Steelers @ Redskins pregame thread

[Irn-Bru]

I'll be honest, every bone in my body is telling me this won't be pretty. I don't think I can be blamed for my pessimism, though, because:

- Look at our team's history of prime time games the past, oh, 20 years. I have almost entirely bad memories when watching the Skins play at night. I've been conditioned to expect the worst, watch a nightmare unfold before my eyes, and show up to work groggy and grumpy the next day. I know I'm not the only one — is it any wonder we don't look forward to the experience?

- Pittsburgh in particular is a tough team for us to host because of how many of their fans live in our area. Even with a more energized fan base than last year, I imagine a lot of black and gold is going to slip into our stadium. The Steelers have been too good for too long for them not to, and I'm not sure the Redskins have been good enough for long enough for our fans to do their part.

- While I believe we were in the top half or even a top 10 team by the end of last season, the fact remains that we didn't get to prove it against a quality opponent until we shot ourselves in the foot during the playoffs against a Packers team that was only 75% itself. This is just the second time we've faced a really tough opponent since finding our rhythm.

- Our success or failure hinges much more on what Kirk Cousins can/can't do than anything else. I'm a believer in his ability, but I do also think he still has a lot to prove before we start counting on him to lead this team to victories against stiff competition.

- The past 20+ years, we have had single seasons that were good, encouraging, or looked like the start of a new era for the team. Without fail, they were followed by a disappointing year.

Wish I could say I was looking forward to the challenge, but despite it being the opening game of the season I'm dreading it on balance.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

On one hand I want to comment. On the other hand it would basically be a repeat of a blog I'm working on for Saturday.

Suffice it to say, your concerns are legitimate.

[riggofan]

Hard to feel optimistic about this one. Team who has been a pretty consistent winner vs. Team who has not.

I hate that this game is on Monday night. And I hate that its against the Steelers.

Le'veon Bell being suspended for this game was a nice bit of luck I guess, but Deangelo Williams can still be a beast.

The Steelers were #30 against the pass last year. That could be good for us if they haven't improved massively in the offseason.

I'm hoping too that being week 1 and coming off a division championship last year, Fedex field won't look like a home game for the Steelers.

I don't know. Roethlisberger is going to get his. Seems to me like the biggest thing for us is to come out on offense with some confidence and get after them. Can't be intimidated by that team. A week one win against the Steelers would be an incredible way to start the season.

[DarthMonk]

I'll be honest, every bone in my body is telling me this won't be pretty. I don't think I can be blamed for my pessimism, though, because:

- Look at our team's history of prime time games the past, oh, 20 years. I have almost entirely bad memories when watching the Skins play at night. I've been conditioned to expect the worst, watch a nightmare unfold before my eyes, and show up to work groggy and grumpy the next day. I know I'm not the only one — is it any wonder we don't look forward to the experience?

- Pittsburgh in particular is a tough team for us to host because of how many of their fans live in our area. Even with a more energized fan base than last year, I imagine a lot of black and gold is going to slip into our stadium. The Steelers have been too good for too long for them not to, and I'm not sure the Redskins have been good enough for long enough for our fans to do their part.

- While I believe we were in the top half or even a top 10 team by the end of last season, the fact remains that we didn't get to prove it against a quality opponent until we shot ourselves in the foot during the playoffs against a Packers team that was only 75% itself. This is just the second time we've faced a really tough opponent since finding our rhythm.

- Our success or failure hinges much more on what Kirk Cousins can/can't do than anything else. I'm a believer in his ability, but I do also think he still has a lot to prove before we start counting on him to lead this team to victories against stiff competition.

- The past 20+ years, we have had single seasons that were good, encouraging, or looked like the start of a new era for the team. Without fail, they were followed by a disappointing year.

Wish I could say I was looking forward to the challenge, but despite it being the opening game of the season I'm dreading it on balance.

I'm feelin' everything you posted. I'm gonna say our success or failure hinges more on what the defense can/can't do than anything else. Their offense against our defense is not yet a good matchup for us. If we play inspired AND mistake free on D, we can win.

i love our defense when we rush 5. It gives us good push that can defend the run on the way to the QB and our secondary is good enough to hold up behind it. I look for rotating D-linemen and a 5th rusher on most plays. I either see a high scoring loss or a win where we have a late lead and hang on - you know - one of those scary ones where Ben is in the red zone in the last minute and he either breaks our hearts of we go to bed happy.

Cravens could be key against their big TE. Fingers crossed.

[SkinsJock]

I'm looking forward to playing our first game and it's on MNF, against a franchise that historically has done well - we have a better chance against them early in the season than later and from what we've heard recently, Cousins is a FF favorite to put up close to 300 yards - I'd love to see that happen

[StorminMormon86]

Look at our team's history of prime time games the past, oh, 20 years. I have almost entirely bad memories when watching the Skins play at night. I've been conditioned to expect the worst, watch a nightmare unfold before my eyes, and show up to work groggy and grumpy the next day. I know I'm not the only one — is it any wonder we don't look forward to the experience?

This is exactly where I'm at.

Not looking forward to it at all.

[Deadskins]

I'll be honest, every bone in my body is telling me this won't be pretty. I don't think I can be blamed for my pessimism, though, because:

- Look at our team's history of prime time games the past, oh, 20 years. I have almost entirely bad memories when watching the Skins play at night. I've been conditioned to expect the worst, watch a nightmare unfold before my eyes, and show up to work groggy and grumpy the next day. I know I'm not the only one — is it any wonder we don't look forward to the experience?

- Pittsburgh in particular is a tough team for us to host because of how many of their fans live in our area. Even with a more energized fan base than last year, I imagine a lot of black and gold is going to slip into our stadium. The Steelers have been too good for too long for them not to, and I'm not sure the Redskins have been good enough for long enough for our fans to do their part.

- While I believe we were in the top half or even a top 10 team by the end of last season, the fact remains that we didn't get to prove it against a quality opponent until we shot ourselves in the foot during the playoffs against a Packers team that was only 75% itself. This is just the second time we've faced a really tough opponent since finding our rhythm.

- Our success or failure hinges much more on what Kirk Cousins can/can't do than anything else. I'm a believer in his ability, but I do also think he still has a lot to prove before we start counting on him to lead this team to victories against stiff competition.

- The past 20+ years, we have had single seasons that were good, encouraging, or looked like the start of a new era for the team. Without fail, they were followed by a disappointing year.

Wish I could say I was looking forward to the challenge, but despite it being the opening game of the season I'm dreading it on balance.

I'm feelin' everything you posted. I'm gonna say our success or failure hinges more on what the defense can/can't do than anything else. Their offense against our defense is not yet a good matchup for us. If we play inspired AND mistake free on D, we can win.

i love our defense when we rush 5. It gives us good push that can defend the run on the way to the QB and our secondary is good enough to hold up behind it. I look for rotating D-linemen and a 5th rusher on most plays. I either see a high scoring loss or a win where we have a late lead and hang on - you know - one of those scary ones where Ben is in the red zone in the last minute and he either breaks our hearts of we go to bed happy.

Cravens could be key against their big TE. Fingers crossed.

Agree with all the points made. I hate Monday night games for us, particularly to open the season. I can't remember the last time we won one of those. Having to watch all the other teams play on Sunday sucks big time.

[SkinsJock]

C'MON MAN - Robert Griffin III put on a show in the first game of the season on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 against a heavily favored New Orleans Saints squad - this is not as big a challenge as that was and Kirk Cousins is a much better QB than Griffin ever was and he has better weapons

AND

this game is at home

[Irn-Bru]

C'MON MAN - Robert Griffin III put on a show in the first game of the season on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 against a heavily favored New Orleans Saints squad - this is not as big a challenge as that was and Kirk Cousins is a much better QB than Griffin ever was and he has better weapons

AND

this game is at home

It's true that with a rookie RGIII it looked like we were going to overturn our primetime curse: I remember big wins under the lights, including the division-clinching Dallas game, Thanksgiving against Dallas, one against the Giants, and one against the Vikings with RGIII's unbelievable scramble up the sidelines.

I started to believe, but then . . . well . . . our record from the Seattle playoff game onward speaks for itself.

[Irn-Bru]

Damn, I thought you guys would be able to talk me out of my pessimism. What does it say that we all seem to share it?!

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Damn, I thought you guys would be able to talk me out of my pessimism. What does it say that we all seem to share it?!

That we're all wrong and unqualified to pass judgment.

[Countertrey]

I'll be honest, every bone in my body is telling me this won't be pretty. I don't think I can be blamed for my pessimism, though, because:

- Look at our team's history of prime time games the past, oh, 20 years. I have almost entirely bad memories when watching the Skins play at night. I've been conditioned to expect the worst, watch a nightmare unfold before my eyes, and show up to work groggy and grumpy the next day. I know I'm not the only one — is it any wonder we don't look forward to the experience?

Isn't it time we turn this around?

- Pittsburgh in particular is a tough team for us to host because of how many of their fans live in our area. Even with a more energized fan base than last year, I imagine a lot of black and gold is going to slip into our stadium. The Steelers have been too good for too long for them not to, and I'm not sure the Redskins have been good enough for long enough for our fans to do their part.

Isn't it time we turn this around?

- While I believe we were in the top half or even a top 10 team by the end of last season, the fact remains that we didn't get to prove it against a quality opponent until we shot ourselves in the foot during the playoffs against a Packers team that was only 75% itself. This is just the second time we've faced a really tough opponent since finding our rhythm.

Isn't it time we turn this around?

- Our success or failure hinges much more on what Kirk Cousins can/can't do than anything else. I'm a believer in his ability, but I do also think he still has a lot to prove before we start counting on him to lead this team to victories against stiff competition.

Isn't it time we turn this around?

- The past 20+ years, we have had single seasons that were good, encouraging, or looked like the start of a new era for the team. Without fail, they were followed by a disappointing year.

Isn't it time we turn this around?

Wish I could say I was looking forward to the challenge, but despite it being the opening game of the season I'm dreading it on balance.

I think we turn this around, beginning Monday.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

After watching the game tonight... I think the better Defense wins this ball game as well. Being the home team helps our D- so LETS GO!!!

[SkinsJock]

I'm a bit concerned about the season mainly because of the defensive line, but ...

getting the Steelers early, at home, without a couple of good players is a help - this is a good test for our guys

this is not your 'same old Redskins'

[riggofan]

I'm a bit concerned about the season mainly because of the defensive line, but ...

My main concern with the season is only that the schedule looks more difficult than last year. We'll find out in a few weeks how true or not that is.

I know I'm doing a lot of griping about the d-line, but I still think the team overall looks improved from last year. We're definitely healthier this year than last. The DBs look better and deeper than last year. I'm more confident in the WRs and QB. LBs look way better than what we started with last year. We have continuity and seems like a good vibe around the team. I don't know how far they will go, but there shouldn't be any excuse to just flat out suck.

I doubt there is a team in the league that is rock solid top to bottom. So, most of us agree d-line is our weakest position. Let's see if these coaches can adjust to make up for that weakness.

[SkinsJock]

^^ - I'm with you on this - I think that this group of players and coaches is going to surprise a lot of fans this season

The Steelers are a good test - getting them early, at home, without a couple of their good players is a good thing

[Burgundy&Wha?]

Skins win by two TD's.

Potent passing attack shreds Stillers poor secondary. To counter, Stillers try to blitz and pressure Cousins more. Anticipating this, Tight End dump offs and Crowder hot reads further gash the Stillers. Rothlesberger trips and falls on a cheerleaders heading off the field and is finally booked for sexual assault. Season starts off on the right foot.

[oj]

I see Cravens in the Steelers backfield disrupting the timing, Norman or Breeland with a pick. Cousins' short game demoralizing them, DJax or Grant with a long scramble. Skins by 2 TD's and going away. Our Dline dominating.

[DarthMonk]

With an early start I see the bottom of several glasses formerly containing beer. I see the business end of a Colorado straightener at half time. I see two Gatorades with two Aleves followed by a blissful night's sleep.

[tribeofjudah]

come on man............we Ziggy Hood.

insider secrets.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

THERE'S my peeps!!! Keep em rolln!!

[oj]

Last I checked, the Steelers were favored by 3. bring 'em on, by this time Tuesday they'll have felt as if they were dropped into a bacon slicer.

[Redskin in Canada]

Best breakdown of the team starting the game by ... the Steelers head coach?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g8P-Bi8UpQ

I am optimistic about putting up a good close game. Winning? Maybe but that is why we play the game. We will learn a lot and test reality v. hype.

[SkinsJock]

great to see RiC back in the 'hood

[Countertrey]

great to see RiC back in the 'hood

Whom?