It’s not impossible. Courtesy:Steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-4, and in last place in the AFC North; yet they still have a (slim) chance to make a historic run to the playoffs.
A wise man once told me, “only look in the past to avoid making the same mistakes.” The man that said that was my father and that is where the Steelers are this week – after a bye yesterday – after making plenty of mistakes in their first four games.
The first quarter of the season was a disaster for the black and gold; the silver lining, they were in position to win all four games. They lost by an average margin of 10.25 ppg, with the only blowout loss being to the Chicago Bears (40-23). Yet they were still within 3 points with less than 4 minutes to play.
Bell will make his first start vs. Jets. Courtesy: Steelers.com
The offense began to come on once they got back key weapons Heath Miller and rookie running back Le’Veon Bell. In the first two games without them they averaged only 10 points per game, they averaged 25 points in the two games they played. Bell even rushed for 84 yards on 20 carries, which was close to topping the 3 game totals for the entire running back group in his absence.
The defense still hasn’t created a turnover, yet they are ranked 10th In the NFL in total defense. If they can create more turnovers to give Ben Roethlisberger and the offense more possessions, that will lead to more wins.
With 12 games left in the season, the Steelers are 3 games back of first place in the AFC North division, with 5 games left against division rivals. Add to the fact this is a division where no one will run away like the AFC West where there are two undefeated teams and you have building hope in the Burgh.
Looking at the next four games you have to believe there are some wins to come.
Next Four Games
10/13 @ New York Jets
10/20 Vs. Baltimore Ravens
10/27 @ Oakland Raiders
11/03 @ New England Patriots
The Jets and Raiders are exceeding expectations right now, you have to think they’ll come down to Earth soon. While the Ravens and Patriots games will be tough, both teams look like a shell of their past dominant selves.
I have to believe, as most of the NFL does, that the Steelers will be a factor down the stretch. But there’s no room for error, they gave that away in the first four weeks. The grind is on NOW!
Time to grind. Courtesy: Steelers.com
Kavis Peak 