NFL Open thread: Steelers vs Ravens
posted at 12:30 pm on December 14, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
I don’t ask for much on the weekends. I like a little peace and quiet, a little time for church, a little time for relaxation, and big wins from my sports teams, the kind that give me peace and quiet rather than tension and nervousness. I’m not going to get that today, because the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Baltimore to play their second game against the Ravens, and the division title could be at stake. The Steelers won the first matchup and lead the Ravens by a game in the standings. Baltimore needs the win to even up the head-to-head matchup and make this a brand new season for them.
I’m hesitant to even predict today’s game, but since I’m wearing the jersey today, I’ll pick the Steelers by three in a defensive battle, 13-10. Pittsburgh played like monsters on the road against New England two weeks ago and found a way to win against the ‘Boys last week, and I think they’ve begun to gather momentum at the right moment. We’ll find out today.
As far as the rest of the league, here are a few of my other predictions:
- I promised Jazz Shaw that I would no longer pick his teams to win, which should tell you how valuable my selections really are. However, I just can’t bring myself to pick the Cowboys, especially with TO providing his special kind of clubhouse poison, so I’ll split the difference and pick the Giants by a TD over TO and the Bills to upset the Jets on the road.
- Detroit will shock the world … by coming within 20 points of Indianapolis today. Biggest news in this blowout? Peyton Manning takes the second half off to cut a few more commercials.
- Both San Diego and Kansas City manage to lose today, which will be tough, since they’re playing each other. The Chargers are 1-5 on the road, and the Chiefs are 1-5 at home. Why isn’t this epic battle scheduled for the NFL Channel? All right, all right, Chargers by three.
- The NFL Channel missed another classic between Seattle and St. Louis, both 2-11, and with the same matchup as the Chargers/Chiefs records. Two games, four losers, and that’s an easy prediction to make. Seattle wins this one in front of 2,395 screaming Lambs fans, by a margin that no one will remember an hour later.
- Minnesota loses to Arizona. That’s it. No funny quips. The Vikings will find a way to lose.
Blowback
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Like the other 2 pairs of gimme wins (cincinatti and cleveland), here comes another gimme win. That’s 6 freebies a season! Play in a real division!
rightside on December 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Let the bodies hit the floor.
Still rootin’ for the Steelers.
JoeAvg on December 14, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Two big games today! Steelers/Ravens, Cowboys/Giants. I think Ravens and Cowboys.
Spirit of 1776 on December 14, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I’m a semi-Steelers fan (a birthright in SE PA automatically makes me a lifelong Iggles fan) but the Ravens will win out today over Pittsburgh in a smashmouth, low-scoring bloodfest.
Let me have Get the Stretcher Ready for $600, Alex.
fogw on December 14, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I’ll take the Steelers by a touchdown, the Jets shut down the Bills and win by ten, the Giants blow out the Cowboys in double digits. I’ll agree with the rest of your picks except I’ll take Kansas City. The other games for me to watch are that I desperately could use San Fran to find a way to beat the Dolphins and/or the Raiders to somehow beat New England. I have no confidence in either, but I’ll be pulling for them just the same.
If the Steelers did manage to lose, that division is going to be very, very interesting in the closing weeks.
Jazz Shaw on December 14, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Baltimore a freebie eh? They have given up the 3rd least amount of points in the league. It take it they should play in one of the other 3 divisions in the AFC that all have at least two patsy teams. Maybe they should play in the tough NFC North or West. Maybe even the NFC south which is over-rated. Hmm that doesn’t leave too many divisions to play .
Friggin haters lose all sense of intelligence.
Jamson64 on December 14, 2008 at 12:54 PM
NFL Standings… http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/standings
I will give the RAVENS an edge today based on the home field advantage and their stats are very comparable.
Jamson64 on December 14, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I’d love to see Ray Lewis looking the wrong way long enough for a brutal Hines Ward hit.
MikeZero on December 14, 2008 at 1:01 PM
I just want a) the Chargers to lose, or b) the Broncos to win. AFC West title, baby!
wccawa on December 14, 2008 at 1:07 PM
The Steelers will win and I don’t want to hear different.
If you aren’t a Steel fan, you are probably a liberal. Nuff said.
Bishop on December 14, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Like I tweeted (or should that be twitted ?!?) to you earlier Ed, I think today is the Ravens’ day.
darkpixel on December 14, 2008 at 1:10 PM
The Steelers are had the toughest schedule in the league this year.
Not only is today’s game not a gimme, but they will likely lose. They’ve made a habit of making average defenses look pretty awesome this year (Eagles, Cowboys, Indy), and now they get to play against one that actually is great. I’m afraid I may have to avert my eyes most of the time the Steelers have the ball. The Steelers punt game stinks too
If the Steelers’ defense outscores the Ravens defense, the Steelers might be able to win, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
forest on December 14, 2008 at 1:12 PM
My beloved Steelers Defense has been outstanding this season, but unfortunately the offense has been inconsistent at best. I blame the O-line for subpar play on a weekly basis. I am just praying that the O-line does it’s job today and gives Ben the protection and time he needs to get the ball off…I don’t want him tossing it to Ed Reed three times today under pressure.
BiasedGirl on December 14, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Steelers must win! eegads! forest has a point! But, I want Steelers to win. So, if they lose, I will be graceful. Eagles are one hell of a team forest. They do have great defense. My two baby brothers were defensive line backers.
sheebe on December 14, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Ravens Vs. Steelers #1 this year was an epic battle at Hines Field, with Joe Flacco on his first ever road game, and Ed Reed running at half speed. The Game decided in Overtime by a Steelers fieldgoal.
TODAY: The Steelers will face a far better team than they faced last time. The Ravens have Joe Flacco has done nothing but improve in time since the season began, while the Ravens’ Defense has ramped up to full speed. The Raven’s Punter will consistently give the Ravens better field position than the Steelers’ punter.
I expect 1 Ravens Defensive Touchdown, off of 2 Interceptions and 1 Fumble Recovery. I expect 1 Steelers to get 1 Interception (The other interceptions will be denied due to Flags on Steelers for Holding and Offsides, etc) and 2 Steelers Defensive Fumble recoveries.
LeRon McClain will get a Running TD, and Joe Flacco will get 1 TD to match Big Ben’s 1 TD to Nate Washington. (Hines Ward will be covered too well for a TD, but will get signifigant yardage, and Santonio Holmes does terribly against Defenses that hit him hard) ( Can’t say whether Ben will get a second TD, or if the Steelers will run it in from 2nd and Goal… probably a pass to his Tight End… unless Ray Lewis makes the read.) Pittsburg will end the First Half with a FG, and in the final 3 minutes, Pittsburg will get a FG from over 40 yards, bringing the score within 1 point, they will try for the onsides kick, but it’ll go out of bounds giving posession to the Ravens. who grind out the clock with Le’ron McClain for a victory.
Oh, and Either Hines Ward or Terrell Suggs gets injured… perhaps both at the same time.
How’s that for a prediction?
21-20 Ravens
Jones Zemkophill on December 14, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Go Cowboys !!!
BowHuntingTexas on December 14, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Seattle just ran back a fumble to tie the game with the Rams.
There has been talk in Seattle that the Hawks should tank the rest of the season for the sake of the draft pick. Holmgren said that’s not going to happen.
Mallard T. Drake on December 14, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Or a Seahawks fan.
Mallard T. Drake on December 14, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Can the Steelers protect Big Ben today? If so, they win. If not, no dice.
hillbillyjim on December 14, 2008 at 1:44 PM
I garontee that the New Orleans Saints will not loser today. That’s because they did so Thursday night. What’s the deal with that, anyway? In recent memory, every time those two teams have played it’s been in Chicago.
Must be Bush’s fault.
I predict the Patriots will beat Oakland. Without “cheating”.
Del Dolemonte on December 14, 2008 at 2:09 PM
The Jets started off like a house a’fire, but the Bills aren’t going to lay down and take it. Farve best keep himself fired up.
Jazz Shaw on December 14, 2008 at 2:09 PM
I hate the Ravens.
Cardinals look good this year and Kurt Warner is a class act! This Seahawks fan is hoping for good things from Arizona!
Having said that, The Eagles and Titans look SuperBowl bound.
Ordinary1 on December 14, 2008 at 2:11 PM
I think the Super Steelers have what it takes to win. They will win, in overtime (again) by 3. But more than a win, I hope everyone will be able to walk off the field of play on their own.
Zorro on December 14, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Living outside Phila all my life, and being an obligatory Eagles fan, I can only say… you’re more optimistic than I am.
A lifetime of let-downs has taught me better.
JoeAvg on December 14, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Today I cheer for Ray Lewis.
knob on December 14, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Eagles are playing the best ball in the NFC right now. Giants still look strong and even the Panthers are dangerous. Dare I dream that Arizona could make it all the way???
The AFC is more wide open. Colts, Steelers, Ravens, Broncos, any of the AFC East Teams could get hot in the playoffs.
Did I mention? I hate the Ravens!
Ordinary1 on December 14, 2008 at 3:20 PM
OMFG! The Detroit Lions are tied at 21 in the 4th quarter!!
Next, frogs will fall from the sky on the stadium.
Jazz Shaw on December 14, 2008 at 3:33 PM
The packers are blowing ANOTHER GODDAMNED GAME. Every. Single. Week.
They need to fire the defensive coordinator. Its like every week is Christmas for the other team.
jimmy the notable on December 14, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Go Stillers!! (and I don’t mean Ben and Jerry)
mrfixit on December 14, 2008 at 4:00 PM
The Buffalo Bills succeeded in giving the Jets and myself a heart attack, but the Jets march on toward the AFC East championship. Ed’s pattern of allowing the Jets to win whenever he picks them to lose continues. Now if only we could watch the Giants tonight, but the (#*$(*#* Mother(#*$# Son of a (#*$(# NFL Network has highjacked the game so I won’t see it.
Anyway, on to the main event. Go Steelers! I owe it to you to root for your victory after the early game!
Jazz Shaw on December 14, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Wow. Houston beat Tennessee and Cincinnati beat Washington!
Ordinary1 on December 14, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Darn it. Vikings up two TDs early.
Nice comeback by SD!!!
Ordinary1 on December 14, 2008 at 4:34 PM
My day is complete, having watched Ray Lewis collect a big sack of Ben.
knob on December 14, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Tenn is coasting. They don’t have the need to win until the playoffs start.
Ace ODale on December 14, 2008 at 5:11 PM
You can watch tonight’s game online? That’s what nfl.com says!
Ordinary1 on December 14, 2008 at 5:13 PM
You were close…………………
…………… Go Chargers, and by the way Norm, you suck! Go back to the Raiders…
Seven Percent Solution on December 14, 2008 at 5:21 PM
For the sake of household harmony….GO STILLERS!
LL
Lady Logician on December 14, 2008 at 5:32 PM
The New England Cheaters are now up over Oakland 35-14, and it’s not even halftime yet.
After Matt Cassel’s 3rd TD pass, the Cheaters kicked off, and Oakland’s Justin Miller ran it back 91 yards for a TD.
Then Oakland kicked it off, and the Cheaters’ Ellis Hobbs ran it back 95 yards for a TD.
Del Dolemonte on December 14, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Actually the big game is tonight when America’s team hosts the Giants.
paulsur on December 14, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Bite me.
GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nukemhill on December 14, 2008 at 5:40 PM
paulsur on December 14, 2008 at 5:39 PM
America’s team is playing the Ravens…..
Texas’s team will lose to the Giants…
;)~
mrfixit on December 14, 2008 at 6:09 PM
oh, and, GO Stillers!!!!!
mrfixit on December 14, 2008 at 6:10 PM
saw a t-shirt today on a guy at the grocery store, it said “You can take the team out of Cleveland, but you cant take the SUCK out of the team”
mrfixit on December 14, 2008 at 6:12 PM
So far, Ravens punting game is clearly superior to the Steelers punt team.
9-3
forest on December 14, 2008 at 6:22 PM
9-6, Ravens.
Ugh. No offense by either team. Ravens had a chance with that fumble, but I think that Unsportsman like Conduct call was questionable.
Ravens need to put together one of their patented 10 minute drives that ends in a touchdown.
And … Clayton comes through!
nukemhill on December 14, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Incredible touchdown, about time Santonio did something right. What a game.
NoDonkey on December 14, 2008 at 7:21 PM
What exactly was that Personal Foul penalty about?
Simms and Nance are predictably inept.
NoDonkey on December 14, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Sqweeeelers Win.
nimrod on December 14, 2008 at 7:26 PM
STEELER nation….
YES….
WE….
CAN!!!!
Paul the American on December 14, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Clinched a first round bye, things are looking good for the Steelers, the best team in the AFC by far.
NoDonkey on December 14, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Steelers win again !!!!
Haters are losers …you know who you are
Jamson64 on December 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Steelers 13 — Baltimore 9
Nice call Ed .. !
HadaAbeche on December 14, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Ben sacked 3 times. Better.
hillbillyjim on December 14, 2008 at 7:33 PM
so much for the bounty. maybe ravens fans can use that bounty instead of kleenex to wipe their tears.
Jamson64 on December 14, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Umm, actually the Titans could have wrapped up their division and kept a two game lead over the Steelers for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Now home field advantage throughout the playoffs will be determined next Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Kerry Collins looked awful today. The Steelers need to blitz early and blitz often.
Mike Honcho on December 14, 2008 at 7:36 PM
“so much for the bounty. maybe ravens fans can use that bounty instead of kleenex to wipe their tears.”
Yeah, the Ravens scared Hines so much he only had pretty much his best game all season.
Ward isn’t the best WR ever, but he’s the toughest.
NoDonkey on December 14, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Tell me how that could be a touchdown when the ball never crossed the goal line? It wasn’t and it can’t be. I understand if you catch with both feet in the end zone with the ball past the goal line but the ball must cross the goal line. The fix was in.
wepeople on December 14, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Big Ben came up Big !! The last minute drive was awesome. I was confused by the TD ruling as well – did he catch the ball and break the plane ? it looked like he fell forward even though his feet was in the end zone. And the refs seemed to agree that he had two feet in and ruled it a TD.
nagee76 on December 14, 2008 at 8:01 PM
You know, Ed calling it 13-10 when the real score was 13-9 is kind of frighteningly prescient. What have you got for next week so I can get a call in to Vegas ahead of time?
Jazz Shaw on December 14, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Oh man why do I have to endure Olberdork to watch my beloved Cowboys?
conservnut on December 14, 2008 at 8:10 PM
That jackass Keith Olbermannnnn was shocked that Santonio’s final touchdown was not a touchdown. What a whiner. Same with Chris Sad Sack Collingsworth. Two bedwetting losers.
Zorro on December 14, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Yep. Good call Ed.
Next on CBS – a good old fashioned puff piece whitewashing of Barney Frank on 60 Minutes.
“So, Representative Frank, how do you intend to fix this Republican economic disaster?”
forest on December 14, 2008 at 8:16 PM
hmm… looks like the Ravens fans might have a lot to complain about with that late TD in the game. it is hard to say with enough certainty that the Steelers receiver broke the plane. certainly not enough to over-rule the ruling on the field.
but i think the Ravens are going to be hard to beat in the playoffs no matter whether they get to play at home or on the road.
I think both these teams are going to meet for a 3rd time this season. in the AFC championships… wow, this is going to be awesome!
nagee76 on December 14, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Forest, that was just about right…Lyin’ Leslie and the rest make it very easy to turn off the set. She seemed to blame the whole (mortgage meltdown) thing on Wall Street. Now that the Repubs have been buried, lets get after free enterprise. Who are these clowns?
Yo Steeler fans..who did Rooney back in the last presidential election?
IlikedAUH2O on December 14, 2008 at 8:24 PM
I like the Ravens except for their head games and the fact that their their fans are idiots. I have met some. Remember McNair? The raisins were going to the Super Bowl…..NOT!
IlikedAUH2O on December 14, 2008 at 8:26 PM
I can’t believe the booth over-ruled the call on the field. First, you’ve got to earn your touchdowns — it’s the offense’s job to get the ball conspicuously in. Second, why cheat us of the drama of a 4th down play? Let’s do an AOL hotseat: Assuming competent refs had correctly ruled no TD, what do the Steelers do on 4th down? Field goal or go for the TD.
Mark30339 on December 14, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I was a little surprised by that myself. Heard of Jimmy the Greek? I’m Eddie the Geek.
Ed Morrissey on December 14, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Ha, good one Ed
conservnut on December 14, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Obviously you didn’t watch the game. The Houston defense totallt shut off the Titan’s running game (so much for flash and smash!). The Titan offense was terrible, connecting on very few passes.
Also, didn’t the Titans need to win this game to have home field advantage in the playoffs? Or am I mistaken?
Neocon Peg on December 14, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Looked like the ball broke the plane of the goal to me. I think it was the correct call. Beating the Pats, ‘Boys, and Ravens in a row is mighty impressive. And now they have to travel to Tennessee? The Steelers’ schedule has been ridiculous this year, one of the toughest ever, and they’re still winning games. Not only that, but they save their best football for the 4th quarter — like true champions.
BTW, Nice prediction, Ed.
KGB on December 14, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Yee-ha
Touchdown Cowboys!
conservnut on December 14, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I seem to be the only one on this thread right now. So…..Woo-hoo Cowboys! 14-3!
conservnut on December 14, 2008 at 10:47 PM
If both feet are in the end zone, the ball doesn’t have to break the plane, see rule 38(e) in the official NFL rules.
The ball only has to break the plane in the instance where the player does not already have two feet in the end zone.
NoDonkey on December 14, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Steelers v. Panthers in the Super Bowl.
Mr. Wednesday Night on December 15, 2008 at 2:37 AM
NoDonkey’s rule reference would seem to end the debate on the TD, though I thought the ball crossed the plane at the instant of the catch. Wonder why Keith and the gang didn’t know the rule?
Ed, you missed on the Detroit game. They actually got within 10 of Indy. The Lions should still qualify for a bailout.
EconomicNeocon on December 15, 2008 at 10:08 AM
To help with NoDonkey’s rule reference, the definition of a touchdown in Rule 3 of the 2006 NFL Rulebook states:
“Section 38 Touchdown
A Touchdown is the situation in which any part of the ball, legally in possession of a player inbounds, is on, above, or behind the opponent’s goal line (plane), provided it is not a touchback (11-2).”
Further, Rule 11, Section 2, Article 1 states (and this is where the difference is btwn running and passing plays occurs):
“It is a touchdown (3-38):
(a) when a runner advances from the field of play and the ball touches the opponents’ goal line (plane); or
(b) while inbounds any player catches or recovers a loose ball (3-2-3) on or behind the opponents’ goal line.”
The issue in this case is where was the receiver when he first possessed the ball.
Being a high school football official, I love being able to explain the difference btwn the HS and NFL rules to coaches here. My favorite phrase is, “Coach, if this were Sunday and I was making a lot more money, you’d be right.”
jcrue on December 15, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Go 09 Pack!!!!!!
oakpack on December 15, 2008 at 3:46 PM