Thursday, August 21, 2008

Prognostication

It is almost time to start the regular season, so I'll look at the schedule and make guesses about how the Steelers will finish.  Here we go:

Houston at Heinz Field
The defense dominates and the offense moves the ball well.  I think Mario might cause some problems, unless the OL really steps up.  Steelers  31-17.
1-0

Cleveland away
This will be a tough game as the Brownies will be jacked up for a nationally televised game.  Ben still beats them because the Brown's secondary stinks.  Steelers  27-24
2-0

Battle of PA away
McNabb will struggle as the Steelers pass D excels, especially Timmons.  Steelers 24-10
3-0

Baltimore at Heinz Field
No offense.  An aging defense...no competition again.  Steelers 34-7
4-0

At Jax
Hmmm...this one scares me.  I think this is the first loss of the season.  Jax seems to have the Steelers number.  Jaguars 28-20
4-1

Bye week...

At Cinci
The Bengals offense will b OK, but the D is horrific.  The Steelers will be dominant in this game.   Steelers  27-17, but not as close as the score.
5-1

Giants at Heinz Field
The Giants D-line will get to Ben, but he will make enough plays to win this one.  One thing to watch - the return of Plax.  Steelers  21-13
6-1

At Washington
This feels like a trap game, and it becomes one.  The Steelers should win this one, but they fall short in D.C.  Skins  19-17
6-2

Colts at Heinz Field
The Colts certainly can't write off the Steelers, as they did in the 2005 playoffs.  The Steelers win a close one at home and punish Manning.  Steelers  28-27
7-2

Chargers at Heinz Field
The Chargers have two players that play to the Steelers' weakness - LT and Gates.  The Chargers beat the Steelers.  Chargers  30-17.
7-3

Bengals at Heinz Field
Time to get healthy after the SD beating.  Steelers  37-14.
8-3

At The Razor
NE sucks, but they are so good.  The Steelers fall short.  27-20.
8-4

Cowboys at Heinz Field
I think that the D will get to Romo and force mistakes.  The Steelers steal one at home.  Steelers 20-13.
9-4

At Baltimore
It seems the Ravens are therapeutic for the Steelers.  I think Flacco will be starting by this time in the season, and they abuse the rookie.  Steelers 34-10.
10-4

At Tennessee
The Steelers struggle against the former Oilers.  The Titans play them close and pull one out at home.  Titans 24-21.
10-5

Cleveland visits Heinz Field
Hopefully, this game still matters.  I'd hate to listen to the Browns fans chirping about beating the Steelers' scrubs.  Steelers  24-17.
11-5

And that kids - puts them in the playoffs.  I don't think they'll get a first round bye, but that is probably a good thing.  That will keep them sharp.