Oct 15, 2016 4 min read

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger mused this week the Steelers suffered so many injuries already this season because they do too much tackling in training camp.

“We go as hard as anybody in training camp and during the season,” Roethlisberger said Wednesday. “I’m not one to complain, because I don’t get hit like the other guys do, but I will stand up for the guys up front and running backs, guys who take a pounding every day during a long season.”

Let’s clear up some things.

The Steelers have hitting in their first seven or eight days of training camp. There is very little once they start playing preseason games. And there’s none once the regular season starts.

Yes, there is some blocking being done when they practice, but is it any more pounding than any other team? Hardly.

And do they have any more injuries than any other team? Not really.

We bring this up because the Steelers face what some might consider a trap game today in Miami.

The Dolphins are, quite frankly, not a good team. They don’t protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill very well and he has thrown seven interceptions and fumbled four times in five games.

The Dolphins also are last in the NFL stopping the run, allowing 150.8 yards per game. Their only victory has come against the Browns.

And with a showdown looming next week against New England, it would be easy for the Steelers to overlook the Dolphins and start thinking ahead to the Patriots, especially if there were some distractions involved.

Is Roethlisberger bringing up injuries in the media a distraction?

It could be.

But it shouldn’t be for this team, which seems to be focused, in part, because of the injuries.

Defensive end Cam Heyward will miss his first game today because of an injury. That means rookie Javon Hargrave slides into the lineup not only at nose tackle but as a pass rusher.

The Steelers will start their fifth different combination of defensive players in this, their sixth game.

It hasn’t mattered all that much as the Steelers rank ninth in the NFL in points allowed to go along with an offense that’s sixth.

Miami is 28th in points scored and 18th in points allowed.

The Steelers are 8-point favorites and should cover despite the distraction created by Roethlisberger.

Take the Steelers, 30-20

Marty Mornhinweg takes over as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. That’s good because Baltimore’s attack has been offensive to watch. So has that of the Giants.

Take the Giants, 23-17

The Patriots will have a tougher time scoring than they did in Cleveland, but Cincinnati’s offense is a mess.

Take New England, 30-16

The last time Colin Kaepernick started a game he completed 20 of 41 passes for 162 yards and no touchdowns. I doubt he’s gotten better.

Take San Francisco to cover in a 24-17 loss

The Redskins have won three in a row but will likely be without tight end Jordan Reed (concussion). Have the Redskins been practicing too hard?

Take Philadelphia, 26-20

As bad as the Browns have been since returning to the NFL in 1999, this is only their third 0-5 start. They’ve been close.

Take Cleveland to cover in a 23-20 loss

Cam Newton will be back but there is a longstanding rule to go against a concussed QB in his return.

Take New Orleans, 31-27

Coming off the bye, perhaps the Jaguars have figured out some of their issues. Chicago’s defense has been surprisingly tough.

Take Chicago, 24-20

The Rams are banged up in both the secondary and on their very good defensive line.

Take Detroit, 26-21

Andy Reid-coached teams are 15-2 off a bye, which Kansas City had last week.

Take Kansas City, 27-24

The Falcons found a way to win last week in Denver against a rookie quarterback, but back-to-back cross-country trips is too much.

Take Seattle, 27-20

The Packers will find a way to slow the Cowboys’ Prescott-Elliott show.

Take Green Bay 24-17

The Texans are probably the worst division leader in the NFL but they’re a division leader for a reason. The rest of the division stinks.

Take Houston, 27-23

Carson Palmer is expected to be back for the Cardinals. I know it goes against the concussion rule, but Ryan Fitzpatrick will still be quarterbacking the Jets.

Take Arizona, 37-20

Last week: 6-5-1 ATS; 7-7 straight up

Overall: 26-43-2 ATS; 34-37 straight up

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