Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Wild Card Playoff Possibilities
by imike29 on Dec 22, 2009 6:43 AM EST
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PrintBumped from the fanposts. A nice and succinct and (I believe, at least) accurate overview of the AFC Wild Card picture. First things first, the Steelers must win this weekend. But if they do, they may very well control their own destiny heading in to Week 17. Crazy to think, but it's true. Take a gander. Go Steelers, Go Patriots, Go Eagles, Go Colts, and once more for good measure, Go Steelers! - Blitz - (Michael B.)
***************
Possible ways the Steelers make the playoffs:
FOR THE 5TH SEED
1) Steelers win out.
2) Titans win out OR Houston loses one.
3) Jags, Jets and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders.
Results:
5th seed: Pittsburgh 9-7
6th seed: Denver 9-7
7th seed: Titans 9-7
We claim the 5th spot based on a head to head sweep of the Titans and Broncos. Denver claims the 6th based on better conference record than the Titans.
FOR THE 6TH SEED:
1) Steelers win out.
2) Titans win out OR Houston loses one.
3) Jags, Jets and Denver lose or tie one game (Baltimore 5th seed, Pittsburgh 6th)
OR
3) Jets and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Jags 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)
OR
3) Jags and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Jets 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)
OR
3) Jags and Jets lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Denver 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)
********
I believe this covers all possibilities.
Tennessee must finish in 2nd in the South unless the 2nd place team is 8-8.
We must finish ahead of the Jets and Jags, as we would lose tie breakers against them.
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That makes sense. +1
The 3 three’s are explaining what teams could grab the 5th seed ahead of us. Let’s get it done Steelers. Just win out and let fate take care of the rest. We have to beat the snot out of the rat birds next week. We have to take them stepping onto our field as an insult. We have to have a winning mentality and play very physical. Ha this is sweet! We have a chance!
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!
Xbox Live Gamertag- Alf Ardanyu
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 21, 2009 2:49 AM EST reply actions
We will own you this week!!!!
Pig Irons were very lucky last week. You should have been eliminated already. This week will end it for you.
If there are no sorprises the Steelers are in...
Logic results:
Eagles beats Denver at home.
NE beats Jacsonville at home
Indianaplis beats Jets at home.
Miami or NE beats Houston.
Steelers beats Baltimor at home
Steelers beats Miami.
If logic prevails we are in. But you know there is always something.
by mikemex on Dec 21, 2009 3:54 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
No......
Baltimore does not have to lose to Oakland.
For us to gain the 5th seed they would have to.
In one scenario for us to claim the 6th seed they would have to. However, as mikemex said, if the Eagles beat Denver, NE beats Jacksonville, Indy beats the Jets AND Houston loses to either Miami or NE (Or if the TItans win out), then we are in! Provided we win both our games.
Suckers...I'm not falling for it
As long as Ty Carter and Willie Gay are starting we are not going anywhere.
As for the Ravens, even if we beat them they would hold the tie-breaker because of a better division and conference record. If we win out we hold the tie-breaker over Miami, Denver, and Tenn only. Very large IF I might add.
Yep
Still a lot of work to be done. But we are definitely standing on a much sturdier foot this week. I am hoping that Troy will be back next week….please….
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Suckers?
“Suckers” are the ones who actually believe their team can win. Think about that.
Suckers?
I’m not denying we have some issues, but since when do fans just flat out give up on their teams when there is still a chance (all be it a small one)? I’m still trying to figure that one out.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 21, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
*albeit
And I agree. Although, I’ve been the sucker in not believing in them the last week.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Always get that one wrong...
Thanks. I’ll get it right next time, albeit with the caveat you corrected me in order to make it so.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 21, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Please
I guess I am not as big a steelers fan than you guys, probably not! I bleed black and gold as you all do. I hope we win every week. With me it comes down to expectations. I will not sucker myself into expectations that we will make the playoffs. For me the baltimore game hurt and the cleveland game put the icing on the cake. If we lose that game sunday to GB I was pretty impartial as I was to my reaction when Wallace caught the ball. From a pro football standpoint, let’s be real. I get it Rah Rah, I believe, I believe…it would be great if the Steelers make the playoffs, but I am a gambling man. I pride myself on my wagers and my plays. When it comes down to the end of the day I would not put a dollar on Pitt. Actually I will ride San Diego all the way to Miami in the AFC, they are the most complete team. In the NFC its a wild card team, maybe the Giants.
too bad
the giants are on the outside looking in right now….. done! lets remember this, if things fall into place for the steelers…. philly beats denver…. indy beats jets….. NE beats jags ………… Pitt beats baltimore …..and Miami beats Houstan…. and the steelers control their own destiny. I don’t want to see the commish say anything. Get on the San Diego blog and go pull for them. Or you can get some balls start cheering for this team and hope for the best.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
San Diego the most complete team in the AFC? Their defense is garbage. And why would one ever root for that douche Rivers? And if you had to pick the best NFC team I’d put my money on the Vikings or Saints, not the Giants.
So wait, you are telling me you weren’t jumping up and down in excitement after Wallace caught that pass?
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
At home
either San Diego or Indy will win. That probably has the Colts in the SB. As far as the Steelers making it to the post season, there are so many hurdles for them to leap, it would have to be the “perfect storm,” but don’t worry, we’ll settle it this weekend for ya!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 22, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
All we can do is win. The rest is out of our hands.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ohhhh and win we better!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
Hi Rexx
good to see ya. Ready for another epic show down between the Steelers-Ravens? After this season ya’ll should give us the game we need it more and have 3 AFC North teams in the playoffs. Either way if Steelers get Troy back at Miami and he stays healthy I like our chances in the playoffs.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
yah buttttttttttt hold up we still have to win against the ravens and it makes me nervous if our players can get hyped up and believe reallly believe that they are the ones who can win its there destiny and our fans are really fired up and throughout the whole game pushes the steelers to a win against the ravens i think w can do it…but i am very nervous about all of this and everything
either way i’m going for the team that has my heart and the city where it rests the pittsburgh steelers!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions
I was excited when he caught but
My loaded fantasy football lineup of Brady, Ray Rice, Ryan Grant, Stephen Jackson, Desean Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Antonio Gates, and GB D let me down at the moment. I had 2K guaranteed on the line if I won and I lost by 4 points. I was going against Mendenhall and Big Ben so I wasnt exactly jumping up and down when wallace caught. Maybe that explains my frustrations. As for fantasy football I give up, too many mixed emotions. As for gambling I never bet on the Steelers so it dosnt matter. As for this discussion.
The NFL is about peaks and valleys.. Teams that peak typically win the superbowl. The Steelers are not peaking by any stretch of the imagination, in fact we are struggling to say the least. XL and XLIII we were peaking in all situations except maybe the wake up call against Tenn. When the Colts won XLI they were peaking…not their best reg season and they got rex in the sb, when the giants won it they were on a roll as a wild card and were peaking in the playoffs.
As I see it Teams that are peaking are considered contenders. In the AFC Indy has peaked, San Diego is peaking, Cincy peaked but has fate. I consider those your top 3 contenders to win the SB from the conference. In the NFC 3 teams are on the rise and starting to peak..Dallas, Philly, and NYG if they get in. I consider those your contenders to win the SB out of that conference. Minny and Nola peaked a long time ago.
As far as our chances go we are a very very very long shot. Many of BTSC opinions are very bias. I am trying to put some reality into the equation and open our eyes that after 1 win in 6 weeks maybe we shouldntbe booking rooms in Miami. If it happens I will see you on Ocean Drive. Oh and as for Baltimore…I hope we kick their F&%kig A$$!!
Would you believe...
That you and I have the exact same fantasy team? Down to the t. I don’t know what the odds of that are, but I know they’ve got to be slim. I lost too, but not for 2 G’s.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 22, 2009 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
Peaking
While I generally agree with your overall assessment, we both know that it’s not always the case.
I sat here in Arizona last year and watched the Cardinals get totally blown out in 3 of their last 5 games. It was so bad that Collinsworth called them “the worst playoff team in history”.
And he was right…up until the time the playoffs actually started and Arizona turned it on like a light switch. They sure as hell weren’t “peaking” when postseason began.
Nice dodge
Fact is, Arizona came within 1 or 2 minutes of winning the whole thing…and according to your precious “peaking” theory, you never woulda predicted that in a million years.
i didnt know would-a could-a should-a mattered....
Pittsburgh Steelers the Could-A team of the decade in the 00s and late 90s
Huh???
Did Arizona cover the spread for all 4 playoff games, or not?
Answer
Maybe you confused my previous comments about peaking and contenders with my prior response about betting. Nothing to do with one another.
Simply stated as the original point I was trying to make.
Pittsburgh is neither peaking nor a contender at this point so I wouldn’t get suckered in to any unreasonable expectations, but I hope they win.
Maybe that should be my Thesis statement on a BTSC essay to Steeler fans that think it is unfathomable to think another team in the NFL is better than us.
I think I understood you perfectly
The problem seems to be that one moment you post like a fan and the next you post like a bettor. I can see why you sometimes apparently make people’s heads spin.
And if the Steelers should blow away the Ravens and then the Dolphins and miraculously make the playoffs? Would you then say that they suddenly have “momentum” and are starting to “peak”?
This whole conversation kinda reminds me of sportscasters who go on and on about how one team has “all the momentum”, and then after a turnover or a great play they state in the very next breath how the other team has just as quickly regained it.
If you would be so kind, please enlighten us as to which of the 5 key games that would give the Steelers control of their own destiny back you expect to be upsets to prevent it. You said that you don’t think Pittsburgh will make the playoffs, so surely you have a game or two in mind that will make that assertion a truthful one?
Does anyone care what I think?
Don’t particular care about the dispute between you and Commish, but just do be aware that a lot of things can go wrong. A playoff run would make me happy, but I’m emotionally preparing myself for it not happening. (I’m from the “high hopes, low expectations” school of things.)
Anything could go right or wrong, but the three things that most concern me are:
- the Steelers themselves (not surprising, since I’m always nervous about their games, and Baltimore is a big deal)
- The Jets (the Colts have their playoff position wrapped up, and the Patriots may as well by next week)
- The Jaguars (they played Indy tough. If they can pull out a win against an overrated New England team, they’re a virtual lock for 9-7)
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 23, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Take your time answering me, Commish
I’ll check back later to see if you have any real analysis and insight into this week’s key games, or are just blowing smoke.
With all of the major injuries the Chargers team has had
they are the most complete team in the AFC by a longshot. They arguable have more key injuries than we do and are will finding ways to win. Their defense holds on when they need to, and thats all you really need when you have Phillip Rivers and Vjax. Yes I know he’s a douche, but the guy is a gamer, hands down. 17-0 in December? I take the Chargers over the Colts any day of the week. I take the Vikings or the Eagles to beat the Saints. They’re playing the best football in the NFC right now, IMHO
Commish...
Not at all what I was trying to say man.
Simply pointing out that it seems awful strange that there are fans who have just all together given up on the team this year. Which you can do, it’s your prerogative. And as a person who doesn’t gamble, I really don’t care who you would bet on. Hell if you wanted to bet on Baltimore this week, go ahead, it’s your money man, do with it as you wish.
But my problem is with the fans who have given up one their team and mock those who haven’t. There’s just no reason for it. If you want to throw in the towel, fine, but don’t call those who haven’t suckers for beleiving their team (and yours) can still win. Your rooting against your own team, in essence.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 22, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
I think
the difference is as Commish says, he is a gambler so although he bleeds black and gold, common sense prevails over emotions. Logic tells you the Steelers have a poor chance against QBs like Rivers, Manning or Brady whether you like them or not. I don’t think that means he won’t be rooting for the Steelers. Actually, us making the playoffs is a real possibility considering we go up against Flaco and Henne. It’s in the playoffs against the above mentioned QBs where it gets a little dicey
Troy will be back
for the playoffs- otherwise whats the point in not placing him on IR
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I don't want to hurt your hopes
but teams do it all the time. A player asks not to be put on IR to give them a chance and they just can’t do it. It happens. I don’t want to see him back. PCL injury is not a joke.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Dec 22, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
To be for reals
I wouldn’t be surprised either way. I am sure the coaches, medical staff, and Troy will make the best decision for him (not the team).
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
You didn't hurt them
you’re killing them. There is no point in going to the playoffs w/o Troy thats just asking to get beat by Cincy again. I’d rather die than to lose 3 games to Cincy in a year. JK
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
True
I’d rather see the team figure out how to win without Troy than he rush back and permanently damage his knee. Period.
Even if it costs us a postseason berth now; we’ll need TP to make the run in the future, and HE is just reaching his personal peak too, agewise. So he needs to heal first, play second.
point taken
but do you believe that we can make the SB w/o Troy? I don’t . So whats the point? Might as well play for next year and get a draft position. They only way we win is if the Offense decides to go crazy and put up 40 a game.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 23, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Peaking at the right time
is everything in terms of the postseason.
If this team can learn how to win without Troy, without Aaron, without Foote or B-Mac it will mean it has both re-learned that all-important chemistry and mutual trust that’s so important to a playoff defense and reconquered it’s own doubts while regaining confidence.
The players we have starting on defense right now are, all together, about average league-wide. If the Football Gods see fit to permit our offense to play balls-out like it has in the previous two SB runs, the current D-lineup very well could pull itself together enough to keep winning.
Our QB, WRs. RBs and TEs are just now really coming into their own, age-wise and talent-wise.
Most of the trouble in the defensive secondary stems from the fact that the D-line and LBs aren’t pressuring QBs like last year; our DBs are under a LOT more pressure this year while dealing with injuries and new starters.
If these Steelers players are as smart and as tough as I think they are we might see a complete turn-around sooner than later.
Finally- it’s never, ever a good idea to throw away an oppurtunity in the present in exchange for hopes for the future. The future may never come. A champion takes what’s in front of him, within reach.
If our defense only plays average football and the offense keeps rocking good things can happen. Even if they fail, nobody wants to quit. Not for a “maybe”. Not when trying might breed success.
Contradiction in terminology
You can’t say “I bleed Black and Gold” in the same paragraph as “the Steelers won’t win”. The two concepts are juxtaposed; they can not be used in tandem because one cancels out the other.
Either one “bleeds Black and Gold” or one does NOT. In football fan(atic)dom, one is either “for us, or against us”. It’s the very definition of “fanaticism” to believe in and support one’s cause irregardless of reality or the conditions prevailing upon said cause.
Period.
That’s not to say that being logical and being supportive don’t mix; of course these terms are mutually supportable. It’s just that it is impossible to be a fanatic(or fan) and doubt one’s cause. The doubt destroys the claim to fanaticism.
I am also a gambling man and, if we sneak in and Polomalu is back
Pittsburgh is gonna get some GREAT odds to win the Super Bowl. Just like they did in 2005 when they were something like 15/1 odds. I’ll be all over that in that situation.
we got some “hills” to climb before we can get to that mountain top then again steelers do well with the hills:)…get it because pittsburgh is all hills and pittsburgh steelers:)
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
San Diego
From a pro football standpoint, let’s be real. I get it Rah Rah, I believe, I believe…it would be great if the Steelers make the playoffs, but I am a gambling man. I pride myself on my wagers and my plays. When it comes down to the end of the day I would not put a dollar on Pitt.
I lived in San Diego for about a decade. And if you gambled much on their postseason play over the years, you musta dropped a good deal of money.
The Chargers haven’t had much success in the postseason…especially against the Steelers. This may be the year SD finally gets over the hump…but I wouldn’t bet the house on it. Especially if the Chargers should meet their Black & Gold nemesis.
There was a certain AFC championship that would beg to differ
And the Charger team we beat last year was on a hell of run and just ran out of gas due to injuries, etc. I agree with your point, but I wouldn’t exactly call them choking dogs.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Dec 22, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
SD
Yes, I remember that AFC championship well. I was sitting at a poker table in a San Diego casino with my Steelers cap on…and ended up taking a pretty good ribbing from everyone at the table.
But that was many years ago…and SD has not had much luck in recent years. Nobody called them “choking dogs”.
It just seems that over the last several years, Pittsburgh has owned San Diego…San Diego has owned Indianapolis…and New England has owned Pittsburgh, generally speaking.*
*past performance is not indicative of future results
The eternal circle of well-run AFC teams.
PIT > SD > IND > DEN > NE > PIT > SD > IND > DEN etc etc etc.
Circle
Well then, we had better hope that eternal circle is breakable…because if the Steelers do manage to squeak into the playoffs, odds are we’re gonna have to go to #3 New England for the wild card game.
I think I would rather go to San Diego or even face a 16-0 Indy club away than have to go to Foxboro in January and win…even against a struggling Patsie club that is a shadow of their former selves. But we don’t get to make that call.
It is no coincidence that both years that Pittsburgh reached the Super Bowl recently they didn’t have to face Brady and his Pats along the way.
Betting on SD
BTW, if you are a betting man and you have been doing so on the Chargers all year long, you probably haven’t made much money on them so far…since they are only 7-7 covering the spread…
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/teams/team-page.cfm/team/chargers
Not exactly a stellar pick for easy dough, IMHO.
Nice stats smarty pants
Betting men also don’t wager on every game. Typicaly its a 1, 4, and prime times no parlays or teasers and I almost never take the favorite. I do have a ticket in my wallet for SD 15/2 to win it dated Dec. 5th, by the way Pittsburgh was 22-1 on that day. This was before we lost to Oakland and Cleveland, that my friends, was a sucker bet. LVSC knows that Steeler fans are abundant and they wager as much as any. When I saw the prop at 22-1 i knew we were in trouble. We were alos +145 to win out at that time. Vegas always wins. Its a numbers game to me, nothing that I could explain. I play the wise guys money or smart money to the advanced. Simple explanation if the public thinks the Colts and Saints are the two best teams, well I am running the other way.
$$$
Betting men also don’t wager on every game.
No $hit, sherlock. I’ll bet you only wager on the Chargers when they cover and bet against them when they don’t. Good system. Infallible, actually.
Hey, did I mention that I’ve been to Vegas 20 times and never lost? Oh, and I never ever bought a stock that went down…LOL.
But seriously, I like the current odds for SD to win the AFC. And am tempted to put a few on Philly to win the NFC.
Can you put in a box where I said that i was infallible
I can’t find it? In fact i think I said the house is who wins.
Can you put in a box where I said that i was infallible
Can you put in a box where I said you said you were?
man i tell you all you patriotss fanseem to have a very big confidence (cockiness) towards the team facing the nfl and correct me if i’m wrong i don’t think you have any reason to be cocky, yes maybe the steelers are having a rough season but we have had many unfortunate key injuries throughout the season we were doing great when we didn’t have them we are a dynasty team we always rule the nfl even in bad seasons things usually find a way to focus around something or other to do with us
so save ego for another team we’re the steelers and WE NEVER BACK DOWN
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah...uh...
…that’s not what a “fan…atic” (fanatic) does.
A “fan” believes in his team and it’s innate ability to achieve despite the doubts. To say you were “impartial” about Wallace’s catch is to say you really don’t CARE what happens to the Steelers. If that’s so- why are you even here, posting as much as you do?
Just researching your betting schemes?
Sad. I expected more from you, Commish. You really SEEM like you care about the Steelers. Even if you say you don’t….
< raising hand >
Yep. One big-ass sucker here. Pretty proud of it too.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Lol
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 21, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think you're personally responsible
for Heath’s stellar games recently LTSF! You change your icon to him and ta-da! Brilliance!
and yeah, I’m going to be a “sucker” until the final down of the final game this season. Pretty much like it is every year. Call it a tradition.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Have to give some credit to Ben.
Maybe this is your cue for that Willie Gay avatar!
I wasn’t laughing at the sucker part of that comment…
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 22, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
It'll take more than an avatar I'm afraid to pull Gay outta this mess
You were laughing at my big-ass. Gee, thanks. LOL
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
And what part of the scenarios I laid out......
Would have us jumping Balitmore should we finished tied?
As for the very large IF….. I think that was covered when I said, “STEELERS WIN OUT,” under possible ways the Steelers qualify for the playoffs.
If they do win, IF……. Do you think that the Jets won’t lose at least one game to either the Jets or Bengals? Do you think the Jags won’t lose to New England (and the Pats are 7-0 at home this year?). Do you think the Broncos will walk into Philly and win?
As should be the case, our future basically is in our hands. With 2 wins, and some help from teams who will be heavily favored in their games, we have an excellent chance of getting in.
Call me a sucker then ’cause I believe!
god bless you. its about time one of our fans gives me hope and not skepticism
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
It’s nice that a lot of the things we need are likely to happen, but the chance of all of them happening is still relatively low. If we win out, I’d guess something like a 1 in 3 chance of everything else going our way.
charity standing orders
better than that..
Jags will not win in NE! Jets will lose to Colts! IF, IF we beat the ratbirds, which I think is very possible…and Denver will lose to philly..Better than 50-50 that will play out! When denver lost this week, that opened the door for us…that I would have said was not possible..
by nycsteelerfan on Dec 21, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Jax COULD beat NE
that would suck. worries me a bit. If we beat the purple browns and NE wins all i can say is SSSHHWWWINNGG!! makes my heart pound fast
by Steelchamps !! on Dec 22, 2009 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
Back to the betting
My money is on Jax….everyone has written them off in this game. Just watch! Denver and Philly is a crap shoot although Philly has been tough. I would take the dog and the point s here as well.
If you're taking the warm weather team Jax to go and win in Foxborough
Than you’re not a very smart gambler. Patriots are a lock in that game bud.
wrong. u know what a money line is?
i hope your correct tho
by Steelchamps !! on Dec 25, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
+1 mikemex has it right.
thats what happens, short form,,,,,,and we’ve just started doin’ the only thing we’ did better than all other teams last year,,,,,, and thats win when its our very last chance ….. i’m even guessin’ that when lebeau reads the “the night before christmas” this week and drops a subtle hint that it could possibly be the last time,,,,,even our defense will reappear for the ratbirds.
can you pitcure that
LeBeau reading the night before Christmas and the whole defensive unit sitting around like children listening to their dad. I can’t quite imagine it.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
imagine????/
your being fecitious aren’tyou ,, i thought the lebeau tradition was well known.
I know its a tradition
I still just can’t picture a bunch of grown men sitting around listening to him. I mean step back and think about it. Its kinda odd. But maybe insted of reading the night before Christmas he should read, ‘how to play Defensive back in the NFL’. :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
actually, its hard for me to imagine,
also,,,,, and when i first heard it , i ithought, right!!! different feature story but , i’m not buyin’ that the players really like it…….but after seeing and hearing enough comments,,,, for some reason , i think they do like it,,,,,and there must be somethin to it that "we "are not able to “imagine”
Maybe I'll ask my brother-in-law
He spent two Christmases under LeBeau’s leadership. He was a DB by the way.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
dang
can we sign him? lol I think dead weight is better than what we got out there now.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
He's 40 now
He actually came up and worked out for the Steelers. He was an upgrade over DeWayne Washington. Faster, quicker and better hitter. Donahoe had this lovefest for Washington. A coach (who watched his workout) came over to my bro-in-law and said what fraternity are you from? He hinted to favor if he was in his. He just didn’t like the way Donahoe and that certain coach were. LeBeau never got to see him. Those two shut him out. That’s why I was glad when Donahoe left. Anyhow…I can’t remember how he said it went down but it seemed legit at first and then it turned shady.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
nice simulator at yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario
If Pit and Miami both win this weekend, they’re playing for the 6th seed in the playoffs next. Miami could knock out Pit and Baltimore with a win in week 17.
After the Brownies game.........
I thought all hope was lost. Now there is a bit more than a glimmer even though we have to rely on other teams to ultimately control our destiny.
Last week on Mike and Mike in the Morning….Mike Golic said that a 9-7 team would make the 6th seed in the AFC. Looks like a reality now…..
Come on Steelers!!!
WOOHOOOOO GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
We can get in as the 5th seed. As long as:
3) Jags, Jets and Denver lose or tie one game
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2009 7:49 AM EST up reply actions
Err 6th seed, not 5th
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2009 7:49 AM EST up reply actions
Erm, We really need Denver or Baltimore to lose 2 games to get in ..
The likely scenario is if we win out, Baltimore beats Oakland in week 17 and Denver beats KC, then all 3 are tied at 9-7 and we lose out because we’d have 6 AFC wins and Baltimore and Denver would both have 7 so we’d lose the tie-breaker.
Wrong
First tie-breaker in division AND conference is head-to-head. We beat out Denver since we beat them:
http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Wouldn't that be stupid though
to lose a playoff spot via tie-breaker to a team you already beat int he season, soundly I might add
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 21, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Rash92
Let me explain the three way tiebreaker for Wild Cards.
1st) If any teams are from the same divison, they seed and eliminate them first.
````example using Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Denver.
The Ravens would win the tiebreaker with Pittsburgh thus eliminating the Steelers from the 5th playoff spot. Baltimore would win the tiebreaker with Denver (better conference record) and the Ravens would claim the 5th seed.
Then, the two remaining teams (Pittsburgh and Denver) would be seeded using the two team tiebreaker. The first one is head to head, which Pittsburgh owns over Denver, so Denver is eliminated and the Steelers claim the 6th seed.
Denver needs to lose once if the Steelers win out.
We need one more choke job from Denver similar to last year
"We are only going to score 17 points?"
its actually good that dallas beat the saints
philly has dallas right up their tail, they have to play to win, no room for error
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
imike29 you just made my day ...
we really do have a path to the post-season if we can just win out ..
Isn't every aspect of football easier said than done?
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!
Xbox Live Gamertag- Alf Ardanyu
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 22, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
yeah it’ll be huge to make it into playoffs and the steelers don’t go through so much to back down so if they can get in they’ll be trying like heck to hopefully make it all the way. we’ve had a rough season but the steelers are known for overcoming expectations proving people wrong making something of themselves and of course making history
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I just posted a bit more
I didnt see this poast. But I poasted some more about who our rivals must play, and who is likely to fall to whom. I think we will do quite well.
Mechem
poast? Is that like peanut-butter toast? Mmmm….. I’m hungry for another Steeler victory! Crush the RatBirds!
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!
Xbox Live Gamertag- Alf Ardanyu
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 21, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Sweed out for season???
non-football related injury? Please confirm
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
I believe he's ill this week
Nothing injury related
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!
Xbox Live Gamertag- Alf Ardanyu
by SoCalSteelerFan on Dec 21, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Went to Steelers.com
Said he’s out for the season with no further info at this time.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
good summary
imike…I’ve looked at all the schedules and IMO the most likely scenario is that Pittsburgh, Baltimore & Denver will all end up at 9-7, with everyone else finishing at either 8-8 or 7-9.
If that happens, are you sure that the Steelers will get in as the #6 seed? Here’s how I think (or at least hope) the NFL tiebreaker will work…
The first thing they do is eliminate all but one team from each division. Since the Steelers have a worse division record than the Ravens, they’ll eliminate Pittsburgh from contention for the #5 seed. Then since Baltimore beat Denver they’ll give that seed to the Ravens.
Now this is the key question…does the NFL then start a new tiebreaking procedure all over again for just the Steelers vs the Broncos…or will they just give the #6 seed to Denver?
If it’s the former, then the Steelers will be in based on their head-to-head win against the Broncos. I believe this is how it will play out…just wanted you to verify this is correct.
imike
Never mind. I see you already answered my question and I didn’t catch it until I scrolled down the list of posts a second time.
This is good news for Steeler Nation…as I think the most likely outcome will lead to the Steelers being the #6 seed. The key game (other than obviously Pittsburgh’s own 2 remaining games) will be the Denver-Philly matchup.
Go Eagles!
Kinda hard to believe that if we do miraculously make it to the postseason, we will owe a big thanks to the Oakland Raiders who just knocked off the Broncos.
Whaddya say we grab the number #6 seed and then try to figure out how the hell we’re gonna beat #3 New England in Foxboro in January? The Patsies have pretty much owned us in the postseason the last several years, but they are ripe for some payback this year.
imike
Hey imike, I think I just figured out that Pittsburgh could still be mathematically alive even if God forbid they should lose to the Cravens, believe it or not. Check this out…
PIT loses to BAL & beats MIA – finishes 8-8
DEN loses to PHI & KC – finishes 8-8
TEN loses one & wins one against SD & SEA – finishes 8-8
MIA beats HOU & loses to PIT – finishes 8-8
NYJ loses to IND & CIN – finishes 7-9
JAC loses to NE & CLE – finishes 7-9
HOU loses to MIA & NE – finishes 7-9
Now check out the NFL tiebreaker for 3 or more teams tied for a wild card spot…
http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures
1. Apply division tie breaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. The original seeding within a division upon application of the division tie breaker remains the same for all subsequent applications of the procedure that are necessary to identify the two Wild-Card participants.
2. Head-to-head sweep. (Applicable only if one club has defeated each of the others or if one club has lost to each of the others.)
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Step 1 wouldn’t apply since all 4 8-8 teams are from different divisions. And Pittsburgh would have swept MIA, DEN & TEN to satisfy Step 2. So wouldn’t the Steelers be the #6 seed in such a scenario?
Now obviously there’s no way any Steeler fan would want to see it come down to this because everything…and I mean everything…would have to fall exactly Pittsburgh’s way, and the odds of that happening are extremely poor. So no way we want to go down this path…but just thought it was interesting that at least mathematically, it doesn’t appear that the game against Baltimore is a must-win game in the true sense of the word…IF every other game goes exactly as required.
What a bizarre season, huh? Damn, now I’m not sure if I am rooting for or against Tennessee in their San Diego game…LMAO.
by Cornell78 on Dec 22, 2009 5:30 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
On a somber note
PIT is eliminated with:
1) PIT loss + DEN win or tie
2) PIT loss + JAC win
3) PIT loss + HOU win + NYJ win
4) PIT tie + DEN win
http://joenfl.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/18374161/19103739?source=rss_blogs_NFL
thanks for looking
at the glass half full… we know how pit is eliminated smh, are you really a steelers fan or just pretend to be one so you can post crap like this on the blog? Don’t you think we know if we lose we’re out of it basically? You sir added nothing to this convo. :( No offense just saying.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
Jeez why such a strong reaction
Yeah, I mean what he said was kind of obvious but I doubt this guy meant any harm.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Dec 22, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I kno
but its just he is constantly playing the negative card on here. First thing he posted after the GB game was that tomlin was dumb for the onside kick and shouldn’t be coaching. I can understand being negative sometimes but when its all the time you have to question the guys motives.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
I haven't been a big poster on here
So perhaps I spoke to soon.
But I know Steeler nation at large to be full of sour people who are never happy, so perhaps he’s one of those…
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Dec 22, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Not full of...
but we have our fair share…and they seem to eb the most vocal.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Very true
I should probably get into this site more. It seems to be well above the average Yinzr babbling.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Dec 22, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Like maybe the messageboard on Steelers.com?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Or the Subway Nightly Sports Call
Or any other talk show in this town.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Dec 22, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
I could have said 10th
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Upon further review...
After looking through your comment history, you were not that negative after the Browns loss.
16th pick would be a 7-9 or 8-8 season so that would have been 1 or 2 more wins.
See
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
sorry
i posted out of anger & then realized it wasn’t so bad
"Sick Puppy is ultimately as unforgiving as nature's order... There is no redemption or apology." - wikipedia
It's alright
you handled your emotions better than most! lol
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Sick puppy has never posted a positive comment
after every close game he comes on here with his stat about how tomlin can’t win close games.
not true
i posted the stats with a positive message after the GB game. it is easy to confuse my intentions with the way that this year is going.
After the Browns game, I was about the only one here to question the comments and post that were calling the season over. Go ahead and do a search for Sick Puppy.
And for the record, Tomlin has done nothing as a coach to impress me thus far. He will get the opportunity to change my opinion this offseason.
we have enough of negative fans
are you a steelers fan through winning AND losing season?
i don’t think so
you sir are raining on are possible parade so you can take a;; your see you in september crap to another team that doesn’t care if they have good fans or not!
hm
you’ve really made me mad
ugh!!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever...
"Sick Puppy is ultimately as unforgiving as nature's order... There is no redemption or apology." - wikipedia
Actually
The “see you…” comment came from atrain in a post on Dec 10. There were a lot of negative comments after the Browns game. When the replies get long, it is sometimes tough to follow through completely. Hopefully your anger would not be directed to me for this comment.
"Sick Puppy is ultimately as unforgiving as nature's order... There is no redemption or apology." - wikipedia
it
it was you are so negative towards this…i’m being sickened!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
OK - at least I didn't give up on the team like you did
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/12/8/1190191/btsc-steelers-daily-six-pack-hell#26843593
Currently the last comment.
"Sick Puppy is ultimately as unforgiving as nature's order... There is no redemption or apology." - wikipedia
winner
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Dec 25, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Actually...
This shows that we are not eliminated with a loss unless something else happens.
Glass half full – sure but there is something still there.
The post is called “Playoff Possibilities” – I added something that you didn’t want to hear.
Does “They have too much talent and now they have motivation to avenge the death of their 2009 season.” ring any bells. For the others – these are not my words.
Scenarios
Good summary. I spent a lot of yesterday figuring this out and came to the same conclusions.
Some important points with these scenarios:
1) If JAX, NYJ, DEN, and HOU all lose this week and PIT won, PIT actually controls own destiny in week 17. I don’t expect that to happen BUT all those teams should be underdogs.
2) A lot depends on IND playing hard again this week with all starters. We’ll see. If I were picking games this week I’d go MIA over HOU, NE over JAX, PHI over DEN, and NYJ over IND. If that’s the case, we would need a Week 17 win plus a NYJ or BAL loss.
3) This reminds me of our position in 2006. We were 7-7 and needed a lot of help. It looked hopeless, but when you went through the scenarios it was very plausible. In the end, everything went our way, but we got blown out by the Ravens in Week 16. Hopefully there’s not a repeat of that! Does anybody remember that long, detailed site someone put up with all the scenarios?
4) Our order of cheering priority seems to be this: (a) Go Steelers! (b) Boo Ravens! © Boo Broncos! (d) Boo Houston/Go Titans! (e) Boo Jaguars/Jets!
Every indication is
that Indy will play their starters. They should have a big enough lead by the 4th to sit some guys.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
One additional possibility:
Actually, as I think about it, these scenarios aren’t totally exhaustive. For example:
1) Steelers win out.
2) HOU loses a game or TEN wins out.
3) NYJ and JAX lose a game AND DEN loses a game.
BAL would beat PIT in division and beat DEN head-to-head, and PIT would beat DEN head-to-head. BAL 5th, PIT 6th.
Also, there are scenarios in which HOU wins out, TEN loses a game, and we still make it in.
For example:
1) PIT wins out.
2) JAX and NYJ lose a game.
3) BAL loses to OAK.
4) DEN loses twice.
(HOU 5th, PIT 6th) That’s certainly not the most likely but it’s there.
playoffs? you kidding me? playoffs?
All right, all kidding aside, I have to admit I think we have about a 50:50 chance of getting in. Both games look winnable; Bal’mer needed overtime and no Ben or Troy to beat us at home, and Miami is a shell of last year’s team at this point. On the other hand, the Chicago, KC, Oakland, and Cleveland games looked pretty winnable on paper too (I know, it sucks to even write that). And I’m just not so impressed with their play over the past, oh, 6 weeks that I feel confident of both wins. As I say, I think it’s about 50:50 that they win both.
That said, if they can get it done then the 6th seed looks likely. Whether this sends us to Cincy or Foxborough for a wild card game, I think Pittsburgh should feel good about the matchup. What happens after that is anyone’s guess. But I’m getting the feeling we’re going to see San Diego and the Vikings in the SB this year.
P is for Latrobe.
Farve is tanking at the end of the year again
I’m hoping the Iggles get there.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno how
you can pick against the saints. They had a bad one against dallas, but still had a chance to win at the end. They’re gonna be a tough out.
by theatrain on Dec 22, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If we win this week
I think our chances against Miami improve 10 fold.
When the Steelers faced the Ravens earlier this year it was on enemy turf, without Troy and Ben, a 3rd string QB who had barely any NFL experience, and it had to go into OT. The only thing that will beat Pittsburgh is if Bruce calls for pass out of the shotgun on 3 & 1….
Last week’s game was close and while I’ll take a win, there were mistakes. Let’s hope they realize what’s on the line and that as long as they win out they will most likely hit the playoffs.
I think the timing is good
This weekend is a meaningful game no matter what the circumstances, I like our chances after the performance against GB, and you are right, some mistakes were made, but I also saw some adjustments to the Offense. That being said, what makes me nervous is a low scoring affair as these games usually are. We’re going to need a run game AND Ben playing mistake free (no INT, < 3 sacks).
If..another if….Troy can play in Miami or in the first playoff game, we have a chance to win at least one playoff game, maybe two. But when Troy does come back, it is just as a likely that he doesn’t make an impact after being out so many games.
I still like our chances to make a run…and it will be exciting.
i do agree,btw,you are very insightful
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Bottom Line.....
We need to win this weekend. After that let he chips fall as they may. We need to take care of business first.
One that happens we will be in a much better position to speculate what might happen.
After all the up and downs of this season, to still be in contention to make the playoffs has me as giddy as a schoolgirl.
Lets get it done!
With Troy..
..coming back for Miami, or first playoff game (given we win over BAL)…how does that change the outlook for making a run….? Looking for opinions….
…is it possible that he wouldn’t play by Miami? Does anyone have a feel for his rehab progress?
My guess is he doesn't play the rest of the season
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Dec 22, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
But why?
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Just the nature of that injury
Ok, I’ll give a glimmer of hope. If he can play with pain and not hit his knee on the ground he should be ok. The other way to hurt it is for him to hyperflex it. That would require him to have his knees bent and basically have his knee open up past the normal range. Does that make sense? Either way if he agitates it then it can cause some bone damage as well. I say don’t chance it. If I’m not mistaken the way he hurt it can be responds to surgery well.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Dec 22, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Not saying he will need surgery, but it's the smart thing to do with PCLs
Is there a sports medicine major in here? I’m going on info from the early 2000’s.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Dec 22, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Man early 2000's
lol I’m sure they invented some type of technic to help since then, if not i’m getting right on it — cracking open the books…..
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Tell me about it
By the time you look it up in a book (that was written this year) they’ll have artificial limbs and organs that have your DNA.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
wait
they dont have that already? I thought i saw it on the news one day.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I wish we could just go back to thinking the body was regulated by humors...
Ahhh… the good ole days.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 22, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying all Troy needs is a good leaching? I’m all for it! Just make sure he doesn’t bathe, it’s sure to cause sweedness
by Chicago Steeler on Dec 22, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks Arn
Sound about right. If he plays, well, that will impact 2010 more than likely. I read somewhere that he wasn’t making progress with it as expected. Made it seem like a long shot that he would play, although the door was left open. He probably should have had surgery already, but the hope to be able to play means putting that off.
The only way to make a run is for the Offense to make up for what the Defense/secondary allows…
Even if you don't get surgery
I’ve seen recover time set at months not weeks. Most of them end up getting surgery anyways. I just don’t like chancing it when he’s so valuable. Who knows.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
I'm trying to figure out
what happened to the 4 week prediction when he got the injury. That would have had him coming back at the cleveland game so now we are in week 6 looking hoping for week 7 and week 8. I think we need to wait til the playoffs to try him out. We might be able to get by miami without him. But first b-more is up.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I'd say
Not this week, and if we win, there is a high probability we see him against Miami.
He is having an MRI today, we will know later today.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Thank you Johnny_S
I just put the gun down.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Keep the metaphorical gun handy
Cause I also said he would definitely be back for GB. I remain optimistic because Wexell appears to be…
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
metaphor?
what metaphor… nah just kidding….. :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Also to note
Ward had a “set back” with his hamstring and is day to day
We need him to beat Baltimore.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Just picked up Joey Galloway
Not sure if that helps much with losing Ward. Ben needs to to pass to everybody though; the WRs, the Backs, the TEs….but having Ward’s physical play does make such a difference.
You could see he was kind of getting beat up sunday…he took a Mendenhall knee/thigh to the gut which HAD to leave some pain…..
joepinion
1) If JAX, NYJ, DEN, and HOU all lose this week and PIT won, PIT actually controls own destiny in week 17. I don’t expect that to happen BUT all those teams should be underdogs.
I think you are right. If all the favorites win Sunday, the Steelers control their own destiny heading into Week 17…
PIT (-2½) beats BAL
MIA (-3) beats HOU
NE (-7½) beats JAX
PHI (-7) beats DEN
IND (-5½) beats NYJ
All I want for Christmas is no upsets this week!
Furthermore...
That implies that MIA beats HOU… so MIA vs. PIT would be likely week 17 SNF “early” playoff game.
Check that....
MIA wouldn’t QUITE control their own destiny. If BAL or DEN or both won in week 17, it would all come down to Strength of Victory, which I’m assuming could go any way, depending on various game results.
By the way Quinn is on IR
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Dec 22, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
3 Top Week 16 Games
I am not so worried about NYJ and HOU. It would be great if they both lost this Sunday and get them out of the way early, but they both have tough games in Week 17.and will both be underdogs with a good chance of losing their season finales.
I am most worried about JAX and DEN. We need both of them to lose at least one more, and since they both have fairly “easy” games in Week 17 (CLE and KC, respectively), we need them to lose in Week 16 bad.
BAL @ PIT
JAX @ NE
DEN @ PHI
We need the favored home teams to win these 3 bigtime.
from what i understand
we control the tie breaker over the texans….. imagine that – from the post-gazette
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
It is confusing to do all the tiebreakers
But I think if we win out we have them against the Texans.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Texan Tiebreaker
we control the tie breaker over the texans….. imagine that – from the post-gazette
If PIT and HOU both finish at 9-7, they will both have identical conference records of 6-6, so perhaps the Post Gazette is right about that.
The problem is that Denver will probably also finish at 9-7 at the worst, so the Broncos would eliminate the Steelers on the basis of a better conference record.
no
we eliminate the broncos based on head-head matchup which takes precedence over conference record
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
yes
we eliminate the broncos based on head-head matchup which takes precedence over conference record
Not if HOU is also tied at 9-7.
In that case, Step 2 of the tiebreaking procedure becomes null and void since Pittsburgh didn’t play Houston. It then goes to Step 3…conference record…and that’s where our Steelers get screwed.
Bottomline is Pittsburgh can afford to get caught in a 3 or 4-way tie with DEN, TEN and/or MIA (assuming they win out) because the Steelers will have swept all of them, but if another team like HOU, JAX or NYJ get themselves involved in the mix it is SOL…BLNY for Steeler Nation.
Technically
It’s impossible for PIT to win out and be tied with MIA.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 22, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Miami
Yes, you are correct.
I was thinking of my scenario I posted earlier where it was actually possible for the Steelers to lose to Baltimore, finish 8-8 and get caught in a 4-way with DEN, TEN and MIA. In that case, they could still be the #6 seed, but a dozen games would have to go just right and the odds of that happening are miniscule.
You know, if the damn Steelers had just beaten KC or OAK they wouldn’t be making all of us hurt our brains so much right now…LOL.
Only if it's just PIT and DEN
The problem with having Houston in the scenario is that none of the other relevant teams have played them, so you skip the head-to-head step in a multi-way tie and go to conference record. So even if PIT wins a one-on-one tie with either DEN or HOU, if the three teams were to finish 9-7 together, DEN would get the first tiebreaker.
(Unless TEN also finishes 9-7, in which case they eliminate HOU from consideration here based on within-division stuff. It’s a weird system.)
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 22, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
So then my question becomes:
What if we get Baltimore, Denver, Pittsburgh, Houston and Tennessee all at 9-7?
What If
What if we get Baltimore, Denver, Pittsburgh, Houston and Tennessee all at 9-7?
I think if that happens, the NFL throws it hands up and sends Cleveland to the playoffs.
are you cornel west?
lol just askin.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
nope
Cornell Class of 78…and born and raised in the Burgh during the Super Seventies.
In Arizona right now. Be advised there are a ton of Steeler fans out here. Last year’s Super Bowl sure was an interesting one!
Trust me
I know, I had a internship in Phoenix ,Chandler to be exact, with Intel in 08 before the super bowl. I met a few steelers there at bars and malls. I still don’t understand how it can be 95 degrees at midnight!!!
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 22, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Arizona
We are in Flagstaff…where the Cardinals hold their summer camp every year.
This summer, we went to the Coconino County Fair here, and if someone gave me $5 for every person I saw wearing a Steelers cap or T-shirt, I could buy everyone on this Forum a Starbucks and still have change left over.
I think it’s because the Cards were so lousy every year, that many folks out here adopted a winner.
LOL at Cornell's response
And also agree that the best way to avoid dealing with these complicated scenarios is to support a team that doesn’t blow winnable games against KC and CLE.
But I’m going to treat that as a serious question. Based on the original post and my understanding, it’s good if BAL, DEN, PIT, HOU, and TEN all finish 9-7 (if, and only if, the Jets and Jaguars are both 8-8 or below).
See if this makes sense:
- SEED
- Best team in each division is considered (BAL, DEN, TEN)
- Head to head (not applicable because TEN didn’t play either of the others)
- Conference record (TEN eliminated; BAL and DEN remain tied)
- Head to head (BAL beat DEN)
- BAL #5 seed
- SEED
- Best team in each division is considered (PIT, DEN, TEN)
- Head to head (PIT beat both DEN and TEN)
- PIT #6 seed
This “best team in each division” thing is why we would need TEN to be 9-7 (or, perhaps more realistically, for HOU to lose), because they beat HOU via division record. Otherwise HOU at 9-7 screws up everything as described in the previous posts.
I said I wouldn’t get dragged into this (especially since 9-7 is very far from a sure thing), but it’s honestly kinda fun.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 22, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Playoff Scenario
Your analysis looks correct at first glance.
This is really bizarre. It seems that we should all be rootiing for Tennessee to beat San Diego on Christmas Day, but if Pittsburgh should then lose to Baltimore and Houston beats Miami, then we will all be wishing that the Titans had lost instead.
Another thing that worries me is what NE may do in their season finale against Houston. If they have the #3 seed locked up, I am afraid they may purposely throw the game to keep the Steelers out. I mean, wouldn’t you be tempted to eliminate the Steelers if you had the chance without even having to face them in the postseason???
I wouldn’t put it past Belichick to do something lke that.
Oops
Scratch the Houston part…I think.
Man, I was a rocket scientist by profession…and it was a helluva lot easier than all this NFL tiebreaking stuff.
Houston
If TEN loses and HOU is in the mix, that’s bad… UNLESS DEN is in the mix as well. Because, then it comes down to Strength of Victory, which could go to anybody.
Denver
I believe that if Denver were to get to 9-7 by losing to Philadelphia and beating KC (their more likely route to 9-7), they would have a better conference record than the Steelers or Texans.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 23, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
Help from the schedule maker
It’s great that all the teams that we need to lose are playing on the road this week. And, of course, it’s great to have the Ravens at our place.
BTW, the Titans are actually favored to beat the Chargers (not sure why), which is a good thing for our playoff hopes as well, in case Houston doesn’t lose.
TEN @ SD
The Vega$ oddsmakers opened the line at SD -1, but it looks like the early money went to the Titans, so the sportsbooks have had to shift the spread to TEN -3.
You made an account, just for that?
I guess I’ve seen worse first posts
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 22, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
you stole that line
from someone who used to post here often. be orig
by Steelchamps !! on Dec 23, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry if someone answered this, but there are a lot of posts. I’m not understanding the Tenessee winning out or Houston losing one scenario. The tie breaking procedures are as follows; 1. Head-to-head 2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division. If the Steelers win out they will be 2-4 in the division and if Houston wins out they will be 1-5. Does it have anything to do w/ where the team finishes inside the division.
Already kinda answered, but why not? I'm addicted
Divisional record is only the second tiebreaker (after HTH) when breaking ties within a division. When the teams are in separate divisions, the tiebreaker order is different. Conference record is used if head-to-head isn’t applicable. And the Steelers have a bad conference record. So if any tiebreaker comes down to conference record, PIT probably loses.
The reason Houston at 9-7 is a problem for everyone is because they haven’t played many of the other possible 9-7 teams. PIT might possibly beat HOU by one for the later tiebreakers if they were the only two remaining 9-7 teams competing for the #6 seed (HTH not applicable, conference record the same… the next tiebreaker is common opponents, I think, then strength of schedule). The problem would be if the competition for the 6th seed were between 9-7 PIT, 9-7 HOU, and another 9-7 team with a better conference record than either of them (such as Denver).
“Where a team finishes within a division” matters because in a multi-way tie, the divisional tiebreakers are used to narrow it down to one team from each division, then the separate-division tiebreakers are applied from there. So if the AFC South ends up with TEN 9-7, HOU 9-7, JAX 8-8, then TEN wins the within-division tiebreaker against HOU (better divisional record) and competes with any 9-7 teams from other divisions for the wild card spots.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 23, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
sorry guys
nothing penoral but i am hopeing u lose unless we beat the philly
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule
Dont come over here hatin" J-man lol jk Go Eagles! not kidding
by Steelchamps !! on Dec 22, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry J Man
Steelers are going to win, and you guys are going to help us out by losing to the Eagles.
Optimism. Positivity. Win.
by John Stephens on Dec 23, 2009 8:16 AM EST up reply actions
exactly week 16: GO STEELERS, EAGLES, AND PATS!!!
JOE TELL YOUR TEAM YOUR GOING DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!1
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Dec 24, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
sound theory
but guys it the media was right den wouild have lost to DAL NE NYG @SD u season its in my team hands shouild have beat KC
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule
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