Steelers/Cowboys week 14 (1 Viewer)

[Manster]

you might be right on the short pass thing. it's gonna be interesting to see what this Dallas offense tries to do against the Steelers D. they are gonna have to creative. i see them trying to get to the outside a lot as well, get their road-graders out in front. doubt they'll try to attack the middle of the Steelers D.

i think Choice might surprise some folks who haven't watched him. i just hope he's ready to block. this kind of game is where we could use Emmitt.

 

[Godsbrother]

would anyone bench Reed because of weather/wind concerns or no?

I picked up Carpenter, the kicker for Miami (they're playing Buffalo in a dome in Toronto) and I am playing him instead of Reed. The wind is scaring me away.

 

[Godsbrother]

you might be right on the short pass thing. it's gonna be interesting to see what this Dallas offense tries to do against the Steelers D. they are gonna have to creative. i see them trying to get to the outside a lot as well, get their road-graders out in front. doubt they'll try to attack the middle of the Steelers D.i think Choice might surprise some folks who haven't watched him. i just hope he's ready to block. this kind of game is where we could use Emmitt.

The Steelers DBs usually give receivers big cushions. If I was Dallas I would be taking advantage of that.

 

[Manster]

lots 3 step drops, and bootlegs. i just hope Garrett doesnt' get too cute. Romo is just gonna have to dissect this D a little at a time.

this game really makes me nervous.

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

I'm sticking with Romo over Big Ben & Frerotte vs Lions...just can't put my playoffs in Frerottes hands.

IMHO, Steelers should take this one (bad weather in December, at home = Steelers football).

 

[bentley]

Just think Cowboy Fans. We'll get to do this again next week as we're playing the Giants. There's somethinig about being incorrectly thinking and bragging that you're America's Team that gets people stirred up, don't you think?

Fixed

I'm pretty sure they still get the highest TV ratings and sell the most merchandise. How else would you measure it?I'm predicting a 38-2 Steelers win. I'm also predicting that I'll be quite surly and probably end up getting suspended from FBG by the end of the afternoon.

 

[timschochet]

The loss of Barber + Steeler pass rush= those who own Jason Witten will be especially happy today, I predict.

 

[Andy Herron]

you might be right on the short pass thing. it's gonna be interesting to see what this Dallas offense tries to do against the Steelers D. they are gonna have to creative. i see them trying to get to the outside a lot as well, get their road-graders out in front. doubt they'll try to attack the middle of the Steelers D.i think Choice might surprise some folks who haven't watched him. i just hope he's ready to block. this kind of game is where we could use Emmitt.

I think we'll see alot of FB Deion Anderson today, in both the running and passing game.I'm benching Romo for Matt Ryan, but leaving TO in my lineup.Even with it being his third year as a starter, we're going to learn some things about Romo today.I can't believe that all-of-the-sudden, DeMarcus Ware is being deemed as "questionable" per Ed Werder. With the cold temps, he's reporting that they will test Ware pre-game to see how loose they can get his knee. Put a freakin' heat wrap on it and GO! I'm not feeling as good about this as I was 24 hours ago.I hope Phillips has these Boys ready.

 

[Urinal Mint]

Man, there is an unreal amount of meaningless posturing in this thread

 

[JSH21]

John Clayton just said on ESPN that DeMarcus Ware is now looking more like "doubtful".

So much for this...

Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware (knee) said he will be "99.9 percent" when Sunday rolls around.

That's excellent news for the 'Boys who face a tough and highly anticipated matchup at Pittsburgh. Ware leads the league with 15 sacks this season.

 

[Urinal Mint]

if Ware can't go today I think the Cowboys are sunk

 

[Tyrion]

if Ware can't go today I think the Cowboys are sunk

It will make it much tougher for sure. I will buy it when I see it. I thought Werder was still trying to get TO to answer one of his questions. I hope Spencer and Ellis brought their A games today.

 

[Ridgelake]

Tashard Choice seems to be the Dallas starter. He's a rookie RB out of Georgia Tech. There, they ran a pro-style offense that was coached by former Cowboy head coach Chan Gailey. Choice was a workhorse back, frequently getting 20+ carries. He also was versed in pass protection in a pro-style offense.

From watching Choice since he arrived in Dallas, he seems to do everything well but nothing great. He's not exceptionally big, or fast, or quick, or strong. But he seems to run hard, with good vision. He can break a tackle or make a guy miss. He has a good burst. He reminds me a little bit of Emmitt Smith, though he's clearly not as talented. There wasnt anything that really stood out about Emmitt, but he was very effective.

Choice's first college action came in not dissimilar circumstances as today. Injuries occurred, and he was forced into the starting line up against a nationally ranked opponent with a top defense, Miami. He reportedly played well and continued on to have a good career.

Don't underestimate Choice. He's not Barber. Not Emmitt. But he's a solid back who just knows how to play.

 

[hankd]

Ware out, according to CBS affiliate in Pitt... (according to 1310 The Ticket in Dallas)

 

[Ridgelake]

The windy conditions will likely have an impact on how Dallas plays defense. The last game where wind was a significant factor, against washington 3 weeks ago, you saw Dallas play more press man-to-man than they have in years. In his post game press conference, Wade said the wind made deep throwing much more difficult so he was willing to risk getting beat deep. If the winds are gusting today, don't be surprised to see Dallas play a lot of press coverage to make short throws more difficult.

You're also likely to see Dallas employ more Buddy Ryan "46" defense. In this set, Dallas brings 6 guys to the LOS. The strong safety slides down to help pair with an ILB to create a 6-2 look. This is a high-pressure scheme that is difficult to run against and leaves little time for the QB to throw. It will get Ware and Ratliff isolated on offensive linemen. In Rat's case, it will be against whichever interior lineman Dallas believes to be the weakest. Expect a big game from Ratliff. Dan Marino was able to beat this scheme with a lot of quick passes. THats where the press coverage comes into play. If the wind makes getting beat deep less likely, then you'll see more press coverage.

With these weather conditions, I've now benched all my Cowboy and Steeler players. Expect a defensive struggle.

 

[VaCatFan]

Any word on who's the better play: Mewelde Moore or Parker? Haven't been able to keep up much this week, so I'm not updated on Parkers status.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Tashard Choice seems to be the Dallas starter. He's a rookie RB out of Georgia Tech. There, they ran a pro-style offense that was coached by former Cowboy head coach Chan Gailey. Choice was a workhorse back, frequently getting 20+ carries. He also was versed in pass protection in a pro-style offense.From watching Choice since he arrived in Dallas, he seems to do everything well but nothing great. He's not exceptionally big, or fast, or quick, or strong. But he seems to run hard, with good vision. He can break a tackle or make a guy miss. He has a good burst. He reminds me a little bit of Emmitt Smith, though he's clearly not as talented. There wasnt anything that really stood out about Emmitt, but he was very effective. Choice's first college action came in not dissimilar circumstances as today. Injuries occurred, and he was forced into the starting line up against a nationally ranked opponent with a top defense, Miami. He reportedly played well and continued on to have a good career.Don't underestimate Choice. He's not Barber. Not Emmitt. But he's a solid back who just knows how to play.

I have some friends who are huuuge GT homers so I usually go to a game or two a year with them. Choice always looked good in college. You can say that his competition in the ACC was lacking, but I've always wished the kid well. Were he starting against any other team today, I'd be wishing him well. Today, not so much.

 

[ncsulaw]

Any word on who's the better play: Mewelde Moore or Parker? Haven't been able to keep up much this week, so I'm not updated on Parkers status.

I would think Parker. Although bad weather may result in a lot of drop off passes to Moore.

 

[Ridgelake]

Ware is ACTIVE

Cowboys: QB Brooks Bollinger (3rd), WR Miles Austin, RB Marion Barber, CB Courtney Brown, CB Mike Jenkins, LB Steve Octavien, G Joe Berger, OT Doug Free.

Analysis: RB Tashard Choice will start in the absence of Barber, who is out. DE/LB Demarcus Ware is active and will play against the Steelers.

Steelers: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd), DB Fernando Bryant, LB Bruce Davis, T Tony Hills, NT Scott Paxson, T Marvel Smith, DE Orpheus Roye, DE Brett Keisel.

Analysis: QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Willie Parker are active and will start, as expected. SS Troy Polamalu is also active for the Steelers and is a safe play for IDP leaguers.

 

[NYG Endzone]

I'm starting Mewelde over Ricky and MoMo

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Let's end the talking....

 

[bentley]

Let's end the talking....

Suck it, hippie.

 

[T Bell]

{Syrus} says this is like a playoff game for the Cowboys, so I think that's all you need to know. Steelers 27 - Cowboys 17

 

[Judge Smails]

My crystal ball sees the Steelers crushing Romo and company, 20-3. Steelers to the under - no matter what the line is...

winner winner chicken dinnerSteelers show know how to win ugly. Romo entirely different in the elements. Hope some people cashed big parlays..

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

Steelers 23 - Boys 14

I think I was pretty close.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Yesterday I asked ESPN Stats & Information to do a comparison of Ben Roethlisberger's and Tony Romo's career passing numbers in the fourth quarter. Romo has been at his best when the game's on the line with a passer rating of 107.2 in the fourth quarter. He's thrown 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Big Ben has played more than Romo, but he's thrown 19 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He has a 79.1 passer rating. If the Cowboys keep it close heading into the fourth quarter, I like their chances with Romo.

 

[Godsbrother]

Romo's numbers:

19-36 210 1 TD, 3 Int 44.9 passer rating.

Ouch.

 

[Ridgelake]

Congrats Steelers fans. Your team made plays down the stretch and Dallas did not. It was a fun week of bantering back and forth. Hope we get the opportunity to do this again. In early February for the Super Bowl.

 

[Godsbrother]

Congrats Steelers fans. Your team made plays down the stretch and Dallas did not. It was a fun week of bantering back and forth. Hope we get the opportunity to do this again. In early February for the Super Bowl.

Good luck the rest of the season.

 

[Lehigh98]

Just think Cowboy Fans. We'll get to do this again next week as we're playing the Giants. There's somethinig about being America's Team that gets people stirred up, don't you think?

Days since Dallas' last playoff win: 4,362Steelers 23

Cowboys 14

And just think how stirred up you guys will be after we start winning playoff games again this season? Wow a recession and that? Haters are in for a tough time.

You've got to get in first.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Romo's numbers:19-36 210 1 TD, 3 Int 44.9 passer rating.Ouch.

hehe, what a great game...

 

[crowe1130]

Just think Cowboy Fans. We'll get to do this again next week as we're playing the Giants. There's somethinig about being America's Team that gets people stirred up, don't you think?

Days since Dallas' last playoff win: 4,362Steelers 23

Cowboys 14

And just think how stirred up you guys will be after we start winning playoff games again this season? Wow a recession and that? Haters are in for a tough time.

You've got to get in first.

4,363

 

[The_Man]

Did the Townsend INT remind anyone else of Larry Brown in Super Bowl XXX? The play looked almost exactly the same to me, particularly Brown's second INT

Romo, thanks for finaly returning O'Donnell's favor

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Did the Townsend INT remind anyone else of Larry Brown in Super Bowl XXX? The play looked almost exactly the same to me, particularly Brown's second INTRomo, thanks for finaly returning O'Donnell's favor

While I was ecstatic yesterday, in no way, shape or form does that return the favor from Stinkhole of SBXXX

 

[Bankerguy]

Nice comeback for the Steelers. Congrats to the team and their fans

The day after, I am pleased with the Cowboys effort and level of competiveness. However the L sure does hurt especially after Atlanta lost.

 

[Copeman]

Tough and gritty team playing a cutesy little finesse team on a tough and gritty field in winter weather. Give me the tough and gritty team.Steelers 17Cowboys 13

Wearing black and having to live in Pittsburgh doesn't make them tough. I can't wait for this game so we can see how the Steelers hold up.

Haven't watched many of their games huh?

I have watched them and other than an excellent ability to throw cheap shots I haven't been seen much from the Steelers to impress me. What you are going to discover when they are on the same field and across from each other is that Dallas is going to look a lot bigger and meaner (albeit prettier) than the Steelers. And when you see Harrison and Woodley driven into the turf by Adams and Columbo and see Barber punching the Polo in the grill your going to figure out real quick what I have been trying to tell you. The Steelers are going to lose and lose hard.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Tough and gritty team playing a cutesy little finesse team on a tough and gritty field in winter weather. Give me the tough and gritty team.Steelers 17Cowboys 13

Wearing black and having to live in Pittsburgh doesn't make them tough. I can't wait for this game so we can see how the Steelers hold up.

Haven't watched many of their games huh?

I have watched them and other than an excellent ability to throw cheap shots I haven't been seen much from the Steelers to impress me. What you are going to discover when they are on the same field and across from each other is that Dallas is going to look a lot bigger and meaner (albeit prettier) than the Steelers. And when you see Harrison and Woodley driven into the turf by Adams and Columbo and see Barber punching the Polo in the grill your going to figure out real quick what I have been trying to tell you. The Steelers are going to lose and lose hard.

Ouch. I'd be shocked to see Tyrion show up in a Steeler thread the rest of the year.

 

[roadkill1292]

Anybody who said they were SURE about the outcome of this game was just silly. Even if you turned out to be right.

 

[Judge Smails]

Anybody who said they were SURE about the outcome of this game was just silly. Even if you turned out to be right.

Agreed, except the under was never in doubt...

 

[Mustang Man]

Hey Congrats to the Steelers, they deserved the win they made all the plays when it mattered. Great game!