By: Jordan DeFigio, @fidgenewton
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need a spark in their final games of the regular season to carry into the playoffs. Hopefully they can catch a little fire tomorrow against the 10-4 Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field. Kickoff is at 1:00PM ET and the game will be broadcasted on CBS. Here's what we can look forward to.
MATCHUPS AT A GLANCE
Another classic matchup between Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers, a matchup that Roethlisberger has had a history of success with. Since being drafted, Roethlisberger owns a 6-3 record in games played against Rivers. But that really doesn't mean much in a year that holds yet another December collapse for the Steelers. Anything is possible for tomorrow. And despite both Anthony Castonzo and Braden Smith being listed as out, the Steelers are still missing Robert Spillane and a host of other big names on defense. T.J. Watt will no doubt perform at a level beyond human capability, but even the Cincinnati Bengals found a way to pick apart the Steelers' defense. So expect even more from Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and T.Y. Hilton.
The Colts have struggled to maintain their status on defense (previously the number 1 ranked defense in the league), giving up an average of close to 20 points in the first half dating back to Week 5. Lucky for them, they're going up against an offense that has failed to put up 20 points in their past four games. No run game (James Conner should get the start, but he's struggled), no pass game (Roethlisberger hasn't been able to read the field or make accurate throws), and no real threat to be found. This is a team that has no idea how to call plays, and is seemingly without an identity. And they need to find one fast, because the playoffs are quickly approaching. Either they will rediscover how to score more than 20 points, or the Colts and Darius Leonard, DeForest Buckner, Bobby Okereke, and Xavier Rhodes will have their way and find their groove again.
JORDAN'S PREDICTIONS
No shock, but my predictions for last week were incorrect. The Steelers lost in one of the worst games of Roethlisberger's career. And honestly? I don't even think I CAN make a prediction for tomorrow's game. Because I'm not sure which version of the Steelers will show up. What I'm HOPEFUL will happen is that they will finally take all of the cute little tropes and put them into action; they've all played like poo. Now it's time to remedy that. But if they can't?
It'll be another early playoff exit for a team that had so much promise. But no idea how to capitalize on it.
FINAL MUSINGS
Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers are the last two quarterbacks standing from the first round of the 2004 draft, with Roethlisberger the lone guy still playing for the team who drafted him. Last season, the Steelers defeated Rivers' Los Angeles Chargers 24-17 and beat the Colts 26-24. It's also worth noting the Colts are 1-9 in games played in Pittsburgh. Their last win in the Steel City was in 2008.
What are your predictions for the game tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below.
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