Tampa Bay (0-3) heads up to Pittsburg (1-2) in search of a win this week, but the Steelers are starting to find their strength on offense, so the Buccaneers won't have an easy pillage. The game is on FOX at 1 PM EST, from Heinz Field. If you want to watch online, check out one of the live stream links provided below.
As of last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the league's top rated running game. They are the fifth most productive overall, as the passing game ranked 11th isn't too bad, either. Running backs Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount both topped 100 yards against the Carolina Panthers last week, marking the first time since 1986 Pittsburgh had two backs go over 100 yards in same game. Bell leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage at 461. No doubt, Pittsburgh is very eager to face Tampa Bay's defense, ranked 20th in the league at stopping the run.
Pittsburgh's Defense isn't any better than Tampa Bay's though, as they are ranked 22nd in the league at run stopping. They will need to put something together to keep the Bucs from getting a running game going this week. It looks like Tampa will be forced to play backup quarterback Mike Glennon in this one, so they will probably lean on the running game a little more.
Glennon is only 4-8 as a starter, but Josh McCown is down with a finger issue.
Tampa Bay has not won yet, and they have one of the worst all around units so far. The struggles on offense begin at the line of scrimmage. Don't expect to see Glennon do any better than McCown if the line can't offer better protection.
On Defense, Tampa will have to figure out how to stop the Steelers potent running attack. The Bucs' run defense should get some great help in doing that job from the healthy return of defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and defensive end Michael Johnson. A key matchup in this one will be how well the Tampa defense can stop Blount and Bell.
The 56-14 loss Tampa endured last week to the Falcons was embarrassing, so they may come out inspired. If not, the Steelers are going to lean on a pretty well rounded team and go to work. Passion may be the Buc's only hope at this point.
If you want to watch via live stream, check out NFL Sunday Ticket. The game is on CBS at 1 PM EST, or you can listen to the Buccaneers on the radio at 620 WDAE AM, or you can pick up the Steelers at WBBG 970.
