Can Steelers Overcome Injuries Against Physical Jaguars?

Just a few short weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to be one of the few teams with a legitimate chance at upsetting the undefeated New England Patriots. But since that time, the team has been riddled with injuries at key positions. They've lost their best running back in Willie Parker, their best defensive lineman in Aaron Smith, their starting left tackle in Marvel Smith, and his backup, Max Starks.

Their secondary is also banged up with safety Troy Polamalu still hampered by a knee injury that has plagued him all season, cornerback Deshea Townsend suffering through some sort of foot problem, and backup Bryant McFadden limited by an ankle injury.

On top of all that, they must play host this week to a very physical Jacksonville Jaguars squad that is hungry for some respect. The Jags feature a dominating running game, which doesn’t bode well for a Steelers team that has struggled against the run since losing Aaron Smith. They also have the luxury of an efficient quarterback in David Garrard who does an excellent job of protecting the football.

Just as they did in a week 15 win over the Steelers, the Jaguars will rely a heavy dose of that running game and a tough defense to keep them in this contest.

The Steelers, on the other hand, will count on the post-season experience of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is now sharing the backfield with Najeh Davenport instead of the speedy Parker. Davenport is a more powerful runner, but he lacks the explosiveness of Parker, who is a threat to go the distance at any time.

For the Steelers to be successful in this game, they must protect Roethlisberger and give him time to connect with speedsters Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington. They may be able to take advantage somewhat of a Jaguars secondary that has had its share of struggles, especially with top corner Rashean Mathis slowed by a groin injury. Hitting a couple big plays early would go a long way toward loosening up Jacksonville’s run defense, so look for the Steelers to spread things out and hope for some early success.

With the Steelers down to their third-string left tackle, Trai Essex, it will be interesting to see how well they will be able to protect Roethlisberger. The Jaguars are sure to test Essex, although he will probably receive help in pass protection on a regular basis. Not allowing Big Ben to get outside the pocket as they apply pressure is key because he has uncanny accuracy throwing the ball on the run. If he can avoid the pressure with his ability to buy time, he should be able to make some big plays down the field.

However, I’m not sure the Steelers can overcome the key injuries they have suffered recently. They also lack momentum, having lost three of their last four games. The Steelers also haven’t beaten a playoff-caliber team since blanking the Seattle Seahawks, 21-0, way back in week five. Meanwhile, the Jags come in having won three out of their last four with their only loss during that stretch coming in a meaningless week-17 contest against the Houston Texans.

Bottom line, I expect the Jaguars to out-physical the Steelers, which is generally the way the Steelers knock off their opponents. But this time around the Steelers won’t be the more physical team on the field. Look for Jacksonville to grind it out and eventually wear Pittsburgh down in a hard-hitting battle.

Prediction: Jacksonville 28, Pittsburgh 23