View Full Version : AFC Championship Game - Pats vs Steelers
So who's going to the Superbowl. This is the late game...
The Pats will win the Super Bowl.
twentyquestions
01-16-05, 06:56 PM
(lame I wasn't the first to say it after all)
NE
If Pit plays like they did yesterday they will get killed...I have to go NE also...
bnorris85
01-16-05, 06:59 PM
P A T S Pats Pats Pats
Pepper03
01-16-05, 06:59 PM
Not going to go against the NE Patriots now, am I? The best TEAM in football!
IntangiblesRule
01-16-05, 07:03 PM
Patriots will win when Adam V makes history and hits a 47 yard field goal to win the game.
Soriambi
01-16-05, 07:05 PM
Patriots. The Evil Genius will cook up something. (Plus they're very good.)
jdolbow
01-16-05, 07:14 PM
The Pats will win the Super Bowl.
Right. No need for any poll other than who they'll beat in it. Not that it matters. :gulp:
thecaptain
01-16-05, 07:16 PM
Patriots.
WashingtonYankee
01-16-05, 07:19 PM
Go Pats!!! :D
Prickly Pete
01-16-05, 07:40 PM
I guess Vegas was impressed by that asskicking, because the opening line has the Patriots as 3-point FAVORITES on the road next week.
http://www.vegasinsider.com/u/odds/offshore/NFL_lines.cfm
Soriambi
01-16-05, 07:42 PM
I guess Vegas was impressed by that asskicking, because the opening line has the Patriots as 3-point FAVORITES on the road next week.
http://www.vegasinsider.com/u/odds/offshore/NFL_lines.cfm
So far, 15 of the 17 voters here think the Pats will win. I think they will win, but I'm surprised it's 15-2 given the fact that it's on the road and that it would be only the third time in NFL history that a 15-1 team or better has lost a game.
I guess Vegas was impressed by that asskicking, because the opening line has the Patriots as 3-point FAVORITES on the road next week.
http://www.vegasinsider.com/u/odds/offshore/NFL_lines.cfm
Should be a higher spread...
dabomb2045
01-16-05, 07:46 PM
So far, 15 of the 17 voters here think the Pats will win. I think they will win, but I'm surprised it's 15-2 given the fact that it's on the road and that it would be only the third time in NFL history that a 15-1 team or better has lost a game.
the Pats will win easily....and they will win the SB easily...might as well not even play the freakin games
the NFL is starting to become like the NBA when they have a dynasty....why bother playing the games?? you knew the Bulls circa 1991-1993, 1996-1998 would win....and u always knew the Lakers circa 2000-2002 would win....same thing with the Pats
deranged2005
01-16-05, 07:58 PM
Steelers.
Prickly Pete
01-16-05, 08:00 PM
So far, 15 of the 17 voters here think the Pats will win. I think they will win, but I'm surprised it's 15-2 given the fact that it's on the road and that it would be only the third time in NFL history that a 15-1 team or better has lost a game.
Well, the voters here picked the Colts over the Pats (57-43 percent), so I'm not sure that's the best guide. :)
It's not that I disagree with the spread, I'm just a little surprised that a 15-1 team, playing at home, playing against a team they thoroughly dominated earlier in the year, would be underdogs in a conference championship game.
Well, the voters here picked the Colts over the Pats (57-43 percent), so I'm not sure that's the best guide. :)
It's not that I disagree with the spread, I'm just a little surprised that a 15-1 team, playing at home, playing against a team they thoroughly dominated earlier in the year, would be underdogs in a conference championship game.
Big Ben looked like a deer in the headlights against the Jets. What will be going through his mind after he saw the Patriots dismantle the best offense in football.
Next week the Patriots will take another step to the Super Bowl Championship.
jdolbow
01-16-05, 08:27 PM
I don't know if this has been posted in one of the other threads here but I just checked out the regular season DPARs of the QBs. From
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb.php
Here's the ranking of the top 10:
1. Manning
2. Culpepper
3. Brady
4. McNabb
5. Green
6. Bulger
7. Favre
8. Pennington
9. Brees
10. Roethalphabet
Intrigo.
...I'm just a little surprised that a 15-1 team, playing at home, playing against a team they thoroughly dominated earlier in the year, would be underdogs in a conference championship game.
To be fair, they didn't dominate Corey Dillon.
And while the Pats held the best offense in football to 3 points, the Steelers damn near lost (twice) to a 10-6 team.
yankeepat
01-16-05, 08:57 PM
I'm gonna go with the Pats again. I just like the name :P
nhyankeefan
01-16-05, 09:20 PM
I think the Pats win this game by at least 10-14 points. They need to stop the run better than they did last time these teams met and if/when they do - look out Ben.
WebsterMulligan
01-16-05, 09:21 PM
The Pats will win the Super Bowl.
From your lips, to god's ear. Go, Pats!!!
ryanm1058123
01-16-05, 09:27 PM
To be fair, they didn't dominate Corey Dillon.
And while the Pats held the best offense in football to 3 points, the Steelers damn near lost (twice) to a 10-6 team.
The Steelers dominated the Patriots. Whats your point? The Patriots lost to the Dolphins. The Dolphins.
JeffWeaverFan
01-16-05, 09:35 PM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
nhyankeefan
01-16-05, 09:37 PM
The Steelers dominated the Patriots. Whats your point? The Patriots lost to the Dolphins. The Dolphins.
The Steelers beat the Pats when Dillon was hurt. I'm not sure if you saw the game today but he's feeling better and had a little bit of an impact on the game. If the Pats can stop the run, and after the way they shut down Manning and crew that's a pretty safe bet, they should win by at least 10 points.
Manning looks like a jackass with that whiny look after something doesn't go his way.
As much as I dislike the Patriots, I have to admit it is satisfying to see the Colts get their dose of reality. Even the Titans played the Patriots better than them last year in the playoffs.
nhyankeefan
01-16-05, 09:41 PM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
If the Jets had a kicker or offensive coordinator that were any good, the Pats would be playing the Jets again. The Steelers aren't nearly as good as their record indicates. While you have to respect the record, they are winning a lot of games based on luck and that luck is bound to run out.
ryanm1058123
01-16-05, 09:42 PM
If the Jets had a kicker or offensive coordinator that were any good, the Pats would be playing the Jets again. The Steelers aren't nearly as good as their record indicates. While you have to respect the record, they are winning a lot of games based on luck and that luck is bound to run out.
And the lack of a secondary at all is bound to catch up to the Patriots. Whats your point? Every team has "luck".
I don't know if this has been posted in one of the other threads here but I just checked out the regular season DPARs of the QBs. From
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb.php
Here's the ranking of the top 10:
1. Manning
2. Culpepper
3. Brady
4. McNabb
5. Green
6. Bulger
7. Favre
8. Pennington
9. Brees
10. Roethalphabet
Intrigo.
Wow. Good stat, then.
nhyankeefan
01-16-05, 09:48 PM
And the lack of a secondary at all is bound to catch up to the Patriots. Whats your point? Every team has "luck".
The Pats completely shut down Peyton Manning and the Colts. Do you seriously think Ben roehesberger is going to hurt them? I know they'll have a harder time scoring and controlling the ball against the Steelers, but they'll still score enough to win. The Steelers were lucky to beat the Jets and the Giants, I doubt they'll be lucky again.
Yankees Empire
01-16-05, 10:05 PM
We finally saw Ben Roethlisberger play like a rookie against the Jets. If he plays like that against the multiple defensive schemes New England will throw at him, the Steelers are in trouble.
Can New England stop Pittsburgh's running game? If they've nuetralized any hope of a Steelers passing game, then yes, I think they can stop the Steelers on the ground.
Also, I think New England has a huge advantage in coaching. Bill Cowher has lost, what, three AFC Chanpionship games on his homefield? Meanwhile, Bill Billicik (sp.?) is the friggin' Terminator. This guy schemes various tactics that make Rommel look like a weekend Stratego player.
Tom Brady and the Patriots will be utterly unfazed by playing on the road. New England will have Corey Dillon healthy, which was not the case during their regular season matchup with Pittsburgh. In short, I like the Pats.
Call it 20-17.
PattiLuvsPinstripes
01-16-05, 10:13 PM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
Now that my Colts have had their butts beaten and flash frozen all in one day, I can only say Let's Go Steelers!
WakefieldsKnuckler49
01-16-05, 10:22 PM
And the lack of a secondary at all is bound to catch up to the Patriots. Whats your point? Every team has "luck".
Hey buddy, happen to catch the game today? The "lacking secondary" just held the best QB in the league to 3 points. THREE. I know you don't like the Pats, but Jesus, get a brain. If you want to pick the Steelers, thats fine with me. Both teams are great and the Steelers are at home, so it will be a good game most likely. But next time bring up something thats actually, you know TRUE.
Harrison, Wilson, Samuel, Gay....awful in my book... I actually hope there are more comments like this...the Pats seem to thrive on negative feedback.
The Steelers dominated the Patriots. Whats your point? The Patriots lost to the Dolphins. The Dolphins.
Yes, they lost to the Dolphins, but in 2003 they lost to the Redskins and Bills and in 2001 they lost to the Bengals. See a trend? It doesn't matter who you lose to in the regualr season as long as you don't lose in the playoffs.
And for the Steelers, Corey Dillon didn't play in that game. I think he will gain more than the 4 rushing yards the Pats had last time around.
Did you see what Belichick did to the Colts and Manning? What is he going to do to Ben Roethlisbergr (or however you spell it)? However, I will give credit to the Steeler WR's. They are physical and aren't afraid of contact like the Colts.
And here's the key: It doesn't matter if the Steelers won by 1 or 101. Clean slate. That win isn't going to help them Sunday. They don't get 5 extra points for winning in October.
JfromJersey
01-16-05, 10:42 PM
The clock strikes midnight for the rookie QB next week.
Pats will win..easily.
BroadwayBomber55
01-16-05, 10:45 PM
It'll be a physical game. But the Steelers have been to 4 AFC Championship Games under Bill Cowher, won one (1996 vs. Indianapolis Colts).
If Corey Dillon somehow find a way to pulverize the Steelers D and if the Patriots D shuts down Jerome Bettis/Duce Staley and gets in Ben Roethlisberger's face, the Pats go to Jacksonville.
However, if the Steelers play physical, patient, disclipine, fundamental football for all 60-minutes and beyond like they did in the last meeting, the Steelers are home with the W.
No matter who comes out in the AFC, the AFC will win the superbowl.
The Verdict: Ben Roethlisberger has a solid career ahead of him, but will be really difficult to pick against the New England Patriots and their championship experience.
Pats by 2 TDs over the Steelers in Heinz Field, 24-10.
twentyquestions
01-16-05, 10:55 PM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
I don't understand how you can keep disrespecting New England: demolish? This weekend, Pittsburgh was lucky to beat the Jets, a team that, this year, couldn't hold a candle to New England on the field.
I like Pittsburgh, I think that they may be underrated right now because of New England's manhandling of Manning, but I just don't see Bellichick's coaching staff, NE's MVPs, letting Roethlisberger and Cowher beat them a second time. Never mind demolish them. Halloween's ghosts are long since exorcised.
Babe Rules
01-16-05, 11:02 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers
JfromJersey
01-16-05, 11:05 PM
Does anyone know what Parcells' record is as a HC, without Bill Belichick as his Defensive Coordinator, or Assistant HC? Belichick might have the personality of a toad, but there's no question in my mind that he has the best football mind out there. No one comes up with better defensive game plans. It will be interesting to see who he picks to replace Charlie Weis on Offense next season.
Does anyone know what Parcells' record is as a HC, without Bill Belichick as his Defensive Coordinator, or Assistant HC? Belichick might have the personality of a toad, but there's no question in my mind that he has the best football mind out there. No one comes up with better defensive game plans. It will be interesting to see who he picks to replace Charlie Weis on Offense next season.
I think that Belichick had been with Parcells every year except 1993-1995, 2003 and 2004. In those 5 seasons, Parcells is 37-43 (.463).
bnorris85
01-16-05, 11:34 PM
I think that Belichick had been with Parcells every year except 1993-1995, 2003 and 2004. In those 5 seasons, Parcells is 37-43 (.463).
wow, just wow thats a crazy stat
wow, just wow thats a crazy stat
To add to the craziness, Parcells went to the playoffs only twice in five years without Belichick, 1994 and 2003. Parcells was 0-2 in those years, while Belichick is 8-1 all-time in the playoffs, including 7-0 with the Pats. (In 1994 Parcells' Patriots lost to Belichick's Browns!)
Needless to say, I'm very happy Kraft gave up those draft picks to get Belichick. In Bill We Trust.
I think that Belichick had been with Parcells every year except 1993-1995, 2003 and 2004. In those 5 seasons, Parcells is 37-43 (.463).
There is a similar stat with Belichick's record without Romeo Crennel. It is under .500 also.
Dave Visbeck
01-17-05, 02:53 AM
The Patriots over Steelers 24 - 13
look for the Steelers to play the role of unheralded underdogs, much like the Pats did this past week. Everyone will be talking about how the Pats just dismantled the high powered Colts D, and let's see what they will do with Big Ben.
I don't think playing on the road will have much effect on New England. Having a healthy Dillon will be a huge difference. Didn't they have like 5 rushing attempts during their last meeting??
After holding Harrison, Stokely, and Wayne to nearly nothing...Plaxico, Ward, and anyone else doesn't seem to worry me to much.
We need to get out early, and make them throw the ball. That's when bad things will start to happen. :P and good things to NE
Buckeye Yank
01-17-05, 09:38 AM
Personally, I hope the Pats are favored. Nothing inspires more than disrespect. :D
RIyankee
01-17-05, 10:17 AM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
Taylor, Patsies? Demolish??? I don't think so. In week one, the Pats were lucky to beat the Colts - a game where James ran wild. Yet, they held the Colts and James to 39 rushing yards in the 20-3 win. In week 7, the Pats didn't have Dillon and Law was injured during the game. On Sunday, the Pats will have a healthy Dillon and, from the way they shutdown the Colts passing game, the Pats have not only adjusted, but have successfully reconstituted their secondary into an effective unit.
The Pats will emerge victorious.
BTW the Steelers were downright lucky to beat the Jets, who gagged not once, but twice.
YankeeGalSC
01-17-05, 10:31 AM
I'm not a fan of either team...but I'm taking the Pats over the Steelers because the Pats looked strong and the Steelers barely won (the Steelers are lucky that 2 field goals were missed by the Jets' kicker). Also I don't think Ben the Rookie Rothlisberger can handle the pressure.
JfromJersey
01-17-05, 11:33 AM
There is a similar stat with Belichick's record without Romeo Crennel. It is under .500 also.
Well, next season Belichick will not have Weis and Crennel. It will be interesting to see who their replacements will be. I think they will suffer more on the offensive end. Bill is still the major architect of that defense.
RhodyYanksFan
01-17-05, 11:35 AM
I voted Pats for 2 main reasons. First of all, the Steelers didn't win on Saturday, the Jets lost. 95% of the time in the NFL you win a game when you have 2 gime-winning field goal attempts in the last 2 minutes. That had nothing to do with Pitt's running game, defense, or coaching. The Jets simply choked. Secondly, I saw that the Patriots are 13-0 when facing a team for the 2nd time in a season. Not that the Steelers are all Rothlisberger, but it's clear he was out of his element in the playoffs. I see the Pats rolling through Pittsburgh just like they did in 2001.
boo_427
01-17-05, 11:44 AM
Bellichick finds a way to make Big Ben look like Lil' Ben. He also will frustratea Cowher so much his scoul will be permanent for the next six months. We finally will see why Brady is 2 time Super Bowl MVP.
New England 21
Pittsburgh 13
RIyankee
01-17-05, 11:53 AM
Well, next season Belichick will not have Weis and Crennel. It will be interesting to see who their replacements will be. I think they will suffer more on the offensive end. Bill is still the major architect of that defense.
Ironically, the opposite is true. Crennel handles all the defensive calls. Bellichick actually spends most of his time with the offense. I'm happy for both Crennel and Weis. They both deserve head coaching jobs. The Parcells coaching family contiunes to expand.
It looks like the Pats will have inhouse replacements.
I'm guessing TEs coach Jeff Davidson - offense and DBs coach Eric Mangini - defense.
The biggest offseason challenge will be the salary cap.
JMHO
I have a sneaky feeling that the Patriots will be fairly well-prepared to face the Steelers. ;)
As for Belichick's perceived lack of personality, pick up Michael Holley's "Patriot Reign" for a great behind-the-scenes look at the Patriots' organization. Belichick's interaction with the media is very calculated, and you can be certain that's not the same guy his players, staff, friends and family see.
look for the Steelers to play the role of unheralded underdogs, much like the Pats did this past week. Everyone will be talking about how the Pats just dismantled the high powered Colts D, and let's see what they will do with Big Ben.
After holding Harrison, Stokely, and Wayne to nearly nothing...Plaxico, Ward, and anyone else doesn't seem to worry me to much.
Well, the Steelers will be underdogs because they played downright awful against a slighty above average team last week, while the Pats destroyed one of the better offenses of all-time with a secondary that wasn't exactly filled with All-Pros.
As for the Pittsburgh recievers, I've said it before, these recievers are worse matchups for the Pats because they are physical. Ward isn't going to catch and fall like Stokely or Harrison. They aren't soft, I'll give them that. OK, that's about all the credit I'll be giving the Steelers this week.
RIyankee
01-17-05, 12:14 PM
This game may as well be the Super Bowl.
Pepper03
01-17-05, 01:16 PM
Personally, I hope the Pats are favored. Nothing inspires more than disrespect. :D
I don't know of many people who don't respect the Steelers.
Should be a great, tough game, and the winner will represent the AFC well.
Just because I'm a Pats fan and think they'll beat the Steelers doesn't mean I don't respect them, I just think right now the Patriots are playing better.
I would not be shocked if the Pats lost to the Steelers, but I feel if they play the way they played yesterday, nobody can beat them.
I don't think that's lack of respect, I think that's being confident.
If the Pats go down there and play like they did on Halloween they'll get their butts handed to them again. They'll need to play their very best to beat the Steelers, but so far, in the big games, they have consistently done so.
Should be a fun week leading up to the game.
flutie22
01-17-05, 01:55 PM
If the Pats run the table, we have a dynasty on our hands. 3/4
flutie22
01-17-05, 01:56 PM
sorry about that im not used to the new set-up of the site.
simply huge.
Buckeye Yank
01-17-05, 02:11 PM
I don't know of many people who don't respect the Steelers.
Should be a great, tough game, and the winner will represent the AFC well.
Just because I'm a Pats fan and think they'll beat the Steelers doesn't mean I don't respect them, I just think right now the Patriots are playing better.
I didn't mean to imply you or anybody in particular was disrespecting them. But there's a definite Pats bias on here. And I think everywhere people are very myoptic in their observations. The Steelers flat out played like crap Saturday, the Pats played well Sunday. Therefore, the Pats will destroy the Steelers, right? But that was last week. I think (maybe hope is a better word) the poor play coupled with the "underdog status" will motivate them.
And let me say this, the Pats fans are great at making excuses...."well, we didn't have Dillon then"......"We don't have Law, we're done". The Steelers have certainly had their share of injuries to deal with as well. Better teams find ways to win so quit making excuses. The Pats have a great team, great coaches, etc. It should be an awesome game this weekend.
RIyankee
01-17-05, 04:12 PM
And let me say this, the Pats fans are great at making excuses...."well, we didn't have Dillon then"......"We don't have Law, we're done". The Steelers have certainly had their share of injuries to deal with as well. Better teams find ways to win so quit making excuses. The Pats have a great team, great coaches, etc. It should be an awesome game this weekend.
Bill, let me clarify my reasoning behind the excuses you are referring to. In the last 4 weeks of the season, the Pats had looked less than stellar: sloppy at home against the Bengals, losing to Miami, beating the Jets when IMO Chad was clearly struggling from his recent shoulder injury, and beating SF in a meaningless game. Additionally, the close call in beating the Colts in week #1 along with the burden of repeating as champs, on top of everything else, left little room for optimism heading into the playoffs. I was as shocked as everyone else that the Pats "D" held Indy to zero TDs.
I agree that injuries are a part of the game. That said, it doesn't change the fact that the Patriots are a different team w/o Corey Dillon. Moreover, after seeing how well the Pats have played against Indy, I'm now confident that this team doesn't need Ty Law to beat the Steelers.
Pepper03
01-17-05, 04:36 PM
And let me say this, the Pats fans are great at making excuses...."well, we didn't have Dillon then"......"We don't have Law, we're done". The Steelers have certainly had their share of injuries to deal with as well. Better teams find ways to win so quit making excuses. The Pats have a great team, great coaches, etc. It should be an awesome game this weekend.
The Patriots HAVE found ways to win. I hope we can have a good week talking football without making it personal. Maybe many Pats fans are "great at making excuses", but some of us are not as myopic as you might think.
I said at the time the Steelers beat us they kicked our butt, no excuses, the Steelers had alot of players out as well. To be concerned going into the Indy game that we wouldn't have Law, and then on top of it wouldn't have Seymour, I think that is reasonable to bring up as an issue. That the Patriots dominated them defensively on top of that is amazing to me.
Whoever wins this game Sunday will have earned it. If it's the Steelers, I'll root for them in the Super Bowl.
The Steelers are going to the SB.
PlsDontTearDownY.S.
01-17-05, 06:56 PM
There's nothing I want to see less than another Boston team winning a chip. But there's something about that New England team that reminds of the Yanks last dynasty...they never seem to have the edge on paper and you always think someone's going to knock them off but it never happens.
The Steelers defense is not as good as it looked against my Jets. We don't have a freakin clue on offense. At the same time, I think the Steelers ground game will rack up some yards on NE's defense. These teams are evenly matched. But the reason I picked the Pats is because they are so well coached, in preparation and in the game. In-game coaching burned the Jets on Saturday, and I know Belichick and Weis won't make those same mistakes.
GHRuth3
01-17-05, 07:25 PM
The steelers will win, it will be a great game, than the steelers will win the superbowl. the jets were lucky they were in that game, ben will be better prepared this week and hopefully he worked out all the butterflys last week. last week they steelers went away from their gameplan for somereason. ben threw the ball 30 times!!!!!! if the steelers run 40-50 times and ben throws 19 they will win. the jets only scored 3 points on offense, the steelers only held the eagles to 3 points. top rated D in the NFL. and corey dillon will not make a difference because he wont get over 100 yards! Steelers all the way. *waves terrible towel*
ryanm1058123
01-17-05, 09:05 PM
The Patriots have had one thing going right for them with all these big wins: HF advantage. Lets see how they do without it. (Not saying they've never won a big game on the road, which isn't true)
The Patriots have had one thing going right for them with all these big wins: HF advantage. Lets see how they do without it. (Not saying they've never won a big game on the road, which isn't true)
It seems as if bad things happen to Pittsburgh when they have HFA (1994, 1997 and 2001).
WebsterMulligan
01-17-05, 10:07 PM
The steelers will win, it will be a great game, than the steelers will win the superbowl. the jets were lucky they were in that game, ben will be better prepared this week and hopefully he worked out all the butterflys last week. last week they steelers went away from their gameplan for somereason. ben threw the ball 30 times!!!!!! if the steelers run 40-50 times and ben throws 19 they will win. the jets only scored 3 points on offense, the steelers only held the eagles to 3 points. top rated D in the NFL. and corey dillon will not make a difference because he wont get over 100 yards! Steelers all the way. *waves terrible towel*
Let them run. The Patriot's have allowed an average of 98.3 yards per game and only 3.9 yards a carry. We are going to see a different game this time, with Dillon in the lineup. If the Partiot's manage to get a lead, Dillon will pound the Steeler's defense into submission.
Let them run. The Patriot's have allowed an average of 98.3 yards per game and only 3.9 yards a carry. We are going to see a different game this time, with Dillon in the lineup. If the Partiot's manage to get a lead, Dillon will pound the Steeler's defense into submission.
Exactly, the difference between Halloween and Sunday will be that at the very least, the Steelers will have to respect the run. If the Pats get an early lead, which they have done a ton in the last 25 or so games, The Rookie will have to throw more, something Cowher doesn't want him to do (see: 2004 Divisonal Round vs Jets)
JeffWeaverFan
01-17-05, 11:46 PM
If the Jets had a kicker or offensive coordinator that were any good, the Pats would be playing the Jets again. The Steelers aren't nearly as good as their record indicates. While you have to respect the record, they are winning a lot of games based on luck and that luck is bound to run out.
That is a laughable statement coming from a Pats fan.
JeffWeaverFan
01-17-05, 11:51 PM
Taylor, Patsies? Demolish??? I don't think so. In week one, the Pats were lucky to beat the Colts - a game where James ran wild. Yet, they held the Colts and James to 39 rushing yards in the 20-3 win. In week 7, the Pats didn't have Dillon and Law was injured during the game. On Sunday, the Pats will have a healthy Dillon and, from the way they shutdown the Colts passing game, the Pats have not only adjusted, but have successfully reconstituted their secondary into an effective unit.
The Pats will emerge victorious.
BTW the Steelers were downright lucky to beat the Jets, who gagged not once, but twice.
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played. Corey Dillon is a fantastic RB, but he won't be able to run for that much against the Pitt defense. The Pitt defense, the Bus, and Deuce Staley will beat you guys. No doubt about it in my mind. 30-17 Steelers.
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played. Corey Dillon is a fantastic RB, but he won't be able to run for that much against the Pitt defense. The Pitt defense, the Bus, and Deuce Staley will beat you guys. No doubt about it in my mind. 30-17 Steelers.
Stop me if this is just some kind of weird attempt at a joke. No doubt in your mind the Jets would have beaten the Patriots? Wow.
Seriously? No doubt in your mind ? The Jets would have come into Foxboro and beaten the Patriots? Seriously?
The Bus has done jack against the Pats in the past including a nifty 9 carries for 8 yards in the AFC Title Game last time around. If you're so willing to rule Dillon ineffective, why not rule out the Bus?
WakefieldsKnuckler49
01-18-05, 01:39 AM
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played. Corey Dillon is a fantastic RB, but he won't be able to run for that much against the Pitt defense. The Pitt defense, the Bus, and Deuce Staley will beat you guys. No doubt about it in my mind. 30-17 Steelers.
When are you going to think with your brain and not with your green and white coated heart man? That is, if you have a brain. THE JETS WOULD HAVE BEATEN THE PATS? NO DOUBT IN YOUR MIND? Umm, did you see what the Pats did to the Jets not 4 weeks ago IN NEW JERSEY? I hope you continue to pick against the Pats, because its becoming downright hilarious watching you be wrong and continuing to try and make a point against the Pats. Can't wait to see your SB pick if the Pats win. "No doubt in my mind McNabb/Vick will be the one to pick apart that D. 47-3 Falcons/Eagles"
By the way, Pats win 17-13 in a defensive struggle. Both QBs have so-so games and the game is decided on a long TD run by Dillon.
cubswin
01-18-05, 02:37 AM
I don't understand how the team that was 15-1 and dismantled the Patsies losing this vote by this much. They get no respect and they are going to demolish the Patsies again.
Hey, one of these games you might be right. ;)
cubswin
01-18-05, 02:42 AM
The Steelers are going to the SB.
Despite the Colts' "mission" you were talking about last week?
cubswin
01-18-05, 02:46 AM
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played. Corey Dillon is a fantastic RB, but he won't be able to run for that much against the Pitt defense. The Pitt defense, the Bus, and Deuce Staley will beat you guys. No doubt about it in my mind. 30-17 Steelers.
The Jets sure seem to lose a lot of games to teams they're "better" than.
In the words of Inigo Montoya, "I do not think it means what you think it means."
AussieYankee
01-18-05, 04:38 AM
I watched both games on the weekend and so long as Roethlisberger can handle the nerves I think the steelers can actually go all the way. Everybody can feel free to tell me I'm just a stupid Australian who doesn't know a thing about American Football.
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played.
this is laughable. It may of been close the first time, but the game in the Meadowlands was a joke. The Jets are completely overmatched when it comes to playing the Pats.
If, just if your Jets could of beat Pitt, we'd be booking flights to Jax right now. it would of been a hugely lopsided AFC championship
Buckeye Yank
01-18-05, 08:06 AM
I agree that injuries are a part of the game. That said, it doesn't change the fact that the Patriots are a different team w/o Corey Dillon. Moreover, after seeing how well the Pats have played against Indy, I'm now confident that this team doesn't need Ty Law to beat the Steelers.
Looking sloppy is one thing and dealing with adversity/injury is another thing. But if you look through the Pats thread, it's filled with Chicken Little's! Maybe it's reverse psychology or something? All I'm saying is the Steelers have been as banged up as anybody, probably even moreso than the Pats and you don't see me saying "Stayley's out, we're done" or "Hampton's out, we're done". Feel free to add a variety of Burress, Logan, Scott, Bell, Maddox, etc to this statement. Injuries are part of football, something the Patriots really haven't had to deal with in their run (that I can recall anyway). The better teams find ways to adjust and still win. The Steelers have done that this year, as have the Pats. Shoot, they've got a WR playing DB for goodness sakes and he's doing a pretty damn good job out there. I just hope everybody stays healthy this weekend so there aren't any excuses one way or the other.
Buckeye Yank
01-18-05, 08:18 AM
Let them run. The Patriot's have allowed an average of 98.3 yards per game and only 3.9 yards a carry. We are going to see a different game this time, with Dillon in the lineup. If the Partiot's manage to get a lead, Dillon will pound the Steeler's defense into submission.
That's pretty much how the Steelers beet the Pats the first time. The Steelers had 221 yards on the ground (lead by Staley w/125) vs the TOTAL of 5 yards for the Pats. So you may want to revisit the "Let them run" line of thinking because if the Steelers are running as you suggest, your Pats are losing the game. You should change that to "Let them pass" then you'd be on to something.
Prickly Pete
01-18-05, 08:52 AM
Injuries are part of football, something the Patriots really haven't had to deal with in their run (that I can recall anyway).
Did you miss last season?
FreeYayo
01-18-05, 09:02 AM
If New England wants to stop the run they will.
The linebackers and the Dline can hold their own, and they will say to Ben "Beat us with your arm".
costanza35
01-18-05, 09:12 AM
Patriots will win this game.
They key will be getting the steelers crowd out of it early. move the ball down the field, get a couple FGs or a TD, and the crowd element is erased. then its just a matter of ball control, something they did superbly against the colts' D. Granted, the steelers have a MUCH better defense, but it will be tough to stop the short passing game when combined with Dillon carrying the ball, something the Pats did not have in their regular season meeting, when they ran the ball 5 TIMES all game.
I don't know how you can bet against a team that threw a secondary of Earthwind Moreland, Hank Poteat, Troy Brown and Asante Samuel at arguably the best passing offense in history and absolutely triumphed. The Pats are flat out phenomenal, and i say this as a non-biased Giants fan.
Still, i think it will still be a close game but it will come down to those little things the Pats always seem to do without fail and get the win.
absolutely, the more big ben throws the ball, the better off we will be
we need to get the fans to use the terrible towels for hankies as opposed to twirling them around all day :D
Just fyi, Earthwind Moreland didn't play against the Colts. He was inactive.
What made the difference in the Oct. 31 game wasn't just the obvious in that Corey Dillon didn't play and that Ty Law was injured in the first quarter, but that the Pats committed four turnovers. That forced the Patriots to play catch-up for most of the game as the Steelers rode the momentum tide to the win.
No Vangerjagt comments so far this week as the Patriots and Steelers are all staying very correct in their comments. These are obviously the two best teams in the history of professional sports. :D
Buckeye Yank
01-18-05, 10:46 AM
Granted, the steelers have a MUCH better defense, but it will be tough to stop the short passing game when combined with Dillon carrying the ball, something the Pats did not have in their regular season meeting, when they ran the ball 5 TIMES all game.
I think the Pats actually ran the ball 10-12 times with a net total of 5 yards.
I think it was six rushes for a total of five yards.
Injuries are part of football, something the Patriots really haven't had to deal with in their run (that I can recall anyway). The better teams find ways to adjust and still win.
Wasn't it just last year that the Patriots had 42 different starters due to injury? And how about this year? The Patriots had their first-round pick Ben Watson go on the IR in Week 2 and Deion Branch missed half the season, not to mention the defensive injuries that everyone knows about now.
As for letting the Steelers run: The Steelers ran it down the Pats throat because they had an early 21-3 lead. No need to pass in that situation (see: Colts vs Patriots, 2 days ago). If the Pats jump out to a big lead, the Steelers won't be able to run the ball like they did.
reelbiggecko
01-18-05, 11:08 AM
I don't like being the favorite again, it doesn't feel right. But I guess that's the price I have to pay for my team being so damn good.
Prickly Pete
01-18-05, 11:19 AM
What made the difference in the Oct. 31 game wasn't just the obvious in that Corey Dillon didn't play and that Ty Law was injured in the first quarter, but that the Pats committed four turnovers.
During the past two seasons, the Patriots are 32-0 when committing less than 4 turnovers.
That's the only way they lose (Buffalo and Washington last year, Pittsburgh and Miami this year).
i guess a big question that will be answered this weekend is can Brady win a playoff game on the road? I may be wrong here, but the only "road" games he's played in the post season so far have been superbowls. I'm anxious to see how he'll perform in a tough environment.
Even though I'm a bit biased, I cannot think of another QB I'd want for this game. Brady is the epitome of calm, cool, and collected.
counting today, only 5 more days.......and a 6:30 kick-off!!! that is just cruel
nhyankeefan
01-18-05, 11:27 AM
i guess a big question that will be answered this weekend is can Brady win a playoff game on the road? I may be wrong here, but the only "road" games he's played in the post season so far have been superbowls. I'm anxious to see how he'll perform in a tough environment.
Even though I'm a bit biased, I cannot think of another QB I'd want for this game. Brady is the epitome of calm, cool, and collected.
counting today, only 5 more days.......and a 6:30 kick-off!!! that is just cruel
Brady started the game against the Steelers in 02. IIRC, he got hurt right before half and Bledsoe came in to finish a touchdown drive.
i guess a big question that will be answered this weekend is can Brady win a playoff game on the road? I may be wrong here, but the only "road" games he's played in the post season so far have been superbowls. I'm anxious to see how he'll perform in a tough environment.
Even though I'm a bit biased, I cannot think of another QB I'd want for this game. Brady is the epitome of calm, cool, and collected.
counting today, only 5 more days.......and a 6:30 kick-off!!! that is just cruel
Brady played at Pittsburgh in 2001 before getting injured and was pretty effective, 12-18, 115 YDS, no TD or INT, rating of 84.3. That's when Bledsoe came in and held the line going 10-21, 102 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT, rating of 77.9.
And he's won those two Super Bowls on the road, so he has performed in tough conditions. I'm not worried. The thing that worries me the most about this game is the first few drives, just like against the Colts. If the Pats can emerge unscathed (sp?) after 3 or 4 drives, they will be fine. No stupid turnovers or mental mistakes.
Quick notes from WEEI: The Colts were the first team to score 500+ points in the regular season to fail to score a touchdown in a playoff game.
And, most importantly, snow is expected for Sunday's Steelers-Patriots game. Nice.
jdolbow
01-18-05, 11:48 AM
Brady played at Pittsburgh in 2001 before getting injured and was pretty effective, 12-18, 115 YDS, no TD or INT, rating of 84.3. That's when Bledsoe came in and held the line going 10-21, 102 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT, rating of 77.9.
I'm fairly certain this was also the game where Bledsoe was getting sacked and he had this crazy pass attempt - trying to throw it behind his back or something. It wasn't picked off, but it was one of those plays that just made you hold your breath - because Bledsoe made bad decisions all the time. Tom's like the anti-Drew in that he almost always makes great decisions. The one exception that sticks out is the similar kind of pass he tried this year in the Miami game, which cost them. I hope the difference is that Brady's learned for the better, whereas Bledsoe...
cubswin
01-18-05, 12:09 PM
I watched both games on the weekend and so long as Roethlisberger can handle the nerves I think the steelers can actually go all the way. Everybody can feel free to tell me I'm just a stupid Australian who doesn't know a thing about American Football.
They certainly could. They are very well balanced, with big, physical receivers, 2 RBs and a very good defense. I'd be much more confident in the Pats were they playing at home. The Heinz crowd will be loud, though, further disrupting the Pats offense against an already strong D.
ruthianblast
01-18-05, 12:53 PM
I'm a Steelers fan, but with Dillon in the backfield for this game and Ben showing he's a rookie last game against an inferior defense (compared to the Pats only, above average otherwise) I feel that Brady and Co. pull this one out.
ahh, that's right....i guess I just remember holding my breath with Drew back in '01.....forgot that Brady had a good start to that game.
i feel more confident about this game than the Colt game....not sure why. Maybe because of the way Pittsburgh played against the Jets, or from the way we thoroughly dominated the Colts.
Good chance the weather won't effect either team.
I'm pretty sure Belichick and Co. will have something up their sleeves for Ben Roth.....hopefully the D can focus on the run and hope for Pitt to start chucking it.
Espinosa's Glasses
01-18-05, 02:18 PM
I'm betting on Hope....
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 03:41 PM
When are you going to think with your brain and not with your green and white coated heart man? Probably never.
That is, if you have a brain.
Well, I thought I did, but, if you say so, I guess I don't. It's amazing how I am a junior at Vanderbilt University without a brain though...
THE JETS WOULD HAVE BEATEN THE PATS? NO DOUBT IN YOUR MIND? Umm, did you see what the Pats did to the Jets not 4 weeks ago IN NEW JERSEY?
Yes, and that game is irrelevant. Chad's shoulder was obviously screwed up for the first 4 weeks after the injury. In the last couple, it has gotten much better. I also saw the game in NE when the Jets were the better team and got screwed out of a victory.
I hope you continue to pick against the Pats, because its becoming downright hilarious watching you be wrong and continuing to try and make a point against the Pats. Can't wait to see your SB pick if the Pats win. "No doubt in my mind McNabb/Vick will be the one to pick apart that D. 47-3 Falcons/Eagles"
I won't have to because they are going to lose to the Steelers.
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 03:42 PM
Hey, one of these games you might be right. ;)
It's gotta be inevitable. At least, I think it is...
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 03:43 PM
The Jets sure seem to lose a lot of games to teams they're "better" than.
In the words of Inigo Montoya, "I do not think it means what you think it means."
Yeah, it's getting frustrating. Next year though. It's gotta happen next year. But seriously, the Jets should have beaten the Steelers. I mean, 2 field goal attempts to win the game under 50 yards!!!!
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 03:44 PM
this is laughable. It may of been close the first time, but the game in the Meadowlands was a joke. The Jets are completely overmatched when it comes to playing the Pats.
If, just if your Jets could of beat Pitt, we'd be booking flights to Jax right now. it would of been a hugely lopsided AFC championship
As I said before, Chad had a bum shoulder the second time. It's gotten better in the recent weeks. How could the Jets be "completely overmatched" against the Pats when they played an extremely close game against them in which they were the better team in Foxboro?
PlsDontTearDownY.S.
01-18-05, 04:03 PM
Not to turn this into Jets/Pats but nobody would bet serious money on the Pats blowing out the Jets. I don't even think the line would have been higher than 3 and a half.
somejerk
01-18-05, 04:27 PM
As I said before, Chad had a bum shoulder the second time. It's gotten better in the recent weeks. How could the Jets be "completely overmatched" against the Pats when they played an extremely close game against them in which they were the better team in Foxboro?
The first time was close in terms of scoring but if you actually watched the game the Pats dominated, holding Martin to only 70 yards. The Pats were well on their way to scoring in the 4th quarter,when Klecko fumbled on the Jets 36. That's what happens when a 2nd year DT/LB becomes a pass catching fullback. And I don't know how you can make the argument the Jets were the better team when the Pats had, more rushing yards, more passing yards, more first downs, a higher pass completion percentage, and most important of all MORE F---ING POINTS!
If you want to blame Pennington for the 2nd game, that's your perogative, but I would say Curtis Martins' 33 rushing yards was what it iced it. The Jets best weapon all year was Martin and he was completely taken out of the game.
As I said before, Chad had a bum shoulder the second time. It's gotten better in the recent weeks. How could the Jets be "completely overmatched" against the Pats when they played an extremely close game against them in which they were the better team in Foxboro?
The game four weeks ago was irrelevant, yet the game played almost three months ago is relevant? I don't follow that logic.
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 04:38 PM
The game four weeks ago was irrelevant, yet the game played almost three months ago is relevant? I don't follow that logic.
The game 4 weeks ago is not relevant because our QB's shoulder was shot. He couldn't throw the ball. Recently, Chad's shoulder has been much better like it was 3 months ago. Whatever, we'll never find out. Maybe next year.
WebsterMulligan
01-18-05, 04:39 PM
That's pretty much how the Steelers beet the Pats the first time. The Steelers had 221 yards on the ground (lead by Staley w/125) vs the TOTAL of 5 yards for the Pats. So you may want to revisit the "Let them run" line of thinking because if the Steelers are running as you suggest, your Pats are losing the game. You should change that to "Let them pass" then you'd be on to something.
True, the Steeler's ran all over the Pats last time. They will not gain 221 yards on the ground, this time around. Belichick will devise a plan to neutralize the Steeler's running game. A key to the Steeler's win on Oct, 31, is the fact that the Patriot's had FOUR turnovers. If they play mistake-free football, they will win the game, IMHO. One thing is for certain, it's going to be an "old time" football game.
WebsterMulligan
01-18-05, 04:41 PM
They were lucky to beat the Jets because we were the better team. And, we would have beaten you guys if we had won. No doubt about it in my mind. By the way, you guys were lucky to beat us the first time we played. Corey Dillon is a fantastic RB, but he won't be able to run for that much against the Pitt defense. The Pitt defense, the Bus, and Deuce Staley will beat you guys. No doubt about it in my mind. 30-17 Steelers.
Keep the faith, JWF. ;)
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 04:44 PM
The first time was close in terms of scoring but if you actually watched the game the Pats dominated, holding Martin to only 70 yards. The Pats were well on their way to scoring in the 4th quarter,when Klecko fumbled on the Jets 36. That's what happens when a 2nd year DT/LB becomes a pass catching fullback. And I don't know how you can make the argument the Jets were the better team when the Pats had, more rushing yards, more passing yards, more first downs, a higher pass completion percentage, and most important of all MORE F---ING POINTS!
If you want to blame Pennington for the 2nd game, that's your perogative, but I would say Curtis Martins' 33 rushing yards was what it iced it. The Jets best weapon all year was Martin and he was completely taken out of the game.
He fumbled the ball because a helmet came in and hit the ball out of his hands. It had nothing to do with what position he plays. The Jets made a good play and got the ball. I see that you don't like mentioning how our FB Jerald Sowell (who had a Pro Bowl type season) dropped a fumble without being hit inside the Pats 10 on the first drive of the game. That was unlucky. I see that you also forget the flag that was thrown for PI on the Pats and then picked up for no reason. It was PI, they threw the flag, and then, for some reason or another, they picked it up. Also, the idiotic 12 man on the field call on a Pats 4th down which led to 3 more of your points. It was an even game in which the Pats got all the breaks and the Jets got none.
The second game was probably the Jets all around worst played game of the season. Either way, there is no point in arguing it anymore. You guys are going to the AFC Championship and the Jets are home. We'll see each other next year.
jdolbow
01-18-05, 05:08 PM
The second game was probably the Jets all around worst played game of the season. Either way, there is no point in arguing it anymore. You guys are going to the AFC Championship and the Jets are home. We'll see each other next year.
Right. Wait til next year. When the Pats will beat the Jets each time they play. Again. For like the third year in a row or something. That'll be fun, eh?
cubswin
01-18-05, 05:11 PM
... the Jets should have beaten the Steelers. ...!!!
Unquestionably, they should have won. (and I wish they had, sort of -- Jets in Foxboro would have been far less daunting than Steelers in Pittsburgh)
cubswin
01-18-05, 05:13 PM
Not to turn this into Jets/Pats but nobody would bet serious money on the Pats blowing out the Jets. I don't even think the line would have been higher than 3 and a half.
blowing out? maybe not.
But in Foxboro, the line would likely have been 6.5 or so (assuming the game were being played next week after a Jets upset of the Steelers), I would think. (Since betting lines are estimates of what the public expects -- an 8.5 line wouldn't even surprise me, as people likely would over-weight the Pats dominance of the Colts)
The game 4 weeks ago is not relevant because our QB's shoulder was shot. He couldn't throw the ball. Recently, Chad's shoulder has been much better like it was 3 months ago. Whatever, we'll never find out. Maybe next year.
You're right, we'll never know, but since that game the Pats are 9-2 while the Jets are 6-6. If they met Sunday, the Pats would probably be big favorites, based on the records since the last meeting.
PlsDontTearDownY.S.
01-18-05, 05:30 PM
blowing out? maybe not.
But in Foxboro, the line would likely have been 6.5 or so (assuming the game were being played next week after a Jets upset of the Steelers), I would think. (Since betting lines are estimates of what the public expects -- an 8.5 line wouldn't even surprise me, as people likely would over-weight the Pats dominance of the Colts)Yeah I forgot about the 3 points that home teams get from the jump. 6 sounds right. But using that logic I don't see how the Steelers are a 3 point dog at home.
WebsterMulligan
01-18-05, 05:40 PM
Yeah I forgot about the 3 points that home teams get from the jump. 6 sounds right. But using that logic I don't see how the Steelers are a 3 point dog at home.
Likely (as cubswin had indicated), due to the Patriot's complete dominance of the Colts. That would be my guess as well.
#1PaFan
01-18-05, 10:06 PM
This should be a helluva game. I'm picking the Steelers. It wouldn't shock me in the least if the Pats win but, man I gotta go with Steel City. :) :gulp:
stevethesoxfan
01-18-05, 10:42 PM
Yeah I forgot about the 3 points that home teams get from the jump. 6 sounds right. But using that logic I don't see how the Steelers are a 3 point dog at home.
Well the casinos base spreads not on how much they think a team will win by, but by what number will equal out betting on both sides. I'm actually surprised it's not a point or two higher in the Pats' favor. I don't say that to disrespect the Steelers, just that this past week's results might make casual bettors Pats-happy.
It's going to be perfect playoff football -- 2 really good, really physical teams beating on each other in the cold, on the grass.
dabomb2045
01-18-05, 11:45 PM
there is absolutely no chance Pittsburgh wins.....NONE
the Pats are just the class of the NFL right now....and nobody is beating them in a big game
I see them winning 24-10...something like that
dabomb2045
01-18-05, 11:49 PM
Right. Wait til next year. When the Pats will beat the Jets each time they play. Again. For like the third year in a row or something. That'll be fun, eh?
enough of the incessant trash talking....your team is probably gonna win another freaking super bowl....why do you Pats fans insist on making us Jets fans life more miserable then it already is....trust me when I tell you we dont need you to make it miserable....it already is....and then people ask me why I cant stand New Englanders, its bad enough the damn Red Sox are on top and now I gotta deal with the Pats?? Boston being the center of the sports world??? its unbearable at this point
and why cant we feel optimistic about next year?? with a few additions I dont see why the Jets couldnt be right up there as a title contender next year
JeffWeaverFan
01-18-05, 11:55 PM
Right. Wait til next year. When the Pats will beat the Jets each time they play. Again. For like the third year in a row or something. That'll be fun, eh?
Whatever you say.
Of course I'm picking the Pats. I'm a Pats fan, so I'll look for reasons why this game will be different than their last meeting:
1. Corey Dillon. Not only is he an upgrade over Faulk running the ball (one of the best running backs in the NFL compared to an average backup), but his ability to pick up the blitz has been very good this year, which is important against the Steelers, who love to blitz. Dillon might actually be able to stop a linebacker for a second or two, giving the passing game a chance. Faulk was little more than a speed bump on the way to Brady.
2. More Experienced Secondary. In the first game, Law broke his foot, than two plays later, Burress beat rookie Randall Gay downfield for a touchdown. Gay has started every game since then (opposite Samuel), and that has helped his performance quite a bit.
3. Better defensive gameplan. In the first game, once Law came out, the Pats linebackers and safeties had to play it safe in order to protect Gay from getting beat again. This opened up the Steelers running game quite a bit. Hopefully with a week to prepare (as opposed to a few minutes), BB will have a better course of action to keep the Steeler's WRs in check AND stop the run.
4. Matt Light. He left midway through the first game with the Steelers, and like Law, the Pats were unable to cope with his loss. Brandon Gorin was put in his place, and did not do well. This certainly contributed to the pats inability to pick up the blitz (and their inability to run), and with Light back, this should have a positive impact on the rest of the offensive line.
5. Deion Branch. He did not play in the first matchup with the Steelers, and he is arguably the best WR the Pats have. Givens had a great game against the steelers the first time around (8 catches, 101 yards, 2 TDs) and the Steelers will have even more trouble with Branch.
6. Ben Roethlisberger. A rookie QB who has had one decent game out of the last 4, and he did not look good at all against the Jets. If he throws 2 picks again, there is no way the Steelers can win again.
somejerk
01-19-05, 01:02 AM
enough of the incessant trash talking....your team is probably gonna win another freaking super bowl....why do you Pats fans insist on making us Jets fans life more miserable then it already is....trust me when I tell you we dont need you to make it miserable....it already is....and then people ask me why I cant stand New Englanders, its bad enough the damn Red Sox are on top and now I gotta deal with the Pats?? Boston being the center of the sports world??? its unbearable at this point
and why cant we feel optimistic about next year?? with a few additions I dont see why the Jets couldnt be right up there as a title contender next year
I'm sure he can speak for himself, but I believe he was directing his comments at JWF for claiming that the Jets were actually better than the Patriots this year in the first game. Which in my opinion is absolutely absurd seeing as how they had more yards, first downs, and POINTS. Besides if you're a Yank fan I'm sure you've done share sh1t talking, and that's why we're on a message board, to sound off.
And if you're asking of "why can't we feel optimistic about next year?" is rhetorical than I'll refrain from answering.
If it's not rhetorical then I'll say I wouldn't feel optimistic because Pennington hasn't played a full year since he's been drafted, Herm Edwards STILL can't manage a clock, Curtis Martin will be another year older, still no dominant wideout since Coles left, offense will have to adjust to a new system, and the Chrebet era looks about finished.
However you could feel optimistic because Pennington looks pretty good when he's healthy, the extra year probably won't affect Curtis Martin, Vilma is a fvcking beast, Muhsin Muhammad might be a free agent, Abraham will most likely be back, possible life from a new OC, and the Chrebet era looks about finished. ;)
Of course, that's only if it wasn't a rhetorical question.
Buckeye Yank
01-19-05, 08:22 AM
I think the Pats actually ran the ball 10-12 times with a net total of 5 yards.
I think it was six rushes for a total of five yards.
Correct. My bad.
should it at all be taken into account that Pittsburgh had two weeks to prepare for NE this season, after coming off a bye week, while I believe the Pats were coming off a Monday night game??
maybe not, since Pitt stuffed the Eagles the week after that.
RIyankee
01-19-05, 09:07 AM
Yeah I forgot about the 3 points that home teams get from the jump. 6 sounds right. But using that logic I don't see how the Steelers are a 3 point dog at home.
Likely (as cubswin had indicated), due to the Patriot's complete dominance of the Colts. That would be my guess as well.
That the Steelers looking shaky in beating the Jets at Heinz had a lot to do with it. That and the spate of injuries which befell the Pats on 10/31/04.
The game line is not an indicator of who's the better team it is a figure that the powers that be in Las Vegas use to maximize the betting potential. If the Steelers were favored, then the house would potentially take a beating with a Pats win. With all these factors Webster and I mentioned, a strong majority of betters would be picking the Pats. So Vegas made the Pats favorites. The Pats are favored by 3 points. In a game such as this, there is a good chance the margin of victory will be 3 points. Since ties lose the house wins bigtime. ;)
BTW Whoever wins this game will be at least 12-point favorites for the Super Bowl.
jdolbow
01-19-05, 09:25 AM
enough of the incessant trash talking....your team is probably gonna win another freaking super bowl....why do you Pats fans insist on making us Jets fans life more miserable then it already is....trust me when I tell you we dont need you to make it miserable....it already is....and then people ask me why I cant stand New Englanders, its bad enough the damn Red Sox are on top and now I gotta deal with the Pats?? Boston being the center of the sports world??? its unbearable at this point
and why cant we feel optimistic about next year?? with a few additions I dont see why the Jets couldnt be right up there as a title contender next year
Well, look - this thread is about the upcoming Pats-Steelers game, and not about the Jets. There's already a thread over-analyzing the Jets in this sub-forum, and I was getting tired of the delusional claims in this thread that the Jets were this and that and woulda coulda shoulda won.
Pats fans have had their share of misery with this team. Surely you remember Curtis Martin leaving the Pats for the Jets. That was not a happy day for many NE fans. Then we seemed to recover, only to have our top running back go down for the count playing beach football during the offseason. That was great fun.
Do people really ask you why you can't stand New Englanders? Like, everyone who's from ME, NH, RI, VT, MA, and CT, or just those that live in Beantown?
Buckeye Yank
01-19-05, 10:03 AM
BTW Whoever wins this game will be at least 12-point favorites for the Super Bowl.
I will cry myself to sleep if the Steelers lose this game. But seriously, does anybody think the NFC has a chance against either of these teams?
RIyankee
01-19-05, 10:14 AM
2. More Experienced Secondary. In the first game, Law broke his foot, than two plays later, Burress beat rookie Randall Gay downfield for a touchdown. Gay has started every game since then (opposite Samuel), and that has helped his performance quite a bit.
My brother was telling me about Gay's career at LSU. He was slated to be a starter CB for Nick Saban until he broke his arm. When he returned, Gay found himself #3 on the CB depth chart. However, as a nickel CB, Gay logged starter's PT. Fortunately for the Pats, Gay was under the radar on draft day and the Pats nabbed him as a rookie FA after the 2004 draft.
4. Matt Light. He left midway through the first game with the Steelers, and like Law, the Pats were unable to cope with his loss. Brandon Gorin was put in his place, and did not do well. This certainly contributed to the pats inability to pick up the blitz (and their inability to run), and with Light back, this should have a positive impact on the rest of the offensive line.
Matt Light and the rest of the O-Line is terrific at run blocking but poor in pass blocking. Unlike the Colts, the Steelers don't have an indiviual pass rush specialist but they throw a wide variety of blitzes at an offense. The TEs/RBs must account for the extra pass rushers and the O-Line must read and react to the stunts and zone blitzes the Steelers will use. Despite winning 20-3, the Pats still couldn't get their passing game on track as Brady was pressured frequently and took some hits.
5. Deion Branch. He did not play in the first matchup with the Steelers, and he is arguably the best WR the Pats have. Givens had a great game against the steelers the first time around (8 catches, 101 yards, 2 TDs) and the Steelers will have even more trouble with Branch.
Branch and Givens must step up Sunday. Against Indy, the Pats WRs continued to struggle to get open. The play of the Pats WR corps has been spotty at best in the 2nd half of the season. This is a big game especially for David Givens as he turned down a multi-year deal in the offseason to become a RFA for 2005. If the Pats lose Sunday and he's a non-factor, the Pats might decide to give him 7th-round tender rather than first (the Pats still retain right to match any offers from other teams).
GHRuth3
01-19-05, 02:48 PM
the more i think about this game the more i am giddy with anticipation. this could be one of the best games in recent history....GO STEELERS
nhyankeefan
01-19-05, 08:46 PM
the more i think about this game the more i am giddy with anticipation. this could be one of the best games in recent history....GO STEELERS
I'm really looking forward to this game too (of course I hope for a different result). The key for both teams is establishing the run. If the Steelers run the ball like they did last time the Pats could be in trouble.
flutie22
01-20-05, 03:30 AM
And, most importantly, snow is expected for Sunday's Steelers-Patriots game. Nice.
I hope the BUS forgets to put on his snow tires.....GO PATS
SoCal Pinstriper
01-20-05, 06:28 AM
I hope that everyone pulling for Pittsburgh puts a ton of $ :) :) on the Steelers because I'd love to see the number come down, but, with speculation about Roethlisberger's thumb being tossed around, I'll probably have to lay the three, and lay it I will. Go Pats
PinstripePride
01-20-05, 07:37 AM
Pats are taking this one. They showed me something. I thought the Colts were going to get 'em. That team is damn near unbeatable in the playoffs, and Pitt is about to find out.
SoCal Pinstriper
01-20-05, 08:34 AM
Interesting note for handicappers. Pittsburgh allowed the fewest points against this year, and New England tied for second. The total is at 35 and falling. At what point (if any) can you justify an over play?
NDBoston
01-20-05, 09:07 AM
Interesting note for handicappers. Pittsburgh allowed the fewest points against this year, and New England tied for second. The total is at 35 and falling. At what point (if any) can you justify an over play?
Pay attention to the weather forecast. I wouldn't touch the over right now.
SoCal Pinstriper
01-20-05, 09:17 AM
Pay attention to the weather forecast. I wouldn't touch the over right now.Not planning to. I really wish I'd gone under when it came out at 38. With the weather threatening, it may be <34 by game time.
Buckeye Yank
01-20-05, 09:21 AM
Not planning to. I really wish I'd gone under when it came out at 38. With the weather threatening, it may be <34 by game time.
I think I'd still bet the under. I'm thinking it will be a 17-10 kind of game.
Buckeye, I know you've been on Belichick about "motovation", but I just want to give you a heads up: The football "experts" on WEEI are saying that the Patriots have all the motovation they need from the last Steelers game. Apparently, some of the linebackers (Porter especially) were mic'd up for the game and were talking trash throughout the game and the clips were on the NFL Network or NFL Films.
While the Steelers are being smart and not pulling a Vanderjerk this week, they've already given enough motovation. Suffice to say, the tape of the sideline trash talking will be viewed Saturday Night by the Patriots.
Gooooooooooooooo STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!
MFern09
01-20-05, 02:21 PM
i just dont know how some people can pick against the pats...i mean frankly, i cannot stand them, but i tip my hat cuase they have a coach who is incredible and a QB that has not lost in the playoffs a defense on a mission and team that plays like a true team....
everyone doubted them last week and look what they did, i just cant see them losing, as much as a i do hope they lose...but how do you pick against this team until someone does beat them in the playoffs...unfortunately pats will win...
Buckeye Yank
01-20-05, 03:50 PM
Buckeye, I know you've been on Belichick about "motovation", but I just want to give you a heads up: The football "experts" on WEEI are saying that the Patriots have all the motovation they need from the last Steelers game. Apparently, some of the linebackers (Porter especially) were mic'd up for the game and were talking trash throughout the game and the clips were on the NFL Network or NFL Films.
While the Steelers are being smart and not pulling a Vanderjerk this week, they've already given enough motovation. Suffice to say, the tape of the sideline trash talking will be viewed Saturday Night by the Patriots.
I'm surprised they're releasing that. I'm thinking Cowher would have something to say about that.
RIyankee
01-20-05, 04:02 PM
I need all the support I can get!
Fon FOXSports the BDSSP, Curt Schilling appeared wearing a Rothlisberger jersey. :O
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
NYYRules#1
01-20-05, 04:05 PM
Steelers. And I will love it when the Pats lose.
Prickly Pete
01-20-05, 04:13 PM
I'm surprised they're releasing that. I'm thinking Cowher would have something to say about that.
They've been playing that game on the NFL Network this week, and there's a lot of sideline stuff. I wasn't paying close enough attention to hear if there was trash talking, but if there was, I'm sure the Pats have a tape of it.
I'm surprised they're releasing that. I'm thinking Cowher would have something to say about that.
Sorry, let me clarify. The NFL isn't releasing the footage, it (apparently, I don't have the NFL Network) was shown the week after the game and the guys on WEEI have been talking about it every now and again. They say that Porter is running his mouth and trash talking, etc.
Pepper03
01-20-05, 05:06 PM
i just dont know how some people can pick against the pats...i mean frankly, i cannot stand them, but i tip my hat cuase they have a coach who is incredible and a QB that has not lost in the playoffs a defense on a mission and team that plays like a true team....
everyone doubted them last week and look what they did, i just cant see them losing, as much as a i do hope they lose...but how do you pick against this team until someone does beat them in the playoffs...unfortunately pats will win...
Well let's see..........
They are playing on the road against a team that has won 15 straight and has not lost a game all year at home.
The team the are playing kicked their butts all over the field the first time they played.
The team they are playing is getting very little respect from the so called "experts" who are almost all (so far) picking the Pats-of course these same experts had the Pats dead and buried before last weeks Colts game.
Pittsburgh is an excellent, physical team.
Mr. Brady has never won a playoff game on the road.
There are many reasons why reasonable football fans could pick the Steelers this week. Frankly, they must be as annoyed as the Pats were last week with all the experts picking against them, and with being underdogs on their home field.
I stand corrected (and happily so) :)
MFern09
01-20-05, 05:13 PM
Well let's see..........
They are playing on the road against a team that has won 15 straight and has not lost a game all year at home.
The team the are playing kicked their butts all over the field the first time they played.
The team they are playing is getting very little respect from the so called "experts" who are almost all (so far) picking the Pats-of course these same experts had the Pats dead and buried before last weeks Colts game.
Pittsburgh is an excellent, physical team.
Mr. Brady has never won a playoff game on the road.
There are many reasons why reasonable football fans could pick the Steelers this week. Frankly, they must be as annoyed as the Pats were last week with all the experts picking against them, and with being underdogs on their home field.
OKay...lets see...
corey dillon had a hell of a game last time they played...oh wait he didnt play...i think this time they may run for more than 5 yards.
Brady is is undefeated in the playoffs...including the 2001 AFC title game which he started...( i know, i know Bledose finished)
Alls i am saying is that every time people picke against the pats they play an incredible game...they were supposed to lose to the best offense last week...yes i agree, 2 very good physical teams, but in the end its down to the QB's and based on Bens 1 performance in the playoffs last week, you got to go with a guy who HAS NOT LOST! &po'd&
iM NOT EVEN A FLIPPIN PATS FAN...I HATE EM...BUT THEY ARE GOOD...
Pepper03
01-20-05, 05:21 PM
But which team dominated the lines of scrimmage on both offense and defense?
Matt Light did get hurt in the third quarter, but by then the game was out of hand.
The Steelers rammed the ball down the Pats throat in the first game, and that was with Seymour, who is not likely to play Sunday.
Just playing devil's advocate here-I think this is a game either team could win, and I LOVE the Patriots.
GHRuth3
01-20-05, 09:46 PM
OKay...lets see...
corey dillon had a hell of a game last time they played...oh wait he didnt play...i think this time they may run for more than 5 yards.
Brady is is undefeated in the playoffs...including the 2001 AFC title game which he started...( i know, i know Bledose finished)
Alls i am saying is that every time people picke against the pats they play an incredible game...they were supposed to lose to the best offense last week...yes i agree, 2 very good physical teams, but in the end its down to the QB's and based on Bens 1 performance in the playoffs last week, you got to go with a guy who HAS NOT LOST! &po'd&
iM NOT EVEN A FLIPPIN PATS FAN...I HATE EM...BUT THEY ARE GOOD...
UM HAS BIG BEN LOST YET? NO I DIDNT THINK SO HE HASNT LOST IN HIS ENTIRE ROOKIE SEASON SO THAT POST ABOUT THE QBS IS IRRELEVANT SINCE NEITHER HAVE LOST.
PlsDontTearDownY.S.
01-20-05, 10:07 PM
This is getting better and better. After watching the Jets blow I thought I would not care anymore, but with all the hype and the snow in the forecast, I can't wait for this game. This is definitely going in my personal NFL films collection.
Shaun4013
01-20-05, 10:09 PM
Earlier in the week I felt like Pitt had no chance, now I just have this feeling they will win a close one. It will be great game to watch, thats for sure.
WebsterMulligan
01-20-05, 10:14 PM
This is getting better and better. After watching the Jets blow I thought I would not care anymore, but with all the hype and the snow in the forecast, I can't wait for this game. This is definitely going in my personal NFL films collection.
I'm getting very curious about the weather forcast. It could end up being a field possession game, if the snow comes.
Go, Pats!!!
Pepper03
01-21-05, 06:26 AM
On Sunday night I picked the Pats to win, I was supremely confident.
Now that I have had five days to mull it over, I really don't have any feeling either way about this game.
Help RIyankee!
I really think this game is going to be a classic, and go down as one of the better championship games ever. It'll be one of those, can't sit still, pace around the livingroom all evening games.
As we've all said, Pitt is a scary scary team. I guess for some reason I'm confident that Brady and NE will not be affected by the crowd, or the weather.
Any word on when or if NE has left for Pitt yet?? I heard this mrorning that the Falcons were considering leaving today, as opposed to tomorrow, due to the snow
Prickly Pete
01-21-05, 08:25 AM
Any word on when or if NE has left for Pitt yet?? I heard this mrorning that the Falcons were considering leaving today, as opposed to tomorrow, due to the snow
Pats are also flying out today, a day early.
RIyankee
01-21-05, 09:03 AM
On Sunday night I picked the Pats to win, I was supremely confident.
Now that I have had five days to mull it over, I really don't have any feeling either way about this game.
Help RIyankee!
I feel that if Tom Brady takes good care of the football, the Pats will win easily. :D
JMHO
JfromJersey
01-21-05, 09:57 AM
I give the Steelers a slight mental edge over the Pats. Cowher will harp on the fact that they are underdogs at home, against a team they already beat this season. That however, will be offset to a degree, by the Pats looking to avenge that loss. I'm picking the Pats because I believe the game will be decided by a few key turnovers, and the team more likely to turn the ball over is the Steelers, with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The best strategy for Pitt would be to attack with the deep pass..early..and often. Weather conditions, and the fact that Ben is a rook, will probably force Cowher to adopt a conservative game plan. I think he's going to try to do what worked against the Pats in the regular season, and that will be a big mistake. The Pats will take away the run, and dare Big Ben to beat them.
MFern09
01-21-05, 10:38 AM
I feel that if Tom Brady takes good care of the football, the Pats will win easily. :D
JMHO
I agree with ya too, control the ball and its win...it just amazes me the people who say Big ben is undefeated this year and they give him the advantage...what else does tom brady and the patriots have to do...
I admit I'm going with my heart here, but I'm picking the Steelers to win 17-13.
Pepper03
01-21-05, 02:11 PM
I just heard that Richard Seymour will dress for the game but will not start.
Just the possibility that he'll play makes me happy.
I wish they were playing tonight! :)
Buckeye Yank
01-21-05, 02:38 PM
I'm getting very curious about the weather forcast. It could end up being a field possession game, if the snow comes.
I don't think it's a question of "if" but rather "how much".
Pepper03
01-21-05, 04:41 PM
I'm hearing here that the snow will be over Sunday morning, but that it wil be very cold with a 7-10 mph wind.
FWIW, that dope Merril Hodge was on ESPNews saying Belichick's 13-0 vs QB's the second time around is "a crock". :uhh: He tried to reason it by saying there are different variables invloved: defenses, stadiums, etc.
The 13 QB's are as follows: Vinny Testaverde (2001), Peyton Manning (2001, 2003, 2004), Jay Fiedler (2001, 2002, 2003), Kurt Warner (2001), Drew Bledsoe (2002, 2003, 2004), Steve McNair (2003), Chad Pennington (2004). By my count there are 5 MVP awards and 15 Pro-Bowl selections in there. Hardly a "crock".
Pepper03
01-22-05, 06:36 AM
What about the second game with Miami this year? Who started the first game-was it Fiedler? If it was Feeley the stat is wrong, but I'm guessing it must have been Fiedler. I am drawing a blank on this one.
What about the second game with Miami this year? Who started the first game-was it Fiedler? If it was Feeley the stat is wrong, but I'm guessing it must have been Fiedler. I am drawing a blank on this one.
Fiedler started the first game and left due to injury and Feely came in. And then Feely started the second game.
Prickly Pete
01-22-05, 08:14 PM
Looks like the weather will be OK, after all. Extremely cold, but no snow and a fairly light wind.
I think that favors the Pats, as they have a better passing attack. Real bad weather would have neutralized that advantage.
Patriots, 23-14.
deranged2005
01-22-05, 08:41 PM
corey dillon had a hell of a game last time they played...oh wait he didnt play...i think this time they may run for more than 5 yards.
For what it's worth, the Pats were trailing 21-3 at the end of the 1st quarter when they first meet.
MvpPosada20
01-23-05, 12:27 AM
We finally saw Ben Roethlisberger play like a rookie against the Jets. If he plays like that against the multiple defensive schemes New England will throw at him, the Steelers are in trouble.
Can New England stop Pittsburgh's running game? If they've nuetralized any hope of a Steelers passing game, then yes, I think they can stop the Steelers on the ground.
Also, I think New England has a huge advantage in coaching. Bill Cowher has lost, what, three AFC Chanpionship games on his homefield? Meanwhile, Bill Billicik (sp.?) is the friggin' Terminator. This guy schemes various tactics that make Rommel look like a weekend Stratego player.
Tom Brady and the Patriots will be utterly unfazed by playing on the road. New England will have Corey Dillon healthy, which was not the case during their regular season matchup with Pittsburgh. In short, I like the Pats.
Call it 20-17.
i agree with you for the most part
last week vs the jets, ben really showed us how he plays against a good defensive team. It will only get worse vs the pats because you KNOW billicheck has some tricks up his sleeve, and hes going to do everything in his power to confuse the hell out of roethlesberger.
secondly, i dont think its fair to put down bill cowher. His steelers are the #1 team in the league with a rookie quarterback. He's been coaching for 13 years now, and has been to the playoffs 9 times! And he hasnt had a tom brady or mcnabb leading his team.
finally, the pats are just unstoppable in the playoffs. they are so great because they dont hype themselves up, they dont talk trash, they let their actions speak for them. They dominated the colts big time. Harrison or wayne couldnt get open even if they were on the sidelines drinking gatorade. Manning was throwing off target, couldnt get in tempo, and was forced to make bad decisions. Thats what the pats D does to you.
cubswin
01-23-05, 12:41 AM
Ward and Burress are the keys to this game (among, you know, all the other "keys" to the game :) )
Pats....23-9
Bend but not snap defense with the ever explosive QB Tom Brady at the helm on offense. Expect at least one touchdown to TE Daniel Graham with another via special teams or on the ground. Vinatieri will have a solid game going 3 for 4, missing a 37 yard kick, wide left. Steelers will not have anything solid offensively, with the exception of their kicker going 3 for 3, 2 of which will be 35 +.
You have heard it here first, Jim's forecast.
NYYBombshell
01-23-05, 12:52 AM
New England. The Steelers got through the Jets, but I can't see them beating New England......not after the waxing they put on Indy.
ryanm1058123
01-23-05, 07:29 AM
Sorry, let me clarify. The NFL isn't releasing the footage, it (apparently, I don't have the NFL Network) was shown the week after the game and the guys on WEEI have been talking about it every now and again. They say that Porter is running his mouth and trash talking, etc.
Wow, what big news. I mean, like, nobody ever trash talks in the NFL.
Looie #19
01-23-05, 08:15 AM
If BR didn't look like absolute crap last game (there has to be something seriously wrong with his throwing hand) I might be leaning towards the Steelers on their home turf. Given the weather, and the increased problem it might cause Ben, I think that part of their game may be neutralized and the Patriots will win by a touchdown. The winner of this game I believe will be the Super Bowl Champs, so I have a feeling that Ricky Proehl's prognostication before SB XXXVI may come true. I honestly want to see the Falcons win over PHI, just to see the scheme that will be put in place for Vick. He's faced the Patriots once, and it wasn't pretty at all.
Either way, there should be two good games today.
FWIW, that dope Merril Hodge was on ESPNews saying Belichick's 13-0 vs QB's the second time around is "a crock". :uhh: He tried to reason it by saying there are different variables invloved: defenses, stadiums, etc.
The 13 QB's are as follows: Vinny Testaverde (2001), Peyton Manning (2001, 2003, 2004), Jay Fiedler (2001, 2002, 2003), Kurt Warner (2001), Drew Bledsoe (2002, 2003, 2004), Steve McNair (2003), Chad Pennington (2004). By my count there are 5 MVP awards and 15 Pro-Bowl selections in there. Hardly a "crock".
i can't stand Merril Hodge. He seems like he always goes against the norm, or favorite pick, just so he can be cool when he's right. Then when he's wrong, you never hear from him.
probably why he's stuck on the 8am ESPN shows....cause he's a boob
boo_427
01-23-05, 11:55 AM
I want the Pats to win this game. I am not a Steeler fan. I can't wait to see Belichick make Cowher Scoul.
If the NFL wants to make a lot of money in Jacksonville in two weeks, we will see Patriots vs. Falcons.
That's my opinion anyway.
Prickly Pete
01-23-05, 04:21 PM
Richard Seymour is inactive again for the Pats.
ruthianblast
01-23-05, 05:09 PM
Here we go STEELERS
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:13 PM
OK, I'm putting on the PJs and grabbing some more beer. This **should** be a good one!
ruthianblast
01-23-05, 05:34 PM
OK, I'm putting on the PJs and grabbing some more beer. This **should** be a good one!
You're lucky, I'm at freakin work, eating stupid rice cakes (damn marriage diet), and about 3 gallons of water and watching the game on a security camera with no sound. :mad:
ruthianblast
01-23-05, 05:40 PM
First pick of the day for Big Ben
yeahimweird
01-23-05, 05:41 PM
Not a good start for the Steelers.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:41 PM
First pick of the day for Big Ben
Obviously thrown too hard. It actually got tipped by two other players before the pick. Not a good start for Ben.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:44 PM
You're lucky, I'm at freakin work, eating stupid rice cakes (damn marriage diet), and about 3 gallons of water and watching the game on a security camera with no sound. :mad:
Rice Cakes?? :barf:
Field goal by AV. 3-0 Pats.
AlongCameAPrincess
01-23-05, 05:47 PM
I'm listening to the game on the radio and watching on tv at the same time but since the radios ahead for like 3 seconds it's quite annoying.
I hope the Pats don't win. Like I said on another forum if the Pats get and win the Super Bowl -- having Pats and Sox Champs in the same year would be mildly unbearable.
So Go Steelers!
If necessary, Go Eagles!
ruthianblast
01-23-05, 05:53 PM
Wow, going on 4th against the Pats, you deserve a fumble for that ................
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:54 PM
Pats held. I don't blame Cowher for going for it. Had the Pats got a TD instead of a FG, he probably would have punted.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:55 PM
Well, they have a TD now. Wow! Sweet pass!
AlongCameAPrincess
01-23-05, 05:56 PM
Oh sh*t... I'm out. What a horrible break.
deranged2005
01-23-05, 05:56 PM
:( I'm turning the game off
ruthianblast
01-23-05, 05:56 PM
Alrighty then, I'm calling this game over in the 1st quarter
bleachersown
01-23-05, 05:58 PM
I don't think Chad could rip one like that...what a pass.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 05:59 PM
I ain't turning it off!!! I'll be in a serious Football Funk soon enough. I'm eating up every effing second I can get from it now. ;) :gulp:
Irascible Yankee Fan
01-23-05, 06:04 PM
Uggh!
If it's Eagles (which it already is) vs. Patriots....I won't care to watch. These are my 2 most hated teams. I can't think of any reason to route for either team.
My sports mojo is gone...my teams have been cursed. People should ask me who I am routing for, and then bet against me. That is more sure of a way to get rich than when Biff stole the sports almanac from Marty.
jdolbow
01-23-05, 06:05 PM
I went to grab a beer and the Pats scored! Holy offense!
bleachersown
01-23-05, 06:07 PM
Uggh!
If it's Eagles (which it already is) vs. Patriots....I won't care to watch. These are my 2 most hated teams. I can't think of any reason to route for either team.
I'm a Jets fan, and this afc championship is killing me. I'm rooting for the Pats because I go to college in steeler country. I can't stand them, the local tv coverage, and their fans anymore.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 06:24 PM
The Steelers don't have enough speed to matchup with Pats so far.
The lack of speed in the secondary really hurt them on that TD.
jdolbow
01-23-05, 06:45 PM
Game.Freaking.Over.
deranged2005
01-23-05, 06:45 PM
Are ya kidding?
Holy crap.
yeahimweird
01-23-05, 06:57 PM
My god, the Steelers look awful. These two playoff games have really made Big Ben look like a rookie.
The Steelers struggled against a pretty good Jets team. I probably should have figured that were going to have a lot of problems with a great Pats team.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 06:57 PM
The Pats are just dominating the Steelers in every aspect of the game.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 07:02 PM
Imagine if the Jets had an offensive coordinator...oh man. This 1st half shows that Henderson's defense was for real and Big Ben is not.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 07:03 PM
Imagine if the Jets had an offensive coordinator...oh man. This 1st half shows that Henderson's defense was for real and Big Ben is not.
Big Ben is still gettin' his feet wet even though he's 14-0 to start his career.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 07:05 PM
Big Ben is still gettin' his feet wet even though he's 14-0 to start his career.
The Steeler fans that i know treat Roethlisberger as if he's a god. He'll be a solid qb, but his success is mostly due to the great team that surrounds him.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 07:07 PM
The Steeler fans that i know treat Roethlisberger as if he's a god. He'll be a solid qb, but his success is mostly due to the great team that surrounds him.
True. The Steelers need to add speed to go along with their physical play. The Pats are beating them with speed, aggressive, physical play.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 07:08 PM
My god, the Steelers look awful. These two playoff games have really made Big Ben look like a rookie.
I sure can't say that I disagree. He's definitely been coming back down to earth.
The Steeler D though is starting to look soft too now. The Pats are looking good so far. Damn....
I sure can't say that I disagree. He's definitely been coming back down to earth.
The Steeler D though is starting to look soft too now. The Pats are looking good so far. Damn....
Some where Dandy Don is singing Turn Out the Lights.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 07:10 PM
True. The Steelers need to add speed to go along with their physical play. The Pats are beating them with speed, aggressive, physical play.
That's NOT the problem at all. Pittsburgh has a very speedy, physical team. However, they sure aren't showing it right now. Perhaps, the Pats are that good.
twentyquestions
01-23-05, 07:16 PM
That's NOT the problem at all. Pittsburgh has a very speedy, physical team. However, they sure aren't showing it right now. Perhaps, the Pats are that good.
IMO that is exactly it - rather than discredit other teams, I say that the Patriots are simply above and beyond the other teams in this League right now.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 07:19 PM
Touchdown Pittsburgh...could this be Houston-Buffalo part deux?
Soriambi
01-23-05, 07:23 PM
Touchdown Pittsburgh...could this be Houston-Buffalo part deux?
It wouldn't be quite that big of a comeback (that one was 31 points in the middle of the third quarter, I believe), but it would be one of the most surprising comebacks in playoff history, I would think, given how the Pats manhandled them in the first half. I'd be very surprised if the Steelers came back, but that touchdown was exactly what they needed.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 07:23 PM
Pittsburgh needs to keep it in single digits entering the 4th in order for them to have a chance.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 07:24 PM
It wouldn't be quite that big of a comeback (that one was 31 points in the middle of the third quarter, I believe), but it would be one of the most surprising comebacks in playoff history, I would think, given how the Pats manhandled them in the first half. I'd be very surprised if the Steelers came back, but that touchdown was exactly what they needed.
It could be like the Pittsburgh-Cleveland game from 2 years ago, if the Steelers pull it off.
jdolbow
01-23-05, 07:35 PM
I thought the Steelers had that turnover - sure are some major hits being delivered by both teams.
Then to have CD run in for a TD...ouch.
The score's really not indicative of what's happened so far - all of the breaks have gone the Pats way.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 07:35 PM
That was clearly not a fumble.
It looks like Cowher will lose another AFC championship game. If he were coaching in NY, do you think he would be getting killed in the media/have to worry about his job? Pittsburgh is a much different market than NY, which is reason why theyve only had 2 coaches in like 35 years.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 07:39 PM
I know it ain't over 'til it's over but it's over. I kind of hope that somebody quotes this post later and says, "You Doubter!!!"
But, it's Over. The LAST thing that needed to happen was for the Steeler D to fall apart. They now HAVE to rely on Ben and it ain't gonna happen. He's good but, at this point in his career, and down three TDs, he's not crafty enough to mount a comeback.
Hey, gotta tip the helmut to the Pats. They are like a throwback to an era when there were a actually a bunch of good teams. Damn good team.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 07:39 PM
It looks like Cowher will lose another AFC championship game. If he were coaching in NY, do you think he would be getting killed in the media/have to worry about his job. Pittsburgh is a much different market than NY, which is reason why theyve only had 2 coaches in like 35 years.
Yeah, Bill Cowher is a solid coach, but I think it's time for him to go.
jdolbow
01-23-05, 07:45 PM
Asante Samuel is playing one hell of a game out there.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 07:46 PM
That was clearly not a fumble.
It looks like Cowher will lose another AFC championship game. If he were coaching in NY, do you think he would be getting killed in the media/have to worry about his job? Pittsburgh is a much different market than NY, which is reason why theyve only had 2 coaches in like 35 years.
Cowher, in my drinking opinion, is an extremely GOOD coach! The man has lost so many legitimate Pro Bowlers during his tenure but he almost always has his team near the top.
There was a lot of heat on him the last few years and I think it was really unwarranted.
He's going to get KILLED (probably) for his decision to go for the first down in the 1st quarter on 4th & a foot on the Pats' 39. I think it was a good decision that just didn't work.
The Patriots ARE THAT good in a swamp of mediocrity.
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 07:48 PM
Yeah, Bill Cowher is a solid coach, but I think it's time for him to go.
If he's a solid coach, why let him go? For the fans? Who should the Steelers bring in?
ryanm1058123
01-23-05, 08:01 PM
Let's just say this game has taken a dramatic turn.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 08:07 PM
Let's just say this game has taken a dramatic turn.
The Steelers had to score a TD there. Big stop for NE.
Soriambi
01-23-05, 08:09 PM
If he's a solid coach, why let him go? For the fans? Who should the Steelers bring in?
I'd say he's better than solid. I think he's in the top tier of NFL coaches. The chances that they can bring in someone better than him if they let him go are very slim, I think.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 08:12 PM
If he's a solid coach, why let him go? For the fans? Who should the Steelers bring in?
I'm just curious about it.
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 08:16 PM
Adam Vinateri boots another FG. 34-20 Patriots 8:03 left 4th quarter.
jdolbow
01-23-05, 08:24 PM
Let's just say this game has taken a dramatic turn.
Yes, and then another.
dabomb2045
01-23-05, 08:33 PM
Cowher blew any chance Pitt had at coming back....you absolutely HAD to go for it on that 4th and goal play
they needed to get the game down to a 1 score difference....the FG did absolutely nothing for them....it also lost any momentum they had
and btw everyone talks about what makes Brady so good....and I'll bring up a reason thats never mentioned....his OFFENSIVE LINE!! how often do we see Brady get sacked?? hit hard?? or even rushed....how many times do we see Brady get about 8 hours to drop back, scan the field 3 different times, and find someone open
nobody talks about his O line....and Im not sure why
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 08:36 PM
I'm just curious about it.
No. You said "it's time for him to go."
I sincerely believe that he's a tremendous coach.
Bart Starr, my Hero, a student of St. Vincent, NEEDED to go after his coaching stint at Titletown. :)
Cowher has, year after year after year, lost SO much talent. The man IS a great coach. Crap happens, man! We fans are some narrow-minded folks though! (Damn, I need a Beer!!!)
Congrats, Pats!!! Helluva season and helluva Game Plan against the Steelers. Scoring 41 points at Pittsburgh against that Defense says a LOT more for the Pats, I think, than it does against the Steelers.
bleachersown
01-23-05, 08:37 PM
41 points on the pittsburgh defense...that's just greatness (weis) Deion Branch played amazing
We keep talking about Chad not coming up in the big game...What about Big Ben Roethlisberger?
RIyankee
01-23-05, 08:37 PM
As Nature Boy Ric Flair would say.
"Woooooooooo!"
Good night all!
:D
dabomb2045
01-23-05, 08:39 PM
41 points on the pittsburgh defense...that's just greatness (weis) Deion Branch played amazing
if Weis doesnt do the same next year for my Fighting Irish....Im really really reall gonna hate him....I hate him now but all will be forgiven if he turns around ND
dabomb2045
01-23-05, 08:39 PM
As Nature Boy Ric Flair would say.
"Woooooooooo!"
Good night all!
:D
I feel like putting several bullets into my head
Boston the center of the sports world?? my absolute worst nightmare
jdolbow
01-23-05, 08:41 PM
Wow. Just wow. The Pats just have not made a mistake this game.
The Steelers should hold on to Roeth - he's a rookie and he will be good.
Cowher is a great coach, and it isn't clear to me how much you can really fault his play calling for this loss. I think he should have gone for the TD there, but then his defense wasn't exactly stopping the Pats. Moreover, who're they going to get to replace him?
dabomb2045
01-23-05, 08:43 PM
Wow. Just wow. The Pats just have not made a mistake this game.
The Steelers should hold on to Roeth - he's a rookie and he will be good.
Cowher is a great coach, and it isn't clear to me how much you can really fault his play calling for this loss. I think he should have gone for the TD there, but then his defense wasn't exactly stopping the Pats. Moreover, who're they going to get to replace him?
im not saying fire him....but I think he blew any chance at coming back by not going for that 4th down
you needed to get the game down to a 1 score difference....you had momentum and for the first time the Pats were on their heels a bit
they score there its 31-24....and we have a new ballgame
the FG does NOTHING for Pitt right there....still down 2 scores...and they lost any momentum they had
Jersey Yankee
01-23-05, 08:45 PM
Is it over yet? I see it's now 41-20 with 0:56 left. Awful.
Did Pittsburgh lose this or did NE win it?
bleachersown
01-23-05, 08:45 PM
The question of Cowher relates to if he were coaching in a NY market rather than a smaller Pittsburgh market. Would he still be around?
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 08:46 PM
Wow. Just wow. The Pats just have not made a mistake this game.
The Steelers should hold on to Roeth - he's a rookie and he will be good.
Cowher is a great coach, and it isn't clear to me how much you can really fault his play calling for this loss. I think he should have gone for the TD there, but then his defense wasn't exactly stopping the Pats. Moreover, who're they going to get to replace him?
Agreed! It was a fantastic game plan by the Pats. They played a helluva game.
Man, there's gonna be some sad Steelers Fans around here and some elated Beagle fans.
dabomb2045
01-23-05, 08:48 PM
Agreed! It was a fantastic game plan by the Pats. They played a helluva game.
Man, there's gonna be some sad Steelers Fans around here and some elated Beagle fans.
well those "beagle" fans will be elated for 2 weeks....until they lose 37-3 in the Bowl
jdolbow
01-23-05, 08:52 PM
well those "beagle" fans will be elated for 2 weeks....until they lose 37-3 in the Bowl
Agreed! Speaking of which, is the SuperBowl thread up yet? :gulp:
yeahimweird
01-23-05, 09:13 PM
Agreed! Speaking of which, is the SuperBowl thread up yet? :gulp:
Yeah. It's up. ;)
The Pats are tricky. The only get 20 against the Colts but drop 41 on the # 1 D. Who saw that coming?
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 09:16 PM
Congrats to the Pats on winning their 3rd AFC Championship in 4 years.
:gulp:
#1PaFan
01-23-05, 09:16 PM
well those "beagle" fans will be elated for 2 weeks....until they lose 37-3 in the Bowl
LMFAO!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Seriously, I hope it's nothing like that. I'd actually prefer a really, Really, REALLY close game......that the Eagles lose where they end up an effing millimeter from the Goal Line.
Oh either way, I don't give a crap. I just hope it's a good game. But man, if the Eagles actually somehow win, the freaks around here are gonna be a serious pain-in-the-ass. :) :gulp:
BroadwayBomber55
01-23-05, 09:19 PM
Well those Pittsburgh Steelers had a disappointing end to a good season, but what a ride. Who picked them to go this far in this tough AFC Conference at the beginning of the season?
Props to Bill Cowher for a solid job. :clap: :gulp: Good luck next year Steelers.
GHRuth3
01-23-05, 09:50 PM
im very depressed, alls i need to do is blow up all of new england and ide be fine. Sox beat my yanks, Pats beat my steelers, when will the torture end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Dave Visbeck
01-24-05, 03:14 AM
I voted Pats for 2 main reasons. First of all, the Steelers didn't win on Saturday, the Jets lost. 95% of the time in the NFL you win a game when you have 2 gime-winning field goal attempts in the last 2 minutes. That had nothing to do with Pitt's running game, defense, or coaching. The Jets simply choked. Secondly, I saw that the Patriots are 13-0 when facing a team for the 2nd time in a season. Not that the Steelers are all Rothlisberger, but it's clear he was out of his element in the playoffs. I see the Pats rolling through Pittsburgh just like they did in 2001.
The Steelers...
The NFL’s stingiest defensive team that had the lowest points allowed during the season.
The Steelers...
The team that was undefeated at home during the season and only allowed 105 points in 8 home efforts with 23 being the most against.
The Steelers...
The team that allowed an astonishing low total of just 24 points total in it’s last 4 home games of the regular season.
The Steelers...
Yes, the Steelers, once again show up for a Championship Game at Home... and then proceed to give up 41 points to The Patriots. Enough said. Defending World Champs just prove their stuff again. One more game to go.
twentyquestions
01-24-05, 08:53 AM
What a game by Tom Brady. I'm one of his greater detractors here in the NE area, but last night was a masterpiece - up against the League's premiere defense, he put up these numbers:
14/21 (66.7%), 207 yds, 2 TDs 130.5 PR
Nothing really flashy, like 450 yards, but those incredibly accurate bombs were brutal and symbolized a near-flawless and methodical game from NE's QB.
Pepper03
01-24-05, 09:48 AM
I knew this game was over when Cowher chose kicking a field goal instead of going for it on 4th and goal. I said, thank you, Steelers.
They go in there and score, it's a one touchdown game and anything can happen.
How much confidence could he have in the best running team in the league if he doesn't go for it there? Even the Steeler fans knew it was a gutless move, since I heard alot of boos.
The Steelers are an excellent team, and I really didn't feel good about the Pats winning that game until then. I feel their coach let them down once again, and I like Bill Cowher.
The key player who missed the Halloween game turned out to be Deion Branch, who would have thought that.
RIyankee
01-24-05, 09:59 AM
Just to add...
I agree Cowher is not the problem. The Steelers had a rookie QB that hit the wall weeks ago and the team was able to hide it until the Pats exposed him. Ben will get better but the Steelers need to continue to build on their defense. Pittsburgh should be a Super Bowl contender next season as they aren't far away.
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