Steelers should take note of Carolina, Detroit game

The Pittsburgh Steelers already experienced what Week Two of the 2014 NFL Season had in store for them.  That doesn’t mean that Pittsburgh shouldn’t keep an eye on how the Carolina Panthers play the Detroit Lions today, however.  With it appearing more likely that quarterback Cam Newton will return to lead a 1-0 Panthers team, the Steelers can get an early view of what they are likely to face on the road next Sunday.

After missing week one with a rib injury and testing his agility following offseason ankle surgery, Carolina head coach Ron Rivera watched Newton practice in full pads ahead of the team’s meeting with Detroit. According to Rivera, there is “no doubt” that Newton is ready.   “He’s gotten progressively better,” said Rivera.  “His rythm is back.  His timing with his receivers seems to be pretty sound right now.  His decision making was good…” Newton has the arm-strength to stretch any NFL defense to its extremes, but his mobility outside the pocket may be a bit more restricted.

How Newton fares, arm versus legs, could paint a picture that would give Pittsburgh’s struggling defense a blueprint for stopping him.  With De’Angelo Williams a question mark at running back, Jonathan Stewart is likely to get the majority of the carries with journeyman receiver Jerricho Cotchery and Kelvin Benjamin being the top two receiving targets.  Tight end Greg Olsen has been dealing with family issues, but is a versatile option when he is in the game.

Pittsburgh’s defense got picked apart bit by bit against the Ravens. While Baltimore looked a lot better on the eyes than the Steelers did Thursday night, statistically Baltimore wasn’t setting any records.  The Steelers had a breakdown in fundamentals.  Tackling, coverage, open-field pursuit, maintaining position, playing routes, rushing the passer, containing the rusher – it was all missing at one time or another against the Ravens.  At times, several fundamental football items were missing from the defense on the very same play.

Carolina will not have an easy outing against Detroit, and Pittsburgh should be able to watch specific areas – how much Newton is able to move around behind his offensive line before succumbing to pressure, how his footwork is, how he reads the Lions defense, whether the run or pass game gets favored – to put together a game plan that takes advantages of weaknesses on Carolina’s offense with proper personnel on Steelers defense.

Likewise, the Steelers offense should pay close attention to what Matthew Stafford throws at guys on Carolina’s defense; like Roman Harper, Melvin White, Thomas DeCoud and Antoine Cason.  Does Stafford take the defensive backs long, or use short passes for success? Does he play towards or away from Greg Hardy?  Can Charles Johnson get a good bullrush at him, or is Luke Keuchly more disruptive?

The Panthers defense is going to respect Stafford and his offensive arsenal, so there is no better time than today for the Steelers to keep track of what Carolina’s defense bites on or fails at and plan accordingly as well.

It’s a rare opportunity in any NFL season when you get a full ten days to dust off the grime and disappointment.  Steelers fans are praying the Baltimore game isn’t the best Pittsburgh has to offer this season, as is the organization all around.  If the Steelers can get a mental snapshot of how Carolina does today, they are already several steps closer to a much better outcome in Week Three.