NFL · 1 year ago

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

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren Play Bully Ball
If you've been listening to how the Steelers lockerroom has sounded heading into Sunday, you certainly wouldn't know they were the underdog. The Steelers ran the ball well down the stretch, and they continue to be confident they can do that again in this matchup. It sounds simple, but whichever team can run the ball more effectively and control the clock will likely end up on top when the final seconds tick off the clock.
Mason Rudolph Controls Game and Has No Turnovers
Mason Rudolph has played admirably down the stretch for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to a 3-0 record and a postseason berth. In his three starts, Rudolph hasn't thrown an interception and has given the Steelers a chance to win by not making critical mistakes. If the Steelers hope to upset the Bills on the road, they'll need Rudolph to continue making good reads and not turn the ball over.
Pat Freiermuth Plays Big and Extends Drives
Not a lot has been said about Pat Freiermuth entering this matchup, but he certainly presents as a player who can be a difference-maker. Freiermuth can block and help the run game but also makes plays over the middle of the field, which will be crucial on Sunday. In what's expected to be a difficult weather atmosphere, short passes will be key, along with Pat Freiermuth helping to extend drives on third down.
Mike Tomlin Wins the Coaching Battle
The Buffalo Bills have a lot of edges on the football field against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one they don't have is in the coaching department. Just when you count out someone like Mike Tomlin, he comes back and hits you in the mouth. That's the exact approach that the Steelers will need to have on Sunday, and it starts from the message at the top. Winning the line of scrimmage will be instrumental if the Steelers want to pull off the upset.
Minkah Fitzpatrick Returns and is Impactful
Minkah Fitzpatrick was missing down the stretch for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the secondary, and he's set to return to the lineup against the Buffalo Bills. Fitzpatrick will be tasked with many things in this matchup, but the biggest key for him will be his tackling. Fitzpatrick is one of the top tacklers on the Steelers, and in a game where Buffalo will assuredly run the ball a lot, he'll be tasked with making sure the explosive plays are limited.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren Play Bully Ball
If you've been listening to how the Steelers lockerroom has sounded heading into Sunday, you certainly wouldn't know they were the underdog. The Steelers ran the ball well down the stretch, and they continue to be confident they can do that again in this matchup. It sounds simple, but whichever team can run the ball more effectively and control the clock will likely end up on top when the final seconds tick off the clock.
Mason Rudolph Controls Game and Has No Turnovers
Mason Rudolph has played admirably down the stretch for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to a 3-0 record and a postseason berth. In his three starts, Rudolph hasn't thrown an interception and has given the Steelers a chance to win by not making critical mistakes. If the Steelers hope to upset the Bills on the road, they'll need Rudolph to continue making good reads and not turn the ball over.

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

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