stillers4me
12-04-2011, 08:08 AM
The Steelers, like most perennial playoff contenders, understand the 16-game NFL regular season is a marathon instead of a sprint.
In reality, they have been forced to pace themselves mostly because of a rash of early-season injuries. At times, the Steelers are slow-starters, which partly accounts for a humbling 35-7 season-opening defeat in Baltimore.
With five games remaining — including today's rematch at Heinz Field with Cincinnati in a key AFC North matchup — the Steelers are confident they have a strong enough kick to overtake the rival Ravens down the stretch.
"Obviously, we've been in these situations before," said defensive end Brett Keisel. "It's about playing good ball at the right time."
The Steelers, too, are nearly at full strength for the first time this season — save another head injury to strong safety Troy Polamalu and a still-questionable hamstring for linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who this week practiced for the first time in more than a month.
"We know what it takes to make a run to the Super Bowl," Woodley said. "It seems that things are coming together at the right time."................
Read more: As season hits final stretch, Steelers have little margin for error - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_770302.html#ixzz1fZhhJusC) http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_770302.html#ixzz1fZhhJusC
In reality, they have been forced to pace themselves mostly because of a rash of early-season injuries. At times, the Steelers are slow-starters, which partly accounts for a humbling 35-7 season-opening defeat in Baltimore.
With five games remaining — including today's rematch at Heinz Field with Cincinnati in a key AFC North matchup — the Steelers are confident they have a strong enough kick to overtake the rival Ravens down the stretch.
"Obviously, we've been in these situations before," said defensive end Brett Keisel. "It's about playing good ball at the right time."
The Steelers, too, are nearly at full strength for the first time this season — save another head injury to strong safety Troy Polamalu and a still-questionable hamstring for linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who this week practiced for the first time in more than a month.
"We know what it takes to make a run to the Super Bowl," Woodley said. "It seems that things are coming together at the right time."................
Read more: As season hits final stretch, Steelers have little margin for error - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_770302.html#ixzz1fZhhJusC) http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_770302.html#ixzz1fZhhJusC