Patspsycho

Because they are an "anytime, anyplace" team. Traditionally we've owned them, both in the regular season and playoffs, but you never count them out.

supafly

Personally, Andy, I am worried (somewhat) because they have been competitive throughout all of those losses.

They lost 3 tough divisional losses to BAL, CIN, and CLE. I believe the losses to KC and OAK wouldn't happen again. Basically I think their long streak of luck wore out, but all of their losses were by a score or less. They (much like us) were having a hard time closing out the 4th quarter/OT of games.

Against teams with winning records they are 5-2.

They are a totally 100 % different team with Polamalu out, and are getting him back. This is an obvious plus for their defense, which is still #2 in the NFL in sacks, and #1 against the rush. They can still cause lots of pressure, etc.

Their offense is very dynamic, and they have lots of weapons. Ward is a possession receiver who plays very hard. Holmes can beat you deep and with those 15-20 yd passes also. Heath Miller is a top tier TE, having his best year, and the rookie, Wallace is another stretch the field deep threat. This is all without Mendanhall and Parker, who establish the run game.

Personally, I'd much rather play a more run-first, conservative offense that we match up a little better with, such as MIA, DEN, or BAL.

Deus Irae

Because all it takes is for a certain safety to return and it becomes a whole new ballgame.

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"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

The Dynasty

They are a desparate team, look at the way they played on Sunday. Look at the players on their roster, they are the defending champs. They are a dangerous team.

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"It is what it is" -Bill Belichick

"...as the head coach I can kind of do whatever I want. If I want to coach the punters, I can go coach the punters. If I want to watch the offensive guards, I can watch the offensive guards." - Bill Belichick

supafly

Great point.

Imagine how dejected our team would've been, had they found out they were for all intents and purposes--eliminated from playoff competition. How heavy the hearts must've been in Pittsburgh, knowing that they failed defending their title after all of the dreams, etc about repeating.

For the game against GB last week, the only thing they could even go on was team pride, and winning one for the fans.

Then... they win on a 4th down attempt with 00:00 time on the clock, with a frantic SB-like catch by a point. With their backs against the wall, after a horrible controversial descision by their coach, they step up with their season on the line...only to find out that 5 different things happened to throw them right back into the playoff race.

Imagine how any team would have renewed vigor and a sense of confidence, knowing they can put all of those thoughts of failing to bed by winning the last 2 games. They can put to bed all of the talk of losing streaks, etc, all of the pain of losing close games, etc by closing out the season by beating an opponent who could barely beat them while injury riddled with a 3rd string QB!

When given a 2nd chance, I believe this team will take advantage of it, point blank. They are very dangerous, IMO, for these reasons, and the reasons listed several posts above.

mgteich

I think that PITT would be a lot more dangerous with two more wins than DEN, MIA or the jets, and probably more dangerous than BALT. And if their best player returns, no one will want to play them.

Triggerfish

Because they're the PITTSBURGH STEELERS. Enough said.

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"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert, 1990 HoF Introduction.

JR4

Worry??? I guess every game in the playoffs can cause worry or should.
Even teams not expected to win can pull off an upset. IMO.
( Ask the RAMs )

BradyBranch39

playing them in the first round would definitely be our worst-case scenario.

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PatsfanGlo

That's one team I would not want Pats to face in wild card. With them, anything goes.....too many vets who been there. And its very highly likely someone will get dinged up even if Pats win, considering they are very physical team.