NFL Open Thread: Steelers vs Colts
posted at 12:30 pm on November 9, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
I guess I don’t have to tell anyone what a lousy week I’ve had. Not only did we lose the national election, but I watched most of the Catholic Bowl last night and endured one of the lousiest performances I’ve ever seen from the Fighting Irish. They lost 17-0 to Boston College, who may wind up ranked after this performance. That would seem fitting, since the Irish gave such a rank effort.
Today, I deserve a break, and the Pittsburgh Steelers had better deliver. They play the Indianapolis Colts today, who are in danger of missing the playoffs this year. Big Ben Roethlisberger is expected to play even with his shoulder injury, but Willie Parker is out again. If the Steelers can beat the Colts, they can keep up the pressure on the rest of the division and make their lead even stronger. I’ll predict 27-14, Steelers.
Who are your teams? Expect them to win?
Blowback
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Go Colts. (Sorry, I’m from Indy, what can I say… :) )
If it’s any consolation though, whenever we build a new stadium for s team they tend to go south. (See Pacers, Racers, Colts 1.0 and now 2.0)
Skywise on November 9, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Ed,
I’ll be cheering for Navy next weekend as they play Notre Dame, but I have a suspicion that the Irish will be out for blood after getting shut out.
Your thoughts?
m064404 on November 9, 2008 at 12:34 PM
As a ND and Steelers fan with a father from Alexandria, MN I say hang in there and I feel your pain.
Re: M064404, the Irish have had problems with stopping the run and there’s a chance they’ve quit based on their performance last night. If so, it may be anchors away next week.
jonkk on November 9, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Big New York fan, Yankees and Giants. I’m stoked about the game with the Eagles tonight.
Luthien on November 9, 2008 at 12:38 PM
My team (the Redskins) have a bye this week. Guess I’ll have to actually leave the house for a bit.
flipflop on November 9, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Not much of an NFL man, but the US team has been doing fairly well in some Speed Skating I’ve watched.
Anyway, for you (and Rush), best of luck to the Steelers.
American_Pride1701 on November 9, 2008 at 12:38 PM
My “team” will be going for its 2nd win of the season. Wheeee.
Ronnie on November 9, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I’m holding out for Rollerball.
Limerick on November 9, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Colts-Steelers? Second division material.
In the main game tonight, it’ll be the G-Men over the Cheesesteaks, 24-20.
JammieWearingFool on November 9, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Steelers 20 – Colts 17
Why aren’t we talking about the Vikes vs. the Pack? If the Packers were a President-Elect, they’d be Obama.
WaltDakota on November 9, 2008 at 12:40 PM
The Steelers offensive line gets a little break today from playing against defenses from the NFC East and the Ravens. Hopefully they take advantage of it.
Penn State found a way to lose, and so did WVU after tying the game with three scores in the last 1:11. Oof.
forest on November 9, 2008 at 12:43 PM
My team, the Hawkeyes, won yesterday (albeit barely) against Penn State, and the game I did get to watch, OSU vs. Texas Tech, was a blast to watch. The final score was a bit lopsided, but it was a good game overall. Especially when the Cowboys literally dragged their receiver into the end zone for their first touchdown. I’m not following the Packers this year due to what they did to Favre, and quite frankly, college football is a bit more civilized than the thug culture of the NFL.
pookysgirl on November 9, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I’m a Bears fan and they play the Titans. Since Tennessee is a good team that will require the Bears to play a full sixty minutes of football, I’m not expecting my guys to win. Plus Rex Grossman is starting.
VanPalin on November 9, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I found myself rooting for the Skins Monday as a Steeler loss would have meant a McCain win…..as usual…Washington has let me down.
Go Steelers!!
Jamson64 on November 9, 2008 at 12:45 PM
So you’re a Steelers fan too…Go Ed!
The last time we played the Colts was back in the ’05 playoffs, one of the best games ever IMO. Today’s Colts are a scant 4-4 and just aren’t the offensive juggernaut they once were. Marvin Harrison is getting old and hasn’t recovered from injury. Even with Peyton in, they haven’t clicked for some reason. Joseph Addai has been a dud thus far. And the Steelers defense this year is just as good as the ’05 unit. Mewelde Moore is fantastic for a 3rd string back, and should carve up the Colts.
My prediction is close to yours…Steelers 27 Colts 17
The Dean on November 9, 2008 at 12:45 PM
If Sarah Palin were a President, she’d be Babe-raham Lincoln.
Sorry, I used to really be into Wayne’s World when I was a kid. :)
VanPalin on November 9, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Yep, Notre Dame looked really bad last night. What is it about them against Boston College? Sigh.
There is a bright spot….I can say ‘Wait’ll next year’ and really mean it. If their offensive line can learn how to block, that is.
As to the Steelers/Colts, I don’t care ; ) I’m watching the Titans/Bears! Go, Go Bears!
dish on November 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Going to be a great game. The Steelers are injured in vital positions, but have great depth and youthful playmakers. The Colts are playing for their post-season lives today and will not leave any post halloween tricks in the lockeroom. The gloomy weather and a traditionally slow field should slow down the Colts just enough for the black and gold to squeak one out. Prediction: Steelers 23 Colts 20
P.S. I guaranteed a McCain victory all year long, so take this prediction with less credibility than usual:)
THE CHOSEN ONE on November 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Yep, that was horrible. I’m from MA, but I’m a lifelong Irish fan.
It’s tough, sometimes I think the only way they can be a force again is if they lower their academic standards while recruiting, but.. if they do that, they’ve lowered their standards.
reaganaut on November 9, 2008 at 12:59 PM
The problem the Colts have today is that everyone on the Steelers defense will be playing, and this might be the best defensive team I’ve ever seen Steelers field. Manning will have to be perfect and his team will need to help him alot to avoid a disaster like the Skins had last week.
forest on November 9, 2008 at 1:01 PM
I follow the Detroit Lions. No, I expect them to lose.
My god-daughter’s sister got me and her family tickets to see the Hamilton Tigercats in the Hall of Fame game. I saw Doug Flutie and Pacman Clements (sp?) inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Hamilton, then (2-9) could have tied the game with 30 seconds left but botched a last minute field goal. It was like watching Detroit play so I knew I found my CFL team.
I refuse to die until both the Detroit Lions and the Hamilton Tigercats both win their national football championships in the same year.
Canadian Infidel on November 9, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Go Steelers and Bears!
dglenn on November 9, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Frank Caliendo on Fox NFL Sunday picked Buffalo to upset the Pats at the big razor blade Gillette Stadium as his upset special. WON’T HAPPEN FOR THIS PATS FAN!
My upset pick, the Titans go down for the count in Chicago. Pop the bubbly remaining living 1972 Dolphins.
With my SIRIUS radio, I can tune in to all those games, especially the call of Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti.
But the game of the week, G-men in Philly…MUST WIN for Eagles. But as a certain Republican pro wrestler likes to say “To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man.” The Giants are the man, and the G-Men get it done!
BobAnthony on November 9, 2008 at 1:03 PM
My ‘Skins have a bye, which is a damned good thing since they blew last week’s game and the friggin’ election! My sentimental favorite college team this year, Penn State, lost yesterday. Bad week all around.
Y-not on November 9, 2008 at 1:04 PM
I’m a lifelong Steeler fan but then Dan Rooney decided to endorse Obambi in the election. I will never root for the Steelers again. Except for today. As long as Payton Manning is still playing in the league I will never root for a team on which he plays. I ain’t that mad at Dan Rooney, baby.
Percy_Peabody on November 9, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Tonight we’ll see the Philadelphia Eagles make a huge statement with a win over the New York Giants. Biggest problem is that it’s on NBC and that steaming pile olberdouche will be on during pre-game and halftime. God I hate that idiot.
Dems_hate_America on November 9, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I say the Steelers will beat the Colts 27 to 20.
SoulGlo on November 9, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Ed, look on the bright side; at least you’re not a Cowboys fan
Canadian Infidel: you obviously are determined to set a record in longevity. If I wanted to live forever, I’d vow to refuse to die until the Texas Rangers win the World Series.
michaelo on November 9, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Go Steelers Go! Ummmmm well I hope they kick the Colts tails! So, I am a blond, but it is 7 points with field goal and six for a touch down. Well SoulGlo says 27 to 20. 34 to 14. LOL Go Steelers Go!!! Always liked them the best
sheebe on November 9, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Sorry Ed. Big time Colts fan here and we owe u guys one!
Dritanian on November 9, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Sheebe
6 pts. for touchdown
1 pt. for the extra-point kick that follows a touchdown
3 pts. for a field goal
6 pts. credited if your team does 100 hrs. of community service
WaltDakota on November 9, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Atlanta is having a helluva good season so far–I wonder if they’ll pick up Vick after he makes parole next year?
m064404 on November 9, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Go Vikings!
gophergirl on November 9, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Gil and Gino RULE! They’re both class acts. Some former NFL players are born color announcers, many are not. Gino is one of the best.
Speaking of “listening to games”, I’ve been a New Orleans Saints fan since 1967. Back in the mid 1980s, the then-owner of New Orleans radio station WRNO, Joe Costello, put the US’s first commercial shortwave station on the air, and broadcast Saints games to the world every week. Archie Manning was the color guy.
At the time, Al Gore had allowed the sunspots to go nuts, so reception was great everywhere. In fact, I could get the Saints games more easily than I could get Gil and Gino on my local flea-powered radio station here in New England.
Del Dolemonte on November 9, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Oh that’s too bad, you’re week is about to get worse after the spanking the Steelers get. Go Colts!
El_Terrible on November 9, 2008 at 1:23 PM
What, no open thread on the Packers/Vikings?
Of course, I’m drinking heavily because of the lack of offense by the Packers.
steveegg on November 9, 2008 at 1:25 PM
And as I post that, they do find some offense after another Woodson pick. Tied at 7.
steveegg on November 9, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Go Steelers
Bodhi on November 9, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Oh. No. You. Didn’t. Just. Say. That.
steveegg on November 9, 2008 at 1:31 PM
steveegg
Why take offense? It means the Packers will win…
as long as the refs turn a blind eye to all the obvious penalties they commit.
WaltDakota on November 9, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Because the Packers are no Obama, that’s why.
steveegg on November 9, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Gotta go with Atlanta over the Saints today. Matt Ryan has stepped up to the plate more than Michael Vick ever did.
As for the Steelers/Colts game..I went with the Steelers on my fantasy board. I will admit I didn’t put a lot of confidence points on the game though. It’s a tough one to predict this week.
SassyDarlin on November 9, 2008 at 1:44 PM
J!
E!
T!
S!
JETS! JETS!! JETS!!!
JetBoy on November 9, 2008 at 1:46 PM
I woulda thunk the Cap’n to be a Vikes fan. Otherwise, I’m with Luthien.
Kid from Brooklyn on November 9, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Steelers?
A pillar of the NFL, Steelers owner Mr. Art Rooney is a noted Democratic Party stalwart, I have heard.
The owner of the Steelers is now a rabid Obama fan and had a lovely jersey made with number 08. They had a lovely rally for THE ONE in the last month of the campaign.
He is supposed to be Catholic, also.
Cheaper to support Obama than to work on players dying at age 57, pensions or concussion problems.
IlikedAUH2O on November 9, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Eagles tonight, Philly is on a roll.
msmveritas on November 9, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Whoooooohooooo
Go Go Bears! They look (sound-on radio) great! 7-0 Bears, 2nd qtr. They actually held the Titans 1st & goal, then forced a fumble!!
dish on November 9, 2008 at 1:52 PM
I was a Steeler fan from 1974 when I married a Pittsburgh girl I met at Carnegie Mellon. But after seeing Dan Rooney campignaing for Comrade Nobama, I have dropped my allegiance to whomever they are playing.
bill30097 on November 9, 2008 at 1:53 PM
O.K. steveegg.
That was a bit strong. When the Vikes play the Packers it brings out an ugly side of me.
WaltDakota on November 9, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Jets 24-0 start of second half.
I am pleasantly amazed!
drjohn on November 9, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Redskins
I am not a big fan….but…
Coach Zorn bikes with George W. Bush and both are in great shape.
I’m not sayin’ — I’m just sayin’.
IlikedAUH2O on November 9, 2008 at 1:55 PM
My beloved Penn State Nittany Lions lost to Iowa by a field goal with 3 seconds. Why oh why do we lose these kind of games this way all th time. Anyway, given the election, I wasn’t to upset over the loss.. bigger fish to fry. My Eagles play the Giants at Philly… guess another nail biting day. Oh, and, Go Packers…. yeah yeah I know I live in MN…. sue me…. have a great Sunday everyone. OOOps, forgot… Tomorrow is the Birthday of the USMC… to my fellow jarheads I say…. Happy Birthday, Grunts.
MNDavenotPC on November 9, 2008 at 1:58 PM
okay, no more updates, it’s obviously jinxing the Bears.
TD Titans 7-7 8:39 remaining 1st half…
dish on November 9, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Chiefs fan?
The Monster on November 9, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Fortyniners.
Nope.
BallisticBob on November 9, 2008 at 2:00 PM
I’d go for the Colts…I always seem to pick losers lately…
Doug on November 9, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Since the Steelers have this game at home, they will get a slight edge. But then again the Colts know that if they lose this game, they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye – will this desperation coupled with injuries to Willie Parker and an injured Big Ben help them ? i think so – but it should be a close game.
24-20 Colts
nagee76 on November 9, 2008 at 2:02 PM
In case anyone missed it, Morningside hung a 73-8 whipping on Briar Cliff yesterday.
whitetop on November 9, 2008 at 2:04 PM
You could be it.
forest on November 9, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Philadelphia Iggles. Big win tonight 21-17.
Dems_hate_America on November 9, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Go Steelers!
While I am a living in Ohio, I grew up in Pittsburgh, and once you are a Steeler fan, you are always a Steeler fan.
Steelers 31-17
OhioBuckeye7 on November 9, 2008 at 2:07 PM
GO GIANTS!!!
artchick on November 9, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Right on. The Bear’s defense looks downright hungry. So much for Fisher’s vaulted run attack.
m064404 on November 9, 2008 at 2:10 PM
No way Steelers score 27…Colts in a close one. I think the Eagles-Giants game tonight will be a good one with the Giants winning. Thank God for football…I’m sure Premier Obama will do his best to try and screw it up too.
DCJeff on November 9, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Like Ed, I’m a Steeler fan. Big time! I pick the Super Steelers to win at home with the league’s best defense stepping up to compensate for the injured offense.
Zorro on November 9, 2008 at 2:15 PM
This has been a horrible week. First the Redskins choke. Then Obama wins the election. And to top it all off WVU manages to suck for all but the last two minutes…get my hopes up again as I rushed back into the stadium to watch overtime…and then promptly watch them lose anyway.
and I’m out of beer because of all of the above.
mountaineer for liberty on November 9, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Don’t worry. Even the USSR supported its national sports leagues. Hell, maybe the Premier will authorize secret drug programs that will put the US on top of every major sport in the world.
m064404 on November 9, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Big Steelers fan here. Though, intense hurling over Obama’s jersey. That was depressing!
AZDREAMER on November 9, 2008 at 2:26 PM
I am a Manning fan, so I root for the Colts and Giants. I remember watching Peyton in college, a little less so with Eli, but I still liked the little brother. Now I don’t know which one I like best. I am in Texas, but can’t stand owens or joneses (pacman and jerry), so I have to root for the Texans for now.
Unfortunately, my niece is having a bday party today, so I have to miss both Mannings play. Darn that cute little four-year old!! I already told my one year old that we will never hold a big party for her on football Sunday. I think she said she was ok with that. ;)
XWing5 on November 9, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Awesome! being from Pittsburgh this is nice to see.
flyboy777 on November 9, 2008 at 2:36 PM
I hadn’t heard that about Dan Rooney, bummer. I was born in the ‘Burg, though I haven’t lived there for almost 30 years, so I still have to hope you’re right today, Ed!
Scott P on November 9, 2008 at 2:37 PM
I do have to say that, while Ed doesn’t support the Green and Gold, he does have better taste in NFL teams than Bryan.
steveegg on November 9, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Im a Kansas City Chiefs fan so I think my pain trumps all you guy’s put together. lol, at least we may get a top 3 pick in the NFL draft. But college football is my real love. Oklahoma looks in prime position to possibly play in the national title.
ousoonerfan15 on November 9, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Coltsssssssssssss 102
Steelerssssssssss -5
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 9, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Uh Uh. Been a Bengals fan all my life. Very painful.
BacaDog on November 9, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Hello! Good to hear my beloved Steelers are so popular.
I also hurled when I saw Rooney give the messiah as team shirt. (sacrilege)
Anyway I hadn’t heard if Ben was expected to play. I sure hope he does a little better this week and STAYS HEALTHY.
How cool is it to hang with you good guys.
GO BLACK AND GOLD!!!!!!!!
lisalj on November 9, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Indy is my adopted team. I grew up in Michigan and was raised a Lions fan (please shoot me now).
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 9, 2008 at 2:46 PM
IlikedAUH2O, there’s a good reason why the Rooneys are democrats. From Wikipedia:
That being said, I still root for the Steelers, and probably will still do so after I graduate and leave this state. I have no desire to stick around and finance its agonizing death at the hands of people like Rendell, Onorato, and Ravenstahl.
vermillionsky on November 9, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Rams body bags headed to the Meadowlands…The Jets are in slaughter mode! 40-3 in the third
JetBoy on November 9, 2008 at 2:57 PM
It doesn’t matter who they are playing, I will root against the Steelers. Super Bowl XL is still a sore spot. Go Indy! Go Seahawks!
Mallard T. Drake on November 9, 2008 at 2:58 PM
HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!
From Western PA, I cling to my Bible and my vacuum cleaning.
Having a double whammy bday party for my husband and my FIL. Playing games having fun and cake and presents.
I will check from time to time folks!
PPF
ProudPalinFan on November 9, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Sheebe
6 pts. for touchdown
1 pt. for the extra-point kick that follows a touchdown
3 pts. for a field goal
6 pts. credited if your team does 100 hrs. of community service
WaltDakota on November 9, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Thanks! dang to much for this blond. loved the community service part. I hope Steelers Still win.
sheebe on November 9, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Ok, will confess….I love New England Patriots! Just hope this is the right State for this team? GreenBay was pretty darn mean team there for a while. When I was little, which I can’t remember that. Rams kicked tail. Now, they don’t exist to me. Not the same team.
sheebe on November 9, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Coincidence: I’m ND Class of ’90, and my track buddies uniformly called me “Dish”.
mikeyboss on November 9, 2008 at 3:15 PM
BTW I agree on the Rooney issue…well he is getting really OLD. I’ll give it a pass.
But if I was beside him that day, I would’ve smacked his forehead a-la V-8 commercial. “C’mon, give a Steelers jersey to a CHICAGO BEAR “fan”?
Might as well give it to a Democrat Cleveland Browns gov/congressman. Sheesh!
ProudPalinFan on November 9, 2008 at 3:17 PM
I’m a Steeler’s fan, but I feel your pain.
forest on November 9, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Peyton will right the ship today. Go Colts!
goldeagle11 on November 9, 2008 at 3:24 PM
This is a done deal, titans all the way
leetpriest on November 9, 2008 at 3:26 PM
You’re complaining about the Steelers and the Irish?
Try this on for size – I’m a Detroit Lions fan, who went to Minnesota! Every time I watch football I see my team get stomped.
Sign of the Dollar on November 9, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Go Giants. Nice evening game, with a scotch on the rocks.
rbj on November 9, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I always worry about the safety of both teams’ quarterbacks when the Steelers play. I think they are near the top of the league in both sacks and sacks allowed.
forest on November 9, 2008 at 3:33 PM
COLTS WIN +15
ANTICIPATING A SCORE OF SOMETHING LIKE 35-20
TheMightyQuinn on November 9, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I have Ben & Heinz in my fantasy team. Go Steelers
oldairman on November 9, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Alas,
I have to root for the Colts in this one.
My Baltimore Ravens face only 1 obstacle in leading the AFC North. Namely: The Pittsburg Steelers.
Jones Zemkophill on November 9, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Another Lions/Ticats fan here!
There’s something to be said for having absolutely no expectations whatsoever. I’m so spoiled by the Red Wings that I feel crappy if they lose in the conference finals, but when it comes to the NFL I’m usually rooting for the Lions to lose and get the No. 1 draft pick. After all, they’re one really good wide receiver away from glory.
Sign of the Dollar on November 9, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Hmmm…which group of overpaid, steroid-pumped primadonnas in funny clothes hitting each other should I cheer for?
The group which takes the fewest tax dollars from us?
jgapinoy on November 9, 2008 at 3:50 PM
(obviously I’m not a big sports fan. heh)
jgapinoy on November 9, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Hardcore Steelers fan here!
I Bleed Black & Gold and Crap Cleveland Browns!
GO STEELERS!!
Casper the Friendly Host on November 9, 2008 at 3:53 PM
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