The day has come...#1 O vs #1 D (1 Viewer)

[Captain Spaulding]

Steelers are league leading 12.9 pts per game average giving up per game.

Pats are league leading 39.1 pts per game average scoring per game.

The average = 26 points.

Forget the win/loss opinions.

So who thinks it is more likely that Steelers D. can hold the Pats O. to under 26 points though (the threshold) or will the Pats score more than that? That is the real topic that will be interesting to debate. That will prove if the Steelers D. is fraud or not.

 

[shakeybarn]

Steelers are league leading 12.9 pts per game average giving up per game.Pats are league leading 39.1 pts per game average scoring per game.The average = 26 points.Forget the win/loss opinions. So who thinks it is more likely that Steelers D. can hold the Pats O. to under 26 points though (the threshold) or will the Pats score more than that? That is the real topic that will be interesting to debate. That will prove if the Steelers D. is fraud or not.

Going to be interesting... last two teams have "contained" Moss down to just "very good". Baltimore got to Brady a lot, and blew it on not pass rushing every down. Pittsburgh has the same talent, if not better, than Balt and Philly to get the job done.Regardless... good to see Brady and Moss owners come back down to Earth... right around playoff time for some leagues (own neither in 3 leagues)

 

[Chunky Soup]

I think the Steelers have the personnel to cause a lot of problems for the Pats -- just look at the Pats struggle in the last two weeks. If this game were in PIT I'd give the Steelers a reasonable shot. Right now, considering how PIT has been on the road, you've got to expect the Pats will be just fine.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Pats will come out with a lot of quick throws, then hit a couple of deep pass plays and the final will end up with both teams at least scoring over 30 with the Pats winning.

 

[CrossEyed]

The legendary status of **** Lebeau will be cemented this weekend. I think he's going to pull out all the stops. I remember hearing one of the players interviewed a couple of weeks ago and he said that there's a ton of stuff that they put in this spring that they haven't even shown yet. This is the week to break it out.

 

[twitch]

5-0 home team vs 2-3 road team. Gimme the O.

 

[Steelnation]

 

[TheWick]

This game will come down to the Steelers O vs. the Pats D

Neither one has been very good the past few weeks...we shall see. Santonio Holmes being back would be a big help.

 

[Steelers4Life]

This game will come down to the Steelers O vs. the Pats DNeither one has been very good the past few weeks...we shall see. Santonio Holmes being back would be a big help.

Santonio being out or limited is going to have a huge impact on the game. The Steelers don't have a trustworthy 3rd receiver unless you count Heath Miller, and Santonio really opens things up for Ward, Miller, and the running game.I'm not overly confident that Holmes is going to be ready to go.

 

[Lefty27]

This game will come down to the Steelers O vs. the Pats DNeither one has been very good the past few weeks...we shall see. Santonio Holmes being back would be a big help.

Add the Pit Special Teams vs. NE Special Teams. Can the Pit O-line protect Big Ben?I am expecting NE's offense to be more similar to what they produced the past 2 weeks than what they produced before then. Still, it should be enough to beat the Steelers.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Can the Pit O-line protect Big Ben?

This will be the deciding factor. The Steelers have the personnel to at least contain the Patriots on offense if they play their A game. They have the personnel at the skill positions to move the ball on their defense as well.I'm not very confident that they have the personnel on their offensive line to limit the Patriots DL enough to pull off the road upset though. As subpar as Pitts OL has been, especially in pass protection, I can see the Pats getting more than enough push with just the four man rush to make it pretty hard on the passing game. Any given Sunday, I suppose. We'll see.

 

[The Jacket]

The league favors offense.

Expect New England to drop 30+ on Pittsburgh easily.

 

[hitmenssharpshooters]

The league favors NEW ENGLAND,TOM BRADY BILLI-CHEATER,RANDY MOSS AND NOW JABAR GAFFNEY.

Expect New England to drop 30+ on Pittsburgh easily.

There fixed it.

 

[hitmenssharpshooters]

5-0 home team vs 2-3 road team. Gimme the O.

Brady sux!!

 

[twitch]

5-0 home team vs 2-3 road team. Gimme the O.

Brady sux!!

so do those spandex youre wearin' , but you dont hear cyring about that. prepare to be owned...by a bunch of cheaters. *

 

[hitmenssharpshooters]

5-0 home team vs 2-3 road team. Gimme the O.

Brady sux!!

so do those spandex youre wearin' , but you dont hear cyring about that. prepare to be owned...by a bunch of cheaters. *

Do Pats fans even know where New England is?Hint: It's not a statebtw-this message board will be lit up when the Pats lose this year. Can't wait. Counting the days..wait hours.

 

[Intergalactic Kegger]

I'll take the Patriots O. Even though the team has looked mortal lately, they still piled up a lot of points. You are going to have to outscore them.

 

[twitch]

5-0 home team vs 2-3 road team. Gimme the O.

Brady sux!!

so do those spandex youre wearin' , but you dont hear cyring about that. prepare to be owned...by a bunch of cheaters. *

Do Pats fans even know where New England is?Hint: It's not a statebtw-this message board will be lit up when the Pats lose this year. Can't wait. Counting the days..wait hours.

Getcha spandex ready! The beatdown's on the way.

 

[spacevan]

I think the Steelers have both O and the D to take care of the Patsy's. I hope that whatever is wrong with FWP gets fixed and he can run it down their throat like McGahee did. Is it just me or does FWP look like he's lost a step and a half? Pitt's D will take care of Brady. I just love watching that guy get smashed in the face.

 

[pecorino]

steelers homer here. in the past few years i would have said that the Pats WR corps would destroy our suspect secondary but i think the tables may be turned this year. while the pass rush has been average at best, the PIT secondary has played big. we'll double moss and take our chances with stallworth and welker in single coverage. maybe "hold" the Pats to 24 points?

 

[Steeler]

The Pats will probably score more than 26 points.... the Steelers have played much better at home than on the road, and they don't really generate a big pass rush if they don't blitz.... Brady will pick them apart if he gets enoughtime.

So, I agree the Steelers will have to outscore them and then the big question becomes; can the online protect Ben well enough.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

i know the steelers run D is very very good, but i suspect we may see the pats try to get maroney the ball more. in the 2nd half when they were struggling he really stepped up when called upon. they finally got maroney the ball on a screen or 2 which i thought they should have been doing more all year-but hard to argue when they were moving the ball like they were. if teams gamplan to slow moss and welker they need watson(stone hands) or maroney to shine.

 

[JetMaxx]

12.9 pts per game? Playing half the games on that muddy slopfest of a track???? Give the '85 Bears or the '91 Eagles that same field and we're talkin' single digits. It's no wonder "the Steelers have played much better at home than on the road." Look for Brady and Co. to put up 30+ on the clean track of Foxboro.

 

[pecorino]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

 

[twitch]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

 

[Alias]

Patriots are +17 for turnovers on the season

Steelers are +3 for turnovers on the season

Pats have given up 4 fewer points per game at home then Steelers have given up on the road

Pats have scored 15 more points per game at home then Steelers have scored on the road

Pats have never scored fewer then 31 points at home this season

Combined record of Pats opponents at home: 30-30

Combined record of Steelers opponents on the road: 25-35

Patriots average 45 yards in penalties at home

Steelers average 52 yards in penalties on the road

Patriots average 34:24 time of possession at home

Steelers average 33:43 time of possession on the road

Offense

Patriots gain 306.4 pass yards per game at home

Steelers gain 201.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots gain 133.6 rush yards per game at home

Steelers gain 134.8 rush yards per game on the road

Defense

Patriots give up 201.2 pass yards per game at home

Steelers give up 195.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots give up 71.2 rush yards per game at home

Steelers give up 92.8 rush yards per game on the road

I'd say there is a good chance the Pats score over 26 points

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

steelers homer here. in the past few years i would have said that the Pats WR corps would destroy our suspect secondary but i think the tables may be turned this year. while the pass rush has been average at best, the PIT secondary has played big. we'll double moss and take our chances with stallworth and welker in single coverage. maybe "hold" the Pats to 24 points?

Rushing 5 with 6 DBs in zone is a far better play.

 

[Steeler]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

 

[Godsbrother]

The legendary status of **** Lebeau will be cemented this weekend. I think he's going to pull out all the stops. I remember hearing one of the players interviewed a couple of weeks ago and he said that there's a ton of stuff that they put in this spring that they haven't even shown yet. This is the week to break it out.

Or is it?Honestly if I am the Steelers I try to beat them without showing a whole lot of new stuff. While it would be great to beat them hopefully you will be seeing them again in the playoffs.I am hoping the Steelers play up on the receivers and don't give such a big cushion they normally give. Otherwise Brady will take that all day long...

 

[Godsbrother]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

I don't think I saw the field trying to knock the football out of Parker's hands last week.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

If Smith, Polamalu, and/or Holmes aren't 100%, this is going to be very tough. The Steelers traditionally have been succeptible to teams that can run a quick-strike, timing based passing attack, which the Pats do to perfection. The fact that the Steelers (save for 3 weeks ago in NY) shut down almost everyone on the ground becomes virtually irrelevant in this game, because the Patriots don't even try to keep defenses honest half the time. The Steelers need their key guys healthy and need everyone to bring their "A" game to win this one. It's certainly not impossible, as the Patriots have looked mortal the last couple of weeks, but I'm very wary of the matchups vis-a-vis the Pats offense vs. Pittsburgh's D.

 

[twitch]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

I don't think I saw the field trying to knock the football out of Parker's hands last week.

I wish I could provide you a link, but I believe it was on Sportscenter or NFL network where Roethlisberger himself said it was because of the field (mudd) and sand flying in his eyes that Parker was fumbling. That's Ben's opinion.

 

[twitch]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

I don't think I saw the field trying to knock the football out of Parker's hands last week.

Nice win against Seattle. I looked that one up, and of course the field was fine that day. But Id compare that win to NE handling Washington at home. Or Buffalo on the road. A dominant win against, imo, a consistently mediocre team. Seattle has won 3 road games this year all against NFC teams with a combined road record of 11 and 25, and they play in the sorriest division in football. But any shutout in the NFL is a great win. Still doesnt change how bad that field has been for those other 3 games I mentioned.

 

[pecorino]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

I don't think I saw the field trying to knock the football out of Parker's hands last week.

I wish I could provide you a link, but I believe it was on Sportscenter or NFL network where Roethlisberger himself said it was because of the field (mudd) and sand flying in his eyes that Parker was fumbling. That's Ben's opinion.

i heard ben's interview and he did say that. i was at the games, too, though not on the field with ben and willie of course. when i say the field was fine that's exactly what i saw. the field was wet, it had some divots in spots, but it was nothing like the miami game. willie fumbled because he played poorly (didn't take care of the ball) and the bengals hit him hard. it wasn't the field's fault. outdoor football with some tough weather/field conditions is fine--the slopfest of the miami game was something altogether different. long story short--you shouldn't discount the steelers defense because of the conditions of heinz field except for the miami game. they're good, maybe great--we'll see how they hold up to the pats O.

 

[parrot]

it wasn't the field's fault.

This is true. Madden said it was his arm sleeves' fault.

 

[Ghost Rider]

With everyone talking about how beatable the Patriots are now, I have a feeling that they are going to come out and beat the Steelers convincingly. I am not saying that they will murder them like they did Washington or Buffalo, but I think they will jump out early and then maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game. I'll say 31-14 Patriots.

 

[twitch]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

I think you are overstating how much of a contributor the field is to the Steelers playing better at home. In the bolded line above you admit Baltimore's offense was their problem. In addition, rain and a slick ball (contributing to FWP fumbles) does not necessarily mean the field was in poor condition. Finally, how were the field conditions when they shutout Seattle?

I don't think I saw the field trying to knock the football out of Parker's hands last week.

I wish I could provide you a link, but I believe it was on Sportscenter or NFL network where Roethlisberger himself said it was because of the field (mudd) and sand flying in his eyes that Parker was fumbling. That's Ben's opinion.

i heard ben's interview and he did say that. i was at the games, too, though not on the field with ben and willie of course. when i say the field was fine that's exactly what i saw. the field was wet, it had some divots in spots, but it was nothing like the miami game. willie fumbled because he played poorly (didn't take care of the ball) and the bengals hit him hard. it wasn't the field's fault. outdoor football with some tough weather/field conditions is fine--the slopfest of the miami game was something altogether different. long story short--you shouldn't discount the steelers defense because of the conditions of heinz field except for the miami game. they're good, maybe great--we'll see how they hold up to the pats O.

slight discount. like a $2000 discount on a new Ford F-350. its are all relative. Im just glad this week's game is played in NE, so both teams can be tested without poor field conditions factoring in to that degree. Its gonna be a great one. And the game Ive looked to the most all year.

 

[kevinray]

The poor field conditions were just for the past two games. The field tends to get bad middle of November because of High school, and college games becuase its too much strain on it. The playing surface was as good as any before the Miami game.

 

[TD Ryan]

btw-this message board will be lit up when the Pats lose this year. Can't wait. Counting the days..wait hours.

wow.I almost feel bad for you.you are counting the days and minutes... to post on a message board, about a team that isn't even the team you root for?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

The Steelers put up 35 points in the first half against Baltimore on that same field that night so the argument that the field was keeping offenses in check that night doesn't really fly. Granted the miami game was a mess. Last week was bad but not worse than any other rainy game around the league.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Since the start of the Pats "dynasty" when these teams meet they have shut down the others' run game. I expect the same Sunday. As others have alluded I think this game comes down to QB protection. The Steelers have been sketchy in that area and the Pats have been excellent (outside of the past two games). Part of that is Ben's ability to extend plays...usually it is a great thing, but sometimes it creates sacks & turnovers for the opposition. The Pats seem to rely more on timing/quick throws and the occasional bomb to Moss...meaning less opportunity for pressure on the QB.

 

[twitch]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

The Steelers put up 35 points in the first half against Baltimore on that same field that night so the argument that the field was keeping offenses in check that night doesn't really fly. Granted the miami game was a mess. Last week was bad but not worse than any other rainy game around the league.

I wont pick on the field anymore. This is after all, the last year you'll be able to defend it, so I should probably just let it fade away with some dignity. But nonetheless, your #1 ranked D is going down homeboy.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Patriots are +17 for turnovers on the season

Steelers are +3 for turnovers on the season

Pats have given up 4 fewer points per game at home then Steelers have given up on the road

Pats have scored 15 more points per game at home then Steelers have scored on the road

Pats have never scored fewer then 31 points at home this season

Combined record of Pats opponents at home: 30-30

Combined record of Steelers opponents on the road: 25-35

Patriots average 45 yards in penalties at home

Steelers average 52 yards in penalties on the road

Patriots average 34:24 time of possession at home

Steelers average 33:43 time of possession on the road

Offense

Patriots gain 306.4 pass yards per game at home

Steelers gain 201.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots gain 133.6 rush yards per game at home

Steelers gain 134.8 rush yards per game on the road

Defense

Patriots give up 201.2 pass yards per game at home

Steelers give up 195.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots give up 71.2 rush yards per game at home

Steelers give up 92.8 rush yards per game on the road

I'd say there is a good chance the Pats score over 26 points

Best stats for arguement I've seen yet. Love the X-mas colors as well....very creative.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

the "muddy slogfest" was the miami game. the field was fine during the sunday night tilt against the bengals. the earlier ravens game was wet but since the steelers put up 38 points, i think the field wasn't the thing hindering the ravens from scoring. but, yes, throw out the dolphins game. (not that they would have rung up a lot of point even with a decent playing surface)

'Fine'? Parker had how many fumbles again? Including those overturned? Was it 4 or 5? Is that normal for old Fast Willie? That field was anything but fine. Field conditions for the Baltimore game were anything but fine. Theyve had atleast 3 games where field conditions were far from fine. Baltimore had 104 total yds that night, and it was mostly due to their horrible, injured and now IRed QB and their pathetic offense. I remember Roethlisberger getting chased off the field warming up because of lightning. Heavy rains. Bad field. There've been 3 bad field games. Not one. Just for the record.

The Steelers put up 35 points in the first half against Baltimore on that same field that night so the argument that the field was keeping offenses in check that night doesn't really fly. Granted the miami game was a mess. Last week was bad but not worse than any other rainy game around the league.

I wont pick on the field anymore. This is after all, the last year you'll be able to defend it, so I should probably just let it fade away with some dignity. But nonetheless, your #1 ranked D is going down homeboy.

We'll see. I'm making no claims about their ability to stop the Patriots Offense. I'm just saying that the argument that the Steelers have the # 1 D because of a bad field is a load. There's exactly one game that was bad enough to impact an offense, and it was against the freaking dolphins who the Steelers could have just as easily shutout in a dome.

 

[Steeler]

I wont pick on the field anymore. This is after all, the last year you'll be able to defend it, so I should probably just let it fade away with some dignity. But nonetheless, your #1 ranked D is going down homeboy.

So you are saying if the pats hang 500 yards and 50 points on the Steelers it will prove the Steelers home field is the reason they have the #1 D I don't think people are trying to defend Heinz Field; just saying your argument doesn't have merit.

 

[twitch]

I wont pick on the field anymore. This is after all, the last year you'll be able to defend it, so I should probably just let it fade away with some dignity. But nonetheless, your #1 ranked D is going down homeboy.

So you are saying if the pats hang 500 yards and 50 points on the Steelers it will prove the Steelers home field is the reason they have the #1 D I don't think people are trying to defend Heinz Field; just saying your argument doesn't have merit.

No, but the fact of the matter is they give up about 190yds at home and about 290 on the road. That's a 100yd difference. New England's O on the other hand on the road is averaging 415yds/game vs 440 at home. About a 25yd difference. And two of those road teams were at Dallas and Indy, teams with a combined 21-3 record. No team should have such huge disparity one way or the other. But obviously, Pittsburgh is a much different team away from their home field. Maybe its just that 3 of those Os theyve played at Heinz are ranked 29th, 31st and 32nd in the NFL offensively. I dont know. Im reaching. Definitely needling as much as humanly possible. Expect more of the same throughout the week.

 

[CrossEyed]

The legendary status of **** Lebeau will be cemented this weekend. I think he's going to pull out all the stops. I remember hearing one of the players interviewed a couple of weeks ago and he said that there's a ton of stuff that they put in this spring that they haven't even shown yet. This is the week to break it out.

Or is it?Honestly if I am the Steelers I try to beat them without showing a whole lot of new stuff. While it would be great to beat them hopefully you will be seeing them again in the playoffs.I am hoping the Steelers play up on the receivers and don't give such a big cushion they normally give. Otherwise Brady will take that all day long...

Yeah, I think you are right. I was thinking about this as I was discussing the game with someone else. With Cleveland losing last week it's not as critical that the Steelers win this week. It would be great, but keeping some tricks in the bag for January probably makes more sense.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I wont pick on the field anymore. This is after all, the last year you'll be able to defend it, so I should probably just let it fade away with some dignity. But nonetheless, your #1 ranked D is going down homeboy.

So you are saying if the pats hang 500 yards and 50 points on the Steelers it will prove the Steelers home field is the reason they have the #1 D I don't think people are trying to defend Heinz Field; just saying your argument doesn't have merit.

No, but the fact of the matter is they give up about 190yds at home and about 290 on the road. That's a 100yd difference. New England's O on the other hand on the road is averaging 415yds/game vs 440 at home. About a 25yd difference. And two of those road teams were at Dallas and Indy, teams with a combined 21-3 record. No team should have such huge disparity one way or the other. But obviously, Pittsburgh is a much different team away from their home field. Maybe its just that 3 of those Os theyve played at Heinz are ranked 29th, 31st and 32nd in the NFL offensively. I dont know. Im reaching. Definitely needling as much as humanly possible. Expect more of the same throughout the week.

There you go. It's not the field. To wit, against the two teams they've played both home and away this year (Cleveland/Cincy) :At home - allowed 19 ppg and 206 ypg

Away - allowed 10 ppg and 258 ypg

Can't really conclude much either way there. It's not the field.

 

[Evily Betty]

Patriots are +17 for turnovers on the season

Steelers are +3 for turnovers on the season

Pats have given up 4 fewer points per game at home then Steelers have given up on the road

Pats have scored 15 more points per game at home then Steelers have scored on the road

Pats have never scored fewer then 31 points at home this season

Combined record of Pats opponents at home: 30-30

Combined record of Steelers opponents on the road: 25-35

Patriots average 45 yards in penalties at home

Steelers average 52 yards in penalties on the road

Patriots average 34:24 time of possession at home

Steelers average 33:43 time of possession on the road

Offense

Patriots gain 306.4 pass yards per game at home

Steelers gain 201.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots gain 133.6 rush yards per game at home

Steelers gain 134.8 rush yards per game on the road

Defense

Patriots give up 201.2 pass yards per game at home

Steelers give up 195.0 pass yards per game on the road

Patriots give up 71.2 rush yards per game at home

Steelers give up 92.8 rush yards per game on the road

I'd say there is a good chance the Pats score over 26 points

The Christmas colors you used should remind you that its December. The weather will hinder the Pats scoring ability.

 

[Bossman]

hard for the Patriot players to get amped up for the likes of the Eagles and Ravens.

They bring thier "A" game at home this week and embarass the PIT D.