Draft position?

According to NFL.com the Steelers have the 17th worst record in the NFL. The Steelers and Cowboys could end up with the same record, if Dallas loses their Sunday night game to Washington, but with Dallas having defeated the Steelers, Pittsburgh would choose ahead of them.

Cincinnati vs. Steelers: The live tweets

Follow us on Twitter @SteelersFan1960 for unmediated, and slightly irational, thoughts regarding today's game.

Cincinnati vs. Steelers: The matchups

Two teams, arguably better than their respective records, square off for a chance to play at least one extra game. Who's got the edge? Here is a look at this week's matchups.

Cincinnati Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cincinnati offense 18th (347.6) v. Steelers defense 1st (273.3 )

Average net rushing yards per game: Cincinnati offense 11th (120.3) v. Steelers defense 4th (92.7)

Average net passing yards per game: Cincinnati offense 14th (227.4) v. Steelers defense 1st (180.6)

Average points per game: Cincinnati offense 12th (25.4) v. Steelers defense 8th (20.8)

Steelers Offense v. Cincinnati Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 19th (345.1) v. Cincinnati defense 6th (320.4)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 26th (96.5) v. Cincinnati defense 9th (101.0)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 10th (248.6) v. Cincinnati defense 12th (219.4)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (21.6) v. Cincinnati defense 10th (20.9)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cincinnati 4th (11.5) v. Steelers 26th (7.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cincinnati 9th (8.3) v. Steelers 27th (11.6)

Average yards per kick return: Cincinnati 10th (22.4) v. Steelers 9th (25.6)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cincinnati 20th (24.6) v. Steelers 16th (24.0)

Net yardage punting average: Cincinnati 7th (41.2) v. Steelers 29th (37.1)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cincinnati 1st (36.7) v. Steelers 17th (39.5)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cincinnati 14th (+2) v. Steelers 29th (-14)

Time of possession: Cincinnati 10th (31:01) v. Steelers 2nd (32:16)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cincinnati 12th (55.6%) v. Steelers 13th(54.5%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cincinnati 11th (51.4%) v. Steelers 13th (52.5%)

Sacks allowed: Cincinnati 25th (38) v. Steelers 16th (31)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Andy Dalton, 5th (89.4, 295 Comp., 62.5 Comp. Pct., 26 TDs, 14 INTs) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (98.1, 255 Comp., 64.1 Comp. Pct., 22 TDs, 6 INTs)

Leading rushers: BenJarvus Green-Ellis 5th (1,080 yards, 263 attempts, 4.1 per carry, 6 TDs) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 14th (532 yards, 131 attempts, 4.1 per carry, 2 TDs)

Leading receivers: A.J. Green, 4th (85 receptions, 1,208 yards, 14.2 per reception, 5 touchdowns) v. Heath Miller, 10th (68 receptions, 771 yards, 11.3 yards per reception, 8 touchdowns)

Sacks:  Geno Atkins, 4th (10.5) v. Jason Worilds, 26th (5.0)

Steelers @ Dallas: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Some losses are tougher to assess than others; to step back from the emotion as a fan in an effort to bring something approximating an analytical look takes a little longer. The loss to Dallas is exactly that -- one of several this season. But we are ready now, and here, as Peter King says, is what we think we think.

The Good
David DeCastro & Kelvin Beachum: Two rookies, with no experience working together, were fantastic, considering the circumstances. Mr. DeCastro was responsible for giving up one sack, and the two of them did struggle as Dallas turned-up the pressure during the latter stages of the fourth quarter and overtime, but the feeling here is that the offensive line is (barring injuries) set for 2013 -- assuming that the Steelers are willing to sign Max Starks for another year (Mike Adams showed no evidence of being able to handle the left tackle position). It is true that the run game continues to be a huge disappointment, but Mr. DeCastro and Mr. Beachum look to be part of the solution rather than the problem.

James Harrison: It remains to be seen if Mr. Harrison can regain his Pro Bowl form, but this was his best game of the 2012 season, by a very large margine. His four tackles, two for losses, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble are all testament to the fact that he was the most impactful player on the defensive side of the ball last Sunday. He showed good speed (except for some man-to-man coverage responsibilities on the Dallas second string tight end late in the game) and leverage off the edge throughout; and a couple of more games like that and the Steelers will have to decide if letting Mr. Harrison walk as a free agent (prior to now something that seemed a foregone conclusion) is really such a good idea.

The Bad
Ben Roethlisberger: Obviously there is the interception, in overtime, that led to Dallas' winning score; but beyond that there were the horribly thrown dump-offs (particularly into the flats which is not necessarily a short pass), and even the whirling dervish touchdown pass to Heath Miller left us feeling exasperated -- what if Mr. Roethlisberger had been hit, and injured, rather than throwing for a touchdown? Frankly, the chances of scoring on a play like that are infinitesimal, with a sack or turnover (i.e. "never throw late down the middle") much more likely to occur. We admire his never say die approach, but sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor.

The Defense: The Steelers #1 ranked defense gave up 415 total net yards, 153 yards more than their season average. The overall lack of a pass rush left Tony Romo free to pick apart the Steelers' secondary. And, however great Josh Victorian may become in his career, he looked overmatched all day long. But the one aspect of the defensive performance by the Steelers that left us most perturbed was the tackling. THe Cowboys running backs and receivers were much more physical and determined than anyone on the Steelers' side of the ball, and all the broken tackles were evidence of that.

The Ugly
Antonio Brown: Two fumbles, one lost . . . and we tweeted at the moment that the second of those would be a back breaker. One never knows how things are going to go in a game, but that fumble gave Dallas excellent field position and they scored the tying touchdown. Then, of course, there was the subsequent punt that he allowed to hit and roll . . . and roll . . . and roll. All things considered it was an atrocious performance.

Playoff Chances: The fact that this season's edition of the Steelers not only has an opportunity to make the playoffs but controls its own ability to qualify for the playoffs speaks to the watered down quality of NFL football. 9-7 is not a record that anyone is going to feel good about, assuming that the Steelers get there, and, at this point, this team strikes fear into the heart of absolutely nobody.

Live Tweeting the game

We will be sharing our thoughts, as they occur, via the magic of The Twitter. Follow us @SteelersFan1960.

Some Steelers Tweet a Tragedy

The experts provide insight

We have often trumpeted our admiration for the folks at Football Outsiders and this week's "Film Room" take on the Steelers vs. Cowboys is a shining example of what sets this publication apart from so many others.

If you want to get inside the game this is a must read.

Chris Hoke has a suggestion

We loved Chris Hoke (and not just because we were on the same flight with his family one time, coming into to The 'Burgh for a playoff game), and he is the rare example of an athlete who went out on his own terms. So, when he speaks (or, in this case, tweets) we listen.

Getting draft ready

With the Steelers' future uncertain (one could argue that the last place the Steelers should be going is the playoffs) looking ahead to the NFL Draft might help ease the pain of a season gone off the rails. In that vein, the folks at National Football Post have come up with their top 200 college players. The feeling here is that the Steelers are in desperate need of a run-stopping defensive end (or two) as well as an impact nose tackle to replace Casey Hampton (apparently Steve McClendon is not the answer, based upon his limited playing time).

Steelers @ Dallas: The matchups

The rollercoaster 2012 regular season moves into Big D for the weekend, and one can only wonder what Rob Ryan has in-store for the Steelers' offense. Can anyone say "A gap blitzes"? Putting aside our cynicism for a moment, statistically this looks like a good matchup for the Steelers, with Dallas' offense appearing to be up against a big challenge -- particularly running the football. However, last week the value of having Ike Taylor in the lineup became painfully clear, and one wonders if Mr. Taylor's replacement this week (please, not Curtis Brown) will be able to keep his head above water.

Offensively, after last week's horrendouos offensive performance, the Steelers' offense dropped from 10th in the league in total yards per game, to 19th -- the largest one week fall-off we can remember ever having seen this late in the season. Meanwhile the punt units (i.e. return and coverage) continue their inexorable slides. The punt return unit slipped from 20th in the league going into last week's game, and is now ranked 31st, and the punt coverage until fell from 15th to 25th.

In something of an oddity, the leading receiver for both teams is a tight end, with Heath Miller having fewer total receiving yards than the more heralded Jason Witten, but a higher per catch average and six more touchdowns.

Finally, who on the Steelers offensive line will be able to handle DeMarcus Ware?

Dallas Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Dallas offense 10th (372.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (262.4)

Average net rushing yards per game: Dallas offense 31st (79.8) v. Steelers defense 5th (93.2)

Average net passing yards per game: Dallas offense 3rd (292.2) v. Steelers defense 1st (169.2)

Average points per game: Dallas offense 15th (23.1) v. Steelers defense 7th (20.3)

Steelers Offense v. Dallas Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 19th (341.8) v. Dallas defense 11th (336.6)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 25th (98.6) v. Dallas defense 16th (118.8)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (243.2) v. Dallas defense 23rd (217.8)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 21st (21.4) v. Dallas defense 22nd (24.2)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Dallas 13th (9.8) v. Steelers 31st (6.7)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Dallas 18th (9.5) v. Steelers 25th (11.0)

Average yards per kick return: Dallas 27th (21.2) v. Steelers 9th (25.7)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Dallas 9th (24.0) v. Steelers 17th (22.1)

Net yardage punting average: Dallas 21st (39.2) v. Steelers 25th (37.9)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Dallas 10th (38.4) v. Steelers 18th (39.8)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Dallas 26th (-10) v. Steelers 29th (-13)

Time of possession: Dallas 6th (32:43) v. Steelers 2nd (31:29)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Dallas 26th (46.3%) v. Steelers 16th (53.7%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Dallas 12th (51.2%) v. Steelers 15th (52.8%)

Sacks allowed: Dallas 16th (31) v. Steelers 14th (27)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Tony Romo, 8th/NFC (88.5, 349 Comp., 66.3% Comp. pct., 20 TDs, 16 INTs) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd/AFC (101.4, 231 Comp., 64.5% Comp. pct., 20 TDs, 5 INTs)

Leading rushers: DeMarco Murray, 15th/NFC (466 yards, 3.9 yards per carry, 3 touchdowns) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 14th/AFC (510 yards, 1.2 yards per carry, 1 touchdown)

Leading receiver: Jason Witten, 3rd/NFC (92 catches, 880 yards, 9.6 per catch, 1 touchdown) v. Heath Miller, 11th/AFC (61 catches, 679 yards, 11.1 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: DeMarcus Ware, 2nd/NFC (11.0) v. Jason Worilds, 21st/AFC (5.0 each)

San Diego vs. Steelers: The good, the bad, & the ugly

We know what you are saying: It was all ugly, wasn't it?

It was ugly enough that we stopped watching the game after the fourth quarter interception of Ben Roethlisberger's pass by San Diego linebacker Bront Bird (there was yard work to do, and it seemed like a good release for all the frustration). But there is value in finding the good amongst the hideous, and that is what this week's effort is -- looking for a diamond (however small) in the rough.

The Good

We warned you it might be like this: Our introduction to the weekly matchups went like this:

One might look at the Chargers' horrible record (4-8) and be tempted to take this week's Steelers opponent lightly. But this Chargers team is so much better than their record, or statistics, indicate that it promises to be a long, tough battle at Heinz Field on Sunday. Indeed, the Chargers are 0-3 against the AFC North this season, but the losses were by a combined 11 points (with seven of that coming last week versus Cincinnati), and in their road games this season the Chargers are 2-4, but have only been outscored by a combined 8 points (114-122).

So, take us more seriously from now on, won't you?

First half defense: We admit that we are reaching here, but given the ineptitude of the Steelers' offense it is amazing that the score was only 13-3. Moreover, the Chargers ran an incredible 41 plays in the first half but only gained 143 yards (a 3.49 yards per play average). Top all of that off with the fact that the average starting position for the Chargers' eight first half possessions was their own 45-yard line, and you have to tip your cap to Pittsburgh's defense for keeping it close.

The Bad

Hey Mike Tomlin, enough gambling, ok?: We understand the second quarter decision to go for it on fourth-and one at the Steelers' 47-yard line. It should have been a gimme'; but between this and the fake field goal attempt earlier this season . . . well, let's just say that we'd like to see the conservative Mike Tomlin re-emerge. The inability to get that one yard, and San Diego's ability to drive for a field goal ended up being a bigger deal than may have been apparent at the time.

Mike Wallace: We are tired of watching games in which Mr. Wallace follows up a costly penalty with a dropped pass. There is no way for us to know if this season long funk is the result of his holdout or some other issue entirely, but at this moment all we can say to him is don't let the door hit ya' where the good Lord split ya'.

The Ugly

The Steelers' Offense: The final game statistics make everything look much more palatable, but during the first half -- when the game was still winnable -- the Steelers' offense had eight possessions, six of which that ended with punts, one that ended on downs, and one that ended with a field goal. Stated another way, on the field goal drive in the first half the Steelers' offense gained 59 yards. On the other seven possessions the offense gained a total of 64 yards. Or, stated still another way, the Steelers' ten longest plays from scrimmage combined for a net of 212 yards (an average of 21.2 yards per play). Their other 51 offensive plays combined for 128 net yards (an average of 2.5 per play).

Second half defense: Down by ten to begin the second half the Steelers defense was immediately sliced and diced for a 78-yard, 9:32 touchdown drive by San Diego. The Steelers' offense was horrible, but after putting up a good fight in the first half it seems the defense had nothing left to give.

Good move in Baltimore

We're not in the business of praising the Baltimore Ravens, but news that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has been terminated seems like a the appropriate step, at this point.

Breaking new: Big Ben back in the lineup

We like Alan Robinson's work (he did reporting on Pittsburgh sports for a number of years for the Associated Press), and while he is no Ed Bouchette, he is still pretty good. So, if Mr. Robinson reports that Ben Roethlisberger will resume his duties that as the Steelers' starting quarterback, well, who are we to argue? However, we speculated that Mr. Roethlisberger's return would occur on December 16, and we are inclined to stand by that unless, and until, we see him out on the frozen tundra versus San Diego.

San Diego vs. Steelers: The matchups

One might look at the Chargers' horrible record (4-8) and be tempted to take this week's Steelers opponent lightly. But this Chargers team is so much better than their record, or statistics, indicate that it promises to be a long, tough battle at Heinz Field on Sunday. Indeed, the Chargers are 0-3 against the AFC North this season, but the losses were by a combined 11 points (with seven of that coming last week versus Cincinnati), and in their road games this season the Chargers are 2-4, but have only been outscored by a combined 8 points (114-122).

With all of that in mind, here are this week's statistical matchups:

San Diego Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (322.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (259.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (95.0) v. Steelers defense 5th (93.1)

Average net passing yards per game: San Diego offense 18th (227.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (166.7)

Average points per game: San Diego offense 19th (21.5) v. Steelers defense 6th (19.2)

Steelers Offense v. San Diego Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 20th (342.0) v. San Diego defense 9th (335.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (101.1) v. San Diego defense 6th (94.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (240.9) v. San Diego defense 21st (240.6)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (21.2) v. San Diego defense 12th (21.4)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: San Diego 31st (6.1) v. Steelers 27th (6.9)

Average yards allowed per punt return: San Diego 14th (9.3) v. Steelers 24th (10.9)

Average yards per kick return: San Diego 14th (24.1) v. Steelers 9th (26.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: San Diego 7th (21.6) v. Steelers 21st (25.2)

Net yardage punting average: San Diego 15th (41.6) v. Steelers 28th (37.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: San Diego 26th (41.8) v. Steelers 18th (40.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: San Diego 18th (-1) v. Steelers 29th (-11)

Time of possession: San Diego 5th (31:31) v. Steelers 2nd (33:31)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): San Diego 24th (47.4%) v. Steelers 19th (51.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): San Diego 29th (62.1%) v. Steelers 10th (50.0%)

Sacks allowed: San Diego 28th (36) v. Steelers 11th (25)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Philip Rivers, 6th (85.1 QB rating, 277 Comp., 65.3% Comp. pct., 18 TDs, 15 INTs) v. Charlie Batch, unranked (2012 season: 64.9 QB rating, Comp., 64.3% Comp. pct., 1 TD, 3 INTs)

AFC Leading rushers: Ryan Mathews, 12th (620 yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 1 touchdown) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 13th (478 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 1 touchdown)

AFC Leading receiver: Malcolm Floyd, 17th (51 catches, 765 yards, 15.0 per catch, 4 touchdowns) v. Heath Miller 14th (56 catches, 613 yards, 10.9 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: Shaun Phillips, 10th (7.0) v. Jason Worilds, 20th (5.0)

Steelers @ Baltimore: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

There is no sense in crying over spilled milk, but one can only imagine how rosy things would be in the Steelers' world if they had defeated Cleveland, Oakland, and Tennessee. 10-2 with a one game lead over Baltimore? Oh, if only. But today we focus on the realities of this season, and particularly Pittsburgh's emotional win over their archnemesis, the Baltimore Ravens.

The Good

Keenan Lewis & Cortez Allen: These two young men (Mr. Lewis is 26 years old and Mr. Allen is 24 -- barely)are playing tremendous football, and have been for about the past four weeks. Together they combined for six tackes, three assists, and four passes defended. Yes, Mr. Allen was flagged for pass interference -- a patently ridiculous call -- and looked bad in giving up the touchdown to Anquan Boldin -- but in the modern NFL those things are going to happen. Making sweeping pronouncements is a dangerous thing, but assuming that these two cornerbacks continue to enhance their skills the Steelers' secondary looks to have a solid foundation for the future.

Todd Haley: It is hard to know what the game plan was coming into the contest -- third string quarterback, center playing out of position, rookie right tackle -- but it appeared that the play calling was terrific (with one notable exception -- see below). One play that illustrates this point occurred in the Steelers' opening drive of the third quarter. On 2nd & 9 at their own 38 yard line Chris Rainey lines up as a single setback to the right of Charlie Batch, on the same side of the formation as Heath Miller. The ball is snapped, Rainey drifts into the right flat, and one can see in the replay that at least two Ravens go towards him immediately. Meanwhile, Heath Miller chips an on-coming rusher -- thereby helping Kelvin Beachum -- and streaks down the hash marks where Charlie Batch hits him, in stride, for a 43-yard completion to the Ravens' 19 yard line. The design of the play was beautiful, and the execution flawless.

Jonathan Dwyer: 49 yards on 16 carries does not typically get one a lot of shout outs, but we absolutely love the powerful north-south style of running that Mr. Dwyer brings to the offense; and we are quite certain that we are not the only ones who see a little of "The Bus" in him -- the Steelers had "JB," now they have "JD." Moreover, his ability to help in pass protection -- he hit Terrell Suggs squarely in the chest with his helmet on at least one occasion -- was both critical to keeping Charlie Batch ambulatory and a beautiful thing to see.

The Bad

Charlie Batch: Nobody is happier for Charlie Batch than we are, and the postgame reaction of Ben Roethlisberger, and others, is an indication of the respect the team has for him. But the Steelers were this close to losing a game in which they simply outplayed their opponent. Because the Steelers were victorious the enduring image will be the postgame embrace of Mr. Roethlisberger and Mr. Batch. But if things hadn't gone so well then that enduring image might have been Mike Wallace alone in the Ravens' end zone with the football sailing six feet over his head.

Larry Foote & Lawrence Timmons: So many mistakes, so little time. Larry Foote trying to make great plays, and putting himself out of position, rather than making the solid play; Lawrence Timmons getting sucked inside, so much so that when Ray Rice cutback on a 2nd and 10 carry in the third quarter there was nobody around to stop him, and Mr. Rice was able to go 34 yards for a touchdown. And let's not even talk about their ability, or lack thereof, to cover man-to-man in passing situations.

The Ugly

Emmanuel Sanders: That fumble . . . has been burned into our collective memories much the same way as the dropped pass by Limas Sweed in the AFC Championship game. Hideous.

Antonio Brown: Next training camp let's have Antwaan Randle-El give Mr. Brown some tips on throwing the wide receiver option pass, and let's begin with not throwing across the field (though, in fairness, that might have been some poor play design -- sorry Todd Haley). He didn't have to throw the ball, and clearly should not have thrown the ball.