If you go to nlf.com and look at team stats the Steelers are worse than we are both offensively and defensively. I gotta say that surprised me some.
Very accurate. When MLF was up against defenses that were strong at one or two positions he would devise a way to find a crack. Whether it was using a TE to provide extra protection or 2 to block on the edge or go with quick release passes to avoid 3rd and long. And sometimes it resulted in a big play. But he had the talent then to do it. Now he does not. At any rate we have to try and run the football and hope OUR defense can be disruptive as well.
These guys agree with that:
What this tells me is that they have not got as much talent across the board as the record may indicate. What it does tell me is that they have found ways to win. And the obvious is that the credit goes to their coaching staff. Maybe if we had that coaching we would be 5-3 instead of 3-5.
I’m going to disagree on that. While The Steelers have home advantage, the Packers are coming off a confidence Win. LA@GB should’ve been 27-6 or 30-6 something like that. I have the Steelers a 1 point favorite + 1 point for playing at home. That’s not much it’s whoever shows up.
That’s is true. Although the Steelers SOS is better than ours. Obviously that increase in competition levels the playing field pretty quickly. I think they are slightly better than us but mainly due to our self inflicted wounds. If we slow the self destruction some we can be competitive.
In view of your choice of on-screen "handles", I assume you're an old guy like me who has a rep for grumbling and gurgling. Well, I'm right there with you. (By the way, Kramer is my hero. Wore #64 through grade-school, high school and one year of getting my a** kicked at the D-3 level) Well, I'm right with you - I don't want to make predictions and will watch until I can't anymore - abandoning a BIG TV for a radio broadcast in my garage (So much to do, so little daylight).
I too expect a close game unless our offense gets totally obliterated. I don't have much confidence in LaFleur and the penalty riddled offense to keep Love in reasonable down and distance situations.
No shame in listening to Wayne on the radio! Last weekend I listened to football all Saturday and Sunday, getting the boat ready for winter. This Sunday I'm going to working on snowmobiles early Sunday with a heater so that I can take a noon break for the game. That goodness that parts arrived in the mail yesterday...abandoning a BIG TV for a radio broadcast in my garage (So much to do, so little daylight).
I'm all for an injury free game. We've had our share of season ending injuries for sure. I think the game will be closer than this but I have no clue who will win. Both teams have major shortcomings so it may come down to who turns it over the least and has fewer penalties.
They are not great statistically. However, I was listening to the local radio station and they were interviewing the local beat writer from Pittsburgh. He was discussing the fact that the Steelers had a lot of injuries previous to this game. Their defense is a lot healthier. They have especially gotten healthier along the defensive line and have been more stout against the run than the beginning of the season. The big injury to keep an eye on for them is Minkah Fitzpatrick. Beyond him, only Montravius Adams (name rings a bell) is out. Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, and Joey Porter Jr. have settled in and are playing a lot better. Alex Highsmith is playing like a beast and of course there is TJ Watt. I expect a lot of offensive struggles for the Packers in this one.
I was still surprised at the Ram outcome. The absence of Stafford and the poor play of the Rams line did indeed help. But this week we face a much better defense. It is scary. I do not know if Walker or Yosh is better at LT. Neither could handle Watt if he comes around that side. And although we are not facing a high powered offense because of the absence of our top players Tomlin will devise a simple vanilla game plan to move the chains. Then when we get settled in he will try a gadget play or take one shot. If the Steelers can continue to force turnovers they know they can put up points so that their offense does not have to open up.
It’s interesting but the Steelers are a bend not break Defense. They are ranked between #25 #29 #31 in
Welcome
That is good to hear. Sacks and turnovers tell another story.
Welcome back Chucktown. Looks like you joined up right before Super Bowl 45. Almost a lifetime ago it seems.
The Rams were so weary of Rypien they cut him and signed Carson Wentz.
