B-Mitch: Offensive, defensive line play key vs. Steelers originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Taking down the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers is a tall task for the Washington Football Team, even with Pittsburgh playing with only four days to prepare.
An 11-0 team with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball will be the heavy favorite on Monday.
Still, former Washington Football player and current NBC analyst Brian Mitchell sees a path to victory for Washington. To him, the play of Washington's upfront on both sides of the ball will largely determine the outcome.
Mitchell's first key to the game revolves around the running game for Washington. The running backs are crucial here, but so is the offensive line. Antonio Gibson and others need to find the holes, but they can only do so if they are available.
If Washington can run the football with success and consistency, it changes the dynamic of the offense. Much like how the team compiled 182 yards against Dallas, that type of number will create points while also making things easier for the rest of the offense. When the run game works, the defense can't sit back on the pass and play action can become lethal.
With how much talent Pittsburgh has all around on that side of the ball, Mitchell knows the ground game needs to provide some support on Monday.
“They must run the football. They have to get out there and run the football effectively to allow themselves a chance to pass the football," Mitchell said. "You can’t be one-dimensional against the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
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Beyond creating lanes for the runners, Mitchell also explained that the offensive line needs to keep Alex Smith from the Steelers' fearsome pass rush. Even without Bud Dupree -- who is out for the season with a torn ACL --, Pittsburgh can still create plenty of pressure. With T.J. Watt leading the charge, the unit leads the NFL in sacks with 41.
Come Monday, if Washington allows them to add to that tally, it could be a long day.
"We have seen that this team gets to the quarterback on a regular basis," Mitchell said. "I don’t think you want Alex Smith getting hit a lot.”
While Pittsburgh leads the league in sacks, Washington isn't too far behind with 36. The pass rushers and defensive line responsible for that amount are Mitchell's final key to the game.
“Lastly, I think that our defensive line and pass rushers have to do with what they were brought here to do," Mitchell said. "They have to make sure that they constantly get to Ben Roethlisberger.”
Pittsburgh has plenty of weapons on offense, especially at receiver. But, Roethlisberger is the key to it all. His composure and ability to quickly disperse the ball make it challenging at times for defenses to make him uncomfortable.
That's exactly what Chase Young and company will have to do. Roethlisberger is at the center of the offense, and they need to break down his flow in order to take the entire unit off its game.
“So if you get to Ben and start to affect him, you have a chance to affect their offense," Mitchell said. “If you do those three things, then you have a chance to upset the undefeated Steelers."
