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AFC Jibber Jabber and Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers Open Thread

Mbean_tiny by Blitzburgh on Comment 353 comments

Not sure too many of us really care what happens tonight, but there's only 6 games of NFL football left in the 2008 season. I imagine some of y'all may watch even with zero rooting interest. Hey, Arizona is Steelers West, so if you're so inclined cheer on Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm and a bunch of other castaways like Sean Morey and Clark Haggans as they travel to Carolina to take on Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith and the two headed rushing attack of the Panthers.

More importantly though - let the giddy anticipation of tomorrow's game and talk about that wacky and ugly prize fight between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans continue on here. Congratulations to Baltimore for doing the improbable - bouncing back from a sub par 2007 to make the AFC title game under the direction of a 1st year coach and rookie QB.

Impressive stuff, but let's be real for a second: Baltimore got owned in today's game. 391 yards for the Titans. Just 211 for the Ravens. 3 red zone turnovers did in Tennessee today; a 4th turnover on downs well inside Baltimore territory only added to their frustrating day finishing off drives. 12 penalties for well over 100 yards never help either.  Remember how we only scored 11 points on well over 400 total yards of offense against the Chargers? This was that game for Tennessee. Very good to brilliant execution for 90 % of the game; but catastrophic for 5 snaps and 12 penalties and all the good gets counterfeited in a hurry.

We'll see what comes out in the early week injury reports - provided we even care and haven't lost to the Chargers tomorrow - but the early prognosis is one of carnage. Terrell Suggs, Samari Rolle - both went down to injury. LeRon McClain and OT Willie Anderson as well. I have no information as of now so will just say that both teams absolutely beat the tar out of each other all day. For Baltimore, the big hits too often came after big gains for Tennessee.  Fill each other in when possible as information becomes available.

Anyway..

Boy oh boy have the stars aligned for the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers. There are two teams standing in our way from a trip to the Super Bowl - an 8-8 SD team without two of its best offensive play makers; and a Baltimore team that's beat up on defense and clearly not that impressive on offense unless given multiple opportunities vis a vis turnovers.

For those who wanted revenge at Tennessee - that's all fine and well. I will say though that I'm more inclined to understand if the reason is derived from wanting to get payback for the showboating the Titans enjoyed at the Steelers expense in victory. But if you want Pittsburgh to have the best possible path towards glory - wow, I couldn't feel more strongly that this was the ideal development for the Steelers.

Baltimore's tough, but what we saw Tennessee do today offensively in between the 20s was pretty darn impressive. Kerry Collins was precise; Chris Johnson was running wild; Justin Gage looked like Jerry Rice; and once more their offensive line was dominant. They owned the Ravens for most of the night opening up gaping running lanes and protecting Collins in the pocket. It may have been a product of fatigue in Week 15, but the Tittans tackles pretty much silenced Woodley and Deebo. Harrison of course got his sack, but it was a tough day at the office for them. Baltimore's offensive line vs. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. Yes Please!,

Baltimore on the other hand was shaky running the ball. Flacco didn't get anything going outside of one bomb early and a few FG drives. More importantly though, this Ravens defense is not as scary as people make it out to be. You have to give them credit for both forcing and pouncing on those fumbles, but you still can't dismiss the fact that the Titans did whatever the hell they wanted to all day long, particularly in the first half before Chris Johnson got injured. This was highway robbery by the Ravens but hey, they created some of those breaks for themselves and took advantage. When they needed it most, Flacco delivered and stayed collected under pressure. He and Baltimore live to see another day somehow. It's been an amazing season for them and they are certainly capable of playing better than they did today next week.

But we've all but shut them out the first two meetings. LeRon McClain was about the only Ravens player to have any sort of offensive success in the second game, but it's not clear yet if he is going to be avaiable or at 100%.

Discuss away. I'm so excited I can't even describe it, but of course, there's this little thing called a football game that we must win tomorrow before moving on to the ultimate potential match up a week from now. A winner-take-all finale against the hated Ravens. In our house. I must resist writing about why this is such an ideal development outside of that pesky but often perilous thing called revenge. I sure hope I get a chance to though tomorrow evening or early Monday.

Please, please Steelers..take care of business tomorrow against a team you're physically superior to. Everything has broken just right. It'd be a shame to at least not get to the final showdown.

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After watching so much college football during the bowls, I must state the obvious and say

NFL Football is FAR superior to the college game. OMG, NFL football is awesome. I don’t know how I’m gonna make it until tomorrow.

by houksyndrome on Jan 10, 2009 8:16 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed

there can be ugly moments..but the games are so close, so tightly contested; so many good individual moments within the games. Love the format and drama of the playoffs. Not one brain cell of mine has been devoted to thinking how ‘unfair’ itd be if we were to lose to BAL. No argument about ‘cheapening the regular season’ coming from me. Sure its hard to win 3x in a row. But we won twice for a reason and the third time would potentially be at our house. Tasty.

Sad the seasons almost over. Im horrified of prospect of no football as of tomorrow evening.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:20 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I mean no matter what happens tomorrow (or next week if we get that far)

For me, this has been the most exciting and enjoyable year of Steeler football in my life. That stretch where we Beat NE, Dallas and Baltimore all in a row was just amazing. Every game comes down to inches and milliseconds – I guess not so much the NE game ;)

by houksyndrome on Jan 10, 2009 8:23 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Potentially?"

If we beat SD (please God please) then it’s in Steel Town.

(No disrespect meant)

by Romain El 82 on Jan 10, 2009 8:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What would happen

If we diss them too much? Do you think our conversation can have an effect on what happens in the game tomorrow? Do we have that much power?

by worldtrip on Jan 10, 2009 8:29 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ok enough

we’ve heard you say that a few times. leave people be.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:30 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yea for the time being

OL coach and Asst head coach. He could get hired somewhere though as early as this week if the Cards lose. His names been thrown around lots.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that stop was huge

Ill say it still even with it 7-0. I think this games going to be close till the end. Another long drive though by Carolina on that previous one would have been devastating. Turned the field though field postiion wise and are in bizness. Had to avoid a big early hole though and it looks like theyre off the brink of disaster for now.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:37 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i hate the NFL pass interference rule

Teams should throw up jump balls deep much more often. sich high reward for little risk

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:51 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am on the fence

On the one hand, offenses get the benefit of being able to draw huge PI gains on dubious jump balls. Then again, there are times when the defender is beat for a TD and basically tackles the WR to prevent a 50 yard TD. Plays like that should get the full 50 yard penalty IMO and not just 15 yards.

by houksyndrome on Jan 10, 2009 8:54 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

worst case it’s usually like a punt

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 8:55 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AFC playoffs...

Ok, now the steelers have homefield advantage with two beat up teams in their way.

If they don’t get it done now… then they don’t deserve to make it to the SB. I am hoping the football gods shine nicely on us tomorrow… as an 8-8 team should not be able to host a AFCCG. And not to mention, NFL fans would love to see a Steelers/Ravens AFCCG.

Lets get revenge tomorrow for 94! Lets go Steelers!

AND BTW… I just saw a Terrible Towel at the Carlolina/AZ game! LOL

by Danto85 on Jan 10, 2009 8:55 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha

ure right, if SD wins theyd be the first team ever i think to be 8-8 and hosting a title game.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:06 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

omg

goal line turnover. unreal. they get too far behind, they cant use that running game. upset alert!!!!!!!!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm definitely rooting for the cards in this one

like kurt warner, some ex-steelers there, and oh yeah, I htink we match up with them pretty well :)

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 8:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

its probably not good in some totally speculative sense for AZ to beat CAR. Gives winner of PHI/NYG likely cake walk in title game before meeting us in SB :)

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:07 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also

The cardinals can’t go to the superbowl cause I have a rather disgusting bet with a friend of mine that we made before the season started where I said the cards would not go to the super bowl.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jan 10, 2009 9:09 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh shit man

you may be in trouble. if philly wins, they host the eagles. Theyre dangerous as anybody at home. Whats the bet!!???!!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:08 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and if i were a betting man

which i occasionally am, id take the eagles in a heart beat tomorrow. my thoughts make me like how they matchup with them and i think new yorks not going to have enough offense to do much sans plax. nobody worthy of double teaming in giants wrs.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:09 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But out of the choices that we have, I think I’d like to see Carolina the least. I don’t mind the idea of a rematch vs either NY or Philly, and Arizona making it would be of course a best-case and highly unlikely scenario.

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:10 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would love

To play philly again, Our Line has improved so much that I think we could really have a good game witht hem

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jan 10, 2009 9:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you get the feeling

the rooneys couldn’t have gone wrong between tomlin, whiz, or grimm?

by worldtrip on Jan 10, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

definitely all are good canidates

but I think they made a really good choice. Tomlin relates to the players in a way you don’t see much…

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Grimm...

I remember in the Tribune-Review after Tomlin was hired, I forget which writer it was (Joe Starkey?) made the good point Grimm probably would have run a rather Neanderthal offense. Although I highly doubt we’d be seeing the mistakes along the o-line we’ve been seenng…

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:03 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

definitely not the same OLIne mistakes

But who knows about special teams; who knows about guys like William Gay, McFadden, Ike going to the next level; Clark playing high caliber mistake free football. Pros and cons.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:04 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who knows indeed

But with the job they are doing in AZ, seems like whoever Rooney picked we’d be singing their praises.

by worldtrip on Jan 10, 2009 9:06 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No Argument

I just often wonder what would have happened. Would Ben and Whiz have co-existed? Would the defense be this historic had Whiz or Grimm gotten the job? Seems like Whiz didn’t have much faith in Ben, so who knows… maybe we’d still be seeing a Neanderthal offense if he were running the show.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:07 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh man

carolinas in trouble. cant let AZ think they can win. Whiz will step on the gas too not get conservative. this is gotta be scary if u like CAR

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:02 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great job Blitz today

Greetings Steeler fans. Great job today Blitz in analyzing the Ravens’ win. Totally agreed with your analysis, starting early in the game with the Titans wasting scoring opportunities to the final summation of how this would be a better matchup for the Steelers next weekend. Ravens were outplayed by a wide margin but did just enough to take home the gift victory. Basically, they had five or six positive offensive plays all day and their defense gave up nearly 400 yards to a team that lost its biggest weapon late in the first half. Baltimore also lost a starting OT (Anderson), a starting CB got dinged and their power RB got banged up and was ineffective. If you get in Flacco’s face, he is not going to complete many passes. Tomorrow I’m expecting a convincing Steelers’ win (something like 23-6) to set up a strikeout of the Ravens next weekend. As for Ariz-Carolina, despite the shaky start for the Panthers and my respect for Warner-Fitzgerald, I think the Panthers get things together and grind out a win by 10-plus points. Keep up the good work!

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jinx free zone

I am not going to predict anything.. but it would be reallly neat if the Steelers won tomorrow. A matchup with the Raven for a SB berth would be epic.

This might be the best road the steelers will ever get to the SB we can not throw this away!

by Danto85 on Jan 10, 2009 9:10 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

howdy senor

thanks!

yeah i really felt like BAL was going to win before halftime even with all that disparity in productivity. Thought TN would slow down offensively in the 2nd half after Rex Ryan made some adjustments at half, but to my surprise, TN kept slicing and dicing them. Couldnt believe it. Of course the turnovers AGAIN in the 2nd half did them in. That loss is going to haunt TEN and its fans for a loooooong time. BAL did next to nothing other than punt the ball and cover kicks well and not get too many penalties in the few critical and sustaining drives/moments of the game for them.

Hope youre right about tomorrow. Sounds like a score I coud live with. I’ll give the Chargers a cheap TD somewhere though, 23-13

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:11 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

serious respect to the cards

for coming out swinging in a big way

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fitzgerald is so good

Panthers look a little rusty after the bye; the Cardinals are playing to their strengths and built up some momentum last week in their first meaningful game in a month. Here’s a question: Who is the NFL’s best receiver: Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald or Steve Smith?

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:19 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sheesh

not sure. all are so sick and all have tiny knocks on them for injury reasons. not sure how u can differentiate. id take fitzgerald over them all though i think. but i really think hes helped a ton by having Q play with him. AZ needs to pay him and use this window to win now if Warner played next year. They have some cap space for a few other vital pieces but i think people dismiss too quickly what Q does for Fitz and vice versa.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:12 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and really

theres no major injury concerns. theyre all 1 a. b. c.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:13 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jeez

did GM spend all their bailout money on chevy commercials? this is getting ridiculous

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chevy commercials and corporate jets I guess.

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:14 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did they really say

that fitzgerald is already over 200 yrds?

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:16 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they’re hardly covering the guy!! this is strange

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:17 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They didnt change anything

when they figured out Boldin wasnt playing, Im not convinced with what Arizona is doing I think that Carolina will come out next half and put the smack on them.

by Wichita SunSteeler on Jan 10, 2009 9:19 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ah thanks mis-heard

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:17 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

typical Whiz

expected to be passing, goes to the run more than almost anytime all year in a first half.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

back from dinner

Fitzgerald is amazing.

But I would go for it on 4th and 1

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOO!

mistake there. Just like it was a mistake for Fisher to not go for it on 4th and 1 from 10 yard line with 5 minutes left. Had momentum, could have forced BAL to score TD to win it. Even if they dont get it, theres 5 minutes, they had a time out or two, and field position in their favor.

against us, fisher went for the jugular and they buried us. didnt today and it cost him.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:22 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow, the announcer’s harsh. “You’re not expected to be here…”

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you have the best receiver in the game

let him make a play underneath or in the flat

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

eh

if you believe in momentum, you keep it going your way with the FG, and lose some confidence if you do get stuffed…

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

simple statistics say go for it 100% of the time there imo

but for some reason, conservatism reigns supreme over simple math based logic. it will change eventually in the game of football, but sheesh, doesnt look like anytime soon.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:24 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good Call

In no way do you give Carolina a chance to get the momentum back

by Jett on Jan 10, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two CAR TDs

and the score is 21-20

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:23 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and that kick return is why you go for it

he had a long one to start the game

but there goes Delhomme with a bad play

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thats why you kick the FG

Another INT, carolina has no confidenc

by Jett on Jan 10, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahaha

well hell, if theyre going to suck it up, doesnt much matter!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:25 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think fisher blew it earlier too

as i wrote above. but whatever, no sense in 2nd guessing cuz clearly theres an overriding philosophy that permeates the game – its not based in any sort of logical thinking at all or strategic thinking. i really dont get it.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Housework

It’s 7 – 0, and Carolina looks dominant, so I get up to do some housework. I come back 30 minutes later and it’s 17-7 Arizona… oy.

Go Wiz!

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

People Said...

Arizona was the worst team to get into the playoffs. Look at them now. This is why you never take teams for granted come playoff time. Including San Diego.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

from your lips to the Steelers’ ears.

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:27 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I certainly do hope they are watching.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:27 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

omg

are they really going to bury CAR in the 1st half! TD HERE, GO GO GO!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lots of time of course

but carolinas only really such a dangerous team when they get to run it time and time again, then go deep on play action. theyre in a world of trouble now if they have to abandon the run more than they want. lots of time though.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:27 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what color is his hair? his eyes? does he like italian food and long walks on the beach?

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:30 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha

anybody like the movie fletch?

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:30 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HELL NO

my favorite movie too.

recite every line start to finsih..

buenos dias…puffy taco.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

been meaning to email u anyway

have a question for u..will do so after the season.

pleased i have a fellow fletch fanatic…expect random fletch quote inserts from me in posts. u better notice them :)

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:33 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mooooon Riiiiver

Using the whole fist there doc?

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Jan 10, 2009 10:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha

‘ever served time?’

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:17 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe i want carolina

to score here and make it respectable so we can see more passes to Fitz.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:29 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Look how fired up the Cards are. You can definitely tell Whiz learned a few motivational tactics from Mr. Cowher.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he kinda looks like a lost love child of woody harrelsons dad

so he has a wild side perhaps that needs to be unleashed :)

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HA HA

Never made the correlation.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

once he learns the Chin Move he’ll be set

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moore was great at OSU

Played for Mike Riley at Oregon State and had a couple of great seasons. Not drafted in 97, signed and cut by Cowboys.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cards Need to Make a Mistake

If Carolina is going to get back into this game… not that I want them to.

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

me neither

carolina’s run game + steve smith scare me. I think our deebo + woodley can really get after warner if it came to that.

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

counting your chickens already?

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear you. I would rather play the Cards then any other team left in the NFC.

by PaulMorel on Jan 10, 2009 9:37 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anything can happen, would you not agree?

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 9:36 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i see no reason to think that CAR will snap out of it

all its going to take is 1 score from AZ in second half and this is history. i hope they go for pts here

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

too much faith in whiz

and too much experience for warner to do anything dumb. its going to take a 1/30 or so miracle for a comeback. AZ can just about shut the door to start the 2nd half – get ball to open. 17 points aint much, considering AZ has given up shittons of points on multiple occassions this year. But the offense looks pretty damn unflappable and the running game is doing just enough to keep the chains moving.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:38 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

panthers are much better than this

But they’re shell-shocked. They’ll make it close in the second half once they realize their season is 30 minutes from termination. Cards aren’t going to the Super Bowl regardless but I would like our chances against another NFC West team.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:37 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

no joke. cant see AZ winning in the frigid NE where record snows coming perhaps.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:39 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wrong position for stats

MLBs in 34s get tons more tackles

and he doesnt get to rush the QB and get sacks like the 43 LBs who are blitzing all the time. just lazyness from the media as per usual.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:40 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hehe

Dunno, but our own Troy P got an All Pro selection when he didnt really deserve it.

Maybe theyre scared Lewis will hunt them down.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:42 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You didn’t think Troy deserved an All-Pro selection this year?!

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no no

Not 2008 Troy P.

2007 Troy P.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2008 has been amazing

Was curious if someone was going to think i meant this year. just saying in 06 and 07 he wasnt the same as he was in 05 and 08 but he got same accolades

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:46 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh

I was gonna say :)

And I totally agree. He got his All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections based on reputation those years. But this year has only solidified the reason he has that reputation.

by Hines Ward on Jan 10, 2009 9:47 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

his crazy california medicine ball workouts sure did the trick. Send him there every summer Mike T!

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:49 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no kidding

maybe it is because Delhomme is terrible

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:45 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Smith regular season

rec. 72, 1421 yds and missed the first two games because he was playing Mike Tyson’s Punchout

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:48 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Whiz

I am kind of proud that the Whiz is doing so well w/ the Cardinals. I really miss his offensive play calling but I am really happy that the Whiz has found success in Arizona.

by Vtechnwn on Jan 10, 2009 9:44 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

definitely..

love big game coaches. thats whiz.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:45 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow

that was super close to another 3 points.

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 9:48 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Exactly

If Tennessee scores on the same opportunities that Arizona did, it would have been over at halftime by about the same score.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:50 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not really

was one of the better games they played all year – except when they got to the redzone. EVERYTHING was clicking for them though until it was time to finsih the drives. 400 yards against Baltimore is no joke, even if i dont think theyre in the same class as our defense.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:54 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i was thinking penalties and turnovers

other than that they moved the ball well and played good D

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 9:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

def huge parts of the game

difference makers.

guess why they say its a game of inches. cliched but very true. two or three plays taints an otherwise dominant day. instead theyre out and labeled as awful. fine line. we better be ready to FINISH drives and the game tomorrow!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes

no getting stopped on the goal line with a 4th down Gary Russell run.

can we please work it to Heath in the Red zone??

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wasnt just turnovers

Even with the huge turnover different Tennessee could have won. Their D had a chance to get the game into overtime and didn’t get the job done. Turnovers are not as misleading a statistic as yards that don’t produce points.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:04 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dont they go hand in hand

Yards that lead to no points often do so b/c of turnovers?

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:04 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not always

Settling for FGs instead of TDs, being sacked out of FG range, turning the ball over on downs … What you do at the end of drives is always more important than what gets you in scoring position.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:08 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

makes sense

I still think TN is the far more capable offensive team. Much much better up front. Collins has clearly been in a rhythm. Would have not liked our chances in that game in Nashville.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:10 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

totally agree

If Tennessee had won by a score reflecting the game, it would have presented a pretty formidable task to go in there and win. Not impossible of course but a much tougher prospect than the one laid out now.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:12 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

rather

not liked our chances nearly as much.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:10 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is an egg-laying performance of epic proportions

So much for coming out fired up for the second half, or with a good offensive series scripted to start things off.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:18 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Same for Carolina

This is by far their worst game of the year, perhaps not a coincidence they were both surprise division winners, coming off great seasons, and then had a bye

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CAR is befuddling.

TEN not so much. They played well just killed themselves at the wrong time. Carolina is just awful tonight. Turnovers again are everything, but TENs at least were not just sloppy BS like what were seeing from Delhomme. I thought some of those fumbles were just more bad luck. Also very rare to fumble 3 times and lose all 3. Wouldnt have taken too much more for them to still win even with all those penalties and mistakes.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 9:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Panthers had 18 official plays

In the first half. Nine passes, nine runs. Arizona had 39 plays, including 20 runs.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

12-10 steelers,
20-17 eagles

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 10:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the Steelers will win, if not comfortably.

They have the #1 defense and have the luxury of Mother Nature on their side. Also, I refuse to believe Norv Turner is a competent coach. As long as the Steelers establish the run while stopping the Chargers’ (AKA Sproles), it’s in the bag, because it is not a game for passing tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Steelers members trolling on the Titans blog is not cool.

PLAYOFFS?!

by SSreporters on Jan 10, 2009 9:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

im not the internet police

he knows hes not really welcome to speak for btsc thats for sure. totally lame but not my issue. hes not really a community member here.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ive been kinda impressed by Norv

the past month. especially last week. thought he called a good game.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:00 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he's 2-0 vs Tony Dungy too

Money talks! Hes going to need a great game plan tomorrow.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

past is the past

tiny sample sizes. Not enough to make any conclusions.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:07 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

need Ben to snap out of it and forget everything about the regular season

and just play smart and confident – hes totally capable of turning on that ‘switch’. just havent seen it often enough. here’s hoping we will tomorrow. dissected SD last game.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:08 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FIRST and foremost

The idiot posting smack over at the Titans site should be banned from all of the blogs. What an imbecile. Second, I could not help thinking that the same thing could happen to us tomorrow if we don’t protect the football. Run all over SD and lose because we couldn’t hold the rock. I thought B-more looked unimpressive today. And why did they interview Flacco after the game? Is it now fashionable to put guys on camera that “manage the game”? (Boy do I hate that saying).

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Jan 10, 2009 10:11 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that was a nice catch

fairly lucky and risky throw by flacco.

and that play shouldnt have counted- game clock expired!

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:14 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

i can’t believe they didn’t wave it off

back judge fell asleep, i guess

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:14 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would say

adequate and darn lucky. That no call on the delay of game was vital, and Heap had a heck of a catch.

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Jan 10, 2009 10:14 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

all good

didn’t clayton come up with a huge grab on that last drive??

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:16 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought it was Heap

But I could be mistaken.

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Jan 10, 2009 10:17 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

both had big catches

heap over the middle

clayton on the near side line i think

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:21 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they made the plays they had towhen they had to

thats why u cant leave points on the board like that time and time again. Pros are too good not to take advantage. But really other than a few moments they sucked.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:18 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha

there goes that. wow, great play indeed.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:22 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More interception return yards than passing yards

Delhomme has thrown for 3x as many yards to Arizona players as Panthers. 24 net yards passing, 72 yards in interception return yards.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:25 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a ton of FGs, but at this point it doesn’t really matter.

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CAR

is lucky they dont have 40 on them. took their foot off the gas before half; could have gone for it on 4th and 1 deep. that stalled drive. this could be SILLY ugly. Still conceivably time to get back in it.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:28 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

by silly ugly you mean:

44-6 cough cough???

that was a fun game to watch : )

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:29 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its ugly enough

The whole 4th down debate is a good one but i don’t disagree with Whisenhunt adding on points when he had (has) the opportunity. Going for it on fourth down also gives the other team a chance to come up with a momentum changing play. But you’re right, it could be worse. Panthers are down by 3 scores and can still mount a comeback, strange as that sounds.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was the timing of it

Wasnt clear then that the game was going to get out of hand like this. A bit later I would say take the pts, but at 14-7 and down at the 10 yard line with a chance to really get a cushion, I like the decision to go.

I just harken back to the Titans game against us. Fisher didnt take the points when he could because he saw a chance to go for the kill. That was different i guess tho, much later in the game.

anyway..

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:35 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Every situation is different

Hard to come up with a common denominator for all fourth down plays. So much depends on what the coach is feeling on the sidelines about the likelihood of success, whether its 2 feet or 12 feet, and the impact that failure or success might have on the game.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:39 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Delhomme is garbage

when i look at him, i am really thankful for Ben Roethlisberger

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:35 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow, there’s a play by 43

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:37 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow

delay of game immediately at the 0 in this game
and flacco gets 2-3 seconds

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 10:46 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

unbelievable. Am I dreaming?

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nope

he is pretty much terrible tonight

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:47 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

owch

feeling bad for delhomme

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 10:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh well

he gets to take his coon dog out hunting now

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:48 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I’ll take 4. I don’t see him throwing another, but stranger things have happened

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:48 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what game was that when Romo threw 6 INTs? was that in the playoffs or in regular season?

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:49 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

reg season

vs. the bills. and they still won i think. or had a chance to win.

mannning had 6 ints against SD and lost on missed FG at buzzer

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:50 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

after jauron tried to ice him

by acrollet on Jan 10, 2009 10:52 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that was one of the first Cowboy games I was down in TX for… now I remember. people were kinda reserved about that win.

Brandona

by PrimantisStillersNAt on Jan 10, 2009 10:54 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

65 % on Car vs. spread

51% on Ari ML and 63 % on the over 48

by ZnJersey on Jan 10, 2009 10:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

people will just double down next week

whoever the cards face :)

wonder if they can exorcise all their demons and win a snow game on the east coast, and make a SB. would anyone watch the SB if it was BAL-AZ?? I mean everyone watches the SB, but that might have the least national appeal of any game possible. Though i suppose the media would have a 2 week hard on for Warner

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:56 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think there'd be interest in seeing an AZ superbowl

They haven’t won in the SB era. Their last championship was 1947 or something like that.

May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.

by juperee on Jan 10, 2009 10:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

probably some. better than say the rams i guess.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:59 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And all those bettors ...

Were counting their winnings when it was 7-0 Carolina 3 minutes into the game.

by steeler.lifer on Jan 10, 2009 10:55 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We run a pool in our family

Just me, the hubby, and the two young teenage boys, but I put down the Ravens to win and the Cards to win. But all we play for is a pack of unopened football cards, and I also had the Colts making it to the AFC game, so I won’t be winning anyway.

May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.

by juperee on Jan 10, 2009 11:02 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well you were 2-0 today, two huge road upsets.

that should be worth a different prize of some sort? Cant mom’s make up rules as they go?? Surely, they can.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 11, 2009 12:30 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jeez arizona

how about calling some running plays?

by tdp992 on Jan 10, 2009 10:56 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

seriously

just freaking run the clock out. at this point its time to sacrifice the 2 minutes of clock over anything else.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 10, 2009 10:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs