Detroit does look like THE play this week.

[Dizzayton]

Lions are getting a lot of points in a classic let down situation for the steelers. I don't think the steelers will be focused on this matchup and I look for a low scoring game decided by between 3-7 points, steelers will probably pull it out as lions will play tough but give it away at the end.
Pitt 17-16

 

[Valuist]

I agree. The Lions have played just about everyone tough recently and the win may be a confidence builder.

 

[SteelCity]

Watch for a possible let down game from the Lions. IMO the Steelers will not have a let down because they are still fighting for home field and because Cowher wont let that. I look for a 24-10 Steeler victory. Just watch out for the play that looks too obvious.

 

[pepin46]

burgh

this IS the game, the hilton no. 1 pick?

yes, 'cappers will be all over it, it is too obvious but nobody is saying it will be easy. still, will wait for someone to say that since everyone is on detroit, he will take pitt. that is ok.

slim pickings for me this week, so i must jump on this one.

remember, most guys here, especially this early, are independent thinkers, not just "joining" 'cause phoenix or dizz or me or anyone else likes it, or because X service likes it, as most of those guys are still reading up, maybe our own posts here, and not comitted.

if you think about it, it is an awkward situation for linesmakers: where do you set the line? i mean, like they had balt fairly easy, so logic says they should beat detroit by around 10. less than 7, no way, 9, maybe, and maybe that is where it will end up.

and, let's face it: if you are cowler, what are you going to say, this is the big one? i don't think so, you have to reserve that for special games, and there will be some special ones coming up.

as far as home field advantage, well, they can probably sense miami will be had this weekend, and if not this week, the next. pitt is in the driver's seat without question.

don't forget, if you can, to come join us in the "teaser talk" later tonight or tomorrow. let's make some dough (and have fun). you are all welcome: match-up forum/teaser talk or any of the match-ups. have something to say? come on in.

btw, i heard or read stewart will be out? anyone know for sure?


pep

 

[SteelCity]

Here is a link to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. This article and the things said by Cowher and the players are why I dont see a let down for the lions. If Oakland loses on Sat, a let down could be possible but I still doubt it as Cowher is a master motivator. Good luck this weekend. Hope this info helps.
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20011221steele1221p3.asp

 

[Nolan Dalla]

I find this discussion interesting.

I am on the Lions this week. I contemplated the notion that Pittsburgh has more to play ofr (home field) and thus may not have a letdown. But just because the team talks about not having a letdown, combined with Cower's motivating speeches, does not translate into that acutally occuring.

It's VERY difficult for any NFL team to maintain intensity over a 16 game schedule. Steelers have played a series of big games, that seems to get more critical every week (this team is not used to being in the spotlight -- as they've been basically an 8-8 team for several years). The Steelers can talk about not taking the Lions lightly, but when Sunday comes, can they really rejuvinate the same intensity that they showed for the Ravens last week, or the Jets before that?

This is a classic letdown scenario for Pittsburgh -- late season, non-conference opponent, overconfident, Steelers with injury issues. Cower may try to motivate his team to give 100 percent this week, but I just don't see it happening. Recall that Baltimore went into PHX last season late and almost lost the game outright. If this was at Detroit, it would obviously be a stronger play, then again we would not be getting 10 points.

Nolan Dalla

 

[BAINS]

Kordell Stewart is one focussed football player. Cowher preaches consistency, as he wants the same effort every week. Letdown theory applies in College more, with rivalries ex Florida vs Florida state. The game before the baltimore showdown, the steelers didn't let down. Also before that they didn't let down against Minnesota, except for the 2 late td's. Your theory makes sense, but I don't think Pittsburgh is your average NFl team. If it were Miami in this situation favored in this game, I'd be all over the Lions, but the Steelers are on a mission.

 

[bigplaymakerjoe]

Fellas, linemakers make lines for a reason. This line is 10 for a reason. Dont fall for this trap. Remember the lions only have 1 win. This game is a blowout. Steelers 35-0. Im not a steelers fan either, but I dont see this one being a game.

 

[Valuist]

Bigplayjoe, the Lions have only lost 2 games by more 10 or more pts; one was against the Rams and the other they lost by exactly 10, when Detmer threw the 7 picks. Don't get fooled by that record; they have NOT been getting blown out.

 

[BAINS]

Detroit has played many close games, but don't play Detroit on that fact alone, look at the opponent they're facing, who happens to be the most complete team in the league right now.

 

[Valuist]

As good Pitt is/has been, they've won by more than 10 just 4 times, and 10 once. Beware of laying a lot of pts with ball control teams.

 

[Antonio]

I was also leaning toward Det heavy until i found this stat. Check it under Count Zero's thread for stupid plays of the week.

 

[Zadvocate]

Honestly, I think lions shot there wad a week early. They finally won a game, after struggling so hard. Im a steeler fan but dont like to bet on them. I probably will this weekend. Havent heard anything about Kordell not playing. Cowher wont let his team take Lions lightly. He doesnt take any team lightly. Just my opinion.