50-YARD LINE

It’s the Hump Day before Christmas! Will the Steelers find a lump of coal in their stocking or a trip to the playoffs? This is your Pittsburgh Steelers mid-week report. The Steelers won’t find Ike Taylor wrapped under their Christmas tree this week. The walking boot has been removed but Ike is still out against the Bungles. The Steelers have lost 4 of their last 5 games. In those 5 games, they’ve turned the ball over 18 times while recording only 4 takeaways. The youngsters in the secondary will need to step up this week and give the home fans some Christmas cheer. The Steelers have lost their last 2 games at the Big Ketchup Bottle. What better way to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception than with a victory? The O-Line will continue to have their hands full. Cincy’s D has an NFL-high 43 sacks. The Steelers have rushed for only 69 yards in each of their last 2 games. Some good news: The Steelers rushed for a season-high 167 yards last time they played the Bungles, October 21.  The bottom line is the Steelers need playmakers on both sides of the ball. This is a do or die game.  The Steelers need to win this one or they won’t get to play in any reindeer games. Go Steelers!!!!!!