Good Friday to you Steelers fans.
I am not yet ready to say that this is Ben Roethlisberger’s final home game. I accept that it very well may be but having followed his career from day one, I just won’t believe it until I officially see him not playing football anymore. I’ll save my entire catalog of thoughts on Big Ben for when the time comes but you won’t see any eulogies from me. Right now the focus should entirely be on the Browns. Many are talking about playing well for Seven and so forth but he knows he has to play well too. When these teams met in Cleveland the Steelers actually ran the ball decently and that has to happen again. While many would love to see Roethlisberger throw it 55 times that isn’t the best formula for victory. Trust me, he would love to throw it as little as needed if it means the Steelers win. That’s where our energies need to be right now. We will all make our final thoughts on Seven when the season is actually over.
The Podcast
Episode 249 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc recorded last night. We covered the loss to Kansas City, talked some personnel, Big Ben and of course much more along the way. Give us a listen or a view and please leave us a review!
Tweet of the Day… At least John has remained sane.
Stop this nonsense. He isn’t coming to Pittsburgh AND #12 will never be worn again in a Steeler uniform. https://t.co/nrM9IilVPs
— John (@steelirish33) December 31, 2021
From the Training Room
STEELERS
P Pressley Harvin (NIR- Personal) – DNP
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Right Shoulder) – DNP
LB Buddy Johnson (Foot) – DNP
C Kendrick Green (Calf) – DNP
TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion) – Full
DE Chris Wormley (Groin) – DNP
BROWNS
CB Troy Hill (Knee) – DNP
RB Kareem Hunt (Ankle) – DNP
DT Malik Jackson (Knee) – DNP
S John Johnson III (Hamstring) – DNP
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Illness) – DNP
DE Myles Garrett (Groin) – Limited
CB Greg Newsome, II (Concussion) – Limited
C JC Tretter (Knee) – Limited
S Ronnie Harrison, Jr. (Ankle) – Full
FB Andy Janovich (Shoulder) – Full
WR Jarvis Landry (Knee) – Full
QB Baker Mayfield (Left Shoulder) – Full
LB Sione Takitaki (Shoulder) – Full
Injury Notes: After practicing on Wednesday last week, Big Ben did not participate this week… If Green can’t go at center JC Hassenauer will get the call there…Wormley is sorely needed if the Steelers are going to slow down the Browns’ running attack at all.
Around the North
One thing that fans often forget but should often remember is that the NFL is a week-to-week league. No one cares what you did the week before and it often means very little because football at this level is about matchups. Last week in Kansas City, the Steelers did not match up well AT ALL with the Chiefs and it showed. Therefore, a lot of Steelers’ fans are hoping the Chiefs don’t lay an egg in Cincy on Sunday. The truth is that the Bengals are a much better and a much more complete team than the Steelers are. I will not be surprised at all to see the Bengals win and wrap up the AFC North in the process. Over in Baltimore the Ravens have to beat the LA Rams. The Rams have clinched a playoff spot but they are still fighting for the division title an potentially the number one seed. The Ravens are incredibly banged up, especially in the secondary so I expect the Rams to take advantage. That will leave the door open for either the Steelers or Browns to keep their seasons alive on Monday night.
Our Online Store
Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with!
Quick Hitters is presented by
