Host Patrick Gelesh and Cohost Brian Harker begin the week nine podcast by analyzing the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-15 victory over the Detroit Lions. They discuss the the gameplan and how the running game suffered with the absence of Vance McDonald. The breakdown continues by analyzing JuJu Smith-Schuster's break-out game and 97-yard touchdown reception. But are quick to point out just how badly Martavis Bryant is needed with the lack-luster performances of Eli Rogers and Darrius Heyward-Bey who both dropped easy touchdown receptions.

The defense's hot streak continued. They limited the Lions rushing attack, and had two big stops inside the five yard line to prevent touchdowns but there was still a lot to improve on. The Lions fielded a pair of backup tackles that T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree couldn't beat all night. The Steelers constantly bltized Matthew Stafford, but only sacked him twice. Consistancy in their pass rush is something the defense will need to work on in the second half of the season. Most importantly, Patrick and Brian concluded that the secondary is no where near as elite as it's top pass defense ranking entering week 8 would imply. Stafford is an upper-echolon quarterback who knew his system well and was surrounded by play-makers. As a result, Stafford finished with 411 passing yards and four different Lions receivers had receptions of over 30 yards. Even so, the Steelers didn't surrender a touchdown, which gives the defense something positive to build on.

Next they took a look at the rest of the NFL. Going division by division and discussing teams, records, schedules and trades that occured at the trade deadline. It's hard to believe given the Steelers uneven play but if the playoffs started today, they would have the one seed by way of tie-breaker. They have the ability to cement that home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by continuing to win. Keeping pace with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. So is beating the Patriots when they come to town in week 15.

Lastly, our co-hosts touch on some storylines to watch in the second half of the season. Can Ben Roethlisberger stay healthy for all 16 games? Will Le'Veon Bell wilt under his massive work load? Will the defensive secondary continue to tackle poorly like they did in Detroit? Or was that an abberation? They emphasized the importance of Stephon Tuitt when it comes to the defensive front seven, and his health. How much of James Harrison will we see in the second half of the season? Does Smith-Schuster's breakout game mean that he's going to be targeted more than Bryant? Will that cause more controversy in the media? These are all questions that will play out in the second half of the season. Enjoy!