SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Mounting Absences” Edition

December 7, 2020

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had all of four days to rest and prepare for the Washington Football Team. While they will be getting Stephon Tuitt back they’re also going to see a number of absences that have many of us concerned. We already know about Bud Dupree as he’s out for the season. Maurkice Pouncey remains on the Covid List and his return is still up in the air. Also likely missing tonight will be Chris Boswell who is dealing with a bad hip and Cornerback Steven Nelson who has a banged up knee. It was also reported yesterday that James Conner will probably come off the Covid-19/Injured list but he will not play in tonight’s game. So what does all of this mean? JC Hassenauer will get the call at center and he earned igh praise from Mike Tomlin for his efforts on Wednesday. The Steelers signed Matthew Wright to the Practice Squad. He was the kicker brought in to compete with Boswell in 2019. Cam Sutton is likely to get the start for Nelson and we can expect to see Benny Snell carry the load at running back as well. To make matters worse, Ben Roethlisberger is questionable. I believe he will play but it’s worth noting. For a team battling to hold onto the division lead and an unbeaten season, the absences that are mounting are worrisome to say the least.

Not Much Help

The Steelers could have clinched a playoff berth with a Miami or Las Vegas loss yesterday and neither of those things happened. The Steelers can still clinch with a win this evening but a little help wasn’t too much to ask was it? The New York Jets gifted a victory to the Raiders in the final seconds while Miami brawled their way past the Bengals.

Tweet of the Day… Yeah we’re tired of hearing that too Ross.

I'm really confused. This website told me the Chiefs are "way better" than the Steelers because they dominate & blow out their opponent every game.

Except for this game.

And the game before that.

And the game before that.

And the game before THAT. 🤔

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) December 7, 2020

The Three-Point Stance

In case you missed it I published our weekly game preview the Three-Point Stance earlier this morning. It’s loaded with everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

Check Out Jeff!

I’m really pleased to announce that we have a new contributor here at SCB. Jeff published his first article this weekend and asks a question many of us want an answer to, “Can the Steelers Go Undefeated?” He takes a look at the remaining five opponents.

Let’s Talk About the Browns

Cleveland’s win at Tennessee was their most impressive of the season. They are now 9-3 and continue to be hot on our tail for the division title. It’s OK to admit the Browns are “good” because they are. You can’t have that much talent and not be a good football team. This doesn’t mean however that anyone is ready to crown them Super Bowl Champions just yet. There’s a long way to go in this season and just like I say with our Steelers, it’s one game at a time.