Before this season even started, most people outside of Steeler Nation counted this football team out. Very few pundits picked the Steelers to win the division, much less win the AFC North.
They traded away Santonio Holmes. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six, and then just four games. Everyone thought at best the Steelers would go 2-2 in those first four games. Instead we went 3-1.
We lost our right tackle before the season even began. We were starting a rookie at center. Then we lost our left tackle for the season. The offensive line really wasn't very improved from last season when the Steelers missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
But look at us now. We went 12-4 during the regular season, won the AFC North and got the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Then we faced the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. All the talk was about Joe Flacco and his 4-2 (at that time) playoff record, all those games coming on the road. The Ravens defense was so "great". So many people figured the Ravens would win that game. But what happened? The Steelers punched them in the mouth and took their lunch money.
After that game, most people were saying the Steelers would lose to the Patriots. However, the next day the New York Jets beat the Patriots. Oh my! Now the Jets were coming to Pittsburgh for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
While a lot of the media was picking the Steelers, there were plenty of people saying the Jets would win. Steelers haters, New York media, some other members of the media. The Jets beat the "mighty" Patriots, they beat the Steelers in the regular season. No way the Steelers would win. If the Patriots' offensive line couldn't protect Tom Brady, no way Ben Roethlisberger would be able to do anything, especially against the Jets secondary.
Ben's stats were not pretty. They often are not. However, he extended plays and got positive yardage on plays that easily could have gone for a loss. It's those hidden yards that don't show up in the box score. If not for those plays, the Steelers could have easily lost the game.
Now the Steelers head to Dallas, Texas to play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 45. I am sure a ton of people are going to pick the Packers to win the game. They have all the "sexy" players: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Charles Woodson. The media is going to gravitate towards them.
And you know what? That is fine with me. The Steelers thrive on being the underdog. Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley (who has a sack in every playoff game of his career), Ziggy Hood. I would take this group of guys over anyone, including the Green Bay Packers.
So go ahead, pick against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will dominate the line of scrimmage. They will stop the run. The offense will grind out the tough yards. You've been picking against them all season, and they have been proving you wrong.
Seven will be heaven!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Jets want to become the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very rich history in the National Football League.
They have won six Super Bowls, the most of any team in the NFL. They have won a total of seven conference championships. Twenty division championships. They have been to the playoffs a total of twenty-six times.
They have a ton of former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Then you hear "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" you think of the Steelers.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin).
The Jets have a history also. It's not nearly as rich as that of the Steelers.
They have won their division only four times. They have never actually won a conference championship game. When they won Super Bowl III, their only Super Bowl win, it was as the winners of the American Football League.
Since 1969, the New York Jets have has a total of twelve full time head coaches.
Their current head coach has brought a true identity to the Jets. They are, for the most part, loud and brash. They run the ball and they play stout defense. Does that sound like another team we all know of, other than the loud and brash part?
Rex Ryan is building a force in the Jets. He is using a lot of the same blueprint that the Steelers used to build their current team.
This team leans on the running game and defense to win games. Mark Sanchez is being a game manager. He is making the throws that they ask him to make, not trying to do too much. That's what the Steelers did with Ben Roethlisberger.
One thing the Jets have done that is different from the Steelers is that they have filled out a lot of the holes on their roster with free agents and trades. Part of that is because in New York there is a "win now" attitude and the Jets didn't have the time to do it through the draft.
So they traded for wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. They traded for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. They signed free agent linebackers Bart Scott and Jason Taylor.
However, if the Jets want to maintain their success, they need to restock through the draft. The Jets will resign either Edwards or Holmes, but I doubt they can resign both players. Antonio Cromartie is also going to be an free agent after this season, but the Jets drafted his "replacement" in Kyle Wilson in the first round of last year's draft.
I expect the Jets to be a big player in the AFC for a long while to come. Their history isn't all that impressive, but they should be changing that in the future under Rex Ryan.
After we win this game on Sunday, it will become personal for Rex Ryan and the Jets. The Steelers will have a new postseason nemesis, and that will be the Jets from New York.
They have won six Super Bowls, the most of any team in the NFL. They have won a total of seven conference championships. Twenty division championships. They have been to the playoffs a total of twenty-six times.
They have a ton of former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Then you hear "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" you think of the Steelers.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin).
The Jets have a history also. It's not nearly as rich as that of the Steelers.
They have won their division only four times. They have never actually won a conference championship game. When they won Super Bowl III, their only Super Bowl win, it was as the winners of the American Football League.
Since 1969, the New York Jets have has a total of twelve full time head coaches.
Their current head coach has brought a true identity to the Jets. They are, for the most part, loud and brash. They run the ball and they play stout defense. Does that sound like another team we all know of, other than the loud and brash part?
Rex Ryan is building a force in the Jets. He is using a lot of the same blueprint that the Steelers used to build their current team.
This team leans on the running game and defense to win games. Mark Sanchez is being a game manager. He is making the throws that they ask him to make, not trying to do too much. That's what the Steelers did with Ben Roethlisberger.
One thing the Jets have done that is different from the Steelers is that they have filled out a lot of the holes on their roster with free agents and trades. Part of that is because in New York there is a "win now" attitude and the Jets didn't have the time to do it through the draft.
So they traded for wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. They traded for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. They signed free agent linebackers Bart Scott and Jason Taylor.
However, if the Jets want to maintain their success, they need to restock through the draft. The Jets will resign either Edwards or Holmes, but I doubt they can resign both players. Antonio Cromartie is also going to be an free agent after this season, but the Jets drafted his "replacement" in Kyle Wilson in the first round of last year's draft.
I expect the Jets to be a big player in the AFC for a long while to come. Their history isn't all that impressive, but they should be changing that in the future under Rex Ryan.
After we win this game on Sunday, it will become personal for Rex Ryan and the Jets. The Steelers will have a new postseason nemesis, and that will be the Jets from New York.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What to look for: AFC Championship Game
It's set. The New York Jets are coming back to Pittsburgh. They are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The last time these two teams met, just weeks ago, the Jets left with their first ever win in the state of Pennsylvania by a score of 22-17.
Here is a preview of some key match-ups for Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Darrelle Revis/Antonio Cromartie
This match-up will be big. Revis basically shuts down one side of the field. Cromartie isn't a shutdown corner like Revis, but he is a very gifted CB who can make big plays.
Last time these two teams met, Revis covered Hines Ward while Cromartie covered Mike Wallace. Whichever player Revis covers, consider him out of the game, that is how good Revis is.
The key in this match-up is Ben Roethlisberger's pump fake and ability to extend a play. The pump fake could easily fake Cromartie, who often relies on his athletic ability and speed to make plays. He's been burned on stop-and-go routes throughout his career because he will try to jump the route. Add Ben's pump fake, and Cromartie can be burned by the speedy Mike Wallace.
Roethlisberger's ability to extend a play is what can undo Revis. Not even the best corner can cover a wide receiver for 10 seconds. If Ben breaks containment, all hell can break loose and Revis can lose his coverage.
Steelers Offensive Line vs. Jets Front Seven
The Steelers' offensive line has had trouble protecting Ben. The Jets like to blitz. They didn't do much blitzing versus the New England Patriots, but I fully expect them to go back to their normal ways against the Steelers.
Jonathon Scott is a backup left tackle. Flozell Adams has played fairly well. Ramon Foster and Trai Essex have both started at guard during the regular season. The best player on the offensive line is rookie center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Steelers offensive line is going to have to pickup not only the defensive line, they can and will send any combination of linebackers and defensive backs. If the line can't give Ben Roethlisberger a little protection, he might just get demolished.
Also, the line needs to seal off run lanes for Rashard Mendenhall. He may not get a ton of yards, however we need him to get some chunks to keep the defense honest.
Heath Miller vs. Eric Smith/Brodney Pool
In the last meeting, Heath Miller wasn't available due to a concussion. He can be an ex-factor in this game. He is big and powerful when he has the ball in his hands and he's faster than DB's think he is. He is truly a mismatch, especially in the red zone. He wouldn't have dropped the two balls thrown to his backup Matt Spaeth in the first meeting between these two.
Mark Sanchez vs. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu wasn't active for the first meeting with the Jets. Polamalu is a game changer on this defense. He didn't really do anything against the Ravens, but that is because Joe Flacco stayed away from him throughout the game.
Sanchez is going to have to do a good job of knowing where Polamalu is before every snap, but that might not do much good. But if he can find Polamalu after the snap, he could have success by just staying away from him.
James Harrison/LaMarr Woodley vs. Jets' Offensive Line
Harrison and Woodley are pass rushing terrors, but the Jets' offensive line has done a good job of protecting Sanchez in the playoffs. But if anyone in the NFL can get past the protection, it's this duo. If they can pressure Sanchez, he will make mistakes. Throw the ball too early, loft a pass that's an easy interception. Get into his head, make him hear footsteps that aren't even coming.
Steelers' Corners vs. Braylon Edwards/Santonio Holmes
Bryant McFadden's availability for this game is up in the air at the moment after Ike Taylor took him out in the game against the Ravens. We really need McFadden because Edwards and Holmes are both big play makers.
The Steelers know all about Santonio Holmes, they gave him away to the Jets. The Super Bowl 43 Most Valuable Player will want to show the Steelers that they shouldn't have traded him away and take the Jets to the Super Bowl.
Braylon Edwards also has a history with the Steelers. He used to play for the division rival Cleveland Browns. Edwards has made some big catches in the playoffs for the Jets. We make fun of him for dropping passes, but he hasn't done that at all in the playoffs.
Our secondary is going to have to be playing their best ball. Both of these receivers can gain separation, unlike Baltimore's receivers.
Lawrence Timmons vs. LaDanian Tomlinson
Timmons lead the Steelers in tackles this past season. Tomlinson had a career rebirth in New York. Tomlinson is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by a touchdown catch last week against the Patriots. When Tomlinson leaves the backfield, I expect Timmons to be in coverage on Tomlinson at least somewhat. Either in a zone or man-to-man and then handing him off to a safety. This should be a fun match-up to watch.
Here is a preview of some key match-ups for Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Darrelle Revis/Antonio Cromartie
This match-up will be big. Revis basically shuts down one side of the field. Cromartie isn't a shutdown corner like Revis, but he is a very gifted CB who can make big plays.
Last time these two teams met, Revis covered Hines Ward while Cromartie covered Mike Wallace. Whichever player Revis covers, consider him out of the game, that is how good Revis is.
The key in this match-up is Ben Roethlisberger's pump fake and ability to extend a play. The pump fake could easily fake Cromartie, who often relies on his athletic ability and speed to make plays. He's been burned on stop-and-go routes throughout his career because he will try to jump the route. Add Ben's pump fake, and Cromartie can be burned by the speedy Mike Wallace.
Roethlisberger's ability to extend a play is what can undo Revis. Not even the best corner can cover a wide receiver for 10 seconds. If Ben breaks containment, all hell can break loose and Revis can lose his coverage.
Steelers Offensive Line vs. Jets Front Seven
The Steelers' offensive line has had trouble protecting Ben. The Jets like to blitz. They didn't do much blitzing versus the New England Patriots, but I fully expect them to go back to their normal ways against the Steelers.
Jonathon Scott is a backup left tackle. Flozell Adams has played fairly well. Ramon Foster and Trai Essex have both started at guard during the regular season. The best player on the offensive line is rookie center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Steelers offensive line is going to have to pickup not only the defensive line, they can and will send any combination of linebackers and defensive backs. If the line can't give Ben Roethlisberger a little protection, he might just get demolished.
Also, the line needs to seal off run lanes for Rashard Mendenhall. He may not get a ton of yards, however we need him to get some chunks to keep the defense honest.
Heath Miller vs. Eric Smith/Brodney Pool
In the last meeting, Heath Miller wasn't available due to a concussion. He can be an ex-factor in this game. He is big and powerful when he has the ball in his hands and he's faster than DB's think he is. He is truly a mismatch, especially in the red zone. He wouldn't have dropped the two balls thrown to his backup Matt Spaeth in the first meeting between these two.
Mark Sanchez vs. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu wasn't active for the first meeting with the Jets. Polamalu is a game changer on this defense. He didn't really do anything against the Ravens, but that is because Joe Flacco stayed away from him throughout the game.
Sanchez is going to have to do a good job of knowing where Polamalu is before every snap, but that might not do much good. But if he can find Polamalu after the snap, he could have success by just staying away from him.
James Harrison/LaMarr Woodley vs. Jets' Offensive Line
Harrison and Woodley are pass rushing terrors, but the Jets' offensive line has done a good job of protecting Sanchez in the playoffs. But if anyone in the NFL can get past the protection, it's this duo. If they can pressure Sanchez, he will make mistakes. Throw the ball too early, loft a pass that's an easy interception. Get into his head, make him hear footsteps that aren't even coming.
Steelers' Corners vs. Braylon Edwards/Santonio Holmes
Bryant McFadden's availability for this game is up in the air at the moment after Ike Taylor took him out in the game against the Ravens. We really need McFadden because Edwards and Holmes are both big play makers.
The Steelers know all about Santonio Holmes, they gave him away to the Jets. The Super Bowl 43 Most Valuable Player will want to show the Steelers that they shouldn't have traded him away and take the Jets to the Super Bowl.
Braylon Edwards also has a history with the Steelers. He used to play for the division rival Cleveland Browns. Edwards has made some big catches in the playoffs for the Jets. We make fun of him for dropping passes, but he hasn't done that at all in the playoffs.
Our secondary is going to have to be playing their best ball. Both of these receivers can gain separation, unlike Baltimore's receivers.
Lawrence Timmons vs. LaDanian Tomlinson
Timmons lead the Steelers in tackles this past season. Tomlinson had a career rebirth in New York. Tomlinson is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by a touchdown catch last week against the Patriots. When Tomlinson leaves the backfield, I expect Timmons to be in coverage on Tomlinson at least somewhat. Either in a zone or man-to-man and then handing him off to a safety. This should be a fun match-up to watch.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Armageddon
Armageddon, that's the word that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs used to describe this game in an interview last week. In the end, he was correct, it was Armageddon for the Baltimore Ravens' season.
Suggs had an excellent game. Three sacks and a forced fumble that lead to a touchdown for the Ravens. But it was not enough. Nothing could deter Ben Roethlisberger from leading the Steelers back from a 14-point deficit at half time to win the game 31-24.
Sacked six times in the game, some would become gun shy. They'd throw the ball away too quickly or get happy feet. But not Big Ben. He stood tall in the pocket, moved around to bide time. He was himself, clutch. Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback at fourth-quarter comebacks since John Elway, the quarterback who holds the record for most fourth quarter/overtime comeback wins in NFL history.
The defense played a big part in this game. The defense held the Ravens to 17 points. They harassed Joe Flacco all day. They forced a fumble and got an interception. He was sacked five times and hit a few other times.
This game was exactly what football is supposed to be. Tough, rough, hard hitting. This game was what I expected, close. These teams are almost mirror images of each other. It was another classic. Steelers-Ravens III lived up to the hype. This is what a rivalry is supposed to be.
In the end, the Steelers were celebrating another postseason win. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was crying on the sidelines. The Ravens can now book their vacation plans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent them home from the playoffs once again. The Steelers are now 3-0 all time against the Ravens in the playoffs.
The Steelers are now, once again, playing for a shot at the Super Bowl. This will be their fifth AFC Championship Game appearance since 2001. Mike Tomlin's second appearance in the AFC Championship Game (1-0).
They await the winner of the New York Jets-New England Patriots game. If the Patriots win, the Steelers will travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts. If the Jets win, they will travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost to both teams this season at home, so either way, the Steelers will be looking to extract revenge.
Wave your Terrible Towels, Steeler Nation! Pittsburgh's one game away from the Super Bowl!
Suggs had an excellent game. Three sacks and a forced fumble that lead to a touchdown for the Ravens. But it was not enough. Nothing could deter Ben Roethlisberger from leading the Steelers back from a 14-point deficit at half time to win the game 31-24.
Sacked six times in the game, some would become gun shy. They'd throw the ball away too quickly or get happy feet. But not Big Ben. He stood tall in the pocket, moved around to bide time. He was himself, clutch. Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback at fourth-quarter comebacks since John Elway, the quarterback who holds the record for most fourth quarter/overtime comeback wins in NFL history.
The defense played a big part in this game. The defense held the Ravens to 17 points. They harassed Joe Flacco all day. They forced a fumble and got an interception. He was sacked five times and hit a few other times.
This game was exactly what football is supposed to be. Tough, rough, hard hitting. This game was what I expected, close. These teams are almost mirror images of each other. It was another classic. Steelers-Ravens III lived up to the hype. This is what a rivalry is supposed to be.
In the end, the Steelers were celebrating another postseason win. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was crying on the sidelines. The Ravens can now book their vacation plans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent them home from the playoffs once again. The Steelers are now 3-0 all time against the Ravens in the playoffs.
The Steelers are now, once again, playing for a shot at the Super Bowl. This will be their fifth AFC Championship Game appearance since 2001. Mike Tomlin's second appearance in the AFC Championship Game (1-0).
They await the winner of the New York Jets-New England Patriots game. If the Patriots win, the Steelers will travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts. If the Jets win, they will travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost to both teams this season at home, so either way, the Steelers will be looking to extract revenge.
Wave your Terrible Towels, Steeler Nation! Pittsburgh's one game away from the Super Bowl!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Steelers-Ravens III: It Won't Be A Pillow Fight
The Pittsburgh Steelers now know who they will face in the AFC Playoffs Divisional Round, and that team is the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens.
Lets take a look at how these two teams compare.
Regular Season Stats
Ravens Offense # 22
Steelers Defense # 2
Ravens Passing Offense # 20
Steelers Passing Defense # 12
Ravens Rushing Offense # 14
Steelers Rushing Defense # 1
Ravens Scoring Offense # 16
Steelers Scoring Defense #1
Steelers Offense # 14
Ravens Defense # 10
Steelers Passing Offense # 14
Ravens Passing Defense # 21
Steelers Rushing Offense # 11
Ravens Rushing Defense # 5
Steelers Scoring Offense # 12
Ravens Scoring Defense # 3
Steelers Turnovers +17
Ravens Turnovers +7
Time of Possession:
Steelers 32:24
Ravens 31:20
We know that these two teams play a hard-hitting brand of defense. When you hear "Pittsburgh" and 'Baltimore" that's the first thing that comes to mind. They both run 3-4 defenses. They both have dynamic play making safeties in Ed Reed for Baltimore and Troy Polamalu for the Steelers.
This game will be violent. And as Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin says, the team who is the most violent will win.
In the last meeting, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his nose broken. A few years ago, Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall had his shoulder broken on a hit by Ravens' middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
Hines Ward has knocked out Ed Reed on special teams. James Harrison caused an Ed Reed fumble with a vicious hit on a punt return.
It's likely that there will be blood.
One thing I have noticed in the past couple of seasons is that when these teams meet, the game normally hinges on a big defensive turnover.
In 2008, James Harrison strip-sacked Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco, and the Flacco fumble was returned for a touchdown by LaMarr Woodley. That was the turning point of the game.
In the AFC Championship Game rematch later that season, the Ravens were looking to drive down the field late and take a win. Joe Flacco threw an interception on that drive to Troy Polamalu who returned it for a touchdown to ice the Steelers' berth in Super Bowl XLIII.
This season in Baltimore, Troy Polamalu came unblocked off the edge and strip-sacked Joe Flacco. Woodley returned the fumble to the Steelers nine yard line, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass that won the game.
So on Saturday afternoon, I am expecting this game to be won on a big defensive play. Harrison sacking Flacco and causing a fumble. A Troy Polamalu interception or sack. A fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The one place where I am honestly scared is special teams. Our kick coverage has given up a few big run backs. Most notably to the Jets on the opening kickoff. If we don't allow that, we beat the Jets. We have to avoid a big special teams gaffe.
The Ravens have quite the record on the road in the Playoffs. Under Joe Flacco they are 4-2. The Ravens are 0-2 against the Steelers all-time in the Playoffs. Joe Flacco is 0-1 against the Steelers in the Playoffs.
In the end, the Steelers will pull out the win. The betting line is Steelers by three, which is the customary points you get with a home game. It's fitting, because the teams split the season series 1-1 with each winning by three points on the road.
Steelers 20
Ravens 13
Lets take a look at how these two teams compare.
Regular Season Stats
Ravens Offense # 22
Steelers Defense # 2
Ravens Passing Offense # 20
Steelers Passing Defense # 12
Ravens Rushing Offense # 14
Steelers Rushing Defense # 1
Ravens Scoring Offense # 16
Steelers Scoring Defense #1
Steelers Offense # 14
Ravens Defense # 10
Steelers Passing Offense # 14
Ravens Passing Defense # 21
Steelers Rushing Offense # 11
Ravens Rushing Defense # 5
Steelers Scoring Offense # 12
Ravens Scoring Defense # 3
Steelers Turnovers +17
Ravens Turnovers +7
Time of Possession:
Steelers 32:24
Ravens 31:20
We know that these two teams play a hard-hitting brand of defense. When you hear "Pittsburgh" and 'Baltimore" that's the first thing that comes to mind. They both run 3-4 defenses. They both have dynamic play making safeties in Ed Reed for Baltimore and Troy Polamalu for the Steelers.
This game will be violent. And as Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin says, the team who is the most violent will win.
In the last meeting, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his nose broken. A few years ago, Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall had his shoulder broken on a hit by Ravens' middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
Hines Ward has knocked out Ed Reed on special teams. James Harrison caused an Ed Reed fumble with a vicious hit on a punt return.
It's likely that there will be blood.
One thing I have noticed in the past couple of seasons is that when these teams meet, the game normally hinges on a big defensive turnover.
In 2008, James Harrison strip-sacked Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco, and the Flacco fumble was returned for a touchdown by LaMarr Woodley. That was the turning point of the game.
In the AFC Championship Game rematch later that season, the Ravens were looking to drive down the field late and take a win. Joe Flacco threw an interception on that drive to Troy Polamalu who returned it for a touchdown to ice the Steelers' berth in Super Bowl XLIII.
This season in Baltimore, Troy Polamalu came unblocked off the edge and strip-sacked Joe Flacco. Woodley returned the fumble to the Steelers nine yard line, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass that won the game.
So on Saturday afternoon, I am expecting this game to be won on a big defensive play. Harrison sacking Flacco and causing a fumble. A Troy Polamalu interception or sack. A fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The one place where I am honestly scared is special teams. Our kick coverage has given up a few big run backs. Most notably to the Jets on the opening kickoff. If we don't allow that, we beat the Jets. We have to avoid a big special teams gaffe.
The Ravens have quite the record on the road in the Playoffs. Under Joe Flacco they are 4-2. The Ravens are 0-2 against the Steelers all-time in the Playoffs. Joe Flacco is 0-1 against the Steelers in the Playoffs.
In the end, the Steelers will pull out the win. The betting line is Steelers by three, which is the customary points you get with a home game. It's fitting, because the teams split the season series 1-1 with each winning by three points on the road.
Steelers 20
Ravens 13
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Wild Card Saturday
What a Saturday it was on the 2011 NFL Wild Card Weekend!
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New Orleans Saints (11-6) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
The 7-9 Seattle Seahawks beat the defending champion 11-5 New Orleans Saints in an exciting game where the defenses decided not to show up.
The Seahawks came back from being down ten points twice to clinch the game on Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard TD run where he broke about seven tackles for a final score of 41-36.
Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw four touchdown passes in this win. He looked like the Matt Hasselbeck from six years ago, not the one from the past two years.
The Saints are now 0-4 in road playoff games in the history of the team.
Before this game, there was talk about re-seeding the playoffs by overall record because a 7-9 team won their weak division and got to host a playoff game at home while the visiting team went 11-5 and had to settle for a road game as a wild card team. Some people even wanted to discard the Seahawks from the playoffs all together (me included) and replace them with the New York Giants who went 10-6.
Well, the Seahawks changed my mind last night, somewhat.. While I am all for a re-seeding of the playoff seed three through six by record instead of giving the division winners an automatic home game, if you win your division (even with a sub-.500 record) you deserve to be in the playoffs. Like yesterday proved, any given Sunday (or in this case, Saturday), any team can win in the National Football League.
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New York Jets (12-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (10-7)
Rex Ryan said this was personal, beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. He has never done it as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. He couldn't do it to punch the Jets ticket to the Super Bowl last season.
This game was a stark contrast to the earlier game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. In this game, the defenses showed up.
Rex Ryan played tight coverage on the outside receivers and made Manning use the middle of the field for most of the night. Reggie Wayne, the Colts best receiver, was held to one catch for one yard on the only throw his way all game.
They often say that the best defense against Peyton Manning is a ball-control offense because Manning cannot beat you when he is standing on the sidelines. That is the approach that Rex Ryan and the Jets took as they controlled the clock.
The only score of the first half was Manning's 57-yard TD pass to Pierre Garcon for a 7-0 halftime lead. But all the Colts could muster in the second half was three field goals.
While the Colts could only kick field goals, the Jets scored two touchdowns on Ladanian Tomlinson runs of 1-yard apiece.
Then, after Colts kicker Adam Vinateri kicked a field goal to make it 16-14 with little time left on the clock.
But the Jets, like they did often this season, won the game in the waning seconds. Cromartie had a long run back of the kickoff and Mark Sanchez led the Jets down for a game winning field goal as time expired.
So this begs the question, is Peyton Manning one of the biggest playoff choke artists ever?
Not to take away from the Jets win, but Peyton Manning seems to be unable to get it done when the playoffs come around. I will discuss this more in a blog at a later time.
One thing is for sure after Saturday. The New York Jets are going to Foxborough, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots and the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs/Baltimore Ravens game will be going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take on the six time Super Bowl Champion Steelers.
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New Orleans Saints (11-6) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
The 7-9 Seattle Seahawks beat the defending champion 11-5 New Orleans Saints in an exciting game where the defenses decided not to show up.
The Seahawks came back from being down ten points twice to clinch the game on Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard TD run where he broke about seven tackles for a final score of 41-36.
Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw four touchdown passes in this win. He looked like the Matt Hasselbeck from six years ago, not the one from the past two years.
The Saints are now 0-4 in road playoff games in the history of the team.
Before this game, there was talk about re-seeding the playoffs by overall record because a 7-9 team won their weak division and got to host a playoff game at home while the visiting team went 11-5 and had to settle for a road game as a wild card team. Some people even wanted to discard the Seahawks from the playoffs all together (me included) and replace them with the New York Giants who went 10-6.
Well, the Seahawks changed my mind last night, somewhat.. While I am all for a re-seeding of the playoff seed three through six by record instead of giving the division winners an automatic home game, if you win your division (even with a sub-.500 record) you deserve to be in the playoffs. Like yesterday proved, any given Sunday (or in this case, Saturday), any team can win in the National Football League.
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New York Jets (12-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (10-7)
Rex Ryan said this was personal, beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. He has never done it as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. He couldn't do it to punch the Jets ticket to the Super Bowl last season.
This game was a stark contrast to the earlier game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. In this game, the defenses showed up.
Rex Ryan played tight coverage on the outside receivers and made Manning use the middle of the field for most of the night. Reggie Wayne, the Colts best receiver, was held to one catch for one yard on the only throw his way all game.
They often say that the best defense against Peyton Manning is a ball-control offense because Manning cannot beat you when he is standing on the sidelines. That is the approach that Rex Ryan and the Jets took as they controlled the clock.
The only score of the first half was Manning's 57-yard TD pass to Pierre Garcon for a 7-0 halftime lead. But all the Colts could muster in the second half was three field goals.
While the Colts could only kick field goals, the Jets scored two touchdowns on Ladanian Tomlinson runs of 1-yard apiece.
Then, after Colts kicker Adam Vinateri kicked a field goal to make it 16-14 with little time left on the clock.
But the Jets, like they did often this season, won the game in the waning seconds. Cromartie had a long run back of the kickoff and Mark Sanchez led the Jets down for a game winning field goal as time expired.
So this begs the question, is Peyton Manning one of the biggest playoff choke artists ever?
Not to take away from the Jets win, but Peyton Manning seems to be unable to get it done when the playoffs come around. I will discuss this more in a blog at a later time.
One thing is for sure after Saturday. The New York Jets are going to Foxborough, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots and the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs/Baltimore Ravens game will be going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take on the six time Super Bowl Champion Steelers.
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