New England @ Pittsburgh (1 Viewer)

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

What we learned here is what we knew all along - they've been able to get away with being a one trick pony because they've been so good at what they do

My biggest concern for the Steelers wasn't Big Ben it was their pass defense. It was just SO improved over the last few years and I couldn't really explain it. Seems like it may have been more of a mirage than an oasis. Then again, very few teams match up well with the Pats passing game. Miami, Baltimore, Washington and Tennessse are the only teams that have proven they can do it in recent years.Actually I can't remember the last time Baltimore played the current Pats offense. But the other three teams have all done a good job in recent years matching up against them. Miami does it consistently and they'd be the team Pats fans should be afraid of if they can turn things around quickly next year.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Go for a 42 yard field goal at Heinz?  Try for first down?  Try to draw them offsides and the go for the field goal?

Try for first down. That's classic Belichick right there.

That's the class move. Cowher did the same earlier this year.J

Do you think he was doing that out of class?

Hi BS,Yes, I think that's how he plays the game. When the option is taking a FG or keep trying for the TD, the class move is to bypass the points and keep plugging.J

I think he did it to put them away, he knows if he gets the first, the game is over. I would be willing to bet if the 3 points was 100% he would have taken it.

 

[valhallan]

Early line? I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Deion Branch with another late season performance to fool fantasy football owners everywhere.

Given Branch's ADP of 12.06 (AFTER Vinatieri) in 2004, I doubt there was a huge groundswell of support or "fooling" based on any late season performances. It was Givens who had a decent 2nd half (compared to the first half) that had everyone saying would be the best WR this season for the Pats. All they did was switch stats from the previous year. Of course I'd consider Branch's better because he had more healthy WR competition than Givens did this year. Heck, David Patten was the big winner this year on the Pats, not Givens.

We'll be right back here discussing those 2 before the smoke clears from the Super Bowl.Edit: sorry, discussing those THREE

I think Jerry Porter comments will outnumber Pats WRs combined by at least 5:1 this offseason. Nate Burleson will probably draw more debate than Branch and Givens, especially if Moss gets traded.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Go for a 42 yard field goal at Heinz?  Try for first down?  Try to draw them offsides and the go for the field goal?

Try for first down. That's classic Belichick right there.

That's the class move. Cowher did the same earlier this year.J

Do you think he was doing that out of class?

Hi BS,Yes, I think that's how he plays the game. When the option is taking a FG or keep trying for the TD, the class move is to bypass the points and keep plugging.J

I think he did it to put them away, he knows if he gets the first, the game is over. I would be willing to bet if the 3 points was 100% he would have taken it.

You could well be right, BS. I just saw it as a mercy thing. But who knows. He won't tell us who's injured, I bet he doesn't open up on that decision either... J

 

[Boxy Brown]

I think he did it to put them away, he knows if he gets the first, the game is over. I would be willing to bet if the 3 points was 100% he would have taken it.

I don't believe class was upmost in Belichick's mind in the 4th quarter of the AFC Championship Game either.

 

[RoarinSonoran]

Actually I can't remember the last time Baltimore played the current Pats offense.

This past Thanksgiving weekend, November 28.Pats won 28-3.

 

[mojorizin]

Deion Branch with another late season performance to fool fantasy football owners everywhere.

Given Branch's ADP of 12.06 (AFTER Vinatieri) in 2004, I doubt there was a huge groundswell of support or "fooling" based on any late season performances. It was Givens who had a decent 2nd half (compared to the first half) that had everyone saying would be the best WR this season for the Pats. All they did was switch stats from the previous year. Of course I'd consider Branch's better because he had more healthy WR competition than Givens did this year. Heck, David Patten was the big winner this year on the Pats, not Givens.

We'll be right back here discussing those 2 before the smoke clears from the Super Bowl.Edit: sorry, discussing those THREE

I think Jerry Porter comments will outnumber Pats WRs combined by at least 5:1 this offseason. Nate Burleson will probably draw more debate than Branch and Givens, especially if Moss gets traded.

I don't wanna hear the name Jerry Porter until at least June 14th!

 

[BGP]

The last 15-1 team was the 1998 Minnesota Vikings.They lost to the Falcons 30-27 at home in the NFC title game.I think these Steelers are now the most overrated 15-1 team ever.

I want to go back to this comment from earlier. I know you enjoyed watching one of your closest rivals lose a big game, but I think we got to see that it was way off base. I have a lot of respect for what the Steelers did all year. What we learned here is what we knew all along - they've been able to get away with being a one trick pony because they've been so good at what they do, and Roethlisberger is a very talented rookie QB who has a nice looking future ahead of him. They've got a great stable of backs, and a great D, Ward is a top WR, and Burress and Randel El are no slouches, but they're vulnerable if they get behind early to a top team. I don't think this takes anything away from what the Steelers did this year. I don't know how much longer their current window is, though, because they're so reliant on Bettis (32) and Staley (29). They need to look for a big back in the draft if they want to keep the team going as constituted. A surehanded speed receiver wouldn't hurt either. I feel bad for Bettis. Along with Curtis Martin he's one of my favorite rival players. It's too bad he ran into the Pats during the Steelers' two most recent runs at the AFC. Good luck next year Steelers fans.

What I don't understand is how come no-one ever holds Bill Cowher accountable for any of his failures. I have never seen one guy have more excuses made for him. Ben may be talented but we've seen plenty of talented guys not have it together mentally or emotionally. There's a reason you can go 20 years or longer without a franchise QB. They are ALL risky endeavors and my bias is always to be extremely skeptical of young QBs. We've seen far too many blue chippers fail. Right now he's thrown 4TDs and 10INTs. He may learn and adjust or he may not. But its clear that he needs to refine his game and is overhyped.Anyway, who is the most overrated 15-1 team then? Those Vikings?

 

[Dynasty]

A meaningless stat to "scare" the Steeler fans out thereatriots record in AFC Championship games: 4-0 Edit: 2-0 on the road2nd Edit: 1-0 in Pittsburg

Update:In AFC Championships: 5-0On the Road: 3-0In Pittsburgh: 2-0

 

[madviking10]

Congratulations to the New England Patriots and thir fans.

:horns:

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Early line? I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

 

[bostonfred]

The Patriots held the record setting Colts to 3 points and scored 41 points on the best D in the league to avenge one of their two losses and to overtake them for best record in the league. This is as dominant a playoff performance as you could hope for going into the Superbowl.

 

[BassNBrew]

Early line?  I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

Grab that over while the getting is good.

 

[MallRat]

The Patriots held the record setting Colts to 3 points and scored 41 points on the best D in the league to avenge one of their two losses and to overtake them for best record in the league. This is as dominant a playoff performance as you could hope for going into the Superbowl.

You just took the words out of my mouth.When a team absolutely dismantles the #1 offense and the #1 defense in back-to-back weeks, you are witnessing something special.And yes, this is all rendered meaningless without a Super Bowl win. They still have work to do. -MR

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

The Patriots held the record setting Colts to 3 points and scored 41 points on the best D in the league to avenge one of their two losses and to overtake them for best record in the league. This is as dominant a playoff performance as you could hope for going into the Superbowl.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the Bills defense was better than the Steelers defense this year which won't bear out in conventional nfl.com statistics. They had a lot more offensive woes to overcome which affected their overall record. Regardless, the Pats beat them twice during the year so...

 

[TheLaw]

Good game. Steelers arent a team that can fall behind like that and win. Second half was fun - cant believe Steelers dont go for it on 4th and goal from the 2. Give me my crappy sig., but I will still :stillers:

 

[Sundays Rule]

Early line? I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

Grab that over while the getting is good.

Pitt appeared to have a good pass d to match up against the Pats but to no avail....well see.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Great to see Namath make such a comeback after the last time we saw him with Suzy. For those that may not know, he went to alcohol rehab after that and has been sober since. Good job Joe Willie.J

 

[RandyDB]

awwwwwww Joe Namath didn't ask for a kiss

 

[Sundays Rule]

Belichick has the most monotone voice in the world.

 

[valhallan]

Early line?  I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

I see the Pats scoring early and padding late just like tonight. The Super Bowl pattern tells us this year will be a blowout. Pack/Broncos - closeBroncos/Falcons - blowoutRams/Titans - closeGiants/Ravens - blowoutRams/Pats - closeBucs/Raiders - blowoutPats/Panthers - close

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Congrats to the Pats....they outplayed us and are the rightful AFC attendees for the superbowl.

 

[Sundays Rule]

Early line? I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

I see the Pats scoring early and padding late just like tonight. The Super Bowl pattern tells us this year will be a blowout. Pack/Broncos - closeBroncos/Falcons - blowoutRams/Titans - closeGiants/Ravens - blowoutRams/Pats - closeBucs/Raiders - blowoutPats/Panthers - close

This is true...i expect not a huge blowout...but a not too close win.

 

[Steeler]

The Pats are the best team in the NFL and they are going to crush the Eagles.Congrats on having the next dynasty.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Early line? I think 5.5

Patriots -6.5; o/u 46.5http://www2.pinnaclesports.com/vwGuestLine...portSubType=NFL

Over

26-20 Pats they are forecasting... HmmmmPhilly APPEARS to have the pass defense to match up against the Pats. The Pats could find lots of success running the ball which makes for a closer game. I'll lead towards the under and Eagles at the moment especially since I expect this line to head towards -10.

I see the Pats scoring early and padding late just like tonight. The Super Bowl pattern tells us this year will be a blowout. Pack/Broncos - closeBroncos/Falcons - blowoutRams/Titans - closeGiants/Ravens - blowoutRams/Pats - closeBucs/Raiders - blowoutPats/Panthers - close

The Super Bowl pattern also includes 2 Pats teams which have been close both times.

 

[Sundays Rule]

I cant envision a Pats Sb win without a last second Vinatieri FG, it wouldnt feel the same.

 

[Sundays Rule]

Its illegal to kill an Eagle in the U.S., Pats better watch themselves.

 

[The Academy]

I love this team.

 

[ianfitzy]

Brady = Pure class.Never him say anything bad about another team/player, always gives his respects.

 

[Bill]

The last 15-1 team was the 1998 Minnesota Vikings.Good luck next year Steelers fans.

What I don't understand is how come no-one ever holds Bill Cowher accountable for any of his failures. I have never seen one guy have more excuses made for him.

gotta agree here-cowher can't win the big game. to bad-he had a good team-they just wer'nt prepared.

 

[Statorama]

I told you what the Patriots would do, and they did it to perfection. If the refs aint gonna call it, they'll keep on doing it. They say you can call holding on every play. Funny, the Patriots held up to their end of the bargain but the refs did not call the Patriots for holding in the entire game. In fact, the Pats were called for 1 penalty of 5 yards. NFL Game Stats

They'll do it in the Superbowl too, and beat Philly by 20 or so. It's sad that they can get away with that.

The Saints need to use that blatantly-hold-on-every-play-because-the-refs-can't-call-it-every-play gameplan next year. I love the results the Patriots are getting out of it.

It's weird to watch these games when there's nothing emotionally at stake for me. I don't have any fantasy players to worry about, I don't have any money on the game, and as a Saints fan I don't really care for either team as a "rooting interest" (although I rooted hard for the Pats when they played the Rams in the Superbowl). I can just sit back and watch the game as an objective observer.

I don't need to hear from any Patriot fans about how loco I am. Please continue to enjoy your season, and revel in the brilliance of their gameplan. You can't argue with the results.

Steelers fans, I told you what would happen, so hopefully you aren't too crushed by the outcome.

Philly fans, I'm preparing you for more of the same. Patriots by 17 or so.

 

[Bill]

I told you what the Patriots would do, and they did it to perfection. If the refs aint gonna call it, they'll keep on doing it. They say you can call holding on every play. Funny, the Patriots held up to their end of the bargain but the refs did not call the Patriots for holding in the entire game. In fact, the Pats were called for 1 penalty of 5 yards. NFL Game Stats

They'll do it in the Superbowl too, and beat Philly by 20 or so. It's sad that they can get away with that.

The Saints need to use that blatantly-hold-on-every-play-because-the-refs-can't-call-it-every-play gameplan next year. I love the results the Patriots are getting out of it.

It's weird to watch these games when there's nothing emotionally at stake for me. I don't have any fantasy players to worry about, I don't have any money on the game, and as a Saints fan I don't really care for either team as a "rooting interest" (although I rooted hard for the Pats when they played the Rams in the Superbowl). I can just sit back and watch the game as an objective observer.

I don't need to hear from any Patriot fans about how loco I am. Please continue to enjoy your season, and revel in the brilliance of their gameplan. You can't argue with the results.

Steelers fans, I told you what would happen, so hopefully you aren't too crushed by the outcome.

Philly fans, I'm preparing you for more of the same. Patriots by 17 or so.

wish i was smoking the same stuff you are.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

Kudos to Steeler fans and their team Youve got a great team that didn't pack it in when they could have. Trying to win the AFCC with a rookie qb is a tuff thing to do. But I think you have found yourselves a QB and as bad as you may feel now I think the future of your team is bright.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

as bad as you may feel now I think the future of your team is bright.

trying to hold onto that silver lining right now. Thanks, NE_R.

 

[Serenity Now]

If you're saying that the Pats won by holding on every play, you're crazy, pure and simple.The Steelers are a terrific team and Ben will be a terrific QB in this league. He had an amazing rookie season.

 

[Mr.Happy]

Big Bens wins a Super Bowl some day. He has heart man, and some hardcore moxie. I have never been as terrified of a QB during a game since Jake Delhomme.I don't deserve this. I hope you all can enjoy this with me. I will remember these games for the rest of my life. Save it here. I have nothing to complain about. I am the luckiest fan alive. I hope one day, you each can enjoy these moments that the fans of New England have been enjoying this past year. I hope one day, you each will get you time in the sun. GB football.

 

[Bojang0301]

Kudos to Steeler fans and their team Youve got a great team that didn't pack it in when they could have. Trying to win the AFCC with a rookie qb is a tuff thing to do. But I think you have found yourselves a QB and as bad as you may feel now I think the future of your team is bright.

Thanks. I guess a few of you Pats fans arn't bad. Some annoy me though. You've got the right to talk trash unlike some people on this board.

 

[Bojang0301]

Big Bens wins a Super Bowl some day. He has heart man, and some hardcore moxie. I have never been as terrified of a QB during a game since Jake Delhomme.I don't deserve this. I hope you all can enjoy this with me. I will remember these games for the rest of my life. Save it here. I have nothing to complain about. I am the luckiest fan alive. I hope one day, you each can enjoy these moments that the fans of New England have been enjoying this past year. I hope one day, you each will get you time in the sun. GB football.

Besides calling Steelers fans whiny tools I guess I can appreciate this too.

 

[[icon]]

Kudos to Steeler fans and their team Youve got a great team that didn't pack it in when they could have. Trying to win the AFCC with a rookie qb is a tuff thing to do. But I think you have found yourselves a QB and as bad as you may feel now I think the future of your team is bright.

Checking in quickly as I'm packing for a biz trip but I wanted to say props to the stillers.... great team with a helluva future. You guys had me worried toward the end there. And hats off to my pats.... let's get another round of rings and remove the doubt from the dynasty discussions.

 

[Statorama]

If you're saying that the Pats won by holding on every play, you're crazy, pure and simple.

As a Patriot fan, I wouldn't expect you to agree. I would expect you to enjoy your team's victory, in much the same way I would enjoy a Saints NFC championship victory (even if they used the same tactics).If the Saints employed this strategy, I would turn a blind eye as well. Let's hope the Saints make it to the NFC Championship game within my lifetime.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I told you what the Patriots would do, and they did it to perfection. If the refs aint gonna call it, they'll keep on doing it. They say you can call holding on every play. Funny, the Patriots held up to their end of the bargain but the refs did not call the Patriots for holding in the entire game. In fact, the Pats were called for 1 penalty of 5 yards. NFL Game Stats

The Steelers were seriously outplayed :( Trying to grasp for straws to make excuses at this point doesn't do our fanbase any good.

 

[BGP]

Teams that are more efficient on both sides of the ball than their opponent in AFC/NFC title games went 2-0 this weekend, improving their mark to 12-2 over the past 14 seasons...

 

[Statorama]

I told you what the Patriots would do, and they did it to perfection. If the refs aint gonna call it, they'll keep on doing it. They say you can call holding on every play. Funny, the Patriots held up to their end of the bargain but the refs did not call the Patriots for holding in the entire game. In fact, the Pats were called for 1 penalty of 5 yards. NFL Game Stats

The Steelers were seriously outplayed :( Trying to grasp for straws to make excuses at this point doesn't do our fanbase any good.

If a Steelers fan made an argument like this, I would be the first to use the smiley. In fact, I don't want any Steelers fans to line up with this argument...that would just be misconstrued as "sour grapes".Good luck next season.

 

[Bojang0301]

I told you what the Patriots would do, and they did it to perfection. If the refs aint gonna call it, they'll keep on doing it. They say you can call holding on every play. Funny, the Patriots held up to their end of the bargain but the refs did not call the Patriots for holding in the entire game. In fact, the Pats were called for 1 penalty of 5 yards. NFL Game Stats

The Steelers were seriously outplayed :( Trying to grasp for straws to make excuses at this point doesn't do our fanbase any good.

First half we got killed. If that holding penalty on Smith doesn't happen then I think there was a lot of momentum for a comeback but to say it was holding is kinda rediculous cause it should have worked for the run too if that was the case.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I am the luckiest fan alive.

Sorry Mr. Happy, but as a Patriots fan living in Jacksonville, with superbowl tickets in hand, that would be me. :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Hasn't happened in forever, but a turnover here would make things very interesting.J

You *******. I can't believe you just said that. [Cam Neely ESPNews commercial] Do you want to kick my dog next? [/Cam Neely]

The winner for best post in this thread. :rotflmao:

 

[Mr.Happy]

I am the luckiest fan alive.

Sorry Mr. Happy, but as a Patriots fan living in Jacksonville, with superbowl tickets in hand, that would be me. :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

DURN YOU!!!!!!!!Hey, here is what Big ben had to say after the game."I tip my cap to the Patriots and call them my daddy" --Big Ben

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

As a Patriots fan in the 70s, I always rooted for the Steelers in post-season, since my team was at the house. Congrats Steelers on a great season and a promising future.Bring on the Iggles.

 

[AB in DC]

Steelers fans --You'll be back. I know it. You've got a great team there. Once your QB gets a little more experience (and the rest of the team gets healthy), you'll have a great chance to get to the Bowl next year. Heck, if you'd had both today you could be there already.See you next January.