Okay, you get points for originality. Carry on.
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.
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.
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. MaybeManning is 30, right?they should trade up in the draft to get Matt Leinart.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
"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.
One word bdaddy......Wow!
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.
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!
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
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
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...
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.
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
I like it when the sportscasters and analysts don't give Carolina a prayer: we win that way. Yea Panthers.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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)
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????
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.
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!
Send Manning to Detroit . He and Millen deserve each other.
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?
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......
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.
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.
Big Ben'll be, what, 22 or 23?
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...
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.
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.
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.
Send Manning to Detroit . He and Millen deserve each other. Even Peyton Manning couldn't make the Lions a good team.
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?
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!
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.
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
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.
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?
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?
beer commercials and other male-targeted ads. why don't they show more singing tampon ads?
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!!!
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.
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.
Using just attitude as a measure, would you prefer Peyton or the Bus on your team?
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'."
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.
Why are people so emotional about the Bus? Obviously, you've never tasted his BBQ sauce...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Thanks for the link wfrazerjr , I had never heard of that episode with Manning.
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.
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?
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
One of these comments is not like the others.
The Steelers. And yes, I am an expert. Just ask me.
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.
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.
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.
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"
