After losing in somewhat disappointing and embarrassing fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers might not win another game this season.
At least that’s how FS1’s Craig Carton sees it, due to the absence of wide receiver George Pickens and the strength of the schedule, which has the Steelers playing the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 and the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day 2019. Weeks 17 and 18 The Cincinnati Bengals close out the regular season.
Appearing on FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” Friday morning, Carton said he has great faith in QB Russell Wilson and the Steelers this season, but he doesn’t think the team will win another game this season, including the playoffs.
“Yeah, it’s funny. I know Steelers Depot is going to be mad at me for saying this, so I’ll take it easy by saying I’ve been the biggest supporter of the Steelers and Russell Wilson, more than anyone on television in the entire country. Carton said this as he began his thoughts on the Steelers failing to win another game this season. According to a video via FS1. “And I hate to say it, but I told my audience I would never lie to them. I don’t think the Steelers will win another game this year. And I think they completely dominate in this game. Now I know that historically they’ve owned the Ravens 8 of the last 9 and I’m really thankful for that. But that has absolutely nothing to do with Saturday’s game.
“And I think the Baltimore Ravens are a really good team.”
Normally, in a competitive matchup between the Steelers and Ravens, previous results should be discarded because they ultimately don’t matter. But in this case, you can’t take away the fact that, despite being a tight rivalry, the Steelers have seemingly been the Ravens’ boogeyman over the past four years, winning eight of their last nine games and rescuing Baltimore from that league. Comfort zone.
The Ravens may be better on paper and have more talent than the Steelers, especially on the offensive side. But once the pad is on, this means very little. The Steelers continue to have an answer for Lamar Jackson and Co.
That’s no coincidence.
Despite knowing that, Carton watched the Steelers lose on Saturday to tie the Ravens atop the AFC North. In fact, Carton never saw the Steelers win another game this season.
“I think Kansas City is going to give Pittsburgh a big fight defensively and we know Kansas City’s issues, but I don’t think they’re going to beat Kansas City. I think the Bengals would be very happy if they beat Pittsburgh, finish the season by winning the division, and get a playoff game against a better team. I think we’ve seen the end of the Steelers.” Carton said. “I think they will definitely make the playoffs. Currently, they are still ranked first in their category. They are not a Super Bowl threat. Obviously, if Pickens doesn’t play, there’s no offense at all. Don’t ignore what Najee Harris or Russell did. [T.J.] Watt is broken.
“I think it’s over. I think they had a great regular season. They far exceeded expectations with their two-header quarterback situation, and it looks like they won’t win again this year. “I think it’s over now.”
Yes, the schedule is difficult for the last three weeks. The schedule makers haven’t done the Steelers any favors, that much is clear. And yes, it is. Without George Pickens, the Steelers’ offense would have struggled. There’s no denying it.
But what if you predicted they wouldn’t win another game this season? Talk about making a bad bet against a team coached by Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin has a knack for getting the most out of his team in big places. Especially if it means confusing the game and dragging the team through the mud. Once there, the Steelers know how to execute and win games.
