Pats looming large...

[BlitzburghRockCity]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/trib.../s_408023.html

The possibility of the Steelers playing at New England in the first round of the AFC playoffs (provided the Steelers qualify) is growing stronger.
The Patriots would earn the No. 3 seed -- and play host to the sixth-seeded Steelers -- if they defeat Miami at home Sunday and if Cincinnati loses on the road to Kansas City.

The Bengals, who would host the Steelers if they beat the Chiefs, could struggle in Arrowhead Stadium, where Kansas City has won five consectutive games and is 6-1 for the season. Also conspiring against the Bengals is the loss of quarterback Carson Palmer, the No. 3 passer in the NFL, who will give way to backup Jon Kitna while he rests a groin injury. The Bengals are not playing their best football, evidenced by a 37-27 loss to Buffalo at home last weekend.

Moreover, the Chiefs could be playing for a playoff spot if San Diego loses to Denver on Saturday and the Steelers get upset by Detroit.

[Koopa]

damn i hope we don't have to play them in the first round, i want us to play the bengals so we can be the ones to knock them out, i don't want the jags to have that pleasure

[Prosdo]

I'm pretty happy playing either team. I wouldn't mind taking a shot at knocking either out.

[Koopa]

if that bastard brady wasn't so damn clutch i wouldn't be so scared, but i think we can beat either team, i'm just more comfortable seeing the steelers play the bengals

[Livinginthe past]

Miami normally save at least one big performance for the Patriots.

If you factor this in with the fact that Bruschi is unlikely to play and the NE starters may well be rested at some point - I think you have a fairly strong case for a Miami win.

Having said that, BB hates to lose a game...ANY game.

If Jax start to resemble a playoff team and beat Kansas then it all becomes irrelevant.

NM

[steeler47]

Well first.....ballchick lies about injuries and the information he give's.Bruschi is hurt.Looks like he partially tore something or my have a slight break.but we'll never know until after the excuse's start flying for getting knocked out of the play-off's.
I WANT the patsie's.Prob. the STEELERS do to. THE STEELERS want to complete the downfall of ne.It's all about the GREATEST TEAM..The 70's STEELERS in NFL history. OUR STEELERS MUST remain THE GREATEST TEAM ever!!!!!
After being shutdown by the patsie's twice....you gota want them!!!

Thier ripe for the taking......ITS GO TIME !!!!
The ONLY blood that will be spilling will from the fans sliceing thier throat's .when the STEELERS take you down in shaving cream stadium and the realization that the run is done.
Bring on those politically correct brown noses.

Who's bitter ??lol

[clevestinks]

Has there been any update on Teddy?

Bring on whoever! We have to beat them all anyway!

[Suitanim]

I'm sure the Steelers will enjoy beating their first round opponent, regardless of who they are...

[Atlanta Dan]

Boston Globe article this morning only describes Bruschi as having an "unspecified" leg injury but noted he walked after the game without assistance (meaning no crutches?)

My bet is he sits Sunday and is ready to go next weekend.

Bengals will lose Sunday; no Palmer, Chiefs may still have a remote shot at the playoffs, and it probably will be Vermeil's last game. Pats have every incentive to win, since a #3 seed keeps them from having to go to Indy until the AFC championship game (teams can always hope Indy loses its first playoff game) and New England certainly has had success against the Steelers.

I would prefer for the Steelers to play Cincy, but with all the breaks that were required to get to the playoffs over the last 3 weeks the Steelers will simply have to get it done in Foxboro.

In terms of playoff scheduling, my understanding is that CBS has the night game next Saturday. If it is Steelers-Pats and Bengals-Jax, CBS presumably will put the Steelers-Pats on Saturday night for better ratings. Side benefit will be the winner of that game getting an extra day of rest before the next round.

[Steel - X]

I think I would rather play Cincy because there run defense is suspect. But I am with the majority I will like to be in the playoffs and win them all. Bring on everyone!!