Most headlines should have highlighted how the Steelers Defense carried the team to a 12-6 win at St. Louis, but they were shadowed by Roethlisberger’s injury.  News isn’t as bad as originally expected by most: for the next 4 to 6 weeks, the Steelers must find a way to win without their franchise QB.

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The timing in which this defense is begining to show a reason to believe couldn’t be more precise: this team will need any help it can get to survive the stretch without Ben, and it could come from the other side of the football.

Also, having Bell back will (should) help, and Bryant is coming his way two weeks from now. After all, the Steelers aren’t asking Vick to win games on his own. Being the QB of a bunch of unproven guys is different than having Bell and Williams as RBs, with Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, Miller and Heyward-Bey as weapons.

So, this is an unofficial call to hold a bit before pushing the panic button, again.

Offense:

With a series of quick throws, being able to move the football while keeping Ben out of Rams defenders’ reach, the game started quick for the Steelers Offense. No sacks, no penalties, and the first 2 drives resulted in 169 yards, good for 9 points.

However, for the rest of the game we gave up 5 sacks, committed 3 offensive penalties, managed to get only 97 net yards and score 3 points (and these points came just after the defense gave the Steelers the football at the Rams’ 31 yardline).

Here’s what our drive results look like:

• 1st half possessions: FG, TD, INT, halftime.
• 2^nd Half possesions: Punt, Punt, Punt, FG, Kneel

• Roethlisberger led two great drives to start the game, one of them ending on a FG after failing to score a TD from the Rams 2 yardline. His interception stalled the 3^rd drive, and came while looking for a deep ball, without having any receiver close to the football, on a clear overthrow (similar to the one @ NE, W1). Penalties, sacks and, yes, abandoning the quick-pass-game slowed down his approach on the next 3 drives. Vick came off the bench rusty (as expected), was sacked twice, fumbled and threw a dropped interception.
• Bell got 132 total yards (62 rushing, 70 receiving) and scored a TD, showing no rust after being suspended the first two weeks. DeAngello Williams didn’t have his share of carries, despite having the first run of the game (his only carry).
• On 4 WR sets, Bell aligned as a WR and Williams as a RB (picking up blitzes and running flat / escape routes). This should end week 5, with Bryant back.
• Brown and Bell: 18 receptions for 178 yards. All other Steelers catching a football: 7 receptions, 52 yards. That said, Miller, Wheaton and Heyward-Bey were not involved in the game as frequently as previous weeks.
• The offensive line did not have a great game, even if your favorite columnist says so. In fact, it was a bit more of a mess: they gave up 5 sacks, committed 3 penalties (drive-stallers) and weren’t able to pull on crucial short-yardage situations. This is not what we expect from them. Keeping our franchise QB in one piece should be their #1 priority, and giving up sacks, or penalties causing long-yardage situations (which lead to longer snap-to-pass ratio) are not helping their cause.

Defense:

Even though this unit forced only one 3 & out, they kept the Rams out of the redzone most of the game. And, when they reached a 1^st and goal at our 7 yardline, the Steelers Defense held them to a FG. Getting two sacks and an interception, while allowing a 20% 3^rd down efficiency kept the Rams out of scoring range on most of their drives.

• Tuitt and Heyward are becoming the soul of this Defense, either stopping the run, collapsing the pocket or getting to the QB. Now, they should be able to do that on a consistent basis.
• Without Shazier, Spence and Williams (coupled with Timmons) managed to stop their RBs, allowing just 37 rushing yards, with big stops in the red zone and short yardage situations. If you are searching for a particular reason our D stopped their running game, these three guys were the main factor.
• The OLB rotation seems to work so far, with Dupree, Jones, Harrison and Moats being fresh and all of them making plays, either pressure, hits on their QB, sacks or tackles on the line of scrimmage. They just need to blitz in unconventional ways. Here’s hoping they are on their way this season.
• While our DBs shined for not allowing the big completion, they got help from the Rams receivers, who dropped several throws (some of them in open field). Still, this unit managed to make crucial plays at clutch moments: an interception by Allen, that all but sealed the game, and a 4^th down incompletion, forced by a hit by Blake, that led to a turnover on downs ending the game.
• Among the missing pieces: Foles was able to complete more than 65% of his passes, even while throwing good passes that were dropped. Lack of blitzes, and our CBs giving their receivers too much space before the snap allowed him to complete short routes. Dropping Harrison into man-coverage to a guy 14 years younger doesn’t help, either. By the way, Cortez Allen, Shamarko Thomas and Boykin were supposed to be an upgrade to this defense. So far, none of them has seen significant playing time, nor been a factor.

Special Teams:

Jeff Fisher likes trickery on Special Teams, and that miss was on the Steelers Staff. Fortunately, that pass from Hekker came up short, otherwise it’s a momentum builder for them. Dri Archer is running out of chances, while Todman is starting to get reps at KR. Scobee made 2 FGs of 40+, which could become confidence-boosters for him. Coverage units allowed a 20 yard punt return.

Just wondering:

• No, there’s no need for Tebow.
• But… Does anyone still have Charlie Batch’s number?
• Guess now will be the time for Brown and Bell to show they are star players not just because of Roethlisberger.
• Having a supporting cast including Bell, Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, D. Williams, H. Miller and (yes) Heyward-Bey can’t hurt. They make any QB look a little bit better, and this should be the case with Vick.
• Talking about Vick: Yes, you’ll have a redemption opportunity @ Pittsburgh, and everyone is counting on you to show you’re up to the challenge.
• Something else about Vick: during his last 32 games (4 seasons), he’s thrown 29 interceptions and lost 13 fumbles (42 total giveaways).
• Talking about this: is Ben’s injury what it takes to the end AB’s record-setting consecutive game streaks (a: 7 receptions, b: 5 catches/50 yards). He needed barely the first half to keep them alive @ STL.
• Bell, not Vick, is the answer for the following weeks.
• Giving up sacks and committing penalties is not the way to prove your value, while looking for a new contract. Yes Beachum, we are talking about you.
• Having second thoughts about the approach to go for 2 early? After last week’s success, it seemed to be a very popular decision. Here’s hoping for the Steelers to continue going for 2.
• However, trying a different play other than a slant, should work too on 2 point conversions.
• Yes, this win was on the D. Of course, Rams’ offense lacks of firepower, but for our D, to hold the opponent at 6 points in their home sends a loud message.
• The Steelers first rushing play of the game was by DeAngello Williams. Was that a thank-you, or a message?
• Will Barron be receiving mail from the league this week? If so, it shouldn’t be pretty.
• So, at the end, Scobee scored when it counted most. Here’s hoping for him to have many, many more clutch kicks this season.
• Was there a moment, before the last FG, when Coach Tomlin thought about going for it on 4^th down instead of sending Scobee? A fail would have given them the ball at their 31 with 2 minutes, down 3 points.
• And, finally, our D grabbed an INT. And it was huge, at a time when this team needed the D to step up. Again.
• Speaking of that: Allen is starting in place of Shamarko Thomas. Will his rookie contract expire without him starting at SS for the Steelers?
• And talking about takeaways, will this team ever get two in the same game?
• So, we were in need to score 30 points in order to win games?
• Steelers 2015 season sacks leaders: Tuitt 2.5, Dupree 2.
• Was Todman returning that kickoff a sign that Dri Archer holds the short end as soon as week 5 approaches? (remember, as Bryant comes back from suspension, one player must be cut, and it won’t be Heyward-Bey, nor Coates).
• That turf at STL Dome isn’t safe, and I’m not talking about fireworks: That same turf saw Willie Parker’s broken leg 8 years ago.
• Last time I checked, fireworks weren’t supposed to be used indoors. And I guess there shouldn’t be 2 types of “indoors” when writing a disclaimer.

What comes next?

At 2-1, this will be a short week for the Steelers, who will be hosting the 0-3 Ravens, on which will be the first of four-to-six games without Roethlisberger.

The next 8 weeks look like this: W4 (1) Ravens, W5 (2)  at Chargers, W6 (3) vs Cardinals, W7 (4) at Chiefs, W8 (5) vs Bengals , W9 (6) vs Raiders, W10 (7) vs Browns, W11 (8) BYE

Here’s hoping for a quick recovery, and having Ben Roethlisberger back W 8 vs Bengals. Otherwise, the Steelers will face a dilemma about playing him W10 vs the Browns, or resting him 2 additional weeks until W12 matchup against Seattle, with 6 games to go.

It’s too early to make an educated guess about the Steelers’ forecast without Roethlisberger. However, the final stretch of the schedule after the bye week is brutal for the Steelers, visiting Seattle (w12), hosting the Colts (w13), visiting the Bengals (w14), hosting Denver (w15), and visiting both Ravens (w16) and Browns (w18).

Having this stretch in mind, these 4 to 6 weeks without Roethlisberger are vital for the Steelers’ chances to make the playoffs. Reaching the bye week worse than 6-4 will make things pretty complicated to get into the post season.

A heavy dose of Bell, meaning an effective running game, will be crucial while Ben is out. 

By the Numbers:

1 Interception by the Steelers. Their 1st this season.

2 Sacks for the Steelers Defense (Tuitt, Moats), giving them 9 for the season (Ranked 3rd in the NFL).

4 two point attempts for the Steelers so far in 2015 (75% success).

6 Steelers players have recorded a sack this season (Tuitt, Heyward, Moats, Shazier, Dupree and W. Allen).

20% success rate for the Rams on 3rd downs.

35 consecutive 5 catches / 50 yard games for AB. NFL All-time record.

50% success rate for the Steelers on 3rd downs.

93% of the steelers total offense (259 yards): Bell (132 yards) and Brown (108 yards).

108 wins for Roethlisberger as Steelers QB, franchise record.

132 total yards for Bell on his 2015 season debut.

2008 The last time the Steelers won while scoring 12 points or less (10-6, vs Browns, week 2).

The Steelers suffered from an inability to create pressure and had problems handling it, for sure. Lack of discipline (whether they were dumb penalties or issues with officiating), also. Questionable playcalling. All of them were factors on this loss, which ends the Steelers season earlier than what a franchise like the Steelers, and Steeler Nation expects each season: The Lombardi Trophy.

Here are my thoughts on the last game of the Season (my season thoughts will be delivered soon):

The Steelers gave up 5 sacks and threw for 2 interceptions, while not being able to create pressure and getting just 1 takeaway, coupled with 8 penalties for 114 yards (one of them negating a TD, two of them extending Ravens drives that became scoring possessions). And that pretty much was the story of the game: Our Offense struggling to keep its QB in one piece, while Flacco had all day to throw.

The Ravens showed the Steelers how to overcome a subpar secondary: creating consistent pressure without having to blitz out 5 or 6 defenders. Actually, all 5 sacks from the Ravens came on defensive schemes with 4 pass rushers.

Offense: Offensive line unable to dominate + Ben inaccurate = predictable, slow offense. The lack of a balanced offense meant the Ravens knew what to expect: passing plays. And, without having to blitz out, the Ravens front four managed to get to Roethlisberger by beating one-on-one matchups.

• Ben was inaccurate often; extending plays long enough to let the Ravens get past the pocket. While protection wasn’t great, he didn’t get rid of the football quickly enough to avoid sacks. Even though he made some plays, his efforts were inefficient sometimes. He spread the football to 8 different receivers and completed 69% of his throws, but threw 2 interceptions (one of them on a tipped pass), missed open receivers on deep routes (twice overthrowing Brown, once Bryant) and frequently placed his throws on 3^rd downs on the backside of his receivers, meaning incompletions. After he was sidelined with an injury, he came back to throw a pick to a double-covered Brown, while he still looked woozy from the hit he received. Gradkowski only played 3 snaps all season, all on the next-to-last series of this game, and while it’s a small sample, he showed he knows his receivers and, in the eyes of the Staff, could have done enough to stay as a backup for the next year. Some will say he should have stayed on the field to end that series, while he was on spot, and clearly healthier than Ben at that moment. But usually, coaches don’t sit their starting QB if he’s healthy enough to play. That’s on the Staff, not the QB.
• Why didn’t Harris open the game? Bell was replaced by a committee, which combined for 76 total yards (46 rushing, 30 receiving), no TDs, a fumble and a tipped pass that resulted in an interception. Tate’s start on this game could be a shot on Harris’ confidence, and a strong signal of what the staff thinks of their RB situation. Ben Tate was the starting running back on the first series, accounting for 21 yards, while fumbling once (which Brown recovered).  Just 6 days earlier, Ben Tate was a free agent in street clothes, and his off-tempo and lack of playing time with Roethlisberger proved costly, while not being aware of being targeted on an escape route, tipping a pass that resulted in a Suggs interception. Archer proved, once again, he’s not going to be an every down back in this league, and his best shot is at 5^th WR, showing a display of speed on his TD that was called back. The running game never got going (46 total rushing yards from RBs), while Harris had 10 touches, for 31 yards (25 rushing), during limited production that makes it hard to set an evaluation for his future with the team, taking into account that this position is usually crowded in both, free agency and draft.
• Wide receivers accounted for 250 receiving yards and the Steelers only TD (and Miller added 76 more yards). Wheaton, Bryant and Brown each made plays, and were some of the bright spots on offense while being frequently targeted. Bryant and Brown each managed to get behind coverage on deep routes,  but were either overthrown (Brown) or “accidentally tripped” (whatever that means). Also, both failed to keep the football in bounds on what appeared to be TD passes (Brown, jumping for the football early, giving the DB a chance to push him out before establishing himself in the endzone, while Bryant dropped another one from Gradkowski). Brown had the biggest play of all on a TD catch that was called back (to the half yard line). Even Heyward-Bey  caught one pass. Miller managed to get open for a 30 yard game, and was targeted frequently, but ended the game with a fumble.
• Inability to create running lanes, stop defenders from collapsing the pocket or being able to have a clean game without penalties were some of the main reasons the Offense struggled. Giving up 5 sacks, while blocking for a shameful 2.8 yds/att was not going to lead the way to score even half of the points (43) the Steelers scored against the Ravens just 2 months ago. For the second consecutive week, a holding penalty negated a big play by a backup running back. This one was costly, as the Steelers were fighting back, with almost 5 minutes on the clock and still down by 15 (which would have cut the lead to 8, with 5 minutes and all 3 timeouts).

Defense: Where are our blitzes? Final edition. The Steelers allowed 80, 70, 56 and 69 scroring drives on consecutive possessions, without touching Flacco.

• The Steelers were able to stop the run (after the first series), but weren’t able to put enough pressure on Flacco to force throws. Tuitt and Heyward have proved they’re developing forces on the Defense, one that should be built around them on years to come. McLendon was a factor on Flacco’s clashes with his linemen, and pulled effectively on the line of scrimmage when needed.  Playing most of the game from Nickel packages didn’t help this unit to create pressure, while OLBs weren’t huge contributors in situational pass rushing, and the 4 men that rushed to create pressure were unable to win their matchups (as opposed to what the Ravens D was able to do). Tuitt recovered a fumble that was a momentum changer, but not enough to win the game.
• The LB crew stepped up to stop the run, but failed to create pressure. They were caught off-tempo on the first drive, but managed to stop the run on the 2^nd half. Shazier seemed to be going uphill, a shame it came on the last game of the Season. Rotation of ILBs kept them fresh, and got the only sack of the game on Flacco (by Spence) and forced two fumbles (Shazier, Spence).  OLBs were not a force in this game, with Worilds providing strong arguments to his bashers while giving away a 15 yard penalty for throwing a punch (which inexplicably was not enough for him to get ejected), and blowing coverage on Gillmore’s TD. After all, he was a 10 million dollar OLB this season from whom many expected a great season. Jarvis Jones still struggles to be a factor, splitting time with Harrison, who  helped to collapse the pocket but failed to sack or hit Flacco. Most of the time, the Steelers pressured with 4 defensive players, dropping 7 into coverage, who weren’t able to cover 4 or 5 Ravens receivers, giving enough time to Flacco to find one of them open and pick them apart.
• The biggest play  from the DBs was negated by a penalty, on a text book coverage by McCain over J. Jones, but Mitchell delivered what the referees called a blow to the head on a defenseless receiver. Another big play from this unit came when William Gay made a highlight deflection on a throw to the endzone. For most of the game, they kept receivers in front of them, but allowed Flacco to pass for more than 250 yards and still allowed one 40 yard completion. A questionable cushion was given to the Ravens receivers, while Gay, McCain and Blake were playing about 10 yards from them, giving them short patterns, showing either lack of confidence on Safeties help, or excessive respect to their speed. After being a factor consistently for the last 4 games, none of the Steelers DBs provided a game changing play, failing to shut down the Ravens offense on 3^rd down (which managed to convert 3^rd and 10, 3^rd and 14, committed a penalty (by Blake) on 3^rd and 2, 3^rd and 7 (TD pass, blown coverage by Mitchell) and a 3^rd and 13. While Polamalu was the leading tackler for the Steelers, he wasn’t a game changing factor (probably, the argument used by the Staff before the game to start him over Allen: playoff experience, game-changing capability). Shamarko Thomas was kept out for most of the game, while Will Allen entered on 3^rd down and some goal line situations, on clear signs that Polamalu wasn’t at his best.

Special Teams:

Suisham converted 3 FGs, with a long from 48 yards, while the coverage units didn’t allow their return game become a factor. Other than that, STs failed to generate great field position. Shamarko Thomas commited a penalty that improved field position for the Ravens and killed momentum for the Steelers: on the ensuing kickoff after cutting the lead to 20-15. Instead of starting a drive on their 22 yardline, Thomas was called for unnecessary roughness, and the Ravens were boosted to their 37, from which they started a scoring drive that put the game 23-15. The Steelers, on their side, only forced two punts, blocking one of them at the end of the game to get a safety (By Thomas, who somehow made up for his earlier mistake).

Just Wondering

• This game ended on the same play Archer’s TD was called back, not on Roethlisberger’s first interception.
• Alternate ending: No holding call on Dri Archer’s TD, 30-22 with 4:47 to play and all 3 timeouts. Stop the Ravens on 3 and out (what actually happened), block their punt (also happened): 30-24, with more than 2:00 to play, 1 timeout and receive a free kick from their 20. No, I’m not trying to make it harder to swallow, just to make a point on how costly a penalty can be on a playoff game.
• By the way, nice play Archer. Did it happen too late to save a roster spot for him in 2015? Was it enough to do so?
• Ben looked woozy after the hit, even after the game. While he’s a competitor and came back as soon as he could, should the staff have given Gradkowski, who looked good for his 3 snaps, an opportunity to end that series while holding back Ben?
• Kudos to Sean Spence for his second consecutive game with a sack, and for forcing a fumble. This kid’s story is really special.
• And this performance means a hometown discount from Roethlisberger? He, for sure, has now another reason to remain a Steeler, while also looking at the needs this team has on D, which will require both: cap space and cash to be filled.
• Memo to the Staff: Field goals are good for 3 points, while TDs for 6, plus a chance to make an extra point. Getting FGs while allowing TDs is not a way to keep a game close.
• Memo to our DBs: if your receiver gets past you, keep your eyes on the football while using your feet to trip the receiver. While both are effective, it’s much more credible to say you tripped, than saying your feet were too cold and you didn’t notice you kicked someone.
• Memo to NFL officiating: That’s 2 times in the last 3 games that a Steeler player gets literally kicked without a flag being thrown.
• Memo to NFL officiating #2: Consistent calls. That’s what we all expect from you. If you throw a flag on McCain for Pass interference, you must throw another if someone trips an open receiver on a deep route. If you throw a flag for holding on Beachum on a passing TD, you must look closer at what happened on Harrison on their first passing TD. Consistency, please.
• Why weren’t our DBs expecting the long throw? Each game (not only against us), Flacco throws it deep looking for a PI call, and usually gets at least one per game, meaning a 40 or 50 yard penalty. They were giving a 10 yard cushion, and letting them grab short passes, but still allowed a long reception and a PI call.
• Lack of pass rush. That’s what exposed a weak secondary. Not only this game. We gave Glennon, Hoyer, Vick and Brees time to throw. Just look back for the outcome of those games.
• Don’t look now, but someone will be answering questions about the HB situation soon. Letting Blount walk away was, for sure, a decision taken while having in mind the available options at HB (Harris, Archer). If they lacked confidence in them, why didn’t they sign an available HB earlier in the Season?
• A little further: To see a guy come from the streets and start a playoff game in a 6 day span must say something about what the Staff thinks about Harris and Archer. Will the Steelers be shopping or drafting another RB?
• So, Mitchell played all season with a torn groin? Well, that explains some things, but also raises questions. Two of them: What does this say about his substitutes? Does the Staff really think that an injured Mitchell is a clear upgrade from what Shamarko or Golden brings to the table? That would be very bad news for years to come.
• Another one: was that an excuse for poor performance? This, clearly, was not an upgrade from what Ryan Clark used to provide to the Steelers Defense.
• Shamarko’s hit on the kick returner was a blow to our chances, but mostly a consequence of his intensity, while also a mental mistake. He made up with the blocked punt. This kid has intensity, and should have played more on Defense.
• Lance Moore’s deactivation, his last game as a Steeler? Clearly brought as a safety net in case Bryant and Wheaton disappointed, but after watching the development of those young guys, now it seems affordable to let him go. Good guy, and good hands, but his best days are long gone.
• Was that a tribute to Polamalu’s career, or the Staff thought he provided an upgrade on what Allen brought to the table recently?
• Does this loss put a chip on the shoulders of players considering retirement, like Polamalu, Kiesel, Harrison and Taylor, to come for another season?
• If so, who of them is still playing at a high enough level to contribute? Even if they want to come back, some of them will (should) not be offered a contract.
• And, suddenly, a thin group looks crowded (ILB), and a crowded unit looks thin (OLB).
• And another formerly crowded unit looks thin (RBs), while one who appeared to be thin looks crowded (WRs)
• Suddenly, the most solid units on the Defense seem to be DE and ILB, with Tuitt, Heyward, and a mix of Timmons with anyone of these: Shazier, Spence, Williams. That’s what you have to build a Defense around.
• And at CB, we’re not as bad as it looks. Gay, McCain and Blake should look much more reliable if pass rush existed.
• Yes, I’m sure something should be done about Cortez Allen’s contract. He’s not even close to where the top 3 performers at CB are playing right now. Either he bounces back big, or should be getting a call to renegotiate his contract (probably being cut).
• One year later, it’s fair to ask: So, Worilds was an upgrade from what Woodley brought to the table? Really?
• If LeBeau calls it a career, will it mean a transition to a 4-3 Defense?
• If so, will it mean the Steelers are not set with Butler to run the D? His specialty is under LeBeau’s 3-4 scheme.
• Sorry, but Rex Ryan doesn’t suit up for the standards of the Steeler way. As much as you like him, he’ll never be part of the Steelers staff.
• With that said, I don’t expect Coach LeBeau to walk away after the Season, nor Coach Tomlin or the Rooneys firing him or forcing him into retirement.
• And no, I don’t think his departure is the answer to the Steelers D problems. This unit needs an upgrade at OLB to one who can effectively create pressure, and a ball hawk at Safety. An upgrade on CB will help, too, but just upgrading OLB and S positions should boost this unit’s performance.
• Is that why some DBs target the receiver’s knees? Nelson did it, and looked dirty against Bell, but Mitchell said after the game he’ll do so from now on, in order to avoid penalties.

What comes next?

A long offseason, which includes:

• First of all, dealing with potential retirements: Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and Brett Kiesel; all of them being candidates to call it a career.
• After that, offseason moves and contract negotiations, which might include extending Roetlhisberger (has 1 season left in his contract), Tomlin (2 seasons left in his contract), and revising situations of some others, based on performance and expectations when given extensions (Cortez Allen, the most noticeable on this scenario).
• Make decisions on players that will become free agents soon. Among them: Worilds, McCain, Blake, Spaeth, Will Allen, Wing, Harris, Moats, Will Johnson and Garvin)
• The Pro Bowl, which will be played in Arizona, January 25^th. Roethlisberger, Bell, Brown, Pouncey and Timmons were selected to play on the Pro Bowl, and a couple other that could go as replacements as injuries and players from teams heading to the SB become unavailable. Bell could (should) be among injury absences for the Pro Bowl.
• After that, preparing for the Scouting Combine (Feb 17-23) and the Draft (April 30 – May 2).

Talking about what comes next: I know we’ll have a couple more articles about the Season’s thoughts and What Comes Next to the Steelers.

I don’t know what comes next to this section on TheSteelersFans. But I’d like to thank Steve Alan (TTF) for the opportunity of writing for TSF, and also for his patience, guidance and the advice provided to keep these articles up, while reading them as Main Editor late into the night or even while having other more important issues to deal with.

And special thanks too, to the 3 or 4 readers I’ve got each week, who are able to make it to the end of my articles on a weekly basis. It was a special Season for me too, just for having the opportunity to contribute with this.

By the numbers

2 Interceptions thrown by Roethlisberger, tying a Season high (w10 at NYJ, w13 against NO)

3 Consecutive playoff losses by the Steelers (Green Bay, at Denver, vs Baltimore)

5 Sacks given up by the Steelers, most since week 11 @ Titans

5 years, almost, since the last Steelers playoff victory (Jan 23, vs NYJ).

5-4 Mike Tomlin’s record on the Playoffs.

8 yards. Longest play from scrimmage by a Steelers running back.

31 % 3^rd down Offensive efficiency on this game. Down from 45% for 2014 Season (ranked 4^th in the NFL)

76 total yards by the committee replacing Bell (Harris, Tate, Archer)

114 penalty yards by the Steelers

… and 16 games later, the Steelers beat the odds and are Division Champions at 11-5. It was a long way to hosting a playoff game, finishing as the 3^rd seed in the AFC. Just 10 games ago, sitting at 3-3, another 8-8 season seemed probable for a Steelers team who was battling to find an offensive identity, struggling to create turnovers and making former backup QBs look like hall of famers.

An 8-2 finish, beating three playoff teams (Colts, Ravens and sweeping the Bengals) and winning against three at-the-time contenders (Chiefs, Falcons, Texans) helped secure a Playoff game at Heinz Field, hosting divisional foes on what is called –still- the best rivalry in football. And those wins happened while dealing with injuries to 6 defensive starters (Taylor, Allen, Polamalu, Shazier, Kiesel and Jones).

The win against the Bengals closed the Season turnaround and clinched the Divison Title, but it wouldn’t come without a couple of scares:

• Before the game, Roethlisberger wasn’t able to warm-up with his teammates due to an upset stomach. 10 minutes before kickoff, Ben was able to play catch and warm up a bit, just to start his 158^th game as a Steelers QB (tying Bradshaw for most in team history).
• In the middle of the 3^rd quarter, Le’veon Bell took a legal –but cheap- shot to the knees in open field by Reggie Nelson. A lot can be said of this play, but apparently not by Coach Tomlin or Nelson. One day later, an MRI showed no structural damage but keeping his status for the Wild Card game up in the air, probably until minutes before kickoff.

Tone-setting plays:

• The offense struggled on the first series, which stalled at the Steelers 49 yardline. The Defense got on the field and stopped the Bengals (3 & out), which led to AB’s  tone-setting 71 yard punt return for a touchdown.
• With 40 seconds left in the first half, down 20-10, the Bengals –surprisingly- tried to move into FG territory from their 30 yardline. Dalton began the series with a short pass to Bernard, who was trying to get out of bounds. While running into the sidelines, A Blake delivered a big hit, preventing him from stopping the clock, and killing any opportunity the Bengals were looking for to score points just before the intermission.
• Nelson’s hit on Bell, which delivered a blow to the rhythm of the Steelers offense. That drive ended with an interception, which led to a Bengals TD. After that, the Steelers attempted 6 rushes (5 from Harris, 1 from Archer) for a total of 6 yards.

Turning points. In a game featuring several turning points, and as expected before the game by several analysts, AJ Green would be a defining man in this game. All 3 top turning points of the game featured plays in which he was involved.

• McCain’s interceptions: 1) Down 7-0, the Bengals were at the Steelers 28 yardline. On a miscommunication issue, Dalton overthrew AJ Green, while McCain never lost sight of the football, grabbing his first interception of the game and preventing the Bengals from getting points on what looked to be a scoring drive. 2) Later on, with the score tied 10-10 at the Bengals’ 35 yardline, Dalton looked for AJ Green again, and overthrew him once more, which would lead to another McCain interception. Two plays later, Bryant scored the go-ahead TD to give the Steelers the lead 17-10.
• A Blake: With Le’veon Bell injured, and the score 20-17, the Steelers drive stalled at the Bengals 45 yardline, where the Steelers attempted a fake punt, which was intercepted. Two plays later, AJ Green caught a pass and ranto the Steelers 31 yardline, within FG range, but just before falling down, A Blake striped the football from his hands, to recover himself the fumble and give the Steelers the football at their own 30 yardline. Four plays later, Brown scored on a 63 yard pass from Roethlisberger, to make it 27-17 with under 3 minutes in the 4^th quarter, sealing the lead and the Division Title for the Steelers.

Offense:

• Ben wasn’t accurate early, but was helped with field position after McCain’s interception and Haley’s understanding of his slow tempo: Ben didn’t warm up before the game, and he did so while on his first series. After that, short routes helped his passing game. A shame he fell short of 5,000 passing yards. He was helped by his Offensive linemen, being barely touched and having enough time to look at his options most of the game. After Bell went down, the Bengals defense was expecting a passing oriented offense from the Steelers, and Roethlisberger was able to pick them apart to score another TD through the air. He also threw his first pick in 4 games, on a miscommunication and bad throw. His confidence in his receivers is growing, being explicit on throws where coverage seems close, and betting for his receivers to fight for the football.
• Bell continued to struggle on the running game, but was a factor on the offense, with 100 total yards (20 running, 80 receiving) before he was injured. Lack of reps from Harris and Archer didn’t prevent the Steelers to use them in the 4^th quarter, while both combined for 6 carries for 7 yards, and a big 59 yard gain that was called back due to a penalty. RBs not named Bell accounted for 9 touches (6 carries, 2 receptions by Archer, one by Johnson). Archer struggled in pass protection, and could be substituted on 3^rd downs if Bell isn’t able to play by either Johnson, Miller or Spaeth on passing situations. After an MRI showed Bell has no structural damage on his knee, it will probably come down to a gametime decision if he’s able to play or not, depending on the amount of pain he’s able to support.
• Posting several NFL and Steelers record, Antonio Brown had another great game. While statistically (7 receptions, 128 yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 return TD) it was an impressive performance, he had a great timing making them: opening the score after both offenses were stopped on the opening drives, and clinching the game on the last TD. This guy is a model of consistency.
• Bryant and Wheaton also had a nice game, with valuable contributions. While both combined for only 4 receptions and 48 yards, Bryant scored a TD on which Miller and Wheaton developed textbook blocks. Not to say the same about Brown’s reception, where Bryant almost tackled Brown. Bryant continues to get behind defenders, but unfortunately wasn’t on the same page than Roethlisberger: he had a shot at 2 more TD passes, but was underthrown in one, and overthrown in the other. Heath Miller continues to get open, and got 3 receptions for 41 yards, while also spotting several good blocks. This guy deserved a Pro Bowl berth based on performance. Although, Miller seemed to drop a pass, same as Spaeth.
• Credit to the offensive line for keeping Ben clean one more week. However, once again this unit failed to open lanes for the RBs. The biggest running play from scrimmage was negated by a Ramon Foster penalty; while the Steelers first turnover, in their own territory, came after a bad snap from Pouncey (shouldn’t it have been an offside?). Noticeable development from the offensive line since coach Munchak arrived: he’s working with basically the same unit from last season, and has managed to keep them going uphill.

Defense: who said this Defense is soft? It is, in fact, getting hot while approaching the playoffs, closing games and creating opportunities against Atlanta, KC and Cincinnati twice.

• Heyward and Tuitt are the future of the Defense, the ones with whom LeBeau –or whoever takes his spot- should build a Defense around. Tuitt is only getting better, and Heyward is now a seasoned veteran, who tied for team lead in sacks (6.5, getting one against Dalton).  The Steelers allowed the Bengals to run for 116 yard, with 55 of them on their first two series. After that, and while playing most of the game from behind, the Bengals weren’t able to run comfortably again to the Steelers.
• Lawrence Timmons, playing the best football of his career, led the Steelers with 7 tackles this game (and 132 for the Season). Spence and V. Williams made great plays with a sack the former and a big stop on 3^rd down the later. Worilds created pressure and had one sack, while Harrison wasn’t able to approach Dalton frequently, but managed to compact the pocket.
• McCain, Gay and Blake provide a clear upgrade of what the Steelers had at the beginning of the Season. All 3 have combined for huge takeaways, providing turning points in several games this season. While none of them are pro-bowl caliber players, their game seems to be way ahead of where Cortez Allen and Ike Taylor were playing. McCain has ball skills, and doesn’t get lost in coverage, while Blake has that spark to be in the right place at the right time (last week, he broke up a TD pass) and for sure this guy can tackle: he provided two of the game’s most ferocious hits.
• Will Allen was another addition by subtraction, stopping the run and keeping the football in front of him, while taking the big play away. Mitchell seems to understand better his style than Polamalu’s, and that has given another look to our secondary. Hope I don’t wake up some demons with this, but Mitchell could be fined for the hit he took at AJ Green.  Wonder, if Green hadn’t fumbled because of Blake’s strip, if he would have after that Mitchell hit.

Special teams: Something special, at last.

• Finally, a return TD from our special teams. With exceptional blocks by Garvin and Heyward Bey, AB had his 3^rd punt return for a TD in his career, all of them against the Bengals. Suisham, on a perfect 2 for 2, and our coverage units not allowing the Bengals to have good field position from big returns helped the Steelers chances to win the game. That fake punt call, even if it didn’t work, showed confidence on the Defense. Last time it was attempted, A. Blake caught a Robert Golden pass, and it worked. Here’s hoping to see that approach again on close games. Nuggent’s miss was huge, since it came on the opening drive of the 2^nd half, preventing the lead from being cut to 20-13.

Just Wondering

• And this postseason berth ends the debate about Tomlin being fired.
• … Does this end the debate about him winning only because of the Roster he inherited from Coach Cowher too?
• Gotta give credit to coach Munchak: Roethlisberger was sacked 33 times this season, after being sacked 40 times last year.
• And to the whole Staff, for discipline: after 5 games the Steelers lead the league in penalties. At the end of the Season, the Steelers ranked 20^th.
• And WWW’s unsung heroes, candidates for Season team’s MUP (most underrated player) award finalists: McCain, Blake, Heyward, Bryant, V. Williams and Spence.
• Just teasing with other nominees for my awards: for comeback story of the year award finalists, I have James Harrison and Sean Spence in bold letters.
• Next-man-up award could be a close call, too. This award should be called “the standard is the standard”.
• And, just to end with the tease of my nominees: worst offseason move: well, it’s easy and getting easier. Just look at what the CBs have brought to the table recently, and what we expected at the beginning of the season.
• Tickle-tackle-TD. Antonio Brown managed to tackle his own teammates on both of his TDs: Shamarko Thomas on the punt return, and Martavis Bryant on his TD reception.
• Addition by subtraction: Will Allen, and a combo from McCain and Blake have played way better than Polamalu and Taylor. Just sayin’.
• Great comeback story: From barely being able to walk two years ago, to having an impactful performance as an alternate on Defense, Sean Spence finally recorded his first sack. Kudos to this guy, that’s an inspiring story.
• Ok, so we have 5 Pro-Bowlers. But how many All Pro’s? Bell and Brown seem to be locks on that.
• How many near-misses for the ProBowl? Heyward, Miller and DeCastro deserve credit for personal accomplishments and team contributions this season, too.
• Big mistake from whoever thought all winds blow the same way all across the Ohio River: It’s not the same to attempt a 50 yarder at Paul Brown Stadium than at Heinz Field. Also, missing the attempt gives the football to the other team at the 40 yardline.
•  Even while called back, that Harris run for 59 yards says something about what the Coaching Staff and FO were pondering while letting Blount walk away: he showed that ability to break free, and could help Bell get a breathe if he’s healthy enough to play.
• …And that’s the reason why I’ve been calling for Arhcer and Harris to get reps since 4 weeks ago.
• Continuing with Bell’s injury impact on the team: this opens a spot for… Lance Moore / Heyward Bey on 5 receiver sets? Formerly: Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, Miller, Bell (HB/5^th receiver). Now: Brown, Wheaton and Bryant, with Miller at RB/5^th receiver / extra protection, and Arhcer/Heyward Bey / Moore?
• Smart money? Steelers spent $8.9 million in season opener starting CB’s salary -Ike Taylor (2.75m) and Cortez Allen (6.15m)-, while former backups McCain and Blake, now starters, account for a total $1.27m -McCain (0.79m), Blake (0.48m).
• And this opens the debate: are McCain and Blake an answer to CB problems? Do KC and the Staff think this position needs to be fixed in the draft?
• Will Allen provided experience and made big plays, stopping the run and keeping the receivers in front of him. But, once again, shouldn’t Shamarko be taking reps here?
• All that said, my starting DBs would be: Gay, McCain and Blake as CBs,  with Allen and Mitchell (probably, inserting Shamarko Thomas in specific situations). No way Taylor and Polamalu bring to the table the same level of football of what these young guys are providing to the defense .
• I’m struggling to name the best block in the game: Miller/Wheaton on Bryant’s TD, or Garvin/Heyward Bey on Brown’s punt TD return. But, definitely, Bryant is not on that list!
• Talking about that, memo to Bryant: when a fellow teammate catches the football and is running to the endzone, please block the closest guy to him, not him. Ask Wheaton or Miller, they can provide free advice to you.
• And still talking about Bryant: targeted twice on deep routes, while one pass fell too short and the other one was too long. But this guy continues to get behind defenders, and that will mean 6 points soon. Hope it happens next week.
• And that makes it Garvin 2 – Bengals 0. Last season, Garvin broke Bengals’ punter jaw with a vicious hit, while AB was taking it to the house. This time, he delivered 2 big blocks to let him run away with the football all his way to the endzone.
• Legal, yes. But cheap, too. Say whatever you want, but there are unwritten rules in sports, and you’re not supposed to break them. If it was baseball, I’d be looking for a hit by pitch to Nelson on his next at bat. Un-classy.
• Is it just me, or have we’ve seen a much more emotional Tomlin on the sidelines the last 5 or so weeks? He’s providing me a clearer definition of what he thinks about these two words: Unleash Hell. And I like his attitude.
• While the fake punt has been a league wide criticized call, it shows aggressiveness (with emphasis on Coach Tomlin’s words: Not live on our fears) and confidence on the Defense. It has worked before, and for sure it will keep rivals with an eye on trick plays.
• If someone had told you that a discussion was going to happen and Coach Porter was in the middle of it, most probably everyone would have thought he was the one arguing or fighting. Instead, we saw a mature Porter being perfectly calm and just in front of his Head Coach, trying to end the discussion. Classy.

What comes next?

The Steelers will host Ravens Saturday night, after splitting season series with them. This will be the 4^th time these foes face each other in the postseason, with the Steelers hosting and winning the first three.

If the Steelers win, they’ll be heading to Denver, to face Manning’s Broncos. If the Ravens win, they’ll be facing New England at Foxboro. So, if the Steelers are going to make it to the Superbowl, their flight itinerary will be, after the game at Heinz Field: @Denver, @New England, @Arizona.

By the numbers

0 Turnover differential for the Steelers this season

1 Roethlisberger rank in Passing yards, 4,952, tied with Drew Brees (firs Steeler to achieve it)

1 Brown’s Rank in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698)

1 Player in NFL history with 2000+ yards from Scrimmage without losing the football: Le’veon Bell

2 Steelers rank in total offense (411.1 yds/game) and passing offense (301.6 yds/game)

3 Punts returned for TD’s by Antonio Brown in his career. All against the Bengals.

5 Steelers selected to the Pro Bowl (Ben, Brown, Bell, Pouncey, Timmons).

15 Passes of 40 or more yards by Roethlisberger this season, league high (tied with Luck and Rodgers).

19 Carries. Amount of NFL experience in carries, combined, for Archer and Harris, Bell’s backups.

20 Steelers NFL rank in penalties, after dealing with them for the first 5 weeks of the Season while leading the league in that span.

32 consecutive regular season games with 5+ receptions and 50+ receiving yards for Antonio Brown, an NFL record (and counting).

48 yards separated Ben Roethlisberger from being the 6^th QB in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards in a Season.

The 2015 Pro Bowl selections have been announced, and 5 Steelers are among them.

• Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd in passing yards.
• Le’Veon Bell, 2nd in rushing yards.
• Antonio Brown, 1st in receptions and 1st in receiving yards.
• Maurkice Pouncey, main anchor of the Steelers offensive line (2nd total offense).
• Lawrence Timmons (9th in tackles).

For Bell and Timmons, this will be their first trip to the Pro Bowl, the third for Roethlisberger and Brown, and the fourth for Pouncey.

For the Steelers, other players who could have been in consideration due to their performance this season:

• David DeCastro, Heath Miller, Cam Heyward, William Gay and James Harrison.

Teams with most players selected:

• Denver Broncos – 9
• Dallas Cowboys -6
• Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers  and Indianapolis Colts – 5

Full list of selections can be found here.

Allowing only 39 rushing yards to an offense led by Jamaal Charles, sacking Alex Smith 6 times, winning the turnover battle and converting 50% of their 3^rd downs meant the Steelers beat the KC Chiefs and have locked a ticket to the Playoffs for the first time since 2011.

The Steelers can end no worse than the 5^th seed. In fact, if the Steelers win against the Bengals, they’ll be AFC’s #3 seed (thanks to the Colt’s loss at Cowboys). Next week’s game vs Cincinatti has been flexed to primetime (which gives the Steelers a league high 6 primetime games this season). The Steelers are 4-1 on primetime games in 2014 (their only loss at Baltimore, week 2, with wins at Carolina, vs Houston, vs Baltimore and at Tennessee).

Even though several important plays occurred during the game, 4 key turning points went the Steelers way and shaped this big win:

• Blake breaks up TD pass. With the Score tied 3-3, and the Chiefs had just converted a 4^th down on a trick play to get a 1^st and goal at the Steelers 6 yard line. On 2^nd and goal from the Steelers 4 yard line, Alex Smith threw a perfect pass to Bowe, who appeared to have a great chance to catch it and put his team 10-3, but A. Blake broke up that pass. Next play, Worilds sacked Smith for a 3 yard loss, forcing KC to settle for a FG, making it 6-3 and keeping it a low-scoring, close game.
• Big stop on 4th down. On a questionable play call by Andy Reid, the Chiefs went for it on 4^th and 1 from the Steelers 12 yard line with 27 seconds left in the 1^st half. Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison stopped Charles at the line of scrimmage, negating a score by the Chiefs, keeping it 10-6, Steelers, going into halftime.
• Tuitt’s forced fumble. Score 10-6, Steelers. After exchanging punts to open the 2^nd half, the Chiefs drove 44 yards to the Steelers 28 yard line on what appeared to be a scoring drive. On 2^nd and 7 from the Steelers 28, Smith found Charles open, who caught a short pass and was fighting for extra yardage, when Tuitt delivered a big hit on Charles, forcing a fumble (that V. Williams recovered).
• Roethlisberger’s TD pass to Brown. After that fumble recovery, the Steelers drove 72 yards to the Chiefs 3 yardline. With the scoreboard still 10-6 in the 3^rd quarter, Ben Roethlisberger found A. Brown for his only TD pass of the game, just after being tripped and before being knocked down by the Chiefs pressure. His patience with the football gave Brown enough time to find an opening, and Ben delivered a perfect bullet to Brown, who made it 17-6 with 40 seconds left in the 3^rd quarter.

Offense: The Steelers had just 6 offensive drives all game long, and scored on 4 of them, being able to put 20 points on the board while gaining 282 total yards. Let’s not forget they were facing KC’s defense, ranked 3^rd in scoring in the NFL.

• Even though Ben had a low yardage game for his 2014 standards (220 yards), he didn’t throw for an interception for the 3^rd consecutive game and had 1 TD pass (to Brown), on a play in which he was unintentionally tripped (really?), and being patient to find him open in the End Zone. Could have had three more TD passes, but drops from AB and Miller negated a couple more for him, while he underthrew a relatively open Palmer in the end zone. He wasn’t erratic often, didn’t force throws into double coverage and was able to find both, Miller and Brown, 7 times each to move the football, while contributions by Wheaton (2 catches for first downs) and Bryant (on a 44 yard reception) helped to establish scoring drives. He didn’t take a step back after being hit, while being able to move the football and convert 3^rd downs throwing during the 4^th quarter.
• Statistically, Bell had a subpar game with 72 total yards (63 rushing with a 3.1 average), but he still was a big factor while getting 5 first downs and a rushing TD, also being able to put some good blocks on pass protection, helping the OL keep Ben clean. Once again, no other halfback carried the football for the Steelers.
• Wide receivers accounted for more than 53% of the Steelers total offense, with Martavis Bryant accounting for 53 yards on consecutive plays in the 1^st drive (44 yard catch, 9 yard run), Wheaton grabbed two catches (both good for first downs), and Antonio Brown grabbing 7 passes and a TD. Going to Bryant on 3^rd and 4 in the first series was a smart call, which showed they both have a good tempo on that go route. Brown, even when double covered, finds a way to get open and that was a key factor to let the Steelers move the football between the 20s.
• Miller was a factor too, grabbing 7 passes, with 4 of them being good for first downs. Spaeth was deactivated, and Palmer played on his #2 TE spot, being targeted just once on an underthrow by Ben. Miller has been getting more and more involved as the season unfolds, which is good news facing the season finale and playoffs, giving Ben another reliable target, besides his young WRs and elusive RB.
• Offensive Line allowed Ben to establish his passing game, but once again struggled to open lanes for Bell. Of 52 total offensive plays, only 1 was for negative yardage (Houston’s sack of Roethlisberger) and the OL deserves credit for it. Still, Bell was able to convert 5 rushing first downs, score a rushing TD behind DeCastro and Gilbert, and Ben was given enough time to throw for most of the game. Foster committed a 15 yard penalty after one of Suisham’s FGs, forcing the Steelers to kick from their own 20 yard line, and giving KC Great field position to start what became a FG scoring drive. Poe and Houston weren’t big factors for most of the game, and that’s to be credited to the Steelers OL, too.

Defense: 6 sacks, fumble recovery, 3^rd & 4^th down stops, limit the Chiefs to 39 rushing yards: no TDs allowed.

• The Steelers Defense stopped KC’s offense on 4 drives inside the Steelers Red Zone (KCs offense was ranked #2 in red zone efficiency  in the NFL, before the game), who had to settle for Field Goals three times, while stopping them on 4^th down, right before halftime, on the other one.
• Front 7: Allowing 39 rushing yards from a Chiefs offense featuring Jamaal Charles, and getting 6 sacks. Tuitt recorded his 1^st sack and a forced fumble, while Heyward had 1.5 sacks and several hurries. If they continue to play like this, Heyward and Tuitt have the potential to become anchors of the defense. Today, they did an Aaron Smith-Brett Kiesel impression. Timmons and Harrison combined to stop Charles on 4^th and 1 from the Steelers 12 yardline, negating a score to the Chiefs on what became a turning point for the game (instead of heading 10-9 to halftime, when the Chiefs would receive the 2^nd half kickoff, they kept It 10-6, and stopped KC’s first drive in the 2^nd half). Worilds and Harrison combined for 3.5 sacks, and both of them had big stops on running plays. Harrison had his best performance as a Steeler since 2012. He faced a former #1 overall draft pick in LT Eric Fisher, and abused him frequently. Timmons had another great performance, with huge stops on 3^rd down (one of them, negated by a very questionable –at least- call by the referee on William Gay, for taunting –on his own teammate? Really?).
• A shorthanded secondary, playing without Polamalu (Will Allen took his place) and Ike Taylor (who I wonder, if healthy, if he’s still the starter) allowed KC to pass for more than 300 yards, most of them on short routes (longest pass was a short catch and run). Credit to Blake, for breaking up what could have been a go ahead TD to Bowe, to Will Allen, who was frequently tackling close to the line of scrimmage, and to the DBs as a unit, keeping the ball in front of them and not allowing the big play. While 312 yards from Alex Smith sound like being torched, most of them were on scheme: short passes and bubble screens were frequently used, while the Steelers secondary was showing respect to their WR corp, playing with enough separation to let that happen.

Special Teams. Other than Suisham, not so special

• Wing punted just two times, one of them an extremely short 34 yarder, and a long 56 yarder, providing no consistency (which was an issue at the start of the season). Suisham converted two short FGs (both from 23 yards). The kick block unit was caught off guard on a 4^th down trick play, which allowed KC to get a first down. The Steelers didn’t allow big returns from KC, which was good news, keeping the Chiefs away from starting their drives with good field position.

Just Wondering

• And with a legitimate shot at #3, all the Steelers have to do is win their season finale. And then, most probably, play host to an AFC North foe in the Wild Card round.
• Losses against 3-12 Jets and 2-13 Buccaneers are the difference between facing season finale playing for #3 seed, and for #1 seed.
• Credit to DBs for not allowing Chiefs’ WRs to score their 1^st TD of the Season. Since 1950, no team has gone an entire season without their WRs scoring a TD. Honestly, the Steelers DBs provided a good chance to be the first ones to allow it.
• Great call, first series long pass to Bryant. Like that approach, and both showed great tempo, again.
• While I like what Bell brings to the table, Harris should be getting some reps. It won’t happen while games are on the line, but the Steelers have no proven backup behind him. Playing January football means it’s pretty relevant to have a 2^nd running back, especially when playing in the elements (if the Steelers win out and go through the SB, their path could be: at Heinz Field season finale, at Heinz Field Wild Card round, at Denver for the Divisional Playoff game, and at Foxboro for Division Championship).
• Why isn’t Shamarko Thomas getting reps? With Polamalu sidelined, it was supposed to be his turn. Will Allen made some plays, but he’s not the future at the position. Shamarko should be.
• Any chance Harrison thinks twice after the season about retirement? Interesting story about his kids not letting him come back, just to listen to one of them say “I didn’t say so”.
• And how can that effect decision time with Worilds next season?
• Tuitt needed a chance to grow while getting reps. This kid will make things happen (he’s already moving that way).
• And next week could be the last regular Season game in Heinz Field as a Steeler for… Troy Polamalu?
• How much credit does our Defense deserve? While the Defense recently locked games against Jacksonville (scoring a TD on a low-scoring, close game) and Atlanta (stopping them on the 4^th quarter), this game against KC could be seen as the best Defensive performance so far this season. At least, league-wide it’s been pointed as an exception performance. How about remembering how they set the tone against Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Tennessee, Cincinnati and Atlanta (early, on Gay’s pick six)? Weren’t those good, tone-setting performances from the defense, too?
• Memo to Colbert: Time to open the wallet and think about Heyward’s extension.
• Underrated, and flying under the radar, A. Blake and McCain have made several plays on defense this season. Is Cortez Allen now expendable? And what about Ike? Not that they seem to be the future at the position (Blake and McCain), but could pretty much complement with Gay and draft picks to replace former starters Taylor and C Allen.
• Who will cover AJ Green next week? Gay, Blake or McCain? All three seem an upgrade from what Taylor did (or did not) against him the last time the Steelers faced him.
• Another heavy dose of 3-7 counter on the Bengals, probable? Last time, it accounted for 100 yards. If the Bengals adjust, it could open up the playaction game, once again.
• Two very questionable judgment calls from the referees: One call, a taunting penalty on Gay, which kept a Chiefs drive alive, and a non-call on what was a clear tripping penalty on Ben’s TD pass to Brown.
• Coach Tomlin has shown his emotions recently, and was really fired up after Gay’s penalty. Also, after the Steelers recovered the final onside kick, he was jubilant on the sidelines. That attitude makes me wonder if he thought he’d be on the hot seat if not getting into the playoffs.
• An AFC North rematch looks probable: If the Steelers finish as a Wild Card, it means Cincinatti will be #4, hosting the Steelers. If the Steelers win the Division as #3, they could be receiving either Baltimore or Cincinnati.

What comes next?

Regular Season finale at Heinz Field, a flexed primetime game vs the Bengals, Sunday December 28th. If the Steelers win or tie, they’ll be Divison Champs and AFC #3 seed. If they lose, they’ll be in as a Wild Card, no worse than #5 AFC seed. Current record on primetime games this season: Steelers 4-1, Bengals 1-2.

By the Numbers

0 TDs allowed by the Steelers, 2^nd time it happens this season (vs Chiefs, at Jacksonville)

3^rd time this season the Steelers have held the opponents to under 20 points

6 Primetime games for the Steelers this Season, league high

6 Sacks by the Steelers defense, Season high (and most since December 23, 2013).

11 times the Steelers have scored 20 points this Season.

12 Receiving TDs by Antonio Brown, tying a Steelers Record (with no others than Ward, Lipps and Dial)

17 Steelers NFL rank in Penalties, after leading the league for the first stretch of the season.

31 consecutive games with 5+ receptions and 50+ receiving yards by Antonio Brown, an NFL record

365 passing yards needed by Roethlisberger on season finale to surpass 5,000 (only 5 QBs in NFL history have accomplished that: Manning, Brees, Brady, Marino and Stafford).

Two games left and the Steelers control their destiny through the Division Title. Despite no TDs thrown by Ben, Bell being held to under 50 rushing yards and getting no sacks, the Steelers scored early and never looked back. The scoreboard will show a close game, but that wasn’t the way for most of the game.

Protecting a lead usually means a need for running the football, but the Steelers managed to eat the clock by passing the football.

Offense: No 100 yard rushing, no passing TDs, no problem.

• Believe it or not, it was only the 2^nd game this season where Ben didn’t throw for a TD. Still, Roethlisberger spread the football out to 5 receivers, relying mostly on Brown. There could have been more yards and a TD, if not by a couple of overthrows/drops (not by much) to Moore and Bryant. Dislpayed character. I liked his approach while trying to go for it on a 4^th and 1 close to midfield, but someday he needs to really go for it: most teams are aware that this situation is just to try to draw a flag from the defense. At least, he didn’t punt the football in that situation. His confidence in his receivers continues to grow, as shown on throws to AB at the corner, Bryant at the endzone with close coverage, Wheaton on a crossing pattern (who made an unbelievable catch), as well as some throws to Bell and Miller having close coverage. Big throws from him in the 4^th quarter, for the 2^nd consecutive week, led to Steelers long scoring drives.

Bell had what could be called a subpar game by the media, while still being able to gain 119 yards (47 rushing, 72 receiving) and scoring 2 rushing TDs (and setting up a FG after a 44 catch and run).  He was in for all 59 offensive snaps, keeping Harris on the sidelines, with Archer being inactive. 37 counter, the play that gave him more than 100 yards against Cincinnati wasn’t as effective this week, but he was able to score from it against Atlanta. He had 25 touches, and while it doesn’t seem to be a high number, keeping him fresh for the playoffs would be smart, at least he could have a little rest while running 5 receiver sets. Either way, Bell continues having a solid performance this season, and is most likely headed to the Pro Bowl, with –perhaps- some All Pro considerations.

• Brown, Wheaton and Bryant accounted for 18 receptions for 220 yards. Brown and Wheaton excelled on different plays, and a couple of them will probably make the season highlights: AB’s reception at ATL 1 yardline, while tiptoeing to get the catch (upon further review), and Wheaton making a nice display of awareness by grabbing a pass with his backhand just an instant after he turned around to see his QB. Jordy Mercer (Pirate’s shortstop) should take notes on that one. While the statsline will show a couple of drops by Steelers WRs, both were while attempting one-handed catches (by Lance Moore and Martavis Bryant). Heyward Bey played only on Special teams, while Lance Moore had extended playing time (21 snaps, close to Bryant’s 25). An awkward penalty against Antonio Brown for taunting killed a drive, which isn’t common but shouldn’t happen again.
• Our offensive line had a contrasting performance: Keeping Ben clean for most of the game (allowed 1 sack), but struggling to open lanes for Bell (3 tackles for a loss). For most of the game, they gave Ben time to throw, and also made blocks downfield. This unit committed no holding penalties and didn’t have false starts, helping the offense keep drives alive. Once again, the statsline doesn’t show everything: Both Steelers possessions inside the red zone ended with Bell’s rushing TDs, and this unit is responsible for those. Adams once again played for Gilbert, providing good pass protection for most of the game. Despite that, he’ll probably be headed back to the bench as soon as Gilbert is back, missing an opportunity to show growth and readiness.

Defense: Where are our blitzes, part VIII?

• Our front 7 held Atlanta running backs to 70 rushing yards, while playing from behind the entire game (and also added 27 on Ryan’s scrambles). Heyward is making a silent case for a Pro Bowl berth, getting big stops, creating pressure and even batting the ball. Tuitt is also getting a lot of playing time, which is making him get more and more comfortable with his role on defense. Even when they hurried Ryan from time to time, pressure by Steelers DL was non-existent for most of the game.
• Solid performance by ILBs: With Timmons all over the place and a working rotation of Vince Williams and Sean Spence (who combined for big stops on 3^rd down and for a loss), this unit provided a solid performance. Spence and Williams playing at a high level allowed the staff to take it easy on rehabbing Shazier, who played for just a bunch of defensive plays (4, to be exact), on which he managed to make 2 tackles.
• OLBs didn’t create enough pressure. The only sack for the Steelers was made on a brutal hit from Worilds on Ryan, drawing a flag on what, at all sights, was a clean shot. Moats and Jones rotated, but struggled to create pressure. Look for Moats to change to the left side as soon as Harrison gets back. As with ILB, the OLB group can benefit of having a crowded depth chart.
• William Gay provided an early turning point, while returning an INT for a TD (leading to a 13-0 score at the time). Last week he had another pick, called back. Blake was targeted often, but managed to keep the ball in front of him most of the game. McCain showed he isn’t afraid of tackling, while keeping close coverage on his receivers. Everyone wants to have Pro Bowlers at this position (and for the Steelers, that hasn’t happened in a long time), but reliability also comes with non-pro bowlers. If this trio is able to stay healthy and concentrated, Cortez Allen could be the next player headed to the Front Office as soon as the season ends. This unit has been exposed, but not all of it is their fault. Some responsibility lies with the front 7 not being able to create pressure or force opposing QBs into bad throws, and with the Safeties for frequently being caught out of spot.
• Polamalu and Mitchell weren’t a factor once again. Both came down on injuries (and both returned), while being substituted by Will Allen who made his presence felt in the game as soon as he was inserted in the lineup. So far, this unit gets my vote as top underperformers of the year. Shamarko should be getting playing time, but has been relegated to Special Teams.

Special Teams

The kickoff coverage team kicked smart and away from their playmaker. Although they let Hester return a kickoff for 27 yards, he was contained other than that. Suisham converted on 2 field goals (both from 38 yards), and Wing had 3 punts (one of them good for 55 yards, while the other 2 were inside ATL 20 yardline). For the 2^nd consecutive game, the Steelers had a big return (31 yard punt return for AB), and for 2^nd consecutive game the Steelers were unable to capitalize from it, being forced to punt.

Just wondering

• If that Worilds hit had happened against Roethlisberger, any chance of it drawing a flag?
• Where were they at the beginning of the season? So far, Bryant, V Williams, Spence, Moats, Gay, McCain, Blake and Tuitt are having extended playing time, in comparison with where they were at the beginning of the season. Most of them young talent (with Moats and Gay the experienced exceptions), which has played up to the standard (at least as good as the people who were ahead of them at the start of the regular Season).
• And, suddenly, all rumors about Ben’s injured wrist/hand disappeared, despite amid reports of being broken.
• Settling for FGs instead of getting into the endzone has become an unpleasant habit for the Offense, while having fast starts crossing the field, but falling short to score TDs. Offensive scheme and gameplan is designed, sometimes, to get things going after a couple of drives. But that only results when you can get and sustain a lead (which happened thanks to Gay’s pick-six). This same approach can work against KC, who don’t have a dangerous passing game, but must be fixed before season finale.
• Still wondering why isn’t Coach LeBeau using more blitzes, while giving opposing QBs enough time for their receivers to get open.
• No KC receiver has scored a TD so far this Season. Wonder what the odds makers think about their chances of getting it this week.
• Kudos to Haley and Ben, for that 4^th and 1 conversion to end the game. Aggressive playcalling with great execution. Similar approach as taken against Baltimore (week 9)
• Buzz around the league: Bell having a subpar game, being a human. After gaining 117 total yards and scoring 2 TDs? Really?
• Shazier, McCullers and Shamarko Thomas played a combined 10 snaps on Defense.
• And that week 17 game vs Cincinnati looks more and more probable to get pushed into primetime (6^th time for the Steelers this season).
• … which leads to growing asking prices for tickets to get into that game at Heinz Field.
• After a couple of disappointing seasons hoping for help during the last 5 games, finally, the Steelers approach the stretch controlling their own destiny.

What comes next?

The Steelers receive desperate Kansas City Chiefs, who are playing for their lives: one more loss, and they will be eliminated from playoff contention. KC hasn’t had a receiver catching a TD all season (since 1950, no team has had a complete season without having a WR catching a TD pass). Can the Steelers keep that streak alive? No matter what happens with this game, if the Steelers win vs Cincinnati, they will get in, at least as a Wild Card, while winning both remaining games means Division Title. I’ll break out these scenarios later this week, on a reviewed Week 16 playoff picture.

Meanwhile, the Ravens visit the Houston Texans, Cincinatti will host Denver Broncos, and Cleveland visits Carolina (which is still alive).

By the Numbers

1^st winning season for the Steelers since 2011

2^nd in the NFL: Roethlisberger in Passing Yards, Bell in rushing yards

3 interceptions returned for TDs by William Gay this season, a Steelers Record

5 consecutive games where the Steelers commit less than 5 penalties

8 Games featuring 300+ yards passing by Roethlisberger this season

30 Consecutive games with 5+ receptions and 50+ receiving yards by Antonio Brown, an NFL record

115 Receptions by Antonio Brown, a Steelers record (for 1498, one yard shy of tying his own Steelers record from last season)

5003 passing yards –  Roethlisberger’s projection for 2014 season.

The Steelers took a couple of steps toward the Playoffs in week 14 of the regular season. Their win against the Bengals combined with losses by 5 of the potential contenders for a Wild Card berth, puts them in better position to get into the postseason (either as Division Champions or a Wild Card). Currently, the Steelers hold the AFC #5 seed.

Once again, the Steelers control their destiny: win out and grab the AFC north Division title.

The same 12 teams from week 14 are still alive in the playoff hunt going into week 15. Each team’s situation, divided in 4 categories:

• Control their path to division title: New England, Denver, Indianapolis,Bengals, and Steelers.
• Control their fate for a Wild Card berth, need help for division title: Ravens, Chargers.
• Control their destiny for a Wild Card, no chance at Division Title: Chiefs
• Need help (Winning out, no guarantee they will get in) Browns, Texans, Bills, Dolphins.

Here’s what happened in week 14, in terms of Playoff seeding: Of 12 contenders still alive in the AFC, half of them won and half lost.

• All 4 current AFC Division Leaders had a shot at contenders, and 3 of them won their games: New England handled San Diego, Indianapolis won with a last minute drive over Cleveland, and Denver won vs Buffalo. Only one division leader lost (Cincinnati against Pittsburgh).
• Outcome this week for the rest of the AFC contenders: Baltimore won at Miami, Houston won vs Jacksonville, and Kansas City lost at Arizona.

How do the outcomes of this week’s games affect the Playoff picture?

• The Steelers win against the Bengals mantains them in control of their fate, while it also opens the door to the Ravens for a Division title (if they win out and the Steelers lose at least one more). If both, the Steelers and Ravens end up winning out, at 11-5, the Steelers will be Division Champions based on Division record.
• New England and Denver win, good news for the Steelers. With the #1 and #2 AFC seeds practically out of reach for Pittsburgh, watching these two teams fight for seeding means both will remain competing with their starters for at least two more weeks while playing for the #1 spot. The Patriots still have on their schedule games against the Dolphins and Bills, and Denver still faces the Chargers and Bengals.
• Losses by Buffalo, San Diego and Kansas City, potential competitors for a Wild Card berth.
• Baltimore beating Dolphins was a tricky pick: while it closes the competition for the AFC North title, keeping in mind Baltimore’s remaining schedule (16-23 combined), it can potentially benefit the Steelers for the Wild Card race (because the Dolphins had a stronger Conference record, which is a tiebreaking criteria).
• Indianapolis beating Cleveland: tricky pick, too. If the Steelers are able to handle their own business and win out, a loss by Indy could have meant a #3 seed for Pittsburgh. For the Wild card race, a loss by Cleveland benefits the Steelers.

A first approach at different scenarios, based on the outcome of the Steelers remaining games:

• Lose all 3 remaining games (8-8); out of contention.
• Lose 2 games (9-7): A slim chance, while in some scenarios the Steelers could get in based on the outcome of several games.
• Lose 1 game (10-6): Most likely would get in, by winning some tiebreakers (also could be held out, depending on the outcome of several games and who they end up tied with). The Steelers would boost their chances if the loss is against Atlanta, and win both vs KC and Cincinnati.
• Win out (11-5): Division Title, without mattering whatever happens in other games. Their seeding depends on Indianapolis: if they lose one more game, the Steelers would be #3, if they don’t, Pittsburgh will be #4. A long shot at #1 and #2 is still possible, if somehow NE and/or Denver get into a 2 or 3 week slump.

With 11 games still to be played among AFC contenders, a universe of scenarios are still possible (all of them can be simulated here)

Week 15 features 4 games between 8 of the AFC contenders:

• Dolphins at Patriots, Texans at Colts, Bengals at Browns, Broncos at Chargers
• Other games involving AFC contenders: Steelers at Falcons, Raiders at Chiefs, Jaguars at Ravens, Packers at Bills.

*A full breakdown of the remaining schedule involving AFC contenders can be found at the end of this article.

A quick look at each contender’s scenarios (NFL Official standings and Playoff Picture, here):

CURRENT DIVISION LEADERS:

Patriots (10-3) Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins (7-6), at Jets (2-11), vs. Bills (7-6). Currently, on the driver’s seat for the #1 AFC seed, holding the tiebreaker over Denver (head to head).

• They can help the Steelers: Patriots won against the Chargers, and can drop both Dolphins and Bills to 7 loses, most likely eliminating them  from contention.

Broncos (10-3) Remaining schedule: at Chargers (8-5), at Bengals (8-4-1), vs. Raiders (2-11). Still playing for the #1 seed (if they win one more game than NE). They need to beat the Chargers to maintain control of the Division.

• They can help the Steelers by: Already sent the Bills to 6 loses, and still have a chance to compromise Chargers and Bengals chances if they are able to beat them, both of them competing with the Steelers for playoff spots.

Colts (9-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Texans (7-6), at Cowboys (9-4), at Titans (2-11). Can clinch the Division this week if they beat the Texans. With a game against the Cowboys, a loss is still possible, and that could open the door for the Steelers to be AFC #3 if they win out.

• They can help the Steelers by: Beating the Texans will most likely eliminate them from playoff contention, and that eases the Steelers path to a Wild Card berth. Although, that can play two ways for the Steelers, remembering that another Colts loss will give the Steelers #3 seed if they win out (Steelers own the head to head tiebreaker).

Bengals (8-4-1) Remaining schedule: at Browns (7-6), vs. Broncos (10-3), at Steelers (8-5). They have the hardest remaining schedule among AFC North teams. While they remain in control of their destiny if they are able to win out, they dropped advantage over division foes. All of their upcoming games are against winning teams playing for their lives (Steelers and Browns), or a better seeding (Broncos). A win against Cleveland will most likely eliminate them from Playoff contention, but could also mean the Steelers will still be ½ game behind them for the division title.

CURRENT WILD CARDS

Steelers (8-5) Remaining schedule: at Falcons (5-8), vs. Chiefs (7-6), vs. Bengals (8-4-1). The Steelers are still in control of their own destiny, while winning out will give them the AFC North title. The win against the Bengals was huge. It boosted their division and conference record, while keeping them within striking distance of the Division Title..

• Losing one more game could still let them get into the Playoffs, with a stronger possibility if it’s against Atlanta (meaning the Steelers conference record would be 9-3, beating most opponents with similar record on tiebreakers criteria).
• The Steelers home games versus the Chiefs and Bengals are key. Winning at least one of those could keep them alive, and with even a slim chance to get in at 9-7.

Chargers (8-5) Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos (10-3), at 49ers (7-6), at Chiefs (7-6). A brutal schedule, with all remaining games against contenders. Most probably, they will be facing a SF team playing for their lives, and a Chiefs team that could either be eliminated since week 16, or figting for a Wild Card berth on week 17. Losing to the Broncos will mean they can only play for a Wild Card berth.

 STILL IN THE PLAYOFF RACE

Ravens (8-5) Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars (2-11), at Texans (7-6), vs. Browns (7-6). They control their destiny for a Wild Card, and need the Steelers and Bengals to lose one more game each at least to have a shot at the Division Title. They handled their hardest remaining game last Sunday against the Dolphins, and while on paper they have the easiest schedule of the AFC North, those games at Houston and against the Browns will be critical for them, since they both could still be in playoff contention coming weeks 16 & 17.

Texans (7-6) Remaining schedule: at Colts (9-4), vs. Ravens (7-6), vs. Jaguars (2-11). While still alive for their Division title, they need to beat the Colts this week for that to be an option after next Sunday. Their way for a Wild Card berth relies on the outcome of many games if they finish with 9 wins (and they can still get in at 9-7). If they somehow beat the Colts, their approach against the Ravens will be a must-win, which could benefit the Steelers. Also, keep in mind that the Steelers own the tiebreaker over the Colts, so a win by the Texans over the Colts could benefit the Steelers too. Can be major spoilers in favor of the Steelers.

They can help the Steelers chances by beating the Ravens. If the Texans get into week 16 after beating the Colts, they’ll still be playing for a Division title, and will fight for their lives against the Ravens. Can also help the Steelers have a legitimate shot at #3 if they beat the Colts.

Dolphins (7-6) Remaining schedule: at Patriots (10-3), vs. Vikings (6-7), vs. Jets (2-11). Just blew a golden opportunity to hold the driver’s seat into the Wild Card berth. Still with a long shot at the Division title, for which they must win out and hope the Patriots lose all 3 remaining games. They no longer control their destiny, as winning out doesn’t’ guarantee a playoff spot for them.

Chiefs (7-6) Remaining schedule vs. Raiders (2-11), at Steelers (8-5), vs. Chargers (8-2). After 3 straight loses, they can only play for a Wild Card berth and still control their path into it: win out, and get a WC. Games against the Steelers and Chargers (weeks 16 & 17 respectively) will be critical, such as handling their business against the Raiders this week (who already beat them a couple of weeks ago).

Bills (7-6) Remaining schedule: vs. Packers (10-3), at Raiders (2-11), at Patriots (10-3). They no longer control their destiny, while they have a 4-6 conference record, and will lose most tiebreakers even if they win out. At 7 loses, could be eliminated if they lose to the Packers this Sunday.

Browns (7-6) Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals (8-4-1), at Panthers (4-8-1), at Ravens (7-6). Playing for their lives against the Bengals, they can’t afford to lose one more game. Could be major spoilers if they beat the Bengals or/and Ravens.

 So, who gets in?

While the AFC north remains in open competition, all other Divisions can have a front runner or winner after week 15. With 9 teams fighting for 3 spots, those who have a 7-6 record right now are against the wall: one more loss and they could be eliminated from contention.

• Most likely headed to the postseason and division title: New England, Denver and Indianapolis are most likely headed to the Post Season.
• Still in the Driver’s seat for division title: Steelers, Bengals
• In the driver’s seat for a Wild Card, need help for division title: Ravens, Chargers.
• Control their destiny for a Wild Card: Chiefs
• Need help (Winning out, no guarantee they will get in) Browns, Texans, Bills, Dolphins.

Steelers must take care of their own business, win out and grab the Division title. Losing one more game probably means a Wild Card, if that loss is against Atlanta. There are some scenarios in which a 9-7 Steelers can qualify for the playoffs, but depends on a lot of different outcomes from games involving AFC rivals.

• Good news: there are still 11 more games between AFC contenders, meaning, at least, 11 more Ls for contenders (assuming no ties).
• Keep an eye on: spoilers. Teams with losing records can always pull an upset on contenders.

What could happen after week 15:

• Bills, Dolphins and Texans with a real possibility of falling to 7-7
• The loser of Browns-Bengals will be looking for tons of help to get in.
• Patriots and Colts with a legitimate chance of closing in a Division title
• If the Steelers, Chiefs and Ravens are able to take care of business, all of them will get one step closer to the Playoffs.
• Broncos vs Chargers: If Denver wins, they will win their Division Title, and the Chargers will no longer control their destiny. Otherwise, both will remain in control of their destiny for a Wild Card, with the Broncos holding the upper hand at the Division Title.

——————————————————————————–

The rest of the Schedule, week by week, for AFC Contenders after week 15:

Week 16 features just 3 games between AFC contenders: Chiefs at Steelers, Ravens at Texans, Broncos at Bengals

And 6 teams play against non-AFC contenders: Chargers at 49ers, Vikings at Dolphins, Browns at Panthers, Patriots at Jets, Bills at Raiders, Colts at Cowboys

Week 17 features 4 games between AFC contenders: Bengals at Steelers, Browns at Ravens, Chargers at Chiefs, Bills at Patriots

And 4 teams play against non-AFC contenders: Colts at Titans, Jaguars at Texans, Jets at Dolphins, Raiders at Broncos

Another win against a contender has the Steelers sitting at the 5th seed in the AFC playoff picture. Keeping aside current Division leaders, 5 of 8 contenders looking for a Wild Card berth, or chasing division leaders, lost this Sunday (Browns, Bills, Dolphins, Chargers, and the Chiefs).

With 3 games left, the Steelers control their own destiny, while winning out will let them grab the Division Title. So far, the Steelers have locked, at least, their 11^th consecutive non-losing season (since a 6-10 record in 2004). Playoff picture and scenarios will be discussed further, in a separate article later this week.

This game was a close one until mid-4^th quarter, when the Steelers were able to gain control of it and put it out of the Bengals reach. While in the 1^st half the Steelers had to settle for a couple of FGs after promising drives, the Steelers defense kept it close enough to be within reach as late as the beginning of the 4^th quarter, when most of the game’s turning points happened.

Turning points

• Start of the 4^th quarter. Just after the Bengals scored on an 81 yard pass to AJ Green to make it 21-17, Le’veon Bell produced a 53 yard run, a momentum changer in the game. That run led to a Steelers FG to make it 21-20.
• 4^th quarter, shortly after the Steelers scored that field goal, Andy Dalton called a read option play, where he fumbled the football. Credit to Moats’ awareness, as he recovered the fumble, giving the Steelers great field position (Cincinnati’s 24 yardline), leading to a Steelers TD (28-21).
• After that touchdown from the Steelers, the Bengals series was stalled at their 42. They punted the football and were able to down it at the Steelers 6 yardline. On the next play, Ben thew a playaction pass to Martavis Bryant’s for 94 yards, 35-21 Steelers, who never looked back again.
• If the Bengals had a shot at returning to the game, it would be with a long pass. Andy Dalton attempted one more to M Sanu, but Blake and Mitchell combined to break up the pass, while Tuitt was getting a clean shot at Dalton (who was injured on that play). After that play, the Bengals weren’t able to do any more damage to the Steelers.

Offense: Running effectively = effective playaction passes.

• Too much talk about Ben Roethlisberger’s hand this week. Even though he missed some throws early in the game, he was able to complete 64% of his attempts to 8 different receivers. Accuracy on slant routes would have been impossible with an injured wrist (which were called often on 3^rd downs), while he also completed deep, accurate throws to Brown and Bryant (the later traveled almost 50 yards in the air). Injury concerns aside, Ben was able to gain confidence and spread it to his receivers.
• Bell is making a case for NFL Offensive MVP (or League MVP?). Not dressing Archer for the game meant the Steelers would give Bell as many runs as he could possibly handle if the game was close until the 4^th quarter. He had 32 touches (26 runs, 6 catches) for a combined 235 yards an 3 touchdowns. He’s a patient back who knows when to wait for a lane to open, as well as running with determination into it when he sees one. This skillset is a very valuable asset in December, and will be in the Playoffs, too (If there’s such a fate for the Steelers). Of the 3 Steelers remaining games, only next week will be indoors (@ Atlanta), with the other 2 being played in the elements, at Heinz Field. By no means have I believed the football should be taken away from Bell in close games, but Harris and Archer should somehow get touches as soon as a game is away from the opponent’s reach. While Bell’s last TD put the game away, it was probably a good occasion to give Harris the football (he had 4 runs for 9 yards on the last Steelers series). It keeps Bell out of risk of injury, while giving them reps in real-game action. Bell’s health and durability will be key for this team’s chances to get into the Playoffs (and compete in them if so).
• Receivers accounted for 16 receptions, 286 yards, 6 3^rd down conversions and a TD. Antonio Brown was double covered for portions of the game, but still was able to grab 9 passes for 117 yards. While some expect Brown to score each week, the plays he’s able to make are just as valuable: setting up great field position and converting 3^rd downs helped the team keep it close for 3 quarters, and opened up space for other players to score. Credit to the running game on that Bryant TD: Cincinnati was expecting a run, while being aggressive. Their safeties were in bad position to cover a deep pass, while they bit on the playaction. Kudos to Bryant, his speed and concentration led to the longest pass this season in the NFL, and of all gamechangers this one was probably the most important. Wheaton had his chances too, and while he wasn’t targeted often, he produced when his number was called. His route running has improved, and his awareness seems to be gaining momentum (as shown on an early 3^rd down conversion). Lance Moore has had very few chances this season, but has came up big with most of his grabs. Remember he was brought as a safety net, just in case Wheaton or Bryant weren’t up to the task. As a 4^th receiver, he’s understood his role so far.
• Miller and Spaeth’s biggest contributions came in the running game, both of them making excellent blocks on counter plays. Their tempo with their offensive line and the running back was outstanding, developing the lead block on most of those runs. While they combined for only 3 catches, good for 14 yards, Miller scored 8 points (the first Steelers TD and the 2 point conversion).
• The offensive line unit is responsible for wearing down the Bengals, and letting the Steelers score during the 4^th quarter. The offensive line kept Ben clean and gave him time to throw, while opening lanes to enable a strong running game. This was only the 2^nd time this season when Roethlisberger didn’t get sacked.  DeCastro, W Johnson, Miller and Spaeth featured a counter play that the Steelers ran over and over and over again, to the left side, on which Bell was able to gain more than 100 yards. Mike Adams showed improvement, as expected, not letting the pocket collapse or close, while Foster, Pouncey and Beachum had also an outstanding performance.

Defense: Great stopping the run and limiting 3^rd down conversions. But what’s going on with our secondary?

• Defensive linemen excelled against the run, but failed to create havoc on passing plays. This unit had one sack (Heyward, the team leader with 5) and stopped the run successfully, allowing the Bengals running backs to run for only 63 yards, who didn’t have a run longer than 15 yards. On most attempts Dalton had time to throw, even though Heyward and Tuitt managed to pressure and hit him occasionally. Going into next week’s game, getting to the QB is a must for this unit. Getting McLendon back helped stopping the run.
• Timmons and Spence both had critical tackles on 3^rd down, keeping the Bengals out of conversion success, while Moats and Worilds recovered a fumble each. Moats had 2 sacks on his most extended gameplay since Harrison was introduced in the first team defense. Timmons was caught out of spot on Dalton’s TD run, which isn’t expected from a veteran LB. Keeping that single play aside, Timmons had a solid performance.
• Steelers starting CBs blew coverage on their 2 passing TDs: Gay bit on a playaction on the pass to Gresham, and Ike Taylor was absolutely lost, overrun and torched on that long AJ Green TD reception. Being physical on AJ Green had resulted in containing him for past couple of seasons, but clearly Talyor was not up for the competition, for the 2^nd week in a row. Once substituted, he shouldn’t be accounted to shadow opposing top receivers (ask Josh Gordon or Calvin Johnson in 2013, or Stills & AJ Green this season). Blake and McCain both made plays (with Blake having outstanding coverage on Sanu on the 4^th quarter), while Gay had his big play (interception) turned over because of a penalty. All three of them provide an upgrade from our starting CBs from the beginning of the season (C Allen and I Taylor), and should be our top 3 CBs.
• Do we have Safeties? Mitchell broke a couple of passes, but was lost in coverage in most of the long throws. Polamalu, while still a fan favorite, is clearly on his downside: Was caught out of spot on Dalton’s TD run (relying too much on his old instincts, when he could screw up and come back on time to make a play), and was lost too on a couple of deep throws. While many blame LeBeau for our inexistent pass coverage sometimes, misreads and blown opportunities from our Safeties have been an issue all season long. Shamarko Thomas and Will Allen should be playing a lot more on this Defense.

Special Teams

Steelers return team didn’t create anything special in this game, while Suisham converted 2 FGs (22 and 44 yards). Brad Wing had his longest punt of the season (a 74 yarder that ended in a touchback). Punt coverage unit allowed two punt returns for more than 10 yards (14 and 16 respectively). The biggest play from special teams came after the 1^st Bengals offensive series, on a trick play that was stopped by the Steelers punt return team on an obscure ruling (which doesn’t allow an offensive player to recover a forward moving fumble, unless it’s recovered by the runner).

Just Wondering

• Losses against Tampa Bay and the Jets are more difficult to understand after games like this.
• This team will go as far as their offense is able to carry them. If Ben and Bell are on the same page, the Steelers will succeed.
• Have the coaches given up on Dri Archer?
• And this raises asking price for season finale tickets, CIN @ PIT.
• What had the coaches seen in Heyward Bay and Justin Brown to activate them over Martavis Bryant for the start of the season?   
• Does that performance shut down all rumors about Ben’s supposedly broken hand/wrist?
• And that should be the last time Ike Taylor is assigned to shadow the opponent’s best receiver.
• Is drafting a CB with the 1^st round pick in the 2015 draft a lock right now?
• … And a safety with the 2^nd round pick?
• Why isn’t Shamarko Thomas getting reps? Sometimes it seems it couldn’t be worse than what we’re seeing from starters.
• Do the Steelers have an NFL MVP candidate?
• Once Harrison gets back, will Dick LeBeau rotate his OLBs?
• Is LeBeau is hurting this defense? Not by scheme, but by starting Taylor and still letting Polamalu play off his instincts. Both are clearly not playing as gamechangers. Or even as top performers. Limit Polamalu’s risky moves. And wait until Taylor is 100% healthy before reinserting him in the lineup (which, ideally, would have him no greater than 3^rd CB right now).

What comes next?

The Steelers will play this season’s last game as a visitor next week, at Atlanta (4-7, pending a Monday night game against Green Bay). While they have a losing record (and that should be enough reason for concern), their division title is still in the air (a mediocre NFC south with a 16-34 combined record, featuring no winning teams). Meanwhile, the Bengals will visit Cleveland and the Ravens receive the Jaguars.

By the numbers

2nd game this Season without allowing an opposing sack

3rd consecutive game featuring a 200+ yard performance from Le’veon Bell, (tying Walter Payton’s NFL record from 1977).

5^th Win for the Steelers this season following a Loss (haven’t lose 2 straight so far).

7 times the Steelers have scored 30+ points this Season (3 of them scoring 40+).

7 games where Roethlisberger has passed for over 300 yards this season

7 number of TDs for Martavis Bryant so far, after 7 games as a pro

11 Consecutive non-losing seasons for the Steelers.

25 Points scored in the 4^th quarter by the Steelers

29 Consecutive games where Antonio Brown has 5 receptions and 50 yards, an NFL record

94 yards, TD pass from Roethlisberger to Bryant, the longest in the NFL this season.

362 points scored this season by the Steelers, currently 6th in the league

4991 passing yards – Roethlisberger’s projection for 2014 season (311 yards per game).

It’s still not time to panic. And, still, the sky isn’t falling yet. The Steelers will grab a playoff spot and even the AFC north Division title if they are able to handle their own business (well, let me second-guess myself: that may be enough reason to panic).

In a competitive AFC, 12 teams are still alive in the playoff hunt. Of them, 5 lost (Patriots, Ravens, Browns, Chiefs and Steelers lost) and 7 won their games (Broncos, Bengals, Colts, Chargers, Dolphins, Bills and Texans).

With the Browns and Ravens losing this week, it was an excellent opportunity for the Steelers to gain some ground in the AFC north & Wild Card battles, but the Steelers weren’t able to handle their own business.

Even without doing something positive, the Steelers still control their own destiny: win out and be AFC north Champions, hosting a playoff game. Thanks to the Chargers (if the Ravens had won, the Steelers wouldn’t be in the driver’s seat for the AFC North crown).

 How do the outcomes of this week’s games affect the Playoff picture?

•  New England loss, good news for the Steelers. This means the Broncos are still playing for the #1 seed (if the Patriots lose one more than them). If both keep fighting for the #1 seed, it means they’ll try to win every football game without benching or resting their starters. On their schedules there are still games against contenders: Patriots still have to face the Chargers, Dolphins and Bills, while Denver plays the Bills, Chargers and Bengals. And that could play in favor of the Steelers.
•  The Chargers win over the Ravens means the Steelers control their way into the AFC north crown. Had the Ravens won the game, the Steelers would have had to win one more game than the Ravens the rest of the way.
•  The Kansas City loss puts the Steelers in position to win an eventual head to head tiebreaker with them, in case the Steelers are able to beat them at Heinz Field, 3 weeks from now.

 Once again, it’s still too early to elaborate into different scenarios; with 4 weeks still to go, there are still many remaining games between AFC contenders.  Current Seeding:

[table]

Division Leaders, W,L,T,Div,Conf

Patriots,9,3,0,2-1,6-2

Broncos,9,3,0,4-0,7-1

Bengals,8,3,1,2-1,5-3

Colts,8,4,0,4-0,6-3

[/table]

[table]

Wild Card, W,L,T,Div,Conf

Chargers,8,4,0,2-2,6-3

Dolphins,7,5,0,3-1,6-3

[/table]

[table]

In The Hunt, W,L,T,Div,Conf

Chiefs,7,5,0,1-3,5-4

Bills,7,5,0,3-2,4-5

Ravens,7,5,1,2-3,3-5

Steelers,7,5,0,2-2,6-3

Browns,7,5,0,2-2,4-5

Texans,6,6,0,2-1,5-3

[/table]

12 AFC teams remain in contention, with 11 of them holding winning records. A 6 way tie among 7-5 teams currently gives the Dolphins the edge on tiebreaking procedures, but don’t pay too much attention to it right now: there are still a lot of factors involved in determining seeding in case of a multiple way tie at the end of the season for a Wild Card berth.

• Each AFC contender still has, at least, two more games against other AFC contenders.
• A total of 16 games among these teams are still to be played, and that will alter the W-L totals, Division and Conference records in an unpredictable way.
•  And, 12 games into the season, every team in contention with a 7-5 or better record still controls its own destiny through, at least, a Wild Card berth. That’s 11 teams approaching their final stretch with the same mentality. After week 14, this magic number could come down to 7 teams controlling their own destiny, and the rest hoping for other results.

Week 14 features 5 games between 10 of the AFC contenders, which means that most probably (ties kept aside) 5 contenders will add a L to their record. Games between two AFC contenders: Steelers at Bengals, Ravens at Dolphins, Colts at Browns, Bills at Broncos, Patriots at Chargers. Meanwhile, the Chiefs visit Arizona while the Texans visit the Jaguars.

Other remaining games between contenders, weeks 15-17:

• Week 15: Dolphins at Patriots, Texans at Colts, Bengals at Browns, Broncos at Chargers
• Week 16: Chiefs at Steelers, Ravens at Texans, Broncos at Bengals
• Week 17: Bengals at Steelers, Browns at Ravens, Chargers at Chiefs, Bills at Patriots

*A full breakdown can be found at the end of this article.

Let’s take another look at each contender’s scenarios:

Patriots (9-3) Remaining schedule: at Chargers (8-4), vs. Dolphins (7-5), at Jets (2-10), vs. Bills (7-5). The Patriots still have the the upper hand in the AFC, but have wasted their margin of error within the Conference. While they still hold the #1 seed, they can’t lose more games than the Broncos, or they’ll end up being #2.

• They can help the Steelers: Patriots still have to face desperate teams looking for a playoff berth in their games against Chargers, Dolphins and Bills, which could pay off for the Steelers chances (assuming the Patriots don’t suffer a huge letdown).

Broncos (9-3) Remaining schedule: vs. Bills (7-5), at Chargers (8-4), at Bengals (8-3-1), vs. Raiders (1-11). They now have a legitimate shot at the #1 seed. For that to happen, they need to win one more game than the Patriots. Most importantly: they are just 1 game ahead of the Chargers, who they face on Week 15. The outcome of the Broncos remaining games will completely alter the playoff picture, particularly their next 3 games against AFC contenders.

• They can help the Steelers by: Beating the Bills and Chargers, in order to drop their records in Wild Card contention, and beating the Bengals, while thinking about the Division Title.

Colts (8-4) Remaining schedule: at Browns (7-5), vs. Texans (6-6), at Cowboys (8-3), at Titans (2-10). They are two games ahead of the Texans for the division title, and two games behind both Patriots and Broncos (while mathematically they are just 1 game behind, they lost to both of them, which means that if they end the season with the same overall record, they’ll lose on tiebreakers due to face-to-face matchups.

They can’t afford to lose to the Browns, because that could potentially mean risking their shot at the Division against the Texans two weeks from now, while still having to play a game against a desperate Cowboys team. So, their next two games appear to be critical, which also benefits the Steelers.

• They can help the Steelers by: Beating the Browns and Texans, who are still in contention for a Wild Card berth.

Bengals (8-3-1) Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers (7-5), at Browns (7-5), vs. Broncos (9-3), at Steelers (7-5). Somehow this team won their last 3 games on the road (Saints, Texans and Bucs) and remains in control of their destiny, if they are able to win out. A huge task considering all of their remaining games are against winning teams who are playing either for their lives (Steelers and Browns), or for a better seeding (Broncos).

Chargers (8-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots (9-3), vs. Broncos (9-3), at 49ers (7-5), at Chiefs (7-5). After a big win at Baltimore, they receive the Patriots and Broncos on consecutive weeks. Hard to imagine they can beat them both on consecutive weeks. If so, they will be in contention for the AFC West Division title their last two weeks. Otherwise, they will get into the mix for a Wild card, which could mean they must beat the 49ers and Chiefs.

Dolphins (7-5) Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens (7-5), at Patriots (9-3), vs. Vikings (5-7), vs. Jets (2-10). Escaped a trap game against the Jets (ask the Steelers), and their next two weeks are critical: games against the Ravens and traveling to New England build up a brutal combo for this team. If they are able to win one of their next two, they could be able to control their destiny to an AFC wild card berth entering week 16.

Chiefs (7-5) Remaining schedule: at Cardinals (9-3), vs. Raiders (1-11), at Steelers (7-5), vs. Chargers (8-4). Two weeks ago, their schedule looked brutal. After losing to the Broncos, their game against the Cardinals seems a lot more manageable than it looked a couple of weeks ago. Still, they have to face the Steelers and Chargers to end the season.

Bills (7-5) Remaining schedule: at Broncos (9-3), vs. Packers (9-3), at Raiders (1-11), at Patriots (9-3). With a win over the Browns, the Bills took a huge step to get into the Playoff conversation again. Their remaining schedule is brutal (Raiders aside). They could easily be either out of contention two weeks from now (if they lose both), or getting pretty hot into a final two week stretch that features a tune-up game against the Raiders just before heading to Foxboro to face their division rivals.

Ravens (7-5) Remaining schedule: at Dolphins (7-5), vs. Jaguars (2-10), at Texans (6-6), vs. Browns (7-5). The Ravens still control their destiny to a Wild Card Berth, but need the Bengals to lose two games and the Steelers to lose one more to be within striking distance to grab the AFC north title. On paper, it seems as if they have only one remaining tough game (this week, against the Dolphins), but could be playing both, Texans and Browns, playing for their lives. Don’t look now, but if somehow the Ravens and Dolphins end up with a tie, both teams could benefit from it in the long run. This could pretty much be their season defining game.

Steelers (7-5) Remaining schedule: at Bengals (8-3-1), at Falcons (5-7), vs. Chiefs (7-5), vs. Bengals (8-3-1). The Steelers are still in control of their own destiny, while winning out will give them the AFC North title. After losing to the Saints, their margin of error became slimmer: losing against the Bengals would put them 3 games behind with 3 to go, which could mean that the Steelers will only be playing for a Wild Card Berth.

• Games against the Falcons (who are playing for a division title, too) and Chiefs (who could, by then, be just one loss away of being eliminated) will not be easy, and if the Steelers want to remain in contention, they need to go on a run.
• Still, 3 more wins could mean a playoff berth for this team at 10-6, but two more loses could mark another playoff-less season for the Steelers, even at 9-7.
• If they are going to lose another game, better make it happen against the Falcons, so their conference record ends 9-3, and that would lead them to win most tiebreaking scenarios against the rest of the AFC contenders.

Browns (7-5) Remaining schedule:  vs. Colts (8-4), vs. Bengals (8-3-1), at Panthers (3-8-1), at Ravens (7-5). Changing Quarterback for the 20^th time in franchise history (just counting since their return to the NFL in 1999) is a risky bet for them. Playing against 3 teams in contention will not make it an easier task for the Browns. Their next two games are vital for them, and they need to win at least one of them to remain in contention.

Texans (6-6) Remaining schedule: at Jaguars (2-10), at Colts (8-4), vs. Ravens (7-5), vs. Jaguars (2-10). The Texans still can fight for a division title, if the Colts drop another game and the Texans are able to beat them on week 15.

They can help the Steelers chances by beating the Ravens. The ideal scenario would be the Texans getting into that game at 8-6, still alive for a Wild Card game and playing for their lives.

So, who gets in?

With 16 games remaining that involve a total of 12 AFC contenders, its pretty difficult to analyze and predict the possible outcome of each scenario. Most probably, AFC Wild Cards will get in at 10-6, with a strong possibility of a multiple team tie.

For the Steelers, the best case scenario is taking care of their own business and win out. If that doesn’t happen, the Steelers must beat the Bengals at home on season finale, and KC one week before. Record within the division and conference are tiebreaking criteria (which can be found here)

To ease things for the Steelers, Broncos and Patriots must keep fighting for the #1 seed until week 17, while they still face 3 AFC contenders each.

After week 14, both the AFC North and Wild Card competition could become a little bit less complicated.

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The rest of the Schedule, week by week, for AFC Contenders after week 14:

Week 15 has 4 games between AFC contenders: Dolphins at Patriots, Texans at Colts, Bengals at Browns, Broncos at Chargers

And 4 teams play against non-AFC contenders: Steelers at Falcons, Raiders at Chiefs, Jaguars at Ravens, Packers at Bills

Week 16 features just 3 games between AFC contenders: Chiefs at Steelers, Ravens at Texans, Broncos at Bengals

And 6 teams play against non-AFC contenders: Chargers at 49ers, Vikings at Dolphins, Browns at Panthers, Patriots at Jets, Bills at Raiders, Colts at Cowboys

Week 17 features 4 games between AFC contenders: Bengals at Steelers, Browns at Ravens, Chargers at Chiefs, Bills at Patriots

And 4 teams play against non-AFC contenders: Colts at Titans, Jaguars at Texans, Jets at Dolphins, Raiders at Broncos