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Week three of the NFL season is among us. The St. Louis Rams take on the high octane offense of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
So, without delay, here are the five Steelers the Rams need to keep in check to come up with a victory.
Le'Veon Bell
Le'Veon Bell missed the first two games of the season due to a substance abuse suspension. Right in time to go up against the Rams, who struggled against Washington's one-twp combo punch of Alfred Morris and rookie Matt Jones.
The Steelers boast an even better duo of Bell along with veteran DeAngelo Williams. Williams is second in the league in rushing yards (204) and first in touchdowns (3). Le'Veon's addition back into the starting XI strengthens the Steelers running game.
The Rams will have their hands full with Le'Veon. He's one of the bigger backs in the league, but his quickness and agility compliment his power well. He's also one of the best at breaking tackles. The Rams struggled with making tackles last week, along with shedding blocks.
Do not forget about Le'Veon in the passing game either.
The other side of the coin
The other side of the coin
Antonio Brown
In today's pass happy NFL, Antonio Brown is one of the league's best wide receivers. Brown has already piled up 18 catches for 328 yards, good for fifth and first in the league, respectfully.
Corner Janoris Jenkins will have to be on top of his game. He cannot be suckered by the double move or the underneath route. Antonio will give Janoris fourth degree burns if he has mental lapses again this week.
Cameron Heyward
The Rams' offensive line cannot seem to hold blocks against opposing defensive linemen. Cue in Cam Heyward.
Heyward is key in the Steelers' 3-4 defensive front. He eats up multiple blockers and allows the linebackers to run free. This could be a nuisance to the Rams. St. Louis has not been able to get their "power run" offense going. The offensive line struggles to open up running lanes for the running backs.
Jarvis Jones
Former first round pick outside linebacker Jarvis Jones has not lived up to his lofty expectations. Through his first three seasons, Jones has registered only three sacks. This game against the Rams can be a turning point.
The Rams' bookend offensive tackles – Greg Robinson (LT) and Rob Havenstein (RT) – have struggled mightily against opposing pass rushers. Washington's Ryan Kerrigan took the Rams' rookie tackle, Havenstein, to school. Multiple times. Fellow OLB Trent Murphy worked Robinson as well.
Jones and fellow rusher –and first rounder – Bud Dupree should be licking their chops at the thought of going up against the Rams' line.
Do not forget about the grizzly veteran James Harrison either.
Ben Roethlisberger
The Rams do a pretty good job of getting to the quarterback and bringing him down. Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald & co. will need all they have to bring Big Ben down.
The 33-year old Roethisberger has always been able to shed would-be sacks and make a play. It has become one of his staples. He has also one of the key factors in the Steelers becoming one of the league's top offenses.
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This is it for this week's opposing players to watch. If you have any players you would like to add, voice yourself in the comment section below!