Containing Von Miller is the Pittsburgh Steelers key of the week vs. the Broncos

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been getting a lot right the past few weeks. Missed blocks, errant throws, and blown coverages make it seem everything is going against the Pittsburgh Steelers these days. To get back on the winning track the Steelers will need to bring an entirely new mindset into Heinz Field when they welcome the Denver Broncos for Week 5 action. One of the things the Steelers will need to do to be successful on Sunday is slowing the rush of outside linebacker Von Miller.

Miller suffered a dislocated peroneal tendon at the beginning of the 2020 season, and missed the entire year. Many had written Miller off to never return to the heights he once reached, but lo and behold he has been an all-star in the early goings of this 2021 campaign. Already four games into the season and Miller has tallied 4.5 sacks, a total that won Miller the AFC’s defensive player of the month for September. Long story short, he looks as good as ever in this young 2021 season.

Miller will be lined up over one of the Steelers right tackles, but it really isn't obvious which one it will be. Chuks Okorafor is still in the concussion protocol and Zach Banner is still working through a knee injury, leaving Joe Haeg as the back up option if the other two tackles can't play. Just on paper the Steelers will be at a significant disadvantage regardless of who plays in this position. Meaning the Steelers will have to chip Miller with tight ends and running backs all day long to keep him at bay. Thankfully for the Steelers, Bradley Chubb is on the injured reserve and won't be able to play this week, allowing the offense to send more of its blocking support to whoever is blocking Miller.

We already know Ben Roethlisberger is banged up and Von Miller has caused chaos in the Steelers backfield in the past. So I wouldn't be surprising to see him go off against the organization again. The Steelers have already allowed far too many hits on Roethlisberger and need to do a better job of protecting him, and doing that this week starts with Von Miller. Containing Miller at least gives the offense a chance, and if you don't think one edge rusher can break open a game, just look at what T.J. Watt has been able to do over the years for the black and gold.

But what do you think? Will the Pittsburgh Steelers be able to slow down Von Miller, or will he beat up Big Ben worse than he already has been? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.