Black 'n Gold Nation

Mile High Clubbing

Jack — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:39:35 +0000

Steelers / Broncos

Okay, so it wasn’t really a clubbing. I just had to use that headline. The Steelers looked pretty good against a strong Denver Broncos’ team. My guess was 21 -13. So I wasn’t so far from the mark. This makes Sunday’s game against the Bengals huge. I get the sense that Cincy’s defeat of Pittsburgh boosted their confidence to create the season they’re having now. The Steelers now have a chance to deflate the Bengals and Ochocinco.

Woodley = Sacking Machine

Jack — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:49:45 +0000

Steelers / Broncos

The Denver Daily News said it best, “with a Pro Bowl quarterback in “Big” Ben Roethlisberger who is a not only the definition of clutch, but who is a big, agile beast who is a nightmare for every defense he faces.” I see this coming down to the quarterbacks and Big Ben wins out. Look for Lamarr Woodley to have a big game. He’s facing off against a Denver rookie in his first NFL start. Woodley could be a sacking machine tonight. As long as our special teams hold up their end, we win easily. This is a huge game for both teams. The Bengals are pressuring the Steelers and the Chargers have the Broncos looking in the rear view mirror in the divisional race. Even though I think it may be more of a margin, I’m sticking with my earlier call Steelers 21 Denver 13.

Thin Air, Thinner D?

Jack — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:29:01 +0000

Steelers / Broncos

Two of the NFL’s brightest young coaches face off Monday night when Mike Tomlin’s Steelers travel to Denver to meet up with Josh McDaniels’ surprising Broncos. The Broncs have surprised everyone with their response to young Josh’s rookie year coaching in the NFL. You just cannot argue with results.

I think the big question is the Steelers’ Defensive End spot. Of course there is Ryan Clark. He almost died last time he played in the Mile High City. I think it’s a safe bet that he’ll sit this one out. I just don’t see them taking the chance of a repeat or worse.

Add to the Clark situation the weakness at defensive end. Aaron Smith is out for the season and his backup, Travis Kirschke (for at least a couple weeks). Rookies Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris are being thrown into the deep end. No easing into the league for these guys. Sink or swim this week. They won’t be starting this week but will get lots of play time in Denver’s thin air. The starting spot probably goes to Eason, who oddly enough had been dropped by the Steelers earlier this season. Sunny Harris was also released earlier this year. He landed on Carolina’s practice squad, only to be signed up later due to injuries. We’ll probably see Chris Hoke move from nose tackle to defensive end for a few downs.

All in all the defensive line should be okay. Just a lot more shallow than the Steelers are accustomed to. Big Ben does well in prime time. Steelers 21 Denver 13.