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Mike Tomlin: Steelers need to get 'the stench off'

The Pittsburgh Steelers can't believe where they are heading into Week 17.

One week ago, they looked like the hottest team in the AFC. But after Sunday's stunning loss to the Ravens, Pittsburgh is on the outside looking in and needing extra help to gain a playoff spot in the AFC.

On top of beating the Browns on Sunday in Cleveland, the Steelers need Rex Ryan's Bills to knock off the Jets, prompting coach Mike Tomlin to say, per NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala: "Certainly Rex is a guy I consider a friend ... But I won't be calling him this week."

Said Tomlin: "Our ills from last week need to be rectified and rectified quickly. We have to bounce back like championship caliber teams do," adding that Sunday's tilt with the Browns is about "getting the stench off us."

The Steelers have to like their chances for a win against Cleveland. They've faced off during Week 17 in five of the past seven seasons, with Pittsburgh winning all five.

This time, though, victory alone won't save the day for a Steelers team that needs outside help to get into the party. If Ryan does his part and upsets the frisky Jets, a phone call between these two coaches is assured.

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