MPL Game Of The Week

Joe	v.s.	Randy
3-1	Record	3-1
9	MPL Top Ten	5
W1	Streak	W1
	Offense
	Defense
	Intangibles
	Coaching
20	GOTW Prediction	35

The Steelers (Never Die V2)

This area has been Joe's bread and butter throughout his first 4 games this season. He comes into this game averaging 31 points per game. He has done a great job of finding multiple targets but really relies on a few key players. His running game has been outstanding so far as he's ridden the speed of Willie Parker who seems to get 100 yards with ease. The passing game has been money for Joe. Big Ben has thrown some interceptions but for the most part, he's been on point. Ben spreads it around well but his key is tight end Heath Miller. Without Miller, the offense wouldn't sustain drives as it's been able to do. Hines Ward has been the guy that can get big plays and Santonio Homes stretches the field to keep the defense honest. The running game will again be key this week against a very strong Panthers defense but it's going to be the biggest challenge they've faced this season. Their best bet will likely to take their shots downfield early then ease the running game in and hit Miller with quick passes when facing the heavy pass rush.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Willie Parker       Heath Miller

The Steelers have been pretty soft on defense so far this season. They take a lot of chances in trying to get turnovers and it has cost them some big plays. They've created quite a few turnovers but in the process, they've given their opponents easy scores. Pittsburgh has given up an average of 28.5 points per game this season and when you are facing a team that scores an average of 32 points a game, that doesn't bode well for you. It'll be up to Ike Taylor to again guard deep and see if he can make some big plays. Ryan Clark is also going to have to step it up in this game and make tackles. It'll be up to Casey Hampton to create pressure up front. They can't afford to give Delhomme a lot of time to through or he'll pick that secondary apart. Polamalu is also going to have to be a big factor in trying to shut down the potent offense of the Panthers.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Ike Taylor       Troy Polamalu

The Panthers (Randy)

Randy has been one of the best offensive players in the MPL this season. He has utilized a sound running game with Deshaun Foster to control the clock. Steve Smith and Drew Carter have given the Panthers offense threats downfield to the keep the defense from creeping up to guard against the run. There aren't many teams in the MPL that can pick you apart quite like the Panthers and with Randy at the helm, this team is dangerous. Randy has a knack for picking up key 3rd downs and in those situations, you have to watch out for Keyhawn Johnson. The only thing that is lacking for Carolina offensively is a quality, go to tight end. If they incorporated that one more piece, they'd be the complete package. Even so, Randy has taken this offense to a new level by generating 32 points per game. He'll have to stick to his offensive gameplan in this one and not give up the big turnovers. Foster is going to have to be the workhorse and Steve Smith is again going to have to make catches downfield to open up the middle of the field.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Deshaun Foster       Steve Smith

Randy has a defensive powerhouse in Carolina. The defensive line, linebackers and secondary are all at an extraordinary level. They have been excellent so far this season as they've only given up an astonishing 12 POINTS PER GAME through 4 games! They'll be facing a team in the Steelers that can score as much as Carolina does so it'll be tough to keep that point average low. Marshall will need to be a ball hawk in the secondary. Big Ben has been known to throw some costly interceptions this season, including 3 to a lowly Packers secondary. Thomas Davis is going to have to anchor that linebacking core and make tackles when given the opportunity against the run. He can't allow Parker to hit the outside as even his speed won't be able to keep up. The biggest key in this game is going to be the pass rush of one Julius Peppers. If he can get around the end quickly with each snap, then that should force Ben to make some bad throws and give Carolina chances for turnovers.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Julius Peppers       Richard Marshall

Key Matchup:


VS  
Julius Peppers against Max Starks

This matchup will tell how the game goes for both clubs. If Pittsburgh can give Ben protection, then they should be able to move the ball and put up some points. The Steelers have had a fairly easy time moving the ball up and down the field through their first 4 games of the season but I expect that to be a different story in week 5. That is mainly due to the disruption that the Panthers star defensive end, Julius Peppers, can cause. He's a tremendous force and can alter the gameplan of any offense, even without racking up the sacks. Big Ben can expect to see a heavy dose of Mr. Peppers in his face early and often.

Outcome: This is a real showdown game for both clubs. Randy needs to win to keep pace with the Jets while Joe needs a win to stay tied for the lead in the Atlantic South. The game could also prove to people that Joe belongs in the top 10 of the MPL. He's had a shaky career in the MPL and a win against one of the league's all time best could be just what Joe needs to establish himself. Joe also added some fuel to the fire this week by stating, "...looks like I'll have to drop your panthers to prove your guest wrong." Im not sure that Randy needs the extra motivation to go out and kick some tail but that definately could be what drives Randy to show no mercy. The Panthers will be able to put enough pressure on Big Ben to force mistakes and cause turnovers in this one. Also, the Steelers risk taking on defense will come back to burn them as Carolina torches that secondary all game.

Panthers win this one 35-20

MPL Game Of the Week Season Record on Predictions:   3-1