Steelers vs Raiders: Week One of Hell Unleashed

According to Coach Tomlin, the Steelers absolutely need to “unleash hell” in December.  You see that face?  I believe him.  He’s dead serious. And in order to keep the playoff dream alive, they need hell unleashed and then some.  What better place to start than with the 3-8 Raiders?

In fact, the key would be to get Rashard running for about 1,000,000 yards (or 100+, whatever) and use the passing game as the back up to the run game.  However, as well all know, with “Air it out Arians” that probably won’t be the game plan.  The good news this week, Ben’s back. Not that I wouldn’t like to see Dixon in there – because I think we all learned that the kid is going to make a great QB – but it’s good to have the franchise QB back in the game and ready to play. Now if we can squash the little locker room “misunderstanding” it will be a great Steelers football weekend.

The Raiders have been inconsistent this year at best.  They have all kinds of front office drama as witnessed by this billboard Raiders fans support (along with website: www.messagetoal.com)

But they beat the Bengals 20-17 after coming from behind – something that eluded the Steelers so far this season.  Raiders’ QB  Bruce Gradowski has not had the greatest luck against the Steelers.  His career stats include a 50 percent completion rate, no touchdowns and five interceptions.  But this is his first time facing the Steelers in silver and black (previously he played with the Browns).  He hopes to repeat his play against the Bengals when he threw for 183 yards and two TDs.  The game actually depends a lot on Gradowski’s arm. And the Steelers defense better have an answer.

The Steelers have the best rushing defense in the league – allowing less than 80 yards a game on average – and Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden will have a tough day against the Steelers defense no matter who starts,  which just solidifies the importance of the Raiders passing game. Watch for screen plays to Zach Miller, Raiders TE – who happens to be the Raiders leading receiver this year with more than 500 yards. Yes, the TE is the leading receiver.  The chains move 10 yards at a time, that’s all they need.  Raiders wide receives Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey should be covered even with the Steelers “sometimes on it” secondary – Ike and Will really should be able to shut them both down.  Really. I am not making promises here, but seriously, they should.

Bottom line, the Steelers need to establish a strong running game early and let Rashard do what he does – also known as spin moves for additional yardage.  Let’s get Ben his 3,000 season yards while we’re there as well.  The defense needs to play through the 4th quarter.  Seriously, there is no reason, absolutely none, that this game should even be close.  There is too much talent on the Steelers team and everyone needs to bring their A game.  Look again at that Pic of Coach Tomlin, he ain’t playin’.  This is a big week, I want to see hell unleashed, I really, really do. Let’s right the playoff bound ship, starting tomorrow.

Let’s go Steelers.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yczeh19AwC0