Pittsburgh Vs Chicago (1 Viewer)

[Macdaddy_2004]

Playoffs in my opinion are on the line - I think the Steelers can win out the last 4 games of the season (chi, Min, Det, Cle) to get a wildcard birth however it all starts this Sunday and a win over chicago is absolutely necessary.What are your feelings about this game.I think the Pittsburgh D has been playing very soft lately and are open to the passing game. This bodes well since Kyle Orton has not shown that he can do much once the game is in his hands.Chicago's defence is a bend but don't break philosiphy and after Ben's last game of 300 and 3TD's I think you may see Cowher open it up a bit and get away from the running game as it has been less than successful for the past couple of games.PredictionPittsburgh 24 Chicago 10.

 

[The Mechanic]

Personally, I think Chi Kicker will score more than 10 pts. He had 4 for 5 last week and the coach does not seen to be shy to use him.Chi 23Pitt 21

 

[PsychoMan]

i think home field would really make a difference in this matchup, but i feel like it'll be a close game either way. i'm going withitt 17chi 13

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

34 points? 44 points? You people are nuts. This game will be a 10-6 kind of game with about 25 punts. The Steelers basically have to win out to have much hope of grabbing that 6th AFC WC spot. It could happen but I am not very optomistic at the moment. Losing three in a row SUCKS.

 

[The Mechanic]

You guys don't seem to giving much credit to that Chi. Def....Big Ben will be lucky to last the whole game.

 

[bullitt]

34 points? 44 points? You people are nuts. This game will be a 10-6 kind of game with about 25 punts.

I think you hit the nail on the head there, Ben is not 100% and the Bears D is MUCH better than the Bengals. If Ben is not accurate, most likely, it will result in some points for the Bears, which is good for us, since we don't score much on offense. The Steelers also have a good D and If orton gets worse, things could go your way, but I'm picking the Bears 17-9.

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

When was the last time Pittsburgh lost 4 in a row ??Chicago has given up 20+ points to Trent Dilfer..............Pittsburgh is hungry for this game - BEN HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF

 

[Steelers4Life]

When was the last time Pittsburgh lost 4 in a row ??

Chicago has given up 20+ points to Trent Dilfer..............

Pittsburgh is hungry for this game - BEN HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF

They're all must-win games for the Steelers from here on out. If they do, I think we have a decent shot at seeing the Steelers go into Cincinnati for a rubber match in the first week of the playoffs.Ben is probably the one area of the team that Steelers fans DON'T have to worry about. He's not 100%, but he showed last week that his arm can get the job done.

They've given up 100 yard rushers in each of the last 2 losses, and they're giving up more big plays in the passing game.

The pass rush has been almost non-existent for a few weeks.

The running game has struggled because of OL injuries and inconsistency.

None of the WRs after Hines Ward have stepped up at all this year, not that I expected them to.

And the kickoff returns and kickoff coverage has been lacking.

Lucky for the Steelers, unless the Bears score on defense, I don't think they'll score enough to win the game.

I see a 16-10 or 20-13 type Steelers win.

 

[fbdude]

this will be a hard fought game. i think the steelers win because they need it more and home field. bears due for a letdown---think Pitt D totally shuts dwon orton and bears running game. big ben will be in tough too but will do just enough with srambling and making plays to win the field positiin battle.steelers 16 bears 6

 

[Bloom]

this is also a pretty big game for da bears too - if they lose and minny beats st. louis, minny would be one game behind them with a head to head left to go in week 17. How short of a leash will Orton be on with Grossman healthy?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think the Steelers will win a tight one unless the rookie tackles get Roethlisberger killed (I know Starks is a 2nd year guy, but he is in his first season starting.) If he has any time to throw, the Steelers should score enough to win. The Bears offense is tailor-made for Pittsburgh's defense - the Steelers struggle against precision passing attacks, and the Bears don't have one. I think their corners can stay with the Bears receivers one on one, and the Steelers can stack 8 and shut Thomas Jones down (he is a boom-or-bust type of runner as opposed to a bruiser like James or Rudi, against whom the Steelers have more problems.)I like Pittsburgh, 17-10.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers Offense > Bears OffenseBears Defense > Steelers DefenseHowever the difference between the Steelers offense and the Bear offense is greater than the difference between the Bears defense and the Steelers defense. The wildcard in all of this is Special Teams, which played a significant role in the Steelers losing to Baltimore and Cincinnati. Had their kickoff and punt coverage teams played just average they would have beaten the Ravens and possibly the Bengals as well.Cowher said in this week's press conference that changes were likely to be made on special teams this week so I am hoping they improve dramatically. Therefore I think the Steelers win by an ugly score like 13-9.

 

[bullitt]

this will be a hard fought game. i think the steelers win because they need it more and home field. bears due for a letdown---think Pitt D totally shuts dwon orton and bears running game. big ben will be in tough too but will do just enough with srambling and making plays to win the field positiin battle.

steelers 16 bears 6

Hard to see that happening, while Orton has not been good, the Bears have excelled at field position, and nobody has compltely shut down the Bears running game. Why would the Bears be due for a letdown??? That makes no sense, they have to lose a game to keep winning??

 

[bullitt]

Steelers Offense > Bears Offense

Bears Defense > Steelers Defense

However the difference between the Steelers offense and the Bear offense is greater than the difference between the Bears defense and the Steelers defense.

The wildcard in all of this is Special Teams, which played a significant role in the Steelers losing to Baltimore and Cincinnati. Had their kickoff and punt coverage teams played just average they would have beaten the Ravens and possibly the Bengals as well.

Cowher said in this week's press conference that changes were likely to be made on special teams this week so I am hoping they improve dramatically. Therefore I think the Steelers win by an ugly score like 13-9.

Aside from the muffed punt returns ( and the bears have been lucky that that hasn't totaly killed them) The special teams play by the Bears has been one of the best in the league and can be the difference in the game.

 

[Nemesis]

I think the Steelers will win a tight one unless the rookie tackles get Roethlisberger killed (I know Starks is a 2nd year guy, but he is in his first season starting.) If he has any time to throw, the Steelers should score enough to win. The Bears offense is tailor-made for Pittsburgh's defense - the Steelers struggle against precision passing attacks, and the Bears don't have one. I think their corners can stay with the Bears receivers one on one, and the Steelers can stack 8 and shut Thomas Jones down (he is a boom-or-bust type of runner as opposed to a bruiser like James or Rudi, against whom the Steelers have more problems.)

I like Pittsburgh, 17-10.

Good analysis, but Pitt's defense has given up >100 yds rushing in each of the last 3 games. (Balt, Indy, Cinn)It seems they may be softening up this late in the season.

And IF Pitt can't control the Chicago run game, then TJones is going to be the beneficiary.

Also, this one is in Pitt.........Anyone know the expected gametime weather forecast?

 

[shakeybarn]

....

Chicago's defence is a bend but don't break philosiphy and after Ben's last game of 300 and 3TD's I think you may see Cowher open it up a bit and get away from the running game as it has been less than successful for the past couple of games.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 24 Chicago 10.

Bend don't break... hmmm, I'm not even sure they "bend" at all lately. Over the season, they are Top 5 in pts allowed (#1), yards allowed (#1), rushing yards, passing yards (#1), INTs (#2), fumbles, defensive TDs, sacks. I don't think this team is really that good, but the defense ...I'm not sure if they "bend" at all.... that's a bit optimistic on your part.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Any update on Starks health/status for the game? Not sure it matters as he can handle the horses, it's usually the speed guys who kill him.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think the Steelers will win a tight one unless the rookie tackles get Roethlisberger killed (I know Starks is a 2nd year guy, but he is in his first season starting.)  If he has any time to throw, the Steelers should score enough to win.  The Bears offense is tailor-made for Pittsburgh's defense - the Steelers struggle against precision passing attacks, and the Bears don't have one.  I think their corners can stay with the Bears receivers one on one, and the Steelers can stack 8 and shut Thomas Jones down (he is a boom-or-bust type of runner as opposed to a bruiser like James or Rudi, against whom the Steelers have more problems.)

I like Pittsburgh, 17-10.

Good analysis, but Pitt's defense has given up >100 yds rushing in each of the last 3 games. (Balt, Indy, Cinn)It seems they may be softening up this late in the season.

And IF Pitt can't control the Chicago run game, then TJones is going to be the beneficiary.

Also, this one is in Pitt.........Anyone know the expected gametime weather forecast?

I don't think they're softening as much as :1) The teams you listed all employ big, power backs who aren't likely to break a ton of long runs, but will pick up 3-7 yards on almost every carry. These are the type of backs that typically have success against Pittsburgh, not speed/vision types like Jones. Look at the results of those types of backs over the last two years vs. Pittsburgh, you'll see why I think Jones will not fare as well.

2) The Steelers (particularly in the last two games) have been forced to drop the safeties back or blitz them on almost every down in order to help pass coverage, as the secondary was being gobbled up in man coverage by Manning and Palmer. I don't think Orton and the Bears' receivers will force such a drastic shift, allowing the Steelers to play the safeties (and corners even) in run support much more often, which will severely limit the holes Jones has to run through.

Just my opinion.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I don't think they're softening as much as :

1) The teams you listed all employ big, power backs who aren't likely to break a ton of long runs, but will pick up 3-7 yards on almost every carry. These are the type of backs that typically have success against Pittsburgh, not speed/vision types like Jones. Look at the results of those types of backs over the last two years vs. Pittsburgh, you'll see why I think Jones will not fare as well.

2) The Steelers (particularly in the last two games) have been forced to drop the safeties back or blitz them on almost every down in order to help pass coverage, as the secondary was being gobbled up in man coverage by Manning and Palmer. I don't think Orton and the Bears' receivers will force such a drastic shift, allowing the Steelers to play the safeties (and corners even) in run support much more often, which will severely limit the holes Jones has to run through.

Just my opinion.

I strongly agree with point #2 here ... unless Orton gives us a reason to fear his arm the D is going to focus on Jones, and if the Steelers D can have the opportunity to focus on controlling a RB, there really isn't a back in the league that I'd worry about -- TJones is certainly no exception.

 

[kapp]

Chicago has given up 20+ points to Trent Dilfer..............

Now that is an insulting comment. I think it safe to say that the 4 turnovers by the Bears offense had more to do with Cleveland getting exactly 20 points (not 20+) than the Bears defense. Regardless, only one team has scored OVER 20 points against the Bears all year (Bengals - 24). And Pittsburg won't even come close to 20...

Prediction:

Bears 12-6. An all field goal game. Hines Ward goes over 100/yds receiving, but that's it for the Steeler O. Orton throws for 115 yards, no INTs. Monday papers in Chicago hail Orton as the next Dan Marino because of his great passing day.

 

[kapp]

Steelers Offense > Bears OffenseBears Defense > Steelers DefenseHowever the difference between the Steelers offense and the Bear offense is greater than the difference between the Bears defense and the Steelers defense.

Come on bro, you cannot even measure the gap between the Bears D and the Steelers D. The glory days are over in Pitt. And your offensive tackles are in for a long day.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Good analysis, but Pitt's defense has given up >100 yds rushing in each of the last 3 games. (Balt, Indy, Cinn)

It seems they may be softening up this late in the season.

While you are correct, saying the Steelers gave up 100 to Baltimore is only telling half the story. Chester Taylor had about 60, Jamal Lewis had under 30 and Boller was held to under 20 giving them a total of 104 yards on 38 carries. That's below 2.75 ypc -- not exactly what I would call soft.

Now, the flip side of that coin is that I readily admit that RudiToot and Edge had their way with our run D -- but they also come in as part of a balanced offense, which ties back to the point above.

 

[TheLaw]

Sadly, my Steelers season is essentially over, and the Bears should win a close one.

 

[Hamstring]

Is this even worth talking about? bears roll. 44-0

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

YOu need to factor in the intangibles like the passing away of the former Defensive Co-ordinator who invented the steal curtain.SF beat St Louis after their O lineman passed awayNYG decimated WAS when the owner kicked the bucketI am sure the pittsburgh coaching staff will use this as a motivational ploy in memory of "THE STEAL CURTAIN"Pittsburgh 24 Chicago 10

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

YOu need to factor in the intangibles like the passing away of the former Defensive Co-ordinator who invented the steal curtain.

 

[Nemesis]

Also, this one is in Pitt.........Anyone know the expected gametime weather forecast?

??

 

[-OZ-]

Sadly, my Steelers season is essentially over, and the Bears should win a close one.

For once in my life, I'll be cheering for the Bears. Chiefs fan = need Steelers to lose.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Good analysis, but Pitt's defense has given up >100 yds rushing in each of the last 3 games.  (Balt, Indy, Cinn)

It seems they may be softening up this late in the season.

While you are correct, saying the Steelers gave up 100 to Baltimore is only telling half the story. Chester Taylor had about 60, Jamal Lewis had under 30 and Boller was held to under 20 giving them a total of 104 yards on 38 carries. That's below 2.75 ypc -- not exactly what I would call soft.

Now, the flip side of that coin is that I readily admit that RudiToot and Edge had their way with our run D -- but they also come in as part of a balanced offense, which ties back to the point above.

Very true.Edge and Rudi are also the type of backs that give the Steelers more problems. The Steelers play a 3-4, which means their defensive front seven is more predicated on speed than most, and has less space eaters up front. As a result, they usually fare better than most against backs that like to run outside, as they can pursue sideline to sideline better than most teams. Look at the top 7 rushers against the Steelers this year : Rudi, Edge, Jamal Lewis, C. Taylor, Greg Jones, Chris Brown, S. Gado. In contrast, Tomlinson was held to 18/62, Domanick Davis got 15/59. Last year, both Portis and Westbrook were held to 17 yards.

 

[Ghost Rider]

13-10 Bears. They are on a roll, the Steelers are sliding downhill and the Bears defense is going to pound Roethlisberger into the ground.

 

[posty]

LETS GO BEARS!!!!

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Is this even worth talking about? bears roll. 44-0

44-0 is your prediction? No, not worth talking about. Thanks for stopping by, though.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

When was the last time Pittsburgh lost 4 in a row ??

Three weeks ago that line might have meant something. The fact is that they have already done the hard part of losing 4 in a row.

 

[RBM]

Bears will probably lose since Im going to the game:jinx:

 

[NatronIsMean]

....

Chicago's defence is a bend but don't break philosiphy and after Ben's last game of 300 and 3TD's I think you may see Cowher open it up a bit and get away from the running game as it has been less than successful for the past couple of games.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 24 Chicago 10.

Bend don't break... hmmm, I'm not even sure they "bend" at all lately. Over the season, they are Top 5 in pts allowed (#1), yards allowed (#1), rushing yards, passing yards (#1), INTs (#2), fumbles, defensive TDs, sacks. I don't think this team is really that good, but the defense ...I'm not sure if they "bend" at all.... that's a bit optimistic on your part.

Well said. The Bears' D was bend-not-break in 2001. This year, they're being compared to the 85 Bears for a reason - they bring pressure, stop the run pretty well, AND get opportunistic turnovers and scores. They're tops in the league right now as a unit.

Chicago has given up 20+ points to Trent Dilfer..............

That was a looooong time ago, bud. They've won how many straight since then and owned HOW many QBs?

Pittsburgh is hungry for this game - BEN HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF

This is key - the Bears D-line vs. Roth and his O-line is the tipping point. Roth is less mobile at present and the line is banged up. However, he's smart and Cowher will have a good game plan. I don't think the Bears offense can win this one, but the running game will give the Bears enough to give their defense a great chance to do so.

 

[BoulderBob]

Bears 4 Steelers 2

 

[f360spyder]

i predict ben gets sacked 5 times, 1 int. 10-9 bears, only reed scores for pitt.

 

[ren hoek]

I've seen a lot of Rudi Johnson, and I don't consider him a bruiser. He can shrug off a lot of would-be tacklers, because he has great balance and footwork, but he's certainly not a guy looking to run you over. I think the Bears will win this game on the strength of a good ol' fashioned field-position battle. That Bears defense is phenomenal; 8 sacks against Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' #8 (roughly) offense? After the game was over , there were accounts of the Bears being able to generate that much pressure off of a mere 4-man rush. The Steelers are simply doomed without the benefit of a healthy offensive line, regardless of how much Kyle Orton sucks, let alone the fact that Grossman could enter the game later on if Orton is losing the game for the Bears.10-6 Bears.

 

[FairWarning]

The biggest factor in this game is Big Bens thumb. Those just don't heal overnight. Grossman is really pushing Orton in practices. He is taking 25% of the snaps with the starters. The whole key for Pitt is to take the lead early and then blitz Orton.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I like the defenses to put up more points than the offenses in this one. If Roethlisberger will stop whining about his thumb I expect the Steelers to generate just enough O to win this one, 13-10.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Think about this:Steelers have lost 3 games in a rowBears have won 8 games in a rowMomentum and confidence has as more to do with winning than anything.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers Offense > Bears Offense

Bears Defense > Steelers Defense

However the difference between the Steelers offense and the Bear offense is greater than the difference between the Bears defense and the Steelers defense. 

Come on bro, you cannot even measure the gap between the Bears D and the Steelers D. The glory days are over in Pitt. And your offensive tackles are in for a long day.

Maybe, but against an offense as one-sided as Chicago's, the Steelers defense is plenty good enough to stop Orton. He doesn't scare me in the least.I do agree the Steelers OT's are in for a long day though. But the Steelers have Ben, Hines, and Miller which is much more fire power than anything the Bears have.

 

[Godsbrother]

Sadly, my Steelers season is essentially over, and the Bears should win a close one.

Why do you say that? If the Steelers can beat the Bears they'll be in 8-5 and have to face Minnesota, Cleveland and Detroit. 11-5 is not beyond the realm of possibility and that should be enough to make it as a wildcard. I am pretty sure that no 11-5 team has missed the playoffs for over 20 years.Of course they have to beat the Bears first, which won't be easy, but I definitely would not say the Steelers season is over quite yet...

 

[jonessed]

Given Pitt's O-Line problems and the fact that Roth is already banged up I think the Steelers would be lucky to escape with their QB intact in this one.16-10 Bears

I do agree the Steelers OT's are in for a long day though. But the Steelers have Ben, Hines, and Miller which is much more fire power than anything the Bears have.

Seems to me they would have to keep Miller back to block a lot of the time. Those tackes are going to need help.

 

[cstu]

Sadly, my Steelers season is essentially over, and the Bears should win a close one.

Why do you say that? If the Steelers can beat the Bears they'll be in 8-5 and have to face Minnesota, Cleveland and Detroit. 11-5 is not beyond the realm of possibility and that should be enough to make it as a wildcard. I am pretty sure that no 11-5 team has missed the playoffs for over 20 years.Of course they have to beat the Bears first, which won't be easy, but I definitely would not say the Steelers season is over quite yet...

Going 4-0 here on out would likely give them the wild card but that a lot to ask from a team on a losing streak with an injured QB. This weekend will clear up the wild card situations a lot.

 

[flapgreen]

Sadly, my Steelers season is essentially over, and the Bears should win a close one.   

Why do you say that? If the Steelers can beat the Bears they'll be in 8-5 and have to face Minnesota, Cleveland and Detroit. 11-5 is not beyond the realm of possibility and that should be enough to make it as a wildcard. I am pretty sure that no 11-5 team has missed the playoffs for over 20 years.Of course they have to beat the Bears first, which won't be easy, but I definitely would not say the Steelers season is over quite yet...

I must say it feels good to hear a fan from an opposing team say that about my Bears.

 

[ArcticEdge]

This game will come down to turnovers. Big Ben is not going to just lob his passes up in the air like Favre did last week. The Steelers will not turn the ball over, and that takes away the Bears only real scoring oppotunities. Orton stinks, he will get picked , and T. Jones will have very little room to run. Steelers 20 Bears 6

 

[SmoovySmoov]

This game will come down to turnovers. Big Ben is not going to just lob his passes up in the air like Favre did last week. The Steelers will not turn the ball over, and that takes away the Bears only real scoring oppotunities. Orton stinks, he will get picked , and T. Jones will have very little room to run.

Steelers 20 Bears 6

This will get bumped.

 

[nygiants56]

i think home field would really make a difference in this matchup, but i feel like it'll be a close game either way. i'm going with:

pitt 17

chi 13

the over/under is 31...vegas is almost always right..this is going to be a very low scoring game...I don't think pitts offense does much of anything..Bears give up 169 yards per game passing..this game has bears #2 ranked pass defense v. #23 ranked pass offense of pitt.do the math.chicago is also one of the best vs. the run, and right now, pitt can't run...

Chicago has also not allowed more than 10 pts in any game over the past 4 weeks, they are on a roll..

chicago 17

Pitt 7

if you shutdown hines ward, you shutdown that pitt offense.period.

 

[Godsbrother]

Not to nitpick because I know that Chicago has a tough D but look at the teams they've played: Redskins, Lions (twice), Bengals, Browns, Vikings, Ravens, Saints, 49ers, Panthers, Bucs and Packers. The only team with a good offense are the Bengals and they lost by 21 points.You could argue that the Steelers offense ain't all that great and I would agree with you, but in games that Roethlisberger has started they have been held to under 20 pts only once, against a pretty difficult schedule.Should be an interesting game...