Before you start preparing for the Steelers

supafly · Jan 4, 2012

Palm Beach Pats Fan said:
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see all four road teams win this weekend: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Detroit.

With 3 out of 4 road teams being underdogs, I would be very surprised.

I honestly see only one road team winning, and that's Pittsburgh.

Tunescribe · Jan 4, 2012

We should hope for a (1.) VERY PHYSICAL and (2.) low-scoring game between Denver and Pittsburgh, whatever happens. A slugfest softens them up going forward, and low scoring means that both teams need to fight all four quarters. We'll know before this game whether we face Cincy in the divisional game. So hopefully Cincy wins and the Steelers also advance to Baltimore, where it becomes another war of attrition and a hobbling Ravens/Steelers team visits Foxboro for the title.

Wax Frog · Jan 4, 2012

Tunescribe said:
We should hope for a (1.) VERY PHYSICAL and (2.) low-scoring game between Denver and Pittsburgh, whatever happens. A slugfest softens them up going forward, and low scoring means that both teams need to fight all four quarters. We'll know before this game whether we face Cincy in the divisional game. So hopefully Cincy wins and the Steelers also advance to Baltimore, where it becomes another war of attrition and a hobbling Ravens/Steelers team visits Foxboro for the title.

As improbable as they might be, I always hope for multiple overtimes; bonus tenderizing

Haterproof · Jan 4, 2012

Tunescribe said:
We should hope for a (1.) VERY PHYSICAL and (2.) low-scoring game between Denver and Pittsburgh, whatever happens. A slugfest softens them up going forward, and low scoring means that both teams need to fight all four quarters. We'll know before this game whether we face Cincy in the divisional game. So hopefully Cincy wins and the Steelers also advance to Baltimore, where it becomes another war of attrition and a hobbling Ravens/Steelers team visits Foxboro for the title.

I know some people might think I'm crazy for what I'm about to say. I know the Steelers are dealing with injuries to key players. But I think if the Steelers & Ravens played again, Pittsburgh will some how find a way to win that game. I just can't see the Ravens beating them 3 times in the same year. I bet they're the last team they want to face. I had a very nervous feeling leading up to our 3rd game against the Jets last year.It's just something about playing a team 3 times in the same season.

supafly · Jan 4, 2012

Haterproof said:
I know some people might think I'm crazy for what I'm about to say. I know the Steelers are dealing with injuries to key players. But I think if the Steelers & Ravens played again, Pittsburgh will some how find a way to win that game. I just can't see the Ravens beating them 3 times in the same year. I bet they're the last team they want to face. I had a very nervous feeling leading up to our 3rd game against the Jets last year.It's just something about playing a team 3 times in the same season.

I agree with your prediction about the possible PIT/BAL rematch.

FWIW--in 19 playoff meetings of "3rd game" matchups, the team who had won the previous 2 went 12-7. If you take away the Dallas Cowboys, who lost twice, the record then becomes 12-5.

Regardless of any of that, I too wanted to try and avoid the Jets--both last yr and this yr (not as much this yr, obviously).

I still think that PIT would be very well matched up with BAL, and would certainly fight them to the end. My predicted result would be the same as yours.

lillloyd · Jan 4, 2012

supafly said:
An absolute classic of epic proportions, at least when it comes to pre-dominance era playoff games for this team.

The fog game was classic.

Was that the game where C. Martin went bonkers?

Brutal game for Steelers fans. Up there with '01, '04 and '97 for the degree of "kicked in the gut" feeling.

102 Pat · Jan 4, 2012

PFT is reporting that Big Ben suffered a set back in the Cleveland game with his high ankle sprain. Paging Miller and Dumervil...

Still, I wonder if Tomlin would pull him in favour of Batch if things aren't going well sunday...

lillloyd · Jan 4, 2012

supafly said:
They're not the exact same stifling defense in some aspects, but in others they're even better than usual. Sure, they aren't getting as many turnovers, but they also have improved their pass defense on every level, now having the top unit in the NFL. That's something they really struggled in at times last year.

On a whole, they're giving up a total of 14 points a game (also 1st in the NFL)...that's absolutely insane, and another aspect of improvement from last yr.

With a very good rush defense, and a much improved pass defense they pose a real problem for Denver specifically (in my opinion). I'm not seeing anything close to an upset but you never know in the NFL.

I think they will still be a real pain in the ass for anyone who meets them, unfortunately.

That said, I also think that they have just as good as any other AFC team of losing too, however I don't think it will be to a team of 'lesser' talent like the Denver Broncos.

I think this pretty much nails it. We've had some issues with injuries obviously, and our run D has been gashed more often this year than in previous years, so I don't think a game in Denver is any gimme. I think we'll struggle somewhat to score as we have all year on the road, but I'm guessing they'll struggle just a bit more. If we do win, I don't think it will be by much.

But overall I think we fill the role of the potentially "dangerous" playoff team that, if playing its best, could reach up and bite someone, rather than a bona fide contender. If we do get by Denver, I like a game at Balt a bit better than at NE because of matchups (particularly since our nickel and dime CBs are banged up, not something you want against NE). But ultimately I'm not incredibly hopeful about either matchup.

PittPatriot · Jan 4, 2012

102 Pat said:
PFT is reporting that Big Ben suffered a set back in the Cleveland game with his high ankle sprain. Paging Miller and Dumervil...

Still, I wonder if Tomlin would pull him in favour of Batch if things aren't going well sunday...

I think Pittsburgh still wins with Batch if that is what is comes to.
If I were Tomlin, I'd rest Ben vs. Denver (maybe leave him as an emergency backup) and get him ready for the Divisional Round (Ravens).

PatsGirl2011 · Jan 4, 2012

Honestly, you seriously make a case for all road teams having a chance outside of Denver. Usually a trend will develop, and you will get a sense by Sunday night how the rest of the playoffs will shake out though.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · Jan 4, 2012

As I stated before....Its been 20 years since a team lost in the Super Bowl and returned the NEXT season and that is what the Steelers are facing.

I honestly don't think they are THAT good of a team to end that streak set by Buffalo in the 90s .... of course this years pansy AFC is the best chance to do it in a LONG time.

supafly · Jan 4, 2012

102 Pat said:
PFT is reporting that Big Ben suffered a set back in the Cleveland game with his high ankle sprain. Paging Miller and Dumervil...

Still, I wonder if Tomlin would pull him in favour of Batch if things aren't going well sunday...

Yes, I did read that this afternoon.

He also said that his ankle was 'just fine' going into the CLE game last week, something that we've been talking about for a couple of weeks.

Apparently, he claims to have had a setback in the last game, interestingly enough he began to have a bit of a limp as the ESPN cameras passed him--not sure if that's 'real' or if it's just Ben being Ben.

Definitely something to keep an eye on this week, but I'm guessing that he ends up being alright. It could be noted as you bring up, that DEN's defense may bang him around a bit more and possibly really set the ankle injury back.

Uncle Rico · Jan 4, 2012

Patriots added WR Britt Davis to the practice squad today. He's 6-3, 205 — Zolak & Co. were guessing this morning that his role would be to double as AJ Green on scout team (Green is 6-4 I believe).

CanadianPat'sFan · Jan 4, 2012

PatriotFan77 said:
I don't own a farm. But if I did, I'd bet it on the Steelers.

Big Ben can barely walk....Ryan Clark is not playing because his body could shut down and Mendenhall has just been put on IR so I am glad you do not own a farm.

Big Ben since his injury has a QB rating of 62 with 0 TD's and 3 int. He did pull out the win the game he got injured against the Browns but then looked awful against the 49rs. Then he sits a week and pulls off another win against the 4 win Browns team. I just do not think this week will be a cakewalk for the Steelers.

stcjones · Jan 4, 2012

Maker's Muppet said:
Cincy has a rookie QB who has never been in the playoffs going on the road to face a D with a lot of pass rushers. It will be impressive to see him win under those circumstances.

I don't see them beating Houston IN HOUSTON either........Dalton got rattled last week and he will probably have more trouble knowing that it is all on the line this weekend.....With that having been said, I think Dalton has looked phenomenal and will be a great QB in this league.....

Haterproof · Jan 4, 2012

stcjones said:
I don't see them beating Houston IN HOUSTON either........Dalton got rattled last week and he will probably have more trouble knowing that it is all on the line this weekend.....With that having been said, I think Dalton has looked phenomenal and will be a great QB in this league.....

Dalton did throw for 230 + yards against the Ravens last week.

denverpatsfan · Jan 5, 2012

Please explain to me how the Donks will win? Tebow has NO confidence right now. The gig is up. Defenses know how to defend his running. He can't make the passes required to beat press man coverage. Something that the Steelers are THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE at. They play 8 or 9 in the box. He never learned how to play QB in HS or College. He is not going to learn in 1-week prior to a playoff game against the best D in the league!

Donks may keep it close for a quarter or 2 but I see 24-10 final. With the Donks TD coming in garbage time.

Better hope Dalton can maintain his composure in a DOME in the playoffs...

supafly · Jan 5, 2012

denverpatsfan said:
Please explain to me how the Donks will win? Tebow has NO confidence right now. The gig is up. Defenses know how to defend his running. He can't make the passes required to beat press man coverage. Something that the Steelers are THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE at. They play 8 or 9 in the box. He never learned how to play QB in HS or College. He is not going to learn in 1-week prior to a playoff game against the best D in the league!

Donks may keep it close for a quarter or 2 but I see 24-10 final. With the Donks TD coming in garbage time.

Better hope Dalton can maintain his composure in a DOME in the playoffs...

Yeah, no doubt that Cincy is our best hope..and even that is pushing it. When you have to root for a team that hasn't won in 20 years on the road against a tough defense, AND he's a rookie QB, you know you're in trouble, lol.

As far as the Steelers go, the only hope is for Dumerville, Von Miller and Co. to apply pressure and hope for a couple/few turnovers.

Tebow and the offense certainly aren't going to do it against that defense.

brdmaverick · Jan 5, 2012

supafly said:
Yeah, no doubt that Cincy is our best hope..and even that is pushing it. When you have to root for a team that hasn't won in 20 years on the road against a tough defense, AND he's a rookie QB, you know you're in trouble, lol.
.

Sure, it sounds bad if you sell it like that. Even though the Bengals have a rookie QB and lack playoff experience, Houston is the best possible matchup for them. In Houston they face a team that has NEVER made it to the playoffs, has lost three games in a row to mediocre/bad opponents, and is down to their third string QB (and even he is banged up).

denverpatsfan · Jan 5, 2012

Don't get me wrong. We will be cheering for The Tebows here in Denver come Sunday. I just don't have confidence that that offense will score many points against the Steelers D.

The Donks will have to play perfect D and ST's in order to give their offense a chance.

A couple of side notes. One of the starting O-linemen for the Donks was carted off the field last week. Placed on IR. Cooper I think. The immortal Russ Hochstein will start in his stead.

Von Miller who may end up being the best linebacker to play for the Donks is hurt. He has been playing with essentially one arm. VERY hard to shed blocks with one arm. Look for him to get less playing time this week. Hagen is his replacement. Hagen has played VERY well in the past few weeks.

I would welcome the Steelers into Foxboro with open arms. I am not afraid of facing them. It's just that I can't stand Rapistburger and their fans are the absolute WORST.

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