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3 Make-or-Break Steelers in Week 6 at Buccaneers
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- 3 Make-or-Break Steelers in Week 6 at Buccaneers
The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Tampa Bay in Week 6 with a chance to improve to 4-2 , but they will need several key players to step up to secure the win. With injuries creating questions at multiple positions, Pittsburgh will need reliable performances from its secondary, pass rush and receiving corps to overcome a Buccaneers team capable of exploiting defensive mistakes.
Three Steelers stand out as make-or-break players in this matchup. Asante Samuel Jr. and Daylen Everette must limit Tampa Bay's opportunities in the passing game, while Pittsburgh's edge defenders need to contain the quarterback and prevent him from extending plays.
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Here are four make-or-break Steelers in Week 6 at Tampa Bay:
Asante Samuel Jr. and Daylen Everette
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerbacks Daylen Everette (23) and Asante Samuel Jr. (22) participate in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay has several wide receivers ready to test Pittsburgh's cornerback room. Jamel Dean 's potential return would provide a welcome boost to the secondary, but his availability remains uncertain. For now, Samuel and Everette will need to deliver another steady performance and prevent the Buccaneers from generating explosive plays.
Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson haven't been particularly productive to this point, but they could find opportunities if Pittsburgh continues to rely on a soft zone defense. That approach could give them room to create yards after the catch, making it crucial for Samuel and Everette to close quickly and limit their opportunities. The Steelers cannot afford to let Tampa Bay turn short completions into significant gains.
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EDGE Defenders
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh's edge defenders must remain disciplined and keep Jalon Daniels contained in the pocket . Daniels has shown that he can hurt defenses with his legs and extend plays long enough to find receivers downfield. Tampa Bay also found success running the ball last week, adding another challenge for the Steelers' defensive front.
As tempting as it might be to abandon assignments in pursuit of a big play, Pittsburgh's edge defenders must exercise patience. Maintaining their rush lanes, limiting Daniels' opportunities to escape and setting the edge against the run will be critical to keeping Tampa Bay's offense in check.
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DK Metcalf
Oct 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) makes a catch over Cleveland Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) in the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Defenses have more reason to fear Metcalf's big-play ability than that of Pittsburgh's other receivers. With several Steelers wideouts now sidelined for Week 6, Metcalf must take advantage of the additional attention and create explosive plays when opportunities arise.
Metcalf broke out in Week 4, prompting the Colts to devote more attention to him in Week 5. That adjustment gave Germie Bernard more opportunities to make an impact. Tampa Bay could face a similar dilemma, potentially leaving Metcalf with chances to beat single coverage. If he capitalizes on those matchups, he could give Pittsburgh's offense the spark it needs to earn a road victory.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
