Nov 12, 2016 4 min read

Coming off four consecutive losses, last week was a circle-the-wagon game for the Baltimore Ravens, who played like their season was on the line – at least defensively – against the Steelers.

Perhaps fittingly, Pittsburgh finds itself in a similar situation this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Who better to circle the wagons against?

The Steelers’ defense played outstanding, allowing just one touchdown – a 95-yard catch-and-run – and a field goal. Another eight points came on a punt block that was returned for a score, while Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted to set up another field goal.

The offense? Not so much.

That brings us to Roethlisberger.

The Steelers’ game plan, to go run-heavy against the Ravens, was put in place to try to protect Roethlisberger. But it would have been the same had Landry Jones started.

The Steelers thought they could run the ball against Baltimore.

That didn’t happen and, as has been the case for much of this season, Roethlisberger just didn’t play well. In fact, outside of the opener at Washington, Roethlisberger has been terrible on the road. He has a 122.2 passer rating at home this season, where he’s thrown 12 touchdowns and two interceptions in three starts. On the road, it’s 74.2, looking more like he should be the latest quarterback of the Cleveland Browns instead of a franchise quarterback.

The Steelers need to figure that out why that is happening – quickly.

This week, however, they are at home. Roethlisberger’s play at home, not just this season, but over the past few years, is why the Steelers are 2-point favorites to beat the Cowboys today.

It’s also a game the Steelers need more to get back on a winning track.

They’ve been a second-half team under Mike Tomlin, going 6-2 in their final eight games in each of the past three seasons and six times overall in Tomlin’s nine seasons.

In each of the past three 6-2 second halves, they’ve opened with a big win, including last season when they shook off a two-game losing streak to beat Oakland, 38-35.

That 6-2 finish got them to 10-6 last season and would do so again this year.

Dallas’ running game will be a big challenge, but the Steelers need this game more and this is the Cowboys’ second consecutive long road trip.

Take the Steelers, 27-23

Schedule makers not being kind to the Seahawks making them go across the country to play the Patriots after a Monday night game. And New England is coming off a bye.

Take New England, 31-17

The Eagles and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz have cooled after a hot start but something tells me they win this one.

Take Philadelphia, 27-24

It’s circle-the-wagons time in Arizona, as well.

Take Arizona, 34-17

The Panthers circled the wagons a couple of weeks ago and are fighting their way back to respectability.

Take Carolina, 24-20

The Vikings are headed in the wrong direction.

Take Washington, 23-17

Denver’s defense is banged up and the offense is a mess.

Take New Orleans, 27-20

The Bengals had a bye to work out their problems, but the Giants are the better team at home.

Take the Giants, 27-23

The Packers are another good team that should be circling the wagons.

Take Green Bay, 27-20

The Texans have not been good on the road, where they are 0-3, but the Jaguars haven’t been good anywhere.

Take Houston, 23-20

The Chargers have battled through a lot of injuries and can score with anyone.

Take San Diego, 27-21

Despite two potentially large TV audiences, will anyone watch this game who’s not related to one of the players?

Take the Jets, 17-14

Speaking of two teams that are largely unwatchable.

Take Tampa Bay, 23-20

Last Week: 9-2-1 ATS; 7-5 Straight up

Overall: 52-63-4 ATS; 66-55-2 Straight up

Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.