Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert said on Twitter that all he wanted for Christmas was the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs. After Saturday’s self-destruction of Cincinnati in the form of hand-wrapped gifts from cornerback Adam “Pac Man” Jones and linebacker Vontaze Burfict, it makes for a happy ending for Gilbert and the Steelers. It was Cincinnati’s game to lose, and they lost it. For the Steelers, it is now on to the number one overall seed, the Denver Broncos. But one has to wonder how healthy the Steelers will be for that tilt in Denver?
Roethlisberger "Optimistic" Despite Shoulder Injury
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured thanks to a sack from Burfict that knocked Roethlisberger out of the game in the third quarter. But after Landry Jones threw an interception that almost cost the Steelers their season, Roethlisberger came back to play hero.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers remain optimistic Roethlisberger can play next week against Denver despite what is believed to be a sprained AC joint.
That may just be speculation, however, because Roethlisberger said on Sunday that he still does not know the extent of the injury. Regardless, Roethlisberger’s words speak to just how severe this injury may be.
Roethlisberger said that he was in a lot of pain on the game-winning drive on Saturday night. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he told coaches that he would not be taking any deep shots to the end zone.
What will happen is Roethlisberger will have a light practice week since he is a proven veteran and he’s dealing with an injury headed into a playoff game. This writer would be willing to bet Roethlisberger will be on the field on January 17th, when Peyton Manning and company host the Steelers. Roethlisberger is not a quarterback with the best numbers in the playoffs, but in the playoffs he is a warrior and he gets the job done. But Roethlisberger may be without his best weapon on offense.
Uncertainty About Brown's Concussion Leading Into Next Sunday
Antonio Brown was on the brutal receiving end of a hit from Vontaze Burfict and after the game Brown was put in concussion protocol. Speculating on this injury is a lot tougher because this is an injury that is very closely monitored and the timetable for recovery varies depending on the severity of the concussion. However, Brown posted a video on his Facebook page Sunday with the caption “How’s Business??” with two teammates in the locker room. Brown was in good spirits and seemed okay, but one has to wonder if he will suit up on Sunday.
Health Is Of Utmost Importance For Steelers
Another guy that Pittsburgh may be getting back that will help, especially if Brown cannot go, is running back DeAngelo Williams. Williams sat out the Wild Card game with a foot injury but there seems to be optimism he can play in Denver. Ian Rapoport reported on January 8th that while Williams was out, there is chance he could play in the Divisional Round. Williams had a great year filling in for the injured Le’Veon Bell and he opens up so much for the Steelers passing game.
If Pittsburgh can get and stay healthy they will be a force to be reckoned with during these playoffs. The Steelers have a highly proficient and versatile offense that puts up points at a rapid pace. The Steelers need Roethlisberger to stay healthy most importantly. They can win without Brown and without Williams but Landry Jones is not taking them anywhere.
The Steelers defense is an intriguing storyline to this season as well. While they have looked bad at times, Pittsburgh’s defense is in the top five in the league in rushing yards per game, passing yards per game and total defense. The Steelers are also eleventh in the league in scoring defense, which matters more than anything, at 19.9 points per game. With an offense as explosive as the Steelers have, 19.9 is not a ton of points given up. This isn’t the Steel Curtain defense fans became accustom to, but this team doesn't need to rely on a dominant defense thanks to their explosive offense. Nevertheless, they are very underrated and overlooked.
The Steelers will square off with the Denver Broncos Sunday, January 17th, as they look to knock out Super Bowl-winning foe Peyton Manning. Manning may or may not be in his last run considering his age and the injuries he has endured.
The last time these teams faced off, the Steelers won after outscoring the Broncos 21-0 in the second half. The Steelers rallied from a 27-13 halftime deficit against the Broncos who were led by Brock Osweiler at the time. This game will be another chapter written in the storied career of either Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger.