Dec 27 2008
Starters Expected to Play in Season Finale against Browns
Week 17 of the NFL regular season is finally here and it is almost time for playoff football. It looks as though the Pittsburgh Steelers have accomplished many of their goals thus far this season. They have an 11-4 record against the NFL’s toughest schedule, won the AFC North, and clinched a first-round bye. The Steelers will try to put the finishing touches on a fantastic season when they host the Cleveland Browns Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field.
Steelers’ Coach, Mike Tomlin, has said this week that he will play his starters in the game. Many people believe that this may not be the best decision, seeing as the Steelers have already locked up the number two seed, and have nothing to gain. The last thing anybody wants to see is an injury to a key starter like James Harrison, Willie Parker, or Ben Roethlisberger, which would crush the Steelers hopes for succeeding in the playoffs.
Browns’ quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, will have his hands full against the defense of the Steelers, which is ranked number one in the NFL. A victory on Sunday over the Browns would be eleven straight wins by the Steelers in the rivalry. Over the last 17 meetings between these two teams, the Steelers have won 16 of them.
By Michael C. Smith
