Not Too Late to Billieve

Bills WR Stevie Johnson dropped the game winning pass in OT
 against the Steelers in 2010.
(Source: Karl Walter/Getty Images)

A mix between Terrible Towels and paper bag heads will be the scene at Heinz Field for this week ten matchup. The 3-6 Buffalo Bills will be charging into the steel city, as they take on the 2-6 Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams have undoubtedly  underachieved this season, given the outrageous amount of talent and weaponry on their rosters. But with a victory this weekend, all could be forgotten.

The Buffalo Bills have been in the news all week with numerous reports coming from One Bills Drive. On Monday, the team announced that rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel was cleared to return from injury. Hours later, the Bills decided to go separate ways with quarterback Matt Flynn. With a spot now open on the roster, the team picked up hybrid fullback Evan Rodriguez. Head coach Doug Marrone described the new addition as, "very athletic," believing that Rodriguez will help out in the backfield and on special teams. On Wednesday, Bills president Russ Brandon told WGR 550, "unless he (Manuel) has any type of setback through the course of practice he should be ready to go on Sunday." Fortunately there were no setbacks, which led to Marrone giving Manuel the nod against the Steelers. Two days later, reports confirmed that the team decided to release wide receiver and return specialist Brad Smith. Smith has been on IR all season, but with the release, the dual threat now has the ability to sign with any team in the NFL, except Buffalo.

The Pittsburgh Steelers come into this matchup with a laundry list of injury reports on the offensive line. Tackle Mike Adams is questionable (ribs) and opposite tackle Marcus Gilbert is also questionable (ankle). Guards Kevin Beachum and David DeCastro are also nursing injuries, but believe they'll be ready to play. Steelers' center Maurkice Pouncey has been on IR since early September, meaning he will not be on the field to anchor the dwindling offensive line. As a result, Buffalo's defensive line led by Mario Williams could have a field day. Look for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to draw up some exotic blitz packages for this AFC showdown.

The biggest mismatch in this battle will be the strength of Buffalo's rushing attack against Pittsburgh's inability to stop the run. In week nine, the Bills racked up 241 yards on the ground against one of the best defenses in the NFL (Kansas City Chiefs). Buffalo averages just over 145 yards per game rushing (7th in NFL), while the Steelers give up 131 yards per game rushing on defense (31st in NFL). With running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson healthy, and with Manuel being a threat in the run as well, Pittsburgh has the potential to be exposed all day long. If quarterback Ben Rothelisberger and his Steelers can score points early, Buffalo will be forced to shy away from the run, resulting in passes from a rusty Manuel.

Since 2001, Pittsburgh has won all four meetings against Buffalo. On November 28, 2010, the world was introduced to Buffalo wide receiver Stevie Johnson. Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park, NY, a struggling Buffalo Bills team forced overtime against a playoff built dynasty, Pittsburgh Steelers. Former Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick went with a play-action pass with 10:38 in overtime. Johnson played out the fake perfectly and bolted past Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor. Johnson had a large amount of separation from Taylor, finding himself all alone in the end zone. Fitzpatrick chucked the ball 50-yards right into Johnson's hands. Johnson took one step with the ball, bobbled it and dropped the go-ahead win. Buffalo went on to lose after a Pittsburgh field goal. Look on the bright side, because of the drop, Buffalo was slotted at number nine in the 2010 NFL Draft. With that pick, they selected C.J. Spiller out of Clemson. Despite the fact, Jonson and the Buffalo fans still have a bitter taste in their mouths, so look for Johnson to have a strong showing in week ten.

Regardless of Sunday's outcome, all eyes will be on Manuel. Just like the 1985 film, Buffalo will be going Back to the Future. Look for the Virginia Beach native to show football critics what he has to offer after being sidelined the previous four games.