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ATL96Steeler
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A 4th consecutive win coupled with BAL losing @ NE on MNF, the Steelers have reclaimed 1st place in the North. It's been a while so it feels good to say it. But in reality with 3 games left nothing has been accomplished yet. The Ravens are only one game back.
Two of those three games will be it PIT, but this week they hit the road again for the rematch with the Bengals. Obviously a lot had happened to both teams since the 1st game in week 2. CIN had a tie and loss 3 in a row, and of course PIT loss 4 in a row, but both come into this game on winning streaks.
The Bengals rank 23rd on OFC and 11th on DEF (points). In fact since that 27-27 tie vs WAS, the Bengals have not allowed an opponent over 21 pts and the last 4 games no one has gotten out of the teens against them so they have played up to their talent level on DEF lately.
Injuries...Hargrave, and Finney are both in concussion protocol according to Steeler Depot but I'm not seeing that anywhere else. Foster (chest) is still listed as questionable. DWill (knee) also questionable, Tomlin has said, he likes where DWill is with his knee, maybe he gets a helmet this week after Bell toiled for 230+ last game. I typically don't get into the opposing teams injuries much, but it's reported that AJ Green is practices today...not sure what that means, but it's out there.
Outlook...obviously these teams know each other pretty well. L. Green, Bell, Eifert and Burfict did not play in the 1st meeting. Since Eifert has returned from injury he has been one of Dalton's key targets. Whether Green plays or not, Tyler Boyd I expect to be a factor in this game. That said, the way the OL is playing. Bell running and receiving, Haley/Ben spreading the ball around, I just think the Steelers have the upper hand vs any DEF right now. Adding to that, the DEF has grown up a lot since the bye, and Butler is rewarding that growth with more aggressive play calls to get sacks and force turnovers.
Should be a wintery day in CIN to keep the scores down, but I like the Steelers to keep it rolling 24-20.
What say you?
Two of those three games will be it PIT, but this week they hit the road again for the rematch with the Bengals. Obviously a lot had happened to both teams since the 1st game in week 2. CIN had a tie and loss 3 in a row, and of course PIT loss 4 in a row, but both come into this game on winning streaks.
The Bengals rank 23rd on OFC and 11th on DEF (points). In fact since that 27-27 tie vs WAS, the Bengals have not allowed an opponent over 21 pts and the last 4 games no one has gotten out of the teens against them so they have played up to their talent level on DEF lately.
Injuries...Hargrave, and Finney are both in concussion protocol according to Steeler Depot but I'm not seeing that anywhere else. Foster (chest) is still listed as questionable. DWill (knee) also questionable, Tomlin has said, he likes where DWill is with his knee, maybe he gets a helmet this week after Bell toiled for 230+ last game. I typically don't get into the opposing teams injuries much, but it's reported that AJ Green is practices today...not sure what that means, but it's out there.
Outlook...obviously these teams know each other pretty well. L. Green, Bell, Eifert and Burfict did not play in the 1st meeting. Since Eifert has returned from injury he has been one of Dalton's key targets. Whether Green plays or not, Tyler Boyd I expect to be a factor in this game. That said, the way the OL is playing. Bell running and receiving, Haley/Ben spreading the ball around, I just think the Steelers have the upper hand vs any DEF right now. Adding to that, the DEF has grown up a lot since the bye, and Butler is rewarding that growth with more aggressive play calls to get sacks and force turnovers.
Should be a wintery day in CIN to keep the scores down, but I like the Steelers to keep it rolling 24-20.
What say you?