At this point, I'd sit Ben, Pouncey and anybody else that isn't damn close to 100%. Let them all heal up for the playoffs. They're not getting a bye, anyway, so might as well just get the walking wounded back into game shape. They're gonna need the extra rest being a 5 or 6 seed.
OK. So, forget what I said about them not being able to get a bye. LOL.
Still, I find it extremely hard to believe that #7 is going to be able to suit up and be effective. I think I'd be less skeptical and concerned if he was a prototypical statue, pocket passer; just drop back and get rid of it. But, his game relies so much on his escapabilitiy and mobility (particularly with the state of the Oline) to get the job done that, I dunno...I've just got a bad feeling. If he starts, I hope he's able to finish.
Pouncey, Harrison and Sanders are out. Woodman is a go...hope that hammy is at or close to 100%. They're gonna need it.
Gotta make Smith try to beat them which obviously means keeping Gore in check. Other than Baltimore and Houston, probably the best running attack they've faced all year. Don't sleep on Smith, though, as he's been very effective this year. The few games I've watched, I think he's shown great improvement in his decision making and accuracy.
Offensively, Roethlisberger is obviously the key. They're gonna need him to make plays and open things up for the running game. Success in the ground game is going to be predicated on misdirection and timing. If he struggles, they'll be in it deep.
This one is tough to predict. If Ben was out, I'd say that there's a very slim chance they're going home with a "W." With him "giving it a go," other than it being a semi-low scoring game, I don't know what to expect; might need a defensive score to get the win.
17-16...somebody?
