Steelers must avoid trap game
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown said the AFC North leaders “can’t overlook anyone” as they prepare to play Miami before next week’s game against New England.
Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates is a game-time decision against Miami because of a cut on his hand. Coates caught two touchdowns last Sunday against the New York Jets.
It seems many circled the Steelers’ game next Sunday at Heinz Field as an AFC Championship preview.
The Steelers host the Patriots in what is one of the most anticipated games of the season.
But first, Pittsburgh (4-1) has to get past Miami (1-4) today at Hard Rock Stadium.
If this were high school or college, it would be considered a trap game. In the NFL, players and coaches will tell you there’s no such thing, even when the opponent doesn’t seem all that good.
“I think every week everyone is trying to (win),” said Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “Certain teams have bull’s-eyes on their chests. Whether that’s Super Bowl champions, division champions, whatever it might be. You just have to go out every week and play your best.”
The Steelers, off to their best start since 2010, know they can’t afford to overlook Miami if they want to make it to 5-1.
“It’s like we say, there aren’t any homecoming games in the NFL,” said Steelers safety Mike Mitchell.
The Dolphins don’t match up well with the Steelers, even a banged-up unit such as the one Pittsburgh takes into this game.
Defensive end Cameron Heyward will miss his first career game for the Steelers and will be joined on the sideline by linebacker Ryan Shazier, wide receiver Markus Wheaton and right tackle Marcus Gilbert, among others. Receiver Sammy Coates, who had six receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns last week in a win over the New York Jets, will be a game-time decision because of a cut on his hand that required seven stitches.
“Our challenge will be to put together a plan that highlights the strength of the guys that are available, to lean on those strengths to work to minimize our weaknesses, and we will do that,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh still has some weapons capable of hurting Miami, particularly on the ground with Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams. The Dolphins are last in the league in rushing defense, allowing more than 150 yards per game.
“Sometimes we’re shooting our gun and we’re missing,” said first-year Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. “You can’t do that, because now you leave three or four other guys hanging out to dry.”
The Dolphins have left quarterback Ryan Tannehill out to dry plenty. Tannehill has been sacked 17 times and attempted 156 passes, meaning he’s been sacked once every 10 times he drops back. That’s the worst ratio in the league.
Tannehill has seven interceptions and four fumbles. But the Dolphins did get Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, the identical twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, back last week for a 30-17 loss to Tennessee. This will mark the first time the Pouncey twins have played against each other. Maurkice Pouncey was out with a knee injury when the Steelers played the Dolphins in 2013.
“We have a great relationship,” said Maurkice Pouncey. “We’re best friends. … I talk to him every day. I’ve got to start blocking his phone calls.”
At least until after this game.
That’s also when the Steelers can begin thinking about how to beat the Patriots.
“We know we have to take care of business; we can’t overlook anyone,” said Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. “This is the NFL. Every team can beat you if you don’t come out and play like you’re supposed to.”
Roethlisberger, who has won four of his five starts against the Dolphins, made his debut as a starter in Miami in 2004, leading the Steelers to a 13-3 win. … Bell has 332 yards from scrimmage in two games and leads the NFL at an average of 135 yards per game since the start of the 2014 season. … Steelers cornerback William Gay will play in his 150th consecutive game, the longest active streak in the NFL for cornerbacks. Ronde Barber holds the record with 209. … Chris Hubbard will make his second consecutive start at right tackle in place of Gilbert. … The Steelers promoted wide receiver Cobi Hamilton to the active roster. Hamilton spent the first five games of the season on the Steelers’ practice squad. He signed with the Steelers during the 2016 training camp on Aug. 5. Hamilton was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round (197th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.