Without Ben Roethlisberger and coming off a pair of losses, the situation on Sunday looks grim for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Baltimore Ravens already defeated the Steelers once in Week 11, holding the squad to just ten points. Do the Pittsburgh Steelers have enough gas to overcome the recent slump and win back a chance at a postseason this year? Perhaps, if they can take advantage of three crucial possibilities.
3. The Return of Antonio Brown
Based on comments earlier this week, Brown is coming off the bench with big hopes of helping to bring the Steelers offense under control. The reigning MVP wide receiver could give the Steelers the boost they need to add a passing game to their currently struggling offense. But Charlie Batch will need to find Brown (who the Ravens will have firmly in their radar) at least a few times to give the WR the welcome back he deserves.
2. Charlie Batch Comes Alive
Mike Tomlin announced earlier this week that Charlie Batch would be throwing passes on Sunday. In order to avoid a repeat of last Sunday, Batch will need to cut down on interceptions. The aging QB threw three during the 20-14 loss to the Browns while throwing 20/34 for 199 yards. While he was a big part of a late first half rushing touchdown drive, he paled in comparison to Big Ben.
1. The Offense Holds On
It’s no secret that Ben Roethlisberger is making considerable progress since his injury earlier this month; Big Ben increased his workload considerably during Wednesday’s practice. Hopefully this is a sign that Roethlisberger is on his way back to the lineup, but the offense will need to hold on for at least another game, in more ways than one. While many Pittsburgh Steelers fans saw the offensive struggles as a sign that Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich were shaking out some cobwebs, the receivers had just as much to answer for with a host of dropped passes and fumbles.
What’s clear is that Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens is a must-win for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers tickets for the game kicking off at 4:25 PM on Sunday are available at HeadlineTickets.com.
