Sunday night game (1 Viewer)

[Burning Sensation]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)

Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

 

[CA_7]

What happen to your 1.4 2006 rookie pick?

 

[Burning Sensation]

What happen to your 1.4 2006 rookie pick?

 

[BoltBacker]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Keep in mind...A)PIT went into SD and won last seasonB)PIT is coming off a long week to prepare

 

[Tom Servo]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Why does this surprise you? Two fairly even teams that are both expected to be in the thick of the hunt for the AFC championship. The game's in SD, so that sounds about right.

 

[RoarinSonoran]

Don't forget that SD knocked off PIT in the '95 AFC Championship game, so there's the revenge factor for the Steelers.

 

[intrinsic]

Don't forget that SD knocked off PIT in the '95 AFC Championship game, so there's the revenge factor for the Steelers.

And how many of the Steelers currently were on that 95 team?

 

[cstu]

Don't forget that SD knocked off PIT in the '95 AFC Championship game, so there's the revenge factor for the Steelers.

2 years in row? Enough is enough.

 

[RoarinSonoran]

Don't forget that SD knocked off PIT in the '95 AFC Championship game, so there's the revenge factor for the Steelers.

And how many of the Steelers currently were on that 95 team?

Just offering a bit of humor to the pot, with all the "reasons" one team should win over the other. lolPIT is coming off a bye? Well, SD had a bye last week. So? OAK had six months to prepare for this season and they suck.

 

[Sheriff66]

Ya, you're right, why even play the game ????

You honestly believe the Steelers can't shut LT and Co. down ????

Marty is afraid to let Rivers do ANYTHING, and if you think SD is going to make their hey against the Steelers in the running game all night, you are dreaming.

Should be a great game(if Ben gets his head out of his ###)

 

[cstu]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Keep in mind...A)PIT went into SD and won last seasonB)PIT is coming off a long week to prepare

True, but the Steelers had Bettis and he was big in last year's game. I think the Chargers can handle Parker well enough. My concern is that the Chargers are conservative again and limit Rivers. The Steelers passing game is their weak spot (relatively speaking) and if they are going to win it will be through the air.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Marty's tight ### play calling will cost them another game.

Geez.

 

[Burning Sensation]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Keep in mind...A)PIT went into SD and won last seasonB)PIT is coming off a long week to prepare

A)That might be the biggest reason the spread is not bigger.B)I think early season byes are a negative, especially coming off a loss at home.

 

[BoltBacker]

PIT is coming off a bye? Well, SD had a bye last week. So?

True, and SD led a team that's better than they are for 95% of the game on the road. I think the bye helped them, I don't really know how it couldn't.

 

[Steelnation]

If Ben starts to get his timing down then it will be a good game, if not

Rivers is going to be in for a rough night as well.

The spread will go up but by no means is it off.

 

[yinzer]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Hopefully you only have won about 13$ so far, because this should be a 3 point game one way or another.In addition to what's already been said, no one seems to mention how the Steelers basically handed the Bengals that game two weeks ago. Roethlisberger had 3 picks (2 balls shouldn't have even been thrown), 5 turnovers total, an excessive celebration penalty, and about 5-6 dropped passes (including 2 key ones on the last drive).Fat chance even one of those things happens this week

 

[gman8343]

I think Pitt is going to beat them by double digits.

 

[pdlglm]

If you take Phillip Rivers against the Steelers in a nationally televised game, giving points in a must-win situation for the Steelers... you don't deserve to keep your money.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I dont think i have ever seen a line so far off. I was sure the spread in that game was going to be in the 7 - 8 range. I was shocked to see it at - 3 1/2 last night, no way this spread is not at least 5 by Sunday. Does anyone really think Pittsburgh can even make a game off this?(Other than Steeler homers)Yes, i unloaded my yearly winnings on the Chargers this morning as soon as the game went up on my site.

Yeah. Steelers are 1-2 but with losses to Jacksonville and Cincinnati, two of the better teams in the conference. Steelers lost to Jacksonville and were beaten in Pittsburgh by the Bengals last year too, and we know how that ended up. Roethlisberger just needs to get back into the flow of things and let the plays come to him, rather than forcing the ball. He's done it in the past, and is eminently capable of turning his play around.The Chargers beat up on possibly the worst two teams in football, and got beaten last week the first time they played a good team. As far as I'm concerned, they're unproven. Most people probably think these teams are pretty evenly matched. Thus, the line reflects the home field, as it should.Stop here.

 

[Godsbrother]

I don't see why you are so surprised. I think this is a pretty evenly matched game...

 

[Burning Sensation]

If you take Phillip Rivers against the Steelers in a nationally televised game, giving points in a must-win situation for the Steelers... you don't deserve to keep your money.

Nationally televised games this year:Rivers 1-0Steelers 1-1(1 win in a close game home against the Dolphins.)Also, why is it Rivers against Steelers D, i am more banking on Tomlinson against the Steelers D than am i Rivers. I fully expect LT to do better against the Steelers D than Parker against the Chargers.(accepting all side bets on that)As far as the Rivers/Roethlisberger matchup...tell me one thing, which QB has been better this year? Which QB seems to be PROgressing, while the other seems to be REgressing?Also, a must win? Cant you argue that at least half the teams in the league are playing a "must win" game this week? The Lions are playing a must win game this week in Minny, are they going to win? The Bills are playing a must win in Chicago, i am a Bills fan, and i dont care if each player was playing for his life, no way they win that game.Steelers defense has looked pretty good this year, but their offense has looked terrible. Their only win this year was a close game at home against the Dolphins. While the Chargers have beaten maybe the only two teams worse then the Dolphins(and thats questionable) at least they beat them soundly.Prediction:The Chargers put eight in the box, stopping the Steelers runnning game early. Get a 10-13 point first half lead. The Steelers come out in the 2nd half playing catch-up, now playing one dimensional, Merriman and the Chargers start the 2nd half blitzing early and often, forcing Ben to turn the ball over 3 times, one returned for a TD. Game never really in question, Chargers 27 - Steelers 10.

 

[Godsbrother]

Also, why is it Rivers against Steelers D, i am more banking on Tomlinson against the Steelers D than am i Rivers.

That is exactly what the Steelers are banking on, too.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Also, why is it Rivers against Steelers D, i am more banking on Tomlinson against the Steelers D than am i Rivers.

That is exactly what the Steelers are banking on, too.

Good, i hope they bring Polamalu up for run support, who will cover Gates?

 

[roadkill1292]

I don't see why you are so surprised. I think this is a pretty evenly matched game...

As do I. A pretty competent Chargers defense could make it a very difficult week for Ben to get out of his slump.

 

[Burning Sensation]

2006 passer rating:

Rivers - 96.9

Roethlisberger - 34.3(no, this does not include the Superbowl. For the record though, his rating in that game was 34.1)

 

[BGP]

04 Steelers:

358 passing attempts, 32nd in the NFL

618 rushing attempts, 1st in NFL

15-1 record

05 Steelers:

379 passing attempts, 32nd in NFL

549 rushing attempts, 1st in NFL

06 Steelers:

96 passing attempts, 90 running attempts - throwing more than passing?

The story about the 2006 Steelers is that they have been behind a lot and its taken their offense out of its element, imho. The last time they had more passing attempts than rushing attempts for the season was 2003, when they finished 6-10.

The script to beating Cowher has been the same as beating Schotenheimer. Neither have been good at comeback wins. I will say that the 05 Steelers were good at comeback wins, but it seems that the 06 edition has lost that.

 

[Steelers4Life]

2006 passer rating:Rivers - 96.9Roethlisberger - 34.3(no, this does not include the Superbowl. For the record though, his rating in that game was 34.1)

Without a doubt, Roethlisberger has been brutal so far.I guess we'll have to see if the 2 weeks off and additional recovery time do him some good. Not sure what the Chargers have accomplished so far to make people so sure they're an elite team, but they'll have a chance to make a statment Sunday night. You can be sure that they'll get the best game the Steelers have to offer.It just amuses me somewhat that if Colclough doesn't muff the punt against the Bengals, the Steelers are more than likely 2-1 and there are no "demise of the Steelers" threads at all. As it is, you assume they won't be able to make a game of a matchup against the Chargers on the road, a team that lost to the only decent team they played so far and who the Steelers beat on the road last season with largely the same team.I'll say that I'm a little concerned about Willie Parker's ability to run against a defense like the Chargers. This is the kind of game they need a guy who can get 3-4 yards every time to set up 3rd and short - I'm hopeful that Davenport is ready to go and contribute this weekend.

 

[Steelers4Life]

The script to beating Cowher has been the same as beating Schotenheimer. Neither have been good at comeback wins. I will say that the 05 Steelers were good at comeback wins, but it seems that the 06 edition has lost that.

Given the way Roethisberger has played so far, I'd say it's way too early to make a judgement like that.

 

[BGP]

In the past, I've seen both of these coaches inexplicably plod ahead running the ball for short gains when they are down late, while the home crowd boos. Its like they have no idea what they are doing.

I saw a hint of this in the last Steeler loss.

First he closed down his offense with a small lead:

Pittsburgh - 11:26

1st-10, PIT23 11:26 W. Parker rushed up the middle for 2 yard gain

2nd-8, PIT25 11:26 W. Parker rushed up the middle for 2 yard gain

3rd-6, PIT27 10:48 B. Roethlisberger incomplete pass to the right

4th-6, PIT27 10:07 C. Gardocki punt, no return

Now trailing late, Cowher started handing the ball off basically killing the clock.

Pittsburgh - 7:59

1st-10, PIT20 7:59 W. Parker rushed to the right for 6 yard gain

2nd-4, PIT26 7:59 V. Haynes rushed to the left for 4 yard gain. V. Haynes fumbled. B. Simmons recovered fumble.

And now down by two scores they are out of their element passing like crazy.

 

[BGP]

In a close game late, I doubt Cowher is going to trust Ben right now to throw. So I expect them to just run and run and run in that situation. So you don't respect the pass and bring guys up to stop the run.

 

[Steelers4Life]

In the past, I've seen both of these coaches inexplicably plod ahead running the ball for short gains when they are down late, while the home crowd boos. Its like they have no idea what they are doing.I saw a hint of this in the last Steeler loss. First he closed down his offense with a small lead: Pittsburgh - 11:261st-10, PIT23 11:26 W. Parker rushed up the middle for 2 yard gain2nd-8, PIT25 11:26 W. Parker rushed up the middle for 2 yard gain3rd-6, PIT27 10:48 B. Roethlisberger incomplete pass to the right4th-6, PIT27 10:07 C. Gardocki punt, no returnNow trailing late, Cowher started handing the ball off basically killing the clock. Pittsburgh - 7:591st-10, PIT20 7:59 W. Parker rushed to the right for 6 yard gain2nd-4, PIT26 7:59 V. Haynes rushed to the left for 4 yard gain. V. Haynes fumbled. B. Simmons recovered fumble.And now down by two scores they are out of their element passing like crazy.

C'mon BGP, I'd expect better, even from you. You're going to point to a drive where they ran twice against a team that hadn't shown the ability to stop the run all day as evidence they got conservative? The running game was taking control of the game, which is why the Steelers had outscored the Bengals 10-0 in the 2nd half and the Bengals had only 1 first down since halftime before the muffed punt.And when they were trailing late, it was by 4 points. The running game had been dominant up till that point, and those two runs had already gotten a first down... except for the damn fumble.Out of his element or not, Ben drove the team down the field and actually hit Nate Washington in the chest with a pass in the endzone... he dropped it. They settled for a field goal, but the end of the game would've been much more interesting if the Washington hadn't dropped that pass and they only needed a field goal to tie instead of a TD.

 

[BGP]

C'mon BGP, I'd expect better, even from you. You're going to point to a drive where they ran twice against a team that hadn't shown the ability to stop the run all day as evidence they got conservative?

Its been a glaring weakness of the Steelers under Cowher. Period. They have always looked absolutely clueless when trying to rally for a late come-from-behind win. The exception being 2005. You cannot deny that.

 

[BGP]

You can go way back to classic AFC title game losses like in 94 to the Chargers and 97 to the Broncos, and 01 to the Patriots. Every time, the Steelers fell behind, trailed in a close game in the 4th quarter and the Steelers offense was either plodding ahead with the running game killing the clock or clueless as it tried to pass.

 

[BGP]

The 01 Steeler loss should be fresher in your mind. Steelers were 28 in pass attempts, 1st in rush atttempts that year. Typical. But they trailed. And they were out of their element. Kordell was FORCED to make plays with his arm too much. And he couldn't come thru and wound up ripping off his helmet and crying.

When you look at Ben in 2006, he's in that Kordell situation. They haven't been able to be dead last in the NFL in pass attempts and 1st in rush attempts. They've had to rely on Ben's arm. And he's failing just like Kordell. I think he's better than Kordell, but you're seeing how you beat the Cowher Steelers.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sorry to interrupt BGP's thrashing of the Steeler offense, but to speak to the original post somewhat, I don't think the line is that off, if it is at all. I really see this game as nearly a pick 'em, maybe you give a slight edge to the Chargers being at home. If someone were to open up the playbook a bit, they'd have an advantage, but as lamented here and elsewhere these two coaches don't seem to do that very often. Given that, I figure the game will end up being tight again and go right to the end, at which point yet another missed Kaeding field goal costs the Chargers the game again.

So I'd actually probably take the Steelers on the money line again this week as I would have the Ravens last week.

 

[Godsbrother]

Also, why is it Rivers against Steelers D, i am more banking on Tomlinson against the Steelers D than am i Rivers.

That is exactly what the Steelers are banking on, too.

Good, i hope they bring Polamalu up for run support, who will cover Gates?

The Steelers defense should do fine against the Chargers. Last season the Steelers held LT2 to 62 yards rushing and Gates to 61 yards receiving and that was with Drew Brees throwing the ball. They're capable of doing it with Rivers behind center. Whether or not they do we shall see Sunday night.

 

[Godsbrother]

The 01 Steeler loss should be fresher in your mind. Steelers were 28 in pass attempts, 1st in rush atttempts that year. Typical. But they trailed. And they were out of their element. Kordell was FORCED to make plays with his arm too much. And he couldn't come thru and wound up ripping off his helmet and crying.When you look at Ben in 2006, he's in that Kordell situation. They haven't been able to be dead last in the NFL in pass attempts and 1st in rush attempts. They've had to rely on Ben's arm. And he's failing just like Kordell. I think he's better than Kordell, but you're seeing how you beat the Cowher Steelers.

Go ahead and judge Ben by his 2 games this season, both coming less than a month after appendectomy surgery.If you want to look at little more data Ben has had 7 fourth quarter and overtime game winning drives since he began his career in 2004. In close games (games decided by 6 or less points) his record is 8-1.

 

[BGP]

Sorry to interrupt BGP's thrashing of the Steeler offense,

I rip just about every team. The only time people give me lip about it is when its the Steelers.

 

[BGP]

The 01 Steeler loss should be fresher in your mind. Steelers were 28 in pass attempts, 1st in rush atttempts that year. Typical. But they trailed. And they were out of their element. Kordell was FORCED to make plays with his arm too much. And he couldn't come thru and wound up ripping off his helmet and crying.When you look at Ben in 2006, he's in that Kordell situation. They haven't been able to be dead last in the NFL in pass attempts and 1st in rush attempts. They've had to rely on Ben's arm. And he's failing just like Kordell. I think he's better than Kordell, but you're seeing how you beat the Cowher Steelers.

Go ahead and judge Ben by his 2 games this season, both coming less than a month after appendectomy surgery.If you want to look at little more data Ben has had 7 fourth quarter and overtime game winning drives since he began his career in 2004. In close games (games decided by 6 or less points) his record is 8-1.

See, this is another example. I can criticize any NFL team. But when its the Steelers, whoa here come the guys to defend them like they are perfect. You are 1-2. You have failed to come from behind in two games. Take a little criticism for once.

 

[BGP]

Notice, I ripped Schottenheimer too. Did I get Charger homers running in to defend him? Uh no. It was just Steeler fan.

 

[Steelers4Life]

You can go way back to classic AFC title game losses like in 94 to the Chargers and 97 to the Broncos, and 01 to the Patriots. Every time, the Steelers fell behind, trailed in a close game in the 4th quarter and the Steelers offense was either plodding ahead with the running game killing the clock or clueless as it tried to pass.

LOL, the 1994 team drove to the 3 yard line in the final minutes of the AFC Championship, down 4. They just couldn't punch it in. Would've been a great Super Bowl against the 49ers, too. The 1997 and 2001 teams were QBed by Kordell Stewart.No, the Steelers teams haven't typically been built to come from behind over the years... of course, on the good Steelers teams, it was pretty hard to jump out to a lead against them in the first place.If you want to base a judgement on what this Steelers team is capable of after a few games, be my guest. I concede that if Ben plays the way he has so far this year, they'll be playing from behind a lot this year. However, Ben has proven to be a very good come-from-behind QB in his first two years in the NFL as evidenced by the 4th quarter and OT drives referenced in the post before mine. He needs to step up his play and do what we've seen him do, starting Sunday.What does any of this have to do with Sunday night's game? Not much. The Chargers aren't going to open up a big lead on the Steelers this weekend, and I really don't expect either team to open up a big lead at any point in the game.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

BGP, your obsession with the Steelers is amusing.

I couldn't name 5 starters on the Browns right now, let alone their coaching tendencies when down in a game. And I watch a lot of football. You know all about their AFC championship game flaws, QB ratings...this stuff takes research! LOL!

I hope for your sake, one day, the Browns aren't the laughing stock of the league and you can stop this nonsense.

 

[Steelers4Life]

The 01 Steeler loss should be fresher in your mind. Steelers were 28 in pass attempts, 1st in rush atttempts that year. Typical. But they trailed. And they were out of their element. Kordell was FORCED to make plays with his arm too much. And he couldn't come thru and wound up ripping off his helmet and crying.When you look at Ben in 2006, he's in that Kordell situation. They haven't been able to be dead last in the NFL in pass attempts and 1st in rush attempts. They've had to rely on Ben's arm. And he's failing just like Kordell. I think he's better than Kordell, but you're seeing how you beat the Cowher Steelers.

Go ahead and judge Ben by his 2 games this season, both coming less than a month after appendectomy surgery.If you want to look at little more data Ben has had 7 fourth quarter and overtime game winning drives since he began his career in 2004. In close games (games decided by 6 or less points) his record is 8-1.

See, this is another example. I can criticize any NFL team. But when its the Steelers, whoa here come the guys to defend them like they are perfect. You are 1-2. You have failed to come from behind in two games. Take a little criticism for once.

BGP, no one is attacking you. It's a discussion. Yes, they've failed to come back, and most of that is because of the shaky play of Roethlisberger over those 2 games. Of course, the biggest reason they fell behind or didn't have the lead in the first place is ALSO the play of Roethlisberger.The only point made is that while it's been true so far this season, there's probably good reason for it. Ben's given us plenty of reasons to believe that his play will improve again as he gets healthier and back into "football shape." Hopefully it won't be too late by the time he gets there.

 

[Burning Sensation]

I dont like to put too much stock in past years results when looking at how a team is this year. Hypothetical situation, you take an NFL oddsmaker who has been stranded on a deserted island for the last 5 years. Now this oddsmaker, having no idea of the last 5 years results watched all the Chargers and Steelers games this year, what would he set the line at? I know this is probably a bit extreme, but fact is the Chargers looked better in their only loss than the Steelers did in their only win.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I dont like to put too much stock in past years results when looking at how a team is this year. Hypothetical situation, you take an NFL oddsmaker who has been stranded on a deserted island for the last 5 years. Now this oddsmaker, having no idea of the last 5 years results watched all the Chargers and Steelers games this year, what would he set the line at? I know this is probably a bit extreme, but fact is the Chargers looked better in their only loss than the Steelers did in their only win.

Actually, the Steelers looked better in their loss to the Bengals by FAR than they did in their win against the Dolphins. They made enough mistakes to lose the game, but they clearly dominated both lines of scrimmage and allowed 1 first down after halftime to the Bengals' offense before Colclough muffed the punt.The special teams were a problem, and so was Roethlisberger's arm. Aside from that, the turnovers really tarnished what otherwise was a much improved performance by the offensive line, the running game, and especially the defense.

 

[BGP]

BGP, your obsession with the Steelers is amusing. I couldn't name 5 starters on the Browns right now, let alone their coaching tendencies when down in a game. And I watch a lot of football. You know all about their AFC championship game flaws, QB ratings...this stuff takes research! LOL!I hope for your sake, one day, the Browns aren't the laughing stock of the league and you can stop this nonsense.

The Steelers have been in a LOT of playoff games. A LOT of AFC title games. It doesn't take research to know a lot about them. Even a casual fan who only starts paying attention in the conference title round would probably know more about the Steelers than anyone else.And that's part of the reason why anyone would dispute that the Steelers are not a come from behind team is baffling.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

BGP, your obsession with the Steelers is amusing. I couldn't name 5 starters on the Browns right now, let alone their coaching tendencies when down in a game. And I watch a lot of football. You know all about their AFC championship game flaws, QB ratings...this stuff takes research! LOL!I hope for your sake, one day, the Browns aren't the laughing stock of the league and you can stop this nonsense.

The Steelers have been in a LOT of playoff games. A LOT of AFC title games. It doesn't take research to know a lot about them. Even a casual fan who only starts paying attention in the conference title round would probably know more about the Steelers than anyone else.And that's part of the reason why anyone would dispute that the Steelers are not a come from behind team is baffling.

Alot of teams find it hard to come from behind to win BGP. If they're losing in the first place, there's usually a reason (the other team is playing better than them, maybe?). What's Cowher's record when they're winning by 10 or more? (c'mon you know ) Is that a condemnation on the coaches he's faced? Or is it he's a good coach with the lead?Fortunately the Steelers haven't been behind often and I hope that trend continues...starting Sunday night.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Line seems perfect to me. SD has beaten Tennessee and Oakland this year. Why does everyone think they're so great?

 

[BGP]

Here's a great trivia question.

Name me the last time the Steelers trailed in the 4th quarter and won against a club that had 10+ wins that season? The win can come in the regular season or the playoffs.

I have scanned back to 2003 and not found one yet.

 

[pdlglm]

You fellas do what you want, its your money. But I have watched all but about two Steeler games in the past 6 or 7 years. I have a pretty good idea when they have a chance at losing a ball game and this ain't one of those times.