Reasons The Chargers Could Pull The Upset..Hint: There Aren't That Many
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 8:32 AM EST
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PrintWe're getting closer my friends. T-Minus ~36 hours until your Pittsburgh Steelers take to the field once more in their quest for 'one for the other thumb' in 2008. Standing in their way initially will be the San Diego Chargers, winners of their past 5 games, most recently against the Colts last Sunday in the Wild Card round.
The Steelers are currently 6 point favorites, and a lot of the money in Vegas is coming down on their side. For good reason in my opinion, even though the Chargers sport a complete roster of capable defensive, offensive and special teams players. The biggest difference should be the health disparity between the two teams.
San Diego's top two offensive weapons - Antonio Gates and LaDanian Tomlinson - are in bad, bad shape. LT is down and out with a groin injury and will not play barring an unexpected miracle. Gates has a high ankle sprain. He's listed as questionable. My guess is he'll play, but if you saw the game last Sunday between the Chargers and Colts, you surely noticed Gates' limited mobility. That doesn't mean he can't catch a ball or two. But when you're playing the league's #1 ranked defense, not to mention the game's best defensive coordinator, it's hard to imagine him having much of an impact in this game.
Spew intangibles and momentum and whatever at me - when you're the Chargers, and you already are somewhat suspect on the perimeter, you just can't convince me that missing your two most dangerous offensive threats in the middle of the football field doesn't matter. If the Chargers were at full strength offensively, I'd be extremely concerend. But as is, it's going to take a game from Rivers like the one we saw out of Kerry Collins, as well as an uncharacteristic breakdown from our defense. And maybe even a few Big Ben TOs to boot, but from a strictly Xs and Os standpoint between their offense and our defense - there's just very little to like about San Diego in this game.
Allow me to elaborate...
Raise your hand if you're excited that Troy Polamalu will be able to focus a lot more heavily on Darren Sproles in the running and screen game, rather than having to keep too close an eye on Gates over the middle of the football field. At his reduced speed, James Farrior and/or a DB should be able to keep him in check. Chris Chambers and a potentially hungover Vincent Jackson making big plays against Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden? With Ryan Clark playing safety and Polamalu roaming to where Rivers eyes lead him? You can put your hands down now.
Sure we're being optimistic so maybe we should take a step back and hear out an argument in defense of San Diego's chances this Sunday. The argument is compliments of Seth Wickersham at ESPN, who gives 5 Reasons Why SD Will Win , which was front and center on the World Wide Leader's home page.
1. LaDanian Tomlinson won't play
2. The Steelers will face Darren Sproles every play
3. The second meeting between a defense and a quarterback favors the QB.
4. Unlike Rivers, who has been on fire recently, Big Ben has played just well enough to win.
5. The football gods are repaying the snakebitten Chargers.
Ok, where to start. How about with #1. In my opinion, this is the best point made in the article. If LT isn't anywhere near full strength, he's only going to hurt his team's chances to be productive offensively against one of the better defenses the league has ever seen. We'll see if LT even suits up. If he does, I suppose it's possible he could help along the goal line, where he has an uncanny ability to find small creases and subsequently the end zone. But generally speaking, Wickersham is right, the Chargers are probably better off not trying to work LT into the game. It's not at all that different than the conversations we've had this year and in 2006 regarding Ben Roethlisberger and his health. No sense in harming the team's chances by playing hurt when there's capable backups available, no matter how marquee a player you are - and no one is a bigger star than LT.
As for #2 - I guess my initial response would be 'um, and?' It's not that Darren Sproles isn't an electrifying player capable of being a difference maker Sunday, but his mere presence alone isn't going to make the Steelers defense tremble in their proverbial boots. The Steelers have allowed just one RB to reach the 100 yard plateau in years. I don't have the exact figures in front of me, but Thomas Jones of the Jets was the last to do so last year, and his feat broke a previously long standing streak of games where our defense did not let an indivudual eclipse the 100 yards marker.
Hell, LT himself didn't do much against the Steelers defense in 2006 and 2005, which was just about the pinnacle of his prowess. In 2006, LT had 13 carries for just 36 yards; in 2005, he had 18 carries for 62 yards.
So what was the explanation as to why we should be afraid of Sproles?
After gaining 328 total yards against the Colts, the 5-foot-6, 181-pound flash is the league's newest, hottest weapon. Everyone knew he was a good return guy, but his skills out of the backfield sneaked up on everyone. He didn't reach double digits in carries until the season finale. Against Pittsburgh on Nov. 16, he had one carry.
The Steelers are probably salivating, eager to put a lick on Sproles to see how he responds. But they've got to find him first. Sproles was almost invisible against the Colts, ducking and dodging behind the line, squirting through holes, making it hard for the defense to get a square shot on him. Granted, Pittsburgh's defense is better than Indy's. But the Chargers don't need Sproles to put up huge numbers. They just need Pittsburgh to respect the threat of him. That will open passing lanes for Rivers, who's confident going into this game
Hmm. I think point #1 makes sense - but then to follow that up by saying Sproles just needs to be decent - that makes less sense to me. Sproles needs to be far more than decent running the football if they're going to win. He'll need to turn a long field into a short one with a big burst out of the backfield or in the passing game.
We'll see about #3 and #4. Both QBs have had their moments this year and throughout their entire careers. I think it would be foolhearty to say Rivers is bar none the better QB of the two. Nevertheless, he's a great competitor and perfectly capable of bouncing back from early mistakes to make the Steelers pay if given the opportunity to do so late in the game. He did so against KC late in the regular season and he did it last week, despite struggling for most of the game. That's why I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping the Chargers down on the mat if we have the chance.
I'll just skip #5 because I take it as a tongue in cheeck comment. But semi seriously - was it that tough to find 5 legitimate reasons that we needed to go down the 'magic' path? Again, I don't take it too seriously, but if I were to provide some voodo of my own, I'd say the opposite. The Steelers are due for some advantageous breaks in the officiating department. No this is not the NBA where there are boatloads of make up calls over the course of a 7 game series. But still, San Diego got all the breaks with the calls last week - even though they were not at all flagrant, it's just unlikely they'll come out on the same end of the stick this time around. So take that karma.
If I were to list five reasons why the Chargers might win this game, I'm not sure I'd use any of the aforementioned reasons, besides perhaps #1. Their potential advantage lies in their:
1. Ability to stop the run - 11th in rush defense
2. Lack of injury issues on defense
3. Superior special teams weapons - they may not have played better than our ST units this year, but Mike Scifres and Sproles have more potential to make a big impact on the game than do guys like Mitch Berger, Gary Russel, et. al.
4. Jamal Williams can command double teams, making Ron Rivera's job much easier as he tries to force Ben Roethlisberger into turnovers.
5. Ron Rivera vs. Bruce Arians favors the Chargers. I have 100% faith that Coach Tomlin has orchestrated a fantastic last two weeks of practice in preparation for this game; just like he has done all year. But if this game is decided by play calling late, and Ben is not allowed to improvise out of the no huddle with the game on the line, it could spell trouble.
I can't wait. Go Steelers!
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Best Part
“A potentially hung-over Vincent Jackson”.
I have to admit, I lol’d.
Also, quality stuff like normal Blitz. I have to say, this is the second website I check on my ’round the Internet tour (Facebook is first).
by Romain El 82 on Jan 10, 2009 10:16 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
bueno
laughing never hurt anybody.
enjoy your saturday duder.
i heart FB too – prolly go there too b4 BTSC.
Michael Bean if anybody wants to find me on there btw.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
hehe
Have I seen Lebowski?? That’s a good one. In fact, the reason I’m craving that taco was from a few too many White Russians, if it must be known.
Friend me on Facebook if you are on there and you’ll see Lebowski near or at the top of my movies lest. Best dailogue ever. If I were giving the pregame speech to the team and they happened to be complaining about the cold (while we’re on that topic as well), I might say:
You have got to buck up, man. You cannot drag this negative energy in to the tournament!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
seattle
University of Washington. Austin, TX. Maybe that helps.
The super pimp looking guy?? Maybe that helps too. har har
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
let the common myth
that bloggers hide behind cloaks of anonymity be laid to rest
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
confirmed
Magic Hat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice. Love #9. Stuffs amazing, even if it is a bit apricot-y and thus fruity for me to be so enthused about. I love it though.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
ugh, used to love magic hat #9, but they changed the recipe back around 2003
Before that, it was an amazing beer- now its more like they used apricot essence, which makes it too sugary tasting for my liking. But I’ll still drink it over bud any day!
hehe
havent had it since 2005 when i left philly.
i bring it up because ironically last night i walked into this speciality beer store here in my neighborhood of wallingford in seattle and i asked his ‘super cool’ clerk if they had magic hat #9.
His reponse was so ridiculously pompous I can’t even repeat it, but it definitely falls in line with what you’re saying that its not what it used to be.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
oh, that reminds me of- magic hat bought our pyramid brewing in WA
so you will def see more magic hat stuff out there. dunno what theyw il do with pyramid’s decent pyramid ale (also an apricot ale)
but the best bets from magic hat now are roxie rolles, single chair, and any winter specials, like thumbsucker or the honey ale.
cool, ill try something new
And you’re right. The pretentious beer snob clerk talked about the merger with Pyramid. He told me to just to got a gas station to get some pyramid.
Hahaha. I was taken aback.
Settled on a Delerious Tremens 10.5% brew instead. Usually content with just whatever, but I was feeling like a strong Belgian beer for whatever reason.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
agreed
I respect someone who loves good beer..but i also hope they can enjoy a cold whatever it is just cuz its beer.
But regardless even if ones tastes are so refined, i dont like when im looked down upon for my tastes. I was told to go to a gas station. haha.
it was like the most pretentious independent movie store clerk youve ever encountered X 1,000,000,000
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Most of the guys I hang out with around here drink a different microbrew every day. That doesn’t stop us from grabbing a late night “mystery beer” at st. james though.
yea not kidding either
i laughed at it because thats how i am..but in different cultural contexts, that kind of disrespectful bullshit leads to violence
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Why don’t you go get your PBR down the street sonny? We only sell to true beer aficionados here, you poor bastard.
haha
I buy six packs of PBR tall boys at least twice a month!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Stuck buying 24 packs in pennsylvania. I must admit my penchant for a case of PBRs or iron city when it’s on sale.
Consumption of them goes down in the winter though. Summertime is PBR drinking weather for sure.
hehe
Used to buy quarts of Yuengling for 1.75 at this dump in West Philly that sold to minors. Always kinda liked that beer though locals from that area always laughed at me for such a sentiment.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
not to jump in late, but
i totally agree with this part of the conversation. yuengling lager is a great beer for the price. i keep it constantly stocked here at my house. along with iron city during football season.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
i love it too
favorite bar in philly had 1.50 pints at happy hour. thought it was always a delicious lager. maybe it was new yorkers who scoffed at it, not philadelphians, now that i think about it
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yuengling???
I wish to god we had that here- its one of my favorite beers of all time- simple delicious yuengling lager- nothing better for any time of the year. Cheap too!
reminds me of an old conversation we had at a strangefolk fest back in 2001...
What’s your “default beer”? We had three guys from philly, who said you could pretty much go to any bar in Philly, and ask for a beer, (without saying what kind) and they’d usually give you a yuengling. In VT, it’s usually long trail ale, or switchback, or etc. In most places of the country, ask for a ‘beer’, and they probably give you bud.
lol
i bought that beer for the bottle a few times but it was always disappointing. never liked not being able to see my bottle. when the last sip disappears, its so disappointing. theres no anticipation of that gloomy moment.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
i'm a total beer snob, but i don't think i'd annoy anyone... I hope not!
It goes with the territory of being a homebrewer, i just really love beer- probably more than anything else. :)
Delirum tremens! YUM, also love their nocturnal, and couple others- but we only JUST started getting beers higher than 8% in VT- there was a law forever that capped ABV at *% or less, about time that puritanical nonsense got shoved!
hey, sir
as i said, i have a high amount of respect for people who legitimately enjoy beer as a passion. no different than loving music, football, art, whatever..tastes are tastes and i like anyone who cares about something. but to me, it negates all that when someone has to look down at me for not knowing as much.
anyway, how long does home brewing take to make beer that lives up to ure standards
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
I am not kidding when I say this:
But your first time should be good. Making beer is like farting, anyone can do it. My beers are all simple affairs, stouts, porters, more stouts, IPA’s, Pale ale, etc. they all differ pretty much with the hops, yeast strain, and grains. but other than that, same ol, same ol.
i usually make about 10 to 20 gallons a month, and to date, i’ve only had one or two beers that could be considered “bad”.
do you sell some of it
or share with neighbors who may be down on their luck?
shit, I enjoy beer but not sure I drink 30 gallons a month.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
haha, it goes FAST..
I lose about a gallon or so from each batch to sediment on the bottom of the fermenters, and I’m kinda obligated to give my homebrew to others.
:)
thats the vermont way!
used to love the band Phish and going to some of their shows. thats about my only exposure to VT though. hehe
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
gee, I hope they tour again
I heard they sort of reunited recently, but not sure about tour dates. I’ve never been to a phish show (dont like the idea of waiting 2 whole days to get in!)
I follow strangefolk though, they used to tour a lot, but not so much anymore, but same idea- the fests are the best!
for sure
I wouldnt be surprised if they play again.
If Trey – the lead singer and guitarist has kicked his heroin habit. If he hasnt they may not tour, but theyll play again for sure. It will be impossible to get tickets if its just like a 3 show deal, but we’ll see..they were doing it for a long ass time. understandable that they needed an extended break. like cowher!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
shit
he better. he’ll be dead if he doesn’t. smoke whatever. be like Favre and pop whatever pills. but cant last shooting up heroine. Sucks cuz they basically stopped touring right when i was at the very small window of years when i could go be a jackass and see shows
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
oh, its totlaly illegal to sell homebrew btw
You can give it away all you want, but if I took as much as a dime, supposedly I’d be in gitmo or something.
ill email you off list sometime
always been curious to try it at least once.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
sheesh
used to be you only saw that with wine. I hope you told him you would, and he wouldn’t be seeing your money ever again…
yea
i was disappiointed. i thought itd be a chill little haven for people who liked beer to bounce ideas off each other. not quite. but thats where the original commentary about seattle’s bougie-ness came into play. i love it here but sometimes i just shake my head at how hard peeps are trying. being friendly and real is lots more enjoyable for all but oh well.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
I really don’t like mcdonalds.
But I have to say, their coffee commercial with the coffee snobs is one of the best I’ve seen.
So,
I was wondering, what does a strong Belgian beer actually FEEL like? hehe. I kill me. :)~
"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?
Blitz....
If you like Magic Hat, gotta try the ‘Hocus Pocus’. It’s seasonal and thus only out for about 3 months during the summer. Mmmmmmmm. It’s the best!!!
disc golfs the truth too
I suck at it though. Just like to walk around and be outdoors though.
Huge disc golf scene in Austin.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
sorry if i shared two things about u without ure consent
SteelersVT drinks enjoyable beer and enjoys a good game of disc golf everyone!!! Cats out of the bag.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
hehe
I love how Pentagon guys always joke about being in the CIA
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
what else is there to do in the off season?
i’m a disc golf junkie, grab the boys, the dogs, a good beer or two, and then hit the course. helps that its so gorgeous out on most disc gofl courses, and again, costs nothing to play for the most part, except for discs.
yea for sure
such an amazing difference between the time commitment and financial commitment of gold and disc golf.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
love a good game of golf too
but really can’t justify green fees in VT. I don’t let the fact that I totally suck at it keep me from playing, and ruining everyone’s day when the “crazy pittsburgh fan guy” shows up and hooks and slices al day long. (when I’m not totally whiffing, too)
yea
I’m not a great golfer, but regardless of how much or little I play, I shoot in the 80-85 range, even with a year off. It’s fun, but I still dont play any more than 3-10 times a year tops.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
not buying it
I may be a homer but here’s how I see it. Darren Sproles will not have a big day running the ball. The reason the Steelers have the best defense and have always been difficult to run against is because Dick Lebeau demands discipline. The lineman and LBs fill their assigned gaps. Sproles can duck and dance behind the big butts of his OL all he wants but the hole isn’t going to be there. A draw play during an outside blitz could be trouble but Troy and Ryan should limit the damage there.
As the game wears on, Their inability to move the ball, our battering of their defense throwing Willie at them, and converting third downs to Hines and Heath will cause them to give up. They had a magical run at the end much like the eagles but they will run out of gas. I am a homer, so this may not be as objective as it should be but I just can’t see the chargers pulling the upset.
nope
me neither. not unless we turn it over 3 times or more
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks alot Blitz! I almost had that nightmare suppressed. You’re right. BB’s penchant for turning the ball over is the wild card for the bolts in this game
lol
sorry. only one more night to go. you’ll be ok :)
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
random thought of the morning
I want a breakfast taco so fu&*ng badly.
Probably the thing I miss most about Austin – grindy greasy yummy breakfast tacos on weekend mornings after boozing. Eggs, chorizo, throw in some potatoes while you’re at it.. and lots of salsa..
Bougie Seattle can’t accommodate me though.
You've awoken a hunger
Thanks a lot blitz. Now I crave breakfast burrito. And while in the great city of chicago I’m confident I could find one, the real question is do I want to leave my house and venture out into the quickly accumulating snow? The other question is: Will Pittsburgh be the recipients of this same snow storm tomorrow?
by Chicago Steeler on Jan 10, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
probably so
And thats to our benefit.
Yall go eat now!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
hope alls well in ChiTown
I hear theres crazy accumulation of snow right now.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
the weathers so bad
that its made my computer crash three straight times when i go to the pittsburgh weather page on weather dot com. Instense.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Ugh, now I'm hungry
And I’m going to have to drive out and get food.
But for real, I want to see a game played in the insane weather we’re supposed to get this coming week.
It’s supposed to be below zero…during the daytime. Nighttime temps of -25, -30 below, WITHOUT windchill.
Whoo boy. What a way to start off the new semester!
by Romain El 82 on Jan 10, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
jesus
thats just insane. I mean, I wear flip flops in 40-50 degree weather when possible, so I’m not adverse to the cold. Fairly warm blooded. But anything below 20 degrees is a whole new animal for someone like me whos lived in very warm climates or only moderately seasonal places like DC and Philly.
The thought of surviving in places like MN, the Plains, Chicago even, etc. Wow.
A good lady friend of mine lives in DC no and she was complaining in an emial about ‘missing’ the harsh New England winters. I was astounded.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Outside of 6 years in NYC, I’ve lived my life here in MN and grew up in ND. You’d think I would be OK with harsh winters. I’m not. I absolutely hate winter. The subzero cold is the worst but also spawns other annoyances such as having to warm up your car for 20 min every morning. Everything is covered with salt; cars, shoes, coats etc… Ice all over the place. I think I’ll move to the Palm desert. Sun and golf. I’m in a better mood already.
sheesh
I suppose it must make the spring and winter feel just euphoric but I dunno how anyone tolerates that. I suppose people say the same about the heat of Texas or the rain of Seattle. But I dunno. You can functino in those tough elements – surviving in that kind of cold is literrally a challenge.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
In the middle of my 4th decade I find I have less tolerance for the harshness of winter. You don’t forget how to survive in it but enjoying life becomes harder. The NFL helps. I’m not sure if I could stand sweating constantly in Houston either. I better start playing the powerball because if I win, I will have a home for each season in a different part of the country. By the way, all breakfast burrito talk along with the weather is making me pine for Puerto Vallarta.
true true
Houstons just disgusting. You take a shower and you’re sweating balls by the time you’ve turned the AC on in your car to take your wife or date out to dinner.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
memories
Lived in Dallas for 1 year in 1981. So freaking hot. So many freaking hot babes. Naive 19y/o from ND. Let the education begin.
:)
Big D in the early 80s!! Lol. Wowzers. That must have been revoltingly Barry Switzer-esque and tacky.
But you’re not kidding – such smoking hot women there.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
very tacky
but alot of fun. Happy hours with free food every day. very good spreads too, I might add. Dance clubs playing disco and 80’s metal ( tacky clothing is now back in style I’m told). Too much country music though.
got both ends of the spectrum
lived half my life in houston and half of it in chicago.
by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Jan 10, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
a big contrast indeed
both hey, thats not a bad life to have been fortunate enough to have lived. those are two of the biggest most diverse and economically vibrant places in the world.
see all sorts of shit in cities like that – for better or worse. but even just learning how poeple tick in different parts of the country is valuable.
Chicago is the one big city ive never been to that id liek to visit. Besides getting stuck in OHare by myself at age 7 for a night, never been.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
gotta go
the aquarium is awesome, really cool outdoor art by the lakefront.
check out the bongo room – really cool, inventive breakfasts.
just wrote it down
I like aquariums for sure. Baltimore one is awesome.
Love a place thats creative with breakfasts. We’ll see if I ever get there to check out Bongo Room. Doesnt sound much like a breakfast joint.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
heh, it doesn't
their applewood bacon eggs benedict florentine is awesome
also the oreo pancakes w/ raspberry sauce
also the chocolate tower of french toast
and well basically anything they make
making
blueberry chocolate chip pancakes right now. my cats eating atuna. we’re both pleased.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
I got a couch
Anytime you roll through the windy city. :)
by Chicago Steeler on Jan 10, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
word
One of these summers – maybe next when I finsih up school I’ll travel a bunch of places I’ve been meaning to go to. Going to Buenos Aires next December. Pretty stoked about that.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
true true
Dallas has always kinda been shortchanged culturally. It’s got lots of good things happening in the arts and music. Fantastic museums; like u said, metal was big there; lots and lots of good dance/club/electronic music came out of there in the 90s. Its not nearly as homogenous as people categorize it as.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, Blitz.....
….I know how worrisome that skittering Sproles can be, and I saw what he did last week. But that wasn’t against the league’s fastest defense. I’m figuring Coach Dad has come up with a three-part strategy to deal with him….
1) Bottle him up and keep him contained.
2) Snap him like a chicken, and…
3) Squash him like a bug.
If he thinks he can juke and skitter around Woodley and Silverback and Troy and Clark, that’ll be the last thing he remembers when he finally wakes up on Tuesday.
My concern is that Ben not screw up big time, which he’s done repeatedly while coming back after injury. That, and – as you say – the fact SD has a better punter and will benefit in field position.
Anyway, sorry your weather sucks and hope you’re keeping dry. Here in DC, it’s a little cold and gray. And a new restaurant just opened two doors down. Breakfast was some terrific eggs benedict with some spinach on them, crispy bacon, and something called Apulian potatoes. Never heard of them, but damn, they’re good! Taters, tomaters, onions, and spices.
Share your love for a good breakfast burrito….and breakfast usually ain’t breakfast without salsa…but this morning I’ll make an exception. I’m fat, sassy, and dry, and waiting for tomorrow.
By the way, I see where they’re getting a pretty good dumping of snow in the ’burgh. Like maybe half a foot today. What a great way to welcome those Beach Bunnies from San Diego!
word
sounds delicious! Apulian potatoes! Hard to make potatoes sound amazing but I think its just been done.
As for my post – I think my intentions have been slightly misconstrued. The 5 initial ‘reasons’ are not mine. I’m not sold on them at all, nor am I sold on Sproles being great rushing the football. I think I elaborated on that, but having a good time doing things other than proof reading my posts.
Homer, totally agree. Ben plays well or even just mistake free, we’re going to win. Sproles isnt going to beat us singlehandedly at all.
As for the weather here in Seattle – can’t complain. Suns out. 50 some odd degrees. Surely rain will come later but I’m not looking at gobs of snow like the rest of the country.
PS Eggs benedict rocks. I’d take that over a breakfast taco any day of the week if time or money wasnt an issue. Though you gotta get that English Muffin crispy! Not cooked enough + hollandaise sauce and it can quickly get the texture of baby diapers – mushy, too soft.
Sorry, thats just sickening. Hahaha. Thank goodness I can be scolded by no one here :)
Happy Saturday y’all!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
+1 on eggs benedict
that’s my breakfast of choice. My favorite quick and easy breakfast is scrambled eggs with green chili – would be pretty easy to put that inside a tortilla and have your breakfast tacos, Blitz. heat up the tortilla in a pan with a little tiny bit of bacon fat if you want that south texas taqueria greasy feel to it :)
fo sho :)
I’m just feeling too lazy to cook right now, hate to admit. Might be the best option for getting something solid at this hour out here. Not yet 9 – not much open.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
that's the advantage of having one job and being married
more time to mess around cooking things that taste good. in college, my breakfast of choice was frozen waffles – out of the eggo box ’o 60
hehe
Ironically I’ve been the exact opposite. At college I cooked ALL the time. And quite ambitiously too. That probably had something to do with mairjuana, but anyway. Now a days I dont cook nearly as much as I’d like to. Probably also has to do with living alone and having just broken up with my gf of 8 years. Hard to cook for one self.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
or rather
Hard to cook for just one person only. Not as much fun, not as efficient, etc.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
haha, my fast n easy everyday breakfast is a brilliant one, try it sometime:
get a good bagel, lightly cook up in egg in butter on LOW heat, then slice up some avocado and use a good cheddar cheese (i prefer habanero or chipotle cheddar), and then add Jamaican, cajun, or creole seasoning on the top. Eat it nearly everyday for years now.
damn
yummmm.
i have a pristine avocado waiting to be utilized. alas, no eggs or anything else. but i usually just eat avocados plain. i think i may traverse to the store here in a few and load up on ingredients to make fantastic grub while i watch the TEN-BAL slugfest.
any of yall watching that btw?
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
bring on the ravens imo
Let’s TKO Baltimore this year. Tennessee’s more dangerous than they are.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think I have to go with that. It’s going to be a tough game, but we know we can handle them. Plus, it’s in our house.
yea they do
I hate the Titans and its gross, but i may be developing a small amount of respect for Baltimore. Then I remember they spit in our punters mouth when they lose, so nevermind. Either team, it will be VERY gratifying to knock them out,.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
what you want to root for are embarrassing plays
I want to see Ray Lewis get run over by any Tenn running back, mauled maybe. :)
i wanna see lendale white
dropped behind LOS for a fumble + TD return, by Reed on a safety blitz, since he’s actually a decent guy seems like. (did I just say that about a raven???)
perhaps it was the word Bougie
I had to look it up myself in fact – I’ve heard it used in talk, just not written.
Slang for bourgeois – as in Seattle, at least right in the middle of the city where I live, is too hoity toity to achieve something as brilliantly simple as the breakfast taco.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
that stinks :-\
have you taken a ferry out to Bremerton yet? fun to knock around and look at the BIG ships. there’s this crazy mexican joint out there – ceiling completely covered with soup cans, wacky decor. dunno if they have breakfast tacos though.
i have not
between three jobs, school and this website, i have had little time for much.
im sure theres exactly what im looking for somewhere, but in TX, you couldnt go 2 blocks without multilple mexican joints with bomb breakfast tacos.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
i know it
there’s a little place up in Denton with the best breakfast tacos ever.
man, three jobs too? I seriously don’t know how you do it, but then I remember working 4-5 jobs in college… done with that now!
well
I dont report too all of those jobs. Work for myself or various contract jobs. So I squeeze it in between more important stuff like BTSC.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
in fact
got some pretty good enchiladas from a neighborhood place last night. its ok, nothing special..but only like 8-10 bucks for a good dinner.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
have u lived out here before or something??
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
nope
good friend of mine works for a video game company up there – I’ve been to visit a couple times – super pretty, love the weather.
sweet
Come on out again! Spring or summer!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
def man
Please do. Couple Texans in the Pac NW – I need to go do more things outdoors here once the weather turns. Amazingly rich and diverse terrain here to go explore and enjoy.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
no kidding
growing up in new mexico, i miss that opportunity to explore – it’s flat as a pancake for 100s of miles around dallas. wanna get out and see that big canyon near amarillo
i get lost here all the freakin time
i have a C- at best sense of direction in the first place, but here there are so many bodies of water and such a confusing street naming system that I’m pretty much a lost cause getting somewhere correctly the first time. Need me a smart phone with GPS to help.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
give in to the marketing hype
and get an iphone – i got one just before i moved to big D, and never once had that ‘lost in a new city’ feeling.
yea
problem is im locked into a verizon 2 year contract. Wanted a Storm, but it was 500 bucks if i got one now. sux but i gotta wait. Id take a gphone first, iphone second. Probably lots of new Android phones coming out on all carriers soon enough.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
meh
im glad i got thwarted. there doesnt seem to be nearly as many apps or nearly the army of developers making cool new apps for them all the time like with the iphone.
and the touch screen is not that fast. it looks cool, but i knew in my mind i was not going to be that pleased to have a Storm compared to a gphone if i had gotten one. but without my contract issues it was only going to be 200 bucks and i was willing to look the other way and convince myself id be happy.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I gotta say
This team worries me the most out of any left in the AFC. If I had to pick five reasons they’d win:
-Darren Sproles. He’s good, and we seem to have trouble handling backs like him. Remember how tough a time we had against Choice? Our run defense has been somewhat suspect lately, and I’m just not feeling 100% confident in that aspect right now. Honestly Sproles is the offensive weapon that scares me the most in the AFC right now.
-Ron Rivera v. BA. Don’t even have to explain this one. Advantage San Diego
-Mike Scifres v. Mitch Berger. Pretty much self-explanatory but we’re going to be at a near automatic disadvantage in the field position game.
-Big Ben. He’s simply a question mark right now. I have no idea what to expect from him. He played so well in the playoffs on our Super Bowl run, he’s played so poorly in the Super Bowl/other playoff games and he’s coming off an injury and 2 weeks without taking a snap. Anything goes.
-Our lack of a run game v. a pretty good run defense. I’m just not confident in Willie right now, or BA’s ability to truly get it to the ‘hotter hand’ as he claims he will. That and BA’s worst shows up inside the five where he for some reason runs inside the tackles with Willie instead of Russel
by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Jan 10, 2009 11:26 AM EST reply actions
I'll try and ease your mind...
- Darren Sproles – he may have moderate success against us like some of the other backs we’ve seen lately, but I think that will be the price of shutting down Ignatius Rivers, and I don’t think he’s going to be a gamechanger like against Indy’s very suspect run D.
- Ron Rivera vs. BA – they did a good job against Indy, but our O (and line in particular) has been confused all year, I don’t think this week will be any worse.
- Difference in punting isn’t quite as bad as it seems – I did a fanpost about that a couple days ago
- Big Ben is definitely a question mark, but remember that he’s been coming up big at the end of contests… he’s a gamer.
- FWP actually had a really decent game against SD last time – they’ve probably tightened up a bit, but he’s super motivated, and I think he and Mewelde will do enough to keep us from getting totally one-dimensional.
im no tactician
just a dude with a website, but i feel very strongly about my analysis that Polamalu should be very free to make sure Sproles doesnt get a head of steam in space. You don’t make P miss. Sproles MAY have a few 8-12 yard runs. No more.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
right on
and a well-run website at that. It’s apparent where your heart is blitz. All objections are directed at Wickersham.
yea
but i was hoping not to sound like a whiny dbag blogger who rips apart articles. hehe.
thank you though! For the record, I thought his article sucked. But I didnt want to go down that route on the main page.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
it does indeed
but as i mentioned in a fanpost, we’ve got a book coming out this summer and there’s going to be some requests made by me of the organization and/or players – dont want too much vitriolic bs visible to kinda lump me in as just another angry guy with a platform to scream (in my underwear in my moms basement)
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Appreciated.
I like to read intelligent analysis of our team wihtout all of the "smack " and junk on other fan/sports site. I tried out Romes’ Jungle chat a few years ago, and it turned me off the whole blogging thing . That is until I found BTSC. Oh, and hey Blitz, I am going to start redesigning the webpage I pointed you to a few weeks ago. Can I shoot some ideas over to you for you to gander at? Should have some samples in a few days.
"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?
any time senor
GOod luck with that and no need to ever ask again, just email me and we’ll talk
behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com
or
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
good points both of you
and I hope you’re right. I just got a bad feeling about this game though, and usually my bad feelings prove to be accurate :( Although this year I’m 1 for 2! So maybe they’re not as accurate as they used to be.
by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Jan 10, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
now now
stop setting ureself up to not be disappointed. LETS HEAR SOME CONFIDENCE.
HERE WE GO STEELERS _______________ [CLAP CLAP]
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
random thought #2
How badass is BTSCs and SBN’s auto refresh commenting system?
No way a fun conversatino like this can happen if we had to hit refresh 100 times.
no doubt
it’s been really good for game threads too.
I just wish they’d get comment posting going on the mobile version.
yea
for all yall with dope phones, its something that needs to be done. its high on the agenda. and i think i posted that theyre expanding a bit to get a bit more manpower to finsih up some things
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
oh cool
ure a programmer. nice.
i dabble. but really only to design and build sites for overpaying bougie (ill use it once more) small business owners that can afford to be overcharged.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
i take no credit for that btw
Best tech team on the planet in terms of building a great proprietary platform for us fans. Wordpress and Blogger blow for conversation
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
the only way SD wins is if:
The steelers have more than 1 turnover and they score 7 points of of it.
BB is in a concussion fog and can’t do anything right.
The steeler D plays like swiss cheese.
These guys at ESPN and wherever else…they know the truth, but of course they need people to view their site and click their links, so they write stuff to get readers attn….even if it’s nonsense. No biggie…all the media does it…how else could they sell ad space?
Anyway. I’m not impressed with the chargers run over the last 5 games or whatever. I AM impressed with the steelers ability to win the tough games over the course of the season—-with no running game and a O line that is/was a work in progress.
There’s every reason to think that as long as BB’s head is ok from the concussion, the O will perform better than the whole season combined since FWP is near 100% and the O line is certainly improved. BB hasn’t been sacked nearly as much as he was in the the first 2/3’s of the season as he was in the last 1/3 or whatever.
good thoughts
i might disagree with the statement that the Chargers run hasnt been impressive.
It hasnt been overly impressive for sure, but winning 5 in a row in this league is tough. Forget about the past thought, those 5 wins mean they are sky high with confidence right now, even if they may be missing a guy or two.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
to follow up
even if those wins were against dumpy teams or came in a less than impressive fashion, in their minds theyre still streaking and we all know from having played sports at some point in our lives that so much of execution is just mental.
i personally dont think it will be enough because we shoudl be able to wear them down, but i wouldnt be overly surprised if they played well to start
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’m much more impressed with the steelers 5-win streak: SD, CIN, @NE, DAL, @BAL
Ideally they will come out and do the things that have worked for them down the stretch – and the steelers will stuff them. What will they do then? They haven’t had to adjust because the new “revitalized” chargers have not faced adversity. What is their plan B? The chargers are a resilient team, but the best thing about a team coming in on a high is that their confidence can drop so far. A first-half domination combined with the freezing temperatures and home crowd should allow the steelers to keep them down, but the steelers must come out strong.
Sure they won 5 in a row—-6 by beating the colts….but their opponents were’nt the toughest.
They may have confidence going into tomorrow vs the steelers…but how much will they have when they can’t score and Sproles is being banged around.
As far as Sproles goes…..let’s be serious here. He’s good sparkplug guy. If he was so great, then he’d be playing more. That’s just the truth. If he’s not as good as LT and LT couldn’t run vs the steelers, then Sproles is going to? I don’t think so!
And if Sproles can’t run, and he won’t…….then what will SD be able to do? Pass? Vs this secondary with Rivers on the run?? I don’t think so!
This game will probably be close——but if the steelers O picks it up a notch, expect at least 13 point victory.
I'M ROOTING FOR THE TRAINERS TODAY...
in the Ravens-Titans game.
A good hard-hitting game, featuring many bells rung and numerous body bags.
I want to see the trainers on the field. Repeatedly.
I hate to see anyone seriously injured, but anything that’s enough to keep them off the field for about ten days should suffice. For both teams, just in case.
Give me plenty of commercials. For injury time outs, that is.
“While the medical staff attends to (player’s name here), we’ll take this time out.”
lol
i couldn’t agree more. its not that i wish any long-term harm on anyone, but 10-14 days sounds just about right. i hope bal/ten knock the crap out of each other.
i would actually rather see the titans. i feel like we would have a better chance against them than balty. both of our games with balty have been very close and could have gone either way, given a little mistake here or there. we’ve proven all we need to in beating them twice. but with tenn, they beat us. then they stepped on the towel and wiped their snot on it. i think there is some real motivation/something to prove by a matchup with tenn. and, as a fan, i would take that one over the balty one. esp. if ray lewis and company can beat the crap out of them and leave us some sloppy seconds.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
Chargers wins
You should not need the Kansas City Chiefs to DROP a onside kick for you to make the playoffs.
Personally I thought they matched up with the Colts, and I thought the Colts were slightly fradulent as many of their wins were unconvincing less than 10 point margins against mostly poopy teams.
The Chargers. I hate em, they Stank! They’re gonna see me giving em the stank eye at the game too!
the key is definitely Big Boy's brain
hopefully we’ll have success on the ground because I do not want to see more than 20-25 passes tomorrow.
If we can get through this one with some confidence building for the QB we should be alright.
I’m still nervous as hell. I had a dream about the game just now before I woke up. I don’t remember anything except it was about the playoffs, but I woke up on edge. I have to make sure to get a fresh bottle of Jäger today. It worked for the cryboys…
and to jump into the food and geography discussion, I live in Tampa, a city without one single mexican to make good tacos. But I am chillin’ on the porch in shorts and a T, so it ain’t that bad.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
nice man
I was actually thinking about the Florida cats on here when the weather thing first got brought up.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
too bad I have to sit here and work until the games
I could really use a nice hike or beach walk until the game start to loosen up my mind a little bit.
I was thinking before how we have a good team and maybe next year our o-line will shore up and we’ll be unstoppable, but you never know what could happen. THIS is our chance. THIS is our time. We have to go out and take it NOW!
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO
Time is now Indeed!
But while we’re on the topic, I agree..we could be close to being dominant for a few years in a row.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Too bad baltimore is in our division. They could be tough for a few years if their defense sticks around, and it will even without Ray-ray nowadays.
i think they are going to decline
If not next year, in a few years time. I think this is their best shot at at a title. This year.
They have to let Ray go if he wants top dollar. I’ll be VERY curious to see what he decides to do. That team cant afford to overpay him, not with their paucity of offensive weapons. A lot like Joey Porter and we all know now that we’re a better team because we’re not so committed financially to Porter, even if he can still play, which lewis will be able to do for a few more years for sure.
This is Baltimore’s time – kinda makes me a bit more scared of them now that i think more about it.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
This will be short
’cause reading you guys have made me hungry and thirsty.
1. It’s not BA vs Rivera; It’s Tomlin/LeBeau vs. Norv Turner. this guy must have pictures on someone, cause you can’t name anyone with more coaching opportunities and less to show for it in this league. He and Wannestadt (Pitt) are two of the biggest ex-Cowboys, underachieving ‘geniuses’ you’d ever want to see. On the other hand; I think Tomlin has been pointing to this moment since last January. It’s important to get a least that first playoff win. I think this team may kick it up to notch that no one has seen this year. Just a personal belief.
2. The November game was a bigger deal for the Chargers than it was for Pittsburgh. Their backs were against the wall and the Steelers were considered a high quality opponent. on the other hand were in the meat of their death march of a schedule (last week the Colts, this week the Chargers, next week the Klingons…), just the next guys up. No telling what may happen when we take to time to actually focus on an opponent.
3. The Chargers, like all west coast teams, are a bit questionable when they have to play in the Eastern time zone particularly in January.
4. For the first time since Houston we are reasonably healthy. (Great how that worked out) and they’re not.
5. If we lose because of Rivers, LT or Gates I can understand that, but if we’re taken down by the “Shetlin Pony” as Prime Time calls him, then we deserve to suffer.
6.Avoid turnovers and Splash plays by the Bolts, game over.
7. Win this game, pray for carnage in Tennessee
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Jan 10, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions
Thoughts after reading this thread
1. I hope it snows like dandruff from a high school band teacher tomorrow, but even if it doesn’t, I really believe we can win this one with just a creditable showing from Ben. He doesn’t need to be spectacular, he just needs to show up and the defense will do the rest.
2. If he wants to be spectacular, I’ll take that too.
3. I’d actually like to see the Titans win, because a little payback is in store after their disrespectful treatment of the Towel a couple of weeks ago. Also, facing the Ravens for the third time in the same year? Just really rather not.
4. Whatever bar in West Philly served underage kids, I’ve probably been in it, so I wonder which one in particular you might have been referring to, Blitz?
Go Stillers.
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 10, 2009 3:10 PM EST reply actions
hahaha
first of all, nicely done on point #1 – like dandruff from a HS band teacher. Can’t say I’ve heard that before but I like. Kudos.
as for pt #4 – it wasn’t a ‘bar’ per se so much as your typical west philly pizza/cheesesteaks/take out beers place. it was on 43rd in between walnut and spruce – called Pasquallys. Total dump but it was close to where I lived on Walnut and as I mentioned served us all. They got a ton of fines over the years but I brought the proprietors daughter candy a few times and was taken care of for a few years in exchange.
did you live in the area for awhile?
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I did live there...
Right there, actually, at 44th and Walnut. And the site you mention obviously has a long and glorious history of serving… let’s just say the youth of America. Before it was Pasqually’s, it was a hole-in-the-wall called Walsh’s and many a night was spent … Well, anyway, good times. I made it to the White Dog a few times too, but the 50 cent hot dogs and $2.50 pitchers at Walsh’s were more in my price range.
On a more football-y note, this something I never thought I’d say, but I am actually rooting for the Eagles (there, it’s out, can’t take it back now!) tomorrow. I would ever-so-much enjoy a rematch with them this year!!! I think we have some scores to settle after the first time, with them making our o-line look like a bunch of big girls’ blouses!
Finally, there is Magic Hat in my fridge, awaiting kickoff, but thanks to you lot, I might have to first venture out in the suck weather to get some green chiles and put together a green chile stew. Whoever’s the New Mexico dweller — I seriously envy your ready proximity to green chile and sopapillas!
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 10, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
nice
Nice. I wonder when it became Pasqually’s. I’m trying to not very coyly figure out when you lived at 44th and Walnut, since it’s never polite to ask a female her age :)
2) Deffo for the Eagles as well. I want that rematch too!
3) enjoy making the stew – sounds like a great saturday afternoon activity.
PS Keep up the splendid use of similes – HS band teachers dandrruff; big girls blouses. Fresh!
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
don't live there any more
but I haven’t lost my taste for green chile – get it from the old country when I can ;)
find a good potato soup recipe and add green chile to it – that’s some gooooood eating
when i was of age
i went to la terrasse for my yuengling pints a little bit more east next to white dog. not exactly ‘west philly’ but anyway. cool bar tenders there and at one time, very good food. changed chefs and management around 2004 and the food went south in the bar area but still good beers and not too many of the obnoxious drunk Penn peeps that were at all the other campus places.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
lol
1. I hope it snows like dandruff from a high school band teacher tomorrow,
AWESOME.
"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?
this thread
All went bonkers when I decided to say I was craving a breakfast taco.
Random food statement #2 from me – don’t ever rub your eyes after cutting jalapenos. Made an omeltte and did just that. The oil on my fingers just got in my eyes a bit ago and it was a pretty damn intense pain that I’ve never quite experienced in my eyes. lol.
hahaha
been there – only with the crushed red peppers like on pizza. thought my eyes were going to rupture.
ouch
Man, the oil from jalapenos is some kind of intense. I thought i was going to be blind. Nobody here at my place at the moment so nearly impossible to put drops in my eyes too. Was comical. But didnt think so at the time.
by Michael Bean on Jan 10, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
That's where pepper gas and pepper spray come from!
The active ingredient…capsicum…is what makes peppers hot.
I’ll never forget my visit to the McIlhenny Company in New Iberia, LA. They’re the Tabasco people. And they opened a barrel of pepper mash that had been aging for three years. I’ve never smelled anything so overpowering (but great) in all my life.
Microscopic bits of that tabasco vapor lodged deep in my sinuses, and every time I went from a warm car to a chilly outdoors, I would smell another hit of Tabasco. At the Popeye’s in Morgan City, at the Rent-a-Car return in New Orleans, and even when I got off the plane at Washington National Airport and went outside to get a cab, I smelled “fresh” tabasco. For eight hours, I was getting tabasco flashbacks when the deep sinus passages opened or closed.
I guess the secret is to keep those peppers out of your eyes and sinuses, and on your scrambled eggs.
new thread
i have one all cued up. shoudl i post it? this ones been entertaining, hate to leave it. but if anybody else wants to talk about this game, i just have to hit two clicks of the mouse and its up.
Hey all
Raven Defense looking mediocre
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Jan 10, 2009 5:51 PM EST reply actions
My Bad
Meant to put this on the other post.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Jan 10, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
A Little Chargers Perspective
1) Antonio Gates was an absolute beast against Indy last week. You know why? Because this is the healthiest he’s been all year. His toe issues from the playoffs last year made him almost a non-factor during the regular season this year. Although he has a high ankle sprain, last week was the closest we saw to the real Gates. I know Indy’s defense is softer than yours against TEs, but you cannot discount his 8 catches for 87 yards. He’s going to be a big part of the offense today.
2) Sproles. I understand that the people here are not Chargers fans. And as non-Chargers fans, it’s logical to think that we’re just going to plug Sproles in LT’s place and continue to run up the gut. We’re not. That’s stupid. We’re going to do things with Sproles that LT wasn’t able to do this year. We’ll throw a lot of screens….A LOT OF SCREENS….to try and slow down the blitz and keep Harrison busy with something besides killing Rivers. Nobody is expecting another 300 yard game from Sproles with a game winning touchdown. We’re hoping for 70 yards on about 15 carries, mixed with 50 or so yards on 5 or 6 receptions. He’s really good at twisting, diving and jumping to make himself slippery and just barely get the first down. We’re going to need him to do that 4 or 5 times to keep our drives alive.
3) We’re going to win with defense and Rivers. That’s not to say we’re going to win. In my head this game is a pick ‘em, but the 6 points are there because LT is hurt, and Pittsburgh is home playing a cold game against a warm-weather team. Anyways, what I’m saying is IF we win it’s going to be because of outstanding defense on our part and a really good game by Rivers. We know this. This is why we’re not looking for Sproles to take over. This game is going to be about the offensive line getting Rivers enough time to hit Gates over the middle, maybe Vincent Jackson down the field (he’s going to be extra motivated because this game is probably his last chance to try and get a big contract next year) and his other slew of characters with their talents (Chambers on the sideline, Sproles on the checkdown, etc).
….Outside of the first two things on that ESPN list (Sproles getting a lot of touches and LT not playing), the other things feel like advantages for the Chargers to me.
-The second meeting between a defense and QB favors the QB. So you’re saying our most important player is probably going to have a better game this time rather than last time? Awesome. Also, don’t forget that since we last played the Steelers our defense has been completely overhauled.
-Rivers has been on fire with Ben playing just well enough to win. How does that benefit the Steelers? You basically just said “Rivers has been great, Ben has been mediocre but has won because of a great defense.” I agree with that statement. I agreed with it BEFORE the concussion (Ben’s 4th of his career, btw). I see our QB being better than yours as an advantage for us, but that’s just me.
-The football gods are paying back the snakebitten Chargers. Okay. I’ll take all the luck I can get. How’s us being lucky as of late a bad thing? I guess you’re presuming this is the game that our luck runs out. I don’t know where the basis of that is. I’d rather be the team that’s been lucky for the last 5 weeks rather than the team playing them. Especially if the team itself doesn’t believe that luck is the reason they’re here.
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