NFL Open Thread: Steelers vs Browns
posted at 11:30 am on December 28, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Thankfully, today’s game between the Steelers and the Browns has nothing at stake except pride. The Steelers have the second seed in the playoffs, and thanks to last week’s loss to the Titans, cannot possibly move up to #1. They’ve won the division, too. The Browns have no tomorrow, but they’d love to go out with a big win against their division rival, especially given the precarious position of their coaching staff after a very disappointing season. The Steelers need to rest their starters and get some playing time to the second string before the playoffs, but I’m going to bet on Pittsburgh to beat the hapless Browns, 23-17.
Today’s full of big games, and I’ll offer my completely unreliable picks:
- The Detroit Lions have an opportunity grab destiny by the collar and become the worst team in NFL history. Unfortunately for them, they face off against a Green Bay team that has had few fourth-quarter leads that they keep. I’ll opt to go with history and predict Green Bay will win in a rout at home, 38-14, because a rout is all they can win these days.
- Jets-Dolphins: This will probably be the game of the day, as they’re battling for the last playoff spot in the AFC. The Dolphins have momentum and the Jets have the home-field advantage. I’m going with momentum. Miami will beat the Jets in overtime, 27-24, and complete their Cinderella comeback season from Lions-land in 2007.
- Broncos-Chargers: Can Denver blow a three-game division lead and let San Diego win it with a .500 record? Yes, they can. Again, momentum goes with the Chargers, and they’re playing at home to boot. Chargers over the Broncos, 31-21.
- Giants-Vikings: The Giants don’t need a win here, but thanks to the Packers and their come-from-ahead overtime loss in Chicago last week, the Vikings have to have one to win the division. I think the Giants will rest some of their starters and the Vikings will win their final home game, but it will be close … 24-21.
Blowback
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Thanks for picking the Dolphins. The Jets need a win today or it’s all over. Even if they win, they need either New England to lose against Buffalo for them to take the AFC East championship, or they need the Ravens to lose and then they sneak in the back door with a wildcard slot. Either way, I would take it, as I’m still delusional enough to be praying for a New York v. New York Superbowl… so nice, they say it twice! :-)
And the Hoooooooome, of the …. JETS!
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Can someone explain to me why the NFL would move the Jets-Miami game to 4 p.m.? Both the Patriots and Jets need help to make the playoffs. In short, both teams need to win and have the other team lose. The original schedule had both teams playing at 1 pm. So, with both teams paying at the same time, neither team would have the advantage of knowing whether the other team has won or loss. But now that the NFL has altered the schedule to have the Jets play after the Patriots, the Jets will know whether they can make the playoffs before the game starts. So, if the Patriots win, the Jets will know they are out, which will make it less likely that the Jets will do everything they can to win. I can understand the push for TV ratings, but if people start questing the integrity of these decisions, the NFL will be making more trouble than the TV ratings are worth.
RedSoxNation on December 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Today I can sit back, relax and enjoy a full slate of five games televised here in the NY market. Two games at both 1 pm and 4:15. I wish it were that way every week. Plus the nightcap from San Diego.
Since the Giants have clinched the top seed, I don’t even have to worry about the outcome there and just hope they don’t take any injuries.
In a shocking development, short of a complete disaster today I’ll have a winning record against the spread this year.
BTW, Ed, I think you’re being generous to the Browns. I doubt they’ll even score today.
JammieWearingFool on December 28, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I would love to see the Jets move all the way to the big show (I know I know, pipe dream) just so Favre can shove it back in the face of the Packers.
But still, my heart stays with the Steelers.
If you aren’t a Steel fan, then you are probably a liberal. ‘Nuff said.
Bishop on December 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Boo. Jets always find a way to beat Miami…Jets 21, Fish 10. No OT.
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Your premise is faulty. Even if the Patriots win during the 1 pm slot, the Jets can still go to the show if Baltimore loses in their 4 o’clock game, so they still have to go full throttle no matter what.
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 11:45 AM
GO BROWNS!! We need to break this losing streak against those bastard Steelers!
RightXBrigade on December 28, 2008 at 11:59 AM
The Lions are toast. Zero wins.
Miami wins by six.
If SD beats the Broncos and Arizona loses to Seattle, both NFC and AFC WEST teams will enter the playoffs without a winning record. (8-8) How pathetic is that?
No matter how the AFC east plays out, no one will wants to meet up with the Colts right now playing the best in the AFC bar none.
My Superbowl prediction: Carolina vs Colts
Rovin on December 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I like the Steelers. Really, I do. But there are how many season ending/changing games on today? Well, here, 60 miles from Pittsburgh we get a grand total of ONE!!!! And it has no real meaning!!(Not counting the Sunday night game). Anyone wanna guess which game I’ll be stuck watching on any of two networks or four channels?
One thing I miss about living on the West coast. Football starting at 10:00 am with a variety of games to choose from. Living in the Steeler-rabid Ohio Valley, I don’t get much choice…Thank heaven for nfl.com. I’d think about paying for the NFL channel, but I don’t think hubby would go for it—not a sports fan is he.
dish on December 28, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Low blow Bishop…..and totally unprovable. :)
Rovin on December 28, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I think the Steelers will rest people in the 2nd half. For the Browns, this is their playoffs and Superbowl all rolled into one. I predict Steelers 17 Browns 9
pennjazz on December 28, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Go Cowboys !!!
BowHuntingTexas on December 28, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I’m hoping for a Manning vs. Manning superbowl. Also, Go Phins! I want a final stake in Brett Farve’s heart.
IR-MN on December 28, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Jazz Shaw…Thanks…I didn’t realize that.
RedSoxNation on December 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM
So should we be rooting for a Lions win? Sure Detroit’s responsible for a lot of its own problems (UAW, incompetent management, Kwame Kilpatrick), but to kick a city with a 0-16 record while it’s down,. . . well it’s just unseemly.
rbj on December 28, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Tampa Bay started their history with something like 26 straight losses over their first two seasons. They’ll always be the gold standard for futility IMHO
Del Dolemonte on December 28, 2008 at 1:19 PM
No score yet with the Steelers, but New England draws first blood against Buffalo in a game where the wind is so bad the goalposts are bending over sideways. Good field goal under those conditions.
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Wow! Where are they playing?
dish on December 28, 2008 at 1:38 PM
At Buffalo. All of New York has a massive wind storm blowing through as this warm front moves out. But Buffalo is right on the lake and they always get the worst of it.
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Low blow Bishop…..and totally unprovable. :)
Rovin on December 28, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Wrong, totally provable. Slice your finger open on any game day, if it doesn’t bleed black and gold, then you are a liberal.
Bishop on December 28, 2008 at 1:56 PM
If the NFL were smart, they would move pittsburgh into another division. Compare the win % of the browns, bengals and ravens over the last 10, 15 years. I bet it’s much lower than pittsburgh’s.
rightside on December 28, 2008 at 2:01 PM
I hope the Fins crush the Jets so that whiner, Favre, retires for good. I like the Jets and I understand why they picked up Favre, but let’s face it, Bret’s a pus… errr, small kitty cat.
I’m watching the Saints blow it against the Panthers. No record for Drew, unfortunately.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Yep — love that Pacific time zone. Hubby and I are diggin’ football breakfasts and MNF games that end well.
We have NFL Sunday ticket. Try to get your husband to give it to you for your anniversary or birthday. Well worth it.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Now that the No. 1 draft pick is clinched, I’m cheering hard for the Lions to avoid total infamy. I’ve even got my jersey on…. I don’t plan to go outside in it or anything, but it’s on.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 2:33 PM
The Lions are no where near as bad as the ’76 Bucs. Good for you being loyal to your team. (I know about these things… I’m a Skins fan myself.)
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Thank goodness for hockey, basketball and baseball.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 2:37 PM
I dunno, it seems like Baltimore is usually pretty decent. The Bengals were good for a while, too, until a couple of years ago.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 2:39 PM
From CBSSports.com:
Good Lord.
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
GO DOLPHINS!!!
That’s all I’ve got to say.
Jvette on December 28, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Unfortunately, he’d also have to buy me another TV…my kids may not put up with losing valuable Wii time ;)
dish on December 28, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Big Ben’s out with a concussion.
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 2:56 PM
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Oh…any updates on his condition?
dish on December 28, 2008 at 2:58 PM
No word on severity of concussion; I just saw a clip on CBS showing Ben with his thumb up while they were carting him off, so maybe just under precautionary care…
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 3:00 PM
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Thanks. The stretcher and neck brace must’ve been a precaution.
Need to refresh before posting.
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:00 PM
oh man are the Lions still in the hunt for a purrfect record?
kanda on December 28, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Tivo, baby!
It is a festival of football in our house. Saturdays and Sundays — woo-hoo!
Adapting nicely to West Coast sports… but we are going to root for Penn State in the Rose Bowl We have some Big Ten roots and love Joe Pa.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM
Ed how can you leave out Cowboys Eagles? If the Cowboys win they are in the playoffs!
I am thinking ol Ed just dissed us!
OK Cowboy haters, let me have it!
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Bad parenting!
I kid, I kid! ;-)
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Lions are tied at 14 in the third quarter!
Of course, they’ve been pretty good at letting games slip away this year.
But no one can take away that undefeated pre-season!
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Hopefully Ben will be back for the playoffs. Makes one wonder about the wisdom of having him in the game at all with a 14-0 lead and nothing to lose in the Championship hunt.
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 3:04 PM
I’m a Golden Gopher living in Pac-10 country, and I always root for the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Understood. We gave in this Christmas. We WILL limit the time played, but already our kids (and us) have some sore shoulders and arms from tennis, bowling and dance dance revolution. Worked up a sweat on that one! That’s why we gave in this year. No sitting on the couch with this game—you move, alot! And when there’s snow on the ground, it’s a good option!
It will NOT interfere with football though. :)
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:06 PM
I think I mentioned on an earlier thread this summer that, although my blood runs burgundy and gold, for reasons of possible relocation to the Lone Star State (should the Left Coast become too unbearable), I have tried to adopt a more favorable view of the ‘Boys. However… I am rooting for the Eagles.
The ‘Boys need to lose in order to smarten up and dump that loudmouth T.O. and focus on football. They’re in this media frenzy over there that is keeping them from becoming a great team. So in the interest of “tough love,” Go Eagles!
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:06 PM
7 years working at Purdue. That’s why we cheer for the Saints now. Love that Brees. The Chargers were morons to dump him. I’d kill to have Drew on the Skins.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:08 PM
I have to agree on the T.O. thing. I think he and possibly one or two others is what keeps this team from being a team. Some of the 90′s Cowboys have said the same.
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM
I tend to cheer for anyone who is playing USC—no matter who they are or what they did to Notre Dame.
Go Nittany Lions!
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:10 PM
What do you think about the coach? Keep him or dump him?
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Dump him! I loved his dad, but when you have issues like “not jelling as a team” that always goes back to the coach. Jimmy Johnson would not have tolerated any of that $hit.
I have to say though that since he took over the defense they have been impressive. I would be ok with him staying on as DC
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:15 PM
UCLA fan? Fight Irish fan?
When I was living back East and during the heyday of the SEC I tended to root for USC. It’s a classic team and I kinda dug the band’s sunglasses schtick, frankly. And now I really like Pete Carroll. But I’m not as into USC now — they’re a bit arrogant (like the Buckeyes) and not as appealing close up.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:18 PM
OT:
Whoever designed those little plastic things that are used to attach tags to the pockets of blue jeans should be sodomized at the very least. Ouch.
hillbillyjim on December 28, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I drive through there on my way back and forth between Pennsylvania and Indiana. Interestingly, as far west as Zanesville, Ohio is definitely Steelers country, though you’d think they’d be Browns fans.
Steelers lead, 17-0. Without Big Ben.
rightwingprof on December 28, 2008 at 3:20 PM
That’s what you get for wearing new jeans on Sunday afternoon!
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Yeah, my gut says he’s not right for that team.
Who would be? They need a strong guy to wrangle those egos. Return of Ditka? ;-)
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Acually, I would love that! Of course lots of Chicago folks would start jumping off bridges. Come to think of it, it would be a win-win! ;-)
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:24 PM
My New England “Cheaters” have added a new twist today. Can you say “punter Matt Cassell”? He just nailed a 57 yarder that rolled to the Buffalo 1 foot line.
Del Dolemonte on December 28, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Notre Dame! And the Bears—so careful conservnut! ;)
Once upon a time, I was also anyone but Dallas fan, but there’s a very long story attached to that one…
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Did anybody see that Matt Cassell quick kick? Wow!
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:30 PM
rightwingprof on December 28, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Ben Rothleswhathisname is an Ohio boy. That might explain some of that. When Cleveland improves (GO BRADY!) you might see some switching…
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:32 PM
I’ll second that. It keeps all the Trojan fans I know somewhat humble.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:32 PM
I have to admit, I have always liked the Bears and Green Bay, (unless the Cowboys were playing them) I have always liked the “blue-collar” teams. But I can’t stand the Eagles or Steelers, never could.
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:35 PM
That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve lived all over the continent, and there are tons of Steelers (and Cowboys) fans everywhere. I assume it’s because they’ve been consistently good since the 70s and everyone loves a winner. At least Ohioans are geographically close to the team.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:32 PM
It usually takes alot to humble that crowd…For fun, a girlfriend and I liked to purchase tickets at the USC student ticket office and sit in the student section cheering for the opposing team. A pretty smile usually got us around the i.d. requirement. There was one game against Notre Dame where we were lucky to leave alive—probably because Notre Dame lost.
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:37 PM
I wish I knew how windy it was going to be in Buffalo before setting my fantasy roster this week…. Matt Cassell’s only thrown the ball eight times.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:39 PM
There’s nothing more fun than rooting for the opposition at another team’s stadium. As long as it’s not Oakland or Philly or some other place that gets a little too hostile.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:41 PM
:) I have heard that there is some hostility playing that game in the NFL…I went to the Steelers/Bears game with my eldest son (whom I’ve brainwashed properly). That was their Super Bowl year and the fans were very pleasant and friendly. Maybe or maybe not because the Steelers won.
dish on December 28, 2008 at 3:44 PM
The Lions are done. 0-16.
At least they made history, I guess.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:45 PM
I think it can get rather nasty in certain college towns, too. A couple of years ago I heard about a guy who was castrated by a Sooners fan in an Oklahoma bar because he was wearing a Texas Longhorns shirt.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:46 PM
When I was working at South Carolina I was always rooting for a USC – USC bowl championship. Trojans vs. Gamecocks.
Now that would make for some fun.
rbj on December 28, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Well I’m switching over to watch the junior worlds on NHL network. Canada is going to DESTROY Kazakhstan.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Must of been calf cuttin time.
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Well, the Bills let us down and lost to New England, so now it’s down to hoping the Ravens find a way to lose and the Jets still beat the fish. The Giants even managed to let the Vikings beat them, though they ahd the B team in for the entire second half.
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Well, looks like the Bears are about done too. On-side kick didn’t work.
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 4:08 PM
If I can be so bold as to paraphrase the greatest QB who ever graced a gridiron…”I guarantee victory”.
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 4:14 PM
So the real question is: who is gonna win the Matt Cassell derby? He’s sure a hot property. It seems doubtful to me that any amount of money would keep him behind Brady when he has a chance to start somewhere.
BTW, the Patriots have replaced the Cowboys as my most hated team. Can’t stand ‘em. Owner blows too. He was so classless during the video gate scandal… obviously approves of win at all costs.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Can’t stand the Eagles or, frankly, any Philly team. Their fans are awful.
Steelers are ok, but I think Big Ben is over-rated. He relies on his physicality too much. I think he’ll have a short career.
Y-not on December 28, 2008 at 4:16 PM
And now it’s official:
0-16
Worst. Team. Ever.
rbj on December 28, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Uh-oh Jazz – there is something wrong in the cosmos….the Logical Husband is rooting for the J-E-T-S!
While I suppose it is just because the Steelers have finished trouncing the Browns but an intervention might be necessary….
LL
Lady Logician on December 28, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Now why on Earth would you want to change an epiphany of rooting for my Jetties like that ;-)
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Well, LL, he’d best root a little harder. It didn’t even take Favre five minutes of possession to toss his first completion to the Dolphins. *sigh*
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 4:34 PM
No need for the ” “.
Jamson64 on December 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM
ROFLOL JetBoy. I can’t say much. My Bears stunk up the place again today…..
I will pass the recommendation on Jazz!
LL
Lady Logician on December 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Me….I don’t want to see that team from Boston get into the play-offs. Sorry guys….
LL
Lady Logician on December 28, 2008 at 4:50 PM
ll-most American’s hate to see those that break the rules to gain an unfair advantage succeed. So you are not alone.
Jamson64 on December 28, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Fixed it up a little bit there for ya :-D
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 4:56 PM
AS long as the Jets and Eagles lose I am happy
Gatordoug on December 28, 2008 at 5:07 PM
As long as a Miami and the Eagles win…i am happy
Jamson64 on December 28, 2008 at 5:11 PM
The Bucs, and Bears with hope alive lost! Paticularly sad is that the Bucs lost to Oakland!
Gatordoug on December 28, 2008 at 5:13 PM
I love ‘em, myself. Especially that a-hole coach who dresses like a crazy homeless person. If I weren’t loyal to the Motor City $hitty Kitties I’d be a Pats fan.
Speaking of the Lions, I’d hate to beat down on an impoverished former Soviet Republic too much, but watching this Kazakh hockey team get blown out is really therapeutic.
Sign of the Dollar on December 28, 2008 at 5:13 PM
And the Jets screw up the PAT!
Gatordoug on December 28, 2008 at 5:14 PM
7-0 J!E!T!S!
sweeeeeet…
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 5:14 PM
oops….sorry it WAS 6-0 Jetties…
7-6 now. *crawls back in hole*
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 5:30 PM
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
LevStrauss on December 28, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Fish just scored again?!?
*faints*
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Eagles fans had to go and steal our chant…bah…
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Well since nobody uses it in January…
LevStrauss on December 28, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Well the Cowbums are looking like their old late in the season selves again.
Time to shake some things up in Big D Jerry.
conservnut on December 28, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Yep. It’s starting to look like the Jets will definitely be going to the playoffs. Of course, it will probably be a lot less stressful for them since they’ll be in the stands watching the Giants.
*sigh*
Thirty years and counting, Jets. But you boys keep on trying.
Jazz Shaw on December 28, 2008 at 5:37 PM
>:(
JetBoy on December 28, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Another score against Tony
Marino’sRomo’s Cowboys!LevStrauss on December 28, 2008 at 5:40 PM
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