Patriots vs Steelers

[Phlegm]

I think this will be a good game and the Steelers will win unless Roethlisberger have another shitty game. Look for the Patriots to do what the Jets did. Put 8 men in the box to stop the run and make Roethlisberger beat them.

[Jei]

Patriots will crush them just like the Colts.

and saying steelers will win unless Roethlisberger has another shitty game makes no sense

Patriots will win unless Brady has a shitty game


...waht!?

[Lyion]

Brady is irrelevent. It matters if Dillon can run, and if NE's D can shutdown Bettis and Duce.

Last game NE got absolutely waxed.

Also, being this is a ROAD game, it'll be tougher for the Pats. Look for the crowd to be a factor and the travel and big Pitt O Line to smash it at the Pats.

This is not a finesse team. NE will not intimdate Pitt, and will have to win by play, and not scheme.

It'll either be a squeaker NE win, or Pitt could be up 21-3 at halftime again enroute to another NE asskicking.

[Phlegm]

Patriots will crush them just like the Colts.

and saying steelers will win unless Roethlisberger has another shitty game makes no sense

Patriots will win unless Brady has a shitty game


...waht!?

i am saying that Roethlisberger had a shitty game and the steelers still won against the Jets. Against the patriots this wont happen.

[Tadpole]

This game will be tight, though not as tight as Jei's sister. The team who has the most time of possession and turns the ball over the lease will win.

[Phlegm]

Tadpole, you sure love posting those pictures with the dolphins beating up on the patriots.

[Diekan]

It's called jealousy...

You see Phlemg, the Dolphins greatest acheivement of the season was beating the NE Patriots... Of course NE is now looking at going back to win yet another SB, the Dolphins are sitting at home basking in their tiny accomplishment.

It's ok though. Some day they'll be good enough to get to the playoff's and one day, just maybe, they might get to the Super Bowl - maybe they can talk ole Danny boy into coming back for a single play so he'll finally get that ring he's always wanted. L...O...L

NE fans don't give a fuck about that game... I mean really - they're worried about more important things.... like say.... adding another Super Bowl ring to the two they already have - which by the way are so fresh they haven't had time to gather any dust yet.

Sooo, I guess it makes the Fin's fans feel better about themselves.... hey more power to 'em. Maybe next year they'll win more than 4 games... lol. Hell, my Bills did better than that - and they fucking blow goats - the bastards.

[Tadpole]

Yeah, I know, the Patriots are better than the Dolphins...anyone can tell you that. Am I jealous that the Patriots are going back to probably win another Super Bowl? Nope. I am actually looking forward to this off-season, as it is quite exciting. So many free-agents want to come play in Miami, it is not funny.

The Dolphins have done one thing no team will ever accomplish...go undefeated throughout a regular season to winning a super bowl. Try to top that.

I'm trying to make all I can out of this horrific season, so, let me.

[Diekan]

Why don't you guys do us a favor and take Bledsoe from us? Please? Pretty please????

[Tadpole]

Why don't you guys do us a favor and take Bledsoe from us? Please? Pretty please????

Bledsoe is a great pocket passer, but without a line, he is horrible. If you put any pressure on him at all, he seems to lose it and suck. Seeing as how our line is the worst in the league, maybe better than the 49ers, he would be another Jay Fiedler/AJ Feely.

[Tadpole]

We'll gladly take Henry for a crap draft pick though, which looks like to be the case. Henry for a 4th or 5th most likely.

[Themosticles]

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the bills and fins in the same division? Why would you trade a running back like Henry to a division foe?

Unlike the Colts, the Steelers don't rely on their QB to make plays and win the game. They just pound the shit out of your defense with Bettis until he needs a breather. Then they bring in Staley...which suffice to say is not really giving the defense a break.

Lyion is correct. If Dillon can have another game like he did against the Colts the Pats will win. But he'll have to repeat that feat against the #1 defense in the league...not just #1 but #1 against the run. (something like 85ypg allowed)

ps. Go Steelers

[Diekan]

You can have Henry.... he's not to bad /cough when he's not hurt half the season, which seems to be a common trend with him.

He's already said that he's tired of playing in the cold and admitted that he's *looking* at some where a little warmer .... like say Arizona, SF, Miami...

We'll give you Henry for a draft pick nooooo prooobbbbllleeemmm... I just hope he doesn't stay *hurt* for you all like he has us.

And, yes Therm I have wondered that too, ever sinse TD thought it was a good idea to bring Bledsoe over from NE.

[Tadpole]

He played in 15 games last year, and 16 two years ago.

The only problem is he fumbles like a motherfucker.

[Tadpole]

found another pretty picture i thought was funny...

[Diekan]

That's alllmooost as funny as the picture I have of AJ Feeley sitting on his couch with a bag of chips, a coke and a smile watching an NFL playoff game on his plasma TV....


It was taken.....





















Two days ago.

[Diekan]

Last game NE got absolutely waxed.

LOL where did you get your information? Steelers' fan boards?

I would hardly call it a *waxing* by any measure.

First Quarter

New England - 3 points.
Steelers - 21 points.

Second Quarter

New England - 7 points.
Steelers - 3 points.

Third Quarter

New England - 3 points.
Steelers - 10 points.

Fourth Quarter

New England - 7 points.
Steelers - 0 points.

The Steelers out scored the Pats in two quarters and the Pats, in turn, out scored the Steelers in two quarters.

NE lost by two touch downs. One of which from an interception. Take away that interception and NE only lost by 7. You call that a *waxing?*

No. A waxing is what the Falcons did to the Rams. THAT is a *waxing* - the Steelers won fair and square... the got lucky with an interception that ultimately gave them 7 *extra* points.

NE dominated the passing game, and Pittsburgh dominated the rushing game. Now tha Dillon is back I suspect the Pats will attack with both (obviously), which gives them the advantage. IF Faulk and Dillon play the way they did two days ago (Faulk is more finese -sp- and Dillon is more power) you can bet the Steelers D will be exhausted by the end of the first half. Now add to it the passing superiority of the Pats O... the secondary will have their hands full as well. And, yes Dillon being back WILL make that much of a difference.

There was only ONE scoring run by the Steelers in that game... Bettis for 2 yards in the third quarter. Granted, the over 200 yards rushing by the Steelers to get them to the Red Zone is nothing to scoff at, however, I think the Pats D has learned a thing or two from that initial meeting, and I think that knowledge will be used wisely and slow their run game down a lot.

The NE D is nothing to laugh at, either. Just ask the Colts. I believe that Seymore is back too. That's another plus.

Face it - the Steelers won by two TD's (one of which was an interception return) AT Pittsburgh, with NE being hurt by some key injuries - some of which are back now. Had Dillon and the others been in that game - I think you'd find that the score would have been very different, and possibly ended with a Pittsburgh loss.

I'm loving all the Pats hate - everyone underestimating them - everyone praying the fail - I think that just fuels them to try harder.

As of now the Pats are favored by 3 points. But, I take it with a grain of salt. After all... these are the same clowns that thought Indy would blow them out.

It is going to be a good game and he with the most effective D will win in the end. IF it turns out that both teams shut down each others run - then NE will dominate the Steelers with the air game.

My prediction? Big Ben will pop a spring and run like a cheap Timex... the Bus will blow a flat and find himself having to settle for around 120 yards for the entire game. The "Shower Curtain" will find themselves wondering "wtf" when they have to change their play from defending the two different playing styles of a Dillon and Faulk every few seconds. Brady will stick to screens and other short gain passes to move the ball and burn the clock (not to mention exhaust the Steelers' D). I also predict Ben making some key mistakes. When he finds that his running game isn't working as intended he's going to have to go more to the air, which will result in at least one interception.

I am not saying the Steelers are overrated at all. I think they are and were the toughest team the Pats will have to face all season. However, I think the Pats will come out on top... and then they'll lay waste to which ever shit team from the NFC fumbles the ball less this weekend to win their title.

My final score: 21 - 17 Pats win.

[Lyion]

Diekan, did you watch the first Pitt/NE game? I did. NE was completely owned on both sides of the ball. It was not a close game, and Pitt dominated both lines of scrimmage and handily won the game. They owned the time of possession and ran at will on NE. Their defense shut down NE, and outside of some late mop scores, NE did jack and shit to Pitt. Check how many run yards they had, and the time of possession.

Here ya go:

New England had five yards rushing. Brady threw two picks.

TIME OF POSSESSION
New England 17:02
Pittsburgh 42:58

New England was waxed. Their players in interviews this week admit they got their ass beat last time.

The Pats are certainly capable of winning this game, but to try and say the last meeting was close is a joke. It was not.

[Kaemon]

Diekan is still pissed Buffalo lost to a bunch of 3rd stringers from Pitt when a win would have put Buffalo in the playoffs. Like Jerome Bettis said, you need a win to make the playoffs and you lose to a bunch of backups? How sad (shaking head).

[Diekan]

[Diekan]

Yes, it is pretty sad actually. Cowher pretty much said, "Here you go - beat up on my second stringers and get into the playoffs - we'll worry about you then..." He was giving us a free pass, so to speak... and what does Buffalo do? LOSE.

I saw Cowher standing on the side lines with a grin on his face the entire game... almost as if saying, "Jesus I gave you idiots my second stringers and you still can't win."

Trust me the fan base is not happy... they want Bledsoe's head on a platter.

Our D did a good job, but the D can only do so much. Someone once complained that the D was weak - and someone else pointed out that if the damn O had put more points on the board the D wouldn't have to work so damn hard to keep the opposing team with 1 or 2 points behind.

Buffalo's offense is ass, period. Once we get rid of Bledsoe - our only real option is to start Losman - which probably means another 3 or 4 years of waiting for the playoffs while he builds his skills and learns how to play in the NFL. I am not sure Buffalo fans are going to be very kind during that learning curve period.

wtf was Donahoe thinking when he brought Drew "I'm washed up" Bledsoe -or- Drew "I think scramble is a breakfast food" Bledsoe on board?

Fucking Bills.

*edit* Corrected Cowher's name

[Tacks]

This is hilarious that Diekan A BILLS FAN is ragging on the Dolphins for not making the playoffs. Hello, wtf?

[Lyion]

Buffalo needs to jettison Bledsoe. The guy is cursed.

He gives you the WOW factor with his arm, but he is a mediocre QB and IMO shouldn't be more than a backup.

Losman isn't the answer either, though. They should consider picking up a good vet, or drafting a young stud with decent legs.

I think New England will win this game, because in the end it'll come down to mistakes and Roethlisburger will make more than Brady.

Although the X Factor could be the Pitt recievers schooling the patchwork secondary. These aren't the pussy Colt recievers, these guys play, especially Hines Ward.

[Whirl]

Yes, it is pretty sad actually. Cowart pretty much said, "Here you go - beat up on my second stringers and get into the playoffs - we'll worry about you then..." He was giving us a free pass, so to speak... and what does Buffalo do? LOSE.

I saw Cowart standing on the side lines with a grin on his face the entire game... almost as if saying, "Jesus I gave you idiots my second stringers and you still can't win."

His name is Cowher, Bill Cowher.

Lyion is right, the Pats got dominated the first time around. Probably won't happen again, but I can dream.

Go Steelers!!

[Diekan]

Lyoin, time of possession doesn't always mean domination.

Take a look at the game stats.

Passing

New England -

Attempts - 43
Completions - 25
YDS - 271
TD's - 2

Pittsburgh-

Attempts - 24
Completions - 18
YDS - 196
TD's - 2

BOTH had two touch down passes - BOTH had close to, or over 200+ yards total.

Punt Returns

New England - AVE 15 yards.
Pittsburgh - AVE 10 yards.

Pass Receptions

I will just post the highest stat of each team.

New England

Givens - 8 receptions for 101 yards.

Pittsburgh

Ward - 6 receptions for 56 yards.

Total First Downs

New England - 19
Pittsburg - 25

Average Gain per Offensive Play

New England - 4.7
Pittsburgh - 5.7

Red Zone Efficiency

New England - 50%
Pittsburgh - 40%

This next stat is important

Total Rushing Plays

New England - 6
Pittburgh - 49

Sacs

New England - 0
Pittsburgh - 2

And, finally as you pointed out the time of possession - obviously it was overwhelmingly in the Steelers' favor.

What Pittsburgh did to New England was exactly what New England did to Indy - ran the hell out of the ball and kept the O off the field.

Consider this... the Patriots had a time of possession of only 17 minutes and yet were able to put 20 points on the board. TWENTY points in only 17 minutes - yet the Steelers took over FOURTY minutes to put 34 points on the board - mind you - seven of those points came from a interception return. That means - it took them over fourty minutes to put 27 offensive points on the board. Nearly TWICE as much time for 7 more offensive points than it took the Pats. And, yes I understand that most of the clock was eaten up due to an onslaught of running plays.

ALSO keep in mind that New England was able to gain 19 first downs in 17 minutes - where again, it took Pittsburgh over 40 minutes to earn 25 first downs.

I'm still trying to see where this total domination comes from. The stats don't lie, man. In almost all aspects of the that particular game both teams came out fairly even - with the exception of TWO - turn overs and rushing yards.

All things considered I think the Pats did excellent, considering their leading rusher and two DB's were out due to injuries.

The Pat's lost to Pittsburgh fair and square in that game, no question about it. Furthermore, the Steelers are not a team to take lightly - I am actually more worried about this game than I was with the Indy game. It could go both ways, as everyone knows.

How are the Pats going to win this game?

I think we're going to see some adjustments made with the D, they focus on shutting down the run and force Big Ben to throw more. And, with Seymore back (if he is in fact back), that task will be a tad easier. By slowing down the Steelers' running game - the Pats' time of possession will increase dramatically - with the Patriots O on the field a lot more this time - we're going to see more than just 20 points flashing on the score board. I also see Brady going with more shorter, quicker passes for smaller gains. And, I see Dillon doing what he does best, running for an average of 5 yards a carry. I think the time of possession, this time, wont be as skewed in the favor of the Steelers, which means more points on the board for the Pats - remember - it only took them 17 minutes to put 20 points on the board against the *best* defense in the NFL... which should tell you that the Steelers' D isn't as invicible as everyone thinks - certainly against the NE Offense.

Time of possession is what's going to determine this game. New England is a very smart team... and with Dillon back, I think the tables will be turned in their favor.

But, *any given Sunday* so who really knows what's going to happen.