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Week 4 preview: Buccaneers vs. Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh — TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, David Diehl, Laura Okmin
*Keys to the game: The Buccaneers had 10 days to lick their wounds after a 56-14 shellacking at Atlanta and limp in to Heinz Field with Mike Glennon at quarterback. The Bucs are not effective running the ball, which will put Glennon on a tough track. Running back Bobby Rainey, who had 143 yards against the Rams, started against the Falcons on Sept. 18 and lost two fumbles, giving him three turnovers on the year. He is expected to be replaced by Doug Martin, who missed the past two games with an ankle injury.
Glennon also has the arm talent to drive the football to his outside receivers, Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, attacking a defense hit hard by injuries.
The top priority for Tampa’s defense is containing RBs Le’Veon Bell and LaGarrette Blount, who each had more than 100 yards rushing last week. Bucs DT Gerald McCoy returns to the lineup and should help an anemic pass rush. Even if defensive end Michael Johnson plays, the Bucs will have a tough time pressuring Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers would love to follow last week’s game plan — run the ball and mix in the pass as much as necessary. The no huddle should again be a big tool in their arsenal, especially at home.
*Matchup to watch — Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell vs. Buccaneers LB Dane Fletcher: Bell leads the AFC in rushing but the Buccaneers defense is allowing just 3.8 yards per carry. Fletcher is a backup forced into a bigger role and will need help keeping tabs on the shifty and strong back.
*Player spotlight — Steelers LB Arthur Moats: He will make his first start at right outside linebacker for the Steelers. He recorded his first sack since 2011 last Sunday when he replaced the injured Jarvis Jones.
*Fast facts: Bell has a NFL-high 416 yards from scrimmage. … The Steelers are 7-0 when Bell has 20-plus carries. … Since 2013, Bucs LB Lavonte David is the only player with 150-plus tackles (169), five or more sacks (seven) and five interceptions (five).
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Steelers control the ball to protect a pliable defense and deal the Buccaneers their ninth loss in 10 all-time meetings.
*Our pick: Steelers 28-14
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