2004 Steelers & 2002 Buckeyes

[BrutuStrength]

I just really do not think they are going to make it. I said at the begining of the year it would be the COLTS. I believe its going to come down to either the COLTS or the PATROITS not the steelers.

A lot can happen in the coming weeks that could put any of these teams in trouble. If Manning or Brady go down to injuries, would you still feel the same way?

As it is, if all teams remain healthy (and Plax gets healthy,) and Pittsburgh has homefield advantage, then I think they'll have a great shot at making it to the SB. Especially when I consider the most recent games between the Steelers and your selected teams.

Earlier this year, the Steelers beat the Pat's soundly. Dillon might have helped them, but I don't think the outcome would have been much different. The most valid argument that I could see to this would be that Pitt had a bye week to prepare for them, and they won't in the playoffs. They did follow that game, however, by beating the Eagles soundly as well.

Last season against the Colts, without LeBeau as the DC, the Steelers D shut down Manning. They shifted every time he called an audible, and continued to frustrate him throughout the game, and forced him into several errors, and Pitt's team wasn't that good last year. Also, the Colts D has been less than stellar. If Pitt chews up the clock, then the Colts won't stand a chance.

That being said, any team can win on any given week. I just hope that each week, the Steelers will continue to prevail.

 

[DeVryBuck]

Last season against the Colts, without LeBeau as the DC, the Steelers D shut down Manning. They shifted every time he called an audible, and continued to frustrate him throughout the game, and forced him into several errors, and Pitt's team wasn't that good last year. Also, the Colts D has been less than stellar. If Pitt chews up the clock, then the Colts won't stand a chance.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. The biggest difference this year is the Steeler Defense and that is because they have LeBeau back as the DC. Games that they would have lost last year 21-17 they are winning 17-10.

 

[AJHawkfan]

Here are the stats from the Steelers/Pats game:

PIT: 49 carries for 221 yds; 1 TD
NE: 6 carries for 5 yds; 0 TD

PIT: 18 of 24 passing for 196 yds; 2 TDs; 0 INTs
NE: 25 of 43 passing for 243 yds; 2 TDs; 2 INTs

PIT: 417 total yds
NE: 248 total yds

PIT: 4 sacks
NE: 0 sacks

PIT: 1 fumble, 0 fumbles lost
NE: 3 fumbles; 2 fumbles lost

PIT: 25 first downs
NE: 19 first downs

PIT: 42:58 time of possession
NE: 17:02 time of possession

I agree that having Dillon would have helped balance the numbers somewhat, but he didn't have anything to do with the defensive struggles and the turnovers the Pats had.

Also, everyone keeps talking about how the injuries cost NE the game, but don't forget, the Steelers had a few key injuries as well. Chad Scott, Kendrell Bell, Casey Hampton and Duce Staley were all injured for that game, not to mention Tommy Maddox, who was their starting QB earlier in the season.

IMO, the SB representative will be the team that ends up with home field advantage.

 

[BrutuStrength]

I think you hit the nail on the head here. The biggest difference this year is the Steeler Defense and that is because they have LeBeau back as the DC. Games that they would have lost last year 21-17 they are winning 17-10.

I think that LeBeau's return is the single biggest improvement from last year. It also helps to have a reasonably mobile QB that can buy time when his protection breaks down and doesn't make many mistakes.

 

[iambrutus]

with a running game like pittsburgh has they are going to be a tough out in the playoffs, and if Plax gets healthy again he makes a big change in the game plan