Pittsburgh Steelers: Is the Patriots game a “must win?”
By Matt Shetler
Since the turn of the century, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have played a lot of big games against one another.
When the two teams hook it up this Sunday, it just doesn’t have the big game feel that you usually get when you see the two franchises on the schedule.
Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger(7) throws the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still feels it’s a huge game, at least as the Steelers are concerned.
Big Ben said Wednesday, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that Sunday’s game against the Patriots is a “must win.”
Roethlisberger’s sentiment is understandable as publically what else is he supposed to say? However, you have to wonder if deep down inside that he even feels like this is really a must-win for the Steelers.
No, it is crazy to think that Sunday against the Pats is a “must-win” scenario for the Steelers.
It would be a nice win for a struggling football team, but certainly not a must win.
If this were a must win as Roethlisberger suggests, let me ask you what happens if they do? Are all problems fixed? Is the road to the playoffs now paved?
Certainly not. This team could beat the Patriots on Sunday and could easily lay an egg against the Buffalo Bills the following week.
No, the must win games have already happened.
When this Steelers defense stops giving up big plays at big times and the offense can put together any consistency for a few weeks, then maybe we can start talking must win sometime down the road.
Given the way the Steelers have played this season, it is a little late in the game to be talking must-win scenarios.