Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward has dubbed Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as “Superman,” highlighting the impressive skills that the 6-foot-5, 237-pound player brings to the field. Allen, who was named the NFL MVP last season, showcases extraordinary versatility, excelling in both passing and running plays, making him a formidable opponent for any defense.
Despite his remarkable abilities, Allen faced challenges in the Bills’ recent matchup against the Houston Texans on November 20, where the team suffered a 23-19 defeat. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 265 yards but did not secure any touchdowns, while also experiencing two interceptions and eight sacks.
The Steelers, currently sitting at 6-5, are gearing up for their upcoming game against the Bills (7-4) at Acrisure Stadium, with a heightened focus on ramping up their pass rush. The Steelers have performed impressively in this regard, ranking fifth in the league with 34 sacks. Team leaders T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig have contributed significantly to this effort with seven and 6.5 sacks respectively.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin analyzed the Texans’ game plan that successfully contained Allen, noting, “They really got after him… They were able to keep him in the pocket and collapse it at times.” This strategy will be critical for the Steelers as they prepare to face Allen.
However, the challenge doesn’t stop with Allen. Bills running back James Cook is also a key concern, sitting second in the NFL with 1,084 rushing yards and an impressive average of 5.4 yards per carry. The Steelers defense will need to apply similar pressure as they did against Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, whom they held to a season-low 45 rushing yards in their previous matchup.
Austin spoke highly of Cook’s performance, stating, “He’s really explosive… It makes the quarterback’s job easier.” With Cook’s ability to affect the Bills’ offense through his ground game, the Steelers must devise a dual strategy to contain both their dynamic quarterback and formidable running back to secure a victory.
As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams, with the Steelers aiming to improve their defensive standings and maintain their playoff aspirations. The matchup promises to be an exciting showdown as Pittsburgh looks to harness their defensive prowess against the Bills’ powerful offense.