AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
This thread got stupid pretty fast.
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*** Denver vs Pittsburgh *** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter thatguy
- Start date
Luka_shocked28
Footballguy
and by saying something useless and off topic like that you only improved it
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/060116
My favorite comments:
Headlines That Are Probably in Newspapers This Morning
Pittsburgh: "Broncos ask to play AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh"
Denver: "Shanahan still without two playoff game victories since Elway retired"
Indianapolis: "Vanderjagt, Colts outchoke refs, Bettis in historic choke-off"
My favorite comments:
Headlines That Are Probably in Newspapers This Morning
Pittsburgh: "Broncos ask to play AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh"
Denver: "Shanahan still without two playoff game victories since Elway retired"
Indianapolis: "Vanderjagt, Colts outchoke refs, Bettis in historic choke-off"
Luka_shocked28
Footballguy
"This Bettis guy" also happens to be the 5th alltime rusher, just in case you missed the last 13 years of the NFL
Keys Myaths
Pokerguy
And by saying something useless and off topic about something useless and off topic you clearly only improved it.
Keys Myaths
Pokerguy
Oh dear God.I'm saddened to be a fan of one of these teams.
Really.
Keys Myaths
Pokerguy
My vote for understatement of the day.
How old is Bettis for one? What did he do last year? This year its all Willie Parker. Broncos IAN Gold and Al Wilson are the best just because they made the pro bowl? PIT always has top notch linebacks always. Polamalu is a better SS than John Lynch.... Lynch is good but Polamalu I think is better. All this talk about the mile high air I live in Denver it aint that bad up in the mountains is when its rough. Any athelete can handle it both teams will have there oxygen tanks on the sidelines just like in any game. Champ Bailey got ran down by a TE in that PATS game but Bailey shouldve smoked him right because he trains in Denver now? give me a break.PIT beat Indy hands down #1 O in the league couldn't do nothing. REFS made that game closer than it was.DEN couldn't get a drive going on offense. They better hope they can do something this game or they will be sitting at home. PATS would've beat Denver if they didn't make stupid plays, the Kicker knocked the ball out of the kickeroff returners hand. Thats bad. Dropped PUNT return.INT for bailey yes that was all Denver D I'll give that to them.PIT is very very hungry DEN needs to play 100% better than the PATS game all I got to say! How many yards did the PATS put on your D?
I think this will be a great game! I still don't get why everyone insists on comparing Jake to the opposing QB because of his past. This is a team game, and Jake has stopped trying to win games all by himself. This game is an evenly matched battle between 2 excellent smash-mouth teams. I believe whoever gets out to an early lead will be tough to beat. If Denver scores a TD first, that crowd will be nuts all day. If Pgh scores first (and second) they will be able to take the edge off the crowd (maybe). I think it will come down to who wins the turnover battle, as close games usually do. That is why the Broncos will win. They will generate more turnovers in this game because of the following: Pittsburgh is on the road for the 3rd conscutive playoff game- while Denver is at home for the second week. Pitts just won 2 games in which they spent much emotional energy. It will be very difficult to get up for a third consecutive time (that is why it has NEVER been done before). The altitude does seem to affect teams that play there, especially in the second half. My opinion is that Pitts starts out a little flat, Denver scores first to make it 7-0, and the crowd creates problems for the Steelers, several false starts, then a turnover...etc Broncos 27-17 over the Steelers. 
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
I agree 100% with the first part of your post (I don't have your knack for breaking a post down and answering it point by point - it's one of your most endearing qualities.) The Steelers clearly weren't on top of their game at playoff time last year and they ran into one of the best teams of our lifetime. The Broncos ARE playing good football, so the corollary doesn't really apply. What I was saying mainly is not to be misled by the fact that a team carries a long winning streak or a great record over the last x games into a matchup - as soon as the ball goes in the air, all that goes out the window. I'm sure you would agree.As to your second point, the running game doesn't really worry me as long as Whisenhunt calls the game the way he did last Sunday and takes what the defense gives him. The Colts basically sold out early to take away the run, and that's what opened things up for the passing game. In the second half of games, after the Steelers have worn the defense down, they typically can run almost at will, even when the other team knows it's coming. As S4L pointed out, they ran for 88 yards in the second half vs. Indy, which was more than they gained on the ground in their entire first meeting with the Colts. I have much respect for the Broncos' secondary, but any secondary needs to play run support vs. Pittsburgh. They WILL run on you if you commit only 7 in the box and play the safeties in pass coverage. If Whisenhunt see this, he will run it all day long, and the Broncos front 7 will not be able to slow them down. This is what makes the Steelers passing game effective. The Broncos will have to commit 8-9 to run support, and then you get mismatches in the secondary when they run Miller, El, Wilson, and Ward out there. At least one of them is in man coverage or open, and Ben has been very accurate making his reads and getting the ball out there of late. The key to stopping the Steelers is to get pressure on Ben in those instances - but not just some pressure to the outside, because he has the ability to split and make good throws on the run (just like Plummer), so you have to really collapse the pocket and give him nowhere to go. Last year, the Pats befuddled a rookie Roethlisberger by disguising coverages and baiting him into throwing the ball where they could make plays defensively, but Ben has matured and doesn't make nearly as many ill-advised throws. It's almost like a "pick your posion" kind of deal - that's what I have been waiting on for so many years now, and they FINALLY have a QB that can make it work.That is true, but the Steelers barely eeked by a not-that-great Jets team in the previous round and they looked vulnerable going into the title game because of how Roethlisberger's play in his rookie year went downhill at the end of the season. And I think their opponent in last year's AFC title game had something to do with it, as well.
I think their passing game and defense are functioning very well right now, but doesn't their running game worry you a bit? They averaged only 2.7 YPC against the Colts (one of the worst rushing defenses in the league) last week and even struggled to run it late in the game when they had the lead. It is doubtful that Roethlisberger will be able to pick apart Denver's secondary like he did Indy's and if their running game struggles again, they could be in trouble.
Of course, Denver runs a similar offensive scheme, so the Steelers face the same challenges on the other side of the ball. Hence, the game will be won on the lines - whose defense manages to generate more heat up front. Both teams have very solid OL and DL, so it's a dogfight. Whoever plays with more attitude and makes their own breaks will win it.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
So much talk about the Steelers offense and the Broncos defense.How about the Steelers defense matchup against the Broncos offense? I expect the Steelers to attempt to take away Rod Smith in the passing game and force Jake to throw to Lelie and whoever else. Ike Taylor has done a fantastic job against top WRs this year, and I imagine he'll be following Rod Smith wherever he goes on Sunday. He's starting to develop into a pretty good shut-down corner. The Steelers run a 3-4 defense and I've heard the Broncos sometimes struggle to run against that defense. We'll see how it goes this weekend, but I think they're really going to need to run effectively if they want to have success on offense. That applies most weeks, but especially this one.The Broncos offense struggled to do much last week. They couldn't run well and Jake didn't look especially sharp to me. What kind of success (and how) do Bronco fans expect the Broncos to have this weekend on offense?
jurb26
Footballguy
[QUOTE=']HAH POLAMALU IS BETTER THAN CHAMP AND LYNCH? IN WHAT UNIVERSE?
champ is the best cover corner in the league, and lynch has been in the top 5 SS in his conference for the last 8 ish years. i give the broncos the edge in this matchup
[/QUOTE] OK, sorry but this really made me laugh this morning. Move along, nothing to see here.
champ is the best cover corner in the league, and lynch has been in the top 5 SS in his conference for the last 8 ish years. i give the broncos the edge in this matchup
[/QUOTE]
OK, sorry but this really made me laugh this morning. Move along, nothing to see here.
Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
Certainly the Steelers played well last week but there is reason to believe that they haven't played their best game yet. Consider that they beat Indy despite:-2 turnover ratio (+7 for the year)2.7 yards per rush (4.0 AVG for the year)7.6 yards per pass (8.2 AVG for the year)
I'm glad the Steelers are on the road and underdogs because the pressure is building from losing the AFC championship games at home. They've played better on the road this year than they have at home, along with the fact that they are playing their best football of the year right now. I really like their chances in this game.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Thanks (if you are being serious, which I think you are).
I agree to an extent, but there is something to be said for going into the playoffs with momentum. Oddly, even though Pittsburgh went into last year's title game with a 15-win game winning streak, I think they are going into this year's title game with more momentum even though their winning streak is only at six games.
That is a good write-up. I would like to point out, though, that I don't think you will see Pittsburgh receivers roaming free in the secondary against Denver like they did against Indy last week. On the other hand, Pittsburgh's defense is better than New England's, so if Denver running game stalls, I don't think as many opportunities will be in there in the passing game like last week.
Snot Bubbler
Footballguy
Why don't the percentages add up to 100%. Right now it shows
enver 45.15%Pittsburgh 52.91%...for a grand total of 98.06% 
enver 45.15%Pittsburgh 52.91%...for a grand total of 98.06% 
Franknbeans
Footballguy
Null votersWhy don't the percentages add up to 100%. Right now it shows:
Denver 45.15%
Pittsburgh 52.91%
...for a grand total of 98.06%
BusMan
Footballguy
It's been very interesting to watch this thread. It started with Denver jumping out to a quick lead in the polls. But all the talk has Pittsburgh with a comfortable majority right now. Anybody out there change their mind on this game since earlier in the week?Why don't the percentages add up to 100%. Right now it shows:
Denver 45.15%
Pittsburgh 52.91%
...for a grand total of 98.06%
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
I agree. I believe the Broncos secondary (particularly the corners) are much better in man coverage than Indy's so Roethlisberger will have to be even more accurate, as his margin for error will be less. I really see this as a game that could go either way, and wouldn't be shocked to see either team win.Oh, and I was being totally serious - you're excellent at breaking a post down and responding point by point in a clear, concise manner. I respect that.Thanks (if you are being serious, which I think you are).I agree to an extent, but there is something to be said for going into the playoffs with momentum. Oddly, even though Pittsburgh went into last year's title game with a 15-win game winning streak, I think they are going into this year's title game with more momentum even though their winning streak is only at six games.That is a good write-up. I would like to point out, though, that I don't think you will see Pittsburgh receivers roaming free in the secondary against Denver like they did against Indy last week. On the other hand, Pittsburgh's defense is better than New England's, so if Denver running game stalls, I don't think as many opportunities will be in there in the passing game like last week.
moleculo
Footballguy
Man, you stiller fans are no fun. Pats fans were much more argumentive and disagreeable. Can we turn the "winey tool" factor up a notch? (just kidding)Oh, and I was being totally serious - you're excellent at breaking a post down and responding point by point in a clear, concise manner. I respect that.
Sheriff66
Footballguy
This game is just too close to call, it could go either way IMO, two almost mirror like teams, going to come down to who make the least mistakes. That said, I like the Steelers chances A LOT, undefeated at home or not.Man, you stiller fans are no fun. Pats fans were much more argumentive and disagreeable. Can we turn the "winey tool" factor up a notch? (just kidding)Oh, and I was being totally serious - you're excellent at breaking a post down and responding point by point in a clear, concise manner. I respect that.
Franknbeans
Footballguy
I think this will be an old fashioned slug fest. Can't wait. 
Tom Servo
Nittany Beavers
Iron City will do that to you.Man, you stiller fans are no fun. Pats fans were much more argumentive and disagreeable. Can we turn the "winey tool" factor up a notch? (just kidding)Oh, and I was being totally serious - you're excellent at breaking a post down and responding point by point in a clear, concise manner. I respect that.
kupcho1
Footballguy
It took the Steeler fans a while to recover from Sunday's drinking. Also, there were a few heart attacks and those people weren't released from the hospital until mid-week.It's been very interesting to watch this thread. It started with Denver jumping out to a quick lead in the polls. But all the talk has Pittsburgh with a comfortable majority right now. Anybody out there change their mind on this game since earlier in the week?Why don't the percentages add up to 100%. Right now it shows:
Denver 45.15%
Pittsburgh 52.91%
...for a grand total of 98.06%
meanjoegreen
Footballguy
I think this will be an old fashioned slug fest. Can't wait.
Cowher's Cleft Chin
Footballguy
Stillers Jr.
Footballguy
LET'S TURN THIS MUTHA OUT!(LOL)
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
I just hope they make better use of the different qualities of Bettis and Parker. I thought Bus needed more mid-game carries to wear down the D. If after the 1st quarter (Indy's D was on the field for the entire time), they had pounded the Bus for about 10-15 carries the defense would have just falllen over in the 2nd half.
Steel City
Footballguy
tommyboy
Footballguy
that was my thought process too. I think standard home field during the regular season, from what I've heard from sports bettors, is 3.5, meaning if a line is only 3.5 favored to the home team, basically the oddsmakers believe the teams are about equal.Since this is Denver at home during the playoffs and Denver is undefeated at home and its a mile high, I figured that'd be worth 5pts, then Denver would be slightly favored over Pitt just because they beat New England.
regardless, still pulling for my Steelers to pull the upset, go Steelers! :stillers:
Meat
Footballguy
I'm not a fan of either team, but this is going to be an absolutely fantastic game. Two teams which are based around stopping the run defensively & establishing it offensively, as well as limiting turnovers. Pitt has really impressed me with their wins over Cinci & Indy, and even though Denver had 5 turnovers to work with against the Pats' they really did play a solid game. As usual I'm looking forward more to the AFC Champ. game than the NFC Champ. game.I think this will be an old fashioned slug fest. Can't wait.
steel city girl
Footballguy
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Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
shakeybarn
Footballguy
Eh... I could tell, even before I scrolled down and saw the Steeler icon, that it was a Pittsburgh fan writing as unbiased a piece as CBS covering a presidential election. Actually, not that bad.... but good overview...Good overview - on .....idea of what to expect.Both Denver and Pittsburgh are built very similarly when compared.
Jake Plummer and Ben Roethlisberger are both big bodied, agile, accurate passers that can create plays by utilizing their legs.
Willie Parker ....eresting game and looking forward to watching the entiriety of it. Good luck to both fans of their respected teams.
GO STEELERS!
Stillers Jr.
Footballguy
I am sick of waiting...LETS GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BEAT THE DONKEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Courtjester
The Town Drunk
I am really looking forward to this game. Just random thoughts:I think it will be close, but I think Pitt's only chance will be to score on special teams or perhaps a trick offensive play such as a HB/WR option play (which they have run many times before).I think Denver will have audibles in place to keep the play going away from Troy and make him have to run all over the field. I think the huge difference in this game with Denver versus the game with Indy, is that Jake will tuck the ball and go, while Manning just stood there and waited to be hit. Indy tried to move the pocket, but Pitt just had to blitz to a spot and Manning was there--Jake won't be.I can see Denver running Anderson up the gut several times to set up the fake up the middle and use the little outside toss to the 2nd back and try and have Bell use his speed to get yards (You see the Chargers use that play to LT all the time).I haven't heard too much about the status of Ben's arm, but judging by the way he avoiding answering that question after the Colts game, it might be something to think about. He is going to get hit bottom line. Anyone who has watched the Broncos know they don't get alot of sacks but I can guarantee they would be in the top 5 in hurries and knock downs.Denver needs to stop the screen. I believe that is the way Pitt plans to nullify Denver's pressure. Haynes and Parker could have big days if the adjustment is not made.Just my opinon on the games. Good luck to the Pitt fans!! I wish the game was today because I am finding myself wishing my Saturday away just to get to the games. 
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
In that case, Denver can't win the SB because a team can't get up for a third consecutive game. Since you've obviously given up hope...the Stillers will gladly take over the reigns.I think this will be a great game! I still don't get why everyone insists on comparing Jake to the opposing QB because of his past. This is a team game, and Jake has stopped trying to win games all by himself. This game is an evenly matched battle between 2 excellent smash-mouth teams. I believe whoever gets out to an early lead will be tough to beat. If Denver scores a TD first, that crowd will be nuts all day. If Pgh scores first (and second) they will be able to take the edge off the crowd (maybe). I think it will come down to who wins the turnover battle, as close games usually do. That is why the Broncos will win. They will generate more turnovers in this game because of the following: Pittsburgh is on the road for the 3rd conscutive playoff game- while Denver is at home for the second week. Pitts just won 2 games in which they spent much emotional energy. It will be very difficult to get up for a third consecutive time (that is why it has NEVER been done before). The altitude does seem to affect teams that play there, especially in the second half. My opinion is that Pitts starts out a little flat, Denver scores first to make it 7-0, and the crowd creates problems for the Steelers, several false starts, then a turnover...etc Broncos 27-17 over the Steelers.
