Bolts Monday night

[Legacy User]

It's early to call it a must game but it's mighty important with the Bengals being undefeated. Tomlin has to somehow rally this young team around a devastating home loss to the Ravens, Furthermore the whole nation got to witness it. San Diego is not a great team, then again nether are we. That loss just puts more pressure on Vick. Monday night will go a long way in defining what this PS team is made of. I think we will play well. Then again what do I know.Gotta find a way to win this game, otherwise we may just have a 500 season. This kicker has to kick like he's hungry and needs a job. Scobee hurt us big time. Hope this new guy finds a way to get it done.

[Orangesteel]

Scoboe can fuck off. I'd have more compassion for that guy if he wasn't such a douche rocket. Funny how he was ripping on Tiger Woods via Twitter when Tiger was struggling. Josh should have plenty of time to golf now.

[Legacy User]

I see no reason to fear the Bengals. Saw every snap today. The Seahawks went conservative and gave away a 17 point lead.

I think they could lose 5 of their next 7.....6 wont surprise me

[K_C_]

I see no reason to fear the Bengals. Saw every snap today. The Seahawks went conservative and gave away a 17 point lead.

I think they could lose 5 of their next 7.....6 wont surprise me

Don't bet your house on that happening, STD.

This is a very good Bungles team.

Very good.

[Legacy User]

I kinda think this team prefers the road to Hienz in big games anyway....The WC might be a better seed for us

[Legacy User]

I see no reason to fear the Bengals. Saw every snap today. The Seahawks went conservative and gave away a 17 point lead.

I think they could lose 5 of their next 7.....6 wont surprise me

Don't bet your house on that happening, STD.

This is a very good Bungles team.

Very good.

I tell ya what KC....they are losing to the Bills next week.....and the Ravens are gonna lose to the 9ers...

Theirs your upset special nfl parlay

[steelmann58]

Sorry not seeing the Bengals losing that many games. you better just hope the Steelers can find a way to win.

[Havoc]

The team and the fanbase really need the win.

3-2 with a conference win on the road with the backup qb would really be a boost.

I'm not writing off the season if we don't get it done though.

[K_C_]

I guess it's too early to call this a must win, but it's close.

San Diego is far from a top tier team and we ain't beating Arizona with Vick under center.

No fucking way.

No fucking how.

[Jobu]

I'm not sure this team beats anyone with Mike Vick. I hope I'm wrong, but IMO, the longer 7s out, the deeper the hole gets.

[Scunge]

It is funny how not many people agreed with me when I was hoping Baltimore would beat Cincy. Too many of you wanted Baltimore dead and buried for what? They are already dead and buried, that team is well on its way to a losing season, Cincinnati is and has always been the real threat for the division title this season.

Also, they have a very favorable schedule, almost like the NFL is trying to hand them the division, trying to get them deeper into the playoffs, trying to get them over the hump. Some examples? How about starting off the season with 3 of 5 games at home and that is with 2 west coast teams having to travel east to play the Bengals in Cincinnati (San Diego, Seahawks) and then also having KC at home.

The Steelers? They play SD, Seattle and KC ON THE ROAD. The Bengals have two important division games in the last month of the season at HOME, Baltimore and Steelers, while we play our last 3 division games in the last month of the season all on the road.

It is a brutal schedule for the Steelers not just in what the NFL gave us, but what they gave the Bengals. I get that the division winner supposedly warrants a harder schedule but the Bengals made the playoffs too and really lucked out with the way the schedule gives them advantages.

Another example? How about the fact that when we play them for the first time, at home, they are just coming off their BYE. The Bengals are going to have two weeks to prepare for that game on November 1st in Pittsburgh, while we will be playing a road game at KC and then come back to play them on a normal week.

The NFL is just really giving the Bengals every little bit of help they can in winning the division this year.

[K_C_]

I'm not sure this team beats anyone with Mike Vick. I hope I'm wrong, but IMO, the longer 7s out, the deeper the hole gets.

Yepper.

Vick played a nice first half against Baltimore team that was ready quit.

He was HORRIFIC in the second half.

This San Diego game is as close to a must win as you're gonna see this early in a season.

If we have to rely on Mike Vick being an accurate passer, we're in complete and utterly deep shit.

[Orangesteel]

The KC game got easier if Charles is out. That said, Arizona has tons of talent on both sides of the ball and Arians is going to want to shove an inflated football up Rooneys ass. Oh, and Carson Palmer likely still despises the Steelers so unless Ben plays that game is going to be immensely difficult.

Steelers losing that Ravens game 4 times will haunt us all year long. Tomorrow is as much of a "must win" as there can be one 5 weeks into the season.

[Stosh-67]

I see no reason to fear the Bengals. Saw every snap today. The Seahawks went conservative and gave away a 17 point lead.

I think they could lose 5 of their next 7.....6 wont surprise me

Bangles are a well balanced team.
Top 10-12 qb?
Top 4-5 big wr in Green.
Pretty good #2 and #3 in Sanu and Jones?
Very good TE
Two very good RBs

[Scunge]

But that defense is just terrible and will get exposed against teams that can both run and throw the ball, teams like the Steelers.

My issue is that 5-0 start has given them a big lead so early in the season. Even if we sweep them there is no margin for error for the Steelers. The Bengals could still win the division with two losses to us.

Some of the things that I noticed in that game today is that the Bengals O-line is really suspect. I saw a lot of holding by Whitworth, he always got away with some but now he seems to have to rely on it to get the job done on every play. There is a reason why they went for O-linemen in the draft, he is probably playing his last year in Cincy. Also their big RB Hill really does play fast and loose with the football, his ball security is going to be an issue.

I think we can get pressure with our DEs in just rushing 4 but we need Shazier for that game to match up on their TEs.

[swissvale72]

It is funny how not many people agreed with me when I was hoping Baltimore would beat Cincy. Too many of you wanted Baltimore dead and buried for what? They are already dead and buried, that team is well on its way to a losing season, Cincinnati is and has always been the real threat for the division title this season.

Also, they have a very favorable schedule, almost like the NFL is trying to hand them the division, trying to get them deeper into the playoffs, trying to get them over the hump. Some examples? How about starting off the season with 3 of 5 games at home and that is with 2 west coast teams having to travel east to play the Bengals in Cincinnati (San Diego, Seahawks) and then also having KC at home.

The Steelers? They play SD, Seattle and KC ON THE ROAD. The Bengals have two important division games in the last month of the season at HOME, Baltimore and Steelers, while we play our last 3 division games in the last month of the season all on the road.

It is a brutal schedule for the Steelers not just in what the NFL gave us, but what they gave the Bengals. I get that the division winner supposedly warrants a harder schedule but the Bengals made the playoffs too and really lucked out with the way the schedule gives them advantages.

Another example? How about the fact that when we play them for the first time, at home, they are just coming off their BYE. The Bengals are going to have two weeks to prepare for that game on November 1st in Pittsburgh, while we will be playing a road game at KC and then come back to play them on a normal week.

The NFL is just really giving the Bengals every little bit of help they can in winning the division this year.

Scunge....why interest would the nfl possibly have in favoring the bengals. Its a small market team in a division with two owners close to the commissioner. Steelers sched id identicdk to thr bungs with the exception of our playing new england and indy by virtue of our having won the division last year. Said it in another op...right now i would cede the division to those stripers and thd ginger guck sndy dalton and face those mother-fuckers at paul brown stadium in january. We'll win that game. Dterlers need to just worry about making the tournament

[Jobu]

It is funny how not many people agreed with me when I was hoping Baltimore would beat Cincy. Too many of you wanted Baltimore dead and buried for what? They are already dead and buried, that team is well on its way to a losing season, Cincinnati is and has always been the real threat for the division title this season.

Also, they have a very favorable schedule, almost like the NFL is trying to hand them the division, trying to get them deeper into the playoffs, trying to get them over the hump. Some examples? How about starting off the season with 3 of 5 games at home and that is with 2 west coast teams having to travel east to play the Bengals in Cincinnati (San Diego, Seahawks) and then also having KC at home.

The Steelers? They play SD, Seattle and KC ON THE ROAD. The Bengals have two important division games in the last month of the season at HOME, Baltimore and Steelers, while we play our last 3 division games in the last month of the season all on the road.

It is a brutal schedule for the Steelers not just in what the NFL gave us, but what they gave the Bengals. I get that the division winner supposedly warrants a harder schedule but the Bengals made the playoffs too and really lucked out with the way the schedule gives them advantages.

Another example? How about the fact that when we play them for the first time, at home, they are just coming off their BYE. The Bengals are going to have two weeks to prepare for that game on November 1st in Pittsburgh, while we will be playing a road game at KC and then come back to play them on a normal week.

The NFL is just really giving the Bengals every little bit of help they can in winning the division this year.

Scunge....why interest would the nfl possibly have in favoring the bengals. Its a small market team in a division with two owners close to the commissioner. Steelers sched id identicdk to thr bungs with the exception of our playing new england and indy by virtue of our having won the division last year. Said it in another op...right now i would cede the division to those stripers and thd ginger guck sndy dalton and face those mother-fuckers at paul brown stadium in january. We'll win that game. Dterlers need to just worry about making the tournament

Been drinking Swiss? Just yankin' your chain...

[swissvale72]

It is funny how not many people agreed with me when I was hoping Baltimore would beat Cincy. Too many of you wanted Baltimore dead and buried for what? They are already dead and buried, that team is well on its way to a losing season, Cincinnati is and has always been the real threat for the division title this season.

Also, they have a very favorable schedule, almost like the NFL is trying to hand them the division, trying to get them deeper into the playoffs, trying to get them over the hump. Some examples? How about starting off the season with 3 of 5 games at home and that is with 2 west coast teams having to travel east to play the Bengals in Cincinnati (San Diego, Seahawks) and then also having KC at home.

The Steelers? They play SD, Seattle and KC ON THE ROAD. The Bengals have two important division games in the last month of the season at HOME, Baltimore and Steelers, while we play our last 3 division games in the last month of the season all on the road.

It is a brutal schedule for the Steelers not just in what the NFL gave us, but what they gave the Bengals. I get that the division winner supposedly warrants a harder schedule but the Bengals made the playoffs too and really lucked out with the way the schedule gives them advantages.

Another example? How about the fact that when we play them for the first time, at home, they are just coming off their BYE. The Bengals are going to have two weeks to prepare for that game on November 1st in Pittsburgh, while we will be playing a road game at KC and then come back to play them on a normal week.

The NFL is just really giving the Bengals every little bit of help they can in winning the division this year.

Scunge....why interest would the nfl possibly have in favoring the bengals. Its a small market team in a division with two owners close to the commissioner. Steelers sched id identicdk to thr bungs with the exception of our playing new england and indy by virtue of our having won the division last year. Said it in another op...right now i would cede the division to those stripers and thd ginger guck sndy dalton and face those mother-fuckers at paul brown stadium in january. We'll win that game. Dterlers need to just worry about making the tournament

Been drinking Swiss? Just yankin' your chain...

Have jobus...at my pei cottage where i fo 90 percent of my drinking. Issue is trying to thpe this shit on my phone

[Orangesteel]

Problem is, Rivers skill set is the kind of offense that has success against the steelers D. Short throws; throws to TEs, quick strike bullshit. We can't score FGs. Haley and Tomlin need to find a way to get the damn ball in the end zone.

[Legacy User]

Winner of this game and the Jets are probable wild

[Stosh-67]

Steelers vs. San Diego.
Huge game.
Steelers have a lot to prove.

Steelers have not won flying to California since they beat the Chargers 24-22 in 2005.
0-6 since.
0-3 vs. Raiders
0-2 vs. Chargers
0-1 vs. San Fran

No Ben.
No Pouncey
No Shaz again.
Now no Bryant
With their luck...I will assume that we could hear tomorrow that McCuellers is a no go.
The coaching handicap.
New kicker who has never attempted a kick in an NFL game.
Gates back for San Diego

Mike Vick 3-13 in his last 16 starts.
But one of those three was last year vs a "play down to the inferior, Steelers team.

The positives:
10 Days to stew on the Ravens lose, or hopefully just one night for our team. Move on.
10 days to ready Vick and build a passing game around his strengths.
10 Days to study the Chargers and build a game plan to attack their weakness and take away their strengths.
A full Sunday to watch inferior teams with less talented players compete, put up points and upset the favored team.

Things to look for.
A big performance from the Steelers OL. Those are the guys that need to step up and make a difference in the run game, easing the Vick Burden.
A San Diego run defense that is giving 126 yards a game and almost 5.0 yards a pop.
Lets hope the coaching staff sees this as well and puts the ball in Lev Bells hand more often and in the biggest spots. Kid is primed for a Monday night show.
Matt Spaeth should be back to help with the run blocking.
Get DeAngelo some carries...........why not both he and Bell in the game at the same time, instead of more Johnson and Nix.
I can see some heavy packages with Villy as an extra OT.

Lets hope we also recognize that the Chargers are allowing opposing QB's a 66+% passer rating and a 98+ QB rating.
And allow Vick to make some down field throws. AB, DHB, Coates, Wheaton can all get deep. Bell out of the backfield van get deep. A wheel route?
The game plan can not leave out Heath this week. A quick hitter or two or three early on will back off the LB's and provide room for Bell.

On defense, the Steelers need to attack the OL and Rivers. If we sit back and watch that offense, we will watch a pretty good show.
They need to attack the QB like they did to Flacco.
They need to take advantage of an injury riddled OL.
Tuit and Heyward need to continue their strong play.
Steve Mac and McCuellers need to get some penetration and push into Rivers lap.
Hopefully McCuellers is back to relieve Steve Mac and the run defense does not fall off a cliff with Cam Thomas.
I think the Steelers run defense will be pumped and ready. They should be able to bottle up Melvin Gorden..........Steelers need to keep Woodhead in check on third downs
Spence and Williams need to find the ball carrier. Timmons needs to keep hitting like the hammer he has been.

If there is ever a game foe James Harrison to turn back the clock, tomorrow night would be the night. He usually shines on Monday nights.
And what a perfect night for Bud Depree to introduce himself to the NFL.
Sure these guys have already had a few prime time games to make a showing...............lets make the third time the charm.

These are the type of games that can be won with great game preparation, planning, scheme and play calling.
Inferior teams, less talented teams and teams missing parts ......step up week in and week out due to great game plans and coaching.
When they compete, its because they come out of the gate with a passion. With a mission. Making it known in the first few minutes of the game, first quarter, that it will be a battle.
We need to be "that" team Monday night.

The Colts without Luck.
A shitty Washington team with a bottom tier QB goes into undefeated Atlanta and takes them to OT
A shitty Chicago team without its top 2 WR's.....go into KC and feed the beast Forte to an upset.
Oakland fighting tooth and nail with Denver.

The Steelers need to be the best story of the week come Midnight tomorrow night.

The Steelers other prime time players need to grab hold of the spot light and lift this team up on its shoulders until the big kid gets back.
That's all I got.

[Orangesteel]

Good post Stosh.

[Jobu]

Scunge....why interest would the nfl possibly have in favoring the bengals. Its a small market team in a division with two owners close to the commissioner. Steelers sched id identicdk to thr bungs with the exception of our playing new england and indy by virtue of our having won the division last year. Said it in another op...right now i would cede the division to those stripers and thd ginger guck sndy dalton and face those mother-fuckers at paul brown stadium in january. We'll win that game. Dterlers need to just worry about making the tournament

Been drinking Swiss? Just yankin' your chain...

Have jobus...at my pei cottage where i fo 90 percent of my drinking. Issue is trying to thpe this shit on my phone

I hear ya Swiss...I have trouble typing on my phone sober!

[jeemie]

I kinda think this team prefers the road to Hienz in big games anyway....The WC might be a better seed for us

Name the last big road win this team has had in the past five years.

[Legacy User]

Tomlin has never won in California.

Ever

[swissvale72]

I kinda think this team prefers the road to Hienz in big games anyway....The WC might be a better seed for us

Name the last big road win this team has had in the past five years.

Been a few actually ....last year carolina, cincy, atlanta....2013 green bay:...2012 ny giants, baltimore

[steelmann58]

it will be nice to see Miller get more than one pass attempt.

[swissvale72]

Oh...won at paul brown in 11 and 12 as well, both times sgsinst eventual bengal playoff teams. By now tho, maybe winning in cinci doesnt count as a road win?

[bradshaw2ben]

I kinda think this team prefers the road to Hienz in big games anyway....The WC might be a better seed for us

Name the last big road win this team has had in the past five years.

Been a few actually ....last year carolina, cincy, atlanta....2013 green bay:...2012 ny giants, baltimore

St. Louis 2 weeks ago?

[jeemie]

You call those big road wins?

Seriously?

Of all the ones named, I'll grant Cincy last year (came after the New Orleans loss where we looked like shit) and Baltimore in 2012 (with Batch- although we promptly pissed away what we had gained when Ben came back from injury).

But signature road wins have been few and far between for STD to say "I think it'll be better for us to be a wild card and play on the road".

Tomlin's never won a road playoff game...the only one he's ever had was the embarrassing loss to Tebow.

Silly to say we can be road warriors under him.