Bears Need to be Aware of Heath Miller and Ike Taylor
Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) drops a pass in front of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Ray Maualuga (58) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Week 3 is almost upon us and the Bears are going to be facing the Steelers in prime time. Typically, a 2-0 team has a very good chance of beating an 0-2 team. That is not how I am feeling going into this game. The Steelers may have two losses and a weak running game, but they also have something returning that presents a nightmare for any defense, Heath Miller. He is planning on returning Sunday Night.
The way I see it, this is a perfect opportunity f0r the Steelers to bounce back. At home on Sunday night, they will see it as a much needed win. Tight end Heath Miller has been a huge target for Ben Roethlisberger, especially in the red zone.
With Miller back and the pressure on, the Bears need to do all they can to continue their bend but not break style. The Steelers have some mighty fast receivers, and Miller provides almost a new dimension in the passing game. The Bears need to finally get pressure on Roethlisberger, so he will have a hard time getting the ball to his play makers.
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) forces Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) out of bounds after Washington caught a pass for a first down during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers have a unique defense, led by coordinator Dick Lebeau. On Monday night, they were consistently able to get pressure on Andy Dalton; the Bears couldn’t even do that at home. The Bengals still won, but not without the help of general good fortune.
Their high-powered offense only scored 20 points, and A.J Green was held to 6 catches for 41 yards, which is nothing compared to last week. That is all because of cornerback Ike Taylor playing stellar defense. If Taylor can limit Green like that, I can’t help but think he will do the same to Brandon Marshall.
I think the Bears can still win this game. They just won’t be able to rely on Marshall, or even rely on the thought of Marshall being double covered. I think this will be a battle of two of the top tight ends in the league. If Cutler can fins a way to get the ball to Bennett, we should be fine offensively. of course, that’s a moot point if the run game doesn’t get going.