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Bye comes at a good time for banged-up Steelers
published nov 22, 2014 at 7:38 pm (updated nov 22, 2014 at 10:05 pm) Make text smaller Make text larger
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that no matter when the team’s bye week comes, he can convince himself that it’s a good time for it to happen.
But in the case of this team, the bye actually might come at the perfect time.
Pittsburgh’s defense has been as banged up as any unit in the league. Last Monday night in Tennessee, the Steelers had five defensive players who were in the starting lineup in Week 1 standing on the sidelines in street clothes because of injuries. A sixth starter, Cortez Allen, hasn’t been playing because of ineffectiveness.
But when the Steelers begin practicing next week in preparation for their stretch run, which begins next Sunday at Heinz Field against New Orleans, there’s a good chance they’ll get at least four of those injured starters back.
Cornerback Ike Taylor will find out Monday if he has been cleared for contact, while safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker Ryan Shazier and nose tackle Steve McLendon are expected to have a good chance to play against the Saints.
Only linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist) will remain out of action, though he’ll start practicing this week as he returns from the injured reserve/designated for return list.
The bye also came at a good time considering the team has to figure out its backup running back situation following the release of LeGarrette Blount last week for walking out on his teammates.
The Steelers should be rested and ready for the stretch drive.
Incredibly, what lies ahead are five games against teams that enter this week’s slate of games as first-place teams in their respective divisions – though Kansas City was knocked out of first place Thursday night with a loss at Oakland.
The Steelers need to go at least 3-2 in their final five games to have a shot at making the playoffs. A 4-1 mark will guarantee a spot and possibly get them a home game in the playoffs as the AFC North champions.
They control their own fate, which is all you can ask for at this point in the season. It certainly beats the heck out of the past two seasons when they went into the final two weeks of the season needing a lot of help.
And with the other three AFC North teams playing as road underdogs this weekend, the Steelers could wake up Tuesday morning all alone in first place, rested and ready for what lies ahead.
Now, here’s a look at this week’s games:
Cincinnati (plus 2) at Houston
The Texans went into Cleveland and won last week to knock the Browns out of first in the AFC North. Now, they’ll knock the Bengals out of the top spot.
Take Houston, 27-23
Cleveland (plus 3) at Atlanta
The Falcons are 4-0 against the NFC South, 0-6 against everyone else. But they’re 4-6 and in first place in the division. Cleveland is 6-4 and in last place in the AFC North.
Take Cleveland, 24-20
Baltimore (plus 3 1/2 ) at New Orleans
The Saints have lost two in a row at home to fall to 4-6 but are tied for first in the NFC South. Baltimore, like, Cleveland is 6-4 and tied for last in the AFC North. Saints should regain their home mojo.
Bye comes at a good time for banged-up Steelers
published nov 22, 2014 at 7:38 pm (updated nov 22, 2014 at 10:05 pm) Make text smaller Make text larger
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that no matter when the team’s bye week comes, he can convince himself that it’s a good time for it to happen.
But in the case of this team, the bye actually might come at the perfect time.
Pittsburgh’s defense has been as banged up as any unit in the league. Last Monday night in Tennessee, the Steelers had five defensive players who were in the starting lineup in Week 1 standing on the sidelines in street clothes because of injuries. A sixth starter, Cortez Allen, hasn’t been playing because of ineffectiveness.
But when the Steelers begin practicing next week in preparation for their stretch run, which begins next Sunday at Heinz Field against New Orleans, there’s a good chance they’ll get at least four of those injured starters back.
Cornerback Ike Taylor will find out Monday if he has been cleared for contact, while safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker Ryan Shazier and nose tackle Steve McLendon are expected to have a good chance to play against the Saints.
Only linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist) will remain out of action, though he’ll start practicing this week as he returns from the injured reserve/designated for return list.
The bye also came at a good time considering the team has to figure out its backup running back situation following the release of LeGarrette Blount last week for walking out on his teammates.
The Steelers should be rested and ready for the stretch drive.
Incredibly, what lies ahead are five games against teams that enter this week’s slate of games as first-place teams in their respective divisions – though Kansas City was knocked out of first place Thursday night with a loss at Oakland.
The Steelers need to go at least 3-2 in their final five games to have a shot at making the playoffs. A 4-1 mark will guarantee a spot and possibly get them a home game in the playoffs as the AFC North champions.
They control their own fate, which is all you can ask for at this point in the season. It certainly beats the heck out of the past two seasons when they went into the final two weeks of the season needing a lot of help.
And with the other three AFC North teams playing as road underdogs this weekend, the Steelers could wake up Tuesday morning all alone in first place, rested and ready for what lies ahead.
Now, here’s a look at this week’s games:
Cincinnati (plus 2) at Houston
The Texans went into Cleveland and won last week to knock the Browns out of first in the AFC North. Now, they’ll knock the Bengals out of the top spot.
Take Houston, 27-23
Cleveland (plus 3) at Atlanta
The Falcons are 4-0 against the NFC South, 0-6 against everyone else. But they’re 4-6 and in first place in the division. Cleveland is 6-4 and in last place in the AFC North.
Take Cleveland, 24-20
Baltimore (plus 3 1/2 ) at New Orleans
The Saints have lost two in a row at home to fall to 4-6 but are tied for first in the NFC South. Baltimore, like, Cleveland is 6-4 and tied for last in the AFC North. Saints should regain their home mojo.
