The Steelers (3-2) are coming from a 24-20 win over the San Diego Chargers last during Monday Night Football.
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We then continue on with our preview of Sunday’s game and talk extensively about how toxic the Cardinals are so far this season.
Look for Brown to start his breakout this week in Pittsburgh. They have arguably the best player in College Football on their roster, that being Leonard Fournette, who already has eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the season. The Cardinals have been adept at collecting turnovers (14, including 11 interceptions). Pittsburgh’s offense, led by Michael Vick for the third straight game, will have to be smart when airing the ball out. They’ve yet to face a truly explosive offense as of yet, but it is hard to argue that the Steelers are as explosive without Big Ben behind center.
The Cardinals went 10-6 in Arians’ first season.
When it comes to the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh will have their hands full. Carson Palmer has thrown for 1,316 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead the team while Larry Fitzgerald has caught 35 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s defense has been solid the past few weeks, but this game should be a huge test that they may not be able to overcome. In addition, this impressive defensive/special teams unit has given the Cardinals the fifth best average starting field position, beginning each drive just past the 31 yard line. The reason for this being Todd Gurley ripping the Cardinals’ defense apart in Arizona in their only loss of the season. There are back-to-back road games at Baltimore and Minnesota, and maybe they’ll drop one of those.
Arians was the Steelers wide receivers coach from 2004 to 2006 and their offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011. Given the Steelers’ struggles in the passing game, the Cardinals will likely put a lot of focus on shutting down Le’Veon Bell, who will have to once again carry the load at running back. The Steelers said Arians retired, but in reality, they didn’t renew his contract. Pittsburgh has won four of its last five against the Cardinals, but Arizona is 4-2-1 against the spread against the Steelers.
The Arizona Cardinals made up for their loss against the St. Louis Rams by going into Detroit and embarrassing them in front of the home crowd. Palmer has looked his way in the second halves of games, with his more conservative route tree offering this offense the opportunity to put together drives and limit mistakes.
Cam Heyward, whose father Craig “Iron Head” Heyward died after a long bout with cancer, was notified Wednesday that he has been fined for eye black he wore against San Diego with the words “Iron” and “Head” written on the eye black, according to the Pittburgh Tribune-Review’s Chris Adamski. The most interesting matchup for me is going to be Antonio Brown vs. the Cardinals’ secondary. Peterson always takes the best receiver, and Brown is clearly that. They will have to be firm against the run, as Le’Veon Bell is going to be the most talented running back this team has faced this season.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger indicated this week that he was feeling good enough that he might just be ready to return. I would say I am 80 percent there. Sunday’s game will be the 59th time these two teams have met in the regular season.
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The Arizona Cardinals defense is firing on all cylinders. I don’t foresee it being the quarter last game.
