjusting to utilizing McCloud in the offensive scheme, and he has made some clutch catches including the fourth-down conversion last week to help put the Ravens away.
He can be a silent killer this week if they put him in the right scenario. Just no flea flickers again please.
Chris Boswell
If history speaks to one thing, Boswell can easily be the Steelers only source of points depending how the contest goes.
Pittsburgh once beat Kansas City to death with nothing but field goals. It may happen again.
I’m not Nostradamus, but the “Wizard of Boz” may have to put the team on his back yet again if the offense bogs down. I am one hundred percent comfortable with that, too.
Remember, people, he has ice in his veins!
Offensive Line
This is for everyone in the trenches: keep Ben upright. The Chiefs will be looking to dominate up front like last time.
Every single man on that offensive line will have to be on their “A” game to give Roethlisberger a chance.
The line definitely improved over the past few weeks. The question is, can they keep it up?
I say let us see what these guys have got. This will be their biggest test. They made it this far, through all the adversity,so for the team’s sake, don’t blow it!
Let’s go Steelers!
