PROUD TO BE A STEELERS FAN
I just got done watching the Detroit Lions win their first playoff game since 1991. Congrats to the Lions, and their head coach, Dan Campbell, who I’ve become a big fan of throughout this season. Big time win for them.
But, it got me thinkin’. We, as Steeler fans, are a spoiled bunch. Think about what we’ve seen this weekend. The Cleveland Browns got absolutely SMOKED 45-14 against the Houston Texans , who are rolling with a rookie at quarterback. I’m not sure I’ll ever witness a Browns Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys, who have been allergic to postseason success since the 90s, got mollywhopped 48-32 by the Green Bay Packers, who are rolling with a first-year starter at quarterback. I’ve witnessed three trips to the Super Bowl in my lifetime as a Steelers fan; two of them wins. I can be as critical and nasty towards them as anyone, but at least I’m not a Browns or Lions fan. But, damnit I’m so proud to be a fan of this franchise. It’s been a fun, stress-free, Wild Card Weekend. Now, we have ourselves to focus on.
The Pittsburgh Steelers go into Monday’s game as 10 point underdogs. The Bills’ defense ranks fourth in the NFL in opponent points per game at 18.3. They also rank seventh in pass yards allowed at just 196.6 passing yards per game. Given the elements, and the stinginess of the Bills defense, we shouldn’t expect QB Mason Rudolph to go out there and tear them to shreds. He’s getting his first playoff start of his career, having only started in three games this season and riding the bench his entire career.
The running game, on the other hand, will be a different story. The Bills’ defense is middle of the pack in rush yards allowed per game, ranking 15th in the league. The RB tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have had a strong regular season and should be able to continue their success in what is expected to be a sloppy and snowy game in Buffalo, NY.
The Steelers secondary is finally getting some of its depth back with the return of two safeties, Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This should allow Patrick Peterson to move back to his natural position at corner. Hopefully, these guys are able to limit what Bills QB Josh Allen is able to do with his arm and, ideally, create some turnovers. The Steelers’ run defense is also middle of the pack, allowing 115 rushing yards per game. Where our defense has been successful, has been the bend-but-don't-break mentality. We allow teams to move the ball both through the air and on the ground, but we keep teams out of the end zone, making us the sixth best scoring defense in football, allowing 19.1 points per game.
This game is going to come down to who can tackle better, and who wants it more. If we allow Josh Allen to run and throw all over us, we don’t stand a chance. Our offense simply cannot keep up with theirs if they get hot. However, if we can contain Josh Allen’s ability to run and force him to make some mistakes, it’s a game we can win, fairly easily at that. I honestly think the 10 point spread is disrespectful. We have a real chance here to put the league on notice. Keep Naj running north and south (win time of possession), take care of the football, and force Josh Allen to make Josh-Allen-like mistakes, and this game is suddenly up for grabs. And if we find ourselves in a tight game in the fourth quarter, I’ll take Mike Tomlin over any other coach in the NFL to lead us to a win.
We’re playing with house money here. No one thinks we can do this. All weekend, I’ve heard these commentators talk about next week’s divisional round schedule as if the Bills have already won. All the pressure is on them. Go in there, play hard, play free, shock the world. It can be done. Regardless of what happens, I’m proud of the Steelers’ organization, coaching staff, and fans for getting to this point. It’s time yinzers. I’m fuckin ready.
Here. We. Go.
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