October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) straps on his helmet against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This week James Harrison had his introductory press conference with the Cincinnati media and for me, the sting of losing Harrison came back to the surface again. I never thought I would agree with Bengals CB Adam “Pac Man” Jones about anything. According to NBC Pro Football Talk.com Jones said this about Harrison: “He gives you that swagger and that seal. When you mail out the letter you have to make sure you put a stamp on it. Well, he’s the stamp.” The Bengals were already good. The Bengals defense only lost Manny Lawson this off-season through free agency but replaced him with Harrison. In recent years the Bengals defense has been consistently one of the best defenses in the NFL but definitely seemed to be lacking something. Yes Harrison just may be that “stamp” the Bengals need to push through the wall the Bengals know as the Wildcard round.

The only good news in all of this for the Steelers and their fans is the Bengals run a 4-3 defense. Reports are the Bengals are moving Harrison to the left side in their 4-3 defense. Harrison has played his whole career at outside linebacker on the right side of Pittsburgh’s defense. It is hard to know at this point whether Harrison’s play at a new position, in  a new scheme with new terminology can be as effective as he was in the 3-4. Bengals Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer is one of the best in the league (and it is a mystery how he has not been offered a head coaching position) and surely will find ways to try and utilize Harrison effectively.

Overlooked Factors of Leaving Pittsburgh

Something else that comes into all of this that is often overlooked and to me, is one of the biggest reasons why free agent signings don’t work out, will be Harrison’s comfort zone. Right now his whole comfort zone has changed. It has been turned upside down. Most people don’t like change especially when things are going well. Particularly athletes. Never underestimate what these changes can do to psyche of any individual especially someone as regimented as Harrison. A new team, new city, new neighborhood/home, new locker room, new teammates, new coaches, new practice schedule, different way of practicing and new training staff are just some of the reasons why players are taken out of their comfort zone. Some players never make the adjustment thus the reason they fail after  leaving the team they had so much prior success with.  Add in learning a new position in a different scheme with new terminology. It will take Harrison some time to adjust, time which he may not have and the Bengals may not give him.

Harrison’s Presence In The Bengals Defense May Be More Intangible

The Bengals defense may be good but it is hard to name anyone outside of ILB Rey Maualuga or Geno Atkins who may be the best defensive tackle in the league and a player the Steelers have yet to contain. No player on the Bengals will outwork Harrison on or off of the field.  No one will prepare better than him. He has an ‘at all costs’ burning desire to succeed. Harrison was always a great teammate and played selflessly. He was not a “look at me” guy. He was not a showboat. He let his play speak for himself. Harrison brings to the Bengals a championship mentality and the work ethic it takes to achieve it. Harrison will be a leader by example. Adding Harrison and everything he brings to that locker room can only help the Bengals.

Harrison’s Intangibles                                                                                         

December 23, 2012;  Steelers Harrison (92) and  Roethlisberger (7). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

James Harrison’s career is full of accolades. But this is about what he specifically brought to the Steelers that can’t be measured in statistics or awards. The loss of Harrison will linger for many reasons. What does is say that the 2 teams most interested in signing Harrison, the Ravens and the Bengals were the Steelers two biggest competitors? Harrison still has gas left in his tank and was one of the best defensive players the Steelers had last season. He was the Steelers intimidator. Just the site of him put fear into opponents, particularly quarterbacks. He played with a chip on his shoulder. He has an edge to him on and off of the field that not many people have. He is a physical force. He is mean. He is nasty. He is tough. He is feared and voted as such by his peers. Harrison kept alive Greg Lloyd’s “I wasn’t hired for my disposition” attitude the Steelers fans loved. Harrison has swagger and it was contagious to his teammates and the fans.

There is no one on the Steelers team capable of replacing the loss of James Harrison’s intangibles. If you doubt what I have been saying about James Harrison then listen to what his fellow NFL players and others have said  about him:

• In a 2009 ESPN player survey James Harrison was voted the AFC North’s Toughest Player.
• In November 2010 according to the website “Bleacher Report”, James Harrison was one of the NFL’s 10 hardest hitters.
• In October 2011 in a Sports Illustrated players poll James Harrison was voted as NFL’s meanest player. Harrison received 35% of the votes and was the easy winner over Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who finished second with 15% of the vote.
• October 2011 on the ESPN television show “SporstsNation” Hulk Hogan proclaimed James Harrison as “The baddest dude in the NFL”.
• In January 2012 ESPN polled 20 Hall of Fame players who voted James Harrison to the “Any Era” team, players that were so tough they could play in any era.
• In August 2012 an ESPN poll that asked NFL players, “Who is the most violent, dangerous player in the NFL?” Harrison was the runaway winner, with 67.5 percent of the vote.

If Harrison is the Stamp For The Bengals Then He Was the Steelers Postman          

December 2, 2012;Baltimore, MD, USA;Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) runs with the ball while being chased by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92)

Harrison particularly played his best against the hated rivals. The Ravens always brought out the best in him. Harrison is a Raven’s killer. Besides being the author of the greatest defensive play in Superbowl and NFL history Harrison was also the author of the greatest defensive performance I ever witnessed in the NFL. Monday night November 5, 2007 Heinz Field against the Ravens, Harrison piled up 9 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. That is a whole career for Ziggy Hood. He went on to be voted by his teammates to be the Steelers MVP that year. In 2008 he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.  Rain, snow, hot, cold, place, grass, field turf, mud, opponent, day or time James Harrison showed up to play and he delivered for the Steelers.

How Do The Steelers Replace What Harrison Brought?                               

Is it possible replace the leagues meanest, toughest, most violent and dangerous player?  No. During television interviews this off season I watched Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark and Ike Taylor all express disappointment in the loss of Harrison.  All three expressed just how much Harrison meant to the defense as far as his play and the intimidation factor he brought to the Steelers defense. All three in a politically correct way said what Harrison brought could not be replaced.

As a fan I personally have not felt this way before about the loss of a player. It feels to me like some of the worst game losses I have suffered through as a Steelers fan. The ones that don’t go away like the Sunday night loss at home to the Ravens in 2011. I can’t watch anything that has to do with Super Bowl XLV against the Packers. Both New England AFC Championship games which are made even worse after the fact because they occurred during “Spygate’. The Broncos (97′) and Chargers (94′) AFC Championship games. The 82′ playoff game against the Chargers. The 76′ Raiders AFC Championship game. All games they either should have won or were the better team that cost them Superbowl appearances and victories. There are others but those are the ones that will never go away.

Those game losses are how I feel about losing Harrison. I may not carry it with me for the rest of my life but I will for several years to come. Harrison should have finished his career a Pittsburgh Steeler. It appears that he, his agent and the Steelers all are at fault for that.  They should have found a way to work it out.  He was one of their best players-ever. He was the epitome of what being a Pittsburgh Steeler is. Like the losses that still eat at me till this day, the loss of Harrison will be stamped on my soul and the soul of many in Steeler Nation.  Adam “Pac” Man Jones was right.

The Steelers have played mistake football over the first 165 Weeks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Instead of comfortably coasting into the postseason with Baltimore in the middle of their own late-season slump by beating their lowly and inconsistent foes, the Steelers have basically made their last two contests “must wins” due to their inconsistent and undisciplined play.  Although I cannot say that I am completely surprised that Pittsburgh is in their current state though.

In fact, if you care to recollect readers, I was actually the NPC member who predicted a “7 Win season” back in September.  And yes, I continue to firmly believe that the Steelers are not worthy of a postseason berth after how the collective “team” has performed through the first 15 Weeks of the regular season.

But as we all know readers, the Steelers are “still alive” for a postseason berth, and even have a chance at another A.F.C. North title if Baltimore continues their current hilarious collapse.  Thus, tomorrow’s game will be Pittsburgh’s “ultimate gut check” as a “W” will allow them to control their own destiny for another week, and a “L” will dash the team’s playoff dreams.  I however just do not see the recidivist 2012 Steelers collectively “nutting up” tomorrow.

Sure, we can all “Bag on The Bungles” and talk about how “Ginger Spice & Co.” have yet to win a game over last two years against a top-tier A.F.C. foe (0-6 vs. Pittsburgh & Baltimore).  And hey, the Steelers have recent history on their side as their roster is littered with numerous players who have eons of big game and postseason experience.  But you know what readers?  Cincinnati is not going to just roll over when they see the Black & Gold hit their home turf.

The Bengals are currently fighting for respect, relevance, and to affirm to those around the N.F.L. that they have the “huevos” to compete at the highest level and can compete for a playoff spot every season.  They battled back from the “dead” (3-5) at midseason and have won 5 of their last 6 games to now sit in the driver’s seat for the A.F.C.’s #6 seed and set themselves up for a legitimate shot at an A.F.C. North title.  Cincinnati has a roster littered with fantastic young talent and although they have struggled at times with growing pains, they are not the “pushover” Bungles of the last two decades.  A.J. Green (85 Catches, 1,208 Yards, 11 TD’s) is one of the Top 5 players at his position, and Geno Atkins is leading a Defensive Front (10.5 Sacks) that can bring the heat with the best of them.  What better way for the Bengals to show the League that they mean business than to embarrass their long-standing rivals on their own home field.

As hot as the Bengals have been as of late, the Steelers on the other hand are as what I can only refer to as an  “undisciplined dumpster fire of madness” at this point in the season.  From the constant bickering between the team’s All-Pro Quarterback and Offensive Coordinator, to the supposedly “elite” and butterfingered Wide Receiver pissing and moaning about Targets, Touches, and Focus although he is on pace to eclipse his career mark in the category, to the Defense’s “Paper Champion” #1 status despite the fact that they cannot force Turnovers or collapse the pocket consistently, and the overall lack of discipline when it has come to being penalized and playing down to their competition, the 2012 Steelers are exactly the type of team the Bengals want to play right now.

Granted, there have been a few bright spots for the Steelers this season (i.e. Heath Miller, Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote, Ryan Clark, Max Starks, Shaun Suisham), but the “bad” have outweighed the accomplishments of the “good” at this point in the season.  Unfortunately for the Steelers, injuries have recently decimated the Secondary, and it now looks like the team will be without starting Cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Keenan Lewis as well.  Cortez Allen has potential to be a starter one day, but if “Ginger Spice” and Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden not picking on him consistently with A.J. Green I will be absolutely dumbfounded.  What is worse is the fact that Pittsburgh’s Run Defense has had a down-season as well, and Running Back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has saved his most productive football for the month of December (62 Carries for 313 Yards, 5.04 YPC, 1 TD).

Final Thoughts

To be honest, I actually picked the Steelers to win tomorrow when I sent my Week 16 selections via email to Kim.  My “homer nature” unfortunately got the best of me in that situation, because as I continue to analyze this matchup more and more, the less and less I like the Pittsburgh’s chances to win.  I will say that with #7 under Center that the Steelers have a chance to win any game at any time at any place.  Unfortunately, because football is a team game, and due to the team’s injuries and undisciplined nature, Big Ben and the rest of the team’s few over-achievers this year must play their best football to earn the victory and stay alive.

If the Steelers were primed to make a postseason run this year, they would have illustrated more signs over the last two months and strung together multiple consistent performances.  It hurts to say it, but I see the 2012 season coming to a close from a competitive standpoint tomorrow afternoon for Pittsburgh.

Final Score:

Cincinnati: 34

Pittsburgh: 19

Readers: Time to chime in.  Am I wrong with my Bengals pick?  Why or why not?  In fact, I am interested to read exactly why you believe that the Steelers will emerge victorious tomorrow.  Share your thoughts below.

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and Team Rankings.com

Green is already one of the best Wide Receivers in professional football. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

As it stands now, the Steelers are staring a 2-4 start dead in the face and must take on the rival Bengals in a crucial Sunday Night Football matchup tomorrow.  To have any sort of legitimate shot of winning this game though, the Steelers’ beleaguered Defense must find some ways to contain Green and the Bengals’ Offense.  Unfortunately for Pittsburgh’s Defense, Green’s skill-set and overall logic will make the upcoming task a close to impossible one.

Green’s Incredible 21 Game Start

It is typically the norm for most Rookie Wide Receivers to struggle early on in their careers’.  Whether the issues are with adjusting to the physicality and talent level of their competition, and/or just fine tuning their overall skills in general, even the most talented and highly touted of Rookie pass-catchers have their struggles.  A.J. Green is an exception to the previously mentioned norm.

After he burst on the N.F.L. scene last year as a Rookie, Green has continued his stellar production in 2012 (43 Catches (T-3rd), 628 Yards (League-Leader), 6 TD’s (T-2nd)).  Over his first 21 games dating back to last year, Green has amassed an amazing 108 Catches for 1,685 Yards and caught 13 Touchdowns.  What is even more impressive is the fact that last month’s A.F.C. Player of the Month is on pace this year to shatter his solid numbers from last season (65 Catches, 1,057 Yards, 7 TD’s).  If Green continues to produce at his current 2012 level, he is set to challenge franchise season Receiving records with a stat line of 115 Catches (Record), 1,675 Yards (Record), and 16 TD’s (Carl Pickens’ 17 is Record) this season.

In my opinion, Green scares me more than any other Bengals pass catcher I have seen on the Bengals franchise with his awesome combination of size (6’4″ 207 lbs.), speed, and hands.  He is a more imposing and developing into a better deep threat than Pickens and my childhood pass-catching hero (#6 of the SDSU Aztecs) Darnay Scott from the 1990′s, and is far-and-away more talented and productive than Ocho-Psycho or T.J. Houshmandzadeh over the 2000′s.  If Green continues to gel with his Quarterback, and Cincinnati’s other pass-catching options become consistent threats around him, he has all the tools to really develop into a special player.  Yet as talented as Green is, and as much as I already fear what he can do against the Steelers, he could really be primed for a ridiculously awesome night because of how dreadful his upcoming competition has played over the course of this season

Pittsburgh’s Porous Secondary, and Is There Anything The Defense Can Do?

First of all, I hope somebody called the “Waahm-Bulance” and ordered some Large “Curly Cries” for Steelers Cornerback Ike Taylor.  Heck, I hope somebody introduced him to some important stats he chose to overlook when he blasted the media recently.  I probably would have stopped (rightfully) criticizing the Defense for all of their faults and deficiencies this season, because honestly, I can only rip on the same issues they refuse to fix so many times before I get bored and ultimately frustrated.

Yet after his little radio show tantrum against subversive and ill-informed media types, Ike just bought himself and the rest of the under-performers on Defense an unlimited supply of healthy criticism from this blogger until they actually decide to “nut-up” against some of their supposedly inferior foes.  Unfortunately for Taylor and his fellow Defensive Backs, tomorrow night’s matchup might not be the most ideal situation for them to excel after how poorly they have played this year.

On the season, Taylor has been flagged for numerous penalties (including 3 last week), and was most recently abused by the stone-handed yet still talented Kenny Britt last Thursday night in Nashville.  As poorly as he has played over the last six games (includes dumpster-fire Wild Card game), Taylor is without a doubt the most experienced, as well as most talented Cornerback on Pittsburgh’s roster.  This is bad news for the Steelers, because Green is likely the most talented pass-catcher the team will face all season, and has the size, speed, and physical nature to give the Cornerbacks fits on the back-end.

Green’s presence alone will force the Steelers to key on him and likely give Taylor over the top Safety help for most of the night, although Taylor apparently is not expecting or asking for it.  If the Safety help does indeed occur, which it should for Taylor’s sake, other Bengals like Jermaine Gresham or Andrew Hawkins can find acres of open space to work with and attack Pittsburgh’s Secondary.  If the Steelers Defense is to do anything besides actually cover Green and his pass-catching friends to stop Cincinnati’s passing attack, they will need to have a fine collective performance from their pass-rushers as they attempt to put pressure on Dalton in obvious passing situations.

Sadly, I wouldn’t hold my breath on the pass rush from the Outside making an appearance though.  Think about it: An overweight LaMarr Woodley on a bum hamstring?  James Harrison still a bit hobbled?  Then mix in the likely strategy involving zero creative Defensive Back blitzes courtesy of Coordinator Dick LeBeau.  Plus, I am sure that the 5-Techniques (Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward, Brett Keisel: 2.0 Sacks combined) will continue to underwhelm in terms of their pocket collapse.  Unless the players/schemes I mentioned before can find a way to excel, or Jason Worilds can establish himself as a consistent threat off the edge, hungry Rookie Adrian Robinson is actually allowed to play a Defensive snap or two and attack the Quarterback in passing situations, and Brandon Johnson wants to exact some revenge on his former team, the Bengals make-shift (17.0 Sacks on the season) Offensive Line could cruise to a decent night.

Pittsburgh’s pass-rush however might find some success blitzing Cincinnati if they decide to attack the interior of Cincinnati’s Offensive Line tomorrow.  Remember readers, the Bengals are missing their starting Center Kyle Cook, and some well-timed A-Gap blitzes courtesy of Lawrence Timmons or even Johnson could give Cook, Rookie Right Guard Kevin Zeitler, and 1st Year starter Clint Boling at Left Guard some issues if they are disguised/executed properly and quickly.  The interior blitzes could be something to watch for fans, and might be an X-Factor to help this Defense stay in the game, force mistakes, rattle Dalton, prevent him from finding his pass-catchers like Green, and give the Steelers a fighting chance.

Final Thoughts

After what Kenny Britt did to Taylor and the Secondary, Green might enjoy a career night under the lights at Paul Brown Stadium tomorrow night.  If Dalton is not looking in Green’s direction all night long and BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Cedric Peerman are not tearing things up on the ground, I will assume Jay Gruden drew his game-plan up in crayon or studied extensively at the “Bruce Arians Academy for “Offensive” Coordinators.”  The matchup between Green and any of Pittsburgh’s Defensive Backs (whether it is in Man or finding holes in the soft Zone) is too obvious not to exploit, and could make this an ugly game to watch throughout the night for us Steelers fans.

I still hold out hope that this will be the week that Pittsburgh’s Defense turns things around, and the Secondary finally shows signs of improvement.  The optimist in me will say that this current 10-day rest period has helped the Defense reflect, re-group, and hungry to make the necessary adjustments.  The “Negative-Nancy” pessimist in me says that  with Green and his presence looming, Sunday night might not be the most comfortable of situations for the Steelers Defense.

I hope the optimist in me is right.

Readers:  Will the Steelers contain Green?  If so, how?  And to what extent?  Or, will Green have a big day?  If so, how big?  Franchise-record big?  League-record big?  Should Ike Taylor continue to start?  Seriously, share your thoughts on tomorrow’s game below, and post your predictions and why you feel a certain way.

Stats Courtesy of: Team Rankings.com, ESPN.com,

This could very well represent the Steelers and their house of cards if they can’t pull out a win in Cincy.

Every team in the NFL is beatable.  Some are just tougher than others.  Some easier.  The Steelers have had the Bengals number for quite some time.  Sure they’ve had some losses from Cincy while Marvel Smith desperately tries to pull that team from the depths of bad reputations and bungling ways.  But, for the most part the Steelers do a fairly good job of exposing the kind of team the Bengals really are.

This season is a very different season for the Steelers.  The defense (for the worse) and offense (for the most part for the better) are uncharacteristic to what Steeler Nation is used to seeing and expecting from their beloved team.  That’s what is most frustrating about this season – the Steelers are quite simply beating themselves.  Each of the teams they’ve faced so far this season are very beatable.  The Broncos have finally found their stride and hope with Peyton Manning, but they were a different team and very exposed in Week 1.  The Raiders and Titans (THE FRIGGIN RAIDERS AND TITANS) were and still are very beatable teams.  The Steelers have become quite good at the 4th quarter implosion.  The Cincy Bengals and Raggedy Andy – also very beatable in 2012.

So my friends of Steeler Nation.  Will the Steelers be able to overcome themselves in order to pull out a victory on Cincy soil?

Is the game against the Super Bowl Champ Giants and Eli the most crucial this season? Credit: Jim O US Presswire

The Steelers’ 2012 schedule is a bit of a tough nut to crack with regards to how ‘tough’ or how ‘easy’ it is.  It appears to have stretches of weeks that seem very manageable and others that will test the toughness and fortitude of the Black & Gold.  And, of course, the NFL has done another lovely job of packing in the most heated rivalry in the league.  But which game will the be the most crucial for the Steelers?

The team faces two AFC West opponents in the Broncos and Raiders and a weak AFC East Jets within the first three weeks of the season.  Peyton Manning joins the Broncos in hopes to ramp up what was a rather barren Tebow’d offense.  As the first game of the season, the Steelers will have a young offensive line going against a defense that ranked 18th defending the pass and 24th defending the run.  Not a huge test, but it will be the first time where it counts for a line that could potentially have two rookie starters.  Peyton is sure to test the defense, and our defense will need some inspirational injected play all season long if they want to redeem themselves and get the team back to the playoffs.  The defense was the top ranked defense, once again, last season.  But, they were just about the root cause of why the team lost in the Wild Card round and made Tim Tebow look like Bart Starr.  Is this first game of the season the most crucial game for the Steelers?  Last season, the team suffered a crushing loss to the Ravens in Week 1 and put themselves in a deep hole in the AFC North race.  They never were able to surpass the Ravens for the division and drew the Broncos in that Wild Card game.

The Steelers have a bye week in Week 4 then face the Eagles, Titans, Bengals, and Redskins the next four weeks.  None of those teams appear to be a huge threat for the Steelers.  The Eagles will be looking to recover from the failed Andy Reid ‘experiment,’ the Titans are still wondering if the real Chris Johnson will ever show up, the Bengals have yet to really prove how ‘good’ they are with Big Red (or if it was just a rookie cinderella story), and the Redskins might still be working out the kinks with rookie QB, RGIII.  The Steelers will need to be careful when playing the NFC East teams this season.  Any of them (even though I just pointed out some problems with two teams) could prove to be dangerous one week and a bust the next.  Will the Steelers get caught in a trap game with the Skins or Eagles, only to have the Ravens or Bengals beat both?  The Bengals will be an important game because of the divisional standings.  But is it the most crucial because it’s in Cincinnati?

The Steelers follow up that four week romp with a game against the reigning Super Bowl Champs at MetLife Stadium.  Yikes.  The Giants, like most teams coming off a Super Bowl win, could still be shaking off the hangover.  But will that be evident this late into the season during Week 9?  Eli is always poised for a win, and if Tommy C can coach his men like he did during last year’s playoffs, then this game spells big trouble for the Steelers.  The Giants prove to be one of the bigger threat teams.  And, it may not be awful if the Steelers lose to them because every team in the AFC North could bow out against the G-men.  Most crucial or not?

The Steelers then face the Chiefs and then the Ravens two times in three weeks with the three legged Browns squeezed between.  The Chiefs will be a very interesting game just because of the implications of Todd Haley facing his old squad.  Most crucial?  I’m not so sure, but it could be a real kick in the junk to Haley and the offense if the Chiefs win big with a score like 28-3.  Now, the easy answer to our question would be the games against Baltimore.  The Ravens have been the Steelers most hated rival, most physical team they play all season every season, and are always in contention against the Steelers for the AFC North division.  One of the two teams have won the division eight out of the last ten seasons.  Both games are always epic and intense.  Is one more crucial over the other?  Do the Steelers need to at least win the first game at home in case they lose on the road?

The Steelers finish out the last four weeks against some teams that have enjoyed the regular season identity roller coaster.  And, by enjoy I mean loathed.  The San Diego Chargers visit Heinz Field in December.  The Chargers always self destruct early then have a surge at the end of the season.  They were 4-1 in their last five games last season, and that tends to be the norm.  Will the Chargers late season surge be trouble for the Steelers?  Possibly, but it’s not as crucial a game as one might think.  Unless you are a citizen of Steeler Nation who really really really needs to see Phillip Rivers – the ultimate quarterback (pfffffft) – blasted back into his childhood.  The Cowboys are next, and the Steelers face them in the mini-metropolitan area known as Cowboys Stadium.  The Cowboys are another team like the Giants who one week appear the team to beat in the NFC or lucky if Tony Romo knows how to tie his own shoes.  It’s an important game, as it rounds up the Steelers time against the NFC East.  By this time, the Steelers will more than likely be a bit beat up and struggling to eek out wins as the season winds down.  They will need to have a better NFC East record than the Ravens if they want a shot at the division.  Is this the most crucial game as the Steelers head towards the end of the season?

The last two weeks are against divisional teams.  The Bengals and Browns hardly ever finish strong and very well could be licking their wounds by the time the Steelers get them for the second time around in the season.  The Steelers will unquestioningly need to finish strong these last two weeks.  But are any more crucial than what the entire season has already thrown at the Steelers?

Ok Nation, time to vote.  What do you think is the most crucial game for the Steelers this season?