Week 9...OAK

[ATL96Steeler]

Exactly half of the season is in the books and the beloved Steelers have won 4 and loss 4. idk how many of us are shocked by that, but I was expecting 5-3 on the high side.


Week 9....the middle of 3 straight home games before the bye week. As we've already said...the loss to the Bengals has really changed the focus of the team...yeah, the team has to take it one game at a time and see what happens, but the reality is now...to play in JAN...the Steelers are looking for one of the wildcard slots and they play one of the teams also in the hunt for a WC spot this week.


Injuries…we know Bell is gone for the year…I’ve heard Isiah Pead was signed this week…Todman should have enough time now to take a few snaps. Tuitt…supposedly was close last week, but was scrapped…I’m sure Face will know the latest.


OAK…not the old school Raiders that we did battle with so often in the 70s…4-3, this team is young and gaining more confidence every week. The DEF is coming together, they have young stars in Mack, and Eliis. Aldon Smith is a difference maker picked up from SF. The OFC has clearly taken a big step. Cooper, Crabtree make a strong duo outside and Murray/Jones are very capable RBs.


Steeler OFC… The Raiders are not a brute of a DEF, they give up nearly 25 pts a game. The bottomline is protect the football, take advantage of the red zone opportunities. The OFC should be in the 24 to 30 range in this game.


Steeler DEF…As mentioned the Raiders have weapons, Carr is noted for his quick release so sacks may not come in abundance, but I think they can put pressure on him…I think the Steeler D is up to the challenge.


Outlook…4 AFC losses make this a do or die game for the Steelers…they typically respond well under Tomlin faced with adversity…Raiders are better on the road, but I like the Steelers to bounce back with the season on the line.


27-20…Steelers.


What say you?

 

[Delphic1]

Carr is going to dink and dunk all day. He is another quick release QB with some good weapons around him. This game will be closer than we think.

Steelers 27 Raiders 21

 

[SteelersPride]

raiders are legit, we could get smoked here

 

[MISKO]

raiders are legit, we could get smoked here

 

[SteelersPride]

Lol no, i def think we can beat them, and handidly.......

BUt they arent the old raiders, they can play some ball

 

[ATL96Steeler]

raiders are legit, we could get smoked here

LOL...they are legit. I think we could get beat, but I don't see us getting smoked at home...the 2 games they won on the road...SD coughed up the ball a couple of times...going back to no short fields...the other one they beat the Browns so I'm not quite ready to say they come into PIT and beat that DEF.

Cooper is Julio Jones 2.0, a little smaller, but still a stud...Crabtree is solid, but should not beat you...idk SP, I like our boys this week.

 

[cdumler7]

Going to be cheering hard for you guys this weekend. The Raiders are the final team in the AFC West that stands a chance of beating the Broncos for the division. They are definitely not the guaranteed win of the past 10 years. I still think though you guys being the home team and the Raiders still trying to show they can be a decent team on the road that this one goes in your favor. I expect Roethlisberger to have a bit better game than this past week as he settles back into the starting line up. I think this one will be close but I would say you guys win 30-24.

 

[Dolemite censored]

As bad as the Raiders have been these last few years, they have always played the Steelers tough with 1 or 2 exceptions.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Going to be cheering hard for you guys this weekend. The Raiders are the final team in the AFC West that stands a chance of beating the Broncos for the division. They are definitely not the guaranteed win of the past 10 years. I still think though you guys being the home team and the Raiders still trying to show they can be a decent team on the road that this one goes in your favor. I expect Roethlisberger to have a bit better game than this past week as he settles back into the starting line up. I think this one will be close but I would say you guys win 30-24.

Alright CD, much appreciated...we need it!

But...I think the AFCW DIV is pretty safe.

If I'm not mistaken you guys have 3 games in the loss column lead and a win vs OAK already...it would be epic to not win it, but DEN would have to come back to the pack a little.

 

[cdumler7]

Alright CD, much appreciated...we need it!

But...I think the AFCW DIV is pretty safe.

If I'm not mistaken you guys have 3 games in the loss column lead and a win vs OAK already...it would be epic to not win it, but DEN would have to come back to the pack a little.

I do think we have the division pretty much wrapped up. 9 games left with essentially a 4 game lead in the division. You guys winning though definitely makes me feel a bit better about it. Oakland seems to be heating up so wouldn't mind them coming back to earth just a bit. Don't need those Raiders fans thinking they have some kind of great team.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I do think we have the division pretty much wrapped up. 9 games left with essentially a 4 game lead in the division. You guys winning though definitely makes me feel a bit better about it. Oakland seems to be heating up so wouldn't mind them coming back to earth just a bit. Don't need those Raiders fans thinking they have some kind of great team.

Lol...I hear ya...Raiders are finally turning the corner...getting better balance on OFC, and young DEF coming around...We're playing for our playoff lives so if they can't win that one at home, they don't deserve to go. If they don't turn it over, I think they go north of 24 and win...we shall see.

I'm sure there's a thread on in the DEN room, but great pick up from the 49ers...Davis can still play...those interior routes open back up for PM now...asking a lot, but if he can be a factor over the last 5 or 6 reg season games and playoffs

 

[cdumler7]

Lol...I hear ya...Raiders are finally turning the corner...getting better balance on OFC, and young DEF coming around...We're playing for our playoff lives so if they can't win that one at home, they don't deserve to go. If they don't turn it over, I think they go north of 24 and win...we shall see.

I'm sure there's a thread on in the DEN room, but great pick up from the 49ers...Davis can still play...those interior routes open back up for PM now...asking a lot, but if he can be a factor over the last 5 or 6 reg season games and playoffs

Thanks. Very excited about the Vernon Davis signing. He has been clocked this year as still the fastest TE in the NFL. So the wheels while not the ridiculous level they were are still very very good. I don't expect much other than him being a decoy for the first few weeks. Hoping maybe the Patriots game is his big coming out party that he is back.

Those Wild Card spots definitely the talk of the playoffs. Looks like the winners of the divisions are quickly pulling away (except the Colts and the NFC East). So those final 2 spots seem to have every team with 3 wins or more still alive. No team has really done well to pull away yet. A win this weekend though for you guys helps out a lot of tie breaking situations down the road.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Thanks. Very excited about the Vernon Davis signing. He has been clocked this year as still the fastest TE in the NFL. So the wheels while not the ridiculous level they were are still very very good. I don't expect much other than him being a decoy for the first few weeks. Hoping maybe the Patriots game is his big coming out party that he is back.

Those Wild Card spots definitely the talk of the playoffs. Looks like the winners of the divisions are quickly pulling away (except the Colts and the NFC East). So those final 2 spots seem to have every team with 3 wins or more still alive. No team has really done well to pull away yet. A win this weekend though for you guys helps out a lot of tie breaking situations down the road.

I knew that Thomas would not be a huge factor in JAX...just a bad signing for them I thought...at the same time I think Manning missed that target. Maybe Davis meshes fairly quickly.

Wildcard...yep...it's nuts...believe it not...NO and BAL are still very much alive. I do believe the contenders are going to thin out, but it's hard to say who gets thinned out yet. Steelers need to maintain health at QB to have a chance because the schedule is tough...if they are 6-4 at the bye meaning they have won the next two...I will have a better feel for them.

 

[Delphic1]

Thanks. Very excited about the Vernon Davis signing. He has been clocked this year as still the fastest TE in the NFL. So the wheels while not the ridiculous level they were are still very very good. I don't expect much other than him being a decoy for the first few weeks. Hoping maybe the Patriots game is his big coming out party that he is back.

Those Wild Card spots definitely the talk of the playoffs. Looks like the winners of the divisions are quickly pulling away (except the Colts and the NFC East). So those final 2 spots seem to have every team with 3 wins or more still alive. No team has really done well to pull away yet. A win this weekend though for you guys helps out a lot of tie breaking situations down the road.

Just don't let the Patriots get the #1 seed. If the Steelers are out of it, I am rooting for Denver in the playoffs.

 

[Psych-Ward]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Exactly half of the season is in the books and the beloved Steelers have won 4 and loss 4. idk how many of us are shocked by that, but I was expecting 5-3 on the high side.


Week 9....the middle of 3 straight home games before the bye week. As we've already said...the loss to the Bengals has really changed the focus of the team...yeah, the team has to take it one game at a time and see what happens, but the reality is now...to play in JAN...the Steelers are looking for one of the wildcard slots and they play one of the teams also in the hunt for a WC spot this week.


Injuries…we know Bell is gone for the year…I’ve heard Isiah Pead was signed this week…Todman should have enough time now to take a few snaps. Tuitt…supposedly was close last week, but was scrapped…I’m sure Face will know the latest.


OAK…not the old school Raiders that we did battle with so often in the 70s…4-3, this team is young and gaining more confidence every week. The DEF is coming together, they have young stars in Mack, and Eliis. Aldon Smith is a difference maker picked up from SF. The OFC has clearly taken a big step. Cooper, Crabtree make a strong duo outside and Murray/Jones are very capable RBs.


Steeler OFC… The Raiders are not a brute of a DEF, they give up nearly 25 pts a game. The bottomline is protect the football, take advantage of the red zone opportunities. The OFC should be in the 24 to 30 range in this game.


Steeler DEF…As mentioned the Raiders have weapons, Carr is noted for his quick release so sacks may not come in abundance, but I think they can put pressure on him…I think the Steeler D is up to the challenge.


Outlook…4 AFC losses make this a do or die game for the Steelers…they typically respond well under Tomlin faced with adversity…Raiders are better on the road, but I like the Steelers to bounce back with the season on the line.


27-20…Steelers.


What say you?

Injuries... Both Allen & Tuitt have been full participants this week. Not sure what the plan for the S positions would be with how well Mitchell, Golden & Shamarko have been playing. But my guess is Allen & Mitchell again. As ATL always says, Tomlin loves his vets! Speaking of Mitchell, he passed the concussion protocol with flying colors. Has since been practicing. Wheaton has been limited with an ankle issue, but doesn't appear to be in any risk of missing the game. Garvin was announced out already. Still dealing with a knee sprain of sorts. Spaeth is still dealing with a knee issue of his own, but even though he's been missing practice it hasn't held him out of the games. He missed 2 practices leading up to the game last weekend but still played. Nothing else to report! Looks like the team is finally getting back to full health, relatively speaking lol.

O... We'll need a better showing from Ben this week. OAK D is no slouch. They give up plays here and there, but they can be stout if the Steelers play to their strengths. Hopefully Haley has been doing his homework. I'd like to see Ben trust his knee more, but in reality I don't think we'll see a full 100% Big Ben until after the bye. Regardless, the offense needs to do a better job of sustaining drives. They can't hang their D out to dry like they did last week.

D... Secondary is really going to have their hands full this week. As noted, Cooper & Crabs are legit. They have been doing an excellent job of opening up their offense. L Murray shouldn't see much daylight unless the unit gets gassed like they did against Cincy. Having Tuitt back is a huge boost. Not just for the Run D, but for the pass rush. I'd still like to see McCullers rotate in with McLendon if they don't go 4-3 very often. Butler will have this unit ready.

Outlook... As ATL said, this is do or die time. Every AFC game is going to be crucial to this team being considered for the postseason. Division is out of reach. A loss here and we can put the nail in the coffin. Lots of AFC games left: Raiders, Browns x2, Colts, Bengals, Broncos, and Ravens. That's 7/8 final games against AFC opponents. Raiders & Colts are in the hunt so those games are big ones. Time to make some noise!

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Injuries... Both Allen & Tuitt have been full participants this week. Not sure what the plan for the S positions would be with how well Mitchell, Golden & Shamarko have been playing. But my guess is Allen & Mitchell again. As ATL always says, Tomlin loves his vets! Speaking of Mitchell, he passed the concussion protocol with flying colors. Has since been practicing. Wheaton has been limited with an ankle issue, but doesn't appear to be in any risk of missing the game. Garvin was announced out already. Still dealing with a knee sprain of sorts. Spaeth is still dealing with a knee issue of his own, but even though he's been missing practice it hasn't held him out of the games. He missed 2 practices leading up to the game last weekend but still played. Nothing else to report! Looks like the team is finally getting back to full health, relatively speaking lol.

O... We'll need a better showing from Ben this week. OAK D is no slouch. They give up plays here and there, but they can be stout if the Steelers play to their strengths. Hopefully Haley has been doing his homework. I'd like to see Ben trust his knee more, but in reality I don't think we'll see a full 100% Big Ben until after the bye. Regardless, the offense needs to do a better job of sustaining drives. They can't hang their D out to dry like they did last week.

D... Secondary is really going to have their hands full this week. As noted, Cooper & Crabs are legit. They have been doing an excellent job of opening up their offense. L Murray shouldn't see much daylight unless the unit gets gassed like they did against Cincy. Having Tuitt back is a huge boost. Not just for the Run D, but for the pass rush. I'd still like to see McCullers rotate in with McLendon if they don't go 4-3 very often. Butler will have this unit ready.

Outlook... As ATL said, this is do or die time. Every AFC game is going to be crucial to this team being considered for the postseason. Division is out of reach. A loss here and we can put the nail in the coffin. Lots of AFC games left: Raiders, Browns x2, Colts, Bengals, Broncos, and Ravens. That's 7/8 final games against AFC opponents. Raiders & Colts are in the hunt so those games are big ones. Time to make some noise!

Golden...I have said Tomlin loves his vets, and we can see the Jacoby Jones signing as evidence so I think Allen does start, but have you noticed any drop off with Golden?

Ben...as ineffective as the OFC was at times...they still had a chance to win that sucker last week which was solely because of the DEF. I think he plays much better this week.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Golden...I have said Tomlin loves his vets, and we can see the Jacoby Jones signing as evidence so I think Allen does start, but have you noticed any drop off with Golden?

Ben...as ineffective as the OFC was at times...they still had a chance to win that sucker last week which was solely because of the DEF. I think he plays much better this week.

Golden has played well. Had a few flaws but certainly played above expectations. No dropoff in my eyes.

Good read:
Steelers Film Room: Robert Golden Vs Bengals - Steelers Depot

Ben... Agreed. 4th qtr...Aside from that last drive against Cincy, they weren't sustaining drives very well. 2 TO's by the defense that netted zero points. That hurt. They need to play better than that. And I have no doubt that they will.

 

[Cali Steel]

The fact they host the Traitors today, makes it a televised game here........yippee.....

 

[Cali Steel]