This past Sunday night, I was watching the epic Steelers game against the Ravens. As usual, it was a very vicious and hard-hitting affair.
The Steelers had just given the ball back to Baltimore with a little more than 4 minutes left in the game. The Ravens got a quick first down and with the Steelers trailing, 10-6, I feared that they were about to be swept straight into the wildcard bracket of the AFC playoffs.
But just like that, there was Troy, like Superman with luxurious hair, blitzing around the left side, nailing Flacco and stripping him of the football simultaneously. Lamarr Woodely scooped it up and went rumbling down inside the Ravens' ten yard line. The entire course of the game had changed. The Steelers were now minutes away from taking the lead and stealing a very important game.
What did I do when this very pivotal play transpired? I sat there motionless because I was unsure whether or not Flacco's arm was moving forward when he was separated from the ball.
My girlfriend wasn't worried about such things. She screamed for Woodley to "GO BABY!" which I should have been doing. But I did nothing because I assumed John Harbaugh would throw out the challenge flag and everything would be under review.
Same thing happened the week before. Shaun Suisham, the Steelers' new placekicker, had just won a very important overtime game in Buffalo with a 40plus-yard field goal and I didn't move a muscle when the ball went through the uprights because I was waiting for the officials to blow their whistles and call the play dead. I was sure that Buffalo's coach had called a timeout to ice the kicker. There was no time out.
Two perfectly good reasons to let my emotions loose and I didn't do it because the NFL has conditioned me to "wait and see."
It's not just with reviews and timeouts, it's with penalties, too. The Steelers have been penalized so much in recent games, I just assume that everything will be called back.
And the networks don't make it any easier with their graphics. I think on both FOX and CBS, the color they use to alert us of a penalty is the same as a touchdown: yellow. Who's bright idea was that? Maybe the "flag" graphic is on a different part of the screen than the "touchdown" graphic, but when you're going nuts after a big score, you can't remember any of that. I can see them using yellow for a penalty, but why can't they pick a different color for a touchdown? Any other color would be fine.
Back to instant replay. How did the NFL manage to survive so many years without it? I say that with a sarcastic tone because, off the top of my head, I can only think of a handful of plays that might have been reversed had there been instant replay at the time. Like the Immaculate Reception in 1972, Rob Lytle's fumble in the 1977 AFC championship game, Butch Johnson's touchdown reception in Super Bowl XII, or the hotly debated play involving Houston's Mike Renfro in the 1979 AFC title game.
The NFL managed to survive all those years with very little controversy, right?
However, they didn't have has many camera angles in those days. I'm sure there were countless plays that would have been overturned had the games been covered like they are today. I've watched a lot of old NFL games, and there were numerous receptions that should have been incomplete passes and vice versa.
I don't expect them to make any changes with instant replay. It's always going to be with the game. And I like it much better with the challenge system than the way it was in its original incarnation back in the 80's when a play could be challenged at any time. And it wasn't the referee passing judgement, it was some masked official up in a luxury box.
I just hate having to wait and see if a play will count. Two years ago, when most Steelers fans were going nuts during Troy's "pick six" in the AFC championship game, I was wondering if Lamarr Woodley was flagged for going low on the quarterback when Flacco was attempting to pass. And that yellow piece of whatever in the endzone didn't help matters any.
The only thing I wish they would change is that stupid rule where a coach can call a timeout right before a field goal attempt.
I hate that rule!
Don't get me wrong. I won't deny a coach his right to call a timeout from the sideline, and he should have a right to ice the kicker. However, I don't think he should be able to call a timeout right as the ball is being snapped.
I don't know if there is a real solution to that other than forbidding a timeout call after the play-clock is inside five seconds or something.
I kind of miss how things were in the old days. Remember how the 1995 AFC championship game ended with that Hail Mary pass that was nearly caught as time expired?
Imagine having to sweat out a booth review for that. I think the entire city of Pittsburgh would have imploded from the anticipation.
Are the days of the innocent "GO BABY!" gone forever?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wannstedt out as PITT head coach
In what was said to be a mutual decision between he and PITT athletic director Steve Pederson, Dave Wannstedt resigned as head coach of the football program today and will reportedly assume a role as assistant to Pederson.
I'm not sure what being an assistant would consist of for Wannstedt. Maybe helping with recruiting, but I don't know how much clout an ex-coach would have on the recruiting trail. Especially a head coach who didn't have the greatest tenure with the program.
Wannstedt could never quite take the football program where so many people thought he would when he took over before the 2005 season. After a few frustrating years, it looked like the team had turned a corner with that improbable upset of West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season.
I know I thought they did. I couldn't wait for 2008 and beyond. You know how sometimes your favorite show will have a popular couple that everyone wishes would get together? It's the "will they or won't they" element that's been a part of so many shows over the years. Think Ross and Rachel from "Friends" or Jim and Pam on "The Office."
Every fan of the show wonders if the two people will ever become romantically involved. The producers and writers build up to it. They come close a few times, and you're just waiting for the payoff. It's great theater. They tease and tease, and then, bam! Out of nowhere, they start kissing, and it makes for a fantastic season finale.
You can't wait to see how the next season will play out. Unfortunately, often-times, the episodes where the two popular characters are a couple are the most boring and unsatisfying.
That's kind of how it was with Wannstedt and PITT. Every fan wondered if he had what it took to make the program into a consistent contender and that 2007 upset of WVU seemed to trumpet the arrival of the football team as a force to be reckoned with in the Big East for years to come.
Sadly, Wannstedt and the Panthers never wore their label as "Big East powerhouse" very well. They never lived up to the expectations. They came close, but never got the job done.
Now, PITT is in the market for a new football coach. I think the program has come far enough that they will not have to start totally from scratch.
And I don't think they have to necessarily get a "PITT man" to be the guy.
Why is that always so important? They need to go out and find the best man for the job regardless of whether he is a PITT alum or a Penn State guy. That's right, I said it.
Heck, Chuck Noll was born in Cleveland. I think his relationship with the Steelers went pretty well.
Today's events tell me that the athletic department really is serious about elevating the football program and it will make for an interesting head coaching search.
I'm not sure what being an assistant would consist of for Wannstedt. Maybe helping with recruiting, but I don't know how much clout an ex-coach would have on the recruiting trail. Especially a head coach who didn't have the greatest tenure with the program.
Wannstedt could never quite take the football program where so many people thought he would when he took over before the 2005 season. After a few frustrating years, it looked like the team had turned a corner with that improbable upset of West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season.
I know I thought they did. I couldn't wait for 2008 and beyond. You know how sometimes your favorite show will have a popular couple that everyone wishes would get together? It's the "will they or won't they" element that's been a part of so many shows over the years. Think Ross and Rachel from "Friends" or Jim and Pam on "The Office."
Every fan of the show wonders if the two people will ever become romantically involved. The producers and writers build up to it. They come close a few times, and you're just waiting for the payoff. It's great theater. They tease and tease, and then, bam! Out of nowhere, they start kissing, and it makes for a fantastic season finale.
You can't wait to see how the next season will play out. Unfortunately, often-times, the episodes where the two popular characters are a couple are the most boring and unsatisfying.
That's kind of how it was with Wannstedt and PITT. Every fan wondered if he had what it took to make the program into a consistent contender and that 2007 upset of WVU seemed to trumpet the arrival of the football team as a force to be reckoned with in the Big East for years to come.
Sadly, Wannstedt and the Panthers never wore their label as "Big East powerhouse" very well. They never lived up to the expectations. They came close, but never got the job done.
Now, PITT is in the market for a new football coach. I think the program has come far enough that they will not have to start totally from scratch.
And I don't think they have to necessarily get a "PITT man" to be the guy.
Why is that always so important? They need to go out and find the best man for the job regardless of whether he is a PITT alum or a Penn State guy. That's right, I said it.
Heck, Chuck Noll was born in Cleveland. I think his relationship with the Steelers went pretty well.
Today's events tell me that the athletic department really is serious about elevating the football program and it will make for an interesting head coaching search.
The Ten Greatest Super Bowls Of All-time
I know I've posted this list before in various blog entries, but I just wanted to put them all on one post so they would be easier to find. Plus, we're getting closer to the postseason and I just love reliving stuff.
Enjoy:
I really do love football. It is by far my favorite sport. I especially love the National Football League AND the Super Bowl. The first sporting event I remember watching as a 7 year old was Super Bowl XIV between my Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams.
As you probably know, the Super Bowl is America's number one sporting event, a sort of unofficial holiday. As Beano Cook once said, "Soon we will be exchanging gifts."
I've always found the event to be quite fascinating. You have the two best teams in the National Football League facing off in front of the entire world.
The game can make or break a player's legacy. It can instantly make someone a Hall-of-Famer or forever label someone a "loser." I think just getting there is a tremendous accomplishment for a franchise and for its fans. I still have fond memories of the Steelers playing in Super Bowl XXX even though it was the only time the Steelers ever lost the big game.
People who don't have any interest in sports whatsoever will sit down and watch this gala event even if it's just for the commercials or halftime show.
There have been 44 Super Bowls played and the first two weren't even officially called Super Bowls at the time. Initially, the game was called the "World Championship Game." It wasn't until the third year that "Super Bowl" became the official name.
The first 4 Super Bowls pitted the NFL champion against the champion of the rival American Football League. The two leagues agreed to merge in 1970 and beginning with Super Bowl V the champion of the American Football Conference has played the champion of the National Football Conference to determine the winner of the Super Bowl.
Since I love this game so much, I've decided to make a list of the ten greatest Super Bowls ever played.
I have two criteria for this list: The quality of the game and the historical significance. Every game on this list has at least one of the criteria and some even have both!
So sit back and enjoy. Feel free to agree or disagree. After all, it's only my opinion.
10. Super Bowl VII
Date: January 14Th, 1973
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, California.
"PERFECTION"
The Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins, 14-7.
This game wasn't the greatest Super Bowl ever played, but it was significant because, with the victory, the Dolphins achieved a perfect 17-0 record and have been the only team to accomplish that mark in the modern era. Some teams have come close, most notably the 2007 New England Patriots, but the Dolphins are still the only team atop the undefeated mountain. The Dolphins were actually the underdogs in this game which I find pretty interesting. Their counterparts, the Washington Redskins, were the oldest team in the league and dubbed the "Over the Hill Gang." This game might be most notable for Miami kicker Garo Yepremian's ill-advised pass after a blocked field goal attempt late in the game. Garo's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown which gave the Redskins some life. But with the help of their "No-name defense" the Dolphins held on to cap their historic year.
9. Super Bowl I
Date: January 15TH, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles Califorina.
"THE FIRST"
The Green Bay Packers over the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.
Again, this wasn't a great contest, but it was the very first Super Bowl ever played. The NFL's Green Bay Packers were the best team in football in the 1960's, winning 5 NFL titles. They would also go on to handily defeat the Oakland Raiders in the second Super Bowl establishing them as the first Super Bowl dynasty. This game was simulcast by NBC and CBS, something that never happened before and hasn't happened since. CBS held the rights to broadcast NFL games and NBC had the rights to the AFL which led to the rare joint-telecast. Ticket prices were also quite noteworthy. Today, people have been known to pay 4-figures for a ticket. Back then, however, tickets for the contest were selling for as low as $6. Pretty amazing. The NFL would later name the Super Bowl trophy "The Lombardi Trophy" in honor of Green Bay head coach Vince Lomardi, the architect of the Packer dynasty.
8. Super Bowl XXXII
Date: January 25Th, 1998
Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California.
"THIS ONE'S FOR JOHN!"
Denver Broncos 31 Green Bay Packers 24
This is the first truly great Super Bowl to make the list, and my favorite of all the non-Steelers Super Bowls that I've watched. This game had pretty much everything: back-and-forth action, migraine headaches and a first down for the ages. The Packers were the defending Super Bowl champions and were favored by 11 1/2 points. Up until that point, the Broncos had a pretty pedestrian Super Bowl history, appearing in four but losing all by pretty large margins. Quarterback John Elway was the captain of three of those Denver debacles and at age 37, was in the last years of his career. Bret Favre, on the other hand, was in his prime and considered by many to be the best qb in the game. Also, NFC teams had a dominating 13-game winning streak over the AFC in the Super Bowl and most of the games were very lopsided. Things were expected to hold true to form for both the Broncos and the AFC in SBXXXII but with the help of stud running back Terell Davis and a pretty good defense, John Elway went on to claim the one thing that eluded him: The Lombardi Trophy. This game is probably best remembered for Elway's helicopter-esque flip after being hit by two Packers while diving for a very important first down. Another minor little tidbit was the migraine headache that Terrell Davis got after forgetting to take his medication. Denver coach Mike Shannahan had to use Davis as a decoy for part of the game until his symptoms cleared. Davis went on to score the winning touchdown in the final minutes to secure the championship for the Broncos.
I believe this game deserves to be on the list not only for the great play, but for what it meant for John Elway's legacy. Had he retired without winning the Super Bowl, he would still be a Hall-of-Famer, but he would be in the same class with guys like Dan Marino, Dan Fouts and Jim Kelly. Quarterbacks who were great, but could never win the whole thing. Elway played one more year and went out with a bang as the Broncos repeated as champs winning Super Bowl XXXIII. Elway was named game mvp and with two rings, could be put in a class with guys like Bradshaw, Montana and Starr.
7. Super Bowl XIII
Date: January 21st, 1979
Location: Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida.
"TEAM OF THE DECADE"
Steelers over the Cowboys, 35-31.
This was the first repeat match-up in Super Bowl history (the Steelers and Cowboys met in SBX with Pittsburgh winning, 21-17.) Super Bowl XIII was a very well-played contest with a lot of memorable moments. The lead changed hands three times in the first-half with Pittsburgh taking a seven point lead at the break. This game is probably best known for the touchdown that never was. Late in the 3rd quarter with Dallas down, 21-14, Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith dropped an easy pass in the endzone that would have tied the score at 21. Dallas had to settle for a field goal and Pittsburgh pulled away with two quick scores in the 4th quarter to go up, 35-17, with 6 minutes left. Much like he often did in that era, Roger Staubach (Captain Comeback) rallied the Cowboys late, but unfortunately for Dallas, they came up four-points short and Pittsburgh became the first team to win 3 Super Bowls, earning them the rightful claim of "Team of the Decade." The Cowboys were the defending champions and also going for their 3rd title. The Steelers went on to repeat as champions the following year, and with 4 titles in 6 seasons, became arguably the greatest football dynasty of all-time. Had the Cowboys won this game and claimed their 3rd title, who knows what would have happened the following year, and more importantly, who knows how history might have judged them. Maybe they would have been considered the greatest dynasty of all-time.
6. Super Bowl XLIII
Date: February 1st, 2009
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
"LORD OF THE RINGS"
Steelers 27 Cardinals 23.
Pittsburgh controlled most of the game taking a 20-7 lead into the 4th quarter. However, quarterback Kurt Warner, a Super Bowl veteran, and all-world receiver Larry Fitzgerald, almost single-handedly brought Arizona back with two late touchdown connections giving the Cardinals a 23-20 lead with 2:37 to go. Fortunately for Steeler Nation, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger marched Pittsburgh to the promised land and hit receiver Santonio Holmes with the game-winner with 35 seconds to go giving the Steelers the 27-23 victory. Holmes' acrobatic, tip-toe catch helped earn him mvp honors and is considered one of the greatest catches of all time. The Cardinals, making the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, were only the second team to make the show after finishing the regular season with a 9-7 record. Interestingly, the Steelers also played the first 9-7 Super Bowl participant when they faced the Los Angeles Rams in SBXIV. In addition to the "Ben to Ten" game-winner, this game is also known for linebacker James Harrison's marathon-like jaunt at the end of the first half, also known as the "Harrison Hundred." With the Cardinals driving and looking to take a 4-point lead into the lockerroom, Harrison picked-off a Kurt Warner pass and zigged and zagged his way 100 hundred yards for a Steelers touchdown and a 17-7 lead. The play is regarded by many as the greatest play in the history of the Super Bowl. Some have said it's the greatest play in the history of the league. This victory gave the Steelers franchise a record 6Th Lombardi trophy, setting a new standard of excellence.
5. Super Bowl XXXVI
Date: February 3rd, 2002
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
"THE BIRTH OF AN UNEXPECTED DYNASTY"
The New England Patriots over the St. Louis Rams, 20-17.
The Rams were favored by 14 points in this game and nobody really gave New England much of a shot. The Rams and Patriots actually played one another during the regular season with St. Louis winning the game rather handily. The Patriots were unexpected AFC champions defeating the Raiders in the infamous "Tuck Rule" game and then beating the heavily favored Steelers in the AFC championship game. St. Louis, led by all-pro quarterback Kurt Warner, was going for their 2nd title in three seasons. New England built a 17-3 second-half lead with the help of Ty Law's 47 yard interception return for a touchdown and quarterback Tom Brady's touchdown pass just before the half. The Rams came back with two late scores, including Kurt Warner's touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl to tie the game at 17 with 1:30 remaining. Just when it looked like we would have the first overtime in a Super Bowl, Brady marched the Pats down the field and set up Adam Vinatieri's 48 yard field goal as time expired. This would mark the first time a Super Bowl ended on the game's final play. Super Bowl XXXVI was the first one played in February has it had to be pushed back a week due to the September 11th attacks. I find this game pretty intriguing because, much like Super Bowl XIII between Dallas and Pittsburgh, it changed the legacy of both franchises. A victory for the Rams would have given them their 2nd title in 3 years making them a dynasty of sorts. Instead, the Patriots surprising victory launched their dynasty as they would go on to win 2 more championships over the next 3 seasons and become the last team to win 3 Lombardi trophies in a 4 year span. New England's legendary playoff-run and Super Bowl triumph helped make Tom Brady a superstar. Just a 6th round draft-choice out of Michigan, not much was expected from Brady when he became the starter in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury. Brady parlayed his initial success into a hall-of-fame career and one of the top one or two quarterbacks of this era. The Rams franchise really hasn't been the same since this game, plummeting to the doldrums of the NFL in recent seasons. Kurt Warner went on to play with the Giants and then the Cardinals where he led Arizona to a surprising Super Bowl appearance before his team suffered another heartbreaking loss.
4. Super Bowl XXIII
Date: January 22nd, 1989
Location: Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Florida.
"JOE MONTANA: COOL, COMEBACK KID"
The 49ers over the Bengals, 20-16.
This was the second Super Bowl meeting between these two teams and only the 3rd rematch in Super Bowl history. San Francisco was expected to dominate this game much like they did in their first Super Bowl victory over the Bengals following the 1981 season, but things didn't go as planned. Despite two very high-powered offenses led by quarterbacks Joe Montana and Boomer Esiason, the two teams traded field goals in the first half and went into the locker room tied at 3. They traded field goals again in the 3rd quarter, but Cincinnati's Stanford Jennings returned a kick-off 97 yards for a touchdown giving the Bengals a 13-6 lead. The 49ers answered immediately and capped off a game-tying touchdown drive with a Montana to Jerry Rice touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Bengals took a 16-13 lead with 3:20 left on Jim Breech's third field goal of the day. Montana then marched his team 92 yards, hitting John Taylor with the game-winning touchdown pass with 34 seconds remaining. San Francisco claimed their third title of the 80's. Jerry Rice was named game MVP with a record 215 receiving yards and a touchdown. Montana also set a record with 357 yards passing. This was the only great Super Bowl of the 80's. In the decade's 8 Super Bowls prior to XXIII, the average margin of victory was 21 points. And the come-from-behind, game-winning march by the 49ers was the first one in the history of the contest. 49ers head coach Bill Walsh went out on a high note as he would retire following this game. Despite this, San Francisco repeated as Super Bowl champions the following season, clinching their 4th title and becoming one of the greatest teams of all-time.
3. Super Bowl XLII
Date: February 3rd, 2008
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
"18-1"
The New York Giants upset the New England Patriots, 17-14.
Super Bowl XLII was supposed to be a coronation for the New England Patriots who simply dominated the 2007 regular season, outscoring their opponents by nearly 20 points a game. New England set records on offense with 589 points and 75 touchdowns. Quarterback Tom Brady set a record with 50 touchdown passes and wide receiver Randy Moss, acquired in the offseason for a 4th round draft pick, also set an NFL mark with 23 touchdown receptions. The Patriots came into the game 18-0 and were looking to become the first team to have a perfect season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins went 17-0. The New York Giants took a different path to SBXLII struggling early in the year before recovering to make the playoffs as a wildcard with a 10-6 record. Led by Eli Manning, an effective running attack and a dominating defensive line, the Giants became just the third team to win three-straight road games to reach the Super Bowl. The two teams actually played eachother in the last regular season game which the Patriots won, 38-35, to cap their undefeated regular season. Ironically enough, the Giants were Miami's last regular season opponent in '72. Despite the offensive weapons on both teams, the game was a defensive struggle. New York sacked Tom Brady five times during the game and the Giants offense could only muster 5 first downs in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Giants managed to take a 10-7 lead late in the contest before Brady led the Patriots to the go-ahead score, hitting Randy Moss with a six-yard touchdown pass with 2:42 left in the game. New York wouldn't be denied, marching towards their destiny with an 83 yard drive for the ages. Key plays were Brandon Jacob's two yard run on 4th and 1 and an Eli Manning to David Tyree reception that will go down in history as one of the greatest plays of all time. On 3rd and 5, Manning escaped the grasps of a Patriots' defender and stayed alive long enough to unleash a pass 32 yards downfield. Tyree out-jumped Patriots' safety Rodney Harrison for the ball and cradled it against his helmet as he fell to the ground. Later in the drive, from the 13 yardline, Manning hit receiver Plaxico Burress for the game-winning touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining. The Giants captured their 3rd Super Bowl trophy in franchise history while the Patriots had to settle for a "disappointing" 18-1 record. As the 2007 season unfolded, the Patriots were so dominant that a victory in this game would surely have stamped them with the label of "Greatest Team in History." Not only that, they would have matched the Steelers of the 70's with four titles in a six year span. The 2007 postseason was a coming-out party for Eli Manning, who finally lived up to being the number one over all selection in the 2004 draft and got out from under his older brother's shadow. Eli matched Peyton Manning's Super Bowl triumph of a year earlier making the Mannings the first siblings to win Super Bowls back-to-back. The Giants were the first wildcard team from the NFC to win a Super Bowl.
2. Super Bowl XXV
Date: January 27th, 1991
Location: Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
"WIDE RIGHT"
The New York Giants defeat the Buffalo Bills, 20-19.
Super Bowl XXV was a contrast in styles between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants. The Bills, led by quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas, used a no-huddle offense to rack of the most points in the NFL in 1990. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Giants, led by strong-willed head coach Bill Parcells, countered with a ball-control, time-consuming offense. With that offensive philosophy and a very stout defense, New York led the league in fewest points allowed in 1990. The Bills were a 7-point favorite in this game and were expected to give the city of Buffalo their first Super Bowl title. The Giants were a cinderella story of sorts despite their 13-3 regular season record. They lost a late-season game at the Meadowlands to Buffalo and lost starting quarterback Phil Simms in the process. Simms was replaced by career back-up Jeff Hostetler for the remainder of the season. Hostetler managed the Giants to an upset victory over the heavily favored San Fransisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. San Fransisco was going for their 3rd straight Super Bowl victory. Despite the Bills potent offensive machine, the Giants controlled the tempo of the game and were only down 10-3 mid-way thru the 2nd quarter. A turning point in the contest came when Hostetler was sacked in the endzone for a safety by Bills' defensive lineman Bruce Smith. Hostetler kept his head on the play and didn't cough up the football as it looked like he would. Instead of being down, 17-3, the Giants only trailed 12-3. After a free kick and a Buffalo punt, the Giants got the ball back with 3:43 left in the half and drove down field and scored a touchdown to make it 12-10 at intermission. The Giants got the ball to start the second half and went on a record-setting, clock-eating touchdown drive to take a 17-12 lead. The Bills explosive offense finally bounced back and Buffalo scored on Thurman Thomas' 31 yard touchdown run on the first play of the 4th quarter. New York responded with another time-consuming drive which ended with a Matt Bahr field goal and a 20-19 Giants' lead. With 2:16 remaining, Kelly marched the Bills down field and put them in position to kick a game-winning 47 yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for the Bills, Scott Norwood's kick sailed infamously wide-right. The Giants captured their 2nd Super Bowl title in five seasons. This game was played during the Gulf War and is fondly remembered for Whitney Houston's incredible rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Despite New York's victory, the legacy of this game is probably most shaped by Scott Norwood's failed kick. Starting with Super Bowl XXV, Buffalo played in 4-straight Super Bowls and this was their best chance at a title. The Bills suffered lopsided losses to the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in the following three Super Bowls. Sadly, nobody really talks about what a tremendous accomplishment it was for Buffalo to make it to the Super Bowl 4-straight seasons. Instead, they have forever been labeled "losers."
1. Super Bowl III
Date: January 12th, 1969
Location: Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
"WE'RE GONNA WIN THE GAME, I GUARANTEE IT!"
The New York Jets upset the Baltimore Colts, 16-7.
Super Bowl III was hardly a great game, but the reason it's number one on my list is because of its historical significance. At the time of the game, the AFL and the NFL were separate entities with their agreed upon merger still two seasons away. The NFL was viewed as the superior league, and very few could make a case for the AFL being on par. The first two Super Bowls were lopsided affairs in favor of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. The Colts only loss in the 1968 season was to the Cleveland Browns and they avenged that loss by pounding the Browns, 34-0, in Cleveland for the NFL championship. The Jets were 11-3 in '68 and they narrowly defeated the Oakland Raiders for the AFL crown. The Colts were installed as 18-point favorites and it wasn't expected to be much of a contest. But led by charismatic quarterback Joe Namath, the Jets used an effective ball-control offense to build an early 7-0 lead on running back Matt Snell's 4-yard touchdown run. Baltimore still had plenty of chances to control this game but turned the ball over 5 times, including 4 interceptions deep in Jets' territory. The most damaging of those interceptions was at the end of the first half. The Colts tried a flea-flicker play that completely fooled New York and left Baltimore receiver, Jimmy Orr, wide open near the end zone. Colts' quarterback, Earl Morrall, didn't see Orr and tried to complete the pass to a different receiver only to be intercepted as time expired. The Jets continued to control things in the second half, using three Jim Turner field goals to take a 16-0 lead into the 4th quarter. Colts' head coach Don Shula decided to replace the struggling Morrall with legendary quarterback, Johnny Unitas. Unitas didn't have much better luck, although he did lead Baltimore to a late touchdown, but all that did was make the score look more respectable. The Jets had pulled off the miracle upset and Joe Namath was named mvp. Namath's famous quote, "We're gonna win the game, I guarantee it!" is arguably the most famous pre-game quote in sports history and, even more than the dramatic upset, is what Super Bowl III is remembered for. The win by the Jets did so much for the AFL and showed everyone that the league was finally on the same ground as the NFL. I believe Super Bowl III is the reason why the event has become so popular. It became the spectacle it is today when Joe Namath issued that famous guarantee and followed through with the upset win.
Oh well, this concludes my list of the Ten Greatest Super Bowls of All-time. I hope you enjoyed it.
Enjoy:
I really do love football. It is by far my favorite sport. I especially love the National Football League AND the Super Bowl. The first sporting event I remember watching as a 7 year old was Super Bowl XIV between my Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams.
As you probably know, the Super Bowl is America's number one sporting event, a sort of unofficial holiday. As Beano Cook once said, "Soon we will be exchanging gifts."
I've always found the event to be quite fascinating. You have the two best teams in the National Football League facing off in front of the entire world.
The game can make or break a player's legacy. It can instantly make someone a Hall-of-Famer or forever label someone a "loser." I think just getting there is a tremendous accomplishment for a franchise and for its fans. I still have fond memories of the Steelers playing in Super Bowl XXX even though it was the only time the Steelers ever lost the big game.
People who don't have any interest in sports whatsoever will sit down and watch this gala event even if it's just for the commercials or halftime show.
There have been 44 Super Bowls played and the first two weren't even officially called Super Bowls at the time. Initially, the game was called the "World Championship Game." It wasn't until the third year that "Super Bowl" became the official name.
The first 4 Super Bowls pitted the NFL champion against the champion of the rival American Football League. The two leagues agreed to merge in 1970 and beginning with Super Bowl V the champion of the American Football Conference has played the champion of the National Football Conference to determine the winner of the Super Bowl.
Since I love this game so much, I've decided to make a list of the ten greatest Super Bowls ever played.
I have two criteria for this list: The quality of the game and the historical significance. Every game on this list has at least one of the criteria and some even have both!
So sit back and enjoy. Feel free to agree or disagree. After all, it's only my opinion.
10. Super Bowl VII
Date: January 14Th, 1973
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, California.
"PERFECTION"
The Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins, 14-7.
This game wasn't the greatest Super Bowl ever played, but it was significant because, with the victory, the Dolphins achieved a perfect 17-0 record and have been the only team to accomplish that mark in the modern era. Some teams have come close, most notably the 2007 New England Patriots, but the Dolphins are still the only team atop the undefeated mountain. The Dolphins were actually the underdogs in this game which I find pretty interesting. Their counterparts, the Washington Redskins, were the oldest team in the league and dubbed the "Over the Hill Gang." This game might be most notable for Miami kicker Garo Yepremian's ill-advised pass after a blocked field goal attempt late in the game. Garo's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown which gave the Redskins some life. But with the help of their "No-name defense" the Dolphins held on to cap their historic year.
9. Super Bowl I
Date: January 15TH, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles Califorina.
"THE FIRST"
The Green Bay Packers over the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.
Again, this wasn't a great contest, but it was the very first Super Bowl ever played. The NFL's Green Bay Packers were the best team in football in the 1960's, winning 5 NFL titles. They would also go on to handily defeat the Oakland Raiders in the second Super Bowl establishing them as the first Super Bowl dynasty. This game was simulcast by NBC and CBS, something that never happened before and hasn't happened since. CBS held the rights to broadcast NFL games and NBC had the rights to the AFL which led to the rare joint-telecast. Ticket prices were also quite noteworthy. Today, people have been known to pay 4-figures for a ticket. Back then, however, tickets for the contest were selling for as low as $6. Pretty amazing. The NFL would later name the Super Bowl trophy "The Lombardi Trophy" in honor of Green Bay head coach Vince Lomardi, the architect of the Packer dynasty.
8. Super Bowl XXXII
Date: January 25Th, 1998
Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California.
"THIS ONE'S FOR JOHN!"
Denver Broncos 31 Green Bay Packers 24
This is the first truly great Super Bowl to make the list, and my favorite of all the non-Steelers Super Bowls that I've watched. This game had pretty much everything: back-and-forth action, migraine headaches and a first down for the ages. The Packers were the defending Super Bowl champions and were favored by 11 1/2 points. Up until that point, the Broncos had a pretty pedestrian Super Bowl history, appearing in four but losing all by pretty large margins. Quarterback John Elway was the captain of three of those Denver debacles and at age 37, was in the last years of his career. Bret Favre, on the other hand, was in his prime and considered by many to be the best qb in the game. Also, NFC teams had a dominating 13-game winning streak over the AFC in the Super Bowl and most of the games were very lopsided. Things were expected to hold true to form for both the Broncos and the AFC in SBXXXII but with the help of stud running back Terell Davis and a pretty good defense, John Elway went on to claim the one thing that eluded him: The Lombardi Trophy. This game is probably best remembered for Elway's helicopter-esque flip after being hit by two Packers while diving for a very important first down. Another minor little tidbit was the migraine headache that Terrell Davis got after forgetting to take his medication. Denver coach Mike Shannahan had to use Davis as a decoy for part of the game until his symptoms cleared. Davis went on to score the winning touchdown in the final minutes to secure the championship for the Broncos.
I believe this game deserves to be on the list not only for the great play, but for what it meant for John Elway's legacy. Had he retired without winning the Super Bowl, he would still be a Hall-of-Famer, but he would be in the same class with guys like Dan Marino, Dan Fouts and Jim Kelly. Quarterbacks who were great, but could never win the whole thing. Elway played one more year and went out with a bang as the Broncos repeated as champs winning Super Bowl XXXIII. Elway was named game mvp and with two rings, could be put in a class with guys like Bradshaw, Montana and Starr.
7. Super Bowl XIII
Date: January 21st, 1979
Location: Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida.
"TEAM OF THE DECADE"
Steelers over the Cowboys, 35-31.
This was the first repeat match-up in Super Bowl history (the Steelers and Cowboys met in SBX with Pittsburgh winning, 21-17.) Super Bowl XIII was a very well-played contest with a lot of memorable moments. The lead changed hands three times in the first-half with Pittsburgh taking a seven point lead at the break. This game is probably best known for the touchdown that never was. Late in the 3rd quarter with Dallas down, 21-14, Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith dropped an easy pass in the endzone that would have tied the score at 21. Dallas had to settle for a field goal and Pittsburgh pulled away with two quick scores in the 4th quarter to go up, 35-17, with 6 minutes left. Much like he often did in that era, Roger Staubach (Captain Comeback) rallied the Cowboys late, but unfortunately for Dallas, they came up four-points short and Pittsburgh became the first team to win 3 Super Bowls, earning them the rightful claim of "Team of the Decade." The Cowboys were the defending champions and also going for their 3rd title. The Steelers went on to repeat as champions the following year, and with 4 titles in 6 seasons, became arguably the greatest football dynasty of all-time. Had the Cowboys won this game and claimed their 3rd title, who knows what would have happened the following year, and more importantly, who knows how history might have judged them. Maybe they would have been considered the greatest dynasty of all-time.
6. Super Bowl XLIII
Date: February 1st, 2009
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
"LORD OF THE RINGS"
Steelers 27 Cardinals 23.
Pittsburgh controlled most of the game taking a 20-7 lead into the 4th quarter. However, quarterback Kurt Warner, a Super Bowl veteran, and all-world receiver Larry Fitzgerald, almost single-handedly brought Arizona back with two late touchdown connections giving the Cardinals a 23-20 lead with 2:37 to go. Fortunately for Steeler Nation, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger marched Pittsburgh to the promised land and hit receiver Santonio Holmes with the game-winner with 35 seconds to go giving the Steelers the 27-23 victory. Holmes' acrobatic, tip-toe catch helped earn him mvp honors and is considered one of the greatest catches of all time. The Cardinals, making the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, were only the second team to make the show after finishing the regular season with a 9-7 record. Interestingly, the Steelers also played the first 9-7 Super Bowl participant when they faced the Los Angeles Rams in SBXIV. In addition to the "Ben to Ten" game-winner, this game is also known for linebacker James Harrison's marathon-like jaunt at the end of the first half, also known as the "Harrison Hundred." With the Cardinals driving and looking to take a 4-point lead into the lockerroom, Harrison picked-off a Kurt Warner pass and zigged and zagged his way 100 hundred yards for a Steelers touchdown and a 17-7 lead. The play is regarded by many as the greatest play in the history of the Super Bowl. Some have said it's the greatest play in the history of the league. This victory gave the Steelers franchise a record 6Th Lombardi trophy, setting a new standard of excellence.
5. Super Bowl XXXVI
Date: February 3rd, 2002
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
"THE BIRTH OF AN UNEXPECTED DYNASTY"
The New England Patriots over the St. Louis Rams, 20-17.
The Rams were favored by 14 points in this game and nobody really gave New England much of a shot. The Rams and Patriots actually played one another during the regular season with St. Louis winning the game rather handily. The Patriots were unexpected AFC champions defeating the Raiders in the infamous "Tuck Rule" game and then beating the heavily favored Steelers in the AFC championship game. St. Louis, led by all-pro quarterback Kurt Warner, was going for their 2nd title in three seasons. New England built a 17-3 second-half lead with the help of Ty Law's 47 yard interception return for a touchdown and quarterback Tom Brady's touchdown pass just before the half. The Rams came back with two late scores, including Kurt Warner's touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl to tie the game at 17 with 1:30 remaining. Just when it looked like we would have the first overtime in a Super Bowl, Brady marched the Pats down the field and set up Adam Vinatieri's 48 yard field goal as time expired. This would mark the first time a Super Bowl ended on the game's final play. Super Bowl XXXVI was the first one played in February has it had to be pushed back a week due to the September 11th attacks. I find this game pretty intriguing because, much like Super Bowl XIII between Dallas and Pittsburgh, it changed the legacy of both franchises. A victory for the Rams would have given them their 2nd title in 3 years making them a dynasty of sorts. Instead, the Patriots surprising victory launched their dynasty as they would go on to win 2 more championships over the next 3 seasons and become the last team to win 3 Lombardi trophies in a 4 year span. New England's legendary playoff-run and Super Bowl triumph helped make Tom Brady a superstar. Just a 6th round draft-choice out of Michigan, not much was expected from Brady when he became the starter in 2001 after Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury. Brady parlayed his initial success into a hall-of-fame career and one of the top one or two quarterbacks of this era. The Rams franchise really hasn't been the same since this game, plummeting to the doldrums of the NFL in recent seasons. Kurt Warner went on to play with the Giants and then the Cardinals where he led Arizona to a surprising Super Bowl appearance before his team suffered another heartbreaking loss.
4. Super Bowl XXIII
Date: January 22nd, 1989
Location: Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Florida.
"JOE MONTANA: COOL, COMEBACK KID"
The 49ers over the Bengals, 20-16.
This was the second Super Bowl meeting between these two teams and only the 3rd rematch in Super Bowl history. San Francisco was expected to dominate this game much like they did in their first Super Bowl victory over the Bengals following the 1981 season, but things didn't go as planned. Despite two very high-powered offenses led by quarterbacks Joe Montana and Boomer Esiason, the two teams traded field goals in the first half and went into the locker room tied at 3. They traded field goals again in the 3rd quarter, but Cincinnati's Stanford Jennings returned a kick-off 97 yards for a touchdown giving the Bengals a 13-6 lead. The 49ers answered immediately and capped off a game-tying touchdown drive with a Montana to Jerry Rice touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Bengals took a 16-13 lead with 3:20 left on Jim Breech's third field goal of the day. Montana then marched his team 92 yards, hitting John Taylor with the game-winning touchdown pass with 34 seconds remaining. San Francisco claimed their third title of the 80's. Jerry Rice was named game MVP with a record 215 receiving yards and a touchdown. Montana also set a record with 357 yards passing. This was the only great Super Bowl of the 80's. In the decade's 8 Super Bowls prior to XXIII, the average margin of victory was 21 points. And the come-from-behind, game-winning march by the 49ers was the first one in the history of the contest. 49ers head coach Bill Walsh went out on a high note as he would retire following this game. Despite this, San Francisco repeated as Super Bowl champions the following season, clinching their 4th title and becoming one of the greatest teams of all-time.
3. Super Bowl XLII
Date: February 3rd, 2008
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
"18-1"
The New York Giants upset the New England Patriots, 17-14.
Super Bowl XLII was supposed to be a coronation for the New England Patriots who simply dominated the 2007 regular season, outscoring their opponents by nearly 20 points a game. New England set records on offense with 589 points and 75 touchdowns. Quarterback Tom Brady set a record with 50 touchdown passes and wide receiver Randy Moss, acquired in the offseason for a 4th round draft pick, also set an NFL mark with 23 touchdown receptions. The Patriots came into the game 18-0 and were looking to become the first team to have a perfect season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins went 17-0. The New York Giants took a different path to SBXLII struggling early in the year before recovering to make the playoffs as a wildcard with a 10-6 record. Led by Eli Manning, an effective running attack and a dominating defensive line, the Giants became just the third team to win three-straight road games to reach the Super Bowl. The two teams actually played eachother in the last regular season game which the Patriots won, 38-35, to cap their undefeated regular season. Ironically enough, the Giants were Miami's last regular season opponent in '72. Despite the offensive weapons on both teams, the game was a defensive struggle. New York sacked Tom Brady five times during the game and the Giants offense could only muster 5 first downs in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Giants managed to take a 10-7 lead late in the contest before Brady led the Patriots to the go-ahead score, hitting Randy Moss with a six-yard touchdown pass with 2:42 left in the game. New York wouldn't be denied, marching towards their destiny with an 83 yard drive for the ages. Key plays were Brandon Jacob's two yard run on 4th and 1 and an Eli Manning to David Tyree reception that will go down in history as one of the greatest plays of all time. On 3rd and 5, Manning escaped the grasps of a Patriots' defender and stayed alive long enough to unleash a pass 32 yards downfield. Tyree out-jumped Patriots' safety Rodney Harrison for the ball and cradled it against his helmet as he fell to the ground. Later in the drive, from the 13 yardline, Manning hit receiver Plaxico Burress for the game-winning touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining. The Giants captured their 3rd Super Bowl trophy in franchise history while the Patriots had to settle for a "disappointing" 18-1 record. As the 2007 season unfolded, the Patriots were so dominant that a victory in this game would surely have stamped them with the label of "Greatest Team in History." Not only that, they would have matched the Steelers of the 70's with four titles in a six year span. The 2007 postseason was a coming-out party for Eli Manning, who finally lived up to being the number one over all selection in the 2004 draft and got out from under his older brother's shadow. Eli matched Peyton Manning's Super Bowl triumph of a year earlier making the Mannings the first siblings to win Super Bowls back-to-back. The Giants were the first wildcard team from the NFC to win a Super Bowl.
2. Super Bowl XXV
Date: January 27th, 1991
Location: Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
"WIDE RIGHT"
The New York Giants defeat the Buffalo Bills, 20-19.
Super Bowl XXV was a contrast in styles between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants. The Bills, led by quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas, used a no-huddle offense to rack of the most points in the NFL in 1990. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Giants, led by strong-willed head coach Bill Parcells, countered with a ball-control, time-consuming offense. With that offensive philosophy and a very stout defense, New York led the league in fewest points allowed in 1990. The Bills were a 7-point favorite in this game and were expected to give the city of Buffalo their first Super Bowl title. The Giants were a cinderella story of sorts despite their 13-3 regular season record. They lost a late-season game at the Meadowlands to Buffalo and lost starting quarterback Phil Simms in the process. Simms was replaced by career back-up Jeff Hostetler for the remainder of the season. Hostetler managed the Giants to an upset victory over the heavily favored San Fransisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. San Fransisco was going for their 3rd straight Super Bowl victory. Despite the Bills potent offensive machine, the Giants controlled the tempo of the game and were only down 10-3 mid-way thru the 2nd quarter. A turning point in the contest came when Hostetler was sacked in the endzone for a safety by Bills' defensive lineman Bruce Smith. Hostetler kept his head on the play and didn't cough up the football as it looked like he would. Instead of being down, 17-3, the Giants only trailed 12-3. After a free kick and a Buffalo punt, the Giants got the ball back with 3:43 left in the half and drove down field and scored a touchdown to make it 12-10 at intermission. The Giants got the ball to start the second half and went on a record-setting, clock-eating touchdown drive to take a 17-12 lead. The Bills explosive offense finally bounced back and Buffalo scored on Thurman Thomas' 31 yard touchdown run on the first play of the 4th quarter. New York responded with another time-consuming drive which ended with a Matt Bahr field goal and a 20-19 Giants' lead. With 2:16 remaining, Kelly marched the Bills down field and put them in position to kick a game-winning 47 yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for the Bills, Scott Norwood's kick sailed infamously wide-right. The Giants captured their 2nd Super Bowl title in five seasons. This game was played during the Gulf War and is fondly remembered for Whitney Houston's incredible rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Despite New York's victory, the legacy of this game is probably most shaped by Scott Norwood's failed kick. Starting with Super Bowl XXV, Buffalo played in 4-straight Super Bowls and this was their best chance at a title. The Bills suffered lopsided losses to the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in the following three Super Bowls. Sadly, nobody really talks about what a tremendous accomplishment it was for Buffalo to make it to the Super Bowl 4-straight seasons. Instead, they have forever been labeled "losers."
1. Super Bowl III
Date: January 12th, 1969
Location: Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
"WE'RE GONNA WIN THE GAME, I GUARANTEE IT!"
The New York Jets upset the Baltimore Colts, 16-7.
Super Bowl III was hardly a great game, but the reason it's number one on my list is because of its historical significance. At the time of the game, the AFL and the NFL were separate entities with their agreed upon merger still two seasons away. The NFL was viewed as the superior league, and very few could make a case for the AFL being on par. The first two Super Bowls were lopsided affairs in favor of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. The Colts only loss in the 1968 season was to the Cleveland Browns and they avenged that loss by pounding the Browns, 34-0, in Cleveland for the NFL championship. The Jets were 11-3 in '68 and they narrowly defeated the Oakland Raiders for the AFL crown. The Colts were installed as 18-point favorites and it wasn't expected to be much of a contest. But led by charismatic quarterback Joe Namath, the Jets used an effective ball-control offense to build an early 7-0 lead on running back Matt Snell's 4-yard touchdown run. Baltimore still had plenty of chances to control this game but turned the ball over 5 times, including 4 interceptions deep in Jets' territory. The most damaging of those interceptions was at the end of the first half. The Colts tried a flea-flicker play that completely fooled New York and left Baltimore receiver, Jimmy Orr, wide open near the end zone. Colts' quarterback, Earl Morrall, didn't see Orr and tried to complete the pass to a different receiver only to be intercepted as time expired. The Jets continued to control things in the second half, using three Jim Turner field goals to take a 16-0 lead into the 4th quarter. Colts' head coach Don Shula decided to replace the struggling Morrall with legendary quarterback, Johnny Unitas. Unitas didn't have much better luck, although he did lead Baltimore to a late touchdown, but all that did was make the score look more respectable. The Jets had pulled off the miracle upset and Joe Namath was named mvp. Namath's famous quote, "We're gonna win the game, I guarantee it!" is arguably the most famous pre-game quote in sports history and, even more than the dramatic upset, is what Super Bowl III is remembered for. The win by the Jets did so much for the AFL and showed everyone that the league was finally on the same ground as the NFL. I believe Super Bowl III is the reason why the event has become so popular. It became the spectacle it is today when Joe Namath issued that famous guarantee and followed through with the upset win.
Oh well, this concludes my list of the Ten Greatest Super Bowls of All-time. I hope you enjoyed it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Well, look at it this way: Everytime Sepulveda injures his knee, the Steelers win the Super bowl
The Steelers went into Baltimore last night and won another pivotal late season game against Ray Lewis and company. It was eerily similar to the 2008 game in Baltimore when Pittsburgh escaped with a last-second, 13-9, victory and clinched the AFC North division and a bye in the playoffs. In fact, the 13-10 score was nearly identical.
They did the same thing in 2001 when they went into Baltimore late in the year and clinched the then AFC Central division with a, 26-21, victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. Last night's victory didn't clinch the division for the Steelers, but they took a one-game lead over the Ravens heading into the last month of games.
As is usually the case when these two teams get together, last night's battle was like a heavyweight fight. And if I was scoring on points, the Ravens would have been ahead comfortably. They roughed up the Steelers pretty good the entire game. Ben Roethlisberger, already suffering from an injured foot, had his nose busted, Rocky-style, when he was hit in the face by Haloti Ngata. No penalty was called on the play, by the way. Heath Miller was knocked out of the game in the second half with a concussion when he was struck in the head while attempting to catch a pass. He was defenseless, but no penalty was called. Whatever, we're used to it, right?
Also, Daniel Sepulveda was lost for the year with an injured knee and Flozell Adams left the game with a high-ankle sprain.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh kept the game close at 10-6, and staggered Baltimore with a flurry in the 12th round when Troy Polamalu stripped Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco of the ball and Lamarr Woodely returned the fumble to the Baltimore 9 yard line.
How many times has Polamalu done this for the Steelers? He's just an absolute blessing to watch every week and builds on his legendary reputation every time he emerges from the phone booth and saves the day.
The Steelers knocked Baltimore down for the count when Ben Roethlisberger hit Isaac Redman for a touchdown pass on third and goal to take a 13-10 lead with 2:51 to play.
Baltimore never got off the mat as Flacco threw an incomplete pass on 4th and 2 from the Steelers' 31 yardline with about 30 seconds remaining. Curiously, the Ravens elected to go for it rather than attempt the long, game-tying field goal against the wind.
I know Ben Roethlisberger didn't play his best last night, but whatever respect he was lacking from his teammates and the fans had to be earned with his gutsy performance. I can't imagine trying to go through a day's work with a fractured foot and a broken nose, but there was Ben last night having to dodge Terrell Suggs and the rest of the Ravens' fierce pass rush for 4 quarters. The win marked the 6th straight time the Steelers have defeated the Ravens with Big Ben under center, and he is 7-2 overall in his career against Baltimore.
You can say what you want about Roethlisberger, but he has "it" and it was on display last night. There aren't too many quarterbacks in the league who could have done what Ben did with the injuries he sustained. Yeah, the defense gets the nod for saving the day, and Redman gets a ton of kudos for his determined run to the goalline through many defenders, but Roethisberger is a special kind of player, and I'm glad that I'm able to watch him work his magic game after game. You can call him many things, but while you're at it, you better call him a winner, as well. That's what the man is.
And what more can be said about Shaun Suisham? Two more 40plus yard field goals, pushing his total to 6-for-6 with Pittsburgh and 13-straight overall. And he even did a great job filling in on punts after Sepulveda went down. Daniel couldn't have placed some of those punts any better than Suisham. He even downed one inside the five that, unfortunately, was nullified due to a penalty on Keenan Lewis. It's like clock-work. Every 8 years, the Steelers hold a kicking tryout and come away with quite a gem.
What a rivalry this has been between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. I know the Ravens are the former Browns, but for my money, these two teams are battling the way the Steelers and Houston Oilers went at it in the late 70's and early 80's. They're just so similar and it's reflected in the scores. Five of the last six games have been decided by 3 points, and the other one was decided by 4. You'd think just once one team would get the best of the other with a two or three score victory, but it just never happens.
Last week, Suggs called it the best rivalry in sports, and right now, at this very moment, it probably is.
The games are generally low-scoring and usually not very pretty, but they sure do pack a lot of action into the low-scores. I'm not one to say, "they play football how it should be played!" I think there are many ways to play the game of football that are very compelling, including high-scoring, finesse contests, but the Steelers/Ravens brand of football is pretty cool, and always a treat. It's easier to say after a win, of course.
So far this year, the Steelers and Ravens are tied at 1 game a piece. I say so far because I think there will be a rubber match in January.
They did the same thing in 2001 when they went into Baltimore late in the year and clinched the then AFC Central division with a, 26-21, victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. Last night's victory didn't clinch the division for the Steelers, but they took a one-game lead over the Ravens heading into the last month of games.
As is usually the case when these two teams get together, last night's battle was like a heavyweight fight. And if I was scoring on points, the Ravens would have been ahead comfortably. They roughed up the Steelers pretty good the entire game. Ben Roethlisberger, already suffering from an injured foot, had his nose busted, Rocky-style, when he was hit in the face by Haloti Ngata. No penalty was called on the play, by the way. Heath Miller was knocked out of the game in the second half with a concussion when he was struck in the head while attempting to catch a pass. He was defenseless, but no penalty was called. Whatever, we're used to it, right?
Also, Daniel Sepulveda was lost for the year with an injured knee and Flozell Adams left the game with a high-ankle sprain.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh kept the game close at 10-6, and staggered Baltimore with a flurry in the 12th round when Troy Polamalu stripped Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco of the ball and Lamarr Woodely returned the fumble to the Baltimore 9 yard line.
How many times has Polamalu done this for the Steelers? He's just an absolute blessing to watch every week and builds on his legendary reputation every time he emerges from the phone booth and saves the day.
The Steelers knocked Baltimore down for the count when Ben Roethlisberger hit Isaac Redman for a touchdown pass on third and goal to take a 13-10 lead with 2:51 to play.
Baltimore never got off the mat as Flacco threw an incomplete pass on 4th and 2 from the Steelers' 31 yardline with about 30 seconds remaining. Curiously, the Ravens elected to go for it rather than attempt the long, game-tying field goal against the wind.
I know Ben Roethlisberger didn't play his best last night, but whatever respect he was lacking from his teammates and the fans had to be earned with his gutsy performance. I can't imagine trying to go through a day's work with a fractured foot and a broken nose, but there was Ben last night having to dodge Terrell Suggs and the rest of the Ravens' fierce pass rush for 4 quarters. The win marked the 6th straight time the Steelers have defeated the Ravens with Big Ben under center, and he is 7-2 overall in his career against Baltimore.
You can say what you want about Roethlisberger, but he has "it" and it was on display last night. There aren't too many quarterbacks in the league who could have done what Ben did with the injuries he sustained. Yeah, the defense gets the nod for saving the day, and Redman gets a ton of kudos for his determined run to the goalline through many defenders, but Roethisberger is a special kind of player, and I'm glad that I'm able to watch him work his magic game after game. You can call him many things, but while you're at it, you better call him a winner, as well. That's what the man is.
And what more can be said about Shaun Suisham? Two more 40plus yard field goals, pushing his total to 6-for-6 with Pittsburgh and 13-straight overall. And he even did a great job filling in on punts after Sepulveda went down. Daniel couldn't have placed some of those punts any better than Suisham. He even downed one inside the five that, unfortunately, was nullified due to a penalty on Keenan Lewis. It's like clock-work. Every 8 years, the Steelers hold a kicking tryout and come away with quite a gem.
What a rivalry this has been between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. I know the Ravens are the former Browns, but for my money, these two teams are battling the way the Steelers and Houston Oilers went at it in the late 70's and early 80's. They're just so similar and it's reflected in the scores. Five of the last six games have been decided by 3 points, and the other one was decided by 4. You'd think just once one team would get the best of the other with a two or three score victory, but it just never happens.
Last week, Suggs called it the best rivalry in sports, and right now, at this very moment, it probably is.
The games are generally low-scoring and usually not very pretty, but they sure do pack a lot of action into the low-scores. I'm not one to say, "they play football how it should be played!" I think there are many ways to play the game of football that are very compelling, including high-scoring, finesse contests, but the Steelers/Ravens brand of football is pretty cool, and always a treat. It's easier to say after a win, of course.
So far this year, the Steelers and Ravens are tied at 1 game a piece. I say so far because I think there will be a rubber match in January.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
PITT to play Kentucky in the "Why couldn't this be for the basketball National Championship bowl"
According to a close source (my girlfriend), the Panthers will play the Kentucky Wildcats in the BBVA Compass bowl on January 8th in Birmingham, Alabama.
Believe it or not, when I heard this news, I was kind of happy. But not the happy that you're thinking of. I'll give you an analogy:
This Tuesday, I have a dental appointment, and I'm going to find out if I need a root canal or if there is no hope for my damaged tooth and it'll have to be extracted.
I'm hoping for the root canal.
The BBVA Compass bowl (formally the Papa Johns bowl) against Kentucky might not seem like much, but in this analogy, it's the root canal to the painful and bloody extraction that would be the Beef'O Brady Bowl against Southern Miss on December 21st.
At least it's against an SEC team. Sure, maybe not a sexy SEC team, but if PITT pulls the game out, Big East fans will use it to totally talk trash and rip the SEC on blogs and message boards. And at the end of the day, that's really all that matters.
Believe it or not, when I heard this news, I was kind of happy. But not the happy that you're thinking of. I'll give you an analogy:
This Tuesday, I have a dental appointment, and I'm going to find out if I need a root canal or if there is no hope for my damaged tooth and it'll have to be extracted.
I'm hoping for the root canal.
The BBVA Compass bowl (formally the Papa Johns bowl) against Kentucky might not seem like much, but in this analogy, it's the root canal to the painful and bloody extraction that would be the Beef'O Brady Bowl against Southern Miss on December 21st.
At least it's against an SEC team. Sure, maybe not a sexy SEC team, but if PITT pulls the game out, Big East fans will use it to totally talk trash and rip the SEC on blogs and message boards. And at the end of the day, that's really all that matters.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
PITT defeats Cincinnati a year too late
The PITT Panthers ended their 2010 regular season with a 28-10 win at Cincinnati over the Bearcats.
It was the first time PITT has beaten Cincinnati in three seasons. The Panthers may have won, but unfortunately, they lost out once again in the Big East. The Panthers can lay claim to a part of the Big East championship, matching Connecticut and WVU with 5-2 conference marks, but they don't get the big prize.
That will go to Connecticut, who beat out both PITT and West Virginia for the BCS berth. UConn owns tiebreakers over both the Panthers and the 'eers.
It's unclear what bowl PITT will now play in, but from most accounts, it'll either be in the Beef 'O Brady bowl on December 21st to face Southern Miss or the BBVA Compass bowl on January 8th to face Kentucky.
Today's victory over Cincy was cool. Dion Lewis regained his form and rushed for 261 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. It was a nice way to end the season.
However, the PITT program, and their fans, would have gladly exchanged today's triumph for a win over the Bearcats last season.
That would have been MUCH cooler.
It was the first time PITT has beaten Cincinnati in three seasons. The Panthers may have won, but unfortunately, they lost out once again in the Big East. The Panthers can lay claim to a part of the Big East championship, matching Connecticut and WVU with 5-2 conference marks, but they don't get the big prize.
That will go to Connecticut, who beat out both PITT and West Virginia for the BCS berth. UConn owns tiebreakers over both the Panthers and the 'eers.
It's unclear what bowl PITT will now play in, but from most accounts, it'll either be in the Beef 'O Brady bowl on December 21st to face Southern Miss or the BBVA Compass bowl on January 8th to face Kentucky.
Today's victory over Cincy was cool. Dion Lewis regained his form and rushed for 261 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. It was a nice way to end the season.
However, the PITT program, and their fans, would have gladly exchanged today's triumph for a win over the Bearcats last season.
That would have been MUCH cooler.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Nothing wrong with being a die hard fan
I was reading a blog earlier from a local personality who said he just doesn't "get it" when he sees grown men and women wearing replica jerseys of their favorite teams or players. Whether it be a football jersey, a hockey sweater, etc.
I've heard this before. Some people think it's silly to wear jerseys, and that's fine. But at the same time, I don't think it's wrong, either.
Someone walking around with a replica Steelers jersey on is no different than someone else wearing a t-shirt of their favorite band. If there is a difference, please, point it out to me.
There is also a sentiment by some people who assume that anyone who is a die hard sports fan is a drunken idiot who has nothing else to fill the void in his or her life and they throw all of their energy into supporting their favorite team.
It's no secret that there are people out there like that, but they are in the minority. Those people at games who get into fights with fans of other teams, they don't represent the majority of sports fans. Just like everything else in life, the idiots get all the attention. They don't represent most of us.
If someone is getting into fights at sporting events, chances are, they're probably showing the same behavior in other areas of life, when sports aren't even involved. Don't blame the sport just because some jackass decides to act up while attending a game. Blame the person.
I have plenty of friends who wear their Steelers jerseys proudly on game-day and they're not drunken idiots. They're just showing their love and support for their team. Do they get excited when the Steelers do something great or upset when they do the opposite? Of course, so do I. I jump up and down, I pound the floor, I even swear, but when the game is over, so is my goofy behavior. I see nothing wrong with that. Now, if I go and slap my girlfriend or break a window because the Steelers lose a game, then maybe I have a problem. But, chances are, it would be in my character to do that kind of stuff with or without the Steelers to cheer for. Don't blame the Steelers. Don't blame football. Don't blame the alcohol. Blame me.
If you can't figure out why people live and die for their teams, why they pull out their replica jerseys and wear them proudly, you're just not a fan, and no explanation will do.
If you do understand why people find great joy in their team winning or sorrow in them losing, then you are a fan and no explanation is necessary.
Being a die hard sports fan is totally unique to any other aspect of life. Where else can you invest so much emotion into something that you don't really have any physical involvement in? There is nothing.
You might get some of that from a tv show, band or movie. But if you go and see your favorite band in concert, there is a pretty good chance that you'll leave their fulfilled. Same thing when you turn on your favorite show. You know it's going to bring you joy.
However, the great thing about sitting down to watch a game is you have absolutely no idea how you'll be feeling in three hours.
I haven't broken out my replica Hines Ward jersey all season, but you better believe I'll be wearing it proudly when the Steelers take on the Ravens Sunday night.
I cheer for the Steelers because doing so gives me emotions that are totally unparalled to anything else I do in my life. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. It's called being a sports fan. Like I said, if you're not a sports fan, you just wouldn't understand.
I've heard this before. Some people think it's silly to wear jerseys, and that's fine. But at the same time, I don't think it's wrong, either.
Someone walking around with a replica Steelers jersey on is no different than someone else wearing a t-shirt of their favorite band. If there is a difference, please, point it out to me.
There is also a sentiment by some people who assume that anyone who is a die hard sports fan is a drunken idiot who has nothing else to fill the void in his or her life and they throw all of their energy into supporting their favorite team.
It's no secret that there are people out there like that, but they are in the minority. Those people at games who get into fights with fans of other teams, they don't represent the majority of sports fans. Just like everything else in life, the idiots get all the attention. They don't represent most of us.
If someone is getting into fights at sporting events, chances are, they're probably showing the same behavior in other areas of life, when sports aren't even involved. Don't blame the sport just because some jackass decides to act up while attending a game. Blame the person.
I have plenty of friends who wear their Steelers jerseys proudly on game-day and they're not drunken idiots. They're just showing their love and support for their team. Do they get excited when the Steelers do something great or upset when they do the opposite? Of course, so do I. I jump up and down, I pound the floor, I even swear, but when the game is over, so is my goofy behavior. I see nothing wrong with that. Now, if I go and slap my girlfriend or break a window because the Steelers lose a game, then maybe I have a problem. But, chances are, it would be in my character to do that kind of stuff with or without the Steelers to cheer for. Don't blame the Steelers. Don't blame football. Don't blame the alcohol. Blame me.
If you can't figure out why people live and die for their teams, why they pull out their replica jerseys and wear them proudly, you're just not a fan, and no explanation will do.
If you do understand why people find great joy in their team winning or sorrow in them losing, then you are a fan and no explanation is necessary.
Being a die hard sports fan is totally unique to any other aspect of life. Where else can you invest so much emotion into something that you don't really have any physical involvement in? There is nothing.
You might get some of that from a tv show, band or movie. But if you go and see your favorite band in concert, there is a pretty good chance that you'll leave their fulfilled. Same thing when you turn on your favorite show. You know it's going to bring you joy.
However, the great thing about sitting down to watch a game is you have absolutely no idea how you'll be feeling in three hours.
I haven't broken out my replica Hines Ward jersey all season, but you better believe I'll be wearing it proudly when the Steelers take on the Ravens Sunday night.
I cheer for the Steelers because doing so gives me emotions that are totally unparalled to anything else I do in my life. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. It's called being a sports fan. Like I said, if you're not a sports fan, you just wouldn't understand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)