Pittsburgh (1-0) @ Chicago (0-1)
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without their most important defensive player this afternoon, as star safety Troy Polamalu will be sidelined for 3-6 weeks.
Replacing Polamalu will be Tyrone Carter who the team has a lot of faith in him. Carter will play a much more traditional safety role this afternoon.
The player who will replace Polamalu's versatility on the field will be inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons.
Timmons is not 100% but will be a key player is pass coverage situations. Without Polamalu, Bears tight end Greg Olsen will be a wildcard in the game.
The Bears are going to try to stretch the field with Olsen and if healthy, Timmons could play a key role in monitoring the middle of the field and keeping Olsen in check.
*There's been a lot of talk all week that the Steelers need to establish an effective running game this afternoon. While that is true, Ben Roethlisberger could have a big afternoon.
The Bears secondary is very vulnerable. With the Bears missing two of their starting linebackers, they are expected to use an extra defensive back for much of the game.
Their game plan is going to be to slow down Roethlisberger and make the Steelers running game beat them.
*Look for the Steelers to come out in three wide receiver sets with a single back and throw early. Mewelde Moore will see plenty of playing time this afternoon but to begin the game Tomlin is expected to go with the two-for-one rotation between Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.
*Shaun McDonald will replace Limas Sweed (foot sprain) as the Steelers #4 receiver. Rookie wide out Mike Wallace will see the majority of reps as the third wideout.
Wallace was able to stretch the field against the Titans which put Santonio Holmes in a few one-on-one situations that he took advantage of.
*Two key matchups to watch this afternoon will be Chicago DE Adewale Ogunleye vs. Pittsburgh RT Willie Colon and Pittsburgh OLB James Harrison vs. Chicago LT Orlando Pace.
*For the Bears, the pressure is going to be on Jay Cutler this afternoon. Coming off of a four interception game and with the Bears in a 0-1 hole, the Bears will need Cutler to make smart decisions or it could be a long day for the Bears
The Steelers are going to pressure Cutler with a number of blitzing packages.
Pittsburgh 24 - Chicago 20
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