The Raiders got jobbed on that end zone call last night. A running back just has to put the nose over the goal line for a touchdown, but a receiver has to have both feet down, his butt down too, hold the ball for seconds, and then can't let the nose of the ball touch the ground. Totally bogus call.
Steve Young had the call right from the start.

do steelers fans believe everything printed in the post-gazzette?

I don't even read the post-gazzette....I live in Texas....That was my personal feelings.
But apparently Raven fans like to keep track of Pittsburgh sports writers? ;)



pterodactly, yeah that should have been a TD for the Raiders. I couldn't believe they overruled that call!!!

The Raiders got jobbed on that end zone call last night. A running back just has to put the nose over the goal line for a touchdown, but a receiver has to have both feet down, his butt down too, hold the ball for seconds, and then can't let the nose of the ball touch the ground. Totally bogus call.
Steve Young had the call right from the start.

Yeah...you guys sure got jobbed.

http://i26.tinypic.com/11bqg6a.jpg


Rule 8, Section 1, Article 4

Item 1: Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.

I think that about sums it up...No catch.

Not positive, but that pic looks like a different play than the one I am talking about. Is that the one right before halftime? Thought he was facing the other direction....meaning falling towards the back of the endzone?

Not positive, but that pic looks like a different play than the one I am talking about. Is that the one right before halftime? Thought he was facing the other direction....meaning falling towards the back of the endzone?


It's the same play, but from a different angle. This is what the refs were looking at, while the fans were looking at the crappy Monday Night Football coverage.

The Raiders got jobbed on that end zone call last night. A running back just has to put the nose over the goal line for a touchdown, but a receiver has to have both feet down, his butt down too, hold the ball for seconds, and then can't let the nose of the ball touch the ground. Totally bogus call.
Steve Young had the call right from the start.

The ball came loose under his belly. Two different replay angles showed it. DVIN�E quotes the actual rule.

If you don't understand the rule, it's the same basic concept as an outfielder catching a fly ball and running into the fence. It's not enough to catch the ball, you have to maintain possession through the continuation of the play. If an outfelder grabs the ball, crashed into the fence, and the ball pops out....it's not a catch even though the ball was "caught" before hitting the fence.

Same for a receiver. If you catch the ball standing up, you catch he ball. If you catch the ball going to the ground, you have to maintain control of the ball through contact with the ground. The replays clearly show the ball coming loose under his belly. No catch.

One of the college games on Saturday showed a similar issue that is a catch. The receiver pulled in the ball, brought it to his chest, and then crashed into the ground where the ball contacted the ground. He maintained control of the ball throughout so it was catch even though part of the ball tourched the ground. It was not a "trap" as the ball was put away prior to contact with the ground, but the received had to maintain control of the ball throughout contact with the ground.

That rule is just as bad as letting someone call a falling putt on themself.

Whatever happened to "the ground can't cause a fumble" rule...the receiver wasn't going to the ground...he was being tackled after he had already secured the ball. It was the worst call/rule missuse I've ever seen.

Whatever happened to "the ground can't cause a fumble" rule....

It is impossible to fumble in the endzone.

That rule is just as bad as letting someone call a falling putt on themself.
That is "sour grapes Raideer fan" talking there. Whatever.


Whatever happened to "the ground can't cause a fumble" rule...the receiver wasn't going to the ground...he was being tackled after he had already secured the ball. It was the worst call/rule missuse I've ever seen.
It wasn't ruled a fumble, so "the ground can't cause a fumble" has absolutely nothing to do with this situation. At all!

Please read my previous post. Once the receiver establishes possession, then the ground can't cause a fumble. The ground can, however, prevent a player from establishing possession. You have to maintain control of the ball, which the Raider receiver didn't do...as evidenced by the ball coming free on the ground under his belly in at least two of the replay angles.

joey flacco and the b-more ravens are coming to town to dice up that stout chargers secondary.

joey flacco and the b-more ravens are coming to town to dice up that stout chargers secondary.

I watched the KC v. BAL game last night, and Flacco looks crisp. He should have a good day as long as he throws to Heap over the middle, otherwise Jammer and Cro will get a couple picks.

Steelers will be fighting with the Browns for the cellar spot, you've got the division on lock.

I watched the KC v. BAL game last night, and Flacco looks crisp. He should have a good day as long as he throws to Heap over the middle, otherwise Jammer and Cro will get a couple picks.

Steelers will be fighting with the Browns for the cellar spot, you've got the division on lock.

Maybe you should have watched that bUNgle game instead...so you knew what you were talking about! Either that or put the pipe down and walk away!!! ;P

It will be a close race between the Ravens and Steelers for the AFC North. Ravens D is not what it once was....but neither is the Steeler run game.

the ravens D will still be a top 5 D. the O will continue to set franchise records (not saying much but the combo might be lethal).

it's so refreshing to actually have a QB that looks to be the future of the franchise. michael oher seems to have been another brilliant ozzie pick. at the game sunday, on the first play when flacco dropped back and scanned for an open target then sauntered toward the sideline for a few yards, there was a collective sigh of relief in the whole stadium. everyone around me was saying, "look at how much time he had back there!". after a few years of happy feet boller fraying our nerves everytime he dropped back into the pocket, flacco looks like joe montana to us.

ravens 24
chargers 17

Maybe you should have watched that bUNgle game instead...so you knew what you were talking about! Either that or put the pipe down and walk away!!! ;P

It will be a close race between the Ravens and Steelers for the AFC North. Ravens D is not what it once was....but neither is the Steeler run game.

I watched that game too...Also watched Hard Knocks. The Steelers had a great run, but karma is a female dog, and you got plenty coming your way. The Bengals will destroy your team, so will Baltimore; but each in their own way.

Congrats to Baltimore for winning the AFC North!!!

ravens 24
chargers 17


Sounds about right...

That is "sour grapes Raideer fan" talking there. Whatever.



It wasn't ruled a fumble, so "the ground can't cause a fumble" has absolutely nothing to do with this situation. At all!

Please read my previous post. Once the receiver establishes possession, then the ground can't cause a fumble. The ground can, however, prevent a player from establishing possession. You have to maintain control of the ball, which the Raider receiver didn't do...as evidenced by the ball coming free on the ground under his belly in at least two of the replay angles.

It's a bogus call. He landed on both feet in the end zone...then he landed on his butt...about an hour later he dropped the ball. TD.

I'd be worried about a defense which gave up 24 points at home to the Chefs who were starting a backup QB.

The Ravens only gave 17 points, not 24. A blocked punt returned for a TD doesn't really count against the defense. And one of the other touchdowns was set up by a 70 yd. interception. They only gave up 29 yds. rushing, the Squeelers gave up 85 yds. The Ravens will DESTROY you twice this year, it would be three, but you won't see the postseason...

It's a bogus call. He landed on both feet in the end zone...then he landed on his butt...about an hour later he dropped the ball. TD.

Totally agree, although I'm not a Raider's fan at all. I was in shock! Although I knew the ball fumbled around at the end of the play, it looked like the play was long over, similar to when a receiver tosses the ball off to the official when he's downed.

I've been a long time Steelers fan, since the days of Jack Lambert and Terry Bradshaw. I'm excited about this year but a little bummed we got the 4th easiest schedule in the league.

Despite winning, it's impossible to judge a team's performance based on their first regular game. To me, we looked like we need to grease up our DL and Ben and the boys just need to get their communication flowing again. Shouldn't take too long.

Thursday's game against the Titans was a much anticipated season opener, for both Steelers fans and Titans fans. Steelers fans remember the Titans blowing through them last year then smashing the terrible town in the muddy ground. Tomlin claimed that that wasn't on the mind of his players, I know anyone who has any pride in their own team would be thinking about that when they finally get their chance to replay them. I watched in awe as the game seemed to last forever, and then lost my voice as the 33 yard FG went in. That's what football is all about to me.

There are a few teams I'm looking forward to being challenged by this year, and no matter how you put it, that's what it is, we're being challenged. The Charger's, whom I am pressured to be a fan of because of locality. Sproles, Rivers, and the whole OL make me nervous, but matched up with out defense, it should be a good game, as usual.

The Ravens, oh the Ravens. How many times did we play them last year? Seemed like a million. Each game was a nail biter. There were some 'iffy' calls that are probably still being debated somewhere. We've got quite the wait before we can play the Ravens again, but we do get 2 games this year, maybe more. I was invited to watch the 2nd Ravens game on the 27th of December, but won't be able to make it. Bummer.

This next game against Chicago might prove another good game, although I'm confident that we know what to do with the Bears. Think we might still be doing a little shuffling, and with Pola out, we might miss a few key plays that usually pay off for us.

The Vikings game has potential, and because my wife has a fascination for Favre, I'm not allowed to say anything else about them for now. :)

I'm sure there are some other teams that will be a challenge, after all, we certainly didn't have a perfect season last year.

http://temple3.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/jarret-ben-bart.jpg
http://www.welt.de/multimedia/archive/1232357917000/00735/eng_superbowl_GB_BM_735878g.jpg

[QUOTE=ANHYZER;1394220] The Bengals will destroy your team, so will Baltimore; but each in their own way. [QUOTE]

Yeah and:
the Titans were going to kill us...
Big Ben was supposedly getting knocked out of the game(for the year) on the first play...
and LT was going to stay healthy this year...

I bet you didn't pick the Steelers to win the Superbowl last year either did you?

You'll have to excuse me if I take that statement for what it's worth...
Just another wrong prediction!!! :D


HERE WE GO STEELERS....HERE WE GO!!!!

[QUOTE=ANHYZER;1394220] The Bengals will destroy your team, so will Baltimore; but each in their own way. [QUOTE]

Yeah and:
the Titans were going to kill us...
Big Ben was supposedly getting knocked out of the game(for the year) on the first play...
and LT was going to stay healthy this year...

You'll have to excuse me if I take that statement for what it's worth...
Just another wrong prediction!!! :D


HERE WE GO STEELERS....HERE WE GO!!!!

The Titans did kill you on some levels, you know it. I never said Bennifer would be knocked out on the first play, but I did say he would be knocked out of the game. I had to make an executive decision and have Polamalu taken out instead. It will help our team in week 4, plus it will be sweeter to have Bennifer personally knocked out by the Bolts. I never said LT would stay healthy, I said he would carry the rock 300 times, put up 1,200 yards, and score 10 times. I also said Parker was garbage, and he still is.

The Titans did kill you on some levels, you know it. I never said Bennifer would be knocked out on the first play, but I did say he would be knocked out of the game. I had to make an executive decision and have Polamalu taken out instead. It will help our team in week 4, plus it will be sweeter to have Bennifer personally knocked out by the Bolts. I never said LT would stay healthy, I said he would carry the rock 300 times, put up 1,200 yards, and score 10 times. I also said Parker was garbage, and he still is.

Good thinking with Pola, however, knowing him, he'll probably be back for game 3 or 4. Next time have your guy break something. :)

I really think Sproles is making a place for himself, and LT is gonna have to shine. Sproles has lit a fire in the eyes of my Bolt fans over here. He's like a ninja.

Wow I didn't mean to kill the thread......

What is everyone's upset of the week?

My hopeful upset of the week would be:

NYG raining on the Crapboys stadium opening.

Would that be an upset though?

What is everyone's upset of the week?

bears over pittsburgh

Lions getting 10 @ home over Vikes.

bears over pittsburgh

Man, you really must hate the Steelers. It's quite flattering!

My upset pick is Chargers over Ravens...which isn't much of an upset.

My upset pick is Chargers over Ravens...which isn't much of an upset.

The Chargers are 3 point favorites, at home, which basically means its a pick em...

The lines will change, but NYJ could be the biggest upset based on the current spread.

Man, you really must hate the Steelers. It's quite flattering!

apparently peter king (http://www.fannation.com/peter_king_challenge/peter_king) does too.

i'm simply prognosticating.

The lines will change, but NYJ could be the biggest upset based on the current spread.

I'd love for this upset to happen...not on the spread, but straight up.
Almost put that one instead of the other one, but just don't think the Jets can pull it off.

I was talking about them beating the Patriots straight up, they are just getting a ton of points from Vegas...

I'd be upset if the Ravens couldn't keep Rivers out of the red zone.

I'll always be upset when the Raiders win. :)

A real upset for the week would be for Raider fans not to complain about any correct calls, but that'll never happen. :D

I hope that's not inflamatory. If it is, take an Ibu.

The 2nd best thing that the Raiders did in the last 10 years was to get rid of Lane Kiffin.
Need I say more?
Yes, because the best thing they did was to trade for Richard Seymore(sp?). It's about time they addressed their line, off. or def. Gallery? Come on, man!

I'm an Eagles fan, BTW. I'm just around here, being lambasted with Raider prop.


If Troy P from Picksburgh would have just secured the ball instead of trying to run with it, he'd be playing Sunday. Sorry Jeff :)

Rhett, you're gonna like this one: Sproles goes off!!!!!!

Happy fantasy football weekend, everyone.


Tonight: Home team wins 50-45: Fresno State vs. Boise State...That's the Bulldogs.

As a long suffering Chargers fan who remembers the 2-12 and 2-11-1 days, I was actually glad to see the Raiders play well. The old bumper sticker sums it up nicely: my two favorite teams are the Chargers and whoever is playing the Raiders. There were a lot of really lean years in Charger land where the only thing left to root for were Raider losses. There is a certain joy to be had in hating the Raiders, and what stinks the most about the last bunch if years is that I've started to kind of feel bad for the Raider players. That ain't right.

We can't beat y'all forever, but we can make it a baker's dozen before you get us. :) Once the Raiders play well for a whole season and break the streak, all will be well with the world. Hopefully Seymour cheap-shots Sproles and then taunts him, because I like Seymour and that wil help me hate him like I should...

Jamal Williams out for the year...This is going to be an interesting season.

here we go steeles...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!

ravens win, steelers lose

i thought 10 days rest would certainly have helped the steelers.

Man, you really must hate the Steelers. It's quite flattering!

My upset pick is Chargers over Ravens...which isn't much of an upset.


quiet in here. time for some steeler fan excuse making!

karma is catching up. no more lucky breaks for the men in yellow.

Did anyone see the TD by Rosario of the Panthers? He had the ball in his possession for less time than Murphy of the Raiders, but the Panthers get a TD and the Raiders...well you know what happened. It's good to see that the refs around the league aren't letting the play in Oakland set a prescedent for future calls.

quiet in here. time for some steeler fan excuse making!

karma is catching up. no more lucky breaks for the men in yellow.

You don't have to go 16-0 to win the Superbowl....
Ask any of the 6 previous Championship Steeler teams!

But really 2 missed FG by Reed in a quarter??? WTF!!!


HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!!

Did anyone see the TD by Rosario of the Panthers? He had the ball in his possession for less time than Murphy of the Raiders, but the Panthers get a TD and the Raiders...well you know what happened. It's good to see that the refs around the league aren't letting the play in Oakland set a prescedent for future calls.


Stop whining about this...The Rosario play is completely different. Rosario caught the ball in the field of play not the end zone; possessed the ball, made two football moves, then broke the plane of the end zone with the ball. The instant that happened, its a touchdown. It does not matter that he dropped the ball, or the ground knocked the ball out of his hands, or the defender stripped the ball from him, or even if a Pterodactyl time warped from the Cretaceous Period and swooped down and snatched the ball. Please know and understand the rules before complaining...

ravens win, steelers lose

i thought 10 days rest would certainly have helped the steelers.


Good game for us considering we were missing the anchors on both sides of the ball...I feel better about this loss than I did about our win last week.

I was talking about them beating the Patriots straight up, they are just getting a ton of points from Vegas...


Made some cash on that pick, took them straight up...

Made some cash on that pick, took them straight up...

My 3 most hated teams all lost.....Pats, Brownies and cowgirls....I'd trade it all in for a Steeeler win though!

What a weekend. My friends no doubt will blame me for the Steelers loss, because if I don't show up at our local sports bar, they seem to lose. I was out playing a tournament and was too sore to follow up with the game.

Overall we just couldn't pull it together. Cutler definitely took advantage of Pola being MIA with some big point earning drives. I don't know what happened to Reed, those 2 field goals should have been child's play. From what I could tell, the ravenous Bears defense did seem to bother Reed, but why?

No, we didn't give the game away. They played well and earned their win. They definitly needed that win too.

My guess is we'll finally see the Steelers machine against the Bengals. Fat chance Troy will be back in, but I think it won't matter this time.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

PRESEASON
Thursday, Aug. 13 vs. Cardinals 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday, Aug. 22 @ Redskins 7:30 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)
Saturday, Aug. 29 vs. Bills 7:30 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)
Thursday, Sept. 3 @ Panthers 8 p.m. (KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh)

REGULAR SEASON
Thursday, Sept. 10 vs. Titans 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Sept 20 @ Bears 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 27 @ Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Chargers 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Lions 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 18 vs. Browns 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Vikings 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 1 BYE
Monday, Nov. 9 @ Broncos 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 22 @ Chiefs * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 29 @ Ravens * 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 6 vs. Raiders * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Dec. 10 @ Browns 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network)
Sunday, Dec. 20 vs. Packers * 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 27 vs. Ravens * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 3 @ Dolphins * 1 p.m. (CBS)

If I recall correctly the Steelers have the 3rd or 4th easiest schedule this year. Just look at some of these bum teams they're playing.


Can you post a picture of your face today after watching one of those scrub teams beat your scrubb team:)

Stop whining about this...The Rosario play is completely different. Rosario caught the ball in the field of play not the end zone; possessed the ball, made two football moves, then broke the plane of the end zone with the ball. The instant that happened, its a touchdown. It does not matter that he dropped the ball, or the ground knocked the ball out of his hands, or the defender stripped the ball from him, or even if a Pterodactyl time warped from the Cretaceous Period and swooped down and snatched the ball. Please know and understand the rules before complaining...

Being in the end zone has nothing to do with it.

Being in the end zone has nothing to do with it.

Have someone read you the rules, very slowly...

http://i37.tinypic.com/23qz0gx.jpg

Won $230 in the office pool...Nailed the upsets, except Baltimore.

you may tip me anytime for da bears over pittsburgh call.

Same for the Jets over the Pats pick...

What about this week?

detroit over the skins

you read it here first, folks.

Detroit over Washington, CHILD PLEASE.


Kiss da baby...Cincy over Pitt...

Did you guys see Favre is on the CBSsports injury list with a "bent fingernail"?


For the upset pick of the week....looking at the schedule the NO @ Buff is sticking out to me for some reason. So I'll go with Buff over N.O.

Anhyzer, since you picked Cincy to finish ahead of Pitt in the AFC North, that's not really an upset pick is it? Of course you're wrong :D with both, but thought I'd point that out.

Have someone read you the rules, very slowly...

http://i37.tinypic.com/23qz0gx.jpg

Whatsatsay?

And about the whining, I paid my $75.

about the whining, I paid my $75.

Best post...

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs247.snc1/9430_131121911228_92774416228_2541986_544551_n.jpg

But here's the catch ...Comment Email Print Share By David Fleming
Page 2
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You know something is totally messed up in the NFL when Oakland Raiders fans start making sense.





But since Week 1 of the season, when officials overturned what looked like a certain 19-yard touchdown catch by Raiders receiver Louis Murphy -- a four-point swing in a 24-20 loss to the underwhelming Chargers -- I've listened to all those howling, confused voices from the Black Hole, and I gotta say, for once, I agree.



In fact, I've just finished reviewing the following: Murphy's drop, Jacoby Jones' touchdown bomb in Houston's win over the Titans and Carolina wideout Dante Rosario's 11-yard TD catch against the Falcons. Honestly, I'm convinced the touchdowns were drops and the drop was a clear touchdown.



I'm not the only one who's confused. I conducted this forensic investigation during the Colts-Dolphins game Monday night when Jon Gruden, a man we can all agree is something of a football savant, shouted this line after an apparent interception during the second half: "That's a catch -- whoops -- no it isn't."



Actually, I think that may be the subheading of Article 3, "Completed or Intercepted Pass," on Page 50 of the NFL rulebook. That passage also includes the so-called explanation of the noncatch on Murphy's Call.



"A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds. To gain possession of a loose ball that has been caught, intercepted or recovered, a player must have complete control of the ball and have both feet completely on the ground inbounds or any other part of his body, other than his hands, on the ground inbounds. If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground or if there is any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, there is no possession. This rule applies to the field of play and in the end zone."



This Byzantine blather is proceeded by an even more confusing "Note 1," known as the "going-to-the-ground" clause. The G2G states, "A player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball [with or without contact by a defender] must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, there is no possession. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, it is a catch, interception or recovery."



Yes, according to this confusing, circular, contradictory 200-freakin' word explanation, I suppose you could argue that the officials made the correct call. It seems simple, at first. In the act of possessing a pass, if a player is going to the ground and the ball touches said turf, it may not move more than slightly -- or it's an incompletion. I get it. Not the actual rule, mind you, but the genius behind the NFL Rubric, I mean, rulebook. You see the NFL has created a set of rules so arcane and open to interpretation that, no matter what the officials call on Sunday, the following week the league office can prove they were 100 percent correct.



I don't expect the calls to be perfect. Human frailty is part of sports, a part most of us actually enjoy and appreciate. This is more about the growing confusion over the same kinds of plays constantly getting different calls because the rules are too weird to understand. For example: Did you know that the NFL actually sees a clear difference between the terms "simultaneous catch" and "joint catch"?



The NFL cannot continue to develop into a passing league when something as simple and basic as the definition of catching the football takes two full pages of text, three officials, hyper-slo-mo viewing, a panel of astrophysicists and a room full of lawyers and linguists.



In other words, you can't have a passing league in which the definition of a catch is more difficult to understand than Einstein's theory of relativity or, say, the appeal of the Kardashian sisters.



Everyone other than stat geeks, Dungeons & Dragons aficionados and conspiracy theorists was confused by Murphy's Call. He caught it. Placed his left foot on the turf. Check. Held the ball. Check. Then placed his right foot on the turf. Check. Held the ball some more. Check. Then landed on the ground while still in possession of the ball. Check.



Incomplete pass. What?



If the simplest definition tends to be the correct one, it sure looked, felt and seemed like a catch to me. Ditto to Murph. "That's like winning the lottery and them taking it back from you," he said after the game. "The ultimate high, then the ultimate low."



It was only after the play was allowed to be unwound by loopholes of logic and super hi-def slo-mo that the touchdown was reversed. And don't even get me started on slo-mo. First of all, the games aren't played in slow motion. The rules weren't written in slow motion. And yet this technology is allowed to splice every part of the game down to its molecular core -- frame by frame, pixel by pixel, atom by atom -- to the infinitesimal point where, shoot, I'm no longer 100 percent sure Murphy was even on the field that day.



If NFL Films videotapes a tree falling in the forest and then replays it in ultra-super-mega slo-mo, did it really fall down, or did it just lean, slightly, inevitably, into the Earth's rotation? Ya know, every time these rules and this technology are used to change a call that the human eye determined was a no-brainer, I wonder, how many of the 20 all-time greatest catches in NFL history would be overturned using the league's current system? Half? A third?



The biggest problem I have is that the rules contradict themselves. A player going to the ground needs to maintain possession of the ball. OK, but at the same time, the rules also suggest that once a player has controlled the ball with two feet in bounds, he has caught the ball, and therefore you could argue that it's already been declared a catch before he starts going to the ground. "When they overturned it, I started asking, 'What's the rule, what's the rule, what's the rule?'" Murph says. "Everybody told me two feet down and once you land it's OK, but then I found out in meetings today the rule is even if you fall with two feet down, you still have to control it, which I thought I did."



Again, the rules say if a player is going to the ground, he must maintain control of the ball. But they also say it's OK if the ball touches the ground as long as you don't lose control of it, and that "slight movement" of the ball is fine once the ball is caught. But what does slight mean? A twist? A full turn? A shift? A bobble? A shake? A gink? (I made that up, but still.) Riddle me this: If the ball's touching the ground during a catch does not constitute possession, you could argue, in theory, that every time someone is tackled and the ball touches the ground, the runner is not in "possession" of the ball and it's a fumble.



The result of all this technology, nomenclature and atom splitting is that although the officials in Oakland were able to determine the most infinitesimal movement of the ball as it contacted the ground, the guys in Tennessee didn't see anything wrong with the ball's leaving a large divot in the grass after Jones secured it with what looked like nothing more than his left butt cheek. On the other hand, Rosario's catch against the Falcons was allowed because the ref said the tight end, and I quote, "completed the catch, performed a second act, reaching for the goal line, penetrated the goal line, and the result of the play is a touchdown." That tells me the refs in Oakland and the league office do not consider planting both feet on the turf -- like, say, while throwing, running a route or kicking a field goal -- to be an actual football move.



Confused?



That's OK. You should be.



The problem is so are the refs, the players, the coaches and the league office.



That's why an obvious drop in Nashville is a game- (maybe, season-) changing touchdown, but what our eyes tells us is the clean catch in Oakland is little more than an incomplete pass.



Don't worry, though. I vow to clear up all this the next time the NFL's rules committee meets during the offseason at its usual unknown tropical island location.



One question: Anyone know how to open The Hatch?


David Fleming is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and the author of the memoir "Noah's Rainbow" and "Breaker Boys: The NFL's Greatest Team and the Stolen 1925 Championship." And his work will be featured in the 2009 Best American Sports Writing anthology. The Flem File appears every Wednesday during the NFL season with updates on Mondays and Fridays

So the "competition committee" will have something else to change in the offseason. Gives them something to do. After the Hochulli call in the Broncos-Chargers game last year, they had to change the rule regarding whether a ball can change possession by fumble after the referee blows the whistle. Every year, something happens that people whine about all year only for the rule to be changed the following year. For Charger fans (of which I am one), it was the aforementioned call. Call it karma, call it poorly worded verbiage, call it a conspiracy against the Raiders and Al Davis. It doesn't matter. It happened. That was two weeks ago. The Raiders were able to squeak by the Chiefs, no thanks to JaMarcus Russell. (Why did they get rid of Garcia again?) They got their first win and are on their way to a more successful season (which isn't saying much.) Instant replay itself is contoversial in and of itself. It allows referees to make the correct calls, provided the coaches challenge in time. Everyone is in favor of replays when the call goes for their team but is opposed to it when the call goes against their team (or the one they are rooting for.)

But here's the catch ...Comment Email Print Share By David Fleming
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You know something is totally messed up in the NFL when Oakland Raiders fans start making sense...

http://i38.tinypic.com/29fz19j.jpg

But here's the catch ...Comment Email Print Share By David Fleming
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Archive | Contact
You know something is totally messed up in the NFL when Oakland Raiders fans start making sense...

http://i33.tinypic.com/33be8gm.jpg

But here's the catch ...Comment Email Print Share By David Fleming
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You know something is totally messed up in the NFL when Oakland Raiders fans start making sense...

http://i37.tinypic.com/2d9a89s.jpg

detroit over the skins

you read it here first, folks.


I think this just might be the upset of the week...Washington has ZERO offense.

a little birdy told me that jason cambell is fed up and will be throwing the game because of the less than subtle search for a QB lil danny snyder was conducting in the off season. either that or he just plain sux.

I think the Wild Bunch "D" will tear up the Lions' "o". O for last 20!

I think the Wild Bunch "D" will tear up the Lions' "o". O for last 20!


Why the Wild Bunch "D" will not... (http://kanyelicious.appspot.com/http://www.pdga.com/discussion/)

Detroit over Washington, CHILD PLEASE.


Kiss da baby...Cincy over Pitt...


http://www.mobiledawg.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/steelers.jpg.w300h225.jpg

...

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/alternatethumbnails/storylink/2009-09/49513140-27152019.jpg

Stupid Lima Sweed.....why can't he catch like he did at UT????? I mean this weekend's ball hit you in the hand!!!!!

HURRY UP TROY.....THE D NEEDS YOU BAD!!!!


HERE WE GO STEELERS....HERE WE GO!!!!

hands like feet... awful. pass could not have been more perfect.

Is Mr. Head and Shoulders going to rush to return this week? I mean after a loss to the Bungles, it looks like they might need him to limit Vincent Jackson.

Troy probably won't return until after our Bye week. We definitely could use him for the Chargers game too. Bummer.

Another last minute loss. If we could hang in there and play the last 2 minutes like we do the rest of the game we'd be 3-0. Lost the last 2 games in the last minute of the game. Ugh. At least I got to watch it this time. I definitely wanted to be in better shape before we met up with what should have been our first challenge, the Chargers.

Oh well, despite another loss, at least we didn't get beat by the Redskins......oh wait, we did in the Preseason. lol

It was still a great time with about 15 Steelers fans surround by San Diego and Raiders fans. The only play I missed was the interception/touchdown play because some Raider fan punched a Charger fan in a wheelchair in the face then took off running. We were all in a mild shock.

Troy probably won't return until after our Bye week. We definitely could use him for the Chargers game too. Bummer. .

I heard he was trying to come back for the Lions.

For the upset pick of the week....looking at the schedule the NO @ Buff is sticking out to me for some reason. So I'll go with Buff over N.O.

There's an old saying in Vegas; "Never bet against Brees"...


Anhyzer, since you picked Cincy to finish ahead of Pitt in the AFC North, that's not really an upset pick is it? Of course you're wrong :D with both, but thought I'd point that out.

http://i35.tinypic.com/1t0fpd.jpg

Yeah that upset didn't come through for me....

As for your little photoshop experiment, you said they would finish the season in 3rd.... not that they would be in 3rd in the 3rd week of the season. 13 more games to play before we were wrong.....

If you want to talk about wrong, let's talk about those 300 carries LT is suppose to get this year? Going to be hard to accomplish from the bench!!!!




hands like feet... awful. pass could not have been more perfect.

From the sound of the Coach today at the press conference, Sweed just might be watching from the skybox for a while.

he also said LT would carry the rock 300 times, put up 1,200 yards, and score 10 timesand that the bungles would "DESTROY" us twice. there's a lot of his gems that won't be coming to fruition...

and sweed would have already been benched if he wasn't a 2nd rounder. he's a mental case at this point. unfortunate.

cheer up, steeler fans! there's a lot of season left! there is absolutely no reason to sound so bitter... yet.

http://ballstjournal.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/joe-flacco-001.jpg

If you want to talk about wrong, let's talk about those 300 carries LT is suppose to get this year? Going to be hard to accomplish from the bench!!!!.

LT will sit for 3-4 games in the regular season, but will make up the carries in the 3 playoff games and the Super Bowl.

he also said LT and that the bungles would "DESTROY" us twice. there's a lot of his gems that won't be coming to fruition...

I'm pretty sure all of Pittsburgh and the 53 players felt "destroyed" after that loss...And don't blame Sweed for your defense choking.

Top Runningbacks (http://interactives.signonsandiego.com/chargers08/LTTracker.html#)

I'm pretty sure all of Pittsburgh and the 53 players felt "destroyed" after that loss...And don't blame Sweed for your defense choking.

If Sweed catches the pass...The D wouldn't be in a position to choke, it would have been the nail in the coffin. Although if Farrior makes the tackle just 1ft sooner we would have won also...then on the final TD from Cincy, that is a play that Farrior normally stops. Just wasn't our day....8 years in a row is a long time to dominate someone at home. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

Top Runningbacks (http://interactives.signonsandiego.com/chargers08/LTTracker.html#)

GO BETTIS!!!!!!!!!!! No one is saying LT's not HOF bound, just that he's not going to get 300 carries hurt on the bench.



HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!

Bettis was a great goal line back, probably why his YPC is the lowest on the list.

The differences besides the ring and the weight are pretty significant.

Bettis:
13 yrs
41 fumbles, 24 lost (2 in rookie year, 22 over next 12 years)
1 fumble per 145 carries
16 regular season missed games

Tomlinson:
9 yrs
26 fumbles, 11 lost (5 in rookie year, 6 over the last 8 years)
1 fumble per 243 carries
3 regular season missed games

Two different styles, two very good backs...

I'm looking for big plays from Harrison vs Rivers. Harrison should be making some plays this game, he's kinda in the spotlight after the last 2 losses. Parker won't be making any big plays, as he has turf toe, and will most likely be limited. Ben and Ward should connect a few times. Hopefully our D can stop that little ninja Sproles. lol. What about Davis, taking Johnson's place! I expect him to be a little showy this game. Don't expect to see Sweed much, I think he'll be taking a "breather".

Should be a good game.

You guys got this. You're 6.5 point favorites, and we are decimated with injuries. Plus you need this win more than we do, since we play in a weak division. 7-9 should win the West this year.

Two different styles, two very good backs...

And both going to the HOF!

I always like Bettis even when he was with S.D.. I even have a rookie card of his at the house. I remember when I heard he was coming to the Black and Gold, I WAS THRILLED!!! And of course was sad the day he retired, our running game hasn't been the same since.

And both going to the HOF!

I always like Bettis even when he was with S.D.. I even have a rookie card of his at the house.

I liked him better in Philadelphia...

I liked him better in Philadelphia...

Philly?

And both going to the HOF!

I always like Bettis even when he was with S.D.. I even have a rookie card of his at the house.


Philly?

SD?

Bettis started his career in LA/St. Louis not SD!

Oh yeah yeah....it was LA not SD. My bad! At least I had the right state..... ;)

here we go steelers...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!

I doubt we'll be hearing from Vincent in this thread this week. :D

I doubt we'll be hearing from Vincent in this thread this week. :D

Your balls sucked back into your stomach with 4 minutes left. Unless of course you have no...

embarassing... i guess the D can celebrate they made us punt twice

Wheeeeeeeeeeww!!! Man I just don't understand how the other team can make such good adjustments during halftime and our D can't react to them and make some adjustments to their's!!!! Good thing the O-line was putting on a show!

And looks like Mendenhale got the wakeup call Tomlin was looking for. (let's hope he can get the same message through to Sweed) You could see a purpose to Mendenhale from the 1st carry of the game.

A much needed W for the Steelers, now let's hope we can get on a run with Det. and the brownies coming up next.

(for the record, mine were sucked up past my stomache ;) )

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/09M6fJj5Um9ZR/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gfC7Vc7F7407/610x.jpg

I doubt we'll be hearing from Vincent in this thread this week. :D

What an embarrassment for the Bolts. That game looked like a home game for the Stillers.

And Jeff, congrats on your marriage to your son!!!!(pdga mag reference). :+)

Long time Bronco fans, today is a good day! :)

Long time Bronco fans, today is a good day! :)

Got a couple of buddies here in S.A. that are long time Bronco fans...all they could talk about before the season was how they hated the new coach, hated that they shipped off Cutler, ect, ect, and that they were thinking of boycotting the NFL this year because of it.

I bet they aren't saying any of that now! Glad you guys beat the cowboys! Makes for a much quiter Monday around West Texas!!!!

gotta hand tom brady some credit for flopping for flags so efficiently. as much as i don't like it, that's part of the game and i think flacco will probably learn from watching though i think the officials are a little quick to blow the whistle when pretty boy brady is in the pocket. flacco is still getting better every week. somebody has to tell him to keep up on the unibrow a little better though.

more critical than the flag happy officials were mark clayton's brick hands. i'm kinda glad i couldn't watch that on sunday-- i'd have been steaming. my bro/best man was keeping me updated with the play by play on his crackberry at the head table of my wedding.

i'm a little more comfortable now that the ravens will fall off the top of the power rankings.

It looked like he was trying to run before he caught it; which he didn't need to do. Just get the first down, brutha. Mason would have caught it. He's a stud!

New NFL logos (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=snibbe1/091006&sportCat=nfl) - these are hilarious! :D

New NFL logos (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=snibbe1/091006&sportCat=nfl) - these are hilarious! :D

Only because there's no Steelers one yet :)

I read that Troy is doing well in practice today. He may make an appearance in Sunday's game. I hope he takes it easy and gets healthy for the Vikings game in 3 weeks. Although after watching the Packer/Vikings game I'm a little less worried for the Steelers.

Here we go 3-2 here we go!

Only because there's no Steelers one yet :)!


They'd have to add a few star things to our logo, then replace them with 6 Lambardi's and the words CHAMPS instead of Steelers!!! ;-)

Is that a doormat? If it is, it certainly doesn't say "welcome" on it. They are tough this year.

Well, in another nail-biting game we pulled off a win, moving up to tie the Ravens in our division. I'm not sure if the Steelers are trying to make good games or not, but even games against the Lions are giving me an ulcer.

I would say our next game should be a KO, but the browns are coming from a win, so we may have to work at it a bit.

Troy is supposedly back for the Browns, we'll see though. Mendenhall is tearing it up lately huh? Parker's gotta be nervous. Wallace got a little spotlight for the first time, of course that was after he dropped a ball that would have been a great play.

I can't believe that the "sports" bar I go to didn't even think to put the Bengals Ravens game on. Of course I was watching the steelers, but wanted to watch the best game of the weekend too. Instead they had the Buccs game on? lol.

Looking forward to beating the Browns this weekend. The Ravens Vikings game will be good. This week's DON'T MISS game will probably be the Giants Saints game though.

Tonights game should be good too!

cheer up, steeler fans! there's a lot of season left! there is absolutely no reason to sound so bitter... yet.

speaking of biTTer, how's that 2 game losing streak and home loss to the BUNGLES taste? BENSON - 120 YARDS RUSHING. and, its not going to get any easier....

http://nflsteelers.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/polamalu-sacks-flacco.jpg

here we go steelers...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!
Here we go steelers...here we go!!!

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1443/herewegoyx8.gif

Steelers beat the Clowns, and the Ratbirds lose to the Vikings, and the Bungles lose to Houston! YEAHHHHH boyee!

cheer up, steeler fans! there's a lot of season left! there is absolutely no reason to sound so bitter... yet.

cheer up, ravens fans! there's a lot of season left! there is absolutely no reason to sound so bitter... yet.

Got kind of quiet around here lately~


HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

yep, md2020 disappeared a little earlier than normal this year

4 picks from favre next week as the undefeated season bid ends at heinz

Tough game this week...Hoping we can take advantage of Winfield being out!

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

Hope the NFL refs admit they blew the tripping call that changed the Vikes game. Pitt needed the MN offense to score for them. No way they win otherwise.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/10/26/sports/26steelers_CA0/popup.jpg

Pitt needed the MN offense to score for them. No way they win otherwise.

yeah, they really had trouble moving the ball that preceeding drive when mendenhall fumbled on the 2 :rolleyes:. was the 2nd DEF TD the refs fault as well?

Regardless the outcome, I'd be much more worried about Pitt's prospects than the Vikes after looking at the bigger picture. The second def TD and Harvin's run back would likely have never occurred if the Vikes had gotten credit for the TD instead of the pseudo-tripping penalty on that play. Pitt would have been trying to come from behind and all of the play calling and field positions would have been different.

would likely
thats really all you can say, cause its been decided and no one knows.

we're 5-2 going into the bye with a tasty 2nd half schedule coming up. looks good from here

As always, one can argue bad referee calls and play "What if? until the cows come home. To wit, how about the touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes negated by the pick penalty - not only did the linebacker initiate contact, but the allegedly freed receiver was not even thrown to.

yep, md2020 disappeared a little earlier than normal this year

4 picks from favre next week as the undefeated season bid ends at heinz


actually, lil jeff, i've been out of country for the past few weeks.

plenty of ball left in the season and 2 opportunities to defeat the boys in yellow.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/dirty/index.html

Hines Ward...Dirtiest player in the league and one of many reasons why we have two Super Bowl trophies in the past four years.

Peck the eyes out of those cow-pokes.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/dirty/index.html

Hines Ward...Dirtiest player in the league and one of many reasons why we have two Super Bowl trophies in the past four years.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH THAT LIST! Sure Hines plays tough and makes some hard blocks, but the majority are not illegal hits. It's not like he's paid a bunch of fines has he?

Peck the eyes out of those cow-pokes.

While I am no eagles fan...I'm 100% on board with you this week. I HATE THE COWGIRLS!!

As a Charger fan, I am hoping the Steelers can get a regular season victory in Denver for the first time since 1990.

As a Charger fan, I am hoping the Steelers can get a regular season victory in Denver for the first time since 1990.

As a Steeler fan I am hoping the same thing!!! COME ON MNF!!!

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

As a Charger fan, I am hoping the Steelers can get a regular season victory in Denver for the first time since 1990.

Well, you got your wish!!!

GO STEELERS!!!

The Bengals are coming to deliver a 7-2 record for the Steelers. Thanks Bengals!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/l3asturd/steelersrevolve7qc0ksaatw1.gif

Well, you got your wish!!!

GO STEELERS!!!

I appreciate the effort. I'm glad that the playoffs don't start today because I don't want the Chargers traveling to Pittsburgh for the first round.

I appreciate the effort. I'm glad that the playoffs don't start today because I don't want the Chargers traveling to Pittsburgh for the first round.

I wouldn't mind it :D seems to work out good for us!


HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!

NOOOOOOOOO....not again!!! Sure hope Troy isn't out another 3 weeks(or more)!!!!

Every time I think about yesterday's game I want to throw up! Can't believe the bUNgles swept us this year, and look like they are going to sweep the AFC North!!!!

With as much as Tomlin talks about special teams, you'd think we could cover a kick return by now!!!!!! This is getting old, 3 already this year..come on guys!!!!! Guess we could talk about the redzone O yesterday, 4 trips inside the 10 and 4 FGs....really????? Running on 1st, and passing on second isn't always the right order! How bout some playaction to HEEEEEEEEEATH??????

How bout some playaction to HEEEEEEEEEATH??????

Can't tell you how many times I was yelling those words to the TV. Or at least "run the ball, for god sakes stop throwing the ball to nobody. Early in the game our beloved kicker Jeff Reed set the pace by completely failing to stop the return touchdown. He just runs by as if to intimidate him. The receivers were missing critical plays as well. Harrison's temper tantrum gave Palmer 15 yards at the worst time and then we gave them another 5 in their last scoring drive which made for an easy 1st down and essentially the win.

Yesterday's game was pathetic to say the least. I was confident that no matter the outcome we would sweep the rest of our schedule, but after that showing, I think maybe even the Raiders will give us a challenge.

The Bengals have a 4 week vacation until they meet with the Vikings. Let's hope Brett and AP give em hell. Then there's some hope that the Chargers can beat them as well. Our last hope will be that Sanchez and the Jets can hold them off.

One thing you can count on the Bengals for is inconsistency, so there's always a chance they totally blow the tail end of their schedule. AFCN is still open for grabs. Everyone's already talking about our 3rd game against the Bengals in the playoffs.

On a side note, what in the hell is wrong with Bill B.? 4th and 2 on your own 28 yard line with no time outs beating the undefeated Colts by 6 points and you GO FOR IT?!?!?! I understand the risk reward of getting the 1st down, but that's gotta be one of the worst play calls I've seen in a looonnnnggg time. Colts make quick work of the 28 yards and win the game by 1 point. Wow....what a week.. Redskins over Broncos, 9ners grab another win, Rams gave the Saints trouble, Titans 3 in a row, and Green Bay over Dallas. Oh, and of course, BENGALS over STEELERS?? lol.

Wow....what a week.. Redskins over Broncos, 9ners grab another win, Rams gave the Saints trouble, Titans 3 in a row, and Green Bay over Dallas. Oh, and of course, BENGALS over STEELERS?? lol.

Don't forget Chargers over Eagles. Chargers and Broncos now tied atop AFC West and they play next week. And how are the Broncos fans feeling right now with Orton banged up?

NOOOOOOOOO....not again!!! Sure hope Troy isn't out another 3 weeks(or more)!!!!

Every time I think about yesterday's game I want to throw up! Can't believe the bUNgles swept us this year, and look like they are going to sweep the AFC North!!!!

With as much as Tomlin talks about special teams, you'd think we could cover a kick return by now!!!!!! This is getting old, 3 already this year..come on guys!!!!! Guess we could talk about the redzone O yesterday, 4 trips inside the 10 and 4 FGs....really????? Running on 1st, and passing on second isn't always the right order! How bout some playaction to HEEEEEEEEEATH??????

I can't wait to see you @ Tx Teams,... So you can hear my "WHO DEY WHO DEY WHO DEY THINK GONNA BEAT THEM BENGALS!!!!" It's kinda nice in person... I hope you bring earplugs!!

There was a sign spotted at the Cleveland Ravens game last night that said ,

" Hey Baltimore , Can you take this team too "

I thought this was sooooo funny for soooo many reasons , but mainly cause they stole the first team in Cleveland so why not this one .

how about when gruden mentioned that if the ravens were to wear throwback jerseys, they'd have to wear browns colors.

no, nimrod. that would be the colts.

you people have no clue.

I can't wait to see you @ Tx Teams,... So you can hear my "WHO DEY WHO DEY WHO DEY THINK GONNA BEAT THEM BENGALS!!!!" It's kinda nice in person... I hope you bring earplugs!!

You know what happened last time you bUNgles fans started chanting that at the Steelers....We answered it with a big ole WE DEY and Kimo proceeded to take out your QB in the first round of the playoffs in Cinci!
Watch yourself!!! :D

You know what happened last time you bUNgles fans started chanting that at the Steelers....We answered it with a big ole WE DEY and Kimo proceeded to take out your QB in the first round of the playoffs in Cinci!
Watch yourself!!! :D

As a true Bungal Fan I never hope for the best and always expect the worst.

Remember Stanley Johnson smoking rocks in the hotel bathroom the day of the Super Bowl, or Dan Ross sitting on his butt in the end zone and having the game winner hit him in the numbers only to drop it?

Life of the Bungal fans.

but hey,.... We beat Pittsburgh 2 times in a year!!!!! WHO DEY WHO DEY,......!

but hey,.... We beat Pittsburgh 2 times in a year!!!!! WHO DEY WHO DEY,......!

Can't argue with you there.....Looks like you guys have a good chance to sweep the entire division! Although, and I can't believe I am fixing to say this, I'll be going for the brownies!

I'll be going for the brownies!


hard for you to say,... I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Thanks alot.

I am throwing up in my mouth right now. http://www.pdga.com/discussion/images/icons/icon13.gif

Just be glad the Raiders got one of their 4 wins of the year to keep your team from essentially being 3 down with 6 to go.

It could have been much worse.

Yeah I was excited for a week, ****** for 3 hours, sad for 3 hours, then shocked for the rest of the week. The old Bengals were on the field and I wonder if they're here to stay?

All in all, horrible day for the AFC North as all 4 teams lose in very close games.

Worst upset? I really can't decide. I'm still ****** about the Chiefs beating us, but the Raiders over Bengals? Wow!

Steelers can only afford one additional loss to stay in the running, Ravens can not lose a single game, and Bengals are doing fine if they don't choke.

Oh, and although it really tried to be an exciting game, the Lions over Browns was in the back of my mind.

big game this sunday night! see me in sec. 102.

you going, jeffrey?

COME ON STEELERS...COME ON!!!!
COME ON STEELERS...COME ONE!!!
COME ON SOMEONE COVER A FREAKING KICKOFF RETURN!!!!!!!

Got booted out of Texas Teams after the mixmaster 3+ hours away from home at about 10:30, rush home as soon as possible(cause I forgot to set the DVR) just to get there right as KC was driving down the field to tie the game....Thank goodness the bUNgles finally turned in some "expected" play and the ravens took a L also. Just think of the ground we could have made up with a W though....Not sure what needs to happen, but someone in the black and gold has got to figure out how to cover a kickoff!

Great weekend for the Chargers. Combining for 200+ yds rushing and Rivers being effective once again. AFC West leaders and in pretty good position for a first round bye at this point.

Steelers are in pretty bad shape right now. Big Ben getting his bell rung. Batch getting injured in OT and out for the next month. What are the Steelers chances of making the playoffs with their 3rd string (Dennis Dixon) or a journeyman off the waiver wire?

Steelers are in pretty bad shape right now. Big Ben getting his bell rung. Batch getting injured in OT and out for the next month. What are the Steelers chances of making the playoffs with their 3rd string (Dennis Dixon) or a journeyman off the waiver wire?

Looks and sounds like Big Ben will be OK. But just to answer your question, while I like Dixon in the preseason and all...I don't think he would lead the Steelers into the playoffs.

Stellar performance by Vince Young and Johnson last night keeping the Texans out of the playoff race. I guess the Titans are good for something! :)

Looks and sounds like Big Ben will be OK. But just to answer your question, while I like Dixon in the preseason and all...I don't think he would lead the Steelers into the playoffs.

Is Ben doing the right thing coming back from a head injury so soon? Look what happened to Brian Westbrook. I know the Steelers need him taking snaps but wouldn't it be better long term if he sat out a game?

big bennifer is already brainless. what more damage can he do? bring on the mongoloid qb!

Is Ben doing the right thing coming back from a head injury so soon? Look what happened to Brian Westbrook. I know the Steelers need him taking snaps but wouldn't it be better long term if he sat out a game?


I guess we'll know the answer to that come Sunday night. What I do know is most teams around the league fly their players with concusions in to Pittsburgh to make sure they are OK. So if the Docs there say he's good, you have to think he's good....don't think they would rush in a franchise QB if he wasn't ready, but you never know.....Of course it is only wednesday so there's still time for him to have some issues with it and get pulled out. Time will tell.......

I guess we'll know the answer to that come Sunday night. What I do know is most teams around the league fly their players with concusions in to Pittsburgh to make sure they are OK. So if the Docs there say he's good, you have to think he's good....don't think they would rush in a franchise QB if he wasn't ready, but you never know.....Of course it is only wednesday so there's still time for him to have some issues with it and get pulled out. Time will tell.......

Yeah, Ben was showing no symptoms as of yesterday. Last time Ben had a concussion he came back and got sacked 4 times and threw 2 interceptions. :) He was cleared for practice today, and although Ben himself has no influence over whether he gets to play or not, Tomlin is pretty confident he'll be ready for Sunday night.

Benifer the Mongoloid out for Sunday...Steelers from Super Bowl Champs flushed straight down the drain and turned into crap!!!

Steelers...Super Bowl Champs !!!

Let's make this easy....how long has it been since you've been able to say that about your team? ;)

Let's make it even easier....how long has it been since your team has even won a playoff game? ;)

Besides, didn't you tell me last year that your team was going to win the superbowl? How did that work out for you? :? Cause I know I told you the same thing when you predicted the Steelers record....how did that work out for me :D

If it takes us missing the playoffs the year after the superbowl to win a superbowl every 3 years....I'LL TAKE IT!!!(not that we are missing them this year)


GO DIXON!!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

Flooks do happen, but I don't think it will happen every three years. Last year might be the last one for awhile...it is the NFL and it is time for the Boys to climb back on top and take back the most SuperBowl wins.

what a lovely night at m&t bank stadium last night!

i knew dixon would be a gamer. my voice is gone.

what a lovely night at m&t bank stadium last night!

i knew dixon would be a gamer. my voice is gone.


Steelers gave it a good run....Inexperience got them in the end. Dixon did look good for the most part though.

Come on Wildcard spot!

of course you can call dixon's int a mistake but don't discount the play that rookie DE paul kruger made on it. that was one helluva game winning pick.

it was a good catch, but the D coordinator is the one that put him in that position. just another misread on a zone blitz by dixon.

did dixon complete 1 pass in 4th and OT? he ran twice i think, the 40 yarder (called back for holding) and the 24 yard TD. cannot believe they didnt let him go on 1 of the 2 possessions in OT. speaking of which, 1 possession at the end of the game, and 2 in OT to win it. 1st posession in OT last week, and last possession with 2 mins against the bungles... 5 chances to win 3 games and they end up 0-3

always a bright side though... almost beat ravens at home with a 3rd string QB who has thrown 1 or 2 nfl game passes and had 2nd string reps with the starters this week in a game the ravens HAD to win. cant wait till week 16 when we have troy and ben back at home

like i said before-- i'd have rather seen overrated bennifer play than listen to this drivel (which i knew was coming).

the stoolers are falling apart. it was great listening to #86 point fingers and cry after the game. whattatool.

so you'd rather see them lose? you'll get your chance in week 16.

ironic you use overrrated to describe ben when you got flacco running your ship... ben has 2 rings in 5 years to back up the hype

is it drivel or fact? you barely won at home over a 3rd string QB with no NFL starts and very limited 1st team prep with your season basically on the line. so, congraTTs for that. how gutsy.

How about them BUNGALS!!?

SWEPT THE DIVISION!!!

Must mean the season is coming to a hard crash.

is it drivel or fact? you barely won at home over a 3rd string QB with no NFL starts and very limited 1st team prep with your season basically on the line. so, congraTTs for that. how gutsy.

oh lord... here come the excuses again. i thought good teams should be able to win despite injury? at least thats what all the yellow people told us last year after pittsburgh eeked out the afc title when our DBs were banged up.

the only fact is no one knows what the result would have been if big benniffer was at the helm of the stoolers. my personal opinion is that he would have tossed about 3 ints and we would have won by 17.

leave it to a stooler fan to not be able to tell facts from what ifs...

it was a good catch, but the D coordinator is the one that put him in that position. just another misread on a zone blitz by dixon.

did dixon complete 1 pass in 4th and OT? he ran twice i think, the 40 yarder (called back for holding) and the 24 yard TD. cannot believe they didnt let him go on 1 of the 2 possessions in OT. speaking of which, 1 possession at the end of the game, and 2 in OT to win it. 1st posession in OT last week, and last possession with 2 mins against the bungles... 5 chances to win 3 games and they end up 0-3

always a bright side though... almost beat ravens at home with a 3rd string QB who has thrown 1 or 2 nfl game passes and had 2nd string reps with the starters this week in a game the ravens HAD to win. cant wait till week 16 when we have troy and ben back at home

dixon=jason campbell

oh lord... here come the excuses again. i thought good teams should be able to win despite injury? at least thats what all the yellow people told us last year after pittsburgh eeked out the afc title when our DBs were banged up.

the only fact is no one knows what the result would have been if big benniffer was at the helm of the stoolers. my personal opinion is that he would have tossed about 3 ints and we would have won by 17.

leave it to a stooler fan to not be able to tell facts from what ifs...

if you think a couple dinged up DBs equals the loss of a starting QB then you got me... cant argue with that logic, and clever names like stoolers.

if you think a couple dinged up DBs equals the loss of a starting QB then you got me... cant argue with that logic, and clever names like stoolers.

If we're talking dinged up DBs, let's not forget the best saftey in the league was also missing from the game last night. (yes this an if not fact but)If we had Troy in the game, I bet we win the game with Dixon under center.

As it is though, ravens win and the Steelers are going to need some help to get in. I hope that Dec. 27th game is a decider game between the 2 teams: who keeps playing and who starts teeing off in January. I also hope this sets up a rematch between the bUNgles and the Steelers and we knock Cincy off in Cincy!

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!


btw-What has Flacco done to say he's not overhyped?

Let's Go Pens!!!

i also hope this sets up a rematch between the bungles and the steelers and we knock cincy off in cincy!

not in our jungle!!

forgot to add another bright side was we didnt allow a return TD


"We will unleash hell in December"

Tie Breaker goes to Bungals!

so you'd rather see them lose? you'll get your chance in week 16.

ironic you use overrrated to describe ben when you got flacco running your ship... ben has 2 rings in 5 years to back up the hype

is it drivel or fact? you barely won at home over a 3rd string QB with no NFL starts and very limited 1st team prep with your season basically on the line. so, congraTTs for that. how gutsy.

how'd that first stringer big benniffer work out against KC and OAK? LOL. what a bunch of losers. i love it. dixon would have done better. 4 in a row! hahahahahahaha

i see a big cowardly yellow qb controversy in the berg!

let the excuses start rolling. again.

The one fault the steelers have always have is playing to their compitition .
I am a steelers fan but how the hell do you lose to the OAKLAND RAIDERS and the KC CHIEFS in the same year you beat SAN DIEGO and Denver .
I tell you how
GET A BLEEPING CLUE AS EVERY GAME MATTERS and you cant play half way against anybody . I know lots of people dont like hines ward but he should chew everyone of those players out . THEY LOOKED LIKE CRAP in every game they play where they are favorites . STEELERS GROW THE HELL UP and play football

Oh and to the Cleveland ravens fan ........ Sharky ........ I really dont think there is going to be a QB controversy at Pittsburgh . The receivers dropped passes all day long
Ben did not do really anything wrong other then not getting that first down and that was the O lines fault as much as ben's
Let me see you admit your team sucks too cause it does ..... and when we do beat you at home in 2 weeks your playoff chances will go bye bye too

i understand why you sound soooo bitter. the stoolers lost to the RAIDERS! LOL!!!

at least the ravens' playoff hopes are still alive for the time being (and they beat KC). i'm now especially ready for some MNF football. thanks, bennifer!

and don't call me sharky.

forgot to add another bright side was we didnt allow a return TD


"We will unleash hell in December"

i take it that tomlin meant the "hell" to be unleashed in december would be on the yellow fans.

we cant close games this year. thats the 5th loss of the 6 where we've carried a lead into the 4th. no sacks / no pressure on montana gradkowski in the 4th where they probably ran the ball twice the whole quarter. no turnovers. tyrone carter looks lost when hes not blitzing or crowding the line in run support.

and, Ben did have a terrible INT in the end zone (5 in his last 4 now). he played well other than that... 75% comp and 123 passer rating

and, Ben did have a terrible INT in the end zone (5 in his last 4 now). he played well other than that... 75% comp and 123 passer rating

Yeah I don't think that loss can in anyway be put on Big Ben...or the offense for that matter. This one goes soley on the Ds shoulder, and a lot of it on Burnett!! HOW DOES THE BALL HIT YOU IN THE CHEST, YET YOU DON'T EVEN GET A HAND ON IT??????

Man I can't wait to see Troy back in the line up!

...or the offense for that matter.

you mean the offense that couldn't score more than 10 pts on OAKLAND in three quarters?!?!?

i love how tomlin almost when mora on the reporter who asked about playoff chances. these things make ravens fans giddy.

you mean the offense that couldn't score more than 10 pts on OAKLAND in three quarters?!?!?

Don't get me wrong: They didn't look good or anything. Just they didn't lose it for us this time!

Speaking of the Steelers offense, did anyone notice(and question why) who the guy on the goal line was during the hailmary? Sweed...REALLY??? I saw it was him during the game yesterday, but seeing the replay at lunch I didn't notice it went off his hands.

Chargers continue to roll while the Patriots and Steelers falter. Next up is the Cowboys who are coming off a beatdown from the Giants. #2 seed up for grabs in two weeks.

so far so good Cleveland ravens Keep it down LOL
10 nothing GB
scratch that 17 nothin GB
Half time

LOVIN IT

6-6 the cleveland ravens are heading down the TUBES

nice try on the comeback
BUT JACKO WACKO FLACCO did you good .

Back at you cleveland ravens you SUCK TOO HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

OH I meant to post this last night but .... I know there are still 2 undefeated teams but .... Who is the only teams to beat Brett Farve this year ... Pittsburgh East and West ( Steelers and Cardinals )

stupid ravens...

at least they're still ahead of the stoolers in the standings.

leave it to a stooler fan to not be able to tell facts from what ifs...

Here's some facts for you....Joe "cool" Flacco 15/36, 137 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INT

Nice stat line!

Maybe Joe was a little too "cool" last night!

HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!

just wait until the brownies make it 5 in a row this thursday.

waiting and watching The Bungals like Jiffy Pop popcorn. They will either burn up, explode or keep it together long enough to get it done.

Either way,... I aint holding my breath.

just wait until the brownies make it 5 in a row this thursday.

OH yea that other team from Cleveland > Right got it now .

Hey I will admit it at this point every game is a roll of the dice .
CAN YOU ADMIT THE SAME ?

6-6 is 6-6 same same

ONE STINKING LOUSY TEAM TO ANOTHER .

LOL both teams may suck but the stoolers suck far worse. the brownies?!?!? LOL!

can't say i didn't see it coming. more hell to be unleashed in pittsburgh next week.

they are losers (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09345/1020210-87.stm)

My post on Oct 26th after Steelers beat Vikings: "Regardless the outcome, I'd be much more worried about Pitt's prospects than the Vikes after looking at the bigger picture."

flacco or schaub in FF this sunday>

LOL both teams may suck but the stoolers suck far worse. the brownies?!?!? LOL!


Hey ,
As I said everygame at this point is a crap shoot . wouldnt it suck if we played one more good game and knocked the Cravens out of the playoffs . So basically you would have lost to a team that lost too KC , OAK , AND Cleveland .
But then again the only Super Bowl you won was on the Shirt tales of CLEVELAND so I am not tooo concerned . Call me when you actually win a superbowl on your own account .

man... 5 losses and no wins make stooler fans dull boys.

broncos, jags and stoolers lose (to the brownies no less). ravens do to the lions what decent teams should do to the lions (take note sheetzburgh). what a great week of football.

speaking of biTTer, how's that 2 game losing streak and home loss to the BUNGLES taste? BENSON - 120 YARDS RUSHING. and, its not going to get any easier....

lol! how's that five game losing streak taste?

8 in a row...16 in a row in December...a victory this weekend assures #2 spot and a bye in round one of the playoffs.

lol! how's that five game losing streak taste?

You, like us, are on the outside looking in....As it is, it's about time to start thinking draft pick for the Steelers. Know who we got after our last superbowl win and next season meltdown? Let me help you....last year's Superbowl MVP. So maybe this year we get 2012's Superbowl MVP!

gotta hope for something at this point!

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

was reading a yahoo nfl blog and came across this gem of a nugget:

"Naturally, that brings us to Eric Mangini, the Browns first-year coach who seemed to be doomed just a few weeks ago. But that was before the Steelers started their "Hey, maybe you shouldn't fire your head coach just yet" tour which may have bought Mangini some time. A decision on whether or not to keep Mangini would be the first thing on Holmgren's plate if he took the gig."

8 in a row...16 in a row in December...a victory this weekend assures #2 spot and a bye in round one of the playoffs.


Dream on. The Bengals will show their hunger this weekend. So long "sparks".

There's always the Wild Card Fight for ya'.

Dream on. The Bengals will show their hunger this weekend. So long "sparks".

There's always the Wild Card Fight for ya'.

How much of a bite will the Bengals have after their latest tragedy? Chris Henry's death may weigh heavily on the team this week. Though not on Ochocinco, he is too busy wanting to beat up Merriman for some reason.

Chris' Time on this rock was way to short. He was getting his life turned around and seemed to be at a point where he was at peace. Now I hope you Rest in Peace. The sky is crying.

Chris' Time on this rock was way to short. He was getting his life turned around and seemed to be at a point where he was at peace. Now I hope you Rest in Peace. The sky is crying.

I agree that it was definitely unfortunate. It'll be interesting to see how the team repsonds to the loss.

Great game and the best team won.

i'm not positive, but the way i see it if the ravens lose at pittsburgh next week then win at oakland, pittsburgh wins out and NE beats jacksonville (all very possible), both baltimore and pittsburgh make the playoffs. not certain though.

pretty sure if NE beats jax and the ravens split, the ravens are in. thoughts?

i do know for certain that if the ravens win out they are in. in that instance if cincy loses out, the ravens get the afc north title.

too much math for monday morning...

game of the year candidate in steel town yesterday. wow. those secondaries are going to have a lot of tape to look at this week.

steelers are now 5-3 against teams with .500 or beTTer records this year.

here's some afc playoff scenario clarity to digest (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09356/1022748-66.stm)

the afc north could very well have 3 teams in the postseason.

losing rookie cb lardarius webb hurts badly for the ravens. he's been the lone bright spot for our secondary this year. rumours have been flying that we might bring back c-mac but i doubt it will happen. corey ivy was re-signed and i think bennifer will light him up. hopefully we get reed and gaither back. zbikowski has filled in admirably for reed and we might see both on the field at the same time due to the loss of webb. suggs has to step it up for the big match up to get some pressure on the mongo qb.

i honestly don't think bennifer would have made a difference in the first match up. polamalu yes, bennifer no.

steelers are now 5-3 against teams with .500 or beTTer records this year.

Isn't that crazy? We can beat good teams, for the most part, just seem to play down(or actually below) to lesser talented teams. Steelers got 2 pretty tough matchups left, maybe we can win out?!?!?!?!?!

Would be cool to have 3 AFC North teams make the playoffs...I've had to hear for years how weak the AFC N. is, this would shut up some of those Steeler hating cowgirl fans around here.

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

the ravens handed that one to the steelers but big bennifer looked awful missing wide open passes frequently. maybe that will shut up the folks who insist he would have made a difference in the first match up when dixon played near flawlessly.

the holding call that negated mcgahee's TD was disgustingly late and entirely bogus but mason's gaffe was the nail in the coffin. ray rice running for 100+ was a pleasure to watch @ pit.

oh well... win and we're in. lose and we REALLY don't deserve it.

maybe that will shut up the folks who insist he would have made a difference in the first match up when dixon played near flawlessly.
does flawless mean completing as many passes to steelers as ravens in 4th Q and OT? i think the QB with 5 STRAIGHT WINS over the ravens gives us a beTTer chance. maybe im just crazy

the holding call that negated mcgahee's TD was disgustingly late and entirely bogus
late? maybe. bogus? not so much. he clearly grabbed the back shoulder AND jersey when he was trying to turn. preTTy blatant actually.

btw, speaking of calls. the lone INT was a complete blown pass interference call. the defender has a right to the ball but you cant go through the WR, knocking him down in the process, to get to it. defensive pass interference 101

and yes, the sweed impersonation mason pulled in the endzone was nice. thanks

chances are slim for us geTTing in with the jets playing 2nd stringers 2 straight weeks. of course sanchez luvs those multiple INT games...

the ravens handed that one to the steelers but big bennifer looked awful missing wide open passes frequently. maybe that will shut up the folks who insist he would have made a difference in the first match up when dixon played near flawlessly.
.

Let's see....

matchup 1 with no Big Ben = Lose
matchup 2 with Big Ben = Win.

Seems like the facts are in the W and L's?

chances are slim for us geTTing in with the jets playing 2nd stringers 2 straight weeks. of course sanchez luvs those multiple INT games...

Can't believe the Colts pulled their starters with a 5pt lead.....when is that team going to learn, resting their players doesn't work for them. I hope they go out in their first game!

Phins tank vs. Houston??? Come on....Why couldn't Shaub have done this last week...I would of still be in Fantasy land!

Still the chance is there. Come on Ravens, Broncos, Jets, Texans...and of course the Phins lose this week!!!!

Good job Bears! If the Vikes stumble next week as well, my 'Pokes can move up some seeds if they get'er done against the Iggles.

buh-bye, steelers fans! have a nice off season.

buh-bye, steelers fans! have a nice off season.

Wish we wouldn't have won the last 3 now.....

I'd probably go for the Ravens.....just so the AFC North would win again....that is if I knew I didn't have to listen(read) your post the day after the Superbowl :(

congraTTs on squeezing in and geTTing to face a team with a broken QB and missing their best WR. just blitz and triple moss, even ravens cant f#@& that up.

no stack to be sacked? :(

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/alternatethumbnails/storylink/2010-01/51556673-10160839.JPG
http://webzoom.freewebs.com/rfgolds/bright%20flair%20purple%20robe-medium.jpg

Hey I will admit it at this point every game is a roll of the dice .
CAN YOU ADMIT THE SAME ?

6-6 is 6-6 same same

ONE STINKING LOUSY TEAM TO ANOTHER .


at least our season is still going.

how about that blowout up in foxboro? did you like that?

easiest matchup of the playoffs. cant believe pats had the line in that game. ea$y money

Well at least Baltimore won this game , you should be happy today .

Colts 20 - Cleveland Ravens 3

at least our season is still going.


Not any more......and all it got you was a later draft pick!
(although I was going for the Ravens this week)

Now I guess I am going for Favre, or the Jets.
(probably the kiss of death to both teams)

at least the ravens made a run.

on the bright side, we have a second year head coach, QB and RB that are 23-14 including 3-2 in the playoffs. that's a solid foundation.

You had to know some smacktalk was coming your way. ;)


on the bright side, we have a second year head coach, QB and RB that are 23-14 including 3-2 in the playoffs. that's a solid foundation.

Yeah, but you might lose Reed...and that's going to hurt! Being hurt is one thing, he's still on the bench...retiring is another. From a Steeler fan stand point, I hope he does. From a football fan and hightlight watcher, I hope he doesn't!

the team is obviously better with reed and i expect him back, but i was highly impressed with zbikowski's play backing reed up during injury this year. the raven secondary took a lot of heat but really stepped up late in the season even with lardarius webb out for injury.

off season needs in order of priority:
WR, especially if mason retires (which i don't think he will)
TE, heap played well late in the season but he ain't getting any younger
DB, for depth
younger interior line (both D and O), birk and gregg are getting up there

it's very exciting to be a ravens fan and not have to list QB in the off season needs.

garrard and young reppin the AFC in the Pro Bowl? WOW

it's very exciting to be a ravens fan and not have to list QB in the off season needs.

lot of confidence for a guy with some staggering playoff numbers...

46.5 Passer rating

To put that into perspective:
JaMarcus Russell 2009 passer rating: 50.0
Ryan Leaf career passer rating: 50.0

Flacco's playoff passer rating 3rd worst playoff rating for passers who started their careers after the merger.

and 2009 was somehow worst than 2008

<TABLE class=wikitable><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e7e3e7" colSpan=3>Playoffs</TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e7e3e7" colSpan=9>Passing</TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e7e3e7" colSpan=5>Rushing</TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e7e3e7" colSpan=5>Receiving</TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e7e3e7" colSpan=3>Fumbles</TH></TR><TR><TH>Season</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>Games</TH><TH>Att</TH><TH>Comp</TH><TH>Pct</TH><TH>Yds</TH><TH>YPA</TH><TH>Lg</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>Int</TH><TH>Rating</TH><TH>Att</TH><TH>Yds</TH><TH>Avg</TH><TH>Lg</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>Rec</TH><TH>Yds</TH><TH>Avg</TH><TH>Lg</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>Fum</TH><TH>Lost</TH></TR><TR><TD>2008</TD><TD>Baltimore</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>44.0%</TD><TD>437</TD><TD>5.8</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>50.8</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0.5</TD><TD align="cmagnus carrusenter">1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>2009</TD><TD>Baltimore</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>53.3%</TD><TD>223</TD><TD>4.96</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>39.4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD align="cmagnus carrusenter">1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

now the only stat that matters...

3 wins, 2 losses.

The Ravens reached the playoffs six times in the 2000s, including in each of the last two years. They made the playoffs in the 2000 season as the No. 4 seed, defeating Denver in their Wild Card game on December 31, 2000 by a score of 21-3. The Ravens went on to topple the AFC's No. 1 and No. 2 seeds on the road before dominating the Giants in Super Bowl 35. In their four playoff games that season, the Ravens allowed a total of 23 points. They are 4-1 in the Wild Card round, with three of those wins coming on the road. While on the road during the course of last decade's playoffs, the Ravens are 6-3.

The next 2 paragraphs are the most important :

Baltimore may have won the first Super Bowl of the decade (not counting Super Bowl 34, which was contested after the 1999 season), but they were bound and determined not to be a one-and-done team.( WHICH THEY ARE ) A trip to the playoffs as the No. 5 seed the next season earned them a 20-3 victory over the Dolphins in the first round before losing to the STEELERS .

Baltimore lost two consecutive games as the home team over the next four years, but the 2008 Ravens were back and in business. Behind rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the No. 6 seed Ravens beat No. 3 seed Miami and No. 1 seed Tennessee on the road before succumbing to the STEELERS (MAN , TALK ABOUT HAVING A TEAMS NUMBER ) in the AFC Championship.

The Ravens won one more road Wild Card game with Flacco at the helm this past season. Brian Billick coached the Ravens up until 2007. Jim Harbaugh has led Baltimore to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons as head coach.

To me sorta sums up my thoughts
Ravens will always be a want to be , Hell they were borrowed from CLEVELAND for Pete's Sake . LOL

i suppose you like to point out to all the indy fans that the irsay team playing next weekend was 'borrowed' from baltimore?

get a new line. all yellow fans can come up with is 'sixburg' and 'cleveland ravens'. keep livin' in the past...

Hey I am just posting the truth . I am against any team moving who had a great fan base .
I have a problem with Indy being there but there is NO tie ( except ownership which I admit I cant stand ) between old and new colts .
Ravens keep getting old cleveland people to run their ship .... Therefore they are the CLEVELAND Ravens .

I still say to make it right .... the day Cleveland got the browns back , Baltimore and Cleveland should have changed players and all personnel . To me that would have been fair .

Oh and by the way I did say they were Baltimore and you should be happy they won

Colts 20 - Cleveland Ravens 3

all yellow fans can come up with is 'sixburg' and 'cleveland ravens'. keep livin' in the past...

Well I'd say sixburg is better than that 1 birdbowl! HA!

Besides I've seen you use that "yellow fan" line quite a bit??

HERE WE GO STEELERS...HERE WE GO!!!

garrard and young reppin the AFC in the Pro Bowl? WOW

I guess I'm picking the NFC to win this one even though I'm mainly an AFC fan.

Gotta love the fact that MATT STOVER ( a CLEVELAND BROWN , CLEVELAND/BALTIMORE RAVEN , Indy Colt ) missed a field goal at a pivotal time in the game . GOTTA LOVE IT .... There are sooooo many reasons this happened ...... Traitor LOL

Thank you to the Saints for giving the people of Detroit a small glimmer of hope!

get a new line. all yellow fans can come up with is 'sixburg' and 'cleveland ravens'. keep livin' in the past...


Well in the never ending saga of the CLEVELAND RAVENS and thier continued using of THUGS and ex cleveland browns ..... They have signed DANTE STALLWORTH ...... AMAZING


I DONT KNOW BUT IF I WAS A RAVEN FAN JUST GET THE CLEVELAND TEAM FOR A SECOND , THIRD , I DONT KNOW anymore ...... HOW MANY TIMES can you rape one city ......


Indy did it to you once ...... At this point you are worse then indy ever was .... get real and get your own team ....

speaking of thugs...
you can't be all that smart if you think that big bennifer is all that smart. fool me twice...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/03/05/bigben.allegation.ap/index.html?eref=sihp

i know, i know, SIXBURGH&!#*@&

vomit

speaking of thugs...
you can't be all that smart if you think that big bennifer is all that smart. fool me twice...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/03/05/bigben.allegation.ap/index.html?eref=sihp

i know, i know, SIXBURGH&!#*@&

vomit

The funny part about this...As soon as I heard this story I knew you were going to post something about it.

the funniest part is that i knew you were going to say that!

serious. no fooling around.

roethlisberger has pramanti's for brains.

that would be Primanti's....

http://www.primantibrothers.com/04history.html

So Randle El is coming back to the black and gold.

With the signing of 2 WR, could this mean the end of Limas Sweed's stay in Pitt? Being from Texas I was sure glad to see us draft Sweed. He was great at Texas, but with his hands of stone, Wallace coming on last year, and Battle and Randle El signing looks like someone's gotta be the odd man out.

boldin, mason and stallworth sounds like a solid WR crew to pair with rice and the already stout running game. now bolster our secondary and look out!

any further big bennifer/stooler bashing may just have to wind up in the jokes thread.

...primanti's for brains. :)

Ben Ruthlessraper LOL Just heard that one on the radio...

McNabb traded to a division rival?!? :eek:

McNabb traded to a division rival?!? :eek:

Exactly what I thought when I heard this at lunch. Kind of strange.....