2007 Redemption
The Steelers (3-2) will host the Jaguars (1-4) at Heinz field to finish this home stand before heading out west. The Steelers will look to get some form of redemption against the team, that in 2007 became the only team in Steelers history to beat them at home twice in one season, once in the regular season and once in the postseason.
This Jaguars team is much different than that 2007 team that shut down the Steelers offense and ran all over their defense. The Jags still have the elusive Jones-Drew and dependable Josh Scobee, but key pieces on defense and at quarterback are gone. The Jags are breaking in a rookie quarterback first rounder, Blaine Gabbert after releasing veteran David Garrard, while the defense is breaking a new linebacking corp lead by a pair of former Pennsylvania football stars; Nittany Lion Paul Posluszny and Pitt Panther Clint Session.
In the Steelers previous game against the Titans, the team look renewed and most importantly "young." They have a few more weeks to get back into championship form before showdowns at home against New England and Baltimore. The Jaguars may be 1-4 but they are no push over and the Steelers need to pay attention to this game closely.
The Jaguars are one of only three teams the Steelers face this season that have a winning record against them. The Steelers are only 9-12 against the Jags but have won five of ten games in Pittsburgh. The last time these two teams met in Pittsburgh was back to back losses in 2007, the final a 31-29 loss in the wild card round of the playoffs.
JAGUARS SEASON STATS:
Blaine Gabbert- 48 of 97 608 yards 3 touchdowns 2 interceptions
*This will be the rookies first game against a championship caliber team.
Maurice Jones-Drew- 96 carries for 476 yards and 2 touchdowns
*MJD is averaging 5 yards per carry.
Mike Thomas- 23 catches for 265 yards and 1 touchdown
*No receiver has caught more than one touchdown pass this season.
Defense- The Jags are giving up 316.4 yards per game and 22 points while sacking quarterbacks 12 times and picking off 6 passes in their first five games. Surprisingly, even with the four losses the defense is in the top ten in most defensive categories.
INJURY REPORT
Marcus Gilbert- out; Casey Hampton- out; Aaron Smith- out; Jason Worilds- out; James Harrison- out; Mewelde Moore- out; Chris Kemoeatu- out
FINAL TAKE
I am by no means overlooking the Jaguars, but I don't see them winning at all. The Steelers offense came to life last week on the legs of Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer and via the arm of Big Ben. The defense was back and just as good as they had ever been and hey, they got their first INT of the season. The Steelers have this week and next week to get prepared for a visit from Tom Brady and their rematch against the hated Ravens. I think the Steelers will keep Gabbert confused and shut down MJD, while continuing to work on the run game and turnover control.
STEELERS WIN: 17-9
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