Pittsburgh's Huge Win Over San Diego Irrelevant
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 10:02 AM EST
135 comments
The Pittsburgh Steelers flexed their muscles this past weekend with their demolishing of the San Diego Chargers, running and throwing all over them in their 35-24 victory in cold and windy Heinz Field. They showed how powerful the offense could be when clicking on all cylinders. They protected Ben Roethlisberger after hearing how poor their pass protection has been. They opened huge holes for Fast Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell when everyone had said their run game had been disappointing this season. They opened up the passing game with big completions and converted key third downs with passes spread all around to Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller and the always reliable and ever smiling Hines Ward. Their Special Teams broke a long one for a TD as all facets of the game turned in their favor. This shows everyone what this team can do when it is rested and prepared for their opponent, as well as why this team is favored by five points this weekend on their way to another Super Bowl and their 6th ring ("one for the other thumb?").
Uhhhh,.....not so quick, guys.
I'm sure while you were reading this, you kept checking the top of this page to make sure you were on th right blog. No, this is not the Steeler's blog, it is definitely the Baltimore Beatdown, so let's start beating down that first paragraph. The entire game against the Chargers was way more irrelevant for this coming weekend's game than the Ravens game at Tennessee. Which of the two games this past weekend do you think will more closely resemble the one coming up? Something tells me we won't see the track meet we saw in Pittsburgh, compared to the slugfest we saw in Nashville. It's not too impressive to me or most Ravens fans to see the physical Steelers toy with the wimpy Chargers for sixty minutes. Big deal that Big Ben was able to pick apart the 31st ranked pass defense. Big deal that they were able to run the ball for well over 100 yards against a team that looked almost afraid to stick their heads in there to slow down Parker. Big deal that a team from sunny Southern California looked like they couldn't wait to get out of the cold weather and start their vacations. Ravens fans were hoping for the upset so they could go to San Diego and push them all over the place, but Pittsburgh did it for us. Now we get what we wanted and we hope that Pittsburgh does as well.
This is the way it should be. Remember the third fight between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier? Ali pummeled the former champ who had defeated him the first time they met until he just couldn't take it anymore. While the Steelers overwhelmed a lightweight in the San Diego Chargers, the Ravens were trading punches with another heavyweight in the Tennessee Titans. This weekend, there will be no backing down, no timid tackling and no soft defense for the Steelers to make a highlight film of. This will be a war that the Ravens have been waging since they were almost counted out late in the regular season. However, they rose up and have punched the opposition in the mouth, knocking them out by standing toe-to-toe with them until they couldn't take it anymore and down they went for the count.
Baltimore will find a willing opponent in Pittsburgh for this backyard brawl. However, it is the Ravens who are more battle tested and ready to go at it. Don't give me any of the media hype about this team being tired after playing 18 straight weeks. These players are professionals, in tip top shape and running on adrenaline They can handle another sixty minutes Sunday and then take a break before playing sixty more on February 1st. The big deciding factor that will ensure a Ravens victory compared to the two prior losses is that this time they plan on playing ALL sixty minutes, not just fifty-nine.
"Down goes Pittsburgh, down goes Pittsburgh!"
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while i can
appreciate your enthusiasm, you are incorrect in your assessment. the ravens are worn down. they are not in tip top shape as you say, rather quite the opposite in fact. they are not a healthy team with multiple players that are banged up. the offense was anemic against the titans and the defense looked gassed. more battle tested? i don’t know about that. i could make a really convincing case that pittsburgh had the the more difficult guantlet to run this season. now, good teams find ways to win and the ravens are no doubt a good team but so are the steelers who are completely healthy and at home, and have a dangerous offense, and have a quarterback that has taken them through the playoffs before. now anything can happen in the post season but my money’s on the team that is healthier, more experienced, with the more potent offense.
GO STEELERS!!
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 10:49 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yep.
“Battle Tested” to me just translates as old. In that regard, the ravens defense is definitely battle tested.
I can’t be convinced (and why care about that anyway) that Flacco has the ability to beat the Steelers at home, in the AFC Championship. He’s going to have to, so my money is on Pittsburgh.
When I say who dey, you say we dey.
by sn0wballz on Jan 13, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That is what
The dolphins said about Flacco as well as the Titans.
by stalkingbamby on Jan 13, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Dangerous offense"
“more potent offense”
Trust me, those phrases haven’t been used by anyone outside of Pittsburgh all year!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps not
however, that does not change the fact that its true. i, for one, would take pitt’s offense over baltimore’s any day of the week and twice on sunday. i’m sure most anyone outside of baltimore would too.
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I may take parts of the Steeler’s offense right now, but I would still take the Raven’s offensive line “any day of the week and twice on Sunday.” We all know that games like this are won and lost in the trenches, and I think our offensive line is more up to the brutal task.
Ben and the Pittsburgh receivers may have a slight edge on Sunday, but I will still take our offense in the long-term. Like I already said, I think our offense is better suited to win physical games, and I think our offensive line makes the difference in this game.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agree with you
about the o-line, though i have to say that they are a much, much improved unit now than say six weeks ago. hell, four weeks ago. having said that, this ravens d is absolutely no joke and the best we can hope for is for our o-line to just look competent against them.
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I was very impressed with the Steeler’s offensive line versus the Chargers. Heck… they were even opening up holes in the run game.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s no arguing that our O-line looks like it belongs in Ohio, and I can only hope against all hope that they’ll look anywhere near as good as they did last week. But like you guys say about Flacco, our front 5 don’t need to be good. They just need to be good enough. Despite all the advantages that the Steelers may have this week (namely, health and rest), I am beyond nervous. But I still see our O-line pulling off just enough miracles throughout the game to send us to Tampa. It’s all about situational football. If we can run for 200 yards but stall out in the red zone, we’ll be headed home early.
I have all the respect in the world for your team, but I’m looking forward to seeing their looks of dejection and failure more than anything right now. Here’s to a game we’ll be talking about for years!
Brandona
by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 16, 2009 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“pitt had a more difficult gauntlet to run”……say what
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
unlike the titans we beat the steelers pretty good for 3 quarters each game and lost in the final minutes. the first game because we ran out the last 2 minutes on regulation for some stupid reason. the second game because you scored your only TD on a freak long drive. basically the ravens are 6 quarters better than your 2. youi barley even squeeked in your last td against us. this game comes down to Cam. If he wants to win we win. If he wants to let the clock decide..we might not.
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What exactly do you mean by dominated? I think you must have a very different definition of that word than me and the rest of the english-speaking population.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If tearing down our stomping
of the “dolts” makes you you feel better. So be it. I guess I would do the same if the situation were reversed. Fact is, every team that was / is in the play-offs was / is there for a reason. Of course the game against the ravens is going to be a lot more physical. What I like to focus on more is that the Steelers put it all together, finally! Yeah, Ben picked apart a secondary that isn’t so good. Something the league MVP couldn’t seem to do a week prior. D played good, O line played great. See, we beat you twice playing half assed, now, we are full steam ahead with lots of momentum! Watch out purple browns! : )
by Cdsumm on Jan 13, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, you beat us half-asses!?
How nice of you to hold back when “stomping” us. Now I guess we’ll see the “real” Steelers, who will now try harder. Can’t wait!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!?
Yeah, Ben picked apart a secondary that isn’t so good. Something the league MVP couldn’t seem to do a week prior
Manning passed for 25/42 301 yards and a TD. How is that not picking apart their defense?? Ben barely had better stats then Flacco did against a team THAT YOU COULD NOT BEAT!
Cya on Sunday guys
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys didn’t beat the titans the first time.
Just saying…
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Regular season dont mean shit anymore!
This is a new season now, 2008 is behind us and its 2009 now. You play the regular season to get to this point and forget about what ever happened the prior 17 weeks.
Cya on Sunday
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If regular season doesn’t mean shit, then why did you bring up our previous game against TEN?
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did we not beat them when it mattered???
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just saying....
Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...
Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.
-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"
by dayzd toe on Jan 13, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s great, but we never had the opportunity to do so. Hardly a valid point you are making here.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think his point was that Flacco had a better day than Ben against a harder defense and that Ben didn’t exactly light-up the Chargers compared to what Manning did.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not dressing that, I’m addressing
did against a team THAT YOU COULD NOT BEAT!
Is peyton a better quarterback than ben? Is that really a discussion you guys give two shits about, because I don’t.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. I was just trying to help you out.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
full circle
You’re like the ref in ali vs. frazier…
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Manning DID NOT lose the game against the Chargers. He did everything he could. His team lost the game for him. He didn’t even set a foot on the field in OT. The Colt’s defense could not stop or contain anything. The Colt’s defense lost the game.
In the Colts-Chargers game, Manning actually played well. He had a MUCH better game than Roethlisburger did against the Chargers. The Steeler’s defense won the game.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That being said...
The Ravens can stop the Steeler’s offense.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Couldnt disagree more!
I think the steelers O won us that game for the first time in a long while… Steelers D were their usual selves, but it was our running game and big ben making big plays when it matters that allowed us to come out of that game with a W.
The steelers D didnt control the ball for all but 17 sec of the entire 3rd quarter did it?
by steelersfan86 on Jan 13, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True.
I guess I did short-change the Steelers offense, but my whole point was surrounding Ben. Ben made the most of his opportunities, but Parker was the real driving force behind the offense.
I’m sure you already know how the Ravens handle running backs.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can you break a pipe cleaner’s shoulder?
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 14, 2009 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that depends on if it’s actually a pipe cleaner or if you are just treating it like one.
by steelguy99 on Jan 14, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kind of funny.
I watched the Ravens game & saw how the Titans ran right through that “battled” defense. Chris Johnson was going to have 150 yds or more if he didn’t get injured. The Titans faltered when he left the game. Parker is ready to go & has the speed to get through the holes quickly. The Steelers moved a pro bowl nose tackle all over the field this weekend. Ray Lewis won’t have Suggs there to help him out either. The Ravens lucked out in their win where the Steelers didn’t leave any doubt they were the better team.
by 69stang on Jan 13, 2009 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Ravens "lucked" out the win?
Is that like you guys didn’t “luck” out the win when you played the Titans? Parker is no Chris Johnson and not too many teams or fans would ever trade him for FWP. Titans o-line did play well for him, but their line is soooo much better than the Steelers. And don’t give the stuff of how well your line looked Sunday against a team that didn’t even belong on the same field as any of us. Trust me, Suggs will absolutely be there, in Ben’s face all day.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great, I hope he does play. Then we can run at him since he won’t be tackling very well. Parker may not be Chris Johnson but he is healthier than he has been all this year so I think he might be a little faster than the Ravens expect.
by 69stang on Jan 13, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
CJ was going to gash the birds the rest of the game, no doubt. However, FWP has never rushed for more than 63 yards against the Ravens. This trend is likely to continue.
It’s going to come down to the QB’s, the Steelers have the advantage, but I’ll take Joe anyday.
Ravens 16 Steelers 14
by ReedPickSix on Jan 13, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
flacco
has definitely exceeded expectations, but traditionally rookie qb’s and playoff game success don’t go hand in hand. i’ll take ben who’s been there done that.
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather not rely on “tradition.” Say what you want about flacco, but he has broken “tradition” with playoff game success. You can say that he wasn’t asked to do much, etc., but bottom line is he is the only rookie QB to have ever won two playoff games. That makes him pretty “untraditional” I’d say.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i give him credit
for a remarkable season but i disagree. i watched both those games and i’d say that HE wasn’t the one to win them. the ravens might win this weekend but i’d lay money that it won’t because he marched them down the field with a minute thirty left on the clock and then threw the game winner as time expired. if he does anything, it will be just being careful with the ball and not get in the way of the defense and botch a chance for that unit to win the game.
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t matter. He is part of the team, the team won. Twice.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So him marching down the field to put us in position for the game winning field goal was nothing?
Every looks at him and says, oh he is not putting up huge numbers. But, did you know he does not have one interception, one fumble lost, or one sack. Its the people like you who dont want to admit that rookies can win in their first year. You are the stereotypical fan who believes in only the experts.
You really think we would be in this position with Kyle Boller at QB?
EXACTLY! Shut up and worry about your team
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Play clock
3…2…1…0…0…0… 23 yd pass!
’nuff said
by steelersfan86 on Jan 13, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
23 yard pass
complete! Then another eight yard pass – complete! To get us closer into FG range……kick is….GOOD!
We win in Tennessee. Can you say that?
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No we cant. But I can say that the Ravens have lost twice to the Steelers. Hows that taste?
by archon095 on Jan 13, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tastes like we’re due for a win.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 14, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And let me ask you this.
Flacco passes for 11/22, 161 yards and a TD. Big Ben passes for 17/26 181 and a TD, but yet Ben got all this hype for “Picking apart” the 31st ranked pass defense. Flacco throws for 6 less completions and 20 less yards against a wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better Titans defense, yet people say he does not do enough and Big Ben is made to look like Peyton Manning cause he is a not a rookie like Joe.
All you guys look at is the Rookie. Why can he win in this league right now? You say that rookies and playoffs dont go well with each other, then why is Joe at this point. Again, do you really think that Kyle Boller would have gotten us to this position?
Cya Sunday
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We know a rookie qb can win in this league...
Ben lead the Steelers to a 15-1 record and a AFCC game berth as a rookie. Flacco’s done an incredible job, and if it wasn’t for Matt Ryan’s numbers, he’d be the rookie of the year.
I think what most Steelers fans are saying is that a rookie qb wears down faster than a seasoned qb. I remember Ben’s comment after the XL win, something to the effect of “I was so tired that I couldn’t stay awake during team meetings.”
It’s not a knock on Flacco…he’s going to be around awhile and be very good…its just that rookie qb’s wear down mentally and physically more and more as the season goes on. And the key to succeeding in the postseason is defense, and manigable qb play (in my opinion). Flacco has done everything asked of him this year and then some…and that fact is why many people are banking on him coming undone. Its not a knock, it’s just a reality.
Maybe it won’t happen to Flacco, it hasn’t yet…but we still beat you twice, even with your rook playing beyond his years.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
check that....
I remember Ben’s comment after the XL win,
that should read, “after the loss to the Patriots in the AFCC game in the 2004 season.”
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent arguments.
You just summed up all of my Flacco concerns. Yes, they are concerns, but I think that Flacco is different. Ben is a great QB but is also a hypochondriac. If seems like he can’t win unless he has some fabricated injury to “push through.”
I agree with you. I think the exhaustion that rookies experience is very real, but I also think that men like Roethlisburger and Flacco would not have risen to the place that they have unless they were tough enough to handle it. Flacco, in my opinion, is more mentally-tough than Roethlisburger, and I think that he will be able to handle it.
To put a long story short, I don’t think Flacco will lose this game for the Ravens. If we do lose, it will be other factors.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
All these "rookie" comments
are legit, but are more generalizations about a “typical” QB. Roethlisberger in his rookie year, as well as Flacco now, are just now “typical” rookies. That should end the issue right there. If we win Sunday, most likely it won’t be “because” of Flacco. Hence, if we lose, it won’t be “because” of Flacco either.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
sure
any starting qb is capable of getting their teams this far. ben took the steelers this far his rookie year. there’s really no pressure unitl the title game, though. if you lose before getting to the title game – well, no one expected you to win with a rookie anyways. if you win, though its all gravy with no expectations. until the title game that is. and then its pressure city. all im saying is that ill take the guy that has that experience under his belt already. calm down dude…i’m not saying flacco sucks donkey balls or anything.
by SE7ENS on Jan 13, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But it would be fun to say.
Flacco sucks donkey balls.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Analyzing Flacco's performance
I have assembled some stats from Baltimore’s last two games, isolating on third-down performance, which is critical for a team and especially a quarterback. Here are all third downs from the Miami game:
3rd & 1 at Mia37 Joe Flacco up the Middle to Mia35 for 2 yards
3rd & 5 at Mia5 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Todd Heap
3rd & 10 at Bal36 Joe Flacco Pass to Derrick Mason to Bal47 for 11 yards
3rd & 9 at Bal48 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Mark Clayton
3rd & 4 at Mia39 Troy Smith up the Middle to Mia37 for 2 yards
3rd & 6 at Mia13 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Derrick Mason
3rd & 7 at Mia36 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Mark Clayton
3rd & 5 at Mia14 Joe Flacco Pass to Mark Clayton to Mia8 for 6 yards
3rd & 5 at Bal25 Willis McGahee Off Left Guard to Bal28 for 3 yards
3rd & 6 at Bal24 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Mark Clayton
3rd & 1 at Bal38 Joe Flacco Pass to Lorenzo Neal to Bal46 for 8 yards
3rd & 5 at Mia5 Joe Flacco up the Middle for 5 yards for a TOUCHDOWN
Overall, against a mediocre defense, the Ravens are 5 for 12 on third down, only 3 for 10 before the final, garbage-time drive. For the game, Flacco is 3 of 8 for only 27 yards on third down. But of course, no picks, no sacks for Mr. Mistake-Free.
Here is the Titans playoff game:
3rd & 8 at Bal22 Willis McGahee up the Middle to Bal25 for 3 yards
3rd & 14 at Bal16 Willis McGahee up the Middle to Bal20 for 4 yards
3rd & 1 at Bal29 Joe Flacco up the Middle to Bal32 for 3 yards
3rd & 13 at Ten48 Joe Flacco Pass to Derrick Mason for 48 yards for a TOUCHDOWN
3rd & 7 at Ten42 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Yamon Figurs
3rd & 10 at Bal12 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Derrick Mason
3rd & 11 at Bal20 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Todd Heap
3rd & 11 at Bal40 Joe Flacco Pass to Daniel Wilcox to Bal44 for 4 yards
3rd & 5 at Ten45 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Derrick Mason
3rd & 7 at Ten7 Joe Flacco Pass to Willis McGahee to Ten3 for 4 yards
3rd & 10 at Bal1 Joe Flacco Pass Incomplete to Mark Clayton
3rd & 2 at Bal32 Joe Flacco Pass to Todd Heap to Ten45 for 23 yards
3rd & 9 at Ten33 Joe Flacco Pass to Mark Clayton to Ten25 for 8 yards
Against a stout Titans defense, the Ravens are just 3 for 13 on third down. Flacco completes 5 of 10 passes but only gains 2 first downs passing. Both conversions were huge, however: the 48-yard TD to Mason and the 23-yarder to Heap on the winning drive.
Combining the two games, on third-down Flacco is 8 of 18 passing, gaining 5 first downs and 114 yards. No picks, no sacks, and one TD. For comparison, I did Big Ben’s third-down stats combining his two most-recent meaningful games: last Sunday vs. Chargers and Week 15 at Ravens. In those two playoff-like games, on third-down Ben is 15 of 20 passing, gaining 11 first downs out of 24 chances and 150 yards. No picks and one TD. Oh, right, also four sacks (oops). But other than giving up a bit of field position, a sack on third down is no different from an incompletion.
In summary, Ben completes an incredible 75% of third-down passes versus 44% for Flacco. Ben converts 46% of third downs passing versus 28% for Flacco, even counting the four sacks against Ben. No picks, one TD, yards per attempt are similar for both. There is no doubt that Flacco is far ahead of most rookie QBs ever, but he has not shown that he can consistently complete passes and sustain drives in pressure situations. Ben has and does.
by Steelin on Jan 14, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great research there
to me it just shows that Flacco missed a bunch BUT made the throws that he needed to to help us win the game. The key word is “help” which has been every Ravens’ fans point. He “helps” us win games. He does not win them by himself for the simple reason that he does not have to. And if when we win Sunday, he will again “help” us win.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 14, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ben is the man on 3rd downs..no doubt.
3 of the 8 1st downs on 3rd down were from Flacco sneaks.
Distribution on 25 3rd downs-
Mason- 5
Heap- 3
Clayton-6
Wilcox, Figurs, Neil, McGahee 1 each.
Total- 18 passes, 4 sneaks and 3 runs on 25 3rd downs.
Not a bad distribution at all. Better than I thought. We just ned to complete/buy time for these.
Not as many 3rd and long runs as i thought. Just the 2 that started the Tenn game because of field position. I think Cam would have passed on 2nd down if we didn’t get the 5 yard penalty. At 3rd and 14 he played it safe. I see the light.
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't LOSE the game
that’s really what has made him so exceptional as a rookie. I thought his most impressive moment came when the Titans had the Ravens on the one yard line. A lot of young quarterbacks, hell a lot of season quarterbacks, would have made a mistake to cost the game right there. While they didn’t get the first down, Joe didn’t cause a TO or a Safety.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jan 13, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
steelguy you are a well balanced pitt fan
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Laughable
Your entire article is laughable. “More Battle Tested” you must be kidding. We played the toughest schedule in the NFL so thats one thing you got wrong right off the bat. Your team was beatin up physically..proven in your injury report and arec coming into the Burgh nice and soft. If it wasn’t for a completly blown call at the end of the game you would be on vacation already. Keep dreaming jagoffs!
by Ironcity86 on Jan 13, 2009 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I actually think the ravens schedule was harder than ours. They got a pass against oakland for sure whereas we had to play the patriots (who in my opinion sucked this year). The chargers and dolphins are comparable. The ravens got dicked over by the bye week.
Now they’ve had two playoff games on the road whereas we’ve had one at home. Sorry, the ravens win the “tough schedule” battle.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If it wasn't for a blown call earlier in the game...
the win would have been more decisive. The officials didn’t call a safety that clearly should have been (still not sure why it wasn’t challenged). The drive ultimately ended in an interception but that happened on the Ravens 10ish yd line. If given credit for the safety, that adds two points to the Ravens total AND gives the Ravens the ball back much further down the field than their own 10. So, not only did not calling the safety take points off the board for the Ravens, it made the Titan’s field position battle much more favorable.
Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...
Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.
-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"
by dayzd toe on Jan 13, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats on your Head Coaching staff. You had a challenge available and the play was a challengable play. Sure it might have been a bad call, but that is the job of the coaching staff.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on Jan 13, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i might be thinking about the wrong play...
are you talking about the play where Collins almost stepped on the back line of the endzone? or is that something different?
i didn’t watch the game, only caught some highlights.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s talking about this – http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/12/titans-avoided-safety-got-an-extra-down/
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that safety was legit. That picture on profootballtalk.com looks sketchy. If it really was a safety (or even close) they would have challenged it. If they had challenged it, we probably would not have gotten it. We don’t exactly have good luck with “breaking the plane of the goal line” challenges.
The point is we won, and refuting their whining-about-a-call with whining-about-a-call is ridiculous.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A win is a win in the NFL
You of all people should know that after beating us twice!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The blown call on 3rd and 2 did hurt the Titans. But there was a 23 yard completion on the play. They lost because we knocked the snot out of Lendale and Crumpler and they coughed up the rock. You can’t win if you turn it over.
Just a thought – Flacco – No Picks, no sacks this post season. This is why we are winning. He will continue to amaze and we will win. Simple as that
by ReedPickSix on Jan 13, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The only people he’s amazing are the ravens fans.
0 picks is still impressive though.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That is an inaccurate statement. All the media personalities are talking about how they’re jumping on the Flacco bandwagon. From everything I’ve heard, he’s actually impressed quite a few non-Ravens fans.
And yes, zero picks through half the post-season as a rookie is quite impressive.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 13, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Media personalities were also sucking off the dolphins and matt cassel. I don’t consider them “people”, they are just trying to sell what they have.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I could say something similar about Pittsburgh fans, but then we’d just be arguing semantics.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 13, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you calling me a Pittsburgh fan now? This conversation has gotten a little too deep for me to follow.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 14, 2009 8:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Flacco Bandwaggon
That wagon is full also but again we will let them run next to it.
by section117 on Jan 13, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"More battle tested"
in these playoffs. Winning twice on the road against a team that won 9 of ten, then vs. the #1 seed in a war certainly earns that statement compared to the patsies that showed up in Three Rivers Sunday!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Rexx
Sorry that I am the first BB contributor on this post besides yourself. I am just gonna take a few of these quotes and save them from these guys. Maybe make a nice write up of what was said this week before anything has even happened.
Goodluck guys.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jan 13, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good plan for both sides. I’ve got this one for rexx so far:
Now I guess we’ll see the "real" Steelers, who will now try harder. Can’t wait!
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Trench Warfare
It is going to come down to the O and D lines. The ravens have the advantage in both areas. Pitt’s O line is pourous and will give up sacks. Our Lines will win these matchups and we will win a tight one…
by ReedPickSix on Jan 13, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Your O-line beats the Pitt D-line? Please.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I’m sorry, were you including the extra man?
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And how many sacks did your Defensive Player of the Year get in game 2?
Try ZERO!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To keep him from getting sacks you stuck a tackle in as a TE and doubles him with two tackles. That may be why you passed for a massive 90 yards.
by archon095 on Jan 13, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously rexx, this is an argument you can’t win.
If you want to talk about how much your D-line will demolish our O-line, I won’t have much ammunition.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Thrilla in Manila
Just to let you know, the third Frazier Ali fight didn’t end in a KO. It ended when Frazier’s corner through in the towel. Ali said at ring side ‘that was the closest you will ever see to death’ meaning that if the fight had gone on someone would’ve died. Also it was a slugfest back and forth.
I believe Ali lost to Frazier the first time then won the second and the Thrilla was the rubber match.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jan 13, 2009 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great. Thanks for the history lesson
Ali won, which was my point. What exactly was yours?
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
amendum
I know u weren’t saying that Ali KO’s Frazier, but I just wanted to point out the corner through in the towel and Frazier wanted to keep going. And that both men were nearly destroyed.
Doesn’t bode well for either team
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jan 13, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is "amemdum"
Pittsburgh-ese for "addendum?
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think you really want to start correcting grammar and spelling on your blog Rexx…
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So true. But love of football and the English language really don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 14, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am pretty sure Rexx doesn’t love the english language or the comments section of this blog would have about 3,000 entries per section correcting it. In much the same was as he corrected an errant word here.
by steelguy99 on Jan 14, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oops!
I think I was trying to right amendment but amendum came out. My brain was being dyslexic and combined addendum. Hehe
good points by all. Oh yeah, the ‘down goes Frazier’ call was in the second fight. But I get the analogy and it works! Well sort of because they almost died and I don’t think anyone wants that, and it was a rubber match and in Manila not Pittsburgh but hey now I am just getting technical.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jan 16, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would also say...
That there is really no such thing as an “irrelevant win.”
Sure, the Chargers are not the Titans, and they’re certainly not the Rat Birds…but they do have one of the best offenses in football, and with the exception of some garbage time, they were held to 10 points, and about 175 yards (they didn’t move the ball or score in the second half until the score was 28-10 Steelers, with about 10 minutes remaining).
They’re defense didn’t provide much a test, but it allowed our offense to finally get a completely solid game under our belts…and the confidence is evident. Not only by the offensive unit, but by the defensive unit, and the coaching staff.
That is not irrelevant.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
There is no doubt...
…that the Chargers game, if nothing else, gave the Steelers alot of momentum. There is also no doubt that the Steelers defense is the best defense that I’ve seen since the 2006 Ravens. Yes, I believe (and the stats reflect) that their defense is better than ours right now.
However, I think that anyone who has extensively followed the Ravens would tell you that the “X factor” (call it what you will, destiny… will-power… desire… heart… the football gods…) resides firmly in the Raven’s corner. I know that this doesn’t really fit into logical argument, but it really does feel like the stars are aligned.
That being said… I have to admit that, on paper, everything looks like it favors the Steelers. The home-field advantage, the heath of the team and the recent victories would lead any football scholar to pick the Steelers. However, it’s just like Rexx said… It’s like Ali’s second fight with Frazier. Sure, it’s improbable, but it just feels like the Ravens have this one in the bag. I really believe that the Ravens will rise to the challenge.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just like the Colts were the hottest team in the league
after winning 9 straight…they became a favorite to win the AFC. Then, it was Chargers, who had rallied from 4-8 to make the playoffs against all odds, then beat the surging Colts…nothing could stop them.
It doesn’t matter. The “X” factor that you speak of, can only be realized on the field. The team that wants it more, that executes better, and that siezes opportunities and momentum will win the game.
The leadership of Big Ben will shine again (as it did against SD, DAL, and Bal in the regular season), and the Steelers, I believe will pull out the W. Will it be dominating? Absolutely not. Will it be pretty? Probably not. But, as we’ve learned to accept this year here in Steelers Nation…a win is a win, and we’ll take it by 30 points, or by 4 points…with 43 seconds left to play in the 4th quarter.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
No matter how much we debate, we will continue to be on opposite sides, but you said it best. “The X factor that you speak of, can only be realized on the field. The team that wants it more, that executes better, and that seizes opportunities and momentum will win the game.”
That is exactly what the Ravens did versus the Titans. Against all odds (look at the statistics) they pulled out a win. Sure, they didn’t steam-roll their opponent like the Steelers did. They just wanted it more (much like the 2007 Giants). That’s why I’m still saying that the “X factor” resides firmly in the Ravens corner. There’s really no other reason why we won the game versus Tennessee.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a "gutsy" win
I believe that’s a term that will sum it up.
But we’re not the Titans. And in the NFL, it doesn’t matter who you’ve beaten, only who you’re playing. We didn’t match up well against the Titans, and they crushed us. The Steelers/Ravens match up VERY well, and we’ve eaked it out twice.
Now however, I think, as a football team, the Steelers are coming together like we all expected them to earlier this year. They’re finally clicking. They finally have full confidence in each other…especially in the offensive unit.
This will be their biggest challenge of the year no doubt. But I like our mindset and confidence level.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome. It’s going to be a great game. Good luck and have fun no matter what the outcome!
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry you just didn't understand..
…so I’ll slow it down. The lack of relevance of the Steeler win was that it in no way is any indication of how well the Steelers will play against the Ravens. At the same time, the Ravens win against the Titan is absolutely relevant as the Titans and Steelers have very similar physical defenses. The Ravens played well enough to win, which is all I truly care abgout. You can push us all over the field with"one of the best offenses in the league" (WTF?) as long as we get the “W” in the end.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea what you’re talking about in this response…
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not meant for you, BAL_HAWK
There was a comment from a Steeler fan that their offense was “one of the best” in football. However, even I can’t find it but I guess I had a little too much MSG from the Chinese food in my system when I posted that!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 14, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Since the Chargers have a sub par defense
that held MVP Peyton Manning in San Diego, that stopped their running game, and provided a huge upset. Yea they aren’t any good. But this isn’t a boxing match, and if it was it would be more like B-more being rocky Balboa after 11 rounds, and Pitt being Mr. T after a morning warm up. See what i’m getting at here. Don’t expect to see us abandon our run game early. Baltimore will hold up in the first 25-30 minutes or so. But if we can keep your defense on the field we will see a tired, failing, and miserable D. Injuries aren’t subjective in this game. Your team is falling apart and getting breaks. The Steelers have found their stride and are peaking at the absolute perfect time. See you in Heinz
by Hochuli loves Broccoli on Jan 13, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rocky always sucked before Round 11.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 13, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“hey rocky…what you doing with my sista’”- pauly
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Assumptions kill in this type of game, and you’re assuming that the Steelers will win the time-of-possession battle. Remember that the Ravens led the league in time-of-possession.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah you're right, this defense is "falling apart"
We’ve only given up one TD in each of our last three games, but we are sooo tired and old that you will run all over us like you’ve always done. It must be nice to be delusional in that regard. Ray Lewis is old and slow, Suggs is hurt, Reed is over rated, Flacco is a rookie, blah blah blah.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
like video game life…our green life bar will be at 100% by Sunday. with many extra bonus lives. and i have 100 more quarters sitting on the video game panel ready to be inserte (usually did this for Pole Position and Defender at 7-11). we are locked and loaded.
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those first 30 minutes are huge..we need very agressive O because we may tire later. but, if we have a 14 point lead we might be able to weather the injuries. i think we go into half winning 17-3.. final score probably 24-20 Ravens.
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That’s absolutely ridiculous. You think we’re going to have 17 points against the Steelers in a half when we couldn’t top 13 points against the Titans in a whole game? Please pass whatever it is that you’re smoking.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 13, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i think this will be a different game. after 2 games something has to give and i think this happens sunday.
by raven on Jan 13, 2009 3:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
HUGE game IRRELEVANT?
You oxyMORON. Go Steelers!
by BRINGITON on Jan 13, 2009 4:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
You should not come over here only to insult our writer. Anything, no matter how huge, can be “irrelevant” in the right context. Did you even read the article? Next time, bring an intelligent argument.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 13, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BRINGITON joins Baltimore Beatdown.
BRINGITON comments.
BRINGITON sucks his balls.
by steelguy99 on Jan 13, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for having my back, BAL_HAWK. He obviously just didn’t get it, as neither did a bunch of his friends. Irrelevant is a very long word for some people. Especially the irrelevant ones!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Come on you cant expect me to understand any word that is longer then eight letters.
by archon095 on Jan 13, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What "HUGE" game?
It was a gret win for the Steelers to get them to the AFC Title game, but to call it huge is a little overkill. PErhaps never before in the history of the game has a Bye week team had such an easy game to play to get them to this point. However, you are here and we will see if you’ve earned the right to take the next step. Same with us. Winner gets the props, loser goes home. You okay with that? I am.
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 7:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is it
Well Rexx, it’s been a while. How the Ravens got here is amazing in itself.
A rookie Head Coach and QB. The injuries…most teams would not have survived.
This weekend will be brutal. I disagree that the Ravens are not at slight disadvantage with so many players nursing more than nagging injuries….and having played so many consecutive weeks…with a very grueling ending schedule.
A few points.
1. When the Steelers and Ravens walk out on this field on Sunday, there will be no momentum. No past thoughts of previous wins or victories. The SD win got Pitts to this point. That is it. As did beating the Titans did for us. No mo for anyone…they know…as we know, it will be grim this Sunday. Whether the score be lopsided or not, bodies are going to be punished.
2. As a result, the beating of a team 3 times I do not think comes into play either. I agree with a few other bloggers, this is separate. Hell, they have always known each other. There are no real suprises….unless…
3. …Unless one team feels it needs to pull out a few stops to get over the hump….and that be the Ravens. We are very closely matched…but with our injuries and the frail situation of Washington, Rolle and Suggs, we will need to put up more than 13 points. Anything less that 20 will not get it done. That means Cam letting Joe go and a trick play or two at the right time.
4. Make no mistake…we will hang in there defensively, provided Washington and Rolle can play. If Walker comes in, we have to hope it’s the good Frank. The turning point in my opinion of the last game was Washington coming out. The Steelers found an opening that was not there previosuly as a result. That is what enabled them to make it down the field and the fact we got no pressure on Ben…or enough to force him into a typical Ben mistake. Rolle may be less important than Fabian. I hate to say it, I wish we were getting a healthy Chris McAllister back for this game… wow….how good could we be with a physically and mentally healthy Chris. Ah well, just a thought.
So it’s down to two very good teams. Listen Steeler fans, Baltimore was a great franchise until that fat slob traded for our team and moved us. We had a GREATER tradition than you all. This could have happened to your great team, but it did not. So be it. Now in just over 10 years, we have built a great situation with our teams meeting 2 times a year and bulding this much interest. Thank us for giving you all something to play for. The Browns and Bengals don’t.
The people of Baltimore lost their team and fantastic tradition. We (MODELL) gave the Cleveland fans all they could ask for…the colors, tradition and a vote for the team to get back in the league. Buzz off the Browns comments…they are really spoken from ignorance.
by DTMAN on Jan 13, 2009 5:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Just curious...
if you could explain this comment:
We had a GREATER tradition than you all.
What are we talking about here? Success-wise…no franchise has had more success than the Steelers…5 Super Bowl rings.
As far as fans go? It’s well-documented that since the 70’s this has been one of the largest, most intense, and certainly best-travelling fanbases in ALL of sports.
As far as an organization goes? I don’t think anyone would dispute that as long as the name Rooney has been attached to the Steelers organization, its been at the forefront of the NFL, and has been a focal point for philanthropic work in the Pittsburgh area. Not to mention the civil rights implications initiated by Rooney and the Steelers org…
So please, clarify what tradition you’re talking about that was greater than ours. If you’re referring to back in the ’60’s, the Baltimore Colts days…then yes, you’re absolutely right. The Steelers sucked back then.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jan 13, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is a “good” Frank Walker? Maybe there’s some way to genetically combine him with Corey Ivey to form some sort of four-legged, not-sucking cornerback abomination.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on Jan 13, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
too add-
Baltimore was switch and baited into losing the Colts. First, Irsay ran them into the ground so the only thing a fan can do to show an owner we aren’t hosers is to stop going- although many kept going. It doesn’t mean you don’t bleed for your team. You just aren’t a sucker to Irsay tactics. After being dissed by Elway (I’d rather pitch in Toronto) it was all down hill.
If it weren’t for Camden yards I wouldn’t be suprised if the Orioles went the same way. 10 straight losing seasons.. I am amazed how great O’s fans are. We continue to post great attendance stats (thanks Yankees/Sox). But its a crime against a city and its people to be that bad. Especially when our tax dollars give them such cozy places to play . The greatest thing about all the Ravens success and die hard fans- it shoves it in Oriole ownerships face and makes them look like total bumbling idiots..besides we could use Camden Yards for extra parking.
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot that
Irsay was also a drunk and a liar… Who honestly, looking at that family, expected his son to have his shit together so well as an owner.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jan 13, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Holy freakin crap Steelers fans, GO HOME TO YOUR OWN BLOGS. So damn annoying.
by tvon on Jan 13, 2009 6:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
steelers fans always welcome..never understood why some sites just want their fans…this is our sports House of Reps.
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been here all season, where the hell have you been?
I’ll bet I know a hell of a lot more about “your” team than you do.
by steelguy99 on Jan 14, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
your right steeguy..never heard of tvon either..
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Raven
your numbers for the games are winning 0 losing 8
by section117 on Jan 13, 2009 7:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
8? damn it. who the hell gets 8…unless your an Orioles ERA.
by raven on Jan 14, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great comments, guys
On both the Ravens and Steelers sides. Honestly, could we be asking for a better week leading up to this game. I plan on writing about this in tomorrow’s post. No other combination of teams would produce so much hatred, unless of course the Browns were playing one of us, but talk about fantasy! This back and forth banter and statistical smack down is one of the best I’ve ever been a part of. Rather than getting pissed at the steelers fans, I thank them for being here and give us all somethng to take our minds of the shitty economy, weather and the upcoming off season. Imagine how bad 28 other teams would love to be in our place. Something tells me the Eagles and Cardinals are not giving it to each other like ths. Keep it coming, guys! On behalf of the Beatdown, I thank you all!
Rexx
by Rexx on Jan 13, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Comparing this game
to the Cardinals/Eagles match up…does anyone even care who wins the NFC? Do the Cardinals even have rivals? I expect a low scoring, brutal battle between two teams that reflect the best in traditional defense dominated football. Interesting little trivia bout the Steelers…they are 1 and 5 in AFL championship games at home. Also, the idea of beating a football team, any football team in today’s NFL is a mighty challenge. If the Steelers win, they will have earned their bid to the Superbowl. Win or lose, I love it when the Raven’s play you guys. Now if we could replace the two bottom feeders in our division….
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jan 13, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Your messed up
Dude, your article is so off-base it isn’t even funny. The ravens have a good defense but have not been off for 18 weeks. The Steelers are fresh and warmed up after whooping up the Bolts. This weeks AFC Championship game will be awesome with a Steelers win!
by Steelerboy on Jan 15, 2009 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Just two points...
Santonio Holmes’ touchdown in the last seconds of the game in the second match-up of the season had less to do with the Steeler’s victory than the interception that William Gay got from the Hail Mary pass thrown by Joe Flacco at the end of regulation. Whether Holmes got the touchdown or not is immaterial since a completed pass by Flacco on the last drive would have won the game for the Raven’s.
Since Roethlisberger led his team to the #1 seed in the AFC in 2004, he already qualified and “WON” a bye for his team, so he only had to win one game to reach the AFC Championship game against New England. The fact that Flacco has won two play off games and is somehow viewed as better than Big Ben is irrelevant, except maybe for history sake. GOOOOOOOO Steelers!!
by SteeladyinVA on Jan 17, 2009 2:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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