To get you ready for week 2, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is your Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers preview.2007 Records:
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Buffalo Bills (0-1)
Last Week:
Steelers 34, Browns 7
Broncos 15, Bills 14
Last Meeting:
January 2, 2007, Steelers 29, Bills 24. Third-string tailback Willie Parker proves he's worthy of a spot on an NFL roster with a 102-yard day in his first significant game action. The Bills needed to win to have a shot at the playoffs, but the Steelers backups (Tommy Maddox replaced Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback) improved to 15-1.
When the Steelers have the ball:
Bruce Arians' new offense emphasizes more passing, more wide receiver-heavy formations and less fullbacks. With the Bills bringing a banged-up secondary to Pittsburgh that would seem to be a nightmare scenario for Buffalo. Pittsburgh will spread out with three and four-receiver sets challenging the Bills backup DBs to rise to the challenge. Parker may have topped 100-yards last week but the Steelers running game didn't get going until the Browns defense folded in the second half. Defensive ends Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schoebel can severely disrupt the Steelers passing game, but they aren't as stout against the run. Expect to see Pittsburgh try to run at them in an attempt to wear them out.
When the Bills have the ball:
Tailback Marshawn Lynch showed last week that his preseason struggles were not a bad omen--he rushed for 90 yards and showed good vision to find the holes. The Bills offensive line should give Pittsburgh a much bigger test than the Browns did, and left tackle Jason Peters is likely to shut down whoever comes close to him. But if Lynch has a weakness, it's blitz pick-up, like many rookie running backs. The Steelers will work to make sure that Lynch gets plenty of practice at blocking blitzers. Lee Evans has developed into one of the best deep threats in the league, and the Bills take plenty of shots downfield, so expect Ryan Clark and Anthony Smith to be challenged to help out the Steelers average cornerbacks.
The Edge:
The Bills lost a heartbreaker last week while the Steelers were cruising past Cleveland. It's hard to know if the Kevin Everett's injury will inspire the Bills or distract them, but the other injuries the Bills are enduring will leave Buffalo struggling to match up with Pittsburgh in the passing game.
Keep an eye on:
It wouldn't be a surprise if Santonio Holmes ends up leading the Steelers in receiving yardage this year, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he's the man who ends up taking advantage of the Bills' injuries at cornerback and safety.
Bills returner Roscoe Parrish doesn't get the publicity that Devin Hester does, but he's nearly as good as his former teammate at the U. Parrish was the Bills' offensive star last week with his 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, while kick returner Terrence McGee is also a threat to break a long return. The Steelers special teams have been awful in recent years, but Mike Tomlin has promised a new attitude and a newfound attention to detail.
Steelers right tackle Willie Colon held up well last week, but he'll get a tougher test when he lines up against Schoebel and Kelsay. The Steelers will likely give Colon help, as he doesn't match up well in a one-on-one battle.
