Die Stealers Die! Week (Episode 2)

[PatternMaster]

30 minutes ago, Shebengal said:

Again, I would argue that most of his success was with Benny Boo-Boo. I'll be more impressed if he wins with Kenny Pickett. 

 

But, you do make some valid points. 

 

You can only make chicken shit taste but so good, he's made some pretty good chicken salad but you can't turn chicken shit into Filet Mignon.

 

Pickett is limited and is a 9-10 win QB at the most , there no coach that can win a Super Bowl with him as the starter unless they have the best defense in the NFL and a HOF level running back. If Pickett wasn't a Pittsburgh guy he wouldn't have been a first round pick and wouldn't be starting in the NFL. He helps to sell lot of tickets and is relatable to the fan base so it t makes sense from a business perspective but football wise, it's going to be hard to win with Pickett especially with Burrow and Jackson in the division until 2030. 

[stan]

On 12/18/2023 at 1:43 PM, T-Dub said:

 

Unusual to see them drop the banhammer on somebody midseason. Doubt this would've happened if they were 11-3 and leading the division instead of Balmer.

He has been penalized several times.This is not the first infraction of this type,that he has received.That's why he is out for the season.He doesn't seem to get it through his head,you can't keep playing like this.

[claptonrocks]

On 12/18/2023 at 1:46 PM, saphead said:

1 less thug running around lawlessly trying to headhunt is good news. Unless a new dirt bag steps up to take his place 

 

The defense plays to hurt people if possible.

Inbred tradition.

He was definitely a top dirt bag.

[claptonrocks]

1 hour ago, stan said:

He has been penalized several times.This is not the first infraction of this type,that he has received.That's why he is out for the season.He doesn't seem to get it through his head,you can't keep playing like this.

Stealer coaching  keeps telling him to play that way..

Take it to the edge then a bit more.

A complete POS on a dirty team.

[Le Tigre]

This guy…

 

Stealers WR George Pickens blames media, says he didn't want to get hurt blocking on Jaylen Warren run

https://triblive.com/sports/Stealers-wr-george-pickens-blames-media-says-he-didnt-want-to-get-hurt-blocking-on-jaylen-warren-run/
 

 

[Arkansas Bengal]

Kenny Pickett limited in his return to practice

By Charean Williams

 

Published December 19, 2023 04:36 PM

 

The Stealers expect Mason Rudolph to start Saturday’s game against the Bengals, but Kenny Pickett is pointed in the right direction of being the backup this week.

 

Pickett returned to limited work Tuesday.

 

He has missed the past two weeks after tightrope surgery on a high ankle sprain.

 

Safety Trenton Thompson (neck), running back Najee Harris (knee), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) did not practice Tuesday.

 

Safety Elijah Riley, who was designated to return from IR, had a limited practice in his return from an ankle injury.

Offensive tackle Broderick Jones (ankle), tight end Pat Freiermuth (knee) and defensive tackle Cam Heyward (concussion) were limited.

 

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

[Arkansas Bengal]

Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

 

Mike Tomlin is clearly in the Christmas spirit this week, and I know that, because that's only way to explain why he made the decision to bench Mitchell Trubisky for Mason Rudolph. 

"Rudolph, with your right arm so strong, won't you guide our offense along?"

 

OK, so that's probably not how Tomlin let Rudolph know that he'd be starting this week, but the veteran QB will definitely be on the field making his first start since November 2021. Rudolph is going to be looking to jumpstart a Stealers offense that has been tripping over its own feet for the past few weeks. 

 

Although this offense did get a brief production bump after firing Matt Canada on Nov. 21, it turns out that the offensive problems might not have been Canada's fault. That post-firing bump lasted exactly one game. Over the past three weeks, the Stealers have gone 0-3 and a big reason for that is because their offense has been so bad. In losses to the Cardinals, Patriots and Colts, the Stealers have averaged just 265.7 yards and 13.7 points per game. 

 

That being said, the Stealers might actually enter this game with some confidence and that's because the Bengals are the ONE team that they were able to move the ball on this year. Back in Week 12, the Stealers piled up 421 yards in a 16-10 win over the Bengals, which marks the ONLY game this year where they've gone over 340 yards. 

 

Of course, the Bengals were a broken team back in Week 12. At the time, they had just learned that Joe Burrow was done for the season and Jake Browning was getting ready to make the first start of his career, which came against the Stealers. Since that game, Browning has caught fire while leading a Bengals offense that has averaged 31.7 points and 418 yards per game over the past three weeks. 

 

The problem for Browning and the Bengals is that Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) will likely miss this game. That being said, the Stealers won't have Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) or Damontae Kazee (suspension), so their secondary won't be anywhere near full strength.

 

The Bengals haven't won a division game this year and there's a very good chance we could see Browning come crashing back to earth after three impressive starts, but even if that happens, the Bengals should still be able to pull this one out. I have a feeling that Rudolph is going to crash the Stealers' sleigh. 

 

The pick: Bengals 20-17 over Stealers

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-16-picks-cowboys-stun-dolphins-in-showdown-of-10-4-teams-49ers-and-ravens-play-christmas-thriller/

[stryker57]

the stoolers def will play aggressive, we need to run alot and play action off it alot.  would be wise to use very little shotgun.    

and throw the ball over the top a few time, even if its incomplete , the stooler play defense with pressure and set up to stop the hot reads and quick hitters,  once you show your throwing deep they back off. which opens the run game and even more playaction. 

[Arkansas Bengal]

Game Predictions: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Stealers

Saturday, Dec 23rd 2023 4:30 pm Eastern Acrisure Stadium

 

Bengals 24 - Stealers 17

 

SUMMARY

The Stealers won 16-10 at the Bengals in Week 12.

This game is the late afternoon matchup on Saturday. The 7-7 Stealers have lost their last three games and now are at the bottom of the AFC North while talking less about playoffs and more about how to get an actual win. The 8-6 Bengals won their last three games and remain  a contender for a wild card while starting to wonder if past successes were as contingent on a healthy Joe Burrow as they used to think. 

These two teams have gone in opposite directions since Week 12 when the Stealers last won and the Bengals last lost. It should be close. But those three losses for the Stealers included facing being at home against the Cardinals and Patriots. The Bengals beat the Colts 34-14 in Week 14. The Stealers were just beaten by the same Colts 30-13 last week.

 

Team Notes: Ja'Marr Chase just separated his shoulder and that places a dent in the passing effort. But Jake Browning is turning into that depth chart gem who keeps the Bengals on their winning track and playing rather Burrow-esque. The Bengals catch no breaks from the schedule makers, facing road games against the Stealers and Chiefs, then hosting the Browns. A loss here undoes a lot of good that's happened in the last three weeks, and Browning will need to maintain his production while facing a more challenging ending to his schedule.

 

Quarterbacks: Jake Browning debuted in Week 12 when he passed for 227 yards and one score with an interception. He's scored at least twice in his last three games and broken 300-yards versus the Jaguars and Vikings. Now, four weeks later, this matchup will offer a good measurement of how much Browning has developed in a month, though playing without Ja'Marr Chase would be a new disadvantage.

 

Running Backs: Joe Mixon only gained 16 yards on eight rushes versus the Stealers and gained 44 yards on two catches. He was the only running back with a touch. But that was in the first game without Joe Burrow and Mixon scored in each game since that meeting. He totaled around 120 yards in Weeks 13 and 14, and while the Vikes held him to only 47 yards on ten carries last week, he scored his ninth touchdown this year.

 

Wide Receivers: Ja'Marr Chase (4-81) was the only receiver with more than 25 yards in the last meeting with the Stealers. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have to step up to replace Chase if he remains out. Higgins posted two scores on his four catches for 61 yards last week but was out in the first meeting. Boyd hasn't scored since Week 8 and typically ends up with around 30 to 40 yards weekly. That should increase if Chase is out.

 

Tight Ends: Tanner Hudson has quietly become a reliable source for the Bengals and Jake Browning relied on his for four or five receptions weekly. He's only scored once this year, but it was with Browning two weeks ago. If Ja'Marr Chase remains out, Hudson should see at least a minor uptick. He caught four passes for 18 yards in the first meeting.

 

Match to Defense: This is the second meeting and the first one was just a month ago. And it was the debut of Jake Browning who has gotten up to speed quickly since Week 12. The Steeler's defense had been solid this year but, like the offense, has declined in recent weeks. They should be a lock to keep the passing yardage under 300, but they just allowed Garnder Minshew and Bailey Zappe to throw for three scores each.

 

The run defense has also declined, giving up monster games to James Conner and Ezekiel Elliott in recent weeks and then 170 rushing yards to the Colts who lost Zack Moss after only four runs. The Bengals struggled in Week 12 because Joe Burrow had just been lost and Browning had his first NLF start. A month later, the Bengals offense is doing well and can win without Chase.

 

Team Notes: The Stealers intend to start Mason Rudolph this week if Kenny Pickett remains out. The last three games - all losses - have been while Pickett was injured. The points have rarely been much this year, and the last two weeks were even worse, averaging only 13 points per game. The Stealers looked like they might challenge for the division but are now about to fall from the wild card race. After this matchup, the season ends at the Seahawks and Ravens.

 

Quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett passed for 278 yards and no scores in Week 12. Since he left, Mitchell Trubisky managed one passing score weekly but never topped 200 passing yards in games where the Stealers always trailed. Mason Rudolph steps in this week, assuming Kenny Pickett's ankle keeps him out. HC Mike Tomlin said that he had confidence in the veteran Rudolph, but apparently not so much as to wait three games before replacing Trubisky.

 

Running Backs: Najee Harris (15-99, TD) and Jaylen Warren (13-49) shared the backfield to great effect over the Bengals. That same level of success has not repeated for the last three weeks. Neither back has scored or totaled over 70 yards. Harris has seen the biggest drop, rushing for only 33 yards on 12 runes last week without a target thrown to him. Warren has only been marginally better.

 

Wide Receivers: George Pickens (3-58) and Diontae Johnson (4-50) were only moderately successful in the last meeting with the Bengals. The only one that has benefitted from playing with Trubisky is Diontae Johnson who scored in all three matchups. Pickens hasn't scored since Week 8 and hasn't been worth much more than 50 yards weekly. A switch to Rudolph at quarterback might help Pickens, but it was just as likely hurt Johnson who has been Trubisky's safety blanket.

 

Tight Ends: Pat Freiermuth logged nine catches for 120 yards in Week 12. In the three game since, he totaled nine catches for 69 yards. Freiermuth's monster Week 12 was quite unlike any other week, though the Bengals have been weak against the position.

 

Match to Defense: This matchup went off just a month ago and the difference is that the Bengals have gotten far better while the Stealers have been in a nosedive and are changing quarterbacks trying to find an answer. The Bengal's defense is just average in most weeks and allows moderate to high passing yards with one or two scores to most opponents. Downshifting yet again from Trubisky to Rudolph isn't likely to see a noticeable turnaround.

 

Najee Harris has declined significantly since Week 12 and Warren isn't much better. Pat Freiermuth is still an option against the weakness of the Bengals, though after the last meeting, it would be expected that Cincinnati would pay more attention to the tight end this time. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are moderate options, and Johnson likely sees his scoring streak end with the benching of Trubisky.

 

https://tools.thehuddle.com/in-season/predictions/analysis/15740311/81815

[Cricket]

14 minutes ago, Arkansas Bengal said:

“…it would be expected that Cincinnati [defense] would pay more attention to the tight end this time.”

 

https://tools.thehuddle.com/in-season/predictions/analysis/15740311/81815

 

You would think so, wouldn’t you.  
 

However, I have seen very little evidence over the last few seasons that we pay ANY attention to the TEs.  
 

🦗

[Shebengal]

11 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

This guy…

 

Stealers WR George Pickens blames media, says he didn't want to get hurt blocking on Jaylen Warren run

https://triblive.com/sports/Stealers-wr-george-pickens-blames-media-says-he-didnt-want-to-get-hurt-blocking-on-jaylen-warren-run/
 

 

Someone needs to tell him that this isn't flag football. 

[PatternMaster]

20 hours ago, stan said:

He has been penalized several times.This is not the first infraction of this type,that he has received.That's why he is out for the season.He doesn't seem to get it through his head,you can't keep playing like this.

 

yeah was fined 5 times this year before he was suspended, including for his hit on Irv Smith when the Bengals played them last and he was fined a week afterwards when they played Jax...this was his 3rd strike and now he's out. 

 

The NFL has former players handing out suspensions and fines, they are trying to clean up the game and make it as safe as possible because it's in everyone's best interest to do so. 

[PatternMaster]

56 minutes ago, Shebengal said:

Someone needs to tell him that this isn't flag football. 

 

He sounds like a real team player. Pickens is a noted headcase, in college at UGA he was suspended multiple times for stupid stuff, he never realized his potential in college and now he's becoming a headcase in the NFL, which will be Not For Long if he doesn't figure it out. 

[|BlackJesus|]

^ Pickens has the physical tools of Tee Higgins ... But the head of Antonio Brown. 

 

Look for pads being thrown in the stands soon. 

[Jamie_B]

2 hours ago, Cricket said:

 

You would think so, wouldn’t you.  
 

However, I have seen very little evidence over the last few seasons that we pay ANY attention to the TEs.  
 

🦗

 

 

We did an ok job shutting TEs down when Flowers was here. 

 

Be nice to find a guy that could do that again.

[T-Dub]

2 hours ago, PatternMaster said:

 

yeah was fined 5 times this year before he was suspended, including for his hit on Irv Smith when the Bengals played them last and he was fined a week afterwards when they played Jax...this was his 3rd strike and now he's out. 

 

The NFL has former players handing out suspensions and fines, they are trying to clean up the game and make it as safe as possible because it's in everyone's best interest to do so. 

 

I'll counter that the NFL is trying to give the impression they are cleaning up the game by making examples of individual worst offenders. Meanwhile teams like Pittsburgh are still lauded for a dirty style of play, cheap shots are routinely ignored, and the worst are often turned into highlights that get replayed over and over. Penalizing a team 15 yards and fining a millionaire player $20k is a small price to pay for sending a rival's star playmaker to IR for the season.

 

The NFL want to avoid liability for a lawsuit while keeping all the violence that people enjoy watching. That's all it is.

[Mikeslumina]

Game setting up as bloodbath. Mike Tomlinson puts bounty out. It’s a game we see all time. Mike Tomlin has rallied his troops, as the get away with murder. That’s steeler football .

I am hope for 20-17 victory with 35 runs minimum. Indy ran it down their throats. Money Mac comes thru again praying. Browning better not hold on to ball and please put two hands on ball in pocket. 

[A Rock]

On 12/19/2023 at 7:22 AM, PatternMaster said:

 

Amen, brother...it's 3rd and 1 and the Bengals are moving the ball and Zac wants to get cute, just run the ball with Mixon twice for a first down if you have to. When he calls a game like it's a must-win game he's good, when he's having success he gets too silly with the play calling. He tends to overcomplicate things at times when it is unnecessary, football is a simple game, so there is no need to make it harder than it needs to be. 

He loves doing it at the worst times. When there's the most to lose. Like being at the craps table with a compulsive gambler. Zac we actually won back the rent money, can you believe it? Zac's response, let it ride on hard eight!!!

[|High School Harry|]

2 hours ago, Mikeslumina said:

Game setting up as bloodbath. Mike Tomlinson puts bounty out. It’s a game we see all time. Mike Tomlinson has rallied his troops, as the get away with murder. That’s steeler football .

I am hope for 20-17 victory with 35 runs minimum. Indy ran it down their throats. Money Mac comes thru again praying. Browning better not hold on to ball and please put two hands on ball in pocket. 

This 👆🏼

Right now this game is playing with my brain and I don't know what to think.

I think it is going to be the Pittsburgh Goons trying to injure anyone in a Bengals uniform.

Tomlin's swan song.  And trademark.

 

 

[claptonrocks]

Bengals defense should thrive against this pitiful inbred offense.

 

Jake and Co will slice them up

gradually to destroy what little will they have.

Bengals win

..

 

 

 

[claptonrocks]

1 minute ago, High School Harry said:

This 👆🏼

Right now this game is playing with my brain and I don't know what to think.

I think it is going to be the Pittsburgh Goons trying to injure anyone in a Bengals uniform.

Tomlin's swan song.  And trademark.

 

1 minute ago, High School Harry said:

This 👆🏼

Right now this game is playing with my brain and I don't know what to think.

I think it is going to be the Pittsburgh Goons trying to injure anyone in a Bengals uniform.

Tomlin's swan song.  And trademark.

 

 

Yes they're Allways trying to hurt players.

The team has taken imploded into disarray..

Bengals win..

Bank it.

 

[claptonrocks]

6 hours ago, Cricket said:

 

You would think so, wouldn’t you.  
 

However, I have seen very little evidence over the last few seasons that we pay ANY attention to the TEs.  
 

🦗

We have 2 backers that play the run well.

Neither is a coverage type.

ADG was to fill that role but he's been totally underwhelming.

The need for a coverage backer is a priority among other things.

 

[|High School Harry|]

1 hour ago, claptonrocks said:

We have 2 backers that play the run well.

Neither is a coverage type.

ADG was to fill that role but he's been totally underwhelming.

The need for a coverage backer is a priority among other things.

 

Logan Wilson has 3 interceptions

and

Germain Pratt has 2 plus a pick 6 taken away by a blown offsides call against Hendrickson.

Agree about ADG being underwhelming.

Fryermouth is going to be a warm up for Mr Taylor Swift on New Years Eve who I whole heartedly

hope gets the living dog shit kicked out of him so bad he goes to sleep in 2023 and wakes up in 2024.

 

Concerned about the run game without Reader... what shakey at times with him in there.

But it does come down to how brightly Rudolph's nose is shining after Trey Hendrickson plants

it into the cow pasture turf a few times.

 

Want so see Chase Brown put on a show and I hope Tanner Hudson looks so good

Taylor Swift wears a number 87 Bengals jersey next week with Mrs Mahomely.

Love to see Freight Train Volson pancake Watt a few times, too, opening holes or leading

Mixon or Brown.

[Arkansas Bengal]

Kenny Pickett remains limited in Wednesday practice

• By
• Myles Simmons

  

Published December 20, 2023 04:00 PM

 

Stealers quarterback Kenny Pickett remained limited on Wednesday’s practice report as he returns from an ankle injury.

 

But there are some potential positive signs of progress.

 

Head coach Mike Tomlin said “tomorrow’s a big day” for Pickett after he made it through the week’s first two sessions.

 

“We had a good day today,” Tomlin said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “We’ll see how his body responds to the work today and make plans for tomorrow accordingly.”

 

Tomlin said earlier in the week that the Stealers would keep the “door ajar” for Pickett to play, though the team plans to start Mason Rudolph at quarterback against Cincinnati.

 

Defensive tackle Cam Heyward (concussion), tight end Pat Freiermuth (knee), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (ankle), and safety Elijah Riley (ankle) were all upgraded from limited pro full participants on Wednesday. Riley is still in his 21-day practice window while returning from injured reserve.

 

Running back Najee Harris (knee) and guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) both returned to practice, Harris as a full participant and Seumalo as a limited participant.

 

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and safety Trenton Thompson (neck) did not practice.

 

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/kenny-pickett-remains-limited-in-wednesday-practice

[Arkansas Bengal]

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Table - Injury report
Player	Position	Injury	Tue	Wed	Thu	Game Status
Ja'Marr Chase	WR	Shoulder	DNP	DNP		Unspecified
Chase Brown	RB	Chest	LP	FP		Unspecified
Alex Cappa	G	Knee/Ankle	LP	FP		Unspecified
Cameron Sample	DE	Knee/Ankle	LP	FP		Unspecified
Joe Bachie	LB	Oblique	FP	FP		Unspecified
Jake Browning	QB	Right Forearm	FP	FP		Unspecified
Jackson Carman	G	Illness	FP	FP		Unspecified

 

PITTSBURGH Stealers

Table - Injury report
Player	Position	Injury	Tue	Wed	Thu	Game Status
Kenny Pickett	QB	Ankle	LP	LP		(-)
Trenton Thompson	DB	Neck	DNP	DNP		(-)
Najee Harris	RB	Knee	DNP	FP		(-)
Elijah Riley	DB	Ankle	LP	FP		(-)
Minkah Fitzpatrick	FS	Knee	DNP	DNP		(-)
Isaac Seumalo	G	Shoulder	DNP	LP		(-)
Broderick Jones	OT	Ankle	LP	FP		(-)
Pat Freiermuth	TE	Knee	LP	FP		(-)
Cameron Heyward	DT	Concussion	LP	FP		(-)

 

 

https://www.bengals.com/team/injury-report/