Bulldog

One of the most admirable things about this team, especially compared to some off the "soft" teams we consistently fielded pre-McBeane, is that they come to the field prepared to give a great effort each week (perhaps the Eagles game being a outlier - but that happens somewhere in a season to all teams). I believe that the snubs may provide some additional motivation for some individual players - however, I suspect that it will have minimal impact on the game itself. This group takes the "next game", "one game at a time" message seriously. A little "us against the world" drama does not make much of a difference - this is a disciplined & motivated group, for the most part they behave like professionals. They will be ready to give a maximum effort on Saturday - no matter what anyone on the outside has to say, whether it be positive or negative.

Looks like a decent weather night in Pittsburgh tonight -- low 30's, very light winds, and only a 10% chance of precipitation at game time. I am glad there is good weather for a December night tonight -- I believe that we have a better roster, overall, and a sloppy mess would only serve to level the playing field. Unfortunately, the weather also looks decent for Cincinnati today - they have a winter storm watch for tonight but not until 5:00 PM, probably won't effect the game. Too bad, a good ice cold rain might have helped the Bengals level the talent disparity today. Go Bills! Go Bengals!

Give up assets & salary cap space for a back-up QB that is no better, & perhaps worse, than Matt Barkley? This suggested idea is nothing but nonsense.

Andre deserves a spot on the active roster just for his great hands & sound decision making back there on punt & kickoff returns. Been a fan since 1970 & seem to have spent most years holding my breath every kick, hoping that there wouldn't be some bone-headed play or devastating turnover back there . It is a pleasure to not be dreading some disastrous, game killing mistake every kick return. I can live with the periodic failures to make it out to at least the 25 yard line on kickoffs - just for the peace of mind he provides back there.

Not expecting - More like hoping. After investing in a "pro bowl" kick returner - we shouldn't go, the entire season without making a key big play sometime - I am hopeful that this will be the week. You are correct that the performance of the offense will likely dictate our success this week - my lack of confidence in our offense versus the Steelers defense leads me to hope for some significant contribution form special teams. If we don't finally get that special teams contribution - could be another frustrating game Sunday night.

We are definitely due to make a few big plays on special teams -- the Steelers Defense is tough - our defense is tough. This is the week to have our special teams make the play that is key to a winning a low scoring defensive battle and clinching our playoff spot. Come on Andre Roberts - take one to the house Sunday night & be the difference maker in this game!

We certainly have a solid chance against the Steelers in this game at Pittsburgh - been many years since I could say that! Truth is, for the most part, most NFL rosters are so full of incredible athletes that the games almost always could go either way. This game, like most, will come down to a few keys plays here or there. Given the quality of our defense & the fact that the Steelers will be playing a third string quarterback (no matter how good he has looked these last few weeks) - this is the week to clinch our spot in the postseason. Force some turnovers & make some plays on special teams - about time for Roberts to return a kick all the way this week. Can't think of anything that could relieve the pressure felt by our offense more than that. Don't like the idea of our spot in the playoffs coming down to Foxboro or the finale with the Jets. Pittsburgh is a tough match up - but this is the week to secure our spot in the playoffs.