January 23, 2005

Patriots taste revenge against the Steelers.: In a dominating performance- albeit with a nail-biting New England defensive lapse through much of the 3rd quarter that allowed the Steelers to get back in it- the New England Patriots earned their 3rd trip to the Superbowl in 4 years, facing the Eagles on February 8th. This was the second time in those 4 years the Patriots defeated through the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

posted by hincandenza to football at 09:30 PM - 62 comments

Here in New England, the weather frequently sucks and the economy is in the toilet. But we do have the Patriots. Thanks, Bill B. and Co. No, I don't know where the defense went in the third quarter either. Nerve-racking, wunnit?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:44 PM on January 23, 2005

Heartening is what it was. Ah, the Pats were full value for the win. Good on them.

posted by chicobangs at 09:50 PM on January 23, 2005

Waitasec- aren't you a Yankees fan, lbb? How convenient that you should root for the Patriots! Bandwagon jumper!!! =) First the Pats win 2 of 3, then the Sox win in the most dramatic of fashions, now the Pats are once again on the cusp of a genuine dynasty; can a Celtics and Bruins resurgence be far behind? BTW, Schilling was wearing a Steelers jersey on the Best Damned Sports Show a few days ago. What the hell is that about?! He endorses Bush just after the World Series, and now this with the Steelers jersey... look, I love the guy for helping to bring home that Sox championship, and I love his passion for the game, his fan involvement, and tech-savvy geekiness. But enough with the poking of a stick into the eye of the New England fan base, Curt!

posted by hincandenza at 09:50 PM on January 23, 2005

Next year. Oh, I'm tired of saying that...

posted by dirigibleman at 09:52 PM on January 23, 2005

Any predictions on the opening line against Philly? After holding the best O to 3 and scoring 41 on the best D, it has to be at least a TD. And yes, the 3rd was a bit crazy-making. Guess they had to keep us glued to the ads.

posted by kokaku at 09:53 PM on January 23, 2005

Waitasec- aren't you a Yankees fan, lbb? How convenient that you should root for the Patriots! Bandwagon jumper!!! =) Hal: yes, I'm a Yankees fan; no, I'm not a bandwagon jumper; now put your teeth in and bite me. ;-P can a Celtics and Bruins resurgence be far behind? By any sane definition, sure it can -- and almost certainly will be. But when your definition of a long time is 86 years, why then, it'll be in the blink of an eye, I'm sure. BTW, Schilling was wearing a Steelers jersey on the Best Damned Sports Show a few days ago. What the hell is that about?! Well, where is the dickhead^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hincredibly valiant hero from originally, anyway? Maybe he's a Steel City boy or something.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:58 PM on January 23, 2005

Next year. Oh, I'm tired of saying that... I don't want to hear it. Try being a Lions fan.

posted by smithnyiu at 10:11 PM on January 23, 2005

But when your definition of a long time is 86 years Are we talking about sports or geology? Props to the Pats for an amazing two games, I will definitely be rooting for them to give the Smeagles a smackdown in two weeks. Even if I despise the Red Sox... this is an enemy of my enemy situation.

posted by billsaysthis at 10:50 PM on January 23, 2005

My guess is that the Pats will open as a 5.5-point fave and the line will stay right around there through the two weeks.

posted by wfrazerjr at 10:52 PM on January 23, 2005

Will the Eagles be given a snowballs chance in heck??? I am sure the big "over hype" guestion of the next two week be "T.O., will he or wont he?" In the end it will a tight game and Vineteri will kick a last minute Field Goal. The Pats will be labeled "the greatest team ever" and Coach Bill will nudge Vince off of the top of "the Best ever coach mountain" It will be hype out of control. Everybody who ever as much as smelled a football will be considered an "expert"' and of course, they will have to give their opinion. I will be rooting for the Pats only because Vineteri is from my State! Pats 24-21

posted by daddisamm at 11:14 PM on January 23, 2005

Even if I despise the Red Sox... this is an enemy of my enemy situation. my sentiments exactly.

posted by goddam at 11:16 PM on January 23, 2005

Gotta love the Steeler's play calling. Hell, I could tell when they would run and when they would pass, and I was listening to the radio.

posted by dusted at 11:27 PM on January 23, 2005

FYI, opening line out of Vegas is 6.5 or 7, depending on the book.

posted by mrmuhnrmuh at 12:11 AM on January 24, 2005

Right now, I'm taking the points. New England plays on a whole other level.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:17 AM on January 24, 2005

Yeah, no kidding- holding the Colts to 3 was insane, and then racking up 41 on the only defense better than themselves just reinforced how insanely good this team is. It's like the Patriots have no motivation other than humiliating whomever they play by showing whatever weakness their opponent has in stark relief- to throttle the vaunted Colts offense and steamroll the Steelers defense. I won't count out the Eagles, but you have to believe the Patriots are going to show up looking to utterly demoralize the Eagles, and Philadelphia hasn't exactly taken a tough road to the Super Bowl in their conference- they were probably the only good team in the NFC! I also wouldn't be surprised if that line moved another field goal's worth as the bets come in; I can't imagine many bettors picking the Eagles at this point, which means Vegas will move the line to keep the odds balanced.

posted by hincandenza at 03:23 AM on January 24, 2005

Oh, and if you don't mind the self-linking, here's a post I just made in the lockerroom. I think it might help explain spread lines to people who aren't familiar with them. Schilling was born in Arkansas, went to college in Arizona, but he did spend his formative MLB years in Philadelphia with the Phillies. So that still don't explain it; if he were wearing an Eagles jersey I could buy it. Maybe he just likes getting under people's skin....

posted by hincandenza at 04:28 AM on January 24, 2005

Self-links are OK in comments, as long as they have something to do with the topic.

posted by rcade at 07:20 AM on January 24, 2005

I'd like an apology from the Boston media for comparing Steelers fans to Red Sox fans. If the two were comparable, Fenway would have been empty for Game 4 of the ALCS. And thank you Bill Cowher for tightening up just like you always do. Going for a field goal instead of the TD late in the 3rd? Phil Simms has to be the only person who liked that move (have I never noticed before or is Simms always that awful? Loved when he broke down a replay where the Steelers had "no one open downfield" and the replay is focused on Randle El jumping up and down next to the end zone to indicate how wide open he is). And thanks for sticking with Bettis who has never done anything against the Pats in the playoffs instead of going with Staley who racked up over 100 yards against the Pats this year.

posted by yerfatma at 07:35 AM on January 24, 2005

You know, with all this proclamation about the Patriots and how great and spectacular they are, and how nobody in their right mind would pick the Iggles, I get this sense of deja vu. I just need T.O. to say something to the media...

posted by grum@work at 07:54 AM on January 24, 2005

Schilling was born in Arkansas Schilling was born in Alaska. and how nobody in their right mind would pick the Iggles I have a hunch that Tom Jackson will pick the Eagles. It's like he takes the Patriots winning as a personal afront.

posted by usfbull at 09:38 AM on January 24, 2005

Didn't he pick the Pats over the Steelers? He's been a little gunshy ever since he said everyone in the Pats locker room hated the coach after game 1 last year.

posted by yerfatma at 10:13 AM on January 24, 2005

... have I never noticed before or is Simms always that awful? Simms' penchant for homoerotic banter is funny, but otherwise I've had no use for either he or Greg Gumbel for years. They used the last half of the Ravens-Giants Super Bowl to praise Ray Lewis for telling them, in regard to the murders at the previous Super Bowl, that at some point he would "approach the families of the victims and attempt to help heal their hurt." They couldn't avoid talking about Lewis' game exploits -- he was the best player on the field. But it takes a special breed of athletic supporter to kiss the guy's ass for planning to make a gesture in the future about those deaths.

posted by rcade at 10:16 AM on January 24, 2005

Didn't he pick the Pats over the Steelers? Yesterday during NFL Game Day, Steve Young was the only one to pick the Pats while Irvin and Jackson went with the Steelers. I just get the feeling that after every Patriots victory, he pokes holes in how the loser lost the game and that the Pats schemes had nothing to do with it. But then again, I just dislike Jackson. So I guess I'm just as guilty for being biased too.

posted by usfbull at 10:25 AM on January 24, 2005

You're right. I didn't watch much of ESPN's pre-game, but I did catch that. Hope they keep picking against the Pats, but you'd have to have a real hard-on to think the Eagles are the favorite, even with Owens.

posted by yerfatma at 10:36 AM on January 24, 2005

I just get the feeling that after every Patriots victory, he pokes holes in how the loser lost the game and that the Pats schemes had nothing to do with it. Yeah. I love it. No Respect is part of the Pats' mojo.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:12 AM on January 24, 2005

New England is the most physical team in the NFL. Forget all the media hype of Belichick's schemes and coaching. Those players line up and make plays on offense and defense. Belichick is a great leader and an excellent defensive coach but its the players who win games. Remember how he was fired or "run off" in Cleveland and the media said he wasnt a good head coach just a great def coordinator under Parcells. He did not magically become a great headcoach..its just now he has better players who are able to make plays. NFL games usually come down to 6-8 plays as the difference makers and the PATS make ALL of those plays, whether it is defense stopping a 4th and 1;, making an interception or sack; or Brady with a pinpoint pass for a TD or when he is off target the receivers make great catches. Brady is damn good. I used to think he was average QB in the right place at the right time. I will root for the Iggles but I finally admit respect for the PATS.

posted by McLaw at 11:29 AM on January 24, 2005

I hope everyone can enjoy, on some level, this run the Pats are on for the past few years. I'm not a Pats fan, but it is so rare, in any sport to see consistently great play when it matters most. I doubt we will see anything like this in football for a long time. The Bulls with MJ, Yankees throughout the century, 49rs, Cowboys, etc. had their day and it is a rare collection of players, coaches, and attitude. LBB is right, it's their mojo, and it is special to watch while it lasts.

posted by smithnyiu at 11:35 AM on January 24, 2005

me: Schilling was born in Arkansas usfbull: Schilling was born in Alaska. Argh. That's what I meant, but it was 2am and I wasn't my sharpest. :( yerfatma: And thank you Bill Cowher for tightening up just like you always do. Going for a field goal instead of the TD late in the 3rd? I don't understand the criticism of Cowher going for the FG; I agree with that! There was plenty of time left on the clock, you cut the lead to 8- one possession's worth- rather than gamble and be still down two possessions with a quarter to go. If Cowher is to be criticized, it should be for his trashing of his own QB in the post-game; his comments (I don't have the verbatim) basically where "Sure, Big Ben does some things right, but you can't throw 3 interceptions in a game of this magnitude." What the heck was that?!? You're rookie stud, your Tom Brady for the Steelers and your franchise QB for several years to come, just led your team to a 15-1 record and an AFC Championship game; maybe you ought to say things to build up his confidence and set him up to potential win this game next year. McLaw: New England is the most physical team in the NFL. Forget all the media hype of Belichick's schemes and coaching. Those players line up and make plays on offense and defense. I don't know that Belichick has so little direct impact; on that 4th and 1 stop of the Steelers where Bettis was stopped, stripped and NE recovered, just before the play Belichick was caught on camera calling over a middle linebacker, shouting something, and sending him back. Next thing you know it's a critical stop and turnover. That says to me that while he's got great players, he has them all working in his schemes, and with his vision, such that they are prepared to make those great plays. Man, this Patriots run is pretty amazing, regardless of the outcome on February 8th. I think I'm finally realizing what it must have felt like to be a Yankees fan back in the 90's, when you felt your team was almost supernaturally invincible (you know, before they became the greatest choke artists in the history of sports).

posted by hincandenza at 12:04 PM on January 24, 2005

Hal ..I wasnt saying Belichick has "little direct impact" I was knocking the media hype. See my comment about his tenure in Cleveland and the media hype surrounding his firing. He is a great coach and his playoff record 9-1 does speak for itself. He did not learn more football in between Cleveland and the PATS My point is the media tries to put a single face to a teams success or failure. I do know a Cleveland sports writer who a told a writer in my city to be thankful Belichick did not get a Head coaching job here because "he is a horrioble quote and a horrible head coach."

posted by McLaw at 12:20 PM on January 24, 2005

(you know, before they became the greatest choke artists in the history of sports) Off-topic, but that title still has to go to the 1944-45 Detroit Red Wings (losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs). They did the same thing as the Yankees (go up 3-0, still lose series), but did it in the FINALS. That's a bigger choke than doing it in the semi-finals.

posted by grum@work at 12:22 PM on January 24, 2005

Hal, take a look at this post and the link. The one coach in the NFL who seems to follow the same thinking on 4th down is a former econ major you may have heard of.

posted by yerfatma at 12:25 PM on January 24, 2005

Hal: I don't understand the criticism of Cowher going for the FG; I agree with that! There was plenty of time left on the clock, you cut the lead to 8- one possession's worth- rather than gamble and be still down two possessions with a quarter to go. When the Steelers kicked that FG, it put them down by 11 -- not 8 -- still two two possessions down (the TD would have put it at a 7 point, one posession game). Hal: I don't know that Belichick has so little direct impact; on that 4th and 1 stop of the Steelers where Bettis was stopped, stripped and NE recovered, just before the play Belichick was caught on camera calling over a middle linebacker, shouting something, and sending him back. Next thing you know it's a critical stop and turnover. That says to me that while he's got great players, he has them all working in his schemes, and with his vision, such that they are prepared to make those great plays. From Len Pasquarelli's column: "Just before the fourth-down play, Belichick had meandered about 10 yards on the field, to signal in the defense with a series of gestures. Asked about what defensive call Belichick screamed to his charges, Colvin laughed, and noted: 'I think he gave us the 'stop 'em' signal. Works every time, huh?'" Don't know whether Roosevelt Colvin was just goofing around, but it's a funny quote. grum: Off-topic, but that title still has to go to the 1944-45 Detroit Red Wings (losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs). They did the same thing as the Yankees (go up 3-0, still lose series), but did it in the FINALS. That's a bigger choke than doing it in the semi-finals. I don't know, we're talking about a bigger rivalry for Boston-NY (although Detroit-Toronto was always a great rivalry prior to the teams being put in different conferences) and NY has the history and had, this year, one of the greatest line-ups ever assembled. Maybe a choke of a similar magnitude by the Montreal Canadiens would be more comparable, but I still think considering all factors, the Yankees choke was bigger even though it happened in the semifinal round.

posted by holden at 12:51 PM on January 24, 2005

My point is the media tries to put a single face to a teams success or failure. Exactly so, McLaw...or, if not a literal face, a single aspect of a team. The Colts got the number one offense. The Steelers got the number one defense. Et cetera. If you're used to the single-face, sound-bite analysis, it really is hard to see how the Patriots can win anything, let alone go to the Super Bowl. I don't know where Belichick stands on the Genius Coaches of All Time scale, but he has the advantage over some coaches -- who might well be more genius than him -- of giving his orders to players who have good ability, good experience, and a team ethic against whining and foot-dragging. But that's too complicated to be sexy, so many just prefer to say that Belichick is a genius. BTW, dunno if anyone looked at the numbers for the game, but it's interesting to see the passing comparison between Brady and Roethlisberger. Very close comp/att numbers, same number of TDs, Roethlisberger with slightly more passing yards, Brady with two sacks and eleven yards lost to Roethlisberger's one sack for one yard. The Steelers were better on rushing yards, about the same on passing yards, better average punting, better punt returns, more first downs...and, oh, there were those three interceptions. But it's interesting to see how you can win in so many categories, and still lose big. Even the Boston Globe, which is firmly in the Pats' corner, has been serving up a steady dose of team-to-team matchup analyses in how the Pats compare to their opponents: offensive line vs. offensive line, receivers vs. receivers, defensive backs vs. defensive backs, etc. And with both the Colts and the Steelers, even the Globe showed the matchups being just about a dead heat on paper.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:00 PM on January 24, 2005

...the matchups being just about a dead heat on paper. Agreed. And the interception returned for a TD could be viewed as a 14 point swing (the Steelers were on an impressive drive) and was the biggest difference in the game.

posted by smithnyiu at 01:29 PM on January 24, 2005

Since when did Brady start throwing huge passes?

posted by Joey Michaels at 01:51 PM on January 24, 2005

In a seven-game series on neutral ice, I would take the Red Wings over the Yankees.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 01:57 PM on January 24, 2005

Joey: Since when did Brady start throwing huge passes? I could be misremembering, but I recall quite a few in the '02 season -- as well as quite a few razzle-dazzle plays. Not many of either this year, so far, but who knows what we'll see in Jacksonville? DrJohn: In a seven-game series on neutral ice, I would take the Red Wings over the Yankees. Ah, but can Superman beat up Batman?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 02:07 PM on January 24, 2005

Since when did Brady start throwing huge passes? Whatever works, right? You've got a better chance against two-elevenths of the league's best defence than you do against all eleven.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 02:10 PM on January 24, 2005

A-Rod's slap move may come in handy when the goalie has the puck in his glove hand.

posted by holden at 02:24 PM on January 24, 2005

Ah, but can Superman beat up Batman? The burning question is can he beat up Bugs Bunny? I say no.

posted by rocketman at 02:29 PM on January 24, 2005

Ah, but can Superman beat up Batman? Please. I could take Batman. But what the Boston media is debating now: Who would win, Superman or Belichick?

posted by smithnyiu at 02:34 PM on January 24, 2005

he burning question is can he beat up Bugs Bunny? I say no. bugs bunny is a cartoon. superman's a real guy. there's no way a cartoon could beat up a real guy.

posted by goddam at 02:35 PM on January 24, 2005

Are any of Superman, Batman or Bugs Bunny doing Chunky Soup commercials? This is important.

posted by chicobangs at 03:13 PM on January 24, 2005

lil: I could be misremembering, but I recall quite a few in the '02 season -- as well as quite a few razzle-dazzle plays. Not many of either this year, so far, but who knows what we'll see in Jacksonville? I remember him trying a bunch of long passes and not doing so well. I remember thinking during the game something along the lines of what DrJohn just wrote. The Steelers didn't expect that from Brady (and neither did I) and that became one of the things that took them down. Tell me again - at what point are we allowed to acknowledge that Brady is a great QB?

posted by Joey Michaels at 03:53 PM on January 24, 2005

Tell me again - at what point are we allowed to acknowledge that Brady is a great QB? And what about the unwritten rule that a QB coming into the league needs to "mature" for 5 or 6 years before hitting his stride? Is he the exception, or is that a bogus statement? I thought big Ben was another exception to the "rule" until last night...

posted by smithnyiu at 04:14 PM on January 24, 2005

Tell me again - at what point are we allowed to acknowledge that Brady is a great QB? After he wins five or six more rings. Modesty works well for the Pats, IMO. It keeps 'em working hard and not celebrating until the fat lady sings. Others who showboated or called them "ripe for the picking" and whatnot are watching it all on tee vee. Don't jinx um! And what about the unwritten rule that a QB coming into the league needs to "mature" for 5 or 6 years before hitting his stride? Is he the exception, or is that a bogus statement? I thought big Ben was another exception to the "rule" until last night... Well, I suppose it's always possible that Brady hasn't even hit his stride yet -- frightening thought. One difference between him and Big Ben, though, was that Brady didn't start in his rookie year -- he sat on the bench until the following year, and went in in an emergency situation. If Bledsoe hadn't been hurt, or if the injury hadn't been bad enough to keep him out as long as it did, things might have worked out differently for Brady...but that's another discussion. Anyway, yesterday one of the CBS commentators claimed that Belichick says that he has no ERWs (guys who eat, ride and watch, but don't play). Clearly that's a bit of an exaggeration -- the Pats do have a backup quarterback, and I don't know when I've seen him play last. But that year that Brady got between joining the team and starting in a game could be a very important difference between him and Roethlisberger.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:30 PM on January 24, 2005

Are any of Superman, Batman or Bugs Bunny doing Chunky Soup commercials? Superman has more class, he works for American Express! Brady sat on the bench until the following year, and went in in an emergency situation So? Big Ben only got off the bench this season because Maddox went down. Both took advantage of their opportunities and showed the stuff required of starting QBs.

posted by billsaysthis at 05:16 PM on January 24, 2005

Big Ben is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I would not at all be surprised to see the Steelers in the show next year - I wouldn't have been surprised to see them this year. That being said, I am persuaded that you are right regarding Ben's rookie years versus Tom's "non-rookie" year. Watching Bledsoe play for a year was probably an excellent education for him.

posted by Joey Michaels at 05:19 PM on January 24, 2005

Brady sat on the bench until the following year, and went in in an emergency situation So? Big Ben only got off the bench this season because Maddox went down. Both took advantage of their opportunities and showed the stuff required of starting QBs. The point wasn't about how they got their Big Break, it was about how long they were part of the organization -- and, presumably, getting some mentoring and schooling within the organization -- before they had to step up and perform in a game. Roethlisberger was a rookie this year, meaning that this was his first season -- right??? Whereas Brady was not. He had time to learn his chops that Roethlisberger did not, if I'm not mistaken.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:20 PM on January 24, 2005

I'm officially shutting up about Brady being overrated.

posted by rcade at 07:47 PM on January 24, 2005

Just for the record, I put myself firmly in the 'hate the Pats, respect them anyway' camp. They are a damn good team, despite the fact that as a Dolphins fan this season burns me deeply. It is very hard to picture them losing to the Eagles, thoug the Eagles aren't bad either.

posted by tieguy at 11:43 PM on January 24, 2005

It could conceivably be a very good game.

posted by chicobangs at 12:45 AM on January 25, 2005

In a seven-game series on neutral ice, I would take the Red Wings over the Yankees. Giambi could finally go on that steroid induced rage trip he's been holding back for so long. Jeter would be a puck hog, and never figure out why he can't pass 2 lines. A Rod would be a good goon. I can see him now in the P box with a gash over his left eye, his purple lips swollen from the beating Derian Hatcher gave him... Red wings in 5

posted by smithnyiu at 10:51 AM on January 25, 2005

I can see him now in the P box with a gash over his left eye, his purple lips swollen from the beating Derian Hatcher gave him... I only wish it were so.

posted by chris2sy at 11:42 AM on January 25, 2005

And he did it with a fever, too.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:24 PM on January 25, 2005

Well, the cold probably did him a world of good, then.

posted by chicobangs at 08:46 PM on January 25, 2005

That article caused something unfortunate to happen. A Foreigner song got stuck in my head. I'm going to share the pain: I'm hot blooded, check it and see, I got a fever of a hundred and three...

posted by fabulon7 at 08:24 AM on January 26, 2005

I prescribe a massive dosage of the new Om album, Variations on a Theme, to rid yourself of the dreaded Foreigner earworm. Om won't rock it out of your head, they will vibrate it out. Of course, what else would you expect from 2/3 of Sleep?

posted by NoMich at 10:01 AM on January 26, 2005

Fabulon7, that song is MUCH better in the snippet covered by Weird Al Yankovic on his classic Polkas on 45! Not as hilarious as him doing "Closer" on a later album, but it beats the crap out of Lou Gramm. And yes, I freely admit I'm a nerd.

posted by wfrazerjr at 03:15 PM on January 26, 2005

And yes, I freely admit I'm a nerd. you're not the only one. whenever i get "hot blooded" in my head i often hear it as the weird al version.

posted by goddam at 03:38 PM on January 26, 2005

Anyone see the Aqua Teen episode where the Mooninites get the Foreigner belt? That's my nerd contribution.

posted by yerfatma at 06:16 PM on January 26, 2005

make sure the Foreigner belt isn't set on headgames... I learn from TV.

posted by chris2sy at 07:18 PM on January 26, 2005

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