First off, Happy Festivus for those who enjoyed Seinfeld as much as I did/do!!!!
Pittsburgh is one of the teams I follow and cap the most. Tonight I have a very good feeling we will see a complete game from the Steelers. I honestly feel that every angle favors them. Home, weather, importance of game, coming off loss, better offense, better defense. Barring a ton of turnovers, I just see a 2nd half cigar game. Mendenhall had 99 yards against the Jets last week, I think he almost doubles that if he gets to play the whole game. I say that because I do see this getting out of hand. I think this is a statement game for the Steelers. Panthers struggle against the run. Steelers, on the otherhand, will make Clausen beat them. Are you seriously going to put your money on Jimmy Clausen against the Steeers? Yes, its against a 2 win team, but it is on National T.V. I cannot fathum the Steelers laying an egg here. Polamalu out, yes, but Miller is back. Polamalu can be playing people, They just dont think he is needed. If the Steelers believe they will smack on the Panthers, who am I to question them? Final home game for the Steelers.
The arguement that the Steelers are older and its a short week is weak if you ask me. Yes, they are older, but dont you think that younger (Clausen) players would be hurt worse by this with less time to prepare? I think so. Steelers gave the vets an extra day off this week. Plus no travel time for Steelers. This arguement actually favors the Steelers to in my opinion. Prediction: Steelers 34 Panthers 6
Steelers -14
Good luck with whatever you play
Happy Holidays!