<![CDATA[All entries from: http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs]]> en Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:23:32 GMT Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:02:55 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss vBlogetin steverobwhatever@gridironfans.com steverobwhatever@gridironfans.com <![CDATA[Watching the NFL In the 21st Century]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/KhoORQ4VQws/viewblog.php Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:02:55 GMT In just under two months, we will be a full decade into the twenty-first century. To realize how far we've come in the last ten years, let's look at where we were: With some controversy, President George Bush narrowly won the election over Vice President Al Gore, both towers of the World trade center were still standing, and Y2K was the single greatest threat to global security.

Ten years ago in the world of professional sports: the San Antonio Spurs were the first NBA team to win a title in the "post-Jordan" era, the New York Yankees won their second of three consecutive World Series championships, and an unknown second-string quarterback named Kurt Warner was leading the St. Louis Rams to the greatest single-season turnaround in NFL history, while my Arizona Cardinals were only starting to find out that Jake "the snake" Plummer would not be the next Joe Montana.

I've been an NFL fan since I was young. My favorite team growing up was the Roger Staubach led Dallas Cowboys, since there wasn't even an NFL team in Arizona until after I graduated from high school. So clearly, I've been watchin footall for a long time, but with new innovations, the way that I (and most of you as well) watch the game has changed dramatically for three reasons:

Reason #1, fantasy football.

I actually started playing fantasy football in 1999 in a free, salary cap league, but it wasn't until 2003 that I actually participated in a league with a live draft and I've been hooked ever since.

The upside: as a fantasy team owner you have to educate yourself on teams and players other than your favorites. As an owner you also have a vested interest in following games that are inconsequential to anyone other than fans of the teams playing, why else would anyone outside of Detroit and Seattle really care about Lions/Seahawks game this afternoon?

The downside: whether you're watching at the stadium or at home it's easy to get distracted by players statistics and have your attention drawn away from the actual game you're watching. Also, having an opposing player on your roster facing your favorite team reduces your natural hatred for the opposition, last week's Cardinal loss to the Panthers was handled a lot better by Cardinal fans with DeAngelo Williams on their roster.

Reason #2, the internet.

I was an internet virgin until my wife (girl-friend at the time) let me go online in 2002. The first website I registered on was the Arizona Cardinals message board. Sometime later, one of my "virtual" friend posted a link to another football website (that shall remain nameless) where he was competing for votes for rookie of the month. He was defeated by a user named Sweets who I criticized for having no game. Well, Sweets showed her true colors shortly after that and when the nameless site was exposed, I was invited by her and SteveRobWhatever to join a this site and have been kicking around here ever since.

The upside: the internet is the best thing ever. Amazing information and entertainment from around the world. Shopping from home, fewer trips to the DMV, exchanging information from all over the world.

The downside: the internet is simultaneously the worst thing ever. Pornography, gambling, identity theft, computer viruses, and having Steelers' fans from all corners kicking virtual sand in my face.

Reason #3, DVR

In 2003 my wife and I subscribed to digital cable with DVR capability and we still agree that it's the best money we spend each month. If you watch any TV at all DVR (or TiVo for some of you) is a life-changer.

The upside: being able pause, fast-forward, and rewind live TV. Recording favorite shows automatically and fast-forwarding through the commercials later.

The downside: it's now virtually impossible for me to watch live TV without suffering flashes of Tourette's Syndrome. Running out of recording space and having a game quit recording before the end of the game. Having to ignore friends/fans that want to call/text live information from the game when I'm watching the game on self-implemented digital delay.

All of these reasons combine into a perfect storm on gameday. If I'm at the game I will also record the game on DVR because I'm bound to miss some game action between bathroom breaks, concession runs, or I was watching the scoreboard looking for the stats for my starting fantasy quarterback. If I'm watching the game from home I will have the live scoring pulled up on my computer and after a while I'll pause the game, check out how my starters are doing, fast-forward through the commercials and continue watching the game.

As you can tell from the timeline I'm pretty slow to embrace new things, but when I do I get a pretty good hold on things. How much worse is it going to get once I get an HDTV and the NFL Network? ]]> WOODDRIVER http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=627&entry=691 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=627&entry=691 <![CDATA[Random Thoughts Season 3 Week 8]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/_xBHszmrvZk/viewblog.php Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:02:38 GMT It time for a blog so here is Random Thoughts Season 3 Week 8

Brett Farve returned to Lambeau and was booed out the building. How did he take it he burned his former team for 244 yards and 4 TD's. Along with Adrian Peterson 97 yards and a TD & 6 sacks by the defence meant the Vikings won 38-26 and now head into there bye week at 7-1.

The Falcons tried but they couldn't overcome Matt Ryan 3 picks including one returned for a TD. Drew Bress had another 300 yards in the 35-27 win. Only the 91 Saints have started better and this current Saints team looks to join them starting 8-0 against the Panthers this week.

We seen the Saints can win without Drew Bress scoring TD's but this week we this past week we saw that the Colts can win even when Peyton Manning isn't throwing TD passes. Manning draw a blank in the TD column but the Colts got a great 18-14 win over a tough 49ers team. The Colts defence is quietly becoming very good.

It may be time to hit the panic button in New York. Once again the Giants Secondary was lit up this time by Donovan McNabb who got 3 TD's in 40-17 beatdown. The Eagles are now is looking to go top of the NFC East.

The Jets meanwhile dominated the stats in their game with Miami but they lost the biggest one and that was the final score one the Dolphins is 30-25. Ted Ginn Jr got 2 Kick off and returned them for TD's. The Jets have drop 4 of the last 5.

Denver luck finally run out as an angry Ravens team took out the pain of 3 straight losses on the Broncos. The 30-7 win means the Ravens are back in the hunt for the AFC North and you have to wonder what effect this will have on Denver.

Once again the Panthers had a match with had a lot of picks however Jake Delhomme didn't throw one of them. Kurt Warner throw 5 picks and the Cards run D got flatten for 270 yards in the 34-21 lost. The Cards are a ture Jekyll-and-Hyde team.

Everyone says that Vince Young being the QB for the Titans got them their first win. I say that is wrong it was the fact the Jags rushed MJD just 8 times. In those 8 tries he had 2 long TD runs meanwhile the Titans Chris Johnson 228 yards and 2 TD's meant the Titans got their first win 30-13.

The Texans lost their biggest offensive weapon but they could have found one at the same time. Owen Daniels is done for the year and Ryan Moats who stepped in for a benched Steve Slaton. The 31-10 win could mean the start of a big thing for the Texans. They look to make a statement against the Colts this week.

Tony Romo is throwing for over 250 yards and 3 TD's I guess we haven't hit thanksgiving yet. The Cowboys got past the Seahawks the 38-17 win means the Cowboys look to make the top of the NFC East

The Chargers beat the Raiders and acted like it was a big deal. Look it the Raiders so please don't make it bad. BTW how is throwing 109 yards and a pick a good day? When your Jamarcus Russell so. 24-16 win for the Chargers.

The Browns benched Derek Anderson but it didn't matter Cleveland is a mess. Matt Forte got 2 TD's in the 30 - 6 and Jay Cutler couldn't get a TD against the Browns. Boy that trade work out for you Chicago didn't it.

The Rams made sure they didn't join the Lions in the 0-16 club. Steven Jackson got 149 yards and a TD's as they won 17-10. BTW Lions fans lay off Matthew Stafford you want 0-16 last year your team rebuilding lay off the rookie.


I'm done for another week

This week blog is dedicate to all the brave men who have either given their lives or are currently servicing for the freedom of all our lives. Cause without there efforts I couldn't have the rights to type what I type. So please as we hit November 11 remember those who give us the right to be free.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. So from my personal wrestling vault in Bristol, England, this is PSID412USM saying please don’t spam]]> PSID412USM http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=631&entry=690 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=631&entry=690 <![CDATA[Random Thoughts Season 3 Week 7]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/BME0AV44Pmg/viewblog.php Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:07:36 GMT A blog you say we here you go it Random Thoughts Season 3 Week 7

How badly do you have to feel if your the Dolphins? They controled the clock against the Colts then lose. Last week they hung 34 points and were killing the Saints. However Drew Bress showed that even on a bad day he can kill you he help get 36 second half points including 22 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. The 46-34 win showed the Saints are turly a force

Troy Polamalu returned against the Vikings and it helped out the Steelers big time. The Steelers D captain help the Steelers come up with 3 big stands and 2 defensive TD's to hand to hand the Vikings their first lose. Now Brett Farve is set for a quiet next match it a trip to Green Bay

Do you think Josh McDaniels was sitting at home laughing at Jay Cutler the fromer Broncos QB who cried his way out of Denver throw for 3 picks in a 45 - 10 Lost to the Bengals the Bears also got humbled by former first round pick Cedric Benson as he got 189 yards and a TD against his former club.

The Giants were made to pay for their sloppy play. Eli throw 3 picks and Jeff Feagles had a nightmare as Kurt Warner pick apart a bang up Giants secondary in the 24-17 win. Suddenly the Cards are winning out east and back in control of the West.

Miles Austin showed his record day wasn't a fluke and the Cowboys Defence showed they used the bye to sort things out. Austin and Romo hooked up for 171 yards and 2 TD's as the Cowboys got the 37-21 win over the Falcons and given the Eagles and Giants problems don't rule the boys out the NFC East race just yet

The Texans got off to a fast start against the 49ers they led 21-0 at halftime in the second half Alex Smith came in and showed he could finally be getting things done. Vernon Davis 3 TD's nearly helped the 9ers to victory but Eugene Wilson late pick meant the Texans won 24-21

In Oakland we had Hotdog gate as Mark Sanchez eat a hotdog on the sideline as the Jets served a shutout 38-0. JaMarcus Russell was benched in the lost but really will it do anything to improve things? I doubt it

The Chargers got a kick up the backside when they lost to Denver. They used it to take out the Chiefs 37-7. Rivers got 3 TD's in the win and now the Chargers look to get back in the AFC West.

Jake Delhomme got 325 yards passing but he throw 3 picks and the Bills used them to get the points they needed to the win. The 20-9 win means the Bills have 3 win this season. Delhomme appear done as a starter but John Fox can't see it.

Peyton Manning may have not got 300 yards but he probably don't care as he got 3 TD's and the Colts got a 42-7 win over the Rams to go to 7-0 however the run d is still a little iffy.

Tom Brady showed that he is back as he hung 300 yards and 3 TD's on the Bucs in the 35-7 win in Wembley. The game was dull and so was it coverage over here so maybe a franchise isn't a good idea.

The Packers made sure that Aaron Rogers wasn't roughed up too bad after getting a helmet rip off and punched in the eye. They put 31 points on a Browns team that seem to have to give up on the season.

Finally The Eagles and Redskins played out a bore on Monday. The Eagles got the ugliest win your ever see as I heard someone say. The 27-17 win can't hid the fact that both the Eagles and Redskins have serious problem.

I'm done for another week

This week blog is dedicate to all the young guy in TNA wrestling cause with the Hulkster coming in I fear for their futures.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. So from my personal wrestling vault in Bristol, England, this is PSID412USM saying please don’t spam]]> PSID412USM http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=631&entry=689 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=631&entry=689 <![CDATA[Rookie pay structure?!? What about QBs???]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/eUsZc7y7Lfs/viewblog.php Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:26:14 GMT CREATING ANARCHY IN DC LIKE IT'S JANUARY 2001

Ooooo, sorry to those rooting for the red instead of the blue every 4 years but had to find a catchy title somehow. Well, DC really hasn't been in complete ruins yet my friends not yet. However, John Riggins' youtube page and WTOP radio show have certainly created minions upon minions; so much so that former Redskins play-by-play man Frank Herzog joined in the act. Meanwhile, Dan Steinberg, Mike Wise, Scott Van Pelt, Mark Schlereth, Steve Young, Michael Wilbon and others are all preaching the truth on their online articles, podcasts, pregame shows and sportscenter cameos about it. If only Matt "I'm sick of people blaming the front office" Millen could join in the fun.

Now here we are, the front office have banned signs at FedEx Field.The response: post these markered billboards across all of DELMARVA. Now we fans are plotting what to do for the next three weeks when Denver comes to town. And that plot better be a good one. Maybe they can ask Cleveland Browns fans what they are doing to voice their rage. But this is the moment of the Redskins Franchise under Dan Snyder. All redskins fans must blackout every single home game. All Redskins fans must no longer tailgate in the surrounding parking lot in Landover. And we Redskins fans must no longer buy andy merchandise. I mean, who has pride wearing a DeAngelo Hall jersey anyway?

But we redskins fans must achieve every single task. The front office must listen to us if we and only we achieve all these tasks. And most importantly, the NFL must recognize and change Snyder and Cerrato's ways if we and only we achieve these tasks. This is our moment redskins fans. Take the football team back to it's rightful place!!!

IF ONLY THERE WAS A QUARTERBACK PAY STRUCTURE

In sports salaries, there are so many stereotypical numbers for certain types of players. The superstar basketball player gets over $15 million/year, while the uber-elite get over $20 million/year. The average starting goaltender gets over $5 million/year and the go-to goalscorer gets over $7 million/year. And in football, the starting quarterback must get a 5+ year/$50+ million contract these days.

Now, for some that may be considered fair. But in basketball, the rookie pay structure already exists, so there is more information for GMs for star players to be discovered and given the right contracts. In Hockey, $7 million is close to every other salary on the roster considering how chokingly tight the hard salary cap is($57 million for 23 players and expected to drop).

Now we get to football. These days $10 million a year is always given to the franchise quarterback, top 5 level running back and franchise defensive star. However, it is almost impossible to rate whether or not a quarterback can last five years being worth that contract. Here is the current list of players that have performed to that level ALL of the last five years(including this year).

Ben Roethlisberger
Peyton Manning
Phillip Rivers
Drew Brees
Donovan McNabb

Mind you that this excludes players like Tom Brady because of injury and players like Brett Favre because they are on their last legs. This list just goes to show how unbelievably high-risk high-reward the position is. This is also why I am so 50-50 about the redskins picking a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft or going for the trade of the century to get two first rounders(the next franchise left tackle and RB/KR/answer to DeShawn Jackson and Percy Harvin/replacement for Clinton Portis...CJ Spiller being the picks). So why fork over so much money for them?

And this is not for my Redskins who must give this money to their top ten draft pick QB(Sam Bradford, St. Jimmy Clausen, Tim "Forest Gump" Tebow, etc.) or Jason Cambpell to create any form of stability in the organization. What about Detroit wasting $6 million/year with Joey Harrington in the early 2000s and risking $12.5 million on Matthew Stafford? What about New York Jets is to Mark Sanchez what the Cleveland Cavaliers is to LeBron James: paying him like he's the savior of the city while mortgaging the future? What about Carolina realizing what a complete mistake it was to resign Jake Delhomme? What about Cleveland who is spending $13 million a year for two second string players without doing their research and putting it on a guaranteed first stringer with one-year wonder Derek Anderson and the Adam Morrison of football in Brady Quinn(while Tim Tebow is obviously the JJ Reddick)?

It boggles the mind how many teams get screwed over paying too much money on such mediocre QBs that they can't get themselves out of it. Come on NFL, let this be on the agenda for the next CBA!!!

THE LIST
The Top 5 things Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato will ban next

1. Your ability to leave FedEx Field-this also includes people that have the gumption to spend all of Sunday tailgating and watching the entirety of a football game

2. Your ability to breath when you enter the stadium-you can't even cheer, because you may be doing for the over team

3. Your ability to enter the stadium without a replica redskins jersey

4. Your ability to report about a redskins loss

5. The ability to use the NFL draft-wait...they have already made this rule ten years ago.

Q&A

Well, the only comment made in last week's post was that of a private one, so unlike Mr. Snyder, I will let my viewer voice his responses in a way he sees fit.

CONCLUSION

Boy, that is a ton of punk music I just bursted out today. Until then with tunes of Rise Against stuck in my head...have a Happy Halloween and stay classy DC.]]> daluter http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=2047&entry=688 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=2047&entry=688 <![CDATA[Steelers report card vs Vikings]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/PAbxL3xppJk/viewblog.php Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:39 GMT

The 6-0 Vikings came to town with a Steel Curtain standing between them and remaining undefeated. In a game you expected to be a shootout, it was exactly the opposite, both defenses held the other teams offense in check for most of the day. Two huge touchdowns by the Steelers defense at the end sealed the win for Pittsburgh 27-17.

The Report Card:

Quarterbacks: Roethlisberger had a quiet day for the first time this season, The Vikings defense held him in check as he only threw for 175 yards. He did have the big touchdown pass to Mike Wallace at the end of the first half, it was a beautiful pass. Several mistakes could have been made by Ben as he threw a few times while getting hit which almost turned into interceptions. We can't afford those mistakes, I'm surprised we got away with it. Ben did have a fumble late in the game as the defender came around the line behind Ben and knocked the ball loose, luckily it rolled out of bounds. C+

Runningbacks: Once again a big turnover by the running backs, this one could have cost us the game, luckily the defense made up for Mendenhalls mistake. After a huge play you need to punch the ball into the endzone or get a field goal at the very least, not dive like a dolphin and fumble when your still 7 yards away from the end zone. Outside of the error Mendenhall played well and ran hard, good holes for him to run through and the tackles & tight ends sealing off the edges was key. If the Steelers ran more Mendenhall could have a had a huge game no doubt. He rushed 69 yards on only 10 attempts. Willie Parker barely seen the field, and looked as bad as ever. Moore again got a few carries after Mendenhall's fumble, he rushed for 14 yards and surprisingly didn't have a reception, this guy just does what he's asked and doesn't complain got to love it. Mendenhall B- Parker D Moore B

Wide Receivers: Quiet day for the crew as the Steelers didn't see much action through the air, you have to be impressed with the Vikings gameplan as they came in and shut down a very dangerous passing attack up to this point. They held the leagues leading receiver Hines Ward to only 1 catch for 4 yards. The leading receiver was rookie Mike Wallace, who again is showing he was well worth that 3rd round pick in the draft. He caught 3 balls for 72 yards and a key catch and run touchdown before halftime. Wallace also ran the end around twice and was productive 2 weeks in a row in the running game. Holmes also had an awesome catch and run that will be forgotten thanks to Mendenhall's fumble. Sweed was again inactive. Ward C Holmes B Wallace A-

Tight Ends: You have to love the fact Miller is still being used in this offense, he didn't have a huge day but he did get thrown to more then anybody else, and had 6 catches on the day. Arians just needs to keep Miller in the offense, he's a huge weapon. David Johnson had a reception for 4 yards, I believe his first on the season. He also had a few good blocks when he was on the field. Miller B Johnson B

Offensive Line: This was the arguably the biggest test so far this season for the offensive line, and they responded. The run blocking was awesome against this great Vikings front. Probably because the Vikings expected pass, but either way the Steelers had plenty of push when they wanted to run the ball. The pass blocking wasn't bad either, particularly who did an excellent job against Pro bowler Jared Allen, Allen was rarely seen throughout the day. One of my fears coming into the game was how will Ben escape Allen's pressure, luckily I didn't even have to find out. Kudos Max. There were a few plays Ben needed more time, but thats with any offensive line in the league. A-

Defensive Line: The defensive line played awesome, I think we will be ok without Aaron Smith, he will definitely be missed and now with the injury to Kirshke it could hurt even more, but overall the job they did was magnificent. They had the key goal line stand, and almost had a second goal line stand. They kept the Vikings run game in check for the most part, and of course they gave up 2-3 big runs to AD, but who doesn't? Keisel forced one of the game winning touchdowns the Steelers defense had, he beat the tackle off the line and reached in behind Favre to knock the ball loose, it was picked up by Woodley and 7 hours later it was good for 6 points. What the hell was Fat Casey doing, 3 offsides penalties... REALLY?A-

Linebackers: Again leading the way was James "Silverback" Harrison, he had another 2 sacks and is just such a force rushing in from the outside. He also drew a key holding play on a big gain by the Vikings, and drew a questionable tripping penalty that negated a Vikings touchdown, shortly after the Steelers defense capitalized. Woodley was getting plenty of pressure, but again no sacks. He whiffed on an easy sack in the 1st half, luckily Harrison was there to clean it up. Timmons again was a tackling machine, I never thought I'd say this, but you can't break a Timmons tackle! The Timmons & Farrior blitzes are starting to become a big part of this defense, get pressure right up the middle and the quarterback panics. Farrior got back to doing what we know he can, he recorded 15 tackles and also had a sack early in the game which kind of set the tone for that defense. Fox came in for the injured LT, he played solid in run defense of course, he also made the play of the game when he was in the right place in the right time to catch a deflected pass and take it back to the house to seal the ball game. Harrison A+ Woodley C+ Timmons B Farrior A Fox A

Defensive Backs: Not a great day for this crew, the cornerbacks Taylor and Gay missed a few tackles which resulted in decent gains for the Vikings, there not solely to blame though, Lebeau has them playing 42 yards off the receivers and Favre is the first quarterback to really take advantage of it this season with just snap and throws to the wideouts. Taylor was in great position all night but just couldn't get the deflections, on a few plays he didn't get his head around by the time the ball was in the receivers hand. This is credit to Favre who made some great passes. Gay did have a nice deflection on a deep ball to Harvin and he almost picked it off. Gay got ran over by AD in the 4th quarter, but stuck with it and still almost got the tackle. Polamalu was moving around better then I expected, he had a few boneheaded plays where you didn't know what he was doing, but just having him out there is great, and boy was he laying the wood on some plays. Troy also chased down Percy Harvin to tackle him at the 1 which turned out to be huge, because the Steelers followed with a goalline stand. Clark had a huge hit on Harvin which Percy dropped the ball resulting in a Vikings punt. Overall the pass defense has to improve for this team to still be playing deep into January especially in the 2nd half. C

Special Teams: Well they did it again, they allowed another returned for a touchdown, the kick return coverage flaws that appeared to be resolved last season have surfaced again. The Steelers had big momentum, but gave it away quickly as right after the Woodley fumble return for a touchdown, Percy Harvin ran a kick back for a touchdown, thanks to Jeff Reed. This isn't two hand touch football, this is the National Football League. Is the only people you hit police officers? seriously, Sepulveda would have had him seeing stars. The punt coverage was decent, and Stefan Logan had a few good returns in a big game. C-

Offensive Coordinator: Bruce Arians returned back to the dull offense, why not pick the Vikings secondary apart deep? Did they not watch the game film from the previous week to see what the Ravens did? Arians seen the success of the run and yet Mendy only had 10 carries. He only did one thing good which is not take Miller out of the offense after he's has consecutive big games, I'm sure he will keep Miller into block every play in Denver, I'm just going off the pattern. D+

Defensive Coordinator: The defense did everything it needed to in the first half, but again after some halftime adjustments Lebeau's defense was giving up big plays and should have had another 4th quarter loss. Why not keep going with what works?? The blitzes on 3rd downs were getting 0 pressure which is rare this is usually when Lebeau shines on 3rd and long, 3rd and short is usually when his scheme gets exploited for easy first downs, but the Steelers have to get pressure on 3rd and long. Two big plays by the defense did win the Steelers this game though. B-

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin's former team was coming to town, the team that gave him his first coordinator job and he had the team ready to win. The defense was fired up early, and Tomlin himself was fired up after the Mike Wallace touchdown before the half. A huge win going into the bye week and now Tomlin will get this team ready for Denver. B+

Player of the week

Max Starks
]]> Crowned http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=802&entry=687 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=802&entry=687 <![CDATA[Defense wins championships]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gridironfansblogs/~3/cG_0CP0N5Ag/viewblog.php Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:33 GMT Well, in this case, the Steelers D won the game for us. 2 defensive scores in the final quarter to seal a game was huge for the game, especially with Favre at helm for the Vikings. The Vikings were getting close to the endzone twice and the people I was watching with were ready to give up on the Steelers. Someone even said just let them score so that we can get the ball back.

I had faith. I kept telling them that the D was going to step up and get the ball back for the Offense and they did. Only they decided to let the offense stay on the sidelines and score for them. This was probably a smart move as the O was having problems scoring all day, let alone move the ball.

Then the Kickoff came and Jeff Reed made a great tackle. Wait, he didn't even try. I guess the returner didn't take the last paper towels that were in the stadium or else Reed would have destroyed him.

The offense gets the ball back and I was thinking that it was time for Ben and Co to move down field and score, but no, only 5 plays before punting. The Vikings should have picked up the fumble, but they tried to pick it up instead of just falling on it. Good thing too, as I don't think we keep them from scoring at that point.

Well, Favre was ready to go and was making some great passes. A dump off to AP allowed them to get in scoring position after AP ran over William Gay. Chester Taylor came in and decided he didn't want to hold onto the ball that Brett threw to him.

All I heard all day was "how come Fox doesn't get time playing on D instead of just on Special Teams?". Well that ball that Taylor couldn't catch ended up in Fox's hands and he took it to the house. I have to admit that Favre is a great player. He never gave up on the Fumble or the Int. But he really gave up when he tried to make the tackle. He looked more like a little league baseball player sliding for the first time.

And that was the ball game.

I have to give a game ball to both the Defense and the Offensive line. The Oline played a great game and Max Starks kept Jared Allen from picking up a sack this game. He was playing with a mission and the mission was to show the world that the Oline was not horrible.

The Defense gets a ball because they came out and played when they needed to instead of the big 4th quarter collapses.

So glad to have the bye week coming up to get some of the players a rest and a chance to heal.]]> Matt314hew http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=540&entry=686 http://gridironfans.com/forums/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=540&entry=686