[Operation Shutdown]

I for one am pretty sick and tired of hearing the Patriots fans whining how the only reason they lost against the Steelers was because Dillon was injured. Let's look, the Steelers not only had a great run stopper in Pro-Bowler NT Casey Hampton injured for the game, but also had former defensive ROY MLB Kendrell Bell injured for the game. Granted, Hampton still won't be back, but his replacement Hoke (who hadn't started a game before Hampton got injured) is playing a better game now than when the Steelers played the Pats. There's an outside chance that Bell may be available to play this weekend, but even if he doesn't the Steelers will stop Dillon. It seemed to me that Kevin Faulk ran the ball well against the Colts yesterday, but against the Steelers, he couldn't get anywhere. I guess my point is, the reason the Patriots couldn't run the ball against the Steelers wasn't because Dillon was injured, it was because the Steelers have the #1 run defense in the league.

As for the game coming up, everything comes down to what the Steelers offense is going to be able to do. The Jets could only muster 3 points against the Steelers defense, and I expect much the same against the Patriots. The only reason the game was close against the Jets was because of turnovers. The interception returned for a touchdown, and then the Bettis fumble while the Steelers were driving the ball. I think the game will likely come down to whichever team turns the ball over less, and ultimately, i think what the weather will be like. So far in every game this season where Roethlisberger has worn those stupid gloves, he's had a poor game. I for one am praying for a clear night and 50 degree temps, though I doubt that's gonna happen.