Another Look at the Schedule

I never buy into “strength of schedule”. It’s the NFL, all you can do and must do, is take the season week by week.

Easy schedule? Tenn, Chicago, SD 3 out of first 4…wow, not easy.

That’s tough to imagine unless there is a repeat of the multiple turnovers and big plays that went against the Steelers a few years ago in Oakland.

I don’t see a single scary game on the schedule. I see four games against teams that could beat us even if we play fairly well: San Diego, Tennessee and Baltimore. Three of those games are at home. The Steelers will likely be the favorite in each of those games. The Miami game will depend on the playoff or bye scenario. KC might be a surprise upset loss. They have a QB, good receivers and an improving O-line for a new head coach who was a good offensive coordinator and will already be looking forward to that game. Their new 3-4 defense might be starting to come together in the second half. It’s close to being as easy a schedule as can be imagined in the parity era, just as last year’s was about as tough a schedule as you could imagine. I doubt the Steelers players will fall into the trap of taking any opponent lightly. As far as the playoffs go, even a relatively poor first half (5-3) can be overcome by second-half games against Baltimore. Even a good first half could be sidetracked by second-half losses to Baltimore. Adds up to the division race being decided by what happens in the second half. I think we cruise to a division title and nothing less than a 13-3 record. I’m predicting 14-2. I’m also predicting a SB win, a coach of the year award for MT, winning a lottery and a wild weekend in St. Kitts with Cameron Diaz. These predictions and $3 might get you a frappuccino at Starbucks.

Outside of Baltimore, I think the first 4 games are the only seriously tough matchups. Since we are carrying minimal change over from last year’s starting line up and these first teams are, it’s good timing. I’d rather see Cutler and Palmer early before they have a chance to settle in., particularly as they are road games. I’d rather deal with the Titans while we still have last year in mind. And my pick for most likely loss is San Diego. They ended well last year and they’ve gotta have a lot of pent up frustration, and Merriman is back and Rivers seems to have us in his sights.

Our fiercest opponets seem to be within our own conference. I don’t see any of the NFC matchups as an issue and same with the rest of the AFC West. I’d go with 13 – 3 also, loss to SD, Balt, and one random (or last game of the season)

Are you joking? These are the Super Bowl champs. This schedule is much easier than last year. The Steelers have most of the players back PLUS Rashard Mendenhall and Daniel Sepulveda. Have some faith in the team. I see a 12-4 season here.

team of the decade this year. Undefeated season and SB win! To do what pansies couldnt! A guy can wish anyways. And if we end up not making the playoffs I’ll go to a central location and let you all wail on my face for 5 minutes each, for jinxing us. If I prove to be right however, I will go to the same location and let you all kiss my replica superbowl ring I will buy!

Is how good the D could be this year. Seriously, how good? If they’re lucky at all with injuries this D could be all-time good. Add into that the fact that we have robo-punter back and we’re looking at teams not getting gifted startng position like they were last year.

It’s entirely homerific of me to think this way, but I don’t know how you attack this defense as an offensive coordinator. What I read about the 76 defense rings in my ears. We can rush 4 every time and almost every guy can beat a single blocker. You want to single Deebo? Good luck. Woodley? I doubt it. Timmons and Farrior on an X blitz? Aaron Smith? Choose your poison.

I hope that Arians can see it, and play to that strength. We can be a ball control team again. That doesn’t mean 3 yards and a cloud of dust, it means smart consistent passing with a good mix of rushing. Sigh, please surprise me BA.