By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
The Steelers will face a Green Bay Packers team on Sunday that is riding a five-game winning streak, in contrast to the five-game losing streak that the black and gold are fighting to get out of.
"We have to just go out there and play Steelers football for four quarters and that is our goal," said tackle Willie Colon. "Midway through you are 6-2 and feeling good and then you scratch your head and you are sitting here and you don't know how you got here. We're not going to point fingers or say what is to blame. All we can do is keep playing football and get out of this foxhole we are in. It's tough."
The losses are frustrating Steelers players, who want nothing more than to finish out the season strong.
"I think it definitely tests your character," said tight end Heath Miller. "Adversity always does. It's an opportunity for us to grow as players and as a team. We're all frustrated, we're all upset, but that adds motivation for us to dig out of this."
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Players spent a good portion of Monday watching film from the loss to the Browns, going over mistakes while trying to correct them. It wasn't an easy task for the players.
"It was tough for me," said Colon. "I was on there more than I usually am. It's one of those things where you scratch your head and wonder what happened. It was an awful film. All you can do is learn from it, bury it and get ready for Green Bay because they are a great team."
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While it was tough, it also had benefits.
"Any time you lose a game it's never easy to come in and watch the film and be critical of yourself," said Miller. "That's what we needed to do. Everyone probably saw ways they could be better and move forward from it."
And on Wednesday they did just that. It was all about preparation for the Packers, who come into Heinz Field fighting for a wildcard playoff spot and led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers who is on a hot streak.
"He is playing really well, especially on third down," said defensive end Travis Kirschke. "They have a good running game. This game is going to be a huge challenge for us. They have very good skilled positional players. It's going to be a big challenge."
Another player the defense has to be geared up to stop is running back Ryan Grant.
"He is a good runner, he is a big runner," said Kirschke. "He is elusive. He doesn't look like he is running very fast, but on tape players aren't catching him. He is running through guys, around guys. He looks impressive."
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Kickoff for the Steelers game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 20 has been changed to a 4:15 start.
The change was made as part of the NFL Flex Scheduling.
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The Steelers will team with the Central Blood Bank for the Steelers Blood Drive on Monday, December 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Heinz Field in the Steelers Locker Room. Donors can call 412-209-7080 to set up their appointment.
