Playoffs

After stumbling to the finish line, the Steelers have ended with a division crown and a 4-seed going into the AFC playoffs. Unfortunately, along with a 4-seed comes a WIld Card matchup with the 5-seed, the hottest team in football, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags are the only team to beat the Steelers at home this season, a week 15 loss, 29-22. The game was looking like a blowout, until the Steelers pulled off a 15 point 4th quarter to come back and tie the game, only to have the defense give up a game winning touchdown drive, capped off by a Fred Taylor touchdown run. The Steelers were outplayed and physically dominated during that game, but many of the mistakes were fundamental problems by the Steelers defense. Unfortunately, the Steelers are pretty banged up, on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has injuries, as does the defensive line and of course the serious injury of RB Willie Parker. Saturday night will prove to be probably the most physical games of the playoffs, as both teams bring tough and gritty defenses and running games to the contest. The country is picking the Jags, the analysts are picking the Jags, I say not so fast, and here is why. The Steelers know the playoffs, especially Big Ben. The Steelers know how to win in the playoffs without having to run the ball... (note 05-06). The Steelers are the underdog, and always play well when playing the underdog. The Steelers are at home. The home field advantage may be the most important element, and that is because of the elements. Fred Taylor has continually expressed his displeasure for the playing surface at Heinz Field, calling it "a lawsuit waiting to happen." Whatever that means is irrelevant, but one thing tp note is that Taylor may hesitate to run if the ground is getting torn up, as it should be with the rain and cold weather playing a large factor. With all these ingredients, with a splash of luck, I think that the Steelers will actually pull out a close game. Expect the Steelers to get some big breaks (remember the divisional in 2004) and pull out the win because of their most consistent player, Jeff Reed.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Jaguars 17


Other matchup predictions:

Redskins @ Seahawks: Seahawks 31-21... A great late push mae for a great, heart-warming story. Unfortunately for the Redskins, having to play the Seahawks isn't a good draw. Hasslebeck throws 3 TD's and has 270 yards passing.

Giants @ Buccaneers: Giants 27-23... The question is, which Giant team will show? If the right one shows up, expect them to win in an entertaining game. Eli gets it down with 3 TD's and 220 yards passing.

Titans @ Chargers... Chargers 33-17... Too many injuries to Tennessee will hurt them as they take on a hot team in San Diego. LT will lead the way with 130+ yards a 2 TD's.

Playoff Outlook

The Steelers have 3 possible first round matchups. Here are the scenarios:

The Steelers play the Browns if, the Titans lose to the Colts and the Chargers lose to the Raiders.

The Steelers play the Titans if they win against the Colts and the Chargers lose to the Raiders.

The Steelers play the Jaguars if the Chargers win.

Steelers 41, Rams 24

On what may have been one of the greatest days in regular season Pittsburgh sports (Pitt beat Duke in OT, Penguins beat Bruins in OT), the Steelers kept things going with a convincing win over the St. Louis Rams. After a bit of a first quarter struggle, the Steelers used a fantastic passing game, mixed with a powerful running game to outshoot the Rams. After going down 14-10 early in the game, the Steelers buckeled down to outscore the Rams 31-10 for the rest of the game. Ben Roethlisberger had one of his best games of the season, goign 16/20 for 261 yards, 3 TD's and 0 INT's. Wide Reciever Santonio Holmes snagged 4 catches for 133 yards, including a 83 yard pass reception to start the game. Hines Ward played his usual posession/first-down role in the offense, while Nate Washington had another breakout game with 2 TD's. Also, and somewhat unfortunately, RB Najeh Davenport had a huge game. This came only because of star RB Willie Parker's season ending broken leg injury, which occured on his first carry of the game. Davenport had 123 yards rushing and a touchdown, as well as a solid recieving performance out of the backfield, scoring a touchdown as well. The defense in the first half was suspect at best, but really turned around to shut down the Rams in the second half. But, allowing 24 points to a 3-win team is not acceptable, and will not hold up in the playoffs.

Speaking of the playoffs, thanks to the Browns choke, and the Bengals strong play Sunday, the Steelers have clinched a playoff spot and the AFC North Division Title. This ensures that the Steelers will play a home game in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. At the moment, the possible matchups could be: Tennessee Titans (who need to win vs. Indy to get in), Cleveland Browns (who need a Tennessee loss), or Jacksonville Jaguars (clinched). The most appealing team might be the Titans, who have struggled down the stretch. The least appealing team is the Jaguars, who are the only team to beat the Steelers at home this season, and are playing the best football out of any team right now. If the Steelers want the #3 seed, they will have to win their last game and hope that either the Broncos or the Raiders upset the Chargers. The #3 seed moves on to face the Colts instead of the Patriots in the second round if they can win.

The final matchup of the season for the Steelers is a road trip to Baltimore. If the Steelers win, they move to a perfect 6-0 against the North. This will no doubt be a physical game, as it always is. The Steelers won the first matchup 38-7 on a rainy Monday night in the 'burgh. This time around, that 7 points might not even be plaing, as RB Willis McGahee has broken ribs and is questionable right now. Also, the Ravens will most likely be starting 3rd string rookie QB Troy Smith, who looked extrememly in the blowout loss against the Seahawks Sunday. But, the Ravens have nothing to lose, and that is dangerous. They will be looking to play spoiler for the Steelers, and due to their unruley play at times, might be searching for a cheap shot. So, it is important that the Steelers don't lose any more star players. The Steelers won't win like they did on Monday night, but they still will get the W, and hope that the Chargers lose one.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Ravens 13

It was again, cold, rainy and ugly. The Steelers took the field though and physically dominated the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday night. The Bengals started with an impressive opening driving, finishing off with a touchdown by Rudi Johnson. Unfortunately for the Bengals, that was all they would really get against the stingy Steelers defense. Ben Roethlisberger had 2 touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. But the story of the game was Steelers WR HInes Ward, who had 11 receptions for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns, breaking John Stallworth's Steeler record of touchdown receptions. The "Big Nasty D," lead once again by a strong performance by James Harrison, held one of the best offenses in the NFL to only 10 points, including 2 stops on 4th down. Willie Parker was a bit of a let-down, with 2 fumbles lost during a sub-par rushing performance.

Next week, ugh... is the Big One. One idiotic Steeler (Anthony Smith) has given the Patriots even more momentum, by guarenteeing a Pittsburgh victory Sunday. This game will be intense and physical, and the only way the Steelers will win is if they play a flawless game. The Patriots are sporting the #1 Offense in the NFL, while the Steelers have produced the #1 Defense of the Season. Unfotrunately, I hesitantly am going to pick against my beloved. The Patriots have a lot of momentum going into this game, as do the Steelers. If the Steelers can get in Brady's face, and shut down the recievers, they WILL win this game. If they can not, they will be blown out. The Steelers will put up a great fight, but this New England team is going to go undefeated, and will win this game by not much. Sorry Steelers, I'll be rooting for you, but I'm not sure we can pull this out. I pray we do though. Go Steelers!
Prediction: Patriots 21, Steelers 17

Steelers 3, Dolphins 0

After a game which i will speak of (Jets), the Steelers were faced with more difficulties Monday Night. The Steelers were matched up with the worst team in the NFL, the winless, 0-10 Miami Dolphins. Headlining this game was the return of Joey Porter to Pittsburgh and the return of "Sticky" Ricky Williams to the NFL. The night was pretty good for Porter, not so much for Sticky. Porter had an interception early in the game and added a sack as well. Williams had 6 carries for 15 yards, before leaving with a season-ending shoulder injury. Over-shadowing this game was the unbelievably awful field conditions, which turned out to play the biggest factor in the game. The field was torn to shreads, causing players to lose their balance and fall down periodically. After the game was delayed half an hour due to lightning (2nd time this season for the Steelers on a Monday night game), the players were rushed onto the field and only given 9 minutes to warm up. The national anthem and player introductions were skipped as well. Ben Roethlisberger had a Steelers record 87.5% completion percentage, while going 18-21 for 168 yards and an interception. Willie Parker added 81 yards rushing, putting him over 1,000 yards for the season. Hines Ward played maybe the biggest factor in the Steelers offense, pulling in 9 catches for 88 yards, including 2 big catches on the game winning drive. Both teams were held scoreless for 59:43, until Jeff Reed connected on a field goal with 0:17 left on the clock. The Dolphins would try their best rendition of Cal/Stanford, but it would be to no avail, as they would run out the clock. (I was waiting for someone to scream "the band is out on the field!!!). The reason for the horrible field conditions was due to the resurfacing of the field the day before the Monday Night matchup. The field had to be resurfaced due to 5 games that had been played in 2 days, due to 4 WPIAL High School Championships on Friday and PITT vs. USF on Saturday. The WPIAL playoffs were quite good to the field actually considering, and good to the crowd. You can see Gateway High School's amazing comeback, capped off by an amazing hook-and-latteral to tie the game with 0:01 left on the clock, on ESPN and YouTube. Back to the Steelers though, the playing conditions made the teams near equals on the field, which really isn't fair. Without the conditions, I am certain that the Steelers would have layed it on the Dolphins, but, until the Rooney's accept an artificial surface, expect more of the same.

You will probably see more of the same this Sunday night, as the Steelers take on the hated Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Weather conditions are expected to be poor again, which could bring back memories from Monday Night's hell. If the field conditions are good, I expect the Steelers to win by about 10 points. If they are poor, expect another close one, and don't be surprised if the Steelers lose. A sleeper player in this game is Chris Henry, the 3rd String WR for the Bengals. He always has great games against the Steelers, and will be trying to do the same Sunday. (As long as he isn't arrested again). The Bengals showed that they remember how to play football last week, while crushing a good Tennessee team 35-6. It is only fair that I have 2 possible predictions (due to field conditions) for this Sunday's game.

Good Field: Steelers 27, Bengals 17
Slop: Steelers 10, Bengals 7

Steelers 31, Browns 28

Great teams overcome adversity. And that is exactly what the Steelers did on Sunday. Down 21-6 at one point in the first half, the Steelers then went on a 25-7 run to turn misery into triumph against the hated Cleveland Browns. Going into the half down 21-9, Ben Roethlisberger looked at head coach MIke Tomlin and said "I'm gonna get this one for you." And he stuck to his word. Coming off one of his best performances of his career against the Ravens, Big Ben struck again. He was 23-34 for 279 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 1 INT. But, maybe the most important off all his stats was that he had 5 carries for 49 yards, and a stunning 30 yard touchdown run (right). The Steelers had to overcome Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs, who returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and another kick down to the 4 yard-line, leading to a Browns touchdown. The defense was actually very good, holding the Browns to only 169 total yards of offense. In the final minute, the Steelers were forced to punt the ball away, which was returned to Phil Dawson's kick range by (yet again) Joshua Cribbs. Unfortunately (not!) for the Browns, they were holding and the play was moved back. After a coiuple of plays to advance the ball by Derek Anderson, Phil Dawson lined up for a 52-yard field goal. In the cold rainy conditions, the ball went on a line to be good, but ducked a couple feet short of the crossbar, giving the Steelers the comeback win. The Steelers moved on to 7-2, and 4-0 in the division. The Browns fell to 5-4, and 2-2 in the division. Oh, and Willie Parker went over 100 yards rushing...again.

Next up for the Steelers is one of the NFL's worst teams this season, a trend that will be repeated in the next couple of weeks. The play the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. The Jets are currently 1-8, and in next to last place in the AFC. As big of a mismatch this looks on paper, I have some worries. The Jets have nothing to lose, and I am afraid that a cheap shot might be in line. Also, I am afraid that the Steelers are getting overconfident, and may underestimate the struggling Jets, as they did against the Browns. The Jets have one of the more struggling pass defenses in the NFL, which should leave the gates open for Big Ben. If he can play well, and they can establish the run (surprise surprise!) i think the Steelers should handle the Jets, but don't be surprised if the Jets put up a bit of a stink. And on a personal note, I will be there to experience it myself. Pictures to come.
Prediction: Steelers 33, Jets 17

Week 9 Predictions

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
8:30 p.m. Monday Night, Heinz Field- The Steelers are seeking revenge and the Ravens are not the team that they were last year. The emotion of the night will be too much for Baltimore to handle.
Prediction: Steelers 20-10

Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) at Buffalo Bills (3-4)
1 p.m., Ralph Wilson Stadium- The Bengals are awful, point blank. The Bills have won 2 straight and are making a QB change, that will turn around to bite them.
Prediction: Bengals 31-13

Denver Broncos (3-4) at Detroit Lions (5-2)
1 p.m., Ford Field- If Travis Henry is healthy, they should be able to pull this out. Don’t let the record fool you, the Lions still play in the weaker NFC. This should be a bounce back game after that Monday Night disaster.
Prediction: Broncos, 21-17

San Francisco 49ers (2-5) at Atlanta Falcons (1-6)
1 p.m., Georgia Dome- If this game was any worse, it would be Miami vs. St. Louis. I think that San Fran. is a better team though, and they should win this Toilet Bowl game.
Prediction: 49ers, 17-13

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
1 p.m., Arrowhead Stadium- The Pack are riding high on emotion after that dramatic OT win vs. Denver. Kansas City is on the upswing and should put up a nice fight, not nice enough though.
Prediction: Packers 24, 17

Carolina Panthers (4-3) at Tennessee Titans (5-2)
1 p.m., The Coliseum- Having this record in the toughest division in football is really impressing, especially for a team this young. That youth will propel them to a win today.
Prediction: Titans, 20-13

Arizona Cardinals (3-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium- Both of these team are desperate for a win, that is obvious looking at their record, which is ok for being in the NFC, giving them a shot still at the playoffs.
Prediction: Buccaneers, 27-14

Washington Redskins (4-3) at New York Jets (1-7)
1 p.m., Giants Stadium- How do you rebound from losing 52-7, oh… that’s right… you play the J-E-T-S Jets Jets, ugh, who cares…
Prediction: Redskins, 31-13

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at New Orleans Saints (3-4)
1 p.m., Superdome- 3 straight wins after starting 0-4 for the Saints. Maybe that N’Orlins voodoo is back. I think they put the pin in the Jags today, and upset them at home.
Prediction: Saints, 34- 21

San Diego Chargers (4-3) at Minnesota Vikings (2-5)
1 p.m., Metrodome- The battle of an established star back vs. a rising star back. LT is better, and will prove it against a good rush defense today. Philip Rivers will be the difference maker though.
Prediction: Chargers, 30-14

Seattle Seahawks (4-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-3)
4:05 p.m., Cleveland Browns Stadium- As much as I want to pick the Browns
(not), I think the ‘Hawks will pull this one out in a tight game, although I could see the Brownies winning.
Prediction: Seahawks, 27-24

Houston Texans (3-5) at Oakland Raiders (2-5)
4:15 p.m., McAfee Coliseum- Both teams are slipping, especially the Texans, and Matt Schaub being out is not good either. I think the silver and black turn it out and win this one.
Prediction: Raiders, 17-16

New England Patriots (8-0) at Indianapolis Colts (7-0)
4:15 p.m., RCA Dome- Here it is, the matchup of the millennium: the most over-covered, over-hyped, over-everythinged game in the history of professional sports. Tom Brady is too good… plain and simple.
Prediction: Patriots, 31-21

Dallas Cowboys (6-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
8:15 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field- TO is returning, Andy Reid is distracted. The Cowboys have an overpayed QB. The Eagles are not as good as the Cowboys, and it will show.
Prediction: Cowboys, 38-28