Game Thread -Divisionals-Pittsburgh V Indianapolis (1 Viewer)

[Fumbleweed]

The better team won today, officiating had nothing to do with the outcome. The worse call of the game was the overturned INT. Manning will just have to live with being a choker.

Manning played pretty well today. The Steelers were just better. You have to consider that Pittsburgh is something like 26-4 the last two years with Roethlisberger as the starter. The majority of their losses this year came with him hurt. With him healthy, this became a battle of heavyweights and the better team won.

Manning player awful for 3 quarters and the refs did everything they could to try to help him today. He was owned again today.

Manning's statistics weren't great the first few quarters of the game, but you have to be pretty damn ignorant to not at least acknowledge that the Steelers were getting a great deal of pressure on him throughout most of the game.

I think it would be different if he hadn't been having a pretty bad game, then gotten over 100 of those passing yards and James' TD after the overturned interception, then gone four and out with two sacks and a terrible hook shot pass to avoid a third, and closed out by failing to get them in field goal range with time left and time outs. In three possessions, he had three game-ending series, but got bailed out of two of them by a bad call and an unlikely fumble.

Bailed out on the possession before the fumble? Were you even watching the game? How can Manning throw the ball with 6 Steelers bearing down on him two seconds after the ball is snapped? How in the world is he responsible for that?

 

[Pat Patriot]

I really dont like Manning but I dont think Manning choked today. He just didnt play very well.

 

[Jimmy James]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

 

[Young 8]

Lots of misplaced talk of "choking" this weekend, but Vanderjagt's massively wide missed FG at the end of the game was the definition of CHOKE.

:X

i don't blame himWORST CALL EVER on 3&2 + 30seconds + 2 timeouts

 

[DBIsports]

Why dont you talk about Tom Moore and the playcalling......he is the OC.

Because Manning is the real OC and HC.

See what I mean.

Did the 4 and 2 not kind of prove who is really in charge. Dungy sends out punting unit only to be overruled by Manning. And for O I bet he calls about 70% of the O plays.

WRONG! Dungy was the one that decided to go on 4th,punting team jumped the gun,this according to Dungy himself.

 

[Donnybrook]

Who remembers this:

On the October 6, 2003, episode (between the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis was trailing 35-14 with 3:43 remaing. A Tampa Bay kickoff was returned 90 yards, setting up an Indianapolis score. The Colts recovered the onside kick and scored to narrow the margin to seven. They forced a Tampa Bay punt and with under two minutes remaining, Manning led an 87-yard scoring drive, and the Colts scored the game-tying touchdown with 35 seconds left. In overtime, kicker Mike Vanderjagt missed a forty yard field goal, but Simeon Rice was called for a leaping penalty, a rarely-seen infraction that penalizes a player for running and jumping to block a kick and landing on other players. Vanderjagt's subsequent kick was batted and hit the upright, but fell in good, winning the game for the Colts. Vanderjagt went on to become the first kicker in NFL history not to miss a kick attempt in a complete season, including the playoffs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monday_Night_FootballBogus Call put Vandy in the record books.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

2nd and 2 was a good down to take a shot at the endzone.3rd and 2 who knows how that went, maybe that play was designed with a lot of short routes that were all covered. He certainly doesn't want to hold onto the ball and take a sack, which would've been just about game over.It was clear Indy was playing for the win there at the end, as they should have. Pittsburgh was dominating them in the standard offense/defense set and probably would've had the advantage in OT. It took Indy a miracle replay overturn and miracle fumble to even have a chance, so you go for the win and worst case, you have a kick that your kicker (who hadn't missed a FG at home all year) makes 75% of the time to tie it up.

 

[Serenity Now]

If Vanderjagt didn't act like such a ##### all the time, the venom would be less today, I'm sure.I can just picture him on the sidelines in NE telling the crowd that he's and saying, "I own that goal." Couldn't have happened to a better guy.

 

[Hurons]

I really dont like Manning but I dont think Manning choked today. He just didnt play very well.

When is the last time he has played well in a meaningful game?

 

[bostonfred]

The better team won today, officiating had nothing to do with the outcome. The worse call of the game was the overturned INT. Manning will just have to live with being a choker.

Manning played pretty well today. The Steelers were just better. You have to consider that Pittsburgh is something like 26-4 the last two years with Roethlisberger as the starter. The majority of their losses this year came with him hurt. With him healthy, this became a battle of heavyweights and the better team won.

Manning player awful for 3 quarters and the refs did everything they could to try to help him today. He was owned again today.

Manning's statistics weren't great the first few quarters of the game, but you have to be pretty damn ignorant to not at least acknowledge that the Steelers were getting a great deal of pressure on him throughout most of the game.

I think it would be different if he hadn't been having a pretty bad game, then gotten over 100 of those passing yards and James' TD after the overturned interception, then gone four and out with two sacks and a terrible hook shot pass to avoid a third, and closed out by failing to get them in field goal range with time left and time outs. In three possessions, he had three game-ending series, but got bailed out of two of them by a bad call and an unlikely fumble.

Bailed out on the possession before the fumble? Were you even watching the game? How can Manning throw the ball with 6 Steelers bearing down on him two seconds after the ball is snapped? How in the world is he responsible for that?

I'm fairly certain I've seen a QB beat a jailbreak blitz before. All I'm saying is, on four straight plays, he didn't. That alone isn't that bad, but after throwing the pick, that was tough.

Then, to have a chance to lead a game tying or game winning drive, he decides to go for it before he gets them in field goal range.

I'll give him credit for leading them to a touchdown while the Steelers were shellshocked from the Polamalu call, but that wasn't exactly textbook fourth quarter play.

 

[buster c]

he would've missed it from PAT distance.maybe he was drunk

 

[jeffsalmans]

The better team won today, officiating had nothing to do with the outcome. The worse call of the game was the overturned INT. Manning will just have to live with being a choker.

Manning played pretty well today. The Steelers were just better. You have to consider that Pittsburgh is something like 26-4 the last two years with Roethlisberger as the starter. The majority of their losses this year came with him hurt. With him healthy, this became a battle of heavyweights and the better team won.

Manning player awful for 3 quarters and the refs did everything they could to try to help him today. He was owned again today.

Manning's statistics weren't great the first few quarters of the game, but you have to be pretty damn ignorant to not at least acknowledge that the Steelers were getting a great deal of pressure on him throughout most of the game.

I think it would be different if he hadn't been having a pretty bad game, then gotten over 100 of those passing yards and James' TD after the overturned interception, then gone four and out with two sacks and a terrible hook shot pass to avoid a third, and closed out by failing to get them in field goal range with time left and time outs. In three possessions, he had three game-ending series, but got bailed out of two of them by a bad call and an unlikely fumble.

He didn't get bailed out by a "bad call", he got bailed out by the "worst call in the history of football", but he's getting too much blame for this loss. A whole bunch of other Colts played badly too.

 

[bostonfred]

Definately, though Manning didn't help him any by not trying to pick up a few more yds. 46 yd FG isn't a gimmee.

 

[One Trick Pony]

Lots of misplaced talk of "choking" this weekend, but Vanderjagt's massively wide missed FG at the end of the game was the definition of CHOKE.

:X

Why?Kickers miss at 46 yards all the time.

not by 46 yards

 

[Islander]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

Kickers should not determine the outcome of a hard-fought, physical game, whether the kick is good or not. Period.

 

[coolnerd]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

Unfortunately for kickers they are on the field for what 8-10 plays a game? Too often 1 of those plays means you win or you lose, but the kicker knows that when he signs up for the gig. He is goat or hero. Kickers all know that.

 

[Jimmy James]

WRONG! Dungy was the one that decided to go on 4th,punting team jumped the gun,this according to Dungy himself.

What do you expect him to say? That he has been castrated and is a coach in name only?

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

Kickers should not determine the outcome of a hard-fought, physical game, whether the kick is good or not. Period.

He did not determine the game....Indy should have lost...and they did.

 

[Hammered Finz]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials-- no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule... that was an absolutely horrendus call.. so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'.. just brutal!!

 

[knowledge dropper]

His range has been decreasing over the past few years and the Colts knew it. He does not even do kickoffs anymore. He should have been gone after the "Idiot Kicker" saga

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Vinatieri sure didn't have trouble with all those 40+ yarders as the clock ran out in the playoffs. Wonder what would happen if they were on opposite teams the last 5 years...Would people call Brady a choker because the kicker, and not Brady, missed those kicks in the Super Bowl if they ended up losing?

 

[Jimmy James]

Vinatieri sure didn't have trouble with all those 40+ yarders as the clock ran out in the playoffs. Wonder what would happen if they were on opposite teams the last 5 years...Would people call Brady a choker because the kicker, and not Brady, missed those kicks in the Super Bowl if they ended up losing?

Vinatieri sure did have trouble with his opportunity yesterday. I wouldn't be using his name as the gold standard.

 

[MustBeNewHere]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials-- no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule... that was an absolutely horrendus call.. so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'.. just brutal!!

I'm amazed at how this place just erupts after one small tiny miniscule call goes by that maybe might have been wrong. Let it go guys.

 

[JaxBill]

Manning can't blame anybody but himself for that loss. You can't have 1 good quarter and blame the kicker.

Please. The Colts' OL couldn't block....and the DL couldn't stop the run. Manning made some poor throws, but what QB doesn't throughout the course of a game.

I think Kimo was out to prove that he's more than the guy who tore up Palmer's knee. He was outstanding today.

 

[dickey moe]

Vinatieri sure didn't have trouble with all those 40+ yarders as the clock ran out in the playoffs. Wonder what would happen if they were on opposite teams the last 5 years...Would people call Brady a choker because the kicker, and not Brady, missed those kicks in the Super Bowl if they ended up losing?

Vinatieri sure did have trouble with his opportunity yesterday. I wouldn't be using his name as the gold standard.

Despite his performance last night, Vinatieri will go down as THE biggest $$$ kicker EVER.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Vinatieri sure didn't have trouble with all those 40+ yarders as the clock ran out in the playoffs. Wonder what would happen if they were on opposite teams the last 5 years...Would people call Brady a choker because the kicker, and not Brady, missed those kicks in the Super Bowl if they ended up losing?

Vinatieri sure did have trouble with his opportunity yesterday. I wouldn't be using his name as the gold standard.

Note I said as the clock ran out, with a direct impact of who wins the game right then and there. It's not like Vinatieri has never missed a kick in his career, everyone has...

 

[Hammered Finz]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials--  no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule...  that was an absolutely horrendus call..  so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'..  just brutal!!

I'm amazed at how this place just erupts after one small tiny miniscule call goes by that maybe might have been wrong. Let it go guys.

:ignore AGAIN:

dope

 

[gbill2004]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

Kickers should not determine the outcome of a hard-fought, physical game, whether the kick is good or not. Period.

And neither should refs, so I guess justice was served today.

 

[JohnnyU]

Vanderjagt made one bad long distance kick. By the definition promulgated to deny that Brady choked, Vanderjagt did not choke.

By my common sense definition that dictates Brady choked, Vanderjagt also choked.

2nd game winning or tying FG Vandy has missed in the playoffs. See Miami game.

 

[cjdavis]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials-- no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule... that was an absolutely horrendus call.. so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'.. just brutal!!

I'm amazed at how this place just erupts after one small tiny miniscule call goes by that maybe might have been wrong. Let it go guys.

 

[Koya]

Vinatieri sure didn't have trouble with all those 40+ yarders as the clock ran out in the playoffs.  Wonder what would happen if they were on opposite teams the last 5 years...Would people call Brady a choker because the kicker, and not Brady, missed those kicks in the Super Bowl if they ended up losing?

Vinatieri sure did have trouble with his opportunity yesterday. I wouldn't be using his name as the gold standard.

If you are not using Vinatieri as the Gold Standard, that says a lot about your knowledge and judgement of NFL kickers.

Vandy choked it, HARD. If he missed by a little, you blame it on the distance (and it was AWFUL playcalling to go deep but not even endzone on 3rd and freakin two but that's beside the point). He simply miss kicked that ball. By a huge margin. Flat, out, choke.

Nice job Vandy - and another beautiful moment of the Irsay's curse. Really, will Indy fans be excited next year when they are 12-2, knowing this is what awaits when it counts?

 

[gbill2004]

Well, during the game on TV, you could see Dungy saying to Manning that if he (Manning) wanted to go for it, it was his head and would need to stand by the decision. Its obvious who runs that team, and it aint Dungy.

 

[popeye.]

I'm not sure that he could have missed it any more had he faced the opposite direction. :X

 

[zoni]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

Change a few words around and that statement could fit Manning as well.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Well, during the game on TV, you could see Dungy saying to Manning that if he (Manning) wanted to go for it, it was his head and would need to stand by the decision.

Its obvious who runs that team, and it aint Dungy.

So coaches have never seeked feedback from their QB? Stick to worrying about where Rackers will be drafted this summer.

 

[3C's]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials-- no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule... that was an absolutely horrendus call.. so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'.. just brutal!!

I'm amazed at how this place just erupts after one small tiny miniscule call goes by that maybe might have been wrong. Let it go guys.

That's way more than a tiny miniscule play. I'll be interested to see if they cover that one on NFL Networks "After further review" segment. Maybe Mike Pereira can explain the ruling.

 

[gbill2004]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp. It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking. I really think the time off hurt them. It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

 

[MustBeNewHere]

I really hope there is an inquiry of the replay officials--   no way should those officias still have a job after that interception overrule...  that was an absolutely horrendus call..  so bad, that I almost want to say 'fixed'..  just brutal!!

I'm amazed at how this place just erupts after one small tiny miniscule call goes by that maybe might have been wrong. Let it go guys.

Have you been living in a hole for the last 3+ hours?

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp. It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking. I really think the time off hurt them.

It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

It is stupid.

 

[DBIsports]

Well, during the game on TV, you could see Dungy saying to Manning that if he (Manning) wanted to go for it, it was his head and would need to stand by the decision.

Its obvious who runs that team, and it aint Dungy.

No,you couldn't see Dungy saying this,you could HEAR Dierdorf saying Dungy said this.

 

[gbill2004]

Well, during the game on TV, you could see Dungy saying to Manning that if he (Manning) wanted to go for it, it was his head and would need to stand by the decision. 

Its obvious who runs that team, and it aint Dungy.

So coaches have never seeked feedback from their QB? Stick to worrying about where Rackers will be drafted this summer.

Dungy wasn't asking for feedback, Manning clearly overruled his head coach's decision. Did you even watch the game?

 

[Irish]

When was the last time a #1 seed got shellacked in the Divisional game???

Last year, Pittsburgh.

That was the AFC Championship.

The Jets beat the Steelers last year - their kicker missing two crucial FGs.

 

[gbill2004]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp.  It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking.  I really think the time off hurt them. 

It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

It is stupid.

Did you even watch the game? I guess not... You should probably stop posting until you watch the game buddy.

 

[JohnnyU]

Before I go, I hope 2 things happen next year. One, If the Colts clinch early, please give the offense enough reps to stay sharp for the playoffs, two, get rid of that kicker. He's missed 2 important playoff kicks, and I've seen enough. I'm done with message boards for a few months. Talking (typing) about it makes me want to blow chunks. Again, go Steelers next week. I hope you win.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp.  It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking.  I really think the time off hurt them. 

It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

It is stupid.

Did you even watch the game? I guess not...

Huh? I watched the game and what does that have to with a team actually trying to lose games next year so they go 11-5?

 

[bb7278]

Vandy is clearly a graduate of Scott Norwood's school of mental toughness, racks all kinds of garbage points but can't hit a big kick.

When you write something like that, it's not unfair to ask you to back it up. Just what kicks have Vanderjagt missed besides this one that makes it fair to give him this rep?I'll be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

People hate that kickers have some say in the outcome of a game, so they're willing to throw them to the dogs for the slightest thing. It's wrong.

This ONE kick is ALL it takes to give him this rep, ask Scott Norwood AKA Ray Finkle.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp.  It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking.  I really think the time off hurt them. 

It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

It is stupid.

Did you even watch the game? I guess not... You should probably stop posting until you watch the game buddy.

And you may want to stop posting until you have a clue about football.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

I'm a Manning supporter but have to agree that the 3rd and 2 call was bad. They seemed to have the screen to James open on a couple of those plays and they didn't utilize it.

 

[ajlight]

As a kicker, it's make or miss. There is no barely make or badly miss. Choke or not, it's very simple for kickers, even the best of them. See Vandy & Vinatieri.

 

[gbill2004]

As a strategy, next year teh Colts might want to plan to not get the first round bye so they stay sharp.  It was clear today that it took the offense almost 3 quarters to start clicking.  I really think the time off hurt them. 

It might sound stupid, but the Colts might want to go for a record of 11-5, instead of 13-3 or better, just to ensure that the offense stays sharp.

It is stupid.

Did you even watch the game? I guess not...

Huh? I watched the game and what does that have to with a team actually trying to lose games next year so they go 11-5?

My only point is that it was obvious that the offense was not sharo because of the time they had off. The Colts offense is all based on timing, and the first 2+ quarters, their timing was way off on passing plays. Had they played last week, and the last few games of the season meant something, it would have been a different game today. I know its alot of what iff's, but in theory, it makes sense.