Looking at the Steelers 2008 schedule, which is the league's toughest on paper, there is not 1 gimme game on the schedule. Their opponents, which have a cumulative 153-103 record in 2007, fall into 2 categories: teams with at least a .500 record and/or division foes. The only 2 opponents that finished 2007 with a sub-.500 record are Cincinnati (7-9) and Baltimore (5-11). My guess is both teams will be better in 2008.
Here is the Steelers' schedule:
Sun. 9/7 - Houston
Sun. 9/14 - at Cleveland
Sun. 9/21 - at Philadelphia
Mon. 9/29 - Baltimore
Sun. 10/5 - at Jacksonville
bye week
Sun. 10/19 - at Cincinnati
Sun. 10/26 - NY Giants
Mon. 11/3 - at Washington
Sun. 11/9 - Indianapolis
Sun. 11/16 - San Diego
Thu. 11/20 - Cincinnati
Sun. 11/30 - at New England
Sun. 12/7 - Dallas
Sun. 12/14 - at Baltimore
Sun. 12/21 - at Tennessee
Sun. 12/28 - Cleveland
The Steelers' biggest test (toughest stretch) will be the period from 11/9 to 12/7, when the Steelers face the Colts, Chargers, Patriots and Cowboys. Those 4 teams are in the top 4-5 teams in the NFL in most Power Rankings.
Considering the other 3 AFC North teams have to face the NFC East and AFC South as well, I expect the division winner to win only 10 games this year. Provided the Steelers win the division (which I expect), the Steelers will be battle-tested heading into the playoffs. At least, that's the glass-half-full outlook I prefer to have.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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