View Full Version : OT: Enjoy the Mal
Believer7
09-01-2005, 18:06
Although I lost the bet, I still think the San Diego Chargers are better than the Jets, they should've won that game. But at any rate I hope you enjoy that Mal rune....lets double or nothing on todays games whaddaya say Nerf?
Broncos over the Colts, and the Packers over the Vikings....I'll give you 2 fals if I lose, if I win I want that mal and ist. You in?
TheCerberus
09-01-2005, 23:36
Although I lost the bet, I still think the San Diego Chargers are better than the Jets, they should've won that game. But at any rate I hope you enjoy that Mal rune....lets double or nothing on todays games whaddaya say Nerf?
Broncos over the Colts, and the Packers over the Vikings....I'll give you 2 fals if I lose, if I win I want that mal and ist. You in?
At the moment it doesn't seem like your bets are working out for you though.
On the Jets game, I don't see why the Chargers "should" have won. Jets had 2 plays with 10 defenders on the field, an encroachment on a 4th down, and roughing the passer to extend the game. Chargers had a few blown plays too, but not as many as the Jets. So I think it ended well.
And its not like it matters, Steelers will win the whole thing.
NEURO_CKY
10-01-2005, 01:41
And its not like it matters, Steelers will win the whole thing.
O yea!!! Preach on brother cerberus!!! educate our fine fellowship on this day!!!
CampKillYourself
PhatTrumpet
10-01-2005, 01:46
go pats 10chars
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 02:06
Steelers won't be the Pats twice in one season.
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 02:17
ROFLMAO!!
i picked all 4 winners this weekend!! -- be glad i didnt take that second bet B7 or youd be doing countess runs and hellforge rushes all week
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 02:24
Steelers won't be the Pats twice in one season.
getting kinda cocky there aint ya?
unless mother nature sends a wicked bad snowstorm to foxboro next weekend, the pats wont even play the steelers twice this season
colts only lost by 3 points in new england earlier -- and that was WITH ty law
the best passing attack we have seen in 20 years is coming to new england and then moving on to pittsburgh
only thing that can stop the colts is bad weather
Ryan, I feel your pain. Bolts should have won, but they got sloppy. Marty didnt help, the 12 year old kicker didn't help, stupid penalities didnt help. But the Jets get to play one more. Then they will go home like they deserve!
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 02:38
you bolt fans may want to stay away from my posts in the football picks thread in the OTF forums -- i am very critical of marty ball and the way the charger franchise is run in general -- you cant blame the kicker (IMO) since he is a rookie and marty should have known better -- herm edwards knew his kicker was having a rough day and he was very aggressive in getting that ball as close to the goal line as possible before the FG try
THAT was the difference -- COACHING
and i agree fred -- the jets will not beat pittsburgh, but i do think new england goes down to manning and company
the NFC games are going to be harder to pick -- gonna wait til i see injury reports and weather updates before i put anything in stone
I feel bad for Kaeding. He was an amazing kicker for the Hawkeyes his whole career there, he's usually automatic, but apparantly the pressure in the playoffs got to him. He knocked in quite a few 50+ yarders during his stint with the Hawks, and some were in key situations.
Seems to me it was a pretty dumb call to go with 3 up the gut running plays. It's not like a 40 yarder in bad weather on the right hash-mark is a gimme for a right-footed kicker.
I hope Chargers fans don't get down on him after this, because he really is a great kicker.
CookiesnCream
10-01-2005, 02:43
Wow, both Broncos and Packers lost lol. With Law out and Seymour questionable, I think the Colts will win next week. I will say this though, if the Colts beat the Patriots, they will go all the way. The Colt's will have too much confidence and momentum for anyone to stop them.
Colts don't match up with the steelers very well at all.
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 02:48
i agree cougar -- the steelers play the type of defense that can actually disrupt manning, plus the colts cannot stop the run -- bettis chews up the clock and the colts superbowl hopes
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 02:51
getting kinda cocky there aint ya?
Did you see what happened last year?
Pat's defense hasn't changed much and they tore Manning up.
Plus they've got a running game this year.
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 03:06
IMO, the pats D is great because of the way they disguise coverages and blitzes -- the fact that their secondary is beat up will hamper their ability to do this
you cannot put linebackers and a wide receiver on the colts receivers on a regualr basis and not expect to get burned (remember that when you blitz, you will be leaving man up coverage on some rather exceptional wides -- did you see what manning did to denver today when they blitzed?)
a healthy secondary in NE would make all the difference -- especially Law -- he is one of the few quality "shut down" corners in the legue
as of right now, i pick the colts -- the only way that will change is when i see weather reports for the new england area later this week
should be an entertaining game
as of now, the Colts match up more than well against the Pats offensively. The Colts defensively don't match up that great... but who do they really match up that good against anyways? I will say that they matchup against the Pats better than the Steelers simply for the style that they play... although the Steelers give up more sacks, so Freeney and Co. might have a hay day if the Colts jump out to an early lead.
If the Pats had a healthy secondary, I would give them the edge. But seeming the have 3 key injuries in their starting secondary, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrison, Brandon Stokley, Marcus Pollard, Edgerrin James can chew them up and spit them out.
Like Nerf said... barring any terrible weather, I have a feeling the Colts will run and pass all over this Patriots defense. They'll score 35+ points and jump out ahead early. Which gives Freeney and that defensive line free reign to begin pounding Tom Brady into submission.
We saw it today against the Broncos(Champ Bailey + John Lynch anyone?), and I think we may see it again against the Pats.
The time of possession stat is meaningless against the Colts.... seeming the League's highest powered offense was something like 15th in time of possession.
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 03:34
Sure, the colts looked pretty damn good today against the Broncos....the broncos...
I'll say it again...the broncos :)
and Champ Bailey is teh suxxor.
Honestly I think he is getting overpayed by the way he has been performing week after week. All I see nowadays is him getting burned.
I'm also not impressed with John Lynch and his "$75,000 is worth it if I send a message to Colt's receivers." There are much better db's in the NFL than Mr. Lynch.
I have my confidence in the Patriots over the Colts and if anyone wants to put their "runes" where their mouth is, I'm willing to take up some bets ;)
whether you think they are overrated or not.. they are still 2 pro bowl caliber defensive backs.
The number of starting pro bowl defensive backs on the patriots..... zero.....
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 03:51
whether you think they are overrated or not.. they are still 2 pro bowl caliber defensive backs.
The number of starting pro bowl defensive backs on the patriots..... zero.....
Since Manning is going to tear up the non pro bowl backs of NE and the Colts will win, you don't have a problem making a friendly bet then Cougar? :)
Nerf-Herder
10-01-2005, 03:53
the pats defense will have to bring pressure early and often and hope that it generates a turnover or two -- they have several quality playmakers on defense, so this really CAN happen, but is still a gamble -- manning is one of them QBs that you REALLY do not want to blitz on a regular basis unless his line is having trouble pass protecting -- the guy can make almost any defensive coordinator want to shoot himself
pats also have an edge at home -- when did they last lose a home game? a home game in january? -- crowd noise can potentially disrupt mannings ability to audible
the weather up there can be (and usually is) a HUGE factor come playoff time -- esp against a domer like indy
in wet weather, NE also has an advantage -- both teams have great backs, but NEs defense can contain edge while indys D cannot contain dillon -- so again, weather plays an important role
i look forward to a great game and will finalize my pick later this week
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 04:01
I agree, this will be a very good game. I don't even like NE. Infact, if anyone had to win the Super Bowl now that GB is out, I would wish that Peyton Manning and the Colts would do it.
I just do not think that they have as complete a team as NE. The Patriots will be able to hold James to minimum yardage and Manning will have to do it all by himself. Also, without Edge as a threat, half of the Colts' play book is thrown out the window...the play action pass.
Same thing happened last year. They had a decisive win in a wild card match-up and then Manning choked when he played a good team, which just happened to be NE :)
Anyways, I said The Pats and I'm sticking with it!
I'm in the same boat as Nerf.
Manning is a fair weather quarterback.. if it's decent weather i'm decisively with the Colts. If the weather is rough, I give a edge to the Pats, but I still think the Colts will win.
So either way.. a friendly bet could very well be in order.
Manning is not to be denied this year.
first of all, as i believe i am the only poster here who has lived in new england for 20+ years (or at least the only one to post so far in this thread) i feel very comfortable in saying that New England will have the weather advantage come sunday.
it has snowed 4 of the last 5 days in new hampshire, and the other it rained heavily, there are no reports of it clearing up at all. the high for the past 5 days was 28 degrees in my town. no indications of any warming trends.
also, you have to take into consideration that the pats coaching staff is worth a touchdown when taking score into consideration.
yes ty law is hurt, yes the patriots secondary is looking meager, but the pats have had the same weakness for 10 years, their secondary. they've always had good shut down corners, but none with excessive speed or size.
last year without these physical advantages the pats rolled right over indy.
my guess for score: 27 - 17 pats, peyton throws for ~300 yards 2 tds 2 picks.
cheers
-tai
Valar-Wrath
10-01-2005, 20:53
i feel very comfortable in saying that New England will have the weather advantage come sunday.
Good Good...
Now what about that bet cougar? :)
One thing that comes to mind that I need of yours is your leorics :P Need anything of mine?
Other than that, I've got a mal somewhere on a mule collecting dust if you're willing to match it.
Let the games begin!
Valar- do you really even think that even if manning and his colts beat the NE pats, that they can somehow surpass the uber godlyness of my steelers?
If your willing to put a bet there for the afc game let me know.
I mean im really thinking steelers going to the superbowl they are going to disrupt manning like no other in there territory...good luck with chaning plays manning if you can hear yourself talk :xsmile3: if steelers ever jump out early with a touchdown just might as well put it in the books. Steelers have way more momentum since they have a rookie QB looking for his perfect season, a RB to prove himself, and a old running back to yet prove his self again :xsmile4: . GOO STEELERS ( Oh and by the way i hate all the new people starting to like the steelers because all of the sudden there having a good season. No, this is isn't sarcastic, i have liked the steelers since i was probly 6 lol. )
hmm..... dunno if I have something of exactly mal value.
I got a gul from my forge, but... i'm not THAT confident haha.
my next highest is a lem, wooooo
TheCerberus
11-01-2005, 00:24
Colts don't match up with the steelers very well at all.
Yeah, I'd like to see Peyton Manning bring his finesse offense to Pittsburgh. It won't be indoors; it'll be harsh weather on a harsh field. Have you heard the fans in Pittsburgh? Honestly, that has to be the loudest place to play this year.
What makes Peyton Manning so successful? The play-action fake. Steelers have the #1 run defense right now I believe, and if Casey Hampton was healthy it'd be even better. There goes Edgerin James. Rudi Johnson had the only successful day against the Steelers this season, but that was to contain Chad Johnson. He had 60 yards in the second game. Highest rusher since then would have to be Curtis Martin with ~75 yards. So Colts have to go to passing if they can't run, and that allows Steelers to stack against it. Now, Deshea Townsend is decent, Chad Scott average at best, and Ike Taylor/Ricardo Colcleigh are very young. Chris Hope is physical, but average in coverage; Troy Polamalu is excellent this season. That sums up to a pretty average secondary, which the Colts can exploit, except...
...Dick Lebeau. He invented the zone blitz, and people were nicknaming the Steelers Blitzburgh when he was there before. He's come back, and the defense is back. Chris Hoke is filling in nicely, Kimo van Oelhoffen gets pressure, Aaron Smith gets pressure and had a Pro Bowl Year. Polamalu and Hope frequent the LOS, and apply pressure as well. The corners disrupt the rhythm (see Colcleigh against Bledsoe), and the linebackers play their part.
The linebacker group is the best in the NFL. James Farrior, enough said. Joey Porter is great and firey. Clark Haggans, Kendrell Bell are good when healthy, but their backups, Larry Foote and James Harrison are monsters! I'd prefer Haggans starting, because Harrison is great on ST. It's no pushover defense like the Texans or Titans. Philadelphia has a very potent offense when Terrell Owens is playing. 27-3... McNabb had no time and messed up. Brayd had no time and messed up. Pennington had no time and messed up.
Pittsburgh's offense will roll against the Colts. Jerome Bettis, healthy Duce Staley, Verron Haynes, even Willie Parker ran for 101 yards against the Bills... in the second half. Plaxico Burress is healthy, teams have to double team him when not blitzing. That opens up Hines Ward, and Antwaan Randel El. Randel El could probably perform better than Stokely in that offense.
Against Freeney and Mathis, the one I'm worried about his Mathis. Pittsburgh probably has the best left offensive line side in the league. Marvel Smith-Alen Faneca-Jeff Hartings. However, Oliver Ross on the right end isn't that good, so Mathis could cause some trouble. Hardly any though, Ben can scramble.
Prediction: 31-17, Pittsburgh.
The only scenario I can see the Colts having an edge is if they get on top early. If they can force Pittsburgh into becoming unbalanced and one dimensional, the Colts d-line will be able to put some hardcore pressure on Roethlisberger. He was sacked 30+ times this season...and if the Bengal's d-line can get to him like 6 times in a game, I think the Colts can too.
But other than that... i agree, the Colts don't match up too well against the Steelers.
PhatTrumpet
11-01-2005, 01:14
first of all, as i believe i am the only poster here who has lived in new england for 20+ years (or at least the only one to post so far in this thread) i feel very comfortable in saying that New England will have the weather advantage come sunday.
it has snowed 4 of the last 5 days in new hampshire, and the other it rained heavily, there are no reports of it clearing up at all. the high for the past 5 days was 28 degrees in my town. no indications of any warming trends.
also, you have to take into consideration that the pats coaching staff is worth a touchdown when taking score into consideration.
yes ty law is hurt, yes the patriots secondary is looking meager, but the pats have had the same weakness for 10 years, their secondary. they've always had good shut down corners, but none with excessive speed or size.
last year without these physical advantages the pats rolled right over indy.
my guess for score: 27 - 17 pats, peyton throws for ~300 yards 2 tds 2 picks.
cheers
-tai
Well, I'm in central-eastern Maine and I've heard we're supposed to have warm temperatures and even some rain near the end of the week, but then snow again around the weekend. MA weather is, maybe, half a day ahead of us, so I can't say for sure what's gonna happen.
Someone who knows the zip code for the stadium should check weatherchannel.com.
Valar-Wrath
11-01-2005, 01:59
Whoa whoa whoa, half of you are talking as if The Colts have the Pats game in the bag. Talking about scenarios for a Colts-Steelers game. Pftttt
I'm tellin ya, Colts won't get passed the Pats.
And Julez, I'll see about making that bet after this weekends round of playoffs :)
here's the 5 day forecast for Foxboro (http://www.qwikcast.com/cgi-bin/forecast.cgi?zip=Foxboro,MA)
The gametime forecast is mid 20's and clear.
Nerf-Herder
11-01-2005, 03:00
still too early in the week IMO for any weather forecast to be reliable
Christor
11-01-2005, 04:11
still too early in the week IMO for any weather forecast to be reliable
Ha! Especially in New England!
I predict a repeat of last season's Colts-Pats matchup. Manning will choke...again. Besides, they may have lost Law, but they now have a strong running game in Dillon. They should run all over the Colt's soft defense. ;)
Should be a high scoring game, but the Patriots will once again prevail.
If it's a game of offenses, I don't know how you could pick the Pats to win.
Even with all of Manning's passing, Edge was still top 5 rushers in the league.
Well Valar ill be waiting for that bet. Although, i won't get too cocky because as most people know anything can happen and on the field it's anyones game it's just who wants it more. Though i do think deep inside....
Colts over Pats due to manning and there powerful offense and NE"s secondary
Steelers over Jets because of Pit's insane everything and jets barely getting by SD with a horrible game
NFC:
Falcons over Rams no contest ...Vick needs to prove his contract and he will put up nice stats due to the rams defense, not to sound stupid but i haven't heard of one person off ram's defense besides archuleta....
Minnesota over Eagles also no contest i don't think mcnabb and westbrook can do it alone they just need T.O, also even with T.O i think minnesota's horrible but improving defense could hold him. *did anyone see those DB's vs the packers...wow they werent doin tooo bad...*
Ill bet on any of those games, except the colts over pats..*teehee* :xmad:
Nerf-Herder
11-01-2005, 04:57
ya but even with a depleted and broken secondary, the pats still have a nice defense
and look at the playoff history when it comes to juggernaut offenses clashing against solid defense
fran tarkenton and the purple dudes in the 70s, dan fouts and the early 80's chargers, the 84 marino dolphins, the totally sick run and shoot of warren moons houston oilers, the 2002 gannon led oakland raiders
these are some of the most prolific passing attacks in the history of the damn game and not ONE of them won a superbowl
since i have thus far picked the colts, i am actually hoping for clear weather and a nice shootout at the foxboro corral -- but i swear if i see a mound of white stuff approaching that part of country, im callin my bookie and canceling the bet!!
so we have a 4 page thread going on about the pats/colts game (well not entriely but stay with me) and noone has mentioned Tom Brady or Adam Vinatieri?
yes manning is having a prolific year, but that doesn't change the fact that the patriots defensive scheme is built around solid players, not stars.
if it comes down to it in a close game, i'll gladly take Brady and the boys over Manning, who has yet to prove he can win under pressure.
cheers
-tai
Nerf-Herder
11-01-2005, 05:08
gonna cut and paste my picks from the OTF forums here... again, its early in the week so things could change
steelers, colts, falcons, vikings
steelers D >> jets O -- pittsburgh is for real folks, and they are on one hell of a roll -- the ONLY way i see the jets pulling this one out is if big ben catches a sudden case of severe "rookie-itis" and begins handing the ball off directly to the jets defensive line
colts -- im taking them as of now, but may switch on friday if weather reports indicate a snowstorm or rain -- ty law almost single-handedly burned the colts in last years championship game (three INTs off manning) and he will not play -- i am also looking at the fact that indy lost AT foxboro by only three points in week one -- i highly doubt the sure-handed edgerrin james will repeat his two fumble fiasco in that game (those turnovers really hurt the colts)
falcons -- tough one to pick since the rams are a very good indoor turf team, but ultimately atlantas D can contain bulger and the boys while there is no way in hell the rams D contains mike vick -- vick is woefully inconsistent (i followed his performancs closely this year since he was a my fantasy QB -- some weeks he looks like greatest playmaker ever and some others i could swear that ryan leaf kidnapped vick, put on his jersey, and took the field in his place) but i have a gut feeling that mike will be "on" this week
vikings -- this pick is contingent on the health of randy moss (did anyone else see him limp off the field at the end of the GB game?)
another gut hunch here -- this is more of a pick AGAINST the eagles than it is FOR the vikes -- i believe the eagles ARE cursed, and i am not liking the fact that the eagles first teamers have not played a meaningful game together in over a month (this breeds laziness and saps the soul of that winning attitude) -- add to that the loss of T.O. (who is without a doubt their primary offensive catalyst) and andy reid is going to be drawing unemployment come 8:00 AM next monday
The only way i see the Pats winning is with a crapload of field goals i just have this feeling Tom Brady is going to get sacked one too many times because freeney gunna eat em. :xman: I still say Colts win, get there hopes up, and lose to my Steelers. Score of colts vs pats 20-28 colts win
Score of steelers jets 14-24
Valar-Wrath
11-01-2005, 22:59
Honestly, I do not think that the Steelers will even make it past the AFC Championship game, let alone win the superbowl. I just do NOT see a rookie quarterback holding up under all this pressure and leading his team through the playoffs. I expect Big Ben to do what Manning did last year....CHOKE!
And without a passing attack, the Pat's defense could hold them to very few points and against the Colts, without Burress and Ward scoring TD's, the Colt's offense will easily outscore Pittsburgh.
So basically, I do NOT see Pittsburgh getting far, except beating the Jets.
Here are my predictions:
28-10 Steelers d. Jets
24-21 Pats d. Colts
34-20 Vikings d. Eagles
30-14 Falcons d. Rams
Then:
20-10 Pats d. Steelers
27-20 Vikings d. Falcons
And Finally:
23-13 Pats d. Vikings
Nfc contenders seem so weird...like i can't believe vikings are even in the race after the finishing games they ended their season with.
I almost totally forgot about the ravens vs giants superbowl i dont remember anything about it ><
I think it would have been kool to see chargers vs falcons in superbowl this year but thats too late too happen.. :rant:
( although i like the steelers that would be a good superbowl )
Valar-Wrath
12-01-2005, 04:03
Ravens vs. Giants was the worst Super Bowl I have ever seen. In fact, I stopped watching after the first quarter :)
ya know, i'd probably be closer to picking the actual winner if i just went by which teams cheerleaders had the biggest boobs.
Just to finish this thread....Steelers are gunna go to the superbowl....woohoo!!!!
Valar-Wrath
12-01-2005, 21:58
Just to finish this thread....Steelers are gunna go to the superbowl....woohoo!!!!
Did you skip over my post about the Steelers or something Jules? No way in hell are they going to the Superbowl. ;)
Since when are you right anyways >.<
Valar-Wrath
13-01-2005, 00:29
Since when are you right anyways >.<
Heh, wanna make a bet that the Steelers don't win the Super Bowl? I'm willing to bet mal.
Steelers have a 1/8th chance of winning the superbowl and 1/4th of a chance next week i think the odds are against me if I were too bet ><
5 pages of insane superbowl (what?) stuff -.-
See some real sports like hockey :) no one but the americans could hold such a wicked sport as american football in such high value :) i mean... HUGE guys sweating, throwing a FOOT"ball", rarely kicking it, bumping into eachothers and shouting insane things like "THREEEE, FOURTY TWOOO" whats up with THAT? :)
Nerf-Herder
13-01-2005, 13:31
people mock what they do not understand
TheCerberus
14-01-2005, 00:21
people mock what they do not understand
Big Ben sure did choke against New England and Philadelphia before.
He can do badly and Pittsburgh can still win the game.
the playoffs are a whole new level of pressure my friend.
I say that there is no pressure the steelers in general can not handle...do not underestimate the power of Pittsburgh or they will blow you out of the water.
Valar-Wrath
15-01-2005, 05:20
I say that there is no pressure the steelers in general can not handle...do not underestimate the power of Pittsburgh or they will blow you out of the water.
I don't underestimate the power of Pittsburgh, I underestimate the power of Ben Roethelisburger. (sp)
Ok even if he slips up his team will save him...we could probably run the whole game and use are defense to win the game tomorrow.
Valar-Wrath
15-01-2005, 07:48
Ok even if he slips up his team will save him...we could probably run the whole game and use are defense to win the game tomorrow.
Yes, TOMORROW, but certainly not next week :)
TheCerberus
15-01-2005, 17:30
Yes, TOMORROW, but certainly not next week :)
Why not? I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work against the Colts... :lol:
Valar-Wrath
15-01-2005, 17:37
Why not? I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work against the Colts... :lol:
Pittsburgh's offense can't keep up with the Colts and won't be able to score against NE. And I STILL think the Patriots will beat the Colts. :)
Funny how Believer7 never came back. Maybe he chocked on his words?
Shaky game by big ben as expected but the defense and running game pulled through yet again 20-17 win. The best asset steelers had that game against the jets was the jets own player, Doug Brien. Hah, missed not one but two field goals we can't be that sketchy next week
Merry Christmas Pittsburgh Steelers.
Play like that against the Colts or Patriots and it'll be over quick.
Lets just hope we don't see a repeat performance...tell you the truth i think the crowd played a big role :-D
Believer7
16-01-2005, 09:05
The Laces Were In!!!!!! The Laces Were In!!!!!! Die Dan X!x!
Valar-Wrath
16-01-2005, 18:56
Now I'm sure of it. Pittsburgh goes home next week. Rookie quarterbacks just won't cut it in the playoffs.
TheCerberus
16-01-2005, 18:57
Merry Christmas Pittsburgh Steelers.
Play like that against the Colts or Patriots and it'll be over quick.
Yes, play like that and it'll be terrible. Letting the offense score 3 points is outrageous. And allowing the easiest plays in the book to succeed, a punt return and interception return, fire Cowher immediately.
Roethlisberger played like crap, and Whisenhunt called some terrible plays. Other than that, the team played extremely well. The Steelers did get lucky, but I throw that out when the other team only has 3 points off of offense.
Steelers offense can't keep pace with Colts. Thats true. However, they can score just as easily as the Colts, surprisingly. Its called the running game. Lets say the Colts take 3 minutes to score. Steelers get the ball, and 8 minutes later, its 7-7. It keeps the defense fresh.
Steelers can't score on Patriots? WHAT? 34-20. With two garbage time TDs from Brady. Sad that its garbage time in the 3rd quarter, but thats the extent to which the Pats got dominated. Spare me the Bellichick factor nonsense, he was pretty bad with the Browns.
EDIT: The Patriots secondary was torn to pieces by the Bengals. Enough said. And I fail to see why Ben Roethlisberger can't make it to the Super Bowl, when Tom Brady did it in 2001 as a first year player with very mediocre performances? Granted, he did have the tuck rule, but the Steelers are a much better team than that Patriots team.
Valar-Wrath
16-01-2005, 19:20
Steelers can't score on Patriots? WHAT? 34-20. With two garbage time TDs from Brady. Sad that its garbage time in the 3rd quarter, but thats the extent to which the Pats got dominated.
One word...Playoffs.
hmm posted this before forums ate it up...
You're equating the Jets offense with the Colts offense? Let me be the first to say....
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
I hate to tell you this, should the Steelers and Colts meet, the Colts won't be held to 3 points offensively. Thusly, if the Steelers make the same mistakes on special teams and offense, the game will be over quick. And stats would disagree with the Steelers scoring just as easily as the Colts. As the Colts led the league in scoring.
And no, it's not "enough said" when talking about the Bengals. The Bengals were a solid team who had the most players on IR in the league. Most of them being on defense, with like 3 of those in the linebacking core. I'm a Bengals fan and i've watched every game they've played all season. Carson Palmer got hot towards the end of the season. No one in the league can shut down Chad Johnson, and T.J. Houshmanzadeh is a receiver whose stock is growing every year. Palmer's passer rating during his last 6 games of the year was 96.9, it was in the 60's previously. Signs of a quarterback coming into his own throughout the year. Had he not got hurt in the 3rd quarter of the pats game, I feel they would've pulled it off.
Colts gotta win today first.. otherwise it's a moot point.
TheCerberus
16-01-2005, 21:47
hmm posted this before forums ate it up...
You're equating the Jets offense with the Colts offense? Let me be the first to say....
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
I hate to tell you this, should the Steelers and Colts meet, the Colts won't be held to 3 points offensively. Thusly, if the Steelers make the same mistakes on special teams and offense, the game will be over quick. And stats would disagree with the Steelers scoring just as easily as the Colts. As the Colts led the league in scoring.
And no, it's not "enough said" when talking about the Bengals. The Bengals were a solid team who had the most players on IR in the league. Most of them being on defense, with like 3 of those in the linebacking core. I'm a Bengals fan and i've watched every game they've played all season. Carson Palmer got hot towards the end of the season. No one in the league can shut down Chad Johnson, and T.J. Houshmanzadeh is a receiver whose stock is growing every year. Palmer's passer rating during his last 6 games of the year was 96.9, it was in the 60's previously. Signs of a quarterback coming into his own throughout the year. Had he not got hurt in the 3rd quarter of the pats game, I feel they would've pulled it off.
Colts gotta win today first.. otherwise it's a moot point.
I'm aware that the playoffs are different. But are they that different that an anemic defense suddenly will be able to stop the best rushing offense in the league?
Let me take the Bengals game first. I know that the Bengals have a very good passing offense, Rudi Johnson can be damn good on his own too. It is possible to contain Chad, I had him on my FF team and he sucked it up until the Denver game. The Steelers play them twice a year, and when they contained Chad, Rudi had a big day, and vice versa. However, if my memory serves me correctly, Seymour played in that game. He will not be playing today. But you do agree that the Colts are a better offense right? Thats what I meant by "Enough said." Peyton Manning is a lot more accurate than Palmer is. Chad Johnson is a lesser version of Harrison, maybe even Wayne. The Colts have 5 players with 5+ recieveing TDs. Exactly who on the Patriots defense will step up to pick off Manning? Earthwind Morehead or Randall ***? If the Bengals could score that much with 2 quality recievers and a good RB, what can the Colts do with 5 quality recievers and a good RB?
You're right, Jets don't compare to the Colts in terms of offense. However, I never compared them. You said if the Steelers play like they did yesterday, the Patriots and Colts would kill them. Thats where I disagree. The Steelers performance was marred by TWO PLAYS. The defense played wonderfully, and there's no doubt in my mind that they can do the same to the Patriots. They can't do that to the Colts, but they can slow them down. There were only 2 plays that went badly on ST, the punt return and one of the kick returns.
The offense in general did well. The running game performed extremely well, except for the fumble. I'm not worried about that, it was his first of the year. The secondary for the Jets is much, much better than the Patriots or Colts, so whats there to expect except for improvement for Rothlisberger?
You're misunderstanding the stats when it comes to scoring. The Colts probably have a much higher scoring average than the Steelers, but that comes down to 3 things. 1, caliber of opponent's offense. 3, caliber of opponent's defense. 2, their method of attack. The only team in their division who matched up well to them was Jacksonville. Why? Because the Jaguars can pound the ball and control the clock. Their defense was good. The Colts take a very short time to score, and thus can score a lot more in a given time than the Steelers. Thats true. But that doesn't mean the Steelers can't keep pace. Look at the 2nd Jacksonville game; it can be done.
Valar-Wrath
16-01-2005, 22:36
I'm still looking to make bets...:)
Cerberus, do you still play? If so, what realm? ;)
Edit: Just saw the weather in NE and it doesn't look good for the Colts.
TheCerberus
17-01-2005, 02:12
I'm still looking to make bets...:)
Cerberus, do you still play? If so, what realm? ;)
Edit: Just saw the weather in NE and it doesn't look good for the Colts.
Wow did the weather take a 180 or what? A Patriots fan was telling me 30 minutes before the game that the weather was going to be clear, but the field a little rough. Just shows that finesse dome teams can't really handle it December through January. And sorry Valar, I did play East, but SC. I have about 100 SoJs and probably that same amount in items if you wanted, but my characters have probably expired or stripped by my friend.
Alright guys, here's the gameplan for Sunday at Heinz Field, ~35 degrees most likely.
Patriots Offense:
Tom Brady - Very experienced in playoffs, and can deliver clutch throws when he's given time. However, put pressure on him, (see Pittsburgh and Miami), he flusters and makes terrible throws. His team rises and falls with him.
Corey Dillon - Very good runner, not as fast as say Priest Holmes or LT2, but he can power you while being nimble, much like LaMont Jordan, Rudi Johnson, or Jamal Lewis. There's a 80% chance he'll be held to around 80 yards in the game however, because you just can't run against the Steelers.
Deion Branch/David Givens/David Patten - Branch is Brady's favorite, Givens is pretty agile. Nothing outstanding like Moss or Owens, nor speedy like Chad Johnson or Kennison, but they get it done. Patten had the majority of the TDs.
Offensive Line/Tight Ends - They did a average job of protecting Brady this year, and were very good in opening lanes. Allowed 26 sacks.
Steelers Offense:
Big Ben - Inexperienced in the playoffs, had a very bad outing against the Jets. However, the Jets were also the best team against him this year. Can scramble very well, and gets the 2nd most yards per attempt in the entire league. Throws well on the run, but tends to take sacks easily. ROOKIE
Jerome Bettis/Duce Staley - 2 headed monster, 2nd best rushing attack in the league. To put it simply, they can't be stopped. They ran over the Patriots, Eagles, Ravens, Washington, Jets... can't be stopped. Duce Staley has had a bad hamstring injury, but looked very good this week and should be full health next week. Jerome Bettis can run over players, and then sidestep them.
Plaxico Burress/Hines Ward/Randel El - Plaxico Burress stretches the field, and is Ben's favorite target because he can throw it up and Plax will get it (Cunningham to Moss). It opens up Hines Ward, who is one of the best recievers in the league. Doesn't drop balls, even in rain, best blocking WR, and can run. Randel El brings trickery, and is on par with Stokely as the best slot WR in the league. TEs are rarely used.
Offensive Line - At the beginning and end of the season, they rarely allowed sacks. However, for about 5 weeks, the sacks poured in. Regardless, they are the best pulling line in the league, with 2 Pro-Bowlers.
I'll do the defenses some other time. I don't really know much about the Patriots defense.
Christor
17-01-2005, 02:16
The Patriots absolutely dominated that game once the 2nd half rolled around. Once again, the Colts can't win in New England. Too many mistakes on the Colt's part, and the Patriots took advantage of damn near all of them.
Onward to Pittsburgh for a rematch.
Wasn't really a game of mistakes. Mostly just New England dominating every facet of the game. Weather didn't really help much either.
I didn't think that time of possession would matter very much since the Colts were something like 15th in that during the season. But I stand corrected. The Colts offense was kept off the field while the Pats offense just kept pounding the ball and taking off time. Perfectly executed game plan.
Don't give up the big play, don't turn the ball over, and take all the time off the clock.
Yet another year where all the teams left in the playoffs I don't give a crap about. Guess I gotta find something else to do next Sunday.
Argh I hate the Patriots.
We will see rematch next week of what happened on Halloween night *SP* will the steelers take the lead in the 1st quarter 21-3 gain? Hopefully =-P
Valar-Wrath
17-01-2005, 02:58
Hmm, just got back. 20-3 Pats, did I not tell you guys? I love being right ;) (I'm not trying to sound like an *** or anything, it just didn't seem like anyone was thinking NE would win and I didn't know why.)
Anyways, back to betting. Jules, do you want to bet on the NE/Pitt game?
to be faaair, a few people said that in case of bad weather the pats would win.
I said I gave the Pats the edge in bad weather, but the win to the Colts. Shoulda went with the edge =/
Valar-Wrath
17-01-2005, 03:40
to be faaair, a few people said that in case of bad weather the pats would win.
I said I gave the Pats the edge in bad weather, but the win to the Colts. Shoulda went with the edge =/
So you really think the weather had everything to do with the Colts only scoring 3 points? Give the NE Defense atleast a little credit.
"Wow did the weather take a 180 or what? A Patriots fan was telling me 30 minutes before the game that the weather was going to be clear, but the field a little rough. Just shows that finesse dome teams can't really handle it December through January."
Tai. 1
New England Meteorologists 0
Hmm, it seems like me and Valar were pretty dead on...
"Since when are you right anyways >.<" -Jules, regarding Valar
Cheers
-Tai
TheCerberus
17-01-2005, 04:03
I actually do think the weather had an effect. Since when did the Colts recievers look like freakin' Seattle? After they realized they couldn't throw the ball 60% of the time they should've gone to running, but they decided to get owned.
Patriots played well today, but for the first half of the game is was equally ugly on both sides of the ball. Patriots were able to pull away though.
CookiesnCream
17-01-2005, 04:48
I actually do think the weather had an effect. Since when did the Colts recievers look like freakin' Seattle? After they realized they couldn't throw the ball 60% of the time they should've gone to running, but they decided to get owned.
Patriots played well today, but for the first half of the game is was equally ugly on both sides of the ball. Patriots were able to pull away though.
Yeah the defense couldn't stop Dillon and Stokley looked like a receiver from Seattle. Those dropped passes killed momentum and they couldn't get drives going. The Pats Linebackers did a good job of putting pressure on Manning, but someone always chokes when the colts play NE. Last year it was Manning, in the seaon opener this year, it was James, and today it was the defense(not surprising) and the WRs(especially Stokley).
Valar-Wrath
17-01-2005, 05:40
"Since when are you right anyways >.<" -Jules, regarding Valar
HAH! I didn't even see that. Thanks for bringing that back up Tai :)
I actually do think the weather had an effect.
Of course it had an effect. Foxboro is always hard to play at because of the weather. But like I said, I don't think it had EVERYTHING to do with the Pats owning the Colts today. NE played well and they're my pick to win the Superbowl....again...
Nerf-Herder
17-01-2005, 08:40
the pats have to be slight favorites this week in pitt -- look at the way both played
also, unlike the earlier meetng between these two, the pats will have dillon this week (unless he does a jeff kent and breaks some bones riding a motorcycle before the weekend)
couple of other things to think about:
-- cowhers record in AFC championship games: 1-3
-- when was the last time a bellichek team lost a playoff game to a team that defeated them in the season?
Now I can only hope that I get to see Roethlisberger vs. Vick in the superbowl, otherwise I fear it may be just as boring a Superbowl as last years.
On the subject of last year's Superbowl, how in the hell were people referring it to the "best Superbowl ever".
The first 3 1/2 quarters were a complete yawn fest. I damned near fell asleep. Our great Superbowl party turned into poker while we glanced over our shoulders every so often to see if anything was happening. Which, to our dismay, there was nothing.
Here's for hoping it's Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta so I actually have something semi-exciting to watch. First year undefeated rookie quarterback vs. the best athlete in the NFL.
Valar-Wrath
17-01-2005, 22:09
Yea, I think a lot of people base it being a "good game" by the very last few minutes. Hell, I enjoyed the Falcons/Rams game more than that Superbowl. The only way it will be exciting this year is if Vick is in it, and I think that may just happen.
Pick one:
Bill Belichick = Pontius Pilate ?
Foxborough = Planet Krypton?
The Pats = Lucy with a football to kick?
The Pats = The Yankees (the Colts = BoSox prior to '04) ?
Whatever you pick, I it makes me sad. :[
I hate the Pats.
TheCerberus
18-01-2005, 02:08
the pats have to be slight favorites this week in pitt -- look at the way both played
also, unlike the earlier meetng between these two, the pats will have dillon this week (unless he does a jeff kent and breaks some bones riding a motorcycle before the weekend)
couple of other things to think about:
-- cowhers record in AFC championship games: 1-3
-- when was the last time a bellichek team lost a playoff game to a team that defeated them in the season?
Patriots are 3 point favorites this weekend I believe, despite being on the road. Pittsburgh played amazing when they were underdogs against the Patriots and Eagles before, so I'm not complaining. I wish I had money to bet.
When the Patriots had 5 yards rushing, Dillon wouldn't have mattered. Granted, they did rush only 5 times, but how much more would they have rushed when down 21-3, 34-13, so on? And even if they let Dillon loose as soon as the game starts, you can't run on the Steelers. Curtis Martin had 70~ yards in each outing; he's the title holder. McGahee got 79 on backups. Jamal Lewis was stuffed.
Cowher's record does suck, I admit it. However, the first 2 times they were soundly beat, and in 2001 I couldn't believe some of the stuff the refs were calling. 2001 Pats = worst team to ever win a Super Bowl. And Cowher would have one for the thumb if not for Neil "Paid Off" O'Donnell.
Patriots did beat the Rams in 2001, but that team is more easily stopped than this year's Steelers. Its not that hard to stop a finesse team, look at the Colts game. But stop a running team?
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