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From 6-3 to 6-6
I could see us losing the next 3. Balt. is a better team than Pgh even WITH Ben playing. They can score points and their D, though lacking stat wise, is still capable of making some plays. And the IN Cleveland game won't be easy. They have a lot of holes but can still win some games, and will be giving us a 100% effort; this game is their Super Bowl. If we do drop to 6-6 and Ben comes back, then what?
SD - win. I don't see them losing that one.
@Dallas - I depends on the state of Dallas by then. If they are contending by then it could be a tough game.
Cinci - should win.
Cleveland - should win.
Even if we do drop the next 3, we could still end up 10-6 and in the play offs, but I am sure most of us will have already jumped off a bridge if we lose 3 in a row so we won't be alive to see the play off run. :eek:
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it's possible, the Browns and Ravens are going to be tough to beat on the road without our starting QB.
that's why I think this game at home on Sunday is a very important one for us to win.
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the Raturds.. dont' scare me that much.. for some reason.. they are banged up on defense.. both teams are offensive now.. (offensive?) they make splash plays but our D is steadier.. my best Steeler bro is not gona even watch this game, cause he can't stand to see us lose.. (i dont' get this frame of thinking, quitting before we even lose) but I have this feeling we will win this game.. and if we drop 3 like you mention.. which is def possible.. I'll be one to bear witness unto it.. I'll jump off the bridge with a BUNGEE CORD :D
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Balt's offense scares me. Ray Rice is a handful, and then they got deep threats (T. Smith), tough over the middle targets (Boldin) and good TEs (Pita, Dickerson). I don't see us holding them to the usual 10-13 points. I see us having to score 24+ to win. Can we?
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Jimmy Smith is going to out for them as well, so where does that leave their secondary? Our WR's are better than theirs even without AB. Leftwich, though he's rusty, is just as effective passing as Flacco is, the key is keeping him on his feet. I think that quick passes and a commitment to the run is paramount for this game. This is a possible win for us, it's going to come down to execution, intensity, and discipline in all aspects of the game. We need some production out of Harrison as well, his presence simply isn't enough, we need him to start producing. As far as Rice goes, you just have to tackle him. Sloppy tackling will kill us in this one.
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Get pressure on Flacco and he'll give us the game.
Give him time and he'll pick us apart.
This game comes down to whether or not our defense shows up.
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I hope they put some emphasis on BL getting rid of the ball quicker than usual or he will be hurt. He is tough and hangs in there to wait for the rec. to get open, but we can't afford to have him do that as much as usual. We need some games out of him, not another broken bone and out for the rest of the year. Rice has killed us in the past; you don't have to just tackle him you have to touch him before you can tackle him and even that's not always easy. Balt. would be wise to use their TE and to "cut off the top" of our D my throwing deep to Smith. Even if they don't complete those passes Ike will get flagged and it will serve the same purpose. Even KC showed that the middle of our D can be exposed. One thing I know is the Ravens are going to come on very focused and intense. I just hope we get pressure on Fluko.
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[QUOTE=LordVile;533099]the Raturds.. dont' scare me that much.. for some reason.. they are banged up on defense.. both teams are offensive now.. (offensive?) they make splash plays but our D is steadier.. my best Steeler bro is not gona even watch this game, cause he can't stand to see us lose.. (i dont' get this frame of thinking, quitting before we even lose) but I have this feeling we will win this game.. and if we drop 3 like you mention.. which is def possible.. I'll be one to bear witness unto it.. I'll jump off the bridge with a BUNGEE CORD :D[/QUOTE]
Baltinore is 26th against the run and just lost another starting CB. Siz can't be any more 100% than Harrison is. Time for James & Woodley to get thugged out and get it done. You know, I know, and Our DC better know that Flacco makes mistakes when he starts getting popped. Can't sit back in zone and let him pick us apart. The DL needs to step up hard in this one to allow the LB to do their thing. I really hope that Clark can overcome the concussions. Dude is too brutal for his own good but there is no second guessing that guys effort.
On offense I think they will stack the box and blitz so BL needs to unload the ball. Personally One guy I think that could be a difference maker is Will Johnson at FB. We get Colon pulling behind Foster and Adams wil Johnson leading Mendenhall with his speed, we could gash them. I would like to see Leftwich go deep a few times to Wallace or Sanders. Just loft it and let them try and run under it. We either catch it or draw PI on their inexperienced CB's.
Special teams needs to be special in this. Couldn't be a better time for a penalty free return to the house.
Simply could come down to no fumbles, no interceptions, and the K's.
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I 100% disagree that the Ravens are better even with Ben healthy. The offense is also completely different with Mendenhall under center because defenses have to respect his ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Let's not forget we haven't seen him behind this line blocking in the fashion that they have been blocking right now. He was also the guy to carry us through the 4 games when Ben was suspended. However i do expect them to bring him back slowly. I also believe that Haley will have his offense adjusted for Leftwich and that Bryon will be much more effective with a full week of practice as the starter. People are selling the guy really short. Now as far as the Ravens are concerned they're defense is just as banged up and our defense has been playing pretty well. I'm in now way, shape or form chicken little'ing my way to 3 straight losses just because Ben is hurt.
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Lose the next 3? Cripes!! We won with Maddox, Tomczak, Stoudt and SORRY Kordell (13-3) and will will win with Leftwich too
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[QUOTE=lloydroid;533096]I could see us losing the next 3. [B]Balt. is a better team than Pgh even WITH Ben playing.[/B] They can score points and their D, though lacking stat wise, is still capable of making some plays. And the IN Cleveland game won't be easy. They have a lot of holes but can still win some games, and will be giving us a 100% effort; this game is their Super Bowl. If we do drop to 6-6 and Ben comes back, then what?
SD - win. I don't see them losing that one.
@Dallas - I depends on the state of Dallas by then. If they are contending by then it could be a tough game.
Cinci - should win.
Cleveland - should win.
Even if we do drop the next 3, we could still end up 10-6 and in the play offs, but I am sure most of us will have already jumped off a bridge if we lose 3 in a row so we won't be alive to see the play off run. :eek:[/QUOTE]
This is an ignorant statement!!!
This isnt the Rats of last year, or 5 years ago.
Wise up, weakling!!
Steeeeelers 23 Ratturds 13!!
JD
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How are the Ravens a better team? I call bs. There is no team in the NFL better than us. Our line is huge and getting nasty. Our defense is playing better every week. The Ravens scare me offensively but their defense is weak. The cowboys ran on them like they were little girls. Now what do you think we will do with our nasty line? Lefty on play acticon for six!!!!
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533124]How are the Ravens a better team? I call bs. There is no team in the NFL better than us. Our line is huge and getting nasty. Our defense is playing better every week. The Ravens scare me offensively but their defense is weak. The cowboys ran on them like they were little girls. Now what do you think we will do with our nasty line? Lefty on play acticon for six!!!![/QUOTE]
You guys seem to be forgetting that we scored 13 on KC.....in regulation. With Ben part of the time
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Don't get me wrong: I will be freaking out cheering for Steeler win, dog will literally hide
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533124]There is no team in the NFL better than us. [/QUOTE]:shock:
I hope it shakes out that way at the end of the season, but dude...after that Monday Night suckfest, you must have a mighty powerful pair of black-and-gold colored glasses...
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It was horrible weather on Monday Night. We also got blown out by the Ravens with Ben 35-7 last season. Did you think we were done after that? I didnt. Bad games happen in the NFL
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There is no way I think Baltimore is a better team than the Steelers with Ben under center. However without Ben the Ravens probably have the advantage because the Steelers lost their difference maker. Let's all be honest....he stresses us all out from time to time but he also is the reason why we contend year in and year out. I look at it this way. Sunday is the most important game. The Steelers have to get this one and I have the feeling they will come out with their fangs showing because no one thinks they can win this game. I have the feeling that they will play well Sunday night and get a win. All Byron has to do is not screw things up too bad. This may actually help the OL with pass protection because they know where he is going to be and hopefully the ball will be coming out when it is supposed to. I actually looked at Monday night as a step in the right direction for the team in the sense that they didn't blow a game against an inferior opponent (Raiders/Titans). They found a way to come out with a victory. The week of practice with the first team will also help with Byron's game. The Steelers have to be able to run the football to be successful though. There is no doubt about that one. I just have that feeling about this game coming up. It just has that feel of victory to me....who knows? I can't explain it? I could see the team struggle in the road games against Cleveland and Baltimore in the next two weeks though. I think the Steelers could realistically run the rest of the schedule with Byron/Returning Ben and make it into the playoffs at 11-5. It's not ideal but there could be worse situations and at least and hopefully Ben will have the chance to get some reps before the playoffs and go in healthy as opposed to last year. I guess I'm trying to be the glass is half full guy!!!
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I like how Flacco has been playing when he is on top of him game, and he has a lot of weapons. It seems their offense has had greater explosiveness thus far. Ray Rice has always been a tough back. But I can't concede the Ravens are better than the Steelers. On defense the Steelers are clearly better off. The Steelers also have weapons on offense and Haley has been a very good OC. I think the Steelers will gameplan Flacco successfully. This has been one of LeBeau's best seasons as defensive coordinator despite the incessant bashing he takes by some resident morons. Overall the Pittsburgh coaching staff is the best. When you combine that with their talent and they will be in every game.
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[QUOTE=AkronSteel;533132]There is no way I think Baltimore is a better team than the Steelers with Ben under center. However without Ben the Ravens probably have the advantage because the Steelers lost their difference maker. Let's all be honest....he stresses us all out from time to time but he also is the reason why we contend year in and year out. I look at it this way. Sunday is the most important game. The Steelers have to get this one and I have the feeling they will come out with their fangs showing because no one thinks they can win this game. I have the feeling that they will play well Sunday night and get a win. All Byron has to do is not screw things up too bad. This may actually help the OL with pass protection because they know where he is going to be and hopefully the ball will be coming out when it is supposed to. I actually looked at Monday night as a step in the right direction for the team in the sense that they didn't blow a game against an inferior opponent (Raiders/Titans). They found a way to come out with a victory. The week of practice with the first team will also help with Byron's game. The Steelers have to be able to run the football to be successful though. There is no doubt about that one. I just have that feeling about this game coming up. It just has that feel of victory to me....who knows? I can't explain it? I could see the team struggle in the road games against Cleveland and Baltimore in the next two weeks though. I think the Steelers could realistically run the rest of the schedule with Byron/Returning Ben and make it into the playoffs at 11-5. It's not ideal but there could be worse situations and at least and hopefully Ben will have the chance to get some reps before the playoffs and go in healthy as opposed to last year. I guess I'm trying to be the glass is half full guy!!![/QUOTE]
Ben has played several years as a game manager. Having only one 30 TD season is evidence of that. Ben Roethlisberger has proven that we dont need much from the Quarterback positon, just a big play hear and there. To think that the Steelers are sunk just because Roethlisberger is gone is nutty. We have a winning record without him. Do we need him? Of course he is our guy but the notion that we are sunk without him is irrational
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Joe Flacco on the road this season:
09/16 @ PHI (L 23-24) 22 for 42, 52.4%, 232 yards, 5.5 YPA, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 sacks for -18 yards, 66.8 passer rating
10/07 @ KC (W 9-6) 13 for 27, 48.1%, 187 yards, 6.9 YPA, 0 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacks for -22 yards, 55.6 passer rating
10/21 @ HOU (L 13-43) 21 for 43, 48.8%, 147 yards, 3.4 YPA, 1 TD, 2 INT, 4 sacks for -26 yards, 45.4 passer rating
11/04 @ CLE (W 25-15) 15 for 24, 62.5%, 153 yards, 6.4 YPA, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 sack for -8 yards, 94.6 passer rating
Does anyone think that Byron Leftwich is incapable of performing better than THAT?
Also, remember that Byron is facing Baltimore D that is 26th vs. the pass, 26th vs. the run, and 28th overall, while Flacco is facing a Pittsburgh D that is 1st against the pass, 5th against the run, and 1st overall. Sure, being without offensive stars like Ben and Antonio sucks, but remember that their defense is missing its heart and soul in Ray Lewis, plus both of his starting corners in Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. Leftwich has enough experience in this league to know how to attack their weaknesses.
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[QUOTE=lloydroid;533125]You guys seem to be forgetting that we scored 13 on KC.....in regulation. With Ben part of the time[/QUOTE]
The mighty Ravens scored only 9 on KC...
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...with Flacco all of the time. :ratsuck
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533124]How are the Ravens a better team? I call bs. There is no team in the NFL better than us. [/QUOTE]
Yea, ummm, irrational, delusional much? Houston, SF, Atl., Bears, etc. Balt. IS better than us because their record says so. We needed rip off calls from the refs to even beat the 1-7 Chiefs. Our OL and D has steadily got better, I agree. Although, the OL sure didn't look all that great vs. KC. There were no holes to rush and our QB got beat down and will miss a month. Probably not the best signs of a good OL.
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[QUOTE=Slapstick;533214]The mighty Ravens scored only 9 on KC...[/QUOTE]
_IN_ KC. Big difference. We needed corrupt calls from the refs to beat them in our own house.
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533129]It was horrible weather on Monday Night. We also got blown out by the Ravens with Ben 35-7 last season. Did you think we were done after that? I didnt. Bad games happen in the NFL[/QUOTE]
In actuality, we were pretty much done in terms of truly contending. We got beat by Tebow and the Broncos and got bounced in the first week of post season. That team wasn't going any where. Sure, they won more than they lost, but they were no threat to win another ring, at any point of the season.
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533124]There is no team in the NFL better than us.[/QUOTE]
we're not the best team in the NFL without Ben and Troy, our best and most valuable players on offense and defense.
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[QUOTE=lloydroid;533226]Yea, ummm, irrational, delusional much? Houston, SF, Atl., Bears, etc. Balt. IS better than us because their record says so. We needed rip off calls from the refs to even beat the 1-7 Chiefs. Our OL and D has steadily got better, I agree. Although, the OL sure didn't look all that great vs. KC. There were no holes to rush and our QB got beat down and will miss a month. Probably not the best signs of a good OL.[/QUOTE]
What do records mean? How did those 18-0 Pats fair? The play that Ben got hurt on isnt on the O-Line, its on the QB for not throwing the ball away. Ben acknowledges this as well. None of the teams you mentioned are better than the Steelers.
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[QUOTE=hawaiiansteel;533231]we're not the best team in the NFL without Ben and Troy, our best and most valuable players on offense and defense.[/QUOTE]
I disagree with you. NEXT MAN UP!
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[QUOTE=lloydroid;533125]You guys seem to be forgetting that we scored 13 on KC.....in regulation. With Ben part of the time[/QUOTE]
Different teams present different matchups. There are also other variables to be considered when teams face off vs one another. Statistical rankings and how this team performed vs another opponent will mean absolutely nothing when the Steelers play the Ravens.
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This game all depends on the defense. If we attack Flacco and get to him then I think we win. If we play "scared" like we sometimes do and sit back and try not to give up the big play he will pick us apart. Woodley needs to have a huge game because I don't think Harrison is capable of doing that. Timmons needs to get sent on blitzes from every direction to keep Rice in the backfield blocking.
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[QUOTE=Oviedo;533258]This game all depends on the defense. If we attack Flacco and get to him then I think we win. If we play "scared" like we sometimes do and sit back and try not to give up the big play he will pick us apart. Woodley needs to have a huge game because I don't think Harrison is capable of doing that. Timmons needs to get sent on blitzes from every direction to keep Rice in the backfield blocking.[/QUOTE]
If we give up big plays in this game we will lose...matter of fact it has been that way all season....so there must be sone logic in playing not to give up the big play.... Not sure I would say they are playing scared.. Sounds like another attempt at calling out DL...
I do agree that we will need to pressure Flacco to have success tonight...
SF
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[QUOTE=steelfin;533265]If we give up big plays in this game we will lose...matter of fact it has been that way all season....so there must be sone logic in playing not to give up the big play.... Not sure I would say they are playing scared.. Sounds like another attempt at calling out DL...
I do agree that we will need to pressure Flacco to have success tonight...
SF[/QUOTE]
Not calling out DL, but expected his team would automatically assume that. It is only my opinion that when we are aggressive we play better and when we play passive we lose to even bad teams like Oakland. We can't beat a good team like the Ravens by letting them march up and down the field by giving up constant short completions underneath our DBs that will wear out our defense.
Rushing three or even four is too predictable especially if is just Woodley and Harrison. Harrison will unlikely be able to get to the QB so we need to send pressure from others especially Timmons.
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[QUOTE=Oviedo;533268]Not calling out DL, but expected his team would automatically assume that. It is only my opinion that when we are aggressive we play better and when we play passive we lose to even bad teams like Oakland. We can't beat a good team like the Ravens by letting them march up and down the field by giving up constant short completions underneath our DBs that will wear out our defense.
Rushing three or even four is too predictable especially if is just Woodley and Harrison. Harrison will unlikely be able to get to the QB so we need to send pressure from others especially Timmons.[/QUOTE]
It's not as simple as having a passive vs an aggressive approach. They've always mixed things up defensively. They didn't lose to the Raiders because they were not aggressive.
The bottom line on this boils down to players executing by winning one on one match ups.
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I agree, excellent post bro
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Keys to winning:
1) Don't give up big plays.
2) Don't turn the ball over.
If the Steelers can do those two things, I like their chances versus any team in the NFL...
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of course you have to mix it up. Not blitzing every play, as some here seem to advocate, is hardly "playing scared".
there will be a mix, as always, and you try to catch the other guys in a mismatch.
my biggest worry are the two TE making 3rd down catches and keeping drives alive. This will be a huge test for #94 as he will surely be asked to do a lot in this game. He has been up to the challenge this year for the most part and we need another great performance from him tonight.
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533124]There is no team in the NFL better than us. [/QUOTE]
Sure proved it vs. the Ratbirds tonight...
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Super Bowls arent won in December. Ask the Giants.
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[QUOTE=Oviedo;533268]Not calling out DL, but expected his team would automatically assume that. It is only my opinion that when we are aggressive we play better and when we play passive we lose to even bad teams like Oakland. We can't beat a good team like the Ravens by letting them march up and down the field by giving up constant short completions underneath our DBs that will wear out our defense.
Rushing three or even four is too predictable especially if is just Woodley and Harrison. Harrison will unlikely be able to get to the QB so we need to send pressure from others especially Timmons.[/QUOTE]
"
LOL...If being "part of his team" means NOT part of the delusional "team" that thinks they know more about NFL defense than a future hall of fame defensive coordinator that has been in the league for longer than most have been alive...that consistently has his defensive unit in the top 5 of league...that is responsible for our defensive success in the last decade....then guilty as charged...I guess I am part of the DL team....
You should read your own signature line some time....
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[QUOTE=Steelreal;533402]Super Bowls arent won in December. [/QUOTE]
This is true. It's also true that sometimes playoff berths are lost in November. When you piss away opportunities in very winnable games, it can come back to bite you.