2008 Pittsburgh Steelers thread

[Turk]

How many DBR folks are also Terrible-Towel-waving citizens of Yinzer Nation? Are there enough of us to keep a Steelers thread going during the season?

Seemed like a pretty quiet camp; here's what I noticed:

1. "The Big Snack's" weight - Tomlin making an example of All-Pro Casey Hampton, but all's well now...

2. Anthony Smith flattening Hines Ward in practice - that just isn't done, and now people (OK, me and another guy at work) will be wondering if Smith will be at risk for cheap-shot penalties during the season...

3. Mendenhall's fumble-itis - that's been getting beat to death, but I'm hoping the sample size of the data is insufficient and that he'll be fine...

Looks like most people still have the Steelers in the AFC second tier just behind NE, SD, and Indy...

[roywhite]

Brutal schedule, question marks on the O-line.

Big Ben is near the top of QB's; good WR's with Sweed joining Hines Ward and emerging star Santonio Holmes; really good at RB, with Fast Willie Parker and Mendenhall, who I think will come through.

Sorry to see Duke's Patrick Bailey not make the cut; he busted his tail on special teams, but I guess couldn't quite win a job.

10-6 would be good, and probably make the playoffs.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I was raised a Steeler's fan, and still watch and yell when I can, but the Panthers are my team now. I remember being a kid, on Sundays, if the Steelers were losing my sister and I wanted to be as far away from the house as we could. Pretty much how my family feels now about me if Duke is playing.
Hoping to see Willie and Troy healthy for the rest of the season, and looking forward to seeing the new guys. I hate it about Charlie Batch, I always felt better about our chances knowing we had a capable QB at backup. I haven't seen the new guy enough yet (and hope not to) to make a judgement on him.

[hurleyfor3]

I was raised a Steeler's fan, and still watch and yell when I can, but the Panthers are my team now.

Come on, plenty of people root for both Pitt and the Steelers. :)

Here we go, Steelers, here we go!

[Turk]

I saw a couple quarters of the last exhibition game vs. Panthers, and Leftwich looked pretty good. I like Chas Batch as a backup, but with Leftwich they'll be in good shape if Ben happens to go down. The third string QB, Dixon didn't get any run however, and I'm hoping to see if they can work him into some gadgets like they did with Randle-El.

[roywhite]

Good first game for the Steelers as they whipped up on Houston Texans 38-17. Big Ben was 13-14; Willie Parker had 138 yards and 3 TD's; defense put pressure on Matt Schaub.

Real solid, efficient game. On to Cleveland next week.

[rthomas]

Huge fan. I played golf this afternoon and meant to dvr the game, BUT FORGOT! :eek:

Fill me in. How did the D look? Did Polamalu look healthy?

[roywhite]

Huge fan. I played golf this afternoon and meant to dvr the game, BUT FORGOT! :eek:

Fill me in. How did the D look? Did Polamalu look healthy?

The defense looked very good; big Casey Hampton clogged up the middle, Troy looked good, and Lamar Woodley looks to be an emerging star at LB---two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. The Texas got most of their yards and two scores in the 4th quarter, well after the outcome was decided (both Ben and Willie Parker sat out the 4th).

It's still a very hard-hitting defense.

[Turk]

Saw the first half - Polamalu got a pick when Schaub threw it right to him. Defense was tough and Ben looked sharp. Steelers got the benefit of a dubious call on the Texans' first possession - Houston went for it on 4th and 1 around midfield and everyone (including the ref) thought they made it, but it was a really bad spot. I don't think it would have mattered in the end, but the Steelers really ignited from there for a 21-3 halftime lead.

In addition to Woodley breaking out, I noticed Eason on the D-line made some nice plays next to Hampton...

Nice start; Cleveland next week...

Summary: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08252/910362-66.stm

Box: http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=280907023

(By the way, Houston's punter is tastefully named - I'll have to find out if he is a distant relation....) :D

[Turk]

All right, Stillers took care of business against the Cleve Brownies in a howling maelstrom Sunday night. For a guy with a sore shoulder, Ben was surely zipping the ball around pretty well. Unfortunately, the P-G says DL Brett Keisel is down for two months with a calf injury.

I think the Browns coach Crennel might have put his job security on the line with that gutless choice to take the field goal to cut the lead from 10-3 to 10-6 with three minutes and change left in the game. Even with the FG, they still needed a touchdown and chances of them getting back inside the 20 for realistic shots at it were not very good... Steelers know how to grind it out at the end of the game...

Anyway, next up - off to Philly to play the Beagles coming off a tough Dallas loss. Should be a tough game but maybe Steelers will catch the Eagles letting down a bit. There's a lot of season left to go, but at this point both the Steelers and Eagles look like they could go deep in the playoffs....

[rthomas]

We are 10-3. Huge win tonight against Dallas. Huge win last week against NE. Our defense is a beast (as my kids told me, where did that come from?). Woohoo....

And let me add...10-3 against the toughest schedule this year!!!!!

[rockymtn devil]

Great win. The defense is playing really well, especially the line and LBs. They get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks to make up for a secondary which is just okay. It's really not fair to expect a tackle to block James Harrison by himself. I'm a little worried about the running game, and was dismayed to see, yet again, a stop on 4th and goal from the 1. I fear that too much pressure is being put on Ben to make plays.

Given the matchup nightmares that the 3-4 presents, I've always wondered why more teams don't utilize it. I suppose it's because you need a very specific personnel set, most notably a D-line that is capable of eating up blocks and will be comfortable working in a system that doesn't allow you to be a star.

[roywhite]

Amazing 4th quarter and great win for the Stillers vs the Cowboys. They really came through in the clutch.

Anyone else notice #55 Patrick Bailey, rookie from Duke, in on special teams? Good for him.

[hurleyfor3]

Did I hear right that the Steelers have yet to allow a team to gain 300 yards on offense this season? That's not 300 passing yards, that's 300 yards total from scrimmage. Dallas ended up with 289.

As impressive as the recent wins have been, the next game is @Baltimore, and the Ravens have been winning in lock step, so the Steelers need to beat them there to clinch the division. Of the remaining three games this one is the most important to win.

[rthomas]

Did I hear right that the Steelers have yet to allow a team to gain 300 yards on offense this season? That's not 300 passing yards, that's 300 yards total from scrimmage. Dallas ended up with 289.

As impressive as the recent wins have been, the next game is @Baltimore, and the Ravens have been winning in lock step, so the Steelers need to beat them there to clinch the division. Of the remaining three games this one is the most important to win.


I just heard on Mike and Mike (probably tongue-in-cheek) that the over and under for Pitt-Balt is 13. lol.

[hurleyfor3]

I just heard on Mike and Mike (probably tongue-in-cheek) that the over and under for Pitt-Balt is 13. lol.

I'll take the under if that's total points scored by the offenses.

[Turk]

I'll take the under if that's total points scored by the offenses.

Looks like we have our theme for the week. A Pittsburgh columnist writes about both defenses here:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08344/933791-66.stm

"I'm predicting 6-3, Steelers.
No, that's too many points.
How about 2-0?"

I'm thinking a win on Sunday should lock up a first round playoff bye. It would have been nice to get some help from the Skins since the Steelers knocked off the Cryboys... Can we take up a collection and send a box of pacifiers and a nice warm fuzzy blanket to Jerry Jones?

[roywhite]

Well, another low-scoring game and another 4th Quarter comeback by the Steelers to beat another tough opponennt!

The controversy about the call on the Steeler touchdown seems to dominate the coverage of the Ravens-Steeler game, but great job by Ben and the team to march 90+ yards for the key score. And, even if the TD had been disallowed, they would have still had the ball on the 6-inch line with a chance to win or tie.

Patrick Bailey continues to play well on kick coverage.

Congrats to the Steelers, 2008 AFC North Division champs. On we go!

[rthomas]

The screwup play calling by the Titans at the end of the Texas game makes the Steelers at Titans a huge game.

14 games with <300 yds passing and rushing. Historically, the only defense that I can compare to this year's Steel Curtain is the Steeler's 1976 - the original Steel Curtain.

The overturn at Baltimore was questionable but....I'll take it. It was the correct call.

[rockymtn devil]

The screwup play calling by the Titans at the end of the Texas game makes the Steelers at Titans a huge game.

14 games with <300 yds passing and rushing. Historically, the only defense that I can compare to this year's Steel Curtain is the Steeler's 1976 - the original Steel Curtain.

The overturn at Baltimore was questionable but....I'll take it. It was the correct call.

On ESPN, Mort just said that "irrefutable" should not be a crutch to justify making the wrong call. It was a touchdown and so the replay system worked.

Gutsy drive by the Steelers. Had it not been called a touchdown, I would've kicked the FG and gone to OT. The Ravens hadn't done anything against the Steelers D (scoring FGs after having a great field position all day). Trust your defense to make a stop in OT and then use the same formula you used to go 92 yards in 3 minutes. Luckily it didn't come that.

[Turk]

Ben was asked "What were you guys talking about while the last play was being reviewed? Were you going for it or were you going to settle for the FG?" He said, "I'm not saying unless Coach is saying!"

Despite the Steelers' iffy short-yardage performance this year, I'm thinking Tomlin would have gone for it - he seems like that kind of coach...

This has been a fun ride - they've been skating on thin ice all season and coming out ahead almost every time. Better than NE beating the snot out of people and running up the score all season just to be surprised when an opponent hangs around and is in your face the whole game....

We get to see how they match up vs Tenn, then an exhibition game vs dead-men walking Cleve, a week off, and then who knows?

[roywhite]

A few quick thoughts on the Steelers:

12-4 exceeded my expectations; great defense and good 4th quarter play
Hope Big Ben is okay, though I like Leftwich as a very capable backup
Brownies are down, but still enjoy a win over our long-time rival
Guess who was voted most valuable rookie? Patrick Bailey!!
Glad to have a bye week
Won't be easy to win in the playoffs

Go, Steelers, and Happy New Year to everyone!

[Turk]

Roy, I agree with you. Steelers exceeded expectations at 12-4. (Only a whacko could say they've had a lousy regular season. They've been winning close and winning ugly, but any talk of underachieving is clearly bogus). Baltimore kept the division chase up for the entire season and gave the Steelers no room for error. I'd like to see improvement in the O-line and added depth at running back. (no duh there... Thank you, Mr. Obvious!!)

I puzzled a bit until my puzzler was sore about the playoffs.

1. Ravens (#6) at Dolphins (#3). If Ravens win, they go to Tenn. I'm happy to not see the Ravens until the AFC finals. If Fins win, they automatically go to Pittsburgh, but I think the Ravens lay a smackdown on Miami, like 20-6.

2. Colts (#5) at Chargers (#4). So if Ravens win as expected (current line is Balt by 4.5), Steelers get the winner of this game. Chargers are coming on strong, but I am more nervous about the Colts - they are clearly superior in terms of playoff experience. Current point spread is even. I think the Colts are the better team, Manning is the better QB, and Dungy is the better coach. Colts 30-24.

(this is from someone who got stomped in DBR Survivor and also finished out of the money in my office pool at work, so consider the source...)

[roywhite]

Thanks for the info on the AFC brackets, Turk. I wasn't clear how the Steelers first opponent would be determined, and didn't feel like listening to Chris Berman and the Bristol crew for an hour to get the breakdown.

Glad to see Fast Willie Parker (still cracks me up to realize how the Tarheels wasted his talent) have a good game yesterday; Steelers need to have their running game going to advance.

The home field obviously didn't matter to the Steelers in 2005, but the 2008 version seems to play better at home than on the road. My choice would be for the Dolphins to advance to play the Steelers on a wintery day at Heinz Field.

[hurleyfor3]

Fun game, that one.

Wow. Baltimore. This is going to be a ride. Somehow we knew the "instant replay touchdown" at the end of the last Baltimore game wasn't going to settle things.

[rthomas]

Fun game, that one.

Wow. Baltimore. This is going to be a ride. Somehow we knew the "instant replay touchdown" at the end of the last Baltimore game wasn't going to settle things.


For the first time this year, Willie Parker, the O line and Ben were all playing great at the same time.

If that continues, they will be hard to beat. Peaking at the right time.

[roywhite]

For the first time this year, Willie Parker, the O line and Ben were all playing great at the same time.

If that continues, they will be hard to beat. Peaking at the right time.

As they say in the 'burgh:

Hey, hey, hoh, hoh...Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl!

Well, maybe. :) Hopefully they can get by the Poe-birds in what should be an intense game.

[jimbonelson]

lets go ravens

[rthomas]

lets go ravens

The Steelers may be the healthiest thay have been all season. But the Ravens seem to be hurting.

How hurt are the Ravens after the Tennessee game? Several Pittsburgh TV stations are questioning their health.

including:
Terrell Suggs, Jim Leonhard, Fabian Washington, Samari Rolle, Le'Ron McClain and Willie Anderson.

Rolle (groin) and Suggs (sprained right shoulder) would be the most concerning.

[rockymtn devil]

In this week's SI there is a fantastic picture of James Harrison blitzing Rivers last weekend. He's in the process of beating two Charger linemen and his eyes are wide and zeroed in on Rivers. How was this guy undrafted?

As for the game this weekend, I think the key will be exploiting the suspect pass coverage of the Ravens. They have a fantastic defense that is predicated on getting to the QB. Their LBs and secondary are average--if not below average--in coverage. The Titans, with a less talented crop of receivers and an aging journeyman QB, torched Baltimore last week. Steelers should focus on short passes over the middle to neutralize the blitz and soften up the secondary for Santonio to bust a big play. Willie Parker may find success on the edges like Chris Johnson did last week, but I think Baltimore will focus on taking him out of the game and putting it on Ben's shoulders. I expect a heavy a dose of Ward and Miller and wouldn't be shocked to see Roethlisberger throw 40 times.

[TheTrain]

Below average???? Really...are you smoking crack???. The Ravens have the 2nd ranked pass defense in the NFL holding opposing QBs to the lowest QB efficiency and lowest completion percentage in the league while only being 11th in the NFL in sacks. The Titans threw underneath to counter the blitz......but they were forced into plenty of mistakes. They threw a lot of 5-7 yards out patterns to Gage. They had almost no ability to throw downfield. Please please please come across the middle....Ray Ray will be waiting to make an introduction

[rockymtn devil]

Below average???? Really...are you smoking crack???. The Ravens have the 2nd ranked pass defense in the NFL holding opposing QBs to the lowest QB efficiency and lowest completion percentage in the league while only being 11th in the NFL in sacks. The Titans threw underneath to counter the blitz......but they were forced into plenty of mistakes. They threw a lot of 5-7 yards out patterns to Gage. They had almost no ability to throw downfield. Please please please come across the middle....Ray Ray will be waiting to make an introduction

For starters, yes, I am smoking crack. That explains why my view of the Baltimore pass coverage is in line with that noted crack smoker Peter King. He's a bad influence on many crack smoking football fans, including me.

Next, I never said Baltimore has a below average pass defense. I said it was average or below average in pass coverage. In other words, it's secondary and LBs are not top rate coverage men. Beating the blitz--which is exactly what I said Pittsburgh should do in my post--is how you exploit that weakness. A good pass rush can negate a suspect secondary. As for the game last weekend, it must take a lot of 5-7 yard pass plays to rack up 400 yards of offense...

You know who else has below average cover men? The team with the #1 pass defense in the NFL. They too will be on the field on Sunday.

[toughbuff1]

70 percent of the Earth is covered by water. The rest is covered by Ed Reed!

[roywhite]

Watched the Steeler/Charger playoff replay last night on NFL Network. Big Ben and Fast Willie Parker look healthier and better than they have all year; Ben was decisive and throwing some really nice spirals, on the money both short and long. Willie was moving well and cutting well. Maybe because of the balance (or the opponent) the OL blocked well for both the pass and the run.

I think the Steelers will score a few touchdowns this time, which is a little unusual in this rivalry.

Stillers 27 Poe-Birds 10

[rthomas]

My prediction is that if you love old fashion defensive smash mouth games, this will be the game.

It should be about 20 degrees, snowing, wind coming off the river. I would not want to be on offense. Tonight it's supposed to be around O Fahrenheit, -19 wind chill. Sunday, a warming trend into the 20's with snow.

I love this kind of game. I hope nobody's little finger breaks off. or ear lobe. From the local news, sounds like both teams hope for the very worse of conditions.

I expect a low score but an awesome game!!

[jimbonelson]

My prediction is that if you love old fashion defensive smash mouth games, this will be the game.

It should be about 20 degrees, snowing, wind coming off the river. I would not want to be on offense. Tonight it's supposed to be around O Fahrenheit, -19 wind chill. Sunday, a warming trend into the 20's with snow.

I love this kind of game. I hope nobody's little finger breaks off. or ear lobe. From the local news, sounds like both teams hope for the very worse of conditions.

I expect a low score but an awesome game!!

that is all i hope for, the ravens are playing on house money, and 2 more ed reed interceptions from going to the superbowl:D

[rthomas]

that is all i hope for, the ravens are playing on house money, and 2 more ed reed interceptions from going to the superbowl:D

It's going to be a great weekend; it is bitter bitter cold around here, and we can't go skiing - so that's my excuse to watch basketball Saturday, football Sunday.

Go Steelers!!!

[roywhite]

Here we go Steelers, here we go.. (clap, clap)

Looks like temps in upper 20's with snow showers during the day. Steeler weather!

Feeling good about this one...come on, Big Ben and Fast Willie!

[bjornolf]

The one thing that none of the "experts" I've heard on ESPN mention is Ben's head injury from a few weeks ago. Hardly anybody's hit him so far in the playoffs. If there's one team that can knock him out, both literally and from the game, it's the Ravens. Leftwich looked good coming in against the Redskins, but my Skins had little to no pass rush. The Ravens are a completely different ball of wax. They'll start salivating if they see Leftwich in the game. That's my biggest concern for the Steelers. If Leftwich ends up in there, Ed Reed might outscore the Steelers himself.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Good luck Steelers, it won't be an all Pa. Super Bowl, so they will have to represent. I really don't want Baltimore to win, that would leave me with zip interest in the final matchup.

[Lavabe]

Pittsburgh up 13-7 with 240 to go in the 2nd. Hines Ward is out of the game. Ravens just scored their TD.

[rthomas]

Pitt blew some big plays in the last drive of the half. Unbelievable.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Pitt blew some big plays in the last drive of the half. Unbelievable.
shoulda had the field goal try, bad time management.

[rockymtn devil]

Pitt blew some big plays in the last drive of the half. Unbelievable.

Sweed absolutely killed them. Not only did he drop a sure TD, his "injury" wasted a timeout that would've been useful. Even if was injured--I don't think he was--in that situation, if possible, you get up and make it to the sideline for treatment. He was back in two plays later, so it wasn't serious. Inexcusable.

Not happy about the first half. Steelers dropped easy passes and made stupid mistakes. They better pick it up because Baltimore will bring it in the second half.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Troy's awesome. He wants another ring.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Ben has a lot of sitting-on-his-azz time tonight, but just threw a beauty to Miller for nice progress.

[CameronBornAndBred]

OMG, that interception was awesome, Troy was endzone or bust. Wooohoooo!

[roywhite]

Well, it wasn't easy (or pretty) but Pittsburgh's goin' to the Super Bowl!

Made some mistakes, but good game overall by the Defense and some big plays by Big Ben, San-tokio Holmes, and Troy P.

Time to make history and be the first franchise to win a sixth Super Bowl!

[toughbuff1]

Congrats Steelers fans, the better team won today. That stupid personal foul on the punt return that backed us up to the 14 killed our momentum, but I was just happy we were still in the game at that point. Anyway, good luck in two weeks!

[rthomas]

Congrats Steelers fans, the better team won today. That stupid personal foul on the punt return that backed us up to the 14 killed our momentum, but I was just happy we were still in the game at that point. Anyway, good luck in two weeks!

The Steelers made enough mistakes too. Like that crappy punt and the interference call to give the Ravens the ball on the one.

Glad the Steelers won, but hope McGeehee (sp?) is ok. That was a hell of a hit.

[bjornolf]

Congrats to the Steelers and their fans. Played a great game to get to the Super Bowl. Good job by the Ravens, too, they played their guts out.

[TillyGalore]

Congrats to the Steelers. Was pulling for the Raven, though kind of knew what the outcome would be.

I was very impressed that the Steelers fans were so quiet while McGahee was down. And when he was been carted off you could hear Steeler fans shouting out good wishes. Classy!!!

[calltheobvious]

Congrats to the Steelers. Was pulling for the Raven, though kind of knew what the outcome would be.

I was very impressed that the Steelers fans were so quiet while McGahee was down. And when he was been carted off you could hear Steeler fans shouting out good wishes. Classy!!!

Yeah, I wish the Heinz Field sound guy had been as classy, electing instead to play some Credence while McGahee lay on the field with possible paralysis.

[Turk]

Whew. That was a dangerous, dangerous game on many levels. The Steelers left all sorts of points on the table, with the blown Holmes call, the dropped TD, and the botched clock management at the end of the half. The Ravens started moving the ball better in the second half, and I thought the refs were inconsistent enough to add another couple jokers into the deck. I must admit my posterior was puckering up a bit when the Ravens were on their 30 with plenty of time to get within FG range. The news I've seen about McGahee and Clark is at least hopeful so far pending more tests....

On a lighter note, I thought this little bit of Interweb flotsam was clever; I hope the mods don't find it too blasphemous...

Our Father,
Who "Art" in Pittsburgh,
Football be Thy game.
Thy Kingdom come,
Five Super Bowls won,
On Earth as it is in Heinz Field.
Give us this day our playoff win,
And forgive us our penalties,
As we defeat those who screen pass against us.
But lead us all in celebration,
And deliver us to Tampa!
A-Ben

[rockymtn devil]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more talk about the Holmes TD/non-TD. Even on the replay, to me it looked like a catch that he fumbled and recovered in the end zone. He took several steps with the ball before it came out. I also thought the pass interference call that set up Baltimore's first score was bogus (the second half one was legitimate).

Turk summed it up nicely. Steelers left all sorts of point on the field.

Also, there was a brief discussion on Reed vs. Polamalu on here a few weeks ago. While I'm biased, I think Troy is the better football player because of his versatility. Reed was marginalized yesterday because the Steelers avoided him. You simply can't avoid Polamalu and that separates the two in my eyes. As a safety/LB hybrid, he makes plays all over the field. Ed Reed made one fantastic--if not inconsequential--play in the second half. Troy made plays all over the field all day.

[calltheobvious]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more talk about the Holmes TD/non-TD. Even on the replay, to me it looked like a catch that he fumbled and recovered in the end zone. He took several steps with the ball before it came out. I also thought the pass interference call that set up Baltimore's first score was bogus (the second half one was legitimate).

Turk summed it up nicely. Steelers left all sorts of point on the field.

Also, there was a brief discussion on Reed vs. Polamalu on here a few weeks ago. While I'm biased, I think Troy is the better football player because of his versatility. Reed was marginalized yesterday because the Steelers avoided him. You simply can't avoid Polamalu and that separates the two in my eyes. As a safety/LB hybrid, he makes plays all over the field. Ed Reed made one fantastic--if not inconsequential--play in the second half. Troy made plays all over the field all day.

Here's the way I perceived the rhythm of the play: catch-step-step-tackle/trip-groundimpact-bobble. My understanding of the NFL rule is that if the felling contact occurs before the third step, you must maintain full control of the ball all the way to the ground and beyond.

I generally don't think too much of Phil Simms as an analyst, but in my experience he is excellent with the rules. And though I think he could have explained this situation a little more clearly, he seemed to be in full agreement with the call.

No snark intended: I think the lack of discussion is probably because Carrollo got the play right.

[rockymtn devil]

Here's the way I perceived the rhythm of the play: catch-step-step-tackle/trip-groundimpact-bobble. My understanding of the NFL rule is that if the felling contact occurs before the third step, you must maintain full control of the ball all the way to the ground and beyond.

I generally don't think too much of Phil Simms as an analyst, but in my experience he is excellent with the rules. And though I think he could have explained this situation a little more clearly, he seemed to be in full agreement with the call.

No snark intended: I think the lack of discussion is probably because Carrollo got the play right.

You're probably right. I would've liked the tv crew to explain that a little better. They seemed to go from clearly a catch to clearly not a catch without addressing the in-between (why it wasn't a fumble). I also think the outcome of the game tempered any need for discussion. It ultimately didn't alter the winner. Sort of like the bad call on the kickoff in the NFC game.

[Turk]

I think we're all in agreement - it didn't matter in the end, but I was nervous because it was one in a series of breaks against the Steelers. (e.g. Hines getting hurt - forgot to mention that). Of course I am liable to forget the breaks the Steelers did get, such as the DB that fell down on Santonio's touchdown catch...

A couple other guesses why the Holmes play got left by the wayside:

1) the Steelers still got a figgie and salvaged 3 points out of the trip, unlike the Sweed drop (oh yeah, I think the only thing he hurt on that play was his feelings - very miraculous recovery for all the writhing agony after he dove for the ball.)

2) apparently they called the rule right, even though it's a stupid rule. (like the legendary Oak-NE "tuck game"). Simms sounded like he had that down pat, and the ref said "by rule must control the ball" etc etc.

Here's my question - when both coaches challenge the call for different reasons, how do the zebras decide which to accept? That can't happen very often...

[calltheobvious]

I think we're all in agreement - it didn't matter in the end, but I was nervous because it was one in a series of breaks against the Steelers. (e.g. Hines getting hurt - forgot to mention that). Of course I am liable to forget the breaks the Steelers did get, such as the DB that fell down on Santonio's touchdown catch...

A couple other guesses why the Holmes play got left by the wayside:

1) the Steelers still got a figgie and salvaged 3 points out of the trip, unlike the Sweed drop (oh yeah, I think the only thing he hurt on that play was his feelings - very miraculous recovery for all the writhing agony after he dove for the ball.)

2) apparently they called the rule right, even though it's a stupid rule. (like the legendary Oak-NE "tuck game"). Simms sounded like he had that down pat, and the ref said "by rule must control the ball" etc etc.

Here's my question - when both coaches challenge the call for different reasons, how do the zebras decide which to accept? That can't happen very often...

First beanbag gets the challenge.

What I think is neat about the replay rule in the NFL is that by challenging a play, everything about it gets reviewed. So if Harbaugh hadn't challenged the play, then Tomlin, challenging in hopes of a touchdown ruling, would have actually cost his team a first-and-goal at the one. And a time-out. Now that would have been a painful challenge to lose.

[tecumseh]

First I went to the Ravens game first time in Heinz Field guess I picked a good game to go to.

I am usually a somewhat pessimistic Steeler Fan but I think they are lock to win the Super Bowl. In looking at passing efficiency defense rating the Cardinals rank 30th in the NFL they are dead last in both giving up passing TDs and running the ball. They are 4th from the bottom in scoring defense. Remember also the stats include the Lions.

Lets look at the end of the season the Cardinals lost 4 out of 5 down the stretch the only win against a truly pitiful Rams team. After giving up over 500 yards to New England they got serious for their next game, a home game against a bad Seahawks team minus Hasselback (Seneca Wallace will never be confused with a real NFL quarterback) they still gave up three touchdowns. The next game was a home playoff game against a rookie QB who had a decent game (passer rating 72 vs Flacco 18 against Steelers) and the Falcons put up 24 points. The next game what can you say a FLUKE, Delhomme laid a huge egg, five INTs and a fumble and he only had two sacks he was not even under that much pressure. Better check that Delhomme does not have throw away phone to call bookies with. Than the defense really jelling held Philly to 454 yards and one punt.

Sorry but Arizona is the worst defensive team to EVER make it to the Super Bowl and they will need a miracle to win. They will make Big Ben look like Montana and Willie Parker look like Barry Sanders.

[sue71]

What, the Giants aren't playing? :rolleyes:;):o:(

[Turk]

First I went to the Ravens game first time in Heinz Field guess I picked a good game to go to.

I am usually a somewhat pessimistic Steeler Fan but I think they are lock to win the Super Bowl. In looking at passing efficiency defense rating the Cardinals rank 30th in the NFL they are dead last in both giving up passing TDs and running the ball. They are 4th from the bottom in scoring defense. Remember also the stats include the Lions.

Lets look at the end of the season the Cardinals lost 4 out of 5 down the stretch the only win against a truly pitiful Rams team. After giving up over 500 yards to New England they got serious for their next game, a home game against a bad Seahawks team minus Hasselback (Seneca Wallace will never be confused with a real NFL quarterback) they still gave up three touchdowns. The next game was a home playoff game against a rookie QB who had a decent game (passer rating 72 vs Flacco 18 against Steelers) and the Falcons put up 24 points. The next game what can you say a FLUKE, Delhomme laid a huge egg, five INTs and a fumble and he only had two sacks he was not even under that much pressure. Better check that Delhomme does not have throw away phone to call bookies with. Than the defense really jelling held Philly to 454 yards and one punt.

Sorry but Arizona is the worst defensive team to EVER make it to the Super Bowl and they will need a miracle to win. They will make Big Ben look like Montana and Willie Parker look like Barry Sanders.

Hmm hah, Steelers certainly are consensus pick and I can't disagree with your points, but as our Wall St friends will tell us, "past performance does not guarantee future results." I have a couple of reasons why they still need to play the game before giving out the trophy to the Steelers. First, there is the hubris factor - last year, NE was supposed to stomp the NY Football Giants - anyone with eyes could see that. But the G-men didn't get that email, even though it took a Helmet Catch and three uncalled holds to give them the win. Second, I am most nervous about Whisenhut, his knowledge of the Steelers, and his trick-play creativity. He has turned the most inept franchise in NFL history into contenders, and if the Cards hang around, maybe he can pull off a Helmet Catch of his own...

Historically, I am going to go with a comparison to the 1979 Supe. The "Team of the Decade" Steelers were defending champs and already had 3 Lombardis on the shelf. They were huge favorites against the Rams, who I believe were 9-7 in the regular season and made a great playoff run. The Supe was supposed to be another stomping, but it was a tight game for a while. The Rams even had the lead in the second half before the Steelers finally pulled away behind Bradshaw and Stallworth.

The one undeniable characteristic of this year's Steeler team is their resiliency and ability to find a way to win in the 4th quarter. I expect the Cardinals to play well, make a few plays, and score some points. The game will likely be still be up for grabs at halftime, but I have the feeling the Steelers will take care of business in the end.

P.S. I'll stick with Fast Willie for now; as great as he was, Barry Sanders never played in a Supe... :D:D

[rockymtn devil]

I'm not so sure the general consensus is surrounding the Steelers. Lots of high profile forecasters have come out picking the Cardinals. Further, it seems like the Steelers are the forgotten team in this year's game. The media is very much soaking up the great story that is the Cardinals. It seems like every story on SI.com, CBSSports.com, or SportsCenter is about Arizona. That did not happen last year when the story was the Pats going for 19-0 and the Giants were the forgotten team.

I also think the week off really hurts Arizona. First of all, they were playing so well that having two weeks between games could kill that momentum. Second, it gives the best defensive coaching staff in the league a full two weeks to prepare for that offense.

I'm not as concerned about Wisenhunt/Grimm being familiar with the Steelers. The reality is that the Steelers should be just as familiar with that offense and blocking schemes. Yes, Wisenhunt coached against LeBeau's defense in practice. But LeBeau also coached against that offense and blocking scheme in practice. Further, many of Pittsburgh's personnel is familiar with Arizona's offense. The same can't be said about the Cardinals players and Pittsburgh's defense

They key to the game will be how Kurt Warner responds to the Steelers' pressure. He has been the best against the blitz this year. But, Pitt's unconventional blitz packages are not what he's faced. And, if the Cardinals become one dimensional--which most teams do against the Steelers--can Warner beat the blitz without any threat of a running game?

[rockymtn devil]

A follow-up to my previous post, 6 out of 10 writers on SI.com picked Arizona to win the game. I think the consensus pick is the Cardinals, although I think for reasons beyond the Xs and Os.

On PTI two days ago, Wilbon and Kornheiser both felt that people are taking the Cardinals in order to be able to tout themselves as "smart" if it happens because they can always fall back on saying something like "well, the Steelers should've won" if Pittsburgh does prevail.

[roywhite]

Super Steelers!!

Great game, terrific comeback by the Cardinals and then clutch plays by Big Ben and Santonio.

Congrats to the Rooney family, Coach Tomlin, the Steelers and all the great fans.

[rockymtn devil]

GO STEELERS!!!

Great game. Well played by both teams, and the better team won.