Week 11...@ JAX

ATL96Steeler · Nov 13, 2018

The Steelers arrive at week 11 on the schedule and find themselves not only leading the AFCN by 2 games now. They're also the week 11 #2 seed if the season were to end today.

Of course the season doesn't end today. The Steeler hit the road for the next two games. The first one is the 3rd game within 12 mos with the Jacksonville Jaguars. (OFC rk 29th, DEF rk 10th)

No one needs to be reminded that the Jags took both of those games last yr and in doing so ended the Steelers season by knocking them out of the playoffs...42-45. What's the story this year? Well, last year PIT beat up on a lot of bad football teams and were never (imo anyway) as good as they're record. This season, the competition has been stiffer. They started a bit slow, but are riding a 5 game win streak including Ws over some decent teams in CIN, ATL, and CAR.

Injuries...the most notable is Connor (concussion protocol) and as of today he's still in protocol and questionable for the game. McCullers (ankle) and Gilbert (knee) did not play last week and continue to show as questionable for Sunday as well.

The Jags...what's happened? At 3-6 this is certainly not the season they anticipated coming off their AFCCG effort from last year. I've only seen JAX play a couple of times this year, but the biggest thing I can point to is the OFC is pretty much the same inconsistent effort as last year. The DEF is still very talented but they're not getting to the QB like they did last year...that's not shocking considering a 31 y/o DE had a career yr off the edge in '17. That had to help the youngster Ngakoue on the other side. Well both are having a solid yr so far, but they're projecting to hit about 60% of their sack totals from last yr.

Outlook

The player that did the most damage to the Steeler DEF is back healthy. Fournette was the catalyst for both wins last year. He's been nicked up this season and missed a couple games. PIT has played better on DEF the last month. Just cutting to the chase...I think these teams are going in two different directions...block the edge rushers and I think PIT wins this game by 7 to 10 assuming they have Connor...no Connor I still think they win but a closer game.

Calling this one ...28-20 PIT

What say you?

FaCe-LeE-uS · Nov 13, 2018

Offense... Said it before but I'll say it again. If this unit doesn't put points on the board early then JAX could control the game with Fournette. It's going to be tough sledding because we know what this defense is capable of, but at least they have developed a firm familiarity with one another. Ben should be more than ready for this game, but he's going to need the run game to relieve pressure. And as ATL indicated, that gets a whole lot more difficult without Conner. Ridley & Samuels better strap up and be prepared for a physical game even if Conner plays. The focus for this unit should be to take what the D gives them and don't force anything. Their 2nd level is still very dangerous and capable of taking all the momentum away during any given play. They are leading the lead in lowest passing yards allowed, so don't expect the aerial attack to continue their recent success. But if Fichtner can find a way to deliver a couple gut shots then their sideline will deflate quickly. Their season hangs in the balance after a very crushing victory to the Colts last week. Watch for Fichtner to try and get the TEs involved in the RZ. Philly & Indy both had success doing that (Goedert/Ertz - 2 TDs combined, Ebron - 3 TDs).

Defense... JAX just lost their all-pro $50+ million center Brandon Linder. That injury couldn't come at a worse time for them with Fournette finally coming back healthy. However, that doesn't necessarily favor the Steelers since Fournette runs well inside & out with good power/stretch runs. The problem he presents to the Steelers is they are going to need 2nd level contributions to bottle up the run game. Last season Fournette made a fool out of Mike Mitchell & the OLBs in BOTH games. They need to tackle better outside the OTs in this game or Fournette is going to make them pay again. Dupree & Watt are playing better, but they haven't handled a RB with this much power yet. Kareem Hunt is the only guy comparable IMO, and he averaged ~4.5yds per tote against this defense. Going to be a tall order to bottle Fournette up. Hence why I think the Steelers offense could control the fate of this game. But I said that last season and they somehow found a way to make Blake Bortles look like Joe Montana. So who the hell knows whats going to happen.

Going to restate this in a diff way... JAX has their backs against the wall and they are still a dangerous team. While the rest of the NFL is writing them off, it still falls on the Steelers to deliver that nail in the coffin. A win for them against the Steelers would be critical for them to salvage their season. And you can bet their team is going to ride their home crowd's hype, at least early on. Very difficult spot for the Steelers but I am confident that they can get the job done.

Steelers 24 - Jaguars 17

CaptainStubing · Nov 13, 2018

the Jags had your number last year but they aren't playing well at all right now ... should be ok in this one

ATL96Steeler · Nov 13, 2018

FaCe-LeE-uS said:
Offense... Said it before but I'll say it again. If this unit doesn't put points on the board early then JAX could control the game with Fournette. It's going to be tough sledding because we know what this defense is capable of, but at least they have developed a firm familiarity with one another. Ben should be more than ready for this game, but he's going to need the run game to relieve pressure. And as ATL indicated, that gets a whole lot more difficult without Conner. Ridley & Samuels better strap up and be prepared for a physical game even if Conner plays. The focus for this unit should be to take what the D gives them and don't force anything. Their 2nd level is still very dangerous and capable of taking all the momentum away during any given play. They are leading the lead in lowest passing yards allowed, so don't expect the aerial attack to continue their recent success. But if Fichtner can find a way to deliver a couple gut shots then their sideline will deflate quickly. Their season hangs in the balance after a very crushing victory to the Colts last week. Watch for Fichtner to try and get the TEs involved in the RZ. Philly & Indy both had success doing that (Goedert/Ertz - 2 TDs combined, Ebron - 3 TDs).

Defense... JAX just lost their all-pro $50+ million center Brandon Linder. That injury couldn't come at a worse time for them with Fournette finally coming back healthy. However, that doesn't necessarily favor the Steelers since Fournette runs well inside & out with good power/stretch runs. The problem he presents to the Steelers is they are going to need 2nd level contributions to bottle up the run game. Last season Fournette made a fool out of Mike Mitchell & the OLBs in BOTH games. They need to tackle better outside the OTs in this game or Fournette is going to make them pay again. Dupree & Watt are playing better, but they haven't handled a RB with this much power yet. Kareem Hunt is the only guy comparable IMO, and he averaged ~4.5yds per tote against this defense. Going to be a tall order to bottle Fournette up. Hence why I think the Steelers offense could control the fate of this game. But I said that last season and they somehow found a way to make Blake Bortles look like Joe Montana. So who the hell knows whats going to happen.

Going to restate this in a diff way... JAX has their backs against the wall and they are still a dangerous team. While the rest of the NFL is writing them off, it still falls on the Steelers to deliver that nail in the coffin. A win for them against the Steelers would be critical for them to salvage their season. And you can bet their team is going to ride their home crowd's hype, at least early on. Very difficult spot for the Steelers but I am confident that they can get the job done.

Steelers 24 - Jaguars 17

Tough blow to lose maybe the best OL...certainly the signal caller of the OL.

I agree this will be a tough game. JAX cannot be feeling very confident though losing their last 5, but they will be desperate. If anybody should know, we should know that desperate teams at home are dangerous regardless of the record.

I can see Fournette having a good game and JAX still lose, but I'm looking for Bostic and VWill to make statements in this game...the bigs are all healthy and playing well up front...I'm curious how much run the 3 S dime gets and if Butler shifts few more snaps to Burnett in this game.

If Connor doesn't go...I'm more concerned about pass/pro, especially with Samuels than I am run production. Just to note that it's official...we know Bell will not be coming through those doors...hopefully this is the last we hear of Bell until March.

Steelers are saying JAX is just the next game up, but we know that DEF will want to make a better showing than they did in both of those games...especially the playoff game. I expect them to swarm Fournette and dare Bortles to beat them.

ATL96Steeler · Nov 13, 2018

CaptainStubing said:
the Jags had your number last year but they aren't playing well at all right now ... should be ok in this one

True...beware the desperate team...PIT imo needs to get up early and they should win, but if this is a 10-7 halftime game...I'm concerned.

ATL96Steeler · Nov 16, 2018

Injury update.

Starting to look like Connor will play...practice fully on Thurs with no setbacks apparently.

But...Tuitt has a hyperextended elbow (probable) and Gilbert (knee).

I was thinking Foster would be 1st, but I'm seriously starting to wonder if Gilbert needs to be the first long time OL starter replaced next yr which would be a yr early for Gilbert as his contract runs thru 2019.

Steelers Thursday Injury Report Week 11: Tuitt, Gilbert Remain Sidelined - Steelers Depot

SteelersPride · Nov 16, 2018

steelers roll 30-14

SJ20 · Nov 18, 2018

It should be a win for the Steelers. However, we wouldn't be shocked by a Tomlin team losing to a team it should beat. And JAX is still capable of playing a solid game. As previously mentioned, they're on a long losing streak.

On the other hand, the Steelers should be ready for this team considering what happened last season. They should want to move forward after the Bell saga finally played out, for the moment. This team has had some time to rest and I think that should help. Just think this game will be closer than we would like.

PIT 27
JAX 17

Psych-Ward · Nov 18, 2018

You know when the Dumbass coach calls a timeout on the second play of your teams first possession.......

It's going to be a long day.

Superbelt · Nov 18, 2018

Wear what you kill.

FaCe-LeE-uS · Nov 18, 2018

Missed the 1st half because I was out chasin White-tail with my dad & uncle. Glad I missed it though because it looked brutal. But got back in time to see the good half.

Psych-Ward · Nov 18, 2018

FaCe-LeE-uS said:
Missed the 1st half because I was out chasin White-tail with my dad & uncle. Glad I missed it though because it looked brutal. But got back in time to see the good half.

The beer went down quick and too Fuckin easy...... :lol:

FaCe-LeE-uS · Nov 18, 2018

Psych-Ward said:
The beer went down quick and too Fuckin easy......

I bet. I got 5 beers down in the 2nd half. Wasn’t planning on more than 2-3 between hunts, but these goddamn Steelers had me all stressed out!!

Psych-Ward · Nov 18, 2018

FaCe-LeE-uS said:
I bet. I got 5 beers down in the 2nd half. Wasn’t planning on more than 2-3 between hunts, but these goddamn Steelers had me all stressed out!!

I did however remain calm, and got to feed a few folks some crow on the main boards.

:lol:

We Have a Meltdown Alert In Jacksonville

ATL96Steeler · Nov 19, 2018

The narrative on this Thanksgiving week...Ben Giveth, and Ben Taketh Back!

HC...4 of 5...got the W on the road. Overall clean game from a penalty standpoint.

OFC...3 of 5...Seriously, if Ben was not a lock HOF having a great year, you'd want to pull him...it was THAT BAD, for the 1st half. Ramsey and the Jags DEF is a difficult riddle for Ben to figure out...the one diving INT was just a thing of beauty on a pretty good throw, and the other just showcased this kid's ball skills again. I did not expect a big load for Connor coming off protocol, but the few carries he got were not very effective. I'm sure he feels a lot better with Ben scoring to get the stink of that drop....look it in!!! This game was going to be won or loss vs the strength of their DEF...via the pass.

At the 5 min mark, they were down 10 iirc and I thought it was a sure loss...but that's when Ben started solving the riddle....the pump fake that got AB open for the long one was beautiful and AB getting it to the house was huge to get something going on OFC.

DEF...4 of 5. They gave up some yds on the ground, but did not yield a TD in the 1st half...most importantly...they played well on 3rd down and feasted on the JAX OL/passing game. No picks, but 6 sacks, but the 3 and out right after V Mac" awesome TD catch was the key to the game. They bottled up Fournette when they needed to ( I will say better playcalling would've killed them...thx JAX).

That stop left 1:40+ on the clock for Ben and made 6 feasible instead a game tying FG.

ST...3 of 5...one great punt, but some loose coverage on teams.

Bottomline...They got a road win vs a AFC team...not easy in spite of the teams seemingly going in different directions coming into this game. We know all too well Tomlin's record in these games as a favorite so I'm pleased...they move on to DEN now a 3 game lead in the loss column with CIN losing in BAL.

Ewa PGH Fan · Nov 19, 2018

We escaped with an ugly road win. An ugly win still counts as a win in the win column and that's what counts the most. We also won a game where the Offense played like crap for most of the game and we still won cause the D kept it close. Ben even talked about that during his post game presser. That wasn't happening early in the season. The improvement of our D from early in the season is like night and day.

They get another tough D in Denver that can struggle on O at times. Hopefully as Ben said, they learn from the Jags game and don't let a repeat or worse happen.

ATL96Steeler · Nov 19, 2018

Ewa PGH Fan said:
We escaped with an ugly road win. An ugly win still counts as a win in the win column and that's what counts the most. We also won a game where the Offense played like crap for most of the game and we still won cause the D kept it close. Ben even talked about that during his post game presser. That wasn't happening early in the season. The improvement of our D from early in the season is like night and day.

They get another tough D in Denver that can struggle on O at times. Hopefully as Ben said, they learn from the Jags game and don't let a repeat or worse happen.

That was it...they kept a suspect JAX OFC from being the storyline by forcing FGs early and the 4Q 3 & outs to get the ball back quick were huge....team effort!

They have not really played well in DEN so this is a good opportunity to start a new mark. They did a pretty good job of bottling up the Chargers on the road...still a 4-6 team that doesn't have much OFC. Hopefully the OFC gets on track early and we don't need 4Q heroics to get the W.

Psych-Ward · Nov 19, 2018

Big Ben moves into a tie for 5th all time for 4th quarter comebacks.

He is tired with Brees and Elway with 31.

Just 2 shy of Dan Marino for 4th place!!!!

NFL Fourth Quarter Comebacks Career Leaders (since 1960) | Pro-Football-Reference.com

FaCe-LeE-uS · Nov 19, 2018

ATL96Steeler said:
The narrative on this Thanksgiving week...Ben Giveth, and Ben Taketh Back!

HC...4 of 5...got the W on the road. Overall clean game from a penalty standpoint.

OFC...3 of 5...Seriously, if Ben was not a lock HOF having a great year, you'd want to pull him...it was THAT BAD, for the 1st half. Ramsey and the Jags DEF is a difficult riddle for Ben to figure out...the one diving INT was just a thing of beauty on a pretty good throw, and the other just showcased this kid's ball skills again. I did not expect a big load for Connor coming off protocol, but the few carries he got were not very effective. I'm sure he feels a lot better with Ben scoring to get the stink of that drop....look it in!!! This game was going to be won or loss vs the strength of their DEF...via the pass.

At the 5 min mark, they were down 10 iirc and I thought it was a sure loss...but that's when Ben started solving the riddle....the pump fake that got AB open for the long one was beautiful and AB getting it to the house was huge to get something going on OFC.

DEF...4 of 5. They gave up some yds on the ground, but did not yield a TD in the 1st half...most importantly...they played well on 3rd down and feasted on the JAX OL/passing game. No picks, but 6 sacks, but the 3 and out right after V Mac" awesome TD catch was the key to the game. They bottled up Fournette when they needed to ( I will say better playcalling would've killed them...thx JAX).

That stop left 1:40+ on the clock for Ben and made 6 feasible instead a game tying FG.

ST...3 of 5...one great punt, but some loose coverage on teams.

Bottomline...They got a road win vs a AFC team...not easy in spite of the teams seemingly going in different directions coming into this game. We know all too well Tomlin's record in these games as a favorite so I'm pleased...they move on to DEN now a 3 game lead in the loss column with CIN losing in BAL.

Good post per usual!

I can’t really dive in very far as I missed the first half. But some of my thoughts:

Coaching... Ugly road win, but a necessary one against a team that was ripe for picking off an upset. My biggest gripe is that Fichtner got stonewalled for 3.5 quarters of play and looked incapable of adjusting. That worries me. Hats off to Butler. His unit deserved the game ball for keeping this game close and shutting them down when they needed it most. B-

Offense... Ugly. Knew it was going to be tough sledding but damn. Seeing the first half stats was laughable & painful. That 3rd INT in the 3rd qtr in the EZ was brutal to watch. Looked like a great play by Ramsey but couldn’t help feeling like Ben was back to playing hero ball instead of being smart with his throws. That entire 3rd qtr felt very reminiscent of what was wrong with this team during the first 4-5 games this year. Seemed like a great emotional triumph for Ben though so I’m sure he exorcised some demons. They need to get back to balanced football. C-

Defense... I had a feeling Fournette was going to be a major problem, and he didn’t disappoint. But gotta commend these guys. They bent a lot, but didn’t break. Those FGs were crucial to this team coming away with a win. Will be interesting to see how this defense fairs against better offenses in DEN, LAC, and NO. B

ST... no thoughts here.

Overall/Outlook... Not sure how to feel about this game. It was ugly but a win is a win. Like I said, Jax was primed & ready for this game. Their defense put it all on the field for them and their offense failed them. Glad to see the PIT offense found themselves in crunch time. They need to get right quick though. Denver is riding some momentum after snaking a win against the Chargers. Their defense still has a bunch of playmakers capable of flipping the script, not to mention their offense is better than the likes of Jax. B-

ATL96Steeler · Nov 20, 2018

FaCe-LeE-uS said:
Good post per usual!

I can’t really dive in very far as I missed the first half. But some of my thoughts:

Coaching... Ugly road win, but a necessary one against a team that was ripe for picking off an upset. My biggest gripe is that Fichtner got stonewalled for 3.5 quarters of play and looked incapable of adjusting. That worries me. Hats off to Butler. His unit deserved the game ball for keeping this game close and shutting them down when they needed it most. B-

Offense... Ugly. Knew it was going to be tough sledding but damn. Seeing the first half stats was laughable & painful. That 3rd INT in the 3rd qtr in the EZ was brutal to watch. Looked like a great play by Ramsey but couldn’t help feeling like Ben was back to playing hero ball instead of being smart with his throws. That entire 3rd qtr felt very reminiscent of what was wrong with this team during the first 4-5 games this year. Seemed like a great emotional triumph for Ben though so I’m sure he exorcised some demons. They need to get back to balanced football. C-

Defense... I had a feeling Fournette was going to be a major problem, and he didn’t disappoint. But gotta commend these guys. They bent a lot, but didn’t break. Those FGs were crucial to this team coming away with a win. Will be interesting to see how this defense fairs against better offenses in DEN, LAC, and NO. B

ST... no thoughts here.

Overall/Outlook... Not sure how to feel about this game. It was ugly but a win is a win. Like I said, Jax was primed & ready for this game. Their defense put it all on the field for them and their offense failed them. Glad to see the PIT offense found themselves in crunch time. They need to get right quick though. Denver is riding some momentum after snaking a win against the Chargers. Their defense still has a bunch of playmakers capable of flipping the script, not to mention their offense is better than the likes of Jax. B-

So far...on the games not on local I pickup the Steeler radio feed with Hillgrove & Ilkin online.

Biased, but so am I....lol

They were clearly struggling early on both sides of the ball...the DEF was good enough to keep them out of the endzone and they had much better gap control 2nd half...the JAX OFC imo went to well one too many times on their last drive trying to milk the clock...they forced Tomlin's time outs, which was the right move on 1st and 2nd, but on 3rd down a play action pass would've likely iced the game for them....running it set the table for Ben.

I think they match up better with DEN than JAX...yeah, DEN can pass it a little better but not the running challenge...They're starting to see some positive results with their 3 S dime pkg....it wasn't a big part of the game plan the last 2 two weeks, but I think we'll see more of it this week and certainly the NO and NE games.

The OT play and running game needs to be good out there to keep those edge rushers busy doing something other than teeing off on Ben.

Week 11...@ JAX

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