Steelers-Broncos

[LeftWideOpen]

So ...who wins the AFC title and takes the trip to Detroit?

[somethingyellow]

i want denver to win

[LeftWideOpen]

I think Denver in a close game, 24-21. If it were in Pittsburgh, I'd probably pick the Steelers.

[Vincewithouthee]

I'm afraid to pick

[Fullcollapse3k]

Broncs.

[NetNerdsRevenge]

Denver will have to play better than they did on Saturday if they want to win, but I think they will. Its going to be close. I like leftwideopens score. 24-21 is a good guess.

[ActorInThisPlay]

I think Denver wins so that means Pittsburgh wins.

[Talib Scottie]

Broncs.

[Drew Beringer]

I think Denver will win, but who the fuck knows with these playoffs?

[itsjdiggity]

Steelrs.

[preppyak]

Yeah, well my playoff prediction says the Steelers, but I really have no clue.

[mouood]

Broncos.

[xAnothrLostSoul]

broncos 24-17

[lostntheseethru]

if the steelers play as well as they did today, then its the steelers...

[NoPenguinsInPA]

i hope denver isn't counting on the steelers coughing it up five times like the pats did

[chaoticXpunk]

Denver.

[oldwirehands]

Steelers. They deserve it.

[FreshyFresh23]

Broncos because i think they will be an easier team for Seattle to beat

[still_life]

Steelers.

- They can stop the run like the Patriots did
- They can run more effectively than NE (*maybe, running game hasn't been too hot the last two games)
- Denver's pass defense isn't too hot, Roethlisberger is very confident right now and can pick them apart
- Cowher is finally coaching like a coach should in the playoffs
- The Steelers won't turn it over 5 times
- Jake Plummer has to turn into the real Jake Plummer at some point

It's a good matchup and the teams are pretty even. Should be close.

[LeftWideOpen]

Steelers.

- They can stop the run like the Patriots did
- They can run more effectively than NE (*maybe, running game hasn't been too hot the last two games)
- Denver's pass defense isn't too hot, Roethlisberger is very confident right now and can pick them apart
- Cowher is finally coaching like a coach should in the playoffs
- The Steelers won't turn it over 5 times
- Jake Plummer has to turn into the real Jake Plummer at some point

It's a good matchup and the teams are pretty even. Should be close.

I agree it'll be a close game ..but the only legitimate argument you just made was the turnover thing and even then, only a couple were unforced. The rest is a bunch of "if's" and "maybe's". Denver is 1st in the league in wins against teams w/ a winning record (7). With the home field advantage, Denver would have to play one of their worst games of the year to lose this. I don't see that happening. Denver in a close one.

[Doubleya2002]

Steelers are good on the road. I pick them.

[still_life]

I agree it'll be a close game ..but the only legitimate argument you just made was the turnover thing and even then, only a couple were unforced. The rest is a bunch of "if's" and "maybe's". Denver is 1st in the league in wins against teams w/ a winning record (7). With the home field advantage, Denver would have to play one of their worst games of the year to lose this. I don't see that happening. Denver in a close one.

Yes Denver is great at home, but the Steelers have been the best road team the last two seasons.

Only legitimate argument?

Are you telling me the Steelers aren't a good rush defense? They gave up just 13 more rushing yards than Denver this season, and they're #1 in YPC against (3.4). Denver's is 4.0.

Are you doubting the Steelers can't run the ball for more than 100 yards as a team, which is good enough for Roethlisberger to complete vertical passes?

Did you see Brady throw for 340 on this defense? They were ranked 29th in pass defense this year, and near the bottom of the league in sacks.

And Cowher is finally doing a lot more than just lining up and playing Steeler football. 5 WR sets yesterday, never seen that in about 3 years.

[mat1419]

"the colts have it in the bag"

[PlaCracktheSky]

Ok. To all you Broncos haters, the broncos are underrated contrary to what you think. You say the broncos pass defense is weak?? Please???!!! For you that haven't watched the broncos all year we have four absolutly amazing players in the secondary... Champ Bailey, Domonique Foxworth, Derent Williams, and John Lynch!! You say that we wont win because the pats kept coughing up the ball neglecting the fact that teams turnover the ball most of the time because of the hard play of the other team. And I still find it ridiculous ... all you plummer haters. Do you not remember that at the end of the first half of the season he was right in the middle of the MVP talk.....

[unwritten]

Broncos/Panthers SB

[PlaCracktheSky]

Broncos because i think they will be an easier team for Seattle to beat

Have you looked at the Seahawks schedule over the past .. what is it now 18 weeks i suppose... pathetic. You are living a lie my man.

[unwritten]

Have you looked at the Seahawks schedule over the past .. what is it now 18 weeks i suppose... pathetic. You are living a lie my man.

You said it.

[mat1419]

Ok. To all you Broncos haters, the broncos are underrated contrary to what you think. You say the broncos pass defense is weak?? Please???!!! For you that haven't watched the broncos all year we have four absolutly amazing players in the secondary... Champ Bailey, Domonique Foxworth, Derent Williams, and John Lynch!! You say that we wont win because the pats kept coughing up the ball neglecting the fact that teams turnover the ball most of the time because of the hard play of the other team. And I still find it ridiculous ... all you plummer haters. Do you not remember that at the end of the first half of the season he was right in the middle of the MVP talk.....
easy before you go throwing them in the all time greats catagory. 5 turnovers, one caused by a punter, one a desperation pass at the end, another where the guy just dropped the ball. they're decent, but amazing players? you have one amazing player in the secondary. good...but lets not go crazy here.

[PlaCracktheSky]

easy before you go throwing them in the all time greats catagory. 5 turnovers, one caused by a punter, one a desperation pass at the end, another where the guy just dropped the ball. they're decent, but amazing players? you have one amazing player in the secondary. good...but lets not go crazy here.

Domonique foxworth has been up for rookie of the year talk. He came in when champ got hurt and shut down everybody. There is a reason the Broncos first three pics in the draft were in the secondary.

[unwritten]

Jake the Snake vs. Jake the Fake in the Super Bowl kids. I think Carolina takes it all.

[PlaCracktheSky]

Jake the Snake vs. Jake the Fake in the Super Bowl kids. I think Carolina takes it all.

Carolina kinda scares me to be honest I hope we face the seahawks in the superbowl

[unwritten]

Yea, Denver would kill Seattle.

[still_life]

I can't believe Jake Plummer, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, or Ben Roethlisberger will be the one getting the Super Bowl ring this season. I guess I can see the last two, but never expected this to be the final four. Doubt anyone did.

[PlaCracktheSky]

yea its wild

[LeftWideOpen]

I can't believe Jake Plummer, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, or Ben Roethlisberger will be the one getting the Super Bowl ring this season. I guess I can see the last two, but never expected this to be the final four. Doubt anyone did.

I'm more surprised that Delhomme is here than Hasselbeck. Plummer has had a career year all season long and seems to have finally learned to avoid the bad decisions that plagued him throughout his career. I think it's his time because even if Pittsburgh contains the run game, he has one of the most reliable WRs in the game in Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie finally stepped up against NE. I think Plummer picks apart the secondary because blitzing Polamalu every other play won't work against someone like him.

[still_life]

I'm more surprised that Delhomme is here than Hasselbeck. Plummer has had a career year all season long and seems to have finally learned to avoid the bad decisions that plagued him throughout his career. I think it's his time because even if Pittsburgh contains the run game, he has one of the most reliable WRs in the game in Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie finally stepped up against NE. I think Plummer picks apart the secondary because blitzing Polamalu every other play won't work against someone like him.

Carolina was in the SB two years ago, and SI's pick this year I believe. It's not surprising.

I can't see Jake Plummer being mistake free in the biggest game of his life.

[Salomonbz90]

Steelers over the Broncos 28-21

Steelers over Seattle in the SB 21-17

[lostntheseethru]

Steelers over the Broncos 28-21

Steelers over Seattle in the SB 21-17
i hope the steelers do win...then my bet will be over and ill get me a new jersey of my choice :)

[Brownpants06]

I won 5 bucks on Broncos to beat Pats
I won 5 bucks on Steelers to beat Colts

I'll bet 5 bucks on Broncos beating the Steelers. Probably around 28-17

[dai the flu]

i think of it this way.
plummer is no manning and we shut him down.
anderson is no james, and we shut him down
rod smith is no reggie wayne and we sorta maybe almost shut him down
denver will be loud, but its no dome-level loudness
if we can go into indy and beat the colts, we can go into denver and beat the broncos.

[LeftWideOpen]

i think of it this way.
plummer is no manning and we shut him down.
anderson is no james, and we shut him down
rod smith is no reggie wayne and we sorta maybe almost shut him down
denver will be loud, but its no dome-level loudness
if we can go into indy and beat the colts, we can go into denver and beat the broncos.

if they played the games on paper, that might make sense.

however these are humans ..and if you think you faced the same Indy team that started 13-0, well then thats a little crazy.

[histrionics22]

if they played the games on paper, that might make sense.

however these are humans ..and if you think you faced the same Indy team that started 13-0, well then thats a little crazy.

And you think that was the same Broncos team that earned a 1st round bye? They played terrible as well. You made the arguement before if it was in Pittsburgh then you'd favor the steelers. I think the fact its away favors the Steelers since they always choke at home in AFC title games. Roethlisberger is one of the most underrated QBs in the league. He was labeled as a managing QB when in fact he is a lot better than people give him credit for.

[weezer182]

denver will win this game

denver and carolina in the superbowl

[Jason Tate]

i think of it this way.
plummer is no manning and we shut him down.
anderson is no james, and we shut him down
rod smith is no reggie wayne and we sorta maybe almost shut him down
denver will be loud, but its no dome-level loudness
if we can go into indy and beat the colts, we can go into denver and beat the broncos.
:rolleyes:

[FASSWcore]

I think Denver wins so that means Pittsburgh wins.
i mirror your logic

[LeftWideOpen]

And you think that was the same Broncos team that earned a 1st round bye? They played terrible as well. You made the arguement before if it was in Pittsburgh then you'd favor the steelers. I think the fact its away favors the Steelers since they always choke at home in AFC title games. Roethlisberger is one of the most underrated QBs in the league. He was labeled as a managing QB when in fact he is a lot better than people give him credit for.

Denver is 9-0 at home this season.

They ran for more yards, passed for more yards, scored more points, caused more turnovers, and gave the ball away less. The defensive stats are nearly identical.

There's no reason to pick Pittsburgh besides momentum, and I don't even buy that because they didnt play that good of a game against Indy. Indy did everything they could to lose that game.

I think any objective person would be taking a big risk to bet on Pittsburgh in this game. They very well may win because Denver might play a bad game just like Indy did, but I wouldnt bet on it.

[Salomonbz90]

Denver is 9-0 at home this season.

They ran for more yards, passed for more yards, scored more points, caused more turnovers, and gave the ball away less. The defensive stats are nearly identical.

There's no reason to pick Pittsburgh besides momentum, and I don't even buy that because they didnt play that good of a game against Indy. Indy did everything they could to lose that game.

I think any objective person would be taking a big risk to bet on Pittsburgh in this game. They very well may win because Denver might play a bad game just like Indy did, but I wouldnt bet on it.
you said it right there. Everyone expected Indy to crush Pittsburgh but Indy had a very off day. It seems to be a trend for the Steelers to win against all odds. Im going with Pittsburgh on this one

[dai the flu]

yeah cause obviously pittsburgh had nothing to do with how indy played.

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah cause obviously pittsburgh had nothing to do with how indy played.

good argument?

dude, i dont know what you want me to say ....denver is better in just about every statistical category. pittsburgh played a pretty good game against Indy, especially early. However, Indy's gameplan was shit in my mind. James only carried the ball 13 times; I find that ridicolous. Manning made bad throws all day, some into good coverage and some not. The Colts offense had no answer to the Steelers blitz, but I think the worst thing the Steelers can do is try to blitz Plummer all day like they did Manning.

Offensively, Pitt wasnt anything great against Indy. Ben was hot early, but the Colts also missed about 500 tackles. I watched the entire game and got the impression that the Colts lost that game more than the Steelers won it. Ben made a game-saving trip-up tackle and they had to rely on Vanderjagt missing that FG.

I don't think this game will be one-sided or anything ..but Denver is seriously hard to bet against. Vegas agrees with me. So, you can relax.

[dai the flu]

haha you know what, no one has any idea how it will turn out. i hope its a good game (i hope the steelers win too) it should be close, denvers a good team for sure. so yeah. im relaxed.

[yeat182]

this is tough. i want to say the steelers will win because NE shut down denver's offense last week, and the steelers defense is healthier and playing great, plus the pats were able to move the ball pretty easily so i think the steelers should be able to as well. the steelers probably won't give the ball up 5 times so denver is actually going to have to play to win this game. on the other hand, the steelers are coached by Bill Cowher, and he can't win a championship game, so that could even things out. i'm going to have to say the steelers but with cowher, i wouldn't bet money on it.

[histrionics22]

good argument?

dude, i dont know what you want me to say ....denver is better in just about every statistical category. pittsburgh played a pretty good game against Indy, especially early. However, Indy's gameplan was shit in my mind. James only carried the ball 13 times; I find that ridicolous. Manning made bad throws all day, some into good coverage and some not. The Colts offense had no answer to the Steelers blitz, but I think the worst thing the Steelers can do is try to blitz Plummer all day like they did Manning.

Offensively, Pitt wasnt anything great against Indy. Ben was hot early, but the Colts also missed about 500 tackles. I watched the entire game and got the impression that the Colts lost that game more than the Steelers won it. Ben made a game-saving trip-up tackle and they had to rely on Vanderjagt missing that FG.

I don't think this game will be one-sided or anything ..but Denver is seriously hard to bet against. Vegas agrees with me. So, you can relax.

I really don't know how you can say Denver is better in every statistical category. Ok Denver is 9-0 at home. The Steelers have won almost every road game last 2 years. Manning didn't make horrible throws. He was forced to by the Steelers. James carried the ball 13 time cause he was shut down.

Ben was hot ALL game and has been since the 2nd Bengals game. The Steelers had a big lead so they ran the ball 10 straight times. They didn't try to score anymore. The game wouln't have been close had it been for Polamalu's call. And don't count on Bettis ever fumbling again at the 1. Vegas automatically gives the home team 3. Pretty even game to me.

[still_life]

Steelers have the better rush defense, pass defense, and scoring defense.

[LeftWideOpen]

I really don't know how you can say Denver is better in every statistical category. Ok Denver is 9-0 at home. The Steelers have won almost every road game last 2 years. Manning didn't make horrible throws. He was forced to by the Steelers. James carried the ball 13 time cause he was shut down.

Ben was hot ALL game and has been since the 2nd Bengals game. The Steelers had a big lead so they ran the ball 10 straight times. They didn't try to score anymore. The game wouln't have been close had it been for Polamalu's call. And don't count on Bettis ever fumbling again at the 1. Vegas automatically gives the home team 3. Pretty even game to me.

Are you serious??

First, statistics speak for themselves. Denver is better in all offensive categories AND they are 2nd in the NFL in Turnover margin. Defensively, they give up the same amount of points a game. Denver even played a tougher schedule. As for Pittsburgh on the road - yes any time you go 7-1 on the road it's a tribute to your team ..but with the exception of Cincy and San Diego, they beat a bunch of mediocre teams.

Second, you are in denial if you are going to say the Steelers forced Manning to make as many bad throws as he did. Like I previously said, they did cause some of his bad throws, but Manning was throwing behind guys, leading guys too far, and hitting the ground in front of guys all day long.

Third, even if I pretended you were right and the Steelers forced him to make all those bad throws ...that scheme isnt going to work against Jake Plummer. The guy can move, unlike Peyton. In fact, that's when he's at his best ..when he has to scramble and rollout. If Pittsburgh blitzes all day like they did against Indy, they're toast.

Fourth, James didnt get 13 carries because he was "shut down" ..he averaged over 4 yards a carry. Especially early in the game, the Colts gameplan was horrendous. They got behind 7-0 and all but abandoned the run for the 1st quarter.He had 3 carries because the Colts continously threw on 1st and 10 and were either sacked or incomplete. It wasnt until the 2nd drive of the 2nd quarter that they committed to the run, and thats where they got their only points of the 1st half. In the 3rd quarter ...he got 2 carries. Not coincidentally, the Colts scored 0 points.

Fifth, Ben was NOT hot all game. After that 1st drive (which he executed well), he was 8/17 for a 107 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Thats not even a %50 comp. percentage.

Like I already said ..I don't think this game will be one-sided. It WILL be close, and Pittsburgh may even win if Denver shows up and plays a poor game ..but I have no reason to believe Denver won't take care of business. You arent going to change my mind or convince me I'm wrong lol.

[LeftWideOpen]

Steelers have the better rush defense, pass defense, and scoring defense.

Wrong.

RUSH YPG
Denver - 85.2
Pitt - 85.5
Pass YPG
Denver 227.7
Pitt - 198
Pts/G
Denver 16.1
Pitt 16.1

Like I said ..nearly identical (and Pts per game are).

[histrionics22]

Are you serious??

First, statistics speak for themselves. Denver is better in all offensive categories AND they are 2nd in the NFL in Turnover margin. Defensively, they give up the same amount of points a game. Denver even played a tougher schedule. As for Pittsburgh on the road - yes any time you go 7-1 on the road it's a tribute to your team ..but with the exception of Cincy and San Diego, they beat a bunch of mediocre teams.

Second, you are in denial if you are going to say the Steelers forced Manning to make as many bad throws as he did. Like I previously said, they did cause some of his bad throws, but Manning was throwing behind guys, leading guys too far, and hitting the ground in front of guys all day long.

Third, even if I pretended you were right and the Steelers forced him to make all those bad throws ...that scheme isnt going to work against Jake Plummer. The guy can move, unlike Peyton. In fact, that's when he's at his best ..when he has to scramble and rollout. If Pittsburgh blitzes all day like they did against Indy, they're toast.

Fourth, James didnt get 13 carries because he was "shut down" ..he averaged over 4 yards a carry. Especially early in the game, the Colts gameplan was horrendous. They got behind 7-0 and all but abandoned the run for the 1st quarter.He had 3 carries because the Colts continously threw on 1st and 10 and were either sacked or incomplete. It wasnt until the 2nd drive of the 2nd quarter that they committed to the run, and thats where they got their only points of the 1st half. In the 3rd quarter ...he got 2 carries. Not coincidentally, the Colts scored 0 points.

Fifth, Ben was NOT hot all game. After that 1st drive (which he executed well), he was 8/17 for a 107 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Thats not even a %50 comp. percentage.

Like I already said ..I don't think this game will be one-sided. It WILL be close, and Pittsburgh may even win if Denver shows up and plays a poor game ..but I have no reason to believe Denver won't take care of business. You arent going to change my mind or convince me I'm wrong.

See all of your views are just as much opinion as mine. James was shut down in the first quarter. When you get 1 yard on your first three carries when your team is already behind you're forced to adjust. Ben's INT was when he was hit. He doesn't turn the ball over anymore. The Steelers nearly had at least 4 INTs that game so turnover margin will mean nothing. Willie Parker averaged 4.7 ypc this season. However he can't consistently gain 4 yards like Bettis does. YPC is an overrated and misleading stat. After the first drive the colts figured they need to stop putting 8 guys on the line or Ben will pick them apart. Everything about the game is misleading.

And believe me the Broncos played almost as poorly as the Colts did. The pass interference call shouldnt have been. Bailey's fumble was obviously out of the endzone but unfortunately theres no camera that shows it to be the case. And the Steelers WILL NOT turn the ball over 5 times. It should be a very interesting game.

[LeftWideOpen]

See all of your views are just as much opinion as mine. James was shut down in the first quarter. When you get 1 yard on your first three carries when your team is already behind you're forced to adjust. Ben's INT was when he was hit. He doesn't turn the ball over anymore. The Steelers nearly had at least 4 INTs that game so turnover margin will mean nothing. Willie Parker averaged 4.7 ypc this season. However he can't consistently gain 4 yards like Bettis does. YPC is an overrated and misleading stat. After the first drive the colts figured they need to stop putting 8 guys on the line or Ben will pick them apart. Everything about the game is misleading.

And believe me the Broncos played almost as poorly as the Colts did. The pass interference call shouldnt have been. Bailey's fumble was obviously out of the endzone but unfortunately theres no camera that shows it to be the case. And the Steelers WILL NOT turn the ball over 5 times. It should be a very interesting game.

The Colts game out of the gates throwing. James got stopped on his first few carries, and they abandoned the run. It was the 1st quarter ..you don't panic that early. The Colts staff f'ed that one up bigtime. And, the turnover margin does matter. That's a stat that is more a testament to the team itself rather then the opponent. The Broncos don't make stupid decisions on offense, and they take advantage of others on defense.

As for the bad calls ...I'm a Pats fan. Believe me, I was pissed at the officiating. The pass interference call was absolute bullshit ...but Bailey's fumble was anything but obvious. Even if that was turned over, the Pats would have had to march down field against a Broncos D that shut them down all night. The Broncos D played a great game and forced turnovers.

But I agree with you that it should be a very interesting game, and a close one. I'm just saying I'm putting my money on Denver, hoping they play their best.

[still_life]

Wrong.

RUSH YPG
Denver - 85.2
Pitt - 85.5
Pass YPG
Denver 227.7
Pitt - 198
Pts/G
Denver 16.1
Pitt 16.1

Like I said ..nearly identical (and Pts per game are).

Denver has given up 13 fewer rushing yards (big deal), but have faced 58 fewer rushes. The Steelers have the best YPC against in the league, only giving up 3.4 ypc. Denver's is at 4.0. The Steelers stop the run better.

The Steelers are 16th in pass defense, 3rd in sacks, and have a 5.77 YPA. Denver is 29th in pass defense, 28th in sacks, and have a 5.94 YPA. The Steelers stop the pass better.

They have given up the same amount of points, but the Steelers have given up 25 TDs on defense, and the Broncos have given up 30 TDs.

The better defense is for the road team, and the Steelers are giving up like 12 pts/game on the road.

[afk999]

Broncos

[histrionics22]

But I agree with you that it should be a very interesting game, and a close one. I'm just saying I'm putting my money on Denver, hoping they play their best.

Yeah I am a huge Steelers fan. It should be close but you never know. Anyone can win one game in the NFL.