Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Previewing a Battle of Undefeateds

In a quarterback matchup featuring a young starter and a veteran backup, the Buccaneers and Steelers both go into Sunday’s game at Raymond James Stadium looking to start 3-0.

Charlie Batch will start at quarterback for the Steelers.

The Steelers offense has struggled without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  The Steelers have not scored a touchdown in regulation, as Rashard Mendenhall’s 50-yard touchdown scamper in Week One’s overtime win over the Falcons is their only trip to paydirt.

The defense, however, has thrived.

Ranked fourth in the league against the run, allowing just 52 yards per game and holding the Titans' Chris Johnson to just 34 yards on 16 carries in Week Two, the Steelers next task is to stop Cadillac Williams, who’s hardly impressive through two games, averaging 2.6 yards on 49 carries.

Meanwhile, Josh Freeman seems to be coming into his own for the Buccaneers. But this will be his first true test of 2010.

Although he has thrown four touchdowns and one interception, a much better showing than his 10 touchdowns and 18 picks from a year ago, those came in wins over the Browns and Panthers, both 0-2. Hardly playoff-caliber competition.

The Steelers pass defense, however, has allowed 214.5 yards per game, good for 17th in the league. But it’s not the secondary Freeman has to worry about. It’s the Steelers pass rush, known for dialing up blitzes from all over the field. Not to mention the offensive line will likely be without starting center Jeff Faine.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris are very familiar with one another, as they coached together with the Buccaneers from 2002-2005. Morris was Tomlin’s assistant before replacing the him as defensive backs coach in 2006.

Tomlin’s defense is currently tied as the top scoring defense in the NFL, allowing 10 points per game, while the Buccaneers are not far behind, allowing just 10.5.

Key Players

Rashard Mendenhall, PIT: Mendenhall must carry the load for the Steelers. He’s averaging 4.2 yards per carry with 189 yards through two games, skewed by the 50-yard run against the Steelers. If Mendenhall and the offensive line cannot sustain a consistent running game, don’t expect Charlie Batch to win the game for Pittsburgh. After all, there’s a reason he’s a career backup.

The Offensive Line, TAM: Pittsburgh likes to blitz—a lot. Jeremy Zuttah will likely start for the injured Jeff Faine at center. If the O-line cannot pick up the creative blitzes the Steelers are bound to throw at them, Freeman could be in for a long day. Additionally, the Buccaneers must find balance offensively by getting Cadillac going early; otherwise, Freeman may get a little more well-acquainted with Troy Polamalu than he’d like to be.

The Steelers are 7-1 against the Buccaneers, who have not started 3-0 since 2005.

The Buccaneers host the Steelers Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT.

This article can also be found at www.footballnewsnow.com.