Chris Carter, NFL and NCAAF analyst, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

Ben Roethlisberger has had good and bad moments in 2021. Part of that has been play calls, other times it's been execution. But when it comes down to how it all comes together, it will take a group effort from Ben, Mike Tomlin and Matt Canada to see the Steelers to the playoffs. Can they get Ben to find his comfort zone before it's too late?

The Titans used a lot of pre-snap motion with their safeties to confuse Roethlisberger, and you can bet the Chiefs are going to do that as well. Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill and Daniel Sorenson all could pose serious threats to the Steelers' offense and it could take a truly impressive performance from Roethlisberger to see through their disguised packages to make big plays.

That also plays into the Steelers' experienced vs. inexperienced players and the challenges that face them in the home stretch of the season. Tomlin spoke Tuesday about how having Joe Haden, Cam Heyward and Ben Roethlisberger helps, but with so many younger players experience a tight NFL race for the first time, it could be a great learning experience to build character and future reliable veterans and leaders for the roster. But the key will be watching how each of the younger players embrace the challenges in front of them.

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'Soul Kick' by Ceddy P, and 'Too Easy' by Nerdboy. Both from their label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

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