Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers vs. Washington: Five questions with the enemy

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Steelers are putting the finishing touches on their game plan against Washington and we’re going behind enemy lines to analyze this matchup.

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) stiff-arms New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (25) in the first quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the season Still Curtain will team up with the opposing team from the FanSided network to get a little intel and perhaps do a little prediction and/or trash talking for the upcoming game.

Today we’re talking to Jacob Camenker, Editor of Riggo’s Rag, the Washington Redskins-themed site from the FanSided network about everything from the Antonio Brown vs. Josh Norman matchup to Kirk Cousins‘ future in Washington. We’ll also get a prediction on the game with the score.

The most anticipated part of this game is being built up to be the matchup between Antonio Brown and Josh Norman. How much do you think Norman will cover Brown and how do you see the matchup playing out?

I think that Norman is going to be covering Brown more than the Redskins are willing to let on. Jay Gruden has been talking a lot about the fact that Bashaud Breeland will see some snaps against Brown, but I would imagine that Norman is going to face Brown for a majority of the game. Breeland would probably be a No. 1 corner on most teams, but the Redskins paid Norman to be their No. 1 guy. As a result, he will face the opponent’s top receiver, in this case Brown.

It is really difficult to predict who will really win this matchup. One thing is pretty close to certain though: the player that comes up on the upper hand of this battle will immensely help their team in the contest. If I had to pick one, I would guess that Norman will give Brown a tough time in this game. The fact is that Brown is the only proven receiving option currently on the Steelers roster. Now that Markus Wheaton is out, Norman’s job will become easier as the team can give him help in more scenarios. That will be huge for the veteran cornerback.

How does the defense handle the offensive attack of the Pittsburgh Steelers even without Le’Veon Bell?

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Normally, the Steelers would have their big three of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Bell playing but since Bell is suspended for three games, that will change the Redskins defensive plan. The team can focus on doing one big thing and that is shutting down Brown.

While DeAngelo Williams is a solid running back, he simply is not the same type of threat that Bell is. Bell is a playmaker with strength, speed, and receiving ability. Williams is more of a speed back that can run between the tackles in Pittsburgh’s system. The improve Redskins D-Line should be able to at least slow him down and that will allow them to focus on the pass game.

If the team can take away Brown from Roethlisberger for most of the game, then he will be in trouble. With Wheaton out, he will have to target some of the unproven depth guys. That could be disastrous for the Steelers’ offense.

Does Kirk Cousins have a future in Washington?

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) gets introduced prior to the game against the New York Jets at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Cousins definitely is the quarterback of the future for Washington right now. At the very worst, Cousins will be an elite game manager. He will be able to carry a strong team to the postseason and possibly to a Super Bowl title. At the best, he could become a top 10 quarterback. The Redskins cannot let him walk away unless he performs horribly this season.

I think he will end up signing an extension with the team after this season. The two just go so well together, and Cousins should only get better the more he plays.

What is the season outlook for Washington this year?

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) celebrates after a tackle against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins could end up being one of the more surprising teams in the league last year. In fact, they could end up being similar to the 2015 Carolina Panthers squad. They have an immensely improved defense thanks to the additions of Josh Norman, rookie Kendall Fuller, and rookie Su’a Cravens. That will strengthen their secondary which was a weakness in the prior years.

If their defense improves to a top level stop unit, then the offense will be given more free reign. They can focus on being efficient and just working without too much pressure. That will suit Cousins well. The only thing they lack is a running game, and that could hurt them in the playoffs.

Overall, the Redskins are a boom or bust type of a team. They may finally have the talent and pieces to make a Super Bowl, or they could implode when facing a tougher schedule. At the very least, they should win the NFC East and they may be able to win their first playoff game.

What is your prediction with score for the game?

Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins fans cheer during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Washington Redskins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

I have the Redskins winning by a score of 21-17. The Steelers are just missing too much on offense right now and they do not have the talent in the secondary to matchup with the Redskins elite receiving corps. It should be an exciting contest and the Skins may take time to get warm on offense, but I still think that they will come out victorious at the end of the day.

There you have it Steeler Nation. What would you have asked differently?

Check out Riggo’s Rag for my answers to Jacob’s questions right here.

Be sure to keep locked into Still Curtain for all of your Steelers game day wants and needs.

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!