Jailbirds and Vikings

It’s been a very strange week in Steelerland. The Steelers beat the Browns but I couldn’t help feeling like it should have been more of a rout. The Steelers always seem to play up to or down to their opposition. While I never felt like the win was in jeopardy it was never a real stomping. There were quarters in previous games this season that seemed to be all one sided. There just weren’t any of those. Maybe it’s better to play on an even keel but I was really hoping for a runaway romp. We need one of those.

Jeff Reed and Matt Spaeth ended up both in the police blotter and TMZ.com. Neither is ever a good place to show up. As much as I like Reed, it’s time he grows up. He’s a thirty year old man. He’s not a 21 year old rookie out for a party. At some point this should all become embarrassing for him. Spaeth is around 26. Closer to the partier age than Reed but still old enough to know better. Urinating in a parking lot? Really? I’ve never been to a bar in Pittsburgh that didn’t have a men’s room. Enough on that topic. In the end it’s not that big a deal. This does not help Reed’s contract renewal situation at all.

The upcoming Viking game should be huge. The first of two contests against previously unbeaten opponents. On paper it looks like the Steelers should win fairly handily. They lead almost every important stat by a significant margin. Take a look at these:

Overall defense Steelers are 3rd in the NFL allowing an average of 275 yards per game.

The Vikes are 18th in the league allowing an average of 374 yards per game.

Passing Defense Steelers allow around 200 yards / game

Vikes give up 248 yards per game

Rushing Defense Steelers allow 75 yards / game

Vikings give up 93.5 yards per game

The offensive stats are much the same:

Total offense The Steelers average 404 / game (5th in the NFL)

Minnesota averages 348 and is 13th in the league

Passing yards Pittsburgh is 2nd in the league with 297 yards per games

Minnie is 17th in the league averaging 223 per game

Rushing yards Minnesota is 9th in the NFL averaging 125 / game

Steelers average 107 per game for a 15th ranking

The rushing yardage for the Steelers may be skewed because of their early dismal rushing performances.

I think the stats and the home field give the Steelers the edge here. I do not think this will be as close as most people believe. The current book has the Steelers favored by 3 1/2 points. I see this being a Steeler win by 10 to 14 points. The Steelers defense will shut down the Minnesota rushing game and Troy and Company will shut Favre down. A big day and turning point for the Steelers. Sure to be worth the price of admission.