Good Thursday to you Steelers’ Fans!
If I’ve sensed any theme this week from Steelers’ fans on social media it’s that the team will defeat Cincinnati with no problem. Therefore they are focusing on Cleveland beating Baltimore and that my friends is putting the cart before the horse. Before we can even begin to think about the Browns beating the Ravens we have to focus on our team taking care of business. You know this team as well as I do and would it surprise any of us if they come out flat on Sunday? Last week was an emotional and difficult loss to take. Couple that with the fact that Mike Tomlin teams tend to play to their competition’s level and you have a perfect formula for a close, competitive game. Just what we need right? The point is this; let’s focus on the Steelers taking care of business before worrying about anything else.
Congratulations to Joe Haden who was named this year’s ‘Chief Award’ winner. This given to the player who works best with the media. Congratulations to Terrell Edmunds who was named the winner of the “Joe Greene Award” given annually to the top performing rookie. These awards are selected by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association.
Tweet of the Day… Pittsburgh Dad is all of us this week.
NEW episode! Dad reacts to Steelers vs Saints. This episode has already been flagged for pass interference. https://t.co/c8cSOzSD7q pic.twitter.com/3I4aoDNB6e
— Pittsburgh Dad (@Pittsburgh_Dad) December 27, 2018
Injury report from yesterday via steelers.com
STEELERS
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach’s Decision) – DNP
S Sean Davis (Quadriceps) – DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) – Full
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach’s Decision) – DNP
WR Antonio Brown (Coach’s Decision) – DNP
LB Vince Williams (Toe) – DNP
BENGALS
WR Tyler Boyd (Knee) – DNP
LB Vontaze Burfict (Concussion) – DNP
CB Darqueze Dennard (Wrist) – Full
LB Jordan Evans (Ankle) – DNP
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Shoulder) – DNP
CB Tony McRae (Hamstring) – DNP
DT Christian Ringo (Knee) – Full
S Shawn Williams (Pectoral) – Full
I say this seriously… With Cincinnati having nothing to play for, I worry about Vontaze Burfict taking a cheap shot at one or more Steelers on Sunday. Would it really shock any of us?… While Friday is always the biggest indicator of a guy’s availability, Vince Williams being able to practice today should go a long way towards his participation.
An interesting take I saw on Twitter yesterday suggested that the Steelers have missed Ryan Shazier more this season that they have Le’Veon Bell. I don’t think this is wrong. The absence of Shazier on defense has been as clear as a blue sky on a sunny day. He makes plays and allows other guys to make plays as well. This is not meant to lessen what Bell can do but no one has come close to doing what Shazier can do while James Conner and to a lesser degree Jaylen Samuels have been successful.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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I have complained a bit about the coaching. But coming out with V. Williams matched up on M. Thomas. Just imagine if we had a good coach, We really don’t know how good these players are.