This year's AFC Final Four (1 Viewer)

[The_Man]

I'm wondering if this weekend's AFC games provide the divisional round in NFL playoff history.

All 4 are division champs, which I don't think has happened since the NFL went to four divisions. The teams have combined for 51 wins, which I think ties for the best mark (2003: NE was 14-2 vs. 12-4 Tenn; 13-3 KC playd 12-4 Indy). They've won 4 of the last 6 Super Bowls (granted, NE has won three of them).

And the storylines are compelling - #1 O vs. #1 D; can Manning get it done; the Colts return to Baltimore; Marty vs. Bellichik; can LT cap one of the great seasons ever with a title, etc.?

I think a good argument can be made this is in fact the best Final 4 in divisional playoff history. Should be a great weekend.

 

[Skino]

Keeping it to the two AFC match-ups, maybe! I don't remember too many too keenly. Last year's matchups weren't too shabby, NE trying to three-peat going into Denver where Shanny was trying to prove he could do it without Elway. And the storybook Steelers in Bettis' curtain-call taking on the Colts where Manning was trying to prove he could take it to the next level. Obviously, this is perceived before the games. The Colts-Steelers game did turn out to be entertaining with a "Can you believe that" finish. The Broncos-Pats game was nice chess match in what each coach was trying to do to the other, but not the best game from an entertainment standpoint, except us few geeks who really pay attention to formation switches, and 5 guys in the box walking around until the snap. I can't really remember the full proceedings into any other divisional weekends prior to last year though.

The NFC doesn't seem overly intriging. The Eagles-Saints game has some life in that the Saints have surprised the NFL with their season and the Eagles have shown new life under Garcia after McNabb. But the Bears-Seahawks storyline is: are either of these teams going to show a heartbeat. Don't get me wrong, they are both good teams and have played a higher levels, but it just doesn't seem like the buzz and energy is at a level equal to the other three games this weekend.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

 

[David Yudkin]

In terms of combined regular season records, this year ties the 2004 AFC Final Four with 51 combined wins. Had the Chargers made it that year (IIRC they lost to the Jets), then the combined total would have been 53 wins that year.

 

[Couch Potato]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

Naw, a crappy 6th seed made it to the final 8 last year, and we all know they get blown out easily when that happens. To be serious, and no offense to fans of any of the other 6 NFL teams still alive, but the Patriots - Chargers game is my Super Bowl. I'm not a homer for either, but I don't think it gets any better and I'll be glued to that game.

 

[The_Man]

Last year, a #6 seed made it and the Pats were only a 10-6 team.

The thing about the Chargers not making it to the divisional round in 2004 is part of my point -- there are four absolute powerhouses in the AFC divisional playoffs. Though Indy is the weakest, you could make an argument for any one of these teams winning the Super Bowl.

I'm hoping for a Patriots-Ravens Championship game.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year, a #6 seed made it Though Indy is the weakest, you could make an argument for any one of these teams winning the Super Bowl.

I think you could make a pretty good argument for any of the AFC teams winning it last year too.

 

[Riffraff]

I'm wondering if this weekend's AFC games provide the divisional round in NFL playoff history.

There was one year the 49ers missed the play-offs with a 10-6 record.

And the storylines are compelling - #1 O vs. #1 D

By the way:#1 Passing O = New Orleans#1 Scoring O = San Diego#1 Rushing O = Atlanta#1 Total yards O = New OrleansNone of them are playing:#1 Passing D = Oakland#1 Points against D = Baltimore#1 Rushing D = Minnesota#1 Total yards D = Baltimore

 

[Pat Patriot]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

 

[Borat]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

 

[Couch Potato]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

I'm sure that has much to do with it. However, the whole AFC playoffs seemed better last year. Perhaps it was because an 11-5 Steelers team and a 12-4 Jacksonville team were the wildcards rather than this year's Jets and Chiefs, who would have had no chance last season, so when distilled down to 4 teams, the overall strength of the conference seemed stronger. Perhaps it's because the Steelers and Broncos have a better "pedigree" than San Diego and Baltimore, who replace them in this year's final four. Maybe it's because last year's Colts were better than this year's and the Patriots were red hot going into the playoffs last year. Plus, Cincinnati was a huge threat last year as well, as they had a very potent offense. I don't know - I just anticipated last year's a little bit more, although this year's matchups are outstanding as well.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Of the final four, I agree that this year is the best in a long time.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

because im a chargers fan, yes

But in all reality, probably not. in the mid to late 80's, the niners, giants, bears, skins and even th rams/vikings had some great teams in the final four.

 

[gman74]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

There was one year the 49ers missed the play-offs with a 10-6 record.

It was 1991 - the Eagles also missed the playoffs with a 10-6 record that year. But that year's playoff teams were good but not exactly transcendant (Rypien's Redskins, the 2 Legit 2 Quit Falcons, the Lions, who crushed the pre-dynasty Cowboys in round 2).

 

[gman74]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

So Baltimore with one of the best def runs over the last 6 or so years also with Mcnair. And the Chargers with a possible star at QB and possibly the best TE,DEF Player and RB in the game is not more sexy cmon evilgrinI'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

So Baltimore with one of the best def runs over the last 6 or so years also with Mcnair. And the Chargers with a possible star at QB and possibly the best TE,DEF Player and RB in the game is not more sexy cmon evilgrin

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

C'mon? Pittsburgh and Denver have been to 12 Super Bowls and won 7, compared to Baltimore/San Diego's whopping 2 appearances and 1 win. That's tradition.As far as "sexy" goes - San Diego definitely has an explosive offense, so they get some points there. But, let's face it - everyone's just waiting for them to implode because of the perceived "Martyball" effect. As far as I'm concerned, they're a push with last year's Broncos.

As far as Baltimore/Pittsburgh goes, it's not even close. The Steelers have a much bigger fanbase and attract the casual fan a lot more than does Baltimore. Their presence because of their huge fan base and their history, provides a much bigger buzz than does Baltimore.

New England '05 vs. '06 is a push and last year's Colts were much more feared than this year's edition.

 

[The_Man]

I think this year's Chargers featuring LT having one of the great seasons in NFL history are more interesting than last year's Broncos. And the story line of Playoff Goat Marty vs. Playoff Legend Bellichik adds to the intrigue.

Clearly, the Steelers have a greater tradition than Baltimore, but they were an 11-5 Wild Card team last year. The Ravens are a 13-3 power. Also, you haven't heard anything this week, but if the Ravens reach the AFCC, then "Can McNair win a Super Bowl and establish his Hall of Fame credentials?" is going to become a recurrent theme.

And the Colts coming back to Baltimore adds much buzz as well. New England is markedly better this year -- they won 12 games instead of 10.

 

[gman74]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

So Baltimore with one of the best def runs over the last 6 or so years also with Mcnair. And the Chargers with a possible star at QB and possibly the best TE,DEF Player and RB in the game is not more sexy cmon evilgrin

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

C'mon? Pittsburgh and Denver have been to 12 Super Bowls and won 7, compared to Baltimore/San Diego's whopping 2 appearances and 1 win. That's tradition.As far as "sexy" goes - San Diego definitely has an explosive offense, so they get some points there. But, let's face it - everyone's just waiting for them to implode because of the perceived "Martyball" effect. As far as I'm concerned, they're a push with last year's Broncos.

As far as Baltimore/Pittsburgh goes, it's not even close. The Steelers have a much bigger fanbase and attract the casual fan a lot more than does Baltimore. Their presence because of their huge fan base and their history, provides a much bigger buzz than does Baltimore.

New England '05 vs. '06 is a push and last year's Colts were much more feared than this year's edition.

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

 

[Couch Potato]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

So Baltimore with one of the best def runs over the last 6 or so years also with Mcnair. And the Chargers with a possible star at QB and possibly the best TE,DEF Player and RB in the game is not more sexy cmon evilgrin

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

C'mon? Pittsburgh and Denver have been to 12 Super Bowls and won 7, compared to Baltimore/San Diego's whopping 2 appearances and 1 win. That's tradition.As far as "sexy" goes - San Diego definitely has an explosive offense, so they get some points there. But, let's face it - everyone's just waiting for them to implode because of the perceived "Martyball" effect. As far as I'm concerned, they're a push with last year's Broncos.

As far as Baltimore/Pittsburgh goes, it's not even close. The Steelers have a much bigger fanbase and attract the casual fan a lot more than does Baltimore. Their presence because of their huge fan base and their history, provides a much bigger buzz than does Baltimore.

New England '05 vs. '06 is a push and last year's Colts were much more feared than this year's edition.

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

The Baltimore COLTS were in two Super Bowls - the Ravens have been in one. I'm talking about the current franchise. Besides which, even if you want to count the Colts appearances for the Ravens, then they and San Diego are 2-2 in Super Bowls, compared to 7-5 for Pittsburgh/Denver. Still not even in the same neighborhood, but nice try.

And you can roll your eyes all you want, but Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push is my opinion. If you want to disagree, fine, but let's not pretend San Diego is a juggernaut. They have a rookie (as far as playing experience goes) QB and a head coach with a history of postseason failure. Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

And even if San Diego is generating more buzz this year than Denver did last year (arguable), Pittsburgh's appearance last year instead of Baltimore this year MORE than makes up for it in terms of piquing national interest (not arguable.)

 

[massraider]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

I agree with this. The AFC is even at the top, making for good matchups, but I don't think any of these teams are great.

 

[gman74]

Last year was better, but this year is close.

How do you figure?

He's a Steelers fan.

Yup. I thought that's why he said it too.

he is a homer of course last year was the best

So Baltimore with one of the best def runs over the last 6 or so years also with Mcnair. And the Chargers with a possible star at QB and possibly the best TE,DEF Player and RB in the game is not more sexy cmon evilgrin

I'm sure that was a big part of it, as I readily admitted. There are also other reasons I detailed above. Last year's participants were just "sexier" on the whole - New England and Indy are repeaters, but Denver and Pittsburgh have more tradition and a better overall national fanbase than Baltimore and San Diego. Plus, on the whole, I think the AFC was more top-heavy last year than this year, meaning the teams that advanced to the divisional round were a little better.

C'mon? Pittsburgh and Denver have been to 12 Super Bowls and won 7, compared to Baltimore/San Diego's whopping 2 appearances and 1 win. That's tradition.As far as "sexy" goes - San Diego definitely has an explosive offense, so they get some points there. But, let's face it - everyone's just waiting for them to implode because of the perceived "Martyball" effect. As far as I'm concerned, they're a push with last year's Broncos.

As far as Baltimore/Pittsburgh goes, it's not even close. The Steelers have a much bigger fanbase and attract the casual fan a lot more than does Baltimore. Their presence because of their huge fan base and their history, provides a much bigger buzz than does Baltimore.

New England '05 vs. '06 is a push and last year's Colts were much more feared than this year's edition.

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

The Baltimore COLTS were in two Super Bowls - the Ravens have been in one. I'm talking about the current franchise. Besides which, even if you want to count the Colts appearances for the Ravens, then they and San Diego are 2-2 in Super Bowls, compared to 7-5 for Pittsburgh/Denver. Still not even in the same neighborhood, but nice try.

And you can roll your eyes all you want, but Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push is my opinion. If you want to disagree, fine, but let's not pretend San Diego is a juggernaut. They have a rookie (as far as playing experience goes) QB and a head coach with a history of postseason failure. Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

And even if San Diego is generating more buzz this year than Denver did last year (arguable), Pittsburgh's appearance last year instead of Baltimore this year MORE than makes up for it in terms of piquing national interest (not arguable.)

AHHHHHH but you never said anything about Ravens or Colts we were talking Baltimore. Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push I disagree but would be a good poll to see who would be thought to be the better team. My bet would be on the 06 chargers.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up getting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

EG why you gotta hate on my boys???

 

[gman74]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

 

[Ghost Rider]

What about the '03 AFC divisional round? You had the 14-2 Patriots vs. the 12-4 Titans, and the 13-3 Chiefs vs. the 12-4 Colts. You had two teams with the reigning MVP's (Manning and McNair shared it), you had the team that was the best team for the first 2/3 of the season (KC), and you had the team that had won the Super Bowl two years earlier (Patriots). Both games were outstanding, too, with the Pats winning a 17-14 squeaker in ugly weather, and the Colts winning a 38-31 shootout.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

AHHHHHH but you never said anything about Ravens or Colts we were talking Baltimore. Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push I disagree but would be a good poll to see who would be thought to be the better team. My bet would be on the 06 chargers.

Dude, you're telling me to "c'mon" but you're going to count the Colts Super Bowl appearances for the Ravens franchise because the Colts once played in the same city? As far as Broncos/Chargers goes, we don't need a poll. San Diego is playing New England at home this year the same way Denver did last year. We'll see if San Diego takes care of business the way Denver did. I don't think there's much difference between this year's Pats and last year's - in terms of how each team was playing going into the playoffs.Two things are indisputable, though. Pittsburgh '05 was a bigger draw than Baltimore '06 and Indy '05 was much more of a threat than Indy '06. In my opinion, even if you believe this year's Patriots are better than last year's, and this year's Chargers are better than the '05 Broncos, the difference is not enough to make up for the disparity in national interest between the Indy versions and Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore. That's why I said last year was better - there was more tradition, more national interest and buzz, and a better playoff pedigree for the 4 teams standing at this time last year. Sure I'm biased because I'm a Steeler fan, but it doesn't make my statements any less true.Same would apply for the NFC - I would always be more interested in NFC divisional games involving Dallas, Washington, Green Bay, Chicago, San Francisco, etc... than I would Seattle, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Arizona, etc... because of the history involved.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.EG why you gotta hate on my boys???

Don't get me wrong - I like San Diego, always have. I love the city, I like the fact that they're traditionally a fun team to watch. I'll definitely be rooting for them this weekend.That said, I've seen what Belichick can do to a rookie QB. The Steelers, I still believe, were a more talented team in '04 than new England, but Belichick got the Pats up early with a great defensive scheme that flustered Roethlisberger. I hope Rivers doesn't fall victim to the same, but......

 

[Evilgrin 72]

What about the '03 AFC divisional round? You had the 14-2 Patriots vs. the 12-4 Titans, and the 13-3 Chiefs vs. the 12-4 Colts. You had two teams with the reigning MVP's (Manning and McNair shared it), you had the team that was the best team for the first 2/3 of the season (KC), and you had the team that had won the Super Bowl two years earlier (Patriots). Both games were outstanding, too, with the Pats winning a 17-14 squeaker in ugly weather, and the Colts winning a 38-31 shootout.

Yeah, that was a REALLY good one....You know what, the easiest thing really is just to say that the AFC divisional playoffs are top-shelf every single year. I can't remember another time period when one conference had so many good teams year after year.

 

[gman74]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

 

[gman74]

AHHHHHH but you never said anything about Ravens or Colts we were talking Baltimore. Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push I disagree but would be a good poll to see who would be thought to be the better team. My bet would be on the 06 chargers.

Dude, you're telling me to "c'mon" but you're going to count the Colts Super Bowl appearances for the Ravens franchise because the Colts once played in the same city? As far as Broncos/Chargers goes, we don't need a poll. San Diego is playing New England at home this year the same way Denver did last year. We'll see if San Diego takes care of business the way Denver did. I don't think there's much difference between this year's Pats and last year's - in terms of how each team was playing going into the playoffs.Two things are indisputable, though. Pittsburgh '05 was a bigger draw than Baltimore '06 and Indy '05 was much more of a threat than Indy '06. In my opinion, even if you believe this year's Patriots are better than last year's, and this year's Chargers are better than the '05 Broncos, the difference is not enough to make up for the disparity in national interest between the Indy versions and Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore. That's why I said last year was better - there was more tradition, more national interest and buzz, and a better playoff pedigree for the 4 teams standing at this time last year. Sure I'm biased because I'm a Steeler fan, but it doesn't make my statements any less true.Same would apply for the NFC - I would always be more interested in NFC divisional games involving Dallas, Washington, Green Bay, Chicago, San Francisco, etc... than I would Seattle, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Arizona, etc... because of the history involved.

give me talent like fitz,bolden.roy w,shawn a, over teams with just "history" like wash,gb and sf anyday

 

[Hell Diablo]

I was saying similar sentiments, however until the games are played we won't know how great these playoffs are.

As far as the best playoffs I've ever seen though 2002 is hands down the most entertaining post season ever.

Green Bay and Seattle going to OT.

Carolina and St. Louis going to 2OT.

4th and 26 at Philly.

Topped off with New England vs Carolina in probably the best Super Bowl game in recent history.

There was another OT game as well. I can't remember it off hand. But every game that post season was very entertaining.

 

[Couch Potato]

Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

EG why you gotta hate on my boys???

Hey BSS, do you realize that by screwing up and not enclosing Evilgrin's comment in quotes, you just told the whole world you're a Steelers fan and said the Chargers would lose?!

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

AHHHHHH but you never said anything about Ravens or Colts we were talking Baltimore. Denver '05 vs. San Diego '06 being a push I disagree but would be a good poll to see who would be thought to be the better team. My bet would be on the 06 chargers.

Dude, you're telling me to "c'mon" but you're going to count the Colts Super Bowl appearances for the Ravens franchise because the Colts once played in the same city? As far as Broncos/Chargers goes, we don't need a poll. San Diego is playing New England at home this year the same way Denver did last year. We'll see if San Diego takes care of business the way Denver did. I don't think there's much difference between this year's Pats and last year's - in terms of how each team was playing going into the playoffs.Two things are indisputable, though. Pittsburgh '05 was a bigger draw than Baltimore '06 and Indy '05 was much more of a threat than Indy '06. In my opinion, even if you believe this year's Patriots are better than last year's, and this year's Chargers are better than the '05 Broncos, the difference is not enough to make up for the disparity in national interest between the Indy versions and Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore. That's why I said last year was better - there was more tradition, more national interest and buzz, and a better playoff pedigree for the 4 teams standing at this time last year. Sure I'm biased because I'm a Steeler fan, but it doesn't make my statements any less true.Same would apply for the NFC - I would always be more interested in NFC divisional games involving Dallas, Washington, Green Bay, Chicago, San Francisco, etc... than I would Seattle, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Arizona, etc... because of the history involved.

give me talent like fitz,bolden.roy w,shawn a, over teams with just "history" like wash,gb and sf anyday

Hey, that's your opinion and that's cool. I'm not going to call your comments "insane." Personally, a Dallas-San Francisco or Pittsburgh-New England conference title game is going to hold more interest for me than a Detroit-Arizona or Jacksonville-Baltimore game, because of the storied franchises involved. Perhaps I'm alone in that thinking, but TV ratings would seem to prove otherwise.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

EG why you gotta hate on my boys???

Hey BSS, do you realize that by screwing up and not enclosing Evilgrin's comment in quotes, you just told the whole world you're a Steelers fan and said the Chargers would lose?!

 

[gman74]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

whatever jr you threw out incorrect stats and i called you on it be a man and accept defeat on this one

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

whatever jr you threw out incorrect stats and i called you on it be a man and accept defeat on this one

Stop-you're embarrassing yourself. We're talking about the teams in this year's playoffs. The "Baltimore" in the playoffs is the Baltimore Ravens, not the Baltimore Colts. Because I chose to refer to them as "Baltimore" and not "the Ravens" doesn't change that, and you know it. If you're going to argue a point at least make a real argument rather than hanging your hat on absurd, misleading "stats."Bottom line - the RAVENS are nowhere near the draw that the Steelers are, and that's who I was comparing as the AFC North representative in this year's final four. Care to dispute that, or do you want to keep "winning" the argument by reiterating that the cities of Baltimore and San Diego have 2 Super Bowl wins between them, compared to 7 for Pittsburgh and Denver?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Trust me, as a Steelers fan, I know how this is. I highly doubt they get by New England this weekend as Denver did a year ago.

EG why you gotta hate on my boys???

Hey BSS, do you realize that by screwing up and not enclosing Evilgrin's comment in quotes, you just told the whole world you're a Steelers fan and said the Chargers would lose?!

I do remember Natrone Means waving a terrible towel once.

 

[gman74]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

whatever jr you threw out incorrect stats and i called you on it be a man and accept defeat on this one

Stop-you're embarrassing yourself. We're talking about the teams in this year's playoffs. The "Baltimore" in the playoffs is the Baltimore Ravens, not the Baltimore Colts. Because I chose to refer to them as "Baltimore" and not "the Ravens" doesn't change that, and you know it. If you're going to argue a point at least make a real argument rather than hanging your hat on absurd, misleading "stats."Bottom line - the RAVENS are nowhere near the draw that the Steelers are, and that's who I was comparing as the AFC North representative in this year's final four. Care to dispute that, or do you want to keep "winning" the argument by reiterating that the cities of Baltimore and San Diego have 2 Super Bowl wins between them, compared to 7 for Pittsburgh and Denver?

ok I will go with "misleading" over wrong anyday my friend. And furthermore I would pay to see Baltimore past and present and SD over Denver and Pittsburgh

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

whatever jr you threw out incorrect stats and i called you on it be a man and accept defeat on this one

Stop-you're embarrassing yourself. We're talking about the teams in this year's playoffs. The "Baltimore" in the playoffs is the Baltimore Ravens, not the Baltimore Colts. Because I chose to refer to them as "Baltimore" and not "the Ravens" doesn't change that, and you know it. If you're going to argue a point at least make a real argument rather than hanging your hat on absurd, misleading "stats."Bottom line - the RAVENS are nowhere near the draw that the Steelers are, and that's who I was comparing as the AFC North representative in this year's final four. Care to dispute that, or do you want to keep "winning" the argument by reiterating that the cities of Baltimore and San Diego have 2 Super Bowl wins between them, compared to 7 for Pittsburgh and Denver?

ok I will go with "misleading" over wrong anyday my friend. And furthermore I would pay to see Baltimore past and present and SD over Denver and Pittsburgh

Nothing I said was "wrong" - stop with the semantics already. It's the last gasp of a drowning man.It's fine that you'd prefer to see Baltimore over Pittsburgh too. Like I said, this is a subjective thing. But history shows us that you're in the vast minority here. It's no coincidence that last year's Pittsburgh/Seattle Super Bowl was the highest rated in 10 years, and it wasn't because of the Seahawks. Oddly enough, it was highest rated game since SB XXX, which pitted Dallas and........... Pittsburgh.

Further, in that time frame, the lowest rated game of the decade between was the Giants/Ravens Super Bowl in 2001. So, the Ravens couldn't outdraw the Steelers even though their opponent was from the #1 media market in the country.

It's this kind of buzz and national interest that to me define "big games" and classic matchups, because the surrounding hype makes the game bigger than it would have been. Obviously, since the Steelers were playing last year, I'm going to prefer to see that set of teams over this year's. It's great that YOU like this year's teams better, but it seems the viewing audience as a whole disagrees. So before you start mocking my perspective, realize that it's you, not I, who is of the minority viewpoint. I'm trying to take a step back from my fandom and look at the magnitude and scope of the games from a broad perspective. All you're doing is talking about which teams you like better.

You wanted facts, there are facts for you. So far, you've offered nothing to back up your contentions other than semantics and personal opinion. Now, run along.

 

[Pat Patriot]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up getting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I know Cochise and you had nothing to do with him getting Maybe you should think about why it happens over and over. Maybe it is you that is the ####.Just because you kiss ### here and would never be doesnt mean you hold the high ground with regard to anyone with which you have clashed in the past.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I want to thank EG for the history lesson, no matter how irrelevent it is. I thought the question was more along the lines of, "Is this the best group 4 teams to participate in the AFC Semi's ever". There are a number of ways to judge that. Some have used wins. This group has 51. Someone else quoted another year where the participants had 53 wins.

I think this year has great matchups because you have 2 teams predicated on offense going against 2 teams led by their defenses. However, this is probably not the best group historically.

In 2004, the best Pats team of this era was 14-2, the Steelers were 15-1, the Colts were 12-4 and the Jets 10-6 (SD which was 12-4 got beat in the first round). This group had 51 wins but was brought down a bit by the Jets inclusion.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up getting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I know Cochise and you had nothing to do with him getting Maybe you should think about why it happens over and over. Maybe it is you that is the ####.Just because you kiss ### here and would never be doesnt mean you hold the high ground with regard to anyone with which you have clashed in the past.

1- You ARE cochise, and I never claimed to have anything to do with you getting banned - nor did I have anything to do with ColtsFreak or harrier getting blown out either.2- It doesn't happen over and over. It's happened a whopping 3 times in the years I have been posting here. I have interacted with hundreds and hundreds of posters and have had iBeefs with exactly 3.

3- Maybe it is me that is the ####, but then again, all 3 of the aforementioned parties have not only been permabanned, but also have names that, for most, are synonymous with "tool." So, maybe it isn't me.

And I probably would never be banned here, not because I kiss ###, but because I know how to comport myself like an adult and don't give the mods any reason to ban me. The fact that you make fun of that, rather than acting in a like fashion, says more about your character than I ever could, so I'll leave it at that.

 

[gman74]

dude if your going to spit out stats make sure they are correct baltimore has been in 3 superbowls won 2 and the chargers have been in 1 and lost. that is 4 with 2 wins not 2 with 1 and to say denver last year and chargers this year is a push is just insane and incorrect

No need to be so harsh. A thread like this is just opinion anyway, a matter of personal preference. Evilgrin has every right to his without being called insane.

Don't worry about it, though - dude just wants to flame... I can handle it. I've dealt with #### like this over and over, they usually end up betting (see ColtsFreak, Cochise, mrharrier, etc...)

I just tore your opinion up with facts. But that's ok hate if you want

Are you a ColtsFreak alias? What "facts" did you proffer, other than lumping the Colts and Ravens into one franchise in order to come up with numbers FAR short of Denver/Pittsburgh's combined success?

And as far as "hating" goes - you're the one that started tossing insults (mild though they were) around, not me.

facts were you said balt not colts ravens I corrected you end of that story

I think everyone reading this knows that when I said "Baltimore", I was referring to the current incarnation of Baltimore football. But, in the long haul, it matters not. I'll even give you Cleveland (since the Ravens were the Browns before they moved) - and between BOTH Colts teams (Baltimore and Indy), the Ravens, and the Browns, they've still got 4 conference titles and 2 Super Bowl wins to their credit, compared to 12 conference titles and 7 Super Bowls for Pittsburgh and Denver, so the point is made regardless.

whatever jr you threw out incorrect stats and i called you on it be a man and accept defeat on this one

Stop-you're embarrassing yourself. We're talking about the teams in this year's playoffs. The "Baltimore" in the playoffs is the Baltimore Ravens, not the Baltimore Colts. Because I chose to refer to them as "Baltimore" and not "the Ravens" doesn't change that, and you know it. If you're going to argue a point at least make a real argument rather than hanging your hat on absurd, misleading "stats."

Bottom line - the RAVENS are nowhere near the draw that the Steelers are, and that's who I was comparing as the AFC North representative in this year's final four. Care to dispute that, or do you want to keep "winning" the argument by reiterating that the cities of Baltimore and San Diego have 2 Super Bowl wins between them, compared to 7 for Pittsburgh and Denver?

ok I will go with "misleading" over wrong anyday my friend. And furthermore I would pay to see Baltimore past and present and SD over Denver and Pittsburgh

Nothing I said was "wrong" - stop with the semantics already. It's the last gasp of a drowning man.

It's fine that you'd prefer to see Baltimore over Pittsburgh too. Like I said, this is a subjective thing. But history shows us that you're in the vast minority here. It's no coincidence that last year's Pittsburgh/Seattle Super Bowl was the highest rated in 10 years, and it wasn't because of the Seahawks. Oddly enough, it was highest rated game since SB XXX, which pitted Dallas and........... Pittsburgh.

Further, in that time frame, the lowest rated game of the decade between was the Giants/Ravens Super Bowl in 2001. So, the Ravens couldn't outdraw the Steelers even though their opponent was from the #1 media market in the country.

It's this kind of buzz and national interest that to me define "big games" and classic matchups, because the surrounding hype makes the game bigger than it would have been. Obviously, since the Steelers were playing last year, I'm going to prefer to see that set of teams over this year's. It's great that YOU like this year's teams better, but it seems the viewing audience as a whole disagrees. So before you start mocking my perspective, realize that it's you, not I, who is of the minority viewpoint. I'm trying to take a step back from my fandom and look at the magnitude and scope of the games from a broad perspective. All you're doing is talking about which teams you like better.

You wanted facts, there are facts for you. So far, you've offered nothing to back up your contentions other than semantics and personal opinion. Now, run along.

I just stated in the beginning that Baltimore has been in more than 1 Superbowl. Then as you often do you get off topic and start running at the mouth about popular teams.

Now go back to being the king of the Pittsburgh backpedal. Better take the training wheels off before you try to get into any sports facts with me. Now move along son i'm done on his topic.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I want to thank EG for the history lesson, no matter how irrelevent it is. I thought the question was more along the lines of, "Is this the best group 4 teams to participate in the AFC Semi's ever". There are a number of ways to judge that. Some have used wins. This group has 51. Someone else quoted another year where the participants had 53 wins. I think this year has great matchups because you have 2 teams predicated on offense going against 2 teams led by their defenses. However, this is probably not the best group historically.In 2004, the best Pats team of this era was 14-2, the Steelers were 15-1, the Colts were 12-4 and the Jets 10-6 (SD which was 12-4 got beat in the first round). This group had 51 wins but was brought down a bit by the Jets inclusion.

Don't mention it.Yes, there are a number of ways to judge it. Rather than simply saying "I like these teams better....", I chose to evaluate the matchups on historical significance and national interest. To that end, the facts I offered up are far from irrelevant.However, you've chosen to base it on regular season wins, which I understand is the most comfortable way to do it, as it requires no evaluation of the teams or deep analysis whatsoever. Everyone knows the number of regular season wins a team has is the best indicator of how well they're playing come playoff time. that's why the 2004 Steelers, who were the first AFC team ever to win 15 regular season games, steamrolled through the playoffs, while last year's 11-5 wild card team stalled out in the AFC Championship game. Um, wait a minute...........