Prediction 3rd Quarter of the 2008 Steeler Season

Pittsburgh Steelers first half record is 5-3, 3^rd Quarter mark of 2-2 brings their record to 7-5 – they’ll need a good push in the last 4 games to make the playoffs / get a bye. These 4 games have got to be the toughest stretch for them this year, as they play 3 top dogs in the AFC in this stretch.

Week 10, Colts @ Steelers

Playing probably the best offensive team the last 5 years, with a starting cast of Peyton Manning at QB & stud wide outs of Marvin Harrison & Reggie Wayne (let’s not forget Dallas Clark & Joseph Addai). Let’s not kid ourselves, Peyton & Marvin are cinch first ballot hall of famers & they still got some gas in the tank. I see this as possible upcoming playoff encounter (similar to the Chargers & Patriots games). This should be a tough tough game. Unfortunately the Colts win this one. This will be a game worth going to see – a cast full of stars. Steelers are 5-4 now.

Week 11, Chargers @ Steelers

Another tough game in the schedule, playing the team that is by most considered the most talented team in the whole NFL. Unfortunately for them their 2 most key players were hurt in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots last year. QB Philip Rivers played with a badly hurt knee & Superstar LaDainian Tomlinson played but a handful of plays hoping to feel better & play the whole game – which he couldn’t. Without LT, the Chargers chances of winning in New England became dimmer. Anyone who saw that game could feel for the Chargers, as they got to the Patriots red zone but came up scoring only field goals – that just isn’t gonna cut it & it didn’t. Both players are supposed to be healthy for this season. Oh yes, they have an awesome defense led by Jamal Williams, Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie who led the league in INTs. This should be another close game similar to that of the colts & just as intense. I see home field advantage playing a role here with the men of Steel winning this one. Steelers roll to 6-4.

Week 12, Bengals @ Steelers:

Finally a cake walk after 2 consecutive tough games against possible super bowl teams, we get the bungles & at home. This should be an easy victory, 2 things can happen that make this one a harder game than it should be. 1 – being the chargers are like the Steelers a very very very physical team – we might incur some nicks/bruises & injuries from week 11 contest with the Chargers. 2 – the most common thing in sports, looking too far ahead. In this week it’s looking for the week 13 meeting at New England to face the Patriots (who choked in their biggest game of the year – who scored their fewest points all season in the Super bowl game, which they lost to the game Giants). Steelers win this gimme game, go to 7-4.

Week 13, Steelers @ Patriots:

A very good test of offenses, but the Patriots D is a bit better than the Steelers D.

Last year the Pats, lit everyone up (some might say they ran up scores, I’d have to agree), bad karma (they lost in the Super bowl). They scored by throwing the ball all over the place with stars like league MVP Tom Brady, Randy Moss & unsung player Wes Welker – one can see why they broke so many NFL passing records last year. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they’re Defensive backs have got to be their weakest link in the steel fence – no doubt. Also the Pats D is very good specially up front with Richard Seymour, Ty Warren & Vince Wilfork (ouch that is a lot of beef up front), hard to move these guys out of place & run between the tackles. I see the Patriots scoring a lot, unless the Steelers can eat up the clock with our running game – this might be long game for the Steelers. Steelers drop this one & are now 7-5.