Sorry if this has already been posted. But did you guys see Sebastian Joseph-Day's press conference??
Apparently some of his team mates were laughing and cutting up at the press conference and he
called their ass out on camera. I am loving the hell out of Day.
Whoever was laughing deserved to get their ass called out.

Day has been playing his ass off and apparently playing a leadership role as well.
My hat's off to you Mr Day.


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Sean McVay and Bill Belichick say hello


We’ve reaching the point where Sean McVay and Bill Belichick have made it to C’mon Coach, and frankly, we’re both proud and disappointed.

The more time Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has to think about an opponent, the dumber he gets.


McVay had 10 days to prepare for the New York Jets, who were coming off a 40-3 surrender to the Seattle Seahawks and are coached by a rabid stoat. So how well-prepared was the NFL’s answer to Elon Musk for what should have been the easiest win on his team’s schedule?

Well, the Rams went three-and-out on their first two possessions, allowing a 74-yard touchdown drive to a pea-shooter offense in between. Then they surrendered a blocked punt. Then an interception.

It was 20-3 in the third quarter by the time their dignity kicked in. But by then it was too late: the Jets won their first game of the season by a 23-20 score, and the Rams jeopardized their playoff hopes on an afternoon when they should have clinched a berth by halftime.

“That was very humbling,” McVay said after the game, per Adam Maya of NFL.com. Sure was.

Last season, the Rams came off their bye and lost 17-12 to the Mason Rudolph-led Pittsburgh Steelers. Given a 10-day layover after a Thursday night game last year, they lost 20-7 to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams beat the Seattle Seahawks off their bye this year, but they had nowhere to go but up after they were upset 28-17 in a four-turnover fiasco against the Miami Dolphins before the bye. And who can forget how the Rams looked in their 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII?

It was as if McVay spent the two preparation weeks before the big game coming to grips with the fact he’s no Bill Belichick, but merely the nutty neighbor who keeps dropping by for dinner in the 2010s sitcom Jammin’ With the Shanahans.

McVay’s problem isn’t that he has too much time to think during bye weeks and mini-byes. It’s that he has never, ever come up with a Plan B in four seasons as a head coach.


If Jared Goff makes a few early mistakes, there’s a special teams snafu or defensive lapse, or if the patented McVay system just isn’t clicking, the Rams become a turtle on its back in a soup factory.

McVay doesn’t really do adjustments, and the Rams don’t do comebacks: Goff is credited with just one fourth-quarter comeback in the last two seasons. For comparison’s sake, Sam Darnold somehow has two.

The Rams had a chance to come back and win on Sunday. They trailed by three points with 4:05 to play when they reached the Jets 37-yard line.

On 3rd-and-4, McVay emptied the backfield and ordered a deep wheel route to rookie running back Cam Akers. Goff’s pass sailed over Akers’ head. On 4th-and-4, McVay emptied the backfield again and called a similar play concept up the opposite sideline to tight end Gerald Everett. That pass was broken up, essentially ending the game.

Two deep sideline shots? To a rookie running back and a tight end? On the fringe of game-tying field goal range? In four-down territory? When a shallow cross or even a swing pass could have netted a first down? Against the worst team in the Milky Way? With the playoffs on the line? Did McVay expect Gregg Williams to parachute onto the Jets sideline wearing a headset and call the ol’ Madden “Engage Eight” blitz?


“I’ve got to do a better job getting us ready to go,” McVay said. “And really it was in all three phases, it wasn’t good enough.”

Congratulations, Aging Boy Wunderkind. You just got outcoached by Adam Gase. As punishment, you should slam a car door shut on your own forehead over and over again until you lose consciousness.

50/50 chance.


The rest: https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2020&wk=16

How bout some random trivia?

If you answer the question before, ask a new one.

First up ....


In 2016 the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) held an online #NameOurShip poll to name their new £200 million polar scientific research ship. One proposed name went viral and ran away with the contest. What was that name?

Time to clip some wings! AD is about to go off! Jalen is about to make Metcaff angry again. This is a must win! I’m over that Jets game! Who’s with me!!

8 years ago today this pic of my oldest @Ramrasta and me was taken by our very own Johnny Hekker in Ray-J. @Ramrasta just sent this to me as I am not on any social media platforms.

Cool flashback... even though it was in enemy territory. I guess our kicker is actually part real person after all.

Yeah, that’s a generality, but so what? That’s just one impression I have. So, how to fix that?

Some suggestions for McVay to consider for his O:

Be a bit more outside-the-box in attack mode on O, especially early in game. Find that killer instinct that Rams once had.
Figure ways and plays that use all weapons at times. Higbee, Everett, and RB’s seem underused to me, for example. Kupp seems overused a bit.
Take more deep shots to loosen up coverage.
More snaps for Jefferson. (I’m beginning to question Reynolds’ heart and desire).
More 12 sets and more running plays. They’re effective and help O in multiple ways.
A few more hard counts from Goff per game.
More no huddle snaps (not the same thing as hurry up). Prevents opponents from substituting and tires them more quickly.
Gotta find a way to get up against lesser teams although in that category only Cards left on schedule and there sure won’t be any in the playoffs.
Re-evaluate OL blocking schemes with Kromer. Are we sure that we’re using optimal techniques for our personnel and O scheme? Would be a helluva surprise, if changed, for an opposing DC in a playoff game, huh?
Speaking of playoff games, Seahawks and Cards should be treated as playoff games in terms of prep, intensity, and playcalling. Leave NOTHING on the field by game’s end. No mercy until the final whistle. I do NOT want to back into the playoffs, I want to roar into them.

Short list of D suggestions:

Gotta trust Staley to correct communication problems of Jets game.
Staley must assume that Seahawks will have learned and adjusted from first game results and be prepared.
Maybe Kiser can help at ILB?
Try to ‘fix’ that broken Young’s play from the Jets game. What a U-turn Young had.
Scheme as best he can around our edge weakness opposite Floyd. This is gonna be a challenge, I’m afraid.
Expect the unexpected from the Seahawks.
Same old story. Rams must pressure AND contain Wilson if they hope for success. Not an easy assignment but they have done it before.
Rams DL better really show up for this game, and I mean Big Time.

I feel that Staley can have a smothering pass D vs Wilson once again with just a few tweaks. Staley is the master of halftime adjustments, so he should be fine if given a full week.

As to ST?

Well, Hekker and Gay are fine. Webster has flashed, too. Can’t have any more blocked punts and you know Seahawks are studying that play closely. Both Ram coverage units need to tighten up a bit more.
Too late to replace Bonamego this season. Sorry. That must wait until the offseason.
I will say this. Our overall ST are now probably adequate which is a big improvement over early in the season. Still our weakest unit, though.

Bottom line is the same as it’s been all season long. Just depends on which Ram team shows up in these remaining games and throughout the playoffs. What an inconsistent team this has been on both O and on D throughout the season. I don’t recall one with quite these extreme swings in all my 53 years as a Ram fan.

You know, I do feel a bit better now that I’ve gotten this off my chest. Lol.

Check it out guys. Really enjoy all of you folks on this site... much better than the stltoday old site! Lets go!

SEATTLE PREVIEW

Reynolds has been less than impressive.
Van Jefferson is obviously the better athlete.

I don't understand why we still see so much Reynolds over Jefferson.

Matt Gay feeling settled in Rams special teams room

A little more than a month ago, kicker Matt Gay was on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad when Rams punter Johnny Hekker reached out via text message, wanting him in Los Angeles and trying to figure out how quickly he could fly out west.

Kai Forbath had just been placed on injured reserve with a lateral ankle sprain and L.A. needed a new starting kicker, so Hekker personally texted Rams head coach Sean McVay recommending they sign Gay.

Speaking to reporters during a video conference Monday morning, Gay said he didn't know all of the minute details that led to the Rams signing him off the Colts' practice squad. Clearly, though, it was a worthwhile move, with Gay feeling settled in as he enters his fifth week with L.A.

"Feel like 2020 was moving so slow, and then all of the sudden Christmas is here, it snuck up, and I've been here for five weeks," Gay said. "I feel like I've settled in really quick. It's easy with guys like Johnny Hekker and (longsnapper) Jake McQuaide, in a special rooms that brings you right in and makes you feel comfortable."

That comfort and confidence was reflected not only in his virtual media session but his statistics through five games in the horns.

Heading into Week 16, Gay has made 8 of 10 field goal attempts, going 3 for 4 from 30-39 yards and 5 of 6 from 40-49 yards. He is also a perfect 15 for 15 on extra point attempts. He also has touchbacks on 22 of his 26 kickoffs so far, with only three returned.

"I think it's consistency," Rams head coach Sean McVay said during a video conference Monday, when asked about his evaluation of Gay so far. "I mean, he's hitting the ball really well. I think the timing, the rapport between Johnny and Jake and him has definitely been demonstrated. We've got to be a little bit cleaner in some of the protections. We did have a couple of guys come clean, but he was still able to get it off in enough time with enough height that it didn't affect being able to convert on those extra points or field goals. I thought he kicked off really well too. Matt has done a really nice job for us."

Gay pointed to his Rams debut in Week 11 against the team that drafted him last year, the Buccaneers, as key point in earning the trust of his teammates. In a 27-24 Los Angeles win at Tampa Bay, he made 2 of 3 field goal attempts – including the game-winning, go-ahead kick with 1:17 remaining – as well as all three of his extra point attempts.

"With the team, I mean, I can't say enough (good things) about those guys," Gay said. "From the get (go), I got there Saturday, we played Monday against Tampa, and I feel like that game especially – I don't want to say win over the team, but it helps them gain some trust and confidence in you, which helps as a kicker. So they've been great so far."

This week, Gay and the Rams will be preparing for a road game against the Seahawks. In a normal year, it's one of the loudest road environments for a visiting team in the league – Gay has experience with this having kicked against the Seahawks in Seattle with Tampa Bay last year – but the Seahawks announced last week they won't have fans at their final home game of the regular season due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Washington.

"I mean, it's good a environment, (but) it's different as a kicker," Gay said. "Sometimes the quiet is just as loud. You can hear everything when it's quiet. So you can hear guys in the opposite line chirping, exactly what they're saying to you, as opposed to maybe just a loud, deafening noise that kind of blocks everything out. I'm (still) expecting a good environment, a little bit colder of a game, so our guys (have) got to be ready to go and make an adjustment for the weather."

Do you like a good conspiracy? I do.

In the Rams huge win vs the Pats in week 14, Cam Akers exploded and put the league on notice with a huge game that looked Taylor made for the Pats with some great run designs that looked weeks in the works out of formations the Rams rarely used before such as using Gerald Everett as a lead blocker.

Before the Pats game, Akers was listed as questionable with a "Shoulder injury". Maybe you missed that....I didn't. But then he magically appeared active on game day and the huge game took everyone by surprise.

After the record breaking game vs the Pats, Akers was asked about the shoulder injury and he smiled and asked "What shoulder injury?". When asked again he smiled again and raising his eyebrows said "What shoulder injury". Hmmmmmmm.

In week 15 vs the Jets Cam came out of the game for a while on a supposed injury. He then Returned and made some huge runs that were unfortunately called back for holding. He made some hard cuts that looked pretty seemless.

Mysteriously, Cam Akers went on the injury report this week as out - with an ankle injury.

Could it be that Shaun Mcvay is saving his secret weapon - Akers - for another huge outing in the playoffs? If Arizona beats SF on Saturday or the Bears lose in the early Sunday game the Rams will automatically clinch their playoff spot and resting starters could take priority in Mcvays mind. Actually - even if those things didn't happen, Akers is only listed out one week, so he could always return vs Arizona - if needed - a team the Rams beat very easily a few weeks back. Otherwise, if the Rams clinch Akers will probably be resting two full games before the playoff run.

Mcvay has been known to rest starters in previous seasons after clinching his playoff spot.

So is Cam Akers really hurt? Or might we see him explode in the playoffs after lots of rest?

If we see him break out in the playoffs you might just see him respond in the post game conference with a smile and the words "What ankle?"

Just saw on NFL.com

We could all use some positivity around here. Let’s not forget this is the team we love and will follow through the depths of decades of irrelevancy. It’s easy to be down after loosing to the Jets or noticing inconsistencies but fuck it I made it through the dark years and frankly I’m loving the McVay era. Are we a perfect team? Of course not. But we are damn good and certainly much better than we have been in the recent past.

let’s try something and remember why we’re here...I figured it would be interesting to hear why or how y’all became rams fans so I’ll start..

I grew up a default cowboys fan because that’s who my dad liked. And by grew up I mean the first 8 years of my life before I really understood football. After I began to understand the game and enjoy it more I was no longer content liking a team just because it was my dads team I wanted my own. The year was 1999 and I turned on sports center and what I saw absolutely astonished me. More than anything I remember the magic of Marshall Faulk and the things he used to do on a football field. I remember Warner, Holt, and Bruce moving down the field at will. It was football like I’d never seen and I was hooked. I have rooted for the rams unconditionally ever since even though it was more downs than ups following those first few years.

So what about y’all? Anyone else care to share their story ?

Now that we've all recovered from the Rams losing to the formerly 0-13 New York Jets...



We must look at the comedy gold, represented by Rich Eisen. I watch Rich's videos because I like his style. So I have
enjoyed his comforting fellow Jets fans as they suffered loss after loss, "At least we are one step towards getting
Trevor Lawrence with the number one overall pick." he said (or something similarly). Like all fans who's team was
in danger of 0-16, they comfort themselves with the pick of the litter in the next draft. Most of us reason that way
while a few purists insist on trying to win every game, even if it costs you the #1 pick. It's hilarious to watch
Eisen do the barely supressed rage thing, as he described the "most Jets thing, ever..."

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Ok, long-time lurker, first-time poster, so be gentle. Like most of you, I can't stop thinking about the stupid Jets game. After re-watching the game a couple of times today (thank God for shortcuts), I had a few observations and wanted to see what you all thought. In no particular order:

1. The tone was set on our first defensive play, unfortunately. Quick pass to TE Herndon, and a handful of Rams lazily slow him down, but nobody ever wraps him up and actually tackle him. Combined with our previous 3 and out on the first drive, both sides of the ball revealed their mindset. Momentum is a funny thing in life and in sports, and this Rams team NEEDS to start strong or they just don't seem to get out of their funk.

2. The amount of help and attention our safeties had to give to Reeder was unreal, especially JJ3. While Reeder made a couple of nice plays in coverage, he was outmatched on so many occasions it was crazy to watch. I have to think this affected their ability to take care of core assignments, which might have led to some of the issues on the last play to Gore (who knows). I know he isn't a starter for a reason, but after multiple viewings of the game, it was terribly apparent how much others had to subsidize his play.

3. Off-tackle runs were routinely getting great yardage, but we just wouldn't fully commit to the run. The same couldn't be said for running up the middle (issues with interior linemen for sure). In addition, a few untimely penalties really, really hurt our commitment to the run. Cam lost 50+ yards on 3 penalties plus the go-ahead TD and a critical 1st down. Staggering numbers combined with such critical situations were KILLER.

4. I hate to even write this, as he was/is my favorite player, but I was surprised to see Donald "quit" on a few plays when Darnold was scrambling. He still played great and is the best thing we have going, but seeing him not hustle after the QB on at least two chases was disappointing.

5. I am not a Goff lover or hater...just trying to be a realist. What really has me troubled this year (more than others) is his lack of accuracy and placement. Yes, his ability to handle pressure and read a defense is well-documented, but some really easy throws are in the dirt, at receiver's feet, or generally off-target. I'm talking about even without pressure. He appears to be overthinking everything and afraid to make a mistake, and at this point, I'd like to see McVay take the gloves off and open things up a bit. I think we might be better off making the mistake or two per game being aggressive vs managing risk so heavily and still getting the mistakes. He isn't having any fun, and it shows on his face and, I believe, in his play. If we don't have any confidence in his play then...

6. So...few..."chunk"...plays. That was the word of 2018...I know a lot has changed with the team, but we don't even seem to be making the effort. Defenses have adjusted to the game plan and our lack of a true deep-threat receiver is a glaring issue, but watching this offense grind is really hard to stomach. Maybe we miss John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold more than I initially imagined, but what do you all think?

7. No "game changers". There is parity in the NFL, and I try to remember that every player in uniform earned their spot by being a really great player at some level. No turnovers created, an "almost" play on the punt return, and no breakaway offensive plays. With so many good players across the league and such a high level of parity, I believe most games come down to 3-5 really key plays. The Jets made them and we didn't, plain and simple. No turnovers created, untimely penalties, and bad decisions on key downs kept us from gaining any momentum. Remember, teams that win the turnover battle win the game just under 80% of the time historically (I like those odds).

8. Looking forward to the offseason, I believe we need to focus on 4 key positions to dramatically improve our team (C, ILB, WR, and OLB, in that order). We need a beefy, strong, nasty center...was hoping Brian Allen would be it, but no dice. Kiser is fine, but we need to find a playmaker in this spot and he isn't it. Finally, on the WR front, I am talking specifically someone who can stretch the field (realizing now this is where we really miss Cooks). In terms of OLB, I would keep Lewis and Hollins and otherwise start over. All of this being said, I believe that means we will need to let a few key players walk: JJ3 (left with Fuller, Burgess, Rapp), Floyd (see Dante Fowler), Reynolds (not the deep-threat guy) and Everett (Higbee gets featured and let's see what Hopkins can do).

At the end of the day, I am glad we have a winning team, a generally good coach and front office, and a football team to actually care about this far into the season (look at my avatar to remember the dark days my friends). Let's go take care of business the next two weeks and secure that hugely important momentum heading into the post-season.

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Several Rams snubbed.

RIP Kevin.

One of my favourite Rams when I started supporting this team.



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Won’t make up for yesterday. Ok....maybe a little.

Check it out fam.

RR: Loss to Jets... wow.

1. Disgusting.

2. Disgraceful.

3. Disturbing.

4. Dismaying.

5. I won't go into too much analysis into specific plays, as much of it has already been said in other threads. Rather, I'm going to try to approach this from a more global vantage point.

6. If you're going to praise Sean McVay this year, I'd say there are two things he did very well. The first is recognizing the need for a fresh approach to the defense and replacing Wade Phillips with Brandon Staley.

7. The second thing McVay did is to hide what I think are fairly significant offensive line deficiencies (exacerbated by the loss of Andrew Whitworth), with designed misdirection and other "tricks." When the offense has clicked, that has been a big trigger. When the OL has had to simply line up and beat the opposition, not so much.

8. Yesterday was a clear example. While Goff, the skill players, the defense, and special teams were hit and miss, the OL was pretty bad all day. No push in the running game, untimely, drive-killing penalties, and poor pass protection (particularly on the inside pass rush). That simply won't do.

9. If McVay seriously wants to the Rams to be a run first/play action pass offense, we're going to need better OL talent. I'd start with the center position. I think that, even without a first round pick, we can acquire a player who would be an upgrade over Austin Blythe (not to mention cheaper, as Blythe is a FA).

10. The defense has been the strength of the team, but they don't get a free pass this week. Allowing TDs on the Jets' opening drives of each half really hurt us. It seemed like there was a lack of fire and intensity. This is why the "trap game" cliche exists.

11. Okay, that's enough of that. Now let's look ahead. I've already guaranteed a win next week. I mean it. Rams 26, Seahawks 16.

12. The likelihood of the Rams missing the playoffs is extremely small, so we're really playing for position in Weeks 16 and 17.

13. Looking at the most likely scenarios, the seeding becomes interesting. If the Rams win the division, they would likely be the #3 seed, meaning that they'd play the #6 seed. If that's Tampa Bay, is that really a prize, considering that the #5 seed (which, in this scenario, would likely be Seattle) gets to play the "winner" of the NFC East.

14. If the Rams don't win the division, there is a possibility that our opening round playoff game could be a three-match in Seattle (which, if you'll recall, has happened before).

15. I find it difficult to believe we won't have a new special teams coordinator next year.

16. Jared Goff, as usual, is getting a lot of the blame for yesterday. Fun fact: Goff finished the game with a passer rating of 89.0. Russell Wilson's rating yesterday was 73.2, but his team won. The point: QB play is important, but its not the only factor.

17. Cam Akers continues to impress. I think he scores on the 4th quarter run even without the hold, but I guess we'll never know that.

18. More jet sweeps, please.

19. One cut, and Nsimba Webster is the hero. Sigh.

20. This week will suck, but it will pass. We've been here before, guys. In one week's time, everything can... and I say, will... look very different.

Am I the only one that felt like Reeder missed a lot of tackles yesterday? Also, it seemed like when he did make tackles, he ended up falling backwards giving up a few extra yards. On his tacking, I don't know if he had his head in the wrong position or what, but it looked like he was trying to wrap up, but his arms would fly open after contact.

Disclaimer: I haven't re-watched the game, and my in game analysis could be completely off, but it certainly felt like that. Has anyone seen the missed tackle stats for the game?

PS, I am not trying to shit on the guy, I think he does pretty well for a backup, most of the time. In fact, he had a very nice, very important pass break up during the game.

https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58380/LA_Gamebook.pdf


Offense


Defense


ST

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Monday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Two weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were the toast of the NFL at 11-0. But after dropping two straight games, they need to get back to their winning ways, starting with their "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

These teams are meeting for the second time in six weeks after Pittsburgh dominated Cincinnati 36-10 in Week 10. Ben Roethlisberger threw for a season-high 333 yards and four touchdowns, and the Steelers led by two or more scores for nearly 44 minutes of game time.

The Steelers could use that kind of showing again after the way they've been playing lately, too. They haven't reached 20 points in the last three games and turned the ball over five times in the process. Playing those games in a 12-day stretch after a COVID-19 outbreak with the Ravens delayed their would-be Thanksgiving game didn't help, but this team has to play better as Pittsburgh gets ready for the playoffs. A win on Monday over Cincinnati or a loss by Cleveland to the New York Giants on Sunday night clinches the AFC North for the Steelers, which would take a lot of the pressure off their Week 17 finale with the Browns.

For the Bengals, that earlier November loss to Pittsburgh started a season-worst five-game skid. They've scored more than 10 points just once during that stretch, although Brandon Allen has had to start three of those games in place of the injured Joe Burrow. It's Allen who's now injured (bone bruise), so Cincinnati will turn to Ryan Finley at quarterback. A fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Finley went 0-3 as a starter that season and has not played well (10-for-19, 75 yds., 2 INTs) in four limited appearances this season.

One of these two AFC North rivals will end their losing streak in prime time, but what would it take for the Bengals to win for the first time in 12 matchups against the Steelers? Let's break down the keys to the game.

Monday Night Football: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Kickoff: Monday, Dec. 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Steelers -13

Three Things to Watch

1. Can the Steelers revitalize their passing attack?

Pittsburgh's offense didn't reach its 2018 heights at the start of the season, but it was strong enough. Through nine games, Roethlisberger had a 103.0 passer rating with 22 touchdowns to four interceptions. The 38-year-old has really shown his age over the last four games, when he has thrown an interception every time out while failing to reach six yards per attempt.

Roethlisberger has acknowledged his struggles, and not everything is on his shoulders. Diontae Johnson concerningly leads the league with nine drops this season, and the team dropped an astounding eight passes last week. The Steelers have acommanding lead in drops (33, next-closest 28) and expected points lost due to drops (63, next-closest 52). However, Roethlisberger's lack of arm strength coming off elbow surgery — not to mention a balky knee — is leading to more short passes over the middle, where receivers are most likely to drop the ball.

Facing the Bengals could be an opportunity to get back on track. Their defense has allowed 7.4 yards per attempt (23rd in the NFL) with just nine interceptions (tied for 10th least). Roethlisberger has already torn them up once this season, so perhaps he can replicate that success.

Besides expanding the passing game beyond short passes over the middle — and not dropping the ball — one wrinkle the Steelers could add to their offense that would give them a boost is more play-action. Pittsburgh has used it less than any other team this season since Roethlisberger mostly operates out of the shotgun and doesn't like turning his back to the defense, but ignoring this tried-and-true strategy may eventually come back to bite them. Pittsburgh doesn't even need a strong running attack to make it effective, it just needs to be in a down-and-distance situation where the run threat is credible.

2. Will either team be able to establish the run?

Speaking of running the ball, neither team has been able to do that lately. It's been a continuing problem since they both finished among the eight worst rushing teams last season — and the 13 worst teams each season since 2017 — but injuries have made their respective ground games even more ineffective.

Since Joe Mixon went down with a foot injury in Week 6, the Bengals are averaging just 84.1 rushing yards per game, including a pair of 40-yard performances in the last three games. But the Steelers haven't been much better with James Conner banged up; they've been held under 50 yards on the ground in five of their last seven games and averaged 54.3 yards per game during that stretch.

Despite their inability to move the ball lately, the Steelers should have an edge on Monday because of the defenses. They are giving up 100.9 rushing yards per game (sixth) and 4.2 yards per carry (11th), while the Bengals are allowing 131.7 (28th) and 4.6 (27th). Conner may also be playing for his job since he's set to hit free agency, although Benny Snell Jr. (3.3 ypc) and Anthony McFarland Jr. (3.4) have yet to impress.

For the Steelers, they were able to blow out the Bengals last time without doing much on the ground (20 attempts, 40 yards), but that is not sustainable against stronger opponents. They'll need to make sure future opponents have reason to worry about Conner and Co. The Bengals meanwhile, will need to control the clock if they're going to pull out a home upset.

3. What will the Steelers' defense look like with their latest injuries?

The reason that Pittsburgh has been so dominant this season is because of their defense. They're first in scoring defense, sacks, and turnovers and third in total defense. However, serious cracks are showing with the latest group of injuries.

Pittsburgh already lost Devin Bush to a torn ACL in October, and star pass rusher Bud Dupree went down with the same injury earlier this month. Fellow linebacker Robert Spillane was the latest to land on injured reserve with a knee injury, although he may return in time for the playoffs. But that's a lot of production to miss in the meantime.

Dupree was one of three Steelers to rank in the top 10 in sacks, and his presence was clearly missed last week when Pittsburgh only registered one sack against the Bills. T.J. Watt (12.0 sacks) is still a Defensive Player of the Year contender and Stephon Tuitt (8.0 sacks) can be a menace, so the Bengals, who have given up the second-most sacks in the league, will have their hands full. If the Steelers can't bring the pressure, that will be a massive red flag.

Final Analysis

The Bengals' season was over the moment Joe Burrow went down, but they can at least send off this disaster of a season by being a thorn in the Steelers' side. But for as badly as the Steelers have played recently, the Bengals have been even worse. This could be a scoring struggle unless someone turns things around quickly.

This game at Cincinnati could not have come at a better time for Pittsburgh, which desperately needs to get back on track. Don't expect another 26-point blowout as they had a few weeks ago, but the Steelers should pull away on the strength of a banged-up defense and rejuvenated offense.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Bengals 10