BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Late Edition

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on May 18, 2009 3:46 PM EDT

IX- What is the greatest rivalry right now in the NFL? Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News thinks the Steelers and Ravens is the biggest and best, and I tend to agree. Although I'm not sure about the rest of the list. He has the Cowboys and Packers on that list and I don't think they have been relevant since the 90's.

X- The best news I have heard all day is that during our preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals we won't have to hear Tony Kornheiser yammer on and on. That's right Kornheiser is leaving Monday Night Football due to a fear of flying, and former Raiders' and Buccaneers' Coach Jon Gruden will take over. I am actually very pleased with this move, and if you watched any of the draft coverage on NFL network this year, you have to be excited about Gruden. He was funny, knowledgeable, and fairly honest in his assessments. Hopefully ESPN doesn't find a way to ruin him like they do so many others.

XIII- Game one of the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins is this evening at 7:30pm, and the matchup of Bill "The Chin" Cowher and Mike "The Cool" Tomlin has actually managed to overshadow the game. Cowher admitted that even though he followed the Penguins growing up the Carolina Hurricanes "are starting to grow on him." Could this be an indication that Cowher might be playing with fans of Carolina to set up his arrival as an eventual replacement for John Fox?

XIV- Want to know what was going on inside of the brain of second year wide receiver Limas Sweed before Super Bowl XLIII? Check out ESPN.com for an interactive look at what was going on in his head after the unfathomable drop in the AFC championship. Steeler_ tends to think that Limas Sweed all but has the number three spot locked up, but I think he really has to show a lot of improvement to knock off veteran Shaun McDonald who has been succesfull in catching the ball and would be a solid slot reciever.

XL- The Steelers need $4.1 million to sign their rookie class, and with the release of Larry Foote, the re-negotiation of Hines Ward, and some extra money freed up through the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Steelers should have no problems signing their rookie class and possibly re-working a deal or two.

XLIII- James Farrior will no longer wear the neck brace that he wore at the end of 2009. James Walker of ESPN reports the story and said that the brace really affected Farrior at the end of the season and made him very uncomfortable. Be sure to check out the Steelers Twitter Feed, another great source of information, and where I got this story from.

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Those are bad news for t Steelers, I want Chucky instead of BA.

O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.

by YeOldeMexFan on May 18, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions

Steelers-Ravens rivalry

With all due respect, if the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is the best in the NFL, then the NFL is devoid of rivaries. The only way this makes sense is if they are only going by last year.

The Steelers and Ravens were both very good last year and met in the AFCCG. But how often have both teams been good in the same year this decade? One other time, in 2001.

2000

Ravens 12-4 wild card, Super Bowl champion
Steelers 9-7 out of playoffs, 3rd in division

The Ravens main rival that year was Eddie George and Tennessee.

2001
Steelers 13-3 division champion
Ravens 10-6 wild card

Both teams made the playoffs that year. The Ravens were defending Super Bowl champions and the Steelers not only won the division, but they also knocked them out of the playoffs.

2002
Steelers 10-5-1 division champion
Ravens 7-9, 3rd place

2003
Ravens 10-6, division champion
Steelers 6-10 3rd place

2004
Steelers 15-1 division champion
Ravens 9-7, 2nd place but out of playoffs

2005
Steelers 10-6 wildcard, Super Bowl champion
Ravens 6-10 last place

The Steelers main rival that year was Cincinnati, what with the Bengals winning the division, beating the Steelers at Heinz, with TJ Housh wiping his shoes with a Terrible Towle afterwards, and then the Steelers beating the Bengals in the playoffs, and knocking out Carson Palmer.

2006
Ravens 13-3 division winner
Steelers 8-8, 3rd place, out of playoffs

The Ravens dominated the Steelers in both matchups that year.

2007
Steelers 10-6 division winner
Ravens 5-11 last place

The Steelers main competition in the division was Cleveland.

2008
Steelers 12-4 division winner, Super Bowl champions
Ravens 10-6 wildcard

Steelers and Ravens play 3 hardfought games, including the AFCCG. The first regular season game ends in OT. Ray Lewis knocks out Mendenhall for the season after talking trash before the game. The 2nd regular season game effectively ends with a 90+ yard td drive engineered by the Steeler offense culminating with a controversial td catch by Holmes at the goalline.

Like I said, the Steelers-Ravens had the best rivalry last year. But if this article was written one year ago, the Steelers-Ravens wouldn’t even register. And next year, it’ll likely be two other teams.

That’s not exactly Steeler-Raiders from the 70s if you ask me.

To me it’s got to be Patriots-Colts. They’ve been 2 of the top teams this decade. They have the two highest winning percentages this decade. They’ve met in the playoffs 3 times, twice in the AFCCG. They both are favorites to make the playoffs again next year. There’s the whole Brady-Manning comparisons.

Heck, as a Steeler fan, I think that the Patriots and Colts are bigger rivals to the Steelers than the Ravens, at least until the Ravens prove that they can be good two years in a row.

Just another stupid article.

by steeler1275 on May 18, 2009 5:12 PM EDT reply actions

But even when either team is bad, the games are still good.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on May 18, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Really...

- like in 2007 when we routed them 38-7 and then they beat us in the last regular season game which was meaningless

- or 2006 when they handled us easlily both times, beating us by a combined score of 58-7

Not saying that it’s not a rivalry, but best in the NFL???

by steeler1275 on May 18, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Dude, those game are awsome

At least for Ravens and Steelers fans. Like in 2006 when the Ravens allowed you guys to score 1 td between both meetings and sacked Bennigans like 13 times.

Then in 2007, when Bennigans threw like 19 tds in the first 2 minutes to destroy the Ravens and James Harrison was one more tackle away from being accused of murder for destroying everything in purple.

It just allows us Ravens fans and you Steelers fans to sit back and say “wow, that team is just pathetic.”

I think people are saying this rivalry is so great because it defines what football is all about, especially in the pansy league there is today. Hard hitting, 60 minutes of all out football.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on May 18, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I completely agree with the man that I completely disagree with.

Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?

by Phantaskippy on May 19, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Really!

These games are never meaningless to the teams on the field. One of my favorite games for the Steelers V Ravens (aside from 2007 Happy Halloween!) was the game our D kept J Lewis from the single season rushing record. We were crud that year, but played the Ravens last game with no hope of the playoffs, but still kept him from getting that goal by 39 yards.

Hell, the fierceness of the rivalry ushered in the Ben era for us when the Ravines knocked out Tommy Gun in Ben’s rookie year. There’s history there, there’s blood on the grass there, and it sure as hell ain’t no damn pats* v peyton playing catch all day.

I think it’s worthy…and easily one of the best in the modern game.

by SCSteeler on May 18, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

My favourite game was actually 2008’s first meeting against them.
When that game finished, every single player looked like they were fired up enough to go another 4 quarters.

It was so obvious that there was unfinished business to be had, from both teams. We were given 3 beautiful, slugfests.

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on May 18, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Rivalries aren't just big games.

The Steelers/Ravens are a big rivalry because the games are intense, the players don’t like each other and 1 of the two of these teams either win the division or the Super Bowl every year.

Last year was one of a couple times where the games were that close and meaningful, but all the games against the Ravens are nasty.

Like in 2007, Ravens were in last place but we had the Bart Scott Hines Ward saga going at full strength.

And more than that we are two teams with very similar teams and very different personalities. We play each other twice a season, and we don’t like each other. It’s a great rivalry.

Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?

by Phantaskippy on May 18, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah there really is no argument here...

The Steelers/Ravens rivalry is THE biggest in the NFL. None compare.

Yeah, 2006 and 2007 were down years, but every other year has been a close game, regardless of who is good that year. There is a lot of bad blood and the players make it clear they plain do not like each other (not even off the field). Trust me I have been to every Steeler/Raven game in Baltimore and it is never pretty.

Its also a huge matchup because both teams play the same way. Hard hitting defenses and hard hitting offenses. Its like watching two trains collide on every down.

There is no comparison at all.

by John Stephens on May 18, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

The rivalry is just heating up

and it’s already #1 in the NFL.

Before, the games were about the top 2 defenses year in and year out in the NFL…now both teams have stud, young coaches and franchise QBs. These games will be the best 2 every year for the next 8 years, at least.

And the hitting…man. Crazy, crazy physical play. These games define what football is.

by Romain El 82 on May 18, 2009 6:11 PM EDT reply actions

That's my point in a way

The rivalry is just heating up, as you say. It could be great for the next 8 years. But it’s not the best right now, unless we’re just looking at a 1 year window.

by steeler1275 on May 18, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Honestly, name a better rivalry?

And DO NOT say Cowboys/Redskins.

by John Stephens on May 18, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

intrigued by the gruden hire

at least hes a football guy rather than kornheiser.

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 Michael Bean on May 18, 2009 7:57 PM EDT reply actions

I hate Kornheiser

Most pessimistic commentator I have ever heard. I would have rather had Dennis Miller come back to MNF then have Kornhole do another season.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on May 18, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol

Thanks for the mention. I’m probably the only one so high on Sweed.

I’ll explain myself a bit better here since you mentioned me.

Why Sweed wins #3:

1. Year more in the system than either Wallace or McDonald
2. Better physical attributes
3. Fits the “Nate Washington” role better than McDonald would. McDonald has widely been a short route, possession receiver. We have that in Hines.
4. Wallace will be brought along very slowly, and wont be challenging for number 3.
5. I just fear that McDonald is washed up outside of Detroit. He had boosted stats due to the gunslinging Jon Kitna – Mike Martz offense, where we saw Furrey get 98 catches and 1000 yards. Then McDonald was the benefitor last year.

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on May 18, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

correct that

McDonald was the benefitor the year before last year. Last year he averaged less than 10 yards per catch, and fell off the radar, even after Roy Williams left.

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on May 18, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

his quarterback was too busy

running out of the back of the endzone last year.

Say what you want about Kitna but he delivered the ball when he was playing as is evidence to McDonalds 900+ yard season.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on May 18, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

lol and then Orlovsky comes out and says he wants to compete for a starting role!

Im not saying McDonald cant get it done, i just think he’ll be the #4

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on May 18, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

And

Does Heins Ward ever stop smiling?!? Jesus.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on May 18, 2009 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

He frequently laughs at LB's

by steelerstyle on May 18, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s smiling for them, because LBs with broken jaws have a hard time.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on May 19, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

lol, that’s Hines for you, always there with a cheerful smile to brighten up a poor hurting LB’s day.

Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?

by Phantaskippy on May 19, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Looking forward to Gruden for a few weeks

Seems to call it like it is which probably won’t go over too well with producers.

Historically those NFC matchups are probably more tightly contested on a consistent basis.

Since the Steelers – Ravens has been back and forth there’s always a grudge match mentality to it. It’s a great game.

Indy – Tennesee might become closer in the next few years as Manning goes out to pasture.

by Steely McSmash on May 18, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

I'm fired up

About having Gruden on MNF. The only thing I worry about is if he’ll take it easy at times knowing he’ll be job hunting in a year or two. We’ll have to see. Enjoyed his input on draft day.

Another rivalry to consider is Bears-Packers. Those games are not always good, but like Phanta and Johnny state above about the Steelers-Ravens, these teams don’t like each other. The games get chippy, whether close or not. And there seems to an abnormal amount of upsets, most recently in 2007 when the Packers finshed 13-3 and seemed headed to the Super Bowl……..the 7-9 Bears accounted for 2 of those 3 losses.

Steelers-Ravens
Bears-Packers
Colts-Patriots

Those seem to be the rivalries of note in the last decade. Unfortunately for the Colts-Patriots, they are not guaranteed a game each season.

by jharmon64 on May 19, 2009 12:07 AM EDT reply actions

steelers-browns

I love it when the steelers and the browns play. I know that the steelers have won the last 11 times in a row or something like that, but this is the steelers rivalry game. I grew up in a family divided by pittsburgh and cleveland fans. The cleveland game was always the biggest and the most bitter. The same hard hitting we saw between the steelers and ravens last year was common place for years until art modell even realized that cleveland sucks. If the browns ever turn it around this will again be the biggest 2 games of the year for pittsburgh.

Have you ever seen Mike Tomlin and Omar Epps in the same place at the same time?

by cleveland sucks on May 19, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

But Cleveland does suck

Therefore its not really a rivalry for us…let alone the biggest one in the NFL.

by John Stephens on May 19, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

you are right cleveland sucks

This is as good a rivalry historically as any. Search archives for some of the old posts about Steelers Browsn rivalry, particularly those written by maryrose, who likey yourself, understands this history of the rivalry and how so many families are torn between the two rust belt teams around the area.

Email me if you need help finding some posts that are good reads that are similar to your views. You’re definitely not alone in your respect and appreciation of the rivalry. Holler.

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 Michael Bean on May 19, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

announcing is a difficult job

The ability to read and react to football as it happens, point out the action, question decisions, have a strong grasp of stats and lore and sound somewhat intelligent is a rare skill set.
I often rail at announcers and was very displeased by TK’s contributions to the booth (not as much as the weekly celebrity circus that stopped by). I hope Gruden is an improvement, but it’s a tough job.

The Washington Post has a blog called The Playback that reviews announcer’s performances. I highly recommend reading it.
http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/playbacknfl/

by vherub on May 19, 2009 12:10 PM EDT reply actions