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Steelers vs Saints Comparison for Week 13

by
Steelers Gab Staff
November 30, 2014

Steelers	Saints

BEN ROETHLISBERGER	DREW BREES
Roethlisberger has a potentially explosive offense at his disposal and deserves a ton credit for helping the Steelers develop their new identity over time. Remaining healthy has allowed Roethlisberger to be confident, continue to buy time and make accurate throws. He still has the arm to toss the long ball, but his biggest contribution has been taking a leadership role when the team has struggled.	While Drew Brees continues to be a top leader and a skilled passer, he has not created the big plays this year the way he has in the past. The Saints offense remains near the top of the league this season in terms of yards gained. Their deep-threat potential still exists, but Brees hasn’t been quite as mobile and has been prone to interceptions when harassed by defenses that throw different blitz packages at him this season.
ADVANTAGE

Steelers Running Backs	Saints Running Backs
With a changing of the guard, Dri Archer will be counted on to step up as the second RB in the Steelers offensive backfield against New Orleans. Le’Veon Bell is coming off of a 200-plus rushing performance against the Tennessee Titans and against a soft Saints run defense is expected to continue pounding the ball for critical yardage.	The Saints’ key rusher is Mark Ingram. Ingram is a powerful inside rusher who is difficult to bring down. The Saints have had to use a committee of running backs this season and look to get back to being able to depend on the rush to balance the offense this week. Pierre Thomas can be nearly as dangerous.
EVEN	EVEN

Steelers Wide Receivers	Saints Wide Receivers
As well as Antonio Brown has played this season, setting himself easily into the top 10 of all NFL receivers in 2014, he will need more help from Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton and Lance Moore this week. Bryant has proven that he can be the deep threat the Steelers need, but when the Steelers offense became one-sided in Tennessee, it was Brown and Heath Miller that caught the majority of the passes due to Roethlisberger’s confidence they would make the catch.	Tight end Jimmy Graham has always been athletic and unafraid to make the tough catch, making him New Orleans’ best receiver. With Marques Colston being dependable, the Saints have Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks and Robert Meachum in the mix as well. Unless Brees has a meltdown, all five of these players, especially Graham, should have a big day against Pittsburgh.
	SLIGHT ADVANTAGE
Steelers Defense	Saints Defense

Pittsburgh is no longer counting on speed to become the better defense, but leadership. With veterans Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor expected to return, the Steelers should have James Harrison and Brett Keisel assisting them in getting the remainder of the defense primed for a big turnout. ILB Lawrence Timmons leads the team with 94 tackles. Cameron Heyward and Harrison have 4.0 sacks apiece.	New Orleans has some issues to solve on their defense, which is why the Saints have a 4-7 record heading into Sunday’s game. OLB Junior Gallette is a solid pass rusher, but will need to be more active against Pittsburgh. MLB Curtis Lofton leads the Saints with 100 tackles. The defensive secondary and line is where the most cracks show in big games.
ADVANTAGE
Steelers Special Teams	Saints Special Teams

Shaun Suisham continues to be on-spot as a place kicker, nearly perfect FG attempts and solid in PATs. Punter Brad Wing has improved, but still has some inconsistent kicks at times. It is the return team that has struggled the most on this unit, producing very little in the way of positive field advantage. The special teams defense has been on again/off again, but generally do what has to be done.	Place kicker Shayne Graham has connected on 15-of-16 FG attempts this season and continues to be a solid member of the Saints special teams unit. While the coverage unit has done their job, they have no big plays in the return game that stand out and give the offense an advantage.
EVEN	EVEN
STEELERS SUMMARY	SAINTS SUMMARY

Barring a total offensive and defensive breakdown, the extra time between the Titans and the Saints to prepare should have Pittsburgh primed to have a big home stand. The keys will be to shut down Brees on offense and give Big Ben the time he needs to get the offense off to a hot start. This Steelers vs Saints meeting will be a tough match.	New Orleans has struggled, especially in road games. Their record illustrates how the Saints have lost an edge and going into Heinz Field against a hungry Pittsburgh team is going to be a major undertaking.
WINNERS