Nov 1, 2014 4 min read

There might have been those out there who had faith in the Steelers to beat the previously red-hot Indianapolis Colts last week.

But even the most fervent supporter of the Steelers couldn’t have expected Pittsburgh to get a record-setting day from Ben Roethlisberger and put 51 points on the board against the Colts.

Win? Maybe. But not in the manner it occurred.

But the way the Steelers played in that game should be the team’s blueprint for victory moving forward. In fact, it should have been the blueprint all along.

Score early and often and continue scoring to put pressure on the opposing offense to help protect a middle-of-the-road defense.

The Steelers jumped ahead of the Colts, 14-3, after two possessions by each team, then went ahead 21-3 when William Gay jumped a pass and returned it for a touchdown.

In previous years, the Steelers might have gone into a football version of the four corners offense the rest of the way. Instead, they continued to press forward offensively, to the point of going for a fourth-and-one conversion when up 44-34 with just over five minutes remaining.

Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass to Heath Miller for what was the exclamation point in the Pittsburgh victory.

Being behind early forced the Colts to press offensively. At one point, Indianapolis attempted 25 consecutive pass plays during the second and third quarters.

That allowed the Steelers to come up with all kinds of exotic blitz packages and get after Andrew Luck.

Yes, the Steelers gave up plenty of yardage and 34 points, but they also hit Luck numerous times and forced him to throw two interceptions and fumble once.

Things won’t be as easy today against the Baltimore Ravens, who have one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL. But if the Steelers can score and keep the pressure on Baltimore’s offense to keep up, the Ravens will make mistakes.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has thrown four interceptions in Baltimore’s four road games this season, including two last week in a loss at Cincinnati.

The Ravens also should be a tired team. This will mark their fourth road game in the past five weeks.

The Steelers had a similar such stretch earlier this season and showed tired legs in the final game of that stretch, a 31-10 loss at Cleveland.

Baltimore is a one-point favorite to win this game, which also doesn’t bode well for the Ravens. After beating the Colts last week as an underdog, the Steelers are now 6-1-1 against the spread since 2005 in games in which they are not favored at home, winning five of those games outright.

Take Pittsburgh, 27-24

The Chargers usually struggle coming east, but they are the better team and smarting from back-to-back losses.

Take San Diego, 27-20

Colts should be angry after having 51 hung on them last week by the Steelers.

Take Indianapolis, 37-28

The Cardinals continue to find ways to win, and Tony Romo hasn’t practiced all week for the Cowboys.

Take Arizona, 23-16

Peyton Manning is 2-7 at Gillette Stadium, but in a game in which the offenses should by dynamic, I’ll go with the better defense.

Take Denver, 41-35

A.J. Green is expected to return for the Bengals.

Take Cincinnati, 24-10

Browns will move ahead of the loser of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game with a victory into third place in the AFC North.

Take Cleveland, 20-13

RGIII returns at quarterback for the Redskins but could be rusty after nearly two months off.

Take Minnesota, 20-17

Eagles head back west after blowing one in Arizona last week.

Take Philadelphia, 30-24

Michael Vick won’t turn the ball over in bunches like Geno Smith, but the results won’t change.

Take Kansas City, 27-13

The 49ers should be well-rested coming off a bye.

Take San Francisco, 31-13

After a couple of weeks on the road, the Seahawks should put on a show for the home fans.

Take Seattle, 27-6

Last Week: 6-8 ATS, 8-6 Straight up

Overall: 54-58-1 ATS, 69-44 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.