Interview With Steelers Mill

The Kansas City Chiefs host the Pittsburgh Steelers as they look for their first back-to-back wins of the season.  To get the low down on the Steelers, I sat down with Matt Loede.  Matt is the Steelers correspondent for Fanball and gives you everything you need to know at Steelers Mill.

Ryan Jones: The Steelers offense struggled last week against the Bengals.  Is there more pressure on Ben Roethlisberger or Rashard Mendenhall for a bounce back game?

Matt Loede: Probably Big Ben.  When he’s playing well, the offense plays well.  Sunday vs. Cincy he was faced with a lot of pressure, while when Mendy ran the ball, he had decent success.  Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians got a little to pass happy, and it cost the team.

RJ: From the outside looking in it seems like it’s impossible to overstate the absense of Troy Polamalu.  Is he eaiser to replace than maybe a lot of us realize?

ML: No.  He is tough to replace, but at the same time, the team seems to rise up when he’s not in there.  Some of the pressure falls on Ty Carter, who takes his place, but also pressure falls on the pressure up front to get to the QB to make sure he doesn’t have time to pick apart the corners and safties.

RJ: Pittsburgh has been hurt by kickoff returns three times in the last four games.  Mike Tomlin cut special teamer Arnold Harrison after the loss to the Bengals and I’ve heard from some fans that are even blaming kicker Jeff Reed’s tackling ability.  Is there a simple fix for their coverage problems?

ML: Tackling and staying in your gaps is a huge part of special teams, and so far in 09 and late in 08 this unit has been a huge letdown.  Harrison was a victim of the issues, and as far as Reed goes, if he would go after returners like he attacks the night clubs after games, the club wouldn’t be in this position.

RJ: There is always a player that flies under the national radar and surprises the opposing fans on game day.  Who will be that player on Sunday?

ML: Brett Keisel has played great since fellow DL Aaron Smith has gone on IR.  When Smith went on IR two years ago, the team couldn’t overcome it.  Now though, Keisel has raised up his game, and could be the 2nd best player on defense right now next to James Harrison.

RJ: What’s your best guess on the final score?  Player of the game?

ML: I think the Steelers rebound and win 27-13.  I think Ben comes back with a big game, and picks apart the Chiefs secondary to the tune of 315 with two TD’s, and Mendy runs for 110 and a score.

Many thanks to Matt.  Be sure to check out Steelers Mill for all of your Steelers information!