Colts Steelers

[TFoA]

"DESPITE COWHER'S BEST EFFORTS TO BLOW THE GAME"? Are you kidding me? Bettis fumbling on the 2 yardline was a result of Cowher's coaching? Polamalu's interception being overturned was a result of coaching?

I will say that if they're trying to say it's Cowher's fault that they had those bad bounces & calls then they are dumbasses.

I will say that Cowher did mismanage the game by trying to sit on a lead by running the ball EXTREMELY conservatively when the momentum in the game had obviously shifted towards the Colts. They're lucky they won that game.

[Hat Boy]

There are a number of good coaches who never won a Super Bowl, so I think Dungy will be looked on a little better.

IDK IMO Dungy's rapidly approaching Denny Green/Marty Schottenheimer territory.

What is Dungy's playoff record?

What about Green or Marty?

They are all certainly a cut above Jim Mora, but they're below Bud Grant or Marv Levy.

[Cujo]

How about Peyton Manning after the game blaming his offensive line way to go Peyton show the same guts you had during the game after the game.

Choke artists are always gonna do stuff like that though. And this is coming from a Peyton Manning fan. Peyton is a choke artist, plain and simple.

Vanderjagt choked ... Manning just sucked. Kinda like Marino in the playoffs ... Peyton just can't seem to get it done when it matters.

[rams80]

"DESPITE COWHER'S BEST EFFORTS TO BLOW THE GAME"? Are you kidding me? Bettis fumbling on the 2 yardline was a result of Cowher's coaching? Polamalu's interception being overturned was a result of coaching?

Coaching switched up the offense to an early pass attack that confused their defense. Coaching sacked Manning all day long. Coaching got the Steelers to score 14 points in the first quarter.

Coaching knocked off the #1 favorite, and yet you still pick on him? Whatever...nice game against Penn State this year, too. Any comments on Paterno's coaching in that game?

Bettis-well if Cowher trained the traitorous Bus better he wouldn't have coughed the ball up.

Coaches didn't sack Manning-the Pittsburgh defense did.

Coaches didn't score the points, the offense did (and the Colts defense spending the quarter playing like sick nuns).

Cowher's still going to choke next week.

[jkrdevil]

I have to put a lot of the blame on the coaching staff for resting players with 3 weeks left in the season including the bye week. You can't have that much time off of real game action and not expect there to be some rust. In the playoffs ou can't afford rusty periods. The second half the Colts were moving the ball much better, had they not been as rusty in the first half the Colts might have had the lead late in the game.

Resting your players the final week when you have to play a wild card game the next week is one thing. But sitting them down the final 2 games when you will have a bye week is different and teams that do that don't win the playoffs.

[TFoA]

Resting your players the final week when you have to play a wild card game the next week is one thing. But sitting them down the final 2 games when you will have a bye week is different and teams that do that don't win the playoffs.

Yeah I've noticed that. Pittsburgh's been in full speed mode this whole year, & they've advanced. Carolina's been fighting for their playoff lives since around week 14, so they're also in more of an intense mode. So I agree, a team is more effective if they're already in a playoff mentality longer than another team that takes such a long layoff.

[PeytonManningRocks]

goshdarnit, the Colts just stunk it up today. IMO we should've lost by at least 2 touchdowns the way we played. I'm not usually a Peyton doubter, but after seeing this game, it made me think we might need to clean house, get a new coach, QB, and most importantly, DEFENSE! Btw....I think Willie Parker just ran for another first down I smell an Atlanta Braves complex, making it to the playoffs every year, only to choke it every freaking time! Gosh I'm so p'd off today... oh well, maybe the Lakers will at least make the playoffs

[infrared41]

"DESPITE COWHER'S BEST EFFORTS TO BLOW THE GAME"? Are you kidding me? Bettis fumbling on the 2 yardline was a result of Cowher's coaching? Polamalu's interception being overturned was a result of coaching?

Coaching switched up the offense to an early pass attack that confused their defense. Coaching sacked Manning all day long. Coaching got the Steelers to score 14 points in the first quarter.

Coaching knocked off the #1 favorite, and yet you still pick on him? Whatever...nice game against Penn State this year, too. Any comments on Paterno's coaching in that game?

You saw the same 4th quarter I did right? Cowher went "Marty" and the Colts jumped right back in it. Once it got close he started blitzing again and luckily for you it worked. Here's the reality chief. You were up 21-3 in that game. It should have been much worse but your coach decided to go to the hang on for dear life defense instead of putting the hammer down. If it weren't for Mike Vanderjagt missing that kick we're all talking about Denver's chances at Indy this week. Don't get mad at me because your idiot coach almost blew an 18 point lead in one quarter of football. The Steelers were manhandling the Colts in the 1st three quarters of that game so what happened in the fourth? Did Indy all of a sudden get really good? Even with the blown call on the INT your coach still called off the dogs and almost blew it. Look at his record then look at the talent you have had on that team for the last 10 years. Now tell me what a great coach he is. You went 15-1 last year and watched the Super Bowl from your Lazy Boys. The Patriots worked you in your house. You barely beat a 9-7 Colts team in the '95 AFC championship and you lost to an inferior San Diego team in '94...at home! How many times have your boys gone out in the first round? Face the facts friend. If you win it all this season it will be despite your coach not because of him.

Oh and nice try on the Penn State smack but as an Ohio State fan and alum I have enough class to admit that we got our asses beat in the Penn State game. The better team won that day. That's the way it goes. It was great to see Joe Paterno get some redemption this season. He's a class act and he deserved it too bad I can't say the same thing about Penn State fans. See ya in Columbus next season and we'll be sure to send you a postcard from next year's Fiesta Bowl. Whatever indeed.

[FiddySicks]

Resting your players the final week when you have to play a wild card game the next week is one thing. But sitting them down the final 2 games when you will have a bye week is different and teams that do that don't win the playoffs.

Yeah I've noticed that. Pittsburgh's been in full speed mode this whole year, & they've advanced. Carolina's been fighting for their playoff lives since around week 14, so they're also in more of an intense mode. So I agree, a team is more effective if they're already in a playoff mentality longer than another team that takes such a long layoff.

the thing is, i think a game like today would have been good for the Colts, had they won. Reason being is because if you win a game like that, its somewhat of a wakeup call to your team, and you dont usually lose the following week.

[BJ Sands]

goshdarnit, the Colts just stunk it up today. IMO we should've lost by at least 2 touchdowns the way we played. I'm not usually a Peyton doubter, but after seeing this game, it made me think we might need to clean house, get a new coach, QB, and most importantly, DEFENSE! Btw....I think Willie Parker just ran for another first down I smell an Atlanta Braves complex, making it to the playoffs every year, only to choke it every freaking time! Gosh I'm so p'd off today... oh well, maybe the Lakers will at least make the playoffs

YOU ARE NUTS!!

They played like garbage for most of the game and still managed to almost win. They will NEVER have a better chance to win if they break this team up. And how many years did it take Michael Jordan to win in the playoffs? Or John Elway? Give Peyton some time. Don't do anything rash, okay.

[FiddySicks]

goshdarnit, the Colts just stunk it up today. IMO we should've lost by at least 2 touchdowns the way we played. I'm not usually a Peyton doubter, but after seeing this game, it made me think we might need to clean house, get a new coach, QB, and most importantly, DEFENSE! Btw....I think Willie Parker just ran for another first down I smell an Atlanta Braves complex, making it to the playoffs every year, only to choke it every freaking time! Gosh I'm so p'd off today... oh well, maybe the Lakers will at least make the playoffs

Ill just say this. if you CLEAN HOUSE and get a new Coach, QB, and Defense, your gonna make a lot of other teams very, very, happy.

[Cyclopsis Joe]

Yep.

I know of coaches that would fight to the death for Peyton Manning.

[OB33]

Take this homer opinion for what you will but here we go...

-Colts got beat plain and simple.

-No would be calling Manning a choke artist if Vanderjagt had made that FG.

-Manning wasn't spectacular, but I wouldn't say he choked either. It's hard to breathe with 4 blitzing Steelers on your back all day. The Steelers executed their plan to near perfection and it paid off. They realized the only way you can stop Peyton is to hurry is decision making time, and the constant blitzing did that. Considering that he still had a passer rating of 90.8, I don't think you can say that he threw the game away from the Colts.

-Dungy didn't have his players ready for this game, but I won't take that from him, considering all he's gone through in the last month, I'll give him a mulligan.

-It's time to look for a new kicker. Up until yesterday I was a big Vanderjagt supporter but I don't think there's anything redeemable left in him. Now before you go off saying I'm a kicker hater hear me out:

1) Vanderjagt tells a reporter that he doesn't think that Manning and Dungy can win the big game. Well, so far they haven't but, Manning and Dungy made the call to spark the rally, going for it on 4th down late in the 3rd quarter. And Manning put Vanderjagt in position to score.

2) Most of you are now saying, "Well, he could've gotten them closer than a 46 yarder" To which I would agree with. But you have to remember he SHANKED that ball, he wouldn't have made that from 26 yards out.

3) Finally, Vanderjagt is a cancer to the team. Not only for all the boneheaded stuff he says, but also for taking up far too much cap room. He's among the highest paid kickers in the NFL and he doesn't even do kickoff duties, costing the Colts more space because they have to sign a kicker for kickoff duties. And signing a kicker for kickoff duty seems pretty ludacris (sp?) considering that if you calculate the distance the missed field goal went using the old pythagorean theorem: a^2+ b^2 = c^2. Now if we plug in our numbers 46=a for length the ball went and 20=b how far to the right he kicked it we come to:

2116 + 400 = c^2

Now square both sides and we get the answer

50.16=c

Which brings us back to why we don't need a KOS if you can kick 50 yds. on a FG you can get at least 65-70 off of a tee.

-Last point: If Nick Harper had taken back that fumble for a TD I would officially start calling Gary Brackett "Asthma" for hitting Jerome Bettis to cause the fumble.

O.K. venting over.

[Mings]

People are saying they want refunds for game tickets, season tickets, etc.... just because they lost the game. Some Colts fans here in Indianapolis are just plain stupid, and I get to deal with them on a daily basis.

[Cyclopsis Joe]

People are saying they want refunds for game tickets, season tickets, etc.... just because they lost the game. Some Colts fans here in Indianapolis are just plain stupid, and I get to deal with them on a daily basis.

Yeah, to re-iterate what Mingsy said, down here in the southern half of Indiana, I've seen a lot of Blue and White took down since yesterday.

[Mings]

People are saying they want refunds for game tickets, season tickets, etc.... just because they lost the game. Some Colts fans here in Indianapolis are just plain stupid, and I get to deal with them on a daily basis.

Yeah, to re-iterate what Mingsy said, down here in the southern half of Indiana, I've seen a lot of Blue and White took down since yesterday.

Actually one of my co workers threatened to kick my ass after I said that I was glad the Colts lost. It wasn't the joking kind either. Needless to say the boss was there and he was suspended. Just another example.

I'm also still waiting for the excuse of the day to why the Colts didn't win.

[OB33]

I'm also still waiting for the excuse of the day to why the Colts didn't win.

Nick Harper's wife is a Steelers fan?

[agentrygraphics]

-No would be calling Manning a choke artist if Vanderjagt had made that FG.

HEY, HEY, HEY....I agree with OB33 all the way....BUT! Let's remember one thing that I think we ALL seem to be overlooking.

That FG would have TIED the game. TIED...NOT WON.

We're all treating that FG like it was the flippin' end of the game. It was, because he missed it.

If he would have made it...then WHAT?

NFL OT's bring so many intangibles! Let's just remember that the FG, if made, would have sent the game to OT and not won it for the Colts...they could have still lost in OT or won it, either way.

Oh, and BTW, I'm looking forward to the 2006 NFL Regular season. Why? Because after watching this game...it's apparent that a defense can not only JUMP offisdes....but practically walk up to any member of the offensive line or backfield....have a few beers with him...call their mommas...and do Tae Bo together before the snap...and as long as NO ONE TOUCHES anyone...you'll get a wonderful "NO CALL" ruling on the field...because "no one touched". (What kind of a crock call was that?!)

[Steel Certain]

"DESPITE COWHER'S BEST EFFORTS TO BLOW THE GAME"?  Are you kidding me?  Bettis fumbling on the 2 yardline was a result of Cowher's coaching?  Polamalu's interception being overturned was a result of coaching?

Coaching switched up the offense to an early pass attack that confused their defense.  Coaching sacked Manning all day long.  Coaching got the Steelers to score 14 points in the first quarter.

Coaching knocked off the #1 favorite, and yet you still pick on him?  Whatever...nice game against Penn State this year, too.  Any comments on Paterno's coaching in that game?

You saw the same 4th quarter I did right? Cowher went "Marty" and the Colts jumped right back in it. Once it got close he started blitzing again and luckily for you it worked. Here's the reality chief. You were up 21-3 in that game. It should have been much worse but your coach decided to go to the hang on for dear life defense instead of putting the hammer down. If it weren't for Mike Vanderjagt missing that kick we're all talking about Denver's chances at Indy this week. Don't get mad at me because your idiot coach almost blew an 18 point lead in one quarter of football. The Steelers were manhandling the Colts in the 1st three quarters of that game so what happened in the fourth? Did Indy all of a sudden get really good? Even with the blown call on the INT your coach still called off the dogs and almost blew it. Look at his record then look at the talent you have had on that team for the last 10 years. Now tell me what a great coach he is. You went 15-1 last year and watched the Super Bowl from your Lazy Boys. The Patriots worked you in your house. You barely beat a 9-7 Colts team in the '95 AFC championship and you lost to an inferior San Diego team in '94...at home! How many times have your boys gone out in the first round? Face the facts friend. If you win it all this season it will be despite your coach not because of him.

Oh and nice try on the Penn State smack but as an Ohio State fan and alum I have enough class to admit that we got our asses beat in the Penn State game. The better team won that day. That's the way it goes. It was great to see Joe Paterno get some redemption this season. He's a class act and he deserved it too bad I can't say the same thing about Penn State fans. See ya in Columbus next season and we'll be sure to send you a postcard from next year's Fiesta Bowl. Whatever indeed.

Here's the Cliff Clavin fact of the day...Cowher is 102-1 when coaching with an 11 point lead or more. His coaching designed a style of play that took down the #1 seed in football this year.

Given the awful QBs we've had since Bradshaw (Mark Malone, Buddy Brister, Neil O'Donnel, Kordell Stewart) I'm thrilled that the missing piece is finally in place. Even though we've been to the Superbowl in the last decade (XXX) I think it was a team that slid-through.

Now we've shown that we're not merely a team that slides through anymore. 15-1 and 11-5 AND two road wins in the playoffs are something that no one else can boast. Fingers are crossed we can show up big in Mile High next weekend.

[yh]

Cowher's still going to choke next week.

Define "choke." The Steelers are a number six seed playing on the road against the number two seed - a team which just knocked off the two-time defending Super Bowl champions and a QB that had never previously lost a playoff game. Under what scenario would a Pittsburgh loss next week be considered a choke?