Another year, another round of the playoffs done in the NFL. Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers are alive in the playoffs.
All season long the organization and the fans have endured harsh criticism about our team. “The offensive line can’t stand under pressure,” “Ben Roethlisberger isn’t durable,” “Their schedule is too hard for them to succeed.” Countless times this season, we’ve proved the doubters wrong.
Tough wins against the Ravens, Chargers, and Cowboys were the staple of our season. With all that happiness of victory came the white-hot pain of defeat at the hands of the Colts and Titans.
As fellow football fans, we all understand how heartbreaking a lost game can be, especially a close one.
There’s little solace in the fact that your team gave it their all because at the end of the day, it’s not how you played the game, it’s whether you won or lost.
The first bump in the road to the Super Bowl for the Steelers is the San Diego Chargers. Granted, the Chargers just recently took out the team with the most momentum coming into the playoffs in the Indianapolis Colts. MVP Peyton Manning was only able to get in the endzone one time against the Chargers defense sans Shawn Merriman.
Darren Sproles, playing in place of the once-again injured LaDainian Tomlinson, shook and shimmied his way through the Colts underachieving defense to the tune of 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Obviously the Steelers aren’t the Colts, in fact, they’re near polar opposites.
The Colts rely on their offense putting up points to offset the somewhat less-than-stellar defense giving up points. The Steelers have what could be called a mediocre offense, and a simply phenomenal defense.
To beat the Chargers the Steelers have to key in on the running style of Sproles. He’s not going to power it between the tackles. He’s going to look for the cutback, and look to bounce it outside. Our corners are some of the best tackling corners in the NFL, this shouldn’t be a problem for them. Not to mention the speed of outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley is above average.
Phillip Rivers didn’t throw interceptions in the red zone until he faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular season. Harrison made him pay for an ill-advised throw to stop a scoring threat that could have changed the entire make up of that game.
If we get adequate pressure on Phillip Rivers, we’ll force him to make bad throws. He’s not yet an elite Quarterback in the NFL.
Antonio Gates is his biggest receiving threat, and he’s been having a sub par season to his standards.
The Steelers aren’t going to have to worry about LaDainian Tomlinson, and even if they did, they did a great job of shutting him down in their previous meeting (18 rush, 57 yards, one touchdown).
Another key to the game for the Steelers is to utilize all three of the running backs that we have available. Willie Parker’s not the same back he was two years ago, but he’s still effective.
Mewelde Moore’s an absolute killer catching the ball out of the backfield and Gary Russell is the back that we have to power it up the middle on the 3rd-and-one situations.
If we get into a running routine against the Chargers defense, then we can utilize the play action pass, and the deep threat of Santonio Holmes will become apparent.
Hines Ward has once more surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. He’s got to be the toughest receiver in the NFL. Not to mention the best blocking receiver possibly in the history of the league.
I’m still not sure what irritates opposing players more, the fact that he has no problem getting his hands dirty and making the crushing block to spring a teammate, or the fact that you can lay a horrific hit on him, and he’ll still stand up with a grin on his face.
At no point in the season has Mike Tomlin allowed his players to get complacent. He’s been pushing them to the limit and beyond, and they’ve been responding. Alongside Dick LeBeau lighting a fire underneath the defense, they make a great coaching tandem.
Troy Polamalu has once again asserted his spot among the best safeties in the NFL today, trailing perhaps only Ed Reed and by a slim margin at that.
James Harrison has transformed from a special teams player two years ago to an MVP candidate (finishing fourth in the voting).
This is one of the best teams I’ve seen the Steel City produce in years. It will be a shame if we’re not in the big game. And I firmly believe with every part of me that we will be raising the Vince Lombardi trophy come February 1st.
To steal a line from American History X, "It’s always best to end a paper with a quote, someone else has already said it best. So if you can’t top it, steal it from them, and go out strong."
I myself picked a quote from Hall Of Fame coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi. “It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.”
That is the motto for the Pittsburgh Steelers this playoff season. Any time we get down, we get right back up and let Ben Roethlisberger lead us from behind off the stellar play of our defense.
Believe in the black and gold.
102 comments Last one added 4 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mike Meadows 5 months ago
You guys dont even have the best team in your state let alone the league. I wish steeler games werent so damn boring
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Lol @ the Eagle's fan. Westbrook hurt again yet? Hmm, best team in the state...who has more Super Bowl rings? The Eagles? Wait..no.
It's only boring to people who enjoy Peyton Manning air it out football. But, if you enjoy a defensive struggle, then they're great games to watch. I understand how Eagle's fans don't appreciate defense though, so it's ok. I understand.
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Mike Meadows 5 months ago
why do QUEERs from pittsburgh and denver always say who has more rings who in there right mind wants to watch two 3 yd runs an incomplete pass then a punt over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again
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Leo Hayes 5 months ago
The reason people want to watch that style of football is a two-fold reason. First it shows off defense, big hits and big stops are more entertaining to some people than 30 yard passing. Though you might not believe it there are people with different preferences than yours, that also is why there is more than one NFL team to root for.
The second reason is that it wins games, and some people like to see winning. Sure it may be interesting to see a 60 yard TD pass but if you lost the game it didn't matter. In Pittsburgh we prove that it is truly defense that wins. To many fans winning is the most important thing and that is something the Steelers do better than anyone else.
And last time I checked 12-4 is better than 9-6-1. You tied the Bengals, you can't say that you are better than anyone.
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Mike Meadows 5 months ago
WHO WON HEAD TO HEAD THIS YEAR!!!
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Leo Hayes 5 months ago
One game doesn't prove much. Neither team played near to their caliber.
Head-to-head doesn't mean much when it is non-division teams playing, if so Cleveland is better than the Giants, if you think that you're probably retarded.
And if Head-to-Head comes first, your team is probably not going to do so well this weekend. We beat you even though you paid the refs.
Oh and you don't need to use all caps, I can still read it if you use proper capitalization.
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Mike Meadows 5 months ago
Paid off the refs lol the only teams that get babied more than the Steelers is the Colts and Pats
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Leo Hayes 5 months ago
How do the Steelers get babied by anyone. James Harrison is egregiously held on nearly every play and it is never called. Your team held him by his facemask while he was about to sack Rivers and no flags were thrown. On both of his sacks against the Pats you can clearly see light holding his arm behind him while he strips the ball with his free arm. In the game against the Ravens he was put into a headlock on more than one occasion, and the announcers even said something about it in that game. There were around 30 straight quarters where an offense was not charged for holding against the Steelers. If you don't think that;s biased tell me what is.
Ben Roethlisberger is hit late all of the time and roughing the passer has never once been called for a defender who hit him.
In the game against the Chargers this year every big play of the Steelers was called back for some kind of penalty while the Chargers were only called for two penalties for a total of 5 yards. Tell me how that happens when in the first quarter they got a five yard penalty. If you do not think that the calling was biased in that game then you are either blind or incredibly biased yourself.
Give me one example of how the Steelers are babied.
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Eddie Rossell 5 months ago
Hey Mike, the reason Steelers fans say who has more rings, is because we actually have some to show off. You have absolutely no room to talk. Sure you guys won the head to head, but we were missing 3 of our biggest players, 2 of which are past pro bowlers. Don't get pissed off at Pittsburgh fans because the entire city of Philly has got ONE championship in 25 years! Oh and how many Lombardi trophies have the Eagles hoisted.... NONE!!! so why don't you keep foolish comments to yourself.
And the Steelers are probably the LEAST babied team in the league! Harrison has been held on almost every play, he still has 16 sacks and 7 forced fumbles, numbers that would be much higher had the opposing lineman not held him around the neck as he still demolished their QB.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Ya, that "Steeler's get all the calls" argument is completely played out. Just because we don't let the flags effect us as much as other teams doesn't mean we get babied. Hines Ward gets fined for plays that he didn't even draw a flag on, Harrison gets the flag for a late hit and DAVID GARRARD said it was clean.
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Joe Ascher 5 months ago
The more I hear from Charger fans the more I realize what kind of morons they are. I have respect for the team but the fans are from some other planet. I don't know if it's the water out there they are drinking or what. Boring football, my ass. Only a true football person can appreciate awesome defense. Something Charger fans can't relate to. I don't even know how they got as far as they have. I guess they owe the Buffalo Bills a huge debt of gratitude. But guess what? Your miracle playoff appearance ends this Sunday at Heinz Field where you will be completely dominated by the Steel Curtain like last time. Remember?........Have a nice day, Charger fans....Drink some more water or whatever it is your drinkin'............
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
I think they're still stinging from the realization that Tomlinson is fading quickly.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
We Charger fans need to let the Steeler fans brag. I mean, those poor souls, look where they live? All they have IS the Steelers. :-( You got to feel sorry for them.
Let them disrespect us all they want. Let the teams do the real talking.
If we lose the game, I think I will go outside, get a tan, and sip a margarita to calm my sadness.
Beats shoveling snow and breathing exhaust from the auto industry.
If we win, I think I will get on a boat here in the SD Bay and cruise around in my shorts and tank top.
Then I will bike along the beach and maybe have a campfire on the beach at night with my friends.
We will survive a loss better then they will.
IF we lose.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
And sadly, this is the difference between Steelers football, and Chargers football. The Steelers players and fans are accustomed to hard work and sacrifice. The Chargers players and fans are used to doing what Lucia posted.
Now, tell me. Which would you rather have your players and fans be accustomed to? ;)
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
"Steelers players and fans are accustomed to hard work and sacrifice."
Seems we are doing just fine out here. How is the American auto industry these days? Oh, yes. We have to give them FREE bail-out money. Paid by tax-payers, like us in sunny SD. Yup. Steeler fans are big on hard work and sacrifice.
Hand-outs don't hurt either.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
"Paid by tax-payers, like us in sunny SD."
Because no one in Pittsburgh pays taxes? And it's Pittsburgh's fault the economy is down the drain? Maybe if people didn't throw money away on things like huge party boats...;)
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Eric Quackenbush 5 months ago
I just need someone to clear this up for me...They build cars in Pittsburgh?...I thought that was Detroit.
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Leo Hayes 5 months ago
Obvious troll is obvious.
Why do you have to bash Pittsburgh, if you used logic and reason to say why your team would win we could have a real discussion on the matter, but no you have to say that we are somehow the cause of the collapse of the economy and that you in California are the salvation of the world.
There are more people receiving free hand-outs and not working, especially by choice, in California than in Pittsburgh.
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L.J. Burgess 5 months ago
If it wasn't for Mexico San Diego wouldn't have ANY economy...
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
or cars that work like Honda, Toyota----
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Wendy 5 months ago
Where do you get the idea that the auto makers are in Pittsburgh? You have us confused with Detroit. Are you sure you have any idea what you're talking about?
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Wendy 5 months ago
No fans in the NFL can compare to Steelers fans, so smack talk all you want. On Jan. 11 we will know. By the way, TJ, I don't think you meant Feb. 5--that's a Thursday. =)
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Haha ya, I messed up. It's on the first. I was thinking the fifth because that was the date of our last one.
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Eric Quackenbush 5 months ago
No fans in the NFL can compare to Raiders fans, either--what a rare breed they are.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
That's very true Eric. I commend them, and Browns fans for hanging in there.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Detroit---Pittsburgh---all the same to me. BORING, COLD---you get the picture! If it makes you feel better, I always liked Terry Bradshaw! He's funny!
Like I said, I wish you well because basically your lives would be over. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
I'll leave you with the same query that I left the Eagles fan, which team has more Super Bowl wins?
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TR 5 months ago
Right, TJ... when you run out of valid statements, play the queer card and get all personal.
And who cares who has won how many SBs in the PAST? They don't count anymore. Geez...
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Oh, and Terry, I love the double standard that comes with every one of your comments. It's flattering, it really is.
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TR 5 months ago
Double standard? What the hell are you talking about? Double standard would be if I agreed with you that past SB wins matter.
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Leo Hayes 5 months ago
Terry do you really think that past achievements mean nothing. If that is the case then no statistics matter at all and I can say, without a doubt, that the Steelers are, have always been, and will always be the best team to ever play football. Without knowing how one performed in the past, you can have nothing to gauge what success is in the present/future.
And we aren't the ones out of valid statements, how does one exactly respond to the fact that someone assumes that Pittsburgh and Detroit are the same thing.
San Diego and Hell, basically the same thing to me, way too hot with bad sports teams. See try to come up with a "valid" response to that.
Am I allowed to bring up that we beat the Chargers earlier in the year or is that not valid for some reason.
By the way, TJ's statement is saying that Pittsburgh is better for some reason, you may not think it is a good reason, but it is a reason and you cannot deny that.
Your response is to simply claim that his statement isn't valid, but you don't say why, that is truly an invalid argument. Its called a straw-man, or I guess straw-person if you care about political correctness.
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TR 5 months ago
So, you're suggesting that a team with more SBs past somehow has an advantage now? That was the original premise. Nothing to do with this year's stats.
What are you people smoking?
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
To clarify, I brought up the Super Bowl wins thing because of the "Steelers fans lives would be over" We have a winning tradition, that's all I was saying. ;)
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Well, the way I see it, THIS team has one SB; the others were a long time ago and don't count for THIS team.
Seems to me that I am the most OPEN-MINDED of you homers.
I at least acknowledge it could go either way. YOU seem to think the Steelers are some kind of Gods.
Maybe YOU are hot for them---what do you think? That's what it sounds like to me.
Hmmm---no homos in Pittsburgh? What else do you do in the freezing weather?
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Actually, if you'd care to either read the article, or go to one of my forums, you'd see that I gave the Chargers kudos for beating the team with the most momentum. I am far from a homer.
Fine, this team has ONE Super Bowl. How many does this Chargers team have? 0. NEXT.
Again, read the article.
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Gus HowT 5 months ago
Lucia, you can respond on the same post, you don't have to create new comments.
Anyway, this is getting out of hand. Football brings out the best and worst of us, and looks like the worst has taken over. Name calling? For realz? Fellos and Fellas, it's only football. Get back to the real argument: which team is gonna spank that a$$ on Sunday!?
I vote Steelers : )
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Great vote ;)
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
TJ
Just saying the Chargers took out the hottest team is easy (and correct) when it's not your team, but then to act like against the Steeler's D we haven't a chance is ---well---slightly biased. It isn't like you wiped us out last time. Your O has to play too.
If all you want is other Steeler fans to ki** Steeler a** and lap up your article, then you best post this article in your local paper. Or in their local paper if you don't live in "the Pitts." Pun intended.
Otherwise, expect opposing views.
You don't have to live in Pennsylvania to be a fan. You are living proof of that!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Obviously I know this, and you should know that the Colts defense is horrid, and I'd expect a back like Sproles to carve them up. But the Steelers defense is number one overall, first in pass, and second in rush defense. No, we didn't run you guys over last time. But we did get screwed out of a Touchdown (referee and NFL both admitted to that). It was the best kind of football game in my opinion, smashmouth, defensive ball.
I highly doubt we're going to blow the Chargers out, but I do think we're going to win. We shook Phillip Rivers in the regular season game, and that's going to be key for us to win this. If the Chargers beat us, they're going to have to do it through the air.
Haha, I honestly don't get along with the majority of Steelers fans. Or the majority of NFL fans for that matter. The true fans of the game are few and far between. I'd rather be able to put personal loyalties aside and assess teams from an objective viewpoint. It's hard at times. Which is why I don't write exclusively about the Steelers, haha.
I expect and welcome opposing views, as long as there is basis to the arguments, and it's about football. All in all, this could be a great debate if we stick to football. I look forward to it. And I'd gladly welcome you on either of my sports forums.
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chad kilper 5 months ago
hey lucia your a winner...tell your girl i want my Roethlisberger jersey back!!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Oh, and Terry, it was a joke. Settle. There's no way I could even begin to get personal, since I don't know any of you personally. Making it quite hard to get very personal, no?
Super Bowls in the past don't count anymore? Says the person with the Patriots logo in the avatar. Priceless. I hate to be the one to inform you that past Super Bowls do indeed count, if they didn't count, then what's the point of handing out a trophy?
On a side note, I find it laughable that the Patriots didn't make the playoffs at 11-5.
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TR 5 months ago
Somehow I think calling somebody a "homo" is a little personal.
Yes, "Says the person with the Patriots logo in the avatar", past SBs don't help a team in this year's playoffs. Is Terry Bradshaw going to be airing it out to Lynn Swann this weekend? If so, I apologize. As for my logo, I'm a Pats fan. I should change allegiance because the team I have supported for 35 years isn't in the playoffs? What would that make me? Maybe one of those bandwagon fans you've heard so much about.
With my team out of the picture, I have to pull for somebody. On the NFC side, it's the Panthers. On the AFC side, it's the underdog. Too bad if that offends you.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
What is it with you and getting all defensive? Just because you and Lucia have some love thing going on doesn't mean that either of you know what you're talking about. Funny that you point out where I get personal, and not when she does.
You can root for whoever you'd like Pats fan. Just remember - 18 and OOOOOOOsi Umenyiora.
And before you start crying, you need to know that I administrate a New England Sports message board.
Have a fantastic day.
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TR 5 months ago
I'm being defensive?
Lucia's my friend, is that a problem for you? I just don't see why you can't stick to the game, dude.
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Wendy 5 months ago
Even more laughable, TJ, is the Chargers did make it at 8-8. As I said earlier today, we'll see who the "real men" are on Jan. 11. I'll be there waving my Terrible Towel! How about you, Lucia? TJ? Anyone else?
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Nah, I won't be there. It'd be nice, but I have to work, so chances are that I won't even get to watch the game.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
The Chargers just beat a 12-4 team that was chosen by the "experts" to be in the SB.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80db4c1d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Why would I wave a terrible towel?
Bundle up! I hear the weather is nasty!
TJ: You want football talk based on facts:
"If we get adequate pressure on Phillip Rivers, we’ll force him to make bad throws. He’s not yet an elite Quarterback in the NFL. Antonio Gates is his biggest receiving threat, and he’s been having a sub par season to his standards. The Steelers aren’t going to have to worry about LaDainian Tomlinson, and even if they did, they did a great job of shutting him down in their previous meeting (18 rush, 57 yards, one touchdown)."
At least list all the facts i f you are not biased, or if you bothered to do research first.
PR was ranked #1 in ALL OF THE NFL this year. He had major knee surgery first, one week before the AFC Championship game last year and incredibly played when he was not even supposed to walk. Then he had major surgery again right after the game and was rehabbing all off season. He has been playing with braces on both knees all this year.
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=1&statisticPositionCategory=QUARTERBACK&season=2008&seasonType=REG
LT has been injured all season; first with his toe, and like AG he was just getting healthy when he got the groin sprain.
Antonio Gates just got over his toe injury/surgery and was just getting healthy when he got the high ankle sprain, which he played with against the Colts. That is why he played poorly during the season.
McNeal, Williams, Hardwick, all pro-bowlers, were out several games with injuries; Cooper was suspended 4 games (also a pro-bowler.)
It took half the season to get these guys back and in game shape.
In the middle of all that mess, we played Pitts, in Pitts, and only lost by 1. If you insist on calling us an 8-8 team, when we were really a 9-7 team because of Hochuli, then we will ignore the touchdown that didn't count at the end. The game was already over anyway.
We have changed since then. I do worry about LT, who probably won't play, and Gates, who will play in considerable pain.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
The experts opinions mean nothing to me. Half of the so called experts are uninformed ESPN employees anyway. Picking games in the NFL is by no means a science, it's completely hit and miss.
From what I've heard, kickoff temperature is 17 degrees. No dome. Grass field. Chargers aren't used to that cold.
Rivers plays through pain. That's fantastic. Maybe if you could get LT to do it, then you'd be a legitimate contender year after year. Welcome to Steelers football. Ben plays hurt all the time. Harrison, Polamalu, Parker, Miller, McFadden, and Townsend have all played hurt for us. Playing hurt is what you have to do when you play in the NFL. Rivers by no means deserves a trophy for playing hurt.
Indeed, he led the league in Quarterback rating. He was also tied with Brees for Touchdowns. That's fantastic. He didn't however lead the league in the following categories : Completions, Attempts, Percentage of passes completed, Attempts per game, Yards, Yards per game, so I find it laughable that you try to call me bias and uninformed for not pointing all of that out when you simply quote his Quarterback rating and playing through pain.
As I've said, injuries will happen in the NFL. The mark of a good team is overcoming them. The Steelers did it. The Chargers seem to have done it too. The difference is that I'm not making excuses for the injured Steelers players by saying that's why they under performed.
That's a shame that you bring up the referees. Because in the game played between the Steelers and Chargers, the penalties called were a bit too one sided to be considered fair and quality officiating 13 penalties called on Pittsburgh, and only 2 on San Diego.
Gates wouldn't be getting open all that much if he were at 100% anyway. Polamalu and our fast Linebackers would make sure of that.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Man---and you don't call yourself a homer!!!!??? What a load of s**t you just wrote.
Now you know why I don't bother to talk facts with "bloggers" like you. You diss the experts and I agree, and that includes expert wannabes like you. Just a fan mouthing off on BR. What a surprise.
You, my friend, are a laugh a minute!
When you actually get your facts straight about how serious LT's injury is and what Rivers had in the AFC Championship game, we will talk.
Until then, admit your biased and leave it at that!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Right. You keep lapping up what ESPN feeds you. You know, their whole 4 stories a year.
I'm sorry, maybe if you could actually write an article, then people would take you serious.
I shut down every argument you presented, you had nothing to fall back on, so you resort to calling me a homer.
LT had turf toe in the AFC Championship game last year. He proceeded to sit on the bench and look uninterested in the game.
It's a joke that the Chargers even got in the playoffs, much less that you're trying to tell me that they're a better team than the Steelers. Get off the high horse and look at the game. What did the Steelers do to your precious Rivers and LT? Shut them down. So, take pride in knowing that you're just a another bump on the road to the Super Bowl. If by some miracle you get the win on the 11th, then there's no way you beat either the Ravens or the Titans.
The sooner the Chargers get rid of LT and Norv Turner, the sooner the franchise rebuilds from the stage they're in. And that stage is a complete joke.
Have fun with that. I'm just as biased as anyone you hear talk on ESPN. You want biased, look at Emmit Smith.
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chad kilper 5 months ago
HEY LUCIA YOUR A WINNER....TELL YOUR GIRL I NEED MY ROETHLISBERGER JERSEY BACK...I LET HER WEAR IT WHILE WE CUDDLED AND WATCHED THE GAME EARLIER IN THE SEASON WHERE DA STEELERS HAD OVER 400 TOTAL YARDS TO YOUR SISSY CHARGERS 200+.......DOMINATED U GUYS ONCE, WILL DO IT AGAIN SUNDAY..
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
For you ignorant ones:
What part of Lucia sounds like I am a guy?
DOMINATED? 11-10 WOW!
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
"I'm just as biased as anyone you hear talk on ESPN."
Finally, you said something that was true.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Why all the flaming and hate Lucia?
I'm sorry that you don't like the Steelers. It's really a shame.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Oh, yeah. Your posts have been all sweetness and kindness.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Ah, evading the question. Pity. For someone who hates the Steelers so much, you sure did come to this article enough.
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TR 5 months ago
TJ, expert.
We all love our teams, big s**t. You're not special, TJ.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
I understand that you two have some love and all, but really Lucia? Recruiting back up? Is it really that hard to post yourself?
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Seems like you are not alone, TJ. Do you hear me whining? Wendy, Chad, Mike, Joe---shall I go on?
But of course, you whine about any post who supports me. What a man. NOT!
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Actually, found it under the Chargers. I thought you were a journalist---but I was wrong. You are a fan writing what you wish. That is fine. That is what BR is for. Don't flatter yourself as a writer though. Anyone who wants can write here. Doesn't make your words more "right."
I wouldn't bother writing here. Total waste of time.
It always amazes me though. If someone talks positively about their team, we then "hate" the other team. To disagree with you is to hate. Interesting.
Last time. Your D is excellent. Your O is suspect.
I know you hate hard facts, but here goes:
The Pittsburgh Steelers are committing the most turnovers of any team left in the NFL playoffs, are getting sacked more often and scoring the fewest points.
Roethlisberger has 17 TD passes and 15 interceptions. Not very good.
I am not saying you will lose or you will win, just that you are not invincible.
If you call that hate, fine. But facts are facts. If you cannot accept your team's weaknesses then you are just a homer.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
*Sigh*
Hmm, seeing as I haven't graduated from college at this point, I can't technically be a journalist. So, uh, way to point out the obvious. I thought you were an informed NFL fan. Obviously I was wrong. Looks like we both learned something about making assumptions.
Waste of your time. You've been wasting your time on this article for hours then, huh? You and your friend Terry.
Yup. Keep putting words in my mouth. The fact that you refuse to even give the Steelers any kind of kudos is what resulted in my comments. Get your facts straight before coming here. You will be shut down 9 times out of 10 if you don't.
Indeed, our offense isn't great by any means. I fail to see how telling me things I already know is bettering your argument?
I hate hard facts? lol. I completely shut you down with facts. You're a funny Californian.
I'm not saying we're invincible. I'd LOVE for you to show me where I did. I'll bet you can't.
Indeed, not impressive at all. But the 4 come from behind game winning drives are.
He's also been sacked more times than any QB not named Matt Cassel. Something I don't like.
I fully accept the Steelers weaknesses. But, if you come in here praising Rivers, Gates and LT for being hurt and trying to play, then you need to look at it from an objective view and realize that every team suffers through injuries. The Patriots had the best QB in the league go down, and still got to 11-5. Injuries are a part of the game.
I tried to shift the focus from personal attacks to football, but from the first paragraph of your last post, I think we all know who the more mature one here is, now don't we?
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Leaving out info is bad journalism. You write a one-sided article. Not mentioning the Steeler's weaknesses is paramount to one-sided biased journalism. You haven't but I have finished college---I have a Master's Degree in Education.
"I completely shut you down with facts."
HUH?
Again. The facts you have are not substantiated by any evidence whatsoever. Mine are.
Sweetie, if you want to become a journalist you have to find and post your proof. Otherwise, you are an amateur blogger and nothing else. I posted evidence. You posted------nothing.
You receive an "F" in journalism.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Awesome. I'm sure you're doing really well with that. Unfortunately I did use facts? I'm sorry, was showing you what stats Rivers didn't lead the league in not using stats? Or LT's stats against us Week 11? Or Sproles and Manning's stats against each other last week? Or the fact that Ben's the second most sacked QB in the league? See, I did use stats. So, I suggest *once more* that you READ the article.
Pity. Unfortunately your grade means nothing to me, because I'm not one of your third graders. Where was your evidence? Hmm.
Don't call me sweetie. It's really unprofessional for a teacher.
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L.J. Burgess 5 months ago
I guess that 'Master's Degree' didn't come with manners did it...
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Alvin Lau 5 months ago
Haha noobs.
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Kyle Whitely 5 months ago
I JUST LIKE FOOTBALL!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
You sound Canadian. :P
I'm actually really impressed by the NFL knowledge that you've picked up Kyle, I just hope I had something to do with it. :)
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Keep the hate coming Lucia and Terry. It's flattering. Besides, I quite like shutting people who have an over inflated ego down when it comes to the NFL.
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TR 5 months ago
I don't hate you, TJ, so don't get too worked up about it.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
No one's work up about it Terry. I find it hilarious that you and Lucia think I am though. Flattering that your night centered around me though. Glad I could help you feel better about yourselves!
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Milligan Godzilla 5 months ago
wow what dicks, and I would know something about dicks.
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Alvin Lau 5 months ago
Yes. They tend to do many things lol...
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Ah, but do you know anything of the Steagles?
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Eric Quackenbush 5 months ago
ooooo, I know a little something about the Steagles of 1943--but it might not be right for a me, a Panthers fan to not give an Eagles fan an opportunity.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Have to love the logo.
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Lucia G. 5 months ago
Night all. Enjoy your Steeler's love fest. I have RL to attend to.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Ya, she has a gay pride rally to head up tomorrow everyone!
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Mason Cajka 5 months ago
Wonderful Work.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Why, thank you sir.
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Nick Coviello 5 months ago
I'm certainly not going to place any bets on either team...but more often than not a great defense shuts down a good offense. The key is without a doubt containing Sproles, both running the ball, and catching passes out of the backfield. Definitely contain the short dump offs and screens because those can be a killer to a great defense.
It definitely all comes down to the Steelers defense. If they can slow down the Chargers offense and put it all on Rivers arm then I'd feel good if I were a Pitt fan; however, if the Steelers let the Chargers control the clock and let Sproles even somewhat do his thing then there's cause for concern. Big Ben is pretty badly roughed up...he's taken a beating. I'd never disrespect the guy and he's one of the toughest muffuckaz out there, but if it comes down to him and his offense having to keep up with the Chargers, then they're in for a long battle.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Honestly, Nick. If it comes down to Roethlisberger having to keep up with a Chargers offense that's in sync, I think we lose this one. Our defense is nothing short of phenomenal, and really shadows the Steel Curtain in a way. If the offensive line can keep Ben off the ground, then we're set. We can't risk letting him getting more banged up. As tough as he is, he's going to insist to play, and as great as that is for the morale of the team, being slow and woozy, isn't going to help the team win. And the cold hard fact of the NFL is that you play to win the game. If Ben starts performing horribly, then we can't have any reservations about throwing Leftwich in there. He can manage the game (as long as we don't ask him to throw anything over 20 yards, because without a doubt it'll go 60 yards).
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Sydalish 92108 5 months ago
Interesting article - Please do feel free to underestimate the Chargers, but don't be surprised when things don't go the way you expect them to this Sunday :)
I don't think either team will have an easy win, anything is possible on any given Sunday and lets get real this is the playoffs. There are no pushovers. You met our defense when it was still crippled by Teddy the Hut, and we held you to 11 points. Now that Rivera has had some time to work his magic our boys are only getting better each week. Sproley may not have the success against the Steelers he had against the Colts, but that's just fine by me. I'm looking forward to seeing some other guys step up and give Mighty Mouse a break.
All in all - this weekend AFC football is going to be AWESOME. And win or lose, I am so proud of my Bolts. We may not have our championship yet, but we will and maybe sooner than anyone thinks.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
No one's underestimating the Chargers. If they were a team to be overlooked, we wouldn't have beaten them by only a point in the regular season. Sproles is a great back, but at the same time, the Colts defense isn't exactly a measuring stick lol.
You guys are a few key players and a good draft away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. As you've said, anything is possible at any time in the NFL, and that's the beauty of the game.
I'm expecting both teams to find it hard to get into an offensive rhythm.
Of course I'm going to be backing the Black & Gold. They play the game I learned all my life - establish the run on offense, and stop the run on defense. That's not to say that I don't have respect for many other teams around the league. I wrote this article to pump up Steelers fans, and rile up Chargers fans. I've written a lot (Not on here, but on my forums) about why the Steelers aren't going to be successful, and why they're 2 good offensive linemen away from winning the Super Bowl.
But, at this point, I have the Steelers beating the Chargers, the Ravens beating the Titans, and then the Steelers barely beating the Ravens in the AFC Championship game. Though, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit scared about meeting the Ravens for a third time in the same year, because that's not good for your health at all.
In summation, I'm not underestimating the Chargers. They're the team I think they are. They'll come out, and try and get something going with Sproles and Hester, and if they can't, it'll fall onto Rivers' shoulders to try and toss it up to Jackson. I see this game playing out in hundreds of different ways depending on which Steelers team shows up, and which Roethlisberger shows up. If the Ben Roethlisberger that played against the Colts shows up, the Chargers will win. But if it's the Ben that beat the Ravens twice, then the Steelers will win.
Either way, it's going to be a great game, and it's a shame that I'll have to miss it for work.
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Lito Santos 5 months ago
Nice read,
I Believe in the Black and Gold, Steelers is very tough team to beat. All I can hope is for the Chargers to play a mistake free, sound football and a little bit of luck. GO CHARGERS!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
It's going to be a defensive struggle all game. The best kind of game in my opinion. :) Good luck to you and your Chargers.
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Eric Quackenbush 5 months ago
Very nice article, and I like your unbiased view on this game.
I have a lot of respect for the Steelers at anytime, and when I see my team is scheduled to play them, I know we're in for a looong game of just down in the trenches football. Two things about Pittsburgh that have never seemed to change are it's running game and most importantly, their defensive line is just incredible.
As for the Chargers, I would like to see them go onto the next round, but I have serious doubts. I have a lot of respect for Philip Rivers, this season especially, as he's really not had a whole lot of consistency from his offensive counterparts. I agree with what you say, that they are a few draft picks away from having a scary team, but I also say that they've suffered a few key injuries, most notable Shawne Merriweather.
I am really looking forward to this matchup, and am looking forward to seeing someone else having to face the "Pitt" instead of my Panthers.
5 stars, POTD.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
I'm definitely looking forward to this game. And actually, all of the matchups this weekend. I picked your Panthers to advance to the NFC Championship game as well.
Thanks for the love on the article. :)
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Wendy 5 months ago
TJ, when you wrote this article, did you expect this much attention? LOL
GO STEELERS!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Not at all haha. I originally wrote it for my forums, but just decided to post it here as well lol. Quite a nice showing though.
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Wendy 5 months ago
Congratulations and GO STEELERS!
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
That's right! And thanks.
This will only serve to spoil me though lol.
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Wendy 5 months ago
Deserved spoiling is okay. :)
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L.J. Burgess 5 months ago
This is one of the best, most passionate, 'homer' pieces I've seen yet.
It is what it is and that's outstanding.
See you in the BIG one TJ, see you in the BIG one.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
It really means a lot coming from you LJ. Thanks for the help.
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Signature Sports 5 months ago
Great stuff here TJ. Good luck to your Steelers.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Quite a divisional round we have here. Look forward to posting about it on SS. B)
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Titans4Vols Titans4Vols 5 months ago
TITANS ARE NUMBAH 1 !!!!! NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE STEELERS YAHH YAHH /HOMERISM /HOMERISM
But no, seriously. Some of these chargers fans must have one too many dildos shoved up their ass. Though, my feelings wouldn't be hurt if we get the chance to beat them in the AFC championship game. Revenge from last year.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
You being a homer? Never. <_<
Meh, I'll disappear for a good month or so if the Chargers advance to the AFC Championship game. <_<
Wish the Steelers could play in a cakewalk of a division.
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Titans4Vols Titans4Vols 5 months ago
Browns, Bengals, Ravens have been bad other then this year. I think you got it pretty easy.
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TJ Jenkins 5 months ago
Not really...Browns were 10-6 last year, only reason they missed the playoffs was because the Titans had the tiebreaker. Ravens are always tough. Bengals made the playoffs in 2005. Not a bad division at all.
Browns have all the talent in the world, they just don't play like they have it. Or coach like they have it.
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Lito Santos 5 months ago
Chargers 17 Steelers 10
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Wendy 4 months ago
"O-LA... WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?"
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