SB Nation Pittsburgh - Steelers Vs. Rams: Steelers Dominate Despite Ben Roethlisberger's Absencehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2011-12-26T08:00:56-05:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24176202011-12-26T08:00:56-05:002011-12-26T08:00:56-05:00NFL Playoff Picture: Steelers Vs. Browns, Ravens Vs. Bengals Matchups Key In Week 17
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Now that last week's games are mostly over (the Saints play the Falcons on Monday Night Football in a game that will be big in the NFC), here's a look at the NFL Playoff Picture in the AFC.</p>
<p>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> 12-3<br>2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> 11-4<br>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> 10-5<br>4. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> 8-7<br>5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> 11-4<br>6. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> 9-6<br>* * *<br>7. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> 8-7<br>8. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> 8-7<br>9. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> 8-7</p>
<p>The Steelers would win the No. 1 seed if they win on Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> and both the Ravens and Patriots lose; they would get the No. 2 seed if they win Sunday and only the Ravens lose. Otherwise, they will be the No. 5 seed, in which case they would face off against the AFC West champion, whether that's the Broncos or Raiders. Obviously, that's not the roughest first-round matchup, but the Steelers could really use a week off to get everyone healthy.</p>
<p>Fortunately, they have a couple things going for them on that score. First, the Ravens play the Bengals, who would clinch the last playoff spot with a win. The Bengals haven't been able to stand up to the Steelers or Ravens yet this year, but next week's game is by no means a gimme for Baltimore. Also, both the Ravens vs. Bengals and Steelers vs. Browns games are at 4:15 next Sunday, so the Steelers will at least have a clearer sense of the playoff picture before their game begins. The most important game, from their perspective, will unfortunately be the Ravens game, so they'll have to try hard against the Browns regardless, but some information (particularly regarding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> vs. Patriots matchup at 1:00, in which a win would clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs for the Pats) is better than none.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/26/2661436/nfl-playoff-scenarios-picture-2011-steelers-ravens-bengalsCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-25T13:26:35-05:002011-12-25T13:26:35-05:00Rashard Mendenhall Fantasy Update: Pittsburgh Running Back Rolls Over Rams Defense
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>With quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> sidelined, the Pittsburgh <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> and backup signal-caller <span>Charlie Batch</span> were expected to rely heavily on the ground game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, and that is exactly what the Steelers did Saturday in a 27-0 whitewash of the woeful Rams.</p>
<p>Against the league's worst rushing defense, Pittsburgh running back <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> carried the ball 18 times for 116 yards and a touchdown, also catching one ball for 35 yards. It was just the second 100-yard game of the season for Mendenhall, and represented his second highest rushing total of the year.</p>
<p>For the season, the Pittsburgh running back has rushed 220 times for 890 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also caught 17 balls out of the backfield for 147 yards.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, please visit <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" target="blank">Behind the Steel Curtain</a>, SB Nation's Steelers blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/" target="blank">SB Nation St. Louis</a> and <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/" target="blank">Turf Show Times</a>, SB Nation's Rams blog.</i></p>
<p><i>For more fantasy football coverage, advice, and analysis, please visit <a target="blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fantasy"><b>SB Nation Fantasy</b></a>, also found on Twitter <a target="blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/sbnationfantasy"><b>@SBNationFantasy</b></a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/25/2660789/rashard-mendenhall-fantasy-stats-update-pittsburgh-steelers-redskins-week-16T.J. Doyle2011-12-24T16:12:57-05:002011-12-24T16:12:57-05:002012 NFL Playoff Picture: Bengals In Line For Wild Card
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Ravens survived a late scare to beat the Cleveland Browns 20-14, and it looks like the Patriots are going to beat the Bills as well. The New York Jets appear likely to lose against the Giants, and the Broncos (barring a serious miracle) look likely to lose as well. The Bengals just defeated the Arizona Cardinals. So here’s a look at the <span class="caps">AFC</span> playoff picture.</p>
<p>1. Patriots 12-3<br> 2. Ravens 11-4<br> 3. Texans 10-5<br> 4. Broncos 8-7<br> 5. Steelers 11-4<br> 6. Bengals 9-6</p>
<p>The <span class="caps">AFC</span> West spot is still very much up for grabs. The Steelers can get a first-round bye if they win next week and the Bengals (who I assume will be highly motivated) beat the Ravens; otherwise, they’ll be the fifth seed. Assuming the Giants’ lead holds up, the Bengals will have a one-game lead on everyone in the battle for the last Wild Card spot.</p>
<p><i>SB nation has <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs">a blog for every team</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659895/2012-nfl-playoff-picture-bengals-ravens-steelersCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-24T15:51:37-05:002011-12-24T15:51:37-05:00Rams Vs. Steelers Final Score: Steelers Dominate In 27-0 Victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Steelers continued to dominate the St. Louis Rams into the fourth quarter, as Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman each had short rushing touchdowns to increase the Steelers’ lead to 27-0.</p>
<p>Charlie Batch and the Steelers are still throwing the ball a lot despite being way ahead; they appear to be targeting Hines Ward, who has four catches Saturday and is now just five receptions short of 1,000 for his career.</p>
<p>Batch has played well overall – he has 208 yards passing. That includes an interception, but that was on a play in which his receiver slipped.</p>
<p>Mike Wallace has four receptions for 82 yards.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, the Steelers defense has dominated the Rams. Kellen Clemens played reasonably well at the beginning of the game, but overall he’s just 9-for-24 with 91 yards. Steven Jackson has accounted for most of the Rams’ offense – he has 24 carries for 103 yards.</p>
<p>The game is now ending with a final score of Steelers 27, Rams 0. The Steelers now 11-4.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659846/rams-vs-steelers-final-score-charlie-batch-kellen-clemensCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-24T14:54:52-05:002011-12-24T14:54:52-05:00Rams Vs. Steelers Score: Rashard Mendenhall, Charlie Batch Help Steelers To 13-0 Lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Shaun Suisham hit his second field goal of the game, a beautiful 49-yarder, to put the Steelers up 13-0 against the Rams early in the third quarter. The Rams had a chance to get on the board at the end of the second half, but they missed a field goal.</p>
<p>As John Lynch has pointed out on the broadcast, Charlie Batch has looked Ben Roethlisberger-like at times, ducking out the pocket and avoiding tackles before dropping off improvised passes, allowing speedy young receivers Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace to pick up yards after the catch. Brown is now right around 1,000 yards for the season.</p>
<p>The Steelers have, unsurprisingly, largely outplayed the Rams, with Rashard Mendenhall in particular having a big game (13 catches for 105 yards rushing, plus 35 yards receiving). John Clay scored the Steelers’ only touchdown on the first rush of his <span class="caps">NFL</span> career.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659756/rams-vs-steelers-score-rashard-mendenhall-charlie-batchCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-24T14:10:35-05:002011-12-24T14:10:35-05:00Rams Vs. Steelers: John Clay Has Touchdown In First-Ever NFL Carry
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>A 52-yard run by Rashard Mendenhall led to a touchdown run by John Clay on Clay’s first-ever <span class="caps">NFL</span> carry, and the Steelers lead the Rams by a score of 10-0.</p>
<p>Clay is on the roster this week due to an injury to Mewelde Moore. He had been on the Steelers’ practice squad before this. He was an undrafted free agent from the University of Wisconsin. Congratulations to Clay; to spend the better part of an entire season waiting to get into a game and then to score on one’s first-ever <span class="caps">NFL</span> run has to feel great.</p>
<p>Mendenhall has had a great game so far, and his 52-yard run was a thing of beauty – he got some very good blocking by Heath Miller, and he made a great cut to find all kinds of open space. Mendenhall currently has 97 yards rushing with six minutes left in the second quarter.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659668/rams-vs-steelers-john-clay-touchdownCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-24T13:58:37-05:002011-12-24T13:58:37-05:00Rams Vs. Steelers Score Update: Charlie Batch Intercepted, Steelers Still Lead 3-0
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Several minutes into the second quarter, the Steelers still lead 3-0. Since the Steelers’ first-quarter field goal, the Steelers and Rams have exchanged punts. Kellen Clemens has played reasonably well for the Rams, but not well enough to build a sustained drive.</p>
<p>There was a moment of excitement early in the second quarter when the Rams went for a fake punt. Donnie Jones briefly looked like he was going to pass, but then, seeing a huge hole to his right, took off. Antonio Brown, who was in the play on the return, came all the way up and made the tackle a yard shy of the first-down marker.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, on the ensuing drive, Charlie Batch threw to Brown, but Brown slipped, and the pass was intercepted. That goes into Batch’s statistics, obviously, but it wasn’t really his fault. The Rams currently have the ball.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659649/rams-vs-steelers-score-update-charlie-batch-antonio-brownCharlie Wilmoth2011-12-24T13:24:09-05:002011-12-24T13:24:09-05:00Rams Vs. Steelers Score: Charlie Batch Leads Steelers To Field Goal On First Drive
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vu2A6neKAixIn6CkeqyUcmXnPkE=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828131/large_pittsburgh.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Kellen Clemens-led <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> moved down the field fairly effectively in their first drive, with a couple of first downs by Steven Jackson, but an apparent first-down by <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> was called back on a challenge once the officials (correctly, despite strange claims to the contrary by the broadcasters) determined Lloyd never had control of the ball. The Rams were forced to punt.</p>
<p>The second play of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>’ first drive was of the schoolyard variety – <span>Charlie Batch</span> narrowly avoided not only a sack but a fumble, then dumped the ball off to <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span>, who cut back and picked up a bunch of yards after the catch. <span>Doug Legursky</span> was hurt on the play, so the Steelers put <span>Trai Essex</span> in at center. Legursky, of course, was only in at center because <span>Maurkice Pouncey</span> is hurt.</p>
<p>The Steelers’ drive stalled inside the 10 yard line, and <span>Shaun Suisham</span> kicked a 21-yard field goal. 3-0 Steelers.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/12/24/2659594/rams-vs-steelers-score-charlie-batch-doug-legurskyCharlie Wilmoth