Week 17: Steelers @ Ravens

[DesertSteel]

I just noticed that there was no week 17 thread.

The tale of the tape:

8-7 vs. 13-2
Hanging by a thread vs. Clinched
Starters vs. Backups
Flash in the pan QB vs. Has-been

Who you got??

Steelers 16-14 - but still miss the playoffs because Titans win.

[Rotorhead]

I am hoping for a win, but more importantly for a signature performance by the defense. I think the Titans are going to beat the Texans so it won’t matter for this game.

[AtlantaDan]

Add Conner to AV, Foster, Pouncey, McDonald, Moncrief (hard to recall he was a starter) and JuJu as starters who have not met the standard in 2019. Rudolph & Duck get a pass from me as backups forced into being starters.

Ravens 17-13 - Titans also losing would be a fitting way for the season to wind up

[teegre]

The NFL did something odd with the schedule: they moved the Steelers-Ravens game and the Titans-Texans game to 1:30 PST. If the Chiefs win (10:00 game), then the Texans have nothing to play for.

If the NFL has kept all three games at 10:00, then all of the games would have been competitive (which increases viewership... which is their goal).

SUMMATION:
Moving those games was odd... and could possibly hurt the Steelers.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

The NFL did something odd with the schedule: they moved the Steelers-Ravens game and the Titans-Texans game to 1:30 PST. If the Chiefs win (10:00 game), then the Texans have nothing to play for.

If the NFL has kept all three games at 10:00, then all of the games would have been competitive (which increases viewership... which is their goal).

SUMMATION:
Moving those games was odd... and could possibly hurt the Steelers.

Yea not cool when it matters for the playoffs but for ratings and the NFL could care less.

- - - Updated - - -

Add Conner to AV, Foster, Pouncey, McDonald, Moncrief (hard to recall he was a starter) and JuJu as starters who have not met the standard in 2019. Rudolph & Duck get a pass from me as backups forced into being starters.

Ravens 17-13 - Titans also losing would be a fitting way for the season to wind up

Steelers need to think hard this offseason about parting ways with Conner and specially Pouncey. Maybe keep Conner his final year cause he comes cheap.

[Steeler-in-west]

I agree with others who say it’s going to be a repeat of the end of last year,

except with a half game worse record

[DesertSteel]

I'm shocked that Conner is out!

[j-d-s]

The NFL did something odd with the schedule: they moved the Steelers-Ravens game and the Titans-Texans game to 1:30 PST. If the Chiefs win (10:00 game), then the Texans have nothing to play for.

If the NFL has kept all three games at 10:00, then all of the games would have been competitive (which increases viewership... which is their goal).

SUMMATION:
Moving those games was odd... and could possibly hurt the Steelers.

Would the NFL rather have us in the Playoffs or the Titans?

[pczach]

Would the NFL rather have us in the Playoffs or the Titans?

Who would the NFL rather have on Hard Knocks?

I think that might be the more valid question.

[86WARD]

Who would the NFL rather have on Hard Knocks?

I think that might be the more valid question.

You don’t get a lot of chances to get the Steelers on Hard Knocks...so if it’s there, the NFL is most likely to grab the chance...

[Crow-Magnon]

First things first-I think the Steelers got fisted. The goal is for all teams playing for something to be on equal footing. The flex scheduling was botched as far as the Chiefs and Texans are concerned. If the shoe was on the other (Ravens) foot, I’d be pissed.

I don’t know if I would label RGIII a has-been. Playing for the ‘Skins and Browns was not great for his career, and after injuries no one wanted to take a chance on him as a starter. But he’s played decently this year so far when spelling Jackson and starting this game is going to give him a chance to show what he can do as a starter. At this stage, he’s a better QB than Duck or Lynch.

The Ravens will be resting some starters. But this is not a meaningless game. Baltimore is going to play to win against their biggest rival for sure. And unless Duck really steps up his game, I feel it will not be that close of a game.

Ravens 24 Pittsburgh 13

[Edman]

If the Steelers didn’t trot out the wildcat against Baltimore and Buffalo, they likely somehow pull those games out and don’t need help in the final week.

Or if Juju could catch.

Or if Conner can hold onto a football.

Once again, their situation is of their own doing, and no one else’s.

[teegre]

If the Steelers didn’t trot out the wildcat against Baltimore and Buffalo, they likely somehow pull those games out and don’t need help in the final week.

Or if Juju could catch.

Or if Conner can hold onto a football.

Once again, their situation is of their own doing, and no one else’s.

Well, yeah. If the Steelers had beaten the Jets OR the Bills OR the Browns OR any of the AFC teams, they’d hold the tie-breaker over the Titans. Everyone knows that.

The point about Week 17 is that the NFL changed the schedule to make it less competitive. It’s an odd move by the NFL (because, less competitive games means fewer viewers).

[BlackAndGold]

Whatever happens, happens. This season was basically over when Ben went down they made something out of it finishing with a .500 record.

[AtlantaDan]

Would the NFL rather have us in the Playoffs or the Titans?

Steelers are TV ratings gold - if the NFL could pick teams it would have the Pats, Cowboys, Packers and Steelers in the playoffs every year

[Crow-Magnon]

Steelers are TV ratings gold - if the NFL could pick teams it would have the Pats, Cowboys, Packers and Steelers in the playoffs every year

That’s truth right there.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Ravens 30-Steelers 13.

Clock strikes 12 on the Steelers season and their only win against an opponent with a winning record is the 9-7 Rams.

[AtlantaDan]

Ravens 30-Steelers 13.

Clock strikes 12 on the Steelers season and their only win against an opponent with a winning record is the 9-7 Rams.

Don’t sleep on the Rams losing to Arizona and finishing 8-8 if Kyler Murray plays tomorrow

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Don’t sleep on the Rams losing to Arizona and finishing 8-8 if Kyler Murray plays tomorrow

You are correct, the Rams have the talent to beat any team in the NFL, but can lose to them all as well. Would love for the Steelers to make the Wildcard, but just don't see it.

[Edman]

Here is how the Steelers fared in recent times needing help to make the playoffs.

2013- Steelers beat the Browns and have the Ravens and Dolphins lose. They need the Chiefs to beat the Chargers, but Ryan Succop shanks the game winning FG and San Diego wins in Overtime.

2015- Steelers beat the Browns and the Bills beat the Jets, giving the Steelers the 6th spot.

2018- Steelers beat the Bengals but the Ravens beat the Browns, giving Baltimore the AFC North title.

Three shots. Only worked out once.

Anyway, the Steelers keep it close early, but their utter lack of Offensive cohesiveness dooms them. Duck remains cooked. RGIII is befuddled by the Steelers Defense does just enough to help the Ravens win with a few big plays downfield.

21-9 Ravens.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Here is how the Steelers fared in recent times needing help to make the playoffs.

2013- Steelers beat the Browns and have the Ravens and Dolphins lose. They need the Chiefs to beat the Chargers, but Ryan Succop shanks the game winning FG and San Diego wins in Overtime.

2015- Steelers beat the Browns and the Bills beat the Jets, giving the Steelers the 6th spot.

2018- Steelers beat the Bengals but the Ravens beat the Browns, giving Baltimore the AFC North title.

Three shots. Only worked out once.

Anyway, the Steelers keep it close early, but their utter lack of Offensive cohesiveness dooms them. Duck remains cooked. RGIII is befuddled by the Steelers Defense does just enough to help the Ravens win with a few big plays downfield.

21-9 Ravens.

Wrong and Fichnter brings in Lynch on every third down to run the Wildcat. Steelers win 47-10. Because Ravens have no game film on Lynch and can't stop the WC two times in a row.

[j-d-s]

First things first-I think the Steelers got fisted. The goal is for all teams playing for something to be on equal footing. The flex scheduling was botched as far as the Chiefs and Texans are concerned. If the shoe was on the other (Ravens) foot, I’d be pissed.

I don’t know if I would label RGIII a has-been. Playing for the ‘Skins and Browns was not great for his career, and after injuries no one wanted to take a chance on him as a starter. But he’s played decently this year so far when spelling Jackson and starting this game is going to give him a chance to show what he can do as a starter. At this stage, he’s a better QB than Duck or Lynch.

The Ravens will be resting some starters. But this is not a meaningless game. Baltimore is going to play to win against their biggest rival for sure. And unless Duck really steps up his game, I feel it will not be that close of a game.

Ravens 24 Pittsburgh 13

RG3 doesn't face Duck, he's facing TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, etc.

[HollywoodSteel]

All the Ravens have to do is dial up the same blitzes the Bills did. We made no adjustments for it in that game. I have no reason to believe Fichtner has given it much thought since.

[Moose]

Thank God this pathetic, disaster season is coming to an end and I'll get my Sunday's back. This team, other than 2 or 3 pro players, was made of nothing but bench warmers. My opinion, get rid of Conner ( china doll made of glass and never able to play week to week, undependable) and walking papers to Pouncey and high school punter Berry. JuJu is walking a thin line in my book also ,( a 23 yr old with a 16 yr old mentality.....driving over 100mph and filming on UTube....what a ass and a future A.Brown). I was really disappointed in our F.O. and some decisions they made. Tomlin worked wonder's with the slop he had to put together week after week. Hopefully a NEW O.C. will be on the sidelines next year. Ben going down definitely changed the season on that day. I was glad to see our QB status, and I think with some work there may be a future for 1 or both of them. As far as play-off goes, I'm not putting any faith in 6th seed and going any further if that is attainable. We just aren't that caliber of talent to extend this season. We lose to terrible teams and can't compete with good teams. Hopefully our F.O. works out some much needed changes during the off season, some coach changes included, and FINALLY get the BLACK/GOLD back on the track of an ELITE competitive team that we all are used to being. IT'S BEEN TOO LONG since we've been feared !!! Just my opinion since being a fan from the late 60's early 70's and remember the POWER HOUSE Black/Gold feeling. The ole'- tape 'em up, shoot 'em up and put 'em back on the field....when player's actually tackled and blood on the uniform was part of the uniform !! Oh well, thanks for letting me vent. God Bless....have a great off season !

[HollywoodSteel]

Thank God this pathetic, disaster season is coming to an end and I'll get my Sunday's back. This team, other than 2 or 3 pro players, was made of nothing but bench warmers. My opinion, get rid of Conner ( china doll made of glass and never able to play week to week, undependable) and walking papers to Pouncey and high school punter Berry. JuJu is walking a thin line in my book also ,( a 23 yr old with a 16 yr old mentality.....driving over 100mph and filming on UTube....what a ass and a future A.Brown). I was really disappointed in our F.O. and some decisions they made. Tomlin worked wonder's with the slop he had to put together week after week. Hopefully a NEW O.C. will be on the sidelines next year. Ben going down definitely changed the season on that day. I was glad to see our QB status, and I think with some work there may be a future for 1 or both of them. As far as play-off goes, I'm not putting any faith in 6th seed and going any further if that is attainable. We just aren't that caliber of talent to extend this season. We lose to terrible teams and can't compete with good teams. Hopefully our F.O. works out some much needed changes during the off season, some coach changes included, and FINALLY get the BLACK/GOLD back on the track of an ELITE competitive team that we all are used to being. IT'S BEEN TOO LONG since we've been feared !!! Just my opinion since being a fan from the late 60's early 70's and remember the POWER HOUSE Black/Gold feeling. The ole'- tape 'em up, shoot 'em up and put 'em back on the field....when player's actually tackled and blood on the uniform was part of the uniform !! Oh well, thanks for letting me vent. God Bless....have a great off season !

I absolutely understand, and agree with, the emotions behind your post. It’s been that kind of season for me too. But my frustration stems from my belief that we are so painfully close to be being really good... not that we need to clean house or anything.

I believe with Ben at QB this could have been a Super Bowl caliber team. He compensates for most of the glaring offensive flaws we seem to have. Remember the line we had in ‘08? We could absolutely win with the guys we have if Ben were under center.

Speaking of Ben, for all the talk about him being a drama queen, he really is a throwback to the old bloody em up and go back in. Remember when the Ravens broke his nose and he went back in two plays later? And of course won the game?

I think we really need to appreciate the time we have left with Ben. Who knows what life will look like when he’s gone.

[Neversatisfied]

This season sucked but turned every Steelers fans opinion on the defense from bleak to optimistic in 6 weeks. The defense looks like a defense that can bring the Lombardi back to Pittsburgh. The offense on the other hand has been historically bad. Fingers crossed Ben comes back for a final season, the draft brings offensive playmakes and free agency is more active than years past.

[pczach]

All the Ravens have to do is dial up the same blitzes the Bills did. We made no adjustments for it in that game. I have no reason to believe Fichtner has given it much thought since.

I hope you know that there are blitzes that are the responsibility of the quarterback to identify the blitz and throw to the hot receiver. The OC can't control everything from the sideline, and he certainly can't call protections on plays when he has no idea what the defense is throwing at the offense from play to play. The quarterback is responsible for a lot. That is why there is such a glaring difference between a high-level starting quarterback and a fourth string rookie undrafted player.

I just wish more people understood how this stuff works.

If Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, Bill Parcels, or any other legendary coach or offensive mind was forced to play with a rookie undrafted fourth string QB....they would be struggling too.

[Mojouw]

I hope you know that there are blitzes that are the responsibility of the quarterback to identify the blitz and throw to the hot receiver. The OC can't control everything from the sideline, and he certainly can't call protections on plays when he has no idea what the defense is throwing at the offense from play to play. The quarterback is responsible for a lot. That is why there is such a glaring difference between a high-level starting quarterback and a fourth string rookie undrafted player.

I just wish more people understood how this stuff works.

If Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, Bill Parcels, or any other legendary coach or offensive mind was forced to play with a rookie undrafted fourth string QB....they would be struggling too.

Right? The inability of the gloom and doom crew to realize this just demonstrates that it's Fire Tomlin and Fichtber no matter what.

[AtlantaDan]

Right? The inability of the gloom and doom crew to realize this just demonstrates that it's Fire Tomlin and Fichtber no matter what.

There is a lot more to wanting Fichtner gone than that

He is a lifer non-coordinator assistant who was promoted to OC based on a personal connection - it was as meritorious a promotion as a controlling shareholder’s idiot son in law becoming a corporate VP

[Mojouw]

There is a lot more to wanting Fichtner gone than that

He is a lifer non-coordinator assistant who was promoted to OC based on a personal connection - it was as meritorious a promotion as a controlling shareholder’s idiot son in law becoming a corporate VP

That's nonsense and you know it. Led the league in passing and had a top season in scoring efficiency in 2018.

Exactly what he was brought in to do.

There isn't an OC alive that could do much with the disaster at QB this season.