NFL updates/news

[Robbyjawz]

How loud is qwest field? The crowd reaction to lynchs epic TD run caused a minor earthquake. Any people still try and say that places like Arrowhead are louder.

Heinz Field can get just as loud, if not louder. AFCCG two years ago when Polamalu got a pick 6 to secure a game to the Super Bowl made that place explode.

Most stadiums in the NFL get booming when their team is doing well and has the momentum of the game going their way. Honestly, even though it is a rarity to see a down year for the Steelers I am fairly sure that that crowd would stay there, as does Seattle at Qwest, as do several other stadiums, but as can be seen with the Bungals, if they don't show that tempo and ability to win, some fans won't show up.
Home games mean a TON to teams, as they are getting the crowd on thier side, and the crowd's noise can wreak havoc on an opposing team, causing false starts and downright distracting players.

[Northy]

Go Pack Go

[apwill4765]

---------- Post added 2011-01-10 at 10:31 PM ----------

[/COLOR]

A win that had nothing to do with ben. If troy doesn't put him on the 19 yd line he never hits the end zone. That's all I'm saying, you not having ben the first time round is not why you lost.

[Bamboozles]

A win that had nothing to do with ben. If troy doesn't put him on the 19 yd line he never hits the end zone. That's all I'm saying, you not having ben the first time round is not why you lost.

Yes, actually, it is. When we don't have the moral support that a franchise player brings - you can't get hyped up for it. Look at Batch's numbers then Roethlisberger's numbers when we played the Ravens and that's with Reed. It's simple - when both teams are healthy, the Ravens can't and haven't ever beat the Steelers in a playoff game. I'll bring to you AFCCG two years ago when it was in Heinz Field and we came out on top. Granted, that was Flacco's rookie year and he has improved, but the Steelers don't lose playoff games at home especially when we have TP and BB back.

It's going to be a hell'uva game on Saturday.

[Kirfkin]

Yes, actually, it is. When we don't have the moral support that a franchise player brings - you can't get hyped up for it. Look at Batch's numbers then Roethlisberger's numbers when we played the Ravens and that's with Reed. It's simple - when both teams are healthy, the Ravens can't and haven't ever beat the Steelers in a playoff game. I'll bring to you AFCCG two years ago when it was in Heinz Field and we came out on top. Granted, that was Flacco's rookie year and he has improved, but the Steelers don't lose playoff games at home especially when we have TP and BB back.

It's going to be a hell'uva game on Saturday.

The Steeler's also can't win if they struggle to get into the red zone, as they have against the Ravens this year; granted the Ravens only made it one more time. Never say, can't. For instance, "The Seahawks can't beat the Saints! It's a joke they made it to the playoffs." I heard that. What happened?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueR1TFFEt3g

Anyhow; it'll be a close game. I think this one will be high scoring - the Steelers will change their gameplan to something even more agressive on offense - they'll need to. Ben even said that he hates playing against Baltimore: "As a competitor, yes, you love it, but heck no, I hate playing the Ravens," Roethlisberger said Tuesday on a conference call, according to the Baltimore Sun. "They're so good. Defense, every single person and every scheme, everything they do, it just challenges you. As a competitor, you like that challenge and you like the competitiveness, but man, they're good." (NFL.com) I guarantee you Flacco has the same viewpoint. But I guarantee you if you asked Harrison, Polamalu, Lewis, Suggs or Reed (and probably Hines Ward), they'd say they love it.

Things to note:

Steelers are 3-1 each quarter of the season, regardless of who is starting QB. Baltimore's worst stretch was the third quarter, where they went 2-2, best was the last quarter, 4-0. Ed Reed, in 10 games, leads the league in interceptions. In 12 games, Ben Roethlisberger throws for an average of 40 more yards than Flacco and less interceptions, but also a SLIGHTLY lower TD/G.

Game 1 Net yards (Pass/Rush Plays, First Downs, Turnover Difference): PIT 210 (23/27, 14, 0) - BAL 320 (37/28, 22, 0)
Game 2 Net Yards (Pass/Rush Plays, First Downs, Turnover DIfference): PIT 288 (41/24, 17, 0) - BAL 269 (37/20, 14, 0)
Totals Net Yards (Pass/Rush Plays, First Downs, Turnover Difference): PIT 498 (63/51, 31, 0) - BAL 589 (74/48, 36, 0)
Average Net Yards (Pass/Rush Plays, First Downs, Turnover Difference): PIT 249 (31.5/25.5, 15.5, 0) - BAL 294.5 (37/24, 18, 0)

Interpretation: Baltimore Defense, overall this year, has been the more staunch of the two in the rivalries, while in said rivalry games the Steelers had more big plays (notably Troy's fumble). The Baltimore offense had more first downs, passed more, but ran less. BAL has 5 redzone trips against PIT, and PIThas 4 Redzone trips against BAL.

My take:
Rushing will be tough for either team, but I believe that the Steelers will have the edge there -- obviously Mendenhall. In the Pass game, I believe that the Ravens will actually take the edge here, with a balanced run-game. Todd Heap will be the offensive reciever catalyst; barring him, my second choice would be Derrick Mason. Both teams are coming off of big games, but Baltimore is coming off a playoff victory against the Chiefs and the Steelers are coming off a regular season romp of the Browns.

The Ravens defense is hot with turnovers lately, with many (18?) in the past four games including the Chiefs. Ed Reed will be important in preventing the big pass, look for him to make at least one interception. Ben will recieve plenty of pressure, but it'll probably be mostly up to the LB corps to stop the rush game, even against the power run. The defense had a problem of tiring into the 4th quarter, but have had an incredible streak of scoreless 3rd quarters, and the defense held up in the 4th against KC. It'll be rough to get the ball from the Steelers through a fumble.

The Steelers defense is always hot, but their pass defense is a little too lax this year. Still, I predict one interception, likely by Troy Polamalu. Harrison and Polamalu will put great pressure on Flacco, and unless he holds onto the ball better, they'll get at least one fumble-related turnover, probably from Flacco. I think they'll stop the rush, but may have SOME trouble against McGahee in the redzone. They'll need to stop the Ravens air-game, though, with them coming off a hot air-attack game.

Prediction:
BAL 24, PIT 21

It'll be fairly high scoring for as good as the two teams' defenses are. Baltimore will score with 2 Pass TDs and 1 Rush TD and a redzone field goal, Pittsburgh will score with 2 Rush TD (One long, one RZ) and 1 Pass TD (RZ).

Winner of this game will make it to the Superbowl, I think. Steelers and Ravens are way too rough in the playoffs and it'll hurt the Patriots, or especially the Jets. I want the Seahawks to win the NFC title.

[Robbyjawz]

Winner of this game will make it to the Superbowl, I think. Steelers and Ravens are way too rough in the playoffs and it'll hurt the Patriots, or especially the Jets. I want the Seahawks to win the NFC title.

Some freaking awesome support and predictions there. I really hope that it ends the way that you say as well. My problem is, B-more's tackles need to hold up against the rush off the edge, Grubbs and our other guard can hold up (I forget who it is because Gaither was being a monger and raged about not getting money and thus we have had to swap them around), but our tackles can be a problem some of the time. Hopefully Oher is at 100% or mostly there, otherwise Flaaco could get blindsided a lot.
Offseason we need: a new O-coordinator, a center to replace Birk, possilby a corner, and a freaking pass rusher on the opposite side of ol'ugly (Suggs, I love your playing style, but you seriously are the ugliest player who gets a lot of recognition). If we can get Kindle back and he lives up to even part of the hype he had in college I'll be happy.
That Jets game is going to be nasty, I wouldn't be suprised if Jersey/B gets smashed again, because the offense is rather hapless with Sanchez at the helm, and no matter how good your coverage is, Goldilocks can find a seam (I hate to say it because I hate him.) The Jets need more than just 4 guys rushing Goldilocks the majority of the time, Manning had all freaking day to throw for the most part because Rex for some reason wasn't blizting like mad, it worked, but you need to pressure Goldilocks while having good coverage to do much to be honest.

[Kirfkin]

You don't have to like Tom Brady to respect his ability; I just like to see him take a few hits. He gets rattled because he doesn't get sacked that often, hence why the Ravens do fairly well against them in the post-season, plus the rough and ugly running style. As such, Pittsburgh has a good chance of doing so too.

I like Flacco a lot, but he needs to work on a few things, such as tucking the ball more quickly when he knows a sack is imminent. He's good at extending the play when he does, has great arm-strength and is usually accurate. He doesn't move as much as Roethlisberger, though, and certainly not Vick. He's also lacking their experience, though learning quickly.

Sanchez is iffy with me... The young guys I like, in order of ability are:

Aaron Rodgers ~ Matty Ice > Joe Flacco >> Colt McCoy ~ Tim Tebow.

[Badpaladin]

I don't think you can really rate Tebow right now. Yes, he tore up the best defense in the country. Yes, he also threw two interceptions against them. Three games really isn't enough to evaluate his worth as a QB, but as a leader.....well....yeah. His X-factor is better than any of the QB's you mentioned, which is awesome. Basically the toughness of Roethlisberger but runs for TD's more and isn't as accurate.

As for Steel v. Ravens, after some serious thinking I still predict the Steel Curtain to survive another week. Although Reed is going to be dangerous, I don't think they'll have an answer for Heath Miller when Roethlisberger is on the run.

[Robbyjawz]

I don't think you can really rate Tebow right now. Yes, he tore up the best defense in the country. Yes, he also threw two interceptions against them. Three games really isn't enough to evaluate his worth as a QB, but as a leader.....well....yeah. His X-factor is better than any of the QB's you mentioned, which is awesome. Basically the toughness of Roethlisberger but runs for TD's more and isn't as accurate.

As for Steel v. Ravens, after some serious thinking I still predict the Steel Curtain to survive another week. Although Reed is going to be dangerous, I don't think they'll have an answer for Heath Miller when Roethlisberger is on the run.

If they get Gruden over there, and get a running back that isn't constantly injured I think they will have potential to be a great offense under Tebow, the guy can play. I am also in complete agreement with the order of QBs in Kirf's post as well.

Issue about Heath Miller is Todd Heap went out in the first freaking play from scrimmage, and he is just as a large part of our offense as Miller is to the Steelers. He is one of Joe's favorite targets, take a look at the Chiefs game and tell me that he isn't he, like Miller, knows how to get open and I would take either of them as a TE on my team if I were a GM. I would give Miller a light edge as he doesn't get injured as often to be honest however. The Steelers and Ravens are so alike with the majority of positions it is just scary. Right now I think the edge goes:
QB: Steelers, Ben is really hard to take down, Joe is catching up to him in many aspects, but right now I think the slight edge goes to BB
RB/FB: Ravens, Mendy is good, but the Ravens have Rice and McGahee backing him up, and McClain is an incredible FB.
WR: Steelers, the Ravens have really good ones as well, but Wallace and Sanders are much younger and will be around for longer than anyone for B-more.
TE: Ravens, I would take Miller over Heap as said above, but Dickson and Pitta have a lot of potential right now, and I can't even think of a backup for Pittsburgh.
OL: Ravens other than Center, Stability, stability, stability. Need I say more? Pouncey will be anchoring the line for years to come though.
Dline: I'll say a tie, likely because I am baised. Both have some absolute beasts right now, and it could go either way.
LB: Steelers, They have the best backers in the NFL right now, bar none.
Cornerbacks: Ravens, the Ravens corners really have stepped it up, I was afraid of them to start the season, and wow, was I wrong.
Safety: Tie. Reed and Polamalu are both insane, and then Landry and whoever you have at FS are about equal I think.
Kicker: Ravens, Cundiff has been a beast this year, gotta say.
Punter: Ravens, I haven't seen much of Sepulveda's work, but looking at Koch's 48.1% downed inside the 20, I'll give it to him.

I tried not to be biased being a Ravens fan and all, if you have any disagreements let us discuss them.

[Kirfkin]

Well, I gotta say that I believe the best linebacker currently in the game is Patrick Willis. Clay Matthews is great as well. Ray Lewis has great experience, but the other two are just far more explosive, but I think you can't ask for a much better defensive leader than Ray.

QB: Agree, Big Ben's got it.
RB/FB: About tied here, honestly. They're all capable of explosive play, but I suppose including back-ups, the Ravens have the edge because of McGahee, who still has it.
WR: Steelers. Mason is good, Boldin is good... But they're not the quick guys Baltimore needed. The key player, and one of my better fantasy players, is Wallace.
TE: I'm gonna say tie. Heath and Heap are both great tight ends, but Heap has been explosive later in this season.
OL: Both gotta work on the pass blocking, to be honest. But they're both power run teams, so... Even if the Ravens weaker spot is center, at least he's not the cowboys one who snaps at liesure.
LB: Hard to say. They're both dangerous and if you ask any offense, you don't want to have them charging at your line.
DLine: I think the Ravens have a slight edge here; I like how Cody's looking and Ngata is beastly. Not to say the Steelers are bad, they're great and athletic as well.
Cornerbacks: I dunno.
Safety: Slight edge, Steelers. Ed Reed is a huge threat. Polamalu is a huge threat, only he's EVERYWHERE AT ONCE.
Kicker: Ravens all the way, Cundiff has been great. Suisham will be good too.
Punter: I've heard my Steeler's fan cousin complain of Sepulveda, but I haven't seen much of either of them because of work.

I'll hold to my prediction -- the biggest part being the 3 point score spread.

I've only looked at the young QBs in my post, and honestly... Tebow's better than Clausen thus far, but I'm not counting Clausen out... He's on the Panthers, afterall. Who is the next quarterback they'll draft? Either way, both the rookies are beneath Flacco for two reason: Less experience, and we haven't seen enough of them in the big league.

My favorite defensive rookie this year is probably... TJ Ward, the Browns safety.

By the way, if we do have football next year, I'm looking for the Browns to pick up someone like Maehl. I hope the Panther's don't pick up Newton. I'll be frightened if the Packers nab Casey Matthews, just the same as the Steelers or Ravens or Chicago getting him.

[Robbyjawz]

Lord, I have several favorite defensive rookies: Suh was a monster for the Lions, and will be in the future, as I played Dline in High School, I can be biased in picking my favorite players along the Defensive trenches, and Suh is going to be up there I think. Berry was also a really good pickup for the Chiefs, he was everywhere in the Ravens game, and was really good in the regular season as well.

[Bamboozles]

you linked stats here and i'm not gonna quote a wall, lol. :P

I don't think you can bring stats into a game like this. Yeah, the Steelers have struggled in the redzone but their defense is able to stop other teams from even getting into Pittsburgh territory, let alone inside the redzone.

You bring up a very convincing argument, I'll give ya that, but what about Flacco's % in the playoffs? He's absolutely terrible in the playoffs and throws picks left right and center. Beating the Chiefs was an accomplishment as I took KC as the upset, but they can only ride on the backs of two players defensive players for so long. We saw what happened last game in Baltimore when Ben had an average day, and he's consistently good in the post season.

It's going to be close forsure. I still do have the Steelers on top, though.

[Kirfkin]

I don't think you can bring stats into a game like this. Yeah, the Steelers have struggled in the redzone but their defense is able to stop other teams from even getting into Pittsburgh territory, let alone inside the redzone.

You bring up a very convincing argument, I'll give ya that, but what about Flacco's % in the playoffs? He's absolutely terrible in the playoffs and throws picks left right and center. Beating the Chiefs was an accomplishment as I took KC as the upset, but they can only ride on the backs of two players defensive players for so long. We saw what happened last game in Baltimore when Ben had an average day, and he's consistently good in the post season.

It's going to be close forsure. I still do have the Steelers on top, though.

Yes, I did. They almost lost, except that it was POLAMALU that got them the big play they needed to win, and coincidentally their only trip to the redzone that game.

[Bamboozles]

Yes, I did. They almost lost, except that it was POLAMALU that got them the big play they needed to win, and coincidentally their only trip to the redzone that game.

Not sure why you bring his name up as all caps, as he does that almost every game. Again, he leads by example. Roethlisberger is the franchise qb, and gives support that way. That's like saying:

well, the Chiefs almost won except for REED being a beast.

???

[Robbyjawz]

Not sure why you bring his name up as all caps, as he does that almost every game. Again, he leads by example. Roethlisberger is the franchise qb, and gives support that way. That's like saying:

well, the Chiefs almost won except for REED being a beast.

???

Troy comes up with a bit mroe game-changers in my opinion. I think that it would be more of like Ray Lewis making a big stop on X and short or causing a fumble. Reed is more of a finisher to put ice on the win. Lord I wish that there were divisional Pro Bowls, we would destroy everyone, and I think that would be the only way to see Troy and Reed playing together save on Madden, which I get to happen a lot.

[Kirfkin]

Not sure why you bring his name up as all caps, as he does that almost every game. Again, he leads by example. Roethlisberger is the franchise qb, and gives support that way. That's like saying:

well, the Chiefs almost won except for REED being a beast.

???

"We saw what happened last game in Baltimore when Ben had an average day, and he's consistently good in the post season."

"We saw what happened last game in Baltimore when Ben had an average day"

Key part. Yes, he's good in the post season. But when he had an average day? It wasn't the offense being able to get it done because it was an average day, they were likely to lose because he was having an average day. It was Polamalu having a slightly above average day that won them the game; it was Roethlisberger having an average (if you honestly want to call it that, I'd call it below average) game that almost lost the Steelers the game.

[Bamboozles]

Troy comes up with a bit mroe game-changers in my opinion. I think that it would be more of like Ray Lewis making a big stop on X and short or causing a fumble. Reed is more of a finisher to put ice on the win. Lord I wish that there were divisional Pro Bowls, we would destroy everyone, and I think that would be the only way to see Troy and Reed playing together save on Madden, which I get to happen a lot.

Yeah, but Reed can also be a huge game-changer. He comes up with monster picks at just the right times it looks like. They're both very exciting players to watch.

As for divisional Pro Bowls - lol. Would anyone even be able to touch AFC North? It's like getting together the best defense in recent history and putting them on one team. It'd be ridiculous.

[Robbyjawz]

Yeah, but Reed can also be a huge game-changer. He comes up with monster picks at just the right times it looks like. They're both very exciting players to watch.

As for divisional Pro Bowls - lol. Would anyone even be able to touch AFC North? It's like getting together the best defense in recent history and putting them on one team. It'd be ridiculous.

True, but some of this laterals.... DON'T DO IT ED! DON'T!!!! Sometimes those game breaking picks come awfully close to being lost due to that bit.

And the divisional pro bowls - I think that it would be more of a competition for who gets second due to the AFCN's Defense, the offense wouldn't be all that bad either. I think that second would possibly be the NFCN, they have some pretty good defenders over there as well. A better offense then us though.

[Badpaladin]

Just because I'm silly like that, what do you guys think of Jon Fox going to Denver? I would have preferred Gruden or Cower, but they're the types of coaches that want all the power, and after our previous sting I don't see that happening now, especially with Elway taking up the reigns.

I really want them to push for Farely from Auburn as well, then a solid RB that won't go injured to the point where we need to hire Tatum Bell from a shoe store again.

[AdrianCC100]

PIT once again getting help from the refs to win this ball game.