I had a nice, long laugh at my TV this afternoon watching Peyton "Cut That Meat" Manning choke it up once again against New England. That vaunted Indy offense managed a solid FIELD GOAL. Very nice.
I honestly have no idea who's going to the Super Bowl. Both games next week could totally go either way; I don't think home field necessarily means anything.
I'm interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She's a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My Chief of Staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or is it okay to call the police? Here's one that's really important because we've got a lot of sports fans in this town: touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you? One last thing: while you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, in this building, when the President stands, nobody sits." --- President Jed Bartlett, The West Wing
Worse than Manning, and this was always the case, was the Colts defense. If they'd been able to make any stops and get Manning the ball back he could have had the chance to do more. I didn't think we'd hold them to only a field goal, but I knew for sure we could move the ball on them. People slept on the big advantage the Pats offense had matching up with Indy's defense. Other than Freeney, no one else is really worth worrying about and it showed today.
German Tourist: Will you stop talking about the war! Basil Fawlty: You started it. German Tourist: We did not start it! Basil Fawlty: Yes you did, you invaded Poland.
The Pats linebackers played out of this world. It seemed as if a linebacker were at the end of every play (granted there were up to six or seven out there at times). The Colts never got in enough of a groove to even attempt to exploit the Pats secondary.
Put the D together with the smash mouth offense the Pats were running and you may have the best game they have played start to finish all year.
Pats/Steelers II should be a doozy. Will Dillon be enough of a difference this time around. I'm thinking so. That and I really can't see Belichick losing to the same team twice in one year.
What was the stat on the Patriots? They're 13-0 lately when they face a quarterback for the second time? I can't see them losing to the Steelers again, especially with the poor play of the Steelers O the past few weeks. Big Ben can't make the mistakes that he made against the Jets, because the Patriots will take advantage.
Eagles/Falcons should be fun, if only because of the suicide watch for Eagles fans if the Eagles lose. I have class with a girl who openly wept for like 2 days last year after they lost. I'm a ridiculous Eagles fan, but I can assure you, only about an afternoon will be ruined for me if they lose. I'm expecting a Trotter or Kearse spy on Vick the whole game (maybe Wayne, too), and I'm thinking that the Falcons can cover Westbrook a little better than the Vikings did. The Eagles defense isn't the Rams defense, however, so I'm not expecting 300 rushing yards. Plus if the wrong version of Vick shows up, the game could get very ugly.
I don't see how anyone can bet against the Patriots. Just when they are basically written off, they come out and have an answer for the great Colts offense. I think on February 7th, we'll be talking about the New England repeat.
As a life-long Steeler fan, I have to say it looks like the Patriots will end up winning and leading to another bland superbowl win. The HHH of football will probably beat the Falcons, because we all know Philly is going to choke espically without T.O. Vick will probably run for 100 yards and throw for another 100. The nice thing though is that the Pats will be dismantled at the end of the season when all of their assistant coaches are going to leave for head coaching postions. Man, I can't believe another seasons with New England in the Super Bowl, yuck.
"All faith reguires is giving into the possibility of hope."
This feels just like every single year all over again. I really think the Eagles have the better team but until that clock hits zero I will be scared shitless. FLY EAGLES FLY~!
Pick: Eagles 28 Falcons 24
As for the Patriots/Steelers I'm with Mayhem I don't know how anyone can go against the Patriots at this point. I'm sure the Steelers fans will be out in full force. On paper this game looks to be very even. Two great defenses, two very good running games and two good coaches. However it comes down to this Brady has been here before Big Ben hasn't.
Thanks for a great season, Pick of the Week fans...see you next year at Planet Magic in Denmark, WI!
Originally posted by Roy.I'm a ridiculous Eagles fan, but I can assure you, only about an afternoon will be ruined for me if they lose.
On behalf of Cheesehead Nation, most of us forgive you guys for last year's 4th-and-26 miracle (grrr), for knocking the goddamn Vikings out of the playoffs.
The way I see it, you won't have to worry much about the Atlanta passing attack; the Dirty Birds v2.0 are all about the ground game of Dunn, Duckett and Vick. Is your rush defense up to the task?
I'm still calling another world title for the Pats, though...sorry.
Wait 'till next year! {/New York Mets}
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy.
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All due respect and awe and everything to the Patriots, I'm still sticking by my Steelers winning the Super Bowl pick. Why? Pittsburgh's due. It'd make a great story. Pittsburgh's awesome. Oh and did I mention that it is Pittsburgh's time?
Originally posted by Mayhem I don't see how anyone can bet against the Patriots. Just when they are basically written off, they come out and have an answer for the great Colts offense. I think on February 7th, we'll be talking about the New England repeat.
Yep.
The Pats just rolled over the Colts, even though the score was a LOT closer than it felt for most of the game. That team is good. My Ravens played the Pats and the Steelers, and I'd have to say that the Pats were much better. Even though the Steelers have already beaten them, or more likely because of that, I don't see how the Pats lose. The Pats are just that damn good.
Originally posted by Mayhem I don't see how anyone can bet against the Patriots.
It is very easy to bet against the Patriots this week. Last week, I thought New England was the surest bet in the world, with the most humorous parts being the line continually moving towards Indy and the weather going from 0% chance of precipitation to winter storm warning. Now, I expect New England to win, but I wouldn't give 3 points to Pittsburgh. I said 31-30 classic before the playoffs New England, and although I could see it being 21-20 instead, I still think it is a game decided by a made or missed field goal in the last seconds. As for the NFC game, it will be interesting to see what happens if the Eagles don't hit on their blitzes and Vick breaks a few runs. Still don't think Vick can lead a comeback with his arm late in the game though. And, the Manning to Marino comparisons that are coming out of the woodwork are completely off-base. I think it is more Manning to Fouts, as both put up big numbers, but neither actually reached a Super Bowl.
Originally posted by Roy.I'm a ridiculous Eagles fan, but I can assure you, only about an afternoon will be ruined for me if they lose.
On behalf of Cheesehead Nation, most of us forgive you guys for last year's 4th-and-26 miracle (grrr), for knocking the goddamn Vikings out of the playoffs.
The way I see it, you won't have to worry much about the Atlanta passing attack; the Dirty Birds v2.0 are all about the ground game of Dunn, Duckett and Vick. Is your rush defense up to the task?
I'm still calling another world title for the Pats, though...sorry.
Wait 'till next year! {/New York Mets}
The Eagles' run defense has tightened up considerably since the thrashing we took at Pittsburgh. I think we can handle Dunn and Duckett, but Vick is going to be a big question mark. Still, Culpepper didn't go much of anywhere yesterday, so hopefully we can repeat the performance.
Ling-Ling into battle go Fulfill destiny of the soul Sever skull of adversary Shove it in the poo-poo hole
All the children sing: Kill kill kill kill die die die Kill kill kill kill die die die....
Originally posted by JustinShapiroA Fan don't be such a WIMP. We are going to win the football game. Bring it the f on.
Yeah, because THAT's happening. If Belichick's boys made Peyton look like Eli, then they're going to make Roethlisberger look like Babe Laufenberg(er).
Pats 17, Steelers 6.
“To get ass, you’ve got to bring ass." -- Roy Jones Jr.
"Your input has been noted. I hope you don't take it personally if I disregard it." -- Guru Zim
I want the Steelers to win, but I would rather have everyone to talk smack about the Steelers. Its not like the same talk wasn't said about the Pats last week. Also, I think the Steelers will get into the endzone, because all of this Belliki gameplan didn't seem to do too well against Ben last time, when he throw a few touchdowns on the great Pat's secondary. The question becomes can the Pats win away from home, they did against the Steelers last time, I just don't know. But, its not going to be a blow out, that will be the Philly/Atlanta game.
(edited by A Fan on 17.1.05 1441)
"All faith reguires is giving into the possibility of hope."
"I would rather have everyone to talk smack about the Steelers. Its not like the same talk wasn't said about the Pats last week."
I was thinking the same thing. Although I was not surprised to see NE favored by 3; it makes sense after this weekend plus them being the champions. (Denver was also favored @Pit in '98, although that would be a better story if Denver hadn't won.) I'm nervous, but I say the heck with it, let's go out and settle this once and for all on the football field. Either we exorcize 2001 or they can continue their dynasty. Bring it the f on!
Originally posted by JustinShapiroA Fan don't be such a WIMP. We are going to win the football game. Bring it the f on.
Yeah, because THAT's happening. If Belichick's boys made Peyton look like Eli, then they're going to make Roethlisberger look like Babe Laufenberg(er).
Pats 17, Steelers 6.
Well isn't that tremendous logic, seeing as Ben got to them for 2 TD passes and played a flawless game last time, whereas Brady was the one who made the big mistakes. Expect the Steelers (Big Ben included) to play much better this week. I'm with Shapiro, bring em on, because I guarantee you the Steelers aren't intimidated, and the best fans in football aren't either.
PS to Shapiro: I'm at Penn State right now, and if the Super Bowl turns into the battle of PA, the campus will riot. Moreover, my apartment is located at the center of where all the silly sports-related shit like that happens on campus. Yes, I am that lucky.
(Way too early) Super Bowl Prediction: Steelers 27, Eagles 17
Originally posted by HitTheSnoozeButtonPS to Shapiro: I'm at Penn State right now, and if the Super Bowl turns into the battle of PA, the campus will riot. Moreover, my apartment is located at the center of where all the silly sports-related shit like that happens on campus. Yes, I am that lucky.
Yeah, get ready to get pepper sprayed. I dunno if you were around the last mini-riot broke out, but Beaver Canyon wasn't pretty, and several "innocent" (hah!) people were sprayed for just standing around. If it's an all PA super bowl, I wouldn't be surprised if they bring in the Staties to watch town and campus Sunday night, like they do football weekends and Arts Fest. Of course, a flaming couch could be tossed off a balcony, and a full blown riot could start. Or it could be a nice peaceful evening. I mean, Philly and Pittsburgh have such classy fans.
Or maybe Ed Rendell's letter to the NFL requesting Beaver Stadium in case of an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl will be answered (double hah!), and town will be packed.
Originally posted by HitTheSnoozeButtonWell isn't that tremendous logic, seeing as Ben got to them for 2 TD passes and played a flawless game last time, whereas Brady was the one who made the big mistakes. Expect the Steelers (Big Ben included) to play much better this week. I'm with Shapiro, bring em on, because I guarantee you the Steelers aren't intimidated, and the best fans in football aren't either.
Ben's "flawless" game will have been quite a while ago, and seeing as it's the Patriots' time of year and Big Ben looked a bit like Uncle Ben against the Jets, excuse me for questioning whether he'll be able to look like a superstar instead of a rookie. Please remind me who the last QB was to look horrible in a playoff game to bounce back and look great his next time out against an even better team.
At least on your side you have the coaching matchup in hand, since they don't call him "Big Game" Bill Cowher for nothing. (They don't? Oh.)
“To get ass, you’ve got to bring ass." -- Roy Jones Jr.
"Your input has been noted. I hope you don't take it personally if I disregard it." -- Guru Zim
I think Philly's D is being a little disrespected here. Everyone is talking about the other three team's defenses but not the Eagles. The Eagles who tied with the Pats defense for second least point given up, just behind the Steelers defense, and let's face it if their starters play all of the last two games they don't give up 58 points the last two games and they probably give up the least points all season. I don't see them having much of a problem against the Falcons. Even without T.O. he still gave them a huge boost of confidence, and McNabb looks even better than the past 3 years, and these year I like our chance of running the ball with Westbrook better than in past years with Staley. Now if they play the Pats the week after that, that's when I'd be worried.
And you should really add Dick Jauron in Detroit - he's at best a candidate to get a contract for that job at this point. Of course, that one playoff win makes him the Vince Lombardi of Saints' coaching history - heh.