Redskins vs. Steelers poll and prediction.

[NamVet4]

Against all odds . . . Can our Beloved Team pull an upset? Make your choice and your prediction!

[Patrick]

AGAINST ALL ODDS .................... No kidding Andy. - Don't even want to think about it until KO...... My Sunday's game plan - start drinking heavily before KO, stay as numb as possible, eat HOTTEST wing possible, and have a very THICK skin (I'm watching the game with a couple of Steeler fans). :rolleyes:

[CarMike]

Defense once again plays tough. But our inept offense shows up again.

Steelers 21
Redskins 13

[Redskins score two FGs and we manage a TD by either defense or STs.]

[NamVet4]

AGAINST ALL ODDS .................... No kidding Andy. - Don't even want to think about it until KO...... My Sunday's game plan - start drinking heavily before KO, stay as numb as possible, eat HOTTEST wing possible, and have a very THICK skin (I'm watching the game with a couple of Steeler fans). :rolleyes:
:lol3: You have my sympathies . . . .as do all our fans right now . . .

[IowaSkinsFan]

Defense once again plays tough. But our inept offense shows up again.

Steelers 21
Redskins 13

[Redskins score two FGs and we manage a TD by either defense or STs.]

Agree.

[dj_stouty]

Once again...we are 11 point dogs.

We had a glimmer of hope going into last week's game against the Eagles because our D was much better than theirs. The game was going to be decided upon which unit performed best. The Eagles O or the Skins D.

But this week, we are in a load of trouble. Our 28th ranked offense faces the league's best defense. Yuk...

Our 2nd ranked D will also have a hard time containing the Steeler's potent offense. The Steel ranks 1st in the league in Time Of Possession and 1st in total rushing.

With all the running we will see on Sunday, this game could be over in 2 and 1/2 hours...

Skins 10
Steel 27

[Jero]

Well, this is the NFL, and the Steelers have won 8 straight. With the Skins being 11 point underdogs, this seems like the perfect situation for a major upset. But alas, our offense reeks and they are going up against the #1 defense, playing at home, so i'm going with my brain on this one...

Steelers-17
Skins-10

[LATrueRedskin]

If we can score only 6 points on the lackluster Eagles defense, we're not going to do much better against a superior Pittsburgh defense. We play them tough, it'll be close, but we don't pull this one out. We're just not playing well enough to show that we can beat the best team in the NFL.

Steelers 24
Skins 10

[Minnesota Mike]

AGAINST ALL ODDS .................... No kidding Andy. - Don't even want to think about it until KO...... My Sunday's game plan - start drinking heavily before KO, stay as numb as possible, eat HOTTEST wing possible, and have a very THICK skin (I'm watching the game with a couple of Steeler fans). :rolleyes:

I too will be watching with a couple of Stiller fans. Thankfully I won't be going to the game though as I thought I might before the schedule was released. (One of the Stiller fans is a native of the 'burgh and he invited me to go with him there for the game and stay with one of his uncles. But when the schedule was released and we found out it was Thanksgiving weekend, that killed those plans.) So my buddy is coming over to my basement to watch the game with me and throw salt in my open sores. I can hardly wait. I expect to be out late the night before drinking with the same guy. Maybe if he drinks enough, he'll be too hungover to come to my house that early on Sunday.

[IVSkinsFan]

I am always optimistic. I say we win by a hair. Redskins over the Steelers is definatley my upset pick of the week. Stranger things have happened.

Redskins 20
Steelers 17

[dj_stouty]

Redskins over the Steelers is definatley my upset pick of the week.

LOL...I would say that would be the upset pick of the YEAR!

[SkinsD]

I think it will be a low scoring game, especially on our side of the board.
PIT 10
WSH 3

[Minnesota Mike]

I think it will be a low scoring game, especially on our side of the board.


going out a limb there...

[GolfFreak]

I think it'll be close at halftime again, but we'll end up falling to the better team.

[RedskinRyan]

for some reason, i still havent bought into the stillers secondary, so i say this is the week we have some sort of offensive explosion. we lose 27-17 though. ramsey will have touchdown throws to portis and cooley, mostly set up from good defensive stands. portis wont be effective on the ground. jerome will be the bus stop, cause he will not gain more than 70 yards. antwan randle el will make big plays though.

[hail2skins]

Just to make this interesting and give everyone something to talk about.

Skins 20
Steelers 17

[PGiddy18]

Just to make this interesting and give everyone something to talk about.

Skins 20
Steelers 17

LoL!! That is actually what I was thinking. I can never go against my team, no matter what evidence there is to sway me otherwise. I will be watching the game with a steelers fan as well Patrick, only he will be nice to me... lol he promised he would. I only wish that I will have something to cheer about... :crosses fingers:

[Skin-E-Dip]

Final score

20-9 Pittsburg

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

this yet another game we SHOULD lose but i NEVER go against my team. it is imperative that we stop the run in order to keep this one close (will griffin be back this week?). we cant forget guys that we have a good defense as well. if our offense can somehow find it in themselves to stop sucking so bad and make a few plays, we can win this one.

[Jimreaper007]

This will be an interesting game for say....a half


Then the pounding will begin.

[Skinzaholic]

There really isnt much of a contest here. Our Run D may stand up to the Bus for the start - and the amount of time it takes us to break down will be according to how Big Ben reacts to our Run D. Not having Plaxico will help out a bit - but I still think their offense will consistently move the ball and put points on the board.

The problem will come as it always does for us - our offense just doesnt have the gears in sync yet to score substantial points of defenses like this one. I expect Gibbs to let out the Ramsey leash a bit this week - but still not all out.

Things to watch...

1. How backups perform.
2. The development of Ramsey.
3. Coach Gibbs play calling changes.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

45-0 REDSKINS!!!!!!!!

[ConradCountry]

We will play tough defense but the offense will once again look like they are playing a high school game.

Steelers 27
Skins 6

[silverspring]

45-0 REDSKINS!!!!!!!!
Cheers YoungSkin!

I am with you - finally this week we have nothing to lose. Playoff chances are only now based on astrology. So with the pressure off, gibbs finally relaxes, calls a great fairly agressive game and opens up the playbook. The highlights will include:
Defense finally and deservedly scores a td and tops it off with a safety.
Special teams is beyond believable and sets up 1 clinton portis touchdown and 2 ramsey tds.
I'll tell you it is one heck of a game 30-24 Skins!

[Jimreaper007]

Hmmmmmmm.......put away the "left handed" egg-nogg and the (festive "special" cigarettes)

While 45-0 would be simply fabulous, the earth would super nova before that happened.

I do admire your ability to set aside all reality.....that is a trait of genius (when it proves itself correct of course)

:lol1:

[28thegreat]

I absolutely refuse to make a prediction this week. I have had enough humiliation and self-inflicted pain.

[Skinz4lyfe]

I cringe when I think about going into Pittsburg this week. Our defense once again will be up to the task but because our offense is handicapped by injuries and limited week-to-week game planning we're destined to get smoked. However, our saving grace might be Tom Tupa. If we can win the field position battle and do well on special teams who knows what can happen. One thing is for sure. I have faith that our D can force Rothlisberger into a couple of mistakes (something his hasn't done this year). This game might come down to those 2-3 game changing plays that we haven't been able to make this year.

IMO our keys to victory are:
1. Stop Bettis/Staley and force Rothlisberger to beat us. He isn't used to HAVING to pass. He normally passes to keep the defense guessing. Let's see how he does against a defense that might gameplan against him.
2. Win the field position battle. A short field would help our anemic offense and will increase the probability of us scoring against their sound D.
3. Win the battle on 3rd down. While our defense did well against the Eagles, the defense didn't get off the field on crucial 3rd downs. If I remember correctly, Philly had about a 60% 3rd down completion rate. That's unacceptable.
4. Come out throwing to establish the run. Their DBs are not as good as advertised.
5. Most importantly, DON'T SHOOT OURSELVES IN THE FOOT BY COMMITTING STUPID PENALTIES OR MISTAKES!!!! That includes minimize the dropped passes, false start/offsides, and no unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

My prediction - 20 - 6 (Pittsburg)

[tommahawk]

This is not an impossible task. The Steelers have a rookie qb, and a bus thats been around the block too many times.
Admitedly this is not a good opportunity for the offense to get on track.
We will need 8 in the box on D-fense most of the day, but I think the key will be to get to Rothensburgh early and get him looking over his shoulder feeling pressure thats not there.
Our O-fense needs to go down field more. They will be sitting on that little hook pattern this week. The WRs need to step it up so that D will back off our running game.
This game should be close through 3 quarters. If we or they need to take chances deep in thier end it could end up a decisive victory.
Can't go against my Skins
Skins win.......17-13

[mexskins]

Hi there.

I expect Ramsey to bee more confortable with the offense but that will not be enough.
I would love to see our skins win but its unlikely.

Steelers 20 Skins 17

[GibbsRules!]

I'll pick a close win by the 'Skins this week...Pissburgh is due to lose and if our Offense stakes us to an early lead I think our D is good enough to hold it. Steelers have Russ Grimm as their O line coach and I believe he owes Coach Gibbs a favor! :rolleyes:
Buress is ailing and Bettis is a straight ahead runner...if we continue to fill our gaps on D it will force the Rookie QB wonder boy to beat us. Bring it on BurgerBoy!

Skins 13 - Steel 10

[ArRiNgToN_56]

45-0 REDSKINS!!!!!!!!

I Believe

http://forums.pointsofauthority.com/uploads/post-125-1101414511.jpg

[SkinsGuru]

For some ODD unkown reason, if feel the skins will eek on out 21 - 20.

[bgforever]

Usual start for the Skins,but then they start clicking, while Pittsburgh thinking we'd self destruct, go in a mechanical but slowed mode, thanks to a defense that is jolted awake by a big play. Tupa keeps them back, while get more reps to the offense who respond each time.

Rare prediction by me. Redskins 23 Steelers 20

I get to watch this time,since Indianapolis played today!!!!

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

I am always optimistic. I say we win by a hair. Redskins over the Steelers is definatley my upset pick of the week. Stranger things have happened.

Redskins 20
Steelers 17
I agree with your score. One of these days we'll break a big team, and I think this will be the week.

[NCskinsfanatic]

This may look a lot like the Philly game when it's all said and done. Pittsburgh is a solid team,I think we will play them close while showing marginal improvement on O. Unfortunately that may not be enough against the Steelers

Washington 17
Pittsburgh 27

[Redskins Rule]

I think it will be a very hard fought game. I think Ramsey will rack up 200 yards and at least one score. Portis won't do much against the Steelers front seven. Big Ben will get sacked at least three times and throw two picks. I think its going to come down to the final quarter. I would say the Redskins would win this one, but the way the officials have made calls lately.........I gotta say that we're gonna lose. We just don't have a team that can overcome "questionable calls"; at least not yet.

[joethefan]

I think we can beat the steelers....

[IMALILTEAPOT]

i said 45-0 but i was just playing. i think this one is gonna get ugly, and i predict our o line will get torched

[IndianBaller27]

WE WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!

[CamLwalk]

I'll be watching the game with some Steeler fans. It'd be nice to put in a good game Sunday...kinda doubt it though. Can't see us moving the ball. Plexiglass is down, maybe we can shut down Hines and hassle Big Ben with some blitzes. Gonna be rough for the Skins if we can't stuff the Bus.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Gonna be rough for the Skins if we can't stuff the Bus.
our run defense has kind of struggled a little bit in the past couple of games to small quick backs, and im mad that bettis isnt gonna be the starter.

[bgforever]

This game has a Tampa Bay/Chicago earmark on it. Low scoring, close. Scoring late in the game after a couple by each team. We show some defensive surprises, and something is lifted off our backs on offense. We finally put a balanced attack together each time we answer Pittsburgh.

[skins111111]

Our O will keep getting a little better and our D will do great against the Steelers O
Redskins-16........Hall is back
Steelers-13

[TupaFan]

Redskins by a hair. ST and Defense keep the Steeler offense in bad field position all day. Offense scores 2 touchdowns. Patrick has a good game.

Redskins 21
Steelers 20

[RedskinsVision]

contain their duel RB tandem of Staley and Bettis and we have a good chance. multiple fronts, blitzes and 8-9 man box will be key. our CB's should be able to handle Ward like we did Owens so our rushing D will be critical.

i am hoping for a Portis sighting this week.. he's due for a big game.. although the Steelers are #1 and Thomas is out. if we have no running game and can't contain theirs, then it's over. but i believe so 17-16 Skins'!

[CamLwalk]

Well written preview from steelers.com

Steelers--Redskins Matchup (http://www.steelers.com/article/47427/)

Steelers-Redskins matchups
Friday, November 26, 2004
By BOB LABRIOLA

PITTSBURGH – In the NFL, there can be a lot of things that are the difference between 9-1 and 3-7, but when it comes to the 2004 versions of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins, one discrepancy stands out.

Both of these teams have stingy defenses, but the Redskins have scored 12 offensive touchdowns – 10 passing and two rushing. The Steelers have scored 25 offensive touchdowns – 12 passing and 13 rushing. And in addition to having trouble scoring at all, the Redskins also have just one touchdown covering 20 or more yards, that being a 64-yard run by Clinton Portis in the opener. Their longest touchdown pass of the season is 18 yards.

"I would say that we are our own worst enemy from the following standpoint: We just haven’t been able to get in the end zone with any big plays on offense in terms of running and throwing," said Coach Joe Gibbs. "We have been very inconsistent in the passing game, which is a process. Then, at different times, we have had turnover problems which can cost you ballgames. Then last week, we had penalty problems.

"I think it was very tough for us to hear (the quarterback’s cadence) last week in Philadelphia. But that is going to be the same each and every week; it certainly is going to be loud in Pittsburgh, if not louder. So when you put all those things together, we have been very inconsistent on offense."

The most consistent part of the Redskins offense this season has been the running of Portis, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Denver that sent All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey to the Broncos.

Portis is third in the NFC with 928 yards rushing, but he’s only averaging 3.9 a carry. He has three 100-yard games so far – 148 versus Tampa Bay in the opener, 171 at Chicago against the Bears and 147 at Detroit against the Lions.

"He has been so close to breaking some runs," said Coach Bill Cowher about Portis. "You see him just barely getting knocked off. This guy is a hard runner. He is fast. He has good balance. It has been an ongoing situation. They have had some injuries on the offensive line. That has probably set back the timing part of it. That has hurt them quite a bit this year."

The inefficiency of the Redskins offense forced Gibbs to make a quarterback change he didn’t want to make. Mark Brunell was signed in the offseason to a big free-agent contract, but he turned out to be just a shell of the player he had been in Jacksonville. Brunell was completing only 49.8 percent of his passes before being benched, and his rating of 63.9 was better only than Miami quarterback A.J. Feeley’s 55.2.

But with the season slipping away, Gibbs had to make a move. Patrick Ramsey, the team’s No. 1 draft pick in 2002, started the Nov. 21 game against the Eagles.

The Steelers and Redskins own the two best defenses in the NFL, and so it might not be a big day for offense this Sunday at Heinz Field.

"I’m excited about it," said Redskins OLB Marcus Washington. "They have the No. 1 defense over there and we are No. 2, so it’s just going to be fun to see those two defenses out on the field, just doing what we do. "

The following are some of the matchups to watch when the 9-1 Steelers face the 3-7 Redskins this Sunday:

Steelers OLB Clark Haggans and DE Aaron Smith vs. Redskins RT Mark Wilson and RG Ray Brown: Wilson is a rookie who’s been pushed into the starting lineup by injuries, and Brown is a 19-year veteran in the NFL. Smith leads the Steelers in sacks with seven, and he’s having a Pro Bowl season in every way in which such things are measured. Haggans is in a bit of a statistical slump of late, with just one sack and two pressures over the previous four games. Getting pressure on QB Patrick Ramsey early might help get him off his game, and Haggans could be a big part of that in a game in which he’s matched against a rookie.

Steelers CBs Deshea Townsend and Willie Williams versus Redskins WR Rod Gardner: WR Laveranues Coles has the stopwatch speed, but it’s been Gardner who has been turning in most of the big plays in the passing game. Gardner has receptions of 27, 49 and 51 yards, and he has scored five of the team’s 10 passing touchdowns. The Steelers have had success taking away the opponents’ big-play receiver, and the defense has allowed only eight pass plays of 20-plus yards all season.

Steelers LG Alan Faneca versus Redskins DT Cornelius Griffin: Actually, Griffin began the week listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with a hip problem, and his primary backup – Jermaine Haley – was doubtful with a knee injury. Still, Griffin (four sacks, three pressures) has been the primary big-play threat on a defense that has 23 sacks and 17 takeaways through 10 games. Faneca is still the best guard in football, but he struggled somewhat in pass protection against the Bengals last week. Two sub-par games in a row for Faneca? Don’t bet on it.

Steelers ILB James Farrior versus Redskins RB Clinton Portis: Farrior is another guy who’s having a Pro Bowl season in every way in which such things are measured, and he’s versatile enough to be among the team leaders in tackles, sacks, interceptions and fumbles recovered. Cowher mentioned that Portis has come close often to breaking long runs, and the keys to preventing that this Sunday are discipline and crisp tackling. Farrior leads the team in tackles, and he has played inside linebacker in a fundamentally sound manner all season.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger versus Redskins FS Sean Taylor: The Redskins passed on Roethlisberger to pick Taylor, and while both guys look to be future All-Pros, a quarterback is always more significant on a football team than a safety. Roethlisberger has done a remarkable job so far this season when it comes to protecting the football, and he has thrown just four interceptions in his eight NFL starts. But Taylor is a ball-hawk, and he’s on a bit of a hit streak. In his last three games, Taylor has 25 tackles and two interceptions.

[CamLwalk]

He's right to point out the right side of our o-line. Gotta step up!

[IMALILTEAPOT]

im excited to see rookie on rookie: taylor and big ben. i think taylor should get a pick maybe

[bgforever]

I see where Joe Gibbs pulled the pants down on whoever complained about how loud it was in Philly. After all, wasn't it loud in Giants stadium and how about Chicago, where we won. He knows who the lame ducks are and like a great coach he is, he won't put their names in the public, but when the season is over, he will deal with them. Right now he's staying focused on the remaining part of the schedule and expects his players to respond or the ax must fall on some. WE need WINNERS on offense, NOT WHINERS!

We HAD to pass on Roethilisberger, because, as you can see, we had a serious "safety valve" problem with stopping the long passing game last year. Otherwise we would have the KC effect. Score points, give up more.

I stick with Ramsey, to eventually equate to the same as Roethlisberger's current production, at least by these last 6 games and beyond. Why? Ramsey's previous games played instincts are finally coming to the surface, and once folks know "how" to defense Roethilisberger, you will see more games like the Cincinatti one. His supporting cast has really been a graet help, especially Burris, but I really believe with him out, we can D up on them better, and we aren't going to ignore a single player, including Duece Staley -Oh yeah, whether you're a decoy or not, receiver in flat, shuttles, etc. we are going to D you up, Duece!

[IndianBaller27]

I didn't put a score in my prediction. I didn't really make a prediction earlier. I just said we will win, and I still stand by that. Taylor gets two picks and almost takes one back to the house, but is stopped at the 4 yard line of Pitt. We score a rushing TD with Portis on second down with a toss to the right. That's when all the real action starts. It is 10-3 Redskins. We got a field goal on our first drive and they did too. Then Taylor just straight up PUNISHES Hines Ward coming over the middle, but he gets flagged for it. Still and amazing hit. Probably the hit of the year. Unfortunately Hines Ward comes out for two series cuz he is a little shaky. Ramsey throws a deep pass to Coles that sets up a Chris Cooley TD. Then the Steelers strike back with two quick TD's. One off a fumble return and another off a short run by Bettis. Jacobs was responsible for the fumble. Tie game at 17. 4th quarter. Our ball. We drive down field and John Hall kicks the game-winning field goal, but we are scared cuz we left 1:30 left for Big Ben and the Steelers. This is where Sean Taylors second INT comes. On a deep pass to Ward who is being double teamed by Smoot and Taylor. Taylor ends up with it.

Final score:
Redskins: 20
Steelers: 17

Stats:
Passing:
Ramsey - 17/27 203 Yards 1 TD 1 INT
Roethlisberger - 18-24 243 Yards 0 TD's 2 INT's

Rushing:
Portis - 25 Carries 113 Yards 1 TD 1 FUM
Bettis - 29 Carries 74 Yards 1 TD

Recieving:
Coles - 7 Rec 124 Yards
Gardner - 4 Rec 67 Yards 1 Drop
Cooley - 2 Rec 14 Yards 1 TD

Ward - 6 Rec 102 Yards



Other stats: Taylor - 8 Tackles 2 INT's
Griffin - 4 Tackles 1 Sack


Player of the Game: Sean Taylor

[IMALILTEAPOT]

I didn't put a score in my prediction. I didn't really make a prediction earlier. I just said we will win, and I still stand by that. Taylor gets two picks and almost takes one back to the house, but is stopped at the 4 yard line of Pitt. We score a rushing TD with Portis on second down with a toss to the right. That's when all the real action starts. It is 10-3 Redskins. We got a field goal on our first drive and they did too. Then Taylor just straight up PUNISHES Hines Ward coming over the middle, but he gets flagged for it. Still and amazing hit. Probably the hit of the year. Unfortunately Hines Ward comes out for two series cuz he is a little shaky. Ramsey throws a deep pass to Coles that sets up a Chris Cooley TD. Then the Steelers strike back with two quick TD's. One off a fumble return and another off a short run by Bettis. Jacobs was responsible for the fumble. Tie game at 17. 4th quarter. Our ball. We drive down field and John Hall kicks the game-winning field goal, but we are scared cuz we left 1:30 left for Big Ben and the Steelers. This is where Sean Taylors second INT comes. On a deep pass to Ward who is being double teamed by Smoot and Taylor. Taylor ends up with it.

Final score:
Redskins: 20
Steelers: 17

Stats:
Passing:
Ramsey - 17/27 203 Yards 1 TD 1 INT
Roethlisberger - 18-24 243 Yards 0 TD's 2 INT's

Rushing:
Portis - 25 Carries 113 Yards 1 TD 1 FUM
Bettis - 29 Carries 74 Yards 1 TD

Recieving:
Coles - 7 Rec 124 Yards
Gardner - 4 Rec 67 Yards 1 Drop
Cooley - 2 Rec 14 Yards 1 TD

Ward - 6 Rec 102 Yards



Other stats: Taylor - 8 Tackles 2 INT's
Griffin - 4 Tackles 1 Sack


Player of the Game: Sean Taylor


You should try to be more specific lol

[sdredskinsfan]

for some reason, i still havent bought into the stillers secondary, so i say this is the week we have some sort of offensive explosion. we lose 27-17 though. ramsey will have touchdown throws to portis and cooley, mostly set up from good defensive stands. portis wont be effective on the ground. jerome will be the bus stop, cause he will not gain more than 70 yards. antwan randle el will make big plays though.

Scoring 17 points is an "explosion"? That's how pathetic our offense is currently.

[sdredskinsfan]

If we were to somehow win, you just know a lot of people will be thinking of the playoffs as a real possibility.

[sknz2856]

If we were to somehow win, you just know a lot of people will be thinking of the playoffs as a real possibility.

Why wouldn't it be...our schedule gets a bit easier after this week. Besides Philly...we got NY, Dallas, SF, Minnesota...all winnable games. 8 wins might get you into the playoffs. I've watched us all season...with our pathetic offense we were always close. I'm not counting on us getting there, but wouldn't it be fun to have something to root for during the next five games. Gotta be positive.....there's nothing fun about being negative. When reality sets in and were out of the playoffs...I'll be there rooting anyway.

[bball7980]

I agree you should root for your team no matter what but this season is over that is just reality. 5-11 for the season. The steeler's are going to win with the score somewhere around 28-10. Oh yeah GO SKINS.