Steelers4Life
Footballguy
Did you miss the first half today? I think Parker and Bettis combined for under 25 yards in the first half, but Ben threw for about 175.It's going to be one helluva game.
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*** Denver vs Pittsburgh *** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter thatguy
- Start date
LuckyOne
Footballguy
They took Manning out by pressuring him. Plummer is just as effective on the run as he is in the pocket.Also, Denver has a very good run D to slow down the Steelers running game and Bailey should be able to minimize Ward's effectiveness.I'd love to see that.As the Steeler D kept Peyton in check most of the game, they'll take care of Jake.
Both are solid teams, but I think the Broncos strengths eliminate the Steelers strengths. I'm not sure it works the other way around. This wasn't the case against the Pats, and Denver still pulled off a win at home.
Add in the Broncos perfect record at home, and I would have to give the nod to Denver.
There it is
Footballguy
The Stadium is a mile high. Rarified air. I believe it is a special HFA for that reason. I remember even in the late 1980s when the Browns had to play them or even other clubs, how difficult it was to go there and win. They always seemed to cause more turnovers at home, like the visiting club wasn't used to the lack of oxygen and couldn't hold onto the ball or something. 
Bettis has asthma.
Bettis has asthma.
cstu
Footballguy
It didn't seem to bother him in the 1997 AFC Championship Game - 23 carries for 105 yards.Bettis has asthma.The Stadium is a mile high. Rarified air. I believe it is a special HFA for that reason. I remember even in the late 1980s when the Browns had to play them or even other clubs, how difficult it was to go there and win. They always seemed to cause more turnovers at home, like the visiting club wasn't used to the lack of oxygen and couldn't hold onto the ball or something.
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Steelers4Life
Footballguy
That game was in Pittsburgh, and Kordell turned the ball over 4 times.Oh, and that was Cowher's fault, by the way.It didn't seem to bother him in the 1997 AFC Championship Game - 23 carries for 105 yards.Bettis has asthma.The Stadium is a mile high. Rarified air. I believe it is a special HFA for that reason. I remember even in the late 1980s when the Browns had to play them or even other clubs, how difficult it was to go there and win. They always seemed to cause more turnovers at home, like the visiting club wasn't used to the lack of oxygen and couldn't hold onto the ball or something.
AcousticNut
Footballguy
It is also known that Denver's run blocking scheme isn't nearly as effective against the 3-4 as it is against a standard 4-3 defense. I like the way the Steelers match up against the Broncs and look forward to a very good game next week.
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Finatic
Footballguy
I also went with the Steelers.I like them in a low scoring game because of their ability to put pressure on the QB.This coupled with Denver's struggles running versus the 3-4 should enable them to control field position which could be huge in this game.The wild card for the Steelers will be Heath Miller who makes just enough clutch grabs for the Steelers to eke out a hard fought 16-13 victory............
Keys Myaths
Pokerguy
I have that game on tape by the way, want a copy?That game was in Pittsburgh, and Kordell turned the ball over 4 times.Oh, and that was Cowher's fault, by the way.It didn't seem to bother him in the 1997 AFC Championship Game - 23 carries for 105 yards.Bettis has asthma.The Stadium is a mile high. Rarified air. I believe it is a special HFA for that reason. I remember even in the late 1980s when the Browns had to play them or even other clubs, how difficult it was to go there and win. They always seemed to cause more turnovers at home, like the visiting club wasn't used to the lack of oxygen and couldn't hold onto the ball or something.
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
Wait a second, people like the Broncos here? Is it just me, or did the Patriots not dominate that game against the Broncos minus a few fluke plays that turned the tide of the game? Did Denver drive down the field and score even once that game when they started on their own side of the field?When I saw this line I was thinking Pitt all the way...
Stillers Jr.
Footballguy
I was at that game...coldest day in the history of mankind..I have that game on tape by the way, want a copy?That game was in Pittsburgh, and Kordell turned the ball over 4 times.Oh, and that was Cowher's fault, by the way.It didn't seem to bother him in the 1997 AFC Championship Game - 23 carries for 105 yards.Bettis has asthma.The Stadium is a mile high. Rarified air. I believe it is a special HFA for that reason. I remember even in the late 1980s when the Browns had to play them or even other clubs, how difficult it was to go there and win. They always seemed to cause more turnovers at home, like the visiting club wasn't used to the lack of oxygen and couldn't hold onto the ball or something.
Jacksonville, 1996, AFC Divisional round.
Actually, Jake is EXACTLY the QB you want facing the pressure that the Steelers are going to bring.Of the 8 teams that played this weekend, no team was sacked less frequently per blitz (Plummer went down once every 17.4 blitzes, compared to once every 16.2 for Manning, once every 9.2 for Brady, and once every 13.3 for Hasselbeck, to highlight some of the other "elite" QBs). Of all the teams that played this weekend, only THREE threw double-digit TDs against the blitz (Plummer with 11, Manning with 13, and Brady with 10). And of all the teams that played this weekend, Denver is the only team that didn't throw a single INT against the blitz... ALL SEASON. Not one.
So yes, I would say that Jake *IS* the kind of QB you want facing the pressure that the Steelers brought last week and today.
Freak turnovers? Only one of those turnovers was unforced. Denver was second in the league in turnover differential this season. They simply went out and did what they've been doing all season, and people were surprised to see them do it.
It's true that their RUNNING game doesn't perform well against the 3-4, but Denver was 4-1 against the 3-4 this season, including two wins against San Diego, a win against Dallas, and a win against NE this week (they were in the 4-3 during their first meeting).
It's just you. New England didn't dominate the game against the Broncos. They finished with FEWER first downs, and only one of those turnovers was unforced (therefore, the turnovers were not "fluke plays"). Meanwhile, Pittsburgh got up big against a sleeping Indy team and then barely held on to win it after Indy knocked the rust off. Denver's not rusty, FYI.Another thing that's not getting mentioned... Denver has two extra days to prepare. One day because they played earlier, and another day because the Steelers have to travel.
Not just this year. At *LEAST* for the past 3 years. And it's not just in the regular season, either- in the preseason they struggle against the 3-4, too. The only explanation I can come up with is that it's a schematic thing.That said, Denver's 9-0 at home and 4-1 against the 3-4 this year (New England played the 4-3 in their first meeting, and the 3-4 in their second). Denver's one loss against the 3-4 came back in week 1. Just something worth noting.
thesurfshop19
Footballguy
How in the heck do you have all these numbers, and why don't I? Where are you getting your data? I assume you haven't memorized everything, right?
Good info though. 
I just posted a thread about Plummer vs. the Blitz, to save me the trouble of having to repost it all week long.How in the heck do you have all these numbers, and why don't I? Where are you getting your data? I assume you haven't memorized everything, right?
Link: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=221175
thesurfshop19
Footballguy
Thanks, this is great stuff!I just posted a thread about Plummer vs. the Blitz, to save me the trouble of having to repost it all week long.
Link: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=221175
NorvilleBarnes
Footballguy
To me this game is the superbowl -or at least the two best teams left in the playoffs.I hate to say it but I like the Steelers here. But I wouldn't mind seeing the Broncos, along with one of my favorite players, John Lynch, go all the way.
Challenge Everything
Footballguy
BRINGING IT HOME FOR JEROME!!
There it is
Footballguy
Your new. So I think you don't know that this is the Phila Eagles saying.Bring it home for "The Bus-Bettis" will be more accepted here.BRINGING IT HOME FOR JEROME!!
Challenge Everything
Footballguy
Your new. So I think you don't know that this is the Phila Eagles saying.Bring it home for "The Bus-Bettis" will be more accepted here.BRINGING IT HOME FOR JEROME!!
NorvilleBarnes
Footballguy
Really? I have a feeling the fans went through more of an emotional rollercoaster than the players. Besides, "Emotional rollercoaster" is an excuse I'd expect to hear from a girls high school softball team, not the Pittsburgh freakin Steelers. I agree with you that road playoff games are tough, but we've seen a lot of road wins in the playoffs so far this year. They win, they're in the Superbowl - I gotta believe they're going to bring the intensity. Big time.
thatguy
Footballguy
It's interesting that when this poll began, Denver jumped out to an early 18-6 advantage, and it's been neck and neck since (currently 61-51). I wonder if the fact that the line ended up being less than many expected had something to do with that. Regardless, it's interesting to me.
Arm Chair Express
Footballguy
I think this will be a great game. I became a big Pitt fan the minute the Broncos won their game. Win or Lose they are playing at home where they are perfect, not to mention only one team has ever won three playoff games on the road to make it to the Superbowl! The crowd at Saturdays game was unbelievable and is definately a true 12th man, numbers aside, I think this gives Denver the slight advantage.
Black&Gold
Footballguy
Be careful what you wish for cause we're bringing the house.
Sheriff66
Footballguy
I saw the NE offense move up and down the field on Denver, but shot themselves in the foot too many time with untimely turnovers. This is going to be a great game, but Denver didn't overly impress me in the game, nothing that makes me think the my beloved Steelers can't win this game. I actually think going on the road for this game is an advantage for the Steelers, they seem to lock up at home in the playoffs....
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hardcoredx
Footballguy
I'm shocked the line is only Denver +3.5. Denver should be 5+ point favorites over Pittsburgh,considering they were 3 point favorites over NE. NE is a superior team to Pittsburgh -no question in my mind. I really think Denver has the Super Bowl wrapped up here in Detroit. The NE vs Denver game was the Super Bowl.
jurb26
Footballguy
So going into Indy and beating what is supposed to be the hands down favorite to win the SB is not impressive enough? Pitt did it in dominating fashion too. If you are not impressed by them yet, dare I say you never will be sir?Seriously, as a Steeler fan the win in Indy has got be one of the best I can ever remember. Nothing went their way and yet Pitt still stuck with it and beat a great Indy team on the road. They dominated the best offense in the NFL for the better part of 3.5 quarters and confused one of the best QBs in the NFL. I just hope that the game was not too emotionally draining on the Steelers. Den had the luxury of not only a bye week, but a team that self destructed and beat themselves for the most part. That makes me feel uneasy. I just can't help but feel as though this Steelers team has got to be at its peak right now, both execution wise and confidence wise. Oh and it is coming at just the right time which is great. The Steelers win 23-13.
jonessed
Footballguy
Any close playoff game is going to have a lot of emotion. Keeping playoff intensity for three straight weeks while on the road can't be easy. I probably shouldn't have used the term "emotional rollercoaster" as it wasn't really what I was getting at. It was a close, high intensity game in a charged atmosphere. That wears people down. I'm not so sure they can bring that same intensity next week.
KnowledgeReignsSupreme
Footballguy
Just to throw a few more stats out there.Offensive efficiency (first downs + TDs)/playsPatriots = 25%Broncos = 30.6% Offensive efficiency on the season.Patriots = 33.85% (7th)Broncos = 33.981% (6th)That means the Broncos defensive efficiency, had they held offenses to those numbers all year, would've been #2 behind only Chicago. The Patriots would've been #17 tied with a defense like Cleveland which was right in range with how they played all year. There was no magical defensive resurgence by the Patriots.However, like many many many times this year, the Denver defense absolutely collapsed in the 2nd half. New England's offensive efficiency in the 2nd half was 35.4% That defensive efficiency by Denver would've ranked dead last on the year. Houston's year long d_efficiency was 35.1%.So it was not a mirage when people felt that New England was able to get some offense going against Denver. This is where all the comments of "New England dominated" come from. They were not able to capitalize on it however and Denver just made some plays to protect themselves.Based on the regular season stats...Pitt is 9th on offense and 7th on defense.Denver is 6th on offense and 17th on defense.We'll see if Pitt can capitalize on another 2nd half folding by the Denver D.
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jeffsalmans
Footballguy
Denver might be the most underrated team I've ever seen. Here's the summary of "expert" opinions:
*They can't run against 3-4 teams. (Even though they are 4-1 this year against the 3-4)
*Jake Plummer throws interceptions, falls apart in big games, will choke, whatever. (As though the last 16 games mean less than what he did in the past, especially while playing for Arizona. Seriously, could it possibly be that the guy is pretty good but playing for Arizona got him into some bad habits that took a couple of seasons to get over? Besides that, he won a playoff game, on the road against Troy, Emmit, Michael, et al for the CARDINALS, their only playoff win since the 1946 NFL championship game. I predict Jake won't get any credit even after they win the Super Bowl.)
*The Steelers just beat the Colts in Indy, so they will have an easier time against Den. (Wouldn't this have applied to the Chargers too? They dominated the Colts in a very similar fashion to the Steelers, then two weeks later hosted Denver. Marty said they were playing all their starters because they wanted their 10th win, and since they weren't going to make the playoffs they were treating that game as their "Super Bowl". Meanwhile, the Broncos had nothing to play for and rested several starters, most notably Al Wilson. Because of this, SD was favored by 9 1/2. Denver 23, San Diego 7.)
*They only beat New England because the Pats turned the ball over. (Two things here. (1)They forced four of the five turnovers. They've been forcing them all year. BTW, on Champ's pick Brady wasn't leading the Pats in for the "go-ahead TD" like the doubters claim. He was leading them in for a FG that would make it 10-9. Now that I've split that hair, let's not forget that (2)the Steelers showed they can turn the ball over as well [paging Jerome Bettis--how do you not cover that ball with two hands in that situation?])
Denver has dominated every game this year with the exception of the opener at MIA, the final two minutes at the Giants, the KC game in KC in December, and the first three quarters last week. They beat a lot of tough teams too--Washington, New England, Jacksonville in JAX, San Diego twice, KC on MNF, Philadelphia when they still had TO and McNabb, Dallas on Thanksgiving.
The Broncos will win by two TDs and the consensus of the "experts" will be that the Steelers "dominated" and the Broncos were "lucky" to win and no way will they win the Super Bowl.
*They can't run against 3-4 teams. (Even though they are 4-1 this year against the 3-4)
*Jake Plummer throws interceptions, falls apart in big games, will choke, whatever. (As though the last 16 games mean less than what he did in the past, especially while playing for Arizona. Seriously, could it possibly be that the guy is pretty good but playing for Arizona got him into some bad habits that took a couple of seasons to get over? Besides that, he won a playoff game, on the road against Troy, Emmit, Michael, et al for the CARDINALS, their only playoff win since the 1946 NFL championship game. I predict Jake won't get any credit even after they win the Super Bowl.)
*The Steelers just beat the Colts in Indy, so they will have an easier time against Den. (Wouldn't this have applied to the Chargers too? They dominated the Colts in a very similar fashion to the Steelers, then two weeks later hosted Denver. Marty said they were playing all their starters because they wanted their 10th win, and since they weren't going to make the playoffs they were treating that game as their "Super Bowl". Meanwhile, the Broncos had nothing to play for and rested several starters, most notably Al Wilson. Because of this, SD was favored by 9 1/2. Denver 23, San Diego 7.)
*They only beat New England because the Pats turned the ball over. (Two things here. (1)They forced four of the five turnovers. They've been forcing them all year. BTW, on Champ's pick Brady wasn't leading the Pats in for the "go-ahead TD" like the doubters claim. He was leading them in for a FG that would make it 10-9. Now that I've split that hair, let's not forget that (2)the Steelers showed they can turn the ball over as well [paging Jerome Bettis--how do you not cover that ball with two hands in that situation?])
Denver has dominated every game this year with the exception of the opener at MIA, the final two minutes at the Giants, the KC game in KC in December, and the first three quarters last week. They beat a lot of tough teams too--Washington, New England, Jacksonville in JAX, San Diego twice, KC on MNF, Philadelphia when they still had TO and McNabb, Dallas on Thanksgiving.
The Broncos will win by two TDs and the consensus of the "experts" will be that the Steelers "dominated" and the Broncos were "lucky" to win and no way will they win the Super Bowl.
meanjoegreen
Footballguy
Page 3 already and the game is 6 days away. 
rockbottom895
Footballguy
I 100 percent agree with my friend SSOG. How can you possibly say that the Broncos beating the Patriots was a fluke? 3 out of the 4 turnovers that the Patriots had were forced, and only one was dropped. Also, if Tom Brady is so good, why would we throw a jump ball to David Givens on 3rd and goal, only to be picked off by the best corner in the NFL? After that, the game was out of reach. The Broncos just outplayed the Patriots. There is no chance the Steelers will beat the Broncos in Denver. Jake Plummer is the best QB out of the pocket, so all of the blitz's that the Steelers throw at him, could backfire. I hate to say it to all of you Steeler fans, but the Steelers are going to wear down. The Broncos have the second best rush defense in the league, and the Steelers run 57 percent of the time. The Broncos are going to do what they do everygame, and that is RUN. Theyll bang and bang with Mike Anderson, and then throw in Tatum for the big hit. Once the Steelers commit to the run and throw 8 or 9 in the box, Jake PLummer will beat them deep with one of his play actions. This game will nto be close. GO BRONCOS!Broncos 24 Steelers 13
NorvilleBarnes
Footballguy
I don't know - the Steelers just oWned the #1 seed. It's gonna be a great game but I doubt they roll into town and just do the things the Broncos hope they do.Steelers 34 Broncos 27
