Game Thread W13 - Pittsburgh V Baltimore (1 Viewer)

[Uruk-Hai]

Needed a good game from Heap this week damn.

What happened to heap ? Serious ?

I think I read he pulled a hammy on the first play

 

[K8!]

Needed a good game from Heap this week damn.

What happened to heap ? Serious ?

Apparent hamstring injury on first play from scrimmage. He was running along and grabbed it pulling up lame. After that not much word.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

So where does this loss leave Baltimore? Obviously they are a top notch team but they always seem to come up short in these big games. They may have to play @KC, @NE/NYJ and @PIT to reach the super bowl. That will be tough.

 

[belljr]

Harrison was obviously coached to not play stupid with the hits this week. You could tell on that late play where Flacco threw a bomb into the end zone. Instead of driving Flacco into the ground, like he would normally do, Harrison let up quite a bit. It was obvious.

I know you keep fishing about Harrison at every opportunity, but Harrison has not been fined or even flagged for driving anyone into the ground this year.

Jason Cambell

You may be right... but I thought the penalty was for form tackling while being James Harrison.

Oh it was an afwul call but that was the call

 

[Choke]

Harrison was obviously coached to not play stupid with the hits this week. You could tell on that late play where Flacco threw a bomb into the end zone. Instead of driving Flacco into the ground, like he would normally do, Harrison let up quite a bit. It was obvious.

I know you keep fishing about Harrison at every opportunity, but Harrison has not been fined or even flagged for driving anyone into the ground this year.

Jason Cambell

You may be right... but I thought the penalty was for form tackling while being James Harrison.

Oh it was an afwul call but that was the call

It was... and I quote the ref... "Using his full body weight".Not the hit. Not the tackle. Not for taking the QB down to the ground.

It was the fact that he was "using his full body weight" that made it a foul.

 

[Godsbrother]

I don't disagree, GB. I just get tired of the NFL trying to micromanage these things. These are very big men slamming into one another - you can't program them like a computer chip. Most of these recent fines aren't for something like - old man alert! - Willie Lanier used to do by launching himself as a missile with his head as the nose.

You and I are on the same page, Uruk. Very few of the hits that have been fined this year would have been fined in any other season. These penalties and fines "for the sake of player safety" is pure BS and it really blows when they can't even be consistent.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I don't disagree, GB. I just get tired of the NFL trying to micromanage these things. These are very big men slamming into one another - you can't program them like a computer chip. Most of these recent fines aren't for something like - old man alert! - Willie Lanier used to do by launching himself as a missile with his head as the nose.

You and I are on the same page, Uruk. Very few of the hits that have been fined this year would have been fined in any other season. These penalties and fines "for the sake of player safety" is pure BS and it really blows when they can't even be consistent.

I have to agree with both of you. The calls are very inconsistent and it's maddening to see games changed so much for wussification. Has anybody been fined this year for hitting a pocket QB with an appendage or just helmets? If it were me to dole out fines for Goodell's rule, I would probably let the nose-breaking play go. The hit to Miller would get the fine IMO.For the record, I don't support the new pansy rules, and think they should just start throwing the flag for the original spearing rule on EVERYBODY. As the helmet designs have changed to protect the head/neck, they have been turned into weapons and could use a retro-like redesign... but that's for another thread.

 

[pecorino]

some quick thoughts:

terrell suggs and james harrison both put on a clinic last night. call them "21st century linebackers." they are unstoppable. woodley played very well, too.

on a related note, talk of Troy being named defensive player of the year is silly. he disappeared for whole games and he is not even the MVP on his own team. i'd take Harrison for sure and maybe Timmons or Woodley. we'll see how they do down the stretch.

huge gut-check for the whole team but especially for ben. milledgeville seems like light-years away (for better or worse)

the Ngata hand to the head of the QB should have been called but, in my opinion, it happened so fast the refs didn't even see it. i don't think a fine is warranted. on the other hand, the hit to Heath Miller was one of the most egregiously missed calls i have ever seen. i know nothing about the defender but i would guess it is his first offense. even so, i could see the league slapping a 1-game suspension on him just because they've been looking to do so ever since the rules changed. slapping a lower-tier player with the suspension might make sense to the NFL who are eager to keep sending messages. otherwise, a 75K fine seems in line, equating it to Harrison's hit on Massaquoi.

both of these teams will have a hangover for a few weeks. i'm feeling a split for the steelers in the next two games and a downright spiral for the ravens who could easily lose three straight.

there must be a big stockpile of punters just waiting for a chance, right? i'm not worried about that position but offensive tackles don't grow on trees. hope flozell's ankle heals quickly. that's a lot of weight to support.

 

[Godsbrother]

i know nothing about the defender but i would guess it is his first offense. even so, i could see the league slapping a 1-game suspension on him just because they've been looking to do so ever since the rules changed. slapping a lower-tier player with the suspension might make sense to the NFL who are eager to keep sending messages. otherwise, a 75K fine seems in line, equating it to Harrison's hit on Massaquoi.

If this is his first offense he won't be suspended and I will be surprised if he gets more than a $25k fine.

 

[Sudsy]

Actually the refs are being consistent. They consistently flag James Harrison. I believe it has to do with the Steelers uniforms. They look tough. Dress them in Tampa Bay Creamsickle or Chargers Powderpuff Blue and the penalties will lessen.

They just look like meanies.

 

[pecorino]

i know nothing about the defender but i would guess it is his first offense. even so, i could see the league slapping a 1-game suspension on him just because they've been looking to do so ever since the rules changed. slapping a lower-tier player with the suspension might make sense to the NFL who are eager to keep sending messages. otherwise, a 75K fine seems in line, equating it to Harrison's hit on Massaquoi.

If this is his first offense he won't be suspended and I will be surprised if he gets more than a $25k fine.

40K is such a random number that i think goddell is doing more harm than good. no clarity here. i would have prefered either 25, 50 or 75 just for consistency's sake.

 

[Godsbrother]

i know nothing about the defender but i would guess it is his first offense. even so, i could see the league slapping a 1-game suspension on him just because they've been looking to do so ever since the rules changed. slapping a lower-tier player with the suspension might make sense to the NFL who are eager to keep sending messages. otherwise, a 75K fine seems in line, equating it to Harrison's hit on Massaquoi.

If this is his first offense he won't be suspended and I will be surprised if he gets more than a $25k fine.

40K is such a random number that i think goddell is doing more harm than good. no clarity here. i would have prefered either 25, 50 or 75 just for consistency's sake.

I didn't read the blurb from the league office. Perhaps it wasn't his first offense?In any case expecting consistency from the NFL front office is asking way too much...

 

[roadkill1292]

So where does this loss leave Baltimore? Obviously they are a top notch team but they always seem to come up short in these big games. They may have to play @KC, @NE/NYJ and @PIT to reach the super bowl. That will be tough.

They'll be a tough out again but that's about it. New England, Indy and Pittsburgh, all teams with superior QBs, have their number. (Of course, the Colts aren't a gimme to get in right now) I thought they got all the breaks Sunday night and Pittsburgh still found a way to pull it out. That's not encouraging for when they have to go on the road in the playoffs.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

not a good week in Baltimore

John Harbaugh to fanbase: "find another team to cheer for"

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Baltimo...her-team-120810

Updated Dec 8, 2010 7:38 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh lashed out at fans Tuesday night after receiving complaints about the team’s performance during the 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, WBAL.com reported. Speaking on his weekly radio show, Harbaugh told angry fans to root for someone else if they are displeased with the Ravens’ efforts.

"I'm proud of this football team," Harbaugh said in response to one call. "I'm proud of our defense. I'm proud of our offense. We will fight our tails off to be the best team we can every single week. If that's not enough for you then go find another team to cheer for. If you're not proud of this team then you don't know football."

The Ravens, 8-4, were battling the Steelers for first place in the AFC North Sunday night in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Baltimore held a late lead until Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu came through completely untouched, forcing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to fumble as he dropped back to pass on a second-and-5 play. Pittsburgh’s offense converted a game-winning touchdown three plays later with less than three minutes to play.

The Ravens will look to rebound this week as they prepare for a Monday night showdown on the road against the Houston Texans.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

not a good week in Baltimore

John Harbaugh to fanbase: "find another team to cheer for"

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Baltimo...her-team-120810

Updated Dec 8, 2010 7:38 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh lashed out at fans Tuesday night after receiving complaints about the team’s performance during the 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, WBAL.com reported. Speaking on his weekly radio show, Harbaugh told angry fans to root for someone else if they are displeased with the Ravens’ efforts.

"I'm proud of this football team," Harbaugh said in response to one call. "I'm proud of our defense. I'm proud of our offense. We will fight our tails off to be the best team we can every single week. If that's not enough for you then go find another team to cheer for. If you're not proud of this team then you don't know football."

The Ravens, 8-4, were battling the Steelers for first place in the AFC North Sunday night in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Baltimore held a late lead until Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu came through completely untouched, forcing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to fumble as he dropped back to pass on a second-and-5 play. Pittsburgh’s offense converted a game-winning touchdown three plays later with less than three minutes to play.

The Ravens will look to rebound this week as they prepare for a Monday night showdown on the road against the Houston Texans.

The vast majority of fans on the call-in shows are fickle idiots, so I understand Harbaugh's frustration. But it's never a good idea to call out the fans like Harbaugh did - that's a lose/lose proposition.

 

[Godsbrother]

The vast majority of fans on the call-in shows are fickle idiots, so I understand Harbaugh's frustration. But it's never a good idea to call out the fans like Harbaugh did - that's a lose/lose proposition.

While agree about the fans being fickle idiots in this case they are right. Harbaugh didn't do a very good job of getting his team ready to play last week, had a crappy gameplan, and made a few questionable decisions during the game as well.I thought Harbaugh came off as a jerk last week in the Costas interview. His lashing out at Ravens fans is another example of being a jerk. I am fast coming to the conclusion that the man IS a jerk.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The vast majority of fans on the call-in shows are fickle idiots, so I understand Harbaugh's frustration. But it's never a good idea to call out the fans like Harbaugh did - that's a lose/lose proposition.

While agree about the fans being fickle idiots in this case they are right. Harbaugh didn't do a very good job of getting his team ready to play last week, had a crappy gameplan, and made a few questionable decisions during the game as well.I thought Harbaugh came off as a jerk last week in the Costas interview. His lashing out at Ravens fans is another example of being a jerk. I am fast coming to the conclusion that the man IS a jerk.

He's pretty cocky, but not as arrogant, talk-down-to-everyone as Billick was so maybe he gets more of a pass from Ravens fans than he would elsewhere. I have my own issues with Harbaugh/Cam/Mattison sometimes, but some of the things fans complain about - and I didn't hear the quote in context - would drive anyone to being a little on edge. Then those same fans will complain about the exact opposite next week (I have more than one friend like this). That being said, he shouldn't have said what he did - suck it up and take the criticism; you lost the game & it's coming whether you think it's deserved or not.I'll say this, though - if you think Harbaugh's bad, you should hear Gary Williams (coach of MD's hoops team) when he feels he's being attacked by the media or fan base. Harbaugh's like Ghandi in comparison.

 

[Franknbeans]

The vast majority of fans on the call-in shows are fickle idiots, so I understand Harbaugh's frustration. But it's never a good idea to call out the fans like Harbaugh did - that's a lose/lose proposition.

While agree about the fans being fickle idiots in this case they are right. Harbaugh didn't do a very good job of getting his team ready to play last week, had a crappy gameplan, and made a few questionable decisions during the game as well.I thought Harbaugh came off as a jerk last week in the Costas interview. His lashing out at Ravens fans is another example of being a jerk. I am fast coming to the conclusion that the man IS a jerk.

I can't wait for Jim Harbaugh to become a head coach and pound his brother's team into submission. I think the correct term for John Harbaugh is a touche. Half tool and half #####.