Hey Pittsburgh Sports Buzz Readers
One game to go in the regular season, and this one is big. Thanks to that opening kickoff return for a TD to the Jets this is quite an important game. It has a ton of implications for the playoffs.
First of all, it's the Brownies. This rivalry isn't what it used to be, but I still cannot tolerate a loss to those guys in the Brown unis. I don't like Josh Cribbs, I don't like Eric Mangini, I don't like Mike Holmgren and his whiny self, and I don't even like ex Browns like Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. They're just plain annoying. It's almost enough just to beat these guys just for the satisfaction of beating them.
But, there's much more riding on this game. Remember last year, another win would have put the Steelers in the playoffs, but they lost to the lowly Brownies. It's payback time.
Here are the other things riding on this game:
This win will clinch the 2nd best record in the AFC. What does that mean. Simple. It means that the Steelers will have a first round playoff bye, at least one home playoff game and if they win that game and the Patriots lose their first game a second home game. It's happened before. Without the win in this game they will be a Wild Card team and will have to travel a path they've traveled successfully before, but it will be difficult. Remember the path to Super Bowl XL. Three victories on the road in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Denver. Carson Palmer remembers it, that's where his career started going downhill. Jerome Bettis remembers it. Hard to forget that goalline fumble and subsequent tackle by Ben.
But, the Steelers are much better off playing that first game at home and taking their chances. The bye week will help a few players get a little bit better.
Remember Aaron Smith? He's been trying to rehabilitate that torn tricep he injured earlier this season. I would say he would be a great addition to the run defense, but the Steelers run defense has been historically great this year. What would they have done with Aaron Smith. Who knows, but I sure would like to see what he can do with even more time to rehabilitate that injury.
There's a few other players who are nursing injuries and it would be great to get them as healthy as possible. There's Troy Polamalu, a candidate for defensive player of the year. He has been a key to all the games he's played in this year and probably locked up at least 3 with big plays. Tomlin says that he is close to being able to play against the Browns, but a bye week could help him heal even more.
Then there's the quarterback with one extra large shoe. Does he have a broken foot or did he just aggravate an old injury. Who really knows but the doctors. A week off could do nothing but help that injury, not to mention that broken nose he's dealing with.
Needless to say this team would benefit greatly from a win this week against their AFC north rival. Forget the other stuff, payback would be sweet.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sanchez and Rex visit Hines' Field
Another awesome day for football and today the Steelers "welcome" the Jets into Hines' Field.
The Jets seemingly have been on a downward spiral since their loss to the Patriots. Their status as one of the contenders for the AFC crown has come into question, largely in part due to the play of their quarterback. "the sanchise" has not played up to his nickname as of late to the point where Rexy has mentioned that he was close to benching him. Sounds like things aren't all fun and games as of late for the Jest. They didn't get to 9-4 by mistake, though, and let's hope the Stillers don't overlook them because of their recent drought.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are coming off a win against Cincinnati and are looking to continue to build momentum towards the playoffs and are fighting for that number 2 seed and first round bye. The bad news that surfaced this week is that one of their Defensive player of the year candidates, Troy Polamalu may not be able to play due to a lower leg inury he aggravated during the BenGals game. It looks like right now he will be out for the game but don't count him out until you don't see him on the field today.
The other news today is the return of Santonio Holmes after his departure prior to the season. Santonio has played very well with the Jets and if not for the play of the Steelers 2 rookie up and comers along with Mike Wallace they may be regretting the trade. That trifecta of Steelers receivers has made up for that loss. Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more from them in the future. Hines can't keep playing forever, or can he.
Here are my keys to the game. If the Steelers can take care of these they should be able to come up with a W.
5. If all else fails
Continue to play strong defense and rely on the so far reliable Shaun Suishman. Having the new punter get some good kicks off too wouldn't hurt.
4. Get the ball in the end zone.
The offense has been anemic and if not for the kicking of the Suishman they would not be in the position they are now in the standings. Ben and Bruce have said this week that they have not been as patient as possible lately. Let's see if patience is a virtue and leads to some 6s instead of 3s.
3. LaMarr and James provide the heat.
Mr. Woodley and Mr. Harrison have played up to Steelers standards this year which has helped to continue the reputation of the Steelers Defense. One thing has me concerned though, they are not consistently getting to the quarterback. They need to amp it up this week and help the secondary by not giving Sanchez anytime to throw. We know the defense will not allow the Jets to run that leaves the pass. If they can pressure Sanchez that will take care of that part of the game.
2. Make Sanchez make mistakes.
If analysts are right, Sanchez the Southern Cal boy, does not like the cold weather. I've watched a lot of tape on Sanchez and think that he does tend to put a little too much air on the ball in cold weather. This really hangs the ball up and gives the defense a chance for ints. Watch Ben and other top QBs in the league. They have to put a little extra on the ball in this weather to get it to their receivers on time. Ike and Bryant need to catch the ball when they get a chance at it.
1. Establish the run.
The Jets have a very good defense, not up to par with last year, but still quite good. If Mendenhall can run against these guys it will keep the Jets offense on the sidelines and cold when they get a chance.
The Jets seemingly have been on a downward spiral since their loss to the Patriots. Their status as one of the contenders for the AFC crown has come into question, largely in part due to the play of their quarterback. "the sanchise" has not played up to his nickname as of late to the point where Rexy has mentioned that he was close to benching him. Sounds like things aren't all fun and games as of late for the Jest. They didn't get to 9-4 by mistake, though, and let's hope the Stillers don't overlook them because of their recent drought.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are coming off a win against Cincinnati and are looking to continue to build momentum towards the playoffs and are fighting for that number 2 seed and first round bye. The bad news that surfaced this week is that one of their Defensive player of the year candidates, Troy Polamalu may not be able to play due to a lower leg inury he aggravated during the BenGals game. It looks like right now he will be out for the game but don't count him out until you don't see him on the field today.
The other news today is the return of Santonio Holmes after his departure prior to the season. Santonio has played very well with the Jets and if not for the play of the Steelers 2 rookie up and comers along with Mike Wallace they may be regretting the trade. That trifecta of Steelers receivers has made up for that loss. Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more from them in the future. Hines can't keep playing forever, or can he.
Here are my keys to the game. If the Steelers can take care of these they should be able to come up with a W.
5. If all else fails
Continue to play strong defense and rely on the so far reliable Shaun Suishman. Having the new punter get some good kicks off too wouldn't hurt.
4. Get the ball in the end zone.
The offense has been anemic and if not for the kicking of the Suishman they would not be in the position they are now in the standings. Ben and Bruce have said this week that they have not been as patient as possible lately. Let's see if patience is a virtue and leads to some 6s instead of 3s.
3. LaMarr and James provide the heat.
Mr. Woodley and Mr. Harrison have played up to Steelers standards this year which has helped to continue the reputation of the Steelers Defense. One thing has me concerned though, they are not consistently getting to the quarterback. They need to amp it up this week and help the secondary by not giving Sanchez anytime to throw. We know the defense will not allow the Jets to run that leaves the pass. If they can pressure Sanchez that will take care of that part of the game.
2. Make Sanchez make mistakes.
If analysts are right, Sanchez the Southern Cal boy, does not like the cold weather. I've watched a lot of tape on Sanchez and think that he does tend to put a little too much air on the ball in cold weather. This really hangs the ball up and gives the defense a chance for ints. Watch Ben and other top QBs in the league. They have to put a little extra on the ball in this weather to get it to their receivers on time. Ike and Bryant need to catch the ball when they get a chance at it.
1. Establish the run.
The Jets have a very good defense, not up to par with last year, but still quite good. If Mendenhall can run against these guys it will keep the Jets offense on the sidelines and cold when they get a chance.
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