Ward, Holmes & Polamalu to play this week (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

At least 3 injured Steelers starters to return SundayTuesday, October 16, 2007By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Steelers will welcome at least three of their four injured starters back this week and may even make it four-for-four.Coach Mike Tomlin said today at his news conference that wide receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and strong safety Troy Polamalu all will return to the lineup for their next game in Denver Sunday night.All three missed the past game with various injuries, and Ward has missed the last two.The only one of the four starters whose status has not been determined is nose tackle Casey Hampton. He missed the last game with a hamstring injury that Tomlin said will limit him in practice tomorrow. The coach said they will monitor Hampton as the week goes on and they are "hopeful" he will play.Also, backup tight end Jerame Tuman has had back spasms that may limit him in practice, and No. 3 cornerback Bryant McFadden remains doubtful with a high ankle sprain.

 

[bryhamm]

 

[JoeSteeler]

 

[Peak]

How does Ward/Holmes stack up against Champ and Bly? Is the Steeler offense, not named Parker, worth starting this week?

 

[Godsbrother]

How does Ward/Holmes stack up against Champ and Bly? Is the Steeler offense, not named Parker, worth starting this week?

FWIW The Steelers have had no problems moving the ball and scoring against the Broncos in their last 2 meetings. The biggest problem last year was 3 picks by Ben and 3 lost fumbles by the WRs.

Steelers stats vs Broncos - last 2 meetings (stats from players no longer on team have been removed)PASSING:2006 B. Roethlisberger 38/54 433 yds 1 TD 3 Int2005 B. Roethlisberger 21/29 275 yds 2 TD 0 Int RUSHING:2006 W. Parker 14 70 1 TD 2005 W. Parker 14 35 0 TD2006 N. Davenport 2 17 0 TD RECEIVING:2006 C. Wilson 4 59 0 TD 2005 C. Wilson 5 92 1 TD2006 H. Ward 7 127 1 TD2005 H. Ward 5 59 1 TD2006 W. Parker 7 67 1 TD 2005 W. Parker 3 20 0 TD2006 S. Holmes 6 58 0 TD2006 H. Miller 5 34 yds 0 TD2005 H. Miller 2 32 yds 0 TD2006 N. Washington 0 0 0 TD2005 N. Washington 1 13 0 TD2006 N. Davenport 5 57 0 TD

 

[Steeler07]

Hines Ward should be a solid start. Holmes not so much.

 

[LILB811]

How does Ward/Holmes stack up against Champ and Bly? Is the Steeler offense, not named Parker, worth starting this week?

FWIW The Steelers have had no problems moving the ball and scoring against the Broncos in their last 2 meetings. The biggest problem last year was 3 picks by Ben and 3 lost fumbles by the WRs.

Steelers stats vs Broncos - last 2 meetings (stats from players no longer on team have been removed)PASSING:2006 B. Roethlisberger 38/54 433 yds 1 TD 3 Int2005 B. Roethlisberger 21/29 275 yds 2 TD 0 Int RUSHING:2006 W. Parker 14 70 1 TD 2005 W. Parker 14 35 0 TD2006 N. Davenport 2 17 0 TD RECEIVING:2006 C. Wilson 4 59 0 TD 2005 C. Wilson 5 92 1 TD2006 H. Ward 7 127 1 TD2005 H. Ward 5 59 1 TD2006 W. Parker 7 67 1 TD 2005 W. Parker 3 20 0 TD2006 S. Holmes 6 58 0 TD2006 H. Miller 5 34 yds 0 TD2005 H. Miller 2 32 yds 0 TD2006 N. Washington 0 0 0 TD2005 N. Washington 1 13 0 TD2006 N. Davenport 5 57 0 TD

I can't see them throwing the ball over 50 times. Doesn't make sense with the Broncos allowing 180+ on the ground per game. Willie should be a nice play. Bailey is a little banged up, but I still don't expect too much from the receivers.

 

[bryhamm]

Hines Ward should be a solid start. Holmes not so much.

I would think just the opposite. They will probably put Champ on Hines, which should leave Holmes with a better matchup.

 

[RamMan]

Hines Ward should be a solid start. Holmes not so much.

I would think just the opposite. They will probably put Champ on Hines, which should leave Holmes with a better matchup.

Champ and Bly play certain sides of the field - not specific players. Champ normally lines up on the WR split out to the right and Bly gets the WR on the left. Therefore, an offense can run any number of plays with their WR#1 on Byl's side. Can't say it has made much differecne this year as both DEN corners have been nails.