The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a winning performance in Week 18, a 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens which, after some help, got the team into the AFC Playoffs. The hope is the Steelers’ 3-game winning streak will continue in the Wild Card Round when the team travels to play the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to keep their season alive? Let’s break it down by offense and defense…

Offense

Run the rock

While everyone loves to talk about the Steelers scoring 30+ points in two out of their final three games of the regular season, all with Mason Rudolph at the helm, it was the running game which dominated. If the Steelers want to go to Baltimore next Sunday in the Divisional Round, they’ll need their running game to pick up right where it left off in Baltimore. If not, it could be a long day.

Hold onto said rock

Jaylen Warren had a case of the fumbles in Baltimore vs. the Ravens, and Mason Rudolph struggled handling the ball as well. While the weather conditions were certainly worth noting, that trend hopefully was left in the rain at M&T Bank Stadium. If the Steelers want to upset the Bills, they’ll have to do so by not turning the ball over. Not “limit turnovers”, but “no turnovers”. This is a game they have to be clean in that regard.

Creativity is key

I talked about this on my “Let’s Ride” podcast Wednesday, and it was all about how the team needs to be creative, not crazy, when it comes to offensive philosophy. Start with some play-action passes to get the aggressive Bills defense to hopefully bite on the run fakes. It is possible to open up the running game by clicking on some deep throws. Will mother nature allow it to happen? We shall see, but creativity will be a must.

Defense

Slow down the run

While everyone is talking about the Steelers running game, the Bills running game has been equally impressive. If the Steelers want to have a shot in this game they must force the Bills into obvious passing situations. While that doesn’t mean they’ll win in those situations, it’s their best shot at victory.

Spy Josh Allen

No, Josh Allen isn’t Michael Vick, but he is mobile enough the team should deploy a spy on him to ensure he doesn’t beat them with his legs. Who could do that? I’d suggest Minkah Fitzpatrick or Eric Rowe would certainly be up to the task, and keeping Allen from being dynamic with his legs is half the battle when facing the Bills offense. Don’t allow him to have those back-breaking runs is a huge key for the Steelers defense.

Get it back

Just like the Steelers offense can’t turn it over, the Steelers defense has to take it away. It might only be one takeaway, but it is an absolute must. Josh Allen is more than capable of a multiple turnover game, and the Steelers have to capitalize on those questionable decisions Allen will inevitably make. From there, the offense will have to capitalize on said turnovers, but getting them is Step No. 1.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the latest episode of “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!