New England @ Pittsburgh (2 Viewers)

[Steelers4Life]

The records of both teams were 8-1 (NE lost to MIA and PIT lost to the JETS last week)During this span, NE played 3 playoff teams in which they outscored their opponents 83-32 in those games. This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.

Hmmmmmmmm.... I thought the Steelers won last week?Anyways, if you think the Jets scoring 14 of 17 points on a punt return and an INT return while doing next to nothing on offense is "laying the smackdown" on the Steelers, then we'll agree to disagree.In the 2nd half last week, play was thoroughly dominated by the Steelers - specifically, their offensive and defensive lines - except for the turnovers. Those are mistakes the Steelers just can't make against the Patriots next week.The Steelers drove down the field on 3 straight possessions... one resulted in a Bettis fumble, one in a Ben INT, and one in a game tying TD.

 

[Drifter]

.  This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.

So the Jets are playing the Pats this week? Do you live in Bizarro world?

No, but they should be...

So shouldn't the Chargers have been playing the Steelers last week by your logic?And of course, the Bills won the Superbowl in the 90 season, Tampa Bay beat St. Louis to go to the Superbowl and play Tennessee and Oakland beat the Pats to go on to play the Steelers in 2001.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

. This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.

So the Jets are playing the Pats this week? Do you live in Bizarro world?

No, but they should be...

So shouldn't the Chargers have been playing the Steelers last week by your logic?

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2001 Superbowl Champions... the Oakland Raiders!

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

. This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.

So the Jets are playing the Pats this week? Do you live in Bizarro world?

No, but they should be...

So shouldn't the Chargers have been playing the Steelers last week by your logic?

By that logic, I think we should be playing Miami this week.

 

[dansav]

I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against  PHI and a depleted NE team.  But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. 

So the Steelers' 2nd and 3rd stringers dominating the Bills (one of the hottest teams in the league at the time) and New England losing to Miami means that the Steelers faltered down the stretch and New England dominated?You do live in Bizarro world don't you?

The Bills are a hot team?

 

[Drifter]

I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against  PHI and a depleted NE team.  But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. 

So the Steelers' 2nd and 3rd stringers dominating the Bills (one of the hottest teams in the league at the time) and New England losing to Miami means that the Steelers faltered down the stretch and New England dominated?You do live in Bizarro world don't you?

The Bills are a hot team?

Watch football much? At the end of the season the Bills were definitely one of the hotter teams. I don't think you'll find many people to disagree with that.

 

[valhallan]

As a psuedo-Pats fan, I'd be more concerned about this game if they had beaten the Steelers and were still on the winning streak. Now that they've lost (especially after the Miami debacle), I believe New England is more on top of their game than the first meeting. Should be as exciting as the Jets/Steelers game last week, but I stand by my prediction of 20-10 NE.

 

[dansav]

I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against  PHI and a depleted NE team.  But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. 

So the Steelers' 2nd and 3rd stringers dominating the Bills (one of the hottest teams in the league at the time) and New England losing to Miami means that the Steelers faltered down the stretch and New England dominated?You do live in Bizarro world don't you?

The Bills are a hot team?

Watch football much? At the end of the season the Bills were definitely one of the hotter teams. I don't think you'll find many people to disagree with that.

I hate football. I never watch it, what teams are left?Bills ripped off 6 wins in a row, keep in mind the PATS had no use for Bledsoe and let him go to the New York Bills...

 

[beefcake]

hate to say it but the steelers didnt look like their blitzing rumbling self last week.they need to correct that.get some fire in their bellies.

 

[Drifter]

I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against  PHI and a depleted NE team.  But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. 

So the Steelers' 2nd and 3rd stringers dominating the Bills (one of the hottest teams in the league at the time) and New England losing to Miami means that the Steelers faltered down the stretch and New England dominated?You do live in Bizarro world don't you?

The Bills are a hot team?

Watch football much? At the end of the season the Bills were definitely one of the hotter teams. I don't think you'll find many people to disagree with that.

I hate football. I never watch it, what teams are left?Bills ripped off 6 wins in a row, keep in mind the PATS had no use for Bledsoe and let him go to the New York Bills...

That's a pertinent fact to this discussion...

 

[dansav]

I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against  PHI and a depleted NE team.  But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. 

So the Steelers' 2nd and 3rd stringers dominating the Bills (one of the hottest teams in the league at the time) and New England losing to Miami means that the Steelers faltered down the stretch and New England dominated?You do live in Bizarro world don't you?

The Bills are a hot team?

Watch football much? At the end of the season the Bills were definitely one of the hotter teams. I don't think you'll find many people to disagree with that.

I hate football. I never watch it, what teams are left?Bills ripped off 6 wins in a row, keep in mind the PATS had no use for Bledsoe and let him go to the New York Bills...

That's a pertinent fact to this discussion...

See ya on the field Sunday, may the better team win!!!!!!!!!

 

[Evilgrin72]

I hate football. I never watch it, what teams are left?

This the first thing you've said that makes sense.

 

[Evilgrin72]

If you look at weeks 15-17 of the regular season (no sense talking about ancient history) - the Steelers were 3-0 against teams with an aggregate record well over .500 and the Pats were 2-1 against teams with an aggregate record of 16-32. Not to mention they got WHUPPED by a 4-12 Miami team ! That means they suck !!! You can pick apart the season any way you want to try and prove your point. For the 85th time, if the Steelers dominate the LOS on both sides again, they will win going away again. If not, it'll be a different story. I don't know how many times I have to say this...

 

[steelerfan1]

dansav,care to comment on the oakland post? oh, i forgot, the patriots never got any breaks.bottom line, the steelers won lastweek and will be hosting the game this week. if you want to believe we shouldn't be there, go right ahead.brady had a bad game against the dolphins. does this mean he will blow it against the steelers? i'm guessing no.ben had a bad game against the jets, a game that he was coming into without playing for about 3 weeks and having his playmaking wr plax not playing for well over that.i would expect a little timing and game speed issues for both of them.i expect a very tough game this week and feel that a late turnover or a pass interference, roughing the passer penalty to decide the game.

 

[Steelers4Life]

If you look at weeks 15-17 of the regular season (no sense talking about ancient history) - the Steelers were 3-0 against teams with an aggregate record well over .500 and the Pats were 2-1 against teams with an aggregate record of 16-32. Not to mention they got WHUPPED by a 4-12 Miami team ! That means they suck !!! You can pick apart the season any way you want to try and prove your point. For the 85th time, if the Steelers dominate the LOS on both sides again, they will win going away again. If not, it'll be a different story. I don't know how many times I have to say this...

Nah, sorry EG. Some Pats fans seem to think that the advantage the Steelers have on both lines of scrimmage, which was clearly evident the last time they played, will be eliminated by the genius of Bill Bellichek. I mean, Bellichek can walk on water and spit fire, can't he? If he can stop the finesse passing attack of the Colts by dropping safeties and mixing up pass coverages, I'm SURE he can stop the Steelers smashmouth style running game with great, physical recievers and excellent blocking schemes.It's going to be a great game. Playing with numbers will only get you so far, and you can twist them to say whatever you want....I agree with you. Winning the lines of scrimmage and not making mistakes is going to decide who wins this game.

 

[apalmer]

,Jan 18 2005, 10:25 AM]

Let's forget about ancient history and look at the last 9-games for both teams.PATRIOTS margin of victory in last 9-games = 14.7ptsSTEELERS margin of victory in last 9-games = 7.1ptsOf these last 9-games, let's take a look at the common opponents. Teams include BAL, CLE, CIN, NYJ, and BUF.......PATS score 153 and let up 59 (NE outscores by 94)Steeler score 112 and let up 72 (PIT outscores by 40)The Steelers know they are lucky to be in this AFC championship game after the Jets blew the win 2 times in the same game.Result in Sunday's game Pats win hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good post but the Stillers fans won't be hearing anything like that. I give it 2-3 posts before your post is "discredited" After all.... That Ben kid is the second coming of Christ. What? He has more Interceptions than TDs in the 2nd half of the season? BAH... that doesn't mean anything.....

Don't exagerate. Ben is NOT the second coming of Christ, and Pittsburgh fans don't think so. In reality, he's merely the second coming of Moses, leading God's chosen people to the Promised Land.

 

[Hatchdog33]

Looking forward to the best game of the year, and maybe one of the best of all time. These two teams match up unbelievably well. Throw in some snow and I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it.Two smash mouth teams with a lot to prove. Pats looking for the dynasty and the Steelers and Cowher looking for redemption.Couple things in each team's favor.Pats1- Brady is 7-0 in the playoffs, Bellichick has lost only once.2- The Pats have beaten the Steelers already in this game, 2001.3- Steelers coverage units seem to be vulnerable, which seemed to be the biggest factor inthe 01 game. 4- Cowher has lost this game at home 3 times. 5- Will have #28 suiting up6- IMO, have a big advantage at QB. Tommy needs no words, he is what he is. Big Ben has come back to Earth the second half of the year and looked shaky last week. Steelers1- Whooped up on the Pats on Halloween, controlling both lines and turning the ball over.2- 9-0 at home, won 15 straight. Hell of a run.3- Running game is on fire right now. If they get a lead on the Pats and are able to grind, this game will be over.4- Big Ben has never lost.Keys of the game1- QB play2- Turnovers*3- Early lead. Whichever team gets it has a huge advantage. Both teams are very effective playing ahead and grinding, as well as stopping a one dimensional offense, obviously the pass if they are ahead. My predictionThe Pats score early on a return, Brady outplays Ben, they win the turnover battle and get back to the Bowl.24-1724-17

 

[Drifter]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

 

[dansav]

I hate football. I never watch it, what teams are left?

This the first thing you've said that makes sense.

What makes sense is that PIT will not win. I can gaurantee NE wins strong....Keep in mind you will not win with a rookie QB... come talk to me Monday morning....

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

Don't exagerate. Ben is NOT the second coming of Christ, and Pittsburgh fans don't think so. In reality, he's merely the second coming of Moses, leading God's chosen people to the Promised Land.

Does that mean he'll get injured and miss the SB?

 

[Evilgrin72]

Keep in mind you will not win with a rookie QB

You're going to have to forgive me if I feel this argument is a little tired and irrelevant by now, seeing as I've been hearing it since week 5 and the guy still hasn't lost.

 

[dansav]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

Kinda like PIT fans talking about INDY beating NE hands down..It is all relavant... Like I said see you on the field Sunday....

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

And some of us like both teams but still expect the Pats to win handily...

 

[Drifter]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

Kinda like PIT fans talking about INDY beating NE hands down..It is all relavant... Like I said see you on the field Sunday....

Not me. In fact I won a nice sum of money on the Pats last week.

 

[dansav]

Keep in mind you will not win with a rookie QB

You're going to have to forgive me if I feel this argument is a little tired and irrelevant by now, seeing as I've been hearing it since week 5 and the guy still hasn't lost.

He looks like #%@#. How many pics has he thrown the 2nd half of the season?

 

[Drifter]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

And some of us like both teams but still expect the Pats to win handily...

True enough. The talk show circuit feels the same too. Pats fans whine about not getting any respect but this year's 15-1 Steelers team gets shown far less respect than anything the Pats every experienced.

 

[David Yudkin]

I would like the Steelers chances much better had they lost the first game. NE will be extra motivated this time around.I also think that there is a HUGE difference between the regular season and the post season. The Pats did not exert 100% effort most weeks this year in the regular season and have shown that they can turn it up a notch or two come post season.Say what you want about the first game, I doubt that the Pats will have 4 turnovers, and at least they know what injuries they have to deal with. In the first game, Dillon went out just before game time and Law got hurt early in the game--both of those were hard to plan for and adjust accordingly.If both teams play like they did this past weekend, the Pats would control the game and win somewhat convincingly. However, I don't think the Steelers will roll over and die like the Coilts did.I see a low scoring affair--something like 13-6 Pats with Adam V kicking the first-ever 50 yarder in the Ketchup Bowl.

 

[jurb26]

I'm browsing some of the steelers PBPs.

Its interesting that if they have the lead late, they will run the football almost every time. For example, they beat the Bengals 19-14. They had one drive in the 4th where they got called for holding on a run and it was 1st and 20. The Steelers just went ahead and ran the ball three more times anyway. They gained 2, 1, and 3 yards to make it 4th and 14. Then they punted it back leading only 17-14. Cowher just sat on the ball up by 3. Turns out they pinned the Bengals to their 8 on the punt. The Bengals then committed a penalty in the end zone to make it a safety.

In the Jacksonville game they won 17-16, they had another drive where they ran it repeatedly in the fourth quarter. Staley for 3, Ben scramble for 19, Staley for 3, Staley for 1, Ben sacked, punt. Steelers were up 14-13 at the time. That was some really conservative playcalling and the Jaguars got the ball back and kicked a FG to take the lead on their next drive. Ben led them down to a game winning FG, however.

The pattern seems to be there. If the Steelers have any kind of lead in the fourth quarter, wether it is 1 point or 20, Cowher will just shut down the offense and run the football, even if it means punting. That's not playing to win. That's what Schottenheimer does.

You know there are teams out there who still TRUST their D to WIN games.I guess I can excuse your ignorance to this theory though seeing that Clev hasn't had one in years.

 

[Hatchdog33]

I like the Steelers a lot, and think this game will be close, but the one time he turns the ball over, along with some sort of huge play on a return will be the difference in this game.

 

[BGP]

I'm browsing some of the steelers PBPs.

Its interesting that if they have the lead late, they will run the football almost every time. For example, they beat the Bengals 19-14. They had one drive in the 4th where they got called for holding on a run and it was 1st and 20. The Steelers just went ahead and ran the ball three more times anyway. They gained 2, 1, and 3 yards to make it 4th and 14. Then they punted it back leading only 17-14. Cowher just sat on the ball up by 3. Turns out they pinned the Bengals to their 8 on the punt. The Bengals then committed a penalty in the end zone to make it a safety.

In the Jacksonville game they won 17-16, they had another drive where they ran it repeatedly in the fourth quarter. Staley for 3, Ben scramble for 19, Staley for 3, Staley for 1, Ben sacked, punt. Steelers were up 14-13 at the time. That was some really conservative playcalling and the Jaguars got the ball back and kicked a FG to take the lead on their next drive. Ben led them down to a game winning FG, however.

The pattern seems to be there. If the Steelers have any kind of lead in the fourth quarter, wether it is 1 point or 20, Cowher will just shut down the offense and run the football, even if it means punting. That's not playing to win. That's what Schottenheimer does.

You know there are teams out there who still TRUST their D to WIN games.I guess I can excuse your ignorance to this theory though seeing that Clev hasn't had one in years.

You know, you are only the millionith person to try to use the fact I'm as Browns fan as a "zinger". Its not original nor funny.Now see, Interceptaberger is fresh, new, timely, carries the truth, and is funny.

 

[jurb26]

I'm browsing some of the steelers PBPs.

Its interesting that if they have the lead late, they will run the football almost every time.  For example, they beat the Bengals 19-14.  They had one drive in the 4th where they got called for holding on a run and it was 1st and 20.  The Steelers just went ahead and ran the ball three more times anyway.  They gained 2, 1, and 3 yards to make it 4th and 14.  Then they punted it back leading only 17-14.  Cowher just sat on the ball up by 3.  Turns out they pinned the Bengals to their 8 on the punt.  The Bengals then committed a penalty in the end zone to make it a safety.

In the Jacksonville game they won 17-16, they had another drive where they ran it repeatedly in the fourth quarter.  Staley for 3, Ben scramble for 19, Staley for 3, Staley for 1, Ben sacked, punt.  Steelers were up 14-13 at the time.  That was some really conservative playcalling and the Jaguars got the ball back and kicked a FG to take the lead on their next drive.  Ben led them down to a game winning FG, however.

The pattern seems to be there.  If the Steelers have any kind of lead in the fourth quarter, wether it is 1 point or 20, Cowher will just shut down the offense and run the football, even if it means punting.  That's not playing to win.  That's what Schottenheimer does.

You know there are teams out there who still TRUST their D to WIN games.I guess I can excuse your ignorance to this theory though seeing that Clev hasn't had one in years.

You know, you are only the millionith person to try to use the fact I'm as Browns fan as a "zinger". Its not original nor funny.Now see, Interceptaberger is fresh, new, timely, carries the truth, and is funny.

NOr is any of the bashing you do to the Steelers. Funny how the shoe suddenly doesn't fit when its directed at your team though. Oh and no the silly names for Ben are not original nor funny. Maybe try some new material.

 

[Evilgrin72]

Keep in mind you will not win with a rookie  QB

You're going to have to forgive me if I feel this argument is a little tired and irrelevant by now, seeing as I've been hearing it since week 5 and the guy still hasn't lost.

He looks like #%@#. How many pics has he thrown the 2nd half of the season?

In the 9 game stretch you refer to.... 7. Even including the debacle last week, 9 in 10 games. Not exactly the end of the world. Get your facts straight.

 

[Steeler]

Everyone expecting the Steelers to give up a special teams TD to the Pats this week hasn't watched many Steeler games. The Moss return was an anomoly as their special teams coverage has been excellent all year.

 

[Evilgrin72]

Now see, Interceptaberger is fresh, new, timely, carries the truth, and is funny.

That is the truth. 13 INTs in 14 starts. Brutal for a rookie..

 

[fred_1_15301]

,Jan 18 2005, 10:25 AM]

Let's forget about ancient history and look at the last 9-games for both teams.PATRIOTS margin of victory in last 9-games = 14.7ptsSTEELERS margin of victory in last 9-games = 7.1ptsOf these last 9-games, let's take a look at the common opponents.  Teams include BAL, CLE, CIN, NYJ, and BUF.......PATS score 153 and let up 59 (NE outscores by 94)Steeler score 112 and let up 72 (PIT outscores by 40)The Steelers know they are lucky to be in this AFC championship game after the Jets blew the win 2 times in the same game.Result in Sunday's game Pats win hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good post but the Stillers fans won't be hearing anything like that. I give it 2-3 posts before your post is "discredited" After all.... That Ben kid is the second coming of Christ. What? He has more Interceptions than TDs in the 2nd half of the season? BAH... that doesn't mean anything.....

Here it comes homey.... Actually, not discrediting the information contained here, but wondering what made you (dansav) decide on a 9-week cutoff, proclaiming everything else to be "ancient history" ? Maybe because using 10 games might have given a different result? Also, if you want to look at those 9 games, tell me what the two teams records are in that span, and then tell me who had a tougher schedule. All these numbers are great, but wins are the bottom line.

The records of both teams were 8-1 (NE lost to MIA and PIT lost to the JETS last week)During this span, NE played 3 playoff teams in which they outscored their opponents 83-32 in those games. This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.During the same span of games PIT played no playoff teams other than the JETS and we all know what happened there.I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against PHI and a depleted NE team. But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. See ya Sunday, Homey!!!!!!

for every knowledgable pats fan, you get an idiot like this one.

 

[Evilgrin72]

,Jan 18 2005, 10:25 AM]

Let's forget about ancient history and look at the last 9-games for both teams.PATRIOTS margin of victory in last 9-games = 14.7ptsSTEELERS margin of victory in last 9-games = 7.1ptsOf these last 9-games, let's take a look at the common opponents.  Teams include BAL, CLE, CIN, NYJ, and BUF.......PATS score 153 and let up 59 (NE outscores by 94)Steeler score 112 and let up 72 (PIT outscores by 40)The Steelers know they are lucky to be in this AFC championship game after the Jets blew the win 2 times in the same game.Result in Sunday's game Pats win hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good post but the Stillers fans won't be hearing anything like that. I give it 2-3 posts before your post is "discredited" After all.... That Ben kid is the second coming of Christ. What? He has more Interceptions than TDs in the 2nd half of the season? BAH... that doesn't mean anything.....

Here it comes homey.... Actually, not discrediting the information contained here, but wondering what made you (dansav) decide on a 9-week cutoff, proclaiming everything else to be "ancient history" ? Maybe because using 10 games might have given a different result? Also, if you want to look at those 9 games, tell me what the two teams records are in that span, and then tell me who had a tougher schedule. All these numbers are great, but wins are the bottom line.

The records of both teams were 8-1 (NE lost to MIA and PIT lost to the JETS last week)During this span, NE played 3 playoff teams in which they outscored their opponents 83-32 in those games. This includes the aforementioned JETS who laid the smackdown on PIT last week.During the same span of games PIT played no playoff teams other than the JETS and we all know what happened there.I am not suggesting PIT didn't have a solid run during the middle of the season, by notching a victory against PHI and a depleted NE team. But as you can see the facts are the facts, PIT has struggled while NE has dominated down the stretch. See ya Sunday, Homey!!!!!!

for every knowledgable pats fan, you get an idiot like this one.

Notice how all the other Pats fans either left the thread or haven't posted in here until he goes away.... :rotflmao:

 

[apalmer]

Keep in mind you will not win with a rookie  QB

You're going to have to forgive me if I feel this argument is a little tired and irrelevant by now, seeing as I've been hearing it since week 5 and the guy still hasn't lost.

He looks like #%@#. How many pics has he thrown the 2nd half of the season?

In the 9 game stretch you refer to.... 7. Even including the debacle last week, 9 in 10 games. Not exactly the end of the world. Get your facts straight.

Which, amazingly enough, is exactly the number thrown in the last 9 weeks of the regular season by that paragon of quarterbacking integrity, Tom Brady.

 

[fred_1_15301]

ok heres the bottom line. Pats fans are using the stats that they want to use to indicate that their team will win this Sunday. Steelers fans are using the stats that they want to use to indicate that their team will win this Sunday. Being a statistician, I personally know that people can twist and create statistics to support just about any argument they want to make. The game will be played on Sunday between two teams who are equally motivated and talented and the best team will win.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

A few notes from Cowher press conference:-No injuries worse than probable, Verron Haynes is the only player that will miss practice on Wed, and he should be back on the field Thursday.-Bettis will start, expect to see Staley earlier than last week.-Kendrell Bell is probable, again. Foote is the unquestioned starter.

 

[Hatchdog33]

Argue about numbers all day, it doesn't mean much to me. Brady and Bill Bell have 'it', whatever the hell 'it' is. Montana had it, Jordan had it, Phil Jackson had it, Curt Schilling has 'it', etc....The ability to tune everything out and perform at the highest level in the biggest situations. Seperates the men from the boys, and champions from the rest.Many of you will laugh or scoff at that, and I don't blame you for it. But until someone beats them in the playoffs I believe completely in this team's ability to win. Big Ben seems like he might have 'it'. He's a winner. Too early to tell, but Cowher doesn't have 'it'. You don't lose three AFC titles games at home, you just don't.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Argue about numbers all day, it doesn't mean much to me. Brady and Bill Bell have 'it', whatever the hell 'it' is. Montana had it, Jordan had it, Phil Jackson had it, Curt Schilling has 'it', etc....The ability to tune everything out and perform at the highest level in the biggest situations. Seperates the men from the boys, and champions from the rest.Many of you will laugh or scoff at that, and I don't blame you for it. But until someone beats them in the playoffs I believe completely in this team's ability to win. Big Ben seems like he might have 'it'. He's a winner. Too early to tell, but Cowher doesn't have 'it'. You don't lose three AFC titles games at home, you just don't.

Yes but didn't the Yankees have "it" before their recent string of playoff futility? Who's to say the same thing doesn't befall the Pats and BB. And did the red sox have "it" before last year? Who's to say Cowher can't win it all even without having "it". All good things come to an end my friend. We'll see what happens........

 

[scooterg61]

ok..big time steelers fan here.. i want pitt to win so bad.. but i am very afraid of this game.. 1-3 AFC championship games.. 0-1 to NE.. beat NE reg season and NE will be up for the test.. NE destroyed colts and i really thought manning would shrewd without law and poole and seymour.. my god..NE looked good.... i must say.. from a football watcher and a fan.. NE looks right now to go into pitt and shred them.. i only say that from how badly pitt looked last week on offense and special teams.. running game was awesome.. but big ben threw some balls like he was trying to steer them... he is a RC and i give him tons of kudos for what he has done.. but this is big time now.. i am afraid that pitt goes to 1-4 in AFCG.. i only pray the football gods make big ben come back to heaven and pull some strings and have a great game and end NE's dynasty the last 2 of 3 years.. if NE goes and wins.. in super bowl.. thats ungodly!!.. 3out of 4 years with free agents how it is...i love my steelers.. but clouds are forming over heinz field and i am very worried.. lets go pitt.... i am praying for ya... :duel: :duel: :stillers: :stillers: :stillers:

 

[dansav]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

And some of us like both teams but still expect the Pats to win handily...

True enough. The talk show circuit feels the same too. Pats fans whine about not getting any respect but this year's 15-1 Steelers team gets shown far less respect than anything the Pats every experienced.

I don't whine about getting respect. We have earned respect, just look at what has been accomplished in 3 seasons. The problem is PIT fans want respect, which is earned, not just handed out.... That is the differecne between Pats and Steelers fans...Earn it

 

[Hatchdog33]

Good points, no doubt. The Sox, in my opinion, won because they brought Schilling here, who has 'it'. Coupled with the Yankees bringing in f'n AJob, who has negative 'it', and there you have it. I don't believe it's teams or organizations that has 'it' or not, it's the players that make up that team.Games like this are won by players/coaches exerting their will and rising above, as well as players/coaches wilting when it matters most. Players on this team who were here in 01 for the PatsBradyMatt LightLarry IzzoWillie MacTedy BruschiPhiferVrabelTroy BrownKevin FaulkAdam ClutchDeion BranchSeymour Andruzzi Teddy JohnsonPatrick PassLonnie PaxtonDavid PattenBellichickRomeo Weis

 

[[icon]]

What's funny is that just about every Steelers fan comes in here giving New England respect and saying it's going to be a tough game and a good portion of the Pats fans come in here discrediting what the Steelers have done and predicting a blow out.

Are we reading the same thread?I don't know if a single sane Pats fan who's predicted a blowout, yet several steelers fans have predicted that they win "going away" again

 

[jurb26]

Well I guess I agree with the majority here. This should be a great physical game that goes down to the wire. These are teams that like to win with thier D and I see both trying to control the clock and thus the tempo of the game. One thing that is bothersome from reading this thread though is the lack of respect Cower seems to be getting. Yes, BB is the best coach in the league and maybe best ever. However Cower is pretty darn good in his own right. There is a reason he has been to 5 AFC Champ games now a Superbowl, and has the longest stay with his current team of any in the league. He has also proved that he can match wits with BB as he has been able to beat him a few times. Granted the big one was a playoff loss though. I think Cower has had success vs. BB because he keeps thing simple though. Plays smashmouth football. Put a body on a body and see who imposes their will 1st. It doesn't depend on elaberate schemes, more just execution and toughness. Say what you want, but the Steelers where able to impose their will on the Pats last time they played. Now it was aided by some early turnover, but still they did it. I see this game coming down to a few areas:1. Big Ben avoiding the big mistakes he made last week. I don't expect him to have 2 VERY bad games in a row and lets not forget that the Jets seem to be on to somehting with him. Both games vs. the Jets this year were the worst games I have seen for Ben. I don't expect NE to be able to do the same. Especially since Pitt will be more commited to the run.2. Can NE win the battle in the trenches this time. Or at least keep it even. Pitt dominated NE up front in the 1st game. I know, I know... but turn overs helped them. Yes, but solid play up front lead to those turn overs. Brady was getting hit and had guys in his face all day. Steelers RBs were getting lanes and moving piles. This needs to be sured up for NE to win.3. Can Brady exploit the Steelers CBs and hit the deep ball. There is little doubt in my mind that Pitt can shut down Dillon and the running game unless Brady is able to hit big plays to keep them honest. As good as Pitt has played, there is still no doubt that this is their weakness. The CBs are not good cover guys and the Ss take too many chances. I heard some compare Troy to Reed earlier I have to say that is insulting to Ed. Troy is still suspect in his deep responsiblities and bites on PA. He plays agressive which allows him tyo create big plays, but it also cause lapses in his coverage reponsibliities. Lapses that can be exposed IMO. Not trying to single Troy out though, I think all of the DBs other than Townsend are like this. 4. Finally, special teams. This seems to be a huge facotor in many playoff games and I don't expect this one to be any different. Pitt has had its share of problems regarding ST too. If 14 points come from a sources other than the NE O, its safe to say NE wins this game. Heck its not often any team can overcome 14 points from D/ST like the Steelers did this past week. Well we can thak a certain K for that though.I think Pitt wins this game. How can you pick against a 16-1 team at home who hasn't lost in 15 games? I don't expect Ben to have a 2nd bad game in a row and I think the D will be able to slow down Dillon. Brady will be able to hit enough big plays in the passing game to keep this thing very close though. I think that NE will struggle in the readzone even if they can move the ball therefore: 17-16 Steelers

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Let's bury the RESPECT bs with Rodney Dangerfield. We have 15-2 (defending champ) meeting 16-1 (won 15 in a row). Both teams get plenty of respect nationally. Both teams want this game badly. Let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Steelers4Life]

On ESPN radio, the Dan Patrick Show, Ray Lewis just said that if he had to pick a winner this Sunday, he picks the Steelers.Not that it means anything, but the Ravens played both teams this year.

 

[Hatchdog33]

Agreed, the respect thing is BS. Has there ever been a 1 loss team and a 2 loss team in a playoff game before. This is awesome. Let's make sure, in all our partisan smack talking, that we step back and realize how special this game is and how lucky we are to be a fan of one of the teams here. or just a die hard football fan in general. We all know it's gotta come down to turnovers. Pitt has an advantage on the lines, but if they get behind due to a turnover or two, that advantage won't matter. The Pats will be able to rush Ben and take over the game, and mix up on O enough to neutralize the line difference. And the reverse is true. If the Steelers get ahead due to turnovers, like the last game, they will pound the ball on O and Brady on D and get to the Bowl convincingly.It's that simple, right ?

 

[fred_1_15301]

Agreed, the respect thing is BS. Has there ever been a 1 loss team and a 2 loss team in a playoff game before. This is awesome. Let's make sure, in all our partisan smack talking, that we step back and realize how special this game is and how lucky we are to be a fan of one of the teams here. or just a die hard football fan in general. We all know it's gotta come down to turnovers. Pitt has an advantage on the lines, but if they get behind due to a turnover or two, that advantage won't matter. The Pats will be able to rush Ben and take over the game, and mix up on O enough to neutralize the line difference. And the reverse is true. If the Steelers get ahead due to turnovers, like the last game, they will pound the ball on O and Brady on D and get to the Bowl convincingly.It's that simple, right ?

Actually it really is that simple on paper. The difficult part will be either one of these teams taking the other team out of their element. It's truly a shame that one of these teams will go home watching the superbowl because I think in a normal year, either one of these teams would be worthy of being crowned superbowl champs.