Okay, so there are some positives to be taken from the Steelers win over Miami. Willie Parker went over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season. Not bad for a guy that was believed to be too small to be a useful NFL back. Now the Steelers just need to get him into the end zone more often.
Hines Ward caught nine passes for 88 yards and appears to be back to form after missing two games. That's good, as the Steelers will need this guy if they're going to make a playoff push.
Speaking of playoffs - the win, no matter how ugly, keeps them a game ahead of the resurgent Browns. I'm glad the Browns are good again. I think the NFL is better when the Steelers and Browns are good at the same time. And Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel deserves another couple of years. He wasn't given much when he took over the Browns.
Next up, Cincinnati. With any luck, they'll regress a bit from this past week, and the Steelers will play the kind of good games they played before they met the Jets.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Stillers 3, Dolphins 0
What a scintillating game. Non-Stop action! Yeesh. Two pathetic games in a row. The only good things to say: They got the win and no injuries.
It's a good thing the Stillers have already beaten the Browns twice, otherwise I'd wonder whether or not they can win the division. I sure hope they have better games in them than these last two. Now Steelers fans should be concerned about the Bengals (not Santa) comin' to town next week. They may be 4-7, but they just finished beating the oil derricks out of the Titans.
Well, five games to go with Cincy, the Undefeateds, Jacksonville, St. Louis and Baltimore still to go. Two weeks ago, I'd have said the Steelers would win 4 of these 5 games. Now I'm not so sure. Let's hope they have a good game to spring them forward. They'll need all the momentum they can get for their December 9th game.
It's a good thing the Stillers have already beaten the Browns twice, otherwise I'd wonder whether or not they can win the division. I sure hope they have better games in them than these last two. Now Steelers fans should be concerned about the Bengals (not Santa) comin' to town next week. They may be 4-7, but they just finished beating the oil derricks out of the Titans.
Well, five games to go with Cincy, the Undefeateds, Jacksonville, St. Louis and Baltimore still to go. Two weeks ago, I'd have said the Steelers would win 4 of these 5 games. Now I'm not so sure. Let's hope they have a good game to spring them forward. They'll need all the momentum they can get for their December 9th game.
Fins & Pats: Pursuit of Perfection
So the Patriots are going to go 16-0. Good for them. I'd rather this did not happen - as I dislike them intensely - but it will be good in one regard. We'll hear no more about those chowderheads from the 1972 Dolphins. Pride is one thing Fin guys, but you're really annoying.
And on the other side of that coin is the pursuit of perfection being chased by the 2007 Dolphins. Wouldn't it be ironic that 25 years after the aforementioned '72 Dolphins set the standard for perfection, that the current Fin team may set the dubious standard for imperfection? And that they'd do it in the same season that another team topped the undefeated mark?
Let's hope the Steelers aren't in a giving mood like they were last Sunday. Still can't believe they lost to the Jets. Oh, the humanity...
And on the other side of that coin is the pursuit of perfection being chased by the 2007 Dolphins. Wouldn't it be ironic that 25 years after the aforementioned '72 Dolphins set the standard for perfection, that the current Fin team may set the dubious standard for imperfection? And that they'd do it in the same season that another team topped the undefeated mark?
Let's hope the Steelers aren't in a giving mood like they were last Sunday. Still can't believe they lost to the Jets. Oh, the humanity...
Oh Please...
What's up with this Devin Hester love fest? It's amazing that he has been able to run so many punts and kickoffs back for touchdowns. But it's also pathetic. He's a professional football player, right? And the coverage team chasing after him are professionals as well, correct? Then tackle him!
Instead, we get oohs and aahs from the broadcast team acting as though they've never seen anything like this before. Like they just discovered the New World. C'mon - where's the reaction of "I can't believe Denver allowed this to happen! They ARE a pro team, aren't they?"
And the discussion of kicking away from him is absurd. You're a pro football team. Stop him. What are you going to do? Kick out of bounds on every kickoff in a Chicago game? Surrender field position and allow them to start at the 40 every time? Stop him!! Teams should kick right to him and make it a matter of pride to stop him. They should be embarrased every time he gains a yard.
And as for the Patriots and running up the score? If you don't want that to happen...stop them. And if you can't do that, do what players of the 60s and 70s would have done. There was no toleration for things like that then. The players policed themselves. This kinder, gentler NFL is for the birds.
Continuing on the Patriots for a mo, I don't recall seeing Mike Vrabel being put into the game on offense last night. I wonder if Philly would have put somebody on him if that did happen? What is up with that? I hope NFL teams have learned now that if Vrabel is in the game on offense, somebody better cover him.
And it was humorous when Junior Seau was in the game as a fullback. The announcer pointed out that Lawrence Mulroney followed him right into the pile. Except for the fact that he didn't. He was at least one lineman away from Seau on the play.
Instead, we get oohs and aahs from the broadcast team acting as though they've never seen anything like this before. Like they just discovered the New World. C'mon - where's the reaction of "I can't believe Denver allowed this to happen! They ARE a pro team, aren't they?"
And the discussion of kicking away from him is absurd. You're a pro football team. Stop him. What are you going to do? Kick out of bounds on every kickoff in a Chicago game? Surrender field position and allow them to start at the 40 every time? Stop him!! Teams should kick right to him and make it a matter of pride to stop him. They should be embarrased every time he gains a yard.
And as for the Patriots and running up the score? If you don't want that to happen...stop them. And if you can't do that, do what players of the 60s and 70s would have done. There was no toleration for things like that then. The players policed themselves. This kinder, gentler NFL is for the birds.
Continuing on the Patriots for a mo, I don't recall seeing Mike Vrabel being put into the game on offense last night. I wonder if Philly would have put somebody on him if that did happen? What is up with that? I hope NFL teams have learned now that if Vrabel is in the game on offense, somebody better cover him.
And it was humorous when Junior Seau was in the game as a fullback. The announcer pointed out that Lawrence Mulroney followed him right into the pile. Except for the fact that he didn't. He was at least one lineman away from Seau on the play.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Offended Iggles?
If the Eagles were offended by the point spread, as they should have been, then the result of the New England Cheaters/Eagles game is no surprise. Good for the Eagles.
They didn't assume defeat before the game started and they sacked Brady a few times and got his dress a little dirty. The Eagles also managed to do some great passing against the Pats. I don't think they would have done so well with McNabb in there. Maybe that absence was a blessing. I guess now we'll have to deal with his mother and him crying on the Philly sports channels all week.
Too bad - I wasn't even going to watch the game, and now I am so glad I did. I just wish the Eagles had come up with a few more great plays. Maybe the NFC isn't as bad as people say.
They didn't assume defeat before the game started and they sacked Brady a few times and got his dress a little dirty. The Eagles also managed to do some great passing against the Pats. I don't think they would have done so well with McNabb in there. Maybe that absence was a blessing. I guess now we'll have to deal with his mother and him crying on the Philly sports channels all week.
Too bad - I wasn't even going to watch the game, and now I am so glad I did. I just wish the Eagles had come up with a few more great plays. Maybe the NFC isn't as bad as people say.
Friday, November 23, 2007
22-point favorites
What on Earth? How can a professional football team be favored by 22 points? And yet, with the Patriots, is this really surprising? I'm sad to have to say that the Eagles may lose by more than 22 when it's all said and done. Is 52-17 out of the question?
And now we're hearing that McNabb may not start. I am not sure if Eagles fans will really miss him once he's in Minnesota or Chicago next season. Bet they wish they had Jeff Garcia now. A lot less expensive and a lot less drama. And better results, if the end of the 2006 season is any indication.
And before you Eagle fans get all defensive, I've already predicted that the Stillers will get clobbered. My hope is that Baltimore will beat the Patriots up a bit before the Stillers game. If there's one team you better respect, it's the Ravens. I don't think Ray Lewis will take kindly to any offense running up the score on his defensive unit. I'll only say this once in a blue moon - Go Ravens!
And now we're hearing that McNabb may not start. I am not sure if Eagles fans will really miss him once he's in Minnesota or Chicago next season. Bet they wish they had Jeff Garcia now. A lot less expensive and a lot less drama. And better results, if the end of the 2006 season is any indication.
And before you Eagle fans get all defensive, I've already predicted that the Stillers will get clobbered. My hope is that Baltimore will beat the Patriots up a bit before the Stillers game. If there's one team you better respect, it's the Ravens. I don't think Ray Lewis will take kindly to any offense running up the score on his defensive unit. I'll only say this once in a blue moon - Go Ravens!
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Steeler History Lesson; 16-0
Still no idea what happened in the Meadowlands. How could they have lost that game? It wasn't on TV in my area, so I didn't see any of it. Probably a good thing. Who can figure this team out? Is any other Steeler fan reminded of the 2001 season?
Pittsburgh was rolling along (they were 13-3 that year), winning games in the typical Steeler style. Not killing anyone, but getting the wins. Then came that Minnesota game when they gave up 300+ passing yards to Todd Bauman (200) and Daunte Culpepper (140) and almost lost. If not for a late fourth quarter, 20 or so yard Bettis run on third down, they might have lost that game.
Then, came the loss in Cincinnati (they were 6-10 in 2001), when the Steelers allowed the Bengals to block a field goal and then to return it for a score! Still with me?
The season ended with that horrible 24-17 loss to the Patriots. This was the game that propelled the Pats to their first Super Bowl win. You know, after the fumble (and it was a fumble and Brady knew it, as indicated by his walking off the field with his head down) in the snow against Oakland the week before that was nullified by the 'tuck' rule? Remember this?
That game was lost by special teams. A punt return for a touchdown...and (refer to the Cincinnati game above) a blocked kick returned for a touchdown. Pittsburgh loses another title game.
Here are the important game stats:
First Downs: NE 15, Steelers 23
Total Net Yards: NE 259, Steelers 306
Kordell Stewart 24-42 for 255 yards, 3 INT, 0 TD
Tom Brady 12-18 for 115 yards, 0 INT, 0 TD, Drew Bledsoe 10-21 for 102 yards, 0 INT, 1 TD
How many times have we seen something like this? All the right numbers seemingly in the Steelers favor, but then there are some pivotal numbers (turnovers) that kill them. Turnovers and special teams.
I hope I am wrong. But I can't imagine a scenario where the Steelers beat the Patriots this year. Nor can I imagine that the Giants will either. So that means that I have joined the crowd of folks who believe that the Patriots will go 16-0 this year. That's emetic for me to admit.
I hope I'm wrong. But history is a strong indicator that I am not.
Pittsburgh was rolling along (they were 13-3 that year), winning games in the typical Steeler style. Not killing anyone, but getting the wins. Then came that Minnesota game when they gave up 300+ passing yards to Todd Bauman (200) and Daunte Culpepper (140) and almost lost. If not for a late fourth quarter, 20 or so yard Bettis run on third down, they might have lost that game.
Then, came the loss in Cincinnati (they were 6-10 in 2001), when the Steelers allowed the Bengals to block a field goal and then to return it for a score! Still with me?
The season ended with that horrible 24-17 loss to the Patriots. This was the game that propelled the Pats to their first Super Bowl win. You know, after the fumble (and it was a fumble and Brady knew it, as indicated by his walking off the field with his head down) in the snow against Oakland the week before that was nullified by the 'tuck' rule? Remember this?
That game was lost by special teams. A punt return for a touchdown...and (refer to the Cincinnati game above) a blocked kick returned for a touchdown. Pittsburgh loses another title game.
Here are the important game stats:
First Downs: NE 15, Steelers 23
Total Net Yards: NE 259, Steelers 306
Kordell Stewart 24-42 for 255 yards, 3 INT, 0 TD
Tom Brady 12-18 for 115 yards, 0 INT, 0 TD, Drew Bledsoe 10-21 for 102 yards, 0 INT, 1 TD
How many times have we seen something like this? All the right numbers seemingly in the Steelers favor, but then there are some pivotal numbers (turnovers) that kill them. Turnovers and special teams.
I hope I am wrong. But I can't imagine a scenario where the Steelers beat the Patriots this year. Nor can I imagine that the Giants will either. So that means that I have joined the crowd of folks who believe that the Patriots will go 16-0 this year. That's emetic for me to admit.
I hope I'm wrong. But history is a strong indicator that I am not.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Why?
Why is Buffalo kicking field goals when they are down by 35 points? Do they think those three points might make the difference after they rattle off five unanswered touchdowns? Please. Is any NFL team planning to show up when playing the Patriots? And again, the question must be asked:
Why are Brady & Co. still in a game when they are leading by 32 points in the third quarter? Sooner or later, you have to think that karma will catch up to the Cheaters. Someone might get hurt - either inadvertently or intentionally.
Why doesn't the NFL just give the Cheaters the Lombardi trophy now? It's pretty clear that there is no team capable of beating them. And then we fans don't have to endure any more of these uncompetitive games.
An Update: It's now 56-10. Patriot games are unwatchable. I think the NFL should schedule another game whenever the Pats are on, so that when SUNY Buffalo shows up they can switch to another game.
Why are Brady & Co. still in a game when they are leading by 32 points in the third quarter? Sooner or later, you have to think that karma will catch up to the Cheaters. Someone might get hurt - either inadvertently or intentionally.
Why doesn't the NFL just give the Cheaters the Lombardi trophy now? It's pretty clear that there is no team capable of beating them. And then we fans don't have to endure any more of these uncompetitive games.
An Update: It's now 56-10. Patriot games are unwatchable. I think the NFL should schedule another game whenever the Pats are on, so that when SUNY Buffalo shows up they can switch to another game.
Pittsburgh 16, NY Jets 19
You've got to be kidding me! The Steelers should be 10-0 this year! Why can't they put away lousy teams? Losses to Arizona, Denver and now the Jets?
Should I expect them to lose to the Dolphins next week? And why did Parker only gain 52 yards rushing? What is wrong with this team? I think the experts may have to look for another team to knock off the Patriots now. Who could pick the Steelers for that after this performance?
I hope the Bills find the fortitude the Steelers obviously do not possess and beat the snot out of the cheating Patriots.
Should I expect them to lose to the Dolphins next week? And why did Parker only gain 52 yards rushing? What is wrong with this team? I think the experts may have to look for another team to knock off the Patriots now. Who could pick the Steelers for that after this performance?
I hope the Bills find the fortitude the Steelers obviously do not possess and beat the snot out of the cheating Patriots.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Am I Evil?
Is it wrong that I revel in the Barry Bonds indictment? It probably is. But I am not alone. I'm sure there are people all over the US preparing their own asterisks for this guy. It's too bad this didn't happen 10 home runs ago. Or better yet, 200.
And after poor Mr. Bonds was 'fired' by the Giants (his word) for all of his All-Star selections...Or was it for all the MVP awards....or was it for all the Gold Gloves he won (are there any qualifications for winning one of these??!)...
Nah, it might have been due to the controversy surrounding him. Or the exhoribitant amount of money required to retain such a mercurial and troublesome talent. Maybe it was because he was...hmmm...let's just say...not very well-liked.
And after poor Mr. Bonds was 'fired' by the Giants (his word) for all of his All-Star selections...Or was it for all the MVP awards....or was it for all the Gold Gloves he won (are there any qualifications for winning one of these??!)...
Nah, it might have been due to the controversy surrounding him. Or the exhoribitant amount of money required to retain such a mercurial and troublesome talent. Maybe it was because he was...hmmm...let's just say...not very well-liked.
Unbeatable?
So I keep hearing on ESPN that the Stillers are the best shot the football fan (and the increasingly irritating 1972 Dolphins) have of beating the nigh invincible Cheaters (I mean Patriots) this season.
I wish they (the so-called experts) would just shut up. The Stillers have enough to worry about. Like not playing down to the Jets level this Sunday like they did in unexplainable losses to Phoenix and Denver! The Stillers should be 9-0 too!
I just hope the Rooneys hire a security team to check for cameras in the Cheaters' possession!
I wish they (the so-called experts) would just shut up. The Stillers have enough to worry about. Like not playing down to the Jets level this Sunday like they did in unexplainable losses to Phoenix and Denver! The Stillers should be 9-0 too!
I just hope the Rooneys hire a security team to check for cameras in the Cheaters' possession!
Yeah, another sports blog!
So here I am, a Steelers fan in South Jersey! It's true that we're all over the place.
During baseball season, I am a Phillies fan. I was a Pirates fan until about 1992, when ownership decided that they were not going to invest any more money into the team. But we can cover that more near April.
It's football season now - and the greatest team in the history of football is 7-2, heading into a game with the New Jersey Jets. Should be a fun one.
And coming off a wild, scintillating win over the great rival Browns. They (the Browns, I mean) look like they'll be tough in the coming years. Brady who?
During baseball season, I am a Phillies fan. I was a Pirates fan until about 1992, when ownership decided that they were not going to invest any more money into the team. But we can cover that more near April.
It's football season now - and the greatest team in the history of football is 7-2, heading into a game with the New Jersey Jets. Should be a fun one.
And coming off a wild, scintillating win over the great rival Browns. They (the Browns, I mean) look like they'll be tough in the coming years. Brady who?
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