colts have a little more to play for this week than they did against the Chargers. And, the Colts proved they could handle the Steelers in their first meeting this year.I like the Colts by 7.The Steelers need to play much better D than they did today. They also need to be able to control the LOS on offense. I am not confident that they can do either but after seeing the Chargers performance against Indy anything is possible.
Oh, saying I agree with your assessment is an understatement. As much as I would like a Colts blowout, it isn't going to happen. What we have here folks is another 1995 classic in the making.I won't vote, as I'm a homer too.
But, the Ben that showed up against Cinci was not the same Ben that you guys saw earlier this year. If he can stay relaxed and poised I think we honestly do have a shot at beating you. Well, that and our DB's not biting on Manning pump fakes on the first play of the game.
It's been an odd year for the colts, of highs and lows. First their impressive win streal. then the letdown of the Charger loss, Dungy's tragedy, and now the starters having only played a few series of down in the last 3 weeks, combine that with Ben seemingly getting his act together and our defense playing good ball...I don't expect this game will be like the regular season meeting. The Colts will be favored, and rightfully so. But this game is not going to be a cakewalk for them.
Steelers homer here so I didn't vote either. I wasn't very confident going into the Bengals game but it was nice to see the Steelers actually adapt after a shaky first half. The Colts are not the Bengals and the Steelers defense will have to play much much better than they did against the Bengals. Realistically, I dont see that happening just because there are way too many issues with that defense right now (i.e. not being able to stop 3rd and short/long/miles, no pass rush, stupid penalties, missed tackles). On the other hand, I saw a qb yesterday that just might be able to carry a team on his back (very Elway-esque). It may and probably won't happen this year but good times are ahead Steelers fans. # 7 is gonna be a stud for many years to come..........I'm a homer so I null voted. I expect a different game than last time, when Pitt seemed to think they could run over the Colts because they are small. I expect a more balanced offensive attack from the Steelers this time - mixing the run and pass more effectively.
We know that the home team in the divisional round wins 80% of the time. Here's another interesting nugget: since 1970 there have been 20 teams that have won 14 or more regular season games (not including this year's Colts). Only one out of the 20 failed to get out of the divisional round - the 1986 Bears.
I don't see how you can root for the Colts if the Broncos win on Saturday night. As a fan, even trumping the understandable revenge factor, I always would rather be able to host a conference title game than not. Just for the excitement factor alone - I think that trumps the "revenge" and "wanting to beat the best (meaning top seed)" factors. But, I'm speaking as a fan whose city has never hosted an AFC title game - maybe in Denver it would be different.After watching the chippy BS (and I'm not talking about the Palmer hit) that the Steelers perpetrated yesterday, I've switched my preference in the this game & would rather see IND win. Completely classless show by PIT vs CIN.
I'd have voted IND in this poll either way.
Voting for the Colts in the poll does not equal rooting for the Colts, although as I stated earlier, after yesterday's showing by PIT, I hope IND pastes them. As a DEN fan, we'll deal with whomever comes next IF we win this coming weekend. Who I root for in the PIT/IND probably will have very little to do with the outcome.I don't see how you can root for the Colts if the Broncos win on Saturday night.
Good points. I'm looking forward to both AFC games this weekend.Voting for the Colts in the poll does not equal rooting for the Colts, although as I stated earlier, after yesterday's showing by PIT, I hope IND pastes them. As a DEN fan, we'll deal with whomever comes next IF we win this coming weekend. Who I root for in the PIT/IND probably will have very little to do with the outcome.I don't see how you can root for the Colts if the Broncos win on Saturday night.
Only 9 of the 20 won the SB.We know that the home team in the divisional round wins 80% of the time. Here's another interesting nugget: since 1970 there have been 20 teams that have won 14 or more regular season games (not including this year's Colts). Only one out of the 20 failed to get out of the divisional round - the 1986 Bears.
Correct. But, there were 3 (maybe 4 - I don't have the list in front of me) seasons that there were more than one 14 win team - and one of those seasons there were 3 14+ win teams. They can't all win the Super Bowl in the same season (and each of those 3 (or 4) seasons one of the 14+ win teams did win the Super Bowl).But - I'm ONLY talking about the divisional round with my original point. Mainly that the team tends to trip up later in the playoffs if they trip up.Only 9 of the 20 won the SB.We know that the home team in the divisional round wins 80% of the time. Here's another interesting nugget: since 1970 there have been 20 teams that have won 14 or more regular season games (not including this year's Colts). Only one out of the 20 failed to get out of the divisional round - the 1986 Bears.
what did the steelers do yesterday that offended you?Voting for the Colts in the poll does not equal rooting for the Colts, although as I stated earlier, after yesterday's showing by PIT, I hope IND pastes them. As a DEN fan, we'll deal with whomever comes next IF we win this coming weekend. Who I root for in the PIT/IND probably will have very little to do with the outcome.I don't see how you can root for the Colts if the Broncos win on Saturday night.
they wonwhat did the steelers do yesterday that offended you?Voting for the Colts in the poll does not equal rooting for the Colts, although as I stated earlier, after yesterday's showing by PIT, I hope IND pastes them. As a DEN fan, we'll deal with whomever comes next IF we win this coming weekend. Who I root for in the PIT/IND probably will have very little to do with the outcome.I don't see how you can root for the Colts if the Broncos win on Saturday night.
I could have cared less who won that game yesterday. Neither team is going to the SB.PIT DBs with their walkover of WRs who are on the ground while talking trash the whole time is bush league. The guy is literally helpless. Polamalu throwing the ball in an opponent's face despite him running his mouth the whole game. The late shots on WRs away from where the ball is thrown - that's all bush league crapola.they wonwhat did the steelers do yesterday that offended you?
How can they choke when they're underdogs?What would the playoffs be without a Cowher-coached team choking?
For anyone that cares . . .72 Dolphins Won Super BowlCorrect. But, there were 3 (maybe 4 - I don't have the list in front of me) seasons that there were more than one 14 win team - and one of those seasons there were 3 14+ win teams. They can't all win the Super Bowl in the same season (and each of those 3 (or 4) seasons one of the 14+ win teams did win the Super Bowl).But - I'm ONLY talking about the divisional round with my original point. Mainly that the team tends to trip up later in the playoffs if they trip up.Only 9 of the 20 won the SB.We know that the home team in the divisional round wins 80% of the time. Here's another interesting nugget: since 1970 there have been 20 teams that have won 14 or more regular season games (not including this year's Colts). Only one out of the 20 failed to get out of the divisional round - the 1986 Bears.
They were home dogs to the Pats last year but it was "choking" then too.Somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.How can they choke when they're underdogs?What would the playoffs be without a Cowher-coached team choking?
You can count on 2 things. One, the Steelers will be watching lots of film on the Colts / Chargers game, two, Peyton manning will be watching lots of film on the Colts / Chargers gameI am not confident that they can do either but after seeing the Chargers performance against Indy anything is possible.
[somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.
Sorry, I should've made the sarcasm a little more clear.Even as a Steelers fan, I don't know how anyone can look at this game and think the Steelers SHOULD win.[somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.
Maybe there is part of them doesn't want to face the Pats, but I'll guarantee that they would love a chance to beat the Pats @ home and exorcize their demons.It is going to be a very interesting game - actually all the games next weekend will be very interesting. My boss and I discussed the playoffs last Friday and we agreed that the only team to have a realistic shot at goint to the RCA dome and beat the Colts would be New England.
I saw (and heard) nothing this weekend to change my mind in that respect.
FWIW I think if the Pats win in Denver the Colts better look out. They will be rooting for Denver to win that game I am sure.
He should be moving up fantasy-wise, too.He had what had to be the quietest top 10 QB performance on a PPG basis in the history of fantasy football.Ben is quickly moving up my ranking of QB's in the league (not fantasy wise) and next to Palmer he is the best young QB in the game ahead of the likes of Eli, Vick, Leftwich, etc.
I noticed the same stuff and was surprised. Are the Steelers always that brash and cocky on the field? And what is with Hines Ward mocking the crowd after they took the lead? I like Bill Cowher (even though I argue against him a lot, usually because it becomes a Cowher vs. Shanahan battle), but I was disappointed with the way his team behaved yesterday (not talking about Palmer's injury, either).PIT DBs with their walkover of WRs who are on the ground while talking trash the whole time is bush league. The guy is literally helpless. Polamalu throwing the ball in an opponent's face despite him running his mouth the whole game. The late shots on WRs away from where the ball is thrown - that's all bush league crapola.
And the funny thing is that It's CIN who gets nailed with the first unsportsmanlike penalty on the hit on Randle El one step OB when both players where braced for the collision - the refs tried to get hold of the game way too late. Don't get me wrong - the better team won. CIN plays way too young to be successful in the playoffs, and losing Palmer so early (on a legit hit, IMO) certainly didn't help.
I just think Cowher had better get a handle on his team - and the PIT secondary has some serious growing up to do. They'll get a good lesson next week. Don't think IND wasn't watching the same things...
what would the playoffs be without Petyon Manning chocking?Someone has to win!!!What would the playoffs be without a Cowher-coached team choking?
I don't think a 6 seed (that is an almost double digit favorite) losing to the 1 seed should be labeled choking.What would the playoffs be without a Cowher-coached team choking?
Maybe not, but with that chin sticking out so far, it kind of makes you wonder what he chokes on away from the cameras.I don't think a 6 seed (that is an almost double digit favorite) losing to the 1 seed should be labeled choking.What would the playoffs be without a Cowher-coached team choking?
The DB trash talking thing is nothing - Housmanzadeh was doing MORE than enough talking of his own like he always does, and I'm sure CJ was doing his share too. It was a heated game and tempers were all over the place. I'd guess a lot of it likely had to do with how they acted and the cocky comments Housh and CJ made after the Bengals won in Pittsburgh. It was Housh who was walked over a little bit in the end zone, and I think the secondary took him wiping his cleats with a terrible towel to heart. He does more than his share of talking, but he comes off like a cocky ### hole while CJ comes off as being funny. As for Ward baiting the crowd, you can be sure the Steelers' players were hearing it from them. That happens in every game, everywhere.I noticed the same stuff and was surprised. Are the Steelers always that brash and cocky on the field? And what is with Hines Ward mocking the crowd after they took the lead? I like Bill Cowher (even though I argue against him a lot, usually because it becomes a Cowher vs. Shanahan battle), but I was disappointed with the way his team behaved yesterday (not talking about Palmer's injury, either).PIT DBs with their walkover of WRs who are on the ground while talking trash the whole time is bush league. The guy is literally helpless. Polamalu throwing the ball in an opponent's face despite him running his mouth the whole game. The late shots on WRs away from where the ball is thrown - that's all bush league crapola.
And the funny thing is that It's CIN who gets nailed with the first unsportsmanlike penalty on the hit on Randle El one step OB when both players where braced for the collision - the refs tried to get hold of the game way too late. Don't get me wrong - the better team won. CIN plays way too young to be successful in the playoffs, and losing Palmer so early (on a legit hit, IMO) certainly didn't help.
I just think Cowher had better get a handle on his team - and the PIT secondary has some serious growing up to do. They'll get a good lesson next week. Don't think IND wasn't watching the same things...
And I don't expect them to be. I was impressed by how physically they played against the Steelers last time.I'm hoping Roethlisberger not being rusty and the fact that Marvel Smith will play this time will have an impact on this game.The Colts are not going to be intimidated by anyone! They are dishing out as much as they are taking this season(which is new for us).
Colts 27
Stillers 20
Although, as previously pointed out, being the underdog and losing <> choking. That being said, is there another more over-rated coach in the NFL? Cowher has had TONS of talent on his teams in the past decade or so and has nothing to show for it. Sure he has division titles and what not, but they remind me of the Braves in baseball. Always in the middle of it, but you always know they won't win it all.[somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.
I don't think that is fair. There is something to be said for always being in the thick of it. Cowher is one of the winningest coaches of the last ten plus years. Jeff Fisher, Andy Reid and Tony Dungy haven't won Super Bowls either, but I would still call them very good or even great coaches. And for the record, Bobby Cox has won one World Series championships with the Braves.Although, as previously pointed out, being the underdog and losing <> choking. That being said, is there another more over-rated coach in the NFL? Cowher has had TONS of talent on his teams in the past decade or so and has nothing to show for it. Sure he has division titles and what not, but they remind me of the Braves in baseball. Always in the middle of it, but you always know they won't win it all.
This couldn't be farther from the truth. He's led 5 teams to the AFCC game with the likes of O'Donnell, Stewart, and a rookie at QB. He took a team to the Super Bowl with O'Donnell at QB, Bam Morris and Erric Pegram at RB, and a WR squad made up of mediocre talents. There are lots of positions where you can hide a weak spot, but QB isn't one of them.That being said, is there another more over-rated coach in the NFL? Cowher has had TONS of talent on his teams in the past decade or so and has nothing to show for it. Sure he has division titles and what not, but they remind me of the Braves in baseball. Always in the middle of it, but you always know they won't win it all.[somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.
Just adding the fact that while it's true that Steelers' QBs have occasionally had OK years, at no point has Cowher had a QB who has been capable of leading a team with his arm.Until this year.This couldn't be farther from the truth. He's led 5 teams to the AFCC game with the likes of O'Donnell, Stewart, and a rookie at QB. He took a team to the Super Bowl with O'Donnell at QB, Bam Morris and Erric Pegram at RB, and a WR squad made up of mediocre talents. There are lots of positions where you can hide a weak spot, but QB isn't one of them.That being said, is there another more over-rated coach in the NFL? Cowher has had TONS of talent on his teams in the past decade or so and has nothing to show for it. Sure he has division titles and what not, but they remind me of the Braves in baseball. Always in the middle of it, but you always know they won't win it all.[somehow, if the Colts win like they should, Cowher will have choked again.
He lost with a better team in 1994, I'll give you that. But in 1997 he lost to an Elway led Bronco team when Stewart threw 3 INTs and fumbled once. In 2001, he lost when the Patriots scored TDs on a punt return and a blocked field goal. He called for Josh Miller to punt it out of bounds, but Miller missed and kicked it right to Troy Brown. And in 2004, the Steelers lost to a Patriots team that were road favorites in Heinz Field.
If anything, he's underrated because he takes a LOT of criticism for things he couldn't do anything about. He's gotten the most of the talent he's had.