Steelers: Thoughts Going into the Bengals Game

December 4, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) calls an audible against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

If you are reading this, we made it through the Mayan-predicted end of the world. Cue the ABBA Disco music – it’s time to party.  Ok, wait, maybe I’m giving away my age, but oh well.

On to the Steelers:  Well, where do I start? I am tired of writing about what is wrong with the Steelers. In my opinion, there are still many things right about the team and organization that many other franchises don’t have. Here are some of my thoughts as we go into this game:

Willie Colon – What a shame to see him go on the Injured Reserve List again. After two complete years on the IR, he was finally have a great season. He plays the game all out and unfortunately, injuries happen to the offensive line at a high rate. I wish he was in this second game against Cincinnati. He was a BEAST in the first game. I’m afraid his injuries are becoming a liability to him and we may not see him back. However, I always felt he gave his all to the Steelers and hope he earns a place on the line again. I wonder when the injuries become too much though.

Running Back Drama –

• Mendenhall – In my book, he’s close to being a diva, but he hasn’t earned it. Running backs like the Viking’s Adrian Peterson have raised the bar for running backs. That guy came back from injury and said “I’ll show everyone – put me in and give me a chance.” It wasn’t about what was due him or owed him because of past performance. One of my favorite phrases: “Suck it up, buttercup!” Earn your money or go away and let someone else step in.
• Dwyer and Redmond – Both seem to be doing the right things when it comes to interacting with the media. They just want to play and help the team. They want to come back from injury as soon as possible and get in there. I can’t fault them for injury. I’m amazed that they can keep running into a solid wall of 6 or 7 300 pound lineman and still get some yards. Dwyer’s ability to bounce off and go another way is fun to watch.
• Baron Batch – I saw the interview for him on the NFL network and I’ve also read his blog before. His clock ticks a bit differently than some other football players, which you can see if you watch his twitter feed. However, I don’t care where his motivation comes from, just that he has motivation. I’m hoping he has a break out game soon. I’d like to see him succeed. It’s the typical American Dream story.

QB drama – Oh, am I sick of hearing about a rift between Roethlisberger and Haley. Seriously, I don’t care. No one gets along all the time. I think Roethlisberger’s comments were more mature than some of his previous comments. He should be allowed to voice frustration without the replay over and over and OVER again. Please, get over it sports pundits.

Going into Sunday:  Don’t think of last year’s Bengals. When you look at the Bengals you have to give them some respect. They’ve earned it. Are they the most dominant team in the league? No, but they are competitive in this division. Does Andy Dalton still have some off games? Yes, but as a team they have improved. My hat’s off to A.J. Green too. I wish Ike Taylor was in the game to cover him. I can only hope he has an off game against the Steelers on Sunday.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, I’m going to ask Santa for a few early Christmas presents:

• The Steelers need to have at least 4 sacks in the game – Harrison, Worilds, Keisel all get at least one.
• The Steelers need to have at least 2 interceptions and one is a pick 6. I nominate Ryan Clark for this.
• Ben Roethlisberger needs to play a complete game and not get sacked or throw any interceptions.
• Heath Miller needs to score at least two touchdowns.
• Last, but not least, the offensive line needs to have not any injuries.

Ok, so my wish list to Santa Claus probably isn’t realistic, but if  the Steelers can get the win with a Heath Miller touchdown then I will be ecstatic. (My husband is still on the hook to get me something for Christmas – be warned.)  I agree with Craig’s last post. The Steelers have a lot of talent and if we make it through the Apocalypse they should be competitive in this game.