Posted on 12/31/2005 5:20:27 AM PST by beyond the sea
The record doesn't show it, but the Steelers unquestionably are better prepared for a playoff run than they were a season ago.
That doesn't mean they'll go further, or even as far as last year's team, which won 16-of-17 games before it was blown out of the AFC Championship Game. Once this team officially secures a playoff spot -- yeah, we're assuming as much -- it might not even make it out of the wild-card round, given the unusually strong field.
But the Steelers will be a tougher out than last year's team. They will play better.
Remember, the 2004 Steelers turned in one mediocre playoff performance -- they got lucky against the Jets -- and one abomination. That won't happen again.
Whether that means the Steelers become the only team besides the 1985 Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl via three road wins, who knows? As Bobby Bacala Baccilieri of "The Sopranos" might say, I'm no Notre Damus.
But I know this much: If the 2005 Steelers played the '04 Steelers in a New Year's Day bowl game, I'd give a couple points and take the '05 club.
Here's the seven-reason rationale:
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
To tell you the truth I would rather the Steelers play the Pats in the first round. The Pats are hurt, the Steelers are on top of their game and have a point to prove .. What a boost to move on to gsme two .. Won't be the three times and out like the Eagles .
The Pats have a poor record against the top AFC teams and are only thriving in a weak division. They'll probably have the misfortune of facing Manning inside the Dome with a depleted secondary, if they make it that far.
LOL. Jack was/is a game warden up here around Pittsburgh. They say he keeps to himself a lot and just loves the quiet of the outdoors.
see post # 19
If the Pat's stay the fourth seed, they will face the Jags in the WC round.
If the Pat's stay the fourth seed, they will face the Jags in the WC round.
Sorry, you are absolutely correct.
The Pats need to be the third seed, which is possible, to host the yellow towels.
It's a bummer to acknowledge that being a lifetime Stiller fan.
Yeah, my parents heard that he has been known to say "no" when people ask him if he is indeed Jack Lambert.
Go Steelers!
"The Steelers are loooking good, real good."
They do look good...real good. They are healthy, everything is clicking on offense, defense is swarming to the ball and punishing the ball carrier. They will get another shot at the Bengals in Cincy and I think it will be just like the Oct. 23 game.
They are a sleeper in the Super Bowl tourney, a team to be reckoned with. I think the fact that they wont have a home game in the playoffs helps them too.
If there's any team in the AFC I wouldn't want to play right now it's Pittsburgh. Yes, I'm biased but the last three games they've played are truly scary for opponents to watch game film of.
For all the reasons listed in this article plus the inconsistencies of many playoff teams, the Bungles included, I wouldn't want to be playing the team with the hot hand. Much like in hockey you don't want to be in a playoff series with a hot goaltender.
Cincy fans, I truly hope you finish with the 3rd seed. We're going to come to town and dominate you like we did in October. New England? You may think you have history on your side but payback is an absolute bitch. Don't think this team has a short memory.
The only team in the AFC I know nothing about is Denver. I haven't seen one game all year. Given that I don't want to talk smack on a H2H matchup with them. I will agree that Indy is a paper tiger. Much like the 15-1 Steelers were last year, yes I said it. Their record last year included no dominating "HOLY %&#!" kind of offensive or defensive performances.
We have three in a row to build on. Sunday I feel sorry for those Lions because this is one hungry football team.
Fact is, if Roethlisberger hadn't been knocked out of the lineup, the Steelers would be shooting for a 13-3 record and a possible No. 2 seed. Their only losses would be to New England, Indianapolis and Cincinnati."Fact is"???
The Tommy Maddox factor, far more than any other, put this team in the hole it's in.
Please don't misunderstand, I'm still gonna be rootin' for the Stillers...
and I'm glad to see Ben back in the lineup...
But he still has two bum knees, and I'm not convinced that he's 100%.
You gotta love the way the "D" is playing right now.
I think the Colts would annihilate the Steelers, and I think either the Patsies or Colts will whip them.
Us three.
GO STEELERS!!
I agree. I could see Mr Jones running for 200 yards and 3 TDs vs. Seattle, plus a TD runback by special teams. Seattle had the easiest schedule of the top tier teams, and could have lost 3 TIMES to the Giants, had their kicker not choked.
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