Turning to this Saturday evening's game, we have what promises to be billed as an old-school type of football matchup. These two teams embody the run-first, run-second, run always philosophies that were so successful for championship teams as recently as 70 years ago. None of that fluky, crazy "forward pass" crap for these teams! It's Jacksonville at Pittsburgh.
First comparison point: KSK Posts for the enjoyment of it: (note- posts may have minimal/no relevance to the team listed)
Second comparison point: Team statistics
Steelers Rushing Defense: 3rd
Steelers Rushing Offense: 3rd
Jaguars Rushing Defense: 11th
Steelers Passing Defense: 3rd
Steelers Passing Offense: 22nd
Jaguars Passing Defense: 15thJaguars Giveaway/Takeaway: +9
Steelers Giveaway/Takeaway: +3Edge: Steelers
Third comparison point: Vegas opinion. The current line is Pittsburgh by 2. On a neutral field, that line probably swings in favor of Jacksonville, because of how well they're playing going into the game and their success against the same team in the same stadium three weeks ago.
Fourth comparison point: My own opinion. Sure, prevailing guesses on the outcome of this game look back to that one touchdown win by the Jags a few weeks back, but what shouldn't be overlooked is Pittsburgh's 7-1 home record this season. The previous game between these teams also featured the Steelers coming all the way back from a 15 point deficit, which should be further proof of the team's resolve with the backing of their home fans. With all that said, I'm still expecting the Jaguars to win. Willie Parker was a big reason for Pittsburgh's strong rushing attack this year, and though some people think Najeh Davenport is a better fit for a power running game like the Steelers strive for, it may equally be that he's not capable of carrying the bulk of a game's workload.
Pick: Jaguars 28, Steelers 20
Third comparison point: Vegas opinion. The current line is Pittsburgh by 2. On a neutral field, that line probably swings in favor of Jacksonville, because of how well they're playing going into the game and their success against the same team in the same stadium three weeks ago.
Fourth comparison point: My own opinion. Sure, prevailing guesses on the outcome of this game look back to that one touchdown win by the Jags a few weeks back, but what shouldn't be overlooked is Pittsburgh's 7-1 home record this season. The previous game between these teams also featured the Steelers coming all the way back from a 15 point deficit, which should be further proof of the team's resolve with the backing of their home fans. With all that said, I'm still expecting the Jaguars to win. Willie Parker was a big reason for Pittsburgh's strong rushing attack this year, and though some people think Najeh Davenport is a better fit for a power running game like the Steelers strive for, it may equally be that he's not capable of carrying the bulk of a game's workload.
Pick: Jaguars 28, Steelers 20
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