Thursday, December 27, 2007

Thank You Cleveland

Cleveland played a big part in the Steelers AFC North title and as fans we owe the Browns a big thank you. With the Steelers two wins over the Browns, and the Bungles win this past weekend, the title was wrapped up. Steelers are going to the playoffs.

This was a costly week for the Steelers. Losing Willie Parker could hurt in the playoffs. Davenport looked good though and may actually be a better back right now than the short yardage specialist the Steelers were trying to mold him into. The big problem is that there is a big lack of depth at the running back position. However, this should be the least of our concerns though.

What has me worried is a defense that can’t stop anybody right now. Even the Rams were moving the ball early in last week’s game. With Jacksonville coming back to Pittsburgh in less than two week, the Steelers better figure out a way to stop Fred Taylor. The team must get that swagger back and make teams fear them. If that doesn’t happen, it will be one and done. Get it back and this team could be scary in the playoffs. After this weekend’s meaningless game, we’ll see what happens.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Slowly Recovering

I don’t know what happened in that game against the Patsy’rots. The way the Steelers came out and played in the first half I thought we had the Patsies on the ropes. In the second half, it seemed as though the game plan changed…of course for the worse.

Now, being a Steeler fan in enemy territory has subjected me to a week of relentless beatings from New England football fans. What makes it worse, is that NE barely knows what football even is. There’s only one major college team with a less than 40,000 capacity stadium. High school soccer is more popular than high school football. And, just because the NFL has immensely helped its local franchise because of its TV market, there are now super annoying, pseudo football fans. Well, Patsy’rot fans, the most annoying in the league.

On to facing Jacksonville, we go. While this is not a must win game to make the playoffs, it is for the psyche of this team. The Steelers need to play well and win against a quality opponent to regain some momentum. It would also be nice to all but wrap up the division title and a home playoff game in the first round.

The Jaguars and the Steelers always play a very hard-hitting game. This game will be no different and will be relatively low scoring. My prediction is Steelers 23 Jags 17.

Now, here’s a nice story about a local Steeler fan and some heart warming compassion from a few Patriot fans that ran in our local paper today: http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/NEWS/712140438

Friday, December 7, 2007

Here We Go!

I’ve had this game circled since the schedule came out and now it’s time to get down to business. The Patsies are going down this weekend. Anthony Smith was right to guarantee a victory. As he stated, if the Steelers execute as they are capable of, they will win this game. The keys are to control the clock, minimize turnovers, and play physical. Simple enough… This is Steeler football.

The Steelers could easily be 10-2, 11-1, or even 12-0 coming into this game, but they did not play at their capable levels in losses to 3 poor teams. While this game will not define Tomlin’s success this year, it could establish him as master game planner. A win on Sunday will also give the Steelers a big boost heading into the playoffs with the potential of a #2 seed.

My prediction is Steelers 27 Patsy’rots 20. The Steelers play a physical game and rattle the Patsies. The Patsies have not faced a team yet like the Steelers, who have balance on both sides of the ball. The Colts (injuries) and Cowboys (defense in flux) both had their issues at the time.

Lets go Steelers!!!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Goodbye Bungles, Hello Patsy’rots

So as expected, the Steelers took care of business against the Bungles. After Cincy moved right down the field and scored on its opening drive, it didn’t look good, but the defense stiffened up and played great. Critical Steelers’ turnovers made it a little more interesting too. Yo, Fast Willie, hold onto the ball.

I think this is the last time we see Cincy with Marvin Lewis at the helm. His team looks like it has just quit. The big example was Chad Johnson on the Bungles last play – walking out of bounds 3 yards short of a first down. That’s embarrassing. It’s too bad because Lewis is a good coach with great football smarts. He won’t last long in the unemployment line.

Now on to New England we go. Even though I live in New Hampshire, I HATE the Patriots. I can easily go on and on, but I’ll leave it at that. In their last couple of games, they have shown where the vulnerabilities are and the Steelers are the ideal team to exploit them. Brady and Moss don’t like to be hit. They don’t defend the run well. And, they have no running game of their own.

The Steelers will end the streak of this asterisk-laden, egotistical franchise and gain some retribution for 2001 and 2004.