Go Ahead....

[johnstownsteel]

Pile On!!

For fear of being labled a coward, I thought I'd stop in and take my lumps. After last nights beat down, us Steeler fans certainly deserve a fair dose of "I told you so". I could be totally wrong but I just can't see this team turning things around and making a run for the playoffs.

Looks as though it's now a two horse race. Not that it means anything but I'll pull for the Bengals over those Ratbirds anyday. Good Luck on the rest of the season.

Btw, if ya'll don't mind, I'd still like to stop by and talk football with ya. Great board and great fans. Even though my team may be an afterthought to ya'll, it would be a pleasure to participate.

[Stripes]

Eh, the season isn't over, not at 1-3. It'll be tough to turn that around, but I just can't imagine Roethlisberger playing like this all year long. If/when he figures it out, they'll be back on the winning side for a while. The defense is still lights out, and that's all the Steelers will need to stay in games. Mistakes on offense have cost them three games thus far, but I doubt that continues. I'd really be surprised if the Steelers don't finish at least 9-7.

You're a good contributor to the board, here. I doubt anyone had any plans of calling you a coward. Now, all the turds in the smack forum however...

[membengal]

You are welcome anytime, from where I sit, js.

And...I don't think the Steelers are anywhere close to done. Their opening sked was brutal (three prime time games in their first four, two of which were on the road), and Roeth is clearly not himself yet.

I think they can still get to 10 - 11 wins, which may be enough to win the division. Long season.

I am sure you are frustrated, js, but there is still a lot that is right with that football team (unforuntately)...

And...yes, your so-called fellow fans in the troll forum are a full breed different than you are...

[Kazkal]

Steelers are having problems I just hope they get em fixxed so we can have enjoyable game at the end of the year,

[johnstownsteel]

Thanks guys. Just to clarify, I'll never jump ship on my Steelers and I actually believe a 9-7, 10-6 record is still possible. The only problem is there are only so many playoff spots to go around. Doesn't help that the Bengals and Ravens are in our division with both teams playing good ball.

[duus]

You are surely a man among boys.

I honestly don't think it is as bad as folks are making it out to be, but there surely is room for concern. I think 11-5 is a must for a playoff spot in the AFC. That obviously leaves little room for error.

All that said, let's look at the remaining 12 for the Steelers:

2 against Baltimore

2 against Cleveland

1 against Cincinnati

1 against KC

1 against Denver

1 against Oakland

1 against New Orleans

1 against Tampa Bay

1 against Carolina

1 against Atlanta

The 'gimmees' should be KC, Cleveland (2), Oakland, Tampa Bay.

That leaves out of division games against Denver, New Orleans, Carolina, and Atlanta. I think 3 out of 4 is about as good as you might hope there.

That will be 9-4 at that point ... at best.

That leaves 3 tough divisional games, with only room for 1 loss.

If the Steelers somehow find a way to enter Thanksgiving weekend at 6-4, then there is some hope. That game at Baltimore that weekend might make or break the season. If they pull it out, then they have TB and Cleveland at home, and might just find a way to be sitting at 9-4. After a 1-3 start, that would be tremendous!

Then they will have to play the final 3 games ... at Carolina, home against Baltimore, and at Cincy. Lose 2 out of 3 and the season is over. Win 2 out of 3, and it might happen.

Tiebreakers could be ugly given losses to Jacksonville and San Diego. They simply cannot afford but 1 more loss in the conference, IMO.

A long way to go, but they are a championship team and if anyone can come back, it would be them.

(hoping not, of course!)

Anyway ... good post from you ... as usual. Please continue to stick around, regardless of what the next several weeks hold.

[derekshank]

It might sound odd... but the Steelers need the Bengals to play really well. Cincy has already taken one game from Pittsburgh, so what the Steelers need is for the Ravens to drop off.

If the Ravens and Bengals end up splitting against each-other, it will be bad news for the Steelers, because if all 3 teams are competing for the division, the Steelers will most likely be the odd team out.

However, if the Bengals sweep the Ravens, that will be 2 losses in the division for the Ravens. At that point, the Steelers would at least control their own destiny, having a chance to take 2 games from the Ravens.

Then consider that if the Bengals have the division wrapped up for the last game of the season, it will probably end up being an easy win for the Steelers playing against mostly back-ups... and it will probably be an important game for the Steelers to secure a Wild-Card.

It's too early to count the Steelers out... but it isn't looking good for them. I don't expect them to contend for a playoff spot, but as I said... if the Ravens drop off, anything is possible.

[BigBenBlows]

Remember the run you guys put together last year at the end of the season? You guys are hurting but I wouldn't say out of contention just yet.

[101Airborne]

You are always welcome here JTS You make it damned hard to hate the Steelers and that is a good thing. I cannot say I am optimistic for the Steelers right now, but I do think they are just in a funk. If they turn it around and get themselves charged up, they'll make the playoffs. They've done it before afterall. Who really predicted them to win the SuperBowl last year when they just barely squeeked into the playoffs?

[johnstownsteel]

You are always welcome here JTS You make it damned hard to hate the Steelers and that is a good thing. I cannot say I am optimistic for the Steelers right now, but I do think they are just in a funk. If they turn it around and get themselves charged up, they'll make the playoffs. They've done it before afterall. Who really predicted them to win the SuperBowl last year when they just barely squeeked into the playoffs?

Thanks. Your right, I for one never would have predicted a Super Bowl win last year. What's troubling about this year is that there seems to be more problem areas than last years squad. With exception to the defensive line, pretty much every other aspect of the team is showing signs of a meltdown. I'm hopeful that Cowher (who also has been suspect) can bring out the best in them and perservere like seasons past.

Btw, did ya'll see footage of Ben before the game? I for one am starting to get sick of his little "injuries". Come on, every week it's something new. To be fair, he didn't complain about his elbow or pass blame but what's the deal? I'm almost to the point of thinking he's attention starved. He needs to get some "Farve" toughness about him.

You are surely a man among boys.

I honestly don't think it is as bad as folks are making it out to be, but there surely is room for concern. I think 11-5 is a must for a playoff spot in the AFC. That obviously leaves little room for error.

All that said, let's look at the remaining 12 for the Steelers:

2 against Baltimore

2 against Cleveland

1 against Cincinnati

1 against KC

1 against Denver

1 against Oakland

1 against New Orleans

1 against Tampa Bay

1 against Carolina

1 against Atlanta

The 'gimmees' should be KC, Cleveland (2), Oakland, Tampa Bay.

That leaves out of division games against Denver, New Orleans, Carolina, and Atlanta. I think 3 out of 4 is about as good as you might hope there.

That will be 9-4 at that point ... at best.

That leaves 3 tough divisional games, with only room for 1 loss.

If the Steelers somehow find a way to enter Thanksgiving weekend at 6-4, then there is some hope. That game at Baltimore that weekend might make or break the season. If they pull it out, then they have TB and Cleveland at home, and might just find a way to be sitting at 9-4. After a 1-3 start, that would be tremendous!

Then they will have to play the final 3 games ... at Carolina, home against Baltimore, and at Cincy. Lose 2 out of 3 and the season is over. Win 2 out of 3, and it might happen.

Tiebreakers could be ugly given losses to Jacksonville and San Diego. They simply cannot afford but 1 more loss in the conference, IMO.

A long way to go, but they are a championship team and if anyone can come back, it would be them.

(hoping not, of course!)

Anyway ... good post from you ... as usual. Please continue to stick around, regardless of what the next several weeks hold.

Wow! Great post. Shows how knowledgeable you are about the competion. I pretty much broke it all down the same as you. There's still hope but very little.

[HairOnFire]

Major props to Bengal fans who are trying to cheer up a Steeler fan. You guys are some classy bastidges.

That said, you're not doing that guy any favors by ignoring the fact that the Steelers are indeed done.

There's as dead as yesterdays fillet-o-fish.

And I'm willing to bet that even the Browns can take at least one from them....unless Roethisberger doesn't play.

[101Airborne]

Thanks. Your right, I for one never would have predicted a Super Bowl win last year. What's troubling about this year is that there seems to be more problem areas than last years squad. With exception to the defensive line, pretty much every other aspect of the team is showing signs of a meltdown. I'm hopeful that Cowher (who also has been suspect) can bring out the best in them and perservere like seasons past.

Btw, did ya'll see footage of Ben before the game? I for one am starting to get sick of his little "injuries". Come on, every week it's something new. To be fair, he didn't complain about his elbow or pass blame but what's the deal? I'm almost to the point of thinking he's attention starved. He needs to get some "Farve" toughness about him.

I read something SF87 said about that being just part of his warm up. As you said, he didn't seem to complain about any injuries after the game but then maybe people saw something I did not. I will say that he does seem as fragile as a china doll sometimes but then if he were really as hurt as he seems, Cower is a moron for not letting him freaking heal.

From what I've seen of the Pittsburgh play, there is something missing on offense, and it's not just Ben making Ben look bad. I've seen so many dropped passes the last few weeks it's almost crazy. The special teams aren't exactly stellar but then Cower is an idiot for maving a guy who can't punt return try and return punts. Against SD, the first quarter was great, and then the Coaches seemed to totally abandon what was working. The pressure on rivers was taken away and the run game was nearly abandoned despite 4yds per carry. Just as I was mystified by the Bengals seeming lack of game plan against the Pats, I was mystified by the Steelers last night.

[ArmyBengal]

I for one like the fact JTS is on the board and love the perspective he brings... Dude, there is no way you can give up on the season yet, but it's gettting ugly for sure. If the Bengals don't pull their heads out of their ass pieces, we won't be faring much better regardless of current record.

You are one of those Steelers fans that reminds me what is was like when I use to pull for any team in the Division when the Bengals were out of it. Thanks !!!

WHODEY !!!

[johnstownsteel]

Major props to Bengal fans who are trying to cheer up a Steeler fan. You guys are some classy bastidges.

That said, you're not doing that guy any favors by ignoring the fact that the Steelers are indeed done.

There's as dead as yesterdays fillet-o-fish.

And I'm willing to bet that even the Browns can take at least one from them....unless Roethisberger doesn't play.

That's pretty good! Not to be a pr1ck but last seasons Super Bowl is worth at least 2 years of feeling good. So... no cheering up is needed. Although I agree that this season may be lost, I doubt the Browns beat us. So, what's the bet??

The pressure on rivers was taken away and the run game was nearly abandoned despite 4yds per carry. Just as I was mystified by the Bengals seeming lack of game plan against the Pats, I was mystified by the Steelers last night.

That makes two of us. i felt as though I was a Bengal fan watching last years wild card game against the Steelers. The playcalling definitely had me scratching my head.

[HairOnFire]

Major props to Bengal fans who are trying to cheer up a Steeler fan. You guys are some classy bastidges.

That said, you're not doing that guy any favors by ignoring the fact that the Steelers are indeed done.

There's as dead as yesterdays fillet-o-fish.

And I'm willing to bet that even the Browns can take at least one from them....unless Roethisberger doesn't play.

That's pretty good! Not to be a pr1ck but last seasons Super Bowl is worth at least 2 years of feeling good. So... no cheering up is needed. Although I agree that this season may be lost, I doubt the Browns beat us. So, what's the bet??

Hey, please continue feeling good about last years Super Bowl for as long as you can. Two years, three years, or even five. If you can use that as healing salve after each of this years parade of losses...well, who am I to complain?

As for the bet, offer your own terms as I admit I'm hardpressed to think of anything of value that I'd wager on a game between two 3rd tier non-playoff teams like the Browns and Steelers.

[ArmyBengal]

Did Hair wake up on the wrong side today ??

WHODEY !!!

[johnstownsteel]

Major props to Bengal fans who are trying to cheer up a Steeler fan. You guys are some classy bastidges.

That said, you're not doing that guy any favors by ignoring the fact that the Steelers are indeed done.

There's as dead as yesterdays fillet-o-fish.

And I'm willing to bet that even the Browns can take at least one from them....unless Roethisberger doesn't play.

That's pretty good! Not to be a pr1ck but last seasons Super Bowl is worth at least 2 years of feeling good. So... no cheering up is needed. Although I agree that this season may be lost, I doubt the Browns beat us. So, what's the bet??

Hey, please continue feeling good about last years Super Bowl for as long as you can. Two years, three years, or even five. If you can use that as healing salve after each of this years parade of losses...well, who am I to complain?

As for the bet, offer your own terms as I admit I'm hardpressed to think of anything of value that I'd wager on a game between two 3rd tier non-playoff teams like the Browns and Steelers.

To be honest honest, I'm not sure how far that Super Bowl will carry me. I'll say this though, if before any season I could be guaranteed a Super Bowl in exchange for 5 losing seasons I'd jump on it. Take that anyway you'd like although your thoughts on the matter may differ considering you have no idea what it's like to see your team win the last game of the year.

About the bet, guess your right...not much fun huh? How about the loser wear a Browns avatar for a month?

[kentjett]

The Steelers are not out of it yet but their barely hanging on. Their offense reminds me of the Ravens w/ Boller starting. With no disrespect intended, I hate everything about the Steelers. I was a Big Ben fan all throughout his college career but know I absolutely can't stand him. Willie Parker is the most overrated RB in the NFL, he can't break a tackle for the life of him. His yards are clearly due to his offensive line and his speed. I'll take you up on that Browns bet.

[ArmyBengal]

To be honest honest

Dude, that's chick talk right there... Sort of like when one girl says to her girlfriend, "Did you go shopping" and she replies, "Yes, but I didn't go shopping shopping"...

What comedian does that bit ?? The Korean guy from Nashville... Funny sh*t right there !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Ox]

JTS, you're a classy dude. But come on fellas, when in the F*CK did I ever think I'd se eour guys trying to cheer up a Steeler fan?!?!?!?!? Something is just wrong with this picture.

But stick aorund man, I'm sure in a couple weeks things will be back to normal, us bitching about Brats playcalling and warding off your breathern in the smack section.

[johnstownsteel]

JTS, you're a classy dude. But come on fellas, when in the F*CK did I ever think I'd se eour guys trying to cheer up a Steeler fan?!?!?!?!? Something is just wrong with this picture.

But stick aorund man, I'm sure in a couple weeks things will be back to normal, us bitching about Brats playcalling and warding off your breathern in the smack section.

I don't know, I guess it's a "to each his own" kinda subject. I'm the type that likes the freindly banter between opposing fans. Those folks out there that hate over a person liking a certain team is in my opinion dumb. Having said that, I don't feel they were trying to cheer me up as much as they are taking a cautious aproach in that the Steelers may bounce back and give the rest of the league a run for it's money. Afterall, it's been done before.

[HairOnFire]

Having said that, I don't feel they were trying to cheer me up as much as they are taking a cautious aproach in that the Steelers may bounce back and give the rest of the league a run for it's money. Afterall, it's been done before.

Not in an AFC North as competitive as this one has become or in an AFC as strong as the current one.

The Steelers are done. Fork 'em.

[Kirkendall]

It's only the fourth game. Anything can happen. They could probably be at .500 quicker than switching to Geico.

[ArmyBengal]

The way I see it is, if you act like you have a little class, you will get treated that way. I'm not trying to cheer him up about the freaking Steelers, but will converse about it without it turning into smack, unless he takes it in that direction...

WHODEY !!!

[membengal]

I am not trying to cheer him up. It's just that the Steelers' schedule was front-loaded hard, Roeth is still getting his football legs under him, and as the sked eases off, he will get better.

And so will Pittsburgh. Way too early to write them off.