Examining Steelers, AFC Playoff Seeding Scenarios
STEELERS GET BACK TO WORK After having the weekend off, the Pittsburgh Steelers got back to work this afternoon going through normal film studies and meetings.The team will go through a normal week with practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For the Steelers, the playoffs begin this week as the team heads into their regular season finale, controlling their destiny for the AFC North Title and most importantly, the No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the playoffs. The game needs to be treated like one and should be. There are no excuses for Pittsburgh not to go into Cleveland and take care of business. A first round bye is crucial to Pittsburgh’s chances of winning their second
NFL: Patriots trade QB Matt Cassel to Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs have found their starting quarterback. NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports the Chiefs acquired QB Matt Cassel from the New England Patriots in a trade on Saturday. The teams have agreed on compensation, according to Schefter, but no details of the deal were immediately available. Cassel was designated as the Patriots’ franchise player on Feb. 5, guaranteeing him $14.65 million next season. The signed tender was officially submitted to the league earlier this week. Source: Adam Schefter of NFL Network
Steelers dominate Patriots 33-10
The Steelers won in New England for the first time since a 24-21 overtime decision on December 13, 1997. Post-Game Thoughts Statement Game: Today’s win was important for many reasons. This was a pivotal win for the coaching staff that has had trouble winning big games on the road since last year. The Steelers remain in the driver seat to win the AFC North but they have a tough task ahead of them. They have now gained a game on the Jets for the #2 seed. A bye will be critical to any chances of making it to Tampa Bay. Catching the Tennessee Titans (11-1) may be out of reach for the #1 seed but the Steelers can make a big
Timmons could be the key to slowing down the Pats offense
The key to Sunday‚Äôs game will be how well the Steelers control Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and the Patriots’ pass offense. The Steelers don‚Äôt have anybody that can match up against Randy Moss 1-on-1. As good as Ike Taylor has played this season, Moss is a major mismatch for Taylor. The Steelers will try to pressure Matt Cassel early with a variety of blitz packages. Lawrence Timmons could be the key to slowing down Welker. I expect the Steelers use their nickel defense quite often and expect to see Timmons roaming around in the middle of the field. In the past the Steelers have had trouble with quick possession receivers like Welker because the Steelers cornerbacks play too far off