Redskins Game A Statement Game For Steelers

Big Ben Has to Lead This Team to a
Statement Win vs the Redskins Sunday

I've already given you my prediction to this game and analyzed it every which way, but the one thing I can't stop realizing is how important this game is for the black n gold. Most people would think a game vs a NFC team that is 3-4 is not an important game, but I have to strongly disagree. Why is this such a big game? In my opinion, this is a statement game. This team is already being compared to the team that had a Superbowl hangover and lost games to the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns in respective weeks and barely scraped out a winning season while missing out on the playoffs. I personally don't think that is going to happen to this team, but the comparisons are undeniable already after the Steelers have only played six games.

This year's team has already dropped games to the Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, and the Denver Broncos. All of those losses were blown 4th quarter leads and except the Broncos were all considered horrible losses. That fact alone makes this Redskins game that much more important. Coming off of a win over the Bengals in Cincinnati, this Steelers team needs to make a statement. If the Steelers think that they are going to climb out of the muddled mess that is the AFC and turn into contenders, this game is a must win. The Steelers have yet to have that complete 4 quarter victory and completely dominate their opponent. Logic would tell us that it is coming eventually. However, this game versus the Redskins has different factors that could or couldn't lead to the Steelers dominating the game on Sunday.

Rookie QB RGIII has looked like he truly belongs in the NFL since the first time he stepped on the football field, but even RGIII is going to have games where he struggles. I have a feeling that there will be times during the Steelers game where the Pittsburgh defense makes the rookie confused and look like a true rookie, but just confusing the QB isn't enough. When plays break down around players like RGIII and Michael Vick their natural instinct and ability take over. It is at this time when big plays happen. You saw it last Sunday when RGIII escaped pressure on a 4th & 10 vs the Giants pass rush for a huge play that eventually led to the Redskins taking the lead. Its plays like this one that can sink a team.

No doubt the Steelers have their work cut out for them this Sunday, but as most people would guess, if the Steelers are the better team and a true contender in the division / conference they put together not just a win, but a statement game to the rest of the league...that statement being that the Steelers are THE STEELERS and are here for Superbowl #7!!!!