The Los Angeles Rams have wrapped up what could have been their easiest opponent on paper with the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals. With that game in the rear-view mirror, the team is set to face what looks to be a much more difficult opponent in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s an early scouting report of what the team is expected to see when they do battle on Sunday, October 22.
Offense
This is no longer Ben Roethlisberger‘s offense, and Kenny Pickett thus far hasn’t proven himself to be the same yet. The team sits at the bottom of the offensive rankings. They’re 30th in yards per game at 268.2 and in points per game at 15.8.
Kenny Pickett has started sluggishly through the air with just five touchdowns to four interceptions. In the backfield, Najee Harris has had better years. Thus far, he has rushed 63 times for 247 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
At wide receiver, George Pickens hasn’t quite lived up to the trailer that was the 2022 season. He’s earned 393 yards, and two touchdowns, on 22 catches.
Defense
Defensively, the team appears to be also sluggishly trudging along with one massive exception. Currently, the team ranks 30th in yards per game and 20th in points per game, according to ESPN’s statistics. The biggest bright spot on the defensive side of the ball is none other than J.J. Watt‘s brother, T.J. Watt. Watt is currently tied for the lead in total sacks with Vikings star Danielle Hunter. Both players have eight sacks. Watt’s presence will make things difficult for the Rams’ offensive line. That said, there is one big reason that Matthew Stafford could be breathing a sigh of relief this weekend.
Injuries
The biggest injury facing the Pittsburgh Steelers is T.J. Watt. The Steeler Star was listed as questionable by ESPN and his status for the game is unclear. In all likelihood, the star will find a way onto the field this weekend, but there is no guarantee he will be 100% healthy. As such, the Rams might be dodging somewhat of a bullet. Defensive end Larry Ogunjobi is also questionable for the contest.
In addition, the Steelers received some positive news that Diontae Johnson might be coming back soon. He has practiced in full this week and will certainly be a huge addition for Pickett and the offense.
At tight end, the Steelers have been less than 100% with Pat Freiermuth nursing a hamstring a hamstring injury. But the bye week could not have come at a better time, as the Steelers should be getting Freiermuth back fully healthy for this matchup against the Rams.
That’s not the end of it, either as left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is questionable with a knee injury. Right guard James Daniels is also questionable. In other words, the offense is pretty beat up. At this point, some of the team will likely miss the game but others will be ready to play. It’s only a question of which bodies will heal fast enough for Sunday’s game.
Steelers Schedule Recap
This season, the Steelers have either lost in blowout fashion or won a tight-knuckled affair. They haven’t lost close. Meaning, that the odds are high that if the Rams don’t blow out the Steelers, they’ll lose to them. This year, the Steelers have lost to the Texans and 49ers by a combined score of 60-13. Their wins, meanwhile, have come by a combined score of 66-50.
The Steelers are 3-2 and on Mike Tomlin’s watch, they’ve never given up a losing season. This game could knock the Steelers back down to the edge of stress with that run. On the other hand, with a win, the Steelers might feel they can guarantee yet another winning season. In that respect, the Rams have added reason to win the game and play “spoiler.”