Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Diego Chargers - 2nd Half Open Thread
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:14 PM EST
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PrintWe asked for a productive day running the football against a beat up Chargers team. So far so good. Outside of San Diego's exquisite opening drive, the defense has been acceptable. They were shortchanged by the fake punt, and have certainly bent a fair amount, but lots of credit belongs to Norv Turner's game plan and the Chargers offense. Look for Lawrence Timmons (my guess) or someone on defense to make a game changing play in the second half. Where has Polamalu been by the way?
On offense, like he has so many times in the past, Ben delivered in the 2 minute drill, hitting Hines Ward on a gorgeously thrown ball inside the San Diego 20. Don't get too fooled by the offense only having 73 yards before that final drive. After it we have 143, the same as San Diego. We of course had one fewer offensive drive because Holmes took one to the house on a punt return.
This is a great game so far. And at the risk of jinxing anything, I think we're in great shape to put them away in the 2nd half and advance on to meet the Ravens next weekend.
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great first half steelers.
we get the ball back to open the second.
running game is solid?
who thinks Bruce will turn Ben loose?
Oh come on, steeler fans!
I am hanging here with this typed, waiting for a Steeler to be “FIRST”!
There, that’s better.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
a few positives and negatives
positives
-Parker looking like the FWP of old
-There have been some errant throws Ben is showing no ill effects of the concussion
-D holding pretty much
negatives
-D allowing too many big and potentially big plays
-Harrison being held without calls……again
Didn't they say that was their first punt/kick TD return this season?
Pretty sweet!
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
yea
cant remember last time we got a huge play in the return game
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
we got a meaningless one last year against SF
but before that not sure when
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
yea
we’re in great shape. SD played next to perfectly until that last couple of minutes and that one punt return and theyre down.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
Been Meaning to Ask...
Is that a coincidence or is there something to it?
lol
they didnt ask me or anything..but wouldnt be surprised if the nfl knows of lots of the longer standing and more populated fan sites. they have some minions send me some shit but its all self serving of course.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
nfl fantasy football ad
a team name called behind the steel curtain
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
didnt notice the guy
is he some fatass or something :)
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
I read that ESPN bought the rights to all the major BCS bowls from 2011 on
If they ever do that with the NFL playoffs, I’ll be PISSED.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
as if losing the BCS bowls is a big loss… college football will suck until they implement a playoff system
True that. I don't so much mind losing the BCS bowl on broadcast
but I think it’s an alarming trend. I pay for cable internet, but no way I’m paying for hundreds of channels of utter tripe just to get ESPN.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
i like the production done by cbs and fox
but i dont like nfl announcers on the networks..wouldnt care about that part at all
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Its a little different when
a) you’re going against Pittsburgh not Indy
b) you’re the #1 option so everyone is focusing on you
i wish gus johnson was on the call for the big games
nantz is going to be around for like 30 more years tho
not for btsc lol
just a fantasy ad for nfl.com
team name called btsc
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I noticed that too!
Do you get royalties?
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
Ready to win this!
Good first half, and I always think we are better in the second, so LET’S DO THIS!! We can win it!
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 6:26 PM EST reply actions
ha ha
Laziness won out! Bought stuff to make it today, so we better win, or I’m gonna be too sad to bother…
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
boomer said that
btw, got ure email..just too late to do anything about it. good idea tho thnx!
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
would like to know too
had to run downstairs and take out the garbage… btw, it’s cold here in Pittsburgh, but not unbearably so
Pittsburgh doing what SD did last week
On some plays, seems like they are setting up an offensive formation and then switching it up after the D aligns…just like the SD defense did to Indy’s O last week.
The tables are turned.
holmes is having a sick game
that move he made to get wide open was great…ben just missed him earlier.
moore better blocking lately.
Where did this o-line come from
the last time I saw ben have that much time to throw he was in college.
you missed my post about them this week
time for it all to come together!
big play here though
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Blast!
had that one…gotta take advantage of those opportunities. gives them something to think about though
Willie
go north ad south, stop the side shit
by TrueSteelerForLife on Jan 11, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions
I love the playcalling
because I can’t predict it… having watched the Steelers all season, I got used to what BA was going to do next… good stuff today
ben looks focused
i can remember the last time i saw BB look so in the zone.
he looks like he is taking the SAT’s.
make us proud ben!
BTW
Is it so clear that Ben, throws well when he has time to throw. I think we just forgot what its like for a QB to have more then 2 seconds to throw.
a thing of beauty
That’s damn good protection for Ben
YES SIR!
LOVING this play by the line. the play calling. everything. only question now is who gets the TD..im saying HINES BABY!!!
Once Again...
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEATH!!!!!!
ha
the last two season were just an elaborate set up.
We are playing steeler football??
And i love it, i almost forgot how good it used to be.
by TrueSteelerForLife on Jan 11, 2009 6:37 PM EST reply actions
True, but we couldn't run for shit
That’s steeler football
by TrueSteelerForLife on Jan 11, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
My uncle just called (in Philly)
to say that if its an eagles steelers super-bowl – he’s taking me and my dad to the game….. consider me an Eagles fan.
no way man
Cards all the way – I think we can completely shut down their run and harass the crap out of warner
hey man
hard to say no, to super bowl tickets.
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
+10000000000000
I never thought the offense had this in them.
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
Don't look past Baltimore
That’s one helluva team you are gonna have to beat, though…
Hope this holds up...
Norv usually wastes 2 challenges in the first half…but I think he has one left…looked like a catch though
Let's see
One, maybe two more scores, with the play of our offense today and the Bolts are done!
YES!!!
It’s doesn’t matter what happens on offense, special teams whatever.. Our defense will carry us to the championship.
When I say who dey, you say we dey.
hahahahahahahaha
oh my goodness, talk about coming up big….. I am beginning to enjoy this, a whole lot…..
i was thinking in the first half
that i wish we batted more balls down at the line..esp since QBs so often throw quickly against our D. Voila! Brett makes a huge play.
Review?!
I think he’s got it. I thought Harrison had it first, but what a play! Let’s see what happens.
Looked Like...
Deebo had it, and somehow Foote stole it away. I don’t think it ever touched.
I am not sure
its a good idea to strip the ball from deebo
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Remember Steeler Fan
There must be conclusive evidence (a la Holmes Baltimore game) to overturn a call
Can anyone tell on that one?
I’m convinced Norv likes to lose his timeouts on challenges so he has an excuse when he has one left for any 2 min. drive. Looks better in the media if he bungles 2 timeouts instead of 3 in a half.
Yeah, I have always liked SD...first rate organization and respectable fans.
Not sure why you go with Norv and waste a talented team…he has not even been close to succeeding as a coach anywhere
Norv
challenges about as well as Andy Reid, who hasn’t won a challenge all season.
Sweat, eat that Norv
I am a Steeler fan for today!
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Andy doesn't throw challenge flags!
They’re his Wendy’s wrappers, floating onto the field.
Parker
I’m so glad to see FWP with a spring in his step again! It’s been too long.
Nice block by your QB, way to cut him
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
MattDaddy
Are you a Seahawks fan, living out in Seattle?
HELL NO I hate the seachickens!!!!!
Been a steeler fan since my dad gave me my first snow cap at age 3
ouch
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Trading Up in the First Round in '06...
Is beginning to look a lot like a good idea, my friends.
yup
i never wavvered on holmes. hes such a badass player.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
oh noes!
transitive holding herpes is being passed on to our position players!
indeed
moore could have bounced it outside for 3-4 more. ok, how hot are we!!! cmon ben!
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
Blitz, we’re looking good. If nothing else, we just need to hang onto the ball and not turn it over.
Can't advance a fumble
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Are you kidding me????
I love being a football fan right now (even if that doesn’t count).
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 6:52 PM EST reply actions
Wow!
Did not think our special teams would pull out a game like this! Good heads up playing.
But hell yeah, no punch it in Steelers
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
As They Say...
The great teams get the lucky bounces.
not yet, not yet....
positive, but we still need to be smart….
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
yeah hines
he draws fouls better than anyone
again so bad that it was good!!!
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Harrison
Love this guys spirit. You see him run out the recovery? Love it!
hahaha
hell yeah. guy loves football.
what a guy
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
Pittsburgh, if they get another TD then I think they can breathe easier. San Diego is doing nothing.
PLAYOFFS?!
What's up with Staples....sharing the spotlight with colon
by TrueSteelerForLife on Jan 11, 2009 6:54 PM EST reply actions
tough day
but jamal williams is just about the best in the biz..weve opened holes and pass protected great. few penalties can live with
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Second Time...
Darnell has gotten flagged today. Have to get that rectified if we are to advance further.
read above
if the price to pay for huge holes nad pass protection is a few penalties, so be it
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
That was close
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Nice, SD suck on that!
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
San Diego...
Is getting chippy. Signs of frustration.
Signs they are douches
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Let's all sing it together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDiCxhtGMhc
When I say who dey, you say we dey.
This Game
This game might just be the most enjoyable game to watch all season. My heart has only stopped a few times, but MAN!!
gary was open in the flat
I think davis ruined that route for ben
Go for it!
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
TOP
I’d love to see a Time of Possession graphic for the 3rd quarter.
GO FOR IT!
Redemption for the game in November when we didn’t get in on the goal line ;)
no way
we saw what sproles can do in the return game.
very little downside to NOT getting it. even if up 14 and they start at the 40 or 50, thats not as good as being up 11 and they having it on the 1
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Third Quarter
OWNED by the Men of Steel! I LOVE IT.
haha
yea he refuses to call sneaks. makes no sense. oh well.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Why...
Do we never use Ben on sneaks down there?
After that non-sense call in middle field, they r goin to go 4 it.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
ive never had a problem with davis but he looks unimpressive this game
that being said, i think he was in anyway
I don't get that call, why not QB sneak.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Gary Russel.....
Let;s hope this doesn’t kill the momentum
by TrueSteelerForLife on Jan 11, 2009 7:02 PM EST reply actions
I thought we got cute
with the play call, but still he seemed to really have the angle – nothing too impressive by Davis
safety and then run another 6 monutes off the clock so SD will have the ball
for a total of less than 1 minute in the second half
If Anything...
Give it to McHugh. Much bigger than Davis.
Ouch, Ignatius.
Wasn’t someone sayiing that Woodley wore out at the end of the season? Guess he’s recharged, eh?
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:05 PM EST reply actions
yea for sure
hes got the spring back in his step
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
I hate
Subway for these commercials. Almost as bad as Toyota’s “Save by Zero”.
Your wish, apparently...
Their command. Redeemed!
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:11 PM EST up reply actions
Nice
I just got the words, “don’t throw into double coverage” out of my mouth when the flag was thrown.
So
Going for it on 4th doesn’t hurt us after all … I guess that Tomlin is just THAT confident in our Defense
Let's Remember...
Jacksonville had us 28-10 last year in the Wild Card Round, and we almost came back and won. Yeah, I know, I’m no fun :P
You mean did come back and win...
I think Harrison still has a hand print on his jersey from their LT
mad props to arians and the o line this game
they’ve been the whipping boys of the season but in this game, o yea, they have impressed
Now we can...
… turn Moore into a plow horse and just beat the clock into submission. Yeah, there’s still a full quarter to play, but this is a happiness that just won’t die. We own ’em.
Sorry Duck.
DONT let the party die!
we’ve sat thru frustrating games all year for this kind ofbreakout!
what timing!
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
BTW
after all of the accolades for Rivers these are the numbers:
Rivers12 20 147 60.0 7.4 2 18 1 1 78.5
Ben 15 23 165 65.2 7.2 1 4 1 0 100.8
he has outplayed Rivers…..
Has anyone seen that article out of new england?
the one that said BB should NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY. Because of the concussion…..
The guy was saying he was seriously injured and guys like BB should be shut down…….
DUMB!
hes an ignored sports writer
with no team in the playoffs. who gives a fuck what he thinks
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
Outta be fines for that stuff
if the refs are going to fine players for things not called on the field, Refs should get fined for not making the calls.
WOW
HOW DID HARRISON NOT DRAW A HOLD THERE?!
Really?
Did they add into the rulebook that holds on James Harrison don’t count anymore?
I am really sick
I am really sick of seeing holds not called on Harrison.
yea for sure
but weve gotten plenty of calls today.
that PI was huge.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
That is why Polamalu is the best in the NFL he also tacles and almost Shuts down WR´s
He almost covers all t Field, t only tning he doesn´t do is offensive running
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
I think it will
start coming – now that he is defensive player of the year… I mean how do you not call that?
Mike Pereira
Needs to get the can. That was the most blatant non-call I’ve seen.
ridiculous
call, how is that roughing, I think they should call roughing the blitzer on the last one…
yea refs/SD: 90/10
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
by YeOldeMexFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
Bill Leavy...
For a guy who gave us some nice calls in SB XL, you certainly are jobbing us now…
ok
we talked this week about not getting too passive when we had them down for the count.
nows that time.
bruce has been great play calling today – hes got to FINISH, which was our word of the week. Cmon now.
oh man
can’t ease up now – and lose our momentum. Have to keep playing smart – and not go into ball protect mode with 9 minutes left.
that is what U get with preventive D prevents W's
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Wonder...
If they’re trying to make up for not calling unnecessary roughness on Woodley…
yes sir
this is our day. LET THE PARTY CONTINUE!!!
I personally have some of my favorite tunes blaring, ignoring Simms, just dancing around having fun!
BB is calling very quick t calls, he´s plenty of time
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
this is what the last game against SD would have been
if we had finished in the red zone that time too
wow
I love Moore a lot and hes a huge reason we’re here today but we’re so much better with FWP healthy and running angry
I don´t believe this OL against a very good DL & they R dominating
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
i wonder if the autographed photo i have of FWP
that ive beenmeaning to give away will be more desirable now??
best parker has looked in 2 seasons actually!
i dont know if he looked this good at any point last year……..and he was leading the league in rushing
I want to hear
all those steelers doubters eat crow. I need to hear Berman admit the foolishness of his ways.
yeah
where are the calls for trading willie?
Congrats Steelers....
Good luck next week vs. Baltimore…I’m out.
PENNSYLVANIA RULES! (At least they do today :-)
Almost a perfect game if U take out that fake kick!!!
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
pretty much
and the 4th and goal where Davis bobbled it
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
BTW
not to jinx, but no injuries so far….. amazing especially considering how hard the ravens got banged
They have a pretty good health cond team
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
by YeOldeMexFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
Sproles
I would have held him out of return duties this week to try and conserve his energy, despite the long KO return. He seemed out of gas after a few hits. Most coaches remove a guy from special teams when he becomes the first string back or WR.
You know
I really like the Chargers. I think that they are a relatively classy organization. However, I always knew that they could never beat our Men of Steel!
Its a must watch
one of the stupidest and funniest movies of all time
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Game was almost even at halftime
Norv didn’t seem to make any defensive adjustments even after that TD drive at the end of the half…not a good sign. They might squander all this talent with him at the helm
almost everybody giving a hand, GREAT!!!!!
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
They Just Showed...
A graphic of Neil O’Donnell. (shudder)
Had a good feeling when NYG lost...
took that as a good sign…couldn’t envision a situation where they were talking about all the road teams winning tomorrow morning…
sweed is starting to look like a mistake
by tha1andonly57@aim.com on Jan 11, 2009 7:45 PM EST reply actions
he is not looking impressive
especially when compared to DeShean Jackson
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 11, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
No Rookie Excuses...
For dropping wide open passes.
Sproles running laterally, great!!!
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Limas is garbage
Very familiar with him down here…only time he ever looked halfway decent in college is when VY scrambled around in the backfield giving him 5 seconds to get open…not a wise selection
LOVE IT
What team have to seen that has challenged an incomplete pass ON THE OPPOSING TEAM?
Love Steeler’s football.
Good 4 Tomlin He Trying some arm exercise
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Sproles
A great player. A scary player.
He could be huge for SD later.
philip rivers- 308 yards, 3 tds?!?!?!?!
by tha1andonly57@aim.com on Jan 11, 2009 7:53 PM EST reply actions
whatever
empty yards there..and that first drive he had 70..
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
plus
this is why its so key that we’re playing BMore – their offense blows.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
T Key for Balt is pressuring Flacco
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
All T Way
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
by YeOldeMexFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
I think Sproles is a FA...
what if they let him go this year after letting Turner go last year…and both are better than LT next year…not good times on SoCal
Yeah, they shouldn't and wouldn't...
but their roster is full of expensive players…adn someone might make him a huge offer…
Ah Well.
Let’s not let that deflate us. Garbage time TD.
HELL NO!
Winning is all that matters and we played amazing today on offense. BMore offense sucks, we’ll hold them in check.
by Michael Bean on Jan 11, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
Defense...
Has given up over 300 yards, officially now.
Deep passing game is B'More's one weakness...
so good to see that working today…but need to keep up that protection
Today
has been a fun day to be a Steelers fan. Loved this game. Fun watching with y’all.
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 11, 2009 7:58 PM EST reply actions
Sean Phillips
That guy has made his career off Merriman…he was silent today (and I think for the season)
Schottenheimer just called.
Said that the Chargers can suck it for thinking that Norv can take them to the SB.
WE almost have all, no # 1 seed, at home T way is open Balt Betten by Tenn & Good OL
BA in t Bathroom & FWD back WE WANT BE PICKING LAST,
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
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