In Tennessee, the Pittsburgh Steelers started fast, stumbled, and then surged past the Titans on Le'Veon Bell's shoulders and now enter their bye-week with a 7-4 record. But before we can all ponder what it will do to fill the void created by the absence of a Steelers game, Steelers Nation must first grapple with these 5 Burning Questions.
1. Thus far, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown's names have been thrown around in the league-MVP conversation, however, now that he has a 200-yard game under his belt, does Le'Veon Bell also belong?
2. Mike Tomlin wasted no time in cutting LeGarrette Blount for going AWOL before the game ended. Do you agree or disagree with his decision? And how do you account for the fact that, when Rashard Mendenhall ghosted for an entire game, he only got a one-game suspension?
3. Did the fact that he's one of Kevin Colbert's rookie free agent steals mitigate at all your reaction to Nate Washington torching the entire Steelers' defense for an 80-yard touchdown?
4. The Steelers stand at 7-4, yet are behind the 6-3-1 Bengals. Do you agree that winning percentages should trump total wins?
5. Last week, Mike Tomlin called out Mike Mitchell for diving across the line of scrimmage. This week, the Steelers are banning him from Twitter. Given that and his so-so play (at best) on the field, what are your thoughts on the Steelers marquee free-agent signing from the off-season?
Bye Week Bonus
6. Three years ago, I recounted how a friend of mine once told me he was planning to take his girlfriend to Paris in the fall to propose to her, and how my response was to (sort of) jokingly ask "So, you gonna go during the bye-week?"
That led to my question "Has anyone intentionally planned a major activity or life event around the Steelers bye week?" The best answer we got was from "Frank" who candidly admitted:
Waited for a bye-week to kick my girlfriend out once. Sundays were the only day we were both home for extended periods, and I didn't want to deal with it during a game. I know, i know..I'm horrible, but that was a long time coming. She was a very stressful person to be around at the time. I also needed another paycheck to by a new TV, we used hers when mine broke.
For three years running, we've been seeking someone in the BTSC community who can top this one. Can you?
That's it folks. Remember, to get full credit, you must show your work. Enjoy the bye-week and come back well rested and ready for the Steelers to take their shot at the AFC North crown!