I think a lot of people need to understand.....

[BobbyBlueChip]

I?ll be siding with the Steelers as well unless something changes. As mentioned, there?s not a whole lotta schemes to stop an effective power running game when it?s between the tackles. Pats DB?s physical game just won?t work against Ward and Burress.

. . . But,

I think the New England offense will have some success, but they take what?s given and won?t challenge Pittsburgh vertically. I still have visions of Cowher sending Bettis on sweeps the last time these two had a playoff game and seeing Bettis running sideline to sideline won?t get it done. Gonna be a small play for me, but see this as a field goal game either way.

 

[DoubleDown]

I remember the "Messia" Bill BellliCHOKE once coached the Browns. Somehow, they managed to be one of the worst teams in the league. So, did Bill just recentlly learn to coach,or is a lot of it talent???

Things that make you say, hmmmm!!!

 

[gjn23]

billichek is a better coach
and ne has talent

but pit is better at every position...just like indy was...and like the rams were...etc...etc...etc....

im not a pats fan (actually hate boston sports) but this team gets no respect....NONE

 

[JCam]

Lets consider what NE just did to THE high-powered offense in the NFL...THREE POINTS!

Ahhhh excuse me but....there's a world of difference in beating up on a pass first dome team that was playing outdoors and on grass and owned the NFL's 28th ranked defense versus playing on the road against a power rush team that owns the NFL's #1 ranked defense.

 

[The Big Tease]

gjn, i think they are getting plenty of respect.....2.5 point road favorite to a team that has lost once this year....that seems like respect to me.....not to mention the fact it seems the majority seem to think the pats will cover this number. i think they are getting the respect

 

[ocelot]

Some good points by Steelers backers but bottom line is I'll stick with Brady vs Ben, Belichek vs Cowher, and Dillon can hold his own against Pitts RBs as can NE O-line. NE will take better care of the ball I believe.

I'm glad so many are willing to take the Steelers cuz that might bring that line back under 3.

 

[ocelot]

Just to reiterate - hate to say I told you so BUT...

Last week in this thread I posted:

"Lets consider what NE just did to THE high-powered offense in the NFL...THREE POINTS!

How can anyone NOT think they can shut down Pittsburgh? They will be able to beef up against the run and go man-to-man on the outside. As for the Patriots on offense, they won't make mistakes, they'll make big plays when they need them largely due to outcoaching Pittsburgh. If the Steelers bring up safeties to stop the run, Brady WILL exploit them.

New England's experience should prevail here. They should win the game and at 3 or less should at least push."

Pretty much summed it up.

Now I had a horrible reg season so I am no expert but this game was just TOO easy to predict. You can't go in 1-dimensional on offense against a championship caliber team.

By the way, Patriots romp in the Super Bowl.