Over Here Steel City

[thunderdoll]

First off, sorry to the board. I did not know I wasn't allowed to debate in the other thread.

As I addressed in the other thread. Pitt played a weaker schedual than New England. Just because Steel City feels that the AFC Central is a tough division does not make it so. Both the AFC East and Central have comperable records outside the division.
It was stated that the Patriots defense is rated at 24. I only made the point that both Pitt and New England gave up the same amount of touchdowns, 26. Pitt only gave up something like 9 field goals to NE's 30. But only 52% of field goals attempted were made in the open end of Heinz Stadium.

Steel, other than your feelings, why don't you tell me why you think NE doesn't deserve to be ranked with Pitt.

I will even let you do it in this thread, you don't have to make another one.

 

[SteelCity]

Look, in no way was I saying that NE does not belong in this game. I feel it will be a good game but Pitt will come out on top. I am biased but will bring some points up. NE has the edge in special teams definitely but that is the only place. They have Troy Brown(stud returner) returning kicks and Vinateri kicking. Ad NE.
This year with the maturation of Kordell, Pitt matches up very well with almost all teams. Here is why I think that. IMO they have one of the top 3 if not the best O line in the game. I feel they can run the ball on anyone. They have three quality backs and the X factor in Kordell. The rec's, much hated in the past, have matured and are a very solid group(Burress,Ward,Shaw,Edwards). NE has Belechik and he is a genius and that is why I feel they dont allow many points. The part that will hurt their D is their undersized front seven. If they can stop the run, it will be a really tough one for the Steelers. I dont think that will happen but it could.
Now to the Steelers D vs NE O. I have nothing against the Pats, Brady, or any NE player. They have been a great team to watch. Here is why Pittsburgh creates problems with their D. You cant run on them, Period. That will make Brady win the game. He has shown he can do it but I dont think he will be able to in Pittsburgh under a great deal of pressure. That is just my opinion.
I see Pitt coming out with a 14-17 pt victory. And that is not biased, that is my gambling opinion.

Now to the matter between you and me. I in now way meant we had to discuss this in another thread. I was apoligizing to Fletch for going after you in that thread. My bad. I think the AFC Central is the best conf in the AFC not because Pitt is in it. The Ravens, Titans, Jaguars, and Browns, records aside were strong teams. I dont think wins/losses truly tells the type of team that you are. IMO, the Jets, Dolphins, and Ravens were weaker than teams with worse records. That is merely what I was stating. But good luck to you this weekend. I did not mean to start a personal war. Ask anyone in the room, I bring unbiased opinions. If the Steelers play the Rams or Eagles, I will have opinions on that game as well. Not always good for the Steelers.

 

[thunderdoll]

No problem Steel. I like it.
My only concern is that I think both of these teams are very close in talent. What I worry about is Pitts ability to rush the football. Stewart will be hard to contain too.
But I think that New England and Brady do not have to fear the blitz as much as other teams. They throw quick, short passes.
With both teams playing ball control offenses I do not see this as a high scoring game and as such I think it will be very difficult for either team to win by 9 or 10 points.
Good Luck to you this weekend.

 

[SteelCity]

Thunder,
I enjoy this as well and you do have some good knowledge and will be an great addition to the board. I at first thought the same thing about the short passes and then realized this. Last week against Oakland they came out with the short passes and moved the ball but didnt score. The second half when they ripped the s**t out of Oakland, they went to more 5 and 7 step drops. If they stick to the short passes, they will be alright because Pitt will allow those. But if they get impatient and go to 5 and 7 step drops, they will be in trouble. I also feel they must try and establish the run. Baltimore gave up to easily last week. I will try and get on again to post but I am on my way up to the Burgh. Good luck in your plays.