Next up for the Detroit Lions' offense is a matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who currently rank second in total defense (258.7 yards per game) and are No. 1 against the pass (147.0). The Steelers are also second in sacks (24), second in successful plays allowed (only 39.6 percent), and are holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 70.9, which is fourth best.
If the challenge facing quarterback Matthew Stafford and Co. wasn’t difficult enough, they could potentially be without Golden Tate, their leading receiver. Tate injured a shoulder in the loss to New Orleans a week and a half ago, and didn’t take part in Monday’s practice.