Steelers Host Browns In Pivotal Week 6 AFC North Matchup - Facts, Stats And Figures

by Blitzburgh on Oct 15, 2009 2:03 AM EDT Comment 84 comments

By now, as NFL fans, we all should be well aware of the reality that nothing is free in this league. Any Given Sunday I think is what they say. So, when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field this coming Sunday, the defending Super Bowl champions will have to do more than just show up to secure their third straight victory and improve their record to 4-2. And even though Cleveland has been miserable for the most part this year, this is a rivalry game where you can usually throw records out the window. Furthermore, NFL caliber athletes don't concede their seasons after just 5 games. Cleveland may be just 1-4, but a win at Pittsburgh would give them plenty of reason to believe that they still have a chance to turn things around and get back in the AFC North and Wild Card pictures. Conversely, Pittsburgh has a great chance to put some of their early season mishaps behind them and improve their record to a sufficiently healthy mark of 4-2. The Steelers have also never lost more than 1 divisional game in a season during the Mike Tomlin era. They have their work cut out if they're going to extend that streak to a third consecutive year. It begins this Sunday at Heinz.

Yes the Browns have been one of the most uninspiring teams in the league so far this season. But to their credit, they've fought hard the past few weeks and were finally rewarded for their efforts with their first win of the year last Sunday. Cleveland defeated the Buffalo Bills 6-3 in one helluva sloppy and painful to watch contest, but like I said, they fought hard and stayed resilient despite being 0-3 and playing pathetically on offense for almost the entire game. Considering how respectably they played the previous week against Cincinnati - at least on the defensive side of the ball - you have to believe that Cleveland feels the worst is behind them and that greener pastures are ahead. Throw in the fact they're 1-0 without Braylon Edwards, and it's not unreasonable to think that the attitude and atmosphere in the Browns locker room is nowhere near as toxic as their performance or record might suggest.

Some facts, stats and other miscellaneous figures about the Browns can be found after the jump.

Cleveland By The Numbers:

Offense

Points/Game: 11.0 (30th)

Yards/Game: 248.4 (31st)

Rushing Yards/Game:106.2 (16th)

Passing Yards/Game: 142.2 (31st)

Football Outsiders Offensive DVOA Rank: 30th

Notable Personnel Additions (omissions on my end are likely):

Mike Furrey, WR (from Detroit Lions) - 13 receptions for 107 yards

John St. Clair, RT (from Chicago Bears) -should play Sunday with thumb injury; started 16 games for Chicago last year

Alex Mack, C (rookie) - Steelers fans learned plenty about Mack this past April leading up to the NFL Draft

Robert Royal, TE (from Buffalo Bills) - signed this offseason to help replace Kellen Winslow, Jr.

Mohamed Massaquo, WR (rookie) - breakout 8 reception game against Cincinnati in Week 4

Defense

Points/Game: 24.2 (23rd)

Yards/Game: 380.2 (29th)

Rushing Yards/Game:170.4 (32nd)

Passing Yards/Game: 209.8 (10th)

Football Outsiders Offensive DVOA Rank: 26th

Notable Personnel Additions:(again, I'm sure I'm missing a player or two)

Kenyon Coleman, DE (from New York Jets) - currently injured

C.J. Mosely, DT (from New York Jets) - filling in decently for the injured Coleman

Abram Elam, SS (from New York Jets) - notice a theme here with Mangini bringing over castaways from the Jets??

Eric Barton, ILB (from New York Jets)

Facts and Figures

Cleveland is converting just 26 % of its 3rd down conversions. Only Kansas City (25%) and Oakland (21%) have fared worse.
Cleveland has a turnover ratio of -5. That's tied for the 3rd worst mark in the league.
Cleveland's two quarterbacks have combined to throw 8 inteceptions (D. Anderson 5; Brady Quinn 3). Only Carolina has thrown more.
Derek Anderson completed just two passes in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Bills. The two completions were the fewest for a winning team since former Bengals quarterback Akili Smith's 2 for 9 day against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 22, 2000. Not good company to keep.
The combined QB rating of Cleveland's two signal callers (50.2) edges out only the number posted by Jamarcus Russell in Oakland (48.3)
On a more positive note, Cleveland is 9 of 9 in field goal attempts thus far, despite not having the services of team captain and veteran stalwart Phil Dawson the past three weeks.
The Browns have had 347 defensive plays from scrimmage. Only Buffalo has had more (349). Talk about an offense 'that's not carrying its weight.
Shaun Rodgers has added two more blocked kicks to his already staggering total heading in to this year. He now has 14 just five games through his 9th season. That's ridiculous. What a beast.
The Browns have just 2 rushing plays longer than 20 yards and 0 rushing plays of 40+ yards. The Steelers, in case you were wondering, have 5 of 20+ but none of 40+.
Through the air, Cleveland has just 8 passing plays of 20 or more yards and 0 that have gained 40. Pittsburgh has 17 and 3 respectively.
Cleveland's longest pass play from scrimmage has been 30 yards. Yikes. No wonder Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow bitched and moaned their way out of town.
Eric Mangini aka 'Boy Genius' has an amazingly pedestrian career record of 23-30 as an NFL head coach.

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Comments

Mike Furrey

I like this guy. He’s unquestionably a poor-man’s Wes Welker, and one of a burgeoning group of young white guys making themselves known at a WR position more often dominated by super-speedy or physically-prototypical black athletes. Furrey, like Welker, has brought back memories of highly-efficient, relieble pass-catchers like Wayne Chrebet and HOFer Steve Largent. These smaller, slower, less-typical guys play hard and with a chip on their shoulder and can be invaluable in a ball-control dink/dunk pass offense.

If Derek Anderson can find him and use him regularly, the Browns can exploit what has been Pittsburgh’s biggest weakness on defense this year: short passes that become big game. The trade of B. Edwards sent a message that no one is invincible as far as being high-round picks. And, Cleveland has the framework of an outstanding offensive line.

Being a divisional game, especially against our Steelers, who’ve dominated Ohio for years, Cleveland is always ready to try to put up the shocking upset. With the Steelers’ issues with injuries this season, we might be more susceptible than usual. And- Cincinnati just beat us a couple weeks ago.

I agree: this IS a pivotal game. With all the sub-plots in play, it will be very, very interesting to see how the team and coaching staff respond to all these complications….

by tobiathan on Oct 15, 2009 2:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Furrey

He has good hands but doesn’t fit it into a burgeoning group of anyone except the group of slow veterans who are hanging on by their fingernails to an NFL paycheck. He’s 32 years old. He has average size (6-0, 195) and can be useful in a short passing game as he was with the Lions for a couple years. Unlike Welker, he has zero ability to gain yards after the catch unless someone totally blows the coverage. It won’t be because he is running too fast, breaking tackles or juking someone out of their cleats. His 8.2 yards per catch puts him 122nd in the league. If he is bringing back memories of Steve Largent, your memory banks need an overhaul. Or does every slow white receiver remind you of Largent?

by steeler.lifer on Oct 16, 2009 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AFC North

All said, i LIKE the fact that our division is suddenly becoming highly competitive. Nothing scares me about my Steelers more than when they have an “easy” schedule. This team performs best under pressure, and the pressure is definitely on!

by tobiathan on Oct 15, 2009 2:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly a record to strike fear into the Steelers' hearts.

But you’re right: this game will be a test anyway. When you play at home against a mediocre rival, you sure can’t afford to blow it. You’ve got to take care of business.

by Billy52 on Oct 15, 2009 2:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I should, but I can't

I hear all the arguments, made a lot of them myself last week before Detroit game. And I am trying this week. I am.

But just cannot get worked up about the Browns. There is nothing about this team that scares me. Oh, maybe Cribbs busts one to keep it interesting for a few minutes. But I see no scenario that doesn’t involve lots of Steeler scoring, well, maybe a bunch of silly turnovers, or Ben being removed from play. But I can’t think about that stuff.

Barring anything really weird, this won’t be close. Not at Heinz Field, not with the season on the line …. because a loss here would be devastating.

You really think the Steelers are going to let the Brownies ruin their season? Cannot see it.

"More than 70 percent of putts left short do not go in."

by euwolfie on Oct 15, 2009 3:52 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Devils advocate

Cribbs for 6+1.

Big Ben tosses other INT for 6+1. Or maybe a fumble (by Ben, Logan, or Mendy) resulting in 6+1.

The Browns score two field goals for 3 and 3.

20 points on the Brown’s side of the board and that’s assuming they don’t score any offensive touchdowns. It’s not likely, but neither was our defense falling apart in the fourth quarter three times.

by Varmint on Oct 15, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or how about 2 running backs with over 200 yards and an offensive line that is their strength versus No Aaron Smith or Troy.

If they can establish the run and get ToP high, they can wear down our D-Line that has much less depth now and win this game.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 15, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently Troy will play, if so change that to Troy at 80%, or whatever.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 15, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another bye week

That is playing theclowns is just like having a bye week.

by steelerstyle on Oct 15, 2009 5:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

kinda like that bye week against them last year in week 17 when large Ben got a concussion?

by acrollet on Oct 15, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It got his head right for the postseason

we needed that

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 15, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My heart agrees but my rational mind remains sceptical

but i think it’s a healthy skepticism.

We could lose this game with sloppy play, a lack of serious preperation and the inexperience of backups suddenly cast in pivotal roles.

But that’s not the Tomlin Way i’ve come to know and love.

Besides: i think Large Benjamin is really just starting to become an adult, and a complete quarterback. If so- watch out, NFL: there’s a new MAN in town!

It’s only Ben’s sixth season, and this is when “the lights come on” for most QBs. Theoretically, Ben could get infinitely BETTER than he already is.

Imagine that….

by tobiathan on Oct 15, 2009 5:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

btw-

The Blonde Bomber (Terry Bradshaw) didn’t win his first Superbowl til his sixth year!

Just sayin…..

by tobiathan on Oct 15, 2009 5:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I think Ben is less prone to mental lapses than in years past. That’s big. real big. Seems like we know what we’re going to get out of him now – great accuracy, better decision, good leadership, quicker decision making. Very exciting, and definitely reason #1, #2, and #3 why I think the Steelers will at worst have a shot at winning a big game in January to advance on to the AFC title game or Super Bowl

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 15, 2009 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

Bradshaw won his first SB in 1975 following the 1974 regular season. So he actually won his first ring in his fifth season. You may have gotten your info about Bradshaw winning in his sixth season from one of my earlier posts in another thread. If so, I just wanted to point out my mistake. Sorry for the misinformation. Carry on.

by King Coebra on Oct 15, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another plus for us

is that Large Benjamin was not happy with how he played last week. I think he will be focused and ready to go. The guy is pretty tough mentally – very tough actually. I am hoping for a game like he had a couple of years ago against KC at Heinz. We beat them like a drum in that game.

Erik

by ekl on Oct 15, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ben is disappointed with his play last Sunday

I read an article he was not happy at all with his play Sunday, even having 3 TD’s . I have noticed with Ben when he gets down on himself he plays better the next week and I really didnt see anything wrong with the way he played Sunday only 1INT , so if he does better than that I’ll take it anyday .
I think his maturity is starting to show on the field and he is showing he can lead this offense and I agree with an earlier quote, I believe there is a new man in town and his name is Big Ben.

by Jadygirl7 on Oct 16, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coulda, woulda, shoulda

These games are the ones that worry me most. You jot this down with a “W” before the season started, but now that we’re into the games…as pointed out above…any given Sunday.
It shouldn’t be close, and the Browns have a lot more to work on than we do. But don’t look past them to the Vikings until after the game is over.
We can cointinue to work on our own issues, but not for a minute let up….

by dawgs144 on Oct 15, 2009 8:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike Tomlin

I believe one of his biggest strengths is keeping the guys focused and motivated each week.

I have faith that he won’t let them come out cold…if you will.

by count'em_six on Oct 15, 2009 8:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you don't know

shit

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excuse me?

WTF is this?

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people. (mattyc_77 on twitter)

by BostonWahoo on Oct 15, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a cheap shot

count ’em is my brother. Probably uncalled for but fun. Sorry if it offended anyone!!

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed. Give em’ hell.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people. (mattyc_77 on twitter)

by BostonWahoo on Oct 15, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh okay :)

Cursing at siblings permitted :)

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 15, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I'm sure he'll be thrilled

when he finally sees that! I can see how that appeared way out of character. I normally wouldn’t curse on here. Except at that crackhead Browns fan the other day. He really pissed me off.

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not so much the cursing

as the belittling. but again, of course you can belittle your sibling :)

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 15, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just unexpected from you Chewie.

I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).

by fanofsteel on Oct 15, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what he gets

for TP’ing my house and trying to wrap my Jeep up in saran wrap

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see, brother and friend

So the recliner (yes, recliner) & mirror & huge freakin pumpkin & 2 couch cushions left in front of my door a few nights ago definitely weren’t you! Too bad your wife dimed you out! HA! Oh and let’s not forget the 200 lb snowball left in front of said door last winter….if you will.

by count'em_six on Oct 15, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is getting hilarious real quick.

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Oct 15, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Took a lot

of effort to roll a 200 lb snowball down your street. Being three sheets to the wind didn’t help! Besides all of this is payback for being a douche.

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 16, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

are both of you going to be at the Vikes game?

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Oct 16, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Along with 2 other brothers

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 16, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Oct 16, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

I still want one of those T-Shirts. Looks like they are pretty rare though.

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don’t own one either. I am not a large black man. Blitz has met me. I am very much not large and very much not darkened whatsoever. Think “lighter than pale”. A monitor tan might even be an improvement…. :)

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people. (mattyc_77 on twitter)

by BostonWahoo on Oct 15, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, whats up with that chewie?

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 15, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just messin with him

That’s my brother.

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 15, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I have no idea who you are.

Bad Andy, Good Pizza.

by count'em_six on Oct 15, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 15, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike T gets the men ready....no question

that was a concern during the Cowher years for sure, but I really don’t even think about that shit now. What a plus.

by SteelersFnRule on Oct 15, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Any Given Sunday

I’m hoping to avoid root canal this weekend but why would the Steelers dominate the scoreboard? You got to fear everyone in this league and no game is a gimme. I like the Steelers in this game because they are a better team and I will be in attendance with the Black & Gold Brigade.

Cleveland will convert more than 25% on 3rd down against the Steelers because everyone does.
Derek Anderson will complete more than 2 passes this week because his coaches will set him up to succeed early.
Shaun Rodgers will continue to be a beast against the Steelers OL
Pittsburgh 3 Cleveland 2

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 15, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If DA's

first three passes aren’t screens and short throws to the flats, Mangini and the OC need to be fired.

by Desroko on Oct 15, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you don't believe that

By your definition we are not a good team, which is wrong. Just because teams have had success against us in the fourth quarter doesn’t mean we are a bad team. And if you really believe that they will be able to hold us 3 points than you really need that root canal.

by StoneColdSteel on Oct 15, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was talking to 5020 BTW

by StoneColdSteel on Oct 15, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

?

Are you new? Look brain surgeon, I have never said the Steelers weren’t a good team. They are a team that consistently plays down to the competition and has had trouble this year going for the kill. I have only been watching Steeler games since 72. Have you ever watched a Steelers game? Sober?

If you had ever trolled this site before today you would see that EVERY week I predict the score to be a tight 3-2 game. To me Steelers games ARE like root canal. You grip the chair and listen to the sound of drilling. You smell the smoke of your own teeth being drilled on. More often than not the dentist gets the cavity…and the Steelers win.
Sorry you don’t get my high brow satire. Perhaps www.romperroom might be a better site for you?

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 15, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My bad

I thought you were being serious. And I’ve known about this blog for two years now but just began posting. I just don’t believe that their receivers can do anything against our secondary.

by StoneColdSteel on Oct 15, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All Good

I gave blood this morning so I’m a little light headed!
I agree. Without Braylon, the Browns are in trouble and this could be a 33-2 game. I just have been there before…All set for a laugher…Only to lose to the Bengals 26-23 or the Lions 45-3. Better to be prepared for the root canal and not need one.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 15, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Romper Room?

That children’s show from the 70’s has its own website?
I always hoped that chick would say my name at the end, when she was looking through the television screen at me. I was disappointed when all she told me was to go and murder my parents.

by Weirtonite on Oct 15, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was more into Jeanie, Ginger & Marsha Brady.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 15, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 for MaryAnne. Cindy turned out to be pretty cute too. :)

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Oct 15, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marsha Marsha Marsha!

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Oct 16, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

she told me the same thing, weirtonite

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 15, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He ALWAYS predicts 3-2

And he said “we are a better team than them”

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Oct 15, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Johnny…

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 15, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So it looks like we should ppund the ball early and often with the Spin Doctor

32nd ranked run D? Here we come. If Arians is smart this should be a field day for the offense, especially Mendy and the run blocking.

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Oct 15, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

if Arians is smart

that’s like saying if Snack were skinny

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 15, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is skinny...... inside.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Oct 16, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember a game not to long ago where his plan was pass-pass-pass against a similarly ranked team…

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Oct 15, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well he admitted his fault in the paper after the game

So hopefully, he will not make the same mistake. Or Tomlin will get in his ear. …hopefully…

" I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Salty Browns Fan.

by Johnny_S on Oct 16, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Things could always be worse.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/10219740/Bills-fans-rent-billboard-to-rip-team

by Billy52 on Oct 15, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yikes

If Arians is smart is no way to begin a sentence.

by westnation on Oct 15, 2009 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

God knows Arians would never do anthing smart like run the ball 50 times against the 32nd ranked run defense.

by BlkNGold on Oct 15, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fun thread on "Dawgs By Nature," the Brown blog on SB Nation...

…I posted an article there a couple days ago, and had one Browns fan up in arms. Apparently he thought my tone was smarmy, and that I was using the article as a Browns bashing piece disguised as something other than what it really was intended to be.

Long story short, I had a short dialogue with him, which I cut off when I saw it was going nowhere, and I didn’t want to stoop to his level. Came back to it today, it’s had about 100 responses total, and 73 since I left it. The vast majority of those supported me, Joe Steelers Fan, and destroyed the Brownie Toublemaker and pretty much called him out for being an ass and embarrssing other Browns fans. Of course, all of it layered in, “We can’t stand the Steelers, but…”

Worth a check out, it made my day a little brighter.

It’s under: “From a non-Browns fan re: James Davis’s Injury”

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Oct 15, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have been amazed

At the civility in that blog. I lived for years in Canton OH, middle of Browns country. I expected ignorant yelling from everyone, only to find it’s about 20% of the population of that blog. It’s amazing.

I remember listening to Browns Steelers games on Cleveland radio and the postgame crew trying to deal with the idiots calling in, it was epic.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 15, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Browns fan theory

Having just completed a three-year graduate program in Toledo, I came into contact with Browns fans on a daily basis. I was surprised and impressed by their blind enthusiasm for the Browns and at how much confidence they had in the Browns, misguided as it may have been. I frequently wore Steeler jerseys to class, so I engaged them quite a bit. One thing I learned is that Browns fans hate the Steelers WAY more than Steelers fans hate the Browns (This could be because I’m an out-of-state Steelers fan, but hear me out). Here’s my theory: In a rivalry such as Steelers-Browns, the team that loses the most will usually hate the winning team more, because they’ve been the victim of more pain. The Steelers are a major impediment to the Browns’ success (hard to use those last two words in the same sentence). To me, the Browns are like dust on my shoulder that I brush off. I’m afraid I probably acted arrogant and conceited to the Brownies, but 9 times out of 10, they were the ones bringing the hate on the Steelers, not the other way around. Conversely, I hate the Ravens WAY more than the Browns (I’ll refrain from exploring the issue of the Ravens being the “old Browns” and the Browns being the “new Browns” for this post). It’s not because the Ravens used to be the Browns, but because the Ravens pose the biggest threat to my team’s success. I’m not a psych major, but my own personal observations have affirmed my own theory time and again. I live in Michigan so I am a part of MIchigan-MIchigan State, MIchigan-Ohio State situations. The only other thing I’ll say is, and I realize I’m biased because I AM from Michigan, is that Ohio citizens are just, well, more likely to be redneck white trash than surrounding states. Again, that’s my own personal opinion that’s based partly on stereotype, partly on experience, and probably another part on bias. In any event, I’ll check out the blog.

by Lambert_58 on Oct 15, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blind enthusiasm, you should meet Ohio State fans.

And yes the team on the bottom hates the team on top more, because you generally win the games and get to brag, the others have to take it, so they get angry.

A couple times the Browns ruined the Steelers season I remember it well, hatred, yes.

But in the case of Ohioans it goes deeper. Football is so huge, High School, College, and Pro’s. People get obsessed with their HS teams and remain obsessed for their entire lives, they can’t go to work if Ohio State loses, it’s crazy. I know rabid fans exist everywhere, but I swear to you Ohio has a much higher concentration of them than other places. Might not be intelligent or informed fans, but they are passionate.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 16, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

prolly makes me unpopular round these parts

but nothing worse imo than ohio state football.

sweater ball. yawn. so sick of seeing them get torched in mnc game.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 16, 2009 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I’m so sick of hearing every year how this is Ohio St.‘s year….no it’s not, you’re gonna lose to whatever good team you play and a small-time team, just like always. Not to mention the pounding they’ll take in the bowl game.

It took me awhile to take Santonio seriously, just because he was from Blowhio State—of course, the fumbles didn’t help. After every fumble that first year I was screaming at the TV, “Get that Buckeye bum outta here, put his ass on the bench!”

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 16, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have a great coach

Tressel is phenomenal, kids used to go to Youngstown State who had division 1-A offers to play for him.

That said Pryor is not a National Championship QB. He’s too inconsistent. He’ll lose a game somewhere. They aren’t elite, they just win a lot of games. It’s like the nearly undefeated UofM team CArr had at the end, they beat teams they should and upset some better teams. Because of the name they get touted as a title contender, even Carr said they weren’t that good.

Then they lose to two better teams and they are a colossal failure, a choke job. Which is sad, that was a good team that had a phenomenal season. Hype turns good teams playing like they should into failures and chokers.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 16, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree about Tressel

phenomenal coach, no doubt….I’m with you on Pryor, too — he is a cornerback trying to play QB

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 16, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Link:

http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2009/10/12/1082127/from-a-non-browns-fan-re-james#22830860

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Oct 15, 2009 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

more blitzing

And stunting and unusual fronts, etc., is what I would like to see on defense.

Granted there is no Smith and maybe not Troy P. so it might not be as easy, but I feel like that is how the D can be much more effective.

Honestly, the main reason the Brownies aren’t that good is cause they’re QBs can’t get it done. Get after em Stillers!

by pixburghese on Oct 15, 2009 6:17 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

LeBeau

it would seem, stops blitzing as much when teams have success with draw and screen plays. I think this will change with Troy back and Deebo hitting his stride. Fun to watch Deebo, when he’s not punishing QB’s he’s awsome at collapsing the pocket so someone else gets a sack. Essex and Travis K didn’t practice with both elbow and back problems, so Hood sooner then expected?

by BleedBlacknGold28 on Oct 15, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I promised

my wife I would breech the subject, again, on our O line Vs Jared Allen. Frankly, she’s scared of him and I tried to tell her it would be fine and Ben’s safe (as I checked the closet and under the bed for Allen). Was just wondering what everyone thinks.

by BleedBlacknGold28 on Oct 15, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

As long as our receivers get open, Ben will get rid of the ball before Allen can get there. But the matchup we really should be worried about is Kevin Williams vs Essex.

Williams lines up over the RG a lot, so Hartwig is going to have to give Essex a lot of help. Kemo is going to have to play a good game because he’ll have to slide over and block Pat Williams by himself a lot. Believe me, he is the best player on that d-line.

by StoneColdSteel on Oct 15, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mohamed Massaquo, WR (rookie) – breakout 8 reception game against Cleveland in Week 4

Maybe the reason Cleveland is having so much trouble is their players are playing against them?

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Oct 15, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Oct 15, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damnit steelguy

You know i gave u editing privliges for a reason other than to make me look bad :)

Jk, thanks man. Fixed.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 16, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only cover up for DYMS, I hold you to a higher standard. :)

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Oct 16, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

THE BENGALS OWN YOU

Child Please Pitt

by Who-Dey on Oct 16, 2009 10:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Want to have some fun?

Look at this jokers profile and see his Trolling rounds he took today. It’s great.

Child please. . . post on your own site at least as much as you post on others, or have they already heard you say Child Please?

by Phantaskippy on Oct 17, 2009 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phanta

You’re better than this.

by worldtrip on Oct 17, 2009 5:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m sorry Worldtrip, but you can’t beat a persistent and ignorant troll by ignoring or arguing rationally with him. You just shout him down till he cries and runs away.

In most cases I agree with you, but I’ve been in conversations on other blogs this guy has jumped into, I’m done.

by Phantaskippy on Oct 17, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs