The Second Annual Steelers March To The Super Bowl Thread.

[lno]

Lno, was that straight up or against a spread? Oh, and I hope that you are wrong about tonight but fear that you are correct.Straight up. Another year bears out my algorithm of picking games. Going into tonight I'm 58 for 87 (66% accuracy) and in 2nd place in a confidence league and 5-1 with a 3-game lead in the AFC West in Hal Briston's head2head pool.

[Albert Rose]

It was nice to see Bettis get yet another touchdown, even if my FF opponent had him on her team. He's not washed up yet! Maybe Duce could get a few, too.

Go Jags!!!

[Ellis Dee]

How 'bout those Cowgirls? :D

What a great game that was,That truly was a great game. I tape all the Giants games, and as such never leave the house on Sundays. But since Big Blue was off yesterday, I went to my buddy's house and watched 5 games on Tivo in shorty format. (The NFL package on DirecTV is better than crack.)

The Jets got their win, though they didn't look that impressive. Gang Green has seemingly tranformed their tendency to start the season slow into a tendency to start each game slow. That precedent was set on the opening kickoff of the season, when Jonathan Carter fumbled the return before he was touched by the opponent. But I still have every faith that The Chad can lead the Jets to a victory over the Pats at The Razor next week. Curtis will run roughshod over them without Ted Washington.

I watched every snap Kerry Collins took. All I can say is, how about that Kurt Warner? Oh man, my heart goes out to Oakland fans, especially now that Gannon is officially done for the season. I truly wanted Collins to do well, but now it is looking more and more like Ernie Accorsi was eerily prescient when it came to Scary Kerry. Everyone thought he was washed up -- especially Giants fans -- when EA brought him to the New York, but Kerry won the hearts and minds of Giants fans. Most people figured this season was a write-off when we signed Eli and lost Collins. but apparently Kerry was finished, and the only person who realized that was Ernie. Good calls both, Ernie, on bringing him in when he still had game left and letting him go when he was done. I don't know how he knew it, but he did good on both counts.With every game Big Ben makes Giants fans (including those in denial like Ellis Dee) cry into their beer, thinking about what they gave up to get a brand name who isn't even playing when they could have had Roethlisberger on the cheap.It's almost like we watched two different games. I'm a fan of Big Ben, and I'm enjoying his success, though I admit I was rooting for Dallas for three reasons: 1) Parcells, Vinny, Ritchie, Keyshawn, go Jets! b) Pride of the NFC East, since the Cowboys are currently no threat to Big Blue, and III) I didn't want Phil Simms' great start matched. But oh well, the Steelers certainly played well.

But, to think that Big Ben would have that same success as a Giant, Bill, or Charger is simply ridiculous. Did you watch the game? How many passes were a overthrown/underthrown and still caught? Ben is not the most accurate passer, and if he had to rely on Toomer and Hilliard to bail him out, he'd be 0-4 instead of 4-0. Actually, like I said in a previous post, he'd be 0-0 because Warner has earned the job convincingly. But make no mistake, Airman Doors, Big Ben is having the success he's having for 3 reasons, and 3 reasons only: Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwan Randle El. However, give him this season to get acclimated, and the Steelers are staring directly at a decade of winning seasons to come regardless of who is on the team at WR, because Big Ben is a legitimate contender. As far as this season? Well, you still have to face the rest of the AFC East and NFC East, so you still have some losing coming your way. Your final four games (Jets, Giants, Ravens, Bills) could all be losses. Not to mention the Patriots and Eagles in the near future. But hey, on any given Sunday...Rookie jitters? Not that I could see. He was throwing darts all day.Clearly, we were watching different games. Didn't you see how many spectacular catches your top 3 WRs made? You know what you need to have in order for there to be a spectacular catch? A bad throw.The only choker on the field was the oldest, most experienced Cowgirl, Vinny Chokeaverde. Duce played through a nasty looking twisted ankle early on, Plaxico came to play, and the secondary finally came through in the clutch, allowing Kimo von Oelhoffen to make Vinny trip over his dick."His styles are incomplete, just like Vinny Testeverde." I thought Vinny played fine. His didn't choke, nor was there a great play by the secondary. A fluke fumble is all that was. I expect more from a Parcells team than to allow a fluke turnover, though.

All in all, I have to say that the thread title is not entirely unwarranted, even though the Superbowl winner will so clearly be the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.

[Ellis Dee]

Straight up. Another year bears out my algorithm of picking games. Going into tonight I'm 58 for 87 (66% accuracy)You're kidding with this, right? No spreads and your algorithm only gets 66%? I'd bet you that simply picking the favorite to win outright would have a better win percentage than 2 out of 3.

[lno]

You're kidding with this, right? No spreads and your algorithm only gets 66%? I'd bet you that simply picking the favorite to win outright would have a better win percentage than 2 out of 3.You'd think, wouldn't you. Calling it an algorithm is a little tongue-in-cheek, but it's more accurate than picking favorites — if you went with that, you'd be at 53 out of 84 (not counting Bal/Was in week 5 and Was/Chi in week 6, which were even) or 63%.

So I rest my case. :p (Oh, and bump me to 67% with tonight's win.)

[lno]

you'd be at 53 out of 84 (not counting Bal/Was in week 5 and Was/Chi in week 6, which were even) or 63%.Forgot that week 2 had 16 games - so 53/86, or 61.6%.

[lno]

And as an additional alliterative addendum, since I was a little too loopy at 3 am to properly respond, the 'algorithm' was devised for confidence leagues, and it works amazingly well there. In those cases, I don't care if I get the 1, 2, and 3 point games wrong as long as I get the 12, 13, and 14 point games right.

It's just icing on the gravy that it also works well enough in straight-up picking.

[Hal Briston]

Call it whatever ya like, lno, your Fighting Sporks are still doing pretty damn good (http://www.sirblah.com/1on1pool/1On1Standings.htm).

[lno]

Call it whatever ya like, lno, your Fighting Sporks are still doing pretty damn good (http://www.sirblah.com/1on1pool/1On1Standings.htm).And if the week 7 matchup between the week 5 and 6 Players of the Week isn't one of the headliners, you've got some 'splaining to do. ;)

[asterion]

Congrats to the Steelers on surviving the grueling bye week. :p

Man, have the Broncos been playing this bad the whole season and I just didn't know it because this is the first game of their's I've seen in six weeks, or is this just an off night? Because, man, I don't know what's going on with the defense and the offensive play-calling. Third and 1 and you pass instead of giving the ball to Droughns? :wally

[Weirddave]

I'll say one thing. Spotty QB play aside, if Ogden winds up missing any signifigant time with his hammy injury, you can stick a fork in the Ravens and watch the Stillers take the division. Kinda like what happened in Pittsburgh last year.

[Ellis Dee]

Man, have the Broncos been playing this bad the whole season and I just didn't know it because this is the first game of their's I've seen in six weeks, or is this just an off night? Because, man, I don't know what's going on with the defense and the offensive play-calling. Third and 1 and you pass instead of giving the ball to Droughns?I missed the first 3 quarters, but it looked to me like a couple things were going on. Frst and foremost, whatever your team is, you do not want them playing against the AFC North, period. The North is the hottest division in football, and I wouldn't be surprised if they overtook the NFC East this week for the #1 spot in the division rankings. Okay, that's probably an exaggeration, but they certainly surpassed the AFC South for #2.

And second, Denver had to have been looking past the Bengals. You can't take the Bengals (or the Browns, as the Eagles found out) lightly, or you're in for a rude awakening.

All signs point to the Steelers ending the Patriots streak. Go Steelers!!!

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Congrats to the Steelers on surviving the grueling bye week. :p

Yeah, it might be the one time in three weeks that they don't lose. I think that they'll play the Patsies and the Eagles tough, but I just don't know how it's going to go down, and since I'll be in the middle of the Pacific I won't even be able to watch the games.

[Trunk]

Keep in mind that Denver has won its games against

KC, OAK, CARO -- all with losing records.

They beat SD ( a weak 4-3)

And lost to JAX.

Whereas, CIN has lost to NYJ, BAL, PIT, CLE (IN Cleveland, a tough place to win).

So it's hard to say how good DEN really is.

I'll tell ya one thing, that chop block was absolute bullshit. I know it was legal, but it was cheap.

He went straight down on the ankle. The block would have been equally effective up high, and he ended that guy's season.

I can't believe denver does it year after year. I'm glad the full effects of it came to light on the biggest stage. I hope the NFL does something about it.

[Enginerd]

I'll tell ya one thing, that chop block was absolute bullshit. I know it was legal, but it was cheap.

He went straight down on the ankle. The block would have been equally effective up high, and he ended that guy's season.
I was thinking the same thing (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=282950).

[Soapbox Monkey]

You are a lot more optimistic than I am Airman Doors, USAF. Personally I took today's game as a sign that our squad doesn't stand a chance this year. The AFC North may be the weakest division in the AFC, and the fact that our Steelers got walloped within our division is a bad omen that we aren't likely to compete with any of the competent teams outside of it.

So much for this season. :(

Wow, I just wanted to come back here and say how WRONG I was. God damn that game was almost orgasmic.

Looks like we're for real this year! Watch out Eagles! :D

[wmulax93]

Wow, that was a great game. Congrats, Stiller fans.

[asterion]

Wow, I just wanted to come back here and say how WRONG I was. God damn that game was almost orgasmic.

Looks like we're for real this year! Watch out Eagles! :D

So, if the Redskins game indicates that Kerry should win, would the loss of New England to Pittsburgh indicate that Kerry will not carry Pennsylvania? On the other hand, Houston beat Jacksonville and Dallas beat Detroit, so does that mean Bush will carry Florida and Michigan? And if Bush carries Florida AND Michigan AND Pennsylvania, then isn't the election a lock?

I guess the Broncos aren't all that after all. They lose to the Bengals, then get walloped by the Falcons. They may still make the playoffs, but I'm not optimistic that they'll get past the first round.

[asterion]

Wow, I just wanted to come back here and say how WRONG I was. God damn that game was almost orgasmic.

Looks like we're for real this year! Watch out Eagles! :D

That should be a good one. Seeing as how I'm only a moderate fan of each team, do I root for Philly to stay undefeated or do I root for Roethlisberger to win five straight as a rookie?

[asterion]

Whoops, I did not mean to quote Soapbox Monkey the first time. That's what I get for hitting the wrong button.

[mhendo]

That should be a good one. Seeing as how I'm only a moderate fan of each team, do I root for Philly to stay undefeated or do I root for Roethlisberger to win five straight as a rookie?I don't know about who to root for, but based on current form the Steelers must surely be favorite.

They absolutely steamrolled the best team in the NFL, while Philadelphia (despite remaining unbeaten) were pretty uninspiring against an under-strength Baltimore team.

[Soapbox Monkey]

I don't know about who to root for, but based on current form the Steelers must surely be favorite.

They absolutely steamrolled the best team in the NFL, while Philadelphia (despite remaining unbeaten) were pretty uninspiring against an under-strength Baltimore team.

Not to mention that they just sneaked past the Browns last week, and the Steelers had no problem against them.

[furt]

I don't know about who to root for, but based on current form the Steelers must surely be favorite.
Bushwah. The Iggles got their bad games out of the way. They'll be primed and ready for ye. 23-17.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

That should be a good one. Seeing as how I'm only a moderate fan of each team, do I root for Philly to stay undefeated or do I root for Roethlisberger to win five straight as a rookie?Didn't he just do that today? Perhaps you mean six straight?

[asterion]

Didn't he just do that today? Perhaps you mean six straight?

When was Maddox hurt? Week 2 or week 3? In any case, I meant with him as a starter, so I could have easily meant six straight.

[Hal Briston]

That should be a good one. Seeing as how I'm only a moderate fan of each team, do I root for Philly to stay undefeated or do I root for Roethlisberger to win five straight as a rookie?
You could always go about it the way I do every week: Root for whoever is playing against Philly.

Steelers -- That was a great performance you put on today. Top-notch, all the way. Now please, please keep it up next weekend and end the streak those scum-sucking Birds are on.

...oh, and play like crap against the Giants on Dec. 18th. :)

[pepperlandgirl]

Gah! What the fuck is going on here? Broncos lose two in a row, Chargers are tied for first place, and the Chiefs are winning by blowouts.

What the fuck? What the fuck? What the fuck?

Added to that, nearly every single team I picked this week lost! :mad: Fuckers.

[wmulax93]

See, your OLine plays like a bunch of thugs, and the football gods frown on you.

Regarding San Diego: Brees wants a job. With the talent on that team (by this I mean LT and. . . I guess just LT), they should be a good team anyways.

[SenorBeef]

The game might've gone differently if the NFL would step in and *cough* do something about the ankle-breaking conditions the steelers keep that field in. They have an exclusive contract with Tibetan goat herders who make them special magical shoes to take advantage of that pig pen in the middle of the stadium, while everyone else slides around like it's in the middle of a torrential downpour.

Good game, you bastards. If you just locked up the AFC north with this game.. well, at least the rats aren't going to do it. I predicted whoever won the Browns-ravens opening sunday game was going to win the division - and I was somewhat right, the Browns are going to finish ahead of the ravens - but who the hell saw it coming that the steelers wouldn't suck? Argh.

Still, there's a chance that the universe will correct the curse put on the Browns and try to make up for it by launching a meteor at the Steeler's starting offense next game.

Heh - I just noticed that I capitalized Browns and Steelers automatically, but didn't give the same respect to the rats. Probably a good habit.

[Ellis Dee]

The AFC North may be the weakest division in the AFC, and the fact that our Steelers got walloped within our division is a bad omen that we aren't likely to compete with any of the competent teams outside of it.
You must not have posted this recently, considering that it is established fact (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=279433) that the AFC North is the best division in the AFC, and second only to the NFC East in the entire league.

Way to go Big Ben and the Steelers! Be sure to keep it up next week. After watching that game, I noticed that Ben is getting much more accurate with his passes. That was really the only issue he had that I could see, so now I'm thinking the Steelers are setting their sights on homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. To that end, you must beat the Eagles. Please.

I find it interesting how tenacious certain "rivalries" are. Not normal rivalries, mind you, but those certain matchups where one team just has the other team's number. Of course I'm talking about the Giants owning the Vikings, which I pointed to in the pre-season as a win for Big Blue based on the history alone. At least this time, Red McComb didn't scream about being embarassed, though he had more reason to this year.

I know of a few of these matchups regarding the Giants, and now I'm curious if yyou guys know of any others involving your favorite teams, or any team, for that matter. The ownerships I know of are:

The Giants own the Vikings
The Giants own the Rams
The Falcons own the Giants (*whimper* - we still have to play them this season.)

Any others?

[SenorBeef]

The Giants own the Vikings
The Giants own the Rams
The Falcons own the Giants (*whimper* - we still have to play them this season.)

Any others?

The Browns haven't exactly been fairing greatly against the Steelers in recent history.

[Ellis Dee]

The Browns haven't exactly been fairing greatly against the Steelers in recent history.Not really what I'm looking for. Division rivals are very familiar with each other, which makes it understandable if one of them gets under the skin of another. But the Giants have these inexplicable relationships with the Vikings, Rams, and Falcons. Any others that do not fall inside the division? Oh, I just thought of another:

The Raiders own the Jets

[mouthbreather]

Some non-division Steeler ownings and ownees:


We own :

the Falcons. 11-1 all time.
The Jets: 14-2 all time
the Colts. 17-4 all time.
the Buccaneers, 6-1 all time.



Going the other way:

against the Broncos, 8-14
against the Rams, 6-15

[BubbaDog]

Gah! What the fuck is going on here? Broncos lose two in a row, Chargers are tied for first place, and the Chiefs are winning by blowouts.

What the fuck? What the fuck? What the fuck?

WTF is RIGHT! The wheels came off the Broncos and now I am pissed at them too.
Chargers in first place?! I mean, The Broncos loss helps the Chiefs in their attempt to climb back in this thing but - Chargers in first place!?! Shame on you.

And just in case you haven't been counting - The Chiefs have scored 101 points in the past two weeks

[mouthbreather]

And just in case you haven't been counting - The Chiefs have scored 101 points in the past two weeks


I did notice. Good job!


But, I also noticed they are below .500 and in third place in their division.


::some snide comment about tail wagging goes here. I havent had my coffee yet::

[Ellis Dee]

[The Steelers] own [...] The Jets: 14-2 all timeThat's a downer, considering that matchup will happen in December, and I'm kinda counting on the Jets to win that one for tiebreaker purposes with the Pitiful Pats. (It feels good to be able to say that again.)

Great examples, though, made much more impressive than mine by having the backing of all-time statistics, whereas I based mine on the last four or so years of remembering. (For example, one of the incidents of the Giants owning the Rams was actually a Rams win -- by 1 point -- during their double-dip in New York that season. The Giants beat them up and outplayed them, but lost due to red zone ineptitude.)

[BubbaDog]

But, I also noticed they are below .500 and in third place in their division.

::some snide comment about tail wagging goes here. I havent had my coffee yet::

Yep, those early losses will haunt them all season.

and Damn, my tail was waggin to see them break the Peyton Manning curse at Arrowhead.

[Mullinator]

As an aside from team talk, who are we now forced to dislike more? Terrell Owens or Ray Lewis? That mocking dance was classic because it showed up one of the more irritating players in the league. But at the same time, Terrell is a big jerkwad in his own right.

[mouthbreather]

more impressive than mine by having the backing of all-time statistics


http://www.pro-football-reference.com


Best site evah for NFL stat geeks.

[MsRobyn]

Airman's not here to gloat, of course, so I'll do it for him...

[size=7]Ha ha ha ha![/size=7]

This goes for both the Steelers and the Cowboys, who FINALLY won one.

And my beloved Red Raiders (http://www.ship.edu/%7esid/football.htm) are 9-1 going into their last regular-season game.

I am a happy girl.

Robin

[MsRobyn]

Airman's not here to gloat, of course, so I'll do it for him (and do a bit of gloating of my own)...

Ha ha ha ha!

This goes for both the Steelers and the Cowboys, who FINALLY won one.

And my beloved Red Raiders (http://www.ship.edu/%7esid/football.htm) are 9-1 going into their last regular-season game.

I am a happy girl.

Robin

[Weirddave]

As an aside from team talk, who are we now forced to dislike more? Terrell Owens or Ray Lewis? That mocking dance was classic because it showed up one of the more irritating players in the league. But at the same time, Terrell is a big jerkwad in his own right.
I'm kind of interested in what it is that Ray Lewis does that makes him so "irritating". Play hard? Play well? He doesn't shoot his mouth off. What bugs you about Ray?

[Mullinator]

I'm kind of interested in what it is that Ray Lewis does that makes him so "irritating". Play hard? Play well? He doesn't shoot his mouth off. What bugs you about Ray?

1. There's the whole Buckhead murder thing. While he may not have killed someone, he certainly did something unseemly in the midst of all of that.
2. He's a Miami Hurricane.
3. That stupid pre-game dance. I just have an irrational dislike for macho jock posturing and he does a fair portion of it.
4. I dislike Brian Billick which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.
5. I really dislike Art Modell which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.

[mhendo]

1. There's the whole Buckhead murder thing. While he may not have killed someone, he certainly did something unseemly in the midst of all of that.I was about to note that some moron would come in implying that Lewis was complicit in murder. I guess you beat me to it.
2. He's a Miami Hurricane.I'll never understand why where someone went to college is such a big fucking deal six years after they graduate.
3. That stupid pre-game dance. I just have an irrational dislike for macho jock posturing and he does a fair portion of it.Which, of course, makes him completely different from every other NFL player. :rolleyes:
4. I dislike Brian Billick which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.
5. I really dislike Art Modell which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.Actually, these things just reflect poorly on your level of reason and intelligence. I happen to think that Brian Billick is a complete tool, but i learned back when i was a kid that disliking one person doesn't mean you have to dislike everyone associated with that person.

[Mullinator]

I was about to note that some moron would come in implying that Lewis was complicit in murder. I guess you beat me to it.

Hey, you have your irrational sports dislikes, I'll have mine. Don't even get me started on Isiah Thomas or Billy Packer.

Also, please point out where I said Lewis was complicit in murder. I did say:
1. There's the whole Buckhead murder thing. While he may not have killed someone, he certainly did something unseemly in the midst of all of that.
That's a pretty far cry from saying something like "Ray Lewis helped kill someone" or "Ray Lewis is a murderer", etc. Heck, Ray even pled guilty (http://archives.cnn.com/2000/LAW/06/05/lewis.plea.bargain/) to obstruction of justice, which certainly seems to smack of doing something unseemly. Kindly save your rash jumping to a conclusion and your moron comments for a place like the Pit.


I'll never understand why where someone went to college is such a big fucking deal six years after they graduate.

I won't root for the Miami Hurricanes, much like I won't root for the Chicago White Sox as they represent a team that I am diametrically opposed to for fan reasons. Of course, if Frank Thomas comes over and leads the Cubs to the World Series, every subsequent child of mine will be named Frank. Heck, if Ray Lewis comes over and mans 2nd base for Cubs in a championship season, I'll add him to my will.

Which, of course, makes him completely different from every other NFL player. :rolleyes:
Yes, every other NFL player. Thank goodness they all fit so neatly under one little generalization.


Actually, these things just reflect poorly on your level of reason and intelligence. I happen to think that Brian Billick is a complete tool, but i learned back when i was a kid that disliking one person doesn't mean you have to dislike everyone associated with that person.
There's also the idea that the best judge of a person is to look at the people that person associates with. And again, this is sports. This is a field where an Eagles fan dislikes someone because he's on the Cowboys but will wear the same guys jersey two years later when he's the starting left tackle for the Eagles. There were probably 49ers fans that booed Joe Montana when he played for the Chiefs. You could have raging anger directed at Shawn Green who seems to be an absolutely wonderful human being but since he plays for the Dodgers, you as a Giants fan view him as a waste of space. It's just sports.

[Weirddave]

1. There's the whole Buckhead murder thing. While he may not have killed someone, he certainly did something unseemly in the midst of all of that.
Yea, he confessed to the crime he committed (lying to the police) and testified against the real murderers. Chilling!
2. He's a Miami Hurricane.
He has a degree from the University of Maryland University College.
3. That stupid pre-game dance. I just have an irrational dislike for macho jock posturing and he does a fair portion of it.
Everybody on the Ravens D agrees that that dance fires them up and helps them play competitively as a unit, so I'll weather your scorn for the sake of the best defense in the NFL.
4. I dislike Brian Billick which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.
Brian Billick can be quite abrasive. Fortunately he's a football coach (and a pretty good one) not the new Ms. Manners. What does this have to do with Ray?
5. I really dislike Art Modell which reflects poorly on the Ravens under him.
Anyone who dislikes Mr. Modell is a fool of the largest magnitude, and a damn poor judge of character and class. What does this have to do with Ray?

[Mullinator]

Kindly save your rash jumping to a conclusion and your moron comments for a place like the Pit.

And I'm clearly an idiot. Feel free to disregard that obtuse effort at a point. Heh.

[Weirddave]

And I'm clearly an idiot. Feel free to disregard that obtuse effort at a point. Heh.
Hey, if that's the way you're going to be, why don't you take it to the pit?

[Mullinator]

Hey, if that's the way you're going to be, why don't you take it to the pit?
For some strange reason I pictured this thread being in Great Debates. But that didn't really pan out for me.

[lieu]

He has a degree from the University of Maryland University College.That sounds like one totally fucked up school.

[mouthbreather]

here's a great reason. Ray Lewis, speaking on Terrell Owens and his dance:


"Like I said, if you are going to play a football game, don't be a coward and wait until you make one play to do something, just play football," Lewis said. "His celebration doesn't mean anything."


LOFL. Says the guy who pops around like a jackass after he tackles someone who just gained 5 yards, and who dances around pregame like Jerry's kids getting electroshock therapy. TO make a HUGE play that won the game and RayRay is upset that he celebrated. boohoo.


I believe we should introduce Senior Pot to Monsoir Kettle.

[lieu]

Oh man, it's real (http://www.umuc.edu/). I thought that was just a bizarre typo.

[mouthbreather]

I bet it’s a very prestigious school of prestige.

[Mullinator]

He has a degree from the University of Maryland University College.



Whoopee. He also has a high school diploma from somewhere. He played football at Miami. Ask 100 football fans where he went to school. 99 (assuming you are part of that 100) will say Miami. Hmm, what might the NFL officially say. Oh hey, Miami. (http://www.baltimoreravens.com/template.php?subsection=player_bio&player_id=0000000012)

Fantastic job to him for going back to his degree when it isn't necessary in a business sense (he did so to keep a promise to his mother), but until we are debating the pros and cons of his preening around like a prima donna prior to the 3rd quarter fiscal cycle meeting with the management from the Toledo branch, the location where he earned his Business Administration degree has no bearing on the subject.

[Jimmy Chitwood]

here's a great reason. Ray Lewis, speaking on Terrell Owens and his dance:


"Like I said, if you are going to play a football game, don't be a coward and wait until you make one play to do something, just play football," Lewis said. "His celebration doesn't mean anything."


LOFL. Says the guy who pops around like a jackass after he tackles someone who just gained 5 yards, and who dances around pregame like Jerry's kids getting electroshock therapy. TO make a HUGE play that won the game and RayRay is upset that he celebrated. boohoo.


I believe we should introduce Senior Pot to Monsoir Kettle.

Exactly. They're both dicks, but at least TO doesn't make any bones about the fact that he likes showboating, and at least he only does it when he scores. How did Ray Lewis' dance/epileptic fit come to be a brilliant motivational technique, while Joe Horn, Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, etc. are all selfish pricks because they celebrate after making plays?

I can't understand how Ray Lewis became such a goddamned sacred cow in the NFL. TO did his little dance, and the freaking TV guys said "He's mocking Ray Lewis" in the same tone of voice you might expect to hear someone say "He's shitting on the Virgin Mary." Fuck you, Ray. Make the tackle next time, and you can dance.

[mhendo]

Exactly. They're both dicks, but at least TO doesn't make any bones about the fact that he likes showboating, and at least he only does it when he scores. How did Ray Lewis' dance/epileptic fit come to be a brilliant motivational technique, while Joe Horn, Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, etc. are all selfish pricks because they celebrate after making plays? .If TO's reputation was based solely on one or two post-touchdown celebrations, you might have a scintilla of a point.

Also, remind me of how many times Ray Lewis has ripped down the signs of opposing fans.

[Jimmy Chitwood]

If I said anything about TO's reputation being undeserved, you might have a point. TO's a dick. I guess I should've said that earlier. Maybe in like my first sentence or something.

Remind me why the fuck I should care about ripping down a sign?

[mhendo]

Remind me why the fuck I should care about ripping down a sign?Well, you apparently care about Ray Lewis's dance, so it's not that much of a stretch.

[Jimmy Chitwood]

No, I care that Ray Lewis feels like he has the moral high ground from which to talk down to Terrell Owens. Ray Lewis' dance in itself never bothered me other than looking stupid. Compared to most NFL stars, I actually sort of like Ray Lewis. If he hadn't gone to Miami (check my location) he might be one of my favorite players. Once he starts saying things like "just play football," though, I have a problem with that, because it's absurd coming from him, considering that he does the dance and runs his mouth the entire game. Does that make sense?

[Hentor the Barbarian]

If Ray Lewis doesn't shoot his mouth off, I wonder why ABC inevitably chooses him to "mic up" for the Ravens' games that they cover? Seems like it wouldn't be very interesting to get alot of audio of "Nice play, man." Unless perhaps they know something that weirddave doesn't know.

[Weirddave]

If Ray Lewis doesn't shoot his mouth off, I wonder why ABC inevitably chooses him to "mic up" for the Ravens' games that they cover? Seems like it wouldn't be very interesting to get alot of audio of "Nice play, man." Unless perhaps they know something that weirddave doesn't know.
Except that's all that they do get. Haven't you ever listened? I'll cheerfully concede your point, however, if you can show me evidence that Ray went to ABC and said "Hey guys, will ya mic me? Will ya? Huh? huh? huh?" and not the other way around. (ABC asking Ray to be mic'ed)

[The Mad Hermit]

Damn. I hate going back on a good stomp-out.

This thread keeps assaulting me, haunting me like a shadow in the darkness. Why? Because I'm insane.

Anyway, Terrell Owens gets away with his outrageous behavior to an extent. When he crosses the line with someone, the word gets back to him- his teammates and coaches at least let him know if he's really gone too far, they always do. The NFL has always had clownish players pushing the limits of taste and acceptablility, and he'll be tolerated as long as he catches TD passes.

Remember Jim McMahon? He wore a headband with a sports equipmeant company logo, and Pete Rozelle stepped in and fined or threatened to fine hem. His reply? Next game, he wore a headband with "Rozelle" scrawled on in magic marker. (the same headband, reversed, IIRC.)

I don't read the Baltimore local papers, so I may be missing something, but Ray Lewis hasn't been acting out any more than is necessary to pump up his team. No rhetoric , threats, innuendo. He has either toned it down, at least as far as what can be heard, or earlier reports were exaggerated.

Since there are many of us He Hate Me's here...

Not a good week for Baltimore, was it? The Green boys and the Steeler defense crushed the Weirdos, and the Ravens need to find an offense... T. Rex's only bad player was a Raven, and it's about time to drop his ass.

Back to T.O.- I don't think he'll tempt fate by taunting the Steelers defense, and I have him in two leagues, but I hope he chokes it this week. Big time.

How about those Chefs? I still think they can slice and dice their way to the playoffs with that scoring machine.

This leads me to a good question: has the stepped-up rule enforcement of defensive backs impeding receivers made the passing game more open, in general? Is that why 2 quarterbacks can throw 5 TDs in one weekend, and several have 3 or more each and every weekend?

What do you think?

[Enginerd]

Not a good week for Baltimore, was it? The Green boys and the Steeler defense crushed the Weirdos, and the Ravens need to find an offense... T. Rex's only bad player was a Raven, and it's about time to drop his ass.
Well, yeah. When you're missing your All-Pro left tackle, All-Pro tailback, and Pro-Bowl tight end, your offense might suffer a little bit. I was impressed (if a little disappointed) with the way the played Sunday.

Back to T.O.- I don't think he'll tempt fate by taunting the Steelers defense, and I have him in two leagues, but I hope he chokes it this week. Big time.
Is there another T.O in the league? Because I'm pretty sure you're not talking about Terrell Owens here.

I know this might be blasphemy to Ravens fans (I am a Ravens fan and I don't like even thinking it), but does anybody else think Ray Lewis might have lost a step? My brother pointed it out to me a couple of weeks ago, and watching the game Sunday I was thinking he might have been right. I don't live in Baltimore anymore and I haven't gotten to see them play as much as I'd like to the last couple of years, but it looked to me like he was missing tackles that he would have made two years ago and getting blocked more easily. He's still a great linebacker, but he doesn't seem like the monster he was in 2000 or '01. Or am I (please) wrong?

[The Mad Hermit]

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Hermit
Not a good week for Baltimore, was it? The Green boys and the Steeler defense crushed the Weirdos, and the Ravens need to find an offense... T. Rex's only bad player was a Raven, and it's about time to drop his ass.
Well, yeah. When you're missing your All-Pro left tackle, All-Pro tailback, and Pro-Bowl tight end, your offense might suffer a little bit. I was impressed (if a little disappointed) with the way the played Sunday.


I should have been a little more clear- this was FF taunting.

[mouthbreather]

This leads me to a good question: has the stepped-up rule enforcement of defensive backs impeding receivers made the passing game more open, in general? Is that why 2 quarterbacks can throw 5 TDs in one weekend, and several have 3 or more each and every weekend?

What do you think?

It's not just your imagination -- I think without a doubt it has. Halfway through thte season and we have:


For recievers:

* TO looks to be on pace to score 18 touchdowns and Moss would be right with him if not for his hamstring injury.

* Over the past 3 years, an average of 5.6 players have scored at least 10 recieving touchdowns in a season. This year 10 players are on pace to have that.




For Quarterbacks:

* 2 QBS who are on pace to challange Marino's 20 year old Touchdown AND yardage records.

* 5 QBS on pace to have 4000 yard seasons (an average of 2.6 QBs have done each year over the last 3 season)

* 5 QBS currently have qb ratings above 100 (and 2 more are above 99) -- this is the most telling stat of all IMO. only 32 different QBS in NFL history have ever done this and this year 7 differnent QBS have a very real shot at it. And Peyton Manning is within pissing distance of 120 (currently 117.4) This is nearly 5 points higher than the NFL record (Steve Young, 112.8, 1994). Manning has a shot at 120 and only 3 QBs have ever broken 110.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Except that's all that they do get. Haven't you ever listened? I'll cheerfully concede your point, however, if you can show me evidence that Ray went to ABC and said "Hey guys, will ya mic me? Will ya? Huh? huh? huh?" and not the other way around. (ABC asking Ray to be mic'ed)You are missing the point. Whether he asked to be mic'ed up is irrelevant. I don't believe he did. The point is that they select him because he is known to shoot his mouth off. They are looking for colorful audio to entertain people.

Let me ask you this - if Ray Lewis has a trademarked dance (i.e. one that someone like Terrell Owens can imitate such that it is recognizable as "Ray Lewis' Dance," how can it be argued that he does not make a spectacle of himself?

[lieu]

BTW, how about those Texans? Taking the Vikes to OT, beating previous Houston resident Titans for the first time and then division leading Jacksonville Sunday to pull into a tie with Indianopolis and a 4-3 record. Not bad for a 2 1/2 year old.

Oh, and congrats to Roethlisberger. Helluva game Sunday.

[Ellis Dee]

BTW, how about those Texans? Taking the Vikes to OT, beating previous Houston resident Titans for the first time and then division leading Jacksonville Sunday to pull into a tie with Indianopolis and a 4-3 record. Not bad for a 2 1/2 year old.I am psyched for both the Texans and Chargers, up-and-comers I'd like to see do well. What's the point of being good if every other team sucks?

The Texans don't suck; I think they can finish 9-7. But I chuckled to myself -- a Giants fan -- when I read your comment about "taking the Vikes to OT". What, you can't beat those scrubs? hehheh.

[Ellis Dee]

I know this might be blasphemy to Ravens fans (I am a Ravens fan and I don't like even thinking it), but does anybody else think Ray Lewis might have lost a step? My brother pointed it out to me a couple of weeks ago, and watching the game Sunday I was thinking he might have been right. I don't live in Baltimore anymore and I haven't gotten to see them play as much as I'd like to the last couple of years, but it looked to me like he was missing tackles that he would have made two years ago and getting blocked more easily. He's still a great linebacker, but he doesn't seem like the monster he was in 2000 or '01. Or am I (please) wrong?Fellow blasphemer checking in. I don't know about Ray Ray losing a step, although his many complaints about being double-teamed in that Monday Nighter, while he was usually being single-covered, was not a good omen.

But I'm starting to feel the same way about my sacred defender, Michael Strahan. In the early part of the season, he was put in flat zones and man coverage (against the hb) many times, all of which I considered mistakes. But I watched the Vikes game closely, and where Strahan completely dominated last season's matchup, getting several sacks and huge pressure despite being double- (and sometimes triple-) teamed, this year he was all but an afterthought in our annual trouncing of the Vikings. And he was not in coverage; for the most part, he was freed up to attack the passer virtually every snap. Not good.

[lieu]

But see, when the Steelers whip your ass in pre-season and then later you improve to the point of taking the Vikes to OT, not to mention beating the Chiefs, Titans and Panthers then your enthusiasm knows no bounds.

Remember, the Giants probably serve hot dogs older than our franchise.

[Lord Ashtar]

I just want to say that I love the Steelers for beating the Patriots.

[mouthbreather]

Bump-diddly-ump.




Superbowl champ and winner of 21 in row New England? Demolished.

Undefeated and supposedly scary Philadelphia? Steamrolled, embarrassed and sent packing.




Good Times in the Steeler Nation today. :cool:

[MeanJoe]

Although nothing can top the satisfaction of another Steeler's victory, especially the last two weeks, I have to admit a great deal of glee seeing T.O. blow his gasket today.

Guess it kind of sucks to have your team mocked in the end-zone as you are completely and totally dominated for 4 quarters, eh T.O.? What a :wally

MeanJoe

[MsRobyn]

I am so far past giving a shit about Dallas, it's not even funny.

My beloved Red Raiders (http://www.ship.edu), on the other hand, beat West Chester in overtime after a particularly dramatic interception. We're seeded #1 in our region and are going to the playoffs for the first time in about a decade.

Robin

[Hentor the Barbarian]

All I can say is God Damn! We are firing on all cylinders, and I am completely on the Ben Rothlisberger bandwagon. The only thing that would make today even better is a Baltimore loss tonight. It's pretty good to see the Ravens head coach talking about us in a week when they aren't playing us. Must be feeling it a little bit, huh?

[Diogenes the Cynic]

We suddenly have a new Superbowl favorite...and Airman is going to be insufferable.

[duffer]

Steelers are my AFC team, so pretty stoked there.

Ticket to game: $150

Beer: $7

Nachos and Brat: $10

More beer: $14

Game Program: $8

Jersey: $80

More beer: $28

Seeing T.O. have his jockstrap handed to him: Priceless!



BWAHAHAHHAAHA!

[MsRobyn]

We suddenly have a new Superbowl favorite...and Airman is going to be insufferable.

You're not kidding. I shudder to think what he'll be like come January.

Mrs. Doors

[Fugazi]

You're not kidding. I shudder to think what he'll be like come January.

Mrs. Doors


Eh...he'll be insufferable until January, but they'll blow it in the AFC Championship game.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Insufferable? Moi? Surely not.

I would just like to point out that if you go back to the very first post in this thread you will be reminded of how I called this season out right from the very beginning. And with Post #55 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5165634&postcount=55) I declared the greatness that was Ben Roethlisberger and how he was the "steal of the draft".

I don't think I need to say any more than that. My beloved Steelers are doing all the rest of the talking on the field.

But there are two other things. First, Weirddave. I'll be sending you your Terrible Towel soon. And Diogenes. Wanna put a little jack on that? We're talking about the Steelers here, not the Vikings. There will be no choke, and I'm willing to put a double sawbuck on that one. You interested?

[Siege]

I heard the new Steelers Polka on the radio for the first time on Friday. Steeler fever is slowly but surely setting in, and the city's going nuts. Me, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it lasts, but it looks like the team's for real this time.

I'm afraid I do have one bit of bad news to report. Myron Cope, the Steeler's crack broadcaster, left the game yesterday. (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04313/408528.stm) He's been broadcasting Steeler's games for 35 years now, with an accent that used to be pure Pittsburgh, although I think it's lost a rasp or two this year. As I told a gentleman friend yesterday, no, I don't think they're likely to cure his accent while he's in the hospital. It'd be like tearing down the U.S. Steel building!

CJ

[Lord Ashtar]

I'd just like to say that I love the Steelers for beating the Eagles.

I am now rooting for them to get to the Superbowl.

[mouthbreather]

I'm afraid I do have one bit of bad news to report. Myron Cope, the Steeler's crack broadcaster, left the game yesterday. (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04313/408528.stm) He's been broadcasting Steeler's games for 35 years now, with an accent that used to be pure Pittsburgh, although I think it's lost a rasp or two this year.

You can hear it in his voice this year, he just doesn't sound like himself anymore. :( He's 75 years old and been calling Steelers' games for longer than I've been alive. Tough to imagine Steelers Radio without dissonant, drunk Myron yelling about something.


I Hope he's ok.

[MsRobyn]

Insufferable? Moi? Surely not.

I would just like to point out that if you go back to the very first post in this thread you will be reminded of how I called this season out right from the very beginning. And with Post #55 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5165634&postcount=55) I declared the greatness that was Ben Roethlisberger and how he was the "steal of the draft".

I don't think I need to say any more than that. My beloved Steelers are doing all the rest of the talking on the field.

But there are two other things. First, Weirddave. I'll be sending you your Terrible Towel soon. And Diogenes. Wanna put a little jack on that? We're talking about the Steelers here, not the Vikings. There will be no choke, and I'm willing to put a double sawbuck on that one. You interested?

Sugarplum, if the Steelers win the Super Bowl, I'll wear a Steelers sweatshirt to school for the whole day. I'll even put a Steelers flag on my car.

Robin

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Insufferable? Moi? Surely not.

I would just like to point out that if you go back to the very first post in this thread you will be reminded of how I called this season out right from the very beginning. And with Post #55 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5165634&postcount=55) I declared the greatness that was Ben Roethlisberger and how he was the "steal of the draft".

I don't think I need to say any more than that. My beloved Steelers are doing all the rest of the talking on the field.

But there are two other things. First, Weirddave. I'll be sending you your Terrible Towel soon. And Diogenes. Wanna put a little jack on that? We're talking about the Steelers here, not the Vikings. There will be no choke, and I'm willing to put a double sawbuck on that one. You interested?
It was Fugazi who predicted the Steelers would fall down in the playoffs, not me. I actually think they have a chance to go to the show. Now if we get a Steelers-Vikings Suerbowl then I might just take you up on your invitation.


Actually, I was kind of a Steelers fan as a kid. That's because Terry Bradshaw is from my hometown of Shreveport, La. He even went to the same high school as my mom and she knew him so she avidly followed his career. That meant our whole family had to root for those four Steeler Superbowls if we knew what was good for us. I also admit to having been kind of a frontrunner at the time. It was pretty easy to root for a team that won all the time. I still think that that 70's era Steelers are best all around team in NFL history.

Having said that, Bradshaw, Swann, Stallworth, Harris, Lambert, Green, Bleier, etc. are all retired now. The current Steelers with their rookie quarterback would not find it so easy to stop the NFL's best offense in a Steel-Purple Superbowl.

[mouthbreather]

The current Steelers with their rookie quarterback would not find it so easy to stop the NFL's best offense in a Steel-Purple Superbowl.



Randy Moss = the best offense in the NFL. The Vikes are merely slightly better than average when he is not in the lineup. Better hope his hammy gets well soon!

[lieu]

Anyone else watch Bradshaw's interview of Roethlisberger and get the sense he's a little threatned by the rookie? His transparent questions, while funny, appeared slightly barbed.

"Who told you that goatee looks good?" made me laugh, considering all the grief Terry got over his recent beard-like thingy. The choice he gave Ben between SuperBowl rings or a healthy family life was telling too, coming from the frequently divorced Terry.

Marino's interview was twice the fun and was more telling of Ben. With Bradshaw, it's always about Bradshaw.

[Trunk]

I thought the "family" versus "superbowl" question was tacky. I'd love it if Roth started bad mouthing Bradshaw and the old guys. That halftime thing. . .I hate it when the NFL rolls out the bones for that kind of crap. I'm glad I didn't hear anything about the Miami guys popping the corks.

Anyway, last week, I didn't think you could say much about the Steelers. They jumped on New Enlgand early with turnovers, and from there it was easy. They had a 4-0 edge in turnovers, and still only won by 14. A turnover victory, not a dominant one.

However, Steelers looked great yesterday. Totally dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The early lead helped again, but this time it was well-earned.

Good day in the NFL. The AFC owned the NFC going 5-2 and will probably move to 6-2 tonight.

I was glad to see KC and STL lose. I hate those fancy pants teams. TB might be for real. Some of the teams in front are fading (NYG, STL) and might be getting caught from behind (by TB, GB).

Eagles may win the NFC this year, but that defense better MAN UP before the play-offs get here.

Good bounce back for New England. They were looking at PITT on the road, STL on the road, BUFF at home, and KC on the road. With a loss yesterday, they would have reentered the land of the mortals, but they really came to play.

[Enginerd]

But I'm starting to feel the same way about my sacred defender, Michael Strahan. In the early part of the season, he was put in flat zones and man coverage (against the hb) many times, all of which I considered mistakes. But I watched the Vikes game closely, and where Strahan completely dominated last season's matchup, getting several sacks and huge pressure despite being double- (and sometimes triple-) teamed, this year he was all but an afterthought in our annual trouncing of the Vikings. And he was not in coverage; for the most part, he was freed up to attack the passer virtually every snap. Not good.
Fading or not, I hope his pec's okay.

[Weirddave]

First, Weirddave. I'll be sending you your Terrible Towel soon.
The season's only half over. Don't count your chickens before the Ravens get to crow in your face. We slaughtered you once, I have no doubt we'll do it again come December. Enjoy your nice little run here in the first half of the season, it's who's playing last in January that counts.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

The season's only half over. Don't count your chickens before the Ravens get to crow in your face. We slaughtered you once, I have no doubt we'll do it again come December. Enjoy your nice little run here in the first half of the season, it's who's playing last in January that counts.I agree that there is a lot of football left. Unfortunately for the Ravens, that football includes games at the Jets, at New England, hosting the Giants, at Indianapolis, and at Pittsburgh. Considering the Ravens "slaughtering" record is 5 and 3, that the Browns "slaughtered" the Ravens before the Ravens "slaughtered" the Browns last night, and that the "slaughtering" of Pittsburgh came when our starting quarterback went out and our rookie backup made his first NFL appearance, I am not sure the game in December is even going to matter. Except of course, we will enjoy it no matter how far up the Steelers are going to be in the standings.

[Weirddave]

I agree that there is a lot of football left. Unfortunately for the Ravens, that football includes games at the Jets, at New England, hosting the Giants, at Indianapolis, and at Pittsburgh. Considering the Ravens "slaughtering" record is 5 and 3, that the Browns "slaughtered" the Ravens before the Ravens "slaughtered" the Browns last night, and that the "slaughtering" of Pittsburgh came when our starting quarterback went out and our rookie backup made his first NFL appearance, I am not sure the game in December is even going to matter. Except of course, we will enjoy it no matter how far up the Steelers are going to be in the standings.
Not to take anything away from Big Ben, he has certainly been impressive, and I will freely admit that right now, the Stillers are playing better than any team in the nation, but according to what I could find (it's amazingly hard to find defensive team rankings on Google), that of 7 teams you've beaten, none has a defense ranked higher than 16th (Cle). The others are ranked 19,20,22,23,24 and 28. Lets see how he does against Ray and company, or the 'Skins, or the Jersey teams, or the Bills. Those teams are all ranked in the top 10 in D. Maybe he'll feast. Maybe he'll starve, who knows? It's time to see how he does against top notch competition. The only time he's faced a top defense this year, he wet the bed.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Not to take anything away from Big Ben, he has certainly been impressive, and I will freely admit that right now, the Stillers are playing better than any team in the nation, but according to what I could find (it's amazingly hard to find defensive team rankings on Google), that of 7 teams you've beaten, none has a defense ranked higher than 16th (Cle). The others are ranked 19,20,22,23,24 and 28. Lets see how he does against Ray and company, or the 'Skins, or the Jersey teams, or the Bills. Those teams are all ranked in the top 10 in D. Maybe he'll feast. Maybe he'll starve, who knows? It's time to see how he does against top notch competition. The only time he's faced a top defense this year, he wet the bed.Wow - I'm glad you didn't want to take anything away from Rothlisberger. I was momentarily confused by the part about him wetting the bed before I reread your introduction.

Certainly it could be the case that we have beaten weaker defenses. Of course, if I were a Raven's fan, the last comparisons I would be making is team offense versus opponent defense. From an outsiders perspective, it seems to me that Boller wets the bed no matter who the defense is.

But we will have to see how things play out.

I do wonder if you have the stats regarding team defense before playing the Steelers (or excluding the stats from Steeler games). We certainly have played a role in reducing opponents' defensive stats, particularly rolling up the rushing numbers against them that we have.

[Lord Ashtar]

...(it's amazingly hard to find defensive team rankings on Google)...
Why didn't you just go to the NFL Homepage (http://www.nfl.com)?

Team rankings by total defense. (http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/DEF-TOTAL/2004/regular?sort_col_1=4)

[Mr. Moto]

Hmm...

The Steelers have the second rated defense, and the top rated rushing offense.

Seems like a winning combination to me. :D

[Yeticus Rex]

Just want to thank the Steelers for putting the STFU on T.O. :D

[Soapbox Monkey]

Just want to thank the Steelers for putting the STFU on T.O. :D

He didn't seem too quiet. I really wanted Donovan to bitch slap him.

[mouthbreather]

The only time he's [Ben] faced a top defense this year, he wet the bed.

Yep, when he was thrown in during the third quarter in game two of his rookie season after an injury, and he throws two TD passes and completes 60%.

Pure Urine!

[The_Raven]

Flame on!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1921643

CLEVELAND -- Coming off two bitter losses and with their season slipping away, the Browns (3-5) need to somehow rattle Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday. And defensive tackle Gerard Warren thinks he knows just how to do it.

He wants to clock Big Ben.

"One of these right here," Warren said, raising his elbow. "Right in the throat, how about that?"

But couldn't that result in a fine?

"Hey," Warren said. "It will be worth it."



-Rav

[The_Raven]

We suddenly have a new Superbowl favorite...and Airman is going to be insufferable.

Howyadoin,

New Superbowl favorite? Riiiight....

Road goes through Foxboro, kids. There'll be "Airman" and "suffer" in the same sentence, but not quite the same same sentence, knowwhutimean?

-Rav

[Enginerd]

One of these right here. Right in the throat, how about that?

Hey, it will be worth it.
Bastard. And I say that as a former defensive lineman.

[SenorBeef]

Well, it's sort of good to be seeing Warren show enthusiasm for something other than the buffet cart...

[Enginerd]

Well, it's sort of good to be seeing Warren show enthusiasm for something other than the buffet cart...
Bold words from someone named Senor Beef... :p

[Hal Briston]

One of these right here. Right in the throat, how about that?

Hey, it will be worth it.
Still gonna be worth it, now that the league is going to be watching your ass like a hawk? You pull a cheap-shot that's even questionable whether or not it's flagrant, and you'll wind up with your ass on the pine for a few weeks, dumbass.

Still, the whole thing is actually borderline laughable, since it's coming from a guy with six tackles and two sacks for the entire season. Yeah, you're a threat. :rolleyes:

He's gonna lose. Look at the fear in his eyes, listen to the quiver in his voice. He's a little boy lost in a game of men.
True 'dat, Lisa.

Hopefully Roethlisberger is aware it's a scare tactic. Just a loudmouth talking shit, trying to get into his head...not someone actually capable of taking it off (and yes, I'm aware he was able to put a cheap shot on Mark Brunell, but we're talking night-and-day difference in O-lines here).

[SenorBeef]

Still, the whole thing is actually borderline laughable, since it's coming from a guy with six tackles and two sacks for the entire season. Yeah, you're a threat. :rolleyes:



He's been out with injury all but about one and a half games I think.

[Hal Briston]

Nope, and actually I had a low report on those stats. According to NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235255), he's got 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 5 games.

[Weirddave]

Did Joey Porter go over to the Cleveland sidelines and start that fight? They never showed the whole thing in context. Assuming that he did, does anyone else want to continue to argue that he's not a thug?


Oh, and If it's Sunday, it must be football! (http://fff.fathom.org/pages/dipmodern/Watching%20the%20Ravens%20beat%20the%20Jets.jpg)

The Ravens are 1-0 in the James Grant era. :D :D

[Hentor the Barbarian]

The only thing wrong with Steeler games this year is that they end! There should be a league stat kept on number of minutes spent taking a knee.

[SenorBeef]

I was there at the stadium, but I was looking through my program and so I didn't see exactly how it started. It did start right at the browns sideline, but about at midfield between where the teams were warming up and stretching.. I didn't see who initiated it, but it looked for a moment like it was going to be an all out brawl. I was really hoping that spirit would continue into the game and we'd have a really good, hard fought game...

[SenorBeef]

From a steelers (steelers'?) fan on another message board:

"I've only heard Cleveland's side of the story, but knowing Joey Porter fairly well I find it all too believable. From what I've read, the RBs from both teams were talking when Porter stormed the scene and started getting in Green's face. This is the same Porter that tries to inflame Ray Lewis every time the Steelers play Baltimore. The same Porter that shoved an injured, defenseless Todd Heap to the ground writhing in pain with a bum ankle. The same Porter that talks all season but only shows up for a handful of games.

So, unless new evidence comes to light to clear him, please accept this apology on behalf of Steeler fans for the embarrassment that is Joey Porter."

[mouthbreather]

From what I read Wm. Green spit in Porter's face. after Porter was talking trash with him. There seem to be conflicting reports on this. I'll wait until I see it for myself.


And Dave, you REALLY need to drop the Porter = thug routine. You are the one cheering for an asswipe who lied to the police about a double murder, and another guy who orchestrated a cocaine deal worth 5 digits. The fact that you are grasping at bare threads to pin the thug label on someone on the black and gold is pathetic. Remind me who has a star player going to federal prison in the offseason again?

KThanks.

[mouthbreather]

From a steelers (steelers'?) fan on another message board:

"I've only heard Cleveland's side of the story, but knowing Joey Porter fairly well I find it all too believable. From what I've read, the RBs from both teams were talking when Porter stormed the scene and started getting in Green's face. This is the same Porter that tries to inflame Ray Lewis every time the Steelers play Baltimore. The same Porter that shoved an injured, defenseless Todd Heap to the ground writhing in pain with a bum ankle. The same Porter that talks all season but only shows up for a handful of games.

So, unless new evidence comes to light to clear him, please accept this apology on behalf of Steeler fans for the embarrassment that is Joey Porter."

Link?

[Hentor the Barbarian]

From what I read Wm. Green spit in Porter's face. after Porter was talking trash with him. There seem to be conflicting reports on this. I'll wait until I see it for myself.From what I've heard this morning, Green and Terrelle Smith were mouthing off at the Steelers about running through “you” and “you” and “you.”

Two news reports say that there is video of Green spitting at Porter. Hines Ward suggested that spit was flying in both directions before Green tried to head-butt Porter. Apparently Terrelle Smith thought one-on-one was disadvantageous for Green, and threw some punches too, but was not ejected for some reason.

I think it’s pretty clear that Porter fell for what the Browns were trying to do all week – talk bullshit because they knew they weren’t going to be able to do anything on the field. I mean, Gerard Warren was talking about killing Rothlisberger for fuck’s sake. Porter has to be smarter than that.

Even without Porter, and playing pretty much a let-down game like many feared, the Steelers commanded the game throughout.

And Dave, you REALLY need to drop the Porter = thug routine. You are the one cheering for an asswipe who lied to the police about a double murder, and another guy who orchestrated a cocaine deal worth 5 digits. The fact that you are grasping at bare threads to pin the thug label on someone on the black and gold is pathetic. Remind me who has a star player going to federal prison in the offseason again? :D

I was reading in the paper about several counties in central/eastern PA that have to suffer through Ravens coverage, even though they are predominantly Steeler fans. One quote was great: "If I wanted to watch a bunch of convicts play football, I'd rent The Longest Yard."

[BubbaDog]

Pepperlandgirl where are you?

Are the Chiefs so pitiful this year that you won't even gloat about it? I've been expecting tons of abuse and still no word.


This silence is worse than abuse. My favorite team is fallen from disdain and now rests in the cellar of pity. You are evil and I am tormented by your silence.




Tail is convulsing

[Weirddave]

And Dave, you REALLY need to drop the Porter = thug routine. You are the one cheering for an asswipe who lied to the police about a double murder, and another guy who orchestrated a cocaine deal worth 5 digits. The fact that you are grasping at bare threads to pin the thug label on someone on the black and gold is pathetic.
Why? You seem to be doing the same thing. Ray Lewis' situation was what it was, and if you want to castigate him for lying to the cops, go ahead, it's what he did, you won't hear a peep from me. If you want to go calling him a murderer, that's when I object. Jamal Lewis' charges were weak in the extreme, took place when he was still in college, and has not much to do with who he is now. He pled to Federal charges because everybody pleads to the feds, you should read the WM3 thread in the pit right now for some of the legal information on how all that works, it's an eye-opener. I don't condone what he did, but do you know the details at all? Feds tried to get him to sell them coke, he said no, I can't, but I know a guy who can and he put them on the phone with the dealer. That was the extent of his involvement. It wasn't, as you put it, "orchestrated a cocaine deal worth 5 digits", because A: ) He never did anything except put them on the phone together and B: ) No cocaine was ever bought or sold as a result of that phone call. Can you honestly say that that is worth a mandatory 10 year jail term? Because that's what he was facing. I would have pled too, and I bet so would you.

In any event, my defense of them is not because they are Ravens, it's because there is not much substance when you look at the facts. You are constantly assuming the worst simply because they are Ravens, then accuse me of doing the same thing. As a point of fact, I'd feel the same about 2 Steelers in the exact same situation, because I'd look at the facts, not the uniform. By contrast, Joey Porter is a mediocre defender with a big mouth who is continuously in trouble for one thing or another. A few posts ago, I based my statement about Porter on the assumption that he instigated the fight, and I was clear that that was the assumption I was going from. If that assumption is false, I am perfectly willing to concede that this is one you can't hold against Porter. I didn't know the details , so I asked for the facts. Why are you so dead set on blindly defending Porter by attacking me or Ravens players? If Kyle Boller machine gunned a school bus full of handicapped children, it would be terrible, but it also would matter in regards to the behavior of Porter....how exactly?

[The Mad Hermit]

This stupid argument of thuggery, aimed both at Porter and Ray Lewis, was best countered by Dave Wannstedt's pre-game comments. When asked what he thought of the pre-game fight, he stated "They're ready to play."

These guys build themselves to an emotional level that's dangerous for other people because the sport requires them to. This has been going on for years and years, but it amazes me to see the ones who forget and act as if the sport is played by gentlemen concerned with manners.

Isn't is nice, however, to see the Bus on the street again? It's amazing how a little coaching and a year's time take the OL from last year and turn it into the monsters up there now. Keeping Bettis fresh while letting Staley get the yards is a brilliant strategy.

[SenorBeef]

Link?

http://mb6.scout.com/fbrownsinsiderfrm15.showMessage?topicID=33026.topic

[mouthbreather]

Why are you so dead set on blindly defending Porter by attacking me or Ravens players? If Kyle Boller machine gunned a school bus full of handicapped children, it would be terrible, but it also would matter in regards to the behavior of Porter....how exactly?


I tell you exactly how it applies to you and the Ravens (and BTW, If it had been any other poster on this board, I wouldn't have brought up the two golden children) ....You spend a ton of energy on these boards trying to defend the honor of you beloved Lewis boys anytime anyone says anything negative about them. Then, you want start maligning other teams players. If you'd readily admit that your boys are criminals and thugs I'd have much less of a problem with you calling Porter a thug. You like to paint the two Lewis Ravens as choirboys.

>>"there is not much substance when you look at the facts. You are constantly
>>assuming the worst simply because they are Ravens, then accuse me of doing
>>the same thing."

Wrong. I am not assuming anything. These are facts:

• Porter (nor any other current Steeler, that I'm aware of) has ever plead guilty nor been convicted of a felony.

• Ray Lewis plead guilty to obstructing justice in a double homicide case.

• Jamal Lewis plead guilty to using a cell phone in violation of federal law in a federal drug conspiracy case.


but yet in your eyes, Porter is a "thug" but neither Ray nor Jamal is. Gotcha.

You can put whatever longwinded spin on those facts that you'd like. Face it, the ratbirds of this era are bad incident away away from becoming this decade's version of the laughable criminals known as the 1990s Dallas Cowboys.

[Weirddave]

Bullshit. I didn't say Porter was a criminal, as far as I know, he's not. Lewis I lied to the cops. A crime, but hardly thuggish behavior. Lewis II made an illegal cell phone call. Again, a crime (marginally, more like entrapment, but under our laws the feds are allowed to entrap), but again, not thuggish behavior. Joey Porter cheep shots injured opponents and instigates fights before games, all the while mouthing off to the media just to hear himself blather; he perfectly fits the definition (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=thug) of thug: "A cutthroat or ruffian; a hoodlum."

I would be proud if either of my sons grew up to be like either Lewis, while still not condoning their crimes, both are frankly minor offenses in the grand scheme of things, and both are men of character who by all reports have learned from their mistakes. If either of my boys turns out like Joey Porter, I will be mortified.

[mouthbreather]

I would be proud if either of my sons grew up to be like either Lewis

hrm, I'd like for my offspring to not be criminals tied up in felony cases, but I'm just funny like that. And before you make any assumptions, that's not to say I want my kid to grow up to be like Joey Porter either.

[Weirddave]

hrm, I'd like for my offspring to not be criminals tied up in felony cases, but I'm just funny like that. And before you make any assumptions, that's not to say I want my kid to grow up to be like Joey Porter either.
Well, fair enough, so would I, but the fact of the matter is that I myself committed both of those crimes back in the day-I lied to the cops when I was 19 (because I was scared, actually, not to protect anybody), was charged and got PBJ, and I had a roommate who was a pothead dealer my first semester of college, anyone asking me if I knew where they could get drugs got referred-and I turned out fine. I matured and recovered sufficiently from those offenses to roll my eyes at them now, in the overall tapestry of my life they are very minor threads. Perhaps I just have empathy in these particular cases because of the circumstances. I have none for, say, Bam Morris.

[mouthbreather]

Without going into great detail -- In the past I did far, far worse things than Jamal did as far as drug offenses go, and I think I turned out okay as well. The difference is that neither you nor I have put ourselves in a position of employment where our every action is subject to media scrutiny. Having said all of that, I would be happier if my (hypothetical) kid never did any of that. I made plenty of mistakes that don't need to be repeated.


To be fair though, I never lied to protect a double murderer. :)


And FTR I just want to make it clear that as soon as the Steelers found out about Bam's interstate weed-garbagebag hauling services, he was not a Steeler anymore. And, while we're on the subject (tanget-riffic!), recently released-from-jail Bam wants to get back into the NFL. (http://www.benmaller.com/archives/2004/november/14-bam_morris_dreams_of_nfl_return_after_jail.html)

[WIGGUM]

Steeler fan checking in here.

I have a dilemma. I don’t know who to root for in the Patriots/Ravens matchup in two weeks.

On one hand, Baltimore is in our division, and if the Steelers lose a game or two down the stretch, a Baltimore loss would be a nice way to keep some distance between The Steelers and Ravens. On the other hand, I feel that homefield advantage in the playoffs is going to be paramount in the likely matchup between Pittsburgh and New England, and a Patriots loss at the hands of Baltimore would put some distance between Pittsburgh and New England. Is there any way it could be arranged that both teams lose that game?

It pains me to have to root for either team. So who will the rest of you Yinzers rooting for?

[The Mad Hermit]

I have a dilemma. I don’t know who to root for in the Patriots/Ravens matchup in two weeks.

On one hand, Baltimore is in our division, and if the Steelers lose a game or two down the stretch, a Baltimore loss would be a nice way to keep some distance between The Steelers and Ravens. On the other hand, I feel that homefield advantage in the playoffs is going to be paramount in the likely matchup between Pittsburgh and New England, and a Patriots loss at the hands of Baltimore would put some distance between Pittsburgh and New England. Is there any way it could be arranged that both teams lose that game?

It pains me to have to root for either team. So who will the rest of you Yinzers rooting for?

If they tie, it's as good as a loss as far as the playoffs are concerned.

Can you believe that T.O. is in another controversy, and he didn't do anything other than appear in a TV promo?

At least he isn't starring in Desperate Receivers.

[Weirddave]

Steeler fan checking in here.

I have a dilemma. I don’t know who to root for in the Patriots/Ravens matchup in two weeks.

On one hand, Baltimore is in our division, and if the Steelers lose a game or two down the stretch, a Baltimore loss would be a nice way to keep some distance between The Steelers and Ravens. On the other hand, I feel that homefield advantage in the playoffs is going to be paramount in the likely matchup between Pittsburgh and New England, and a Patriots loss at the hands of Baltimore would put some distance between Pittsburgh and New England. Is there any way it could be arranged that both teams lose that game?

It pains me to have to root for either team. So who will the rest of you Yinzers rooting for?
Pretty big assumption that you're gonna take the North, innit? If the Ravens and the Stillers have the same record in the last 7 games, you got it, true, but if you lose even one more game than we do, then it comes down to the Christmas game at Ketchup Field, we've beaten you once, ATM we hold the tiebreaker.

Cheer for the Pats. Accepting a Stiller fan's cheers would feel.......dirty. :p ;) :D

[WIGGUM]

Pretty big assumption that you're gonna take the North, innit?

Assumption. Absolutely. Big Assumption. Not necessarily.

Looking at the remainder of the schedule for both teams, I have confidence that Pittsburgh will be able to maintain the buffer on Baltimore.

With that being said, I think I've just talked myself into who I'm rooting for.

Prepare to feel dirty Weirddave. Go Ravens! :eek:

Hey, I'm not happy about it either.

[mouthbreather]

I really don't know who to cheer for either. More accurately, I don't think I care. As long as we can beat the Bungles sunday, Then we gain a game on either the Ratbirds or the Patsies, so it's all good. :)

[Capa]

I'm going to cheer for the Ratbirds, we need to get games up on the Pats.

Ooo look what I found...SI's Dr. Z has a midseason review of Ray Lewis:

OK, I'm gonna say something Ravens fans aren't going to like, but I ask them to please search their hearts to see if there's any truth to it. Ray Lewis is one of the great frauds of 2004. I've seen him six times now. Pretty decent against Cleveland the week before last. Got buried by the Chiefs. Against the Jets last weekend he was a zero when it got down to crunch time. On New York's last drive in regulation, that controversial field goal thing, Curtis Martin had crucial inside runs of 21 and five yards, and then, of course, there was Quincy Carter's nine-yard quarterback draw. Where was Ray? Running around blocks, playing the edges, taking on nobody, falling on the pile and then jumping up and waving his fist and yelling, as if he had made the play. Miked for sound? Of course. You bet. Never made a play in either of the Jets' overtime drives, either, unless you count the noise factor.


From now on, let's talk about the real, honest to goodness, BEST ILB in the AFC North this year, James Farrior.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I'm a Vikings fan but all I have to say about Ray Lewis is that in 2000 he had the single most dominating season I've ever seen by a defensive player and that includes Lawrence Taylor. In 2000 I saw a linebacker carry his team to a Superbowl title almost singlehandedly on a team that had no offense, that had a string of 4 or 5 games without a touchdown and that had freaking Trent Dilfer- Trent Dilfer- at quarterback. The Ravens had to rely on field goals and defensive shutouts all season long and they still ended up with a ring. I still can't believe he didn't win MVP that year.

[Jimmy Chitwood]

Not that Ray Lewis wasn't the best player on that team, Diogenes, but that was a squad that trotted out Peter Boulware, Chris McAlister, Sam Adams, and Rod Woodson on defense, too. For good measure, throw in that running game -- Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes behind Sam Gash and a pretty good offensive line. They were actually a mediocre offense, all things considered. Certainly not as abysmal as everybody seems to remember.

Wait, what's my point? Oh, right, the rest of the Ravens weren't that bad. Also, as far as the Dr. Z thing, Lewis has definitely lost a step and a half, but he still might be the best middle backer in football. I think it's a case of him just not being the Ray Lewis of old, as opposed to him really sucking it up out there.

[Weirddave]

JFTR, Lewis has almost twice as many solo tackles right now(63) as Farrior(36), plus the Ravens' D feeds off his energy. Has he lost a step? Sure, probobly even a step and a half, but he's still two steps better than anyone else.

[Ellis Dee]

I'm a Vikings fan but all I have to say about Ray Lewis is that in 2000 he had the single most dominating season I've ever seen by a defensive player and that includes Lawrence Taylor. In 2000 I saw a linebacker carry his team to a Superbowl title almost singlehandedly on a team that had no offense, that had a string of 4 or 5 games without a touchdown and that had freaking Trent Dilfer- Trent Dilfer- at quarterback. The Ravens had to rely on field goals and defensive shutouts all season long and they still ended up with a ring. I still can't believe he didn't win MVP that year.As a Giants fan, the truth of these words makes me want to experience my own deceleration trauma.

Too soon? Inappropriate?

[mhendo]

Against the Jets last weekend he was a zero when it got down to crunch time. On New York's last drive in regulation, that controversial field goal thing, Curtis Martin had crucial inside runs of 21 and five yards, and then, of course, there was Quincy Carter's nine-yard quarterback draw. Where was Ray? Running around blocks, playing the edges, taking on nobody, falling on the pile and then jumping up and waving his fist and yelling, as if he had made the play. Miked for sound? Of course. You bet. Never made a play in either of the Jets' overtime drives, either, unless you count the noise factor. Wow, you must have even greater admiration for Ray Lewis than most Baltimore fans.

I mean, you apparently hold him to such high standards that you feel the need to criticise him for not making every single defensive play. I know he's fast, but really, even Ray Lewis can't be at more than one spot on the field at a time. He might not have made a play on either of the Jets' OT possessions, but i think you're being a bit generous calling them "drives." They were 3-and-out both times, if i remember correctly. Seems like the Ravens' defense still has a few people besides Ray Lewis who can make tackles.

But i'm sure you're right. I'm sure that if we look at the stats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=241114020) for that Ravens-Jets game we'll find evidence of Lewis's decline.

No, wait, we won't! 14 tackles; 11 solo and 3 assisted. More than any other defender on the field that day—Ravens or Jets.

Sure, he's probably not as quick or as dominant as he once was, but he's still third on the defensive leaders board (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=def&sort=tack&league=afc&season=2&year=2004), and is on pace to have a fairly typical Ray Lewis season, with ESPN projecting (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3542) about 150 tackles for the regular season. Also, while opposing supporters seem to see his constant talk as some sort of defect, it's that leadership that helps make the Baltimore defense what it is. From now on, let's talk about the real, honest to goodness, BEST ILB in the AFC North this year, James Farrior.I assume you're having a laugh, right?

You should really use a :D when you say stuff like that.

[Capa]

That is a quote from SI's Dr. Z.

But let's look at the real stats.

Farrior-48 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 FRs in 507 team defensive plays

Lewis- 63 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INTs, 1 FR in 579 team defensive plays

I can't find FF stats anywhere online.

[mouthbreather]

My favorite Ray Lewis play of this year? When he was mic'd up (I think it was vs the chiefs) and he busts out with "My GOD! THey can't double team me every play, can they?" all shocked and dismayed. Then they show him in the next 15 minutes getting dominated, one on one, by various members of the opposing teams OLine.


Ray Lewis still is the best LB in Football, and yes he has lost a step. But, at this point, if we could pluck any one player away from Baltimore, forget Ray Lewis. I'd take Ed Reed in a heartbeat.

[Mullinator]

JFTR, Lewis has almost twice as many solo tackles right now(63) as Farrior(36), plus the Ravens' D feeds off his energy. Has he lost a step? Sure, probobly even a step and a half, but he's still two steps better than anyone else.

Feeding off his energy strikes me as the nebulous sort of asset that falls in line with being on fire in basketball or good in clutch situations in baseball. It sounds good to say and seems to make sense, but in the end it's not exactly a statistically verifiable concept and probably has a whole lot less to do with how the Ravens play than we might think. Lewis is certainly a fantastic player and the Super Bowl year was amazing to watch, but it sure seems like Lewis gets lauded for things like fire, energy, and passion as being critical to his teams success much more than it really comes into the equation.

I'd be inclined to say that his teammates play better D because opposing teams game plan around Lewis trying to minimize his impact which gives other players an opportunity to step up. His jumping around like Jim Carrey on uppers may get the blood flowing a little bit, but I'm more inclined to say that the desire to win, desire to play for the next contract, and desire to perform well are what really gets his teammates going.

[mhendo]

Feeding off his energy strikes me as the nebulous sort of asset that falls in line with being on fire in basketball or good in clutch situations in baseball. It sounds good to say and seems to make sense, but in the end it's not exactly a statistically verifiable concept and probably has a whole lot less to do with how the Ravens play than we might think. Lewis is certainly a fantastic player and the Super Bowl year was amazing to watch, but it sure seems like Lewis gets lauded for things like fire, energy, and passion as being critical to his teams success much more than it really comes into the equation.The problem, though, is that both weirddave and i only brought the issue up because other people (like capa) were implying that the statistics and other evaluations of Lewis's actual ability suggest that he's losing it.

I made the point that if you look at his statistics for this year, he's actually on pace to have a pretty typical Ray Lewis season, with about 150 tackles. Sure, he might not have as many sacks, interceptions, or fumble recoveries as someone like Farrior, but those things are often out of the linebacker's hands. If the ball doesn't get thrown at him, he can't make an interception, and QBs make a determined effot not to throw the ball anywhere near Ray Lewis if they can help it.

Furthermore, people seem to forget that, good as Lewis is, he's not the only defender on the Baltimore team. When you've Terrell Suggs making 7.5 sacks so far, and Ed Reed with 5 interceptions averaging 57 yards on the return, and 9 passes defended, then it's not crucial that Lewis be making every single play. What he does best is cover ground and make tackles, and the figures suggest that he's doing that pretty well so far.

Sure, the whole "feeding off his energy" thing is a bit nebulous, but when someone looks at Lewis's statistics and still tries to argue that he's losing it, then what else is there to say? I've already conceded (as has dave) that he's probably lost a yard or so of speed, but i also think that anyone who tries to paint him as having lost it as a linebacker is seriously out of touch with reality.

[Capa]

Oh I'm not suggesting he has lost it, and in fact I believe he is still one of the top 5 LBs in the NFL.

I'm just opening up for debate whether or not Farrior is having a better year.

[Mullinator]

Oh I'm not suggesting he has lost it, and in fact I believe he is still one of the top 5 LBs in the NFL.

I'm just opening up for debate whether or not Farrior is having a better year.
I completely agree (and wasn't trying to suggest otherwise). I just had issue with the energy thing.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

As another Sunday rolls around I'm back in the country and ready to see some major butt-whoopin' inflicted by the Steelers. But before that happens, I'd like to send a shout-out to everyone who said from the beginning that the Steelers probably would finish last in their own division: Bwahahahaha! Boy were you wrong! :D

After the Steelers dispatch a few more lightweights, it's on to the Super Bowl and eternal glory. The Bungles won't even know what hit them today. I'm calling it 28-3 Steelers today. If the Bengals are lucky.

[LateComer]

On the Lewis/Farrior debate, I'd suggest that total tackles is not a good indicatorr of success. According to the stats, the Steelers as a whole have almost 100 less tackles than Baltimore (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=teammisc&sort=tack&pos=off&league=afc&season=2&year=2004) (440 vs. 537) suggesting that they are on the filed a lot less. I don't see stats for 3 and outs but it seems that the Steelers have forced a lot of them this season.

And also on that page, mhendo, it shows that the Steelers as a team have 14 forced fumbles as opposed to 8 for Baltimore. As for individuals, Farrior has 3 (2nd in the conference) and Lewis has 0 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=def&sort=ff&league=afc&season=2&year=2004).

[mouthbreather]

A Steeler win today (although Cinci played tough) and an INT ret for TD for James Farrior.

[Weirddave]

I am speaking as a fan of football, not as a Ravens fan.

For all of you Stiller fans, has it occured to you just how much alike our two teams are?

We have Kyle Boller, a QB who is finally coming into his own after a year and a half of codeling, and is making plays without making mistakes, which I think is key.

Y'all have Big Ben who has done what no rookie before has done, winning his first 8 games, although he has thrown wild balls at times.

Both teams seek to minimize the demands they place on their QBs with sterling play in the other two phases of the game.

We have an agressive, punnishing defense that plays harder than any other and always seems to manufacture points on it's own, it's #1 in points allowed.

Y'all have the #1 defense in the league.

Both teams key off of their defensive prowess.

We have endured an absurd ammount of injuries, to Pro-Bowlers, no less, and are still 7-3

Y'all have played through injury problems too, and are 9-1

Both teams should be at or close to full strength when we meet at Christmastime.

Even though the schedule favors y'all (we have road games with Philly, New England and Indy, Y'all had New England and Philly at home, with only Jacksonville on the road), we're both still winning more than we lose.

It's going to come down to the next to last week of the season for the AFC North title, and it's going to be epic.

As a football fan, I just have to say "isn't this great?"

I fully expect that either you or us will be representing the AFC in Jacksonville.

Isn't this great?

[The Mad Hermit]

Yes, except all Steeler fans are thugs who will attack at the slightest provocation when you try to peacefully attend a game.

On a related topic, the media assholes who link the fight on the field before the game at Cleveland to all the other violence in sports over the last week and insinuate that it somehow caused the rest to happen. Yes, it sucked, but how is it anywhere near the same thing? One situation was two players built up to a pre-game frenzy, another was a player attacking the fan who threw a drink on him. The Steeler/Brown incident did not lead to a total breakdown of discipline either, like the college game that went awry.

[Weirddave]

Yes, except all Steeler fans are thugs who will attack at the slightest provocation when you try to peacefully attend a game.


Hey, way to take the partisan rivalry bullshit out of your post. Good job following my lead.

BTW, Getcher ass to Baltimore next year and go to the Stillers/Ravens game with me, then give me your opinion afterwards based upon, you know, actual experience and stuff.

[mouthbreather]

I fully expect that either you or us will be representing the AFC in Jacksonville.

Isn't this great?


Assuming that JLewis' ankle is ok, I think it will be either us, your boys, or the Pats. Any 3 of those teams match up well with Indy, who I see as the only otherserious contender in the AFC.

I would be shocked if Baltimore was not the AFC wildcard representative,. and think that theyre as good as any other team in the conference. Now I just need those stinky Pats to lose a couple games. While our home record for AFCC games is less than stellar, I'd still much rather be in Heinz field in January than in Foxboro.



Hey Bubbadog, you out there? Go Chiefs (tonight)!

::wag::



When's the Pats/Ravens game?

[mouthbreather]

And I forgot to add, yes this is good times for the AFC north. Rivalries are a lot more fun when both teams are doing well.

[MeanJoe]

Talk about regretting something...

Why, oh why, did I get impatient and sell my tickets (4) to the Steelers/Ravens game two weeks ago? Gah, another week or two and I'd have probably gotten 2-3 times what I got for them two weeks ago.

Not to ruin the partisan love-fest occuring here between the Steelers and Ravens fans but I'm really, really pulling for whomever is playing the Ravens week in and week out. Sorry, if I want to see a strong rivalry I'd rather see Cleveland make a return to a competitive position in the AFC North. I just don't like you Ravens ilk. ;)

MeanJoe

[Weirddave]

Mouthbreather,

We play the Patsies this coming Sunday in Foxboro.


Mean Joe,

:p Poopie head!

[MeanJoe]

Mouthbreather,

We play the Patsies this coming Sunday in Foxboro.


Mean Joe,

:p Poopie head!

Potty mouth! I'm telling mom!

[The Mad Hermit]

Hey, way to take the partisan rivalry bullshit out of your post. Good job following my lead.

When the fuck was I supposed to follow your lead? I received no such order.

And, who's being partisan? I'm just repeating back the attitude I've gotten from you and the Baltimore fans who decided that Steeler fans are evil assholes who wait outside stadiums (stadia?) looking to mug those wearing different colors.

Yeah, you're the bug guy, being all magnanimous about the Steelers. Only because they're ahead in the standings. I don't see you acting like this if the tables were turned, as they were last year,

This shit really bugs me. Say what you want about the team, just leave me out of it. Hell, I even changed my goddamned screen name to avoid this shit.

I'd go to Baltimore for a game, but I don't feel safe at all.

[mouthbreather]

This shit really bugs me. Say what you want about the team, just leave me out of it. Hell, I even changed my goddamned screen name to avoid this shit.

Kind if defeats the purpose of changing your name, when you tell everyone who read the prior threads about it and then get into the exact same discussion all over again with the new name.

I had no idea who "The Mad Hermit" was until now.

[Weirddave]

What's even more ironic is that I had no idea who you were (hey, is that chicken cooked yet?) and if I had, I wouldn't have responded as I did knowing how this kind of smack talk bothers you. As it was, someone I didn't know responded to a post I made titled "I am speaking as a fan of football, not as a Ravens fan." in which I tried to provide balanced commentary, and was even complimentary towards the Steelers with a somewhat snide remark, so I responded apropriately.

Also, you'd be perfectly safe at the game in Baltimore. Unless you wore purple. :p

[The Mad Hermit]

Kind if defeats the purpose of changing your name, when you tell everyone who read the prior threads about it and then get into the exact same discussion all over again with the new name.

It's even worse when you're judged by your screen name, not what you post. I didn't change my name to hide from anyone, just to stop the stupid shit like Joey Porter's bullshit showing up in a thread about Star Trek. I'm sorry if the name change offends you, but too fucking bad.

You can take shit from Weirddave because you have some other basis to talk to him. I'm tired of having the same old shit dragged up in my face that I have no control over or any way to refute.

What the fuck does "kind if" mean, anyway?

[mouthbreather]

It's a fucking typo, shitcakes. "Kind of" is what it should have said. Since that was a fucking chore for you to figure out, let's go back 4 posts to yours: WHAT THE FUCK DOES "Yeah, you're the bug guy," mean? :rolleyes:

And for the record, Weirddave and I have never interacted on this board about anything other than football (that I can recall, anyway). The difference is, neither of us have a psyche as fragile as a house of cards and we know that talking shit about football is just that -- Shit talking. It doesn't ruin my hour, my day, or my month, or anything else on the SDMB when he talks shit to me...it's part of the game. Sorry that you can't seem to grasp that.

I've kept my mouth shut about you for the most part now that you're coming at me you can munch on my nutsack. I never judged you by your screenname, in fact I tried to cut you some extra slack since we had something in common. Your name change doesn't offend me...in fact I'm glad. Every other post I read from you is sniveling 5 year old shit about your feelings being hurt and you getting huffy or sounded like you need mommy wipe your nose. That fact that you act like a fucking crybaby martyr all the goddammed time is the only thing about you that offends me. So now, I'm glad you can continue to act like a nimrod with a new screen name that does not include the team that I love.

[Ellis Dee]

Is there some rule I'm unaware of that these threads must have at least one trainwreck every three pages?

I'm encouraged about Eli's performance. Especially the one sack, which came on the fourth play of the game. All the experts blamed the OL for the avalanche of sacks, but I knew better. I now stand vindicated, with Eli only surrendering a single sack to the league's best sacking team.

I blame the first pick on the coaching staff. Having Eli try to manufacture something with 16 seconds on the clock was an act of desperation, not a calculated attempt to win.

The second pick was a rookie mistake. Good, cross off one of the inevitable rookie mistakes as already experienced.

You AFC North guys pointing out injuries cracks me up. Partially because I'm a Giants fan, and we've probably had more missed starter-games this year than the Steelers and Ravens have had since realignment. Factor in last year's starter-games missed and I'm pretty confident the Giants would lead the league by a large margin over that two year span. But all that aside, just look at the Browns for an example of a team with injuries.

As a data point, off the top of my head I count 45 starter-games missed this season alone for the Giants. I'd bet the Browns are up there as well. Either team probably has more than the Steelers and Ravens combined. Not to even mention the Patriots, who had more than their fair share last year.

Still, all that said, it is indeed impressive that both clubs are doing so well despite some key injuries. But how many starter-games have actually been missed by the Steelers and Ravens this year? 10 each?

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Still, all that said, it is indeed impressive that both clubs are doing so well despite some key injuries. But how many starter-games have actually been missed by the Steelers and Ravens this year? 10 each? :dubious:

Kendall Simmons - out since preseason.
Tommy Maddox - out since week 2.
Casey Hampton - out since Dallas (week 4 or 5?).
Chad Scott - out since Dallas.
Duce Staley - out since Philadelphia.

This is just off the top of my head. I'm sure that there are more that I am missing. I'm not even including Kendrell Bell.

Or did you mean ten starters out for the season? Because we don't quite have that, but we're not far off!

[mouthbreather]

Yeah, Hentor, I was counting as you were posting.


By my count, we're at 38:

LG Kendall Simmons out for the year (10 games and counting, he's on IR)
CB Chad Scott (last 4 games and counting)
NT Casey Hampton (4 games and counting, he's on IR)
Duce Staley (3 games and counting)
Kendrell Bell (8 games and just reinjured himself this week)
Tommy Maddox (8 games)
Dan Krieder (1 Game)

That's not even counting Plaxico who got injured this week and is out for at least a couple.


But, if our hallucinagenic buddy wants to think it's 10 and we just like to bitch -- that's fine, I guess. :-\

[Enginerd]

Well, Boulware hasn't played all year - there's your ten right there. Ogden's missed five games, Heap's been out since week 2, Jamal Lewis served his 2 game suspension and might not play Sunday against the Pats, Travis Taylor missed 4, Kelly Gregg missed 2, Terrell Suggs missed 1, McAllister missed 2, Zastudil's out 3-4 weeks now (do punters count?). We don't have ten guys out for the season either, but we're not as well off as you seem to think.

[Ellis Dee]

:dubious:

Kendall Simmons - out since preseason.
Tommy Maddox - out since week 2.
Casey Hampton - out since Dallas (week 4 or 5?).
Chad Scott - out since Dallas.
Duce Staley - out since Philadelphia.

This is just off the top of my head. I'm sure that there are more that I am missing. I'm not even including Kendrell Bell.

Or did you mean ten starters out for the season? Because we don't quite have that, but we're not far off!No, Kendrall Bell certainly counts for however many games he missed. Same with Duce. Tommy hasn't been out since week 2, he's been ready to go for a few weeks now.

Who is Kendall Simmons? I don't recognize the name, and I'm relatively familiar with most of the Steelers roster. (Madden 2005 is good for something, at least.) Was he a starter? Other than him, I count roughly 13 starter-games missed in your list. Add 6 to any of the guys in the list on injured reserve.

I wonder what the average starter-games missed is leaguewide. It's far too much of a pain in the ass to dig up, and this debate is meaningless without that number. But I think we can all agree that the Browns have been hit the hardest by injuries in the AFC North. Then again, the Browns suck. hehheh.

When I say starters, btw, I include nickelbacks, slot receivers, and fullbacks, as they get involved in quite a few plays without subbing a starter out.

[Ellis Dee]

Tommy hasn't been out since week 2, he's been ready to go for a few weeks now.Even more to the point, the moment Cowher named Big Ben the starter, which IIRC was after he went 3-0, Tommy ceased to be a starter.

[Ellis Dee]

Well, Boulware hasn't played all year - there's your ten right there. Ogden's missed five games, Heap's been out since week 2, Jamal Lewis served his 2 game suspension and might not play Sunday against the Pats, Travis Taylor missed 4, Kelly Gregg missed 2, Terrell Suggs missed 1, McAllister missed 2, Zastudil's out 3-4 weeks now (do punters count?). We don't have ten guys out for the season either, but we're not as well off as you seem to think.Don't count Lewis, that's not an injury. Short of that, I get around 36, which is way more than I expected. Punters absolutely count, as do kickers and returners of either kind.

Now I'm really wondering what the average is. I don't doubt that the Giants are at the high end, and probably the top in this two year span, but now I'm scared to look it up for fear it might be in triple digits.

I wonder what the least-injured team has? I'd amend my thinking to guess around 25 for the season.

Also, I suppose preseason injuries would have to count, though I find that dubious. Seubert was the starter at guard, but went down in preseason and was put on the PUP list, and then we picked up the Cleveland guy to take his place, who also promptly went down (on IR, I think) in preseason, and finally we picked up Jason Whittle to replace both of them. Whittle is a fine starter, as he started on our superbowl team in 2000, but I'm not sure that I could legitimately claim 32 starter-games missed by the two guys he replaced, seeing as how Jason has pretty much won the job on his own merit. (Seubert is good, though, and I do wish he'd return already.)

[Weirddave]

You might want to factor in not just starters, but what calibre of starter. Boulware, Lewis, Ogden, Heap and McCalister are all Pro Bowlers. That's a lot of serious talent to go without.

[mouthbreather]

Who is Kendall Simmons? I don't recognize the name, and I'm relatively familiar with most of the Steelers roster. (Madden 2005 is good for something, at least.) Was he a starter? Other than him, I count roughly 13 starter-games missed in your list. Add 6 to any of the guys in the list on injured reserve.


He was our #1 pick in 2001. Very good RG.

What kind of math are you using to get 13? :confused: Even if you only count Maddox out for 4 games, I still get 33.

[mhendo]

Don't count Lewis, that's not an injury.???????????????

And what difference does that make? The reason for his absence in no way changes the impact that his absence has on the team's performance.

[Ellis Dee]

What kind of math are you using to get 13? :confused: Even if you only count Maddox out for 4 games, I still get 33.General guess math:

Kendall Simmons - out since preseason: 0*
Tommy Maddox - out since week 2: 3 (named backup after 3 games)
Casey Hampton - out since Dallas (week 4 or 5?): 5 (5 games + bye = week 11)
Chad Scott - out since Dallas: 3 (I thought Dallas was 3 games ago)
Duce Staley - out since Philadelphia: 2 (I thought Philly was 2 games ago)

3+5+3+2=13

Notice how I said "Other than [Kendall Simmons], I count roughly 13"You might want to factor in not just starters, but what calibre of starter. Boulware, Lewis, Ogden, Heap and McCalister are all Pro Bowlers. That's a lot of serious talent to go without.You can't go by that, because it's too subjctive, and it misses the concept of a 53 man roster where only 45 can dress. Every starter is important, every roster spot precious.

Although if we wanted to ascribe impact players more weight to their missed time, the Giants will look even worse off, as will the Browns.

The Ravens do have some key injuries, most notably Heap. (Sucks for Boller, but just imagine next year.) Again, Lewis is not an injury, so he does not count. Boulware and McCalister are both top drawer; every bit as painful to lose as Heap and Strahan. But then again, you picked up Deion, which you most likely would not have had McCalister been healthy. That's why I said I was dubious about preseason injuries.

Still, I concede that the Ravens have been hit pretty hard by injuries, though not nearly as hard as the Browns and Giants. The Steelers? Not so much. Mainly because every team is getting more than their fair share of injuries this year, and the Steelers seem (to me) to be at around the median.

Ask a Panthers fan if he thinks the Ravens and Steelers have had it bad.

[Ellis Dee]

???????????????

And what difference does that make? The reason for his absence in no way changes the impact that his absence has on the team's performance.The difference is that I was talking about injuries. Lewis was not injured. Clear enough?

[mhendo]

The difference is that I was talking about injuries. Lewis was not injured. Clear enough?I guess (shrug). For all the difference it makes.

[Ellis Dee]

I guess (shrug). For all the difference it makes.But you wouldn't consider the Pacers to be the most injury-plagued team in the NBA this year, would you? They just lost 100+ starter-games.

Injuries are a part of NFL, and no team can avoid them. Jamal Lewis's suspension was not an unavoidable consequence of playing football.

[mhendo]

But you wouldn't consider the Pacers to be the most injury-plagued team in the NBA this year, would you? They just lost 100+ starter-games.True enough.

But the fact remains that, whatever the reason for the absence, the team will feel the loss just as keenly.

[Ellis Dee]

True enough.

But the fact remains that, whatever the reason for the absence, the team will feel the loss just as keenly.Actually, I'm coming around to your view, and am thankful for one thing that occurred to me after I made the point about the Pacers. All fans of the Giants, Browns, Panthers, Ravens, and Steelers, let us take a moment of silence to be thankful that we are not fans of...the Miami Dolphins.

Oh man, that's gotta suck.

[Enginerd]

Good lord, that is something to be thankful for. Ellis, you've just made the holiday even more meaningful (and more football-oriented).

[asterion]

To get off the injuries (and I think the league is going to have to do something, did anyone see the little special-report thing on the NFL Today this Sunday?), how about last night's game? As much as I hate the Chiefs, I was paradoxically rooting for them to win, as they are no threat to the Broncos in the division, but it'll be a shoot-out between the Patriots and the Steelers for the lead in the conference. In any case, Kansas City has to do something in the offseason. They get far too many penalties and their offense isn't good enough to offset their lousy defense.

[BubbaDog]

Hey Bubbadog, you out there? Go Chiefs (tonight)!

::wag::

Oh well, I just keep lowering my goals and expectations.

Beat the Bronkhosers at their house? Cross that off
Div champs? Cross that off
Wild Card? Cross that off
Win 7 out of 8 Division games? Still possible
Beat Bronkhosers at home? Still possible

All I want for Christmas is a defense

[Ellis Dee]

Win 7 out of 8 Division games? Still possibleI don't blame you for wanting to regress back in time, but since realignment, there are only 6 division games.

[BubbaDog]

I don't blame you for wanting to regress back in time, but since realignment, there are only 6 division games.

Four teams, three division opponents. Yep, I did the math wrong on that one.

[The Mad Hermit]

mouthbreather-

Fuck you, asshole.


I've kept my mouth shut about you for the most part now that you're coming at me you can munch on my nutsack. I never judged you by your screenname, in fact I tried to cut you some extra slack since we had something in common. Your name change doesn't offend me...in fact I'm glad. Every other post I read from you is sniveling 5 year old shit about your feelings being hurt and you getting huffy or sounded like you need mommy wipe your nose. That fact that you act like a fucking crybaby martyr all the goddammed time is the only thing about you that offends me. So now, I'm glad you can continue to act like a nimrod with a new screen name that does not include the team that I love.

What, are you fucking stalking me now?

You're the fucking crybaby that quit the keeper football league because no one would kiss your festering, boil-ridden ass. You don't fucking deserve to be a Steeler fan. You walked away from Pittsburgh, you don't get to take it with you.

Since, I'm invited to munch on your nutsack, where shall we meet? Oh that's right, you're the pussy that left PA.

You cut me no such slack- I don't remember you posting anything about the ongoing anti-Steeler bullshit spouting from the Baltimore Weirdo's ass like a fountain of watery diarrhea. I've posted enough times about it and you step in with your inane comment.

Well, asswipe, here's the background: At the Dopefest in Gettysburg, I stated that I wanted to change my screen name and asked around for opinions. Many people knew that I was considering a change- and the incident I mentioned before just made me change it at that time. Your comment was unnecessary, just a snipe at me- and I'm not going to let you off the hook for being an asshole.


************************************

Roethlisberger looked good on the Letterman show, but I wondered about the wisdom of being in the "Football Challenge"- what if he hurt his arm? That would suck.

[mouthbreather]

What, are you fucking stalking me now?
Um, nope. You and I happen to be posting in the same thread here. Post/repsonse. Look into it...message boards usually work that way.


You're the fucking crybaby that quit the keeper football league because no one would kiss your festering, boil-ridden ass
Revise history much? When I won the league, and then the league setup was changed for next year, I left with this quote (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5013049&postcount=95) : "if it's decided to abandon the keeper league idea, you can count me out. Considering how many redraft leagues I am already in, and how infrequently I dope these days, I'm honestly not interested in yet another redraft league. So, whether or not I'll retuen will depend on what you guys decide. Either way, it's cool, and no hard feelings." Yep, that sure sounds like a crybaby looking to get his ass kissed. Dipshit. While we're on the topic, your team sucked.

where shall we meet? Oh that's right, you're the pussy that left PA.Hah! Internet tough guy wants to meet me. There's a shocker, someone talking tough while sitting behind their PC. Don't see that too often.



You don't fucking deserve to be a Steeler fan. You walked away from Pittsburgh, you don't get to take it with you.So anyone who moves can't be a fan anymore? Great logic. Tell me, where in Pittsburgh do you live? I lived in Oakland, Higland Park and Lawenceville when I was there. I pretty much know all parts of the city, yet none of them really strike me as a "Far from civilization" kinda place. Where in Pittsburgh is that? :)


I'm not going to let you off the hook for being an asshole.Keep me on the hook, let me off the hook, shove the hook up your ass, pick one. I really couldn't care less.

[mouthbreather]

Ugly football again this week, but I'll take the win. I'll be the first to help myself to a big plate of crow with Bettis...I didn't think he'd be able to carry the load for our team anymore. 4 straight 100 yard games, and right now he looks better than he's looked in the last 4 seasons. Duce back next week -- a healthy 1-2 combo at RB going down the stretch is a huge advantage for us.

I really expected Baltimore to do better against the Pats...Now that the north is ours, we just have to keep pace with the Pats. And WTF happened in the battle of Ohio? 106 points? :eek:

[mhendo]

I really expected Baltimore to do better against the Pats...You're not the only one.

After the past couple of weeks, i thought Boller was finally getting his act together, but he was fucking woeful today. The offense went nowhere, and the defense held up during the first half but fell apart against the run in the second.

It didn't help that New England got handed 25 yards in crappy Baltimore penalties on a key drive that led to their first touchdown, but i don't think that had any real effect on the final result. The Patriots were just the better team.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Frankly I don't know why people thought Boller was "changing before our eyes" as Phil Simms said during the game. He is a bad quarterback who had two good games. It would take a little more than that to convince most people that he is undergoing some sort of metamorphosis. I expected the Patriots to beat the Ravens a lot harder than they did - perhaps it was the weather. The thing that did surprise me is what a non-factor Ray Lewis was. Seems like he had one tackle, except if you count the times he was tackling ball carriers in the end zone.

Now, Farrior had a hell of a day! Had the commentators calling him "Warrior." Rothlisberger needs to get his big head out of his ass when we start playing good teams again. Seems like he is bailing out of the pocket a little quick, not giving routes enough time to develop, and starting to throw the ball high again. Quit doing Letterman and start playing football again!

[mouthbreather]

Holy crap, that was a close one. We always have a bitch of time winning in JAX but we pulled this one out by the skin of our asses. Penalties were killing us on key plays but we eeked it out. I really thought that 60 yarder by Scobee was going to hit at the end. :whew:

In other Steelers-related observations:


Cinci puts the lumber to the Ratbirds....good stuff.

And goddammit, would New England please lose again? somewhere? Thanks in advance.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Hey, Dave, like I said earlier, do you want that Terrible Towel now or do you want to wait for the inevitable? :D

And to all the sportwriters that said that Big Ben was not what he looked to be, that he had never faced adversity, and that the Steelers were sure to lose this game, you can suck a big fatty off this Steeler fan. How is it that the Steelers have the best record in the NFL, the only two teams with equivalent records were utterly dominated by the Steelers, and yet somehow it's the Steelers that are sure to lose week in and week out, not the teams that got their asses handed to them.

Onward we go. Next step, AFC North champs. After that, AFC champs. And after that, NFL champs with the one for the thumb in an all Pennsylvania Super Bowl.

[Ellis Dee]

How is it that the Steelers have the best record in the NFL, the only two teams with equivalent records were utterly dominated by the Steelers, and yet somehow it's the Steelers that are sure to lose week in and week out, not the teams that got their asses handed to them.Because the other two teams dominate evryone they play, whereas the Steelers do not.

Think of it this way: Who do you think is better, the 9-3 Chargers or the 9-3 Jets? If one were to make the case for the Chargers, would it be a convincing counter-argument to say that the Jets beat the Chargers, and so therefore the Jets are better?

I'm not saying I feel either way about it, just trying to offer an explanation. (I tend to feel the Chargers are a better team than the Jets, but if The Chad looks good next week against the Steel Curtain, I may change my mind.)

[Mr. Moto]

Because the other two teams dominate evryone they play, whereas the Steelers do not.

They obviously don't dominate everyone they play. :D

[BubbaDog]

... Who do you think is better, the 9-3 Chargers or the 9-3 Jets? ........ (I tend to feel the Chargers are a better team than the Jets, ..........

The AFC West is in just about the worst shape its ever been in. I wouldn't give the Chargers any bonus points for their record right now considering their conference competition. The Raiders just can't keep their act together once they get going; The Broncos are decent but lack any bench strength; The Chief's strong offense cannot overcome its "welcome-mat" defense.

Whoever ends up owning the AFC West title will get one whole game in the playoffs and prove my point.

[Ellis Dee]

The AFC West is in just about the worst shape its ever been in. I wouldn't give the Chargers any bonus points for their record right now considering their conference competition. The Raiders just can't keep their act together once they get going; The Broncos are decent but lack any bench strength; The Chief's strong offense cannot overcome its "welcome-mat" defense.

Whoever ends up owning the AFC West title will get one whole game in the playoffs and prove my point.Thanks for the reminder. I, of all people, should know this. The AFC East overtook the AFC North this week for best division in football, whereas the AFC West is mired in a logjam tie for fourth at .500. Excellent point.

I glaringly left the door open for trash talking by the Pennsylvania teams, so let me rephrase that as "Since the Steelers beat the two major powers, the Steelers have been winning hard-fought games while the other two having been blowing the doors off their competition."

That's why the Steelers don't get their due.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

May I suggest a slight rephrasing of that:

"Since the Steelers [blew the doors off] of the [other] two major powers, the Steelers have been winning hard-fought games while the other two having been blowing the doors off their competition."

And if it is possible for the Steelers to both be the number one team and also not get their due, that is the best position for them to be in. Let the other teams fly above the radar - fine by me.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Suddenly this thread is reminding me of that old Cheech and Chong routine:

"Dave? Dave? Dave's not here, man."

[Jimmy Chitwood]

The Steelers aren't getting their due? Jesus, that's news to me. I have yet to see anyone call them anything but the best or one of the best two teams in the league, and I have yet to see anybody argue that Roethlisberger isn't on the fast track to Montanaville (other than me). Not that I think they don't deserve it, mind you, but where exactly is all this anti-Steeler sentiment?

Also, let's hear it for those Packers.

[PunditLisa]

Cinci puts the lumber to the Ratbirds....good stuff.

We do aim to please.

The Bengals really ought to look at getting Prilosec as a sponsor. They could pass out free samples before each game.

[Ellis Dee]

The Steelers aren't getting their due? Jesus, that's news to me. I have yet to see anyone call them anything but the best or one of the best two teams in the league, and I have yet to see anybody argue that Roethlisberger isn't on the fast track to Montanaville (other than me). Not that I think they don't deserve it, mind you, but where exactly is all this anti-Steeler sentiment?I think the average Steeler fan feels (rightly) justified in claiming "best team in the league" status, but the majority of sportwriters still give that honor to the Patriots. I don't think anyone is suggesting that people think the Steelers are a bad team; far from it. But I wouldn't be surprised to find out that sportswriters predicted multiple losses in the past half dozen weeks. Thus, the lack of respect.

I agree with the sentiment that flying as far under the radar as possible is the best possible scenario. The Steelers (do they have a nickname?) can't get too far under the radar, but they seem to be as far under as it is possible to get for a team in their position.

[LateComer]

The Steelers (do they have a nickname?)
I don't think so, but you can pronounce it like a Pittsburgher: Stihlers!

[Ellis Dee]

Now I'm curious about nicknames. Who's got 'em, who doesn't.

New England Patriots: Pats (lame)
New York Jets: Gang Green, New York Football Jets
Miami Dolphins: 'Phins (lame)
Buffalo Bills: Billies?

Pittsburgh Steelers: ???
Baltimore Ravens: Blackbirds?
Cincinnatti Bengals: Bungles (Oh so unfortunate. Do they have a positive one?)
Cleveland Browns: ???

Indianapolis Colts: ???
Houston Texans: ???
Tennessee Titans: ???
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jags (lame)

San Diego Chargers: San Di-e-go, Super Chargers! (Weee, I love that one.)
Kansas City Chiefs: ???
Oakland Raiders: The Raaaidahs
Denver Broncos: ???

Philadelphia Eagles: Iggles (kinda lame)
New York Giants: G-Men, Big Blue, Jints, New York Football Giants
Dallas Cowboys: America's Team
Washington Redskins: ???

Green Bay Packers: The Pack
Minnesota Vikings: Vikes (lame)
Detroit Lions: ???
Chicago Bears: Broadstreet something?

Atlanta Falcons: ???
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs (lame)
Carolina Panthers: ???
New Orleans Saints: Ain'ts (Also unfortunate. Do they have a positive one?)

St. Louis Rams: Greatest Show on Turf (We'll see how long that lasts.)
Arizona Cardinals: Redbirds?
Seattle Seahawks: Hawks (lame)
San Francisco 49ers: ???

Any help on the unknowns? Any corrections?

[milquetoast]

Chicago Bears: Broadstreet something?

Uh... It's "Monsters of the Midway!"

Others:

San Diego Chargers: Also "Lightning Bolts" (or just "Bolts")
Washington Redskins: "The Skins"
Atlanta Falcons: I"ve heard them referred to as "The Birds," but that could apply to other teams as well.
San Francisco 49ers: Simply, "The Niners"
Minnesota Vikings: "The Norseman," but I've only heard that a couple of times.

[Enginerd]

Indianapolis Colts: ???
Traitorous bastards.

Yeah, I grew up in Baltimore, why do you ask?

I think the Dolphins are sometimes called the Fish.

[mouthbreather]

Copying E. Dee 's list, and adding ones I've heard:



New England Patriots: Patsies
New York Jets: S-U-C-K SUCK SUCK SUCK
Buffalo Bills: Chokers :D
Pittsburgh Steelers: Stillers, Squealers
Baltimore Ravens: Raisins, Ratbirds
Cincinnatti Bengals: Bungles
Cleveland Browns: Clowns
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chefs (great googly moogly)
Oakland Raiders: the Stabbers
Denver Broncos: Ponies
Philadelphia Eagles: birdies
Dallas Cowboys: Cowgirls
Green Bay Packers: Cheeseheads
Chicago Bears: DA BEARS
Atlanta Falcons: Dirty Birds
Arizona Cardinals: No joke needed. Their Franchise speaks for itself.

[tnetennba]

My favorite football derogotory nickname is "Motor City Kitties" for the... you know.

[Enginerd]

Buffalo Bills: Chokers :D
The Bills with 4 Ls (or Billlls)

[Evil Captor]

I've heard the Atlanta Falcons referred to locally in their pre-Vick era as the

Atlanta Foul Clowns

Atlanta Fal-Cants

And the Foul C_nts in the Net. And no, I don't mean Foul Cents

This was generally done by people who were pretty pissed off, prolly lost money betting on them. There's also a racist term I've heard, I leave it as an exercise for the reader to figure it out.

[mouthbreather]

The Bills with 4 Ls (or Billlls)


Ha! I like that better.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Want the ultimate proof that Pittsburgh gets no respect? Look at the ESPN Power Rankings. They dropped from the number one spot after a WIN. Who replaced them? The same Patsies that got smacked around like they were a peewee league team only a few weeks ago. And why? Because the Pats beat up on the Brownies, who are operating with a third string quarterback and a new coach.

What is this, the BCS? I know that the power rankings poll doesn't mean anything since the NFL has a playoff, but that is just another manifestation, perhaps the most obvious one, that the Steelers get no respect. They're not even ranked higher than a team that they beat convincingly, one that was built up as this juggernaut that couldn't be stopped. Hell, they still talk about the Patriots' streak, only now it's 28 of the last 29. Who gave them that loss? 'Nuff said. But the Patriots are the best team in football, eh? It is to laugh.

[asterion]

Want the ultimate proof that Pittsburgh gets no respect? Look at the ESPN Power Rankings. They dropped from the number one spot after a WIN. Who replaced them? The same Patsies that got smacked around like they were a peewee league team only a few weeks ago. And why? Because the Pats beat up on the Brownies, who are operating with a third string quarterback and a new coach.


This (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7971642) and this (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7973156) give the power rankings after week 13. Note how the top four teams didn't change position from week 12.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

This (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7971642) and this (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7973156) give the power rankings after week 13. Note how the top four teams didn't change position from week 12.

And they shouldn't have changed on ESPN, either. ESPN allegedly polls for their Power rankings. So they were actually voted down a spot.

If that's not disrespect, I don't know what is. Remember what I was saying about how the sportswriters/announcers were talking down on the Steelers? Just look at the results.

[asterion]

And they shouldn't have changed on ESPN, either. ESPN allegedly polls for their Power rankings. So they were actually voted down a spot.

If that's not disrespect, I don't know what is. Remember what I was saying about how the sportswriters/announcers were talking down on the Steelers? Just look at the results.

Thing is, I stopped listening to sportswriters and announcers a long time ago. I don't really believe in rankings other than the win-loss column. I agree though, that if two teams win, they should stay where they are relative to each other, unless there is another overriding factor that could be taken into account.

[Hal Briston]

Of course, there are always the TMQ (http://nfl.com/news/story/7973142)-approved team nicknames. I'm pretty sure all of them are covered, but damn if I can remember them all. Ones mentioned this week:

Giants: Jersey/A
Jets: Jersey/B
San Fran: Squared Sevens
Seattle: Blue Men Group
Chicago: Mingdingxiong (Mandarin for "bears whose outcomes are decided by fate")
Baltimore: Nevermores
Arizona: Cactus Wrens
Miami: Ventral Fins
San Diego: Bolts
Oakland: Long Johns
Washington: Potomac Nanticokes
Minnesota: Hyperboreans
Tennessee: Flaming Thumbtacks

[Weirddave]

Well, AD, since the Stillers won their 12th game today, and the most the Ravens can win is 11, better send me the old crying rag.

[Enginerd]

Maybe it can double as a diaper. That's about the most appropriate use I can think of for it.

[beergeek279]

You know, Airman, I questioned the reason for this thread after the fiasco last year, but I must admit that I'm completely wrong mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ben is the real deal, and I'm definitely looking forward to the post-season.

Go Stillers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Do you want the black one or the yellow one, Dave? Or perhaps the license plate?

Oh, I know. I'll send you the Toddler Terrible Towel for your son. :D

One way or the other, you can be sure that I'll get one to you.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Well, the G-Men gave it a good shot, but they just couldn't beat the indomitable juggernaut that is the Steelers this year. Ellis Dee, give me your address and I'll send you a Terrible Towel courtesy of the team that will without a doubt win the Super Bowl. :)

[BabaBooey]

Let's hope for fantasy football/money purposes, Pitssburg's defense decides to show up next week.

[Ellis Dee]

Well, the G-Men gave it a good shot, but they just couldn't beat the indomitable juggernaut that is the Steelers this year. Ellis Dee, give me your address and I'll send you a Terrible Towel courtesy of the team that will without a doubt win the Super Bowl. :)Oh man, that game put me in a serious dilemma. I'd love nothing more than to rail about that pussy call of roughing the QB. About how Ben clearly went down on his own*, which dragged the guy locked on him down on top of him, and what a load of crap that is. Then I remember the two wins we got from Kurt Warner reaping the benefit of similar pussy calls, not to even mention the dramatic overacting of Feagles in several games this season that have drawn roughing the kicker penalties. Such a shame, too, because I could do a decent job railing against that horrendous call. :mad:

Overall a good game. The Giants played hard and earned 30 points, the most let up by the Steelers all season. (I think.) Eli finally looked better than the worst QB ever to play the game in the history of the NFL.

Was it just me, or did anybody else roll their eyes at the breakdown of all the Steelers' injuries during a game in which their opponent was far more banged up? Sure, the Steelers are doing light years better than the Giants in the standings, but they matched up pretty evenly that game, at least according to the score and the number of lead changes.

* I didn't really notice this in the live broadcast, but I rewatched the entire (shorty) game on tape after it ended, and this is clearly what happened. Give the nod to the rook, he did good that play.

[mouthbreather]

Was it just me, or did anybody else roll their eyes at the breakdown of all the Steelers' injuries during a game in which their opponent was far more banged up?


I would have thought it appropriate if they had done the same for the Giants, is the Giants were 12-1 and in the drivers seat in the NFC. /shrug

[NoClueBoy]

That game gave me some serious fantasy points, I'll tell you whut!

If only I had picked up Randel El from the waiver wire! Hoodathunk?

Can't wait to see what LT2 and Volek to Bennett does.

[Ellis Dee]

I would have thought it appropriate if they had done the same for the Giants, is the Giants were 12-1 and in the drivers seat in the NFC. /shrugOkay, you got me there. The whole point of injuries, at least what makes it a point of interest, is when a team overcomes them. Clearly the Giants did not, while the Steelers did.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Can we say CHOKE?

How do the Patriots get beat by the Dolphins?

Thank you kindly, Miami, for all but cementing the Steelers home field advantage throughout, and also for showing the Patriots to be a lesser team than the Steelers. Much obliged.

:D

[LateComer]

Can we say CHOKE?

How do the Patriots get beat by the Dolphins?

Thank you kindly, Miami, for all but cementing the Steelers home field advantage throughout, and also for showing the Patriots to be a lesser team than the Steelers. Much obliged.

:D
Christmas came early in Pittsburgh with a wonderful gift, not from the North Pole, but from Florida of all places! Thank you Miami. The Steelers just have to go .500 the last 2 games to cement home field. Let's hope they can do it.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Early in the season I suggested that the Baltimore at Pittsburgh game would be meaningless. Boy was I wrong - we have the chance to both clinch home field throughout, get the bye, and knock Baltimore out of the playoff picture.

How sweet would that be!

[Siege]

One of the last things I said to a friend of mine before turning in last night was, "There's no way Miami will beat New England." Nice to know we were both wrong. Now there are only two things I have to worry about. First, the Steelers-Ravens game will be during my mother's Boxing Day Brunch. Second, my poor brother, who's a transplanted Pittsburgher who married into a family of New England fans up in Massachusetts. And he thought things were bad on Halloween! :D

I'm looking forward to Sunday's game!

CJ

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Here's an amusing observation from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

The Steelers even have the Ravens to thank for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose 12-0 record is the best of any rookie in NFL history. If Baltimore had not kept all of its starters in a meaningless game for the Ravens to beat the Steelers in overtime in the 2003 regular-season finale, the Steelers would not have had the 11th pick in the draft and Roethlisberger likely would not have been available to them. Then, the Ravens knocked Maddox out in the second game to start the Roethlisberger era early.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Well, ESPN got their act together and finally, given no choice, they unanimously put Pittsburgh ack at number one in the Power Rankings.

However, look at these (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3266080) chowderheads.

Don't fret QB Tom Brady's meltdown Monday night. Call it a mulligan. The Patriots still are the team to beat.

And then look at the highest and lowest positions. Pittsburgh beat the Eagles and the Patiots handily, and yet they've NEVER been ranked at the top. Not even after the Patsies lost to the hapless Dolphins.

Like I said before, Pittsburgh doesn't get the respect that they deserve. I'll bet that even after they win the Super Bowl someone will still rank them lower than the Patsies and the Eagles.

*sigh*

[Enginerd]

The Steelers beat the 5-9 (in the NFC!) Giants in a game that came down to the 2 minute warning. Want a cookie?

Each of the top 3 teams took a dump in week 15 - the Steelers and Pats failed to play like top tier teams against sub-par opponents, and the Eagles lost one of their most important offensive playmakers. Had the Steelers manhandled the Giants, I could see an argument for changing the rankings, but they sure didn't make much of a case for themselves.

Wins are wins, but power rankings aren't based on wins alone. Division titles and playoff seeds are, though - relax.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

How sweet it is! 20 - 7, and it wasn't even that close. The CBS guys, Brent Jones and the other guy, sure seemed to be pulling for the Ravens. I loved how Jones kept calling for them to give the ball to Jamal Lewis more, even when he had 9 carries for 7 yards. I almost got more yards against the Steelers today than he did!

I particularly loved how the other guy was suggesting that the Ravens had some sort of justification for roughing the passer because Joey Porter pushed Todd Heap in the shoulder pads back in the earlier game.

If nothing else, Bilick can remind everyone during the whole off-season how they were the team that devastated the Steelers back in week three.

A bye week, home field advantage... all good things, but it reminds me of 2001 and the Patriots. Still, "We---- 've got a feeling..."

[Weirddave]

Well, we got completely outplayed today. Pittsburgh deserved to win.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Vengeance is ours!

Mwahahahaha!!!!!

And to think that all of you guys thought that I was cursing the Steelers. Nay, I dare say that this thread is the only reason that they are doing so well. I bet they secretly read this and play up to my expectations. After all, I called it. :D

[Siege]

I've just got one question: What does Baltimore have against our quarterbacks? ;) They've taken out two in two games. I'm with Hentor in that I got fed up with the way the commentators on CBS said they were justified in taking out Rothlisberger because of Joey Porter's pushing Todd Heap. It looked like a deliberate, late hit. By the way, according to the morning news, there's still no word on Rothlisberger's condition.

I'll admit to being a bit worried about this game, like I have been about the past few. It's nice to see them pull another one off.

CJ

[The_Raven]

I'll bet that even after they win the Super Bowl


Not to be a nitpicker, but you misspelled "New England"

;)

-Rav


"Never has a team talked so much, and won so little"

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Oh, the same New England team that got bitch-slapped by the Steelers and then lost to the uber-pathetic Dolphins by blowing a big lead with 4 minutes left?

I'm not worried.

[The_Raven]

Oh, the same New England team that got bitch-slapped by the Steelers and then lost to the uber-pathetic Dolphins by blowing a big lead with 4 minutes left?

I'm not worried.


Blah, blah, blah.... When the chips are down, you find out who the winners are, and you know who the chokers are. I hope the Stiller fans made reservations for the Super Bowl again, us Patriots fans got some damn good bargains in '01.

"Sometimes the best team doesn't win."
- Kordell 'Slash' Stewart, January 27, 2002

Buahahahahaha... Whiney bitches. Give the Steelers credit though, at least they earned their AFC North title this year, as opposed to 2002 where a measly 10 wins took the title, and 6 of those wins were beating up on the pathetic "division opponents" the NFL bestowed upon them.

You all had better be lighting some candles for a quick recovery for BR, cause Tommy Maddox ain't getting it done. I heard Neil O'Donnell might be available though... :D

-Rav

[Happy Scrappy Hero Pup]

Airman Doors:

I don't care how you take this, but your team has to lose next week. You're clinched already. Rest your starters. Seriously.

Oh, and the Jets can lose too. And the Colts can win.

Then I will watch the playoffs and all will be copacetic in Scrappyland.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Why do they absolutely HAVE to lose?

[Hentor the Barbarian]

I also am missing out on the logic. Why do the Steelers have to lose? We can rest some people, but I think we would still prefer to win the game.

Also, talk about a lot of "talking," The_Raven! After the Steelers took the Patriots collective pants down and laughed at their small penis last Halloween, I would think it more productive to see if your team might be able to turn things around on the field, rather than running your trap. It is an anything-can-happen kind of league, no doubt, but the way Tom Brady turned into a frightened little girl throwing the ball all over the field down in Miami, I'll be happy to take our chances with them again.

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

From:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04362/432941.stm

As running back Jerome Bettis declared, "The road to the Super Bowl comes through Pittsburgh."

Like I said; talk so much, win so little... Hey guys, you got beat by Drew Bledsoe in an AFC Championship game!

Really now, penis jokes? From fans of the team that subjected us to Kordell Stewart? The home of hyper-macho Sgt. Slaughter, Coast Coward? Hmmm.... Methinks thou dost... something or other.

Jan. 11, 2003 AFC Divisional Tennessee 34, Pittsburgh 31 OT
Jan. 27, 2002 AFC Championship New England 24, Pittsburgh 17

See a pattern developing here? BTW, I think black and gold are great colors for a bridesmaid's gown.


-Rav

[Ellis Dee]

Seriously, what is so hard to understand by the particularly Happy Scrappy Hero pup? The Steelers have to lose because of exactly two words:

GO BILLIES!!!!!!!

All you need is a Denver loss, you don't need the Jets to lose as well. I'm rooting for the AFC East to send three teams to the playoffs and wreck havoc unto all comers.

Go Billies, it's your birthday. Go Billies, it's your birthday.

J.P. who? Go Bledsoe, he finally has a legitimate replacement for Peerless in Evans. I was listening to sports talk radio last night, and a Billies fan called up with some tidbits that got me pumped for them.

"In the last 6 games, the Bills have scored 200 points."

Wow. Just wow. A buddy is a huge Bills fan, and it just rubs off. For the longest time he had to console himself by rooting for the Giants and Jets, but now his is clearly the best team of the three. As a Giants fan first and Jets fan second, I must say I'm starting to be a little ambivalent about the Jets with the Bills playing so well in all three phases of the game.

I'd love love love to see the Billies win it all. To have Bledsoe deliver on his most excellent promise.

"So Drew, how did it feel to get a Superbowl ring as a backup?"

"It was nice to be a part of such a successful team, but it won't compare to the joy I will feel when I win one for Buffalo and its fans."

Oh hell yeah.

Be warned, you will be facing the absolute best effort imaginable from the Steelers' practice squad.

GO BILLIES!!!

[Hentor the Barbarian]

From:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04362/432941.stm

As running back Jerome Bettis declared, "The road to the Super Bowl comes through Pittsburgh."

Like I said; talk so much, win so little... Hey guys, you got beat by Drew Bledsoe in an AFC Championship game!It seems that you don't know what that cliche means. Perhpas you haven't been following football very long. It simply refers to home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which the Steelers won by not shitting their pants against the Dolphins.

So, in fact, the road to the Superbowl does go through Pittsburgh this year.

[Neurotik]

It seems that you don't know what that cliche means. Perhpas you haven't been following football very long. It simply refers to home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which the Steelers won by not shitting their pants against the Dolphins.

So, in fact, the road to the Superbowl does go through Pittsburgh this year.
No, that cliche does not mean that. It means that the Steelers are declaring themselves the best team in the AFC this year and that anyone who wants to go to the Super Bowl is going to have to beat them. It has nothing to do with home field advantage. That's why defending champs always say that the road to the championship still goes through them, even if they didn't do so hot that year and don't have home field advantage.

Not that I disagree with Pittsburgh's assessment of the situation, mind you.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

No, that cliche does not mean that. It means that the Steelers are declaring themselves the best team in the AFC this year and that anyone who wants to go to the Super Bowl is going to have to beat them. It has nothing to do with home field advantage.

I disagree, particularly in the context in which The_Raven brought up the quote. Anyone who didn't have home field advantage and said that the road to the Superbowl goes through them would be talking out of their ass. Of course, having home field throughout means by definition that one is the best in the league. Tell you what - find me a quote of any Steeler saying that the road to the Superbowl went through Pittsburgh before they secured home field throughout, and I will gladly concede the point.

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

If the road were really to go through Pittsburgh, that would mean that is is a certainty that the eventual AFC champion would have to play the Steelers. So where is it written that the Steelers are a lock to go to the AFC Championship game? Anything can happen, especially if Wonder Boy can't raise his arm above his shoulder in a few weeks. Either way, good luck outscoring the Colts in the Divisional playoff! You remember that game, right? It's the ugly on-ramp to the the road to the AFC championship.

Pittsburgh PF: 343 PA:227
Indianapolis PF: 508 PA:318

Oh, and another thing... Only the Cowboys and Eagles faced an easier schedule than the Steelers this season. The average winning percentage of the Steelers opponents was a redoubtable .476

Cite: http://www.theredzone.org/strength.asp


Dolphins .531 135 119
Cardinals .523 134 122
Seahawks .516 132 124
Jaguars .516 132 124
Patriots .512 130 124
Bills .512 130 124
Jets .512 130 124
Rams .512 131 125
Raiders .512 131 125
49ers .512 131 125
Texans .510 130 125
Ravens .508 128 124
Bengals .508 129 125
Colts .508 130 126
Packers .508 130 126
Chargers .506 129 126
Saints .504 129 127
Vikings .496 127 129
Bears .496 127 129
Lions .492 126 130
Panthers .492 126 130
Redskins .492 125 129
Broncos .490 125 130
Chiefs .488 125 131
Falcons .488 125 131
Browns .488 124 130
Titans .486 124 131
Buccaneers .484 124 132
Giants .480 122 132
Steelers .476 120 132
Eagles .472 120 134
Cowboys .469 119 135

[The_Raven]

...god, my vB coding sucks... My apologies for the puddle of vomit I just left... Dammit, where did I put that funny smelling sawdust?

-Rav

[Ellis Dee]

All cleaned up for ya...Dolphins .531 135 119
Cardinals .523 134 122
Seahawks .516 132 124
Jaguars .516 132 124
Patriots .512 130 124
Bills .512 130 124
Jets .512 130 124
Rams .512 131 125
Raiders .512 131 125
49ers .512 131 125
Texans .510 130 125
Ravens .508 128 124
Bengals .508 129 125
Colts .508 130 126
Packers .508 130 126
Chargers .506 129 126
Saints .504 129 127
Vikings .496 127 129
Bears .496 127 129
Lions .492 126 130
Panthers .492 126 130
Redskins .492 125 129
Broncos .490 125 130
Chiefs .488 125 131
Falcons .488 125 131
Browns .488 124 130
Titans .486 124 131
Buccaneers .484 124 132
Giants .480 122 132
Steelers .476 120 132
Eagles .472 120 134
Cowboys .469 119 135

[Ellis Dee]

Those numbers are misleading, btw. The Steelers play a 9 (or 10) win team next week. The rankings are meaningless until the season is over.

For example, the Jets' opponents have 5 more wins than the Pats, but they are listed as even because the two opponents next week have a 5 win differential between them. In reality, the Pats total opponent rank is .496 while the Jets is .517, if you include next week.

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

Wow, that was faster than a instant microwave drive-through fast thing! Thanks Ellis!

Good luck to your beloved Bills! I'd like to see Drew get a break for once, it's been a tough couple years for him in Buffalo, and he took a pounding toward the end of his time in NE. Since the XFL MVP will be starting for the Steelers, I'd give the Bills a fair chance. Now if the Rams can just stand up on their hind legs and whup up on the cheap-shotting New Jersey Jets, things will be beautiful...

-Rav

P.S. On preview, I understand what you're saying re: the numbers being meaningless until the season's over, but once the season's over, the numbers are meaningless, eh?

:D

[Happy Scrappy Hero Pup]

The Steelers have to lose because the Bills have to win. It don't take Socrates to figure that one out.

And I'd like to see Indianapolis beat Denver just becuase I love watching Peyton do his thing. And maybe this season will make poor Jake Plummer realize that waiting for the play to unfold rather than going off half-cocked is a better way to play football.

If the Bills make the playoffs, it might even begin to fill the Stanley-Cup-sized hole in my heart that I've got no Devils games to watch.


Come on, Steelers. Home-field throughout the playoffs. Football's a tough game. It hurts a lot to play. Boy, could you guys use a couple weeks to get healthy again.

[meathead]

Either way, good luck outscoring the Colts in the Divisional playoff! You remember that game, right? It's the ugly on-ramp to the the road to the AFC championship.


Maybe I don't understand, but since the Stillers are the 1 seed and the Colts the 3 seed, isn't it pretty much impossible for them to meet in the divisional round?

The Stillers should get the lowest seeded winning team from week 1 of the playoffs in the divisional round. If the Colts win in week 1 of the playoffs, the other winner has to be seeded lower than them. A win for the Colts means they have to play at New England. Right??

[Mr. Goob]

As a Bills fan (season ticket holder yada yadda) I am looking forward to Sunday. I can only hope the Steelers fall into the pattern Buffalo had once upon a time of resting a lot of the dinged up starters in a meaningless game after homefield was wrapped up.


Hmmmm, maybe this is a bad example considering the outcome 4 times in a row...

[Airman Doors, USAF]

So, how 'bout those 15-1 Steelers? :D

I notice that with this win the Buffalo Bills are out of the playoffs. Better luck next year. Too bad that your first team couldn't beat the Steeler benchwarmers. Ain't that a bitch?

I also notice that the Eagles are getting utterly crushed by the Bengals. While you can make the case that they put in their schlubs for the game, you can also make the case that they're not very deep, so all you Eagles fans better hope that you don't lose anybody else to injuries.

Onward to the Super Bowl. Just a few more ass-whoopings and it'll be all over, with the crowning of a new NFL Champion after one of the best seasons the NFL has ever seen.

[ataraxy22]

I predict the Steelers will go 16-0 in the regular season, highlighted by 135-0 and 118-0 wins over the Browns. In fact I doubt any opponents will score on them all season. Even money on whether an opponent will get a first down against the Steelers this year.
Oops, looks like I was 1 game off in my prediction (made August 9th, 2004). How was I supposed to know the Steelers would be so charitable as to spot the Ravens a game in week 2 of the regular season?! And I guess I was a little off on my predictions for the scores in the Browns games....again, the Steelers are a charitable lot and show mercy to vanquished opponents by not running up the score.

[Happy Scrappy Hero Pup]

Screw you, Airman Doors, and screw your Stealers. We needed that game and you didn't.

Screw you. No hockey and no AFL yet. Maybe I'll go to work or something.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Screw you, Airman Doors, and screw your Stealers. We needed that game and you didn't.

Screw you. No hockey and no AFL yet. Maybe I'll go to work or something.Hell, we tried, but you guys just wouldn't take it. I think we were playing with 10 guys on defense during the fourth quarter. They called me to see if I would like to come in for a few plays there at the end, but I was in the shower and the machine picked up the call.