That's why I think we lose this game. Sorry folks.
"bozz_2006" wrote:
I'll play devil's advocate:
1) The Steelers are reeling from injuries. Besides Polomalu, the Steelers have lost probably the best 3-4 DE in Aaron Smith. Before the injury, in the first five games Smith played, James Harrison had recorded 6 sacks. Since, in the last 8 games, Harrison has 4 sacks. The Steelers have problems with injuries and some of their vets are losing steam late into the season (see Hampton, Casey).
2) The Steelers are a team reeling. The NFL is a 'what have you done for me lately' league, and as such what matters more than previous season is what you have done lately. Confidence matters, and going on recent developments, the Steelers just shouldn't have much of it. It's like last year, where the PAckers had some talent but it became a situation where you expected them to fall short late in games - a sort of 'how (not if) will the Pack lose this one' type of deal.
3) Mike McCarthy is returning home. He will be pumped. If we can learn anything this season, its that the players respect and want to play for MM. It's saying something that the players did not tune out McCarthy after the Bucs loss. It says even more that Barnett presented McCarthy with the game ball after the Cowboys win, and basically gave him props for taking a lot of heat off the players onto himself.
Point is simple: Packer players respect their coach. I'm sure McCarthy wants to win going back home, and playing in front of family. I'm also sure that the players realize this. I would not be surprised if the players are playing to win this game for their coach. Add to that Capers going back, and you've got the potential for a highly motivated team playing to win for their coaches.
4) McCarthy mentioned that this team's target after the Bucs loss was to win 10 games - because that is what McCarthy believed would land them in the playoffs. Well with 9 games, they are almost there. With the Pats vs Cowboys on Saturday, a Cowboys loss means that the Pack can clinch a playoff spot.
Taking the field on Sunday, the Packers may well know that they win and they get in. Again, another huge motivating tool for the Packers.
The NFL: Where Greg Jennings Happens.