SUPER BOWL: Your thoughts and predictions
- Thread starter penguinsfan
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crazyed27 said:
Obviously, nobody expects a team to win every game, but I couldn't disagree more with your above analysis. The Monday night game was a disasterous loss that I think was a combination of poor coaching for that situation and Ben coming off a 3 week or so rest from his knee surgery. While there is no excuse for any team to play football in a god-awful structure like a dome, the fact is they do exist and, unfortunately, the League has given this practice the green light. The Steelers didn't even have a silent count ready for that game. To me, that is underestimating the difficulty of that road game. And it goes without saying that it was questionable to open the second half with the onside kick, given that the defense had started to contain Indy after giving up a couple of early scores in the first half. Ben had his moments of decency, but it wasn't one of his better games as it was his first action in a month. None of that is meant as an excuse. Indy whooped Pittsburgh in no uncertain terms that night, but it is not indicative of their abilities at all.
As for the Steelers in the playoffs, it was obviously total domination of every opponent. Yes, the Colts had an opportunity to tie the game with the Vanderjagt field goal and the fumble itself was almost run back for a touchdown. None of that would have ever occurred and had any relevance if the officials didn't botch a horrible call and take the interception away from Troy Polamolu. On the drive, Indianapolis eventually went on to score a touchdown and two-point conversion, at the time when Pittsburgh should have been running time off and setting up a chip-shot field goal to go up 24-10. The bad call is indisputable, as the League itself stated, but the score is what is was and is in the books. But the mere 3 point victory doesn't change the fact that Pittsburgh went into a game that most people, including myself at the time, thought they would lose, and absolutely hog-tied and bitch slapped the Colts senseless. Pittsburgh is anything but "freaking lucky that they are still in it". As the announcers said in the post game show, with the way they dominated that game and a couple of awful calls against them, it would have been a tragedy if it had slipped away.
I was concerned about what I saw in the December Cincinnati game, not because I thought Cincy was the better team, but because Pittsburgh got taken out of their gameplan and they failed to put it together when it counted. The Bengal got an early break when they fumbled a punt return at their own five-yard line and it was awarded to the Bengals when replay showed Pittsburgh had the ball. I forget why it wasn't challengeable. Anyway, it was Ben's second game back from the layoff and he threw three interceptions. Not a good day at the office. A fumble combined for a fourth turnover. The Bengals had no turnovers that game, so the Steelers certainly had some solid play at times to be within a touchdown in the final seconds after turning the ball over. They would have had a chance a tie that game if they didn't self-destruct in the final seconds of that game with false starts and shit like that. Not that there is no cause for concern, but the Steelers beat themselves in that game.
You bring up very good points. I don't think this is a done deal at all. I just think the Steelers have been awesome and are rightfully favored. But I wouldn't touch the 4-point spread on this game with my money. I haven't seen enough of the Seahawks to evaluate them the way you have. I know Seattle has some studs on defense, but I can't imagine they're heads and tails better than Pittsburgh, as the Steeler defense is just a wrecking machine that has probably looked more impressive than the offense in the postseason.
Well, Ben has successfully hit Ward and Randle-El the past few weeks, when asked to do so. The Steelers have answered the call against pass rushing opponents before, although I admit the Seahawks will be as tough as anything they've faced this year. I must say Hasselback has had an incredible year. He'll be facing a tough Steeler defense, but again he'll be as good as most anything they've faced this year.
Well, I hope you're wrong.
crazyed27 said:
Actually Cowher has always had a reputation for being too conservative at times and having it bite him on the ass. However, he has really opened things up this year, particularly in the post season. Unfortunately, there are times when Cowher fails to get the team ready to play for the big game. I mean, he's 1-4 in AFC Championships at home, which is disgraceful. And his one road win last week was again total domination. That shows he fails to get them motivated at times. Clearly, in the past, he has overestimated his team going into the Championship games.
Bottom line: The Steelers can beat themselves. If the Steelers don't bring their A-game, it will be over. I think the Steelers have been so dominating that if they would play a perfect game I don't think they would lose, even if the Seahawks brought their best...but history shows they may not happen.
Dude, did you watch it or just read the USA Today on Monday morning? :O The Colts had their moments in the second half, but Manning got most of his stats off a few big plays that he payed the price for. Look at the sacks and defensive stats. As mentioned in my other post, the last drive would have never went down as it did, had the interception been ruled correctly. It still adds up to domination, as the sports world was raving about on Monday morning afterwards.
penguinsfan said:Obviously, nobody expects a team to win every game, but I couldn't disagree more with your above analysis. The Monday night game was a disasterous loss that I think was a combination of poor coaching for that situation and Ben coming off a 3 week or so rest from his knee surgery. While there is no excuse for any team to play football in a god-awful structure like a dome, the fact is they do exist and, unfortunately, the League has given this practice the green light. The Steelers didn't even have a silent count ready for that game. To me, that is underestimating the difficulty of that road game. And it goes without saying that it was questionable to open the second half with the onside kick, given that the defense had started to contain Indy after giving up a couple of early scores in the first half. Ben had his moments of decency, but it wasn't one of his better games as it was his first action in a month. None of that is meant as an excuse. Indy whooped Pittsburgh in no uncertain terms that night, but it is not indicative of their abilities at all.
As for the Steelers in the playoffs, it was obviously total domination of every opponent. Yes, the Colts had an opportunity to tie the game with the Vanderjagt field goal and the fumble itself was almost run back for a touchdown. None of that would have ever occurred and had any relevance if the officials didn't botch a horrible call and take the interception away from Troy Polamolu. On the drive, Indianapolis eventually went on to score a touchdown and two-point conversion, at the time when Pittsburgh should have been running time off and setting up a chip-shot field goal to go up 24-10. The bad call is indisputable, as the League itself stated, but the score is what is was and is in the books. But the mere 3 point victory doesn't change the fact that Pittsburgh went into a game that most people, including myself at the time, thought they would lose, and absolutely hog-tied and bitch slapped the Colts senseless. Pittsburgh is anything but "freaking lucky that they are still in it". As the announcers said in the post game show, with the way they dominated that game and a couple of awful calls against them, it would have been a tragedy if it had slipped away.
I was concerned about what I saw in the December Cincinnati game, not because I thought Cincy was the better team, but because Pittsburgh got taken out of their gameplan and they failed to put it together when it counted. The Bengal got an early break when they fumbled a punt return at their own five-yard line and it was awarded to the Bengals when replay showed Pittsburgh had the ball. I forget why it wasn't challengeable. Anyway, it was Ben's second game back from the layoff and he threw three interceptions. Not a good day at the office. A fumble combined for a fourth turnover. The Bengals had no turnovers that game, so the Steelers certainly had some solid play at times to be within a touchdown in the final seconds after turning the ball over. They would have had a chance a tie that game if they didn't self-destruct in the final seconds of that game with false starts and shit like that. Not that there is no cause for concern, but the Steelers beat themselves in that game.
You bring up very good points. I don't think this is a done deal at all. I just think the Steelers have been awesome and are rightfully favored. But I wouldn't touch the 4-point spread on this game with my money. I haven't seen enough of the Seahawks to evaluate them the way you have. I know Seattle has some studs on defense, but I can't imagine they're heads and tails better than Pittsburgh, as the Steeler defense is just a wrecking machine that has probably looked more impressive than the offense in the postseason.
Well, Ben has successfully hit Ward and Randle-El the past few weeks, when asked to do so. The Steelers have answered the call against pass rushing opponents before, although I admit the Seahawks will be as tough as anything they've faced this year. I must say Hasselback has had an incredible year. He'll be facing a tough Steeler defense, but again he'll be as good as most anything they've faced this year.
Well, I hope you're wrong.
Man that was a good post! I forgot about those fucked up calls in the game with the colts. You really do hate those domes don't ya Pfan! All I got to say about them is the climite is never a factor making the fans that are pussy want to see a NFL game!
As a former St Louis Ram I'd like to see Bettis have a really good day.
I would not bet my money on either team this year, especially 4 points, man fuck that. This should be one of the better superbowls since the Rams beat the Titans by 1 1/2 yards. Also New England is not there!
Hasselbeck has not seen a D like Pitts, nor the O-line so it will be a good match up all the way around. And if Pitt wins, I'll down a few shots for you PF!
who has have he seahawks played really? the hardest team was the Jags and they lost. i dont count the Indy game b/c it was meaningless and colts had already gotton their first loss. panthers played like shit and the redskins couldnt do dick on offense against the Bucs or Hawks. Seahawks have played pussy teams.
Not once this season have they playd the Broncs, Pats, Steelers, or Beng. When was the last time they played against the 3-4? They got a lot to prove in my eyes to even think that it will be a close game. The Broncos defense would be able to stop Hasselbeck now, but couldnt stop Roethlisberger.
Not once this season have they playd the Broncs, Pats, Steelers, or Beng. When was the last time they played against the 3-4? They got a lot to prove in my eyes to even think that it will be a close game. The Broncos defense would be able to stop Hasselbeck now, but couldnt stop Roethlisberger.
crazyed27 said:
Yeah, I just think domes take away from the thrill of a blizzard or other weather factor. The smaller advantage is that most teams aren't used to the turf and lighting of domes and the bigger advantage is the noise factor and I just hate the fact that domes amplify the noise. Don't get me wrong--it's still just an advantage, not a sure bet. Nothing of that matter is going to help a considerably inferior team beat a powerhouse. Remember when Green Bay totally sucked in the late 80's or so? You never heard anyone talk about it being tough to have to play on "the frozen tundra", because even though it may be one of the more difficult environments the team was just truly that bad.
I can see the consistent climate element of a dome, but that would just bring out the pussy fans as you say and make it even more difficult for guys like me, without a whole lot of extra cash, to score a ticket.
I really think this is going to be a physical war. And it wouldn't surprise me if it came down to the final minute or so, like New England against St. Louis and Carolina.
anti-pop said:
There is some truth to what you're saying, but I became more of a Seahawks believer in watching them just shred Carolina to pieces. The team that controlled the Giants and the Bears looked utterly helpless against Seattle. So, I think the Panthers are a quality opponent and I wouldn't take anything for granted. Their overall schedule has definitely been weak and there is no disputing that. It just makes one wonder how good they really are, which makes it dangerous if the Steelers take them lightly.
Kind of a sloppy win, but I'll take it.