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Couldn't agree more. What kills me is the how the Pats fans wait a few weeks until the memory of what a one-sided game it was fades a little bit and then start making excuses for the loss, blaming it on injuries. Even the Eagles fans haven't done this.
Fair enough. I think I'd feel the same way.
Regarding the above, though, there's an important difference between what you're saying and what I'm saying. The Steelers played a great game against an injured team and crushed them. I wouldn't take anything away from them - they played a great game. But they also played an injured team. It's not taking anything away from what the Steelers have done - and what they've done is incredible - but the one thing they haven't done is beaten a healthy New England team. And since they're likely to face a healthy New England team in the playoffs, it's perfectly reasonable to discuss what would happen if they did. We agree that the Steelers line play was much better in the second half than the Patriots - but you choose to say that they began to dominate early in the second half, while I choose to say that after 20 running plays they'd worn down the Patriots D, and that there are legitimate reasons that they got the bulk of those 20 running plays in the first half that are not likely to be replicated. That's where the crux of this argument is - you think it's going to happen exactly the same again, while I think you're going to throw a bunch of money away taking the money line. Well argued, and hopefully there's no hard feelings - here's hoping these two teams meet again because it'll be a matchup for the ages. 
I think what is upsetting Evilgrin and the rest of us Steeler fans is that your posts insinuate that Pitt was a fully healthy team and they just beat a totally depleted NE team. Pitt was just as banged up as NE was. I wish both teams could play with totally healthy rosters on a neutral site to end this debate, but we all know that will never happen.Fair enough. I think I'd feel the same way.
Not at all. I'm fully aware the Steelers weren't healthy. I've acknowledged on more than one occasion that they did it with their own injuries, and pointed out that Brady was unable to exploit Scott's injury. Take a look at the thread I linked above. If you're going to objectively look at these teams in a possible playoff matchup, though, the Steelers will have the same basic injuries, while the Patriots won't. Which is why it's more worthwhile to discuss the injuries that the Patriots had in their first matchup - because we want to figure out what areas of the game are likely to be different the second time around.I think what is upsetting Evilgrin and the rest of us Steeler fans is that your posts insinuate that Pitt was a fully healthy team and they just beat a totally depleted NE team. Pitt was just as banged up as NE was. I wish both teams could play with totally healthy rosters on a neutral site to end this debate, but we all know that will never happen.Fair enough. I think I'd feel the same way.
Neither side can say for sure how healthy either team will be in two months come playoff time. So that argument goes right out the window and is replaced with the unknown.Not at all. I'm fully aware the Steelers weren't healthy. I've acknowledged on more than one occasion that they did it with their own injuries, and pointed out that Brady was unable to exploit Scott's injury. Take a look at the thread I linked above. If you're going to objectively look at these teams in a possible playoff matchup, though, the Steelers will have the same basic injuries, while the Patriots won't. Which is why it's more worthwhile to discuss the injuries that the Patriots had in their first matchup - because we want to figure out what areas of the game are likely to be different the second time around.I think what is upsetting Evilgrin and the rest of us Steeler fans is that your posts insinuate that Pitt was a fully healthy team and they just beat a totally depleted NE team. Pitt was just as banged up as NE was. I wish both teams could play with totally healthy rosters on a neutral site to end this debate, but we all know that will never happen.Fair enough. I think I'd feel the same way.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
He's got to have something to keep him busy on a football message board...
antherssuck:Well, it is fun. Besides, what else is there to do as we prepare to eat an awesome meal (my favorite of the year), watch Detroit upset the Colts (because Detroit does things like that on Thanksgiving), watch the developement of Henson and brag to our family how good we are doing in our leagues this year. It's going to be a great day!FWIW-I am not a Pats fan. Just is awe of how they win no matter the odds at times.
Of course there are no hard feelings. Passion for your team is what makes the NFL great.Just as a final FYI - I wasn't trying to argue that things would shake out exactly the way they did last time. All I am saying is that the Steelers are beating everybody they play because their O-line is dominating in run-blocking. This enables them to dominate time of possession. They get ahead early and force teams to take chances down the field to get back in the game. When this happens, they can cut the blitz loose and their secondary can take chances. This is big because they are fast in the defensive backfield, but not experienced. They are better when they can afford to gamble a little.In order to beat them, the Pats or any other team are going to have to start beating the Steelers' offensive line and shutting down the run game. Whether they beat down the Pats' D and wore them out before they began to establish dominance as you argue is irrelevant. That's what they do to everyone, that's exactly what their game plan is. You're insinuating that a healthy Ty Law will allow them to do that; I disagree. I think the same thing would have happened if Law had never gotten hurt. I guess we'll just have to wait and see (as long as the Colts don't get in the way.Well argued, and hopefully there's no hard feelings - here's hoping these two teams meet again because it'll be a matchup for the ages.
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My analysis was dead on. Just because you couldn't understand it doesn't make it wrong. Pitt has zero chance of beating NE in the playoffs if their DBs and Dillon return from injury. The only miracle that could do it for them would be for their fans to steal a page from their neighboring drunken ######s Eagles fans' playbook and start chucking batteries at Brady. If one caught him good in the eye, they might stand a chance.Also, it's interesting that you "jumped into this" to take a shot at me, but didn't manage to refute a single one of the point I made, instead just calling me a peckerhead and saying htat it was ridiculous that Pitt could not beat NE. I don't know if your inability to respond to the argument came from a general lack of football knowledge or a more specific problem of reading comprehension, but I've reprinted the argument below, in case you can find someone to help you out with it.-----------I'm not a NE fan--I'll be holding the banner for the Cards until I die, and a lot more vociferously once Bidwill's family no longer owns them. That said, let me join the legions who are shocked that anyone considers Pitt the best team in the NFL. Pitt has been playing way over their heads for some time now. Given the talent that Cowher has for getting the best out of guys, I don't expect that to change. They will maintain their fire. But the problem is, that leaves them no room to improve, to really catch momentum going into the playoffs. NE, on the other hand, will be getting essentially their whole defense back over the course of the season. (Because no matter what anyone tells you, their defense starts and ends with pass coverage. Belichick only gets to do all that scheming because Law takes away one third of the field, and Harrison knocks out anyone crossing the middle. That's why Indy made such a point of changing rules that affect the way DBs play.) With the return of their DBs, NE will again have a top 3 defense, with the smartest and best coach in the league (When St.L and NE played, the Rams had a HUGE edge in available talent and the Pats had a HUGE edge in coaching... and look what happened). And on top of that defense and coaching, they have the assuredness of knowing that all their QB does is win playoff games. He's simply outstanding in the ability--and this is a real ability, not some hokum--to calm himself and his teammates, and keep nerves out of the picture with the game on the line. Anyone who has ever played in a high-stakes game knows that feeling, and must appreciate the way Brady deals with it better than anyone since Montana. The only way that NE loses in the playoffs is a) they don't get their DBs back, or b) Manning goes off on them. The level that Peyton Manning is acheiving right now is also fairly unprecedented, and it's not done like it was with Culpepper and Moss a few years ago in that 15-1 season, just running essentially one play. Manning is picking apart the entire field, building up the confidence and skills of all his receivers, getting them ready for battle. He is the Last Great Field General, and he is on fire. Over the last 3-4 games, Edge, Harrison, and Wayne will receive more balls, as he regains their trust and confidence and shows them that he has not forgotten them in his broadening of the offense. And then they steamroll into the playoffs. So the current rankings in the AFC are this:1. NE2. Indy3. PittAnd only Indy can beat NE. Pitt, though a great story, will lose to NE without question, and will only beat Indy if the Colts defense gives up 200+ on the ground, which is entirely possible.By the way, the only reason I jumped into this in the first place was to take a shot at Mr. Harrier, who I find to be a judgmental peckerhead who talks out of his ####. He made some very offensive comments towards yours truly in a thread a while back, and I do not forgive nor forget. I never dreamed it would take over my whole day !Time to watch Iron Chef and hit the sack. Have a great Thanksgiving all... and hats off to Bostonfred, you are a very persistent fan. Most people give up on arguing with me after about 6 hours or so... :rotflmao: Cheers to ya !
I refuted your point early on that Cincinnati shot themselves in the foot and basically "beat themselves" in the game last week vs. Pittsburgh. It's obvious that you did not watch this game, and I called you on it. Unsurprisingly, you had no response to my counterpoint. The rest of your argument was predictably absurd. How am I supposed to seriously respond to an argument you're making in which you say unequivocally that the Steelers CAN NOT beat the Patriots in the playoffs? That is patently moronic. If you had such a transcendent ability as clairvoyance, I'm sure you'd have your own site rather than making half-assed observations here. You want a response to your "argument", here you go
ittsburgh 34New England 20That ALONE is reason to believe the Steelers might have even a 1% chance of winning a rematch in the playoffs, regardless of the Pats' injuries, don't you think? 
Even the most rabid Patriots homer would concede at least that much. This is why I didn't respond to your analysis - it's completely baseless, and not even interesting enough to warrant a response short of ridicule.As far as questioning my football knowledge or general comprehension go, when you get paid by FBG to provide contributions like I do, then you can come back and talk. I guess someone thinks I have a decent grasp of football and the ability to articulate myself. Until then, feel free to continue posting your BS. I'm sure all the stuffed animals and "Playgirl" centerfolds you have propped up around you to simulate friends think you're the coolest !!!
Normally, I wouldn't have even bothered, but this clown made the mistake of calling me inflammatory names in another thread, and cast dispersions on my character without just cause or provocation. While some would choose to report such misdeeds, I prefer to settle my scores myself. I will not hesitate to call this joker out on anything he says as long as he continues to post on these boards. At leat a guy like Bostonfred can have a strong, sometimes heated argument while making salient points and not getting into personal insults. Him, I can respect.
Good post and your points are all well taken. However the fact reamains that at the time NE palyed Pitt, BOTH teams (not just one) had huge injuries to overcome. Pitt did it better, or at least played better that day. How exactly though is this proof or fact though that NE will be healthy and Pitt not if and when there is a rematch though? I didn't know we were predicting the future here. Anything can happend between now and the AFC Champ game (the next likely time they are to meet). So while your arguement is well thought out nad spoken, this unpredectablitiy makes it nearly useless. Both teams will have differnet guys hurt come that time and heck, may have different guys step up and play great! Sometimes an injury is not bad for the team per say. Look at what Ben is doing as a replacement player to see my point.
Note that New England is 0-1 playing teams from Pittsburgh this year. Don't make up stupid stats to prove your point. To say that Pitt "wants no part of them" that's just moronic. New England's secondary better heal fast, because I don't think you want Randall "No I'm Not" Gay and some random guy picked from the parking lot covering Ward and Plax all day.
It's pretty simple. The Pats have gotten healthier at every position except D back since that game. The Steelers put two of their three injured players on IR. So with regards to your question, how can you predict who will be healthy, the answer is you can't, but you can predict who WON'T be healthy (Bell and Hampton), and you can point out that more of the Patriots players are healthy TODAY, making it more likely that those same players will be healthy in January. Which was the point Bass made in the first post of this thread, really - that the Pats are getting healthy, while the Steelers are about the same, which improves the chances that the Pats would win the next time they meet. I don't see how you can argue otherwise, unless you think Scott is more important to the Steelers than Dillon, both offensive tackles, and hopefully Law and Poole.
Thanks. Same here.
Two points:1. So if Cincinnati did not beat themselves, but rather it was because of Pitt's own mistakes that Cinci was close, does that not tell us that Pitt is no longer running as efficiently as they were before, and we can expect a trend of increasing turnovers and penalties for them? And don't tell me I'm basing too much analysis on one game, because that's what you and your steelworking, battery throwing buddies have been doing with respect to the NE/Pitt game as well.2. You get paid for FBG to be a junior copy boy, not a real writer. If you can show me a media outlet who pays you to be a real writer, I'll show you a readership of two and a bankrupt publisher.
So let's examine this. You say:"At leat a guy like Bostonfred can have a strong, sometimes heated argument while making salient points and not getting into personal insults."And yet you also say:"this clown" and "this joker"As far as the casting of dispersions goes, you have to admit that I can't be held responsible for your lack of intelligent analysis. Maybe it was rude of me to point it out?
1. Yes, it was because of the Steelers own mistakes that the game was close. It was one game, hardly indicative of a developing trend. Or is a team not entitled to play a poor game occasionally (which they won on the road against a division foe, I might add) By the way, genius, no-one is basing the argument for the Steelers success solely on the New England game. Perhaps after drinking a wine cooler, you passed out for the next week and missed the Steelers' destruction of unbeaten Philadelphia in even MORE convincing fashion? Maybe you've missed the fact that the Steelers have won 8 consecutive games? I'd say there's more material there to support a trend than pointing at a single game, don't you? Or you do prefer to take whatever scrap of information you can run with despite the fact that it is in direct opposition with the events of the previous two months? Actually, knowing the way you post, that sounds about right.2. For your information, I have been gainfully employed as a writer (2nd job/hobby) in a variety of different media for the last 14 years and am a published essayist in two languages. As usual, you are talking out of your #### with no facts to back up what you say. Funny how no-one has ever offered you money for your "analysis." Judging by this thread, it won't happen anytime soon either. Do yourself a favor and stick to things you know something about.... maybe an expose about the sordid goings-on at Turkish bathhouses and rest area men's rooms might actually ring true.
First off, I would have never made comments like this about you had you not decided in another thread to instigate this type of behavior. There are a lot of people on this board with whom I have disagreed who can attest to my ability to debate a point without resorting to insults. But if you're going to make accusations towards someone you know nothing about, you had better be prepared to pay the price. If you were standing here, I'd be more than happy to smack the taste out of your mouth for you, but unfortunately I have to settle for this. If you don't know what I'm talking about, think hard, and going forward, watch what you say about people.As far as my lack of intelligent analysis goes, please spare us. This is coming from a Cardinals fan who likely has seen about 20 minutes, if that, of the Steelers all year long. Forgive me if I would rather listen to and discuss the matter with people who actually watch the games. When you make statements like : "The Bengals only lost Sunday's game because of their own mistakes" and "The Steelers CAN NOT beat the Patriots in the playoffs," you show your own ignorance. Both of these statements are patently false and show how little you know about the subject you're discussing. I won't even dignify your ridiculous "arguments" with a thoughtful response. You have no idea what you're talking about. At least the others in this thread actually watched the games and make valid points.
Terrible post.Only Indy can beat NE? Lets see: NE has dominated Indy recently and Pitt killed NE in their only recent meeting. Yet only Indy can beat NE? Oh that makes perfect senseMy analysis was dead on. Just because you couldn't understand it doesn't make it wrong. Pitt has zero chance of beating NE in the playoffs if their DBs and Dillon return from injury. The only miracle that could do it for them would be for their fans to steal a page from their neighboring drunken ######s Eagles fans' playbook and start chucking batteries at Brady. If one caught him good in the eye, they might stand a chance.Also, it's interesting that you "jumped into this" to take a shot at me, but didn't manage to refute a single one of the point I made, instead just calling me a peckerhead and saying htat it was ridiculous that Pitt could not beat NE. I don't know if your inability to respond to the argument came from a general lack of football knowledge or a more specific problem of reading comprehension, but I've reprinted the argument below, in case you can find someone to help you out with it.-----------I'm not a NE fan--I'll be holding the banner for the Cards until I die, and a lot more vociferously once Bidwill's family no longer owns them. That said, let me join the legions who are shocked that anyone considers Pitt the best team in the NFL. Pitt has been playing way over their heads for some time now. Given the talent that Cowher has for getting the best out of guys, I don't expect that to change. They will maintain their fire. But the problem is, that leaves them no room to improve, to really catch momentum going into the playoffs. NE, on the other hand, will be getting essentially their whole defense back over the course of the season. (Because no matter what anyone tells you, their defense starts and ends with pass coverage. Belichick only gets to do all that scheming because Law takes away one third of the field, and Harrison knocks out anyone crossing the middle. That's why Indy made such a point of changing rules that affect the way DBs play.) With the return of their DBs, NE will again have a top 3 defense, with the smartest and best coach in the league (When St.L and NE played, the Rams had a HUGE edge in available talent and the Pats had a HUGE edge in coaching... and look what happened). And on top of that defense and coaching, they have the assuredness of knowing that all their QB does is win playoff games. He's simply outstanding in the ability--and this is a real ability, not some hokum--to calm himself and his teammates, and keep nerves out of the picture with the game on the line. Anyone who has ever played in a high-stakes game knows that feeling, and must appreciate the way Brady deals with it better than anyone since Montana. The only way that NE loses in the playoffs is a) they don't get their DBs back, or b) Manning goes off on them. The level that Peyton Manning is acheiving right now is also fairly unprecedented, and it's not done like it was with Culpepper and Moss a few years ago in that 15-1 season, just running essentially one play. Manning is picking apart the entire field, building up the confidence and skills of all his receivers, getting them ready for battle. He is the Last Great Field General, and he is on fire. Over the last 3-4 games, Edge, Harrison, and Wayne will receive more balls, as he regains their trust and confidence and shows them that he has not forgotten them in his broadening of the offense. And then they steamroll into the playoffs. So the current rankings in the AFC are this:1. NE2. Indy3. PittAnd only Indy can beat NE. Pitt, though a great story, will lose to NE without question, and will only beat Indy if the Colts defense gives up 200+ on the ground, which is entirely possible.By the way, the only reason I jumped into this in the first place was to take a shot at Mr. Harrier, who I find to be a judgmental peckerhead who talks out of his ####. He made some very offensive comments towards yours truly in a thread a while back, and I do not forgive nor forget. I never dreamed it would take over my whole day !Time to watch Iron Chef and hit the sack. Have a great Thanksgiving all... and hats off to Bostonfred, you are a very persistent fan. Most people give up on arguing with me after about 6 hours or so... :rotflmao: Cheers to ya !
I think the team with the BEST chance to beat any of those three is Baltimore, don't sleep. Their defense is lights out and it looks like their offense might be coming around. Then again, there's the Ogden/Jamal injuries but if they are good to go by playoff time, they are the team you want to avoid in the first round.New England's defense is gimpy right now. Their rush D isn't what it was last year (although it looks to be improving), and starting DBs from the practice squad isn't gonna win you a championship.The most well rounded teams in the AFC right now are Pittsburgh, Denver and Baltimore. I say your SB rep comes from one of those three. I can't see Indy's defense holding up in the playoffs. All three of those teams play outdoors in the cold, so they have a nice home field advantage (especially Denver which is just ridiculous).Only Indy can beat NE? Lets see: NE has dominated Indy recently and Pitt killed NE in their only recent meeting. Yet only Indy can beat NE? Oh that makes perfect sense
No. I'm an even tempered guy, but if someone who doesn't even know me starts assassinating my character, that really makes me angry. You passed judgment on me without even knowing me, and misquoted me in the process. That, I do not appreciate.
I tend to agree, but I listened to Boomer Esiason this morning give his power rankings as:NEPhillyIndy--> Pitt
--> Atlanta 
I thought that was pretty interesting, and I can't say he's that far off. I'm going to add another team to the list, though, and say Green Bay is creeping up and would be 6th on my list if they win tonight...
Boomer. That sounds about right from an ex-Bengal. Gosh, how soon we forget.......... now we're behind Philadelphia too. I guess head-to-head dominance doesn't mean what it used to.I tend to agree, but I listened to Boomer Esiason this morning give his power rankings as:NEPhillyIndy--> Pitt
How many concussions did Boomer have? Indy should be no higher than 4th on anyone's power rankings.I tend to agree, but I listened to Boomer Esiason this morning give his power rankings as:NEPhillyIndy--> Pitt
If Green Bay shows well, I'd consider them even with Baltimore.I tend to agree, but I listened to Boomer Esiason this morning give his power rankings as:NEPhillyIndy--> Pitt
So it was written, so it be done. Hey Fazio, this is the type of analysis I was talking about!#1 New England
#2 - #32 Everyone else
OK, we've seen numerous of these both here and in the press. Everyone has Pitt at the top of the list. I'm not buying it as New England is the best team in the league and here's why...
* Sure Pittsburgh handled them quite easily at home. They also want no part of the Pats again this year. Note that NE is 9-0 with Dillon in the game.
* They're playing respectable defense despite a decimated secondary. They should get healthier as time moves along.
* Branch has returned from a leg injury and looked great last night. I will get flamed for this, but NE w/o Branch is almost like Minn w/o Moss or Indy w/o Harrison. He is Brady's #1 guy.
* Pitt was a wake-up call. The last three games have been domination.
Nov 7 @St. Louis Won 40-22
Nov 14 Buffalo Won 29-6
Nov 22 @Kansas City Won 27-19
* Belichick is the best coach in the league. Cowher went to NCState.
* NE has the firepower to slug it out INDY when Manning is on. With the new and improved running game, this offense is even better then last years.
#1 New England 
Check out the time stamps homie.Bass n Brew and Harrier were quite prophetic.So you picked the best team to win. What's the big deal?
I'm proud to be a fan of the team from my home city, no matter how they do. You would rather be a fan of whatever team has a nice tradition and looks attractive? I assume you picked the Yankees, Lakers, and Canadians to go along with your Steelers?Downing someone for supporting their team even when a horrible owner holds them underwater: Poor.Doing it because you're bitter that the other person understands football better than you and predicted in Novermber what would happen yesterday: Pathetic.
Absolutely. The hype surrounding this overrated Steelers club was unbelievable. It really exposed who has the football smarts around the Shark Pool and who doesn't. They barely beat the Jets and got whalloped by the Patriots.I never bought into the Steeler hype and took lots of flak for it. Possibly more flak than in 2001.Nice call, BnB.
yea but c'mon, have the pats ever not been the favorite to win the Super Bowl, even after losing to the steelers in the middle of the year?Check out the time stamps homie.Bass n Brew and Harrier were quite prophetic.So you picked the best team to win. What's the big deal?
revisionist historyyea but c'mon, have the pats ever not been the favorite to win the Super Bowl, even after losing to the steelers in the middle of the year?Check out the time stamps homie.Bass n Brew and Harrier were quite prophetic.So you picked the best team to win. What's the big deal?
