NFL Open Thread: Steelers vs Chargers
posted at 10:55 am on January 11, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
As it turns out, I got to watch both NFL playoff games yesterday after all. I threw out my back on Friday, so we canceled most of our schedule and I stayed at home and rested the back. The Ravens-Titans game didn’t disappoint, and I actually called the score exactly correct, 13-10 … but for the wrong team. It looked like the two offenses might dominate after the first quarter, but instead the Titans squandered several scoring opportunities with turnovers, allowing Baltimore to beat them and hit the road one more week.
I watched the second game mostly on tape, so that the First Mate and I could watch the first two episodes of The Tudors from DirecTV’s On Demand service. Needless to say, my prediction yesterday was far off of what actually happened, which was that Jake Delhomme started giving footballs away to charity early and often. I stuck out the game all the way to the end, mostly to see how fast I can move through a recorded game that lasted over three and a half hours in normal time. Answer: about 45 minutes. I got to halftime in twenty or so, and the FM couldn’t believe all the “gabbing” that I avoided.
“Why do you watch four hours of football for a half hour of action?” Man, if you have to ask …
Anyway, today better be the day that home-field advantage starts to count for something. The Chargers visit the Steelers after beating the Colts and Peyton Manning last week at home. The Chargers finished the season strong, but then again, so did the Steelers, dropping only the road game to the Titans before clobbering the Browns in a meaningless finale. I’ll have to catch this game on the DVR too, as we’ll be doing all of the things we didn’t do yesterday as well as going to the Vatican Splendors exhibit. I’m picking the Steelers in a relatively easy victory, 31-14.
Philadelphia travels to the Meadowlands in the early game to take on the previous Super Bowl champs, the Giants. In keeping with my previous agreement with Jazz Shaw, I’ll pick against the Giants and give the Eagles the nod in an upset, 24-20. Home field is 2-4 so far in this playoffs, and it should be an even split today.
If I’m right — and I rarely am in these predictions — we’ll see Baltimore at Pittsburgh and the Eagles at the Cardinals next week for the conference championships.
Blowback
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Who? There is only one game that matters today and it is happening in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Go Big Blue.
Mr. Joe on January 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Ed, drink plenty of beer, have a good time watching the Chargers beat the Steelers… ;)
doriangrey on January 11, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Oh you had to go and jinx the Steelers didn’t you? Of course, the Junior Logician may be happy with that prediction given your record, but the Logical Husband WILL want to have words with you…..
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Lets go Steelers! A win today and they host the Ravens next Sunday! The road to a sixth Super Bowl is open!
And Lets go Eagles! I want the Cards to HOST the NFC Championship! That is someting I never though I would see.
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Can the Chargers pull out the upset? I hope so!
Can the Eagles beat the Giants? I hope so because then the Cardinals get to host the NFC Championship Game!!! Go EAGLES!
Ordinary1 on January 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
WTF?
The Cardinals?
WTF?
The world is insane…
redshirt on January 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Go Bolts!
#83 (hic) will stumble (hic) across the goal line (hic) and seal the deal (hic).
Iggles at Scum Diego next week!
;-)
Fogpig on January 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
oops Iggles at Cardinals next week
Fogpig on January 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
the other birds at Sum Diego next week
Fogpig on January 11, 2009 at 11:09 AM
That’s Insane Diego to you buddy… lol…lol…lol… ;)
doriangrey on January 11, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Wow, that Cardinal game last night was surprising. But I always did like Warner. I hate to say it but I will be rooting for the Eagles today. Just don’t like the Giants and want to see them go down.
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 11:17 AM
You and 40 million other married guys, yeah…..
Patrick S on January 11, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Yeah, my Panthers really surprised me. I thought for sure they would win. I figured it would be a high scoring affair, but at least competitive. Arizona schooled Carolina. Maybe it would just be better if Carolina stays the underdog. I guess I’ll just root for New York.
-Tim B.
Tim_B on January 11, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Jake looked lost, that shocked me He is a better QB than that
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Go Ravens!
doufree on January 11, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I’ll predict that the Steelers and Eagles win today.
SoulGlo on January 11, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Nice to see the Cards in a big game and do well, charity or not. The Bolts have some schoolin’ coming to them in PB. The Steel Curtain is being raised as I type this.
I see Eagles over Giants, and Steelers over Bolts – not that I’ve ever been good at picking.
Bigurn on January 11, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Gads.
I’m going to have to cheer for teams this season I’ve made an oath against like Hannibal against Rome.
Go Cowboys !!!
BowHuntingTexas on January 11, 2009 at 11:25 AM
No way my Giants are going to lose to the Eagles. Go Big Blue!
Though I will say I’m glad McNabb redeemed himself…he’s a much better quarterback than a lot of people in Philly were giving him credit for, and hopefully now he’ll get the respect he deserves.
Yossarian on January 11, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Just keep picking against the Giants. They savor the lack of respect. It just keeps translating into victories.
Some people just never learn.
JammieWearingFool on January 11, 2009 at 11:29 AM
There is going to be some schoolin going on in Pittsburgh alright, but it’s going to be the Steelers getting schooled by the Bolts… ;)
doriangrey on January 11, 2009 at 11:30 AM
GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No offense to the ladies out there but around my house the team from New Jersey is known as the vaGiants.
birdhurd on January 11, 2009 at 11:31 AM
McNabb is a better QB and Reid is a better coach as well. Kind of like Eli and Coach Coughlin wre before last season. I hate Eagle fans, well most of them anyway, but those two gentlemen I respect a lot.
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Eagles vs. Cardinals–I like that–a throwback to the 1948 and 1949 NFL Championship games back when the Cardinals were the Chicago Cardinals.
Matt Helm on January 11, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I hear ya brother!
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Heh, I’m going to have to borrow that!
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Anyone else notice that pretty much EVERY ex-NFL player is an ESPN analyst?
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 11:37 AM
“I’m picking the Steelers in a relatively easy victory, 31-14.”
I guess you want to extend your prediction streak : )
The Chargers battled the Steelers to a one point loss last time they played. So I really don’t think an easy blow out is in the cards. Obviously I am a Chargers fan. I think it will be a very close game that could go either way.
America1st on January 11, 2009 at 11:43 AM
First time in history this sentence has ever been written? It’s like the NFL-equivalent of George Mason’s NCAA run three years back.
LastRick on January 11, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I don’t care who wins between Chargers and Steelers (go bolts!) as long as Eli gets beat! I hate that guy! If he’d decided that he’d come to Sandy Eggo it would be different but no! He didn’t want to go to the Chargers! What a punk!
Vntnrse on January 11, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Given the current state of politics, what do you expect from our games and entertainment?
gryphon202 on January 11, 2009 at 11:48 AM
I pegged yesterday’s victories. Going for 4 – 0 and too early to call the outcome of the Superbowl, here are my predictions for today:
I will go out on a limb and say PIT and NYG will play on 2/1.
Sergeant Tim on January 11, 2009 at 11:54 AM
That would make a fine Super Bowl
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Tough one here. I hope the Steelers win. But, Chargers is the only good team left in Ca. Could be close but I hope Steelers do win.
sheebe on January 11, 2009 at 11:58 AM
is this a sports blog or a political blog?
…i sometimes get confused.
NoStoppingUs on January 11, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Don’t forget, Jake used to play for the New Orleans Saints, who were famous for those charity interceptions in the playoffs in the late 80s and early 90s. Bobby Hebert used to throw Christmas gifts all the time in those days…
Del Dolemonte on January 11, 2009 at 12:06 PM
The Fox pre-game show is starting now, and as usual I’ll spend part of my limited attention span this Sunday with the Hot Air crowd as I bite my nails and cheer for the Giants to make it past a very tough Eagles team. I will agree with Ed on the late game and predict a Steelers win walking away.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Gatordoug, you just said Super Bowl. Is that allowed? Doesn’t the NFL own that word and bar its usage without NFL consent?
myrenovations on January 11, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I don’t care who wins between Chargers and Steelers (go bolts!) as long as Eli gets beat! I hate that guy! If he’d decided that he’d come to Sandy Eggo it would be different but no! He didn’t want to go to the Chargers! What a punk!
I used to feel the same way but have come to like Eli. Blasphemy, I know. Anybody else think that Eli and Archie’s actions re the chargers may be why Peyton has fared the way he has against the bolts?
America1st on January 11, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I predict that Heinz field will be in awful condition, the teams will play sloppy, and it will be a low scoring event.
Chargers 3
Steelers 2
El_Terrible on January 11, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Go Eagles! (We want the championship game to be here in sunny Arizona.)
And thanks Jake; the Cards (and fans) really appreciate your generosity.
AZCoyote on January 11, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I’m ready for an All-Pennsylvania-Super Bowl. Go Steelers and Eagles.
chairborne on January 11, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I’m dreaming of a Giants win! Since I didn’t have a white Christmas.
christene on January 11, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Oh, and in case my wife is reading this thread, I ummm… threw out my back also. So I guess you’re just going to have to go to your sister’s by yourself today. Oh, dude… bummer.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Huh? The felons and ego trippers of the Cowpies got lost on their way to winning a playoff game? Or even going to a playoff game? When was the last one? Perhaps 1996, over the Steelers? In their division, the Redskins, Giants and Eagles have won since then…Well, someone has to be a bottom feeder.
However, things have gotten better for other sleazy people who were on top then as I think back to the mid 1990s for the glory days of the Chargers and the Dallas Duds. For example, the Classy Clintons have come back. A web page related to 1996 is very good to examine. I really liked the part about corruption, like “foreign policy quid pro quos” and it was almost as good as the corrupt or suspicious international activities. Good thing these people will not have power to deal with other nations again!
Curse or praise me for my weakness:
http://www.Clintonmemoriallibrary.com/clntcrimefamily.html
I hope the Steelers break the Charger’s grip and defeat them. I still abhor the Bolts for the 94/95 debacle. The nerve to beat the Steelers on some tawdry nonsense. Then they faced the Niners who had an innovative and ruling offense. They expected to beat Jerry Rice and Young or Montana with the 30th ranked pass defense. Ha Ha Ha
What did they do? Just serve up the worst Super Bowl evah. As though the helmets that look like a jet pilot’s crash helmet from a 50′s B or C rated silly action flick wasn’t bad enough. And I will not mention that song that the NFL, OSHA and PETA have supressed.
IlikedAUH2O on January 11, 2009 at 12:25 PM
The initial page is good but you have to hit “cases of abuses of power” to get to the international victories and friendships of the Clintons. Sorry.
IlikedAUH2O on January 11, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Right there with you, Joe!! Go Big Blue!!!
IrishGirl17 on January 11, 2009 at 12:32 PM
I know Archie convinced Eli, but I honestly believe that Eli was already swaying away from us when Archie put the word in. “They’ll never be contenders, don’t waste your time there.” but on the other hand if he had come here he might have been a swaying factor in the Chargers BEING contenders! Especially last year with Shawn Merriman on defense and with LT and Michael Turner “the Burner” taking turns on the offense behind Lorenzo Neal at fullback and the receivers we have especially Antonio Gates! Eli probably very well would have made the Chargers ‘big game” contenders!
I still say that he AND Archie are both punks! (in my humble opinion of course)
Vntnrse on January 11, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Dorian!
Chargers over the steelers, by a last second field goal.
rightside on January 11, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Lets go Steelers!!!!
Big Orange on January 11, 2009 at 12:50 PM
crappy freezing rain/slush last night her in da burgh, Heinz Field will be a mess, still, Stillers over bolts, 14-10.
mrfixit on January 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
her = here
mrfixit on January 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Chargers 24, Steelers 16.
Patrick S on January 11, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I hope the Steelers win, they’re my only hope now that the Panthers have suffered such a humiliating loss. My record in all of the Wild Card and regular playoff games is a tasty 0-6. That’s right, all 6 teams I was pulling for lost.
I hope this malaise does not extend to the Steelers. As a UNC alum, I was already emotionally invested in Phillip Rivers’ (NC State alum) losing all of his games. May the Steelers make an example of the Chargers and start to redeem my rancid playoff record.
In Ben we trust.
Laserjock on January 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Do we really need to get this question every week? Look at the title of the post.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 1:31 PM
I hate having the Giants be the early game. I’ve got too much to do, including some wood working, so no beer.
rbj on January 11, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I know what you mean. I would not suspect that the people who visit hear would have varying interests.
/sarc
Jamson64 on January 11, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I’m more expecting the Steelers to receive an unexpected pummeling, more like Chargers 40 – Steelers 13… ;)
doriangrey on January 11, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I would like to go back to Arizona-Carolina game and express 5 sentiments regarding the Cardinals:
1)Arizona looked like a sandlot or a high school team when they were blown out by the Patriots. For those who believe that you have to be playing well before the playoffs how does that previous performance jive with the Cardinals only now being 1 game away from the Super Bowl (SB)
2)How can you not blitz Kurt Warner? He is slow afoot but you can’t give him all the time in the world to throw. He has the 2nd highest passer rating in the history of the NFL.
3)I wonder if the Cardinals were playing possum when it came to unveiling a decent running game.
4)Wisenhut, I think, learned a lot working for Bill Cowher but also understands from Bill Belichick is that you have to change your game plan every week.
5)How can Arizona host another playoff game if the Eagles win today?
technopeasant on January 11, 2009 at 1:50 PM
I swear to Jebus if the Cardinals make it to the Super Bowl, I am never watching football again!
HockeyTemper on January 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Of course, that’s because the Patriots were cheating.
/sarc/
Del Dolemonte on January 11, 2009 at 2:27 PM
What a weird and ugly first half in the Meadowlands. 10 to 8 Beagles including a safety for New York. Must concentrate in the second half.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I know some people find this hard to understand, but there is more to life than politics….
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Go Steelers
John The Baptist on January 11, 2009 at 2:48 PM
LL, I’ll take a football game over a political debate any day of the week. At least at the end of an NFL game you don’t have the “fans” of both sides claiming their side won and talking about what an idiot the opponent was and how “they” lost.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 2:51 PM
AZ “won” their division, the Iggles are a wildcard team. WC teams don’t get to host.
What an ugly first half.
rbj on January 11, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Oh snap! Hixson took a hit!
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I always like to see the Superbowl go to smaller media market cities because you can tell all the media wants the big ones–even the announcers have a tingle on their leg for NY.
Sorry folks, Eli is no Peyton. He had a great post season last year, and the media anoints him as “unstoppable,” but he’s mediocre (other than last year’s playoff).
I hope the SB matchup is AZ vs. SD. hehe
p40tiger on January 11, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Interesting points all. A couple of thoughts on them…
1) Arizona is a different team in cold weather. A really, really crappy team.
2) I thought they blitzed the usual amount. The Cardinals did a great job of picking up the blitz all game long.
3) The Cardinals linemen are making the blocks that they’ve been missing all year. I don’t know what got into those guys. Also, I think James knows he’s nearing the end of his run with the team. He’s rested, and he has something to prove for the free agent market.
4) Wisenhunt rules.
5) That’s the breaks. Division champs versus a wild card. Go Eagles!
RightOFLeft on January 11, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Alrighty then!
I have the Eagles right where I want them. All the Giants have to do is score 2 TDS and a FG, and shut them out for the rest of the game to make me look like a genius.
Sergeant Tim on January 11, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Oh get ready Zona! Here come the Eagles
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 3:57 PM
These are not the Giants that I knew.
rbj on January 11, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Home field DISadvantage!
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Off topic but just a reminder folks. 24 starts tonight! Woo-Hoo. I have to forgo watching some football to get all the honey-do’s taken care of so I can give Jack Bauer my undivided attention tonight.
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 4:07 PM
See Ya New Yawk!
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 4:08 PM
It’s over. Eagles win.
SoulGlo on January 11, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Ha, Eli, Peyton you ain’t!
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I believe the Dr. is calling the time of death for the Giant’s repeat hopes at 4:08 pm eastern. *sigh*
I wonder what’s on Comedy Central?
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 4:09 PM
No class McNabb
conservnut on January 11, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Yos your fired as my game picker and jammie we learned alright.
Jamson64 on January 11, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Interesting how you keep bringing it up.
Remember they were not cheating. They simply broke the rules to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent.
Now that is sarcasm
Jamson64 on January 11, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Having lost both the Jets and the Giants, it’s over for New York fans, but compared to the rest of the NFL I suppose we can hang on to the warm memories of last year. A recent Super Bowl is better than the Jets have… not many of the fans who remember the last one are still alive.
Ah well, I guess now I’m free to at least root for Ed’s team out of sympathy so *somebody* will have a nice season.
Jazz Shaw on January 11, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Bleepin’ Gints.
rbj on January 11, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Even if the Steelers win, Vntnrse is officially a happy boy because Eli choked!!!
(cough cough, gasp)
Too bad Eli, Peyton you ain’t!!!
Vntnrse on January 11, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Get Ready IGGLES fans:
The types who had Cowbuyz, Patriots as their heroes at the beginning of the year but switched to NY or Titans lately, will be adopting McNabb like he is a young citizen Kane!
Chargers will beat Pittsburgh by 40 to 10 or so?
They still have great dope in Cali I see.
IlikedAUH2O on January 11, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Like they did the last time they met?
Last time out Rivers went 15 for 26 and 159 yards.
Overall net yards had the Steelers up 410 to 213.
You must be thinking with the wrong part of your body.
Jamson64 on January 11, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Great catch by Jackson but the No Fun League strikes again with that “excessive demonstration” call…..
Good grief!
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Chargers 23-17, google it!!
abobo on January 11, 2009 at 4:54 PM
I hate that rule
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Rothlisburger is left footed??????
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 4:59 PM
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 5:03 PM
The home team is now 0-3 in this round. Can the Stillers make it 0-4?
Pablo on January 11, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Bite your tongue
Gatordoug on January 11, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Steelers will be fine if Harrison is not tackled anymore. The Nfl when it comes to calling holds is a joke.
Jamson64 on January 11, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Ahem.
Pablo on January 11, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Bring it on.
The Cards have been pretty good at home this year.
AZCoyote on January 11, 2009 at 5:47 PM
People hate us Eagles fans because they are jealous of our passion. That’s really all it is. Deep down they wish their team’s fans had the same kind of intensity and devotion as we do.
Go RBNY on January 11, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Ahem…..which NFL team’s that had a stadium with a jail cell in it? IIRC it was the ONLY ONE in the league…..
Go Steelers!
LL
Lady Logician on January 11, 2009 at 5:54 PM
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