The Sports Monitor

Gobble, gobble, gobble.

It's still too early to talk about the playoffs for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I know it's nice to think positive, but before you can entertain thoughts about the postseason, the team should be at least .500. We'll know a lot more about the direction of the team in the next week-and-a-half. The Steelers face the Browns on a Sunday and then have the Ravens on Thanksgiving. Win them both, and we can talk playoff scenarios. Lose one or both, and talk draft picks.

The Steelers won Sunday, which is a good thing. The defense caused trouble and had some sacks, too. Also a good thing. But is it time to celebrate that everything is OK in Steeler Land? Nope. Look no further than the opponent for a reason why. The Buffalo Bills were starting a rookie QB, EJ Manuel, who was making his first appearance after an injury. The Bills' best player, C.J. Spiller, is a shell of himself. The Bills' best wide receiver, Stevie Johnson, is hurt. Hats off to the Steelers for taking care of business at home. But things aren't all that better. But maybe things are pointed in the right direction.