12/21/24
January 15, 2006
Steelers Take Down Colts: The Indianapolis Colts kept their perfect playoff record against the Pittsburgh Steelers -- 0-5 -- in a 21-18 loss in the AFC playoffs.
The game was crazy, but I'm glad Pittsburgh held on. Cower's play calling in the second half was poor, and looked as if he was only playing to hang on. The interception call reversal was ridiculous. I could see keeping the call as incomplete if that was the original call, but reversing it? Officials look more and more confused all the time. It's almost like the game moves too fast for them nowadays. The Colts' offense had no answer for Pittsburgh's blitzing defense, though. They (the Colts) may never win a truly big game.
posted by dyams at 03:44 PM on January 15, 2006
The Steelers outplayed the Colts and had to survive the officials and the ghosts of playoff pasts to move on to Denver.................
posted by stefex at 03:45 PM on January 15, 2006
Wfrazerjr in gametime chat: I'm calling it right here -- somewhere during the offseason, Tony Dungy is going to leave the Colts' organization, and that play will be cited. There's no fucking way a head coach lets his quarterback call off the punt team if he's serious about staying in charge. I second that emotion. It turned out well for Manning, but a coach who lets his quarterback wave him off like that will lose the respect of the players (and local sportswriters). There aren't many coaches who would have let it happen. I can't believe the Colts got beat. Resting your starters for several games after you get home field is a good way to rob your team completely of momentum heading into the playoffs.
posted by rcade at 03:57 PM on January 15, 2006
P.s. If Nick Harper doesn't take a stab wound to one knee and a shot to the other, he scores on that fumble return.
posted by rcade at 03:59 PM on January 15, 2006
Peyton Manning sat on a wall, Peyton Manning took a great fall, All the Colts linemen, And all the Colts ends, Even Mike Vanderjagt, Could not put Peyton Manning back together again.
posted by Joe88 at 04:04 PM on January 15, 2006
Good game. I cant believe he missed the fieldgoal. Now as for manning, I think he is a great QB, but I cant help but wonder if the circus act he pulls at the line of scrimmage sometimes confuses his teammates instead of the defense. The way Wayne ran that route on 3rd down, it was obvious they weren't on the same page. Its getting to be a bit much in pressure games. I bet if he just knuckled down and played they could get it done. I actually feel bad for the other skill position players on the colts. How long is James contract? Wayne is a free agent right? I think there was a reason for the interception reversal. It was reported that Archie Manning kicked the door down and held the replay officials at gun point.
posted by BlogZilla at 04:05 PM on January 15, 2006
The Colts stunk the place up. The Steelers if given more time would have tried to give it away again. That was the worst officiating I have seen in a long time. Awful. Hopefully this next game is a little better.
posted by GoBirds at 04:12 PM on January 15, 2006
What a nail-biter! There were some bizarre calls. The "no call" when the Colts were offsides, the clearly shown pass interference on the Colts that was not called. But the Steelers prevail! If we can get past Denver I think we have a good shot at beating any AFC team
posted by Claremore Rancher at 04:15 PM on January 15, 2006
I meant NFC!!!
posted by Claremore Rancher at 04:16 PM on January 15, 2006
For the record, the Steelers were absolutely the better team today, especially in the first half. But there are many situations where the best team doesn't always win, and not all of them involve third-party ineptitude. (Seattle turned the ball over 138 times yesterday, and every single Seahawk, as well as most of the fans, were injured over the course of the game, and yet they managed to eke one out.) The goat of the game, far as I care, was Peyton Manning. Not because of his waving-off of the kicking unit on fourth down or any of his play-calling shenanigans, but because he spent the entire first half heaving footballs into the stands because he was so keyed up. Was the refereeing sloppy? Yes. Did the Steelers deserve to win? Yeah. If Vanderjagt made that kick and the Colts won in overtime, would that have changed the value of their win? Nope. And it's happened many times before, and it will again. You want a perfectly played game to automated parameters, stick to Madden '06. Part of what makes sport great is that it's all about human beings dealing with shit that happens. The Steelers did, and good on them. If Dungy leaves, and he might, it won't be becuase of Manning somehow emasculating him. That waving-off stuff has happened before, and Dungy & Manning have a different dynamic than any other tandem. That's fine. It worked out.
posted by chicobangs at 04:25 PM on January 15, 2006
The officiating was horrible. No contact made on the "do over" play. The reversal of interception. No pass interference. The Colts are built for the regular season. There defense was improved early, it seems Off. coordinators figured out ways to beat them. And defenses have figured a way to slow them down. I think the lack of meaningful competition hurt the Colts O. They are so based on timing and all being on the same page. I hate in light of everything that happened to him of late that Dungy's job is in question (at least in this post). However, frighteningly familiar to Tampa situation.
posted by chuck'n'duck at 04:27 PM on January 15, 2006
I hope it doesnt come down to Tony Dunge loosing his job. He is indeed a great coach, even the great ones dont always win all of the "big games" The Players still have to play the game. I wont even goes as far as some who will point to the "terrible incident " in Dunge's life. There were alot of factors that lead to the Colts loss. The main one being is that the Steelers simply outplayed the Colts. The only way that Dunge doesnt coach the Colts next year, is that if he would walk away from the game. Not to feel sorry for himself, but to make something positive out of his son's death. If he did that, it wouldnt surprize me! Good comments Chicobangs, you have a neat way of looking at things.
posted by daddisamm at 05:03 PM on January 15, 2006
The officiating had its moments. Bad calls are made in the big game, thats what make them exciting. What bothered me more was the annoucers on CBS. It was like listening to nails on a chalk board. There is a reason why Dan D. was forced off of Monday night Football!
posted by daddisamm at 05:09 PM on January 15, 2006
That was the "game" of the playoffs. It amazes me that my Steelers can win when the referees and Bill Cowher are there to trip them up. The Colts, although having a terrific season, should never have scored more than 6 points in this one. Congrats to the Steelers.
posted by KD at 05:16 PM on January 15, 2006
I just hope Vanderjagt doesn't put a cap in his brain. I can't help but feel for those kicker dudes when they miss the do or die kick. That said, I agree with the masses, the Steelers played better ball and deserved the win. Peace, Chris
posted by chrisly13 at 05:18 PM on January 15, 2006
Dungy said in an interview after the game that he was telling Manning to wave the punt team off because they were going for it. Dungy said the punt team just got a little excited and started to go out on their own. I really dont understand how u can say Polamalu did not get that pick. Poor Jerome.
posted by the don at 05:18 PM on January 15, 2006
Oh, Dungy's job isn't in question from the Colts' end. They'd sign him up for a decade if they could. No, if he leaves, it'll be to retire. By all accounts, losing his son last month changed his worldview, and he's been asking himself questions about his life that transcend the Colts or football. There is not one person involved in the game who does not respect, admire and covet him as a coach. He just might not want to do it anymore. That decision, though, is all his.
posted by chicobangs at 05:23 PM on January 15, 2006
I think jane and I are going to rent a PS2 and Madden '06 and play New England (me) at Indianapolis (her). You know, just to scratch the itch. Hal, feel free to include it in the next SpoFi pick 'em line.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 05:26 PM on January 15, 2006
I second that emotion. I third it. I said it on the locker room post that I remembered Bob Gibson sending Red S. (can't spell Red's last name) back to the dugout when he was on his way to take him out of the game. This reminded me of that.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 05:35 PM on January 15, 2006
I'm so glad all of you know EXACTLY what Coach Dungy will do in the off season. Leave the man ALONE! Yes we need improvements in our O line --but the Colts will be back!
posted by kyjac1 at 05:42 PM on January 15, 2006
1. The game was Peyton Manning. That's correct. Read my ode to him to understand my feelings toward the Colts. 2. The Steelers were the better team, and deserved to win. Mercifully, the bad officiating did not make the worse team win. 3. The Steelers, if they can beat Denver, will most probably win Super Bowl XL. 4. I do feel for Vanderjagt, but he must not feel bad. They all lost that game, not just Vanderjagt alone. Everybody did stuff to deserve to lose.
posted by Joe88 at 05:42 PM on January 15, 2006
call me when a manning wins a game that matters to anyone but a fantasty geek. he is already pointing fingers. look in the mirror, peyton & eli, who do you see a Major Harris, Tom Brady, a stud, nope you see a Manning. Like father, like son squared.
posted by thatch at 05:44 PM on January 15, 2006
I'd give Eli a few years before pronouncing his career totally ineffective.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 05:46 PM on January 15, 2006
WOW Joe88 You are quite the poet--my 8 year old could do that.
posted by kyjac1 at 05:47 PM on January 15, 2006
yay go steelers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by united-soccer at 05:51 PM on January 15, 2006
Let's see, pass interferance that wasn't called, a saftey that wasn't, off sides that was a 'do over', interception that was an incomplete pass. Pittsburgh not only beat the Colts they beat the referees also. GO STEELERS!!!!!
posted by Dan H. at 05:58 PM on January 15, 2006
The colts peaked way too early. Had the November colts showed up today things might have been different. Manning choked today bigtime. If he was ready for the big dance he would have scored on that final gift drive. Thats the difference between good qbs and great ones. During the post-game interview Manning accepted no responsibility what so ever choosing to blame the OL, crying he did'nt have the protection, and vanderjak as well. Manning was the one practically break-dancing before each snap. He needs to suck it up and own up to his the part in the loss. Be a man Payton take responsibility or turn in your superman cape asap ;)
posted by kosmicdebris at 06:06 PM on January 15, 2006
Back away from the Caps lock, please. And while I appreciate that there exist fans of Pittsburgh's football team, and while I'm sure they're all very committed and passionate, "GO STEELERS" contributes very little to the discussion. Just sayin'.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 06:06 PM on January 15, 2006
Okay, you get points for originality. Carry on.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 06:11 PM on January 15, 2006
I'm a Colts fan and was at the game. And Chico is right. Dungy has his job for as long as he chooses to keep it. It sure will be fun to hear the press having their fun with the "Manning can't win a big game" garbage - garbage that I, a Florida Gator fan, had plenty of fun with in my day - but aside from two overthrown passes in the first half, Peyton played fine. He didn't really turn up the tact in the postgame when he called out his O-line, but he was pretty much right. 3 bad penalties and a complete inability to stop the linebackers coming from the outside. Farrior in the first half and Porter in the 2nd... all kinds of pressure. They also allowed linemen to get at him once or twice when Pittsburgh was only sending 3 guys. Unlike the San Diego game, where the pressure forced him to make bad decisions, there was nothing he could've done. It was pretty poor. Not as poor as the officiating though. Terrible both ways, though ultimately it worked out in the Colts' favor. They missed, off the top of my head, the false start (the guard moved his ass and drew the Colts on that no-call), the retaliatory face mask by Ward (clearly a grab back, not just a stiffarm), a pass interference on the Colts that should've been called, a meaningless one on that 10 yard catch late that shouldn't (from what I could tell, he came over his back as the ball arrived, and he caught it anyway), several generous spots both ways, and the interception ruling. I watched the replays several times and it seemed that Hairball had it... and even if he didn't I didn't see anything even remotely resembling conclusive evidence needed to overturn it. I was shocked when they brought the Colts back out onto the field. Anyway, the Steelers came to play - their offensive plan was excellent, and their linebackers played damn near perfectly. They dominated most of the first half and parts of the 3rd quarter, and came up huge at the end with the 2 sacks. I'm convinced that the fumble is simply the football gods smiting Cowher for going tackle-eligible and trying to score there (even allowing Indy to use their 3 timeouts and kicking the field goal would have iced it), but man was that exciting. I thought for sure that when that happened, the Colts would pull it out. Can't quite understand why they didn't go for at least one more first down though... Anyway, like I said, I'm only a Manning fan because he (they, actually, as I like the Giants too) is on my team but you can't pin this on him at all. He played fine. I mean, go ahead with your like father like son, choker, Brady's better claims, but keep in mind that Peyton's rating for the game beat Golden Boy's from last night by a cool 16 points.
posted by Bernreuther at 06:12 PM on January 15, 2006
Oh, and actually the safety was one of the things they got right... his knee was clearly down before he went into the end zone. Exact same thing happened in the exact same spot with McCown 2 weeks ago.
posted by Bernreuther at 06:13 PM on January 15, 2006
Frankly I thought both coaches were trying too hard not to lose at the end. Cowher by calling running play after running play with nine defenders up on the line until he had to throw a pass on that last third down and Dungy by not getting a play off before the two minute warning. Bernreuther, I don't want to dismiss your close up knowledge cavalierly, but really, if the Colts haven't made it to the Super Bowl in all these years of having the triplets, having the terrific defense, with a coach as a good as Dungy, well as a disinterested, distant observer the Colts sure look like a team that can't win the big one. Just like the Eagles the last few years, the Bills back in the Kelly years, they're just missing the one guy with the right attitude (since they have the skills everywhere, it has to be attitude) to get over the top. Maybe—Manning is 30, right?—they should trade up in the draft to get Matt Leinart.
posted by billsaysthis at 06:41 PM on January 15, 2006
Classy, Dungy might be. But he should have kicked crybaby Manning's ass when Manning, on his own, decided to go for it on fourth down. Got to wonder what would have happened if he tried that on, say, Bill Cowher.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 06:47 PM on January 15, 2006
And can you believe Manning blaming the O-Line after the game? What a jerk! Dungy might have a lot of class, but Manning has none.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 06:51 PM on January 15, 2006
And can you believe Manning blaming the O-Line after the game? What a jerk! I never like him. I like him less now. The whole team wins or loses.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 06:56 PM on January 15, 2006
I saw Dungy's post game comments that he was in the earphone telling Manning they were going for it and thats why Manning waved them off, but that was 100% lie. You could tell from Dungy's facial reactions after Manning waved those guys off that he couldn't believe his QB had just did a mutiny on him. If I were him, given the recent personal tragedies and add to it this QB taking it upon himself to ignore his headcoach...I think I'd just retire. He's got to have enough money to settle down. Some networks would hire him as a commentator. He could then spend more time with his family. Let Manning get someone else in there and see how well he does (or better yet, let Manning be the coach, since he seems to think he can make those kindsof decisions himself).
posted by bdaddy at 06:58 PM on January 15, 2006
Missed calls are bad enough and we will always have those, but turning over the interception is bizarre at best. The team that came to play won, so as you might guess by my handle, I am very happy. This game will go down as one of the most exciting finishes ever.
posted by Steeler_Fan at 06:59 PM on January 15, 2006
"Cower's play calling in the second half was poor, and looked as if he was only playing to hang on." I think he's 100-1-1 when leading by 10 points in the 4th (loss to Cinci and tie to Atlana). He knows how to win these types of games and that is simply by running the ball and grinding out the clock. So while I sometimes get frustrated with his usual conservative playcalling, he's now 101-1-1 in those situations so it's kindof hard to question that.
posted by bdaddy at 07:00 PM on January 15, 2006
One word bdaddy......Wow!
posted by Steeler_Fan at 07:02 PM on January 15, 2006
I'm convinced that the fumble is simply the football gods smiting Cowher for going tackle-eligible and trying to score there (even allowing Indy to use their 3 timeouts and kicking the field goal would have iced it), but man was that exciting." Actually it wouldn't. If he'd taken a knee, Indy had 3 timeouts. Indy would have gotten the ball back, down by 6, with roughly 1 minute remaining. Given the way they can move the ball in the 2nd half, hardly what I'd call safe. Going for the TD was the correct play.
posted by bdaddy at 07:05 PM on January 15, 2006
This continues the streak of sons of NFL QBs not winning in crucial games. I am still trying to figure what that passive agressive comment by Manning about the pass protection was all about! That sounded like a Terrell Owens-type dig at the O-lineman or the coach. Does he think because he prefaced the statement with " tryin' to be a good teamate" , he will get off the hook. Nice try! VanDerJakt made no new friends but, everybody hates him anyway. Dungy will be saved by the personal crisis exemption and the fact that Cowher still has him out choked in big games. I had always given Manning the benefit of the doubt, but today could have been his Marino-ization. Big Ben continued to to impress, especially the season saving tackle on the Bettis fumble.Mannings reputation will need a major overhaul!
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 07:07 PM on January 15, 2006
The game was a classic I agree, like how a classy man Dungy is. However, I think he'll call it quits. Nobody can fix Peyton and Colts' playoff woes, the humpty dumpty I talked about before. He'll call it quits. Next Week: PIT @ DEN CAR @ SEA
posted by Joe88 at 07:08 PM on January 15, 2006
And can you believe Manning blaming the O-Line after the game? What a jerk! I never like him. I like him less now. The whole team wins or loses. posted by STLCardinalfan at 6:56 PM CST on January 15 Easily the lowest moment of Mannings career. Maybe the worst statemnt after a loss I have ever heard, WOW! This is public appology type territory
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 07:11 PM on January 15, 2006
Bill, good point about the coaching on both sides - I had forgotten about the failure to run that play before 2:00. I'd flip it around a bit though - that one IS Manning's fault. He's out there with the responsibility of managing the clock and calling the play. The 4th down thing - they both decided that. That wasn't weak or bad coaching. If Dungy wanted to punt, he'd have punted. He trusts Peyton, and rightfully so. Anyway, I wasn't saying people shouldn't say the Colts can't win the big one... just that the immature people who immediately jump on Manning are off base in doing so. Certainly one of the "best teams in recent years" not making the Super Bowl qualifies as a choke job. After their 41-0 loss to the Jets 3 years ago, TMQ wondered if perhaps Dungy's respectable quiet dignity actually hurts his teams in the playoffs, because the playoffs require so much intensity. That was before I made my connection with the Colts and I agreed, and while I think their comeback today showed that they have the heart and leadership to overcome that, it's certainly a valid concern. And yeah, it's quite likely that they'll never have another chance as good as they had this year - another year of watching the offense means the league will have new things figured out for them next year, making it tougher. I think Peyton made huge strides with his composure under pressure and decision making (SD game excepted) but one has to also wonder if at 30, this is his peak. We'll see. Too funny that I'm sitting here defending a guy I used to root against. Can you search the archives here all the way back to the birth of this site? It'd be funny to see what kinds of opposite things I've said in the past...
posted by Bernreuther at 07:12 PM on January 15, 2006
Oh, and I do agree with those who say that throwing the teammates under the bus there was the wrong thing to do... he should've cooled off a bit more before giving that interview. He was right, but he left his usual tact behind there. BDaddy, no argument. I think that going tackle-eligible just made me suspect it was some kind of trick play or something, which would've been sort of classless. I'd have tried to punch it in there too.
posted by Bernreuther at 07:15 PM on January 15, 2006
Diamond Rings: Tom Brady (6th Round) 3 Manning Family (3 1st Rounders)0 Didn't see Tom blame his team for the lost last night. Colts have had the tools for years but they are rightfully cursed for sneaking out of Baltimore. The Irsay's don't deserve the Lombardi and I'm truly sorry for the nice people of Indy for that one. Art Modell didn't deserve one either but he didn't steal the name. Time to jump on the Seahawk's bandwagon which means one thing.DON'T BET ON THEM........ T.D. prayers for your family can't imagine losing a child it makes all the rest of this just trivial. chin up & god bless..Thatch
posted by thatch at 07:16 PM on January 15, 2006
I like it when the sportscasters and analysts don't give Carolina a prayer: we win that way. Yea Panthers.
posted by kcook1950 at 07:30 PM on January 15, 2006
I haven't heard one comment regarding the Colts being rusty. This was the first meaningful game for alot of the starters for what, 6 weeks. There was talk about it all week from just about every network. What do you all think? Would it have been more benefitial for Dungy to have played all of his starters in every game instead of resting them? (Just a Monday morning quarterback question.)
posted by grabofsky74 at 07:32 PM on January 15, 2006
grabofsky74, It's the same old story, if you rest them and they don't play well, then they were rusty. If you play them and someone key gets hurt, then you made a huge mistake. I don't envy anyone faced with that decision.
posted by Steeler_Fan at 07:35 PM on January 15, 2006
Enough about Peyton....Let's give some credit to Roethlisberger...2 Years...2 AFC Championship games...not bad for a guy just finishing up his 2nd year...I bet there a lot of teams that wished they would have taken him now.
posted by stefex at 07:37 PM on January 15, 2006
Diamond Rings: Tom Brady (6th Round) 3 Manning Family (3 1st Rounders)0 Didn't see Tom blame his team for the lost last night. Colts have had the tools for years but they are rightfully cursed for sneaking out I am still in shock that I just saw a hand picked media darling NFL chosen son piss all over his teamates. Trying to be a good teamate?WTF! It is incredulous. Brady had worse protection then Manning. Nobody was even blaming Manning. He just punted his reputation as a regular guy-"Cut that meat!"... Indeed.
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 07:39 PM on January 15, 2006
Can't believe Peyton dissing his O-line like that. I'm sure he'll regret the statements he made. It was out of frustration, but he should know better. He certainly wasn't blameless.
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 07:42 PM on January 15, 2006
I loved Shannon Sharpe's post game comment about Archie Manning being the referee (eluding to the interception replay and other poor calls). The guys in the studio were right: an Indy win would have been highway robbery.
posted by jack_axe13 at 07:45 PM on January 15, 2006
I would love to see Manning realize his mistake, figure it's a lost cause now to try to make people like him, and totally flip WWE-style and become a heel. How fun would that be? The Indy radio postgame discussed the rustiness and several callers said they thought they were rusty, but I tend to think that their timing as a team was fine from their practices (as Tony said), and credit Pittsburgh's excellent D for throwing them off. OK, 24 is on. I'll go back into hiding. Go Steelers.
posted by Bernreuther at 07:48 PM on January 15, 2006
I haven't heard one comment regarding the Colts being rusty. This was the first meaningful game for alot of the starters for what, 6 weeks. Were they rusty against San Diego?? This game looked like more of the same. It's obvious their blocking schemes (or lack thereof) have been "outted" and def. coordinators are bringing the heat.
posted by jack_axe13 at 07:53 PM on January 15, 2006
Peyton Manning's Colts will never be in a better position to make a Super Bowl run. Manning rehabilitated his numbers in the fourth quarter with the comeback, but he led the Colts to 3 points at home the first three quarters. I think it's a fair criticism to say the guy can't win the big game. He can't even win the game two games before the big game, with home field advantage, a great running back, and a good defense.
posted by rcade at 08:12 PM on January 15, 2006
Wow. It would have been highway robbery if the Colts had won that game, however, the officiating stayed with the week's theme of utter trash. That last field goal was the worst field goal attempt I have ever seen. Kcook I heard you the first time.... and this isn't the right thread anyway.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:18 PM on January 15, 2006
WAY TO GO STEELERS!!! They outplayed and outcoached the Colts AND survived the blitz of the officials. The worst officiated game I have ever seen! The NFL front office has to take a serious look at the refs and the replay official from this game.
posted by LiveWithIt at 08:31 PM on January 15, 2006
Happy feet Manning just couldn't settle down. It's not Dungys fault. Instant replay? when does that ever worked? Not with those stupid AFC refs. How long did he take to look at that interception? What an idiot! I know he Never played ball in his life.
posted by jhirth at 08:42 PM on January 15, 2006
i am loving every minute of hearing the "experts" and "analysts" talk about how the steelers beat the colts. NOBODY gave them any hope of winning. It gives me great pleasure to watch Manning fail in the playoffs like usual, then point fingers at everyone. Peyton is a great regular season QB but falls short of that in postseason. The officiating just plain SUCKED i mean how does a steeler receiver get tackled while trying to go up for a pass??? I guess even the officials wanted the colts to win. "The colts will be back next year" yeah, so will the Patriots.
posted by chuy at 08:45 PM on January 15, 2006
I know what I would if I were on that O-Line next year -- show golden boy what real protection problems are. And he could have just said that the Steelers out played them (they did) They were out hit, out coached, out everything. When I wore my black and gold to church here in Oklahoma many people told me they wanted the Steelers to win. What's not to like about them. Yes, I go way back. I was selling hot chocolate in Three Rivers Stadium when the immaculate reception ocurred. I thought that the officals for these games were picked because of superior game calling during the regular season. I want to know the safety rule. His knee was on the goal line the ball was in the end zone. Even my cat knew that the great #43 had an interception!
posted by Claremore Rancher at 09:00 PM on January 15, 2006
I am loving it too..If peyton would stop being the most selfish player in the history of the game, he might win something in his life. Here's a hint to the Colt's organization. Either start listing Peyton's position as Quarterback, Offensive coordinator, Head Coach and CEO of player operations and keep losing or here's an idea.......STOP letting him make stupid decisions and running the team. The offensive coordiator calls a play and Peyton runs it. Dungy makes a decision and it's done. maybe, just maybe..they will win a playoff game or any game that means something. Peyton, Stop talking and jumping around and acting like an ass and run the damn play that is called or we'll find someone else to take us into the playoffs......... History lesson: The year after he leaves Tenn....National championship..same team. If I were the colts...I would trade him and get team oriented players to add to the great core and take this team further than one could imagine. Remember...Trent Dilfer won a superbowl..Brad Johnson won a superbowl..it doesn't take or need a Marino or a Manning.....maybe Eli. Who I think has a much better chance to win a superbowl. No I in TEAM people!
posted by LSUMAN at 09:11 PM on January 15, 2006
Were they rusty against San Diego?? As a Charger fan I took some pride durning this game. Clearly the Steelers modeled their gameplan after the Bolts. These two games looked very similar. Three games this weekend there were serious issues with the officiating. I don't remember any calls from the Hawks/Skins game so they get a pass this week. I would give 3 of the crews a failing grade. You can't blow calls on big plays in big games. I do believe that the teams that played better won all three games but you never know how a correct call on some of these plays may have changed the outcome of the games and, in particular, the Pats/Bronc's game.
posted by stofer71 at 09:11 PM on January 15, 2006
Ok for one thing, let's not forget that about a decade ago Cower got the good calls against Indy to send him to the Super Bowl, so I don't feel badly about the poor officiating, especially since they won anyway. And everyone is trying to stick this on Manning which is partially correct....HOWEVER, someone needs to step up here and mention the fact that Tony Dungy has yet to win a big playoff game as a head coach. His teams constantly choke in big games, Tampa had to send him packing before they could finally win it all. Will Indy have to do the same? I certainly feel bad for the whole situation he has been placed in now, but he continues to be paid to do his job and get this team all the way...there's no excuse for not making the Super Bowl this year.
posted by Masked at 09:27 PM on January 15, 2006
Digest of Rules Safety 1. The important factor in a safety is impetus. Two points are scored for the opposing team when the ball is dead on or behind a team’s own goal line if the impetus came from a player on that team. Examples of Safety: (a) Blocked punt goes out of kicking team’s end zone. Impetus was provided by punting team. The block only changes direction of ball, not impetus. (b) Ball carrier retreats from field of play into his own end zone and is downed. Ball carrier provides impetus. (c) Offensive team commits a foul and spot of enforcement is behind its own goal line. (d) Player on receiving team muffs punt and, trying to get ball, forces or illegally kicks (creating new impetus) it into end zone where it goes out of the end zone or is recovered by a member of the receiving team in the end zone. Examples of Non-Safety: (a) Player intercepts a pass with both feet inbounds in the field of play and his momentum carries him into his own end zone. Ball is put in play at spot of interception. (b) Player intercepts a pass in his own end zone and is downed in the end zone, even after recovering in the end zone. Impetus came from passing team, not from defense. (Touchback) (c) Player passes from behind his own goal line. Opponent bats down ball in end zone. (Incomplete pass)
posted by Claremore Rancher at 09:28 PM on January 15, 2006
Timing is everything in the Colts offense and when you don't play in game situations that is lost. They were rusty. Played 13 games without any serious injuries should have kept the 1st team in shape by playing at least three quarters in the last three games of the season. Dungy found out what Sorji can do so let him have the last quarter to keep sharp against players that are after him for keeps. As a jr. high quarterback I might have played more if I did not have to read the defenses and could have the plays sent in from the sideline. Manning is the best at reading the defense and going where he needs to. Keep up the good work and the Colts will be back. Where are the Lions????
posted by coach at 09:34 PM on January 15, 2006
Manning and Dungy are going to hear tons of comments about how they can't win the big one. Remember, several other great ones have heard the same..... ala John Elway. All it takes is a break-through one time to go from playoff dog to one of the all-time greats.
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 09:36 PM on January 15, 2006
There was nothing wrong with the way Cower coached at the end. The Steelers played that way all year. Get a lead, run the ball, play great defense, that's the Steelers. Today they did indeed have to beat the Colts and the refs. Dungy will be back next year, Manning just could'nt shake the Steeler pressure. I hate to go against a former Mountaineer, but I am glad Vanderjagt missed that field goal!
posted by EERFAN88 at 09:38 PM on January 15, 2006
Send Manning to Detroit . He and Millen deserve each other.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 09:43 PM on January 15, 2006
I just watched Manning smack his O line in an interview on TV. True or not, you can't do that! What was he thinking?
posted by EERFAN88 at 09:45 PM on January 15, 2006
Add another blown call to the officials.I just saw the highlights on sportscenter....When Joey Porter sacked Peyton on 4th down play, he ripped his helmet off in the end zone...thats a no no, should have been 15 yds...They called Vanderchoke for taking his helmet off...I hope these officials never see the field again...I think WALMART is hiring......
posted by stefex at 10:05 PM on January 15, 2006
Manning and Dungy are going to hear tons of comments about how they can't win the big one. Remember, several other great ones have heard the same..... ala John Elway. Exactly. He doesn't turn 30 until later this year. It's a little early to be burying him. Jim Plunkett didn't win his first Super Bowl until he was 33 years old. Roger Staubach didn't win his Super Bowl until he was 35 years old. Elway didn't win his first Super Bowl until he was 37 years old.
posted by grum@work at 10:12 PM on January 15, 2006
Bad enough the Steelers had to play against the Colts and the crowd noise, but to compete against the refs too.....Not that the call mattered in the end.
posted by hink64 at 10:34 PM on January 15, 2006
Big Ben'll be, what, 22 or 23?
posted by Saxman at 10:35 PM on January 15, 2006
I was rooting for the Colts, but Pittsburgh played the (slightly) better game and deserved to win. Still, Dungy made an awful call on third and two there at the end. There were about 30 seconds left on the clock and the Colts had two timeouts left. A run for the first down and a timeout would have left Manning with a couple of shots at moving into more secure field goal range or even trying for a winning touchdown. Instead, he threw a bad incompletion and we all know what happened next. With the Bears out, I can't say I have a dog left in this fight...
posted by ajaffe at 10:57 PM on January 15, 2006
We don't know if it was Dungy that made the "awful call on 3rd and 2". Since they call in the plays and Manning thinking he's king shit, makes all the changes at the line and basically calls his own plays. I think all he did was confuse his "problematic pass protectors". I guess the real Peyton stood up after the game blaming everyone but himself.
posted by chuy at 11:08 PM on January 15, 2006
hey LSUMAN "NO I in TEAM" what peyton might be thinking: There ain't no WE either. haha i am loving it man, especially hearing chris berman talking all sad like his best pig just died. Hey COACH they are veterans that work together for months before the season not to mention they get paid more money than we'll ever see to perform in big games and to not be rusty. As for the lions man leave them alone, they can't decide what receivers they are going to draft this year.
posted by chuy at 11:30 PM on January 15, 2006
I'm not sure, I could be wrong, but it seems that Coach Dungy has trouble with the BIG games. Can't recall him winning the BIG games even at T.B. That missed field goal was a TERRIBLE miss. Waaaaaaaay right. Very uncharacteristic for a home field kicker to miss one that badly. Don't understand why Edgerrin wasn't involved more in the last few minutes, even as a safety valve. With the Steelers sending bodies, Edge would've had a lot of real estate before first contact. Manning could've moved the pocket to give himself more options, especially with a couple of time outs left. Can't blame it on the O-line, should've known that the Steelers would play aggressive; that's how they play. So many things contributed to that implosion in the final 2 minutes, but let's not forget that Indy was losing to a team that knows how to bring it in the post season.
posted by babooze808 at 12:06 AM on January 16, 2006
Send Manning to Detroit . He and Millen deserve each other. Even Peyton Manning couldn't make the Lions a good team.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:31 AM on January 16, 2006
The NFL instituted a playoff system in 1932, Grip. How can you just now be coming to the realization that they devalue accomplishments in the regular season?
posted by rcade at 06:44 AM on January 16, 2006
Big Ben'll be, what, 22 or 23? posted by Saxman at 10:35 PM CST on January 15 Yes, he will be the first and youngest QB ever to lose 2 AFC championship games in his first 2 seasons!
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 06:45 AM on January 16, 2006
Off topic, I know, but is there anything more annoying or embarrassing than that jackass singing the "I Love You Too" Coors Light crappy song during those football highlights? Nothing gets me running for the mute button faster. Thank you for letting me vent my frustrations. Oh yeah, nice kick, Vanderjagt. It looked like he was going for the coffin corner. I hate kickers in football, period, but a kicker with a big mouth is unacceptable.
posted by dyams at 06:59 AM on January 16, 2006
Yes, he will be the first and youngest QB ever to lose 2 AFC championship games in his first 2 seasons! good one groinr I almost cried when Bettis fumbled that ball. Ben made the tackle of the game. I didnt want Jeromes last nfl carry to be that. I feel confident about next week and feel that we can get to Jake Plummer. And the winner for the number one steelers fan this weekend is.... Nick Harpers wife
posted by steelcityguy at 07:21 AM on January 16, 2006
The NFL instituted a playoff system in 1932, Grip. How can you just now be coming to the realization that they devalue accomplishments in the regular season? posted by rcade at 6:44 AM CST on January 16 So true rcade. In most pro sports there are two things you have to do, in the regular season, in order to win a Championship. First of all, you must qualify for the playoffs. Secondly, you must make sure that your team is playing the best ball it can be. "Resting players" to "aboid injury is a joke. By playing your best the whole season, your can ensure that your team is playing their best,. In the Colts case, there is a lot of blame to go around. You win a team and you loose as a team.
posted by daddisamm at 07:54 AM on January 16, 2006
Off topic, I know, but is there anything more annoying or embarrassing than that jackass singing the "I Love You Too" Coors Light crappy song during those football highlights? I'm tired of the whole advertising trend where crowds of men scream songs in beer commercials and other male-targeted ads. There's too much crying related to Jerome Bettis. I can already foresee another season-ending tearjerker if the Steelers don't beat the Broncos. Why are people so emotional about the Bus?
posted by rcade at 07:54 AM on January 16, 2006
feel confident about next week and feel that we can get to Jake Plummer. And the winner for the number one steelers fan this weekend is.... Nick Harpers wife So, If I follow your strategy correctly..., You will you have her stab Jake Plummer this week?
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 07:56 AM on January 16, 2006
beer commercials and other male-targeted ads. why don't they show more singing tampon ads?
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 08:02 AM on January 16, 2006
You are mad if you think Peyton waved off the punt team on his own. He has tried it before and Dungy made him get off the field. That was Dungy's choice to go for it!!!
posted by tmart937 at 08:03 AM on January 16, 2006
Why are people so emotional about the Bus? It's only in Pittsburgh, for the most part. Anyone who was a Rams fan remembers how the guy was a jackass towards that organization and basically said he wanted out. He moved on to Pittsburgh where he's beloved. If he would have started and ended his career in the Steel City, then I'd understand the more widespread emotion. But I'll never fully forget his poor St. Louis attitude. As for the "blame to go around" regarding the Colts loss, I choose to pin it on the offensive line and the offensive coaches. Absolutely no adjustments made at the half. The Steelers defense was tough, the Colts offense (especially the line) was soft. In big games, a team's play mirrors the coach. I'll always think Dungy is a good football mind, but have always seen him as too laid back. That team needs some killer instinct. As for Manning calling out the line, I have no problem with it. Anyone who watched the game saw the exact same thing. I'd like to see the Steelers finally win a Super Bowl, because Cower is a deserving coach.
posted by dyams at 08:11 AM on January 16, 2006
I wouldnt say people get so emotional, its the fact that you root for someone for that long, you want to see his career end well. I wouldnt wish anyone to have that memory as thier last nfl play.
posted by steelcityguy at 08:40 AM on January 16, 2006
Using just attitude as a measure, would you prefer Peyton or the Bus on your team?
posted by Claremore Rancher at 08:46 AM on January 16, 2006
Easily the lowest moment of Mannings career. Maybe the worst statemnt after a loss I have ever heard, WOW! This is public apology type territory. Uhhh ... or perhaps not. Why don't they show more singing tampon ads? I don't know, but in Canada, every third commercial was for the National School of the Performing Arts or something. I kept thinking, "You know, I don't think most of the people watching this game are really into leaping about the stage or acting in 'The Vagina Monologues'."
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:00 AM on January 16, 2006
You are mad if you think Peyton waved off the punt team on his own. He has tried it before and Dungy made him get off the field. That was Dungy's choice to go for it!!! All I can say is watch the game again and look at Dungy's face. It was clear as day that Manning did that on his own. There was no mistaking the facial expressions that he didn't make the call. Besides, he's on the sidelines...he's the one that tells the kicking team to go out...they wouldn't have run out unless the coach had told them to, and the coach wouldn't have told them to unless Dungy did...not in a situation like that.
posted by bdaddy at 09:17 AM on January 16, 2006
Why are people so emotional about the Bus? Obviously, you've never tasted his BBQ sauce...
posted by sexymofo at 09:28 AM on January 16, 2006
Why are people so emotional about the Bus? It's only in Pittsburgh, for the most part. Well, I don't really like The Bus as a Steeler, but I still have fond memories of him as a member of Notre Dame. It's like pro wrestling: my feelings about Jerome are muted by the fact I think he'll tear off the Steelers jersey someday and become a good guy again (no way was that his last NFL carry). Plus he really cares about asthmatics.
posted by yerfatma at 09:28 AM on January 16, 2006
I was rooting for the Colts, but Pittsburgh played the (slightly) better game and deserved to win slightly? It was 21-3 until the 4th. With 5 minutes left it was 2 score game and if the BS INT was ruled like it was supposed to this game would have been considered a domination by the Steelers.
posted by bdaddy at 09:36 AM on January 16, 2006
wfrazerhr, Nice recall, I had forgotten all about the "manning moon incident", lol guess he is still a jerk. Oh and I had a TO sighting. Looks like he is playing for burger king the rest of the season.
posted by kosmicdebris at 09:44 AM on January 16, 2006
The guys in the studio were right: an Indy win would have been highway robbery. This game is not over in my opinion. I don't care anymore who won or lost. There needs to be an investigation into the officiating and heads need to roll. What ever happened to "irrefutable evidence" being needed to overturn a call on the field not to mention other horrific calls. This game is not over for me until some officials are hanged.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 09:44 AM on January 16, 2006
Why are people so emotional about the Bus? Because he is a nice guy, who heaps praises on his teammates, and takes responsibility for his own mistakes. He is smart, gives a good interview, makes time for people, and gives back to the community. He is the best "big back" the game has seen to date, and his body has taken a pounding over the last 13+ years. He is currently the 5th leading rusher in the history of the game and fans would like to hear "Super Bowl winner" when he is talked about. Another thing I like about this team is that there is none of that tradition defense v. offense crap. Very often you see the players from both sides of the ball hanging together, and even the coaches. A few pictures recently have shown Dick LeBeau smiling and talking with Jerome. And often times cameras will show defensive players congratulating the offense and vice versa. That isn't always the case, and I think it is cool. As for the Rams stuff, I have heard differently. I don't recall all the specifics, but I remember reading that the Rams brought in another player via the draft and it upset Jerome because he had been performing well. Then the Steelers got the steal trade and the guy who remained with the Lambs... err... Rams didn't do jack. I'm too tired from yesterdays roller coaster game to look up the details, but I am sure there is more to the story than he had "an attitude." Personally I don't care if the Steelers never win another Super Bowl if they win this one for Jerome.* It would be nice for Cowher to get the monkey off his back too, but he is still young and can coach for a long time. I think Jerome will make a good talking head once he has hung up his cleats. I just hope he gets that ring first. * I said the same thing about Juan Dixon before the Maryland Terrapins won the national championship in 2002. And I meant it, and while I still cheer for my alma mater, I am fine with their one championship. On preview: I don't want to see the offical hanged, but I do want to hear an apology from the NFL for that BS call on Troy's overturned interception.
posted by scully at 09:57 AM on January 16, 2006
Is it just me or do others see this also? Manning is the one who spends so much time telling "his" team where to be before a snap. So who should take responsibility for "protection problems" That would be the man behind center, trying to confuse defenses with his seemingly great grasp of the game. Could it be that he is confusing the Colts? Maybe, perhaps, Manning should just line up and play, like every other Quarterback. Go Steelers!
posted by Claremore Rancher at 10:38 AM on January 16, 2006
I personally believe that the game was well played by the Steelers, and the Colts offense began showing up late game. There was some poor officiating, yes, but when it's all said and done, the best team won. Good job, Steelers!
posted by supersly26 at 11:15 AM on January 16, 2006
Thanks for the link wfrazerjr , I had never heard of that episode with Manning.
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 11:17 AM on January 16, 2006
On replay, I saw someone in the stands, wearing a Bus jersey, appear to bend over and pass gas as soon as Vanderjat's kick was beginning to straighten out. Therefore, I blame the wind.
posted by tselson at 11:18 AM on January 16, 2006
If you are on the punt team you AUTOMATICALLY go out to do your JOB on 4th down. You are not told when TO punt you are told when NOT to punt. Dungy made that choice and obviously Peyton would not want to come off the field. Who wants a QB that would?
posted by tmart937 at 11:53 AM on January 16, 2006
Ok, now that we are done ragging on Manning, his family, the refs, the coaches, the offense, the defense and the nacho's lets get to the business at hand the "EXPERTS" is it going to be the the Steelers with the kid QB out of nowhere and the sure thing HOF lovable old back maybe playing in his last game or is it going to be the Home team that is used to playing in the mile high city with a system the produces great backs (its the system not the man,just ask Moe) and the Mountian Man QB.. My bet is all they talk about is the Steelers. With Nary a mention of Denver. Time to jump on the NFC bandwagon
posted by thatch at 11:55 AM on January 16, 2006
One of these comments is not like the others.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 11:58 AM on January 16, 2006
The Steelers. And yes, I am an expert. Just ask me.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 11:58 AM on January 16, 2006
Defense wins in the playoffs and again Pittsburgh proves it. Dungy was a non participant, his head was not in the game (who can blame him) and his lack of coaching was clearly evident. No adjustments were made to slow down the Steelers blitz. Manning and the Colts just plain choked. Exactly like they did against the Chargers in a nationally televised game to remain undefeated, and exactly like they did in the playoffs in previous years. The games were similar even down to the final drive, in field goal range where Manning made bad decisions. The pressure of the monkey on their back had them paralized. Well now the monkey is 400 pound gorilla. The Colts are the Buffalo Bills of the new millenium. No one player wins or looses games like this. The whole team can take credit. Pittsburgh just beat them up and made them look bad.
posted by Atheist at 12:00 PM on January 16, 2006
I am a super Colts fan and calling us the Bills right now would be a compliment. We aren't even the Eagles. Actually we are kinda like Pittsburg. The Cowher era.
posted by tmart937 at 12:05 PM on January 16, 2006
I am a super Colts fan and calling us the Bills right now would be a compliment. That's what I was thinking when I read that other comment, but I'm glad to hear this from an actual Colts fan. Pretty soon Colts fans will probably almost be satisfied to just see their team get to the Super Bowl, regardless of the outcome. I'm sure many Indy fans will dispute this sentiment, but imagine how good it would feel to actually win a AFC Championship! That's the seemingly insurmountable obstacle for the Colts.
posted by dyams at 12:19 PM on January 16, 2006
BTW Here is my list of excuses in no paticular order. #1 Nick Harpers wife is to blame #2 Since the Patriots lost it didn't make sense to win #3 I now believe in the Steelers fan passing gas in the dome causing the missed "kick"
posted by tmart937 at 12:32 PM on January 16, 2006
I know Page 2 is overlinked around here, but Gallo's wrap-up was pretty damn funny.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:40 PM on January 16, 2006
wfrazerjr: Global should be banned from buying the rights to NFL coverage. Aside from the horrible commercials ("A controverisal doctor who trusts NO ONE!"), those stock-footage stadiums after commercial breaks that cause us to miss part of the real telecast are brutal. Did you notice during the Bears game one of the Global "stadium shots" had a scoreboard in it? Apparently Minnesota was also playing in Chicago yesterday.
posted by fabulon7 at 12:50 PM on January 16, 2006
I am so happy the Steelers won. They have been my favorite team since the 1970's. Although I am quite shocked they did take the win. Nevertheless "GO STEELERS"!!!
posted by melssa at 12:51 PM on January 16, 2006
fabulon7, my favourite is Global's computer-generated ad blimp. I'm waiting for the day that a disgruntled Global technician puts the blimp in a roofed stadium.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:54 PM on January 16, 2006
looks like bettis has a good chance to play his last game in his hometown.{thanks for a shank kick}great way to end a great career. hopefully
posted by kpgarza at 01:13 PM on January 16, 2006
It was unsportsmanlike comduct to blame the O line. He is a jerk. I do not like him much either. Jeff Saturday is a good player. I know someone who calls Manning The american Idiot. He says the song should be an ode to the QB's stupidity. There are two types of folks ya'll should never the trust: the Seahawks, and a Manning. The Giants are in for hell. And they were sad that Jim Fassel lost the Big Game. Hah, Eli makes the Chargers and Ryan Leaf look like Bart Starr and the Packers. Calling the Colts the Texans right now is a compliment. They are htta bad. 13-0, 14-2, playoffs: 0 Wins. Jim Mora said: "PLAYOFFS. YOU'RE ASKIN' ME ABOUT PLAYOFFS. WE'RE TRYIN' TO WIN A ------- GAME RIGHT NOW, AND YOU'RE ASKIN' ME ABOUT PLAYOFFS!!!! ----!!!!"
posted by Joe88 at 01:37 PM on January 16, 2006
What the?
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 01:57 PM on January 16, 2006
Joe, I think it's time to up your dosage again.
posted by wfrazerjr at 02:08 PM on January 16, 2006
I THINK THEY SHOULD FIRE DUNGY AND SAVE THE MONEY. MANNING IS THE COACH ANYWAY!!! OR AT LEAST HE THINKS HE IS.
posted by brmbuyer at 02:09 PM on January 16, 2006
frazer, you think there's any way we could convert that medication into gas form and just fill the room with it?
posted by chicobangs at 02:13 PM on January 16, 2006
I am so happy the Steelers won. They have been my favorite team since the 1970's. Although I am quite shocked they did take the win. Nevertheless "GO STEELERS"!!! posted by melssa at 12:51 PM CST on January 16 Funny I thought you were a "rieder" fan. On subject....I thought the Steelers played a much better game than the Colts did. When the end of the season came and teams already had their home field and bye weeks locked, I thought they should rest their starters to prevent injury. I now see the error of my ways. I think it would have been better for Indy and Chicago for that matter, to play their starters and not let them get rusty. I took Indy 3 quarters to show up for the game and by that time it was too little, too late. I think Manning was wrong in putting it all on the O-line. He is supposedly such a leader, especially when he is jumping around reading the defense and telling everyone what to do, why didn't he tell them the right thing to do or did they just not listen to him? Either way, if he is going to go through all the effort and lose it doesn't appear he is a WINNING leader. Anyone can go in there and tell people what to do, doesn't mean they are reading it correctly and are going to win. He should let Dungy and coordinators earn their money and make decisions. He sure does make their jobs easier. Shoot I could go in there and be the coach, then if we don't win, I can blame it on the QB.
posted by skydivemom at 02:14 PM on January 16, 2006
The top-secret third Manning brother. They keep him in the closet with the evil-twin gone wrong.
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 02:18 PM on January 16, 2006
You just know that the next time some team gets to 14-0 and clinches home-field advantage, they're going to start every player who can walk for the rest of the season, consequences be damned. No backup will ever play a down in this league again.
posted by chicobangs at 03:09 PM on January 16, 2006
Mountainman QB? If you think Jake can read the blitzes better than Peyton.. well bring it on!
posted by Claremore Rancher at 03:17 PM on January 16, 2006
No backup will ever play a down in this league again. I always hated that about the NFL. How they have 1rst string. Then they have 2nd 3rd strings that never play until someone is injured. Then they have the excuse of "inexperience" when they lose. They don't get experience if they don't play. I also hate that running out the last 2:00 min of the clock play. I know the Bettis fumble was a perfect example of why you would want to run out the clock but that's the pansie way out. Mad props to Pittsburgh for having the testicular fortitude to go for the touchdown.
posted by njsk8r20 at 03:27 PM on January 16, 2006
Mad props to Pittsburgh for having the testicular fortitude to go for the touchdown. Uh, they had to. They couldn't run out the clock because the Colts still had all their time-outs. They could've taken three knees and gone for the field goal, but would you want to kick off to the Colts with just under two minutes remaining with only a six-point lead? No backup will ever play a down in this league again. Someone should mention this to Casey Printers.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 03:32 PM on January 16, 2006
are you all forgetting about bens immaculate tackle
posted by sunshine at 03:43 PM on January 16, 2006
There are great players who ammass terriffic stats, yet fail when it comes down to the post season.We see it in all sports. Payton Manning is one of those great players who right now has the reputation of failing in the post season. This was clearly the "Year of the Colts" and once again when they face a tough hard hiting team like the Patriots or Steelers, they look soft and crumble.
posted by Vito Spucalundania at 03:47 PM on January 16, 2006
Then they have 2nd 3rd strings that never play until someone is injured. Then they have the excuse of "inexperience" when they lose. They don't get experience if they don't play. This is why the european soccer format of promotion/relegation and loaning players is so appealing to me. The NFL kinda sorta does it with NFL Europe, but it might be something to consider on a larger scale. I know it won't happen, because no American teams would want to compete with themselves, so to speak. It can't work in the existing format of professional football, but it could work in the MLB. Rather than trading a AAA-leaguer as part of a trade a team that was flush with players at a particular position could loan that player out to another team for a price and allow that player to compete. I know, commie talk. :)
posted by scully at 03:50 PM on January 16, 2006
This loss is on Dungy. They got away from the run early, they got out of their gameplan with plenty of 3 step drops instead of their normal 5, they let the Steeler's defense dictate the entire game up until the final few minutes of the 4th quarter. You can give the Steelers credit and rightly so...but how many years are Tony Dungy teams going to choke in the playoffs behind poor playcalling before someone blames Mr. Nice Guy for not getting it done and stops trying to shift the blame elsewhere? And I agree, Manning can win the big one, but much like Elway, he will need a COACH who can win the big one first.
posted by Masked at 04:03 PM on January 16, 2006
4. People are always complaining about large corporations. But when they do something positive they should be commended. Take MasterCard, for example. Sunday night, after the Colts' loss, it started running a new Peyton Manning "D-CAF" spot showing various bloopers he made during filming. And then the ad closes with the line: "Not being perfect … priceless." Absolutely. Awesome. The fact that they had that cued up waiting for the Colts to lose, well … feel free to raise my interest rate to 29.99 percent, MasterCard. I'll pay anything you ask. If that is true I want to see that commercial. Melssa I want to know what happened to you in the span of 51 minutes that turned you into a RIEDER fan and your capitilization and spelling into shit. No backup will ever play a down in this league again. Then the Panthers are fucked; wait, I'm sure Steve Smith could play running back instead of Nick Goings.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 04:06 PM on January 16, 2006
Even though the call didn't effect the outcome, it's good the league admitted an error on the Polamalu interception. I don't know how the refs could look at that on replay and still get it wrong.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 04:07 PM on January 16, 2006
Wow! A league actually admits it's ref made a mistake and didn't take the "they are only human" cop-out. That has to be a first.
posted by njsk8r20 at 04:13 PM on January 16, 2006
I'm glad to see that the Steelers are dogs again this week. Seems that role works well for us.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 04:25 PM on January 16, 2006
This was not an official blowing a call. This was the replay guy not knowing the rules. That, or he lives in Indy.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 04:40 PM on January 16, 2006
Even though the call didn't effect the outcome, it's good the league admitted an error on the Polamalu interception. I don't know how the refs could look at that on replay and still get it wrong. Wow! A league actually admits it's ref made a mistake and didn't take the "they are only human" cop-out. That has to be a first. A positive step but still not good enough. The NFL needs to investigate all of the crappy officiating and take positive steps to reduce the crap calls and non calls we saw this weekend. More training, firings and/or whatever it takes. Don't just say "we're sorry" without making substantial changes/corrections.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 04:48 PM on January 16, 2006
I'm coming in a day late, missed the game(had to work)...glad the Steelers won...Bettis is loved in Pitt. because he's a good guy who even took a pay cut to stay with the black and gold...he deserves a ring, Cowher too. There's been bad officiating since the "tuck rule" that knocked the Raiders out in'02! The Peter principle...incompetence rises to where it can do the most damage. Dungy shouldn't lose his job...one guy can't do it all(just ask the Cleveland fans...$47 mil for what?? Love this site
posted by steelergirl at 04:51 PM on January 16, 2006
Bettis...deserves a ring, Cowher too I hate that argument, no matter the sport. Nobody "deserves" dick. It's a privilege that anyone even gets to play a game for a king's ransom. They can earn a ring, and Pittsburgh is playing like a team who will earn it, but deserve? Anyway...just a pet peeve. mini-rant over.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 05:03 PM on January 16, 2006
he NFL needs to investigate all of the crappy officiating They need to hire full-time officials. If I recall, the announcers were talking about how the head ref (aka The Idiot) of the Steelers game was a high school principal. Well, good for him, but he needs to be a full-time ref. There must be money in the lucrative teevee contracts to pay these guys.
posted by scully at 05:35 PM on January 16, 2006
are you all forgetting about bens immaculate tackle posted by sunshine at 3:43 PM CST on January 16 I love it! "The Immaculate Tackle!" Start spreading it around- If only it could get to Myron Cope...
posted by Saxman at 06:37 PM on January 16, 2006
Yoinks! Apparently Peter King's boss gets the credit for the unimaginative "Immaculate Tackle" phrase. To me it sounds like someone who keeps his johnson clean of disease, or maybe like those folks who add the suffix -gate to every politcal scandal. The latter is stupid, the former is unimaginative, and takes away from Franco Harris' amazing feat. And I'm a Steeler fan. But there is no denying that the play will be recalled for years to come, especially if the Steelers are fortunate enough to win Super Bowl XL. So what to call it? * The Terrific Trip? * The Fortunate Flounder? * The Big Ben Bend? Any others?
posted by scully at 06:53 PM on January 16, 2006
To me it sounds like someone who keeps his johnson clean of disease Hahahahahaha! "Immaculate Tackle". Stupidest. Sports phrase. EVAR.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:19 PM on January 16, 2006
"Immaculate Tackle". I saw a dude on OLN, he made his own flies. He matched them with what was hatching at that precise moment in time. That MF had "immaculate tackle." Big Ben had a very nice tumble. The Fortunate Flounder works for me. Franco Harris' amazing feat. Rocky Bleir had amazing feet. They had shrapnel in them. But this is sad.
posted by tselson at 11:01 PM on January 16, 2006
At least Big Ben got back up to play. I was beginning to think QB's and kickers were supposed to act hurt after making a tackle.
posted by njsk8r20 at 08:05 AM on January 17, 2006
"Big Ben's Bad Trip." I'm sooo gonna copyright that.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:53 PM on January 17, 2006
Insane game. Pittsburgh tried to give it away, but they played better all day. I thought the interception should have stood, can't believe they called it an incomplete pass, but in the end it doesn't matter. Thank God for Bettis's sake. That would have been a career defining fumble.