Message Boards

I don't think your worries are unfounded at all...this is a perfect trap game for all of the reasons you listed above. No Miller, possibly no Flozell and the Oline is just beat up could make for a long day for the already injured Ben.

I'm more nervous about this and the Cleveland games than the Jets game simply b/c winning in the division is so important and winning out will go a long way towards securing the title.

That being said, the Defense is healthier than it's been in a while and I can't see B.O. and Ohnostinko actually giving a damn and playing hard on a cold, snowy day in Pittsburgh. I think the Steelers will win, but it will be a lot closer than most think.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 11:36 AM ET  12.08 by LGP: Pensational!

I don't think your worries are unfounded at all...this is a perfect trap game for all of the reasons you listed above. No Miller, possibly no Flozell and the Oline is just beat up could make for a long day for the already injured Ben. I'm more nervous about this and the Cleveland games than the Jets game simply b/c winning in the division is so important and winning out will go a long way towards securing the title. That being said, the Defense is healthier than it's been in a while and I can't see B.O. and Ohnostinko actually giving a damn and playing hard on a cold, snowy day in Pittsburgh. I think the Steelers will win, but it will be a lot closer than most think.

I think both of you raise highly valid points. I just think the way the Bengals are playing right now they are their own worst enemy. So it could be close it might not be. Carson might throw 20 picks in this game. He might not. Hard for me not envisioning the Steelers' D not winning this game for you.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 11:48 AM ET  12.08 by Perfectpats

I think both of you raise highly valid points. I just think the way the Bengals are playing right now they are their own worst enemy. So it could be close it might not be. Carson might throw 20 picks in this game. He might not. Hard for me not envisioning the Steelers' D not winning this game for you.

True, the Bungles are their own worst enemy right now, but even the blind squirrell finds an acorn every now and again. :)

I think the Defense will have to win the game simply b/c of all the injuries on the Oline, although they may surprise us. If it's close at all when the 4th quarter begins, the game could definitely go bad for the Black and Gold.

If Pittsburgh can establish a running game and create defensive pressure on the QB...both things they are capable of doing...then it should be a win for Pittsburgh. Has Miller DEFINITELY been ruled out this weekend? What about Spaeth?

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 03:04 PM ET  12.08 by Steel Driver

If Pittsburgh can establish a running game and create defensive pressure on the QB...both things they are capable of doing...then it should be a win for Pittsburgh. Has Miller DEFINITELY been ruled out this weekend? What about Spaeth?

Spaeth is medically cleared to practice and play, but he is no where near Miller's caliber. Miller is doubtful and rightfully so, no way he should play this week. I believe Ben and Flozell are both Questionable.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 01:28 PM ET  12.08 by LGP: Pensational!

True, the Bungles are their own worst enemy right now, but even the blind squirrell finds an acorn every now and again. :)I think the Defense will have to win the game simply b/c of all the injuries on the Oline, although they may surprise us. If it's close at all when the 4th quarter begins, the game could definitely go bad for the Black and Gold.

What you say is true. Division opponents are like playoff games because they know each other so well. And you would hate to wait for the Bengals to make a mistake and have yourself not them make that mistake. But those same Bengals under Marvin Lewis have been undisciplined at the wrong time. I still think this game will be somewhat close. But the Steelers play smarter ball and that leads to a win.

Yeah...Spaeth is no Miller, that is true. It really stinks about Miller.

Anyone else listening to "A Whiter Shade of Pale"?

Everyone on this post has valid points....but at this point in the season ( and after last year's lesson learned ), I just cannot see a veteran team like the Steelers coming out and playing less than 100% against a team that swept them last year, precisely bcz of that... Ben's playing, maybe with a Lexan face shield, and Spaeth is back. To be honest with you, Arians has UNDERUTILIZED Miller this year...he has not been a significant part of the Steelers offense. Spaeth and Johnson can provide enough blocking to fill in for a game or two.

Flozell is doubtful, but a healthy Essex is better than Adams with a bum wheel. This might be the game for Arians to trot out the pony backfield gamplan, as both Mendy and RedZone are decent receivers out of the backfield and the Cincy' defense can't key on one or the other. I don't like the thought of Ben dropping back to pass more than 15-20 times this game.....That being said, even with injuries, this Steeler team should not have trouble putting away the Bengals at home this week.

I think the Bengals are now big fuzzy kitties and they will purr for the black and yellow machine.

We're talking about a team that was down to the Saints big time....game should have been over. They came back to tie it and the Saints almost lost it.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:22 PM ET  12.08 by Perfectpats

What you say is true. Division opponents are like playoff games because they know each other so well. And you would hate to wait for the Bengals to make a mistake and have yourself not them make that mistake. But those same Bengals under Marvin Lewis have been undisciplined at the wrong time. I still think this game will be somewhat close. But the Steelers play smarter ball and that leads to a win.

I'm hoping it's a nice relaxing Steeler win after the recent nail biter in Baltimoron.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:14 PM ET  12.08 by IRONMAN

Everyone on this post has valid points....but at this point in the season ( and after last year's lesson learned ), I just cannot see a veteran team like the Steelers coming out and playing less than 100% against a team that swept them last year, precisely bcz of that... Ben's playing, maybe with a Lexan face shield, and Spaeth is back. To be honest with you, Arians has UNDERUTILIZED Miller this year...he has not been a significant part of the Steelers offense. Spaeth and Johnson can provide enough blocking to fill in for a game or two.Flozell is doubtful, but a healthy Essex is better than Adams with a bum wheel. This might be the game for Arians to trot out the pony backfield gamplan, as both Mendy and RedZone are decent receivers out of the backfield and the Cincy' defense can't key on one or the other. I don't like the thought of Ben dropping back to pass more than 15-20 times this game.....That being said, even with injuries, this Steeler team should not have trouble putting away the Bengals at home this week.

You make good points, but the Oline definitely woorries me...even against a sub-par Bungals D.

The pony backfield may be just what the doctor ordered.

I think everyone here is on the same page, all recognize this as a TRAP game. Bengals manage to lose games, if and big IF they don't make too many mistakes they could be a problem, add intra-divsion, looking ahead, off the Ravens etc etc.... the Steelers could find themselves looking up a steep hill late in the 4th quarter. Beware.