The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a winning performance in Week 12, a 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and with it being the team’s seventh win, many fans’ hopes were elevated as the team is pressing towards an AFC Playoff berth. The hope is there is an even better performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 13 when the team hosts the Arizona Cardinals.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to claim their seventh victory of 2023? Let’s break it down by offense and defense…

Offense

Run the rock

The Steelers have racked up the rushing yards in the second half of the season, and the Cardinals defense is the furthest thing from a brick wall. The Steelers main mode of transportation has been the running game, and there is no need to deviate from that plan…even when the rest of the league seems to be throwing their way to success. As long as success is being made, that’s all that matters.

Keep it clean

Last week you saw just how fragile the Steelers offense can be. A red-zone turnover by Jaylen Warren almost sank the team’s hopes early in the game. They were able to overcome the fumble, but the way to maximize success is to stay off the turnover docket.

Cash in

Last week the Steelers finished 1-for-4 in the red-zone. The offense improved in so many ways, except on the scoreboard. We’ll chalk last week up to the new offense, but the hope is the Steelers see more success when the field shortens and things get tighter.

Defense

Slow down James

James Conner makes his return to Pittsburgh, and you know he will be jacked up for the game. Hell, there is a good chance you’ll see plenty of fans jacked up for Conner’s return. It’s up to the defensive front to make his reunion one he’d rather forget.

Make Murray pay

Kyler Murray is a unique beast as a quarterback. He has a canon for an arm, and mobility to boot. However, his diminutive stature, combined with shoddy offensive line play, has created sack opportunities for the opposition. When the Steelers have a chance to hit Murray, they have to make him pay.

Take it away

The Steelers +11 in turnover differential is still tied for the first in the league. Can they create turnovers the way they did in the first half? Will they add to their total? If they want to make this a smooth win, and not one which will cause the fan base to suffer a cardiac arrest during the game, taking the ball away will work wonders!

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!