I was originally going to write this about the losers who whine about Crosby. But much like Holocaust deniers, seriously discussing this subject gives their argument a shred of imaginary credibility. To them, I say suck it up and follow your own damn team.
But really, this is about a team I support. Many of you have heard about the back-and-forth between A.J. Smith (GM of the Chargers) and LT. Oh wait, you haven't? That's because this is an ESPN-backed retarded tabloid story. If you want proof, look at my nutsack.
ESPN has been drooling over the idea of the Chargers cutting LT after a sub-par year. In which he still rushed for over 1000 yards. While injured. Yeah, let's totally give up on a proven player because they didn't do well one year.
On the other hand, A.J. Smith certainly sounds like a jackass (if the ESPN article is accurate). He seems pretty eager to throw in the towel for LT. Maybe he was too busy rubbing his dick all over the report that said he was the best GM in the league a few years ago. There's a certain level of respect a manager should have for his players, and the guy's sarcastic remarks are just not cutting it. Merriman is right, stop this bullshit.
Also, if the Chargers get rid of LT, it will be a huge mistake. The Chargers have definitely paid for calling Junior Seau washed up, why do it to the all-time single season rushing touchdown record holder? This is making me sick, good night.
- Matt
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Football or Something
Watching the ARI-PHI tilt (because I always want Philly to phail) I came up with a few thoughts:
1. HOLY SHIT (if you don't know why, you haven't seen it yet)
2. The Ravens will absolutely need to use a trick play or two if they want to beat the Steelers. As TMQ pointed out, the birds haven't used one yet in the playoffs after leading the league in them during the regular season.
3. The Eagles' blitz is tanking. This is a bad omen for whoever over-blitzes today. Big completions will be had.
4. Andy Reid should not be allowed to wear short-sleeved shirts. It's a war crime.
5. Pierogies are super delicious.
Lastly, if Ravens' fans need any more reason to hate the Steelers, look at this loser:
In case you were wondering, I think it's a dude. I would bet a lot of money he went/goes to CMU.
Weather update: it's currently dripping in Pittsburgh. About half a foot of snow everywhere, but most of the roads are clear and the place is starting to thaw out after last week. The game forecast is high 20s and snow.
- Matt
1. HOLY SHIT (if you don't know why, you haven't seen it yet)
2. The Ravens will absolutely need to use a trick play or two if they want to beat the Steelers. As TMQ pointed out, the birds haven't used one yet in the playoffs after leading the league in them during the regular season.
3. The Eagles' blitz is tanking. This is a bad omen for whoever over-blitzes today. Big completions will be had.
4. Andy Reid should not be allowed to wear short-sleeved shirts. It's a war crime.
5. Pierogies are super delicious.
Lastly, if Ravens' fans need any more reason to hate the Steelers, look at this loser:
In case you were wondering, I think it's a dude. I would bet a lot of money he went/goes to CMU.
Weather update: it's currently dripping in Pittsburgh. About half a foot of snow everywhere, but most of the roads are clear and the place is starting to thaw out after last week. The game forecast is high 20s and snow.
- Matt
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Championship Weekend Preview
First, Arizona vs. Philly.
Don't care. Next.
Baltimore Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense
Baltimore's offense relies on the run to set up the pass. Pittsburgh's defense specializes in blocking the run first so the opposing team forces passes. For the Ravens to succeed, they'll have to attack with the deep ball early. Unless Polamalu seriously picks up his game, that's the most vulnerable part of the Steelers' D right now. Keep the ball away from the middle of the field unless absolutely necessary. Pittsburgh has the best linebacking corps in the entire league.
Advantage: Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Offense vs. Baltimore Defense
It's no secret Rex Ryan likes to order the blitz a lot. This works well in the first 28 minutes of each half. As the Steelers have shown, the final two minutes is when this tactic tends to backfire a lot. What usually may work for the Ravens will not help them here. They're going to need serious adjustments on the defensive scheme when crunch time comes, or Ravens fans may be glad that Ryan's probably leaving for another job in the near future. Roethlisberger is very good at picking up the blitz and converting on big third downs. This is what killed the Chargers. Injuries have also devastated the Ravens' D. When healthy, this is an easy pick for Baltimore. But 18 weeks without a bye have caught up to them, and it will show tomorrow.
Advantage: Pittsburgh (in the long run)
Special Teams
Despite the punt return for a TD in their last game, the Pittsburgh return game remains pretty sad. Their punter is also pretty much the worst in the league. On the other side, Baltimore boasts one of the best kicker-punter tandems in the league. Stover is clutch, but he's also not as effective as he once was in the 40+ yard range. Pittsburgh has been windy as hell the past couple weeks, so it will all depend on field position. Expect the Steelers to pick the side of the field rather than kick/return if they win the opening coin flip.
Advantage: Baltimore
Overall
There are two main factors in this game: how effective Willie Parker can be against the D that's given him problems his entire career, and whether Baltimore's D can make the proper adjustments instead of over-blitzing as they often do. Another big factor is health, which is not in the Ravens' favor. The game is winnable by either side, especially if the stars step up in a huge way. But looking at it objectively, Pittsburgh has a greater chance of winning.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Ravens 10
- Matt
Don't care. Next.
Baltimore Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense
Baltimore's offense relies on the run to set up the pass. Pittsburgh's defense specializes in blocking the run first so the opposing team forces passes. For the Ravens to succeed, they'll have to attack with the deep ball early. Unless Polamalu seriously picks up his game, that's the most vulnerable part of the Steelers' D right now. Keep the ball away from the middle of the field unless absolutely necessary. Pittsburgh has the best linebacking corps in the entire league.
Advantage: Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Offense vs. Baltimore Defense
It's no secret Rex Ryan likes to order the blitz a lot. This works well in the first 28 minutes of each half. As the Steelers have shown, the final two minutes is when this tactic tends to backfire a lot. What usually may work for the Ravens will not help them here. They're going to need serious adjustments on the defensive scheme when crunch time comes, or Ravens fans may be glad that Ryan's probably leaving for another job in the near future. Roethlisberger is very good at picking up the blitz and converting on big third downs. This is what killed the Chargers. Injuries have also devastated the Ravens' D. When healthy, this is an easy pick for Baltimore. But 18 weeks without a bye have caught up to them, and it will show tomorrow.
Advantage: Pittsburgh (in the long run)
Special Teams
Despite the punt return for a TD in their last game, the Pittsburgh return game remains pretty sad. Their punter is also pretty much the worst in the league. On the other side, Baltimore boasts one of the best kicker-punter tandems in the league. Stover is clutch, but he's also not as effective as he once was in the 40+ yard range. Pittsburgh has been windy as hell the past couple weeks, so it will all depend on field position. Expect the Steelers to pick the side of the field rather than kick/return if they win the opening coin flip.
Advantage: Baltimore
Overall
There are two main factors in this game: how effective Willie Parker can be against the D that's given him problems his entire career, and whether Baltimore's D can make the proper adjustments instead of over-blitzing as they often do. Another big factor is health, which is not in the Ravens' favor. The game is winnable by either side, especially if the stars step up in a huge way. But looking at it objectively, Pittsburgh has a greater chance of winning.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Ravens 10
- Matt
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
WOOOOOOOOO
(Click on it to make it bigger)
Fuck Filthadelphia! Next up: the Crapitals. If the Pens win, they'll have beaten their two main rivals in two days and the momentum on the season will have shifted.
Also, the Pensblog is now on www.thepensblog.com. Amazing recaps there, which is why I only recap Chargers/O's games on this site. Go Pens. Fuck Philthy/DC.
- Matt
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Chargerblog, Part 4
7:01 - The Chargers make a HaYUGE stop on fourth down. Turnover on downs! Now they just need to march 99.5 yards to get a meaningful score.
7:04 - A nice run by Hester nets a first down and negates a possible challenge by Tomlin. Finally a good thing to happen to San Diego in the second half.
7:05 - Rivers takes way too many steps back, and gets sacked at the 2. This possession is definitely do or die.
7:06 - On second down, the pass sails 50 yards over the receiver's head. Barf.
7:07 - Punt. Game over.
7:09 - Pass interference in the end zone. Totally unnecessary in double coverage. Looks like the Steelers will increase their lead.
7:11 - Steelers get the TD. I hope Big Ben contracts an STD. Steelers 28-10
7:15 - I'm officially calling for Roethlisberger's head. If a player knocks him out of the AFC Championship, I will send him $50. He will have no idea why.
7:18 - Polamalu is having serious issues with coverage/tackling this game. This bodes well for Baltimore next week.
7:20 - My kingdom for some pass protection!
7:22 - Chambers gets a key long pass. The Steelers decide to take a stupid shit penalty, and increase the chances of San Diego scoring. Let's make this a respectable score, boys.
7:23 - WOOOO meaningless TD. Steelers 28-17
7:24 - I would have gone for 2 then. Pretty much only because if it succeeds, you're down by a TD and a FG. If it fails, you're still down by 2 TDs. But that's why I'm not coaching an NFL team.
7:31 - Almost a pick. Sigh. Rivers is sad.
7:33 - It seems Roethlisberger's mantra this quarter is to avoid getting injured. I'd accept a larger deficit and a 15 yard penalty for an injury-inducing hit. Ever since the Fatheads commercials, I've thought Roethlisberger was the biggest douche in professional sports. Even Pittsburghers think he's a douche.
7:34 - STAB HIM DAMN IT! Ray Lewis would want you to.
7:35 - Touchdown Steelers. What a bunch of pompous assholes. I hope they choke in spectacular fashion next week. Homos 35-17
7:39 - The Steelers cheated to beat the Ravens in week 15. I don't care what tiny technicality the league pulled up to cheat for their precious Squeelers, it was NOT a TD. The Steelers are whiny bitches who get everything to go their way because of their huge fanbase.
7:40 - That said, give credit where credit is due. James Harrison is the best linebacker in the NFL. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the league. The rushing attack by the Steelers is unstoppable by most. This upcoming AFC Championship will be quite a spectacle. I'll be rooting for the Ravens, because they have charisma. Oh, and I'm from Baltimore. And I hate the Steelers more than 30 teams in the NFL.
7:43 - Leftwich in. Looks like we won't be able to injure Roethlisberger now. Sigh.
7:46 - Nice grab by Chambers. I need to look up who will be a free agent next year.
7:48 - Delay of game again. Hoo boy. That means 104 yards in penalties.
7:49 - Tomlin challenges the incompletion. REALLY? You're up by a safe margin. No point whatsoever in doing that except looking good statistically. I hope the football gods pay them back in kind.
7:51 - Darren Sproles rapes the ENTIRE Pittsburgh defense this time, silencing the crowd. Steelers 35-24
7:55 - Onside kick time. Offsides penalty against the Steelers negates a grab to seal the deal.
7:56 - This time, Russell makes the grab and the Steelers secure the win.
7:57 - Go Ravens. Signing off.
- Matt
7:04 - A nice run by Hester nets a first down and negates a possible challenge by Tomlin. Finally a good thing to happen to San Diego in the second half.
7:05 - Rivers takes way too many steps back, and gets sacked at the 2. This possession is definitely do or die.
7:06 - On second down, the pass sails 50 yards over the receiver's head. Barf.
7:07 - Punt. Game over.
7:09 - Pass interference in the end zone. Totally unnecessary in double coverage. Looks like the Steelers will increase their lead.
7:11 - Steelers get the TD. I hope Big Ben contracts an STD. Steelers 28-10
7:15 - I'm officially calling for Roethlisberger's head. If a player knocks him out of the AFC Championship, I will send him $50. He will have no idea why.
7:18 - Polamalu is having serious issues with coverage/tackling this game. This bodes well for Baltimore next week.
7:20 - My kingdom for some pass protection!
7:22 - Chambers gets a key long pass. The Steelers decide to take a stupid shit penalty, and increase the chances of San Diego scoring. Let's make this a respectable score, boys.
7:23 - WOOOO meaningless TD. Steelers 28-17
7:24 - I would have gone for 2 then. Pretty much only because if it succeeds, you're down by a TD and a FG. If it fails, you're still down by 2 TDs. But that's why I'm not coaching an NFL team.
7:31 - Almost a pick. Sigh. Rivers is sad.
7:33 - It seems Roethlisberger's mantra this quarter is to avoid getting injured. I'd accept a larger deficit and a 15 yard penalty for an injury-inducing hit. Ever since the Fatheads commercials, I've thought Roethlisberger was the biggest douche in professional sports. Even Pittsburghers think he's a douche.
7:34 - STAB HIM DAMN IT! Ray Lewis would want you to.
7:35 - Touchdown Steelers. What a bunch of pompous assholes. I hope they choke in spectacular fashion next week. Homos 35-17
7:39 - The Steelers cheated to beat the Ravens in week 15. I don't care what tiny technicality the league pulled up to cheat for their precious Squeelers, it was NOT a TD. The Steelers are whiny bitches who get everything to go their way because of their huge fanbase.
7:40 - That said, give credit where credit is due. James Harrison is the best linebacker in the NFL. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the league. The rushing attack by the Steelers is unstoppable by most. This upcoming AFC Championship will be quite a spectacle. I'll be rooting for the Ravens, because they have charisma. Oh, and I'm from Baltimore. And I hate the Steelers more than 30 teams in the NFL.
7:43 - Leftwich in. Looks like we won't be able to injure Roethlisberger now. Sigh.
7:46 - Nice grab by Chambers. I need to look up who will be a free agent next year.
7:48 - Delay of game again. Hoo boy. That means 104 yards in penalties.
7:49 - Tomlin challenges the incompletion. REALLY? You're up by a safe margin. No point whatsoever in doing that except looking good statistically. I hope the football gods pay them back in kind.
7:51 - Darren Sproles rapes the ENTIRE Pittsburgh defense this time, silencing the crowd. Steelers 35-24
7:55 - Onside kick time. Offsides penalty against the Steelers negates a grab to seal the deal.
7:56 - This time, Russell makes the grab and the Steelers secure the win.
7:57 - Go Ravens. Signing off.
- Matt
Chargerblog, Part 3
6:39 - Fucking Steelers. Solid drive. Steelers 21-10
6:40 - KEY return by Sproles. 63 yards. What a big time player!
6:41 - Vomit. Tip leads to Pittsburgh interception, the first turnover of the game. I hope these jokes die of AIDS.
6:45 - Challenge? Looks like the Vincent Jackson non-catch in every way, but since the other big market teams have been eliminated, the NFL rules that the Steelers did whatever gives them an advantage. Conspiracyblog.
6:48 - Sorry, Chargers. But when a guy who had a concussion 2 weeks ago attempts to block you, you need to absolutely end his life with a tackle. Especially when he's been shredding your pass D in good situations. Cheap? Not really. Dude should have worn a helmet.
6:51 - First thing to celebrate in a while. Steelers forced to punt. Let's see how this next possession goes.
6:52 - Now that was bizarre. The ball is now Pittsburgh's, but it's not a touchdown. That was pretty much the flukiest play I've ever seen.
6:55 - Another big stop needed, and another missed tackle leads to another first down. Also, a ticky-tack personal foul further reduces the distance to another Steeler touchdown. Jesus.
6:56 - Hines Ward is the biggest whiner in the NFL.
6:58 - Ball at the goal line, fourth down. This play literally decides the entire game.
END OF THE THIRD QUARTER
6:40 - KEY return by Sproles. 63 yards. What a big time player!
6:41 - Vomit. Tip leads to Pittsburgh interception, the first turnover of the game. I hope these jokes die of AIDS.
6:45 - Challenge? Looks like the Vincent Jackson non-catch in every way, but since the other big market teams have been eliminated, the NFL rules that the Steelers did whatever gives them an advantage. Conspiracyblog.
6:48 - Sorry, Chargers. But when a guy who had a concussion 2 weeks ago attempts to block you, you need to absolutely end his life with a tackle. Especially when he's been shredding your pass D in good situations. Cheap? Not really. Dude should have worn a helmet.
6:51 - First thing to celebrate in a while. Steelers forced to punt. Let's see how this next possession goes.
6:52 - Now that was bizarre. The ball is now Pittsburgh's, but it's not a touchdown. That was pretty much the flukiest play I've ever seen.
6:55 - Another big stop needed, and another missed tackle leads to another first down. Also, a ticky-tack personal foul further reduces the distance to another Steeler touchdown. Jesus.
6:56 - Hines Ward is the biggest whiner in the NFL.
6:58 - Ball at the goal line, fourth down. This play literally decides the entire game.
END OF THE THIRD QUARTER
Chargerblog, Part 2
5:27 - Norv strikes again, ill-advised challenge. The officials clearly want the Chargers to be short, so why fight it? If only Tomlin were coaching the Bolts.
5:36 - Weddel goes streaking through, but fortunately it is due to a false start. Close call, that probably would have converted.
5:38 - Minorly terrified that the Steelers could convert, they instead punt away. Berger pulls a Berger and it's touchback city. Time for a drive let's hope!
5:44 - Here we go. Amazing completion may be nullified by a challenge. Tomlin with the red flag.
5:47 - Incomplete. Vomit.
5:50 - Fake called out from a mile away. Stupid decision by the Steelers may prove costly?
5:51 - Norv: "I can call a stupider play!"
5:55 - Gates is the best TE in the whole league. No one can convince me otherwise. What a player.
5:58 - Kaeding drills it facing the end that overlooks the Allegheny River. Not bad, Nate. Chargers 10-7
6:00 - Pittsburgh has three timeouts, and Roethlisberger is one of the best money quarterbacks in the league. This looks bad. It's good if San Diego can hold the Steelers to 3. It's amazing if they can keep them from scoring.
6:01 - Phillips gets elbowed in the throat. Ouch. Also, San Diego is forced to take a timeout. Ouch-er.
6:02 - A sure first down and at least 5 yards by the Steelers is missed, based on an incredibly off-balance throw by Roethlisberger. However, Pitt gets a good first down and the drive is sustained.
6:04 - Very nice move by San Antonio Holmes. But Big Joke throws too far.
6:06 - Shit. wHines Ward finally gets the gain the Steelers are looking for. Stop absolutely needed here.
6:07 - Excellent blocking by Pittsburgh leads to a Parker touchdown. Steelers 14-10
6:08 - 0:40 left on the clock. Let's see what the Chargers can do with this. I'll be satisfied as long as the Steelers don't score before the half.
6:11 - It looks like San Diego is content to go into halftime only trailing by 4. Rivers charges into the tunnel. Hopefully the second half will go better.
END OF THE SECOND QUARTER
6:39 - Chargers' second halves by week: 17/24, 21/38, 17/48, 28/28, 7/10, 13/30, 7/14, 15/32, 14/20, 3/10 (Steelers), 10/20, 9/16, 7/34, 19/22, 21/41, 28/52, 9/23 (playoffs). My calculator is out of batteries, but it seems the Chargers usually get it done in the second half.
5:36 - Weddel goes streaking through, but fortunately it is due to a false start. Close call, that probably would have converted.
5:38 - Minorly terrified that the Steelers could convert, they instead punt away. Berger pulls a Berger and it's touchback city. Time for a drive let's hope!
5:44 - Here we go. Amazing completion may be nullified by a challenge. Tomlin with the red flag.
5:47 - Incomplete. Vomit.
5:50 - Fake called out from a mile away. Stupid decision by the Steelers may prove costly?
5:51 - Norv: "I can call a stupider play!"
5:55 - Gates is the best TE in the whole league. No one can convince me otherwise. What a player.
5:58 - Kaeding drills it facing the end that overlooks the Allegheny River. Not bad, Nate. Chargers 10-7
6:00 - Pittsburgh has three timeouts, and Roethlisberger is one of the best money quarterbacks in the league. This looks bad. It's good if San Diego can hold the Steelers to 3. It's amazing if they can keep them from scoring.
6:01 - Phillips gets elbowed in the throat. Ouch. Also, San Diego is forced to take a timeout. Ouch-er.
6:02 - A sure first down and at least 5 yards by the Steelers is missed, based on an incredibly off-balance throw by Roethlisberger. However, Pitt gets a good first down and the drive is sustained.
6:04 - Very nice move by San Antonio Holmes. But Big Joke throws too far.
6:06 - Shit. wHines Ward finally gets the gain the Steelers are looking for. Stop absolutely needed here.
6:07 - Excellent blocking by Pittsburgh leads to a Parker touchdown. Steelers 14-10
6:08 - 0:40 left on the clock. Let's see what the Chargers can do with this. I'll be satisfied as long as the Steelers don't score before the half.
6:11 - It looks like San Diego is content to go into halftime only trailing by 4. Rivers charges into the tunnel. Hopefully the second half will go better.
END OF THE SECOND QUARTER
6:39 - Chargers' second halves by week: 17/24, 21/38, 17/48, 28/28, 7/10, 13/30, 7/14, 15/32, 14/20, 3/10 (Steelers), 10/20, 9/16, 7/34, 19/22, 21/41, 28/52, 9/23 (playoffs). My calculator is out of batteries, but it seems the Chargers usually get it done in the second half.
Chargerblog, Part 1
Live recapping the Chargers game at Pittsburgh. Recaps posted at end of each quarter.
4:30 - Was snowing a good amount earlier, now it's pretty light here 4 miles east of the stadium.
4:31 - Did you know. The pizza you are eating. It's from Pizza Hut. OMG.
4:37 - "Joe Flacco is the most successful rookie QB ever". Who is surprised Dan Marino and Bill Cowher voted "false"?
4:46 - First pass of the game: 21 yard pass to Gates. According to Cowher, Pittsburgh should have gotten 2 interceptions on the play.
4:48 - Sproles outruns half the Steelers D.
4:49 - WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Jackson takes it to the bank on the 4th play from scrimmage. Chargers 7-0
4:50 - From a guy who hates, commercials, I love the Southwest one where the guy throws a controller at the expensive TV. Amazing.
4:56 - Jammer hits Ward hard, and the ball pops loose. Incomplete, but what a friggin hit!
4:58 - Quick kick by Worthlessberger. What a call by Tomlin. Chargers placed at their own 4, which favors the Steelers immensely.
5:03 - Ouch. San Antonio Holmes returns a punt for a TD. So much for the special teams edge. Thanks a lot, Bill Simmons... Steelers 7-7
5:07 - Good return by Sproles nearly negated by stupid facemask penalty by Hester. Momentum definitely swinging in Pittsburgh's favor.
5:12 - Good god. Norv, you have to do better than that. Also, run? Matt Cavanaugh would be proud. Punt city.
5:14 - They correctly pronounce Scifres, then immediately fail to correctly pronounce "pronunciation". Oh, announcers...
5:18 - It takes 400 pounds of defense to bring down 500 pounds of QB. Roethlisberger hits the ground.
5:22 - I thought Sproles wasn't supposed to be able to run against the Steelers. Man, if pre-game analysts are wrong, who is right in the world? I'd better buy another HDTV before I start thinking too much.
END OF THE FIRST QUARTER
4:30 - Was snowing a good amount earlier, now it's pretty light here 4 miles east of the stadium.
4:31 - Did you know. The pizza you are eating. It's from Pizza Hut. OMG.
4:37 - "Joe Flacco is the most successful rookie QB ever". Who is surprised Dan Marino and Bill Cowher voted "false"?
4:46 - First pass of the game: 21 yard pass to Gates. According to Cowher, Pittsburgh should have gotten 2 interceptions on the play.
4:48 - Sproles outruns half the Steelers D.
4:49 - WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Jackson takes it to the bank on the 4th play from scrimmage. Chargers 7-0
4:50 - From a guy who hates, commercials, I love the Southwest one where the guy throws a controller at the expensive TV. Amazing.
4:56 - Jammer hits Ward hard, and the ball pops loose. Incomplete, but what a friggin hit!
4:58 - Quick kick by Worthlessberger. What a call by Tomlin. Chargers placed at their own 4, which favors the Steelers immensely.
5:03 - Ouch. San Antonio Holmes returns a punt for a TD. So much for the special teams edge. Thanks a lot, Bill Simmons... Steelers 7-7
5:07 - Good return by Sproles nearly negated by stupid facemask penalty by Hester. Momentum definitely swinging in Pittsburgh's favor.
5:12 - Good god. Norv, you have to do better than that. Also, run? Matt Cavanaugh would be proud. Punt city.
5:14 - They correctly pronounce Scifres, then immediately fail to correctly pronounce "pronunciation". Oh, announcers...
5:18 - It takes 400 pounds of defense to bring down 500 pounds of QB. Roethlisberger hits the ground.
5:22 - I thought Sproles wasn't supposed to be able to run against the Steelers. Man, if pre-game analysts are wrong, who is right in the world? I'd better buy another HDTV before I start thinking too much.
END OF THE FIRST QUARTER
Gameday Number 18: Pittsburgh Steelers
These jokes are 12-4. Which means they are 3.5 games ahead of the Chargers in the standings. Guess who else was 12-4.
Still, you don't win 12 games by accident. You win 4 of them by playing the Browns and Bengals. And their defense has simply pushed around the vast majority of the AFC, with their offense good enough to beat good defenses. They might be the only team to ever go 6-0 in the AFC North. Troy Polamalu is sick. Etc.
Brief break: the dancing/gloating robot in Fox NFL things is beyond awful.
Positive buzz from multiple sources about the Chargers' chances today. First, Seth Wickersham gave five points why the Bolts should win this game.
[ESPN]
I was pretty pumped after reading that. Then I looked at the obnoxious BS stuff spewed around the page, saw another playoffs pick 'em, and was horrified to realize he picked the Chargers to win.
[Vomit]
TMQ and BS differ in key ways, as the most popular Page 2 writers on ESPN. TMQ is usually right about the football aspects, but his space/politics rants are often off-base. BS shows an incredible lack of skill in picking important game, but he's more connected to fandom and the pop culture aspects of generation X. Which is probably why he gets really annoying.
At any rate, I sincerely hope both are right and it comes down to special teams. Otherwise I won't be able to show my face in the office tomorrow.
Ravens visit the winner of this game. Meh.
Cardinals humiliate Panthers. Wtf.
Eagles beat the Giants. Barf.
That's about as much effort as I can muster to cover those teams. Maybe Will will post or something?
- Matt
Still, you don't win 12 games by accident. You win 4 of them by playing the Browns and Bengals. And their defense has simply pushed around the vast majority of the AFC, with their offense good enough to beat good defenses. They might be the only team to ever go 6-0 in the AFC North. Troy Polamalu is sick. Etc.
Brief break: the dancing/gloating robot in Fox NFL things is beyond awful.
Positive buzz from multiple sources about the Chargers' chances today. First, Seth Wickersham gave five points why the Bolts should win this game.
[ESPN]
I was pretty pumped after reading that. Then I looked at the obnoxious BS stuff spewed around the page, saw another playoffs pick 'em, and was horrified to realize he picked the Chargers to win.
[Vomit]
TMQ and BS differ in key ways, as the most popular Page 2 writers on ESPN. TMQ is usually right about the football aspects, but his space/politics rants are often off-base. BS shows an incredible lack of skill in picking important game, but he's more connected to fandom and the pop culture aspects of generation X. Which is probably why he gets really annoying.
At any rate, I sincerely hope both are right and it comes down to special teams. Otherwise I won't be able to show my face in the office tomorrow.
Ravens visit the winner of this game. Meh.
Cardinals humiliate Panthers. Wtf.
Eagles beat the Giants. Barf.
That's about as much effort as I can muster to cover those teams. Maybe Will will post or something?
- Matt
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Steelers Suck
For those of you in Pittsburgh (read: no one), you may know that Mark Madden's show in the afternoons on the X is a pretty good source of sports information in Pittsburgh. However, it's also an incredibly inaccurate source of information, as he takes c-bloggers in the Pensblog and posters on LetsGoPens as factfinders. Recently he reported Therrien was getting fired today. Oops.
Anyway, he seems to believe the Steelers are going to blow out the Chargers. Yeah, because they totally beat them by more than a single point before. Don't give me that bullshit about the Steelers having a bad offensive day. When have the Steelers played a decent team and had their offense score more than 20? Wait, don't answer, I don't care.
The Chargers have excellent pass D and so-so run D. Good thing the Steelers have been relatively poor in both recently. Anyone can rush for 120 yards vs the Browns, especially when they've given up on life. The Steeler defense was the best this year, but they can't force three-and-outs every time the Chargers have the ball. Plus, if Polamalu has a bad day, the defense struggles a lot.
Prediction: Chargers have the edge in offense, Steelers have the edge in defense. It will all come down to field position, which means two things. First, the Chargers need to limit turnovers. Second, this is the biggest special teams mismatch I've seen all year. The Steelers' punter is worse than Panic at the Disco. Scifres is so good, his team actually pretends he plays football. Kaeding is slightly better than Reed, but that will only matter in the 40+ yard FG range. If Rivers is turnover free, this is a Chargers win.
I'd do real number analysis, but I'm super lazy. Penguins on dads-and-sons road trip. This means wins, which is pretty key right now.
- Matt
Anyway, he seems to believe the Steelers are going to blow out the Chargers. Yeah, because they totally beat them by more than a single point before. Don't give me that bullshit about the Steelers having a bad offensive day. When have the Steelers played a decent team and had their offense score more than 20? Wait, don't answer, I don't care.
The Chargers have excellent pass D and so-so run D. Good thing the Steelers have been relatively poor in both recently. Anyone can rush for 120 yards vs the Browns, especially when they've given up on life. The Steeler defense was the best this year, but they can't force three-and-outs every time the Chargers have the ball. Plus, if Polamalu has a bad day, the defense struggles a lot.
Prediction: Chargers have the edge in offense, Steelers have the edge in defense. It will all come down to field position, which means two things. First, the Chargers need to limit turnovers. Second, this is the biggest special teams mismatch I've seen all year. The Steelers' punter is worse than Panic at the Disco. Scifres is so good, his team actually pretends he plays football. Kaeding is slightly better than Reed, but that will only matter in the 40+ yard FG range. If Rivers is turnover free, this is a Chargers win.
I'd do real number analysis, but I'm super lazy. Penguins on dads-and-sons road trip. This means wins, which is pretty key right now.
- Matt
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Next!
Apparently being an 8-8 team means you're the worst team ever and you'll never beat anyone, ever never ever. Especially if it's Peyton Manning. Now I just need to have some southern-accent guy actually go down on him and the thought will be complete.
Oh wait. I meant, the Chargers are a good team who lost 5 even games due to a combination of bad luck and fluky plays. If they went 13-3, we wouldn't hear anything but how amazing they are and how they'll beat everyone ever. In conclusion, fuck the media. Between this and the Teixeira thing, ESPN has lost all credibility to me.
Now onto opponents who don't steal teams from other towns. The Steelers are one of the most annoying teams in the history of anything. Not for their players, but their fans. Hearing the press leading up to this game is destroying my brain cells, 1000 at a time. The Penguins' radio station has been calling for Dan Potash's blood, because he's a Chargers fan. Pittsburgh has a way of turning every opponent they face into the most hated team that ever played. I can only hope the Bolts pull off the upset.
Speaking of which, I'll be blogging during the game. Hopefully I can get four entries, one per quarter. I won't be leaving my apartment, especially because I'll be wearing a Gates jersey. You know, a player who doesn't do stupid shit like get a DUI before the most important game of the year. UGH.
- Matt
Oh wait. I meant, the Chargers are a good team who lost 5 even games due to a combination of bad luck and fluky plays. If they went 13-3, we wouldn't hear anything but how amazing they are and how they'll beat everyone ever. In conclusion, fuck the media. Between this and the Teixeira thing, ESPN has lost all credibility to me.
Now onto opponents who don't steal teams from other towns. The Steelers are one of the most annoying teams in the history of anything. Not for their players, but their fans. Hearing the press leading up to this game is destroying my brain cells, 1000 at a time. The Penguins' radio station has been calling for Dan Potash's blood, because he's a Chargers fan. Pittsburgh has a way of turning every opponent they face into the most hated team that ever played. I can only hope the Bolts pull off the upset.
Speaking of which, I'll be blogging during the game. Hopefully I can get four entries, one per quarter. I won't be leaving my apartment, especially because I'll be wearing a Gates jersey. You know, a player who doesn't do stupid shit like get a DUI before the most important game of the year. UGH.
- Matt
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