Steelers looking to bounce back
Ben Roethlisberger carted off the field Sunday against the Rams.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers are 2-1 going into the exciting Week 4 matchup against the Ravens this Thursday. However, the Steelers will be playing Baltimore without their two time Super Bowl Championship quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger exited the game this past Sunday when a low hit from Rams safety, Mark Barron, caused Ben to collapse. The quarterback had to be carted off the field and the injury was later disclosed to be trauma to the left MCL. There is no set time-line for Roethlisberger's return to action, which means backup quarterback Michael Vick will most likely take the reigns for Thursday's bout against the Ravens.
The Steelers signed Vick to a one year deal in hopes to add depth to the quarterback position. Bruce Gradkowski was filling the role as backup but the Steelers listed him on the injured reserve list during the pre-season due to a left hand injury. This week marks Vick's first start for the Steelers and his first Steelers-Ravens game. The question being asked by Steelers nation is, "Will Vick be able to win?" Vick is 34 years old and due to concussions, broken ribs, and hamstring injuries, he is not the player he used to be. Vick's arm strength and quickness made him a dual threat to opposing defenses but he can not rely on his legs as much. Vick is older now but his arm strength is still there. In 12 NFL seasons Vick as thrown for over 22,000 yards and 131 passing touchdowns he is still a threat with his accuracy and strength. Vick is a talented quarterback and the good news is he will not have to win the game on his own.
Le'Veon Bell returned to the lineup after serving a two game suspension against the Rams which meant DeAngelo WIlliams saw diminished playing time. All of the experts said Williams would carry the work load until Bell returned and the experts were right. Williams did carry the work load but no one expected how dominant he would be in the first two weeks. The former Carolina Panthers running back worked hard in the off season to get in better shape. When Williams played in his first pre-season game for the Steelers he went from being a 230 pound back in Carolina to weighing in at 207 in Pittsburgh, that is impressive. Williams has paid off for the Steelers because he has produced 206 rushing yards, averaging 4.9 yards per cary, and scored three touchdowns. Williams saw only one attempt against the Rams on Sunday which was a wasted opportunity. Bell has been one of the best performers for the Steelers offense in the last two years but with Williams in the best shape of his career both running back should be utilized. If the Steelers can use the patience and speed of Bell, coupled with Williams's devastating runs then they will be able to keep the Ravens defense guessing.
The Steelers are facing an uphill battle this Thursday after scoring only 12 points against a lethargic Rams defense. One of the challenges for the Steelers against the Ravens will be to execute plays on both sides of the ball which was a problem for Pittsburgh on Sunday. If Vick is to be effective he will need help on the ground and utilizing both running backs will help lessen Vick's burden. The Steelers need to spread the defense out by going with four receivers and one running back to keep the Ravens defense from bringing a lot of blitzes.
