Jaguars @ Steelers: Official Game Thread - Divisional Round Week

In Week 18, the Steelers enjoyed a 1st round bye. Now the Steelers play the Jaguars at Heinz Field.

For the Steelers to win:
The Steelers need to play a complete game (Offense, Defense, Special Teams for 60 min.).
The Steelers offense needs to run the ball effectively.
The Steelers offensive line needs to protect Ben.
Ben Roethlisberger needs to continue to play well.
The Steelers defense needs to limit the Jaguars rushing attack. They need to make Blake Bortles have to beat them by passing.
The Steelers defense needs to limit the number of big plays given up.
The Steelers need to score TDs and not settle for FGs.
The Steelers need to win the turnover battle.
The Steelers wide receivers need to continue to step up even though AB will start.
The Steelers need to remember that this is the playoffs - win or go home.


From Steelers Depot:
Steelers Versus Jaguars Divisional Round Week Projected Inactive List

Joshua Dobbs – Dobbs finally dressed for the first time this season back in Week 17, the Steelers finale against the Cleveland Browns as starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was held out of that game in order to save him for the playoffs. While Dobbs did dress for that game, the rookie didn’t see any action during the contest and on Sunday against the Jaguars he’ll return to the inactive list.

Daniel McCullers – Like Dobbs, McCullers dressed for the Steelers regular season finale against the Browns as the team held out starting defensive end Cameron Heyward in order to preserve him for the playoffs. McCullers will more than likely return to the inactive list on Sunday as the team is only likely to dress five defensive linemen in total.

Matt Feiler – Feiler also dressed for the regular season finale against the Browns and even started at right guard in place of David DeCastro. However, with backup interior offensive lineman B.J. Finney expected to be healthy on Sunday, Feiler will likely be one of the Steelers seven inactive players.

Jerald Hawkins – Hawkins also dressed and played some in the Week 17 game against the Browns as he was one of the seven offensive linemen the Steelers chose to suit up for that contest. Hawkins, however, will likely join Feiler on the inactive list on Sunday.

Justin Hunter – Assuming wide receiver Antonio Brown returns Sunday from the calf injury that has sidelined him since Week 15, Hunter will likely find his name on the inactive list again. Hunter dressed for the two games that Brown missed with his injury.

J.J. Wilcox – Wilcox has found himself in the dog house since registering multiple penalties on special teams back in Week 13. The backup safety has been inactive for several games since then and will likely find his name on the list once again on Sunday against the Jaguars.

Coty Sensabaugh – Sensabaugh has seemingly been passed on the cornerback depth chart by rookie Cameron Sutton. That demotion, combined with the Steelers now being a relatively healthy team, will likely result in Sensabaugh being one of the team’s seven inactive players Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field.

 

Tunch Ilkin's 3 keys to the game:

Key # 1: Stop The Run
Key # 2: Win On First Down (Gain 4 yards or more)
Key # 3: Protect Ben

 

Judgement day is upon us. Hopefully this isn’t the last game thread beloved mimeng starts for the 2017 season.

Allow me to put on my Captain Obvious hat:
For the Steelers to win:
1. Clearly #1 it’s do not turn the ball over.
2. Stop the run (including Bortles)

Saw this on one of the Steelers Depot articles:
- Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown multiple interceptions in six of his nine playoff games at home in his career.
- Jacksonville had 11 interceptions on the road during the regular season, tied for the second most in the league.

And lastly if Bortles goes off in the passing game the Steelers should seriously consider replacing Butler. Anything over 250 yards passing for Bortles in a close game = #FireButler

 

I wish JJ Wilcox was let off the leash some. So he had a few too many penalties in week 13....but hehas game changing hitting ability. Butler? Hopefully less cover zero today.

Will be fun seeing where AB is at. If he is as superhuman as we think, this will be fun seeing him back.

#RevengeTour

Excited to see Steelers playoff football today.

 

Here's the key to the game.

Score Touchdowns!

Kicking FGs when they get in the red zone will keep the Jags in the game and let them continue to run the ball and wait for the defense to make a play. IF the Steelers can get the ball in the end zone a couple of times, get out to a two score lead, it will force Bortles to throw the ball and it will give the pass rush a chance to really attack. IMO, that would be game over.

This is a great defense and they are going to make some plays. They might get a turnover or two. They might sack Ben a couple of times. That's okay! It really is. FIVE turnovers obviously is not okay, but one or two will not be enough for the Jags to win as long as the Steelers get in the endzone 2 or 3 times. 20-25 points should be more than enough.

 

As long as those one or two turnovers aren't scores by the defense. The offense is light years ahead of where they were in week 5, and Ben has been spreading the ball around. Keep that up and they've got a real good chance at coming out on top. Juju, Bell, James, and McDonald should all get multiple targets in the middle. But if Ben gets a one on one shot on the outside to Brown or Bryant pull the trigger and put the ball where no one but the receiver can get it. Would not be surprised to see Ben take a deep shot early if the box is stacked against Bell.

 

Score more points than the Jaguars

 

Who would you sit in his place though? I'm with you in wanting to see Wilcox, but with Sutton and Allen doing good on ST, and D in Sutton's case, I wouldn't make a switch. Can't sit Golden at this point, too important on ST. Expand Gameday rosters!

 

It's a beautiful day for Steelers football in Pittsburgh!

 

Good question. i am not sure to be honest. Has to be someone somewhere though right? Maybe I am mistaken.

 

Great seeing AB run onto the field.

 

Is anyone going to cover the TE?

 

Well, not a great start...

 

wow, the gude bortles

 

Bortles already 3/4 to last weeks total. TEs and Receivers left wide open and gave up a TD run. Need to clamp it down

 

Gutsy call

Tip my hat to them

Now let's show them on our offense

 

Bortles is a better qb than he gets credit for imo, but of course this defense can make anyone look good.

 

Wake the f$@+_ up!

 

Feel like if Rogers went right up the field he'd have a better chance

 

I am going to stress the positives - we did not turn ball over !!


Now LETS GO D !!