***The Super Bowl XLV Thread*** - Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

So other than whether or not Pouncey plays, are we pretty much out of things to talk about?

I'm too nervous and my thoughts are constantly changing. I go from thinking this will be a close game to the Packers are going to light up our secondary to our D will shut them down and Mendenhall and Wallace go nuts. I've imagined everything from a 1 point game to a 21 point win and a 21 point loss.

Me too though I think a 21 point win or loss is pretty unlikely. Both of these teams are good...

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

 

[ookook]

Actually, I am afraid of the way Mendenhall ran last game (Jets) in relation to our defense. Lightning quick changes of direction and some power. He sets up too many 3rd and short. Sure, he may not be able to run it up the middle, but...just scared.

 

[CrossEyed]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Sure, how could the level of play possibly fall from a first round pick who made the Pro-Bowl in his rookie season to a second year undrafted free-agent with a total of 4 starts under his belt, none of them at center?

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

 

[Steeler]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

Yeah. I think Mendenhall has a chance to have a pretty good game.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

McCoy and Turner both averaged about 4 yds per carry. Not outstanding, but not getting shut down either. Both teams just abandoned the run. It would not be fair at all to say they shut down Forte.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

McCoy and Turner both averaged about 4 yds per carry. Not outstanding, but not getting shut down either. Both teams just abandoned the run. It would not be fair at all to say they shut down Forte.

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

This link

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

shows them 18th overall against the run in the NFL, giving up 114.9 rush yards a game. But if you want to selectively pick games that make you feel better, go right ahead.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

This link

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

shows them 18th overall against the run in the NFL, giving up 114.9 rush yards a game. But if you want to selectively pick games that make you feel better, go right ahead.

I don't need to feel better. I'm pretty confident the Packers will win the game. None of the past matters. I think they are the better team. Not being cocky, just honest.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Conversely, the Jets were 3rd against the run in the NFL and surrendered over 120 to Mendenhall and over 150 total.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

Not saying Mendenhall will run all over Green Bay, but I think it is a little premature to dismiss Pittsburgh's running game vs. Green Bay's D...especially to the right side of the field, behind Flozell.

And if Pouncey is healthy enough to play AND pull...it will make a big difference over Legursky, in my opinion.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

This link

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

shows them 18th overall against the run in the NFL, giving up 114.9 rush yards a game. But if you want to selectively pick games that make you feel better, go right ahead.

I don't need to feel better. I'm pretty confident the Packers will win the game. None of the past matters. I think they are the better team. Not being cocky, just honest. delusional.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[CrossEyed]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

Plus Pittsburgh pretty much sucked last year.

 

[Sabertooth]

Got it. Thanks.

 

[Sabertooth]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

Yeah, they will miss Finley for sure. But I've heard Pitt fans all week hedging on Polamalu. Saying he's playing at less then 100%. Beside, he can't cover 4 guys and Rodgers is great at finding the open player and/or mismatch.

 

[CrossEyed]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

Yeah, they will miss Finley for sure. But I've heard Pitt fans all week hedging on Polamalu. Saying he's playing at less then 100%. Beside, he can't cover 4 guys and Rodgers is great at finding the open player and/or mismatch.

Hard to say with Troy. He definitely has seemed less than 100%. But his lack of visibility in the playoffs may have also been due, at least partially, to scheme. Lebeau had him playing deep a lot both games. Teams are used to seeing Troy at the line much more. How much of that was to confuse the offenses and how much was because Troy is still hurt? Hard to say. But he's had 2 weeks to rest and recover and I'm guessing he'll leave everything he has out on that field Sunday.

 

[Pipes]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

This link

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

shows them 18th overall against the run in the NFL, giving up 114.9 rush yards a game. But if you want to selectively pick games that make you feel better, go right ahead.

Yeah I'm not sure what Sabertooth is talking about. The strength of the Packers defense is their secondary and their pass rush. The Packers run defense isn't that great at all. In all honesty Mendenhall scares me a heck of alot more than Big Ben does. I think the Packers defense can slow down the Steelers passing game but if Mendenhall gets going that's going to be a big problem for the Packers.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

Yeah, a healthy Polamalu worries me a ton. Dude just makes plays, plain and simple.On the flip side, who will he cover? Andrew Quarless? Great, take Quarless out of the game.

Or will he cover a WR? Sorry, but Polamalu can't cover our WRs.

So yes, he scares the hell out of me either close to the line of scrimmage or hanging back, a la Ed Reed. Where he doesn't scare me is directly on a WR in coverage.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

69.7 Don't forget that Green Bay was a revolving door on defense all season. So looking at the stats for the whole season doesn't give you as good a picture as the post season when they've suffered fewer injuries. They shut down Vick, McCoy, Forte, and Turner.

This link

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers

shows them 18th overall against the run in the NFL, giving up 114.9 rush yards a game. But if you want to selectively pick games that make you feel better, go right ahead.

Yeah I'm not sure what Sabertooth is talking about. The strength of the Packers defense is their secondary and their pass rush. The Packers run defense isn't that great at all. In all honesty Mendenhall scares me a heck of alot more than Big Ben does. I think the Packers defense can slow down the Steelers passing game but if Mendenhall gets going that's going to be a big problem for the Packers.

I'd be curious to see a true breakdown of rushing yards given up by the Pack, across a few dimensions:- by "segments" of the season, e.g., 1st half vs 2nd half, or 1st 4 games, next 4 games, etc

- by quarter of each game (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4)

- by down

When GB has needed to stop the run, they've done pretty well. However, they've struggled sporadically on 2nd & long, 3rd & long......and they've allowed too much rushing yardage to QBs.

This is just my impression from watching games. The stats might not back that up....in which case, I'll take back the above.

 

[Sabertooth]

Hard to say with Troy. He definitely has seemed less than 100%. But his lack of visibility in the playoffs may have also been due, at least partially, to scheme. Lebeau had him playing deep a lot both games. Teams are used to seeing Troy at the line much more. How much of that was to confuse the offenses and how much was because Troy is still hurt? Hard to say. But he's had 2 weeks to rest and recover and I'm guessing he'll leave everything he has out on that field Sunday.

I have no doubt he'll play inspired ball. He's a great player, no doubt. It will be interesting to see how they use him to counter Rodgers, who is the best QB they've faced in two and a half months.

 

[CrossEyed]

The way Green Bay can score of offense dictates what the other offense can do. THe Packers struggled on the poor sod at Soldier. They will score on Pittsburgh. If Pitt's defensive backfield is not sharp, game situation will dictate that Roethlisberger puts Mendenhall in the back seat. Which, as a Packer fan, is what I fear most. Two edged sword.

Although two things are very different than the last time these teams played. The Packers pass rush is better and the defensive backfield is waaaaaaaay better than it was. Tramon Williams has improved a ton. Sam Shields has enabled the Packers to play very strong nickel coverage. He's just on a whole different level the Jarrett Bush as a player. And he's fast enough to stay with Wallace (well, stay close to Wallace anyway). Shields is the fastest player on the Packers.

I'm just drumming up conversation. But I'd be surprised if Mendenhall sniffs 100 yards. 75 is more like it.

Couple other things that are different.Finley went off for 9 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Sunday...no Finley.

Polamalu was hurt and did not play last year. Sunday...he'll be out there.

Yeah, a healthy Polamalu worries me a ton. Dude just makes plays, plain and simple.On the flip side, who will he cover? Andrew Quarless? Great, take Quarless out of the game.

Or will he cover a WR? Sorry, but Polamalu can't cover our WRs.

So yes, he scares the hell out of me either close to the line of scrimmage or hanging back, a la Ed Reed. Where he doesn't scare me is directly on a WR in coverage.

Troy's effectiveness isn't in his coverage on an individual receiver, it's in his ability to read a play and get there before the QB realizes that he's there. Either in coverage or at the line. And if he can get his hands on the ball, 95% of the time he will come down with it. He's the anti-Ike Taylor.

 

[Steeler]

Where he doesn't scare me is directly on a WR in coverage.

He really isn't asked to do that very much at all.

 

[sho nuff]

I don't think it makes a lot of difference if Pouncey plays or not. The Packers are going to get sacks. They sacked Ben 5 times last time they played and could have had 10. Green Bay's pass rush is way better than last season now that they actually know the defense. Where it might help having Pouncey is in the rushing game but I don't expect a lot of yards out of Mendenhall. This game will be decided by the quarterbacks.

Mind looking up Green Bay's rank against the run and getting back to me.

The team plays a nickel a lot of the time...they get run on in spurts.But they have also shown the ability to shut down the run at times. The Jets...Falcons second game...and so on.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Troy's effectiveness isn't in his coverage on an individual receiver, it's in his ability to read a play and get there before the QB realizes that he's there. Either in coverage or at the line. And if he can get his hands on the ball, 95% of the time he will come down with it. He's the anti-Ike Taylor.

Awesome.

 

[Reepicheep]

McCoy and Turner both averaged about 4 yds per carry. Not outstanding, but not getting shut down either. Both teams just abandoned the run. It would not be fair at all to say they shut down Forte.

The Bears abandoned the run because it was ineffective. The only reason he got 4.1 ypc on the game was because of his 2nd half runs. In the first half Forte was averaging 2 ypc on 1st downs. He basically had a run for 14 yard gain the first half and a lot of nothing. On the game he had 7 runs of over 3 yards, 5 of which came in the second half. Have a look:1st-10, CHI37 10:45 M. Forte rushed to the right for 2 yard gain---1st-15, CHI11 4:49 M. Forte rushed to the left for 3 yard gain2nd-12, CHI14 4:12 M. Forte rushed to the left for 6 yard gain---1st-10, CHI2 0:22 M. Forte rushed to the left for 2 yard gain-2nd Qtr-3rd-8, CHI4 14:55 M. Forte rushed to the left for 2 yard loss---2nd-10, CHI16 3:59 M. Forte rushed to the left for 14 yard gain 1st-10, CHI30 3:25 M. Forte rushed to the left for 1 yard gain----3rd Qtr-1st-10, CHI40 14:52 M. Forte rushed to the right for 5 yard gain 2nd-5, CHI45 14:21 M. Forte rushed to the right for 1 yard gain---1st-10, CHI18 4:29 M. Forte rushed to the left for no gain 2nd-10, CHI18 3:55 M. Forte rushed to the right for 8 yard gain---1st-10, CHI33 0:57 M. Forte rushed to the right for 11 yard gain 1st-10, CHI44 0:20 M. Forte rushed to the right for 4 yard gain-4th Qtr-2nd-7, GB41 13:47 M. Forte rushed to the right for 11 yard gain---1st-10, CHI20 9:19 M. Forte rushed to the left for no gain---1st-10, CHI10 7:22 M. Forte rushed to the right for 2 yard gain

 

[Gopher State]

What I actually came in here to post is that I don't think I've heard 1 talking head yet pick Pittsburgh in this game. Not one. Probably heard 10 picks on the game from Chris Russo to **** Vitale and it's been 100% Packers picks. I like this.

Talking heads, experts, the public...all nuthugging GB. I love it! Can't wait until the Steelers prove everyone wrong. This week is draaaaaaaaagging.

Good luck with that. Green Bay is going to win the game.

Love your "matter of fact" attitude. See you on Sunday night around 10:00.

On Sunday at 10:00 p.m. steeler fans will be tucked in bed, with blankets over their head, saying maybe maybe next yearPackers win by 14 GO PACK GO

 

[ICLight]

Found this interesting from Gerry Dulac, one of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers writers, in a chat from today:

Dale: Still think Pouncey won't play?

Gerry Dulac: Dale, if he does, I'll walk home from Dallas.

 

[Sabertooth]

Found this interesting from Gerry Dulac, one of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers writers, in a chat from today:

Dale: Still think Pouncey won't play?

Gerry Dulac: Dale, if he does, I'll walk home from Dallas.

Is Dulac credible? I'm assuming he must have some credibilty.

 

[CrossEyed]

Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins backing the Steelers.

 

[CrossEyed]

Found this interesting from Gerry Dulac, one of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers writers, in a chat from today:

Dale: Still think Pouncey won't play?

Gerry Dulac: Dale, if he does, I'll walk home from Dallas.

This reminds me of the time Jim Rooker had to walk from Philly to Pittsburgh after making an on-air comment.Let's hope Gerry has the same fate.

 

[ICLight]

Found this interesting from Gerry Dulac, one of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers writers, in a chat from today:

Dale: Still think Pouncey won't play?

Gerry Dulac: Dale, if he does, I'll walk home from Dallas.

Is Dulac credible? I'm assuming he must have some credibilty.

Both he and Ed Bouchette (main Steelers beat writer) have been saying all along that Pouncey won't play.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

If Pouncy plays he will have less explosion, speed, strength, lateral quickness, and balance than usual. In my mind it is better to go with the healthy player who has participated in practice.

If he starts and then goes out quickly finding he can't actually go, he disrupts the team's continuity.

I heard this morning from Jaws and Hoge that Pouncy is far better in pass protection, better at pulling and leading runs, but that Legursky may actually be better at staight ahead run blocking and at making line calls for blitz pick up. I don't know how accurate their perceptions are, but dollars to doughnuts it is better than my own. Sounds like each has their strengths.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Conversely, the Jets were 3rd against the run in the NFL and surrendered over 120 to Mendenhall and over 150 total.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

Not saying Mendenhall will run all over Green Bay, but I think it is a little premature to dismiss Pittsburgh's running game vs. Green Bay's D...especially to the right side of the field, behind Flozell.

And if Pouncey is healthy enough to play AND pull...it will make a big difference over Legursky, in my opinion.

IB knows his stuff. Hopefully the Steelers can exploit the right side with Mendenhall and play-action too.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Steelers averaged 5.9 yards per carry during the regular season when they ran behind right tackle Flozell Adams, the second-highest total in the NFL. And for reasons that will be hard to pinpoint, the Packers' otherwise strong run defense allowed 5.2 yards per carry in that same direction during the season. That number placed them No. 26 overall among NFL teams in that category.

Link

 

[CrossEyed]

If Pouncy plays he will have less explosion, speed, strength, lateral quickness, and balance than usual. In my mind it is better to go with the healthy player who has participated in practice.

If he starts and then goes out quickly finding he can't actually go, he disrupts the team's continuity.

I heard this morning from Jaws and Hoge that Pouncy is far better in pass protection, better at pulling and leading runs, but that Legursky may actually be better at staight ahead run blocking and at making line calls for blitz pick up. I don't know how accurate their perceptions are, but dollars to doughnuts it is better than my own. Sounds like each has their strengths.

He's a second year undrafted free-agent who has played more guard than center. Hard for me to believe this is true.

 

[Ballstein]

I think alot of people are underestimating **** Lebeau......

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think alot of people are underestimating **** Lebeau......

I doubt it. I think everyone knows how great a DC he is, and how great the Steelers defense is. Don't assume because some think the Packers are gonna scored on them that that means they are underestimating him.Personally, given how the Packers like to spread it out, I think this is a game where James Jones will have the opportunity to make some plays, so he had better bring his good hands with him this week.

 

[Eric Stratton]

I think alot of people are underestimating **** Lebeau......

 

[Sabertooth]

Wow, the days are just dragging by.

 

[bcr8f]

I think alot of people are underestimating **** Lebeau......

No I don't think so. Dom Capers was his boss 18 years ago and knows him pretty well. The players feel confident because they practice against the defense everyday but know there will be wrinkles.They also have Kevin Greene and other se Steelers players.

Likewise I doubt Pitt will underestimate Capers.

DALLAS – The Packers were wide-eyed to start their first practice of Super Bowl week.

It had nothing to do with Sunday’s game against the Steelers. Rather they were impressed with the indoor training facility at Highland Park High School.

“The players rolled their eyes at first when I told them where we were going to work,” coach Mike McCarthy said afterward. “I said, ‘Now, just hold on. This is Texas football.’ My daughter went to Lake Travis High School (in Austin), and their facilities are similar to this. I don’t think anybody was disappointed when they walked through the doors.”

Players smiled and shook their heads after entering the glass doors to the building. Once inside, the Packers got down to work with a fast-paced but relatively-quiet two-hour workout.

McCarthy sought to simulate a normal Wednesday practice by focusing on base packages, third-down situations and specific special teams scenarios. The session was roughly 25 minutes shorter than a usual Wednesday practice because the team did its preliminary work at the hotel (the Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas) before busing to Southern Methodist University, where the players changed into their practice gear for the short ride to Highland Park High.

“The guys are fresh, they’re ready,” McCarthy said afterward. “I want to keep the risk for injury low leading up to the game, which is why we shortened some things today. But it was good to get back in pads. The guys were flying around; they were banging pretty good. I feel very good about the quality of work, particularly up front. I did not put the pads on them last week because we were coming off a situation where we had played five must-win games in a row, and our linemen were beat up. I wanted to make sure I gave them a chance to get back, and it definitely paid off today.”

The Packers listed only four players on the injury report: tackle Chad Clifton (knees), guard Jason Spitz (calf) and linebacker Erik Walden (ankle) were limited, and linebacker Frank Zombo was a full participant. The only one who bears watching for Sunday in Walden, a starter who worked primarily with the second team Wednesday.

“How Erik responds to this practice will be big,” McCarthy said. “He practiced and took reps in every team drill. That was the high end of what we were going to try to give him today. It’ll be great if he feels good tomorrow.

“Frank looks good. I wanted to get him as much padded work as possible. It seems like Dec. 12th is the last time he’s been in pads. We even got him a bunch of reps on special teams, too.”

Kicker Mason Crosby and punter Tim Masthay worked out at Cowboys Stadium beforehand and could do so again this week. Meantime, the team will return to Highland Park High on Thursday and Friday.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Conversely, the Jets were 3rd against the run in the NFL and surrendered over 120 to Mendenhall and over 150 total.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

Not saying Mendenhall will run all over Green Bay, but I think it is a little premature to dismiss Pittsburgh's running game vs. Green Bay's D...especially to the right side of the field, behind Flozell.

And if Pouncey is healthy enough to play AND pull...it will make a big difference over Legursky, in my opinion.

IB knows his stuff. Hopefully the Steelers can exploit the right side with Mendenhall and play-action too.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Steelers averaged 5.9 yards per carry during the regular season when they ran behind right tackle Flozell Adams, the second-highest total in the NFL. And for reasons that will be hard to pinpoint, the Packers' otherwise strong run defense allowed 5.2 yards per carry in that same direction during the season. That number placed them No. 26 overall among NFL teams in that category.

Link

Betting the Packers know this too. If they shift safety help to that side when they're playing run, it opens up some nice possibilities to run counters with Kemo popping around the tackle to seal the edge.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It's weird. The last two SB runs, I could barely sleep. No joke, I had dreams every night and woke up thinking the games had already been played. I went camping the night before the Pittsburgh/Denver AFCC in 2006 and my wife told me I was talking about Polamalu intercepting a pass in my sleep. I woke up CONVINCED that the game was over and Steelers had won 13-10, and was horribly bummed out when I realized a trip to the big game was no longer a foregone conclusion.

This time, nothing. I mean, NOTHING. No nerves, no dreams, I haven't even been watching/listening to that much coverage. It's bizarre. Not sure if it's because this is the third go-round in the last 6 years, if it's because I subconsciously feel like we're already playing with house money, because deep down I know the Steelers will win, because I know deep down that they'll lose.... no clue. It's just... odd. Even my wife mentioned yesterday that I've barely even been talking about it.

 

[Sabertooth]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ.

But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

 

[Godsbrother]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ. But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

$800 and that included rounds for the entire bar? He couldn't have been drinking that much.I don't see where he did anything wrongFull Article:

TMZ has obtained FOOTAGE of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback hanging out at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Fort Worth Texas ... where he sang his face off from 11:00 PM until 1:15 AM the next morning.Sources inside the bar tell us Big Ben arrived with two massive teammates -- and bought several rounds of drinks for himself AND the entire bar. We're told Ben racked up an $800 tab -- and tipped an additional $200. People inside the bar tell us Ben was "nice, fun and took care of everyone."In the clip, Ben can be seen singing along to the Billy Joel classic "Piano Man" while his teammates joined in on the fun.

 

[bcr8f]

Dom Capers was the 3rd pick of defensive coordinators 2 years ago. Mike Nolan and Greg Williams both turned them down.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ. But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

$800 and that included rounds for the entire bar? He couldn't have been drinking that much.I don't see where he did anything wrongFull Article:

TMZ has obtained FOOTAGE of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback hanging out at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Fort Worth Texas ... where he sang his face off from 11:00 PM until 1:15 AM the next morning.Sources inside the bar tell us Big Ben arrived with two massive teammates -- and bought several rounds of drinks for himself AND the entire bar. We're told Ben racked up an $800 tab -- and tipped an additional $200. People inside the bar tell us Ben was "nice, fun and took care of everyone."In the clip, Ben can be seen singing along to the Billy Joel classic "Piano Man" while his teammates joined in on the fun.

Already told the story in another thread, but he is in the practice of ordering Patron shots for himself, but having the servers bring him water 3 out of 4 times (and he pays for them as if they were Patron).

 

[bcr8f]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ. But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

$800 and that included rounds for the entire bar? He couldn't have been drinking that much.I don't see where he did anything wrongFull Article:

TMZ has obtained FOOTAGE of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback hanging out at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Fort Worth Texas ... where he sang his face off from 11:00 PM until 1:15 AM the next morning.Sources inside the bar tell us Big Ben arrived with two massive teammates -- and bought several rounds of drinks for himself AND the entire bar. We're told Ben racked up an $800 tab -- and tipped an additional $200. People inside the bar tell us Ben was "nice, fun and took care of everyone."In the clip, Ben can be seen singing along to the Billy Joel classic "Piano Man" while his teammates joined in on the fun.

That depends of if he had had a curfew. I hope he keeps drinking but then Max McGee was hung over badly in SB 1 and almost was MVP.

 

[CrossEyed]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ. But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

So he's no longer allowed to go out and have a few drinks with his teammates any more?Of course none of the Packers have had anything to drink this week besides Gatorade and milk, right?

 

[Sabertooth]

Big Ben spotted boozing it up in Dallas on TMZ. But he left a nice tip, so everything is cool.

$800 and that included rounds for the entire bar? He couldn't have been drinking that much.I don't see where he did anything wrongFull Article:

TMZ has obtained FOOTAGE of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback hanging out at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Fort Worth Texas ... where he sang his face off from 11:00 PM until 1:15 AM the next morning.Sources inside the bar tell us Big Ben arrived with two massive teammates -- and bought several rounds of drinks for himself AND the entire bar. We're told Ben racked up an $800 tab -- and tipped an additional $200. People inside the bar tell us Ben was "nice, fun and took care of everyone."In the clip, Ben can be seen singing along to the Billy Joel classic "Piano Man" while his teammates joined in on the fun.

I don't see anything wrong either. He's a totally changed guy. No worries. He wants to do the right things now in life because of his dad.