PITTSBURGH — The original purpose here was to preview Steelers-Ravens, but this being 2020 we didn't know, 30-some hours before kickoff, if Steelers-Ravens would occur.
How does one preview a game that might not happen?
Moot point, as it turns out. The NFL has postponed the game to Sunday afternoon on account of the COVID-19 outbreak within the Ravens organization.
Which of course raises some interesting questions ...
What if the Steelers were the ones experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak? Would you want the game postponed?
I think we both know the answer to that second question (and what if Ben Roethlisberger was among those who couldn't play?).
I'll defer to colleague Gerry Dulac here, amid all the bitterness from the Steelers and their fans in reaction to the NFL's decision.
Dulac's tweet: "There wouldn't be any of this complaining if what happened to the Steelers before the Bengals game 2 weeks ago happened this week. Ben Roethlisberger would have gone from not playing against Ravens to playing. Please."
The Ravens' outbreak mimics the Titans' outbreak earlier this season, which forced a postponement of their game against the Steelers.
Titans-Steelers was postponed three days before kickoff, when additional positive tests brought the Titans total to five players and six staffers. The Athletic reported Thursday morning that the Ravens had as many as four new positive tests, bringing the organizational total to 10, including five players.
I questioned whether the NFL would have the guts to postpone its prime-time Thanksgiving entree. Obviously, and I mean obviously, the league wanted Ravens-Steelers to happen.
Anyway, let's move to more pleasant topics, shall we?
One that strikes me is how many Steelers are in line to win major awards. I doubt they're thinking about such things with the hated Ravens (maybe) next, but that doesn't make it any less true. It's an unavoidable byproduct of being 10-0.
A closer look ...
