The Steelers didn't even play today but it feels like they lost

Is this actually the case? Do we really need to win both against the Bungholes?

 

Tough, yes. But why? Are the AFC North teams that good, or are both the AFC South and NFC South that bad?

 

This depends on which Ben and which O-Line show up in that game.

 

Very good point. As I read this, I thought about the losses to the Bucs and the Jets.

However, the season starts on Sunday. As far as the AFC North goes... it's essentially a 5-game season, now.

 

I could not believe the clock managing by this genius. I was floored by the decisions. That's why they lost the game. Idiot!!!

 

I believe so. Based on that tie that is boosting their stats and the fact that they keep finding a way to win games.

 

Well said.

This team needs to get off the see saw and play more consistent. Right now i'm looking at one more loss with reservation. But that depends on the Offense and Ben's play.

The team I would not want to face in the post season is the clowns. They unfortunately have taken a step up.

 

I would rather not have that scenario because I think we split on those two games

 

I'm actually with you there. I don't want that scenario, but it's how I think the division is going to shape up over the last 5 games. Also, the Steelers can clearly control their own destiny by defeating the Bengals twice.

If the Steelers sweep the Bengals they end with a division record of 4-2. The Bengals would only be able to go 3-3, at best (they are currently 2-1). If the Steelers can also go 4-1 in the final stretch (hopefully not losing to any AFC teams; even though losing to one of the NFC South teams is abysmal), then they will be in optimal position for playoff seating.

So, once again... the Steelers are in position to control their own destiny. In the best case scenario, they win out over the last five games.

Like it or not, it's now a 5 game season in the AFC North.

 

I see what you did there-
That's exactly what we're afraid of!

 

Still too much randomess in our team from quarter to quarter and the NFL in general to be able to predict outcomes.....

That being said (I'm going to do it anyway), it looks like the potential for a whole lot of 10-6 at the end of the season. I'm still fearing the 3-way 10-6 scenario at the end of the year with the Ravens and Browns that ends on week 17 with the Ravens beating the Browns (giving them head to head in the tiebreaker having swept the Browns and split the Steelers which comes into effect before division record). If we beat the Bengals week 17 to forge the 3-way tie and it knocks the Bengals to 9-6-1, we'd probably be the wildcard going to BALTIMORE. If it only knocks the Bengals to 10-5-1, we may be on the outside looking in with the Chiefs and Ravens advancing.

Don't like that scenario one bit. Either way, a Ravens loss to the Saints tonight would be HUGE to help potentially avoid the outcome altogether (as would a Steelers sweep of the Bengals which I'm having a hard time seeing right now).

 

I'M afraid that both NFC/AFC south are just that bad....

 

Still too early to look ahead. This time next week things may become a little more clear.

 

Yeah man it was seriously unbelievable. Not only did he take some of the dumbest timeouts I've ever seen but he allowed that stupid shot downfield when they were ALREADY IN FG RANGE and only needed to get a few yards and keep the clock rolling to help your kicker. I mean it was just colossal stupidity like I've never seen. The only good thing about him not being fired is that we will get to play against this clown. That honestly might have been the worst coaching I've ever seen.

 

I share that concern. Looking at their records and performances it would seem the AFC North is full of good teams beating up on poor teams. The hope that I have is that the Steelers have split with Ravens and Browns and beat the Colts convincingly. So, Steelers have a streak of "great" in them that could carry them in the playoffs... they just need to get consistent.

 

I agree that we've shown flashes of greatness on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball. But on the DEFENSIVE side of the ball I think we have barely shown flashes of even GOODness. THAT'S what worries me. I think the AFC runs through the Pats this year and we know to beat Brady you need to A. Either keep him off the field which we could do with Bell. Or B. Frustrate him by getting pressure on him and flushing him out of the pocket. The Bell scenario is plausible but we've shown hardly no ability whatsoever to get to the qb this year. That's what worries me the most about this team.

 

Exactly...win more of the next 5 than the others...and you get in.

 

The ravens winning complete the trifecta in the division ughhhhhhh
going to come down the wire The ravens have the easier schedule

 

Tie breakers are meaningless if the overall record isnt a tie. Unless the Steelers tie a game, they will never have the same record as Cincy.

 

The D is not "shut-down" but the provide time stops when needed. There have only been about 3 or 4 games this year in which the offense took advantage of that. Also, this D is creating turnovers.

So, again... they're not shut-down. But they can get the job done. The offense needs to get consistent and they'd win a a few more games... and the close ones wouldn't be so close.

 

Yes, but I'm also considering they could tie either the Ravens or the Browns. In this scenario the Steelers put themselves in the best situation for tie-breaking by handling their business in both the division and the conference.

Hopefully, they just win with a better overall record. At this point that means less losses than Cincy since that damned tie is nudging them just above everyone else.

 

But my fear is that once we start playing more quality qb's will they be able to create turnovers? That's what worries me about this defense is that when you get in the playoffs and start playing the better qbs things get a lot tougher. If Brady has time it will be a looooong day for us. The same goes for Manning as well.

 

And even if they do get a tie, if that tie is vs Cincy (40% of the remaining games); the two two teams still won't finish in a tie (unless Cincy or Pit get yet another tie in their 3 other games)

Reminds me of when Pete Rose was chasing Ty Cobb's all time hit record. When Petey was getting close someone proposed that Reds run a promotion giving every fan a souvenir necktie for "Tie Ty Tie" day. Sadly, they didn't do it.

 

You don't think playing games the Murders Row of Bortles,Mettlenberger, Glennon, HoyerX2, aging Mike Vick, Fitzpatrick won't prepare them? Drew Bree's this week will be interesting. The O needs to score early and often.

 

AH I do believe we control our own destiny......JUST WIN!!!!Its up to us!!!