New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1 Viewer)

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Pats cheated somehow - ESPN will report it in 2022

Steelers headsets went out and they faked a snap count causing a penalty on a goal line stand.

Don't forget the invisibility cloak on Gronk.

I was hoping Gronk would modify his T.D. celebration this year. Instead of the Gronk slam I was hoping he would put his mouth on the ball, right over the inflation nipple, visibly blow extremely hard as if inflating the ball, and then hand it to the opposing club for inflation verification. That would have been classic.

Maybe one of you N.E. homers can get the word to him. He seems like the kind of Wildman free-spirit who might do it just to tweak the league. I would love to see the uproar it would cause, and the goofy, innocent, child-like grin on his face as he later addressed the matter. He is one likeable guy.

 

[[icon]]

Bold Strategy, Cotton.

 

[Bad_Mo]

NFL security is investigating Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel for allegedly assaulting and verbally accosting aNew England Patriots fan on the way to the locker room before halftime Thursday, according to league sources.

A league official confirmed the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into it. A Steelers spokesman said NFL security has informed them about the incident and the team is also investigating.

The incident in question occurred before and after halftime of the Steelers' 28-21 loss on Thursday night. Daniel, who was on his way to the Steelers locker room, was seen allegedly kicking a Patriots fan in the back of his leg and yelling at the fan in front of witnesses.

By the time Daniel returned to the coaching booth after halftime, police and NFL security were waiting for him. Once the coach was identified by witnesses, and police approached him about controlling his behavior, Daniel began shouting at the police officer, according to witnesses.

NFL security, which did not witness the exchange with police, interviewed Daniel afterward about the entire incident, according to sources.

What the heck is wrong with these Pittsburgh coaches? Tomlin should focus less on faulty league-controlled headsets and more on getting his assistants in line. WTH

 

[dansav]

NFL security is investigating Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel for allegedly assaulting and verbally accosting aNew England Patriots fan on the way to the locker room before halftime Thursday, according to league sources.

A league official confirmed the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into it. A Steelers spokesman said NFL security has informed them about the incident and the team is also investigating.

The incident in question occurred before and after halftime of the Steelers' 28-21 loss on Thursday night. Daniel, who was on his way to the Steelers locker room, was seen allegedly kicking a Patriots fan in the back of his leg and yelling at the fan in front of witnesses.

By the time Daniel returned to the coaching booth after halftime, police and NFL security were waiting for him. Once the coach was identified by witnesses, and police approached him about controlling his behavior, Daniel began shouting at the police officer, according to witnesses.

NFL security, which did not witness the exchange with police, interviewed Daniel afterward about the entire incident, according to sources.

What the heck is wrong with these Pittsburgh coaches? Tomlin should focus less on faulty league-controlled headsets and more on getting his assistants in line. WTH

Other teams do things wrong?

 

[Road Warriors]

NFL security is investigating Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel for allegedly assaulting and verbally accosting aNew England Patriots fan on the way to the locker room before halftime Thursday, according to league sources.

A league official confirmed the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into it. A Steelers spokesman said NFL security has informed them about the incident and the team is also investigating.

The incident in question occurred before and after halftime of the Steelers' 28-21 loss on Thursday night. Daniel, who was on his way to the Steelers locker room, was seen allegedly kicking a Patriots fan in the back of his leg and yelling at the fan in front of witnesses.

By the time Daniel returned to the coaching booth after halftime, police and NFL security were waiting for him. Once the coach was identified by witnesses, and police approached him about controlling his behavior, Daniel began shouting at the police officer, according to witnesses.

NFL security, which did not witness the exchange with police, interviewed Daniel afterward about the entire incident, according to sources.

What the heck is wrong with these Pittsburgh coaches? Tomlin should focus less on faulty league-controlled headsets and more on getting his assistants in line. WTH

Gillette Stadium security cameras caught this.

NFL investigating NE Patriots for taping opposing coaches!

 

[Yenrub]

Good game. Meaning it was entertaining. Not a particular good game defensively.

I think the Steelers might have won if they followed these normal practices:

1) Make makeable field goals.

2) Take like timeouts and stuff.

3) Not leave that big guy with the 8 and the 7 on his jersey completely uncovered.

#hottakes

For fantasy purposes the game was very entertaining but if you also like to see good defense this game was disgusting.

When describing the game Mike Greenberg from Mike and Mike said something like the Steelers added a late score to make the score look much closer than the game actually was.

When he said that I was thinking to myself what game was he watching?

The Steelers moved the ball very well against the Patriots and shot themselves in the foot on more than one occasion.

The trick play on the 1st drive followed up by the missed FG. I do give NE credit for not biting on the fake but why even go to that play if you are the Steelers.

2nd missed FG and DHB not staying in bounds were both self inflicted wounds

Now the Steelers didn’t have an answer for that NE offense and Brady was surgical but I that game never felt like a blow out to me.

 

[JIslander]

Good game. Meaning it was entertaining. Not a particular good game defensively.

I think the Steelers might have won if they followed these normal practices:

1) Make makeable field goals.

2) Take like timeouts and stuff.

3) Not leave that big guy with the 8 and the 7 on his jersey completely uncovered.

#hottakes

For fantasy purposes the game was very entertaining but if you also like to see good defense this game was disgusting.

When describing the game Mike Greenberg from Mike and Mike said something like the Steelers added a late score to make the score look much closer than the game actually was.

When he said that I was thinking to myself what game was he watching?

The Steelers moved the ball very well against the Patriots and shot themselves in the foot on more than one occasion.

The trick play on the 1st drive followed up by the missed FG. I do give NE credit for not biting on the fake but why even go to that play if you are the Steelers.

2nd missed FG and DHB not staying in bounds were both self inflicted wounds

Now the Steelers didn’t have an answer for that NE offense and Brady was surgical but I that game never felt like a blow out to me.

I agree. And as much as I hate the Pats, its amazing that they've been able to continue to move effectively without a running game and without Brady being able to throw a deep ball. Teams know they are going to throw to Edelman or Gronk 80% of time and they cant stop it.

 

[devouredbychaos]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

 

[sho nuff]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

So, now you all find the NFL is telling the truth?

 

[Rick James]

Is tomlin always that terrible with the clock? What a joke

 

[Wrigley]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening gamehttp://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

So, now you all find the NFL is telling the truth?

Sure, if you're a pats fan

 

[PatsWillWin]

Good game. Meaning it was entertaining. Not a particular good game defensively.

I think the Steelers might have won if they followed these normal practices:

1) Make makeable field goals.

2) Take like timeouts and stuff.

3) Not leave that big guy with the 8 and the 7 on his jersey completely uncovered.

#hottakes

For fantasy purposes the game was very entertaining but if you also like to see good defense this game was disgusting.

When describing the game Mike Greenberg from Mike and Mike said something like the Steelers added a late score to make the score look much closer than the game actually was.

When he said that I was thinking to myself what game was he watching?

The Steelers moved the ball very well against the Patriots and shot themselves in the foot on more than one occasion.

The trick play on the 1st drive followed up by the missed FG. I do give NE credit for not biting on the fake but why even go to that play if you are the Steelers.

2nd missed FG and DHB not staying in bounds were both self inflicted wounds

Now the Steelers didn’t have an answer for that NE offense and Brady was surgical but I that game never felt like a blow out to me.

As a Patriot fan, I never felt comfortable until the Pats got the ball around the 8:43 mark in the 4th quarter. I agree that it was not one of those "not as close as the score said" games at all. The Steelers moved the ball with ease all night.

 

[PatsWillWin]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

So, now you all find the NFL is telling the truth?

Dumb post, obviously.

 

[Freelove]

NFL security is investigating Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel for allegedly assaulting and verbally accosting aNew England Patriots fan on the way to the locker room before halftime Thursday, according to league sources.

A league official confirmed the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into it. A Steelers spokesman said NFL security has informed them about the incident and the team is also investigating.

The incident in question occurred before and after halftime of the Steelers' 28-21 loss on Thursday night. Daniel, who was on his way to the Steelers locker room, was seen allegedly kicking a Patriots fan in the back of his leg and yelling at the fan in front of witnesses.

By the time Daniel returned to the coaching booth after halftime, police and NFL security were waiting for him. Once the coach was identified by witnesses, and police approached him about controlling his behavior, Daniel began shouting at the police officer, according to witnesses.

NFL security, which did not witness the exchange with police, interviewed Daniel afterward about the entire incident, according to sources.

What the heck is wrong with these Pittsburgh coaches? Tomlin should focus less on faulty league-controlled headsets and more on getting his assistants in line. WTH

Other teams do things wrong?

Still absolutely nothing to do with cheating.

Every team has ###holes. Seems like only Pats make excuses for cheating.

 

[JIslander]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

My Man DvBC! Hey, make sure you get that homework done before Sunday nights game.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Good game. Meaning it was entertaining. Not a particular good game defensively.

I think the Steelers might have won if they followed these normal practices:

1) Make makeable field goals.

2) Take like timeouts and stuff.

3) Not leave that big guy with the 8 and the 7 on his jersey completely uncovered.

#hottakes

For fantasy purposes the game was very entertaining but if you also like to see good defense this game was disgusting.

When describing the game Mike Greenberg from Mike and Mike said something like the Steelers added a late score to make the score look much closer than the game actually was.

When he said that I was thinking to myself what game was he watching?

The Steelers moved the ball very well against the Patriots and shot themselves in the foot on more than one occasion.

The trick play on the 1st drive followed up by the missed FG. I do give NE credit for not biting on the fake but why even go to that play if you are the Steelers.

2nd missed FG and DHB not staying in bounds were both self inflicted wounds

Now the Steelers didn’t have an answer for that NE offense and Brady was surgical but I that game never felt like a blow out to me.

The trick play was bad, but I blame that disaster on the execution. In other words, that was on Antonio Brown. That play was doomed from the start and he had time to get rid of the ball, but he dicked around back there with it and took the 8-yard loss. That has to be one of those "get rid of it if it's not there immediately" plays. Put that on Brown and the coaches for not telling him that.

 

[pecorino]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

 

[fred_1_15301]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

 

[Road Warriors]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

So, now you all find the NFL is telling the truth?

When the entity that is conducting unfounded witch hunts says you didn't do something, it should carry some weight.

 

[Ghost Rider]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

 

[Steelers4Life]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

It does?

I'd put Belichick in the top tier all by himself, and then the second tier, for me, would be guys like Pete Carroll, John Harbaugh, Tom Coughlin and probably Sean Payton and Andy Reid. Some will scoff at Reid and his zero Super Bowl wins, but his track record over 15 years speaks for itself. Tomlin would probably up next after all of those guys, but he has gotten a bump with guys like Jim Harbaugh, Dungy and Shanahan no longer coaching in the league.

As for Bell, I agree that they missed him, but I am not sure why Williams wasn't used more in the passing game; he can catch the ball.

 

[Steelers4Life]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

It does?

I'd put Belichick in the top tier all by himself, and then the second tier, for me, would be guys like Pete Carroll, John Harbaugh, Tom Coughlin and probably Sean Payton and Andy Reid. Some will scoff at Reid and his zero Super Bowl wins, but his track record over 15 years speaks for itself. Tomlin would probably up next after all of those guys, but he has gotten a bump with guys like Jim Harbaugh, Dungy and Shanahan no longer coaching in the league.

Agree to disagree, not worth debating.

You're talking about a guy who's been coaching for 8 years and STILL is the 2nd youngest coach in the NFL, who's been to two Super Bowls and won one already, and who's never had a losing season yet. .641 winning percentage in the regular season, .556 in the playoffs. And in a lot of those years, we're not talking about teams that had a ton of elite talent.

I'm not saying Tomlin is in a league of his own or anything, but his 8-year track record stacks up well against just about anyone, especially guys like Shanahan, Reid, Carroll, and Payton.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Well, if we look at recent history, after a great start to his coaching career, he has tailed off (5 playoff wins his four first years, none the last four). He did inherit a great team, too, which cannot be ignored. He didn't take over a bad team like Andy Reid did in KC and have them in the playoffs right away. And while their defensive talent isn't what it used to be, he does have a top 5-8 QB (not worth debating where we'd put Ben, but I think most would agree he isn't that tier), and having a top 10 QB in this day and age always makes it easier to win a lot of games. Again, I think Tomlin is a good coach, but I can't call him great. I've seen too many games over the last few years where he made major coaching gaffes or his team simply didn't show up.

 

[Steelers4Life]

OK.

Do you knock Shanahan because he couldn't win it all without Elway and TD and hasn't been successful anywhere else?

Do you knock Reid because he had talented teams that constantly underachieved in the playoffs?

Do you knock Carroll because his team tried to pass from 2 yard line with Lynch in the backfield and 3 cracks to win the Super Bowl, and only got their because of an onside kick botched by the Packers?

Hell, do you knock Belichek because he's only won one Super Bowl without the spectre of Spygate over it, had Brady, and has run an organization with a well-deserved reputation of being cheaters?

You can nit-pick any coach. Fact is, Tomlin has been extremely successful and is being compared to coaches far older and more experienced in terms of "greatness." That should tell you something right there.

He'll have another contender this year once Bryant and Bell come back despite a young and inexperienced defense.

And as far as Ben... as far as real NFL QB rankings are concerned, there aren't 5 QBs I'd take over him if you don't factor in age. He's proven to be both great and clutch in the biggest moments. Tomlin has been very fortunate to have had him his entire coaching career so far, and Cowher would've won more Super Bowls if he can come sooner.

 

[Anarchy99]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

It does?

I'd put Belichick in the top tier all by himself, and then the second tier, for me, would be guys like Pete Carroll, John Harbaugh, Tom Coughlin and probably Sean Payton and Andy Reid. Some will scoff at Reid and his zero Super Bowl wins, but his track record over 15 years speaks for itself. Tomlin would probably up next after all of those guys, but he has gotten a bump with guys like Jim Harbaugh, Dungy and Shanahan no longer coaching in the league.

Agree to disagree, not worth debating.

You're talking about a guy who's been coaching for 8 years and STILL is the 2nd youngest coach in the NFL, who's been to two Super Bowls and won one already, and who's never had a losing season yet. .641 winning percentage in the regular season, .556 in the playoffs. And in a lot of those years, we're not talking about teams that had a ton of elite talent.

I'm not saying Tomlin is in a league of his own or anything, but his 8-year track record stacks up well against just about anyone, especially guys like Shanahan, Reid, Carroll, and Payton.

Tomlin was in a pretty fortunate and unusual situation. He inherited a team that won the SB two seasons before he got there and went 15-1 the year before. Unlike most coaches, he didn't inherit a dumpster fire and in search of talent a franchise QB. He already had Big Ben. He also took over a roster with 9 Pro Bowl players on it (Faneca, Hartings, Ward, MSmith, ASmith, Polamalu, Porter, Hampton, and Farrior). He may have had some years with less talent, but he had several years with a lot of talent.

He should have won a lot. Tomlin has posted .641/.556 for regular and post-season winning percentages. Cowher finished at .623/.571. PIT had a .708 in Cowher's last 3 seasons.

 

[Steelers4Life]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

It does?

I'd put Belichick in the top tier all by himself, and then the second tier, for me, would be guys like Pete Carroll, John Harbaugh, Tom Coughlin and probably Sean Payton and Andy Reid. Some will scoff at Reid and his zero Super Bowl wins, but his track record over 15 years speaks for itself. Tomlin would probably up next after all of those guys, but he has gotten a bump with guys like Jim Harbaugh, Dungy and Shanahan no longer coaching in the league.

Agree to disagree, not worth debating.

You're talking about a guy who's been coaching for 8 years and STILL is the 2nd youngest coach in the NFL, who's been to two Super Bowls and won one already, and who's never had a losing season yet. .641 winning percentage in the regular season, .556 in the playoffs. And in a lot of those years, we're not talking about teams that had a ton of elite talent.

I'm not saying Tomlin is in a league of his own or anything, but his 8-year track record stacks up well against just about anyone, especially guys like Shanahan, Reid, Carroll, and Payton.

Tomlin was in a pretty fortunate and unusual situation. He inherited a team that won the SB two seasons before he got there and went 15-1 the year before. Unlike most coaches, he didn't inherit a dumpster fire and in search of talent a franchise QB. He already had Big Ben. He also took over a roster with 9 Pro Bowl players on it (Faneca, Hartings, Ward, MSmith, ASmith, Polamalu, Porter, Hampton, and Farrior). He may have had some years with less talent, but he had several years with a lot of talent.

He should have won a lot. Tomlin has posted .641/.556 for regular and post-season winning percentages. Cowher finished at .623/.571. PIT had a .708 in Cowher's last 3 seasons.

Cowher left the team after an 8-8 season.

Tomlin's 1st 5 years, he won 10, 12, 9, 12, and 12 games with 2 Super Bowl appearances and 1 win. After a couple down years, they rebounded back to 11 last year and figure to contend again this year.... that trend won't continue unless the drafts start getting better in a hurry though.

You want to compare what he's done in his mid to upper 30's and early 40's to what other coaches have done when they're much older, be my guest.

I never disputed anything about the situation Tomlin stepped into, but this stopped being Cowher's team a long time ago. As I said, you can nitpick all kinds of things with all the great coaches.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Do you knock Shanahan because he couldn't win it all without Elway and TD and hasn't been successful anywhere else?

Do you knock Reid because he had talented teams that constantly underachieved in the playoffs?

Do you knock Carroll because his team tried to pass from 2 yard line with Lynch in the backfield and 3 cracks to win the Super Bowl, and only got their because of an onside kick botched by the Packers?

Hell, do you knock Belichek because he's only won one Super Bowl without the spectre of Spygate over it, had Brady, and has run an organization with a well-deserved reputation of being cheaters?

Shanny - no, because a) he got to an AFCCG with freaking Jake Plummer at QB, and b) the only other place he has been the head coach is Washington, which is such a train wreck thanks to the owner that it is difficult to succeed there. Also, Shanny never won it all without Elway, but how many rings did Elway win without Shanahan?

Reid - I would argue that many of his teams overachieved in the playoffs. For example, the 2001 and 2008 Eagles teams were not one of the top teams in the NFC either year, yet there they were in the NFCCG.

Carroll - Is that a serious question?

Belichick - the cheating is somewhat of a stain, yes, but his coaching greatness is still undeniable. This guy got to 11-5 in 2008 with Matt freaking Cassel.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Do you knock Shanahan because he couldn't win it all without Elway and TD and hasn't been successful anywhere else?

Do you knock Reid because he had talented teams that constantly underachieved in the playoffs?

Do you knock Carroll because his team tried to pass from 2 yard line with Lynch in the backfield and 3 cracks to win the Super Bowl, and only got their because of an onside kick botched by the Packers?

Hell, do you knock Belichek because he's only won one Super Bowl without the spectre of Spygate over it, had Brady, and has run an organization with a well-deserved reputation of being cheaters?

Shanny - no, because a) he got to an AFCCG with freaking Jake Plummer at QB, and b) the only other place he has been the head coach is Washington, which is such a train wreck thanks to the owner that it is difficult to succeed there. Also, Shanny never won it all without Elway, but how many rings did Elway win without Shanahan?

Reid - I would argue that many of his teams overachieved in the playoffs. For example, the 2001 and 2008 Eagles teams were not one of the top teams in the NFC either year, yet there they were in the NFCCG.

Carroll - Is that a serious question?

Belichick - the cheating is somewhat of a stain, yes, but his coaching greatness is still undeniable. This guy got to 11-5 in 2008 with Matt freaking Cassel.

Again, you're comparing far more experienced coaches to Tomlin, who started as a first time head coach in his mid 30's. How much better will he be in 20 years if he's this good now? He's one of the elite coaches in the NFL and he only figures to get better.

Mark Sanchez has appeared in an AFC Championship Game too. Taking a team that far with a below average or mediocre QB once isn't much of an accomplishment. I think Shanny is one of the most overrated coaches in history, but that's another thing.

I think a case can be made either way with Reid.

Yes, it's a serious question about Carroll. Perhaps one of the worst calls in Super Bowl history with everything on the line in my opinion. Great coach, but again, much older and more experienced than Tomlin. He learned lessons that Tomlin may never have to.

I don't deny anything about Bellichek. Would he be as revered without the 3 Spygate stained Super Bowls? Or if he had only one 1 instead of 3? How much of an advantage did they gain? Who knows, never will. Reminds of Barry Bonds in that respect... probably would've been great even without the cheating, but it'll always be there.

 

[Steelers4Life]

And by the way, if that makes Shanny a great coach in any way, I'd say that must make Cowher a coaching God.

He made it to two AFCCG's and one Super Bowl with Neil O'Donnell, two AFCCG's with Kordell Stewart, and one AFCCG with Ben Roethlisberger as a rookie!

At some point, we'll see what Tomlin can do without Big Ben under center.

 

[PatsWillWin]

That game might've had more to do with the new DC (forget his name, the LB coach) and the young secondary than Tomlin. Obviously it's all under Tomlin's roof, but leaving Gronk uncovered, having 10 players on the field, etc., reeks of just an inexperienced defensive machine.

Mismanaging the clock and whining about a problem with the headsets in Foxborough when six other HC's immediately come and say it's a common problem and just deal with it wasn't impressive, but the defensive miscues had more to do with the actual result of the game.

 

[DropKick]

An oversimplification but I think it is true and the difference in this game: the Pats are well coached while the Steelers are not. Tomlin unimpressive again.

I would take Tomlin over many of the current coaches in the NFL

I might, too, but he's not in the top tier of current NFL head coaches, and I am not even sure he is in the second.

Sure he is, easily. And his track record supports that. It was a sloppy game from the defense, no doubt, but it's full of young players playing for a new defensive coordinator. DHB wouldn't have been in a position to screw anything up if Bryant didn't smoke weed.

The issue is talent. The Steelers don't have it on the defensive side of the ball because of a series of drafts that have neglected areas of need and been full of underperformers, reaches, and busts. They extended veterans and held on, trying to keep the window of opportunity open, but unlike in the past, the Steelers haven't produced the young talent ready to step in when the veterans declined.

The offense is championship quality, and that game (and maybe the outcome) would've been different if Bryant and Bell had been playing. The way the Steelers could finish the drives would've been drastically different, and as good as Deangelo was running the ball, he caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The Steelers desperately missed Bell in the passing game.

The whole radio stuff is mostly nonsense and I'm sure some of it was said out of frustration, but the documented truth is that there have been more than a couple other instances of "issues" like that popping up for visitors in Gilette stadium over the years in big games and at big moments, and the Patriots' history generally costs them the benefit of the doubt other teams would get. It's simply not worth bringing up because nothing can really be proven or done about it even it's just another example of the Patriots trying to gain an edge. I know, Patriots fans. They've never done anything wrong... we get it.

It does?

I'd put Belichick in the top tier all by himself, and then the second tier, for me, would be guys like Pete Carroll, John Harbaugh, Tom Coughlin and probably Sean Payton and Andy Reid. Some will scoff at Reid and his zero Super Bowl wins, but his track record over 15 years speaks for itself. Tomlin would probably up next after all of those guys, but he has gotten a bump with guys like Jim Harbaugh, Dungy and Shanahan no longer coaching in the league.

As for Bell, I agree that they missed him, but I am not sure why Williams wasn't used more in the passing game; he can catch the ball.

Agree that Belichick is top tier.

Isn't Tomlin the guy that wandered onto the field? I'm sure they miss Lebeau but that team was poorly prepared on Thursday.

 

[PhD]

Do you knock Shanahan because he couldn't win it all without Elway and TD and hasn't been successful anywhere else?

Do you knock Reid because he had talented teams that constantly underachieved in the playoffs?

Do you knock Carroll because his team tried to pass from 2 yard line with Lynch in the backfield and 3 cracks to win the Super Bowl, and only got their because of an onside kick botched by the Packers?

Hell, do you knock Belichek because he's only won one Super Bowl without the spectre of Spygate over it, had Brady, and has run an organization with a well-deserved reputation of being cheaters?

Shanny - no, because a) he got to an AFCCG with freaking Jake Plummer at QB, and b) the only other place he has been the head coach is Washington, which is such a train wreck thanks to the owner that it is difficult to succeed there. Also, Shanny never won it all without Elway, but how many rings did Elway win without Shanahan?

Reid - I would argue that many of his teams overachieved in the playoffs. For example, the 2001 and 2008 Eagles teams were not one of the top teams in the NFC either year, yet there they were in the NFCCG.

Carroll - Is that a serious question?

Belichick - the cheating is somewhat of a stain, yes, but his coaching greatness is still undeniable. This guy got to 11-5 in 2008 with Matt freaking Cassel.

This is the greatest and most unfortunate problem for Belichick and his legacy. It's like saying performance enhancers are a stain on an athlete's character, but the dude was really powerful. Really? Powerful athlete? or good drugs. Cheating is a "coaching performance enhancer". When great coaching is based on the number of games you win, and the frequency, success and degree with which you cheat enhances the number of times you win, are you really a great coach?... or just a really great cheater?

Just as it does for athletes, the "stain" absolutely drops the legacy. Look at Bonds, A-Rod, Clemens, Armstrong... Belichick's legacy gets hit when coaches are ranked and the stain drops him down, at least to the next tier -- that is until the public forgets about everything -- and they will forget. They always do... unless of course he keeps cheating.

 

[Anarchy99]

Not an opinion one way or the other, but here were the team records for the 3 years prior to the current coach took over the team . . .

Kubiak DEN	38	10Tomlin PIT	34	14Tomsula SFO	31.5	16.5Garrett DAL	28	20Belichick NEP	27	21Pagano IND	26	22Harbaugh BAL	24	24McCarthy GBP	24	24O'Brien HOU	24	24McCoy SDC	24	24Quinn ATL	23	25Fox CHI	        23	25Rivera CAR	22	26Kelly PHI	22	26Whisenhunt TEN	22	26Ryan BUF	21	27Caldwell DET	21	27Coughlin NYG	21	27Philbin MIA	20	28Reid KCC	19	29Payton NOS	19	29Carroll SEA	19	29Zimmer MIN	18.5	29.5Arians ARI	18	30Bowles NYJ	18	30Gruden WAS	18	30Bradley JAC	15	33Smith TBB	15	33Pettine CLE	13	35Lewis CIN	12	36Del Rio OAK	11	37Fisher STL	10	38

 

[Run It Up]

1-833-CRYGATE

 

[devouredbychaos]

NFL clears Patriots of headset suspicion in opening game

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/828603

My Man DvBC! Hey, make sure you get that homework done before Sunday nights game.

My salty hater friend! How 'bout that Ravens loss in the playoffs last year!