Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Cardinals 24, Steelers 21
Arizona: The Ravens and the rest of us got a little surprise last week from head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Kurt Warner made an appearance running the Cardinals no-huddle offense and looked pretty damn good in doing so. This could be the key for Arizona to sneak out a victory against the Steelers. Whisenhunt plans to use the no-huddle, featuring Warner, throughout the season but Leinart is still expected to start. If this QB-by-Committee continues Leinart's fantasy value takes a severe blow. Edgerrin James faces his second tough test in a row only managing 67 yards agains the Ravens defense and now goes up against a Steelers-D that has yet to allow a rushing TD. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is coming off a huge week but is a gametime decision due to a bruised hip. I have a hunch here that while this game looks like a Steelers' victory on paper, the Cardinals may have a few enough tricks up their sleeve to pull one out at home.
- Start: RB Edgerrin James, WR Larry Fitzgerald
- Consider: WR Anquan Boldin (inj)
- Sit: QB Matt Leinart, WR Bryant Johnson, TE Leonard Pope
Pittsburgh: The Steelers have rolled their way to a 3-0 mark outscoring their opponents 97-26 in the process. Willie Parker leads the league in rushing and has three 100-yd games under his belt. The lone black cloud hanging over this team is the bone bruise suffered by WR Hines Ward who is listed as Doubtful for this game. The Steelers haven't needed to rely on their passing game but could be called upon to do so here and if so, Ward will be severely missed. "I have learned not to count a guy like Hines Ward out," Tomlin said. "That's why I'm saying it's being characterized as doubtful. We'll take it day to day and see where he is."
- Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Willie Parker, WR Santonio Holmes, TE Heath Miller
- Consider: Steelers D/ST, K Jeff Reed
- Sit: WR Hines Ward (inj), WR Cedrick Wilson, WR Nate Washington