I feel sorry for Ben.

[zulater]

I think the Steelers are going to lose today. And the two people that will take the brunt of the heat from the fans and media will be Ben Roethlisberger and to a much lesser degree ( with the media) Mike Tomlin. I can hear it already, how can a "so called franchise qb get beat by A.J. McCarron? Overrated. Hasn't won a playoff game in 5 years etc... As if the two qb's faceoff individually in a cage and battle it out. Newsflash Ben has to face a solid defense, Ben has to play on the road, and Ben lost both of his rb's from this past season. Yeah I know the Steelers are a passing team. But your ability to pass is aided great having someone in the backfield the defense has to fear. Not having DeAngelo frees up the safeties from having any concern for stopping the run. The inside lb's will be happily clogging the passing lanes all game. And so on. So of course what will eventually happen is Ben will be forcing balls into tight coverage's all day and sooner or later that will blow up in his face and some interceptions will be thrown. So of course every dummy will blame Ben almost exclusively.As if losing 40% of his starting offensive line and any semblance of a running game doesn't make any difference. And listen if you have a running game the offensive line would be more than adequate. But you don't. The Bengals are healthy on defense, and they know going in the Steelers are a one dimensional offense. I predict at least 5 sacks and no less than 2 interceptions, but I'll go out on a limb and just call it and say 3. It could even be 4. My final score prediction is Bengals 27-16. And the score will be misleadingly close.

Anyway so the offseason will be dominated by idiots calling our qb "Big Bum", claiming he isn't clutch etc.. Never mind that we lost a game where outside of qb it could easily be argued that every single unit of the Bengals is superior to the corresponding unit on the Steelers. Yeah we got AB. But they have a pretty great wr too. And they have better overall weapons with a legitimate ground game, and an elite in his prime tight end. (no offense Heath) And their offesnive line is better than ours as it stands today. And forget about it on defense. A.J gets to ski the bunny slope while Ben is faced with an Olympic Giant Slalom course.

The point of this thread is to get in front of this early. A Steeler loss is all too predictable I'm afraid. Truthfully if I could separate my head from my heart I would load up on the Bengals and the points. But I wont because even though I feel our chances are remote I could never allow myself to profit from the Steelers demise.

I'm not saying it's impossible for the Steelers to win this game. (just unlikely) In order to do so the defense will have to force multiple turnovers. Special teams have to balance in our favor, or at least can't factor against us. Martavis will have to show up. And Ben will have to play a perfect game. He's going to have to put balls in tight windows all game with no margin or error. If he pulls this one off it could rank up there ( no matter the stats) as his greatest career win to date all things considered. Yeah Ben's won some big games in the past. But in each of those cases the overall talent of the Steelers was equal to or greater than the opponent. The only one close to this one might be the divisional playoff win against the Colts in the 05 playoffs. But even then I would suggest our overall talent was equal to that teams save the qb position.

Anyway win or lose I'm sticking with Ben and Tomlin. This season just wasn't meant to be. But a little luck in the health front next season and a realistic appraisal and addressing of the roster by the front office this offseason and we should be back next season with a better overall team than we've had since 05.

I do think whoever wins this game today has an excellent chance of winning the AFC Crown. The AFC is pretty depleted due to major injuries on the better teams. It's a shame we can't take advantage because for the second post season in a row we pose no threat in the running game due strictly to injury.

Well I hope my prediction of doom today is wrong. And I'll gladly take my lumps if the Steelers end up winning this one. But I felt it was important to get this out before the game. Now feel free to pile on.

[Dissolv]

Have some faith man! Yes, it will be a hard game, for all the reasons that you mention. But you don't think the Bengals fans are just as nervous? More Nervous? The game will be played on the field and it will be decided there. It will be a "hold on to your hats" type game, no doubt about it. But don't underestimate the good guys either -- or the Bengals power to Bungle.


Dissolv

[polamalubeast]

The Bengals offense is very average without Dalton, so the Steelers will likely no have to score 30 points to win this game.

[cubanstogie]

Have some faith man! Yes, it will be a hard game, for all the reasons that you mention. But you don't think the Bengals fans are just as nervous? More Nervous? The game will be played on the field and it will be decided there. It will be a "hold on to your hats" type game, no doubt about it. But don't underestimate the good guys either -- or the Bengals power to Bungle.


Dissolv

I agree, you don't have to be a homer and say 42-0 Steelers but there is no reason to be be so pessimistic. Enjoy the fact that Steelers are in playoffs and I think have a great shot to win. I am not on the AJ band wagon, his first playoff game will be a lot different atmosphere. I don't feel sorry for Ben, if he has good game and doesn't throw costly pic, Steelers win IMO.

[Moose]

I also agree this game is going to come down to mistakes and turnovers. Hopefully Ben won't 'force' throws in spots for interceptions. I know our injuries in key spots is going to be the possible downfall, but who know's, those player's stepping up may have a great day for our team. I'm just hoping we win THIS game. I hate the bungholes and their fan's and having the Steeler's be their very FIRST playoff win would be a 'rub your nose in it' clause the rest of our life here who live by cincy.

[zulater]

I agree, you don't have to be a homer and say 42-0 Steelers but there is no reason to be be so pessimistic. Enjoy the fact that Steelers are in playoffs and I think have a great shot to win. I am not on the AJ band wagon, his first playoff game will be a lot different atmosphere. I don't feel sorry for Ben, if he has good game and doesn't throw costly pic, Steelers win IMO.

I am enjoying the fact the Steelers have playoff life. I just don't think it will extend past tonight. If it does I'll be delighted. If not I'll be as disappointed as anyone. I just wont be poking the finger of blame at Ben or Tomlin.

Outside of Dalton the Bengals come into this game as healthy as a team can be. If you reversed qb's the Bengals might be double digit favorites. While qb's certainly matters, with no real running game the Bengals can shut down the passing lanes and come hard after Ben. I just think the loss of DeAngeo titled the scales too far out of our favor. You give us a healthy back and I'm picking us in a squeaker. But with no DeAngelo I just can't see our offense getting untracked.

But I hope I'm wrong.

[Mojouw]

I'm trying to take the perspective that they are close to playing with house money at this point. With all the injuries and the roster issues on defense not sure I can expect much more than 9-7. Maybe 10-6 and a playoff game is pretty damn good. Or not. I don't know.

[polamalubeast]

I will be happy of the season if the steelers win tonight even if they lose against Denver after.

Otherwise, this season will be considered as a disappointment.....It's time to win a playoff game especially this is against a backup QB.

[st33lersguy]

This feels all too similar to the Baltimore game last year. Steelers left without a RB because their top RB at the time of the final game got injured, Steelers have by far the worse defense of the 2 teams and Ben being left with a better defense without a legit RB while the lesser QB benefits with playing a worse defense. Not good

[Skinart82]

Is this reverse psychology? I do that too sometimes

[teegre]

This might be the only time (that I can recall) disagreeing with you, Zu.

I think that BB goes off. He will learn from the second Ravens loss, and dump it off to Heath 20 times. He will go "no huddle" and/or call his own plays. I feel that it will be a good day.

[fansince'76]

This feels all too similar to the Baltimore game last year. Steelers left without a RB because their top RB at the time of the final game got injured, Steelers have by far the worse defense of the 2 teams and Ben being left with a better defense without a legit RB while the lesser QB benefits with playing a worse defense. Not good

Nope. D-Will, while an invaluable contributor, did not represent 33% of our offensive output like Bell did last year.

[cubanstogie]

I am enjoying the fact the Steelers have playoff life. I just don't think it will extend past tonight. If it does I'll be delighted. If not I'll be as disappointed as anyone. I just wont be poking the finger of blame at Ben or Tomlin.

Outside of Dalton the Bengals come into this game as healthy as a team can be. If you reversed qb's the Bengals might be double digit favorites. While qb's certainly matters, with no real running game the Bengals can shut down the passing lanes and come hard after Ben. I just think the loss of DeAngeo titled the scales too far out of our favor. You give us a healthy back and I'm picking us in a squeaker. But with no DeAngelo I just can't see our offense getting untracked.

But I hope I'm wrong.

I don't think losing Williams we be as big as losing Bell for last years playoff game. The offensive line is giving Ben more time than he has ever had. Now I realize you have to keep them honest and have some sort of success running but its not like we need 100 yards from a back to win. If O line gives Ben time let him win or lose the game. A few 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2 conversions from these backs could be enough to overcome Deangelos absence.

[Shoes]

This might be the only time (that I can recall) disagreeing with you, Zu.

I think that BB goes off. He will learn from the second Ravens loss, and dump it off to Heath 20 times. He will go "no huddle" and/or call his own plays. I feel that it will be a good day.

I agree TR, I think Ben will be focused and a focused, pissed Ben will translate into a win.

- - - Updated - - -

If the oline opens holes and they will, Fitz & Todman will suffice.

[zulater]

This might be the only time (that I can recall) disagreeing with you, Zu.

I think that BB goes off. He will learn from the second Ravens loss, and dump it off to Heath 20 times. He will go "no huddle" and/or call his own plays. I feel that it will be a good day.

You make a good case.

I'd much rather you be right than me.

[zulater]

Is this reverse psychology? I do that too sometimes

Perhaps a little.

Seriously though I just wanted to get out in front of the fire Tomlin- trade Ben threads that are sure to come if we lose while I still have control of my emotion's and wits.

[cubanstogie]

If you rewind to when Ben went down with injury I think everyone of us we take the position we are in now. Throw in the fact that the Bungles are playing with a back up QB and we have every reason to be confident. Now if we were playing with Landry Jones as our starter I would be very pessimistic. Ben has a chance to move up to Brady , Manning and Rodgers status this post season if he plays the way he has been minus the pics. Let's hope he makes the most of the opportunity.

[st33lersguy]

Nope. D-Will, while an invaluable contributor, did not represent 33% of our offensive output like Bell did last year.

Still though D-Will>>>>>>Toussaint. D-Will while not as good as Bell still was a key contributor to the run game while Toussaint has looked ineffective in limited action

[GoSlash27]

The general mood around here is that Toussaint will be ineffective or that we will abandon the run and go to the air almost exclusively.

If that is indeed the case, then yeah... The Steelers will almost certainly lose this game.

Personally, I think we're going to use the run to at least "keep them honest". I'm pretty sure we're capable of pulling that off with this line, and if so we will be able to put up enough points to win.

The rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated...

[GoSlash27]

Still though D-Will>>>>>>Toussaint. D-Will while not as good as Bell still was a key contributor to the run game while Toussaint has looked ineffective in limited action

I dunno. Clearly D-Will would be playing if he was available, but the stats in that game didn't show a big difference. D-Will got 5 carries for 8 yards (1.6 YPC) with a longest of 6 while Toussaint got 12 carries for 24 yards (2 YPC) with a longest of 5. I have to blame the ineffectiveness on the Browns, not Toussaint.

[Count Steeler]

Zu and the reverse ju-ju. It has worked before, Zu. I hope it does tonight.

There is no getting in front of the mayhem that will ensue a Steelers lose, especially if Ben throws 1 or 2 interceptions. The way I see it, we are playing with house money. We have 1 of the worst secondaries in the NFL and we made the playoffs. I'm looking forward to some off season moves to shore up the defense and try to keep most of the offense in tact.

As long as we don't lose Munchak or Haley, (yes Haley), we will have an open window to the SB over the next 3-4 years.

[fansince'76]

Still though D-Will>>>>>>Toussaint. D-Will while not as good as Bell still was a key contributor to the run game while Toussaint has looked ineffective in limited action

No argument that D-Will is the better option than "Frenchie." But that's still a far cry from losing a guy you've become dependent on for one third of your offense. Not to mention trying to replace that sort of production with a guy you just picked up off the scrap heap earlier in the week.

[fansince'76]

More than anything, I really just want another week's reprieve from certain people who only show up after losses to proclaim how "unclutch" and "non-elite" Ben is. Not naming any names, though.

[Polamalu Princess]

I have faith. Yes, this is going to be a tough game but we can do it. The Steelers will have full hearts and play the game the way that we know that they can. I am looking for great things tonight. Not backing down. We bleed Black and Gold - let's stay positive!

[lotas]

This might be the only time (that I can recall) disagreeing with you, Zu.

I think that BB goes off. He will learn from the second Ravens loss, and dump it off to Heath 20 times. He will go "no huddle" and/or call his own plays. I feel that it will be a good day.

I just rewatched the last Cincinnati game and except for just a few passes, Ben was dead on and the offense as a whole did a great job. I don't see why Ben wouldn't have a similarly good game this time, especially with everything on the line in the post-season, AND after calling out his own receiver to step up and perform. The Big Ben we hope to see will show up.

Nope. D-Will, while an invaluable contributor, did not represent 33% of our offensive output like Bell did last year.

Exactly. Bell was literally what our entire offense was geared around last year, he was the wheels of the bus. The wheels fell off at the end of the season, and our offense went down accordingly.

This year we are much more balanced and less centered around one player. Even taking AB out of the game (a la Seattle), our offense was still able to churn out nearly 400 yards.

[stillers4me]

[zoneblitzerII]

Everything is setting up for a Steelers loss. I mean wouldn't it be fitting that the one time Dalton doesn't play they get their first playoff win in ages. As for Ben, he needs to protect the ball and take what the D gives him and see how this thing will play out. He can't go out there and keep throwing 2 picks per game in the playoffs and expect to advance. It just doesn't work that way. If they can go out there, be patient and throw in a few wrinkles on offense they have a great shot of advancing. However, if they go in with the way they finished the season, it's one and done.

[st33lersguy]

I just hope this team is ready to match the Bengals intensity. The Bengals want this win badly. This franchise hasn't won a playoff game in 25 years and most of these players have experienced first hand multiple one-and-dones in a row. Plus they would like to get a big win on a franchise that has owned them since the series began 4 and a half decades ago. This Steelers need to be prepared to bring their A-game because the Bengals are desperate to get this win

[GBMelBlount]

I do think tonight will come down to which Ben shows up.

The Ben who crushes in Ohio or the Ben who throws more interceptions than touchdowns on the road?

Either way with 40 degrees and rain and a light backfield Ben will have his work cut out for him tonight...

[steelreserve]

Ben's not going to take the blame unless he throws 4 interceptions and we only score 10 points. If we lose, it's 90% likely the cause is another stunning defensive collapse, triggered largely by continuing to start Antwon Blake at cornerback.

I don't think we'll lose this one, though. The only way Cincinnati is like last year's Baltimore team is that they're in the same division. They've got a worse defense and a backup QB, and typical of Cincinnati, they're entering the postseason in a slump. If we play a good game and don't do anything stupid, we ought to win.