I will cover the Seahawks later this week in my game preview, but I believe this team is not the same Super Bowl contender that we have seen in recent years. They are a beatable team with a marginal 5-5 record.

Here are the keys to beating Seattle:

Sack Russell Wilson

With a weakened offensive line, QB Russell Wilson has been sacked 35 times this year. The potential loss of Marshawn Lynch for the season leaves Seattle relying on a rookie RB to carry the load… and help pass protect.

The Steelers defense has 27 sacks this season: 2.7 per game versus Seattle’s average of giving up 3.5 per game. Should Pittsburgh get the quarterback at least 4 times, they should control the Seahawks offense.

Bonus stat: the Steelers have more sacks (27) than the Seahawks (25.) A Steelers offensive line with two fill-ins has only given up 23 sacks this season versus the 35 Seattle’s line has.

Legion of Boom

Seattle’s defense is still formidable, but beatable:

• In all of their losses this season, Seattle has given up at least 350 yards to opponents.
• All of Seattle’s wins are against low-ranking offenses which include the Bears, Lions, Cowboys, and two victories against the 49ers.
• Of those 5 games, backups Jimmy Clausen, Matt Cassel, and Blaine Gabbert started for their respective teams.
• Their losses? Nick Foles, Aaron Rodgers, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton and Carson Palmer.

Certainly Ben Roethlisberger is up to the challenge. The Seahawks secondary will also have their hands full with Martavis Bryant, Antonio Brown, Heath Miller and more.

DeAngelo Williams

In 4 of their 5 losses, the Seahawks have given up over 100 yards rushing to their opponents. Williams has 2 100 yard games in 4 games relief of starter Le’Veon Bell.