Had a big weekend this weekend celebrating Joel’s Stagger out at Elma Meadows Park. Beautiful party and thanks to everyone for coming and bringing a great time. No pod this week, but that doesn’t mean it’s not game day. I’m not feeling OVERLY confident with so many Bills bangups and some Steeler shakeups, but let’s take a look at what we’re up against today.
Lunch Money Mitch
Turns out Mitch still is Mitch, and the Steelers turned the ball over to local Pittsburgh Panther Kenny Pickett. Today marks his first official NFL start, and I think he will fit in just fine. He seems to have a bit more confidence than most young guns, and he seems comfy to be playing across the street from his old college stomping grounds. He will be a decent NFL pro, and if he can be consistent and productive in a consistent and productive program like Tomlin’s, he may have a very long career.
WR City
Over the years, the Steelers have always had a knack for finding skilled WRs. I myself have always wondered how Chase Claypool isn’t a major problem in the NFL. His size and speed is enough to make any QB drool. George Pickens is a newbie but he seems like a PRO. Big strong, physical, and a fighter. Pickens will be up for the test today in Buffalo, and it will be interesting to see if young QB Kenny Pickett leans on Pickens, and if Pickens comes through. Diontae Johnson is a dynamic playmaker who can play inside, outside, or get behind the safeties. He is always a threat, and has had some dropsies here and there, but is no slouch, and a threat to the Bills going 4-1.
Steel Shower Curtain
This may not be the age old Steelers D, but Steelers D has it’s own style. Tomlin constantly has the Defense prepared to battle in their own way, at their own speed, and the D often dictates the pace and play of the game. Stars of yesterday are replaced with names like Cam Heyward, a stout barrel of a man in the center of the front 7. He will be a problem for Bills run game, as he is with every NFL O. Devin Bush longtime pro’s pro LB is one of my low key warriors. Bush along with Myles Jack and Alex Highsmith make up a MEAN lineup of former high draft picks and BIG names out of college. Can Allen compete against these LBs? He will need to be safe with the ball today. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Sutton headline a still “Steel” backline, who won’t make things easy no matter who they play.
My Prediction
The Bills are feeling pretty good after a tough wetty in Baltimore, but back to back AFC North weeks could be just what they need to get tougher. I think this bodes well for Bills, to find out how tough they really are, and to help prepare a fighting style of play for other softer AFC opponents down the line. Pickett is probably too new to this to FINISH a game in Buffalo, but I don’t think he’s going to be scared, or afraid of a little wind and cold. If Najee Harris is effective on a nagging foot injury, the Steelers can 100% win this game if Buffalo doesn’t play well.
I think Buffalo knows this Steelers team is and always will be a test, no matter who’s QBing. I think Pickett shines bright in his big starting debut, but eventually gets rocked a few times and doesn’t have the veteran heart to finish. Bills D proves once again, no one will be able to score easily against the Bills. Allen nice and easy, another day at the office. 26-13 Bills make it easy in 4th.
GOBILLS!
