Not only did the Steelers loss to the Jaguars erase whatever wiggle room the team had in its quest for an AFC North division title, it also probably ensured a tougher game come playoff time.
Before the shocking loss to the Jets, the Steelers still had an outside shot at the No. 2 seed in the AFC, which would have bought them a first-round bye. Now after the loss to the Jaguars, Pittsburgh is on pace to finish with the fourth seed, and that's if they can win their final two games.
Even if Pittsburgh beats the Rams and Ravens, the Chargers could wrap up the third seed by beating the Broncos and Raiders, two games that they'll be favored in. In that case both teams would finish 11-5, but San Diego would earn the third seed on the basis of its better conference record.
Of course for any of that to come true, the Steelers will have to turn around what's been a pretty poor second half of the season to win their final two games. Pittsburgh is 2-3 over their past five games. Cleveland is 4-1 over that same stretch.
And who would the Steelers' opponent be if they finish with the fourth seed? Jacksonville, the team that just physically manhandled the Steelers at Heinz Field.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-16-2007 @ 7:39PM
pat-man said...
.....and you failed to mention if you win your first playoff game, you would have to come here to Foxboro.
Then to Indy....face it, your season was toast after that idiot loudmouth guaranteed a victory. Maybe next year.
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12-16-2007 @ 8:13PM
Rick Vogt said...
Pat-man, Pitts season was toast after the Jets spanked them. Anything beyond one and done in the playoffs will be a miricle.
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12-16-2007 @ 9:54PM
eric said...
The Steelers season was over when we let two great coaches go to hire someone for their skin color. We already have a great defensive coach, why would we need another. This is the most unprepared Steeler team that I have seen in the last 35 years.
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12-16-2007 @ 10:12PM
Gina said...
Meh, I'm a steelers fan and I think we've been overachieving, considering our personnel, all season. Before this season I figured if we played a perfect game every game we'd get to 10-6, I was expecting 8-8. As much as I love Cowher, his and Colbert's drafting left something to be desired after the first round, and we're paying for it now with a lack of depth and young talent.
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12-16-2007 @ 10:32PM
Tim said...
The Patriots cheat themselves to a few championships and their idiot fans think that the history of the NFL began in New England. Tell me, just where were these "fans" before Tom Brady? But hey, what can you expect from people that have re-elected Ted Kennedy time and time again.
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12-16-2007 @ 10:35PM
@p@lled said...
Eric, don't be retarded. This is hardly the worst team in the last 35 years. Just in 2003, the Steelers went 6-10 and I won't even bring up the 80s. Think before you open your trap.
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12-17-2007 @ 2:01AM
primrod said...
Tim, wtf does your comment have to do with the Steelers losing back to back meaningful games?
Oh yeah, jealousy. You make Steeler fans look bad.
Stop acting like the spoiled child you were probably brought up as. I hope the success of NE really bothers you.
Tim = Whiner!!!
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12-17-2007 @ 3:11AM
Tom Brady said...
primrod=rimjob
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12-17-2007 @ 8:37AM
primrod said...
Hey Tom, Wanna give me one. No teeth I'm not your father, or am I.
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12-17-2007 @ 10:11AM
Rick said...
When analysts raved and raved about Pittsburgh, Big Ben, and Fast Willie earlier this year, I kept wondering "Why? What are they seeing the I am not?" Pittsburgh's early schedule was rather easy, so their wins weren't anything dramatic to me (their losses to poor teams WERE though). Big Ben has had great stats this year, but most of those come from short, dink-and-dunk passes that my grandma could make. Fast Willie leads the league in rushing, but in a year where there is no single outstanding rusher and when more and more teams are going to a two-back rush attack (Jacksonville, New Orleans, Dallas, etc.). I agree with Gina....I believe Pittsburgh has over-achieved this year. They should be grateful for the wins they've tallied, because some of them could have easily gone the other way (Miami, Cleveland, etc.) and they'd have no shot at the playoffs.
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12-17-2007 @ 10:19AM
Tim said...
Let me correct the spelling of your name, it's........N-I-M-R-O-D.
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12-17-2007 @ 12:48PM
Dave said...
Put all the name calling aside and try and focus on the topic. The Steelers are game by game losing momentum at the wrong time. In my opinion, this is evidence of the "coach" they lack...the expertise that's needed. They lose games they should win, and are losing games they need to win. This is what happens when you have no leadership...
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12-17-2007 @ 3:38PM
Tim said...
There hasn't been a real leader on this team since Greg Lloyd. Offense or defense, leading by example is BS! Someone needs to step up, and quick, or the Clowns are gonna win the division........ I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
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12-18-2007 @ 12:06AM
Steelers 55 said...
Ok morons , Steelers season was done in 05 when we had to go to INDY too. what happened that season , O WE WON THE SUPERBOWL . When you have the best D in the league you can win any game.
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12-18-2007 @ 1:17AM
Dave said...
Steeler 55,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but they couldn't beat the Cardinals, Jets and barely squeeked by the Dolphins. I don't care how good a defense you might have, you still have to score more points to win in the real world. In case you haven't been paying attention, the defense is getting weaker as the season goes on in addition to the O line taking paid vacations and leaving Ben to carry the load. Meanwhile, the "coach" stands idle on the sidelines and scratches his chin; although he does cheer when they do occaisionally score... It'll be pure luck if they beat Cleveland in the fight for the division.
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12-18-2007 @ 9:49AM
joe.leslein said...
Clown this! These Browns are improving every week, evident in W column as well as penalties, turnovers, sacks, etc. They are capableof getting thru 1st round anyway. Strong for years.
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12-18-2007 @ 7:59PM
Tim said...
You seem to be looking at your team through orange colored glasses. The Steelers own the Clowns!
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