NFL · 1 year ago

How the Bills Can Beat the Steelers: 5 Keys to Wild Card Victory

Grant White

Host · Writer

Get Bills Mafia to Dial Up the Intensity
Traveling for a road playoff game is always a daunting task, but that's even more true for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has played two straight on the road, meaning this will be the third straight week with travel. The Steelers tamed the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens' crowds, but Bills Mafia could be an entirely different experience. Buffalo fans have a reputation for rambunctiousness, and tapping into that hurts Pittsburgh's chances of moving on to the Divisional Round.
Pick on the Steelers Secondary
The Pittsburgh Steelers' pass defense didn't live up to their typically stout reputation. Pittsburgh ranked in the bottom half of the league in passing yards allowed and yards per completion. Moreover, their metrics have taken a hit over the later part of the campaign. Picking on them early and often could be the most crucial key to victory.
Contain Najee Harris
Up until a few weeks ago, 2023 was a pretty disappointing season for Najee Harris. The third-year pro lost out on snaps to Jaylen Warren, setting career lows almost across the board. Then, Mason Rudolph took over, magically spurring Harris into action. The Alabama product has 312 rushing yards over the past three weeks, averaging 24.0 carries per game and 4.3 yards per carry. The Bills must find a way to contain Harris to walk away victorious.
Disrupt Mason Rudolph's Timing
Who could have known that third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph would save the Steelers' season? Pittsburgh's signal-caller went 3-0, with a 118.0 quarterback rating to end the campaign. More impressively, he completed 36 of 44 passes over the last two weeks for a stunning 81.8% completion percentage. Leonard Floyd, Gregory Rousseau, and Ed Oliver need to disrupt his timing, tilting the field in the Bills' favor.
Involve Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs had an uncharacteristically quiet season. The three-time Pro Bowler had his lowest receiving yard total since playing 15 games in 2019, setting a five-year low in yards per reception. Further, he has yet to cross the century mark since a Week 6 showdown against the New York Giants. Sean McDermott should prioritize Diggs in the game-planning to help his offense get into a rhythm early.
Get Bills Mafia to Dial Up the Intensity
Traveling for a road playoff game is always a daunting task, but that's even more true for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has played two straight on the road, meaning this will be the third straight week with travel. The Steelers tamed the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens' crowds, but Bills Mafia could be an entirely different experience. Buffalo fans have a reputation for rambunctiousness, and tapping into that hurts Pittsburgh's chances of moving on to the Divisional Round.
Pick on the Steelers Secondary
The Pittsburgh Steelers' pass defense didn't live up to their typically stout reputation. Pittsburgh ranked in the bottom half of the league in passing yards allowed and yards per completion. Moreover, their metrics have taken a hit over the later part of the campaign. Picking on them early and often could be the most crucial key to victory.