STEELERS WALK A PERILOUS PATH TO PLAYOFFS

The path to the playoffs for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers is more clear today but also more improbable after yesterday’s action in the NFL.

In order to make the postseason, the Steelers need to win tonight against Cleveland, beat the Ravens next Sunday in Baltimore, hope the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars can beat the 9-7 Indianapolis Colts, and the Chargers and Raiders don’t play to a tie.  The Bengals took down the Chiefs yesterday, 34-31, on a field goal with time expiring, earning the AFC North division title for Cincinnati.  The Ravens lost to the Rams but remain alive for the AFC’s final playoff spot along with the Steelers, Chargers, Raiders, and Colts.  The Browns were eliminated.

As to the game at Heinz Field tonight, the Steelers know it’s going to be tougher than when they beat Cleveland, 15-10, on October 31^st, because since that time the NFL has attacked the weak Pittsburgh run defense, which is ranked next-to-last in the NFL, ahead of only Houston.  Inside linebacker Joe Schobert will miss the game due to covid protocols and fellow inside ‘backer Devin Bush is still on the covid list as well, although he may be activated in time for the game.

Outside linebacker TJ Watt says he’s confident the Steelers have the replacement depth they need, but he says the entire unit has to play better to win against a tough Cleveland running attack.

The game will also likely be Roethlisberger’s last home game at Heinz Field. Defensive end Cam Heyward says he’s been fortunate to play on the same team with a Hall of Fame quarterback who’s as gritty as Ben.

You will hear the game on WDAD tonight, with the pregame airing at 6:15.

NFL The Packers crushed the Vikings, 37-10, last night and clinched the number-one seed in the NFC playoffs.  The Titans currently hold the top seed in the AFC but have not clinched it.   Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians says wide receiver Antonio Brown “is no longer a Buc” after Brown’s antics yesterday against the Jets. After he was benched in the second quarter, Brown took off his shirt, tossed his equipment into the stands, and walked off the field.  The Bucs immediately cut him.