The Steelers probably can't afford another loss (1 Viewer)

[Franknbeans]

<- This is how I feel as a Steelers fan and will continue to feel until next season

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

<- This is how I feel as a Steelers fan and will continue to feel until next season

Says the guy with a handful of rings. Life sucks for Steelers fans

 

[FUBAR]

I heard an interesting theory about Ben missing the Baltimore game. He is a well-known drama queen, so the theory is that during the week of practice after the KC concussion, he was doing his usual thing of talking about how bad he was hurt and having "headaches," when things weren't really that bad and he had every intention of playing. But because of all the attention now being focused on concussions, the doctors took his complaints seriously and made him sit out the game Sunday. At that point, it was too late for him to say that he didn't really have headaches and was just hyping the injury for attention, as usual.

That's why the team was so pissed, and that even though Ward eventually said all the right things publicly, their (lack of) effort on the field in the weeks since Ben sat out the Ravens game has reflected the true division within the locker room.

Break that down for those of us who don't follow every piece of "news" from the Steelers. I had not heard anything about him being a drama queen or complaining about how bad he's hurt. Heck, the guy almost killed himself a couple years back and seemed to suck that up fairly well.

 

[Godsbrother]

I heard an interesting theory about Ben missing the Baltimore game. He is a well-known drama queen, so the theory is that during the week of practice after the KC concussion, he was doing his usual thing of talking about how bad he was hurt and having "headaches," when things weren't really that bad and he had every intention of playing. But because of all the attention now being focused on concussions, the doctors took his complaints seriously and made him sit out the game Sunday. At that point, it was too late for him to say that he didn't really have headaches and was just hyping the injury for attention, as usual.

That's why the team was so pissed, and that even though Ward eventually said all the right things publicly, their (lack of) effort on the field in the weeks since Ben sat out the Ravens game has reflected the true division within the locker room.

X

Agreed.Tomlin went through after the Baltimore game. Ben's concussion was legit -- all you had to do was see the hit and the way he looked on the sideline afterwards.

The Ward remark has absolutely nothing to do with the Steelers skid. They are a banged up team that is not executing on the field and have been poorly coached this season.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I heard an interesting theory about Ben missing the Baltimore game. He is a well-known drama queen, so the theory is that during the week of practice after the KC concussion, he was doing his usual thing of talking about how bad he was hurt and having "headaches," when things weren't really that bad and he had every intention of playing. But because of all the attention now being focused on concussions, the doctors took his complaints seriously and made him sit out the game Sunday. At that point, it was too late for him to say that he didn't really have headaches and was just hyping the injury for attention, as usual.

That's why the team was so pissed, and that even though Ward eventually said all the right things publicly, their (lack of) effort on the field in the weeks since Ben sat out the Ravens game has reflected the true division within the locker room.

Break that down for those of us who don't follow every piece of "news" from the Steelers. I had not heard anything about him being a drama queen or complaining about how bad he's hurt. Heck, the guy almost killed himself a couple years back and seemed to suck that up fairly well.

I'm guessing that theory is bull####, but Ben does have a history of playing up injuries to the media.

 

[pecorino]

steelers homer here. i have read posts from several steelers haters around FBG and they have every right to rip the entire team a new one. the past five games represent the worst collective performance of coaching and playing from the pittsburgh steelers in 40 years. as a fan i am ashamed to be associated at all with this collection of arrogant, lax, cocky, soft, uninspired and unintelligent football men. those calling for tomlin's job will not get it, not for another five years at least, but if coach Arians and Ligashesky are back next year i will be surprised.not only am i angered and disappointed and embarassed by the play of the team, i am also surprised at the lack of fire and intensity off the field. the fans are spitting nails (as you can tell from my rant) but the players and coaches just repeat the party line about improving every week. there is no joey porter to rally the troops, no expletive-laced tirade to indicate the fire in the belly we fans expect from this team. this is not my pittsburgh steelers. enjoy the months of tearing us apart if you like--the players and coaches have deserved it and i, for one, have no problem doling out the criticism they have earned. they sicken me.

I feel for you, but lets be honest about the team as of today. It's team leader on defense has not played 9 games this season, they have little talent in their secondary, their QB has put enough pressure on the O'cord to turn the team into a pass first offense instead of a balanced offense and their O-line is mediocre at best. The Steelers may not be as talented of a team as they have lead their fans to believe.

the steelers may not be as talented as we thought but that is NO EXCUSE for horrible tackling, horrible blocking, CBs dropping interceptions [does any other team in the league have 0 Ints from their cornerbacks], horrible special teams play, consistently suspect play-calling and a general lack of intensity from the majority of players on the field. the talent level may be down but the lack of "want to" is inexcusable.

 

[IDrinkyourMilkshake]

Mike Tomlinson really needs to be fired. Unacceptable loss.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Mike Tomlinson really needs to be fired. Unacceptable loss.

you tried this in another thread.

 

[Norseman]

Mike Tomlinson really needs to be fired. Unacceptable loss.

Who is this Mike Tomlinson? Is he LaDainian's brother?

 

[Idiot Boxer]

steelers homer here. i have read posts from several steelers haters around FBG and they have every right to rip the entire team a new one. the past five games represent the worst collective performance of coaching and playing from the pittsburgh steelers in 40 years. as a fan i am ashamed to be associated at all with this collection of arrogant, lax, cocky, soft, uninspired and unintelligent football men. those calling for tomlin's job will not get it, not for another five years at least, but if coach Arians and Ligashesky are back next year i will be surprised.not only am i angered and disappointed and embarassed by the play of the team, i am also surprised at the lack of fire and intensity off the field. the fans are spitting nails (as you can tell from my rant) but the players and coaches just repeat the party line about improving every week. there is no joey porter to rally the troops, no expletive-laced tirade to indicate the fire in the belly we fans expect from this team. this is not my pittsburgh steelers. enjoy the months of tearing us apart if you like--the players and coaches have deserved it and i, for one, have no problem doling out the criticism they have earned. they sicken me.

I feel for you, but lets be honest about the team as of today. It's team leader on defense has not played 9 games this season, they have little talent in their secondary, their QB has put enough pressure on the O'cord to turn the team into a pass first offense instead of a balanced offense and their O-line is mediocre at best. The Steelers may not be as talented of a team as they have lead their fans to believe.

You think Ben had to convince ARIANS to be a pass first team?

 

[Phurfur]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I heard an interesting theory about Ben missing the Baltimore game. He is a well-known drama queen, so the theory is that during the week of practice after the KC concussion, he was doing his usual thing of talking about how bad he was hurt and having "headaches," when things weren't really that bad and he had every intention of playing. But because of all the attention now being focused on concussions, the doctors took his complaints seriously and made him sit out the game Sunday. At that point, it was too late for him to say that he didn't really have headaches and was just hyping the injury for attention, as usual.

That's why the team was so pissed, and that even though Ward eventually said all the right things publicly, their (lack of) effort on the field in the weeks since Ben sat out the Ravens game has reflected the true division within the locker room.

Break that down for those of us who don't follow every piece of "news" from the Steelers. I had not heard anything about him being a drama queen or complaining about how bad he's hurt. Heck, the guy almost killed himself a couple years back and seemed to suck that up fairly well.

I'm guessing that theory is bull####, but Ben does have a history of playing up injuries to the media.

I agree. This team's 'psychological' problems predate that in any case. Sometime after the Denver game, something happened. They lost to Cincy and KC before the whole "concussion" bit. Something was clearly wrong back then, and it hasn't been fixed.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

Don't foget Aaron Smith. Without Troy and Smith, you are essentially without 2 of the 3 best defensive players.Add that to the fact that Hampton and Farrior seem to have aged 10 years in 6 months and it makes for a total defensive breakdown.

 

[pecorino]

i don't get all of these excuses. troy not being on the field is no reason for tyrone carter and ike taylor to start tackling like little girls. time to cut out the excuses and hold the players on the field accountable for their lack of desire and heart.

sorry, didn't mean to offend all the little girls out there.

 

[treat88]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

Don't foget Aaron Smith. Without Troy and Smith, you are essentially without 2 of the 3 best defensive players.Add that to the fact that Hampton and Farrior seem to have aged 10 years in 6 months and it makes for a total defensive breakdown.

I agree Farrior has been a liability all season.But, Hampton, really?He's had one of his best seasons IMO. He's dominated the POA routinely and should 100% be retained if possible.The problem has been that WR's can't get open and DB's can't cover.Ward is truly the one who has gotten old quick. He's become our Deion Sanders, just in reverse. He allows opposing DC's to not have to worry about an entire side of the field. He simply can no longer separate from man coverage, even against mediocre CB's. Safety help on Holmes every snap makes his job very tough.With Troy injured, we have replacement level talent at every position in the secondary, outside of Ike, and they have forgotten how to tackle. Ike is a good CB and is a capable #2 type minus the ability to catch.0 INT's on the season by a Steeler CB.Couple this with a lack of turnovers created, 0 total turnovers created against CHI, KC, CIN, CIN, OAK, and CLE and you end up with the 09 results.Lots of other issues, but I see the above as the primary cause of the disappointment this year.

 

[Barry Jive and The Uptown Five]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

Don't foget Aaron Smith.

Without Troy and Smith, you are essentially without 2 of the 3 best defensive players.Add that to the fact that Hampton and Farrior seem to have aged 10 years in 6 months and it makes for a total defensive breakdown.

Absolutely correct.The only significant time A.Smith was out due to injury was 6 games in 2007 (including playoffs). Steelers were 3-3 in those games.

That said, the O-line play was just so abysmal. Kmoeatu with the arm brace? a joke Colon double-teaming the DE and letting an OLB come in untouched? disgraceful.

It all starts on the OL and the play was beyond atrocious.

At this point, I'm just hoping for a higher draft pick so we can secure a top OL in rounds 1 & 2.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

Don't foget Aaron Smith.

Without Troy and Smith, you are essentially without 2 of the 3 best defensive players.Add that to the fact that Hampton and Farrior seem to have aged 10 years in 6 months and it makes for a total defensive breakdown.

Absolutely correct.The only significant time A.Smith was out due to injury was 6 games in 2007 (including playoffs). Steelers were 3-3 in those games.

That said, the O-line play was just so abysmal. Kmoeatu with the arm brace? a joke Colon double-teaming the DE and letting an OLB come in untouched? disgraceful.

It all starts on the OL and the play was beyond atrocious.

At this point, I'm just hoping for a higher draft pick so we can secure a top OL in rounds 1 & 2.

You do realize who you're talking to, right? I've been decrying our need for top OL help for 3 years now. "But this O-line won a Superbowl" blah, blah, blah.That said, if Suh or Golden Tate are available at our #1 and #2 spots respectively, I'll wait until Rd. 3 for an OL.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

"But this O-line won a Superbowl" blah, blah, blah.

really? I'm not saying we don't need new blood on the OL, we do..... but winning a superbowl is pretty much the end of the argument, not "blah blah blah".

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Farrior looked like he couldnt tackle a 80 year old grandma last night

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Farrior looked like he couldnt tackle a 80 year old grandma last night

Farrior looked like he WAS an 80 year old grandma last night. Got beat to the corner repeatedly.

 

[The_Man]

Farrior looked like he couldnt tackle a 80 year old grandma last night

In all fairness, he was carrying that invisible 800-pound piano on his back.

 

[teamroc]

Is Troy that good? Damn. Whatever he's making, they should double it.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

"But this O-line won a Superbowl" blah, blah, blah.

really? I'm not saying we don't need new blood on the OL, we do..... but winning a superbowl is pretty much the end of the argument, not "blah blah blah".

No, it isn't. Just because we won a Superbowl with a particular group of individuals doesn't mean that that doesn't need addressed. I mean, really. If that were the 'end of an argument' then all we really needed to do this year was replace Bryan McFadden and we should win the Super Bowl again, right? I've always said we won the Superbowl IN SPITE of the O-line. I still maintain that (though they had two or three games this year when they played pretty well). No matter what level of performance you get, you always need to self evaluate, there's always room for improvement. To say 'well, we won a Superbowl with this group' is as nonsensical as "it is what it is."

 

[Steelfan7]

The way I see it is that this is a completely different team when Troy P. is playing.

Don't foget Aaron Smith. Without Troy and Smith, you are essentially without 2 of the 3 best defensive players.Add that to the fact that Hampton and Farrior seem to have aged 10 years in 6 months and it makes for a total defensive breakdown.

I agree Farrior has been a liability all season.But, Hampton, really?He's had one of his best seasons IMO. He's dominated the POA routinely and should 100% be retained if possible.The problem has been that WR's can't get open and DB's can't cover.Ward is truly the one who has gotten old quick. He's become our Deion Sanders, just in reverse. He allows opposing DC's to not have to worry about an entire side of the field. He simply can no longer separate from man coverage, even against mediocre CB's. Safety help on Holmes every snap makes his job very tough.With Troy injured, we have replacement level talent at every position in the secondary, outside of Ike, and they have forgotten how to tackle. Ike is a good CB and is a capable #2 type minus the ability to catch.0 INT's on the season by a Steeler CB.Couple this with a lack of turnovers created, 0 total turnovers created against CHI, KC, CIN, CIN, OAK, and CLE and you end up with the 09 results.Lots of other issues, but I see the above as the primary cause of the disappointment this year.

I agree. Father Time has finally caught up with Farrior. Hampton has been a beast this year. Ike used to be a good cover guy who couldn't catch, but he was a strong tackler. Now he can't cover or tackle.

 

[BassNBrew]

"But this O-line won a Superbowl" blah, blah, blah.

really? I'm not saying we don't need new blood on the OL, we do..... but winning a superbowl is pretty much the end of the argument, not "blah blah blah".

No, it isn't. Just because we won a Superbowl with a particular group of individuals doesn't mean that that doesn't need addressed. I mean, really. If that were the 'end of an argument' then all we really needed to do this year was replace Bryan McFadden and we should win the Super Bowl again, right? I've always said we won the Superbowl IN SPITE of the O-line. I still maintain that (though they had two or three games this year when they played pretty well). No matter what level of performance you get, you always need to self evaluate, there's always room for improvement. To say 'well, we won a Superbowl with this group' is as nonsensical as "it is what it is."

As a panther fan I hear this line enough. If you want CB INTs, get us on your schedule when Jake is healthy.

 

[treat88]

"But this O-line won a Superbowl" blah, blah, blah.

really? I'm not saying we don't need new blood on the OL, we do..... but winning a superbowl is pretty much the end of the argument, not "blah blah blah".

No, it isn't. Just because we won a Superbowl with a particular group of individuals doesn't mean that that doesn't need addressed. I mean, really. If that were the 'end of an argument' then all we really needed to do this year was replace Bryan McFadden and we should win the Super Bowl again, right? I've always said we won the Superbowl IN SPITE of the O-line. I still maintain that (though they had two or three games this year when they played pretty well). No matter what level of performance you get, you always need to self evaluate, there's always room for improvement. To say 'well, we won a Superbowl with this group' is as nonsensical as "it is what it is."

I agree the OL is less than perfect.The problem with spending a 1st or even a 2nd to address this concern is we have other positions that are far more pressing needs. Relatively the OL has been a strong unit this season.FS, CB, and ILB are all bigger concerns than OL. Far bigger.As is a lack of maturation in Ben's decision making. It's a drum that has been beaten, but it has never been so prevalent as this season...Ben creates as many sacks as this OL creates.In addition to the above positions, a new ST coach, QB coach, DB coach, and possibly new OC all rank as bigger needs than early round OL in this draft.

 

[pecorino]

Relatively the OL has been a strong unit this season.

This is about as false as false gets.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Relatively the OL has been a strong unit this season.

This is about as false as false gets.

Not when looking at it in relative terms. He's merely saying when speaking to other glaringly bad areas on the team(DBs and ST coverages in particular, IMO) that the OL could be called "strong" by comparison.There are several areas that this team needs to address post-haste and the OL is absolutely among them. However, If I'm calling the shots, the A1 #1 problem that the Steelers are staring down the barrel of is this: In about a month they aren't going to have a legitimate nose guard under contract(If you're of the mind that Chris Hoke is a starting caliber NG at age 34, then I beg to differ. 2004 was a loooong time ago). That is a very LARGE, very DISTURBING eventuality for a team that runs the 3-4 as a base. They knew this day was approaching for the past couple years and have seemingly ignored the fact.

 

[PhD]

steelers homer here. i have read posts from several steelers haters around FBG and they have every right to rip the entire team a new one. the past five games represent the worst collective performance of coaching and playing from the pittsburgh steelers in 40 years. as a fan i am ashamed to be associated at all with this collection of arrogant, lax, cocky, soft, uninspired and unintelligent football men. those calling for tomlin's job will not get it, not for another five years at least, but if coach Arians and Ligashesky are back next year i will be surprised.

not only am i angered and disappointed and embarassed by the play of the team, i am also surprised at the lack of fire and intensity off the field. the fans are spitting nails (as you can tell from my rant) but the players and coaches just repeat the party line about improving every week. there is no joey porter to rally the troops, no expletive-laced tirade to indicate the fire in the belly we fans expect from this team. this is not my pittsburgh steelers. enjoy the months of tearing us apart if you like--the players and coaches have deserved it and i, for one, have no problem doling out the criticism they have earned. they sicken me.

Perhaps Tomlin should invite Mrs. Harrison to the next team meeting:http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09345/1020421-100.stm

 

[Godsbrother]

Perhaps Tomlin should invite Mrs. Harrison to the next team meeting:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09345/1020421-100.stm

Perhaps he needs to sign her. We could use her on defense...

 

[cgh3rd]

The got lucky in their last two super bowl wins now the worm has turned and they are whining about one mediocre season. Hopefully, we will see 20 years of futility for the steelers and their obnoxious fans. Then we will see how well they "travel"

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Exhibit #2147 in the "don't believe your own PR" category.

All the "see, we won the Superbowl - we told you our o-line wasn't that bad" blah blah blah was supposed to be for external consumption only. But the Steelers bought into their own propaganda and stood pat. It caught up with them.

Nothing wrong with that team that a healthy Polamalu and a couple o-linemen wouldn't fix. They're loaded at the skill positions and will back by 2011 IMO.

 

[timschochet]

Hey, maybe if we win our last two games, we still have a shot. Does anyone know whether or not the Steelers have a chance to make the playoffs?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Hey, maybe if we win our last two games, we still have a shot. Does anyone know whether or not the Steelers have a chance to make the playoffs?

If this is a rhetorical question, haha. If it is not, get a clue and look at the standings. Of course they have a shot. Denver, NYJ, Miami and Jacksonville all losing helps Pittsburgh.

 

[IDrinkyourMilkshake]

Steelers are super bowl bound. We don't need to blow it up just yet.

 

[Routilla]

Hey, maybe if we win our last two games, we still have a shot. Does anyone know whether or not the Steelers have a chance to make the playoffs?

If this is a rhetorical question, haha. If it is not, get a clue and look at the standings. Of course they have a shot. Denver, NYJ, Miami and Jacksonville all losing helps Pittsburgh.

Lots of 7-7 teams in the AFC right now. Who is in better position? I have no idea.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Baltimore is in the drivers seat, I think. They control their own destiny. However, the Steelers play them next week...but I still think they'd need the Ravens to lose to Oakland.

 

[djcolts]

I believe the Ravens would win a TB over the Steelers even if both finish 9 and 7. However, the best news for the Steelers is the Denver loss - now the Steelers can finish 9-7 and the wins over the Broncos and Titans may turn out to be huge. Jax and Houston still have to play the Pats, the Jets have to play the Colts and Bengals (I can't see them winning both games).

 

[roadkill1292]

Baltimore is in the drivers seat, I think. They control their own destiny. However, the Steelers play them next week...but I still think they'd need the Ravens to lose to Oakland.

Baltimore will finish with the better division record even with a loss in Pittsburgh this Sunday. The Cleveland loss may be the one that ultimately kills the Stillers -- though the door isn't completely closed yet, I think.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I believe the Ravens would win a TB over the Steelers even if both finish 9 and 7. However, the best news for the Steelers is the Denver loss - now the Steelers can finish 9-7 and the wins over the Broncos and Titans may turn out to be huge. Jax and Houston still have to play the Pats, the Jets have to play the Colts and Bengals (I can't see them winning both games).

I think it's very likely the Bengals bench their starters, especially Palmer, in week 17. They're now locked out of getting a bye, so that would be their only chance to rest players. And I don't think they'd even be able to tell who would be the #6 or #5 seed at the time, so they couldn't set up the easier game. I suppose the #3 seed avoids Indy, but I'd be shocked if the Bengals played Palmer and any banged up players in a cold, physical game in the Meadowlands when it's practically meaningless. So really, the Jets would just need to beat the Bengals backups and your Colts.

 

[CrossEyed]

The way the D is playing, does it even matter if they make the playoffs? It's been a LONG time since I've seen a Steeler D this bad.

 

[Steelers4Life]

The way the D is playing, does it even matter if they make the playoffs? It's been a LONG time since I've seen a Steeler D this bad.

The only glimmer of hope is that if they DO make it in, the secondary might have a healthy Polamalu in it.Best case scenario is they squeak in as the 6 seed and head to Cincinnati in the first round. It's a winnable game, but win that one and the reward is a trip to be picked apart by Peyton Manning. But that's a long ways off still. I won't take this too seriously until they beat the Ravens AND still have a chance heading into week 17.

 

[djcolts]

I believe the Ravens would win a TB over the Steelers even if both finish 9 and 7. However, the best news for the Steelers is the Denver loss - now the Steelers can finish 9-7 and the wins over the Broncos and Titans may turn out to be huge. Jax and Houston still have to play the Pats, the Jets have to play the Colts and Bengals (I can't see them winning both games).

I think it's very likely the Bengals bench their starters, especially Palmer, in week 17. They're now locked out of getting a bye, so that would be their only chance to rest players. And I don't think they'd even be able to tell who would be the #6 or #5 seed at the time, so they couldn't set up the easier game. I suppose the #3 seed avoids Indy, but I'd be shocked if the Bengals played Palmer and any banged up players in a cold, physical game in the Meadowlands when it's practically meaningless. So really, the Jets would just need to beat the Bengals backups and your Colts.

Being the #3 seed could be worth playing for. In 2006 - the #3 seeded Colts had a home date with the #4 seeded Pats for the AFC Championship. It certainly made the difference to have that game at home.

 

[Godsbrother]

From what I understand the Steelers can actually control their own destiny in week 17 if they beat Baltimore next week and INDY, NE, MIA, & Philly win next week as well. A lot of IFs but it is nice to still have a pulse going into the Ravens game.

 

[Godsbrother]

The way the D is playing, does it even matter if they make the playoffs? It's been a LONG time since I've seen a Steeler D this bad.

They are awful, there is no doubt about that but I don't ruin the feeling of finally getting a W...

 

[Chase Stuart]

I believe the Ravens would win a TB over the Steelers even if both finish 9 and 7. However, the best news for the Steelers is the Denver loss - now the Steelers can finish 9-7 and the wins over the Broncos and Titans may turn out to be huge. Jax and Houston still have to play the Pats, the Jets have to play the Colts and Bengals (I can't see them winning both games).

I think it's very likely the Bengals bench their starters, especially Palmer, in week 17. They're now locked out of getting a bye, so that would be their only chance to rest players. And I don't think they'd even be able to tell who would be the #6 or #5 seed at the time, so they couldn't set up the easier game. I suppose the #3 seed avoids Indy, but I'd be shocked if the Bengals played Palmer and any banged up players in a cold, physical game in the Meadowlands when it's practically meaningless. So really, the Jets would just need to beat the Bengals backups and your Colts.

Being the #3 seed could be worth playing for. In 2006 - the #3 seeded Colts had a home date with the #4 seeded Pats for the AFC Championship. It certainly made the difference to have that game at home.

I hear you. But I think historically you see teams sit players when that's the case. I suppose if you're Cincinnati, you can see NE upsetting Indy, and want to host the AFCCG. Right now the Pats hold the tiebreaker, so if they win out they get the #3 seed. So it's most likely that the Bengals go into the last game with a chance to get the #3 seed. I could see the argument.Of course, the other thing to consider if the Jets beat the Colts; the Ravens likely get the #5 seed and the Jets the 6 seed if they beat the Bengals, which drops the Bengals to the 4 seed. Would the Bengals tank the game to prefer to play the Jets over the Ravens? They may also want to not tip their hands against the Jets knowing that a loss means a rematch the next week. Could be some interesting scenarios to play out.

 

[Michael Brown]

From what I understand the Steelers can actually control their own destiny in week 17 if they beat Baltimore next week and INDY, NE, MIA, & Philly win next week as well. A lot of IFs but it is nice to still have a pulse going into the Ravens game.

If Yahoo's scenario generator is accurate, I don't even think they need Miami to win.Needing Indy, Philly, and New England to win important games at home is not a lot to ask for. And with those happening, Pitt controls their own destiny with wins over Baltimore and Miami. Suddenly with the events of this week, it's not outrageous for Pitt to sneak in there.

 

[Chase Stuart]

From what I understand the Steelers can actually control their own destiny in week 17 if they beat Baltimore next week and INDY, NE, MIA, & Philly win next week as well. A lot of IFs but it is nice to still have a pulse going into the Ravens game.

This is correct.

 

[Steelers4Life]

From what I understand the Steelers can actually control their own destiny in week 17 if they beat Baltimore next week and INDY, NE, MIA, & Philly win next week as well. A lot of IFs but it is nice to still have a pulse going into the Ravens game.

I posted this in another thread....From the looks of it, it's relatively simple for the Steelers to get in if they win their last 2 games against Baltimore and at Miami. I might be wrong, but I think this is correct.I think they squeak in if they win out and:Broncos lose once (at Eagles)Jets lose once (at Colts)Jaguars lose once (at Patriots or Browns)Texans lose once (at Dolphins or Patriots)I consider all of those to be likely results. The Steelers winning their last 2 games... not so likely. Makes no difference if the Titans win out because the Steelers beat them, and they'd have the tiebreaker over Denver for the same reason. Assuming the Ravens are able to beat the Raiders in a must-win game, that would put the Steelers in a 4-way tie at 9-7 with head to head victories over two of them.

 

[Chase Stuart]

From what I understand the Steelers can actually control their own destiny in week 17 if they beat Baltimore next week and INDY, NE, MIA, & Philly win next week as well. A lot of IFs but it is nice to still have a pulse going into the Ravens game.

If Yahoo's scenario generator is accurate, I don't even think they need Miami to win.Needing Indy, Philly, and New England to win important games at home is not a lot to ask for. And with those happening, Pitt controls their own destiny with wins over Baltimore and Miami. Suddenly with the events of this week, it's not outrageous for Pitt to sneak in there.

I don't think this is right. If Miami loses, Houston can run the table and get to 9-7. This is important because it forces a three-way tie with Denver and Pitt, which eliminates Pittsburgh win over Denver. In the event of a three-way tie, they go to conference record, and if Denver's 7th loss is to Philly, that gives them a better conference record than either. So if Indy, Philly and NE win, and Pitt wins their final two, the WC teams are Baltimore and Denver if Balt and Den win in week 17. If all that happens and Balt loses in week 17, then Houston would be the team in.