Back from my trip to Pittsburgh. As usual, the Ravens/Steelers game came down to the wire. The turnovers balanced themselves out..the Ravens taking advantage of Steeler miscues in the first half and the Steelers taking advantage of Raven mistakes in the third quarter. For the most part both defenses were stifling, although the Steelers really clamped down in the second half. The difference, as its been over the past few years was at the QB position. Roethlisberger was able to make a crucial play (his long completed pass on 3rd and 19 to the Ravens four yard line) when it mattered most. That led to the winning TD. Flacco on the other hand was unable to garner much of a passing attack throughout (125 yards is not going to get it done in a playoff game). Both running backs, as many thought, struggled for yardage. At the end of the day, not much separates these two teams. The Steelers have been able to make a few more plays and that has been the difference.

Next week's game will be another tough match-up. For all those who wanted to bury the Jets when they lost back-back games to the Pats/Dolphins and were sitting at 9-4, Hardy did state that the Jets were still a very good football team, one that was playoff worthy. When you can play defense like the Steelers, Ravens and Jets, you always have a chance to stay in every game. Sanchez played exceedingly well against the Pats, making big throws when he had to. I suspect the Steelers/Jets to play another close hard fought contest (we can analyze all week)...Hardy is looking forward to a return trip to lovely downtown Pittsburgh on Sunday!

As far as the NFC, the Falcons ran into a buzz saw. It was not a typical 1 v. 6 match-up as everyone knew the Packers were much better than their seeding would indicate. It is rare that a playoff game can go from hotly contested to a blow-out in a matter of 8-10 minutes. That game went from 14-7 Falcons to 35-14 Green Bay in a hurry. Aaron Rodgers was brilliant and if he leads the Packers to the Super  Bowl he will definitely take a big step up in joining the premier QB's in the league. As far as the Bears, I have been waiting all season for them to fold, and yet here they are, 60 minutes from the Super Bowl. Cutler played well in his first ever playoff game, and Seattle played like the 7-9 team we all saw throughout the season. I believe the Packers are better than the Bears , but playing at home will obviously help Chicago. Tough one to call, but based on the way Rodgers is playing, I'd go with Green Bay.

So my early prediction: Steelers (you didn't expect me to pick the Jets, did you?!) v. Green Bay

standing. It was awesome what bart scott told espn about tom jackson. Tell PITTsburgh to diss my jets so we will have ammunition to beat steelers. Funny thing back in day when i was 10 years old i was a steele fan.bradshaw,franco harris,ham,lambert.donnie shell,mel blount,stallworth,swann,grossman,blier, man that team was sick 4 superbowls. to me steelers are greatest franchise in nfl. because so many decades they always had a good team and always stayed with gameplan, defense and run the ball, no other franchise has had the same kind of team thats truly amazing. those yellow towels are amazing. man when they came back i was so glad especially for 1 raven fan who will be nameless, i was so happy i said YES thats what i am talking about. i mean first 1 turnover, than interception, than 3 rd turnover, man i said there must be a god. i remember when they praised flacco, tell me sanchez or flacco who is better. rex ryan 2 afc championships in a row, and sanchez has more wins than any jets quaterback ever. dennis byrd speech was so emotional. i dont know what was better watching jets embarass brady patriots or watching ravens CHOKE,ray lewis had nothing to say. 2 receivers from ravens with big mouth dropped 2 big passes, mr. holmes will be on the war prowl to embarass steelers, just watch holmes go crazy. edwards was amazing, thank god for offense, all new acquistion jason taylor ,cromartie,LT,AND HOLMES ALL had huge games. This game on sunday is going to be off hook. i cant wait, i am so psyched, i cant believe it 1 win to go to dallas. i cant believe it another famous person from there might have my jets in her city. WHEN they win sunday i am going to dallas to party so hard. man what a year for me, life couldnt be better., COME GET SOME.

-- Modified on 1/17/2011 8:55:03 AM

The Steelers and Ravens have definately provided the lighting and thunder to this season.

Yes and it's probably your midterm and late prediction also, No, no one expects you to pick any team other than the Steelers. But maybe that's justified with their defense and Big Ben they always have a chance. The Steelers usually come to play. Green Bay I'll have to think about.

At lest you got to see a great game for your trouble. You must have been a little up tight at half time. I know I was supprised and things did not look all that great.  Too bad you didn't get to see Troy P. play.

BTW if the Steelers had lost the game I would NOT have posted a gloating post but, because they won I may have more to say about the Steelers later in the week.

(and your new post above)
I would love to be your bookie; I could retire!!

Please get your facts straight: Rex Ryan/Jets have 0 AFC Championships in a row!!
And those ignorant, ranting simpletons you call a team are a complete embarrassment to professional sports!
It begins with their low-class, fat, crass coach!
Leads this classless bunch of thugs by example: POORLY!

College educated?!?  HA!
These soon-to-be-incarcerated criminals can barely speak the English language!!
They will be a forgotten memory in no time!

muhahahaha!

Love this!


Love, Lust and Licks!

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