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Jags vs. Steelers
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Mostly a copy/paste from earlier thread, but a few other thoughts tossed in the mix.
As much as I love my boys in Pitt I can't see them pulling out a win against the Jags. The loss of Aaron Smith at DE has devastated their ability to stop the run, their pass rush has virtually disappeared as well. The Jags exploited that hole a couple of weeks ago and will do so once again, look for them to have major success running to the left side.
Pitt's O-line problems have only gotten worse. Weakest point has been left tackle, their backup Max Starks was lost for the season in the last regular season game against Baltimore. They are down to the 3rd string guy there, and only have one other healthy linemen. There has been some talk that they will move Alan Faneca to left tackle, probably not a bad idea but it still leaves a 3rd (Trai Essex) stringer at left guard. He has had one start in the past two years, lovely. The other injuries in the secondary and backfield only add to their woes, too many starters on IR and backups injured as well.
They seem to have finally fixed their return coverage issues, but that's a moot point considering the problems they have on offense/defense at this stage in the game. It's amazing Ben had such a great season given the poor protection all year, but I don't think he's gonna be able to do enough to get it done against a stout Jags team.
I'm just hoping Pitt can get out of this game without any more serious injuries that will affect next year. They will likely lose Faneca and need to rebuild the left side of their O line. Considering that problem and the schedule for next season I would not be surprised to see them finish @ 8-8, or worse.
As much as I love my boys in Pitt I can't see them pulling out a win against the Jags. The loss of Aaron Smith at DE has devastated their ability to stop the run, their pass rush has virtually disappeared as well. The Jags exploited that hole a couple of weeks ago and will do so once again, look for them to have major success running to the left side.
Pitt's O-line problems have only gotten worse. Weakest point has been left tackle, their backup Max Starks was lost for the season in the last regular season game against Baltimore. They are down to the 3rd string guy there, and only have one other healthy linemen. There has been some talk that they will move Alan Faneca to left tackle, probably not a bad idea but it still leaves a 3rd (Trai Essex) stringer at left guard. He has had one start in the past two years, lovely. The other injuries in the secondary and backfield only add to their woes, too many starters on IR and backups injured as well.
They seem to have finally fixed their return coverage issues, but that's a moot point considering the problems they have on offense/defense at this stage in the game. It's amazing Ben had such a great season given the poor protection all year, but I don't think he's gonna be able to do enough to get it done against a stout Jags team.
I'm just hoping Pitt can get out of this game without any more serious injuries that will affect next year. They will likely lose Faneca and need to rebuild the left side of their O line. Considering that problem and the schedule for next season I would not be surprised to see them finish @ 8-8, or worse.
kranky
Elite Member
My outlook isn't so bleak for the Steelers. Marvell Smith gave up 4 sacks when they played the Jags last month, but his back was so bad he should have not been in there. Essex will be an upgrade there compared to the crippled Smith.
And QBs in their first playoff game are 2-13 since 2003. The two wins were Roethlisberger against the Jets (and he played so badly they should have lost - it took TWO missed Jet FG attempts to let the Steelers squeak by) and Brady against the Raiders. I know Garrard isn't a fresh-out-of-college rookie, but it's still his first playoff game.
The Steelers have had some key injuries, but they are playing at home and that counts for something. The grass will be wet, so if the defense can stuff the run and force the Jags to pass, I like the Steelers chances. If neither team can run effectively, I think that's an advantage for the Steelers.
And QBs in their first playoff game are 2-13 since 2003. The two wins were Roethlisberger against the Jets (and he played so badly they should have lost - it took TWO missed Jet FG attempts to let the Steelers squeak by) and Brady against the Raiders. I know Garrard isn't a fresh-out-of-college rookie, but it's still his first playoff game.
The Steelers have had some key injuries, but they are playing at home and that counts for something. The grass will be wet, so if the defense can stuff the run and force the Jags to pass, I like the Steelers chances. If neither team can run effectively, I think that's an advantage for the Steelers.
BeauJangles
Lifer
Your input is appreciated. A+
I agree with Bill Simmons' outlook on the game: with poor field conditions and a lot of playoff-experienced guys on the Steelers side, you can't count them out.
NoStateofMind
Diamond Member
Jags roflstomp steelers
kalipoo2000
Senior member
ThePresence
Elite Member
That was a dumb challenge.
Capt Caveman
Lifer
Nice Return!
ThePresence
Elite Member
Crap, that was fast.
Cdubneeddeal
Diamond Member
Tough game to call, really tough game. I would honestly favor the Steelers but damn, the Jags have a pretty damn good team. I'm staying neutral on this one.
