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.
Why, what’s so great about being called Eli?
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.
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.