I thought going into this weekend that the Steelers would need to sweep the Ravens in order to have any chance. Pittsburgh got throttled by Baltimore earlier today. Losing Polamalu really hurt. Last year, The Steelers were 7-5 when they began their run last year. Even if, they run the table they would end @ 9-7. Some experts have stated that one 10 win team in the AFC would be staying home for the playoffs. That may be whoever gets the short end of the stick in the AFCW. Right now, that would be the Broncos IMO. Maybe, even the Jaguars. I am not going to write off the Steelers but the steep slope they had to climb just got more difficult.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'>I thought going into this weekend that the Steelers would need to sweep the Ravens in order to have any chance. Pittsburgh got throttled by Baltimore earlier today. Losing Polamalu really hurt. Last year, The Steelers were 7-5 when they began their run last year. Even if, they run the table they would end @ 9-7. Some experts have stated that one 10 win team in the AFC would be staying home for the playoffs. That may be whoever gets the short end of the stick in the AFCW. Right now, that would be the Broncos IMO. Maybe, even the Jaguars. I am not going to write off the Steelers but the steep slope they had to climb just got more difficult.</div> What have you seen from the Steelers to make you not write them off? This team just doesn't have it this year. I have to say that this is one of the worst coaching jobs Cowher has ever done. He's handled the Roethlesberger situation terribly. He should've sat Ben for at least one or two games and let him have some time to really get healthy. He needs some time. Batch has been great when he's been in there and would've kept the Steelers season alive. As it is, the Steelers are 4-7 with no playoff hopes whatsoever.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cubuffsman78)</div><div class='quotemain'>What have you seen from the Steelers to make you not write them off?</div> History. This is one team that does seem to do better w/ their backs against the wall or when getting disrespected.
Batch did come in, for about two plays. He is perfect in completion percentage, 1 for 1. But that's nothing compared to Boller who was 3 for 3. Anyways, I would like to write off the Steelers. They have to get through the Bengals first before they even start thinking about the playoffs.
It is fairly common these days for Super Bowl team to not make the playoffs the next year. Add in the fact that Roethlisberger crashed and almost died and we shouldn't be suprised. I do think they would have been better off playing Batch ... but rushing injured QB's back seems to be the norm this year.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Zackman)</div><div class='quotemain'>It is fairly common these days for Super Bowl team to not make the playoffs the next year.</div> Usually, its the losing team that stumbles... especially if its the NFC. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Zackman)</div><div class='quotemain'>...rushing injured QB's back seems to be the norm this year.</div> Whatever do you mean? Holmgren was quite cautious bringing Hasselbeck back.
I've written the Steelers off but just for this year. The great thing about the modern NFL is a team can drop off and next year they can pop right back up and be in the mix again. I expect the Steelers to come back next year and at least challenge for a playoff spot, especially if Ben can start the year on a better note.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CanadianFavreFan)</div><div class='quotemain'>I've written the Steelers off but just for this year. The great thing about the modern NFL is a team can drop off and next year they can pop right back up and be in the mix again. I expect the Steelers to come back next year and at least challenge for a playoff spot, especially if Ben can start the year on a better note.</div> Really. The Ravens may get hit by the cap and aging players next year as well. So it's virtually a three way open battle next year, if Pittsburgh get their head right and the Cincinnati can avoid any off the field issues. But the Ravens have a good track record for bringing in talent through the draft.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cubuffsman78)</div><div class='quotemain'>What have you seen from the Steelers to make you not write them off?</div> History. This is one team that does seem to do better w/ their backs against the wall or when getting disrespected.</div> This team can be 9-7 at best now...no AFC team will make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. They might be able to play a spoiler role, but they are written off for the playoffs.
[quote name='blackadder'][quote name='Zackman']It is fairly common these days for Super Bowl team to not make the playoffs the next year.[/quote] Usually, its the losing team that stumbles... especially if its the NFC.[/quote] They may end up becoming the 8th Super Bowl Champion to follow it up with a losing record. [quote name='blackadder'][quote name='Zackman']...rushing injured QB's back seems to be the norm this year.[/quote] Whatever do you mean? Holmgren was quite cautious bringing Hasselbeck back.[/quote] Can you say Cripplepepper? :crying: I wonder if Saban saw that Drew Brees set an NFL record today. :einstein:
[quote name='Zackman'][quote name='blackadder'][quote name='Zackman']It is fairly common these days for Super Bowl team to not make the playoffs the next year.[/quote] Usually, its the losing team that stumbles... especially if its the NFC.[/quote] They may end up becoming the 8th Super Bowl Champion to follow it up with a losing record. [quote name='blackadder'][quote name='Zackman']...rushing injured QB's back seems to be the norm this year.[/quote] Whatever do you mean? Holmgren was quite cautious bringing Hasselbeck back.[/quote] Can you say Cripplepepper? :crying: I wonder if Saban saw that Drew Brees set an NFL record today. :einstein:[/quote] Nah, he's probably celebrating how Joey Harrington beat up the Lions...
