The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to win consecutive games for the first time this season, as they travel down to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers.
The Bucs will be starting undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback for the third consecutive game, as Baker Mayfield continues recovering from a thumb injury. Will Pittsburgh be able to get to 4-2? Our staff weighs in with our picks.
Austin Bechtold: This is the most confident I am in a possible Steelers win since Atlanta. Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have the offense clicking. Jaylen Warren is playing like an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. He also is the only player in football to lead his team in both rushing and receiving. If Baker Mayfield was playing, this would be a much closer game. Jalon Daniels hasn’t thrown for over 200 yards in his two starts and I’m surprised that Emeka Egbuka hasn’t taken the next step yet. The Steelers defense needs Nick Herbig and Keanu Benton to step up for a pass rush that only has 11 sacks. The ingredients are there for the better team and roster to win on a beautiful 80 degree day in Tampa Bay. Steelers 28, Buccaneers 17.
Ryan Parish: On paper: the Buccaneers are good at stopping the run, but run a ton of Cover-3 that is susceptible to the passing concepts Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy like to call. On offense, Tampa Bay is once again turning to UDFA rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels. You know the drill. This is a game the Steelers have no business losing. Cue the Yinzer panic in the bleachers. The Steelers continue to win when I pick them to lose, so like any honorable fan, I will not be abandoning the bit now. Buccaneers 27, Steelers 24.
Joey Bray: For as beat up as the Steelers wide receiver room is heading into this game, it certainly seems like the Tampa Bay secondary is just as hurt. Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been ruled out, and young corner Benjamin Morrison is listed as doubtful.The Steelers defense should have little to no troubles with rookie undrafted free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels. Despite his strong performance against Dallas a week ago, the Steelers defense should be able to get home and make things uncomfortable for the young QB.I think the Steelers are clearly the better team than Tampa Bay at this point in the season. I’ll take Pittsburgh to move to 4-2 in resounding fashion on the road. Steelers 28, Buccaneers 10.
Ryland Bickley: The Steelers are banged up heading into this one and Tampa Bay’s roster is stronger than the Bucs’ 1-4 record might lead some to believe. Led by Vita Vea, Tampa’s second-ranked run defense will make it tough for the Steelers to get Jaylen Warren going, and Pittsburgh’s wide receiver injuries mean the passing game might not be able to compensate.Still, Tampa Bay is starting a UDFA quarterback in Jalon Daniels who is still inexperienced, but now has some meaningful tape out for opponents to study. And while the Steelers secondary has been shorthanded this season, the Bucs don’t have a threatening WR1. I think Pittsburgh gets it done in a close game. Steelers 20, Buccaneers 17.
Jason Aponte: The receiver injuries are a concern moving forward, but expect the Steelers to lean into heavier personnel packages. Big games for Pat Friermuth and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers defense will make it difficult for Jalon Daniels. Steelers 27, Buccaneers 17.
Jarrett Bailey: The Steelers should win, even with their long list of offensive injuries. That said, I don’t expect it to be a blowout of any sort. Tampa’s defense has been very good, ranking fourth in EPA per play. Pittsburgh will win, but it will be closer than anyone would look. Steelers 23, Buccaneers 16.
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