January 08, 2006

Steelers Rob Bengals: Carson Palmer's line in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 31-17 defeat of the Cincinnati Bengals in the last of this weekend's NFL wildcard games: 1 pass, 1 completion, 66 yards, and one season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament.

posted by rcade to football at 07:07 PM - 73 comments

Im sure if the bengals had palmer, steelers fans wouldnt be smiling right now. too bad for the bengals , good year though

posted by zac4667 at 07:08 PM on January 08, 2006

Thats a real shame man, that sucks. Carson had a great year and the hit didn't look intentional.

posted by chuy at 07:12 PM on January 08, 2006

Tough break for the bengals....you never want to see a player get hurt....but the hit was not intentional......he was blocked into Palmer.....Keep your heads up Bengals Fans you have many good years ahead of you!!!!!

posted by stefex at 07:16 PM on January 08, 2006

I'm fighting back the tears, what a shitty birthday present.

posted by mick at 07:17 PM on January 08, 2006

I was listening to the Homer Announcers for Cincy on AM 1300 and they were pissed about no flag on the hit Palmer took. It looked a little suspect on TV because he seemed to have made a needless roll into Palmers leg, National Announcers seemed to fall all over themselves excusing the hit. I don't know but it sure messed up my Fantasy League Playoff situation. Carson was my #1 guy and I feel he would have had an amazing playoff performance. I still feel the 1st half of that game was the best football we saw all weekend.

posted by skydivedad at 07:19 PM on January 08, 2006

I'll put this here as well... Anyone see Marvin Lewis' postgame comments? When asked about Palmer's injury he said, and this is not an exact quote: Our guy didn't roll around and cry like their quarterback did. Apparently he was referring to Big Ben's injury earlier in the season. Ouch.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 07:26 PM on January 08, 2006

Sems to be a lot of sour grapes toward the steelers for what looked like a clean hit and a well played game. Cincy defense sure didn't shut down anybody today, Pittsburgh was able to run, pass, and pull off trick plays virtually at will. The best team won. After whining all week about being underdogs at home, I think the loss was what Cincy needed. It will make them stronger in years to come.

posted by Bill Lumbergh at 08:04 PM on January 08, 2006

The part about the hit that bothered me is how slow it happened. Palmer didn't notice the guy at all, and the lineman wrapped his arm around Palmer's leg, so it was basically the perfect way to fuck up someone's knee. Arm wrapped around leg, then entire 320 pound body rolling into it is the perfect recipe for an injury as Palmer's leg had nowhere to go except buckle through the knee. It's just one of those bizarre and arbitrary things that resulted from an amazing set of circumstances. The Bengals had it together with Kitna in there in the first half and they were clicking, but the Steelers re-tuned their D and for whatever reason the Bengals stopped running the ball. I don't understand it, but this is what happens when a team loses momentum early in the 3Q and has no playoff experience, they just implode. I think I agree with Bill in that Cincy probably needed a loss more than anything. As much as I love the Bengals a lot of their wins were against weak teams, their run defense was, in a word, porous, and maybe next time they will just be able to calm the jitters and go to work.

posted by insomnyuk at 08:14 PM on January 08, 2006

Sems to be a lot of sour grapes toward the steelers for what looked like a clean hit and a well played game. The sour grapes were in response to some earlier taunting/gloating that got removed, I guess. Everyone act like grownups and we'll get through this playoff season without breaking any of the furniture.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:15 PM on January 08, 2006

Everyone act like grownups and we'll get through this playoff season without breaking any of the furniture. My cat's scratching up the armchair something fierce. Does that count?

posted by DrJohnEvans at 08:25 PM on January 08, 2006

YEA IT WAS A BAD HIT BUT THERE WAS NO INTENT ON THE PLAY, JUST A BAD SET OF EVENTS. I'M A HUGE STEELERS FAN BUT HATED TO SEE CARSON GO DOWN. I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY BATTLES BETWEEN HIM AND BEN

posted by BEN2700 at 08:30 PM on January 08, 2006

The Bengals had it together with Kitna in there in the first half and they were clicking, but the Steelers re-tuned their D and for whatever reason the Bengals stopped running the ball. I don't understand it, but this is what happens when a team loses momentum early in the 3Q and has no playoff experience, they just implode. Well put, insomnyuk. Kitna and the Bengals played very well in the first half without Palmer. Cowher is known for motivating his team, and for tweaking game plans. It apperas he did just that, and it confused the under-experienced Bengals. As insomnyuk also pointed out, the Steelers' offense played very well, so as much as Palmer's injury hurt the Bengals offensive game plan, the Steelers offense appeared to be playing well enough to stay with the Bengals' high-powered assult. It wasn't the game plan the Steelers wanted to use, but they were ready. It really sucks that Palmer went down with such an injury, but Kimo von Oelhoffen is not a dirty player, and it was evident that 1) he felt bad for his role and 2) called the trainers over as soon as possible. Watch the replay after the hit (if they show it), and Kimo shakes his head. he was clearly upset with himself and what happened. The Steelers are better than a six seed, and while the Bengals proved that there is another challenger in the AFC, the better team won. As a Steelers fan it is scary to think that the Bengals can compete again. Baltimore is a good team as well, and the Browns are getting close too. The AFC North is going to be tougher than usual. The Steelers have a tough game ahead of them playing in that damned dome. On preview: Minus the shouting, I agree with ben2700, none of us Steelers' fans wanted to see Palmer go down. My wife and I were sending him all the positive energy we could, and wish him a speedy recovery.

posted by scully at 08:40 PM on January 08, 2006

The Steelers were going to beat the nattie with our without Carson....

posted by fm310 at 09:11 PM on January 08, 2006

I so wanted the Bengals to win this one, but there was nothing dirty about what happened with Palmer. Carson's absence was more of a factor in the second half, after the team had 15 minutes of halftime to absorb the fact that its starting QB wasn't coming back, something they didn't have time to do during the first half. As much as I like Kitna as one of the better backups in the NFL* and as much as I try not to imitate Jaws or anything, Carson makes some throws that Kitna can't and that would have been applicable in both halves. * -- Cincinnati, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay. Outside of that, very few teams have decent backup situations. In fact, Jax would have been better off starting the backup last night.

posted by jackhererra at 09:16 PM on January 08, 2006

You know as Pittsburgh native and die hard Steelers fan. I give all the credit in the world to the Bengles. I agree with terrapin that Kimo is not a dirty player and he really felt bad. Now aside from being a Steeler fan I am also a football fan. I give credit to anyone that deserves it. The Bengles are the next Colts of the NFL. All I have to say is three words; Carson, Chad, and Rudy. Chad and Carson went to a Colts game to watch Payton and Harrison on the field. That's dedication and I wish Carson the best of recoverys. I personally think the Steelers have finally got a new worth while rivalry with the Bengles get ready for some more good games between these two teams. The Browns rivalry ended when Clevland left for Baltimore. Saying all that. We've got the Colts and here we come. Fuck the dome! Here we go STEELERS and I hope Bengles fans will root for us because if they would have won I would be on their side. Good luck in the future Bengle fans. I look forward to the games to come between us. Their gonna be good. GO STEELERS

posted by steelasfan at 09:21 PM on January 08, 2006

I was unable to watch coz I had to work...Love the Steelers..but Cinci and Chicago would have been nice in SBXV. But that being as it is...GO STEELERS!!!!!!

posted by steelergirl at 09:40 PM on January 08, 2006

Quote from Cincinnati Bengal DT, Willie Anderson: "Guys were infuriated ... but I know [Kimo von Oelhoffen]. He's not a dirty player. His momentum just kept him going into Carson. It wasn't a dirty play." [via CBS]

posted by scully at 09:51 PM on January 08, 2006

Sorry all you Bengal Fans. I still think Pitt would of won (Cinci just cant stop the Steelers running) but oh what a game it would of been with palmer. You will be back next season. you have an outstanding team...

posted by pac10willalwayssuk at 09:59 PM on January 08, 2006

3. No defensive player may run into a passer of a legal forward pass after the ball has left his hand (15 yards). The Referee must determine whether opponent had a reasonable chance to stop his momentum during an attempt to block the pass or tackle the passer while he still had the ball. 4. No defensive player who has an unrestricted path to the quarterback may hit him flagrantly in the area of the knee(s) or below when approaching in any direction. These are the rules. I am not saying Kimo is a dirty player, however, I believe it was a dirty play. He was just trying to make a play, but he was not blocked into Palmer and the ball had obviously already left Palmer's hands. I think Kimo was initially upset because he assumed he had drawn a flag. I find claims that, "the best team won," disheartening. We lost our All-Pro quarteback on our first offensive series. If the situation was reversed, I wouldn't simply say that the Bengals were a better team. It is obvious that both the Bengals and the Steelers have very good starting quarterbacks. It is also obvious that neither team is as good without their starting quarterbacks playing. After waiting 15 years for today, I felt sick when Palmer went down. "The best team won?" Unfortunately, I don't believe that was answered today. The Bengals are only at their best with Carson Palmer. I didn't want an excuse as to why the Bengals lost. I wanted to see if we were good enough to beat the Steelers in the playoffs. I already knew we weren't good enough with Kitna as our quarterback. I just wanted to see if the new Bengals, with an All Pro quarterback, could get the job done. Damn. What a let down.

posted by tselson at 10:01 PM on January 08, 2006

tselson: Your own team's player said it wasn't dirty, and I have read nearly every article I can find on the 'Net, so far, and not one has claimed it was dirty. They all state Palmer held on to the ball a second too long to get the pass to Henry, meaning von Oelhoffen was within his right to try and get the QB. It really sucks that Palmer was hurt, and as a Steeler fan, I wanted the team to play the best Bengals team they could, but it didn't happen that way. The Bengals are gonna be a heckuva team next year.

posted by scully at 10:11 PM on January 08, 2006

I wanted the team to play the best Bengals team they could, but it didn't happen that way. I think I know what you mean. I wouldn't want to hear a bunch of crap about why we lost either. If you beat a team at full strength there can be no whiny excuses. Dirty play? I actually just saw the replay again on the local news. I don't mean to say "dirty." I do not think there was any intention to blow out someone's knee. However, Kimo did have control over himself, he pushed off with both of his feet and nailed Carson in the knee. Take the "dirty" out of it, if you can just admit that Kimo was just trying to make a play and it turned out ugly, I would be grateful. Give me some admission that it may have been different if Palmer hadn't been hurt! Please! I am woefully inexperienced in watching the Bengals in the playoffs. Please forgive me and my sour grapes. Good luck against the Colts. Please, make sure Manning's jersey doesn't look brand new in the fourth quarter like Roethlisberger's did!

posted by tselson at 10:48 PM on January 08, 2006

Cincy fans, you gotta get over it!! It's football and injuries happen. Sure it would have probably been a different game, but the outcome may have been the same. Both very good teams.

posted by J Nobe at 10:54 PM on January 08, 2006

I know there's no such thing as a sure thing, but the Bengals are only going to get better. All the vital players are in it to win it in Cincy, and Palmer, Johnson, Johnson & Houshmandzadeh's primes are all still more or less ahead of them. The injury was awful timing, but this wasn't their last kick at the can.

posted by chicobangs at 11:59 PM on January 08, 2006

tselson, i feel for you man, i really do. Nothing is worse than having your team defeated when you lose what is considered your best player. He his without a doubt a topnotch player. Then to come here and read things like "the best team won" and so on, hurts even worse. Its never the same when the shoe is on the other foot. Atleast the majority here are saying the bengals are good, and showing the team itself respect. You know your team was not at its best but it is being judged as if it was, i really know what you mean. The next thing i offer you is not with bad intent, its just to let you know how it feels to see your team judged poorly here at spofi when they are not at their best. For instance when there is an entire thread about them being quitters or saying they are pitiful when they have lost not 1 but 10 starters, and count them 5 probowlers. Good luck next year, the bengals have a hell of a team.

posted by RZA at 02:22 AM on January 09, 2006

Any chance of Boomer coming out of retirement?

posted by rockamora at 06:03 AM on January 09, 2006

Sorry about Palmer. But..... SAME OLD BENGALS!

posted by Claremore Rancher at 06:12 AM on January 09, 2006

Nobody who has ever played the game likes to see anybody get hurt, least of all Kimo. BUT if Ben wasn't hurt, we don't loose overtime games to Jax and Balt, and the Bengles don't win the division. I, like so many others am looking forward to many more good games with a very good Cincy team!!

posted by STLFAN66 at 06:40 AM on January 09, 2006

I don't know if the incident was intentional or not but on the scale of bad hits on quarterbacks, it looked low on the egregious scale. (The hit, not the result.) But I would suspect that it would have been a much different game with Palmer. He's great at those long, big-play passes, something the steeler's secondary has been known to give up. The steeler's would have had to play a different game and a different outcome would have been, of course, a possibility.

posted by sexymofo at 06:48 AM on January 09, 2006

Players are pros they get paid to play. They get injured in a rough game. You should be ready if you are the backup at any postion. Life goes on. At lease the Bengals made the playoffs. The other cats in the league didn't even get that close to anyone. Palmer will come back from a torn ACL. It is not the career ending injury once thought. Read some about it. Had a son who tore his. It will take determination and therapy but he can and I think will come back. Just so you all know there is no way to prepare for this injury. The person can make the same move over and over and then it happens. Get well Carson and we will see you next year even better because you will watch films and get a better perspective of the teams you play and the game.

posted by coach at 06:59 AM on January 09, 2006

How hard is it to come back from an ACL injury? How much mobility will Palmer lose, and to what extent did he rely on being able to move around in/outside the pocket to start with?

posted by alumshubby at 07:15 AM on January 09, 2006

Reporters who visited the Steelers' locker room after the game reported that Kimo was "dejected" and "devestated." I don't think that's how he would feel after that win if it was intentional. Cincy fans, you gotta get over it!! We've been getting over it for 15 years, this town has had some bad sports luck. You try to distance yourself, not get hurt. Then you open up a little. Care a bit more. And this happens. If UC can beat UConn tonight (or even hold their own) the week will be a bit better though.

posted by mick at 07:24 AM on January 09, 2006

fact is cincy had all there starting defence in and they couldnt stop pittsburg.doesnt matter who was quarterbacking carson or kitna ,cincy couldnt stop running game or passing .hell pitt made them look like high school defence with that trick play.cincy defence needs lot ofwork there not a super bowl calibur team way off

posted by 1kcfan at 07:43 AM on January 09, 2006

think about who cincy beat this year .think about who beat them.not saying there not a good team but they shouldnt have been in the play offs last two games of year should have clued you in buffalo ,and that routing kc gave them.they need defence then they will be there .to bad about carson he will be back .

posted by 1kcfan at 07:50 AM on January 09, 2006

I felt bad for carson, and I expected to here everyone say that it would have been different if he was in there, which is a major reason why I didnt want to see him go. However, i cant beleive the absolute garbage that i have heard about it being a cheap play. Did some of you not watch it? Kimo was doing what he could to get to carson, that is what he's paid to do, correct? Unfortunatly, this kind of stuff happens in football, players get injured.

posted by steelcityguy at 08:15 AM on January 09, 2006

SAME OLD BENGALS! Please spare me this crap as it makes you look like an know-nothing idiot. Unless you're refering to the old Bengals as in 15+ years ago when they routinely lead the league in offence. The Bengals of the last 5-10 years were lucky to win 4 games regardless of who they played, easy or hard schedule, and I think we can objectively say that these aren't those Bengals. I don't know if they win with Palmer not getting hurt but I know they'd stay more competitive. Pamer has made the defense better all year by giving them a lead to defend and forcing the opponents to take risks. That's how we beat the Steelers last time. And no, sorry, I can't root for the Steelers. Not because I think the play was dirty, injuries happen when big guys run into each other. Steeler fans are too annoying and besides, Indy's the next closest NFL team.

posted by srw12 at 08:46 AM on January 09, 2006

The bengals are division champs. How the hell can you say a loss is what they needed most? That is ridiculous. They lost the long ball threat when palmer went down. He has to be worth 2 td's and a field goal if he doesnt get hurt.

posted by scottyooooo at 09:16 AM on January 09, 2006

good job by the steelers sorry that palmer had to go down but the brightside of things indy is fired up and should handle steelers same way we did on the monday night game

posted by edub at 09:31 AM on January 09, 2006

Young team! First time! Bengal fans you were supposed to lose!! That is the way it works.

posted by tmart937 at 09:35 AM on January 09, 2006

How hard is it to come back from an ACL injury? How much mobility will Palmer lose, and to what extent did he rely on being able to move around in/outside the pocket to start with? It all depends on the extent of the injury -- not all ACL injuries are created equal -- whether there was other damage, who does the repair, what they do, how Palmer handles his rehab, whether it's a new injury or an old injury, how well Palmer heals...a lot of stuff. In alpine ski racing, which puts much more of a hurt on the knees than football, ACL tears are practically a rite of passage, ebuilding and rehabbing the things has become a high art, and ACL-injurees routinely go on to win the biggest prizes in the sport (Stephan Eberharter, Bode Miller...hell, probably all the champs have ripped up a knee). So don't write the guy off; if things go right (and most of it depends on him and how he handles things), he can come back just fine.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:57 AM on January 09, 2006

a couple yrs. ago i went to bengals stadium to watch my beloved chiefs play.we lost and it was like a super bowl win for bengal fan.i remember the bengal fans talking trash.well,well,well the bengals were beat down by the chiefs this year no we did'nt make the playoffs but watching bengals lose brought a big smile across my face,i told bengal fan what goes around comes around and now it has come to full circle.

posted by kckurtbusch at 10:42 AM on January 09, 2006

Some of you are beyond classless. However, I notice that the posts with the worst spelling and punctuation also happen to be the ones written by idiots. I don't think the Steelers fans would be any happier if they had needed to go to Tommy Maddox, and I certainly wouldn't try to insult them by acting like having Ben in the game wouldn't have made a difference. You lose the #2 QB in the league, of course it makes a difference. But to say we somehow deserved this because?? Why? Remind me when your dog dies to tell you that you deserved it because, ummm, you were too cocky. Appaled that I spent time with some of you on this website.

posted by LostInDaJungle at 11:02 AM on January 09, 2006

The Bengals had a year to be proud of. A couple of more years like this in and you all will have a franchise to be proud of. As of now, you are just chokes. To all of "if Carson were playing" winers....YOU WERE WINNING! Blame your defense. If chad Johnson hadn't have done so much celebrating and trash talking, maybe there would be more sympathy for your situation. Now he'll be at home watching the Super Bowl on his black and white TV. The wheels on the bus go round and round.....

posted by vbgjr88 at 11:43 AM on January 09, 2006

Terribly stroke of bad luck for the Bengals. They are a better team with Palmer for sure, but make no mistake about one thing the Bengals are not a championship calibre team. They did not loose because Palmer was knocked out of the game, they lost because they cannot play defense. Defenses win in the playoffs. The Colts have proved it over the last couple of post seasons. The Patriots won with a tough defense. Washington had the worst offensive output in playoff history and still one with defense. The Giants were beat by defense. The Bengals defense gave up an average of 31 points per game over the last six games of the season which was the worst in the NFL. Guess what, the Steelers (not a high scoring team) scored 31 points what a coincidence, the exact same amount the Bengals have been giving up on average for the last part of the season. Pittsburgh is a tough and physical team and they controlled the game. Bengal fans need to take a hard look at their defense for next year. Without a better defense yesterdays history will repeat itself next year.

posted by Atheist at 11:53 AM on January 09, 2006

Good luck next year, the bengals have a hell of a team. Appreciated. 2007 Superbowl, Bengals vs. Eagles. Bengals win 34-31. You heard it here first!

posted by tselson at 12:54 PM on January 09, 2006

Appreciated. 2007 Superbowl, Bengals vs. Eagles. Bengals win 34-31. You heard it here first! While we're dreaming - Revenge Bowl: Rams 38 - NE 27 - MVP = Bulger (5 TD passes)

posted by STLCardinalfan at 01:13 PM on January 09, 2006

Philly has a long way to go to get back into it. The Bengals are just the latest to realize that titles are one with defense and by winning in the trenches. Finesse teams won't cut it. Nice to see teams like Pittsburgh and Chicago playing football the way it should be played.

posted by vbgjr88 at 01:14 PM on January 09, 2006

If I were a Bengals fan i would have been feaking out the over the officiating in this one. Forget about the Palmer play...the zebra's had little control or clue during this game. Early the Steelers D was 'thugging out' after every play...no flags. Questionable late hit call on the Bengals...clearly a flag to try and regain control of the game...too bad they had missed so many unsportsmanlike calls already. And this one wasn't a late hit...sure it was on the sideline (right on the sideline) but the back lowered his shoulder to make contact and they bounced off of each other. The no call pass interference on the Steeler D-back against TJ Houz...in the second half....should have been 1st and goal on the one. I believe this was the series where Cincy missed the FG...momentum turning drive. Then on the very next series they give the same call to Pitt to give them 1st and goal inside the 5. I don't think that the ref's decided this game...but they certainly didn't do a good job. Steeler's D was great in the second half...and once they get a 2 score lead...forget about it.

posted by stofer71 at 02:06 PM on January 09, 2006

You are complaining about non calls when they were playing in Cincinnati?!?! Come on..Have a little bit more respect for Bengals fans and don't whine for them. Officiating wasn't the reason they lost.

posted by vbgjr88 at 02:36 PM on January 09, 2006

I'm tired of people trash talking on the Steelers. You know, Chad Johnson did alot of it and where did it get him? They were lucky to get out of Heinz field with a win. They didn't dominate the line that game and they certainly didn't dominate when we went to Cincy the first time and ran all over them. So as all of the other people say, GET OVER IT! Sure the game May have been different, but we'll never know. Things happen this way all the time in sports.

posted by Rogie8766 at 02:42 PM on January 09, 2006

My playoff predictions: NE def. DEN PIT @ IND Even if the Steelers lose, which is more than 50-50, they will give Indy a run at their money, a bitter taste in their mouth, and an early playoff exit.

posted by Joe88 at 02:43 PM on January 09, 2006

You are complaining about non calls when they were playing in Cincinnati?!?! NFL refs don't come from the host city, do they? I thought those guys traveled around, and I assume with the playoffs, those games are assigned by seniority, so who knows where they were from?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:59 PM on January 09, 2006

Just a side note: unless you are a member of the team or their support staff, there's no "we." You are a fan. Nothing more. "We" didn't win this weekend...the Panthers, Patriots, Steelers and Indigenous Peoples of the District of Columbia won. Get a job with the team, then you can act like you're part of the show.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:05 PM on January 09, 2006

Carson can spend his recovery time watching the Colts beat the Steelers.

posted by sportsmomma at 03:55 PM on January 09, 2006

Well all I can say is NO team can win with just one player, so why do people think if Palmer was there things would have been different? You have to pull together as a team to win, and we did, I guess the Bengals just didn't have there hearts in it.

posted by steelers36 at 03:57 PM on January 09, 2006

if palmer stays healthy through the entire game, this game comes down to the end. They would have scored more with him. Although the point made about them stopping their running attack was right. Why? But the steelers were the more complete team. they have a defense. The better team did win. and yes I was rooting for the bengals. although I am a browns fan so I deserve sympathy.

posted by dkern at 04:07 PM on January 09, 2006

Just a side note: unless you are a member of the team or their support staff, there's no "we." You are a fan. Nothing more. "We" didn't win this weekend...the Panthers, Patriots, Steelers and Indigenous Peoples of the District of Columbia won. I disagree. The fans have more loyalty and have been loyal longer than most (if not all) of the players. Also, fans help finance these teams, either through actual taxes or through their support of the team. You cannot have a successful franchise without a team. I have supported my team longer than some rookie who just got there, considers it a job, and could care less where he ends up as a free agent!

posted by bperk at 04:10 PM on January 09, 2006

If you believe that we don't have the right to take ownership of our teams than teams shouldn't be able to represent or be represented by a city. That's the same type of idea that too many of todays athletes have. They are representing a city and the fans of that city as well as fans of the NFL. Fans invest too much of their lives into the support of their favorite teams to just be considered nothing more that viewers. If there were no fans in the seats or watching, there would be no revenue...to team...no league.

posted by vbgjr88 at 04:21 PM on January 09, 2006

Get a job with the team, then you can act like you're part of the show. If you could take the "we" out (you can't) fan bases would drop 90%. Nobody watches. Nobody cares. Sport folds. The end.

posted by STLCardinalfan at 04:22 PM on January 09, 2006

I disagree. The fans have more loyalty and have been loyal longer than most (if not all) of the players. Also, fans help finance these teams, either through actual taxes or through their support of the team. You cannot have a successful franchise without a team. I have supported my team longer than some rookie who just got there, considers it a job, and could care less where he ends up as a free agent! This says it better than I did. It reminds me that I have been a St. Louis Cardinal fan longer than any of the current players have been alive.

posted by STLCardinalfan at 04:27 PM on January 09, 2006

To all the WeFites: it's a personal thing, brought on largely by the onslaught of first-time posters screaming about how great "we" are, and what "we're" gonna do when "we" go to Indy, Pittsburgh, Chicago, et al. You don't want to deduct style points for it, no sweat. Nothing more than a personal preference.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:30 PM on January 09, 2006

Just a side note: unless you are a member of the team or their support staff, there's no "we." You are a fan. Nothing more. What if you own stock in the team? Can I use "we" then? Or would it be better to say "my team", since you actually own (a part of) them? I agree in principle to your complaint. I try to avoid using "we" when describing a team I support. The "we win!" mentality seems to disappear when the team loses. Then it's "they lost!" instead.

posted by grum@work at 04:32 PM on January 09, 2006

Get a job with the team, then you can act like you're part of the show. I hate to reveal my we-ness too. But most of the time, the reason I hate seeing "we" here is because the people saying it most have nothing to say. It's just a bunch of "my team's better than yours" smack talk.

posted by rcade at 04:37 PM on January 09, 2006

You are complaining about non calls when they were playing in Cincinnati?!?! Come on..Have a little bit more respect for Bengals fans and don't whine for them. Officiating wasn't the reason they lost. vggjr88- Did you read the whole post? I wasn't whining for Begals fans. What I did do is make an observation about the poor/inconsistent officiating in the game. Simply put they didn't do a good job. What I said in my post (maybe not clearly enough) is that the poor officiating didn't cost the Bengals the game, the Steelers D in the second half won this game.

posted by stofer71 at 05:42 PM on January 09, 2006

Re: PIT @ IND IND def. PIT

posted by Joe88 at 05:52 PM on January 09, 2006

I think when th most talented player on the field (and leader of the team) gets injured, it going to have a large effect on the outcome.

posted by mick at 06:22 PM on January 09, 2006

Philly has a long way to go to get back into it. Sorry, this may not be the place but, i must address this ridiculous statement. The Eagles have i think the most cap room of all the teams, something like 12 million under (5mil alone for letting simon go to the colts). They had the most picks of this years draft. Practically all their subs played this year due to injury and they won 6 games. They get 10 starters and 5 probowlers back from injury next yr. It wont be that long before the road to the superbowl for the NFC goes back thru philly just like the last 4 yrs.

posted by RZA at 06:58 PM on January 09, 2006

It wont be that long before the road to the superbowl for the NFC goes back thru philly just like the last 4 yrs. McNabb can throw it with the best but to whom does he throw now? They better get some talent at wide-receiver or it will be a tough year again for Philly.

posted by STLCardinalfan at 07:38 PM on January 09, 2006

Just a side note: unless you are a member of the team or their support staff, there's no "we." You are a fan. Nothing more. "We" didn't win this weekend...the Panthers, Patriots, Steelers and Indigenous Peoples of the District of Columbia won. I do agree TBH (although I use we a lot, especially when I'm talking about Michigan) but however, aren't the Packers owned by the people of Green Bay? If they are, then Packer fans have every right to say we.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:46 PM on January 09, 2006

We're talking about the playoffs, kid. The Pack has no place in this conversation.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:00 PM on January 09, 2006

On bengalsline (official bengals radio talk show) the team doctor said the following: "Kimo grabbed his leg while planted and pushed his shoulder into the side of his knee in a twisting motion" I think this is the Bengals understated way of saying it was dirty.

posted by mick at 09:07 PM on January 09, 2006

Then how come Palmer himself said he thought it was unintentional, Mick?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:09 PM on January 09, 2006

The Packers are owned by the public, but it's kind of a racket. In 1950, 4,627 shares of Packers stock were sold in 1950 and no one could buy more than 200. There was a 1,000-to-1 stock split a few years ago. Shareholders elect a board of directors for the team and the board chooses a team president, vice president and other officers. The only paid executive is the president. The public was invited in 1998 to buy up to 200 post-split shares, and 105,989 did, generating $24 million for Lambeau Field renovation. Some British soccer clubs sell stock. I'm thinking about getting some in AFC Wimbledon. Today, 111,921 people own 4,749,925 shares of Packers stock. You can't sell them, no dividends are paid, and the stock cannot appreciate in value. So fans own the Packers, but have no rights other than voting in shareholders meetings.

posted by rcade at 09:30 PM on January 09, 2006

"I don't know Kimo personally. ... From what I've heard, he's a classy guy. Football is football. I don't think it was malicious at all. He's a guy with a high motor that plays hard and was playing hard. ... It just happened. I don't think in any way he was trying to do anything. It's just part of the game." From ESPN article with the headline "Palmer doesn't blame von Oelhoffen for hit"

posted by scully at 09:34 PM on January 09, 2006

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