Saints will be tested in a major area against the Pittsburgh Steelers
The New Orleans Saints (3-6) are traveling to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (2-6) in Week 10. New Orleans is reeling and needs a win that can right the ship. And getting that desperately needed victory starts by doing two things: Handling the Steelers' front line and playing with some element of pride on […]
The New Orleans Saints (3-6) are traveling to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (2-6) in Week 10.
New Orleans is reeling and needs a win that can right the ship. And getting that desperately needed victory starts by doing two things: Handling the Steelers' front line and playing with some element of pride on both sides of the ball.
Handle Pittsburgh's 3-4
The Steelers are expected to have their star — T.J. Watt — back in the lineup. He won't be a full go, but even in a limited compacity, Watt presents a unique challenge for New Orleans' shaky offensive line. Sunday's game will be a chess match. And for once all season, Dennis Allen will have to make the right decisions. New Orleans hasn't played a defense like Pittsburgh's all year. If the Saints want to keep their playoff hopes alive, it starts with handling the pressure.
Player response to the challenge:
Against Baltimore, New Orleans was banged up. What is new? After Thursday's practice, it becomes increasingly difficult to see Erik McCoy (calf) and Pete Werner (ankle) be available for this game. Marshon Lattimore hasn't touched the field in a while. And Jarvis Landry still appears to be limited with his ankle injury. New Orleans lost in primetime. The injuries have been there all season. The players need to respond to this challenge, or the season will crumble before their eyes. They're down on to the margins of error if they want to truly stay relevant for the NFC South. The locker room and such are holding together, but they can't survive many more letdowns. All phases have to click here. Lastly, it comes down to how Allen handles the pressure. It's up to him to get the players ready to compete.
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Feature image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
