Steelers Get Absolutely Disrespected By Mark Schlereth Ahead Of Week 2 Battle Vs. Broncos

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been roughly three-point favorites throughout the whole week leading up to their Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos lost their Week 1 game after their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, had issues pushing the ball downfield and throwing costly interceptions. They're in a rebuilding year after cutting most of their key players in the offseason, so expectations are overall low for them. While the Steelers had low expectations from the media, they still made a conscious effort to improve their team in multiple ways, as opposed to beginning a rebuild.

While making an appearance on Breakfast Ball, former 2x Pro Bowler and 3x Super Bowl champion, Mark Schlereth defended his former team and bluntly said that the Broncos shouldn't have much of a problem in this game.

"Broncos [win] by two touchdowns."

While the Steelers have been known to have their fair share of struggles against weaker opponents, they still very rarely get blown out. Whether they win or lose while allegedly "playing down to competition," they don't end up with bad losses like that too often. There are many factors that go into this game for both teams, but there's nothing that says the Steelers should fall so easily like Schlereth believes. 

Broncos' Advantages

Even with the rebuild, the Steelers won't walk in and get a free win. For starters, it's always tough for opponents to travel into the mountains, adjust to the high altitude, and win. The Broncos have a true home-field advantage with the fact that they are used to playing their hearts out in the thinner air. It's still to be determined how that aspect of the game will affect the Steelers, but they better be ready to handle the unusual circumstances.

Patrick Surtain II is still one of the best cornerbacks in the game. The battle between him and George Pickens will be a very fun one to watch, but if he can shut him down, Justin Fields doesn't have a lot of other options outside, especially with Roman Wilson's injury. It will be a challenge for Fields to manage the contest without his top option in the passing game. It will be time to see how he reacts to that kind of situation. 

Steelers' Advantages

Even with the Broncos' strengths, they still have a lot to worry about. In particular, the Steelers have so many dimensions to their elite running game. Najee Harris is still a high-end power runner that's hard to stop between the tackles. If you stop him, there is still Jaylen Warren, who is a human bowling ball that can work more laterally. After that, there's Cordarrelle Patterson, who is nothing but pure speed. Finally, Fields is still one of the best runners from the quarterback position in the league. Have fun slowing down all four of them.

The Steelers' defense is also loaded with stars. While many of them are known, there have been a few more breaking out. DeShon Elliott had a great team debut while pairing up with an already elite safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Donte Jackson also made his appearance known as a great scheme fit for the Steelers' big, physical secondary core. There are young players that come in, in rotation, to make sure the opposing offense gets no plays off, including Nick Herbig. 

On paper, the Steelers have a very clear and obvious advantage over the Broncos. Even if they start off slow and sloppy, like they have a tendency to do, they will likely come back and at least make it close. Schlereth is obviously drinking the Kool-Aid on the team he used to play for. It should be a fun game in Denver, but never count out the Steelers.

What do you think about Schlereth thinking that the Broncos will win in Week 2 by 14 points? Let us know in the comments.

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