Giants re-cap and Redskins preview

STH goes 5-2 on the year with the Steeler's loss to the G-men.  No shame in losing to the Giants, but I think the Steelers should have won that game.  Reasons the Steelers lost:

1.  Penalties - especially on the drive that got to the Giants 35...then went backwards to the Steelers 35.  On this drive, the Steelers lost a TD at worst, and 3 points at best.

2.  Poor play from Ben.  I hate to say it, but at least two of the sacks were a result of Ben holding the ball way too long.  Eli got rid of the ball...Ben ate it.

3.  Poor execution in the 4Q.  No first downs...no points...no nothing.

The Steelers did not lose because of the bad snap.  That play was pretty insignificant, except for highlight reels.

Keys to the Redskins game:

Offense

1.  Pass more like the Steelers do against the Ravens.  The Redskins have the 5th ranked rushing defense.  This does not mean the Steelers should abandon the run, but passing will be easier than running.  The Redskins have the 11th ranked pass defense, but they will be missing two starters from the secondary.  Also, the Redskins only have 10 sacks this year, so Ben should be less pressured than against the Giants.

2.  Run outside.  Fletcher is a good MLB, so getting to the edges with either Parker or Moore should create opportunities for big chunks of yards.  Up the middle is not a good game plan.

Defense

1.  Shut down Clinton Portis.  If the Steelers can hold Portis to less than 70 yards, then the Steelers should win.

2.  Abuse the LT Heyer.  I like Silverback against Heyer or a RB.  If the Steelers DL can slant to get Keisel on Heyer or the LG, then Harrison should pop free a lot. The Redskins are giving up an average of 2 sacks per game.  Silverback will get at least 2.

3.  Woodley should get 1 sack.

4.  The pressure should make Campbell force to ball or fumble the ball.  Campbell has been really good this year with ball security.  This is a result of a good running game and good decisions.  However, the Steelers D can take away both, and I do not see the Redskins winning the one-on-one matchups.

The preseason pick had this as a trap game after a big win over the Giants.  However...AHEM...that is not necessarily the case now.  So, I think the Steelers come out and get a win.  Steelers 17-10.