tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3884022689884891282024-03-13T23:43:41.989-04:00The Steelers n'atThe Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.comBlogger1227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-76834243190283552822015-03-01T10:49:00.000-05:002015-09-05T10:49:39.478-04:00New SiteMy blog has moved over to the Bloguin network, come visit me over there at<br />
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-56555961466097943422015-02-16T16:30:00.000-05:002015-02-16T16:30:00.638-05:00SPONSORED: Who Should the Steelers Draft?<br /><br />Pittsburgh’s Wild Card Playoff Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens left a bad taste in the mouths of Steelers fans everywhere. However, although it doesn’t feel like it right now, the 2015 season is going to be here closer than you think. And when it comes, <a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> will be the place to save on every Steelers ticket, for every game. Until then, the one thing every fan can look forward to is the upcoming NFL Draft.<br /><br /><br />Almost everybody agrees that the Steelers need to use their first pick to shore up a leaky secondary. Their offense is one of the most elite in the league, but having Roethlisberger, Brown, and Bell can only do you so much if you’re letting the other team pick you apart in the passing game. Pittsburgh finished a ghastly 27th in passing yard defense last season.<br /><br /><br />Here are three players Pittsburgh should consider taking with their first pick:<br /><br /><br />1. Gerrod Holliman, Free Safety, Louisville<br /><br /><br />This Cardinals FS babied opposing quarterbacks in 2014, tying a 46-year-old FBS record by picking off 14 passes. That’s an average of more than 1 interception a game. However, while Holliman’s ball-hawking skills are unparalleled, he struggles making open field tackles and reading opposing offenses against the run. He’s super talented, but would be a project on the next level, at least as a rookie.<br /><br /><br /><br />2. Kevin Johnson, Cornerback, Wake Forest<br /><br /><br />This Demon Deacon doesn’t create turnovers at as an astonishing clip as Holliman can, but he’s got good length and is serviceable in coverage. He’s also much stronger when it comes to preventing the run and banging bodies. At the risk of being too simplistic, consider Johnson the inverse of Holliman. He probably doesn’t have as high a ceiling as the Louisville safety over a whole career, but he can come in on day one more NFL-ready.<br /><br /><br />3. PJ Williams, Florida State<br /><br /><br />Williams is a freak athlete who can play both corner and safety. He’s 6’1 so he can match up against bigger, physical receivers, but at a lithe 190 pounds he can also move and keep with quicker slot guys. The old ‘character concerns’ red flag surrounds Williams, however; he was involved in a hit and run while at FSU (though the Tallahassee police department, ever-lenient with Seminoles players, downgraded it to a mere traffic ticket). Is he mature enough to stay focused on what it takes to succeed in the pros?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> is the place to get all your Pittsburgh Steelers tickets in 2015. And while you wait through the long winter and spring for the new season to arrive, check out whatever NHL, NBA, or MLB tickets spur your interest as well! <a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> is the only place where you’ll save on every ticket, every sport, every day.The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-55520153692088861512015-02-14T22:30:00.000-05:002015-02-15T23:58:19.783-05:00SPONSORED: Who Was The Steelers MVP?You don’t come in first place in your division and win 11 games in the competitive AFC without a team effort. As such, it would be unfair for anybody to lis<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a>t just one Steelers player as the team’s season MVP. However, here are three players who truly played above and beyond in 2014.<br /><br /><br />3. I could say that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a fantastic season under center in 2014, but that would be rather akin to saying water is wet, isn’t it? Big Ben has been so good for so long (he does have three Super Bowl appearances and two rings, after all) that it’s easy to take his excellence for granted. This year though was something else, even by his solid standards. Career highs in completion percentage, touchdowns, passing yards, and a career low in interceptions (over a 16 game season). Wow.<br /><br /><br />2. Running back LeVeon Bell took a major leap forward in his sophomore season, upping per carry average by 1.2 yards and rushing for 1300+ yards overall. He had a touchdown-to-fumble ratio of 8-0. That’s right, zero fumbles in sixteen games, an incredibly valuable trait for any running back. He was such a revelation that the Pro Football Writers of America voted him the Most Improved Player of the Year. Unfortunately, through no fault of Bell’s own, his fantastic season was marred by a Week 17 injury that forced him to sit out the Steelers’ playoff loss to Baltimore. Had he been at full strength for that game is a major “What If” that Steelers fans with have to grapple with all off-season.<br /><br /><br />1. Great as Roethlisberger and Bell were, the closest thing to an MVP that Pittsburgh had all year was wide receiver Antonio Brown. In a league that is passing the ball with great frequency than ever, Brown was the best at his position all year. A league leading 1698 yards receiving. 13 TDs. He’s the best weapon Big Ben has had since he was chucking it to Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress almost a decade ago, and when all’s said and done he’ll probably have a better career than both. In fact, he was so good this year that he wasn’t just named to the Pro Bowl – he was named the AFC’s captain. In a year in which a lot of Steelers were very good, Brown wasn’t very good. He was borderline transcendent.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> is the place to get all your Pittsburgh Steelers tickets in 2015. And while you wait through the long winter and spring for the new season to arrive, check out whatever NHL, NBA, or MLB tickets spur your interest as well! <a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> is the only place where you’ll save on every ticket, every sport, every day.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-70930656718015653192015-02-12T23:42:00.000-05:002015-02-15T23:58:49.767-05:00SPONSORED: Lessons To Take Away From Steelers Season<br /><br /> Whether you saw the Pittsburgh Steelers live from Heinz Field thanks to <a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a>, or if you just watched them play from the comfort of your couch, there was a lot to appreciate about their 2014 season. An 11-5 record, a top spot in the ultra-competitive AFC North, and career years from multiple offensive players. Still, that 30-17 opening round playoff loss to archrival Baltimore stings. Taking the good with the bittersweet, here are some Lessons to take away from the season.<br /><br /><br />1. Antonio Brown has given Roethlisberger’s career new life<br /><br /><br />Roethlisberger has never had a bad season, and with two Super Bowl rings he’s a pretty clear-cut Hall of Famer already. But, for a few seasons, it seemed like Big Ben had slipped out of the top tier of NFL QBs. He was still very good, just not as elite as he once was. That changed in a great way in 2014. Thanks to a breakout season from wide receiver Antonio Brown, Roethlisberger had the best season of his career at 32. In his first ten seasons he had only broken the 4000-yard mark thrice and the 30-TD mark once. He finished 2014 with nearly 5000 yards and 32 scores.<br /><br /><br />2. LeVeon Bell is a keeper<br /><br /><br />Bell had an okay season in his rookie year, but one that didn’t quite live up to the hope considering the Steelers’ then-weakness at the position and Bell’s high draft status. He had a breakout year in 2014, topping the 1000 yard mark and winning Most Improved Player of the Year in 2014.<div>
<br /><br />3. Every game matters. Every game.<br /><br /><br />The Steelers went 11-5 and won the AFC North, so at first glance it’s hard to be disappointed in that record. But you maybe should be. Two of Pittsburgh’s losses came to the 4-12 Jets and 2-14 Buccaneers. If they take care of business in those eminently winnable contests, they’re 13-3 and have a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. If they have that bye LeVeon Bell probably plays for them in the Divisional Round. The AFC is too competitive to expect to win 3 games (two on the road) in order to make the Super Bowl, as their 30-17 loss to Baltimore proved.<br /><br /><br />The first round elimination hurts, but every new year brings a new season. And when the months pass by and football’s back at Heinz Field <a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> is the place where you’ll save on every Steelers ticket, everyday. And in the meantime, check out their amazing selection of cheap NBA, NHL, or MLB tickets, too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /></div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-13038033732275362862015-01-12T17:19:00.000-05:002015-01-12T17:19:00.068-05:00Blow It All Up? The Steelers 2015 Salary Cap SituationOne of the common refrains that Steelers fans have echoed over the radio and internet is that the team simply isn't good enough and they should "blow it all up and start over." But in the salary cap era, is this a feasible suggestion? The Steelers are already carrying the most dead money on their 2015 Salary Cap of any team in the league - due in large part to cutting LaMarr Woodley this year. The Steelers got a huge break in 2014 when the salary cap was set at $133 million, which was $8 to $10 million higher than many projected. Projections for 2015 have set the salary cap in the $140 million range. If the cap increases more than that, it is simply additional spending the Steelers could utilize.<br />
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The Steelers did ink several large multi-year contracts this past off-season, but given the way their contracts are structured, the Steelers could actually save money against the salary cap by jettisoning some of these players. But the question is: should they do it? At some point, your salary cap can't be filled with dead money from players that aren't with the team. Some money has to be spent on players that will replace them and will actually see the field. The danger here is winding up like the Oakland Raiders or Washington Redskins. If the Steelers cut ties with too many players and incur too much dead money, they could have a minimal amount of room to spend on players that will actually play and be forced to stack their roster with late round draft picks and undrafted free agents.<br />
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For those not as familiar with the intricacies of the NFL Salary Cap, here's a quick refresher. When a player signs a contract their signing bonus is pro-rated over the life of the contract for cap purposes (so a $10 million signing bonus on a 5-year contract counts $2 million per year) even though the player receives that money up front. A player's salary cap number is their base salary for that year plus the pro-rated amount of their signing bonus. If a player is cut, the "dead money" against the cap is the remaining guaranteed money in the contract (primarily the remaining amount of pro-rated signing bonus money).<br />
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The team's total cap number is the summation of the cap numbers from their players under contract (including those on IR) and dead money from players cut that year. In the offseason, the "Rule of 51" applies where only the 51 highest salaries count towards the total cap number.<br />
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Currently, the Steelers are projected to have a total cap number of approximately $136 million in 2015, which includes the $9.4 million in dead money they are carrying forward from players cut this year.<br />
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The Steelers front office has been rightly criticized for some of their free agent signings in 2014, primarily because of their poor play. These criticisms are totally justified, but let's also give credit where credit is due. The Steelers did an excellent job in structuring the contracts of their free agent signees so that they could cut ties with these players if they didn't perform with minimal dead money hanging on the Cap. This has already come into play when the Steelers cut LeGarrette Blount with the consequence of only $475,000 in dead money against the 2015 Cap, which actually saved the team about $2 million in base salary.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Free Agents</span></div>
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There are 19 players currently on the Steelers roster whose contracts will expire at the end of this year. The headliners of the list are Jason Worilds, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Will Allen, Matt Spaeth, Brice McCain, Antwon Blake and Arthur Moats. Currently, none of these players count towards the 2015 salary cap. The biggest and most immediate decision the Steelers will have to make is what to do with Jason Worilds. Worilds played in 2014 under a "transition" tag which paid him $9.5 million. The Steelers could use the Franchise Tag on Worilds which would keep him on the roster for another year at about $10 million, which might be more than the Steelers can afford under their current cap situation. The Steelers could try to work out a long-term deal for Worilds, but he would have most of the power in negotiations as the Steelers are strapped at Outside Linebacker without Worilds. Given his age and production, he is likely to get a contract in the range of 4-6 years for $6-$8 million per year on average.<br />
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Additionally, there are 13 players whose contracts expire after the 2015 season. The Steelers typically look to extend these players with a year remaining on their current deal in order to try to stretch out the signing bonus over more years. Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward, David DeCastro and Kelvin Beachum are the biggest names on the list. The Steelers may look to extend at least one, if not all four of them in the 2015 offseason. Since DeCastro was a first round pick, the Steelers will have a "team option" to extend his contract by a year like they did with Heyward this year. Steve McLendon, Ramon Foster, William Gay, Bruce Gradkowski, Mike Adams and Sean Spence are also entering the last year of their contract in 2015, but it's hard to see the Steelers making an aggressive move to re-sign any of them this offseason.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Potential Cap Savings</span></div>
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Troy Polamalu</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $8,250,000</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $4,500,000</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $3,750,000</div>
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This one will be the hardest one to swallow for Steelers fans. The ideal scenario would be that Troy Polamalu would be allowed to retire and not put through the same situation James Harrison was when the Steelers terminated his contract. However, Polamalu has only been a shade of his former self on the field and currently has the 4th highest 2015 cap number. There is a significant amount of dead money incurred if Troy is cut or retires, but there is nearly as much cap savings.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fd28Wet-7qs/VDbzm8w6eBI/AAAAAAAAJUs/XATCsqCYIP4/s1600/tempAllenC01_vs_Jacksonville_10052014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fd28Wet-7qs/VDbzm8w6eBI/AAAAAAAAJUs/XATCsqCYIP4/s1600/tempAllenC01_vs_Jacksonville_10052014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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Cortez Allen</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $6,981,000</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $5,400,000</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $1,581,000</div>
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There isn't a lot of cap savings here, primarily because the Steelers just signed Allen to an extension before the 2014 season. Allen responded by having the worst year of his career and was benched in favor of Brice McCain and Antwon Blake. One factor in play here is that Allen is due a $3 million roster bonus in April, which the Steelers would not have to pay him if he is cut before then. Would the Steelers incur $5.5 million in dead money to save $3 million in the bank? The ball is primarily in Allen's court on this one. If the coaches believe he is a lost cause, he will likely be gone. If they believe he can work through his issues and be a productive player then he will still be on the team in 2015.<br />
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Mike Mitchell</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $4,950,000</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $3,800,000</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $1,150,000</div>
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There isn't a ton of savings here, but to call Mitchell's play subpar would be a generous statement. Another factor in play is that Mitchell is due a $2 million roster bonus in April. If the Steelers cut him before April, they would save $2 million in the bank and jettison one of their worst defensive players. Like with Cortez Allen, the big question will be whether or not the Steelers think they can get a replacement-level player for the savings they can get from cutting Mitchell. Unfortunately, I have a feeling Mitchell will be given another year to prove himself.<br />
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Cam Thomas</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $2,500,000</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $500,000</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $2,000,000</div>
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Looking at the numbers, Cam Thomas is as good as gone. Looking at his play on the field, he is most definitely gone. Thomas has been the Steelers worst defensive lineman and has yet to make a productive impact on this team. Until Brett Keisel got hurt, he continued to get playing time ahead of rookie Stephon Tuitt, much to the chagrin of many Steelers fans and media members. After Keisel's injury, Tuitt stepped in and excelled which should make cutting Thomas an easy decision.<br />
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Lance Moore</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $1,822,500</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $322,500</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $1,500,000</div>
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The Steelers brought in Moore to be a possession receiver out of the slot. He has not performed up to expectations and was surpassed on the depth chart by Martavis Bryant. It is hard to see the Steelers keeping Moore around for the second year of his deal, especially when they can save $1.5 million by letting him go.<br />
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Brett Keisel</div>
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2015 Cap Number: $1,750,000</div>
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Dead Money if Cut: $250,000</div>
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Cap Savings if Cut: $1,500,000</div>
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Like with Troy, letting Keisel go will not be an easy thing to do. If he is able to recover from his triceps injury, this is a very reasonable price for a depth defensive lineman. However, it is hard to say if Keisel will opt to retire or try to stick it out for one more season. Keisel will be 37 years old next year so it is hard to say if he will have anything left in the tank.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not Going Anywhere</span></div>
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Antonio Brown, Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert, Cam Heyward, David DeCastro, Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier, Le'Veon Bell, Stephon Tuitt.<br />
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Looking purely from a salary cap perspective, these are the players the Steelers simply can't afford to cut. While Jarvis Jones has not been very productive in his second year due to a broken wrist, the Steelers would actually lose money against the cap if they were to let him go. So like it or not, Jones will be a Steeler in 2015. The only other name on this list that might come as a bit of a surprise would be Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert was just signed to a contract extension in the 2014 offseason and like Jones, it would cost the Steelers more to cut him than it would cost to keep him on the roster.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where Do We Go From Here?</span></div>
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Once again, the Steelers will be in a tight salary cap situation in 2015 unless the cap increases above current estimates. The Steelers $136 million in projected cap spending comes from just 39 active player contracts (including the 6 players profiled in the "Cap Savings" category). The Steelers have not traded away any of their 2015 draft picks and will likely get 1 or 2 compensatory picks. Nevertheless, the Steelers still have to come up with a 53-man roster to put on the field in 2015 that fits under the salary cap. Based on the projections from Over The Cap, the Steelers currently have about $4.7 million in cap space. If Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel retire, this number increases to $10 million and could increase to $13.5 million if Cam Thomas and Lance Moore are cut. The Steelers could also generate additional 2015 cap space by signing Ben Roethlisberger to a contract extension (which seems very likely). Cam Heyward, with a cap hit of $6.9 million is a possibility for an extension but it's likely his cap hit would not be changed much with an extension. An extension for Kelvin Beachum is unlikely before training camp because his rookie contract has such a small cap hit ($671,474) that any extension would increase his cap number. The Steelers probably won't make any move there until after the draft when they know how much cap space they have available. </div>
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Looking further down the road, the Steelers second largest cap hit is that of Lawrence Timmons, but his contract expires after 2016 so it would be very difficult to restructure his contract, lest the Steelers put themselves in a bad cap situation next year as well. Rather than restructure, the Steelers could look to extend Timmons, which could spread some of his base salary money out over the next 4 or 5 years.</div>
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The Steelers top 10 contracts in 2015 account for 65% of their total cap spending. As already discussed, Ben Roethlisberger will likely receive a contract extension that will lessen his 2015 cap hit. Cam Heyward is an extension possibility but the impact on his cap hit will likely be minimal based on the amount of guaranteed money other 3-4 DEs have received recently. Lawrence Timmons and Antonio Brown are not candidates for restructure based on the amount of money and years left in their contracts. Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert are untouchable based on the limited cap savings their release would generate. Troy Polamalu's play suffered a sharp decline so he will probably not be part of the 2015 Steelers. This leaves a key decision on two players: Cortez Allen and Mike Mitchell. Both players were given long-term deals before the 2014 season are were expected to be cornerstones of the secondary moving forward. As I already discussed, cutting either player would incur a significant amount of dead money against the cap, and the Steelers might not be able to sign a replacement player for the amount of cap money saved. </div>
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If Mitchell and Allen are retained while the other 4 (Polamalu, Keisel, Thomas and Moore) retire or are released, the Steelers will have 35 players under contract with about $13 million in cap space left to fill out the rest of the roster. Looking back to the 2014 offseason, the Steelers were able to sign 12 players and only spend about $11.5 million against the 2014 cap. Granted, 8 of the 12 players were signed to veteran minimum contracts. The Steelers will be able to be active on the free agent market but they will probably not be contenders for any of the top-tier free agents. Rather, they will have to fill the holes in their lineup with relatively cheap options. </div>
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<b>2014 Free Agency Summary</b></div>
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In conclusion, "blowing it all up" sounds good in theory, but in the salary cap NFL it's not likely a viable option for the Steelers. The core players of the 2015 Steelers will likely be mostly the same as the core players of 2014. On offense, this means Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, Heath Miller, Kelvin Beachum, Marcus Gilbert, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey. Ramon Foster, the 11th starter on offense, has one year left on his contract at a reasonable price. On defense, there is a bit more leeway for roster decisions. Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt will both return on the defensive line.Steve McLendon only has one year remaining and backup nose tackle Daniel McCullers will be with the team at least through training camp. As I already detailed, Jarvis Jones, Lawrence Timmons, Sean Spence, Vince Williams and Ryan Shazier aren't going anywhere (unless the Steelers try to trade one of their inside linebackers during the draft). In the secondary, the team will have to decide on the risk-reward of keeping Cortez Allen and Mike Mitchell, but there is an obvious hole at corner. William Gay only has 1 year remaining and the only other corner currently on the roster is free agent acquisition B.W. Webb who barely played this year. Shamarko Thomas would be the presumed replacement for Troy Polamalu and Ross Ventrone was our best special teams player in 2014 which likely keeps him on the roster through training camp.</div>
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While the Steelers can't "blow it all up" and get rid of everyone because of the salary cap, they are looking at a roster turnover of 15-20 players (28% to 38%). About half of these players will be replaced by rookies and the Steelers should have enough money to be active on the free agent market, though they won't have the funds to be able to make a huge splash like signing Justin Houston or Ndamukong Suh. That said, there are quality players out there the Steelers could sign to improve their roster, but they will once again be working within the confines of limited cap space.</div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-11437797122620806992015-01-09T18:52:00.002-05:002015-01-09T18:52:31.614-05:00Requiem for a Season: The 2014 Pittsburgh SteelersIn the end, sometimes the best place to start is thinking about the beginning. The story of the 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers began with a missed field goal in San Diego last December, an improbable end to a 2013 season that saw us start 0-4 then rally to a 6-2 finish and nearly steal a playoff berth. But when the Chargers emerged victorious in overtime, the book was closed on the 2013 Steelers and the story of 2014 began. The offseason started with debates over LaMarr Woodley vs Jason Worilds, which position on defense was of the biggest need in the draft, and which players would need to be cut in order to stay under the salary cap. The Steelers got lucky in early 2014 when the NFL announced the salary cap at $133 million, a $10 million increase from 2013 and much higher than many had anticipated. This enabled the Steelers to put the Transition Tag on Jason Worilds and cut ties with LaMarr Woodley. Woodley was designated as a June 1 cut in order to save some money on the 2014 cap, pushing $8.5 million in dead money out to 2015 - something that I'll be talking about a lot more when I start breaking down our salary cap situation next week.<br />
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Free agency saw the departure of Ziggy Hood, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery, Larry Foote, Al Woods and Ryan Clark. Those guys cashed in to the tune of $13.4 million in 2014 cap dollars. On the flip side, the Steelers went out and attempted to get the most bang for their buck, signing 8 players to veteran minimum contracts (Palmer, Warren, Allen, Moats, McCain, Whimper, Wallace and Heyward-Bey). They also made 4 bigger signings of Mike Mitchell, Cam Thomas, LeGarrette Blount and Lance Moore.<br />
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Looking back, the four big free agents that the Steelers signed were largely disappointments. However, they did get more than their money's worth out of Brice McCain and Greg Warren while Wallace, Moats and Allen provided solid rotational depth. Heyward-Bey gave nothing in the passing game but was arguably the third best special teams player (behind Ross Ventrone and Antwon Blake). The Steelers didn't get an impact player in free agency, and parted ways with Whimper in the preseason and Blount during the regular season. There was a lot of positivity about Mike Mitchell when the signing was first announced, including from myself:</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">Mitchell's contract is structured in a way that gives the Steelers a relatively easy out should he not pan out. Mitchell's contract has a $2 million roster bonus built in for 2015, which the Steelers could save if they cut him after this season (though it would likely take a disastrous 2014 for that to happen). Mitchell's base salary does not increase to $5 million until 2016, the third year of the deal, at which point the Steelers could cut him with less than $3 million dead against the cap. Mitchell had the best season of his career at the back end of Carolina's defense last year, finishing 4th on the team in tackles and had 4 interceptions and 10 passes defended.</span></blockquote>
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The signs were all there that Mitchell could be an impact player. He had 4 picks, 10 passes defended, 2 sacks for Carolina in 2013. Unfortunately, his 2014 stat line was a regression to ineptitude where he had a career-low 3 passes defended and did not record an interception or sack for only the second time in his career. Mitchell's season was so bad, he wasn't even close to the ball or the receiver in most cases, routinely getting beat over the top and across the middle. He was atrocious in coverage and to make matters worse had a career high 5 penalties - 3 of them of the personal foul variety. Mitchell wound up being the kind of player that is almost impossible to root for - he was a dirty player on the field who talked a big game but never backed it up.</div>
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FYI, fans at the game thought DPI was going to be called, then realized Mitchell is an idiot.<br />
— Chris (@ChrisG_BR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisG_BR/status/551555193759105024">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Unfortunately the two enduring images of Mitchell from this season will be the ridiculous leap into the Jets victory formation and screenshots of him chirping fans on Twitter.</div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat">@thesteelersnat</a> <a href="http://t.co/EnvaxHBHmc">pic.twitter.com/EnvaxHBHmc</a><br />
— Mac (@macpsu03) <a href="https://twitter.com/macpsu03/status/534853507204268032">November 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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For much of the season, the secondary was an unmitigated disaster and it was two cast-offs signed to minimum deals (McCain and Blake) that eventually stabilized the unit. The team started the year with Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen at corner and lost Taylor to injury and Allen to ineffective play, finishing the season with William Gay, McCain and Blake as the three primary corners. This is probably the most accurate description of our secondary through the first 6 games:<br />
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And Cortez gets burned on the next play. Where is Mike Mitchell? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a><br />
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMTodd/status/521358672891756544">October 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
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An unfortunately fair assessment of both Cortez Allen and Mike Mitchell</div>
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At the end of the season, Gay, McCain and Blake were clearly our best three corners but their size presented matchup problems for the Steelers as Gay was the tallest of the group at 5'10". Troy Polamalu's play significantly declined this year, which combined with the ineffective Mitchell created a gaping hole in the middle of the field. For the second time in three seasons, Polamalu missed playing time due to injury and this was the first season since 2007 that he failed to record an interception. Like Mitchell, Polamalu wasn't even close to the ball most of the time - recording a career low 1 pass defended. Troy frequently rushed off the edge but failed to record a sack for the first time in five years. In a dramatic change from previous seasons, it was the cornerbacks and not the safeties that were responsible for the splash plays from the Steelers defense.</div>
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But not everything about the 2014 Steelers was gloom and doom. The team overcame some early season struggles on offense and ended the season with the highest scoring offense in Steelers history. The offense had record-breaking performances out of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Records</span></div>
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<li>Ben Roethlisberger</li>
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<li>Completions (408) - broke his own record of 375 from 2013</li>
<li>Attempts (608) - broke his own record of 584 from 2013</li>
<li>Completion Percentage with at least 40 attempts (67.1%) - broke his own record of 66.6% from 2009</li>
<li>Yards (4,952) - broke his own record of 4,328 from 2009</li>
<li>Touchdowns (32) - tied his own record from 2007</li>
<li>Yards per Game (309.5) - broke his own record of 288.5 from 2009</li>
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<li>Le'Veon Bell</li>
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<li>Yards from Scrimmage (2,215) - broke Barry Foster's record of 2,034 from 1992</li>
<li>Receptions by a Running Back (83) - broke John L Williams' record of 51 from 1994</li>
<li>Receiving Yards by a Running Back (854) - broke Ray Mathews' record of 762 from 1955</li>
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<li>Antonio Brown</li>
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<li>Receptions (129) - broke Hines Ward's record of 112 from 2002</li>
<li>Yards (1,698) - broke his own record of 1,499 from 2013</li>
<li>Touchdowns (13) - broke Hines Ward/Louis Lipps/Buddy Dail's record of 12 from 2002/1985/1961.</li>
<li>Receptions per Game (8.1) - broke Hines Ward's record of 7.0 from 2002</li>
<li>Yards per Game (106.1) - broke his own record of 93.7 from 2013</li>
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In addition to individual single-season records, several Steelers propelled themselves up franchise leaderboards with great seasons. Antonio Brown moved into the top 5 in career receptions and Heath Miller ended the season just 5 receptions shy of John Stallworth for second on the Steelers All-Time list. Heath also passed Louis Lipps for 4th on the receiving yards list and Antonio Brown jumped from 14th to 6th. Brown will enter 2015 needing just 203 yards to pass Lynn Swann for fifth. Miller passed Buddy Dial and now sits 4th on the career receiving touchdowns list with Brown needing just two more to break into the top ten. Le'Veon Bell, in just his second season, entered the Top 20 in rushing touchdowns and needs another 8-touchdown season next year to reach the Top 10. Big Ben extended his franchise records in Attempts, Completions, Yards and Touchdowns and needs just 2 more wins to be the winningest quarterback in Steelers history. Shaun Suisham passed Norm Johnson for 4th place in Field Goals made and could catch Roy Gerela next year with 19 field goals. Suisham also maintained his place atop the list of most accurate Steelers kickers (with more than 5 career attempts).<br />
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Not only did the 2014 Steelers offense produce record-breaking individual numbers, they collectively had the 3 highest scoring outings of the Mike Tomlin era (42 against Cincinnati, 43 against Baltimore and 51 against Indianapolis). Ben Roethlisberger had the best two weeks of any quarterback ever not named Peyton Manning when he threw for 522 yards and 6 TDs against Indianapolis then followed it up with 340 yards and 6 TDs against Baltimore. The Steelers scored 30+ points in 7 games this season, something that had one been done once before in team history - in 1979. The offense benefited from improved offensive line play under the guidance of Mike Munchak. For the first time in years, the Steelers had a stable group of linemen for the entire season. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert missed 4 games to injury and left guard Ramon Foster missed two, but the rest of the line started all 16 games, making this the most stable line the Steelers had in years - and it paid off.</div>
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Todd Haley drew some criticism (and rightfully so) for the failures of the offense through the first 6 games of the season. After coming out strong against the Browns in the season opener, the offense laid eggs in 3 of the next 5 games, scoring only 6 in Baltimore, 10 in Jacksonville and 10 in Cleveland. A 3-3 start to the season left many wondering about the direction of the team. The offense was expected to carry the club, but was only averaging 20.67 points per game while a porous defense was surrendering 23.17 points per game and had been gashed for over 150 yards on the ground in 3 of their first 6 outings.</div>
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Enter Martavis Bryant. </div>
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In his first game with a helmet, the 4th round pick hauled in 2 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Suddenly the offense had its deep threat. Bryant exploded over the next two weeks against Indianapolis and Baltimore, scoring twice in each game and tallying 127 receiving yards. After Bryant was inserted into the lineup in Week 7, the team averaged 31.2 points per game - a 10-point improvement over their first 6 outings. For the defense, it was more of the same as they allowed 22.9 points per game over the last 10 but improved their turnover margin from 1 takeaway per game in the first 6 games to 1.5 per game in the last 10. All this combined to produce an 8-2 run to close out the season and take the division title in the last week of the season from the Bengals. Takeaways proved to be an indicator for success as the Steelers were 7-0 in games where the defense produced at least 2 takeaways, were 7-0 in games they won the turnover battle, and were 10-2 in games where the turnover margin was even or favored the Steelers.<br />
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We have yet to know how the 2014 Steelers will be remembered by history. Will they be seen like one of the years of the mid-1980s: the last hurrah of Super Bowl Champions? (In this case James Harrison, Brett Keisel, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor). Or will it be seen as the year the turnaround began, much like 2007, emerging from an 8-8 campaign with an injection of young talent and the stepping stone to bigger and better things? These are the questions that will be in our minds during the offseason - as hopefully the 2015 campaign shares a conclusion with the 2008 season. Ultimately, I think the 2014 Steelers are who we thought they were. They were an improvement over the previous iterations that finished the season with the top passer, top receiver and one of the top running backs in the league. At the beginning of the year, I said "<span style="color: yellow;">Denver and New England are clearly the best teams in the AFC, but the third spot is wide open. The Steelers could very well be the 3rd best team in the AFC this year.</span>" While our postseason results did not bear this out, the team did go 11-5 (with a 5-1 record against playoff teams) and finish 3rd in the AFC. That is nothing to scoff at after back-to-back 8-8 seasons and puts us on an upward trajectory heading into 2015. In fact, looking back to the second half of 2013, the Steelers are 17-8 in their last 25 games.<br />
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But at the same time, they were not who we thought they would be. They had one of the weaker schedules in the NFL this year (granted no one expected the NFC South to be *that* bad) but they could not take advantage of the weaker opposition on the schedule. The NFC South went 3-12-1 against the AFC North with 2 of the wins coming against the Steelers. Before the season, many had the Steelers pegged as a 10-6 team, but no one expected losses to the 2-14 Buccaneers, 4-12 Jets and 7-9 Browns (not to mention near-losses to the 3-13 Jaguars and 2-14 Titans). The one consistency of the Steelers was their inconsistency - they routinely played to the level of their opponents. They looked like an elite team against quality opponents like the Colts, Ravens and Bengals but looked like a team deserving of a Top-10 pick against the Bucs, Jags, Jets and Titans. At the end of the day in the NFL, the line between 10-6 and 6-10 is very thin.</div>
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Even though the book is now closed on the 2014 Steelers, let us not forget the good times. There certainly were many of them this year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sean Spence's Return</span><br />
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Football isn't always about "feel-good" stories, but seeing Spence start the first preseason game after suffering a devastating (and potentially career-ending) knee injury two years ago was something special. Spence came on throughout the year to be a very solid player.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Better Start Than Last Year</span><br />
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No one was lost for the season on the first drive, so this is already better than last season<br />
— Amanda (@PghGurl) <a href="https://twitter.com/PghGurl/status/508664438942359553">September 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DAT PASS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Antonio Brown kicking the Browns punter in the face.</span></div>
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As an aside: For those that follow me on Twitter, you know that I commonly say "All Antonio Brown does is make big plays." I've tried to teach my 3-year old to say this, but every time I ask him "What does Antonio Brown do?" he says "Kicks people in the face!"<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Condoms</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peezy Getting Wrecked</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something happening for the first time since I was in diapers</span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> have 2 RBs over 100yds in game (Le’Veon Bell & LeGarrette Blount) - 1st time since 10/26/1986 (Earnest Jackson&WalterAbercrombie)<br />
— Dom Rinelli (@drinelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/drinelli/status/513896476787736576">September 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Antonio Brown's Lynn Swann impression against Tampa</span></div>
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Click for the awesome AB picture.
Stay for the Yinzer reactions in the stands <a href="http://t.co/xIPaeb4bbV">pic.twitter.com/xIPaeb4bbV</a><br />
— Steve Braband (@stevebraband) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevebraband/status/516297734761234432">September 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taking over the Jaguars pool</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The season turning around when Lawrence Timmons blew chunks on national TV</span><br />
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We were 3-3 and down 10-0 to the Texans when this happened. The defense held the Texans to a field goal then the offense rattled off 24 points in the last 3 minutes of the half, scoring 3 TDs in the final 1:45 of game time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everything about the Indianapolis Game</span><br />
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same <a href="http://t.co/uIks3bCtyt">pic.twitter.com/uIks3bCtyt</a><br />
— Mike Tunison (@xmasape) <a href="https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/526517191869747200">October 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
im glad the best qb game in nfl history came while wearing the bumblebee throwbacks so everyone has to see them on highlights for eternity.<br />
— psamp (@psamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/psamp/status/526768700129423360">October 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> had 34 first-downs today, 3rd highest in a game in team history & most since Nov 25th 1979 v Cleveland (36)<br />
— Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Laird/status/526544228370100224">October 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> 639 yards of total offense was the 3rd highest in team history and most in a game since Nov 10th, 2002 v Atlanta (645)<br />
— Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Laird/status/526544404753170433">October 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<br />
...even the Colts fans getting it:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
60 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/EconolineVan">@EconolineVan</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/NateDunlevy">@NateDunlevy</a> they're gonna drop 50 on us, aren't they?<br />
— Nate Dunlevy (@NateDunlevy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NateDunlevy/status/526503505419591681">October 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mean Joe Greene's Jersey Retirement</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDhkeGB--T4/VFqnyvrxIkI/AAAAAAAAJd8/xpACjp69940/s1600/temp2014_BAL2kr_2001--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDhkeGB--T4/VFqnyvrxIkI/AAAAAAAAJd8/xpACjp69940/s1600/temp2014_BAL2kr_2001--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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...and <a href="http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Renegade-Joe-Greene-Edition/48fb15ce-5f73-4390-bd56-af234d847c8e">this AWESOME Mean Joe-centric Renegade</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brett Keisel coming back and giving it everything he had</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUQD0aNTlY/VHSdK27nRzI/AAAAAAAAJh8/tQIcwA8OyEo/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1831--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUQD0aNTlY/VHSdK27nRzI/AAAAAAAAJh8/tQIcwA8OyEo/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1831--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Le'Veon Bell carrying the team on his back after LeGarrette Blount was cut</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Christ once tried to trade Peter for Le'Veon Bell.<br />
— psamp (@psamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/psamp/status/544224624876462080">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big Play Bill Gay's 3 Pick-Sixes</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We4VlfVqmH0/VJBOiYo-Q4I/AAAAAAAAJnw/MWYEQ4fL_sI/s1600/tempDefense01_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We4VlfVqmH0/VJBOiYo-Q4I/AAAAAAAAJnw/MWYEQ4fL_sI/s1600/tempDefense01_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goodbye .500</span><br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
9 wins. no more .500 ball. now make the playoffs.<br />
— psamp (@psamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/psamp/status/544233910616743937">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike Tomlin being emotional on the sidelines</span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat">@thesteelersnat</a> <a href="http://t.co/6MRVpiVSxH">pic.twitter.com/6MRVpiVSxH</a><br />
— OneForTheOtherThumb (@OFTOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/OFTOT/status/546867963752886274">December 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James Harrison's Last Hurrah Against The Chiefs</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC40dwdytCk/VJml9tI4ZRI/AAAAAAAAJps/ZWeS2qra6_Q/s1600/i15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC40dwdytCk/VJml9tI4ZRI/AAAAAAAAJps/ZWeS2qra6_Q/s1600/i15.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Battle For the North</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Wg6YAlpcI/VJm1N6wQ3DI/AAAAAAAAJr4/raLHcMZGc1E/s1600/KotN-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Wg6YAlpcI/VJm1N6wQ3DI/AAAAAAAAJr4/raLHcMZGc1E/s1600/KotN-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winning the Division</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USsDOZfz3Ng/VKGkvyMrKpI/AAAAAAAAJt8/SmD7lN3aZWc/s1600/temp2014_CIN2tm_1271--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USsDOZfz3Ng/VKGkvyMrKpI/AAAAAAAAJt8/SmD7lN3aZWc/s1600/temp2014_CIN2tm_1271--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3SuofK_EfQ/VKGkvdSprTI/AAAAAAAAJt4/w3b8YYxwOgo/s1600/temp2014_CIN2kr_3075--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3SuofK_EfQ/VKGkvdSprTI/AAAAAAAAJt4/w3b8YYxwOgo/s1600/temp2014_CIN2kr_3075--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 2014 Steelers were primarily a young team that did not have much postseason experience. By my count, there were 27 players who had never played in a playoff game that took the field against Baltimore. It was a bit of baptism by fire, but postseason experience (however brief) is something that can only benefit this team moving forward. The team did get significant contributions from veterans as well, with Brett Keisel being called upon in the 11th hour of the preseason to come back and fill a hole in the defensive line. Keisel proved to be more than a stopgap - he was the 3rd best player on the defense for most of the season until he was lost to a torn biceps. The team lost Ike Taylor, Jarvis Jones and first round pick Ryan Shazier to injury in Week 3 against Carolina, prompting them to bring back James Harrison from retirement. Even though he was not the same player that he was in his prime, Harrison stabilized the run defense and provided an epic moment against Cincinnati.</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Play before the Gresham TD, Moats ran in from sideline, went up to Harrison to sub, James pointed back to sideline, Moats turned & ran back.<br />
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat/status/551081818192355328">January 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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As the season went on, the Steelers were able to work their young players into the lineup. Stephon Tuitt went from only getting a handful of snaps in the season opener to being the starting defensive end opposite Cam Heyward. Sean Spence, Vince Williams and Ryan Shazier proved to be a viable tandem of linebackers that could be situationally rotated next to Lawrence Timmons. Le'Veon Bell emerged as one of the best - if not the best - all-around back in the league, rushing for over 1300 yards and finishing with over 800 receiving yards (one of just <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=1920&year_max=2014&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&league_id=&team_id=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos_is_qb=Y&pos_is_rb=Y&pos_is_wr=Y&pos_is_te=Y&pos_is_rec=Y&pos_is_t=Y&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_ol=Y&pos_is_dt=Y&pos_is_de=Y&pos_is_dl=Y&pos_is_ilb=Y&pos_is_olb=Y&pos_is_lb=Y&pos_is_cb=Y&pos_is_s=Y&pos_is_db=Y&pos_is_k=Y&pos_is_p=Y&c1stat=rush_yds&c1comp=gt&c1val=1000&c2stat=rec_yds&c2comp=gt&c2val=800&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&c5comp=&c5gtlt=lt&c6mult=1.0&c6comp=&order_by=rush_yds&draft=0&draft_year_min=1936&draft_year_max=2014&type=&draft_round_min=0&draft_round_max=99&draft_slot_min=1&draft_slot_max=500&draft_pick_in_round=0&draft_league_id=&draft_team_id=&college_id=all&conference=any&draft_pos_is_qb=Y&draft_pos_is_rb=Y&draft_pos_is_wr=Y&draft_pos_is_te=Y&draft_pos_is_rec=Y&draft_pos_is_t=Y&draft_pos_is_g=Y&draft_pos_is_c=Y&draft_pos_is_ol=Y&draft_pos_is_dt=Y&draft_pos_is_de=Y&draft_pos_is_dl=Y&draft_pos_is_ilb=Y&draft_pos_is_olb=Y&draft_pos_is_lb=Y&draft_pos_is_cb=Y&draft_pos_is_s=Y&draft_pos_is_db=Y&draft_pos_is_k=Y&draft_pos_is_p=Y">7 players all time</a> to have 1000+ rushing yards and 800+ receiving yards). Antonio Brown had a season that didn't even seem possible for a Steelers receiver, posting the second most receptions and 6th most years in a single season in league history. Not only was it the best season ever by a Steelers receiver, it was one of the best ever in league history. Ben Roethlisberger tied Drew Brees for the passing title. The Steelers had 3 All-Pro players (Bell, Brown and Maurkice Pouncey) and had 5 Pro Bowl selections (Bell, Brown, Pouncey, Roethlisberger and Timmons). Arguably, David DeCastro and Cam Heyward could have been Pro Bowlers as well. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9scAjUPVK18/VLAuC-mrjkI/AAAAAAAAJy0/5TvBboUkvkQ/s1600/1396286527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9scAjUPVK18/VLAuC-mrjkI/AAAAAAAAJy0/5TvBboUkvkQ/s1600/1396286527.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
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Such is life in the NFL. Like with the Game of Thrones, when you play you either win or you die. The Steelers will not sit upon the Iron Throne / raise the Lombardi Trophy this year. But that does not mean this season was unsuccessful. This should be remembered as one of the greatest offensive teams the Steelers ever fielded. Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell had some of the best seasons in Steelers history. Ultimately, as is true in all sports - the problems you have in the regular season will haunt you in the postseason. The Steelers could not defend against the Ravens tight ends, they could not generate a consistent pass rush, they rang up a bunch of yards but kicked field goals instead of scoring touchdowns, and their safety play was non-existent. There is hope for the future. There is potential in the young defensive players added in this draft and the offensive stars (outside of Ben who has only 1 year left on his contract) are all signed for the long-term. The Steelers window is not closing. There will be plenty of time during the offseason to analyze the team needs and what they will need to add in free agency and the draft. </div>
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But now, it is time to close the book on 2014. In closing, thanks to everyone who tweeted, re-tweeted, read the blog, commented, and chatted with me this year. I never dreamed this blog would grow as big as it has, and I hope you all have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing. The 2014 season was a fun ride, even though it ended with disappointment at the hands of our rivals. It should not be forgotten because of what this team achieved. Hopefully in the future we can remember 2014 as a stepping stone towards our Seventh Ring. Unfortunately, 2014 will not be the season that we reached the pinnacle of the Stairway to Seven.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dFn37wQFjk/VLAuDbNC6PI/AAAAAAAAJzA/n_wfNQWtK08/s1600/tumblr_n67dqyhokW1qdbluio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dFn37wQFjk/VLAuDbNC6PI/AAAAAAAAJzA/n_wfNQWtK08/s1600/tumblr_n67dqyhokW1qdbluio1_500.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-29610071432184485312015-01-07T18:11:00.001-05:002015-01-07T18:11:37.599-05:00Valar Morghulis: Steelers Lose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="41" width="200" /></a> 30</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMA5MeBmOLA/SwOEVeqoKVI/AAAAAAAACNY/-l6a-5YGMFE/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMA5MeBmOLA/SwOEVeqoKVI/AAAAAAAACNY/-l6a-5YGMFE/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> 17</span></div>
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The atmosphere for the first playoff game at Heinz Field since 2010 was absolutely electric. The people sitting behind me asked what I thought about the game and the first thing I said was "we need to score 30 to win."<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3DZOojF0U/VK2fKLJO23I/AAAAAAAAJwI/MZ6UpG6XhXM/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3DZOojF0U/VK2fKLJO23I/AAAAAAAAJwI/MZ6UpG6XhXM/s1600/i.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Offense got the nod for the intros. The Steelers won the toss and took the ball.<br />
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In a bit of a surprise, Ben Tate started the game in the backfield as the Steelers tried to work him in. He looked good on his first few touches but coughed the ball up, which we were lucky that AB was able to recover. AB ws able to pick up a 3rd down and get us to the fringe of field goal range but a sack set things back and that was that.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NPw1ueDPkQ/VK2fNEjTHII/AAAAAAAAJxE/5na4oCspbJ4/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NPw1ueDPkQ/VK2fNEjTHII/AAAAAAAAJxE/5na4oCspbJ4/s1600/i2.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brad Wing actually pinned the Ravens deep and the defense was able to hold to a 3-and-out, which was the only time we stopped them all game.<br />
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Martavis Bryant showed up big time in this game and started to look like a complete receiver, showing off much more of the route tree than we had previously seen. Bryant made an exquisite catch on a back-shoulder throw to convert a 3rd down on a stop-route down the sideline to get us to the edge of the red zone. The offense couldn't do much else as Dri got swallowed by Suggs and Ben got sacked by Dumervil.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWHgjti0Nys/VK2fN8xylII/AAAAAAAAJyI/Rfj4k_7juW4/s1600/i3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWHgjti0Nys/VK2fN8xylII/AAAAAAAAJyI/Rfj4k_7juW4/s1600/i3.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">3-0</span></div>
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Flacco took a deep shot and McCain made a great play to knock the ball away. A flag came out from the back judge and the crowd was irate thinking it would be pass interference.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DreQtW-UU-I/VK2fOQ9W6NI/AAAAAAAAJxY/lsQLAaH55eY/s1600/i5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DreQtW-UU-I/VK2fOQ9W6NI/AAAAAAAAJxY/lsQLAaH55eY/s1600/i5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
FYI, fans at the game thought DPI was going to be called, then realized Mitchell is an idiot.<br />
— Chris (@ChrisG_BR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisG_BR/status/551555193759105024">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Everyone was so busy watching McCain's leap to knock the ball away we overlooked Mitchell throwing his helmet to the dude. The Ravens took the 15 yards and started rolling into their outside zone running game.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Commercial Break</span></div>
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<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Wooooooo my name made the <a href="https://twitter.com/heinzfield">@heinzfield</a> birthday list!<br />
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat/status/551555541118377984">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Folks in my section sang "Happy Birthday" to me too, so that was fun. Also, happy birthday to this guy:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HahM4gMACw/VK29G-1bt3I/AAAAAAAAJyg/jzZlHTwhsdM/s1600/jrrtolkein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HahM4gMACw/VK29G-1bt3I/AAAAAAAAJyg/jzZlHTwhsdM/s1600/jrrtolkein.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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In a drive that would give Gary Kubiak wet dreams, Forsett got chunks on the ground in the outside zone and Flacco hit Owen Daniels a few times to march inside the 5. Bernard Pierce cashed it in.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxbgkUECuzU/VK2fN-9cPeI/AAAAAAAAJxU/-XF2I7vluAs/s1600/i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxbgkUECuzU/VK2fN-9cPeI/AAAAAAAAJxU/-XF2I7vluAs/s1600/i4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">3-7</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5m9YXj4VFcY/UjfwDKtCVTI/AAAAAAAAGoU/4DpOiG2kwuM/s1600/tumblr_mrbxpnDjSs1r5k9koo5_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5m9YXj4VFcY/UjfwDKtCVTI/AAAAAAAAGoU/4DpOiG2kwuM/s1600/tumblr_mrbxpnDjSs1r5k9koo5_250.gif" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ben came right back with a beautiful deep out to AB that pretty much no one can stop. A few plays later, he was able to scramble away from pressure and find Heath wide open down the right side to get us into Ravens territory. We worked our way into field goal range and Ben took a shot for AB in the end zone on 3rd and 1 but he got pushed out and couldn't get both feet down.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5FC56-zx_g/VK2fOWg5QSI/AAAAAAAAJxc/UgQehV4Nr3I/s1600/i6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5FC56-zx_g/VK2fOWg5QSI/AAAAAAAAJxc/UgQehV4Nr3I/s1600/i6.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
A penalty on the Ravens kept the drive alive but a sack of Ben stalled things out and brought out Suisham again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">6-7</span></div>
<br />
Flacco came out and went right after the secondary, hitting Steve Smith down the sideline for 23 to get them near midfield then converting a 3rd and long with a pass to Daniels to get them into field goal range. Not much else happened and Tucker knocked one through.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;">6-10</span></div>
<br />
The Steelers were able to pick up two solid chunks to get near midfield as the two minute warning hit. The Steelers had already spent a timeout and wasted another one after getting across midfield. Wheaton took advantage of the Ravens playing 2-deep and reeled in a crossing route and got out of bounds to get us into field goal range. The offense couldn't do much more and Ben took a check-down to Heath on 3rd and long. Suisham hit a 47-yarder to draw us within 1 at the half.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">9-10</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
<br />
The Ravens got the ball to start the second half and picked up right where they left off. Flacco hit Torrey Smith on a come-back route to convert a 3rd and long then hit the jackpot on pass interference roulette to get into field goal range.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2L3v5IHawc/VK2fOui0IBI/AAAAAAAAJxg/y0XqvaqgwPg/s1600/i7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2L3v5IHawc/VK2fOui0IBI/AAAAAAAAJxg/y0XqvaqgwPg/s1600/i7.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
Sean Spence sacked Flacco on first down but the Ravens were able to get it all back on 3rd down and get into Tucker's range.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;">9-13</span></div>
<br />
At this point, the difference in the game was that the Steelers had kicked a field goal on their trip to the red zone and the Ravens had scored a touchdown.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEhnXRbjTU/UmiNu8EaIKI/AAAAAAAAG6g/h7tdlXK0Z7I/s1600/tumblr_men98ir3Bd1rlapeio1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEhnXRbjTU/UmiNu8EaIKI/AAAAAAAAG6g/h7tdlXK0Z7I/s1600/tumblr_men98ir3Bd1rlapeio1_500.gif" height="170" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Steelers tried their hand at Pass Interference Roulette but the refs decided not to throw a flag after Bryant got knocked down.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6a5bUKLnRUo/VK2fOww165I/AAAAAAAAJxo/puiCtud16BE/s1600/i8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6a5bUKLnRUo/VK2fOww165I/AAAAAAAAJxo/puiCtud16BE/s1600/i8.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Don't know how they call pass interference on Antwon Blake and not on Lardarius Webb.<br />
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/551575207195201536">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
"Refs you suck" chant at Heinz<br />
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat/status/551575196033757184">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRGGyCXSpXQ/VDs9csv3A6I/AAAAAAAAJWM/pd0yjAvvcpo/s1600/incredulous.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRGGyCXSpXQ/VDs9csv3A6I/AAAAAAAAJWM/pd0yjAvvcpo/s1600/incredulous.gif" height="324" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Flacco continued to play pass interference roulette but actually connected on a pass to Steve Smith down the sideline, immediately putting the Ravens back in field goal range. the defense looked capable of holding the Ravens to 3 and on 3rd down James Harrison stormed around the edge and was microns away from swatting the ball out of Flacco's hand when Joe stepped up in the pocket away from Harrison, slid to his left and fired a touchdown pass to Torrey Smith in the back of the end zone.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NljuDX7s4nQ/VK2fPETa2CI/AAAAAAAAJxs/jM65pVmgaqc/s1600/i9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NljuDX7s4nQ/VK2fPETa2CI/AAAAAAAAJxs/jM65pVmgaqc/s1600/i9.jpg" height="400" width="366" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I hate to say it, but if it's 2008 or 2010, that's a strip-sack and Baltimore is either kicking a field goal or we're heading the other way with the ball. But in 2014, Harrison is just a shade too slow and it's a touchdown.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1NowZK47zU/UltDdigTPsI/AAAAAAAAG3E/3nnFE7Yc_n8/s1600/tumblr_m2ju5bN8DX1qz5tzyo1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1NowZK47zU/UltDdigTPsI/AAAAAAAAG3E/3nnFE7Yc_n8/s1600/tumblr_m2ju5bN8DX1qz5tzyo1_250.gif" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Just like your show did, in the end.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">9-20</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Can't blame the refs for the defense playing like garbage<br />
— Amanda (@PghGurl) <a href="https://twitter.com/PghGurl/status/551576549594791936">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<br />
That put a damper on the crowd and the offense sputtered out another drive that included a 4th down conversion with Will Johnson pounding the rock but a sack on the subsequent 3rd down put an end to things.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
<br />
The Ravens drove it right back to midfield, converting a 4th and 1 with a QB sneak that everyone on earth knew was coming. However, on the next play two rookies stepped up with Ryan Shazier reaching a hand in and separating Forsett from the ball. Tuitt fell on it and the Steelers had new life at midfield.<br />
<br />
Haley wasted no time and went right for it. Ben slung one deep to AB who was able to get between 3 Ravens defenders and make a leaping catch for what looked like a touchdown.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QO9U8Ylh-i0/VK2fKXo4UXI/AAAAAAAAJwQ/BkTYrHD92XU/s1600/i10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QO9U8Ylh-i0/VK2fKXo4UXI/AAAAAAAAJwQ/BkTYrHD92XU/s1600/i10.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After review, they ruled his knee was down at the 1. Nevertheless, what a catch by AB.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkwapjYIv_A/VK2fLlynJKI/AAAAAAAAJxA/Y0e_lb7AJEw/s1600/i14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkwapjYIv_A/VK2fLlynJKI/AAAAAAAAJxA/Y0e_lb7AJEw/s1600/i14.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a false start that could've spelled trouble, Ben hit Bryant on a well-thrown fade.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFMmc1vN8Tw/VK2fK9RRpBI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/MztXVL4vk54/s1600/i11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFMmc1vN8Tw/VK2fK9RRpBI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/MztXVL4vk54/s1600/i11.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Great job by Bryant going up and attacking the ball in the air. This was the most aggressive he was with his hands all season.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deujIEu-44g/VK2fLkqbV-I/AAAAAAAAJwc/Rxz046h0Ld0/s1600/i13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deujIEu-44g/VK2fLkqbV-I/AAAAAAAAJwc/Rxz046h0Ld0/s1600/i13.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
The Steelers opted to go for 2 to try to cut it to a 3-point game but Ben put a little too much air under a pass to AB and it was picked off.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8aJ5LMp5Dg/VK2fK39OWgI/AAAAAAAAJwU/YRYbIcbNcZE/s1600/i12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8aJ5LMp5Dg/VK2fK39OWgI/AAAAAAAAJwU/YRYbIcbNcZE/s1600/i12.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">15-20</span></div>
<br />
The Steelers still had hope but the Ravens got a personal foul penalty tacked on to a good kick return. The defense held to 3rd and 13 but Flacco was able to hit Daniels wide open across the middle to move the sticks. The Ravens weren't able to convert again, but Tucker nailed a 52 yarder. That's unheard of at Heinz Field.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIHk7WPqJ9k/UkJSm5S97GI/AAAAAAAAGt8/qpCZRmYfJcA/s1600/tumblr_mkyvxkLRrn1rer5yko1_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIHk7WPqJ9k/UkJSm5S97GI/AAAAAAAAGt8/qpCZRmYfJcA/s1600/tumblr_mkyvxkLRrn1rer5yko1_r1_250.gif" height="293" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">15-23</span></div>
<br />
The Steelers weren't out of it yet but a series of unfortunate events would bury them.<br />
<br />
On 3rd and short, Ben tried a check-down pass to Ben Tate that bounced off Tate's hands. Suggs made a rolling attempt at catching the ball and it was called an interception on the field, which everyone thought was wrong. As it turns out, Suggs trapped the ball between his thighs and it never touched the ground.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fC6x54-hx2U/VK2fMKwz3JI/AAAAAAAAJwo/XcQ9uA0Z_j0/s1600/i15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fC6x54-hx2U/VK2fMKwz3JI/AAAAAAAAJwo/XcQ9uA0Z_j0/s1600/i15.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mike Wallace made a similar catch for a touchdown a few years ago against Kansas City, so there's that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yz9mtpKg7k/UoWwJTQSi-I/AAAAAAAAHfw/IUQkdE_VFIM/s1600/tumblr_muvywfzt2Z1qbcb48o2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yz9mtpKg7k/UoWwJTQSi-I/AAAAAAAAHfw/IUQkdE_VFIM/s1600/tumblr_muvywfzt2Z1qbcb48o2_250.gif" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Flacco hit some tight end on a crossing route that the Steelers had been unable to stop all day and the defense just laid down and let him walk into the end zone<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byu20A0AT-k/VK2fMTnw8II/AAAAAAAAJww/O6_2ebu-PaU/s1600/i16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byu20A0AT-k/VK2fMTnw8II/AAAAAAAAJww/O6_2ebu-PaU/s1600/i16.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">15-30</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
ding ding here comes the shitmobile.<br />
— psamp (@psamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/psamp/status/551582821622775808">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<br />
Suggs making a big interception then Flacco throwing a big touchdown pass to a wide open tight end is basically the equivalent of Ned Stark getting beheadded.<br />
<br />
There was still 8 minutes left in the game, but people started streaming out of their seats.<br />
<br />
The offense was able to put together a drive into Ravens territory with Ben spreading the ball aroud to AB, Wheaton and Dri. Archer actually caught one out of the backfield and scampered into the end zone but the play was called back on a holding penalty.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mj3bzIyhouM/U-jFxr934xI/AAAAAAAAI-E/QpTID8FAMwU/s1600/welp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mj3bzIyhouM/U-jFxr934xI/AAAAAAAAI-E/QpTID8FAMwU/s1600/welp.gif" height="314" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the next play, Ben got sacked and thrown to the ground and left the game. Bruce Gradkowski played his first snaps as a Steeler and completed two - one to Heath on 3rd and long then another to AB on 4th and 3 to move the chains. Ben came back in and tried to force one to AB which got picked off.<br />
<br />
The Ravens were content to run the ball and punt but Shamarknado had other ideas, flying in and blocking the punt for a safety.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0pMmvK0Gs0/Ujfv99yz_jI/AAAAAAAAGm8/yXl0RO788eY/s1600/tumblr_mk34g60ibw1qadckeo4_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0pMmvK0Gs0/Ujfv99yz_jI/AAAAAAAAGm8/yXl0RO788eY/s1600/tumblr_mk34g60ibw1qadckeo4_r1_250.gif" height="243" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">17-30</span></div>
<br />
It was all over except for the details with under 2 minutes left and to add insult to injury Heath Miller fumbled after picking up a first down.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQdBYegZBPw/VK2fM95YP0I/AAAAAAAAJw4/_Gs78vsKwqY/s1600/i17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQdBYegZBPw/VK2fM95YP0I/AAAAAAAAJw4/_Gs78vsKwqY/s1600/i17.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a><br />
<br />
Flacco kneels it out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZnBCf5v6qE/VK2fKWr7EnI/AAAAAAAAJwM/Opz_yRY1dZw/s1600/1396286527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZnBCf5v6qE/VK2fKWr7EnI/AAAAAAAAJwM/Opz_yRY1dZw/s1600/1396286527.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Game Over.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Beyond funny
“<a href="https://twitter.com/Johnnyb500">@Johnnyb500</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankCaliendo">@FrankCaliendo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NuffSaid?src=hash">#NuffSaid</a>... <a href="http://t.co/ta7tpiMckN">pic.twitter.com/ta7tpiMckN</a>”<br />
— Frank Caliendo (@FrankCaliendo) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankCaliendo/status/551599010524708864">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playoffs over.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Ben "I apologize to the fans, to my teammates, to the organization, coaches. I wish I could apologize individually to everyone."<br />
— Jeff Hathhorn (@jhathhorn) <a href="https://twitter.com/jhathhorn/status/551625026626404354">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Season Over.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Remember wk 7 when we were 3-3 -few thought we could win Division & get back to playoffs. Disappoint night, but THX <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers">@steelers</a> for fun season<br />
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) <a href="https://twitter.com/billpeduto/status/551595479466004480">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></div>
<br />
These aren't really my final final thoughts for the season, I'll have more coming in a season wrap-up post, but here are my final thoughts on this game.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I guess 30 points was the magic number</li>
<li>Ravens showed no respect at all for the Steelers run game, played 2 safeties high the whole game, let their front 7 handle the run. The 2 safeties high effectively took away the deep ball, so before you think "we should've thrown deep more"...it wasn't there.</li>
<li>Biggest play of the game was Flacco stepping away from Harrison and throwing a TD to Torrey Smith.</li>
<li>Credit where credit is due, the Ravens had a good gameplan and executed it well. Converted a lot of 3rd and longs.</li>
<li>The Steelers played behind the chains most of the night and weren't great on 3rd down. Flacco converted some big ones.</li>
<li>Suggs and Dumervil dominated our tackles and we couldn't generate much of a pass rush on Flacco.</li>
<li>One truism of all sports is that the problems you have in the regular season will always come back to haunt you in the postseason. Our safeties were non-existent, we couldn't cover tight ends, we committed lots of penalties and we couldn't convert in the red zone.</li>
<li>The run defense was very good after the Ravens first touchdown drive.</li>
<li>The run defense was actually at its best when Dan McCullers was in at nose tackle, which is very encouraging moving forward.</li>
<li>Martavis Bryant showed signs of developing into a complete receiver. This was the best he attacked the ball in the air with his hands all year.</li>
<li>Josh Harris ran hard and didn't fumble, so there's that.</li>
<li>Wheaton did some good things out of the slot on crossing routes.</li>
<li>Stephon Tuitt really came on the second half of the season. He does a great job running to the ball. Huge fumble recovery after Shazier knocked it out.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
I love u <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STEELERNATION?src=hash">#STEELERNATION</a>...couldn't be more proud of the way the team worked and fought to get to the playoffs...just wish I could've joined!<br />
— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) <a href="https://twitter.com/L_Bell26/status/551606425961893888">January 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-23657031557066986172015-01-06T19:27:00.000-05:002015-01-06T19:31:59.775-05:00Steelers Fan Playoff Power RankingsThe Steelers loss to the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs was unfortunate, and I'm still working on picking up the pieces of shattered expectations to formulate a game recap. That's coming later in the week. But for now, I wanted to get things rolling into the offseason by bringing back one of my most popular posts from last year.<br />
<br />
In my post last year, I detailed three criteria for helping to rank teams when trying to choose a non-Steelers team to root for. With only 8 teams remaining in the field, here is your definitive guide for who Steelers fans should or should not root for to ultimately hoist the Lombardi.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">The Criteria</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Rivalries</span><br />
<br />
Baltimore, Cincinnati and New England go to the bottom of the list. Always. I didn't include Cleveland or Oakland in this list because the thought of them making the playoffs would cause this post to lose all legitimacy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Super Bowl Rings</span><br />
<br />
As Steelers fans, we love holding the "Sixburgh" or "First to Six" or "How Many Yinz Got?" over fans of all 31 other teams. Therefore, we don't want to see anyone else get to 6 or even get within striking distance of 6 Rings. Looking at the 8 remaining playoff teams this year, Dallas leads the pack with 5 rings, followed by Green Bay and with 4, New England with 3, Denver, Baltimore and Indianapolis with 2, and Seattle with 1.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. General Jagoffery</span><br />
<br />
Does the team have a player that it's really easy to hate (i.e. Tom Brady)? Does the team have someone it's really easy to cheer for (i.e. Adrian Peterson)? Is their coach a Harbaugh?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">The Rankings</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Baltimore</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="http://ihatejjredick.com/">I Hate JJ Redick</a>, <a href="http://purplereignshow.com/">Purple Reign Show</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/iHateJJRedick">@iHateJJRedick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BMoreBirdsNest">@BMoreBirdsNest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lindseyyok">@lindsayyok </a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> Elite jokes</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> They're Baltimore, so pretty much everything. Not just about the Ravens organization that endorsed Ray Rice but the entire city of Baltimore. Everything sucks.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Never under any circumstances should you root for the Ravens. Period.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p44e44C_ybg/SwTJoFE-jZI/AAAAAAAACOo/jUjb9Bx1jc0/s1600/DAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p44e44C_ybg/SwTJoFE-jZI/AAAAAAAACOo/jUjb9Bx1jc0/s1600/DAL.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Dallas</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="http://bloggingtheboys.com/">Blogging the Boys</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys">@BloggingTheBoys</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MattThorntonNFL">@MattThorntonNFL</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> DeMarco Murray, I guess. Sean Lee was the only good thing about the Cowboys and he's out for the year. Tony Romo playoff meltdowns, too.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> Dallas getting a gift to make it through the first round. The Cowboys are tied with the Steelers for most Super Bowl appearances (8) and have 5 rings. A Super Bowl victory would put them into a tie with the Steelers.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Our rivalry with the Cowboys may have grown thinner over time since we only play them once every four years, but we can never forget the Super Bowls of the 70s or Larry Brown in 1995. Much like the 49ers of 2013, the only acceptable time to root for them is if they are playing the Ravens.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_lvcx34_M8/SwTKTEECsCI/AAAAAAAACP4/nD2SzTJLHwY/s1600/NE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_lvcx34_M8/SwTKTEECsCI/AAAAAAAACP4/nD2SzTJLHwY/s1600/NE.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. New England</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="http://foxboroblog.com/">FoxboroBlog</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> The Patriots and Ravens both getting the mumps. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> Having to root for the Patriots to beat the Ravens. Ugh. What makes matters worse is this is the 4th time in the last 6 years we've had to watch these two play in the playoffs.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Rooting for the Patriots violates all 3 of the Steelers Fan Criteria. A Super Bowl victory would give Brady/Belichick 4 rings which would tie them with Bradshaw/Noll. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj3uL-wISPM/SwTJocGzmwI/AAAAAAAACOw/ihCK0Ux1SLE/s1600/DEN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj3uL-wISPM/SwTJocGzmwI/AAAAAAAACOw/ihCK0Ux1SLE/s1600/DEN.JPG" height="70" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Denver</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> Peyton Manning is the smartest player in football. Never forget that he bought 30 pizza stores in Denver right before Colorado legalized pot. The Denver Broncos have lost more Super Bowls (5) than any other organization.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> Emmanuel Sanders playing like a legitimate #2 receiver. I don't think he's dropped a pass all year. Where were these clutch catches when he was with the Steelers?</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Unfortunately, Denver is the second best option in the AFC and you'll have to root for the winner of Denver-Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCmUxzI62_E/SwTJ9M8FOWI/AAAAAAAACPA/hMSrm6lEAuU/s1600/GB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCmUxzI62_E/SwTJ9M8FOWI/AAAAAAAACPA/hMSrm6lEAuU/s1600/GB.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Green Bay</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/PackersTherapy">@PackersTherapy</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> Aaron Rodgers. Jordy Nelson down the right sideline. John Kuhn in short yardage.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> Green Bay beat the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and have 4 Super Bowl rings. A 5th would put them within striking distance of the Steelers.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Green Bay is a middle-of-the-road choice depending on how torn up you are about Super Bowl XL. That was four years ago, so if you've moved past the fact that Ben threw 2 interceptions and Rashard Mendenhall couldn't hold onto the ball in a key situation, then it's okay to root for Green Bay.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwe5_rzcwFs/SwTJ9mkXyiI/AAAAAAAACPQ/E1ArrAYWLB0/s1600/IND.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwe5_rzcwFs/SwTJ9mkXyiI/AAAAAAAACPQ/E1ArrAYWLB0/s1600/IND.JPG" height="69" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Indianapolis</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="http://www.coltsauthority.com/">Colts Authority</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NateDunlevy">@NateDunlevy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ColtsAuth_Kyle">@ColtsAuth_Kyle</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> Andrew Luck memes, they are hilarious. Andrew Luck in general is pretty good, even if his receivers let him down a lot and he has no running game. TY Hilton is like Drew Brees - great indoors, not so great outside.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> TY Hilton outdoors. The Colts running game. The Colts pass rush, which had only 29 sacks this season. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Of the 4 AFC teams remaining, the Colts are clearly the preferable choice. The Colts blogosphere has some really good writers, definitely worth checking out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8-ZkaRqbis/SwTJB2btB-I/AAAAAAAACOI/d0HsQu4uIsQ/s1600/CAR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8-ZkaRqbis/SwTJB2btB-I/AAAAAAAACOI/d0HsQu4uIsQ/s1600/CAR.JPG" height="69" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Carolina</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersBryan">@PanthersBryan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersMax">@PanthersMax</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> Carolina's front 7 is incredibly fun to watch. Luke Kuechly is one of the best inside linebackers in the league. Head Coach Ron Rivera's house caught fire this week and thankfully everyone is safe.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> The Panthers 7-8-1 regular season record. They got by in the Wild Card Round thanks to facing an offensively inept Arizona team, but it's hard to see them getting past Seattle this weekend.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> Mostly because of their 0 Super Bowl rings, Carolina appears very high on this list. Also, this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/22/2288562/the-rise-and-fall-of-teal-a-three-act-play">3 Act Play on the History of Teal Uniforms</a> is worth your time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNMjfnRkTmM/SwTME3r1cII/AAAAAAAACQ4/7TU4DeR1jxE/s1600/SEA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNMjfnRkTmM/SwTME3r1cII/AAAAAAAACQ4/7TU4DeR1jxE/s1600/SEA.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Seattle</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Recommended Blogs/Twitter:</span></b> <a href="http://fieldgulls.com/">Field Gulls</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/30AcreFortress">@30AcreFortress</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldGulls">@FieldGulls</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hawkblogger">@hawkblogger</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What To Like:</span></b> The way the Seahawks play defense. The way the Seahawks run the ball. Seahawks twitter (you should follow everyone I listed, just for the fun of it). Marshawn Lynch postgame interviews.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">What Not To Like:</span></b> Seattle's wide receivers. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld, "Who are these people?" The Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl Champs so that might make them a bit insufferable.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Verdict:</span></b> They might be the defending champs but there's not a whole lot to dislike about the Seahawks. They run the ball, they play defense. Sure Richard Sherman is outspoken and Marshawn Lynch doesn't speak, but this is a team that Steelers fans can comfortably get behind to hoist their second straight Lombardi.</div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-90037366880128334492015-01-04T15:11:00.000-05:002015-01-06T15:12:28.928-05:00SPONSORED: The Best Beer and Food at Heinz Field<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Pittsburgh Steelers roster isn’t just one of the best
shows in football – their home stadium is also one of the best places to watch
a game in the NFL. 2014 has been a banner year for Heinz Field, as the a host
of new wifi hotspots, LCD scoreboards, and the best food and drink the
Pittsburgh region can provide have all provided a can’t miss stadium
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Heinz Field is rightly praised for the quality and
affordability of its standard ballpark fare – think pretzels, pizza, hot dogs,
cheesesteaks – but there’s two new menu items that have fans raving. The first
is an amazing “Burger on a stick,” which comes equipped with panko-breaded
ground beef, cheddar cheese, relish, spicy ketchup, and a whole lot of bacon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Heinz Field’s second signature food item is the ‘Arancini’
which are breaded rice balls stuffed with a combination of beef, veal, and
pork, to go with sweet peas and a healthy serving of Parmesan cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can wash either of these delicious treats down with more
than a dozen cold beer options, from Bud and Bud Light, to more sophisticated
craft beers or a seasonal Leinenkugal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when you’re done stuffing your face, take a walk around
the stadium during halftime or post-game to burn off those calories. The
stadium’s concourses are wide and often open-aired, providing a host of great
views of both the downtown skyline and the river. Even take the ferry to the
game for another uniquely-Steelers fan experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sound to good to miss? Hurry! Pittsburgh has two games
remaining as they fight for a postseason spot. Head over to </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://scorebig.com/">ScoreBig.com</a> where you’ll save on every <a href="https://www.scorebig.com/pittsburgh-steelers-tickets">Steelers ticket</a>, every day.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-22785631686440315422015-01-03T15:17:00.000-05:002015-01-06T15:17:25.799-05:00SPONSORED: Five Reasons This Could Be The Steelers Year<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Steelers currently sit at 11-5 and are AFC North Champions. There’s plenty of reasons why <a href="https://www.scorebig.com/">Pittsburgh fans</a> can feel good about the Steelers’ chances this year. Here’s five
reasons why this could be a Super Bowl season for Pittsburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>1. Their First Playoff Game is at Home</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After closing the season with 4 straight wins, the Steelers will take the field in front of their home crowd for the first round of the playoffs. The Steelers were 6-2 at home this season, and
you know the Heinz Field faithful are going to have their terrible towels out
and ready to rage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>2. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in football.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What makes the playoffs? It’s the even competition, the
outdoor winter elements, the pressure, the knowledge that when so many games
will be decided by a razor-thin margin, one mistake or ill-fated decision can
doom a team’s chances. Steelers fans should rest assured knowing Tomlin is not
only a brilliant strategist, but a seasoned one, too. He’s got a Super Bowl
ring on his finger for a reason, and he’d love another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>3. Our team has Antonio Brown and yours doesn’t</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There’s a case to be made that he’s the most electrifying
talent in footbll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>4. Oh yea, that Roethlisberger guy is pretty good, too.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Big Ben is actually getting better with age, throwing the
ball for more yardage and with greater accuracy than he did in his 20s, you
know, back when he won two Super Bowls. Winning a third Super Bowl would put
Roethlisberger in some rarefied company and cement his legacy as one of the
game’s all time greats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>5. Their defense is top ten against the run</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When playoff games slow down and become a battle against the
elements or a battle for field position, time of possession, most teams will
rely on their running game to set the tone. The Steelers’ prowess in defending
the rush will be essential to any playoff push they make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s the Steelers’ five-point plan to another Super Bowl
run. Want to be a part of it? Get <a href="https://www.scorebig.com/pittsburgh-steelers-tickets">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on ScoreBig.com where you’ll save on every NFL ticket, every
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-75628782482630038332015-01-02T21:10:00.000-05:002015-01-02T21:10:00.712-05:00Playoff Gameday: Baltimore Ravens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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8:15pm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The House That Hines Built</div>
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TV: NBC</div>
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Radio: WDVE and <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/radio-info.html">other affiliates</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
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1. Touchdowns, Not Field Goals<br />
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Before this season, the last 5 Steelers-Ravens games had been decided by less than 4 points. Then in a shocking turn of events, both games this season were won by 20 points. The Ravens bested the Steelers 26-6 in Week 2 in Baltimore and the Steelers turned around and delivered a 43-23 thumping in Week 9 in Pittsburgh when Ben Roethlisberger threw for 6 touchdowns. If history is any indication, this will be a close game. As we have seen the past few weeks, the Steelers defense isn't good enough to totally stop teams from driving but they are capable of making plays in the red zone and forcing field goals rather than touchdowns. In the first meeting, the Steelers were unable to convert anything into points while the Ravens knocked through 4 field goals with a long of 30 yards. In the second meeting, the Steelers were incredibly efficient in the red zone, with Ben throwing 3 of his 6 touchdown passes on red zone drives. The second game was also highlighted by big plays - two of the Ravens TDs (including a Jacoby Jones kickoff return) and three of the Steelers TDs came on plays longer than 30 yards. The Ravens will take their shots down the field to Torrey Smith (who is one of the best in the league at drawing pass interference calls) and the Steelers offensive line will have to hold back the Ravens pass rush to give Ben time to work the deep routes.<br />
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2. Next Man Up<br />
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The players who are not playing in this game will be almost as big a story as the players who are playing. Le'Veon Bell will be out for the Steelers after sustaining a knee injury last week against Cincinnati. The Steelers signed Ben Tate this week and figure to go with a tandem backfield of undrafted free agent Josh Harris, Dri Archer and Tate. That isn't the most imposing lineup but the Ravens have one of the best run defenses in the league, so rushing yards will be hard to come by. More importantly, whoever is back there (including fullback Will Johnson) will need to know their responsibilities in pass protection. Dri Archer blew a blocking assignment last week that turned into an interception when Ben rushed a throw. That simply can't happen in this game. The Steelers backs need to be sound in their blitz pickup, and the coaches need to know to not put people that can't block (Archer) in positions where he will have to pass protect. On the other side, the Ravens get Haloti Ngata back from his 4-game suspension but lose Timmy Jernigan off their defensive line to an ankle injury. Ngata is an absolute monster and is the primary reason why no one can run against the Ravens. The Ravens also lost left tackle Eugene Monroe to an injury, which means that undrafted rookie James Hurst will start opposite James Harrison. Buckle up.<br />
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3. The Magic Number<br />
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Unlike the Steelers-Ravens showdowns in 2008 and 2010, these are not two dominant defenses with middling offenses. Rather, this game is strength on strength and weakness on weakness. The Steelers Top 10 offense will line up against the Ravens Top 10 defense and the Steelers middle-of-the-pack defense will line up against the Ravens middle-of-the-pack offense. Since losing to the Steelers, the Ravens went 5-2 and are averaging 24.1 points per game, just below their season average of 25.6 per game. On the other hand, the Steelers have gone 8-2 since losing to Cleveland and have averaged 31.2 points per game during that run, an improvement of over 10 points per game over their first 6 games when they went just 3-3. If you're looking for a magic number in this game, it is probably 30. The Ravens have only broken 30 points 4 times this season and the Steelers have only allowed 30+ points 3 times. If the Steelers offense can put 30 on the board, even without much of a running game, they will likely be headed to Denver next week.<br />
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4. The Matchup Game<br />
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We all know the Dramatis Personae. Some of the players may have changed but the uniforms are still the same. Joe Flacco may or may not be elite, but he has had success dinking and dunking against the Steelers then taking deep shots for Torrey Smith. Two of the biggest badasses in the league, Steve Smith and Antwon Blake will likely go head to head and wind up in a fistfight before this one is over. The Steelers run defense has played better as of late, but the Ravens will use extra tight ends and unbalanced lines to spring room for Justin Forsett. Will Troy Polamalu play and continue his reign of terror against Joe Flacco? In what could be James Harrison's last game at Heinz Field, he has an opportunity against an undrafted free agent. The Ravens have the 23rd ranked pass defense, but can the Steelers offensive line hold back Ngata, Suggs and Dumervil long enough for Ben to get the ball into the hands of his receivers? We all know Antonio Brown is the most dangerous man on the planet with a football in his hands, but without Le'Veon Bell we will need another skill player to step up. Will it be Markus Wheaton? Martavis Bryant? Heath Miller? The Ravens love to use their tight ends, but can the Steelers new rotation of linebackers be solid enough in coverage to prevent 3rd down conversions?<br />
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5. Valar Morghulis<br />
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It's the playoffs. It's Baltimore. It's Saturday Night.We are the Kings in the North, but that means nothing if the Ravens defeat us. Period.<br />
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-21517860717543572712014-12-30T23:50:00.007-05:002014-12-30T23:50:55.093-05:00Steelers Postseason ExperienceWith the Steelers heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, I took a look at the roster and came to a startling realization: many of these guys have never played a playoff game. An NFL roster is a constantly changing makeup of long-term veterans, role players and recent draft picks and the Steelers have seen their share of turnover in the last 3 seasons with aged veterans retiring and emerging stars cashing in elsewhere in free agency. Here's a breakdown of the Steelers 53-man roster as we head into the playoffs:<br />
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<u>0 Playoff Games (27)</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Dri Archer</li>
<li>Martavis Bryant</li>
<li>Josh Harris</li>
<li>Daniel McCullers</li>
<li>Ryan Shazier</li>
<li>Stephon Tuitt</li>
<li>Chris Hubbard</li>
<li>Brad Wing</li>
<li>Le'Veon Bell</li>
<li>Terence Garvin</li>
<li>Jarvis Jones</li>
<li>Landry Jones</li>
<li>Shamarko Thomas</li>
<li>Ross Ventrone</li>
<li>B.W. Webb</li>
<li>Markus Wheaton</li>
<li>Vince Williams</li>
<li>Mike Adams</li>
<li>Kelvin Beachum</li>
<li>Antwon Blake</li>
<li>David DeCastro</li>
<li>Robert Golden</li>
<li>Will Johnson</li>
<li>Sean Spence</li>
<li>Arthur Moats</li>
<li>Cody Wallace</li>
<li>Bruce Gradkowski</li>
</ul>
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<u>0 Playoff Wins (5)</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Marcus Gilbert</li>
<li>Cam Heyward</li>
<li>Clifton Geathers (2011 with IND, 2012 with PHI)</li>
<li>Steve McLendon (on 2010 roster but inactive for playoffs/Super Bowl)</li>
<li>Mike Mitchell (2013 with CAR)</li>
</ul>
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<u>0 Home Playoff Games (3)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Marcus Gilbert</li>
<li>Cam Heyward</li>
<li>Cam Thomas (2013 with SD)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u>0 Conference Championship Games (3)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Darrius Heyward-Bey (2013 with IND)</li>
<li>Brice McCain (2011 with HOU)</li>
<li>Ben Tate (2012 & 2013 with HOU)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u>0 Super Bowl Appearances (3)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Michael Palmer (2011-12 with ATL)</li>
<li>Maurkice Pouncey (injured/inactive for 2010 Super Bowl)</li>
<li>Jason Worilds (inactive for 2010 Super Bowl)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u>0 Super Bowl Wins (4)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Antonio Brown</li>
<li>Ramon Foster</li>
<li>Will Allen</li>
<li>Shaun Suisham</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u>1 Super Bowl Win (4)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>William Gay</li>
<li>Matt Spaeth</li>
<li>Lawrence Timmons</li>
<li>Lance Moore (with NO 2009)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u>2 Super Bowl Wins (6)</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Heath Miller</li>
<li>Greg Warren</li>
<li>Ben Roethlisberger</li>
<li>James Harrison</li>
<li>Troy Polamalu</li>
<li>Ike Taylor</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Another way to look at this list is that only 6 players remain from the team that won Super Bowl XL under Bill Cowher and only 10 of the 53 have a Super Bowl ring. 14 of 53 have played in a Super Bowl and 17 have played in at least one conference championship game. Shockingly, less than half of the current roster (only 20 of 53) have won a playoff game and more than half has no playoff experience. While this team might be a little short on players with postseason experience, that also means that those players are that much hungrier to taste the glory some of their other teammates have had. The Steelers have treated the month of December like their own personal playoffs and have won four in a row heading into the postseason. The time has come for this generation of Steelers to make their mark in the postseason, and there is no better opponent for their playoff initiation than the hated Ravens.The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-92140002666668367622014-12-30T19:23:00.002-05:002014-12-30T19:23:30.931-05:00The King in the North: Steelers Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With everything decided during the day, the scenarios entering Sunday night were clear. Win and we got Baltimore at home, lose and we were headed to Indianapolis.<br />
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With Troy out of the lineup, James Harrison got the honor of running out of the tunnel last.<br />
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The crowd was absolutely electric, the most excited it has been all season. An impromptu "Here We Go Steelers" chant rolled during the pregame.<br />
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The Steelers won the toss and took the ball. Bell broke free on a short pass and got us near midfield but we couldn't quite get into Bengals territory.<br />
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Dalton took a shot deep down the sideline for Green but Brice McCain made a savvy play to slow down in front of Green and not let him get to the ball. The Bengals couldn't do anything else and punted to AB.<br />
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Brown started to the right but there wasn't much there...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eX5ONwP-XQk/VKGkrOC-AMI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/WyNLSQdORcs/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eX5ONwP-XQk/VKGkrOC-AMI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/WyNLSQdORcs/s1600/i.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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...gave a sharp cutback to the left, caught a few blocks...</div>
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...pushed Shamarko into the punter..</div>
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...and was goooooone</div>
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flip cityyyy</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">7-0</span></div>
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The Bengals took advantage of the Steelers being in nickel and ground out some yards with Jeremy Hill, getting into Steelers territory. With the ground game rolling, they made the bizarre decision to go to the air not once, but twice. The second was their undoing as Dalton badly overthrew Green and Brice McCain made a Willie Mays over the shoulder interception.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKVH6Y-rsU/VKGkw_cJ8kI/AAAAAAAAJuU/jyVpGRd7Rqw/s1600/tempMcCain02_vs_Cincinnati_12282014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKVH6Y-rsU/VKGkw_cJ8kI/AAAAAAAAJuU/jyVpGRd7Rqw/s1600/tempMcCain02_vs_Cincinnati_12282014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
McCain picked the ball off at the 5 and his momentum carried him into the end zone. Heads up play to bring it out and not tempt the refs into calling a safety.<br />
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AB dropped his first pass of the season on 3rd down and a terrible punt set the Bengals up in Steelers territory.<br />
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The Bengals didn't waste much time marching right back to the red zone. On 3rd down, Dalton found Gio Bernard running a crossing route and Bernard outran everyone to the corner, leaping into the end zone.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUWCB3gW50/VKGktg4gYcI/AAAAAAAAJtA/WeWDd3IGzv4/s1600/i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUWCB3gW50/VKGktg4gYcI/AAAAAAAAJtA/WeWDd3IGzv4/s1600/i4.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">7-7</span></div>
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The Steelers were able to pick up one first down but a bad snap at the feet of Ben was recovered by the Bengals and things started to look bad.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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The Bengals got into field goal range with a short out to AJ Green but didn't get much further after Cam Heyward stormed the backfield and sacked Dalton.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">7-10</span></div>
<br />
Trailing for the first time, the offense ramped things up. Ben hit AB to get things going then overcame Bell losing yards by hitting Will Johnson (!) wide open on the sidelines to get us to 3rd and manageable where he hooked up with Heath down the middle to get us across midfield. In Bengals territory, Ben wanted to take a shot deep but everything was covered so he dumped it off to Bell who left 3 Bengals laying on the field and took off up the sideline to get us into the red zone. The drive stalled out from there but Suisham tied the game.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">10-10</span></div>
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Dalton tried to go deep for AJ Green again but Green tipped the ball up in the air and Brice McCain came down with his second pick of the night, taking it all the way back into Bengals territory.<br />
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Two plays later, a WR screen finally worked when Ben hit Bryant with Wheaton and Heath in front of him. Bryant split their blocks and there was no one in front of him as he waltzed into the end zone.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCu4J9Nj1mU/VKGku_smiTI/AAAAAAAAJtg/ynkJ9LgxuTY/s1600/i8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCu4J9Nj1mU/VKGku_smiTI/AAAAAAAAJtg/ynkJ9LgxuTY/s1600/i8.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">17-10</span></div>
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The Bengals ground out one first down but Sean Spence recorded his first career sack at a big time and forced a punt.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MjAF1xWnN4/VKGkxA_n_SI/AAAAAAAAJuY/iiMgM63mh_U/s1600/tempSpence01_vs_Bengals_12282014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MjAF1xWnN4/VKGkxA_n_SI/AAAAAAAAJuY/iiMgM63mh_U/s1600/tempSpence01_vs_Bengals_12282014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Steelers got the ball back with just over 2 minutes to play and 2 timeouts, which led everyone to wonder how Mike Tomlin would screw up the clock management on this one. However, Ben worked the 2-minute drill to perfection, hitting guys along the sidelines or in space where they were able to get out of bounds, so Tomlin couldn't waste a timeout until the Steelers got into the red zone. Ben spread the ball around beautifully and got the benefit of a pass interference call that took the ball to the 10. Tomlin used a timeout after a short pass to Bell and Ben couldn't connect with Brown on two attempts, bringing on Suisham who bounced one off the upright and in.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">20-10</span></div>
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The Bengals threw two short passes to run it out. Antwon Blake threw a hit on Bernard so hard his grandparents felt it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
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The Bengals got the ball to start the second half and tried to get fancy with a wildcat snap to Sanu and he tried to throw deep to Green but Blake had solid coverage and the Bengals got flagged for holding on the play. They were able to overcome the penalty and get into 3rd and short where the defense made a stand but Dalton moved the chains on 4th down with a QB keeper. The defense had seen enough and held from there, forcing a 50-yard field goal attempt that Nugent pushed right.<br />
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The teams traded 3-and-outs and the Steelers finally got some good field position.<br />
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On the first play, Ben hit Bell on a slant coming across the middle and Bell took a low hit from Reggie Nelson, immediately going down and grabbing his knee. In an instant, all the air was sucked out of the crowd. Bell was able to get off and walk to the sideline but everyone basically held their breath for the rest of the drive.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPuUOkq3M0/VKGkrUyG1dI/AAAAAAAAJsU/nYFjHxxgXE8/s1600/i10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPuUOkq3M0/VKGkrUyG1dI/AAAAAAAAJsU/nYFjHxxgXE8/s1600/i10.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></div>
Dri Archer came in and was a giant disaster. He couldn’t find the line of scrimmage on a running play then blew a blitz pickup on 3rd down in field goal range, forcing Ben to rush a throw that Nelson picked off.<br />
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The Bengals started picking their way down the field, mixing in runs and short passes. Dalton did a good job hitting the short spots in the Steelers zone and the Bengals made their way into Steelers territory as the quarter ended.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
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The entire stadium was still shook up about Le’Veon Bell and didn’t have much life as the Bengals worked their way into the red zone, not even facing a 3rd down the rest of the drive. Hill got them down the 5 then Dalton hit Gresham in the flat who bowled through 3 tacklers to get to the end zone.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz1h7CAKu7g/VKGkrs_WdcI/AAAAAAAAJsk/SeVouUUubl8/s1600/i11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz1h7CAKu7g/VKGkrs_WdcI/AAAAAAAAJsk/SeVouUUubl8/s1600/i11.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Ugh</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">20-17</span></div>
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Josh Harris, fresh off the practice squad, got a carry and broke through the right side of the line, streaking down the sideline for 55 yards but it was called back on a questionable holding call. Dri Archer did something useful and caught a pass that he almost turned into a first down. Harris got a few more carries then Ben hit AB on a 15-yard out-route that is basically impossible to stop. With the ball at midfield, the offense couldn’t do much else and in a weird statistical anomaly, Maurkice Pouncey gets credit for a reception after catching a pass that was deflected by a defensive lineman. With just under 6 minutes to go, Tomlin calls for a fake punt and Brad Wing throws a pass right to a Bengals player.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4TkW-xYCdM/VKNB5ADk7zI/AAAAAAAAJvo/CxzCx1hSjac/s1600/1.-Liz-lemon-Oh-No.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4TkW-xYCdM/VKNB5ADk7zI/AAAAAAAAJvo/CxzCx1hSjac/s1600/1.-Liz-lemon-Oh-No.gif" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
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Suddenly, the Bengals had a ton of life, down just 3 with the ball at their own 40. They had plenty of time left on the clock and went right back to the short passing game mixed with runs to get the ball into Steelers territory. Dalton hit AJ Green on a deep in and Antwon Blake made a great play coming around Green and ripping the ball out then diving on it. Mike Mitchell lowered the boom on Green and he stayed down for a long time.<br />
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After the smoke cleared and Green walked off, it was Steelers ball as Blake recovered the fumble he forced. Huge play by the defense to come up with a timely turnover once again.<br />
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With just under 4 minutes to play, the Steelers needed to take some time off the clock which seemed like a tall order with Dri Archer and Josh Harris in the backfield. Enter Antonio Brown. On 3rd and 8 Brown got open with a savvy move to get behind Kirkpatrick and Ben hit him on the money.<br />
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AB put one move on the safety and was f***ing goooooone</div>
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TO THE HOUSE</div>
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ALL ANTONIO BROWN DOES IS MAKE BIG PLAYS</div>
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MVP MVP MVP MVP</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">27-17</span></div>
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It was mostly just going through the motions from there as the Bengals to the ball back with under 3 minutes to play but Jason Worilds took care of things by sacking Dalton on 3rd down. The Bungles went for it on 4th down and Dalton checked down to Bernard on 4th and 19. Yeah, that went well.<br />
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The Steelers took over and could’ve just kneeled it out but Ben was tied with Drew Brees for the passing title so they tried to run a play to get Ben an easy throw but there was a fumble in the backfield that Josh Harris fell on. Ben didn’t get another shot at winning the passing title and it was victory formation time.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USsDOZfz3Ng/VKGkvyMrKpI/AAAAAAAAJt8/SmD7lN3aZWc/s1600/temp2014_CIN2tm_1271--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USsDOZfz3Ng/VKGkvyMrKpI/AAAAAAAAJt8/SmD7lN3aZWc/s1600/temp2014_CIN2tm_1271--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are the Kings in the North</div>
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Mike Tomlin had some strong words for Reggie Nelson after the game</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVzVFyk5wD8/VKGks0TIVlI/AAAAAAAAJs4/GLWa94oqj4E/s1600/i17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVzVFyk5wD8/VKGks0TIVlI/AAAAAAAAJs4/GLWa94oqj4E/s1600/i17.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember this one for a while, because this was the best single season by a receiver in Steelers history.</div>
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129 catches</div>
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1698 yards</div>
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13 TDs</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4SMJ8T6Aw/VKGkvfIJ6xI/AAAAAAAAJtw/IiAlcqRMhns/s1600/temp2014_CIN2kr_3130--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4SMJ8T6Aw/VKGkvfIJ6xI/AAAAAAAAJtw/IiAlcqRMhns/s1600/temp2014_CIN2kr_3130--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Thanks AB"</div>
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For the moment, WE RUN THE NORTH</div>
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But don't rest now. Baltimore is coming to town for a Saturday night playoff game. </div>
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Here we go.</div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-29537792689013747362014-12-28T00:24:00.001-05:002014-12-28T00:24:40.699-05:00Gameday: Cincinnati Bengals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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8:30pm</div>
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The House that Hines Built</div>
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TV: NBC</div>
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Radio: WDVE and <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/radio-info.html">other affiliates</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
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1. The King in the North<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Wg6YAlpcI/VJm1N6wQ3DI/AAAAAAAAJr4/raLHcMZGc1E/s1600/KotN-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Wg6YAlpcI/VJm1N6wQ3DI/AAAAAAAAJr4/raLHcMZGc1E/s1600/KotN-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field in Week 17 with the AFC North title on the line. Do I really need to say anything else? If you're not jacked through the roof for this game already, do whatever it takes to get pumped. Listen to Renegade 30 times. Drink 6 Red Bulls. Whatever. When 8:30 rolls around, be ready to roll, because the winner takes home the division title, something the Steelers have not done since 2010. The Bengals are defending the throne, and it's the Steelers job to go out and take it.<br />
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2. Run Defense<br />
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The Steelers run defense has been much, much better over the last few weeks than they were earlier in the season. Even though I haven't been very high on him, Steve McLendon has made a significant impact since returning to the nose tackle position. They will have their work cut out for them against the "Nuke and Juke" combination of rookie workhorse Jeremy Hill and second-year back Gio Bernard. Hill is a pounding, physical runner that has the top end speed to break away if he gets free. Bernard has fallen into the role of a change-of-pace back and his short-area quickness has given the Steelers problems in the past, especially defending him on short passes. Last week, the Steelers shut down an excellent duo of Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis and will need to do it again against a good Bengals rushing attack. On the other side, Le'Veon Bell tortured the Bengals in the first meeting between these two teams. Will the Bengals do what the Falcons and Chiefs did and stack the box to try to take Bell out of the game? If they do, the Steelers receivers will need to do better at winning 1-on-1 battles against the Bengals DBs than the Broncos did last week.<br />
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3. Red Zone Defense<br />
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Ultimately, this is what will decide this game. The Steelers defense has basically grown into a "bend but don't break" group that lets teams rack up yards between the 20s but forces field goals in the red zone. The Steelers are good enough on offense that forcing field goals is absolutely a win. The Steelers need to continue to force field goals, because the Bengals will be able to move the ball, especially against the Steelers weak secondary. On the other side, because this defense is not capable of keeping opposing teams off the scoreboard, the Steelers need to cash in when they get their opportunities. The Bengals don't have a great pass rush but they do have a very good group of cornerbacks, which makes finding openings in the passing game on the short field of the red zone increasingly difficult.<br />
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4. Stop AJ Green<br />
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In the first meeting between the two teams, AJ Green had a field day with the Steelers secondary. The Bengals started off throwing short hitch routes to Green then bombed the Steelers over the top with two deep balls down the middle of the field. Green beat Mike Mitchell soundly both times and finished the game with 224 yards. In the first meeting, the Steelers came out with Ike Taylor on AJ Green but that went about as poorly as possible. Taylor took himself out of the game due to an injury and he hasn't played since. Antwon Blake made a play late in the game to knock a deep ball away from Green, but the 5'9" Blake is giving up 7 inches to Green. Green is a matchup nightmare for any defensive back the Steelers line up across from him. William Gay is the tallest of the group at 5'10" but is still giving up 6 inches to the 6'4" Green. The best the Steelers can home to do is keep Green in front of them and tackle the catch.<br />
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5. The Playoffs<br />
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The Steelers will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2011. If you still have a bad taste in your mouth about the way the game in Denver ended, that's a good thing. It should piss you off. Use that as fuel heading into this postseason. Because win or lose against Cincinnati, we'll be dancing next weekend. If we lose, we'll be headed to Indianapolis and a date with Andrew Luck. If we beat the Bengals we'll be right back at home against San Diego, Baltimore, Houston or Kansas City. By the time the Steelers kick off, we'll know the results of the earlier games and we'll know who the #6 seed is and who could potentially be coming to Pittsburgh. The scenarios in the early games are simple:<br />
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<ul>
<li>San Diego is the #6 seed with a win over Kansas City</li>
<li>Baltimore is the #6 seed with a win over Cleveland and a San Diego loss</li>
<li>Houston is the #6 seed with a win over Jacksonville and losses by San Diego and Baltimore</li>
<li>Kansas City is the #6 seed with a win over San Diego and losses by Baltimore and Houston</li>
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-17477358540457972732014-12-23T19:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T19:00:03.434-05:00Sunday Night Football: The Battle For the North<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcxQSRZCgnI/VJm1N2sHoTI/AAAAAAAAJr0/1LWY6p5BxKk/s1600/TNR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcxQSRZCgnI/VJm1N2sHoTI/AAAAAAAAJr0/1LWY6p5BxKk/s1600/TNR.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-11712774153892489802014-12-22T23:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T13:12:37.780-05:00Winter Is Coming: Steelers WIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a> 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMoqNFMvTeE/SwTLA3Y6SkI/AAAAAAAACQo/v_52YhY1GRw/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMoqNFMvTeE/SwTLA3Y6SkI/AAAAAAAACQo/v_52YhY1GRw/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> 20</span></div>
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This picture sums up the whole game. Almost just posted this as the whole recap.</div>
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The Steelers got the ball first and came out of the gate fast with Ben finding Bryant wide open down the sideline for a big 44-yarder to instantly get us into Chiefs territory. Bryant made some things happen on an end-around then pretty much disappeared for the rest of the game. From there, Le'Veon and AB took over the drive, alternating rushes and short passes to get down to the 5. Ben underthrew AB on 3rd down and once again we had to settle for 3 on our opening drive.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">3-0</span></div>
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The Chiefs had obviously watched tape on what the Cleveland Browns did to the Steelers and came out with a similar gameplan. James Harrison and Cam Heyward absolutely wrecked the Chiefs line all day and teamed up for a sack early in the drive.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11hMTFJslvU/VJml_BIWslI/AAAAAAAAJqU/MkuDk_mMHhs/s1600/i6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11hMTFJslvU/VJml_BIWslI/AAAAAAAAJqU/MkuDk_mMHhs/s1600/i6.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, some dude named Albert Wilson decided to triple his career production in this game and caught a pass for 19 yards to convert a 3rd and long. The Chiefs whole offense was trying to hit big plays to D'Anthony Thomas and throwing the ball to Wilson when Will Gay wasn't covering him. The Chiefs got inside the 10 but Cam Heyward sacked Smith on 3rd down to force a field goal.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keacZNk1pR4/VJml-OObkBI/AAAAAAAAJp4/3RVCjXYhyc4/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keacZNk1pR4/VJml-OObkBI/AAAAAAAAJp4/3RVCjXYhyc4/s1600/i2.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">3-3</span></div>
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The first two drives had consumed 13 minutes of game clock but the trend didn't continue as the Steelers went 3-and-out, a less than ideal offensive series after the defense was just on the field for 7 minutes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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The Chiefs second drive was basically a mirror of their first. They picked their way down the field by runnign the ball, throwing swing passes and staying away from Will Gay. The defense came up with a stop in the red zone but the Chiefs faked a field goal and were able to convert on a shovel pass to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs looked poised to get their first touchdown of the year by a WR when Smith threw a back-shoulder pass to Bowe but Antwon Blake made a great play reaching his hand in to knock the ball away.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYSAPg0DyG8/VJml_JjuvsI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/YBk4tXjDkZ8/s1600/i5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYSAPg0DyG8/VJml_JjuvsI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/YBk4tXjDkZ8/s1600/i5.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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The defense stepped up and Worilds chased Smith out of bounds on 3rd down which was technically a sack.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">3-6</span></div>
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Ben had seen enough of this ball control crap and took the game over. He worked the play action game and exploited the Chiefs down the middle with passes to AB and Heath to get across midfield. Ben kept things rolling with a beautifully thrown out-route to Wheaton to move the chains then went back to Heath to get us inside the 10. A check-down to Heath got us to the doorstep and it looked like we were going to have to settle for 3 again but the Cheifs got called for defensive holding and The Prescription punched it in on the next play.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">10-6</span></div>
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The Chiefs got the ball back with just over 4 minutes to play and drove right back down the field with Wilson breaking a short pass down the sideline after a few missed tackles to get into Steelers territory. James Harrison blew up a running play but the Chiefs were able to almost get it back on 3rd down but the replay official ruled that Mike Mitchell actually made a play and stopped Thomas short of the sticks. Andy Reid opted to go for it on 4th and 1 rather than kick and the defense came through with Timmons, Harrison and Will Allen stacking up Charles in the backfield.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVnrWhQUNPY/VJml-u9vsvI/AAAAAAAAJqE/G75my1CI1DE/s1600/i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVnrWhQUNPY/VJml-u9vsvI/AAAAAAAAJqE/G75my1CI1DE/s1600/i4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
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After a first half that consisted of long drives that ended in field goals, the start of the second half seemed like a flurry of punts. James Harrison continued his return to Darth Harrison Mode and wrecked Alex Smith again.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC40dwdytCk/VJml9tI4ZRI/AAAAAAAAJps/ZWeS2qra6_Q/s1600/i15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC40dwdytCk/VJml9tI4ZRI/AAAAAAAAJps/ZWeS2qra6_Q/s1600/i15.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Never forget that time James Harrison inspired a Metallica Album.</div>
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After an exchange of punts, the Chiefs drove it down into field goal range but Stephon Tuitt lowered the boom on Charles and knocked the ball out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImkGF3xqTZk/VJml_ygyYfI/AAAAAAAAJqg/qR5khy9A7yo/s1600/i8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImkGF3xqTZk/VJml_ygyYfI/AAAAAAAAJqg/qR5khy9A7yo/s1600/i8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Huge recovery by Vince Williams.</div>
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Ben wasted no time in taking advantage of the turnover, going right to the air and hitting wheaton and Heath to get us across midfield. A pass to AB on a deep cross got us into field goal range and Le'Veon got us to the goal line. Ben did his Ben thing and avoided an obvious legwhip and took a shot while delivering a ball to Antonio Brown in the end zone.<br />
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That was AB's 12th receiving touchdown of the year, putting him into a tie with Hines Ward and Louis Lipps for the most receiving touchdowns in a single season.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX6bLArEhKc/VJml8su0p1I/AAAAAAAAJpc/6GAIHrJaSkE/s1600/i11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX6bLArEhKc/VJml8su0p1I/AAAAAAAAJpc/6GAIHrJaSkE/s1600/i11.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">17-6</span></div>
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It was scary for a moment as Ben got up slow after taking a big hit and he went to the locker room to get checked out.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwGTgAfc2us/VJml85OMr5I/AAAAAAAAJrI/_Ub45cSqtsE/s1600/i12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwGTgAfc2us/VJml85OMr5I/AAAAAAAAJrI/_Ub45cSqtsE/s1600/i12.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
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The defense came out on fire and Jason Worilds rung up his second sack of the game.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AQwLfhiTXk/VJml9ZnJQOI/AAAAAAAAJpo/e3Ku0-v9nlI/s1600/i14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AQwLfhiTXk/VJml9ZnJQOI/AAAAAAAAJpo/e3Ku0-v9nlI/s1600/i14.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
We seemingly got off the field but the refs wanted to keep it interested and flagged Will Gay for a taunting penalty for...um...I really don't know. The TV replay just showed him crossing his arms and looking at the Steelers bench but there were no Chiefs around.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFcWI_k3nC4/VHSihsL971I/AAAAAAAAJjM/wnFOvjGBcos/s1600/wthbs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFcWI_k3nC4/VHSihsL971I/AAAAAAAAJjM/wnFOvjGBcos/s1600/wthbs.gif" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Chiefs took advantage and drove it down into field goal range to get it to a 1-score game.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">17-9</span></div>
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The Steelers came out with Ben back under center, determined to take some time off the clock and rolled with run-run-pass pretty much the whole way down the field. Fortunately, those passes were to AB and he came through every time (including drawing a pass interference penalty that got us into field goal range. The Steelers got inside the 10 but couldn't quite punch it in. They did force the Chiefs to use 2 timeouts.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">20-9</span></div>
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Here's the problem with the Chiefs offense: Alex Smith can't throw downfield. In the whole game, he only attempted 1 pass that travelled longer than 20 yards in the air and it was incomplete. He only completed 2 passes over 15 yards. With time running down and needing 2 scores, the Chiefs had to slowly pick their way down the field, which the Steelers were more than content to let them do. The Chiefs got to the edge of the red zone by the 2-minute warning when Tuitt sacked Smith and the Chiefs couldn't rebound. Andy Reid opted for a field goal to cut it to 8.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">20-12</span></div>
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The onside kick wasn't even close. David Johnson was all over the ball.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkyWuItUQ7s/VJmt6btBKWI/AAAAAAAAJrg/CdKz9VGBjow/s1600/David%2BJohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkyWuItUQ7s/VJmt6btBKWI/AAAAAAAAJrg/CdKz9VGBjow/s1600/David%2BJohnson.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not that one.</div>
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Victory Formation.</div>
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Game.</div>
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PLAYOFFS.</div>
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Brace yourselves for Sunday Night Football with the AFC North title on the line.</div>
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<br />The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-5740109695770085292014-12-20T22:34:00.001-05:002014-12-20T22:34:12.415-05:00Gameday: Kansas City Chiefs<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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Heinz Field</div>
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TV: CBS (<a href="http://506sports.com/">map</a>)</div>
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Radio: WDVE and <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/radio-info.html">other affiliates</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
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1. Streaks Are Made To Be Broken<br />
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The Chiefs haven't thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver this season. That basically guarantees that they'll have at least 2 against the Steelers. The Steelers have a propensity to let teams break streaks against them. Two years ago, the 1-7 Chiefs did not have a lead in regulation all season (their only win was in overtime) and the Steelers let them run out to a 10-0 lead to start the game. I can live with the Chiefs breaking their streak of no touchdown passes to a wide receiver if Ben Roethlisberger also breaks the Chiefs streak of not allowing a 300-yard passer this season.<br />
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2. Record Breakers<br />
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Last week, several Steelers broke single-season team records. Even more will be broken this week. Against Atlanta, Ben Roethlisberger broke his own record for passing yards in a season. This week, he needs just 10 completions and 3 passing touchdowns to break his own records in those categories. Le'Veon Bell broke Barry Foster's yards from scrimmage record and Ray Mathews' record for receiving yards by a running back. Bell still needs over 400 rushing yards to break Foster's single season rushing record, which seems out of reach at this point. The most impressive record-breaking performance has been Antonio Brown who broke Hines Ward's record for receptions <i>in 14 weeks</i>. Brown needs 2 more receiving yards to break his own yardage record and 2 TDs to break the record held by Ward and Louis Lipps for receiving touchdowns. Unexpectedly, Big Play Will Gay had another pick-6 last week, his 3rd of the season which broke a Steelers record and put him one away from tying the NFL record.<br />
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3. Strength on Strength<br />
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The Steelers have one of the top 5 offenses in the league and the Chiefs are one of the top defenses. The Chiefs have the second best passing defense in the league, largely due to their potent pass rush. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston are terrors on the outside and the Chiefs have an absolute stud in Dontari Poe in the middle at nose tackle. Houston has posted 17 sacks so far this season and has been basically unblockable, which presents a tall order for either Marcus Gilbert or Mike Adams. The weakness in their defense is down the middle and if the Steelers are going to exploit them, they will have to attack their inside linebackers and safeties.<br />
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4. Stop the Run<br />
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The Chiefs offense is based around their running game. Jamaal Charles is the best cut-back runner in the game and has the breakaway speed to make teams pay. Backup Knile Davis has tortured teams as a change-of-pace back but still has a reputation as a fumbler. Davis and rookie D'Anthony Thomas can both absolutely fly and are dangerous in the return game as well as out of the backfield. This is not to take anything away from Charles, who averages over 5.2 yards per carry. The Steelers defense has not been good against the run this season, but they will need to slow down the Chiefs ground attack if they want to have a chance in this game. If the Chiefs can control the game on the ground and let Alex Smith be a situational passer, they will steal a victory from the Steelers. The Steelers need to take the Chiefs running attack out of the game and force Alex Smith to beat them through the air. Smith is not a great passer and has proven to be a tentative downfield passer, even when the situation called for it.<br />
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5. Scoreboard Watching<br />
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Not necessary this week. If the Steelers win, they are in the playoffs. If we lose, we are on the outside looking in. Simple as that. Losing would put us in a bad situation because the Chiefs have a home game against San Diego next week. We need to take care of our own business first and wrap up a playoff spot before we take a peek at the scoreboard and worry about other things. But just in case you're interested...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="41" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@ </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxdMI02HLs/SwTJ9WJBAjI/AAAAAAAACPI/vgms1AFmIgw/s1600/HOU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxdMI02HLs/SwTJ9WJBAjI/AAAAAAAACPI/vgms1AFmIgw/s1600/HOU.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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The Steelers and Ravens are tied in the AFC North and for the last 2 Wild Card spots. The Steelers hold the tiebreaker on Baltimore right now. A Steelers win and a Baltimore loss would mean that the Steelers would clinch at least the #5 seed. Houston is starting Case Keenum though, so this doesn't seem likely.</div>
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Monday 8:30pm</div>
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If the Steelers win, they will have a chance to win the AFC North title in Week 17 against Cincinnati, regardless of what the Bengals do. However, the Steelers could be in position to knock the Bengals out entirely if the Steelers beat Kansas City and the Bengals lose to Denver. Something else to consider is that the Steelers-Bengals game is one of 3 games that could be flexed to Sunday night in Week 17. The other two are the Falcons-Panthers and Lions-Packers (which seems like the most likely game at this point).</div>
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1:00pm</div>
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The Browns are not technically eliminated yet but a loss to the Panthers would knock them out for sure. Also, wins by Carolina and Atlanta would set up a Week 17 showdown for the NFC South title, which could effect the start time of the Steelers-Bengals game.</div>
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4:25pm</div>
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This is a bit of a stretch but due to the Steelers head-to-head win over the Colts, if the Steelers were to win out and the Colts lose one of their last two (much more likely that they lose to Dallas than to 2-13 Tennessee), then the Steelers would actually get the #3 seed in the playoffs.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_v5rL8RAdg/SwTKTmrc6cI/AAAAAAAACQA/O_g0dvjn1Ls/s1600/NO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_v5rL8RAdg/SwTKTmrc6cI/AAAAAAAACQA/O_g0dvjn1Ls/s1600/NO.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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A Saints victory would put them a win or Carolina loss away from the NFC South title. However, if Atlanta and Carolina both win it sets up a head-to-head for the division title in Week 17. A Carolina-Atlanta matchup would certainly get some consideration as the Sunday Night Football Game of the Week. Don't think that NBC would shy away from it just because of their records, they chose the Seattle-St Louis game a few years ago when Seattle was 6-9 and St Louis 7-8 and the two played for the NFC West title in Week 17.<br />
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1:00pm</div>
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1:00pm</div>
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The most likely game for NBC to choose in Week 17 is the NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers. Green Bay is a huge national draw with league MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers at the helm going up against Detroit's defense and WR Calvin Johnson. The Lions and Packers are both 10-4 and Detroit currently holds the head-to-head tiebreaker. If the Lions beat the Bears and Green Bay loses the Bay of Pigs, then Detroit would win the division and it would knock the Lions-Packers game out of consideration for Sunday Night Football. If Steelers fans don't want a Sunday Night game next week, they should cheer for both the Packers to win this week (which shouldn't be too hard as Tampa seems to be in all-out "Miserable for Mariota" mode).The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-69236751789399928582014-12-15T22:05:00.000-05:002014-12-16T11:05:29.416-05:00Bell's Broke Loose in Georgia: Steelers WIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> 27</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a> 20</span></div>
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The Steelers got some great news about an hour before kickoff - Julio Jones was inactive for the Atlanta Falcons.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XltQCImXuY4/VJBOdTMcrwI/AAAAAAAAJmM/ZnNq2N8NTGQ/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XltQCImXuY4/VJBOdTMcrwI/AAAAAAAAJmM/ZnNq2N8NTGQ/s1600/i.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
With Jones off the table, suddenly this turned from a game that had you crapping your pants to a game that the Steelers should win.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First Quarter</span></div>
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The Steelers won the toss and took the ball. The running game wasn't doing much but Ben was sharp through the air, picking up big chunks with each throw as the Falcons were stacking the box against Bell. The deep middle was wide open and Ben hit slants and deep-in routes to drive us into Falcons territory. The Steelers didn't even face 3rd down until they were inside the red zone but couldn't pick it up.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">3-0</span></div>
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Steven Jackson got the Falcons off to a good start grinding out some yards but Matt Ryan missed a few passes and the defense forced a punt.<br />
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The Steelers caught a huge break when Le'Veon broke a check-down pass for 44 yards down the sideline thanks to a block from Bryant. Initially it looked like they were going to call a block in the back but the refs decided to pick up the flag and let the play stand. Ben went right after the Falcons, hitting Heath down the seam to a chorus of "HEEEEEEATH" from the Pittsburgh South contingent.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ne1k1V7cmO8/VJBOhdiIvhI/AAAAAAAAJnc/TTLstWxxJRA/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0302--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ne1k1V7cmO8/VJBOhdiIvhI/AAAAAAAAJnc/TTLstWxxJRA/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0302--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Represent.</div>
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A sack set things back and AB got swarmed in the middle of the field on 3rd down before he could get to the sticks.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">6-0</span></div>
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This Steelers team isn't very secretive, they have started slow in almost every game this season. Like the last 2 weeks, you felt like the dam was going to break at some point and wished the Steelers had built more than a one-score lead.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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Enter William Gay.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-kwTFK8uP4/VJBOfEY9HdI/AAAAAAAAJm4/HvERD4qUS7E/s1600/i3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-kwTFK8uP4/VJBOfEY9HdI/AAAAAAAAJm4/HvERD4qUS7E/s1600/i3.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Twitter this week I asked who the Steelers 3rd best defensive player is right now. I don't think there's any debate, it is William Gay. And before you say Big Play Bill Gay doesn't bring it, watch this play again.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOyslLc9LSI/VJBOe3pTYyI/AAAAAAAAJms/ddNYQ1vQXaw/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOyslLc9LSI/VJBOe3pTYyI/AAAAAAAAJms/ddNYQ1vQXaw/s1600/i2.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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Gay undercut a Ryan pass for Harry Douglas and made a leaping interception, taking it down the left sideline. When it looked like he was bottled up by linemen, he put on the shimmy shakes and somehow broke free and suddenly had a caravan of blockers to get him all the way TO THE HOUSE.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We4VlfVqmH0/VJBOiYo-Q4I/AAAAAAAAJnw/MWYEQ4fL_sI/s1600/tempDefense01_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We4VlfVqmH0/VJBOiYo-Q4I/AAAAAAAAJnw/MWYEQ4fL_sI/s1600/tempDefense01_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">13-0</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUJKv5pdBBA/VJBOhJqRshI/AAAAAAAAJnU/w3txlmALRSQ/s1600/i9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUJKv5pdBBA/VJBOhJqRshI/AAAAAAAAJnU/w3txlmALRSQ/s1600/i9.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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For all the Steelers single-season records that were broken, this was one I didn't see coming. This was Gay's THIRD pick-6 of the year, a Steelers record.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvL4vicvz0/VJBOhaAWhuI/AAAAAAAAJng/8FtH-OJxAjs/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0623--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvL4vicvz0/VJBOhaAWhuI/AAAAAAAAJng/8FtH-OJxAjs/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0623--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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The Falcons got called for an offensive pass interference penalty for a pick play that essentially ended their drive.<br />
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Unfortunately, the Steelers couldn't deliver the knockout punch and had to punt.<br />
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The Falcons came right back and drove it into Steelers territory. The refs gave the Falcons a gift with an absolutely terrible roughing the passer call on a Jason Worilds sack.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kb6Zbe2Mn8/VJBOh8ZdvcI/AAAAAAAAJnk/cSE7QL_yoQ4/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0763--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kb6Zbe2Mn8/VJBOh8ZdvcI/AAAAAAAAJnk/cSE7QL_yoQ4/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_0763--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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Worilds came untouched around the end and drilled Ryan right in the chest on a completely clean hit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ncBxZmI5s/VJBOeS9bZZI/AAAAAAAAJmg/3VK5_VpW3LI/s1600/i16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ncBxZmI5s/VJBOeS9bZZI/AAAAAAAAJmg/3VK5_VpW3LI/s1600/i16.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a><br />
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Worilds had his head up and hit Ryan in the chest with his facemask, not with the crown of his helmet. Ryan didn't even try to throw the ball and took the sack.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
that flag's children need to know what a disgrace that flag was in life<br />
— christmas psamp (@psamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/psamp/status/544205500200800256">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
I'm at a complete loss, I have no idea how to tell anyone to tackle anymore, the roughing against Pit and then SF are the worst I've seen<br />
— Mike Golic (@espngolic) <a href="https://twitter.com/espngolic/status/544279624268931072">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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No clue.</div>
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The penalty gave the Falcons new life and 3 plays later they turned it into points when Ryan hit Devin Hester on a fade route.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dvghVvLth4/VJBOfj-kGMI/AAAAAAAAJm8/o5Mg4gSFKAc/s1600/i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dvghVvLth4/VJBOfj-kGMI/AAAAAAAAJm8/o5Mg4gSFKAc/s1600/i4.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">13-7</span></div>
<br />
Credit where credit is due, every time the Falcons scored in this game, the Steelers came right back and answered. Ben hit a few passes to get us into a 3rd and manageable at the 2-minute warning. Le'Veon converted on a short pass. After Ben hit Weaton to get to 3rd and short, Tomlin strangely used his first timeout then used a second after Bell moved the chains. Bizarre use of 2 timeouts with 1:19 on the clock. With only 1 timeout left, the Steelers had to jump into hurry-up mode with the ball just across midfield. Two short passes got us to the edge of field goal range and Ben spiked it to stop the clock with 38 seconds left. Needing yards, Ben took a shot down the sideline for AB who was initially called out of bounds but replay showed he snagged the ball and tapped his second foot better than the Great Russian Nutcracker.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ev7WVH1RNmw/VJBOfl2KM-I/AAAAAAAAJnE/bOQnvsf_N4o/s1600/i5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ev7WVH1RNmw/VJBOfl2KM-I/AAAAAAAAJnE/bOQnvsf_N4o/s1600/i5.jpg" height="353" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty fitting reference because that catch was like a swift kick to the nuts of the Falcons D.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hW9E_6YgbWw/VJBOf6u2tlI/AAAAAAAAJnI/J9lFvaddH4c/s1600/i6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hW9E_6YgbWw/VJBOf6u2tlI/AAAAAAAAJnI/J9lFvaddH4c/s1600/i6.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Prescription punched it in on the next play.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk6Ffh914ns/VJBOgiJZfGI/AAAAAAAAJnM/cOL5B1Wg6h4/s1600/i7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk6Ffh914ns/VJBOgiJZfGI/AAAAAAAAJnM/cOL5B1Wg6h4/s1600/i7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">20-7</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzO43VU72zs/VJBOeKecvoI/AAAAAAAAJmc/9xMlqiUb6tU/s1600/i15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzO43VU72zs/VJBOeKecvoI/AAAAAAAAJmc/9xMlqiUb6tU/s1600/i15.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
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Matt Ryan was checkdown city even though the Falcons had 23 seconds and 3 timeouts.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
<br />
The Falcons got the ball first and got off to a quick start when Devin Hester broke a WR screen down the sideline for 50 yards. Mike Mitchell somehow made a tackle but injured himself in the process. The Falcons couldn't do anything else but the Hester catch was enough to get them into field goal range.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">20-10</span></div>
<br />
The next drive was total garbage as Antonio Brown got called for two penalties on the same play - a facemask when he tried to stiffarm a guy and a taunting penalty.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmzXA5NsJFE/VJBX8JCuLOI/AAAAAAAAJpA/DdT0QVDet5U/s1600/tumblr_mqxvbpHN9n1qkhk3jo8_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmzXA5NsJFE/VJBX8JCuLOI/AAAAAAAAJpA/DdT0QVDet5U/s1600/tumblr_mqxvbpHN9n1qkhk3jo8_500.gif" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Without Julio Jones, the Falcons offensive attack was clearly at a disadvantage. Ryan didn't even attempt a pass more than 25 yards downfield. However, they put it together on this drive and got all the way down to the goal line by dinking and dunking their way down the field. They tried a run at the 1 but sorry Steve Jackson, Cam Heyward is for real and blew the play up in the backfield.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQgoLD-eV2M/VJBOdRr_RqI/AAAAAAAAJmI/dsxEGr1oR5M/s1600/i11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQgoLD-eV2M/VJBOdRr_RqI/AAAAAAAAJmI/dsxEGr1oR5M/s1600/i11.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Outkast is from Atlanta, had to work that reference in somewhere.</div>
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A pick play didn't work on 3rd down and Mike Smith settled for 3 again.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtB3tfaZ5KU/VJBOg0M2fwI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/3ITvDY4loiI/s1600/i8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtB3tfaZ5KU/VJBOg0M2fwI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/3ITvDY4loiI/s1600/i8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">20-13</span></div>
<br />
Bell got blown up in the backfield but AB made a big grab across the middle to tie Hines Ward's single-season record and get us into 3rd and short which Bell converted. Ben wasted no time and went play-action to Heath down the seam again to get us into Falcons territory.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
<br />
Out of the break, Ben went to the play-action well again and found Wheaton open down the left side to get us into the red zone. The run game was bottled up for most of the game, but when it counted they hit on the counter trey that had annihilated the Bengals last week and Bell zoomed around the left side and walked untouched into the end zone.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cuFbnSWZgM/VJBOdS4yJaI/AAAAAAAAJmY/w8cJidMIuDU/s1600/i12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cuFbnSWZgM/VJBOdS4yJaI/AAAAAAAAJmY/w8cJidMIuDU/s1600/i12.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">27-13</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQ0sZida1E/VJBOiFeRSaI/AAAAAAAAJns/k-GmvtjkbIE/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_1192--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQ0sZida1E/VJBOiFeRSaI/AAAAAAAAJns/k-GmvtjkbIE/s1600/temp2014_ATLkr_1192--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One drive just eliminated the Falcons entire 3rd quarter.</div>
<br />
The Falcons had found a rhythm on their last drive and kept rolling with the short passes with Harry Douglas breaking a WR screen for 40 yards to get the Falcons into the red zone. Mike Michell made another surprising tackle in that it was a surprise that he actually made the tackle, albeit 40 yards downfield. Three plays later, Ryan hit Roddy White on a slant route in the end zone.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzS6YIhyc8g/VJBOd_fNWzI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/78o0FhnT_pE/s1600/i13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzS6YIhyc8g/VJBOd_fNWzI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/78o0FhnT_pE/s1600/i13.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tough to stop that.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">27-20</span></div>
<br />
The Steelers came out determined and AB took a WR screen for 12 yards, giving him the single-season receptions record.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLCD0J-HtQ/VJBOevbIcSI/AAAAAAAAJm0/vZOr6SdLNNQ/s1600/i17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLCD0J-HtQ/VJBOevbIcSI/AAAAAAAAJm0/vZOr6SdLNNQ/s1600/i17.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
Wheaton reeled in a crossing pattern that he legged out to the sticks but that was about it for the drive, sending the ball back to Atlanta with over 6 minutes to play.<br />
<br />
The defense has been porous all season but they dug their heels in and defended the turf, holding Atlanta to a 3-and-out thanks to a solid tackle on 3rd down by Vince Williams. Mike Smith opts to punt rather than go for it on 4th and 2 with 5 minutes to go.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
settled for a 27 and 25 yard field goal in the red zone when you needed touchdowns.<br />
— Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCarasik/status/544234230675300352">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
punting on 4th-and-2 and expecting to get the ball back.<br />
— Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCarasik/status/544234622645571584">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I'm as critical of Mike Tomlin as anyone, but credit where credit is due, the Steelers did everything they could to run out the clock and ensure the Falcons did not get the ball back. Usually in this situation the offense gets conservative but Tomlin put the ball in Ben's hands and let him win the game. We got some help from an illegal contact call on 3rd down that sent Falcons Twitter into a rage you would've thought Clete Blakeman was William Sherman.
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Refs have missed 6-8 calls on the Steelers. Have 2-3 bad ones on the Falcons. Just poor reffing today.<br />
— Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCarasik/status/544232550189645826">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Le'Veon Bell got a few carries to force Atlanta to use their timeouts and allowed Bell to break Barry Foster's single-season record for most yards from scrimmage. Atlanta used their last timeout with 2:42 left.<br />
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The Steelers stayed aggressive, throwing a short pass to Bell that set up a 3rd and 1 after the two-minute warning. That catch put Bell ahead of Ray Mathews for the most receiving yards in a season by a running back in Steelers history. Mathews set the record in 1955.<br />
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The New Big Three in the NFL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> saw single season records in passing yards, receptions and yds from scrimmage <a href="http://t.co/olVZ2FsfqA">pic.twitter.com/olVZ2FsfqA</a><br />
— BTSC Steelers (@btsteelcurtain) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsteelcurtain/status/544277081266597888">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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We had run the ball all day in short yardage situations and Ben beautifully went play-action and lobbed a pass to a wide open Heath Miller down at the 15 yard line to seal the deal.<br />
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Victory Formation<br />
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Congratulations to the Steelers on their first winning season since Bane blew up Heinz Field. You have endured long enough.<br />
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FO_ScottKacsmar/status/544270751181049856">December 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Ballgame.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVNn_uwdyQc/VJBOig8aYjI/AAAAAAAAJn0/mwGeel4deFM/s1600/tempRoethlisberger08_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVNn_uwdyQc/VJBOig8aYjI/AAAAAAAAJn0/mwGeel4deFM/s1600/tempRoethlisberger08_at_Atlanta_12142014--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ben Roethlisberger is the 6th NFL quarterback to beat 31 different teams.</div>
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I love how every time I mention that Ben needs to beat Atlanta to have beaten 31 teams someone asks me who else is needed for 32.<br />
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat/status/542018191372070912">December 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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No time to rest now with the Chiefs coming to town. If we beat Kansas City we're in the playoffs.<br />
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-40344776095096451132014-12-14T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-14T00:30:00.356-05:00Gameday: Atlanta Falcons<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yz_wvIlkIbk/SwTJBD6Qe7I/AAAAAAAACNw/ENyTKvsgLyw/s1600/ATL.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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Devil Went Down to Georgia Dome</div>
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TV: CBS (map)</div>
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Radio: WDVE and other affiliates</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
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1. Julio Jones<br />
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Julio Jones absolutely went off last week against Green Bay. Anyone who watched the Monday Night game was surely filled with trepidation over how the Steelers could even hope to cover Julio. Then, Jones left the game with an injury and didn't return. He didn't practice all week and is listed as "questionable" for the game. I'm never one to wish injury on any player, but Julio Jones playing or not playing completely changes the outlook on the game. Simply put, the Steelers don't have anyone that can cover him. If Jones is held out because of his hip injury, the Steelers will catch a huge break in facing Harry Douglas rather than Julio. If he does play, it could very well be the Julio Jones vs Antonio Brown game. Jones is 2nd in the league in receptions and leads the league in receiving yards while Brown leads the league in receptions and is second in yards.<br />
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2. The Assault on the Record Books<br />
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This has been an incredible offensive season for the Steelers. Antonio Brown is having the best season of any Steelers receiver in history. He needs only 8 catches to break Hines Ward's single season receptions record of 112 and 125 yards to break his own single-season receiving yards record. Brown needs 2 TDs to break the receiving touchdowns record which is shared by Louis Lipps and Hines Ward and 6 TDs to break Willie Parker's record of 16 total TDs in a season. In the backfield, Le'Veon Bell probably won't break Barry Foster's single-season rushing record (he would need to average 153 yards per game over the last 3 to do it) but he will break Foster's record for yards from scrimmage. Bell needs just 110 yards of offense (either rushing or receiving) to break Foster's record. Bell needs 70 receiving yards to break Ray Mathews' record for receiving yards by a running back, set all the way back in 1955. Ben Roethlisberger needs 37 completions, 274 yards and 4 TDs to break his single-season records in each of those categories. All three could happen today.<br />
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3. You Thought Our Defense Was Bad...<br />
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The Steelers defense has been awful this season. They have given up leads, haven't been able to stop the run, haven't generated pressure on the quarterback and haven't been able to defend the deep ball. In short, this is not a typical Steelers defense. However, for as bad as it has been, Atlanta's defense is worse. Last week against Green Bay, Jordy Nelson ran around Atlanta's secondary like there were 4 Mike Mitchell's back there. The Falcons have the worst passing defense in the league and are allowing opponents 295 yards per game. They are also in the bottom half of the league in run defense and are last in total defense. To make matters worse, the Falcons can't get after the passer and have recorded only 15 sacks all season.<br />
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4. Getting Hot At The Right Time<br />
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Atlanta is only 5-8 but is tied for first in the NFC South. They do not need to win this game in order to win the division (amazingly). All the Falcons need to do is win their last 2 games against New Orleans and Carolina and they are guaranteed the division title. That said, the Falcons aren't going to simply lay down for the Steelers. The Falcons have won 3 of their last 5 games after their bye week. They are getting hot at the right time and if Julio Jones is in the lineup boast an explosive passing game that could give the Steelers secondary problems. On the other hand, the Steelers entered last weekend on the outside of the playoff picture and after demolishing Cincinnati, the rest of the games couldn't have gone better. The Steelers went to bed on Monday night on top of the Wild Card race and only a half game back in the division. The Steelers are trending in the right direction, having won 5 of 7 since their 3-3 start, but their two losses were to the Jets and Saints. The Steelers consistently play down to the level of their opponents so don't expect this one to be easy. As we saw last week, the playoff race can change dramatically in just one weekend so the Steelers need to keep winning to stay ahead of the curve.<br />
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5. Scoreboard Watching<br />
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The Steelers are a half game back of the Bengals for the lead in the AFC North and currently sit in the first Wild Card position thanks to tiebreakers over Baltimore and San Diego. However, their situation is precarious as there are two teams tied with them at 8-5 (Baltimore and San Diego) and 5 more teams sitting just a game back at 7-6 (Cleveland, Miami, Buffalo, Kansas City, Houston). Here are the games to keep an eye on tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNwzNeEQR5I/SwTJnn-1g1I/AAAAAAAACOY/6yKlTb6DAh4/s1600/CIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNwzNeEQR5I/SwTJnn-1g1I/AAAAAAAACOY/6yKlTb6DAh4/s1600/CIN.JPG" height="43" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@ </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IJU5Fj795o/SwTJn81bZpI/AAAAAAAACOg/QPaoQcuxIes/s1600/CLE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IJU5Fj795o/SwTJn81bZpI/AAAAAAAACOg/QPaoQcuxIes/s1600/CLE.JPG" height="41" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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This game is getting national recognition now that Johnny Football is starting for the Browns. A Steelers win and a Browns loss would all but knock Cleveland out of the playoff hunt. However, a Steelers win and Bengals loss would put the Steelers on top of the division. The best thing that will happen here is that someone will lose.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9bph2_F_HQ/SwTJ9igbfcI/AAAAAAAACPY/aVxuFwrtmIY/s1600/JAX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9bph2_F_HQ/SwTJ9igbfcI/AAAAAAAACPY/aVxuFwrtmIY/s1600/JAX.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="41" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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Yeah, just write this one off now. No way Jacksonville goes into Baltimore and wins. Baltimore will move to 9-5, book it.</div>
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1:00pm</div>
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This will be the second straight week that Tom Brady and the Patriots can do the Steelers a big favor by knocking off another team in the wild card hunt. The Patriots are 10-3 and firmly in control of the AFC East. They also have the tiebreaker for the #1 seed over Denver, so they just need to keep winning to get homefield advantage. Rooting for Tom Brady sucks, but it's better than Miami getting to 8 wins.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCmUxzI62_E/SwTJ9M8FOWI/AAAAAAAACPA/hMSrm6lEAuU/s1600/GB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCmUxzI62_E/SwTJ9M8FOWI/AAAAAAAACPA/hMSrm6lEAuU/s1600/GB.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzlAbH6C76Y/SwTJBlSvPxI/AAAAAAAACOA/vyHAp-tipXg/s1600/BUF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzlAbH6C76Y/SwTJBlSvPxI/AAAAAAAACOA/vyHAp-tipXg/s1600/BUF.JPG" height="43" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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Before the Browns made Johnny Football their quarterback, the Packers-Bills game was going to get top national billing on FOX. This game might be closer than most expect as the Bills defense is very good and could give Aaron Rodgers some problems. The Packers could do the Steelers a big favor by knocking off the Bills in Buffalo.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8iCVVJiaKY/SwTLArutfuI/AAAAAAAACQY/MGIwEOWUyvk/s1600/OAK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8iCVVJiaKY/SwTLArutfuI/AAAAAAAACQY/MGIwEOWUyvk/s1600/OAK.JPG" height="45" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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A few weeks ago, it looked like the Chiefs were on their way to challenging the Broncos for supremacy atop the AFC West. Then they went out to Oakland and lost to the 0-10 Raiders on national television. After dropping a game to Arizona last week because of their totally inept offense, the Chiefs are in a precarious situation with a trip to Pittsburgh looming next week. It would probably be too much to hope for for Oakland to beat Kansas City twice, right?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxdMI02HLs/SwTJ9WJBAjI/AAAAAAAACPI/vgms1AFmIgw/s1600/HOU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxdMI02HLs/SwTJ9WJBAjI/AAAAAAAACPI/vgms1AFmIgw/s1600/HOU.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwe5_rzcwFs/SwTJ9mkXyiI/AAAAAAAACPQ/E1ArrAYWLB0/s1600/IND.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwe5_rzcwFs/SwTJ9mkXyiI/AAAAAAAACPQ/E1ArrAYWLB0/s1600/IND.JPG" height="43" width="200" /></a></div>
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1:00pm</div>
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The Steelers have head-to-head wins over both of these teams. The Steelers are a game ahead of Houston in the Wild Card race and a game behind Indianapolis overall, which could come into play if the Steelers are able to surpass the Bengals in the division. Like with the Cincinnati-Cleveland game, the best news here is that someone will lose.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj3uL-wISPM/SwTJocGzmwI/AAAAAAAACOw/ihCK0Ux1SLE/s1600/DEN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj3uL-wISPM/SwTJocGzmwI/AAAAAAAACOw/ihCK0Ux1SLE/s1600/DEN.JPG" height="43" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPh71W8vl5c/SwTMEi6u2XI/AAAAAAAACQw/Roz5eRDLpsY/s1600/SD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPh71W8vl5c/SwTMEi6u2XI/AAAAAAAACQw/Roz5eRDLpsY/s1600/SD.JPG" height="41" width="200" /></a></div>
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4:05pm</div>
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San Diego has an absolutely brutal schedule down the stretch. After facing New England last week they now get Denver at home this week. The Chargers are one of the 8-5 teams tied with the Steelers right now so we definitely need them to lose. Yes, it sucks having to cheer for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the same weekend, but the Steelers will need all the help they can get.<br />
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-73005426007590373302014-12-13T00:24:00.002-05:002014-12-13T00:24:31.585-05:00Run Through The Jungle: Steelers Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> 42</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" height="43" width="200" /></a> 21</span></div>
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Given how the Steelers defense had played against the Saints, everyone knew this game was going to be on the offense to win.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First Quarter</span></div>
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There was a bit of a feeling-out period at the start of this one (a full period in fact) as the teams traded punts back and forth for 15 minutes. You could feel the trepidation growing as, like against the Saints, Le'Veon Bell had over 40 yards in the first quarter but there wasn't much to show for it on the scoreboard. You knew the Cincinnati passing game would explode at some point against our secondary, it was only a matter of time. Neither team made it much past midfield in the first quarter with the closest scoring chance coming when Cincinnati faked a punt at the Steelers 40 but DHB and Golden sniffed it out. Unfortunately the Steelers couldn't get the ball into Bengals territory.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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On the first play of the second, Ben converted a big 3rd down to Wheaton who made a great cut to get past a defender at the sticks and rolled down the sideline for 16 yards into Bengals territory. Ben roped one to Lance Moore down the seam and all of a sudden we were in striking distance. Le'Veon Bell almost scored (he probably did but it wasn't reviewed) after scampering to the goal line with a check-down pass. Tomlin wisely didn't waste a challenge and the Steelers cashed in on a play-action pass to Heath.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXsr09Gb-DA/VIvH6UjuASI/AAAAAAAAJkg/DqZywNVKBh4/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXsr09Gb-DA/VIvH6UjuASI/AAAAAAAAJkg/DqZywNVKBh4/s1600/i.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">7-0</span></div>
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In a story we've seen too many times this year, the Steelers offense gave the team the lead and the defense gave it right back. The Bengals picked up a first down then Dalton took a shot down the field to a wide open AJ Green between a deep Troy and clueless Mike Mitchell. Troy actually made the tackle but it only took 2 more plays for the Bengals to find a tight end wide open in the end zone because Mitchell has no clue.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">7-7</span></div>
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The offense can't make anything out of a 9-yard run by Bell on first down and the ball is heading right back to Cincinnati.<br />
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The defense seemingly comes up with a big play when Bill Gay rips a deep pass out of the hands of Brandon Tate but it gets called back on an illegal use of hands penalty on Worilds. From there, Dalton took things over, working them into field goal range then running a read-option that fooled our entire defense and allowed him to run 20 yards for a touchdown.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiB1TRwmvv4/VIvH4M7yuHI/AAAAAAAAJjs/EAeAiV8NmT8/s1600/i-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiB1TRwmvv4/VIvH4M7yuHI/AAAAAAAAJjs/EAeAiV8NmT8/s1600/i-1.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">7- 14</span></div>
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The Steelers got the ball back with 3 minutes left and only got 2 plays off before the two minute warning. Thankfully, they were a 9-yard run by Bell and 17-yard catch by AB. With 3 timeouts left, The Steelers were able to be a bit methodical in working their way down the field but strangely burned up two of their timeouts in the first 30 seconds of game time. Tomlin finally let some clock roll so that Cincinnati wouldn't have a chance to counter when the Steelers got into field goal range. Ben hit AB on a slant on 3rd down to move the sticks and get down to the 5. Unfortunately, with only 30 seconds left and because this team doesn't know what urgency is, we had to burn our last timeout. Ben threw 3 terrible passes into the end zone which were the worst 3 shots he's taken since his bachelor party.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">10-14</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
<br />
The Bengals got the ball first and after a couple short passes to Green and Sanu, it looked like they were going to march right back down the field. Thankfully, a false start put them in 3rd and long and Dalton couldn't hook up with Green.<br />
<br />
The drive got off to a rocky start but Ben hit Bryant on a 3rd down slant to keep the pulse alive then used 2 passes to AB to overcome a Mike Adams holding penalty and get us into Bengals territory. The well was open and Ben kept going there, hitting AB down the right side for 32 yards to get into the red zone. From there, The Prescription took over and after two carries caught a dump-down pass on 3rd down and just out ran everyone to the corner.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUgRv5cc5eA/VIvH7pAQIxI/AAAAAAAAJlI/zxXxL5p2Zlg/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1173--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUgRv5cc5eA/VIvH7pAQIxI/AAAAAAAAJlI/zxXxL5p2Zlg/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1173--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Threw in the Hines Ward Super Bowl XL jump for good measure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">17-14</span></div>
<br />
The defense came up with a stop after the offense took the lead but the offense couldn't add on either.<br />
<br />
It came back to bite us two plays later when Dalton went deep for Green again and Mitchell did his best matador impression and totally whiffed, letting Green easily stride into the end zone for an 81 yard score.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwYbc3Bsfuc/VIvH55xwwXI/AAAAAAAAJkc/Up5X5HRF2Sg/s1600/i-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwYbc3Bsfuc/VIvH55xwwXI/AAAAAAAAJkc/Up5X5HRF2Sg/s1600/i-8.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">17-21</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
<br />
On the first play from scrimmage, the dam broke. DeCastro and Heath pulled around and obliterated two Bengals out of the hole and Le'Veon Bell was off to the races down the sideline. Bell didn't quite have the breakaway speed to finish it off and got run down from behind but not after a 53-yard romp down the left sideline. The Steelers couldn't move the ball any closer and Suisham cut into the lead.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">20-21</span></div>
<br />
Things looked troublesome as the last time the Bengals were on the field AJ Green was 1000 yards open in the secondary. But on the second play, the entire game changed. Dalton tried to run a read-option but Dalton dropped the ball on the wrap and Arthur Moats recovered for a HUGE turnover.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tN2qNEyTOH8/VIvH6O8uRaI/AAAAAAAAJkY/ZxhKQBs6MZI/s1600/i-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tN2qNEyTOH8/VIvH6O8uRaI/AAAAAAAAJkY/ZxhKQBs6MZI/s1600/i-9.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Steelers didn't take long. After a 3rd down conversion on an out-route to AB, The Prescription followed some blocks from DeCastro and Heath and ran through about 6 Bengals defenders to hit paydirt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuOWCToV2J4/VIvH7eT0rCI/AAAAAAAAJlE/ptHLBBsnvjQ/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1401--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuOWCToV2J4/VIvH7eT0rCI/AAAAAAAAJlE/ptHLBBsnvjQ/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1401--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxWghOwsnA/VIvH5NPmVpI/AAAAAAAAJkI/bPSrONwqU1o/s1600/i-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxWghOwsnA/VIvH5NPmVpI/AAAAAAAAJkI/bPSrONwqU1o/s1600/i-4.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UApUoaNxpcQ/VIvH5UtjnYI/AAAAAAAAJkM/Kn6beZGQfiQ/s1600/i-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UApUoaNxpcQ/VIvH5UtjnYI/AAAAAAAAJkM/Kn6beZGQfiQ/s1600/i-5.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">26-21</span></div>
<br />
Tomlin opted to go for 2 and Heath made a great recovery after getting knocked down at the line to find himself open in the end zone for the conversion.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko2IJ96kP2U/VIvH7_RnL7I/AAAAAAAAJlU/eSnY4d22C-Q/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1446--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko2IJ96kP2U/VIvH7_RnL7I/AAAAAAAAJlU/eSnY4d22C-Q/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1446--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">28-21</span></div>
<br />
AJ Green caught another pass to get the Bengals near midfield but an illegal block in the back penalty set them back and they couldn't recover. A good punt pinned the Steelers back at the 6.<br />
<br />
Le'Veon Bell had been grinding up the Bengals so their defense was totally shellshocked on the first play when Ben went play-action and bombed one down the right sideline for Martavis Bryant who was streaking open behind the Bengals secondary.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97U69oGwX_w/VIvH5r7BqLI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/jylE0NNcCvo/s1600/i-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97U69oGwX_w/VIvH5r7BqLI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/jylE0NNcCvo/s1600/i-6.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bryant caught it in stride and the rest was history*.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmW4O-AvsZU/VIvH4Ei6ZCI/AAAAAAAAJj0/VADM6cqBeJ0/s1600/i-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmW4O-AvsZU/VIvH4Ei6ZCI/AAAAAAAAJj0/VADM6cqBeJ0/s1600/i-11.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
* Technically, the second-longest play in Steelers history at 94 yards behind Mike Wallace's 95-yarder in Arizona in 2011.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISk0qG-kTuA/VIvH8NF0WGI/AAAAAAAAJlc/LQ9gt8L7EhQ/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1572--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISk0qG-kTuA/VIvH8NF0WGI/AAAAAAAAJlc/LQ9gt8L7EhQ/s1600/temp2014_CINkr_1572--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">35-21</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XksuUEEhXA4/VIvH4D_xXaI/AAAAAAAAJjw/QSVyzkQOaKg/s1600/i-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XksuUEEhXA4/VIvH4D_xXaI/AAAAAAAAJjw/QSVyzkQOaKg/s1600/i-10.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Haven't seen a Bengal burned that bad since the end of The Jungle Book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P5eprh_jn4/VIvH7Hju9cI/AAAAAAAAJk4/XT_ZpWjQu5k/s1600/shere%2Bkhan%2Bfinal%2Bfight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P5eprh_jn4/VIvH7Hju9cI/AAAAAAAAJk4/XT_ZpWjQu5k/s1600/shere%2Bkhan%2Bfinal%2Bfight.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In an instant, what was a close game wasn't close at all. The Bengals went 3-and-out and Andy Dalton got banged up after taking a shot from Stephon Tuitt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A terrible punt gave the Steelers great field position at midfield and The Prescription took over. Bell hammered out 21 yards on 3 carries before Ben went to the air and hit AB to move the chains on 3rd down. The Steelers went to the well of the counter play again and DeCastro and Heath paved the way for Bell around the left end, running untouched for a 22-yard score to put the nail in the coffin.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8BmmvhoCFk/VIvH5q7jaMI/AAAAAAAAJkU/AXU4ryEpwMs/s1600/i-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8BmmvhoCFk/VIvH5q7jaMI/AAAAAAAAJkU/AXU4ryEpwMs/s1600/i-7.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">42-21</span></div>
<br />
Jason Campbell (how is he still in the league?) came in for the Bengals and that was pretty much it. The defense held.<br />
<br />
Josh Harris got some token carries as the Steelers just wanted to burn clock and didn't want Bell taking any unnecessary hits.<br />
<br />
Cincinnati got a last gasp after the 2-minute warning but it was purely ceremonial. Arthur Moats strip-sacked Campbell and Worilds recovered.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Victory Formation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ballgame.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_VCzPL-d8Q/VIvH45DApoI/AAAAAAAAJkE/84NXdN4L56g/s1600/i-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_VCzPL-d8Q/VIvH45DApoI/AAAAAAAAJkE/84NXdN4L56g/s1600/i-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Le'Veon Bell is the first NFL player since Walter Payton to have 200+ yards from scrimmage in 3 straight games. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't look now, but the Steelers have scored 40+ points 3 times this season, which is more than they did the entire time Bruce Arians was here. Also, the Steelers have scored 30+ points in 7 of 13 games. The last time they had 7 30-point games in a season was 1979.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More importantly, on top of the wild card and a half game back in the division:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z7Ymej2wMA/VIvMX71oW7I/AAAAAAAAJl4/Lxn9fqtlv9c/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-13%2Bat%2B12.18.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z7Ymej2wMA/VIvMX71oW7I/AAAAAAAAJl4/Lxn9fqtlv9c/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-13%2Bat%2B12.18.02%2BAM.png" height="268" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-65600005949344130642014-12-07T00:20:00.000-05:002014-12-07T00:20:05.456-05:00Gameday: Cincinnati Bengals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" height="70" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
1:00pm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Namesake of the Cleveland Browns Stadium</div>
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TV: CBS (<a href="http://506sports.com/">map</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Radio: WDVE and <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/radio-info.html">other affiliates</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
<br />
1. Run The Ball<br />
<br />
Le'Veon Bell has been an absolute workhorse for the Steelers the last two games, but it has not translated to points being put on the scoreboard. Part of this has to do with the Steelers abandoning the run in the red zone in favor of some totally bizarre play-calling. The Steelers will need a big game out of their offensive line in order to control the Bengals deep and talented defensive front. If the Steelers aren't able to run the ball, they could be in for a long day with Ben Roethlisberger throwing against a very good group of corners. On the other side, the Benglas have had much more success on the ground than in the air this year. Rookie RB Jeremy Hill has been an absolute monster over the last 5 weeks, filling in for an injured Gio Bernard. Bernard is back and the two form one of the better 1-2 punches in the league. Bernard has given the Steelers fits catching passes out of the backfield in the past, and Hill has a power running style that could give the Steelers arm-tackling defenders troubles.<br />
<br />
2. AJ Green vs Ike Taylor<br />
<br />
Ike got moved around last week in his first game back from injury, covering both Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills. In typical Ike fashion, he looked like an absolute shut down corner on some plays (against Graham) and totally overmatched on others (against Stills). In all likelihood, the Bengals will want to test Ike by trying to get him matched up with AJ Green. Then again, the Steelers haven't shown they can cover anyone this season, so the Bengals may just line up and play, which brings us to...<br />
<br />
3. The Inconsistent Andy Dalton<br />
<br />
The Bengals made Andy Dalton the highest paid ginger of all time this offseason by signing him to a 6-year $115 million contract. Dalton has been maddeningly inconsistent this season, throwing 13 TDs and 13 INTs. Dalton has thrown multiple picks in 4 of his 12 games this season, including a 3 INT game last week against Tampa. This hasn't stopped the Bengals from winning as they have been good enough on defense and in their running game to make up for Dalton's deficiencies. Will the Steelers actually be opportunistic enough to take advantage of Dalton's mistakes downfield or will they give him free rein to throw the ball all over the field like Drew Brees last week?<br />
<br />
4. Good Ben vs Bad Ben<br />
<br />
For as inconsistent as Dalton has been, Big Ben has been hot and cold in his performances as well. The defense has been so bad this season, that the team has lived and died on Ben's ability to have a big game. Unfortunately, Ben playing just okay isn't good enough for this team to win football games. Ben needs to be lights out. Ben was not sharp in the first half against New Orleans and there were some conflicting reports about the severity of his injured hand but it obviously affected his play. That said, Ben has had some excellent games in the past where he has played injured. Don't forget, he won a Super Bowl with a broken thumb on his throwing hand.<br />
<br />
5. Remember When<br />
<br />
Back in May, the Steelers had the 15th pick in the draft and after Kyle Fuller was picked by the Bears, everyone assumed that the Steelers would take Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard. Instead, the Steelers took Ryan Shazier. Shazier has battled injuries in his rookie season and should return to the lineup this week. Dennard fell all the way to the Bengals and he has played in 7 games this season and has not seen the field much in their base defense as Terence Newman and Leon Hall have been excellent on the outside. The Shazier vs Dennard storyline is something we're going to have to live with for at least the next 5 years of Steelers-Bengals games (like the Shazier vs Mosley storyline when we play the Ravens) and this is Chapter 1 in that story.The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-59589952504015502602014-11-29T23:28:00.001-05:002014-11-29T23:36:32.813-05:00GAMEDAY: New Orleans Saints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_v5rL8RAdg/SwTKTmrc6cI/AAAAAAAACQA/O_g0dvjn1Ls/s1600/NO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_v5rL8RAdg/SwTKTmrc6cI/AAAAAAAACQA/O_g0dvjn1Ls/s1600/NO.JPG" height="71" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
1:00pm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Home, Sweet Home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TV: FOX (<a href="http://506sports.com/">map</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Radio: WDVE <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/radio-info.html">and other affiliates</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What To Watch For</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
1. Drew Brees Outdoors<br />
<br />
The Saints offense, when clicking on all cylinders, is one of the best in the NFL. Drew Brees is consistently mentioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the game. Brees and the Saints offense is just as deadly as their reputation. However, Brees has another reputation that will come into play - his own outdoor record. In his career (which includes his time in San Diego), Brees is 55-48 in outdoor games (.533) and 56-33 in domes (.629). Additionally, Brees averages almost 60 yards less per game outdoors than he does indoors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZOgV2loOrM/VHqevrouuVI/AAAAAAAAJjY/5eefGlMxric/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B10.31.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZOgV2loOrM/VHqevrouuVI/AAAAAAAAJjY/5eefGlMxric/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B10.31.33%2BPM.png" height="56" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, if the 2014 NFL season has taught us anything it is that the past does not matter. The Saints just dropped 3 games in a row at home, and Brees was decidedly mediocre in all 3 of them. Given the Steelers struggles in the secondary this season, it is entirely possible that Brees comes out and lights them up. However...<br />
<br />
2. Back in Black (and Gold)<br />
<br />
The Steelers are set to get 4 injured defensive players back on Sunday. Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and Shamarko Thomas are all probable to play with Ryan Shazier listed as questionable. Shazier did go through a full practice on Friday after being limited earlier in the week but it looks like a toss up as to whether or not he will play. The defense has been porous at best this season, but getting Ike and Troy back will certainly help the secondary and Shamarknado is a much better option to back up Troy than Will Allen. Steve McLendon remains out, but the Steelers will likely be in a nickel defense much of the game against the Saints anyways.<br />
<br />
3. Jimmy Graham<br />
<br />
The Steelers achilles heel this season has been defending tight ends. The middle of the field is basically a barren wasteland where anyone can run free to their hearts content. Graham is not a matchup problem, he is a matchup disaster. The Steelers will need to find a way to be physical with Graham at the line of scrimmage to try to slow down his timing with Brees because that is really the only way they can hope to defend him. If the Steelers come out with their normal defensive strategy to cover tight ends (which is to say, not cover them at all), Graham will eat them alive.<br />
<br />
4. Which defense is worse?<br />
<br />
These two teams are almost mirror images of each other, which just goes to show you how fine of a line the difference is between being 7-4 and being 4-7. Both teams have offense ranked in the Top 10 (9th and 10th respectively) and both have scored 288 points on the season. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in total defense with the Steelers allowing 5.9 yards per play (26th in the NFL) and the Saints allowing 6.1 yards per play (30th in the NFL). On the scoreboard, neither team has been able to prevent opponents from putting up points with the Saints allowing 26 points per game and the Steelers allowing 24 points per game. Additionally, both teams rank in the bottom 4 in the league on percentage of drives their opponents score on (New Orleans 43.9%, Pittsburgh 41.3%). The Saints MO this season has been to lose games late and the Steelers will need to hope that trend continues.<br />
<br />
5. Big Contributions from Big Players<br />
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The biggest thing that happened to the Steelers over the bye week was the dumping of LeGarrette Blount, which left our backfield remarkably thin with just Dri Archer and Josh Harris behind Le'Veon Bell. This basically means that the Steelers are going to ride Le'Veon Bell as an every down back for the last 5 weeks of the season. Simply put, the offense will go as far as he can carry it. Bell will not only be responsible for shouldering the load in the running game but also for being a 3rd down back and handling blitz pickups. Antonio Brown is on pace to break Hines Ward's single-season receptions record and possibly break his own receiving yards record. AB has been outstanding in all but one game this year - the loss to the Jets. The Steelers need AB to continue to step up in big situations, especially against a porous Saints defense. This game has all the makings of a shootout and the Steelers need to attack this game like they did against Indianapolis and Baltimore with the notion that it is going to take 40 points to win this game.<br />
<br />The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-26567836235950288582014-11-25T17:00:00.000-05:002014-11-25T17:00:01.395-05:00Week 13 AFC Playoff PictureWith just 5 weeks remaining in the regular season, the AFC playoff picture is insane. Currently, 10 of the 16 AFC teams are either in position to make the playoffs or within a game of the last playoff spot. The Steelers didn't get any help over the bye week as all 3 of the AFC North teams that played won their games, which sets up a 5 week showdown for both the division title and the two wild card spots.<br />
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To start, it is fairly safe to assume that both New England and Indianapolis will make the playoffs. The Patriots and Colts both hold two game leads in their division races and it would take a massive surge from either Miami or Buffalo in the East or Houston in the South to topple them. Taking those two out of the equation, here's a look at how the other 8 teams in the AFC playoff hunt are situated, starting with our division foes because division tiebreakers are always broken first.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">The North</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNZ3q_Yuv8U/Suemk43dv3I/AAAAAAAACGI/vC8CjYVpU0Y/s1600/CIN.JPG" height="70" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-3-1</div>
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Status: Leading AFC North by 1/2 game</div>
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Conference Record: 5-3</div>
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Division Record: 2-1</div>
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Remaining Games: @TB, PIT, @CLE, DEN, @PIT</div>
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Key Wins: BAL (2x)</div>
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Key Losses: NE, IND, CLE</div>
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The Bengals lead the AFC North by a half game thanks to their tie with Carolina. However, with 3 division games remaining the Bengals are not secure in their position atop the division. Their last 4 games will determine the AFC North Champions.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODlIHqwas8/SwTJBcBdwKI/AAAAAAAACN4/svoN5IwoTME/s1600/BAL.JPG" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-4</div>
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Status: 2nd in AFC North based on common games tiebreaker</div>
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Conference Record: 3-4</div>
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Division Record: 2-3</div>
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Remaining Games: SD, @MIA, JAX, @HOU, CLE</div>
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Key Wins: CLE</div>
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Key Losses: CIN (2x), IND</div>
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If the Ravens get through their next two games unblemished, it should be smooth sailing to the season finale with Cleveland. Even though the Ravens currently hold the tiebreaker in the division, they could just as easily lose it based on their 3 division losses (to the Steelers and Browns 2). </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="71" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-4</div>
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Status: 3rd in AFC North based on tiebreakers</div>
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Conference Record: 6-3</div>
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Division Record: 2-2</div>
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Remaining Games: NO, @CIN, @ATL, KC, CIN</div>
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Key Wins: IND</div>
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Key Losses: none</div>
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All 5 of the Steelers remaining games are against teams in the playoff hunt, though two of them come against the 4-7 Saints and 4-7 Falcons who are somehow tied atop the NFC South. Nevertheless, the Steelers control their own destiny and can win the division with a sweep of Cincinnati and help their playoff status with a win over Kansas City, who currently holds one of the wild card spots.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwqiuKa3esQ/SwN_e_piv_I/AAAAAAAACMg/IrVYacI1l8I/s1600/CLE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwqiuKa3esQ/SwN_e_piv_I/AAAAAAAACMg/IrVYacI1l8I/s1600/CLE.JPG" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-4</div>
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Status: Last in AFC North based on tiebreakers</div>
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Conference Record: 4-4</div>
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Division Record: 2-2</div>
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Remaining Games: @BUF, IND, CIN, @CAR, @BAL</div>
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Key Wins: CIN</div>
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Key Losses: none</div>
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The Browns have not been a team that has blown many teams out this year. Four of their Seven wins have been by less than 6 points. Like the Steelers, all of their remaining games are against teams in the playoff hunt, though this includes a 3-7-1 Carolina team that is just a half game back in the NFC South. The Browns are very much still in the division race with 2 division games in the last 3 weeks.</div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">The Rest of the AFC</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkeL6HaLlSU/SuemkNmT4UI/AAAAAAAACFw/D0yBV5FKpto/s1600/DEN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkeL6HaLlSU/SuemkNmT4UI/AAAAAAAACFw/D0yBV5FKpto/s1600/DEN.JPG" height="70" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 8-3</div>
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Status: Leading AFC West by 1 game</div>
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Conference Record: 6-1</div>
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Remaining Games: @KC, BUF, @SD, @CIN, OAK</div>
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Key Wins: IND, KC, SD, MIA</div>
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Key Losses: NE</div>
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The Broncos appear on this list because they are clinging to just a 1-game lead in the AFC West and have road games remaining against the two teams chasing them - Kansas City and San Diego. The Broncos next 4 games are against teams in the playoff hunt before they close with Oakland. Given their 6-1 conference record it would take a lot for the Broncos to be knocked out of playoff contention. They could do the Steelers a big favor by winning out and knocking off some of the teams the Steelers are battling for playoff position.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5oA7uaXM5U/SwTKSR8VpkI/AAAAAAAACPg/Q8JkEabnSc0/s1600/KC.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-4</div>
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Status: 2nd in AFC West, 1st Wild Card</div>
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Conference Record: 5-3</div>
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Remaining Games: DEN, @AZ, OAK, @PIT, SD</div>
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Key Wins: MIA, NE, SD, BUF</div>
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Key Losses: DEN</div>
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The Chiefs have 4 remaining games against playoff teams, two of which will determine who comes out on top of the AFC West. Their road game against the Cardinals won't help either team with tiebreakers but both teams will likely need the victory to hold their place in the standings. The game against the Steelers in Week 16 could essentially be an elimination game.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX0-xwWkv-c/SwOE9G8fo0I/AAAAAAAACNg/pE1wk50TmwI/s1600/SD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX0-xwWkv-c/SwOE9G8fo0I/AAAAAAAACNg/pE1wk50TmwI/s1600/SD.JPG" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 7-4</div>
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Status: 3nd in AFC West, 2nd Wild Card</div>
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Conference Record: 5-3</div>
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Remaining Games: @BAL, NE, DEN, @SF, @KC</div>
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Key Wins: BUF</div>
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Key Losses: KC, DEN, MIA</div>
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The Chargers have been boosted by a 5-game winning streak early in the season but are just 2-3 since then and their wins were an unimpressive 7-point win over Oakland and a 3-point win over St Louis. They have the hardest schedule of any remaining team with a road trip to Baltimore followed by the top 2 teams in the AFC coming to town in consecutive weeks before they close the season on the road with San Francisco (who is fighting for an NFC playoff spot) and Kansas City. If you're looking for a team with the potential to drop off big time, the Chargers are a distinct possibility.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVZw-JOjXV8/SwTKSomcpKI/AAAAAAAACPo/LEp3q82S628/s1600/MIA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVZw-JOjXV8/SwTKSomcpKI/AAAAAAAACPo/LEp3q82S628/s1600/MIA.JPG" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 6-5</div>
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Status: 2nd in AFC East</div>
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Conference Record: 5-3</div>
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Remaining Games: @NYJ, BAL, @NE, MIN, NYJ</div>
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Key Wins: NE, SD</div>
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Key Losses: KC, DEN</div>
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The Dolphins have the easiest schedule of any team in the playoff hunt with two games against the 2-win Jets and a game against the Vikings who are clearly out of the NFC playoff picture. Their best chances for losses will come in the next 3 weeks when they face Baltimore and play at New England. It would not be surprising to see this team win 10 games given their remaining slate.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt-nAetRXdo/SuelvBpLspI/AAAAAAAACFQ/iI0ibCqAx38/s1600/BUF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt-nAetRXdo/SuelvBpLspI/AAAAAAAACFQ/iI0ibCqAx38/s1600/BUF.JPG" height="70" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Record: 6-5</div>
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Status: 3rd in AFC East</div>
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Conference Record: 3-5</div>
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Remaining Games: CLE, @DEN, GB, @OAK, @NE</div>
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Key Wins: none</div>
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Key Losses: SD, NE, KC</div>
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Who would have thought that a Week 13 game between the Bills and Browns would have huge playoff implications? Even though the Bills are the farthest back in the playoff picture, this is a big game for both teams. The Bills don't have any head-to-head tiebreakers (they split with Miami) so they need to rack up some victories against other teams in the playoff hunt. The Bills are also in search of their first winning season since 2004 and will have to go at least 2-3 down the stretch to get there, which basically means they need to beat Cleveland this week to have a shot. The Bills beating Cleveland would be a huge help to the Steelers in the AFC North race.</div>
The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-71938790615053662852014-11-24T23:30:00.000-05:002014-11-25T11:03:55.684-05:00For Whom Le'Veon Bell Tolls: Steelers Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECqlKnvlwbM/SuemlL8qZqI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_u8XG0zBz9I/s1600/PIT.JPG" height="44" width="200" /></a> 27</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDTaen-sAwE/SuemVy3EoNI/AAAAAAAACFo/c5Ug2H4xDKc/s1600/TEN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDTaen-sAwE/SuemVy3EoNI/AAAAAAAACFo/c5Ug2H4xDKc/s1600/TEN.JPG" height="42" width="200" /></a> 24</span></div>
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For the second time this season, the Steelers took the field on a Monday night after losing a pitiful game the prior week. In both occasions, the stars seemingly aligned so that a win would propel them back up the divisional standings.<br />
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After writing a post on opening drives this week, I was particularly interested in how this game started, especially since the Titans had one of the worst opening drive offenses and the Steelers had one of the worst opening drive defenses.<br />
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The Titans ignored that fact and let the Steelers have the ball first.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjznP-05FB0/UXyoF6kxd2I/AAAAAAAAGP4/K_XKStyRqlo/s1600/37338322.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was the Le'Veon Bell show right out of the gate and for good reason - Bell ripped off runs of 12 and 19 yards to move the Steelers into Tennessee territory. Bell got 5 straight carries on the opening drive to get us into a 3rd and 6 when they gave him the ball again, which seemed like a give-up play to settle for a long field goal. Suisham was good from 49 into the wind.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">3-0</span></div>
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Only the third time this year the Steelers scored on their opening drive. As was to be expected, Gruden was saying Gruden things.<br />
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At this rate, Jon Gruden will be making a Primanti-style sandwich in the booth during the fourth quarter.<br />
— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/MockingTheDraft/status/534521541183410176">November 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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On the first pass of the game, Zach Mettenberger threw one behind a receiver on an out-route and William Gay jumps the route and takes it back TO THE HOUSE.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l983YDDaVek/VHSdJ1FQYjI/AAAAAAAAJhg/y_mUUN0c0fY/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_0446--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l983YDDaVek/VHSdJ1FQYjI/AAAAAAAAJhg/y_mUUN0c0fY/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_0446--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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Just like that, it's <span style="color: yellow;">10-0</span>.</div>
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Unfortunately, the defense couldn't keep it going. They gifted the Titans some yards on a facemask then failed to get home on a blitz and Mettenberger hit Wright on a deep cross inside the 10. On the next play, Bishop Sankey (whose name sounds like a chess opening) ran through 6 arm tackles and got carried into the end zone by one of his linemen.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlEhV_2bCs/VHSdJa3jo9I/AAAAAAAAJhY/WeZpI3ojH4c/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlEhV_2bCs/VHSdJa3jo9I/AAAAAAAAJhY/WeZpI3ojH4c/s1600/i.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;">10-7</span></div>
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The Steelers came out passing and Ben hit Heath down the seam on a beautiful play-action to get us out of trouble. The offense continued to work it down the field before Ben hit Heath again down the middle to move us into Titans territory. Ben had to file a missed connections ad on CraigsList after floating a ball to a wide open Martavis Bryant in the end zone that the DB was able to recover and knock the ball away. Ben made up for it with a rope on the sideline to AB to get us inside the 10. Unfortunately, the offense out-thinks itself when Ben tries two fade passes that both fall incomplete and we have to settle for 3.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
What the shit was that red zone series?<br />
— Mikey (@fsmikey) <a href="https://twitter.com/fsmikey/status/534526436766679040">November 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<span style="color: yellow;">13-7</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second Quarter</span></div>
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For some reason the Steelers thought that squib kicking was a good idea on kickoffs to start the game, so the Titans got great field position. Mettenberger and Wright hooked up again and Mike Mitchell made a horrible attempt at a tackle, allowing Wright to get down inside the 10. The Titans get down to the 2, but thankfully Sankey trips over a blade of grass and the Titans have to settle for 3.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5h0_1dqrPYo/VHSiceixYpI/AAAAAAAAJig/EjkJbrAKs7g/s1600/bishops.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5h0_1dqrPYo/VHSiceixYpI/AAAAAAAAJig/EjkJbrAKs7g/s1600/bishops.gif" /></a><br />
Live by the Bishop Sankey, die by the Bishop Sankey<br />
<br />
<span style="color: cyan;">13-10</span></div>
<br />
The teams trade 3-and-outs before the Steelers finally get rolling when Ben decides throwing to Antonio Brown is a good idea. AB makes big catch after big catch, getting 11, 9 and then 17 to pick up a 3rd and 11 and get us out near midfield. The Prescription got a handful of carries to get us into Titans territory and take it down to the 2 minute warning. After a sack, AB bailed us out again with a conversion on 3rd and 8. Ben kept the foot on the gas and hit Heath on the numbers to get us to the red zone. After a timeout, Bryant dropped a pass that hit him right in the numbers on a post route to the goal line. It may have been tipped by the defensive back but Bryant has to make that play. Tomlin's bizarre clock management came into play when he took a timeout after a 2nd down run, leaving 52 seconds on the clock then called a pass to the end zone. Ben made his worst throw of the season, well behind AB and it got picked off.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TGct_sq7dI/VHSieYF0IKI/AAAAAAAAJis/OmJiRX9s0k8/s1600/rdju.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TGct_sq7dI/VHSieYF0IKI/AAAAAAAAJis/OmJiRX9s0k8/s1600/rdju.gif" height="244" width="320" /></a><br />
Ugh.</div>
<br />
Things went from bad to worse when Mettenberger bombed one and hit a wide open Nate Washington for an 80-yard touchdown.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CyoMhkRTqo/VHSdI2SNYqI/AAAAAAAAJhM/yEDl13-QSNA/s1600/i-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CyoMhkRTqo/VHSdI2SNYqI/AAAAAAAAJhM/yEDl13-QSNA/s1600/i-2.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
What. Even.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFcWI_k3nC4/VHSihsL971I/AAAAAAAAJjI/dFIRfunrRi4/s1600/wthbs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFcWI_k3nC4/VHSihsL971I/AAAAAAAAJjI/dFIRfunrRi4/s1600/wthbs.gif" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: cyan;">13-17</span></div>
<br />
Looked like the Steelers were in Cover-4/Quarters and Washington ran right past William Gay. Gay and Will Allen were about even there so Gay had no help over the top.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLNAacUTEaA/UqjnRHFzmxI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/uu61z0XqO9U/s1600/tumblr_markt9PE9Z1r6s23t.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLNAacUTEaA/UqjnRHFzmxI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/uu61z0XqO9U/s1600/tumblr_markt9PE9Z1r6s23t.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Brutal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Third Quarter</span></div>
<br />
Things looked bad as the Titans got the ball first, but thankfully they didn't know what to do with a lead and went 3-and-out.<br />
<br />
The Prescription and AB continued to carry the team on their backs and got us to midfield before back-to-back sacks sent the ball back to Tennessee.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnecgCvuFGc/Ukj7-YlEjdI/AAAAAAAAGyE/WeUTeaLBKtE/s1600/tumblr_ms257nZ0Qp1qjhmveo2_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnecgCvuFGc/Ukj7-YlEjdI/AAAAAAAAGyE/WeUTeaLBKtE/s1600/tumblr_ms257nZ0Qp1qjhmveo2_250.gif" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Coming into the game, Titans TE Chase Coffman had 2 catches on the season and 6 in his 5-year NFL career. But in one drive, he transformed into the second coming of Tony Gonzalez and tortured the Steelers for 3 catches and 32 yards, capping it off with a 4-yard TD reception over a diminutive corner and an out of position Mike Mitchell. Somewhere in there, Mitchell missed another tackle because he is as good at tackling as he is at twitter.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vrQIYSuiZo/VHSdIgWL9SI/AAAAAAAAJhI/hANhtFyhAjU/s1600/B2wubWCCQAEO8GU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vrQIYSuiZo/VHSdIgWL9SI/AAAAAAAAJhI/hANhtFyhAjU/s1600/B2wubWCCQAEO8GU.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: cyan;">13-24</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koo3zDm1fb4/VHSieW4XW_I/AAAAAAAAJiw/6BEiDztPUXs/s1600/confused_lion_king.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koo3zDm1fb4/VHSieW4XW_I/AAAAAAAAJiw/6BEiDztPUXs/s1600/confused_lion_king.gif" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With just over 18 minutes remaining in the game, Steelers Nation was in a bad place. Everyone was looking at the schedule and wondering how this team beat the Colts and Ravens while dropping games to the Bucs, Jets and trailed the Titans by 11. The Steelers hadn't come back from a double-digit deficit in the second half since the 2002 Wild Card game against the Browns. You know which one I mean.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmY9t7n-DTw/Ur5fRNswE2I/AAAAAAAAH30/ccRvNnsqrSc/s1600/50246-so-youre-saying-theres-a-chanc-toCD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmY9t7n-DTw/Ur5fRNswE2I/AAAAAAAAH30/ccRvNnsqrSc/s1600/50246-so-youre-saying-theres-a-chanc-toCD.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Quite frankly, it was a sickening situation. And the only prescription was Le'Veon Bell.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UILsI1ZrcBM/UltazHIr3dI/AAAAAAAAG4M/c5p7aAiqqCA/s1600/tumblr_inline_mm6hmymIsW1qz4rgp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UILsI1ZrcBM/UltazHIr3dI/AAAAAAAAG4M/c5p7aAiqqCA/s1600/tumblr_inline_mm6hmymIsW1qz4rgp.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Bell absolutely took the game over on this drive, putting the team on his back and carrying them all the way down to the red zone, including a 27-yard run where he looked bottled up then deftly slid sideways into a hole and was gone down the sideline. On the last play of the quarter, Ben takes advantage of the LBs sneaking up to stop Bell and hits Heath down the seam to get us inside the 5.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Quarter</span></div>
<br />
Right out of the break, Bell once again delivered, driving up the middle then stretching the ball out for the goalline.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYP898DeMj8/VHSdKLfk5tI/AAAAAAAAJho/MirRimM1om8/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1312--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYP898DeMj8/VHSdKLfk5tI/AAAAAAAAJho/MirRimM1om8/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1312--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
TOUCHDOWN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">20-24</span></div>
<br />
The Titans went 3-and-out and we got it right back with 13 minutes to play. After absolutely dominating the Titans on the ground the last drive, Ben came out and ripped them through the air, getting us into Tennessee territory with a pass to Lance Moore then coming back with two check-downs to Bell to get another first down. Bell did some more work, allowing Ben to set up a beautiful play-action pass that he ripped to AB on a flag route.<br />
<br />
What an absolutely monster throw. AB was bracketed by two Titans defenders when Ben threw the ball and in one step was wide open and able to make the grab. What a throw, what a cut by AB and what a catch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYcIL5KuAS0/VHSdJNZy2GI/AAAAAAAAJhU/BgO6xK9BIhE/s1600/i-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYcIL5KuAS0/VHSdJNZy2GI/AAAAAAAAJhU/BgO6xK9BIhE/s1600/i-3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did that catch look kind of familiar?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCPxX1E5ng4/UiwFlS2ZJLI/AAAAAAAAGkU/4nTqow-wzOo/s1600/what-can-brown-do-for-you_design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCPxX1E5ng4/UiwFlS2ZJLI/AAAAAAAAGkU/4nTqow-wzOo/s1600/what-can-brown-do-for-you_design.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">27-24</span></div>
<br />
A typical Steelers game would have followed the script where the defense, after a big score, allowed the other team to march right back down the field and tie the game or take the lead. Thankfully, this was not a typical game. The Titans were able to get the ball to midfield but opted to punt with 7 minutes to go rather than going for it on 4th and 4.<br />
<br />
The Steelers got the ball back with 6:58 to play and did not relinquish it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqxZynM4vA0/VHSieE61HbI/AAAAAAAAJio/pCPxI5BV2JE/s1600/Andy-Dwyer-Shock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqxZynM4vA0/VHSieE61HbI/AAAAAAAAJio/pCPxI5BV2JE/s1600/Andy-Dwyer-Shock.gif" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Things looked precarious when the Steelers got into 3rd and 4 right off the bat after Tennessee wasted a timeout trying to challenge an incomplete pass and turn it into a fumble. Ben was able to connect with Markus Wheaton on a slant route to pick up the first down. Don't under-estimate that catch. Manny Sanders dropped that same one at least 3 times last year in big situations.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From there, it was all Le'Veon Bell.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10 yards. Boom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10 yards. Boom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 yards. Pow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UygARO6uIOE/VHSdJMCxgXI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/Bf5ezq9PVSI/s1600/chuck1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UygARO6uIOE/VHSdJMCxgXI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/Bf5ezq9PVSI/s1600/chuck1.gif" height="217" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
This is basically how the Titans defense felt on the last drive.<br />
<br />
3 yards then 8 more. Boom. Boom. Two minute warning.</div>
<br />
From there, it was just semantics as Bell picked up 5 more for a first down and Tennessee used their last timeout.<br />
<br />
Because Mike Tomlin does not understand simple clock management, they ran the ball again rather than just kneeling it out. Nothing happened and Tomlin finally realized they could kneel it out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Victory Formation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8A_udzFAWQ/VHSdKRFjEqI/AAAAAAAAJhs/Wx74qWDvaMM/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1479--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8A_udzFAWQ/VHSdKRFjEqI/AAAAAAAAJhs/Wx74qWDvaMM/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1479--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
204 rushing yards for Le'Veon Bell, 4th most by a Steelers back in a single game and 4th most on Monday Night Football history.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8eqiuze23o/U-g1IfLP2RI/AAAAAAAAI90/j2ir9o78ZY8/s1600/tumblr_m6ino5acO91qh0b3jo4_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8eqiuze23o/U-g1IfLP2RI/AAAAAAAAI90/j2ir9o78ZY8/s1600/tumblr_m6ino5acO91qh0b3jo4_500.gif" height="356" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
As Tomlin said after the game, don't write our obituary just yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUQD0aNTlY/VHSdK27nRzI/AAAAAAAAJh8/tQIcwA8OyEo/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1831--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUQD0aNTlY/VHSdK27nRzI/AAAAAAAAJh8/tQIcwA8OyEo/s1600/temp2014_TENkr_1831--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-388402268988489128.post-79918321665078502752014-11-20T23:19:00.001-05:002014-11-20T23:24:12.399-05:00WPIAL Championship PreviewChampionship Friday is upon us. Because of the PIAA schedule and Thanksgiving being late this year, the WPIAL Championships are not being played on the day after Thanksgiving as they typically have been. Instead, we get a Friday where some schools did not opt to cancel classes which has led to a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23Hookie4Heinz&src=tyah">#Hookie4Heinz</a> movement on Twitter. Unfortunately, since these games are not being played on Black Friday, it will make the parking situation even more difficult because some of the outlying lots and garages will be filled with people who normally park there to work downtown. To complicate matters for the evening games, it is also Light Up Night and there is a Penguins game at 7:00. On the WPIAL website, their suggestions for parking were the Heinz Field Stadium Lots, other North Shore lots, the Rivers Casino Parking Garage (which is only an option if everyone in the car is over 21) or the downtown lots and garages which are going to be backed all day. If you're planning on going to a game, go early because parking is going to be an issue.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWVD3A6yok8/U98Ij1SPcbI/AAAAAAAAI80/XsTp66mAN8c/s1600/root2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWVD3A6yok8/U98Ij1SPcbI/AAAAAAAAI80/XsTp66mAN8c/s1600/root2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're not going to the games, ROOT Sports will be broadcasting the Class A game live at 11:00am and the Quad-A game live at 2:00pm. Due to the Penguins game in the evening, the AA and AAA games will be on tape delay and broadcast at 10:00pm and 12:30am respectively.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU0Q9oWZOsw/Uqvp6tT6BBI/AAAAAAAAHzo/jXTdP0aWB7U/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU0Q9oWZOsw/Uqvp6tT6BBI/AAAAAAAAHzo/jXTdP0aWB7U/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you're going to be stuck at work all day, your best bet is to tune in to the MSA Sports broadcasts of the games, which can be found <a href="http://www.msasports.net/guide/2014-11-21">here</a>. As far as I know, the MSA broadcasts work on iPhone/iPad and Android systems as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk3/thesteelersnat/twitter_icons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk3/thesteelersnat/twitter_icons.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Twitter will be buzzing with updates tomorrow so make sure to keep an eye on the following hashtags: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23wpial&src=typd">#WPIAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23msascores&src=typd">#MSAscores</a> #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23skylights&src=typd">Skylights</a><br />
<br />
Additionally, I recommend following: <a href="https://twitter.com/thesteelersnat">myself</a> (obviously), <a href="http://twitter.com/msasports">@MSAsports</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PGVarsityXtra">@PGVarsityXtra</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TribHSInsider">@TribHSInsider</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/mwhiteburgh">@mwhiteburgh</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRown32">@JRown32</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AJWPIAL">@AJWPIAL</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/wpial_insider">@WPIAL_Insider</a> for updates throughout the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">AAAA</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk3/thesteelersnat/WPIAL2013/pine_richland.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk3/thesteelersnat/WPIAL2013/pine_richland.png" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YjGqcMchUU/UkUWvSMvkNI/AAAAAAAAGvA/kwu8AmHmS00/s1600/central_catholic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YjGqcMchUU/UkUWvSMvkNI/AAAAAAAAGvA/kwu8AmHmS00/s1600/central_catholic.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Pine-Richland (12-0) vs 3. Central Catholic (11-1)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2:00 pm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Championship History</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: lime;">Pine-Richland</span> won the WPIAL AAA title in 2003 and lost in the Championship Game in 2002. Richland High School won WPIAL AA titles in 1969 and 1970.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Central Catholic</span> is the defending AAAA Champions, have won 4 WPIAL Championships (2003, 2004, 2007, 2013) and have played in 6 Championship Games.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">Playoff History:</span></b> In their only playoff meeting, Central Catholic beat Pine-Richland in the first round of the 2010 playoffs.<br />
<br />
The old adage that "offense wins games but defense wins championships" will be put to the test in the Quad-A Championship. Pine-Richland boasts the top offense in Quad-A, scoring nearly 48 points per game, while Central Catholic has the top defense, holding opponents to just 10.6 points per game. These Northern Eight Conference foes met in Week 8 with Pine-Richland's offense controlling the game en route to a 48-28 victory. The 48 points the Rams scored against Central Catholic was the most that a Vikings defense had allowed in 11 seasons since giving up 49 to Woodland Hills in 2003.<br />
<br />
Pine-Richland's offense has been dominant this season, scoring at least 40 points in all but two games. The Rams boast the top passer in the WPIAL in senior QB Ben DiNucci who has thrown for 3,296 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing an absurd 74% of his passes. His favorite targets have been a pair of 1000-yard receivers in Mike Merhaut (1174 yards, 15 TDs) and D'ondre Gastion (1002 yards, 11 TDs). As a mark of how good DiNucci's weapons are, every Ram player who has caught at least 7 passes aside from RB Connor Slomka is averaging at least 14 yards per reception. But don't let his receiving stats fool you, Slomka has been an effective weapon for the Rams offense, rushing for 1214 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns, putting him in the top five in the WPIAL in scoring. Slomka, an Army commit, has played his best football in the playoffs, rushing for 348 yards and scoring 12 times in 3 games. Pine-Richland is also in contention for the Best Student Section in the entire WPIAL, based solely on the fact that they plan on bringing a live ram to the game.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Dear WPIAL,
Please send more tickets. We are sold out.
And one Ram license.
--Pine Richland SD
<a href="https://twitter.com/Real_PRstudsect">@Real_PRstudsect</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PR_Cheer">@PR_Cheer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Lancia__">@Lancia__</a><br />
— PineRichlandFootball (@PRRamsFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRRamsFootball/status/535111993410469888">November 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Central Catholic is the defending Quad-A Champions and the only blemish on their resume is their loss to Pine-Richland. The Vikings rode a dominant defense that pitched 5 shutouts this season, including a 28-0 victory over an explosive Woodland Hills team in the quarterfinals. The Vikings got pushed by Penn-Trafford in the semi-finals after Penn-Trafford recovered multiple onside kicks in the first half but ultimately pulled away thanks to a 200-yard performance from John Petrishen and a 100-yard night from Vinny Emanuele. Petrishen has been the driving force of this Central Catholic team all year, playing wide receiver and running back on offense, all over the secondary on defense, and has scored 4 times on kick returns. Central Catholic's offense is built around their running game and the Vikings only average 7 pass attempts per game. Their dominant ground attack has enabled them to control the clock on offense and let their defense slam the door on most teams this season. Grant Foster, son of former Steeler Barry Foster, leads the team with 729 yards and 16 TDs but has been hampered by an injury lately. Vinny Emanuele has stepped up in the playoffs, rushing for 268 yards and 4 TDs over the last 3 games. In the first meeting, the Vikings faltered when Pine-Richland pulled away in the second half and they were forced out of their comfort zone of running the ball and playing defense.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">AAA</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyfw6ujvAoE/UijakZ99XjI/AAAAAAAAGjA/S5RH4A1rI6o/s1600/centralvalley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyfw6ujvAoE/UijakZ99XjI/AAAAAAAAGjA/S5RH4A1rI6o/s1600/centralvalley.png" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txCo4nqnMyU/VGVZdbNsIBI/AAAAAAAAJfo/BWcFMn050AU/s1600/west_allegheny_flip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txCo4nqnMyU/VGVZdbNsIBI/AAAAAAAAJfo/BWcFMn050AU/s1600/west_allegheny_flip.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Central Valley (12-0) vs 3. West Allegheny (11-1)</span></b></div>
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8:00pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">Championship History</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">Central Valley </span>won the WPIAL title in 2010, the first year of the school's existence after the merger of Center and Monaca school districts. They lost in the Championship Game to West Allegheny last year. Monaca won 3 WPIAL Class A titles (1975, 1982, 1985) and played in 8 Championship Games. Center lost in their only Championship Game appearance in 1988.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">West Allegheny</span> has won all 7 WPIAL Championship Games they have played (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2012, 2013).<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Playoff History: </span></b>West Allegheny beat Central Valley in the WPIAL Championship last year, the only playoff meeting between the two schools.<br />
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West Allegheny is the two-time defending AAA Champions but their only losses in the last three seasons have been to Central Valley. In fact, every regular season meeting between these two schools has been won by the home team. West Allegheny also won the only neutral site meeting - last year's WPIAL Championship Game. Between the two schools, they have won four of the last five AAA Championships. These Parkway Conference foes will continue the Championship tradition of the conference, making this the 6th consecutive year a Parkway team has won the AAA crown. Incredibly, this is the 9th straight year that a Parkway Conference team has appeared in the Championship Game.<br />
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Since Central Valley came into existence in 2010 with the merger of Center and Monaca and have been one of the dominant programs in AAA ever since. The Warriors have at least made the semifinals every season and this will be their third appearance at Heinz Field. Central Valley is the top seed thanks to their win over West Allegheny in the season finale. The Warriors have dominated the opposition all season and the only team to come within 20 points of them was West Allegheny who they beat by 11. They have been paced on offense by Pitt recruit Jordan Whitehead, who is one of the top defensive backs in the state but also led the team in rushing with 1412 yards. Whitehead has been an all-around playmaker for Central Valley on offense, defense and special teams and leads the team with 27 total touchdowns. Central Valley has been very balanced this season with two quarterbacks combining for over 2000 passing yards. John George started the year under center but was injured in Week 3 and Chris Callaghan took over and threw for 1266 yards and 12 TDs. George returned in Week 7 and has thrown for 879 yards and 11 TDs on the season, with 279 yards and 4 TDs coming in the last two weeks. BJ Powell has been the Warriors primary receiver with 720 yards and 9 TDs and is complemented by Dante Lucci (464 yards, 4 TDs) and Kurt Reinstadler (459 yards, 5 TDs).<br />
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West Allegheny made the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in 1993 and the reigns were handed to Bob Palko in 1995. Since then, Palko has become the best big game coach in WPIAL history, becoming the first coach to win 7 WPIAL titles last season when the Indians won their second consecutive title. Palko has never lost a WPIAL Championship Game and is looking for the second three-peat of his career, the first coming from 1999-2001 when his son Tyler was under center. Now, senior QB Andrew Koester can join Tyler Palko as a 3-time WPIAL champion. Koester has been outstanding this season, throwing for 1211 yards and 15 TDs and led a drive in the final minute to bring West Allegheny back to tie Woodland Hills and force overtime in the WPIAL Game of the Year (so far) where the Indians eventually prevailed. As is typical with a West Allegheny team, they have been a dominant rushing team but have don't have a singular feature back. Chayse Dillon leads the team in rushing with 916 yards and 18 TDs but he is not far ahead of Terence Stephens who has run for 837 yards and 17 TDs. Whitney White has added 652 yards and 10 TDs, giving West Allegheny a dangerous three-headed beast on the ground. In the semifinals, the Indians took on Thomas Jefferson and the WPIAL's leading rusher Austin Kemp. Not only did West Allegheny totally dominate the game, jumping out to a 41-0 halftime lead, they dominated TJ on the ground, beating the Jaguars at their own game.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">AA</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlVWmDL9-q0/UjJ-589gZ4I/AAAAAAAAGl8/BV1UzO7MWd0/s1600/south_fayette.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlVWmDL9-q0/UjJ-589gZ4I/AAAAAAAAGl8/BV1UzO7MWd0/s1600/south_fayette.png" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2JT1pDwM0c/UjvPNKdF_CI/AAAAAAAAGqg/NBPVy2-gtio/s1600/aliquippa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2JT1pDwM0c/UjvPNKdF_CI/AAAAAAAAGqg/NBPVy2-gtio/s1600/aliquippa.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. South Fayette (12-0) vs 2. Aliquippa (12-0)</span></b></div>
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5:00pm</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">Championship History</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">South Fayette </span>won the WPIAL Class AA title in 2010 and 2013 (beating Aliquippa both times). They won the 1936 Class A Championship Game and were awarded the 1964 Class A title (no championship game was played). They lost in the 1967 Class A Championship Game.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Aliquippa</span> has won 16 WPIAL Championships. They won 8 Class AAA Championships (1952, 1955, 1964, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989) and played in 13 Class AAA Championship Games. After moving down to Class AA in 1990, the Quips have won 8 Class AA Championships (1991, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2011 and 2012) and played in 12 Class AA Championship Games.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Playoff History:</span></b> South Fayette is 2-1 against Aliquippa in the playoffs with both wins coming in Championship Games (2010 and 2013).<br />
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In another rematch of last year's WPIAL Championship, South Fayette and Aliquippa meet for the third time with a WPIAL title on the line. Aliquippa has lost only two games to WPIAL opponents in the last five seasons - both of them coming against South Fayette at Heinz Field. This is Aliquippa's 7th straight appearance at Heinz Field and the Quips have won more WPIAL titles than any other school. These have been the top two teams in AA all season and have been on a collision course for a rematch after their epic back-and-forth championship game last season. Both teams got scares in their semifinal contests but pulled away in the fourth quarter to force the rematch. These are the top two offenses and defenses in AA with Aliquippa averaging over 50 points per game and South Fayette averaging 46.5 per game. On the defensive side, the Quips were slightly better as well, holding opponents to 11.5 points per game as opposed to South Fayette's 12.6 points per contest.<br />
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South Fayette is led by the WPIAL's all-time leading passer Brett Brumbaugh who is second in the WPIAL in passing this season with 2927 yards and 35 TDs. Brumbaugh's favorite targets have been junior WR Nick Ponikvar who has 874 yards and 9 TDs and senior TE Logan Sharp who has 755 yards and 12 TDs. Brumbaugh has spread the ball around this season and has completed at least 10 passes to 6 different players - all of them averaging over 12 yards per reception. The Lions are not solely reliant on Brumbaugh's arm as junior RB Hunter Hays has rushed for 1280 yards and 24 TDs with 350 yards and 6 TDs coming in the postseason. South Fayette breezed through their conference slate and their opening round matchup, posting 40+ points every week and only surrendering 21 points once - to Quaker Valley in the season finale. But the quarterfinals and semifinals brought two scares to the defending state champions who now hold the WPIAL's longest winning streak at 28 games. Both South Park and Seton-La Salle were able to put 21 points on the scoreboard against the Lions but eventually South Fayette was too talented, beating South Park by 18 and Seton-La Salle by 14. Even with those close calls, South Fayette has still scored 35+ in every outing and not allowed more than 21 points to anyone this season.<br />
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Most AA schools that graduate 3 players that go on to D1 schools don't run through their schedule and find themselves undefeated and playing for a championship the next year. But this is Aliquippa. The Quips have scored 40+ points in every game this season and the only team to break 20 against them was Washington in the semifinals. The Quips have been so dominant that most of their games have been in the mercy rule by halftime. Aliquippa has a pair of junior running backs that have been unstoppable this season, both carrying the ball 132 times. Kaezon Pugh has racked up 1510 yards and 25 TDs while DiMantae Bronaugh has 1245 yards and 24 TDs. The Quips are not solely reliant on their running game as senior QB Darrien Fields has thrown for 1459 yards and 18 TDs, primarily to 6'3" senior WR Patrick Anderson who leads the team with 404 yards and 9 TDs. The Quips have yet to figure out a Brumbaugh brother in a WPIAL Championship Game, but they have the offensive ability to hang with South Fayette and this has all the makings of another epic AA title game.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">A</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwqpT-YPB9c/UkUWvUQ82CI/AAAAAAAAGvE/ygBVhRSPbYU/s1600/clairton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwqpT-YPB9c/UkUWvUQ82CI/AAAAAAAAGvE/ygBVhRSPbYU/s1600/clairton.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpM3XrY5yT8/Uk4wiKEKzSI/AAAAAAAAG0w/L9pj9IUPZr4/s1600/avonworth_flip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpM3XrY5yT8/Uk4wiKEKzSI/AAAAAAAAG0w/L9pj9IUPZr4/s1600/avonworth_flip.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Clairton (12-0) vs 5. Avonworth (11-1)</span></b></div>
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11:00am</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">Championship History</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Clairton</span> has won 10 total WPIAL Championships. They were awarded the Class AAA WPIAL Championship in 1929, 1931 and 1954 (no Championship Games played) and lost AAA Championship Games in 1957 and 1958. Clairton has played in 13 Class A Championship Games and won 7 times (1989, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Avonworth</span> tied Union in the 1959 Class A Championship Game, the only WPIAL title in school history and their only appearance in a Championship Game.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Playoff History: </span></b>Clairton is 2-0 against Avonworth with wins in the 1982 and 2009 quarterfinals.<br />
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In terms of championship pedigree, these two schools are polar opposites. Clairton has been the dominant team in Class A for the last decade, winning 6 of the last 8 Class A titles. After a down year last season where the Bears lost one regular season game "only" made the semifinals (which is a down year by Clairton standards), the Bears have roared back to the forefront of the Class A picture this season. While much of the focus this season was on the potential matchup between Clairton and defending state champion Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, Avonworth flew under the radar and pulled the upset on North Catholic in the semifinals. The Class A semifinal games last week were about as good a pair of games as you will see with Avonworth scoring a touchdown with 4 minutes to play to pull ahead of North Catholic 28-21. The Lopes then got two interceptions in the final four minutes to seal the victory and earn their first trip to a WPIAL title game since 1959. On the other hand, Clairton's offense continued their record pace but were matched almost score-for-score by Neshannock. The Lancers were able to tie the game late and send it to overtime where Clairton scored first then intercepted a pass to secure the victory and prevent Neshannock from reaching their first Championship Game in school history.<br />
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Clairton's offense has been absolutely incredible this season. The Bears have always been known for blowing their opponents out of the water, but they have taken it to an entirely new degree this season. Through 12 games the Bears have scored 788 points, an average of 65.7 per game. They are just 72 points shy of tying the state record of 860 points which was set by the 2007 Jeannette team led by Terrelle Pryor - <i>in 16 games</i>. Clairton scored 70+ points in each of their first 5 games but slowed down slightly, averaging just 59 over their last 7 contests. Their 48 points against Neshannock was their lowest output of the season and the 42 points the Lancers scored was the first time anyone scored more than twice against the Bears defense. The Bears have been led by sophomore sensation Lamont Wade, who is ranked as one of the top CB recruits in the nation for the class of 2017. To call Wade "explosive" on offense doesn't even do justice to his playmaking ability - he has led the Bears with 2128 rushing yards and a WPIAL-leading 39 TDs after starting the season as the backup running back before junior Harrison Dreher was injured in Week 4. Dreher returned in the quarterfinals and gives the Bears a vicious 1-2 punch in the backfield as he has run for 679 yards and 16 TDs in only 6 games. Wade was absolutely sensational in the playoffs, rushing for 744 yards and 15 TDs in 3 games, including 267 yards and 6 TDs last week against Neshannock. Clairton can do more than run the ball, as senior QB Ryan Williams has thrown for 2232 yards and 27 scores on the season. His favorite targets have been 6'5" junior Aaron Matthews (598 yards, 12 TDs, 34 2-point conversions) and senior WR James Hines (731 yards, 10 TDs).<br />
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Back in August, I went on the record and said that last year Avonworth was the 3rd best Class A team in the state behind State Champion Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic and Old Forge who took CWNC to overtime in the PIAA Championship. The Antelopes overcame more adversity than any other team appearing in a championship game this season, losing player after player to injuries but managed to persevere. Junior QB Zach Chandler was lost in Week 4 after a hot start to the season where he threw for 742 yards. Senior Josh Drwal stepped in and while he doesn't have the same arm talent that Chandler has, is an elusive runner who has helped reinvent the Lopes offense into a read-option attack. The focus of their offensive attack has been 6'2" junior Jamal Hughley who started the season at WR but has also played RB and enters the championship game as the Lopes leading rusher (779 yards), receiver (449 yards) and scorer (17 TDs) despite missing time at the end of the season with an injury he suffered in Week 7 against North Catholic. Hughley was able to get his revenge last week, rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Lopes to their first WPIAL Championship Game since 1959. While no individual's stats will blow you away like with Clairton, don't let the Lopes fool you. They have an excellent offensive and defensive line and are capable of controlling a game on the ground. This will be the best defense that Clairton has seen all season, but their weakness (as displayed in their Week 7 loss to North Catholic) is speed on the perimeter, which is where Clairton excels. Avonworth's hope lies in their defensive line being able to control the game and keep Clairton's rushing attack bottled up. The Lopes defense will need to continue to be opportunistic, especially in the secondary where Josh Drwal and Brandon Wasko recorded interceptions in the closing minutes to seal their semifinal victory over North Catholic.The Steelers n'at Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13702402270448818375noreply@blogger.com0