Why the next three weeks are key

[Craic]

As the Black and Gold afterglow of a 500+ yard game and a rare 50+ point explosion by a much aligned Steelers offense fades into reality of Ravens' week, a look at the next three weeks reveals one essential fact: the Steelers have done enough in the first half of the season to control their own destiny in the second half. Unlike last year, when they buried themselves too deep to dig their way out, a five and three first half sets this team in good position, and throws a spotlight on the next three weeks. Just how important are they:

Week 9: Baltimore. This game sets it all in motion. If the Steelers can beat the Ravens, they vault not only past Baltimore in the standings, but also past Buffalo based on conference record and San Diego based on Strength of Victory (assuming Buffalo and San Diego both win. If they lose, then it's by record).

Week 10: NY Jets. At first, this game seems worthless, but there's two points that must be remembered here. First, the Steelers struggle again poor teams. And this game is a conference game, the loss of which could drop into a battle with the Bills for the last wildcard spot, not to mention evening the record with the Ravens.

Week 11: Tennessee. This game is an exact repeat of week 10. The danger, again, is playing down to the opponent. But, a second danger is looking ahead to a needed bye-week.

If they manage to win these next three games, here's what's in store for the Steelers:

1. 8-3 going into their bye-week.

2. two of the following five games against the current division leaders.

3. entering in the last third of the season healthy and rested, with Harrison having another two weeks to push his conditioning.

4. Linebackers Shazier and Jones back, Shazier getting the extra week of rest after coming back for three weeks, Jones the same, after playing for a week or two.

So, the next three weeks will truly determine the season. Can the Steelers overcome the thumping the Ravens put on them the second week of the season? Can they overcome a tendency to play down to lesser opponents? Is this team positioned for a good playoff run? We will have our answers in twenty one days.

[86WARD]

I think there's a letdown game within the Jets or Titans match ups. I hope to be wrong, but it makes too much sense...lol.

[Steelman]

I find it hard to believe this team suddenly acquired the mental fortitude necessary to complete this mission, as you detailed above Craic, but maybe there was something in that thrashing of the Colts and seeing Ben with that warrior look in his face again that could galvanize this team for the long haul. Obviously there are still a lot of issues with the defense and special teams, but maybe they turned a corner. The Jets and Titans will tell us how to score the mid rounds.

[tube517]

Keep Cortex off the field and tell him and Cam Thomas to clean the bathrooms.

O-line needs to keep getting better.

Bryant and Wheaton need to continue to improve. Bryant should be the #3 right now. Heath should benefit from this.

Bell needs to be healthy and he needs to start sharing some carries with Blount. I have no confidence in Tomlin in this regard. See the past history.

Cam Thomas needs to get his dirty dick out of there. Big Dan needs to get more reps.'

Take away the AARP cards of Deebo, Beard and Troy and give them back at the end of the season.

Landry Jones sucks and Tom Brady is gay.

F*ck the Ratbirds.

[Moose]

Damn Cleveland game !!

[tube517]

Damn Cleveland and Tampa Bay games !!

Fixed

[salamander]

I'm not fully conviced that this is a playoff team...yet. let's see how they do against the Ravens.

[st33lersguy]

The Jets and the Titans must be wins, we can't continue to piss around with crappy teams anymore. Baltimore will be tough and if we lose, it will amplify the importance of the next 2 games even more