Week 11: Oakland Raiders (5-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

• Non

  

  
  
  
  
  
  Doesn't get much easier for the bruised and battered Steelers. The AFC West-leading Oakland Raiders visit Heinz Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff Sunday.
  
  Steelers could be in trouble of having a repeat of last year when they started 6-2 and then lost five straight and missed the playoffs.
  
  But maybe not. Sunday night's loss could serve as a much needed wake up call.
  
  What's interesting is if the Steelers would've played a good game and lost say 30-27, it wouldn't have seemed like a big deal against a good Patriots team. The manner in which they were defeated makes it feel much worse, but in reality their record would be the same today, either way.
  
  As far as the divisional race, the game at Baltimore on Dec. 5 should decide which team is in the driver's seat with four games left.
  
  If the Steelers defeat Oakland and Buffalo they would be 8-3. Even if Baltimore wins its next two games, the Ravens would also be 8-3 and the teams would play for the division lead on Dec. 5.
  
  But check this out. If the Steelers lose to Oakland and defeat Buffalo. Even if Baltimore win its next two games, the Steelers would be 7-4 and the Ravens 8-3. If the Steelers defeat Baltimore they would be 8-4 with only one divisional loss and the Ravens would be 8-4 with two divisional losses.
  
  So essentially all the Steelers have to do is beat Buffalo and they'll end up in a battle for first place against the Ravens, which they will probably also lose.
• I drain 3's

  Wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers lose this game. Oakland is definitely improving, and coming off a bye they'll be well rested and have plenty of time to prepare for the Steeler's defense.
• Heretic

  

  Huge game for the Steelers. Hoping they come out fired up, both because of how the Pats dominated them AND because of how they choked against the Raiders last year (which played a role in missing the playoffs). If they lose this one, I'd honestly be expecting another tailspin losing streak like they had last year. Two straight home losses with the way they're getting banged up...worst fucking case scenario in action if that happens.
• Art Modell

  

  Steelers must win the next 2 games to keep pace with Baltimore who play Carolina and Tampa.
• dat dude

  West coast teams traveling east for early kickoffs = bad news.
• Non

  

  The injuries to Ward and Timmons don't appear to be too bad, not season enders.
  
  They need to get Keisel back because the Raiders are more of a running team.
  
  I could also see the Steelers activating rookie Antonio Brown. Speedy player who has struggled a little with grasping the offense but he might give them a spark offensively on reverses and things like that.
• Laley23

  

  Steelers will role. 27-10.
• Art Modell

  

  I'd take a 1 point victory but a blowout would be just what this team needs.
• Commander of Awesome

  

  They way the Law Firm carved them up last night, I would be worried about Oakland's running game. Oakland is rolling, and the Steelers seem to be moving backwards. I'll be watching what Wimbley does this game as he has a knack for sacking steelers QBs.
• bigdaddy2003

  

  Steelers by 7 to 10.
• wes_mantooth

  

  Steelers by 13.
• charliehustle14

  Raiders fan here so I'm going to take Oakland by 6.
  
  Following the KC game, Oakland couldn't have asked for a better week to have their bye. Oakland gets their 2 best pass catchers in Zach Miller and Louis Murphy. Also, CB Nnamdi Asomugha is expected to be 100% and back in the line up coming off the bye week. All 3 sat out vs KC. Rookie MLB Rolando McClain will also be back after exiting the game early vs KC due to injury. Oakland will probably still be without SS Tyvon Branch vs Pittsburgh, which would be a huge blow with the way the Steelers like to air it out. DT John Henderson is also supposed to be back this week after missing 7 games.
  
  Hopefully all these guys do get healthy because Oakland will need all hands on deck to match up with Pittsburgh
• SportsAndLady

  

  Steelers by 15+
• killer_ewok

  

  Jason Campbell will get the start again for Oakland.
  
  Steelers have to run the ball against the Raider defense. If they can do that.....they'll win IMO.
• wes_mantooth

  

  killer_ewok;559901 wrote:Jason Campbell will get the start again for Oakland.
  
  Steelers have to run the ball against the Raider defense. If they can do that.....they'll win IMO.

  
  I think that is the key to the Steelers period...I am not saying they are better without Big Ben, but when he was out.....they beat teams by running the ball, controlling the clock and using a dominating defense. It seems like when he is playing they feel the need to open it up too much and get away from things that work. Running and Defense is what they are about in my opinion.
• georgemc80

  I think it is strictly a mental thing against the Pats. The Steelers haven't played well against the Pats over the last decade or so. With that being said, Steelers remind the Raiders that they are a bad team who has benefited from a weak schedule. 37-13
  
  For the long run, lets hope the Steelers dodge the Pats in the playoffs.
• rock_knutne

  IMO, the defense has to get back to it's blitzing ways, that's what they didn't do against New England. Is it me or is Polamalu not being used the same way this year? He used to be all over the field creating havoc and that hasn't been the case this year.
  
  Regardless, Sunday is a must win to keep pace with the rest of the league. 6-3 isn't bad, they are in the division hunt and a possible first round playoff bye too.
• Heretic

  

  wes_mantooth;559931 wrote:I think that is the key to the Steelers period...I am not saying they are better without Big Ben, but when he was out.....they beat teams by running the ball, controlling the clock and using a dominating defense. It seems like when he is playing they feel the need to open it up too much and get away from things that work. Running and Defense is what they are about in my opinion.

  It seemed like in the first four games of the season, the rest of the team had this chip on their shoulders where they were like, "Oh, you think we're in trouble without him? Well, fuck you!". After he came back, it's almost like there's been a bit of relaxing where there's this "If we screw up...whatev, we'll come back" vibe. That was the main thing that bothered me Sunday night. New England gashed them early, but it never seemed like they adjusted defensively. It was a "definition of insanity" gameplan, where they kept with the same stuff, but expected a different result.
  

  rock_knutne;560444 wrote:IMO, the defense has to get back to it's blitzing ways, that's what they didn't do against New England. Is it me or is Polamalu not being used the same way this year? He used to be all over the field creating havoc and that hasn't been the case this year.
  
  Regardless, Sunday is a must win to keep pace with the rest of the league. 6-3 isn't bad, they are in the division hunt and a possible first round playoff bye too.

  
  At times I wonder if, because of Polamalu's injury history, if they're toning down his style of play in the hopes that a healthy Troy playing conservative is better than an injured Troy. It's a catch-22. You want Troy to be healthy, but if he's playing neutered, does it really benefit the team?
• rock_knutne

  Heretic;560544 wrote:At times I wonder if, because of Polamalu's injury history, if they're toning down his style of play in the hopes that a healthy Troy playing conservative is better than an injured Troy. It's a catch-22. You want Troy to be healthy, but if he's playing neutered, does it really benefit the team?

  Yeah it is a catch-22. I just think they need to unleash the blitz again, send Polamalu and the corners more than they have been. The opposing offense knows they won't be able to run cosistently against the Steeler defense so the adjustment has been to dink and dunk them, and to hit them over the middle because they're playing alot more deep coverage than i have ever seen them do. That formula has worked for a long time and IMO they have got away from the relenetless blitzing that confused and punished QB's.
• killer_ewok

  

  A few things...
  
  -Just get there. Make the playoffs and maybe they'll be getting healthy at the right time. Some guys are done for the whole year, playoffs or not, but the O-line could get a little healthier, Keisel too and just maybe Aaron Smith can return. They'd have a real shot then.
  
  -You can't play not to get hurt. If Troy isn't playing with reckless abandon....he's not as valuable. Don't tone it down. It's the gift and the curse. They've got to turn him loose. If he gets hurt, that sucks but he's got to be him.
  
  -Did they lose some "edge" when Ben returned? Somewhat. The D knew their margin for error was slim without Ben. Now they trust the offense.....maybe too much. That sense of urgency needs to return. I realize losing Smith hurts a lot and there's going to be some drop off. Maybe that could be the rallying point. You're a man (or two) down and it's time to step up again. And possibly extend Smith's career and get him another postseason opportunity if he can return. You really shouldn't need extra motivating factors but if they do....they're not hard to find.
  
  -Catch the fucking ball.
  
  -Replace Jeff Reed.
  
  -Get back to running the ball. Fire off the ball and knock somebody's ass in the dirt. The Raiders run D is suspect. There's a chance to resurrect the run game this week.
  
  -Just win, baby.
• rock_knutne

  ^^^^Good points killer although, they won't cut Reed until next year.
  
  Getting back to Troy......I definitely agree that they need to unleash him. I still say they don't blitz enough.
• Commander of Awesome

  

  The more I think about this game, the more I think it means more to the Raiders than the Steelers. With the AFC North all losing this past weekend, its not a must win game for shitsburgh at all. I think Oakland is feeling pressure to keep pace in the west, with the injury concerns on shitsburgh side, and the momentum the Raiders are riding, I have a feeling Oakland will want this game more. One the steelers side I could see the motivation to stop the woeful losing streak. I'm really curiour to see what a real running team in the Raiders can do after the Patriots OL abused them last week to a tune of almost 100 yds out of Ben Jarvis Green Ellis who wouldn't even be a top 3 RB for the Raiders. If the raiders can continue that trend and win the line of scrimage I see this being a long day for the steelers defense and their fans. Will be interesting to see if they bail ship earlier than last week, stadium empty by half time if they're down 8 or more points is my prediction.
• killer_ewok

  

  rock_knutne;560580 wrote:^^^^Good points killer although, they won't cut Reed until next year.
  
  Getting back to Troy......I definitely agree that they need to unleash him. I still say they don't blitz enough.

  
  On KDKA last night they reported that there are some kickers that will be working out for the Steelers today.
• killer_ewok

  

  Commander of Awesome;560582 wrote:The more I think about this game, the more I think it means more to the Raiders than the Steelers. With the AFC North all losing this past weekend, its not a must win game for shitsburgh at all. I think Oakland is feeling pressure to keep pace in the west, with the injury concerns on shitsburgh side, and the momentum the Raiders are riding, I have a feeling Oakland will want this game more. One the steelers side I could see the motivation to stop the woeful losing streak. I'm really curiour to see what a real running team in the Raiders can do after the Patriots OL abused them last week to a tune of almost 100 yds out of Ben Jarvis Green Ellis who wouldn't even be a top 3 RB for the Raiders. If the raiders can continue that trend and win the line of scrimage I see this being a long day for the steelers defense and their fans. Will be interesting to see if they bail ship earlier than last week, stadium empty by half time if they're down 8 or more points is my prediction.

  
  Woeful losing streak??? It's one game long. Same as Cleveland's "losing streak."
• Commander of Awesome

  

  killer_ewok;560591 wrote:Woeful losing streak??? It's one game long. Same as Cleveland's "losing streak."

  
  Steelers got manhandled by a finesse team which the Browns dominated. Also got taken to the woodshed by the Saints, who the browns also destroyed. Losing like that to the Patriots is woeful.
  
  Edit- forgot you beat the bengals inbetween them. 1-2 over 3 weeks, my mistake.