The Steelers are starting to look like a playoff team. They’ve now won four in a row and seem to be gaining confidence with each victory. Even though the score didn’t show it, the Steelers dominated the Bills in Buffalo. It was the Le’Veon Bell show, with the dual threat running back running for a club record 236 yards. Bell was simply spectacular. I wouldn’t trade Bell for any other back in football. He’s now surpassed 1000 yards despite missing the opening three games due to a suspension. He’s fresh, he’s motivated and he’s playing as well as any back has ever played the game.
* So, will the Steelers sign Bell to a long-term deal when his contract expires at the end of the season? His value keeps going up game by game. How do you replace a guy like Le’Veon Bell? Backs like him just don’t come around very often. The PG’s Ed Bouchette said before the game in Buffalo on Sunday that he thinks the Steelers will put the franchise tag on Bell after the season. They can also do it again after the 2018 season. So, worst case scenario the Steelers can keep the talented running back for two more years. I think the Steelers will seriously consider signing him to a multi-year contract, provided he doesn’t have another off the field incident. After what he’s done lately, that’s the path I would take.
* For a change, Ben Roethlisberger was OK, but not great. Big Ben tossed three interceptions, none more costly than his last one when the Steelers were knocking on the door. Ben looked frustrated after each pick, and he had every reason to be. Roethlisberger has not played well on the road this season. He needs to be a lot better in Cincinnati next week, in a game the Steelers need to win.
* I really like how the Steelers defense has come on. They’re starting to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Bud Dupree has really shined since coming back from injury. And rookie Sean Davis continues to excel. The Steelers have won a lot of games with their defense. If they can keep playing like they did in Buffalo they will be in every game they play. They need to be terrific in the upcoming AFC North showdowns.
* It’s now a three game season. The Steelers have another tough one in Cincinnati next Sunday, a place where they have won a lot of games over the years. The Bengals aren’t going to the playoffs but would like nothing more than to ruin the Steelers’ season. After that it’s the showdown on Christmas Day at home against the Ravens. That could be for the AFC North title. I would expect the Steelers to win easily in the New Year’s Day finale against the winless Browns. The Steelers could easily win the next two, or just as easily lose both. They should be great games.
* The Pens are really hot, having won five straight. What’s impressed me the most is how they seem to turn on a switch when they need to and simply explode offensively. Few teams in hockey have the firepower the Pens possess. They still haven’t played their best hockey, but you have to like what you’ve seen from the defending Stanley Cup champs the past few weeks.
* I’ve seen a lot of hockey in my days, and can honestly say that I am amazed at what I see from Sidney Crosby every night. He’s just in another stratosphere at the moment. I thought Crosby had suffered another concussion when he was crosschecked into the boards against Tampa over the weekend. Fortunately, he returned and dominated play again. Crosby is one of the few athletes in sports who is worth the price of admission all by himself. If you’ve never seen this guy play, I would highly recommend you see him. He’s that good.
* The shocker of the week was the Pirates holding on to Andrew McCutchen. Yes, I thought he was all but gone in a trade, and so did Cutch. He’s a Pirate for now, although that could change before the season starts. I’m glad McCutchen is still a Pirate. Still, I would not be opposed to trading him if the right deal comes along.
* Good luck James Conner. Pitt’s talented running back will enter the NFL draft after the season after a fabulous career as a Panther. It’s hard not to root for this special young man. He was great on the field, and his winning battle with cancer off the field made him a Pittsburgh sports legend. I, for one, would love to see him trade his blue and gold for Steelers’ black and gold!
