This team just isn’t good enough

[Fire Goodell]

Not a knock, they overachieved this season for what they had, just the lack of playmakers is not gonna get it done against playoff caliber teams

[fansince'76]

I've been saying for a couple years they need an upgrade at punter. That should be a simple enough fix, but for this team, it hasn't been. For every one Berry booms, he completely shanks another, usually at the worst times.

[st33lersguy]

When Fichtner is your OC, your o-line has regressed to late 00s form and your QB isn't Ben's caliber you are going to fail on offense

[tube517]

Meh, We all knew it would be a shit show if Ben got hurt. Can't rely on a rookie UDFA QB and a crap OC with a bunch of injuries.

[Rotorhead]

Yeah, they gave it a hell of a run, maybe the Rats will lock up home field next week and we can get a dong W against them. We just have too many injuries, good development by Washington and DJ, getting Juju back will round out the WR core, our defense is definitely championship quality, hopefully Ben will be back 100% next season and better with a year of rest and ready for a run.

[vader29]

[st33lersguy]

Jets is a must win game, unfortunately not only do the Jets suck, I'm sure Smokey will view this as a revenge game and give his best effort

[fansince'76]

Jets is a must win game, unfortunately not only do the Jets suck, I'm sure Smokey will view this as a revenge game and give his best effort

Bell is past it. Not worried about him at all.

[BlackAndGold]

Not sure anyone would disagree. This team is winning due to the defense. If they get in the postseason, they'll likely be out very quickly but I'm still rooting for them to make it.

[Rotorhead]

Jets is a must win game, unfortunately not only do the Jets suck, I'm sure Smokey will view this as a revenge game and give his best effort

This was a must win game . . .

[BlackAndGold]

Just beat the Jets next week and hope Titans lose to the Saints they clinch.

[Fire Goodell]

This was a must win game . . .

It wasn't a must win, but it was a chance to make a statement game. They failed at that. If they clinch they'd basically be limping into the playoffs, which is not a good way to go in.

But what the hell. They don't have a rd 1 pick anyway so go for it. I just wish they'd stop fucking around with the run run pass shit they do in the first half. I rather them play like a team that has nothing to lose, cause really they don't.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

It wasn't a must win, but it was a chance to make a statement game. They failed at that. If they clinch they'd basically be limping into the playoffs, which is not a good way to go in.

But what the hell. They don't have a rd 1 pick anyway so go for it. I just wish they'd stop fucking around with the run run pass shit they do in the first half. I rather them play like a team that has nothing to lose, cause really they don't.

The run, run pass just shows how stupid Fitchtner is. Please fire that fat ass after the season! Worthless!

[Mojouw]

I am no fan of Fichtner. I’ve stated previously that he’s average at best. But what does anyone want him to do? His quarterbacks are consistently unable to reliably execute fundamental aspects of an NFL caliber offense. It’s not like he’s got a lot he can call. He’s got to mask slow progress and decision making by inexperienced QBs and a lack of arm strength to challenge top DBs.


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[Steeler-in-west]

yeah, Ben’s been enjoying the holidays - but for sure this team lacks a QB. Washington was open in the end zone on that int to Cain. Duck was off, even that pick by white was a bad throw by Hodges.

[teegre]

Just beat the Jets next week and hope Titans lose to the Saints they clinch.

Scenario 1:
win, win, in

Scenario 2:
win, Titans lose, in

[Fire Goodell]

Well at least we can say "At least we're not the Browns", lol. Talk about a talented squad that can't do shit right

[Craic]

Not a knock, they overachieved this season for what they had, just the lack of playmakers is not gonna get it done against playoff caliber teams

Not quite sure I completely agree with you. I think there's a few things that they can clean up before the playoffs if the Steelers make it. But overall, it's a fair assessment. I'd say they're good enough to go in and maybe surprise a wild card team. But, they most likely will not get past the Ravens or Cheats in the divisional round if they make it there.

[pczach]

I am no fan of Fichtner. I’ve stated previously that he’s average at best. But what does anyone want him to do? His quarterbacks are consistently unable to reliably execute fundamental aspects of an NFL caliber offense. It’s not like he’s got a lot he can call. He’s got to mask slow progress and decision making by inexperienced QBs and a lack of arm strength to challenge top DBs.


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I've been saying this all year. Fichtner is never going to get credit when Duck or Rudolph does well, but when they fail...it's his fault!

Don't get me wrong, I wish he would just take that wildcat section out of the playbook and burn it...but they came out of the gate looking good, running the ball pretty well, and Duck just kept missing guys. After that, you could feel the Bills start to strangle the offense. They made a couple big plays, and then would implode.

I think we are watching parts of this OL get old quickly. Foster can barely move anymore, and Pouncey seems to have a half dozen bad snaps a game at horrible times and he can't move people anymore.

This is why I always caution people about getting excited too quickly about a young player, particularly a quarterback. Duck saw some things last night that he hadn't seen before. He struggled against a really good NFL defense. His accuracy was off and he threw the ball into the teeth of the defense several times. Now, we get to see how he responds. That's the game with quarterbacks.

[Crow-Magnon]

IMO, the Steelers D is playoff-ready without a doubt. No concerns there. But the offense does not have what it takes to win in the post-season. At least not what I saw last night. Granted, anything can happen in the post-season, but Duck looked rattled in the 4th quarter and those two picks were hideous. Probably the best playoff match-up would be against the Pats, as I think that defense would have an effect on Brady this year more than in most years. Probably two INT’s.

[EzraTank]

Not a knock, they overachieved this season for what they had, just the lack of playmakers is not gonna get it done against playoff caliber teams

The sad thing is had Juju & Ben stayed healthy and AB not gone full douche bag we would be a top seed in the AFC this year. Of course Fichtner is f'n clueless so this might not even be true.

[Mojouw]

I've been saying this all year. Fichtner is never going to get credit when Duck or Rudolph does well, but when they fail...it's his fault!

Don't get me wrong, I wish he would just take that wildcat section out of the playbook and burn it...but they came out of the gate looking good, running the ball pretty well, and Duck just kept missing guys. After that, you could feel the Bills start to strangle the offense. They made a couple big plays, and then would implode.

I think we are watching parts of this OL get old quickly. Foster can barely move anymore, and Pouncey seems to have a half dozen bad snaps a game at horrible times and he can't move people anymore.

This is why I always caution people about getting excited too quickly about a young player, particularly a quarterback. Duck saw some things last night that he hadn't seen before. He struggled against a really good NFL defense. His accuracy was off and he threw the ball into the teeth of the defense several times. Now, we get to see how he responds. That's the game with quarterbacks.

I'm not totally convinced the offensive line is really all that different than even last year's version. They haven't been really good run blockers aside from pulling plays for several seasons now, so that is a wash. In pass protection, I am seeing far more sacks coming from a combination of poor coordination between RBs and offensive lineman and the QBs having almost no sense of how to avoid pressure/being in the wrong place than the line just getting flat out beat on an individual basis consistently.

But it sounds like we are singing the same tune on Fichtner.

[steel striker]

The bottom line the offense can't score enough points and, the defense is doing all they can to keep it close. I'm tired of seeing that blasted wildcat.

[Iron Steeler]

Scenario 1:
win, win, in

Scenario 2:
win, Titans lose, in

Hey teegre, I'm not sure if the 100% accurate.

According to ESPN's playoff calculator...

Steelers beat jets and lose to ravens were 9-7
Titsne lose to Saints and beat Texand they are 9-7.

According to this calculator thing, Titans would get 6th seed .

Although, per the calculators logic, if we win any of the next two games and Titand lose to the Texans. We hold the tiebreaker.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Hey teegre, I'm not sure if the 100% accurate.

According to ESPN's playoff calculator...

Steelers beat jets and lose to ravens were 9-7
Titsne lose to Saints and beat Texand they are 9-7.

According to this calculator thing, Titans would get 6th seed .

Although, per the calculators logic, if we win any of the next two games and Titand lose to the Texans. We hold the tiebreaker.

That ESPN thing is flawed and right now we are the 6 seed. If we tie with the Titans we are in.

[EzraTank]

That ESPN thing is flawed and right now we are the 6 seed. If we tie with the Titans we are in.

If the Titans lose to the Saints and win against the Texans (assuming we beat the Jets/lose to Ravens) we would what have the same records and tie breakers so I have no idea who gets that. The Saints game is out of conference so if the Titans beat the Saints but lose to the Texans we would hold the head to head tie-breaker if we finish with the same record.

It's a mess that's for sure, and like I said in other threads missing the playoffs would give us a better pick and I'd lean that way but since Miami owns our pick I'd rather make the playoffs.

Tiebreaker Rules

The six postseason participants from each conference will be seeded as follows:

1. The division champion with the best record.
2. The division champion with the second-best record.
3. The division champion with the third-best record.
4. The division champion with the fourth-best record.
5. The Wild Card club with the best record.
6. The Wild Card club with the second-best record.

The following procedures will be used to break standings ties for postseason playoffs and to determine regular-season schedules.
NOTE: Tie games count as one-half win and one-half loss for both clubs.
TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION:
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with the best won-lost-tied percentage, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.
Two Clubs:

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.
12. Coin toss.

Three or More Clubs:
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after one or more clubs are eliminated during any step, tie-breaker re-starts at Step One of two-club format. If three clubs remain tied after a fourth club is eliminated during any step, tie-breaker re-starts at Step One of three-club format.)

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.
12. Coin toss.

TO BREAK A TIE FOR THE WILD-CARD TEAM OR AMONG DIVISION WINNERS:
If it is necessary to break ties to determine the two Wild-Card clubs from each conference, the following steps will be taken.

1. If the tied clubs are from the same division, apply division tie breaker.
2. If the tied clubs are from different divisions, apply the following steps.

Two Clubs:

1. Head-to-head, if applicable.
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
4. Strength of victory.
5. Strength of schedule.
6. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
7. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best net points in conference games.
9. Best net points in all games.
10. Best net touchdowns in all games.
11. Coin toss.

Three or More Clubs:
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after one or more clubs are eliminated during any step, tie-breaker re-starts at Step One of two-club format. If three clubs remain tied after a fourth club is eliminated during any step, tie-breaker re-starts at Step One of three-club format.)

1. Apply division tie breaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. The original seeding within a division upon application of the division tie breaker remains the same for all subsequent applications of the procedure that are necessary to identify the two Wild-Card participants.
2. Head-to-head sweep. (Applicable only if one club has defeated each of the others or if one club has lost to each of the others.)
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in conference games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.
12. Coin toss

When the first Wild-Card team has been identified, the procedure is repeated to name the second Wild-Card, i.e., eliminate all but the highest-ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. In situations where three or more teams from the same division are involved in the procedure, the original seeding of the teams remains the same for subsequent applications of the tie breaker if the top-ranked team in that division qualifies for a Wild-Card berth.
OTHER TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES

1. Only one club advances to the playoffs in any tie-breaking step. Remaining tied clubs revert to the first step of the applicable division or Wild-Card tie breakers. As an example, if two clubs remain tied in any tie-breaker step after all other clubs have been eliminated, the procedure reverts to step one of the two-club format to determine the winner. When one club wins the tie breaker, all other clubs revert to step 1 of the applicable two-club or three-club format.
2. In comparing division and conference records or records against common opponents among tied teams, the best won-lost-tied percentage is the deciding factor since teams may have played an unequal number of games.
3. To determine home-field priority among division titlists, apply Wild-Card tie breakers.
4. To determine home-field priority for Wild-Card qualifiers, apply division tie breakers (if teams are from the same division) or Wild-Card tie breakers (if teams are from different divisions).

Tie Breaking Procedure for Draft:

1. Clubs not participating in the playoffs shall select in the first through 20th positions in reverse standings order.
2. The Super Bowl winner is last and Super Bowl loser is next-to-last.
3. The losers of the Conference Championship games shall select 29th and 30th based on won-lost-tied percentage.
4. The losers of the Divisional playoff games shall select 25th through 28th based on won-lost-tied percentage.
5. The losers of the Wild Card games shall select 21st through 24th based on won-lost-tied percentage.

If ties exist in any grouping except (2) above, such ties shall be broken by strength-of-schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength-of-schedule, the divisional or conference tie-breakers, if applicable, shall be applied. Any ties that still exist shall be broken by a coin flip.

[Iron Steeler]

That ESPN thing is flawed and right now we are the 6 seed. If we tie with the Titans we are in.

I'm not sure.

If we beat jets and lose to ravens we end up 9-7 overall. 7-6 vs the confrence and 3-3 against our division.

If the titans lose to the saints and beat the Texans their overall record would be 9-7. They would be 7-5 against the confrence and 3-3 against their division.

So they would get the tiebreaker. We can not clinch next week according to this logic.

7-5 confrence record would be better than our 7-6 in this scenario.

[Moose]

I like Duck, I think he's doing great for us for being 3rd/4th string QB...without alot of help on offense (alot of injuries). Buffalo could've easily been a win game for us....minus the 20 yrd punt by Berry which enabled the Bills a 40 yrd field ( 7pts), and some of the stupid passes and missed tackles . Bills had 3rd and long many times and picked up the 1st down.....i.e. 3rd and 10 and they picked up 19 yrds !! We just couldn't stop the run game. And did we even BLITZ any last night ? I think our Steeler's did good this year for what we had to work with, we got to see alot of the younger player's come around, such as Washington, with potential for the future. I'm still not a big Conner fan, sorry. I really don't see us in the play-offs since, let's face it, this just isn't a play-off team. Tomlin did wonder's for what he had to work with, hopefully he knows who to work with and who to unload....coaches included. Let's just hope that we don't have any major injuries in the remaining games and get ready for a hell of a run next year, and that the damn cheater's are out of it also !!!

[vasteeler]

So do you guys think we should start Lynch the last two games

[Fire Goodell]

So do you guys think we should start Lynch the last two games

No