The Second Annual Steelers March To The Super Bowl Thread.

[MeanJoe]

It's all my fault for the first half performance. I wasn't drinking, at all. Half-time I started drinking - heavily. I busted open a new case of Yuengling and we're coming back. If, big if, capital IF, we score on this drive and can stop the Pats on the next possession....

I need another beer.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Cowher really showed his vagina with that decision.

[MeanJoe]

I'd rather they went for it but 3 more points narrows it down even more.

[Siege]

Cowher really showed his vagina with that decision.
That's a surprisingly sexist remark from you!

As for the game, I can't look. Someone wake me when it's over? :eek:

CJ

[Diogenes the Cynic]

It's still a two possession drive and I guarantee that NE gets at least a FG on the drive.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

That's a surprisingly sexist remark from you!
Sorry. Watching football increases male testosterone by a factor of like 50.

[MeanJoe]

My bad. I put my Steeler's hat on. Sorry.

*getting another beer*

All my Steeler's gear is cursed....

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I feel bad for the Bus. It would have been nice to see him get a ring. He's an HoFer for sure.

[Siege]

The ruling on the interception stands. Man, I could get to hate Sundays! First I learn my grandmother's dying (two weeks ago), now this! Come on, guys, have some mercy on a poor, Steeler fan! We've pulled off miracles in the past, why not today?


Oh, Diogenes, old pal, no problem. My own testosterone levels a bit high at the moment, too.

CJ

[Soapbox Monkey]

Well, it's analysis time. This year we went 15-1. Any other season and a record like that would have made us shoe-ins for Super Bowl champs. But the one season we chose to go with that record just HAD to be a season where the soon-to-be-Dynasty Patriots were standing in our way.

Will we every have an opportunity quite like this again? Bettis, who is the heart and soul of this team, may be playing his last game ever. I wanted a Super Bowl win more than anything in the world for him. There is a chance we will lose Plaxico, who gives us some semblence of a deep passing game. We are bound to lose 1 or 2 of our defensive guys to free agency.

It may be half a decade before we get another opportunity like the one we had this season. :(

[Kel Varnsen - Latex Division]

All I know is that with Atlanta's loss it is another Super Bowl for the Blues States. Being conserative just doesn't work in fooball.

[Khadaji]

I fear that last interception put an end to the game.

Congratulations to the Patriots (and their fans.)

For the Superbowl I'll be rooting for the Eagles, but I am predicting the Pats will win.

[imthjckaz]

Boom boom, out go the lights!

[Siege]

Damn. I should have known an all Pennsylvania Superbowl was too much to hope for. Still, I did have my dreams.

CJ

[Kid_A]

All I know is that with Atlanta's loss it is another Super Bowl for the Blues States. Being conserative just doesn't work in fooball.
Huh?
1995 - Dallas
1996 - San Francisco
1997 - Green Bay
1998 - Denver
1999 - Denver
2000 - St. Louis
2001 - Baltimore
2002 - New England
2003 - Tampa Bay
2004 - New England

By my count and the 2004 electoral map, that's 5 for the red states and 5 for the blue states.

[NoClueBoy]

41-20

NOW cue the song

The Pat D stepped up again. And Brady took advantage. Man, those Pitt ends didn't even look like they were trying on that last TD.


Superbowl prediction: NE 35 Ph 24

[Snooooopy]

And Belichick twists the knife with the end around!

[MeanJoe]

This was one hell of a season, more than I ever hoped out of this year. Losing another AFC Championship game hurts.... bad. This kills me, for The Bus alone this is unbearable. I wish he would come back next year but ya' know... :(

To the Patriot's and their fans, congratulations. Definitely a class organization and one hell of a team that took the field today and they deserve their win. It would be easy to root against you in the Super Bowl since you knocked out my heart tonight. Instead I'm going to wash this bitter pill down with another beer and I wish you a victory the Super Bowl over the Eagles.

Fuck. I'd like to offer some hope of "maybe next year" but damn.... just not right now.

MeanJoe

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I know how it feels. The same thing happened to the Vikings in '98. They went 15-1 and everyone was sure it was finally our year. Then we lost the NFC Championship game to the Falcons in overtime. Our kicker, who had not missed a field goal or extra point all year (the first perfect season for a kicker in NFL history) shanked a routine field goal that would have one the game. It STILL sucks for Vikings fans.

At least you Steelers fans were granted the mercy of a blow out and din;t have to suffer an overtime heartbreak.

There's no shame in losing to the Pats, by the way. That's a hell of a good team with a lot of class and an all time coach.

[High Cheese]

Well, it's analysis time. This year we went 15-1. Any other season and a record like that would have made us shoe-ins for Super Bowl champs. :(

Not so anymore. Pittsburgh became only the second team in NFL history to go 15-1 and not make the Super Bowl. But now only 2 of the 4 15-1 teams have even played in the Super Bowl.

Here's looking foward to next year's The Third Annual Steelers March To The Super Bowl Thread.

[danceswithcats]

Sorry Stillers. :( Wish the Iggles luck against the famous Philly choke.

[Soapbox Monkey]

Sorry Stillers. :( Wish the Iggles luck against the famous Philly choke.

Hell no. HELLLL NO! An Eagles fan friend of mine made it a point to call me the second the clock ran out to rub it in. But I made it clear to him that I would call him exactly 2 weeks from now, and that losing the Super Bowl is infinitely more painful than losing in the playoffs.

Go Pats.

[mouthbreather]

Congratulations to the Pats on a great game. I'm too drunk and depressed to come up with anything else right now. :(

[catsix]

We'll get 'em next season, guys.

Pats, good luck in the Super Bowl. You certainly earned it.

[SenorBeef]

Cowher gave up the game with the field goal on 4th and goal at the two.

The funny part is...

The Chargers lost to the Jets by being too conservative. Did the Jets learn? No.. they lost to the Steelers by being too conservative. Did the Steelers learn? No.. they lost to the Patriots by being too conservative.

[Soapbox Monkey]

Cowher gave up the game with the field goal on 4th and goal at the two.

The funny part is...

The Chargers lost to the Jets by being too conservative. Did the Jets learn? No.. they lost to the Steelers by being too conservative. Did the Steelers learn? No.. they lost to the Patriots by being too conservative.

But we DIDN'T play conservative. We came out throwing when we should have tried to pound the ball on the ground and control the clock. And those chances led to this disasterous loss.

[Loopydude]

Congratulations to the Pats on a great game. I'm too drunk and depressed to come up with anything else right now. :(

I'm drunk and happy! Woo Hoo!

Man, if the Pats win the Super Bowl again this year...Sox won the World Series...Cripes, what's next, Celtics win the NBA Championship??

WOOO HOOOO! :D

[SenorBeef]

But we DIDN'T play conservative. We came out throwing when we should have tried to pound the ball on the ground and control the clock. And those chances led to this disasterous loss.

Specifically, I meant the field goal call. As soon as the kicker came out I knew the game was over. You can't recover from such a cowardly decision in those circumstances. It sucked for practical reasons and it sucked because it boosted the pats and killed the steeler's morale.

[Weirddave]

1980-missed playoffs
1981-missed playoffs
1982-lost to Chargers in playoffs
1983-lost to Raiders in playoffs
1984-lost to Dolphins in AFC championship
1985-missed playoffs
1986-missed playoffs
1987-missed playoffs
1988-missed playoffs
1989-lost to Broncos in playoffs
1990-missed playoffs
1991-missed playoffs
1992-lost to Bills in playoffs
1993-lost to Chiefs in playoffs
1994-lost to Chargers in AFC championship
1995-lost to Cowboys in Super Bowl
1996-lost to Patriots in playoffs
1997-lost to Broncos in playoffs
1998-missed playoffs
1999-missed playoffs
2000-missed playoffs
2001-lost to Patriots in AFC championship
2002-lost to Titans in AFC championship
2003-missed playoffs
2004-lost to Patriots in AFC championship


Ahhh, death, taxes and the Stillers choking in big games. It's nice to know some things can be counted upon. :)

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

How in the hell does Coach Coward, the Sgt. Slaughter of the NFL go for the FG? Talk about cutting the balls off your team! That was the worst single decision by a coach I've seen since Morningweg's blunder with the Lions.

I respect the Steelers as a team, especially the front office which does a great job of coping with losing players to free agency. I respect the players, especially Jerome Bettis, who has been a great player and a class act for a long while. If he retires, that sucks. But if he wants to play one more season and get a ring, he can join the Patriot Hive Mind.

Having said that, I've never liked Cowher. He's always struck me as a mugging blowhard with a suspect ability on X's and O's. I've heard referees mention that Cowher requires a bit of extra explanation on disputed calls, due to his lack of familiarity with the rules.

The Pats are all about situational football, being in the right place in any given situation, and having the conditioning and ability to react and perform in those situations. I was watching an interview with Belichick where, in answering one question, he used the word "situation" more times than President Bush said "freedom" in the inaugural address. If you use that situational system, any game is equivalent. The situation doesn't change, just the surroundings and the pressure. If the situation doesn't change, the effect of pressure is reduced. This gives an advantage to the Pats right off the bat. Where other teams make mistakes, the Patriots seize on them because they are where they need to be.

Now, the final question; Who has a better "face"? The "Peyton Manning Face" :( , or the "Bill Cowher Face"? :mad:

-Rav

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

I'm drunk and happy! Woo Hoo!

Man, if the Pats win the Super Bowl again this year...Sox won the World Series...Cripes, what's next, Celtics win the NBA Championship??

WOOO HOOOO! :D Yeh! And the Bruins will win the Stanley Cup!!




Oh, wait.

[paperbackwriter]

But we DIDN'T play conservative. We came out throwing when we should have tried to pound the ball on the ground and control the clock. And those chances led to this disasterous loss.
Three observations and a question:
1: This isn't a disaster. Losing a game is never a disaster. No-one dies, no-one got maimed, no-one lost their home (unless they mortgaged their house to bet on the Steelers). Earthquakes are disasters, plane crashes are disasters, not sporting losses.
2: Cowher couldn't put it in Bettis's hands, they were playing come-from-behind all game. The score was 24-3 at the half, for Pete's sake. He had to put it into Ben's hands. Unfortunately, Roethlisberger couldn't pull it off, and played right into the Patriot's secondary.
3: Even when he tried giving it to Duce and Bettis, it didn't get them much. Bettis averaged 3.9yds/carry, and Staley only 2.6. Corey Dillon outgained them both in total yards and yards/carry on a sub-par performance. The Patriot's D just plain took away the ground game. Firts and goal from the 5 and they had to settle for a FG, for instance.

After this game and the Colts game will the press finally stop calling the Patriot's secondary patchwork and overmatched?

[mouthbreather]

1980-missed playoffs
1981-missed playoffs
1982-lost to Chargers in playoffs
1983-lost to Raiders in playoffs
1984-lost to Dolphins in AFC championship
1985-missed playoffs
1986-missed playoffs
1987-missed playoffs
1988-missed playoffs
1989-lost to Broncos in playoffs
1990-missed playoffs
1991-missed playoffs
1992-lost to Bills in playoffs
1993-lost to Chiefs in playoffs
1994-lost to Chargers in AFC championship
1995-lost to Cowboys in Super Bowl
1996-lost to Patriots in playoffs
1997-lost to Broncos in playoffs
1998-missed playoffs
1999-missed playoffs
2000-missed playoffs
2001-lost to Patriots in AFC championship
2002-lost to Titans in AFC championship
2003-missed playoffs
2004-lost to Patriots in AFC championship


Ahhh, death, taxes and the Stillers choking in big games. It's nice to know some things can be counted upon. :)


And the rats come out of the woodwork to hate, while their team is playing golf, obstructing justice in a murder case, or orchestrating cocaine deals. Typical.

[Weirddave]

And the rats come out of the woodwork to hate, while their team is playing golf, obstructing justice in a murder case, or orchestrating cocaine deals. Typical.
What's that? I didn't hear you, I was busy polishing this Lombardi trophy from just a few years ago. Notice the most common word in what I posted was LOST.

[mouthbreather]

I didn't figure you would hear me. Make sure you send a nice care package to Jamal while he's in the pokey. Can you post his federal pen. address? I'd love to know where the kids of Baltimore can write him, since he's such a good role model.

Lost? yeah, I know your shitbirds did a lot of that this year. Better cling to that trophy tight...your window of "But our team won a championship ..um...4 years ago..." is getting smaller with each season. Your purple shitbirds got demolished in the AFC north this year and now you're here to hate. Nice showing.

[Snooooopy]

After this game and the Colts game will the press finally stop calling the Patriot's secondary patchwork and overmatched?

Well, I don't know if there's any arguing that the Pats' secondary is patchwork. They didn't drag Hank Poteat off the street just for fun!

[Weirddave]

Better cling to that trophy tight...your window of "But our team won a championship ..um...4 years ago..." is getting smaller with each season. .
What was I thinking? You are so right. "But our team won a championship ..um...25 years ago..." is such a better mantra to have. I say it again: LOSERS. Bluster all you want, but you can't deny your history.






losers. Hee!

[Siege]

There's a very simple reason why we lost: 3 interceptions. Not much else to say.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Well, that's that. Good luck to the Patriots.

Here's looking foward to next year's The Third Annual Steelers March To The Super Bowl Thread.

You can count on it.

[ElvisL1ves]

Thanks for a good game, congratulations on a great season otherwise, and good luck next year. Pittsburgh has all the makings of a great team except for game coaching, unfortunately.

Tidbit: Belichick's NE teams have been 8-5 the first time they've seen a rookie QB - and now 14-0 the second time.

[Trunk]

Well, it's analysis time. This year we went 15-1. Any other season and a record like that would have made us shoe-ins for Super Bowl champs.
That's just not so, as has been pointed out before.

But you really need to look at what Pittsburgh looked like down the stretch.

After beating the Pats on Halloween with the gift of a 4-0 turnover margin, they then legitimately stomped the Eagles, and then really played as a mediocre team.

They played 1 more game against a playoff team, almost lost to the Giants and Jacksonville. Couldn't put away the Bengals or the Redskins. As they highlighted las night, over the last (I think) 9 games, Big Ben threw 9 TDs against 14 INTs and had a passer rating of 70. You simply need a better QB than that when you're playing teams like the Jets and the Pats. You don't need to be great in every facet of the game, but you better not have such a glaring weakness.

Teams figured out schemes against him and Pittsburgh no longer dominated. You can't discount that they won, but, at least in my eyes, they were not winning in too impressive a fashion.

As for yesterday, the final margin was 14 (although that last TD was a gimme). That's your Rodney Harrison TD right there, a 14 point swing. Cowher's decision to go for the FG didn't determine this thing. The numerous mistakes of #7 did. He got them playing from behind from a minute in.

If they can bring that defense back next year, and let Ben figure out a few more things, they'll contend again. Because he really does look good sometimes. He just also looks like a rookie sometimes.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Congratulations to the Patriots.

This idea that Belichick is some kind of genius and Cowher some kind of dullard is something that needs to be checked. Belichick's career record: 82-70. Cowher's: 122-84-1. Cowher does appear to have some kind of block when it comes to the big game, but fuck this nonsense about being some kind of football illiterate.

No, I take that back. Keep believing it. People were saying that two and three years ago. Like stupid motherfuckers from Baltimore.

Hey, and apparently I need to say good luck to the Ravens. Somehow they must have had a three round playoff bye or something, and must have done something this year. Or is someone here just being a little pussy?

[BubbaDog]

Well, that's that. Good luck to the Patriots.


Here's looking foward to next year's The Third Annual Steelers March To The Super Bowl Thread.

You can count on it.

Let's just be factual for once and call it the Chief's March to the Superbowl.


Ok now, all we need is a defense and we're good to go.

[Trunk]

This idea that Belichick is some kind of genius and Cowher some kind of dullard is something that needs to be checked. Belichick's career record: 82-70. Cowher's: 122-84-1. Cowher does appear to have some kind of block when it comes to the big game, but fuck this nonsense about being some kind of football illiterate.

Is this what you've chosen to cling to today?

You're rallying behind the idea that your coach isn't a complete moron?

"Hip hip hooray! You've overstated how dumb our coach is. Hip hip hooray!"

[Scuba_Ben]

My condolences to all you Steelers fans. I, like quite a few Philly people, was hoping for an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl.

Getting into the conference championship game is pretty good, and is nothing to feel down about. Philly knows -- we took four tries to win the conference.

Here's to better luck in Pitt next year.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Is this what you've chosen to cling to today?

You're rallying behind the idea that your coach isn't a complete moron?

"Hip hip hooray! You've overstated how dumb our coach is. Hip hip hooray!"No. I'm providing some data that tends to question the validity of calling someone a football genius who has managed to win 54 percent of the time. Perhaps there are other factors at work than his super insight. Or perhaps you can tell me how he didn't genius his way into the playoffs two years ago? Or you can just keep making little sniping cuntlike comments.

I'm not clinging to anything, pansy. We lost the game. Cowher is 1 and 4 in AFC Championship games. However, for a guy who supposedly has to ask the ref how to play the game, he has done pretty damn well on the whole.

[Soapbox Monkey]

What really gets me is now all of my Eagles loving friends and co-workers are living it up. "Oh man, sorry to hear that you guys didn't make it to the Super Bowl," as if just getting there means the Eagles are the 2nd best team in the league. Please, they are the 4th or 5th, at best. The Colts could hand their asses to them.

Hey Eagles, how about you guys come over to the AFC next year and see how well you fair? You bitches are going down so hard and it's going to be glorious.

[vetbridge]

There's a very simple reason why we lost: 3 interceptions. Not much else to say.

Well, that and the fact that the game is only four quarters long. I think the Steelers woulda won an eight quarter game. GO EAGLES!!!!!

[Trunk]

No. I'm providing some data that tends to question the validity of calling someone a football genius who has managed to win 54 percent of the time. Perhaps there are other factors at work than his super insight. Or perhaps you can tell me how he didn't genius his way into the playoffs two years ago? Or you can just keep making little sniping cuntlike comments.

The only person who has mention the "genius" of Belichick in this thread is you. I have no idea who you're arguing with.

But, you have Cowher's fabulous winning percentage. Let's not think too long on how many of those wins came against the expansion Jaguars, the expansion Ravens, the expansion Browns, and Cincinatti with their decade-long futility. The percentage you should be worried about is 16%, his winning percentage in Championship games, or 0%, his winning perentage in Superbowls.

[Hampshire]

Hey,
Remember December 20th when the Pats lost to the Dolphins?

Heh, that was awesome.
How bad did you have to suck this year to lose to Miami???

[Weirddave]

Hey, and apparently I need to say good luck to the Ravens. Somehow they must have had a three round playoff bye or something, and must have done something this year. Or is someone here just being a little pussy?
It isn't me who starts a thread before each season boasting my team is a lock for the Super Bowl. It isn't me who declines to discuss the actual games in favor of rabid diatribes about how my team is destined to win no matter what . It isn't me who acts like my team has some kind of God given right to win, ignoring that the other team is made up of professionals too, and sometimes they do their job. In short, It hasn't been me all season who has stomped all over every football thread on these boards with an obnoxious arrogance that is anathema to fun sports talk. Don't like it? Tough. Next year try acting like a football fan and not a Steeler asshole(if that's possible), and maybe I won't rub your fucking nose in the bitter stench of defeat when the Steelers lose in the big game, just like they do year after year. Maybe. Until then, reap what you've sown. Losers.

[Khadaji]

Hey,
Remember December 20th when the Pats lost to the Dolphins?

Heh, that was awesome.
How bad did you have to suck this year to lose to Miami???Ah good times, good times. :) But alas, my team lost to a team that lost to Miami. :mad:

[paperbackwriter]

So, a team that wins 31 of its last 33 games, that beats Dan Marino's supposed heir twice, that is now 8-0 in the playoffs since 2000, and that is going to the Super Bowl, this is a "sucky" team? That's kinda a pathetic statement, Hampshire. There are other ways to salvage any pride you may have had over your team's loss. Yeah, they had a letdown in Miami, but any empirical measure shows that they are still the class of the NFL. So the answer to your question is: you have to suck exactly enough to beat every other team in the NFL, including Miami.


BTW, did you take your nick from the college? Were you also a Hampster?

[The_Raven]

This idea that Belichick is some kind of genius and Cowher some kind of dullard is something that needs to be checked. Belichick's career record: 82-70. Cowher's: 122-84-1. Cowher does appear to have some kind of block when it comes to the big game, but fuck this nonsense about being some kind of football illiterate.

Please... Coward's Steelers had the fucking AFC North custom-created to ensure division titles year in and year out. When you can beat up on the Brownies and Bengals for a guaranteed 4 wins a year, and get the most cupcake schedule short of the Eagles and Cowboys, it makes it easier. I didn't make up the comment about the referees having to explain things to Coward, it was in an NFL Films documentary.

Oh, and last but not least... Coward thought... sorry, losing it.... Kordell...(snigger) Stewart (snicker, chuckle) was an NFL (heheheheh) quarterback (BUAHAHAHAH)!

When people are mentioning Coward's name in the same breath as Vince Lombardi, please let me know. Right now, Coward's name is mentioned in the same breath as Marty Schottenheimer :wally Does Lombardi go for the field goal in that situation? Fuck no! Lombardi had something more impressive than a strong jawline. Lombardi had a pair of balls.

Belichick is on the verge of tying Lombardi's record for consecutive playoff wins.
Coward is on the verge of tying his shoelaces all by himself.

Gotta admit though, great chin!

Or is someone here just being a little pussy?

Now really... Didn't DtC already get his pee-pee slapped for that kinda comment?

Or you can just keep making little sniping cuntlike comments.

There you go again... Yoo hoo, Siege!! Hentor's being a sexist bastard!

-Rav

[mouthbreather]

What was I thinking? You are so right. "But our team won a championship ..um...25 years ago..." is such a better mantra to have.

Whens the last time you heard me crow about that? Go look....I'm waiting.

That's what I thought.



After sobering up, sure, this loss still hurts, but we are coming off of one hell of a year. We have our franchise QB (Boller?? heheheh.) and all the pieces to make some noise next year.

Hopefully the Ravens can try to stay within 6 games of us next year, unlike this year. Good luck with that.

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

And lest I forget, how 'bout Coward taking the rookie QB that got Coward's sorry ass to the AFC championship game and throwing him under the bus? (No, not that bus)...

"Ben did some things well," Cowher said, "but you can't throw three interceptions, not in a game of this magnitude, not one for a touchdown."

Meanwhile, speaking on the play where he told his team he had no faith in the vaunted Steelers running attack and kicked that worthless, cowardly field goal?

"I'd do it again," Cowher said of his decision.

I bet you would, Coward, I bet you would...

-Rav

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

But don't take it from me, 'cause I'm not a Steeler fan... Let's hear it from yinz!!

From:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05024/447283.stm

worst of all is the atrocious call by the coaching staff in the last quarter, by kicking a field goal. By kicking that field goal he took the drive out of the comeback in the offense. End of story.

How much longer must we deal with Coach Cowher's inability to win the big game? This man is 1-4 in AFC championships and 0-1 in the Super Bowl. All of these losses have come when Coach Cowher has arguably had the most talented team on the NFL at the time of each loss.

Coach Cowher blew it with his wimpish decision to go for a field goal when a touchdown would have sent a shot of adrenaline into the Steelers regardless of the outcome.

Yes, we all know that Bill doesn't throw or run, but really, to call for a field goal from the 2, when trailing the defending world champions by 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, with the team having is best momentum of the game, was absurd. Even if the Steelers failed, leaving the Patriots at the 1 or 2, both the crowd and the defense would have still been going crazy, not to mention that the Steelers might actually scored. Instead, Cowher brilliantly managed to simultaneously take the crowd and the defense out of the game.

Paging Mr. Little, Mr. Grady Little....

-Rav

[Greenback]

I was listening to the game on the radio while in the car and I couldn't believe the Steelers' refusal to throw the ball on first or second down. Apparently there was no way Cower (or whoever calls the plays for the Steelers) could notice the 8 PATRIOT DEFENDERS SETUP TO DEFEND AGAINST THE RUN ON THE FIRST 2 DOWNS. Third and long and, lo and behold, a zone. Now, I didn't get to actually see this but the announcers were describing the defensive set before the snap all game long so, if they were accurate, why was the QB (I am not going to try and spell his name) not allowed to throw the ball???

[Weirddave]

After sobering up, sure, this loss still hurts, but we are coming off of one hell of a year. We have our franchise QB (Boller?? heheheh.) and all the pieces to make some noise next year.

Wait, Boller's your guy? I thought he was our guy! :p

[Airman Doors, USAF]

So, a team that wins 31 of its last 33 games, that beats Dan Marino's supposed heir twice, that is now 8-0 in the playoffs since 2000, and that is going to the Super Bowl, this is a "sucky" team?

Actually, for the record, they only beat the Steelers (and Ben Roethlisberger) once this year. And despite all of my smack talking all year, it's easy to see why the Patriots are (and have been) the team to beat these last few years. They come through in the clutch.

[Trunk]

The thing about the FG call at the endzone was that it was completely wrong on an intellectual level and completely wrong on an intuitive level.

It's the kind of call that a moron makes when he's in over his head. The kind of call that the cool Belichick would never make.

Why was this wrong intellectually --

when he went for the field goal, he's saying that they need to score twice more in 10 minutes, one of which is a TD, also requiring you to get the 2 point conversion. . .what's that, he's still going to have to call a play that gets them into the endzone from the 2 yard line.

Basically, even with the field goal, they still need to get into the endzone TWICE. Either 2 TDs, or a TD with the 2 point conversion, but he's already on the 2. And, with the FG, the pats are going to get the ball back with good field position.

If he goes for it, and misses it, they still need to get into the endzone twice, but there's a good chance that they will only need to get into the endzone ONCE.

On a more intuitive level, he took the crowd out of the game by going for the field goal. He didn't take the risk against the defending champs when they have the 14 point lead.

It was an atrocious decision, no matter how you slice it. By a coach in over his head. It's the kind of thing that the Red Sox got rid of Grady Little for after leaving Pedro in 2 years ago.

[World Eater]

Hehe, go Pats!

[esquimalt]

Actually, for the record, they only beat the Steelers (and Ben Roethlisberger) once this year. And despite all of my smack talking all year, it's easy to see why the Patriots are (and have been) the team to beat these last few years. They come through in the clutch.

They also don't shoot themselves in the foot too often. 8 takeaways in 2 playoff games vs. 0 giveaways, especially on the road, s going to carry you far.

[Jimmy Chitwood]

What really gets me is now all of my Eagles loving friends and co-workers are living it up. "Oh man, sorry to hear that you guys didn't make it to the Super Bowl," as if just getting there means the Eagles are the 2nd best team in the league. Please, they are the 4th or 5th, at best. The Colts could hand their asses to them.

Hey Eagles, how about you guys come over to the AFC next year and see how well you fair? You bitches are going down so hard and it's going to be glorious.

This is just hilarious. That's right, threaten an entire team personally because they're in the Super Bowl. Is it going to make you feel good when the Patriots beat the Eagles, little boy? Is that going to be glorious?

This thread is starting to make me agree with the people who think sports fans are cavemen, and I hate when people say that kind of thing. Maybe it's just that for once I wasn't disappointed by my team this season, but I don't get how anybody can take pleasure in this kind of pissing contest.

[paperbackwriter]

Actually, for the record, they only beat the Steelers (and Ben Roethlisberger) once this year. And despite all of my smack talking all year, it's easy to see why the Patriots are (and have been) the team to beat these last few years. They come through in the clutch.
To prevent any confusion, I was referring to Peyton Manning with that "beating twice" comment. He seems more taking after Marino's mold of record-breaking HoF career without a Superbowl ring. We don't know enough after (an admittedly impressive) rookie season to judge Roethlisberger.

[imthjckaz]

But, you have Cowher's fabulous winning percentage. Let's not think too long on how many of those wins came against the expansion Jaguars, the expansion Ravens, the expansion Browns, and Cincinatti with their decade-long futility. The percentage you should be worried about is 16%, his winning percentage in Championship games, or 0%, his winning perentage in Superbowls.
In the interest of fighting ignorance and all that, the Baltimore Ravens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Ravens), are not an expansion team.

The Ravens franchise used to be based in Cleveland, and were the Browns. In 1996, Art Modell wisked his team away from Cleveland and relocated to Baltimore, a city that had the same thing happen to them in 1984, when the Colts snuck away during the night and headed for Indianapolis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Colts).

[The_Raven]

Howyadoin,

Bill Belichick has coached for both teams; the Ravens, before they were the Ravens, and the Colts, before they were in Indy...

-Rav

[mouthbreather]

But, you have Cowher's fabulous winning percentage. Let's not think too long on how many of those wins came against the expansion Jaguars, the expansion Ravens, the expansion Browns, and Cincinatti with their decade-long futility.


:smack: Which side are you trying to argue for? the "expansion Jaguars" were a 49-31 team combined their first 5 years in existence. The "Expansion Ravens" are above .500 with a Superbowl win in their brief existence. The Steelers also were in the AFC Central through the 2001 season with the Oilers/Titans who with the exception of a two years in the mid 1990s didn't have a losing season and were a very good football team.

Sure, the Browns and the Bengals suck, but other than that you're grasping at straws. Talk smack on his AFCC record, he's not done too well there -- that's fair. But at least have your shit straight before you start making points you can't backup.

[The Mad Hermit]

The questions that must be answered:

Bill Cowher or Snoop Dogg?

Will Burress leave?

Will Bettis retire?

We'll see, in July.

[Ellis Dee]

This thread is starting to make me agree with the people who think sports fans are cavemen, and I hate when people say that kind of thing. Maybe it's just that for once I wasn't disappointed by my team this season, but I don't get how anybody can take pleasure in this kind of pissing contest.I agree. You and I argue all the time, and there is certainly no love lost between Eagles and Giants fans, but fuckin' A the fans of the AFC North have some serious hardons for each other.

To set the record straight about the Steelers having it easy, the AFC North was the #2 ranked division in the league. Only the AFC East was better, at #1, and the North had to play the East this year. Also, the NFC East was the #1 division in the weaker NFC conference, and the AFC North had to play them as well. Thus, the only division that had a tougher hill to climb (as far as winning the division was concerned) was the AFC East. The Steelers had no cakewalk; quite the opposite, actually.

The division rankings predicted the playoff performances surprisingly accurately. The second best division rep (Steelers) barely beat the also-ran (Jets) in the best division, and then got beat up by the best division's winner. The Eagles cut through the NFC playoffs with nary a hiccup, and their division was the best division in the conference. The AFC rankings were East, North, South, West, so it was no surprise to see Indy beat the Broncos and lose to the Pats, and it was equally unsurprising to see the Jets beat the Chargers. In the NFC it was East, *mumble* *mumble* West, so it was unsurprising how the NFC games went either.

Of personal interest is the "biggest playoff loser" distinction. If you go one and done, and the team that beats you loses next round, and so on, you are the biggest loser. There are two teams currently vieing for that title:

Chargers lost to the Jets who lost to the Steelers who lost to the Pats who ???
Seahawks lost to the Rams who lost to the Vikings who lost to the Eagles who ???

It is no surprise to see that both teams in the running for the biggest playoff loser are in the two Western divisions, also the two worst divisions in their respective conferences.

And Jimmy, I watched that Eagles game and kept saying to myself "that bastard McNabb is going to pass like a superstar all game and scramble for just enough to make me eat my words. And I swear he's doing it out of spite." Not spite to me, but spite to all the Vick fawning the pundits do. Still, it made me laugh a couple times. Good job by your man in that game. And if I were an Eagles fan, I would never ever want to see McNabb scramble again. Just like I wouldn't want to see Brady or Manning or The Chad or Eli scramble. Ever. Too dangerous, not helpful, doesn't scare the D. The Eagles D sure didn't seem impressed by Vick's ground game...

And finally, a question for Airman and the other Steelers fans. I know I've heard plenty of radio personalities in this area say without hesitation that they would trade The Chad for Eli straight up in a heartbeat. I wonder now, who should be more enthusiastic for their second year QB in 2005: Steelers fans or Giant fans? I for one am pumped at Eli's development. Start your career against 4 of the 5 best defenses in the league, take your lumps early, begin playing well toward the end of the season, and finally put together a nice hard-fought first win in the final week against a hated division rival. Personally, I think Eli might come to camp with more confidence than Ben, but that just sounds crazy even as I type this. Any thoughts?

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Personally, I think Eli might come to camp with more confidence than Ben, but that just sounds crazy even as I type this. Any thoughts?

How could that be? Ben has the backing of the entire team, he's demonstrated that he's a baller, and he has some real time under fire. Eli was on again/off again all season, there are lots of Giant fans that are unsure that he can get it done, and when he did play he didn't show me anything.

Ben's the established starter. The only thing Eli has going for him right now is his name.

[mhendo]

Ben's the established starter. The only thing Eli has going for him right now is his name.Why, what's so great about being called Eli?

:)

[Hentor the Barbarian]

And finally, a question for Airman and the other Steelers fans. [...] Personally, I think Eli might come to camp with more confidence than Ben, but that just sounds crazy even as I type this. Any thoughts?Well, I suppose it is possible. It is hard to see the season as a confidence builder, but perhaps maybe one of those character building things. Rothlisberger seemed to have the type of constitution that serves a quarterback well - he really didn't get rattled until the playoffs. Prior to that, and even in the Jets game, when the Steelers were down, even if it was because of poor play earlier in the game, Rothlisberger was cool enough to get them back in or win it. Even in the Patriots game, there was a point where we should have pulled to within 7 points after trailing by 100.

So, I tend to disagree with you, but I agree that it is not impossible.

My fear regarding Rothlisberger is this: If it was nerves and or lack of experience, that's fine - these things can be resolved with time. However, he seemed to have particular issues with the cold, and if he cannot overcome these, it will be hard to win playoff games in Pittsburgh. His response to the glove controversy suggested a lack of confidence - he seemed to me to go without them because people were speculating that they might have been a problem. Do what you want, and fuck everyone else, Ben.

[The Mad Hermit]

Cowher's got one more game to coach, and I've just realized it's why he loses the Conference Championship game so often. He likes Hawaii! Forget the Super Bowl, there's too much pressure. Instead, go to Hawaii and relax.

I think he wishes he was good enough as a player to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl, but this is his only chance to get there.

Boy, it must piss some people off to have Cowher coaching the likes of Ray Lewis.

Did I mention that I'm an Eagles fan for a little while? I like to root for the underdog.