Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The 6-8 Pittsburgh Steelers are now playing for pride instead of postseason glory. Although this afternoon’s game between the Steelers and the Green Bay Packers will be meaningless from a postseason perspective, I will be watching with anticipation to see whether or not Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will play some of their reserves.
For you ’21 and over’ fans who would like to partake in NPC’s weekly drinking game, take a sip, swig, or even a hearty chug of your adult beverage if and when the following things listed below happen:
- Every time Ben Roethlisberger escapes a sack and makes a positive play down the field.
- Every time the name ‘Aaron Rodgers’ is mentioned.
- Every time ‘Super Bowl XLV’ is mentioned.
- Every time Antonio Brown calls for a fair catch on a punt return when there is not a defender within five yards of him.
- Whenever you wonder why the team selected Le’Veon Bell instead of Eddie Lacy.
- Whenever Marcus Gilbert looks like a complete turnstile at right tackle.
- After every Shaun Suisham field goal attempt. (Take a shot if it is under 30 yards and the offense was bogged down in the red zone)
- Any time the defense gives up points in the final two minutes of each half. (Take a shot for each point allowed if you’d like.)
- Whenever Jordy Nelson absolutely tools Ike Taylor.
- Every time a member of the secondary cannot haul in a pass which hits them in the hands.
- Every time Ryan Clark misses a tackle or takes a poor angle to the ball, ball-carrier, or opposing pass-catcher.
- Whenever you wish the Steelers cut LaMarr Woodley instead of James Harrison.
- After every turnover-less and sack-less quarter put up by Pittsburgh’s defense.
- Every time David Bakhtiari dominates Jarvis Jones or Chris Carter at the point of attack.
- Whenever you remember that Jones has the same amount of professional sacks under his belt (one) as Subway commercials.
- Whenever you wish that Pittsburgh’s brass took Tyler Eifert, DeAndre Hopkins, or Alec Ogletree over Jones in April’s draft.
- Every time Mat McBriar boots a “junior varsity” punt like Zoltan Mesko. (Take a shot if it travels less than 40 yards.)
- Every time you wish that the coaching staff would play the rookies and bench the ineffective veterans.
- BONUS ROUND, POST-GAME PRESSER: Take a shot every time Mike Tomlin uses the word “obvious” or “obviously.”
As I say every week, those of you participating in the drinking game can amend the rules as you see fit, especially if you are looking to drink responsibly or the game itself is too close for comfort. Thus, drinking heavily could come in handy for some of you if things go sour against the Packers during the must-win game for both teams.
So have fun today, be responsible, and try to stay as positive as possible that the Steelers will improve their record to 7-8.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac and Pro Football Reference
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