I feel like I should be asking to define a Manichean struggle.When the schedule was first released the Sunday night trip to New Orleans on Halloween looked to be the most imposing of the season, especially given the possibility that it might have been Roethlisberger's first back after suspension.
New Orleans' recent descent back into mediocrity has taken some of the luster off the match-up, at least on paper, but I certainly wouldn't expect the Saints to lay the egg the team has in recent games against Cleveland and Arizona. Luck would have it that Drew Brees wastes a four-interception meltdown against the Browns only to return to form against the Steelers defense. But then, who knows? There's always the chance that this becomes the defining point in a hangover season for the Saints.
Like most Steelers fans, I'm paranoid about how the defense will look in its first full game since losing Aaron Smith for at least most if not all of the rest of the regular season. Not that the Saints are much of a threat to run all over a team even if Ziggy isn't quite as good defending the running game, but there's also the concern of whether the second-year player can help in the pass rush the way Smith has. With Brett Keisel expected to miss his second straight game, the Steelers may not be able to get way with a four-player rush on pass plays and expect to get pressure as they have many times this season. This could be a problem facing a Saints team that can spread the ball around when the offense is clicking.
The Saints have had plenty injury issues of their own. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are likely to still be out come Sunday night, but it appears their two starting corners, Jabari Greer and postseason hero Tracy Porter, might return for this week's game. While they only participated in limited practice on Thursday, them playing would be a considerable boost over the scrubs they've made to make do with the last few weeks. Facing the possibility of falling to .500 at the halfway mark of their season, I would imagine they'll make every effort to be on the field Sunday night.
LaMarr Woodley and Flozell Adams both participated in full practice on Thursday and are expected to play, which is a huge boon, especially Woodley not missing time. While Jason Worilds performed admirably for a rookie when Woodley went down in the first half last week, he's a very stark dropoff from Woodley at this point. Steelers Lounge did a good job of explaining while he showed good burst in speed rushes, he wasn't much help in any other duty on defense. He'll get there, but he's not someone you want subbing for Woodley for an extended period at this point.
Flozell not missing more time is helpful as well, given how poor the running game looked in his absence late last week against the Dolphins. Obviously there was more to it than just Flozell being out, but he's proven to be a solid contributor is blocking for the ground game. His slow ass in pass protection is another story. Nevertheless, for all the jokes about his penchant for penalties, it's been Doug Legursky who's been a drain on that front. Thankfully, Trai Essex returns to the line-up for the first time in five weeks.
Anyway, win or loss, I would greatly appreciate a game that doesn't end up with the Steelers being embroiled in the scandal of the week yet again. From Ben's return to James Harrison becoming the posterhelmet for the head shot crackdown to the conspiracy theory fodder that's come out of the review of Ben's goal line fumble has made the past few weeks as exhausting as sports fandom has a right to be. Now let's get ready for a Sunday where Roethlisberger's character is compared unfavorably to Brees'! CAN'T WAIT!
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