Ok, here's the deal - what follows is not going to be what I'd typically refer to as a "preview."
For three reasons...
1) Didn't write a preview for Bengals, Browns (Round 1), or Rams, but did for 49ers, and look how that worked out 2) When you're reading this it will either be New Year's Eve day or New Year's day (if it gets read at all), and 3) This is the Browns
Now, in no way am I discounting the significance of the game itself.
It's not necessarily a must-win, but a win and a Ravens loss would hand the Steelers the two seed and a first round bye, which I don't think you need me to tell you would be a major coup for a team with key players injured all over the field.
But the reality is, in terms of internet usage this weekend, I'd expect it to be a fraction of the norm (ie - probably one person will read this instead of the normal three).
Either way, here's what you need to know - Ben, Pouncey, and Troy are all expected to play, and on the other side, the Browns usual starter Colt McCoy isn't, which leaves Seneca Wallace to try his hand against the Steelers' defense.
As for who the Steelers should be aware of - it's probably...
a. Jabaal Sheard
El former Pitt Panther and Browns rookie has 7.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles, far and away leading the Frowns in both this season at DE.
b. Mike Adams
Leads the Browns in picks with 3.
c. Seneca Wallace
I'm not saying he's going to be a huge threat or anything, but assuming the Steelers play defense like the Steelers, it'll be up to Wallace to try and beat them.
Also, Mike Wallace > Seneca Wallace.
Now, for the random observations...
1) Whoa, dude.
Look at the disparity in tackles between the Browns leading tackler and 2nd leading tackler.
Following the path blazed not long ago by our boy, Mike Wallace, Brown eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in just his second season, after becoming Ben's 2nd favorite target (maybe even overall favorite), and a starter about 2/3 of the way through the season.
[sidenote - do yourself a favor and click here to see who he's got more receiving yards than (spoiler - it's all but 15 guys in the league)]
Not to mention, he's on his way to Hawaii by virtue of the ~28 yards he averaged on kick returns (3rd in the league) and ~11 yards he averaged on punt returns (9th in the league).
And of course, he's got a top five TD celebration.
Definitely MVP level swag.
5) Roethlisberger's Revenge?
Never forget.
So, in conclusion - go Bengals.
As usual, if you get a chance before you drink yourself into a champagne coma later, turn the lights off and hit play on this...
Last game of the season, kids.
Here we go.
If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, and follow Cotter on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.
I now have a special place in my heart for the San Diego Chargers defense too.
But this is not about the Ravens, it's about the Steelers.
With Assaultimore showing its true colors last night, the Steelers now have a legitimate chance to become the #1 seed in the AFC, and get a much needed first round bye.
However, in order to potentially do so, they have a three game season on their hands, starting tonight.
Is Ben going to play?
I'm not a betting man, but given that the Steelers essentially need to win this game and the next two, I'd say smart money's on him playing.
We'll certainly miss James Harrison and Maurkice Pouncey, but winners win, no matter who's on the field.
So, without belaboring the point too much - it's go time.
Time to strap on the pads and hit some people in the mouth.
And certainly no time to waste any more words on the upfront of this blog post.
There were many big contributions tonight, but arguably none bigger than Ben coming back after absorbing that hit I can't get out of my head in the 1st half, after which he could barely limp off the field.
16/21 for 280 yards and 2 TDs, with a broken thumb on his throwing hand, and a high sprain on his left ankle.
Heal up, dude, but what a machine.
Something that looks more like a recap to come.
In the meantime, good win...
Feel free to deposit any and all thoughts in the comments.
Here we go.
If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, and follow Cotter on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.
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