Steelers vs. Rams: Full Pittsburgh Game Preview

Things keep getting better for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are coming off a blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.

Star running back Le'Veon Bell returns to the starting lineup this week against the St. Louis Rams after serving his two-game suspension.

For Steelers fans, it probably feels like the anticipation before opening presents on Christmas morning. For defenders? The dread of Doomsday is most likely how they feel knowing that No. 26—who racked up 2,215 total yards from scrimmage to go along with 11 touchdowns—gets set to join an already-explosive offense that put up 43 points just one week ago.

Although the excitement and anticipation are high regarding Bell's return to the lineup, the former Michigan State product will get no breaks once he returns, as he'll have to face off with one of the best front sevens in football in St. Louis.

Led by Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Chris Long and James Laurinaitis, the Rams front seven is a fearsome opponent.

Not only can the Rams get to the quarterback with relative ease, but they can shut down the running game as well, forcing teams to play into their strength of trying to throw and allowing the pass-rushers to pin their ears back and meet at the QB.

However, they have yet to face Bell since he came into the league in 2013, so this matchup will be one to watch, as an unstoppable force meets an immovable object under the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday.

Both teams come into the showdown with identical 1-1 records but appear to be moving in opposite directions based on Week 2's results. St. Louis looks to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Washington Redskins, while the Steelers look to continue their high-flying ways after their blowout win over San Francisco.

Location: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

TV: CBS

Week 2 Results and Recap

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The Steelers thoroughly dominated the San Francisco 49ers on both sides of ball in their 43-18 win in Week 2.

Ben Roethlisberger threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns, marking the second straight game he's surpassed 350 yards through the air. With the win, he tied Steelers great Terry Bradshaw with win No. 107 for his career.

Running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 77 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, tying a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single game. With his performance, he became the No. 2 leading rusher in the league after two games.

Antonio Brown stretched his record for most consecutive games with at least five catches for 50 yards to a remarkable 34 straight games with an incredible performance, hauling in nine passes for 195 yards and one touchdown. He also added a two-point conversion in the second quarter.

Darrius Heyward-Bey added four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Heath Miller hauled in a two-yard score in the blowout win.

Offensively, the Steelers rolled to 453 total yards.

Defensively, they sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick five times, led by Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt combining for 2.5 sacks. Rookie Bud Dupree recorded a sack for the second straight game, becoming the first Steelers rookie to do that since LaMarr Woodley.

Ryan Shazier had a breakout performance, compiling 15 total tackles (13 solo) to go along with four tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble.

Much-maligned cornerback Antwon Blake added 11 tackles, and Lawrence Timmons contributed nine.

It was one of the more impressive wins from start to finish for the Steelers in some time, outside of the blowout win over Indianapolis last October.

News and Notes

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Martavis Bryant's progress

Despite being allowed to work with the team during his suspension, second-year wide receiver Martavis Bryant is working with substance-abuse counselor John Lucas in Houston, according to NFL Insider and Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson.

Lucas, who saw his NBA career cut short due to substance-abuse problems, has made a career out of helping athletes deal with their problems, namely Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu after LSU dismissed the star defensive back after multiple failed drug tests.

The Steelers have been supportive of Bryant throughout the suspension. They're hopeful that once he returns he'll get back to the dominant ways that saw him haul in eight touchdowns in just 10 games last year. For now, though, the No. 1 priority for Tomlin and the Steelers is to get Bryant all the help he needs, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette: "Getting him work in all areas is important. Rest assured, we are doing what is appropriate under the circumstance. That’s really all I am going to say on it."

Tyler Murphy released

With the return of Le'Veon Bell to the 53-man roster, the Steelers had to make a move to clear a spot for him. Many thought that second-year running back Dri Archer would be the odd man out once Bell returned, but the Kent State product's roster spot is safe...for now.

On Wednesday, the Steelers released undrafted rookie receiver Tyler Murphy, which means they will carry four running backs and just four receivers on the 53-man roster until Bryant returns from his four-game suspension.

Murphy, who played quarterback at Florida and Boston College, dressed in the first two regular-season games for the Steelers, playing mostly on special teams. He saw the field on just seven offensive snaps and added a late catch in the loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1.

Murphy is a candidate to end up on the practice squad if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Going for two more often

With a high-octane offense nearing full-throttle, expect the Steelers to attempt two-point conversions more often.

Speaking with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, Ben Roethlisberger said that the Steelers like going for two and plan on doing it much more moving forward:

"

We are going to keep doing it. We don’t practice it this much to not do it. We do it every single day at the beginning of practice from OTAs to mini-camp to training camp. We just finally got (Coach Mike Tomlin) out of it on Wednesdays, and we do a different drill during that period. It’s still on Thursday and Friday. It’s something we practiced a lot and felt comfortable with. I tried to tell you guys early on that we would do it and you just didn’t quite believe it. It’s something we feel comfortable with.

"

Speaking of Roethlisberger...

Big Ben named AFC Offensive Player of the Week:

Completing 21 of 27 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns, Ben Roethlisberger was the slam-dunk choice for AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 2.

The award marks the 12th time in Roethlisberger's career that he's been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. It's the first time he's won the award dating back to Weeks 8 and 9 last season.

Latest Injury News

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Outside of the common bumps and bruises after two weeks of full-speed football, the Steelers are relatively healthy heading into Week 3 against the Rams, according to Steelers.com.

Cornerback Cortez Allen—who didn't dress in the win over San Francisco because of a knee injury—was a full participant during Wednesday's practice at the UPMC South Side facility.

Willie Gay had the day off, but defensive tackle Daniel McCullers and linebacker Ryan Shazier were held out of practice because of injury.

Shazier is still dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered late in the fourth quarter against the 49ers. According to Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com, Shazier said that he'll be fine, so it's likely the second-year 'backer is being held out for precautionary reasons.

As for McCullers, he's dealing with a knee injury that popped up early this week. With little depth along the defensive line as it is, his status will be one to monitor as the week progresses.

For St. Louis, running back Chase Reynolds (knee) and defensive end Eugene Sims (knee) were both held out of practice. Neither player is a huge factor in the game plan for the Rams.

One player to note, though, is rookie running back Todd Gurley. The former Georgia Bulldog is still recovering from a torn ACL. Although he has just recently returned to practice, there is a chance the No. 10 overall pick could make his debut against the Steelers.

Key Matchups

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Steelers offensive line vs. Rams front seven

It's no secret that the success of the Rams defense—and the team in general—is built largely on the performance of its front seven.

Aaron Donald, Chris Long, Robert Quinn and Co. are a terrifying force. You simply can't block all of them, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.

However, the Rams defense sits 25th in the NFL after two weeks, allowing just over 27 points per game, including a surprising 153 yards per game on the ground.

That should play nicely into the hands of the Steelers offense, which has had great success on the ground to start the year.

Add in Bell's return to the mix, and a strength of the Steelers just gets that much stronger.

Will St. Louis be able to stop the run consistently enough to force the Steelers to air it out, allowing the fearsome pass-rushers the opportunity to pin their ears back and pressure Roethlisberger in the pocket?

Don't watch the ball on Sunday; watch the battle in the trenches. It might sound cliche, but that's where this game will be won and lost.

Le'Veon Bell vs. Alec Ogletree

These two are physical freaks for their position, in terms of size, speed and strength. Bell is the new-age dual-threat running back that every team is desperately searching for in today's NFL, while Ogletree brings the best of both worlds at outside linebacker, where he can rush the passer, drop into coverage and run with backs and tight ends. Furthermore, he packs a wallop when he meets the ball-carrier.

Although these two likely won't match up every play because of scheme, assignment and responsibility, expect these two to face off in big spots all over the field. Whoever wins the head-to-head battle could go a long way toward helping his team win.

Matchup X-Factors

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It would be easy to cherry-pick Le'Veon Bell as the key X-factor this week, considering his importance to the offense and the added shot in the arm he'll provide immediately upon his return.

However, the one who may benefit the most from Bell's return is the ageless veteran, Heath Miller.

Through two games, he has 10 catches for 99 yards and one touchdown, ranking second on the Steelers in receptions.

With the return of Bell, Miller will see the middle of the field open up, allowing him to operate in space where he's made a living during his 11-year career.

This week, with the Rams boasting a terrifying pass rush, Miller could be the recipient of some checkdown throws from Ben Roethlisberger, should he face relentless pressure throughout the day. 

Miller has consistently been the steady receiver in the middle of the field for the Steelers. He's Roethlisberger's security blanket. Expect that to continue Sunday.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Rams 17

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St. Louis' secondary is the weak link of the team despite allowing just 205 yards passing per game. Expect the Steelers to attack the defensive backs early and often like they usually do, with quick screens, crossing routes and the occasional deep shot.

With a finely tuned offensive machine rolling into Edward Jones Dome, the Rams defense will have its hands full from the get-go, especially with Le'Veon Bell rejoining the fold.

Bell puts up an impressive performance in his first game back in action, while Antonio Brown, Heath Miller and Darrius Heyward-Bey catch touchdowns from Ben Roethlisberger for the second straight week.

Oh, and Roethlisberger extends his streak of 350-plus yards passing to start the season to three straight games.

Defensively, the Steelers continue their barrage on opposing quarterbacks, taking advantage of a disappointing Rams offensive line to get to Nick Foles early and often. And for the second straight week, Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt set the tone up front. 

The last time these two teams met was back on December 24, 2011, when the Steelers shut out St. Louis 27-0.

Don't be surprised if that happens once again, just in a different setting.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Rams 17