This game comes down to simple terms for me: If the Steelers don't let Beanie Wells run wild, they will beat the Cardinals.
Now, Wells is having a fine season. He's already scored six touchdowns and is averaging five yards per carry.
But he's not the style of back the Steelers have trouble with. In other words, he's going to be where the Steelers think he'll be.
Wells isn't a plodder by any means, but he's not very shifty, either. He's a big, strong power back with decent speed. He won't be cutting back against the grain ala. Ray Rice, Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew because that's not his style.
And the Steelers should score some points against the Cardinals, who are in the bottom third of the league in both run and pass defense.
That's why I like Pittsburgh, 27-17
© Nose tackle Chris Hoke is doubtful to play after not practicing all week long. Hoke suffered a stinger in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville.
With Casey Hampton also out, that would leave Steve McLendon as the only nose tackle on the roster.
I expect Hoke to try to give it a go on Sunday, but the Steelers could also make a move to activate Corbin Bryant off the practice squad Saturday.
23 comments:
Thanks for the update Dale. Just when I thought this day would never end you came along and gave me some good news, and broke up the horribleness of Friday afternoon. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
It's not all good news, James. But the Cardinals are pretty bad.
well, we thought the steelers would score like crazy against the jaguars too, so we'll see how that goes.
this is another game that the steelers have no business losing. they have yet to put together a complete effort and there is no reason to assume that this weekend will be any different.
steelers win 20-13.
Dale,
What are your thoughts on how DE Corbin Bryant looked in the preseason and how you think he might do this weekend? I think the kid is talented and showed some pass rush this preseason. I know Worilds is listed as questionable, but do you think he will get a hat and play this weekend.
Lastly, what do you think are the team's biggest needs going into this offseason and the draft?
Hoke being out could be a big deal. Try out Ziggy at nose for a bit flanked by Kiesel & Heyward?
I think this is a tough spot for the Steelers. The Cardinals were in every game but one. The Steelers have looked pretty bad on the road so far. Their fourth try should say alot.
I think the D will be solid.
The offense is averaging 11.0ppg on the road so far. It's up to them. I think Heath & Hines need to be very involved -- I don't think it's a coincidence that in the O's best game they had alot of looks -- & we can't have the huge turnovers (Ben?), slow starts, O-line incompetence of the Baltimore & Houston (& second quarter Indy) games, obviously.
Uuhhh... Cardinals - 20 Steelers - 17, maybe?
I can't see this offense scoring 27 points. Of course I said the same thing before the Tennessee game, too. Just don't trust them on the road yet.
wow it bad news the Hokie out but just have to hope another UDFA Mclendon hold the fort.
dale your thought on the Troy Fine i have a few words but doubt they will be posted
Just ridiculous for the NFL to fine Troy, who has a history of concussions, for talking to his wife to let her know he was okay. No common sense whatsoever.
I think the NFL figured it would levy the fine and let Troy appeal. It will be overturned on appeal, but you have to levy the fine and go through the process. Just my thoughts on it. Otherwise, somebody will get fined for doing something similar and say, "You let Troy do it."
Dale who did they cut to add Bryant. I was thinking it might be Merredith since Gilbert will be back.
I'm surprised someone is bothered by he NFL fining Troy honestly. It has to be a strict, "do-it and you pay offense". The NFL has no interest in evaluating on a case by case basis whether someone made an improper use of a cell phone on the sidelines. And why should they? What a waste of time that is.
Onto the game, no one is worried about their passing offense? given they have the type of QB that can beat the Steelers D and Fitz. Kolb isn't the best QB in the league but hes good on short throws. Add the fact this is Steelers west and Whiz/Horton know what beats the Steelers, I fully expect them to go with the NE plan (or 2001 Cinci as Dale has pointed out), spread the Steelers out and dink/dunk down the field. If I'm them I'd go after Lewis and Gay all day.
But I think the Steelers O will put up points too. So I'm going Steelers 30-23.
If a guy has "concussion like" symptoms is he accountable for his actions? Troy should use the "I got my bell rung" defense.
then again, Goodell could prohibit Troy from playing next game if he admits to concussion. Better let it slide....
As it turns out, word got down to the field that Troy's wife was worried about him. Dr Maroon initiated the call spoke to her for a few minutes then gave the phone to Troy so he could say a few words to her. If Troy appeals and the fine is overturned what was the point?
Aaron Smith on IR :(
That'll hurt more than a lot of people realize, I suspect. If he's done, I'd vote him into the HOF in his first year eligible. Probably will never happen, though.
If I was in Troy's shoes, I'd ask for a paper and pen and write, "I'm fine, Honey. Now go book us a $10,000 vacation" and hold it up to a camera. At least then I'd get use out of the lost money. If you feel like you saved it, it feels like it's free!
It's too bad the Steelers had to put Aaron Smith on IR. Honestly, I thought B-Mac would be the one put there given his lingering hamstring injury. I wonder if Smith has a Lisfranc injury. Few seem to come back from that if that's what it is.
Smith has long been one of my favorite Steelers just from the way he did his job game in and game out. The epitome of a team player and one of the best Steeler defensive linemen ever.
The best at what he did for a decade. Too bad there's no stats for his position. He should be a Hall of Famer.
The way Smith has played this season, IRing probably helps more than it'll hurt.
Hood/Heyward need more reps.
Do you think putting Smith on IR is a cover for him getting benched, sort of like what happened with McFadden?
I get a chuckle out of these comments that somehow the Steelers are using IR to nudge Smith out of the way. The fact is the NFL isn't sentimental. If a player can't help a team win, he's not going to have a job. Ask Franco Harris or Jack Lambert or Alan Faneca or Joey Porter or Deshea Townsend how sentimental the Steelers are.
I will say, however, that keeping Smith on the active roster all season last year was much like the decision to keep Rod Woodson active in the hope he could get an/another NFL championship ring.
I'd bet the decision to put Smith on IR was mutual, too.
i doubt it was mutual. these guys don't ever want to be out. but i'll bet smith understands and does not hold any animosity over the decision.
time for hood to take charge.
I doubt the Steelers called Smith into the office and told him he was going on IR. That's not the way they do business not to mention how completely disrepectful that would be to Smith.
I agree that Smith wouldn't put his own interest ahead of the team's.
That is too bad about Aaron Smith.... He is what Steeler football is all about!!! He will be missed.....
I have said before that Aaron wouldn't want to be out there if he was hurting the team. He's a class act.
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