NFL Sunday open thread: Steelers vs Chargers
posted at 2:00 pm on November 16, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Last week, I wrote that I deserved a break after watching Notre Dame get beat and Barack Obama get elected with larger Democratic majorities. Did I get that break? Nope. Ben Roethlisberger threw three key interceptions that allowed the Indianapolis Colts to steal the game away from the Steelers.
Today they play the San Diego Chargers, another team mired in mediocrity, at Heinz Field. Can Big Ben recover his early-season form and beat the 4-5 Chargers? If not, the Steelers will lose their grip on the division lead and have a very difficult time regaining momentum. They still have to face New England, Baltimore, and unbeaten Tennessee in the remaining weeks of the season.
What will your favorite teams do today? What are your predictions? I’ll say that my luck will continue from yesterday’s Notre Dame victory and Pittsburgh will beat San Diego at home, 27-17.
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San Diego Super Chargers!!
Theworldisnotenough on November 16, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Thanks for mentioning the Chargers…
…because you want your team to beat them.
Chargers 34
Steelers 31
Theworldisnotenough on November 16, 2008 at 2:06 PM
I hate watching games on TV.. BORING! I love the smell, feel, taste (of the nasty stadium food and beer), energy and emotion of the live games.
My last game to see is a live NFL game… somewhere. Teams not important.
upinak on November 16, 2008 at 2:08 PM
I like watching the Chargers lose. I thought they were nutz to fire Marty Schottenheimer.
Steelers 31
Chargers 16
El_Terrible on November 16, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Sorry, can’t pull for any team from Pennsylvania.
SouthernGent on November 16, 2008 at 2:13 PM
My Broncos will graciously lose to Atlanta, allowing the Falcons to regain the kind of self-esteem necessary to move past the Vick episode. That’s how you know if your team is a good team, by how many opposing teams they let win. The Broncos are frickin’ GREAT!
Weight of Glory on November 16, 2008 at 2:15 PM
I wish my Bears knew how to play defense.
VanPalin on November 16, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Chargers get short-circuited in Pittsburgh, 24-10. It’s about time San Diego had to travel to the ‘Burgh. Time for some payback.
Also predict a big win for Dallas over Washington. For the second straight game, Redskins fans will sell their tickets to visiting fans in droves. With Portis out, the Redskins won’t be able to compete.
Finally, the Ravens are being exposed as a pretender by the New York Giants.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Let Leftwich play for a couple weeks. He’s more than adequate and there’s no point in going to the playoffs with Roethlisberger all gimpy anyway.
forest on November 16, 2008 at 2:17 PM
my team already finished conducting business this week.
J-E-T-S
Brains on November 16, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Go Bolts!!!!!
repvoter on November 16, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Giants baby!!
Superbowl 2 years in a row?
Yossarian on November 16, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Giants indeed, we’re rolling over Buffalo as we speak. Oh the humanity!
Dash on November 16, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Steelers 37
Chargers 24
SoulGlo on November 16, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Go Giants! 20-3 at halftime, shoulda been more, bad interception by Manning.
rbj on November 16, 2008 at 2:29 PM
How ’bout them Cowboys!
CP on November 16, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Who Dey ! Bengals lead at the half. Can we just call the game now?….please…
Dirthead on November 16, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Can’t believe my Eagles are losing to the Ben … the Bennnnn … the Bennnnnnnnnm … I can’t even say it!
Tony737 on November 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Watching my Giants rack up the points! Though Manning throwing that interception was hard to take….
GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!
IrishGirl17 on November 16, 2008 at 2:45 PM
D-Mac just needs to keep throwing it to the guys in stripes
Dirthead on November 16, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Don’t worry. The Bungles will find a way to lose – they always do.
forest on November 16, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Because you (again) mentioned the Steelers, they are destined to lose. Thanks.
sayabule1 on November 16, 2008 at 2:51 PM
And can the Lions go 0 for the season. Bad time to be in Detroit.
rbj on November 16, 2008 at 2:57 PM
I’m gonna go out on a limb and predict the Texans will lose in Indy.
Mike Honcho on November 16, 2008 at 2:59 PM
San Diego Super Chargers!
A must win, and they will.
Nessuno on November 16, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Lots of political corruption surrounding the Rooney family at this time. They lobbied for hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to build Heinz Field, publicly endorsed and presented Obama with a Steelers jersey last month during a campaign rally, and are now desperately searching for someone to buy the Steelers before year’s end so that they can avoid the cap gains taxes their new president promised to enact next year.
jay12 on November 16, 2008 at 3:06 PM
My team has one win. After today, they will have one win.
Ronnie on November 16, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Yes the Steelers ownership has saddened me. Franco Harris is an Obamacon as well.
But hey we always have Lynn Swann.
Jamson64 on November 16, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Well, I’m in fantasy hell. I had Cassel on my bench and started Cutler, who did extremely well last week. This week, thinking my season was somewhat over, and because they’d had a marginal season, I traded Addai and Housh for draft picks, only to have both of them score this week!! The only bright spot is that I didn’t start the Ravens D over the Bucs, and that seems to be working out for me…barely.
But so far, my bench has more points than my starters.
bloghooligan on November 16, 2008 at 3:13 PM
GOOOO Packers!!! I can’t watch the game, but Rodgers has a 109 passer rating and they’re up 24-3.
Its about freaking time. I’m not losing another game on a field goal. Not on my life. If the Vikings lose, we’ve got a 3-way tie in the NFC north.
jimmy the notable on November 16, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Charger fan and I wish I could feel good about our chances today. We barely edged the chiefs last weeek, THE CHIEFS! So frankly, Big Ben has to really tank for us to have a shot!
America1st on November 16, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Oh, also, Ryan Grant is FINALLY having a game that’s sort of like the games he had last year.
jimmy the notable on November 16, 2008 at 3:28 PM
No question about it; my Stillers will beat up on the Chargers 27-13.
I agree with Forest; let Leftwich play for a bit while Ben rests.
dalewalt on November 16, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Grrrr. Just because the Giants are up 30-10 is no reason to cut away from the game. Stupid CBS.
rbj on November 16, 2008 at 3:43 PM
i have to watch football games on CBS on mute. not only do their commentators make wrong calls about 40% of the time,i get sick of listening to them reminisce about their player days. stfu and commentate the game accurately with as little chit chat as possible.
fox is the best, though they have some chit chatters as well.
as for night games, nbc’s half time show i turn away from. and Madden/Michaels i can. not. stand.
bloghooligan on November 16, 2008 at 3:53 PM
And Rothlisburger is so over rated, it’s not funny. yes, yes…he has a ring, but he should have retired then, because it’s been nothing but a downhill embarrassing slide since his accident.
but…the Stealers have one thing going for them, well, 2 things. 1 Ward, who’s on my fantasy and 2) they have a good looking coach.
bloghooligan on November 16, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Well, I called it Giants 30-17 over Baltimore today, but it looks like the Ravens will fall short.
Ravens hadn’t surrendered a 100-yard rushing games in 28 outings. Well, today they were manhandled for over 200.
Giants cannot be stopped.
Chargers 28-27, by the way.
JammieWearingFool on November 16, 2008 at 3:57 PM
The bears were pretty good this week.
sammypants on November 16, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Just as stupid FOX! Cutting away from Packers/Bears, saying the game isn’t competitive anymore….heck, the score is only 27-3…da’ bears still have a chance!!! (well, maybe a snowball’s chance, but still!)
By the way, the Chargers better win today or I’m gonna tear my $100 jersey up and never wear it again!!! heh heh heh!
Vntnrse on November 16, 2008 at 3:58 PM
That whole state is on my sh!t list right now. No offense if you’re one of the morons who live there.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2008 at 4:02 PM
My partisan opinion: Giants, best team in the NFL!
clancy_wiggum on November 16, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Broncos took care of business, thank goodness it wasn’t on NBC with Olby. If I am going to watch football I don’t want politics from that pinhead
KBird on November 16, 2008 at 4:05 PM
That Bears game today was the most pathetic excuse for a football game I’ve seen in a long time. Unbearable. (lame pun intended)
VanPalin on November 16, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Yes, Giants win!
rbj on November 16, 2008 at 4:09 PM
I already told NBC that I won’t watch football on their station as long as he’s on, and I don’t! I wish everyone would tell them this! (I know, many of us here have done so….shows how much they listened, right?)
Vntnrse on November 16, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Go Bolts!
ErikTheRed on November 16, 2008 at 4:17 PM
JETS JETS JETS!!! I’m not kidding, I have no fingernails left after that one…
JetBoy on November 16, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Steelers!! Go!
sheebe on November 16, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Woah what a pick by Polamalu.
jimmy the notable on November 16, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Excuse mee??? No moron here fella. Don’t blame me, I cling to my Bible and my vacuum cleaner!!! (no guns yet, evaluating the issue)…because of all the issue at the other thread I feel like preparing a Disaster and Contingency Plans for us (I have expertise preparing policies, procedures and these types of reports). Also feel like Tomb Raider Angelina Jolie kick-butt armed to the teeth…yea I wish.
We are going berserk here Dish b/c of snow is having bad signal, cable is our only hope…kiss hi-def goodbye for now. Lost my DH so now off to you guys and Guitar Hero.
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Nice call – go for a 51 yard field goal on a windy, icy field instead of going for a first down on fourth down.
Makes about as much sense as four consecutive passes on a terrible field.
Passing too much again. Real questionable play calling so far, par for the course.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 4:32 PM
I live in MN…. my beloved Nittany Lions won, my Eagles are stinking up the joint. overtime to the Bengals…fire Reid! Viqueens lost.I’m from South Philly originally and live here. anyone calls me putrid because I lived and live in states they feel lost the election to Obama… go to hell. When some of us fight hard for conservatism, and we see RINOS screw it up, look in the mirror losers, not the populations who lost to their fellow citizens. Knock off the parochialism… so infantile.
MNDavenotPC on November 16, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Hey Ed,
Notre Dame damned near blew that game yesterday. Navy would have beat them too had the weather not been so sloppy.
Got to root for the Chargers here. My Ravens got rolled but good today so Pittsburgh has to lose so we can keep pace with them.
JohnnyD on November 16, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Gee, I wonder what my team would be??
G-MEN!!
ny59giants on November 16, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Woohoo 7-0 Chargers!
JohnnyD on November 16, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Way to go!!!!!!
repvoter on November 16, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Horrible 30 yard pass interference call, this is by far the most idiotic rule in professional sports and the incompetent ref botched it as well.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Yeah, you’re cool. There’s no reason to be pissed at people in Pennsylvania. Not unless you feel like being pissed at people in Ohio and Virginia and Florida as well.
And its not like Pennsylvania even went for Bush in 04.
jimmy the notable on November 16, 2008 at 4:46 PM
NOTHING for Pittsburg!
ErikTheRed on November 16, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Great play call again – the coaches continually call plays that make no sense and that don’t work. Arians is off his rocker.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Safety – good deal.
NOW RUN THE BALL.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 4:59 PM
My team (Panthers) already won, albeit with another sub-par performance by Delhomme. Fortunately their RBs bailed them out again.
I’m gonna go with the Chargers in this one–I think LT will have a breakout game.
m064404 on November 16, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I wasn’t seriously calling every single person in the state of Pennsylvania a moron. Sheesh.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2008 at 5:03 PM
My team is going for 10 and 0 right now. That would be the, you know, only undefeated time in the NFL.
The rest of ya’ll suck.
robblefarian on November 16, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Green Bay 37 Chicago 3.
Thats the best the pack has has played all year. They are a very good team when they don’t hurt themselves with stupid penalties.
jellybelly on November 16, 2008 at 5:10 PM
My condolences to any Detroit fans out there; but look on the bright side–if Miami can turn it around after their season last year, there’s always hope.
m064404 on November 16, 2008 at 5:13 PM
That wasn’t interference? Unbelievable.
I thought any attempt at pass defense in the NFL is supposed to be severely penalized. The refs missed one.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Anybody following NASCAR too?
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 5:18 PM
I am getting really REALLY tired of Carl Edwards…
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Why don’t the Steelers have a real fullback? Carey Davis couldn’t block a traffic cone, the guy is useless.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 5:24 PM
You mean Mr. Ed the talking horse, of course.
m064404 on November 16, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Time for a 10 minute replay review. Geez the NFL is fun.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Nice INT – the defense is carrying the offense again.
Nice catch by the dope smoker. ‘Bout time, Santonio.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Niners completely destroying the Rams.
Me likey.
BallisticBob on November 16, 2008 at 5:55 PM
The Rams are imploding. St. Louis signed a bad stadium deal, wouldn’t be surprised if they move back to LA.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 5:56 PM
I pray that the curse of the Obama team jersey continues and A-hole Rooney’s team loses. I say this as a Steeler fan from 1974 until 2 weeks ago.
bill30097 on November 16, 2008 at 6:02 PM
It’s been a barn burner so far
Anyhow, Giants beat up on Ravens. Heh heh.
William Teach on November 16, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Doubt it. LA is not going to build a tax payer funded stadium, like the NFL wanted (thankfully). Plus, it’d be an embarrassment to have the professional team draw crowds half the size as the USC games. St. Louis is stuck with them.
El_Terrible on November 16, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Steelers take the lead, 8-7… really funky score
El_Terrible on November 16, 2008 at 6:13 PM
The NFL wants a team in LA and will get one eventually. They’ll put them in the LA Mausoleum if they have to.
If not the Rams, Jacksonville. The Bills will probably move to Toronto or if not, that’s another option.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 6:17 PM
I didn’t realize the Pirates and Padres were playing today.
rbj on November 16, 2008 at 6:25 PM
The Pirates would never put up 8 runs. More likely that the Penguins would.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Great drive Steelers. Put it in the end zone now.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Non-call on that left tackle false start on San Diego on 3 and 10, guess the refs aren’t going to call anything on the Chargers today.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 6:43 PM
Oh, no……..Steelers? Why are you screwing up?
sheebe on November 16, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Willie … Willie…
Batmom on November 16, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Is there another announcer with such a firm grasp on the glaringly obvious, than Phil Simms?
He’s the Cincinnati Bengals of announcers.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 7:07 PM
The Steelers never play any boring games.
They just covered the spread on a complete garbage TD, anyone who bet the Chargers just lost their lunch and dinner.
NoDonkey on November 16, 2008 at 7:26 PM
That was crazy.
wytammic on November 16, 2008 at 7:28 PM
vnt is sad….11-10 steelers over chargers
(and a screaming cockatoo that thinks the game is won by his squawks….)
Vntnrse on November 16, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Nope, they called it an illegal forward pass and disallowed the TD. Except I never saw an illegal pass.
EconomicNeocon on November 16, 2008 at 7:29 PM
I’m going to be sick……………
Seven Percent Solution on November 16, 2008 at 7:33 PM
After some of the worst officiating we’ve seen all year, the Super Steelers finally beat the officials and the Chargers! Yahooooooo!
Zorro on November 16, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Hey, just got back from having a tooth drilled out.
I assume the Steelers game was more fun.
forest on November 16, 2008 at 7:37 PM
I have no friggin’ clue why they took that TD from us. All those holding calls? That is gonna be a game that will cause controversy all throughout this week.
Mike & Mike In The Morning-even though I rarely listen ’cause of the kids-must be a good one to listen to tomorrow.
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 7:44 PM
I am so bitter, so very very BITTER.
Theworldisnotenough on November 16, 2008 at 7:45 PM
I figured it was the officiating crew from the Steelers/Seahawks Super Bowl and they were just trying to show Holmgren some belated love.
myrenovations on November 16, 2008 at 7:47 PM
We didn’t either…called our in-laws and TiVo’ed, back-forth, like 5 times and that is a no-no. At first I thought that the pass was illegal but the TD stood. We just don’t see it either. Refs were jackasses on this game.
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 7:48 PM
I mean we are scratching our heads here, we were moving the ball, Roethlisberger was accurate…speechless. BTW snowing here like crazy. At least not as bad as PGH.
ProudPalinFan on November 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
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