Behind Bills enemy lines: 5 questions with Steelers Wire
Can the Bills start off the 2021 season on a winning note? The Steelers will have something to say about that.
In an effort to get more insight on Pittsburgh as they head to Buffalo for this Week 1 matchup, Bills Wire chatted with Steelers Wire managing editor Curt Popejoy in this week’s behind enemy lines five question feature:
Q: Has the Steelers offense gotten back on track after their collapse at the end of last year?
CP: We will find out. The team is going in with four new offensive linemen, two of them are rookies and a rookie running back. I think this offense is going to be much better than last season but maybe not this week.
Q: Running back in Round 1 was on the mind of Bills fans this April. The Steelers ended up with Najee Harris. Has he made a difference?
CP: Harris certainly looks the part of an elite feature back. He’s like a bigger, faster Le’Veon Bell and should play a very similar role in the offense as a rusher and a receiver. He is expected to bring balance to the offense after the run game fell flat in 2020.
How important is getting TJ Watt out there for the Steelers defense?
CP: Getting Watt into the mix is huge. Not just because he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL but because the Steelers are also starting the season without Stephon Tuitt.
Are you expecting 2021 to be Ben Roethlisberger’s last season?
I definitely think this is the farewell tour for Big Ben. I was honestly pretty shocked he came back after Maurkice Pouncey retired but I can’t see a scenario where he doesn’t hang up the cleats and ride off to Canton after this season.
What is your game prediction?
The Steelers are going to be a competitive team this season but with so many new starters, this week against a very talented and physical Buffalo team. The Steelers will put up a great fight and the defense will keep it close but I’m giving this one to the Bills, 28-24.
