The Keys To A Steelers Week 1 Upset
Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1 always brings with it the excitement of possibility, even for teams with fairly dim hopes of contending. This is an especially thrilling start to the regular season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have well earned their pre-season hype. It’s also the first Week 1 home game for the team since all the way back in 2014. And they’ll start the 2023 campaign against the flinty San Francisco 49ers, who are among the favorites to make the Super Bowl in the NFC. However, there are several ways the Steelers can pull off the upset. Let’s take a look at how Pittsburgh can start the season 1-0.
Put Game Pressure On Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy hit the ground running when he replaced an injured Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, pretty much singlehandedly demolishing the tired old joke about “Mr Irrelevant.” With the offensive scheme Kyle Shannahan deploys, mixed with an outstanding defense, Purdy was able to comfortably ease into the position.
In the first eight games he started, including the playoffs, only once was he behind or tied with six minutes left in the third quarter of a game. The lone late deficit came against the Last Vegas Raiders and, let’s be honest, the Raiders roster was not one that struck fear in many teams. Purdy had leads that he could play comfortable in.
Pittsburgh needs to attack the 49ers early and put them in a situation where Brock feels thee pressure. That is clearly easier said than done. The key to a Shanahan offense is running the ball in a zone-blocking scheme. How you beat that is your defensive front seven have to out-athletic the offensive line and shut off the running lanes. Accomplishing that will take away the play action that makes San Fransisco so successful. Make them one-dimensional and. ultimately Brock will feel the heat.
Purdy hasn’t had to beat you with his arm. While at Iowa State, that wasn’t something that he excelled at. If the Steelers can force him to do that, I like the their chances at an upset.
O-line Must Hold Their Own
The strength of the 49ers is their defensive front seven. Arik Armstead, Fred Warner, and Javon Hargrave are always in the conversation for being the best at their position. It goes without saying the reigning DPOTY Nick Bosa (I’m assuming he will play) poses a serious concern for the offensive line.
Pittsburgh can run the ball against a dominant front, though. Running side to side will be tricky because of the speed of the linebackers, but you can run off-tackle. Matt Canada will need to be creative with the play-calling, stay away from familiar tendencies, and use misdirection to get the front to over pursue. Everyone needs to stay on blocks. It’s a tall task, but not an impossible one. The Niners are very good but this is not the 1985 Chicago Bears.
WRs Have To Win One-On-One Battles
The 49ers have an All-Pro safety in Talanoa Hufanga roaming the back end of the secondary. However, the corners are easily the weakest part of San Francisco’s defense. The Steelers must take advantage of the opportunities they will be given. The 49ers play a ton of man to man coverage. This allows them to be ultra aggressive in the front seven. Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and especially Allen Robinson need to win the one-on-one battles.
Robinson will more than likely be lined up in the slot with a third corner covering him. If he has anything left, this will be a great test as he will be single covered with minimal safety help due to the abilities of Johnson and Pickens.
Pickens has made headlines all summer. This is his opportunity to prove himself against a superior defense in real game play. Johnson is in need of a bounce-back year after being shut out of the end zone in 2022. He will need every bit of his elite route running to separate and make plays.
Throwing early and often should absolutely be in Canada’s play script. The Black and Gold possess some of the best skill-position players in the NFL. This is a time to show them off.
Create A Special Moment
When facing a better roster than your own, you need to be able to create opportunities out of the ordinary to give yourself an increased chance at victory. With that in mind, winning the special teams battle is a must. That includes no missed field goals. from Chris Bosworth and winning the field-position struggle. Throw in in a big return or two, and you have the makings of an upset against a fierce NFC foe.
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