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Sunday, November 8, 2015

Injury Bug Strikes Again for Steelers


It happened again.  Again, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an injured skill player.  This time, for the second time this season, Steelers fans watched quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lay on the ground in pain after a sack by Aldon Smith.  At first, it was thought to be that knee he hurt week 3 against the St. Louis Rams.  But, it was foot on the other leg. 

When it was showed on the replay, his foot did not look good.  He could not put any weight on the injured foot.  The worst was feared.  Could it be his Achilles? If he tore it just like Steve Smith Sr. did the week before, he season would for sure be over.  If Roethlisberger’s season was over, the Steeler season would be over.  There is no way they could win a Wild Card berth with Landry Jones under center with Le’Veon Bell already being out for the season.

He was sent to local hospital right away for an MRI, so it sounded bad.  But, a few hours later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter got word that it was only a sprained foot, and that he should only miss a few weeks.  So again, for the second time this season, Big Ben and the Steelers caught a humongous break.  The MCL sprain looked for sure like it would be an ACL tear, and this one looked like it might be a season ender.

 I can’t remember a team having such bad luck with injuries as this Steeler team has this year.  Of course, I’m pretty young at 16, but still.  They lost All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey in the preseason and it looks like his season is probably done.  Then, Roethlisberger gets hurt in Week 3 against the Rams and missed four games.   Then, they lose tackle Kelvin Beachum to an ACL tear in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.  Then, as soon as Ben gets back, they lose All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell to a brutal MCL tear.  Then, of course, Roethlisberger hurts his foot his second game back against the Oakland Raiders.  They have also lost defenders for some games, such as linebacker Ryan Shazier.   Second round pick, cornerback Senquez Golston, didn’t see a snap before getting ruled out for the season.  Safety Will Allen came back finally after getting hurt Week 5 on Monday Night Football at the San Diego Chargers.

It is just sort of unfair.  Coming into this season, the Steelers were expected to have the best offense in the league.  With the best running back in the league, the best receiver, a rising star at receiver, and an elite quarterback, how could you think otherwise?  But that combo of Bell, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Roethlisberger only were all on the field together for 16 total snaps the whole season due to suspension and injuries. 

But yet, with all of that talent being hurt or suspended, the Steelers are still 5-4 and currently hold onto the second Wild Card spot in the AFC.   They just beat the now 4-4 Raiders, so they own a .5 game lead and the head-to-head tiebreaker.  With how weak the AFC and the NFL in general is, 9-7 could easily get you into the Playoffs.  The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the NFL, and the toughest part comes after the Week 11 bye

Coming up, the Steelers have the Cleveland Browns coming to town for a one o’clock battle in Pittsburgh to cap off the three game home stand for the Steelers.   Although Landry Jones will be under center for the Steelers, this is one that the Steelers should still win this football game against Johnny Manziel and the tough defense of the Browns.  Then, the Steelers have a timely bye to see if they can get Roethlisberger healthy for a showdown at the Seattle Seahawks and their intimidating home.

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