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Have you seen our injury list, people? Cowher quipped in his press conference Tuesday that it might take less time to name the players who AREN'T injured than read off the long laundry list of walking wounded. If we lose anyone else, a few guys are gonna have to start playing on both sides of the ball (which, considering how our defense has played in recent weeks, might not be a bad thing). I have no doubt the Bungles are looking at our injury report and counting their blessings. But 'ya know what? In spite of the fact that I have an uneasy feeling about this game, the Bungles are still the Bungles, and the Steelers are still the Steelers. Simplistic, but true.
It's another must-win situation for Pittsburgh. Yeah, I can hear some of you muttering, "Remember what happened last year? 26-23 in overtime?" But people, can we please get over it? That game was utterly meaningless, and it has far less in common with this Sunday's matchup than our most recent WIN over Cinci in week 5. As was the case in that game, our collective backs are pressed firmly against the wall. Injuries or not, the Steelers are gonna play like a caged animal this week, and while I'm certainly not predicting another blowout, I do expect a Steeler win. Everything is on the line for the Steelers and in spite of our injuries, Cinci should be just what the doctor ordered.
What's the perfect compliment to any Terrible Towel? McMillen and Wife's very own handmade Steel City Soap! (pictured above)
Jerome Bettis OWNS these guys, and I expect Jerome to start. Cinci has never had success stopping our running game, and with our beat-up defense, some smash-mouth football is exactly what we need out of our offense. Tommy is out, of course, but in spite of what some of you might think, I don't believe there's much drop-off with Kordell Stewart in there. I suspect we'll see Stewart using his legs nearly as much as his arm in this one, and I think he'll be very successful. And don't rule out those quirky Mularkey trick plays. The offense should put on a show.
Now defensively, I'll admit, we've got very real problems. James Farrior, Mike Logan and Hank Poteat definitely won't play. Larry Foote is doubtful, and Chidi Iwuoma (a reserve DB) is questionable. We're about as thin at LB and DB as we could possibly be. The offense MUST grind out the clock to keep our defense off the field, or the Bungles just may be able to hang with us. Corey Dillon is the real deal, and while I have no respect for Kitna, I think he'll have some success against us Sunday. Our secondary was suspect when our starters were in there... it's Swiss cheese, now. We're gonna have to focus on Dillon BIG-time, and that will give Kitna some opportunities. Let's hope he blows 'em.
Welcome to the team, Jeff Reed! The good news in all this is, should we fail to get into the end zone on occasion, we now have a legitimate chance at making 30-yard field goals! Jeff, you have NO idea how glad we are to have you aboard!
The bottom line: Injuries will make this game a whole lot closer than it oughta be. But Kordell Stewart has a chip on his shoulder a mile high and he tends to play well that way. I expect him to be the difference in this game, and for one week at least, the crowd in Pittsburgh will be behind him. Give 'em hell, Kordell!
Tims's Prediction: Steelers 25, Bengals 22
(notice, that score includes 3 Jeff Reed field goals!) Sandy's Prediction: Steelers 28, Bengals 20
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Fan Smak & Analysis
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Comment: Coming soon! Leave YOUR Writing on the Wall! Send your postgame critiques, analysis, ranting and raving about the last game as well as your predictions, smak, & insults about our upcoming opponent. Whether your message is a simple "Go Steelers" or detailed, in-depth analysis, tell us what you think and we'll post it here.
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