AFC North Still Up for Grabs

[Steeler Nation]

The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in all of football and last night saw the Steelers take an unfortunate step back in the race despite a valiant second-half effort in their 36-28 loss to the Vikings. Let’s check out what the rest of the season holds and see if our boys from the Steel City can get back in the race and get one last AFC North title for Ben Roethlisberger.

1. Baltimore Ravens – 8-4
2. Cincinnati Bengals – 7-5
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – 6-6-1
4. Cleveland Browns – 6-6

The Steelers nearly made a historic comeback last night when, down 29-0 in the third quarter, they roared back scoring three unanswered touchdowns to cut the lead to 29-20 before Minnesota countered with a 62-yard bomb from Kirk Cousins to K.J. Osborn to seemingly put the game out of reach.
But Pittsburgh would not go quietly and Roethlisberger tossed his third touchdown pass of the night, a 15-yard flare to Pat Freiermuth followed by a successful two-point conversion to Diontae Johnson. The Steelers would get the ball back at their own four-yard line for one last drive to which Big Ben marched his offense down to the Vikings’ 12-yard line. However, he would come up shy when he lobbed a pass to Freiermuth with no time remaining that would be broken up, extinguishing any hope for a miracle finish. It was a sensational rally that would have been one for the history books if the Steelers were successful in winning the game.

“We’re running out of time,” Roethlisberger said. “I don’t look at moral victories.”

The furious rally did not buoy head coach Mike Tomlin’s spirits as he said after the game, “We were JV again tonight, and I’m talking upfront on both sides.”

Those who enjoy putting their money where their mouth is in their NFL picks would have seen that the Steelers were getting 3 ½ points from the oddsmakers on Thursday night. The Steelers have been failing their fans at the betting windows this season, with a 5-8 ATS (against the spread) record, having failed to cover four of their last six contests including the Thursday night showdown with Minnesota.

What’s Next for Steelers?

Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Vikings, the Steelers are still in the thick of the AFC North race. Their remaining schedule sees the following:
12/19 vs. Titans – Tennessee hasn’t exactly been lighting it up recently with the injuries to Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, as well as Julio Jones who is closest to returning. The Steelers get this hobbled group at home and will have 10 days to lick their wounds and prepare for the Titans.

12/26 at Chiefs – The Chiefs have caught fire recently although it is their defense that has stepped up while their offense seems to be sputtering. We can only hope that is the case when the Steelers invade Arrowhead. But right now, this is not looking like a win for the good guys and it could be desperation time when they meet the Browns the following week.

1/3 vs. Browns – This is a must-win under any circumstances and if the Steelers can get by with a victory against the Chiefs it would mean they are entering this divisional tilt with an 8-6-1 record and an opportunity to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt. They gave the Browns a 15-10 Halloween trick in Cleveland earlier this season and they could give themselves a New Year’s treat by beating them again and sweeping the season series.

1/9 at Ravens – We never said this was going to be easy but a date in Baltimore to secure a postseason berth is a real possibility if they can get this far with three consecutive wins under their collective belts. Pittsburgh eked out a 20-19 win over the Ravens in Week 13 so they know they can beat the dynamic offense of Lamar Jackson and company. A win here would end their season with a 10-6-1 record and provide an excellent shot at the NFL’s second season.

The moon and stars would certainly have to align for this to manifest but, in what is expected to be Big Ben’s final season in what is a Hall-of-Fame career, it can undoubtedly be done. The Steelers have several talented offensive weapons and there is an opportunity for them to partake in the postseason parade but it won’t be easy.

Mike Tomlin did not hesitate to make changes for underperformers Thursday night, citing replacing inside linebacker Joe Schobert for rookie Buddy Johnson as one of many moves.

“We’re not whipping enough tail,” Tomlin said. “We’re not striking enough. We’re not making the pile fall in the right direction enough. So, I’d be remiss, I’d be doing that group a disservice if I didn’t look at all options. Buddy’s an option that has worked, so we played him some.”

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[Stewey]

In 2005 we ran the table in our last 4 games to advance to the Super Bowl and win it.

We will do the same starting next Sunday.

Ben will need to put a string of good games together like he did back then.
And he will.
He must retire from the game having won a Super Bowl. There is no other option.

 

[ExUSAF]

Just stop this playoff nonsense. In 2005 we had a franchise QB on the rise and a stable of solid performers on offense and defense, including a solid offensive and defensive line. Furthermore, I think we were healthy going in.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Just stop this playoff nonsense. In 2005 we had a franchise QB on the rise and a stable of solid performers on offense and defense, including a solid offensive and defensive line. Furthermore, I think we were healthy going in.

Although what you say is true, I'm with Stewey until mathematically out. One can dream and support without reality being a factor. kind of like buying a powerball ticket......... you're a winner until you are not.




Salute the nation

 

[steelhurt]

This is a far cry from 2005’s team. Players, HC, coordinators, assistant coaches. Not even close.
I’m sticking with my seven win prediction from last summer. And they should feel lucky with that with this mess created by Tomlin and Colbert.
Bring back an immobile 39 year old QB and place him behind the absolute worst OL in the league. What the hell kind of plan was that? Ben should be pissed!

 

[Omar10213245]

In 2005 we ran the table in our last 4 games to advance to the Super Bowl and win it.

We will do the same starting next Sunday.

Ben will need to put a string of good games together like he did back then.
And he will.
He must retire from the game having won a Super Bowl. There is no other option.

*farts*

 

[FAB802]

A division full of teams with glaring weaknesses. Whoever wins it will have one playoff game and be done. It won't be us with that OL.

 

[Stewey]

Just stop this playoff nonsense. In 2005 we had a franchise QB on the rise and a stable of solid performers on offense and defense, including a solid offensive and defensive line. Furthermore, I think we were healthy going in.

Hey man, just having some fun with this...no need to get all serious! I too am a realist.

 

[jitter77]

Once you get into the tournament anything can happen. I would rather watch meaningful games down the stretch than have no shot at all. The AFC is pretty open with no really dominate teams.

 

[Drink IRON City]

That's Just It.


One can root and enjoy the games along the way. Wanting "Ws" is not against the rules. Reality is one can guess and make stateent along the way but until those games are played and completed........ anything is possible.

If we make the POs it is more than likely one and done but lightning could strike a fire could start a day could be bright.................

I' in it to the end, whenever that comes.

One for the middle finger could be our new battle cry






Salute the nation

 

[Shane Falco]

The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in all of football and last night saw the Steelers take an unfortunate step back in the race despite a valiant second-half effort in their 36-28 loss to the Vikings. Let’s check out what the rest of the season holds and see if our boys from the Steel City can get back in the race and get one last AFC North title for Ben Roethlisberger.

1. Baltimore Ravens – 8-4
2. Cincinnati Bengals – 7-5
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – 6-6-1
4. Cleveland Browns – 6-6

The Steelers nearly made a historic comeback last night when, down 29-0 in the third quarter, they roared back scoring three unanswered touchdowns to cut the lead to 29-20 before Minnesota countered with a 62-yard bomb from Kirk Cousins to K.J. Osborn to seemingly put the game out of reach.
But Pittsburgh would not go quietly and Roethlisberger tossed his third touchdown pass of the night, a 15-yard flare to Pat Freiermuth followed by a successful two-point conversion to Diontae Johnson. The Steelers would get the ball back at their own four-yard line for one last drive to which Big Ben marched his offense down to the Vikings’ 12-yard line. However, he would come up shy when he lobbed a pass to Freiermuth with no time remaining that would be broken up, extinguishing any hope for a miracle finish. It was a sensational rally that would have been one for the history books if the Steelers were successful in winning the game.



Those who enjoy putting their money where their mouth is in their NFL picks would have seen that the Steelers were getting 3 ½ points from the oddsmakers on Thursday night. The Steelers have been failing their fans at the betting windows this season, with a 5-8 ATS (against the spread) record, having failed to cover four of their last six contests including the Thursday night showdown with Minnesota.

What’s Next for Steelers?

Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Vikings, the Steelers are still in the thick of the AFC North race. Their remaining schedule sees the following:
12/19 vs. Titans – Tennessee hasn’t exactly been lighting it up recently with the injuries to Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, as well as Julio Jones who is closest to returning. The Steelers get this hobbled group at home and will have 10 days to lick their wounds and prepare for the Titans.

12/26 at Chiefs – The Chiefs have caught fire recently although it is their defense that has stepped up while their offense seems to be sputtering. We can only hope that is the case when the Steelers invade Arrowhead. But right now, this is not looking like a win for the good guys and it could be desperation time when they meet the Browns the following week.

1/3 vs. Browns – This is a must-win under any circumstances and if the Steelers can get by with a victory against the Chiefs it would mean they are entering this divisional tilt with an 8-6-1 record and an opportunity to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt. They gave the Browns a 15-10 Halloween trick in Cleveland earlier this season and they could give themselves a New Year’s treat by beating them again and sweeping the season series.

1/9 at Ravens – We never said this was going to be easy but a date in Baltimore to secure a postseason berth is a real possibility if they can get this far with three consecutive wins under their collective belts. Pittsburgh eked out a 20-19 win over the Ravens in Week 13 so they know they can beat the dynamic offense of Lamar Jackson and company. A win here would end their season with a 10-6-1 record and provide an excellent shot at the NFL’s second season.

The moon and stars would certainly have to align for this to manifest but, in what is expected to be Big Ben’s final season in what is a Hall-of-Fame career, it can undoubtedly be done. The Steelers have several talented offensive weapons and there is an opportunity for them to partake in the postseason parade but it won’t be easy.

Mike Tomlin did not hesitate to make changes for underperformers Thursday night, citing replacing inside linebacker Joe Schobert for rookie Buddy Johnson as one of many moves.



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Not sure if Shobert of lately is a problem spot. He has been a lot better the past couple of games. I think 55 should be the guy Tomlin should consider replacing…

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Just stop this playoff nonsense. In 2005 we had a franchise QB on the rise and a stable of solid performers on offense and defense, including a solid offensive and defensive line. Furthermore, I think we were healthy going in.

In 2005 I don't think we were the best team, we were the healthiest team. IIRC, Denver was better than us on paper but had some key injuries.

 

[Atlsteelers]

Time to unleash hell.

 

[wig]

In 2005 I don't think we were the best team, we were the healthiest team. IIRC, Denver was better than us on paper but had some key injuries.

BLASPHEMER!

 

[TDX27]

This team will still be lucky to win one more game. I'll be rooting for them in everyone. I'll be watching and cheering Big Ben in what are probably his last 4 games playing in the NFL. Anything can happen on any given day in the NFL. But, the reality of this year is we are not a good football team. We have a few good players but that won't cut it. I look forward to the future to see how we start reshaping this team after this year. Some players will leave and many will be brought in via free agency and the draft. If they can get a decent QB, I think they can be back playing winning football within a couple of years. The core of this team is Najee, Muuth, Johnson, Watt and Minkah. Build around that. Solidify your O-line and your D-line. Get a decent QB, if not a franchise QB. Add pieces to the secondary and the LB room. We have a lot of holes to fill but if our rookies of this year and last year continue to improve along with our core, this team will be fun to watch again. Let's hope Rooney will make the tough decisions needed along the way. So far, he hasn't.

 

[ExUSAF]

In 2005 I don't think we were the best team, we were the healthiest team. IIRC, Denver was better than us on paper but had some key injuries.

Disagree - we were the better team by far than Denver and dominated them - at Denver. If any team was better than us on paper it was probably the Bengals with Carson Palmer. Even without him, I believe they were the toughest team we faced in the playoffs. The Colts game would have been a runaway if Troy would have kept his interception. That call allowed the Colts to get a TD and come close to tying the game on the last play.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I and anyone else doesn't expect this team to instantly turn things around once a QB is aquired. The same coaching will be in tact.

We do have a pretty good CORE of young talent but even that needs help. OL / DL commonly known as the trenches currently need the most help, without them we go no where.



Salute the nation

 

[diver]

It is something when you think about the situation the Steelers put themselves in...and these are supposed to be professionals, the best at their jobs.

Like stated, put a 39 year old immobile QB behind a young, struggling line. You've gone this far this way, changing something now I don't think will help.

They have an immature baby at WR who you really should bench for a while to try to wake him up, but why limit the options for your 39 year old immobile QB?

 

[thesteelcity]

If and that's a big If, they would have beaten the 5-7 Vikings., they would have been in a PO spot right now. They don't deserve to go anywhere, but the golf coarse. So many chips fell for them, but they blew it. That momentum they should have gotten from the Ravens win, blew away like a fart in the wind. Hopefully, they win 2 of the next 4 to maintain that no-losing-seasons record. Looks real good on paper.

 

[slashsteel]

It is something when you think about the situation the Steelers put themselves in...and these are supposed to be professionals, the best at their jobs.

Like stated, put a 39 year old immobile QB behind a young, struggling line. You've gone this far this way, changing something now I don't think will help.

They have an immature baby at WR who you really should bench for a while to try to wake him up, but why limit the options for your 39 year old immobile QB?

You sit the team down and tell them some things need tweaking. In 2 minute football no end zone celebration,first down celebration,etc. Until the game is won and that clock strikes zero. You rush to give the ball back to the refs after each offensive play. You would think this is a no brainer but obviously there is some no brain-ers on the team. While they are all sitting there tell them up tempo is needed on offense in the first,second,3rd,and 4th quarter. On defense focus in on tackling. On offense a certain center would get a half hour extra practicing snaps. With a few extra days of prep all coaches need to go over schematics what is not working and tweak it for the remainder of the season. A lot of obviously but obviously that job isn't getting done

 

[thesteelcity]

You sit the team down and tell them some things need tweaking. In 2 minute football no end zone celebration,first down celebration,etc. Until the game is won and that clock strikes zero. You rush to give the ball back to the refs after each offensive play. You would think this is a no brainer but obviously there is some no brain-ers on the team. While they are all sitting there tell them you tempo is needed on offense in the first,second,3rd,and 4th quarter. On defense focus in on tackling. On offense a certain center would get a half hour extra practicing snaps. With a few extra days of prep all coaches need to go over schematics what is not working and tweak it for the remainder of the season. A lot of obviously but obviously that job isn't getting done

this team is undisciplned, inexperienced and puts the 'I" in team. Ben, Cam and probably Haden have had the privledge to learn from many vets that showed them the ropes and how to be a pro and Steeler. They can teach the young guys only so much. They have to grown up, want to BE a professional and to be the best. Showing off when you get an INT or first down is stuff you do in HS.

 

[suncitysteel]

I can wave my black & gold pom poms (figuratively-speaking) as well as the next guy, but reality is a two-by-four headed directly to my face should I entertain any high aspirations for this team this year.

 

[ZonaBurgh]

My heart will always say yes, the gray matter between my ears says that there's a better chance that they'll lose out before they win out.
Every team has injuries, but losing both Tuitt and Alualu is too much for this team to overcome.

 

[TDX27]

This team definitely needs to start its "rebuild" with the big uglies. Our D-line is mostly gone in a few years. Who knows if Tuitt will even be back next year. Heyward is still a beast but is getting up there in age. Give him 2 or 3 more years. Alualu maybe has a couple more years. We have no other good players. Adams may have been a diamond found but we still don't know. We have no good young guys being groomed. This must start to be addressed. We need a good free agent or two and a stud in round 1 or 2. The O-line has some young players now that should get a lot better heading into next year. Hopefully, we can add a FA or two and then draft a stud in round 1 or 2. Start there and keep building. We have a lot of holes and needs. We also need some coaching changes but my guess is Tomlin is definitely back. Canada is the 75% coming back. And, Butler is less than 50/50 he comes back. If they make anyone the scapegoat, it will be him but Tomlin will still be running the D until he is gone which the Rooney's won't do anytime in the foreseeable future.

 

[pittbull]

This team will still be lucky to win one more game. I'll be rooting for them in everyone. I'll be watching and cheering Big Ben in what are probably his last 4 games playing in the NFL. Anything can happen on any given day in the NFL. But, the reality of this year is we are not a good football team. We have a few good players but that won't cut it. I look forward to the future to see how we start reshaping this team after this year. Some players will leave and many will be brought in via free agency and the draft. If they can get a decent QB, I think they can be back playing winning football within a couple of years. The core of this team is Najee, Muuth, Johnson, Watt and Minkah. Build around that. Solidify your O-line and your D-line. Get a decent QB, if not a franchise QB. Add pieces to the secondary and the LB room. We have a lot of holes to fill but if our rookies of this year and last year continue to improve along with our core, this team will be fun to watch again. Let's hope Rooney will make the tough decisions needed along the way. So far, he hasn't.

Ditto. Well said. While there’s that small part of me that thinks about draft position, I think it’s important this team presses hard to finish out the year on an upbeat note. There is so much promising young talent on this team, if you let them coast to the finish line, it could be devastating to the future of the team.