Sports Columnists

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has a basketball team?

You’re right on about the Steelers. Over on The Herd, Cowherd keeps on repeating this mantra: don’t let the extra week convince you that you don’t know what you know. Meaning, the Steelers are a heck of a football team. They beat the 1, 2, and 3 seeds in their conference, which, top to bottom, was better than anything the NFC had in the playoffs this year. Seattle beat up the weakest division in football. Pittsburgh played in one of thr toughest, and if not for a thumb injury to BR7, would have won the division and vied for the 2nd or 3rd playoff spot.

If Pittsburgh’s defense can do that against Manning and Denver, are you telling me they won’t against Seattle?

Don’t convince yourself that Seattle has a chance in this game. Yes, it’ll probably be a touchdown or less, but hey, Pittsburgh dominated Indy and Denver, the best teams this year. Everyone said at the beginning of the playoffs that 1-6 in the AFC could beat 1 in the NFC (Seattle). What has changed to make you believe anything is different?

The answer is of course: nothing.

Steelers win.

By geechee

January 31, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

After seeing the picture of Jessica Alba in the AJC, I can understand why you are over Anna Benson.

By Matthew

January 31, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

I agree the Steelers will win but I don’t think it will be close at all. The Seahawks are over rated and the only reason why they have such a good record is because the top teams in the NFC are mediocre at best.

I think the Steelers power running game with Bettis will be the difference. That is the style my middle school football team played and we dominated teams that played style of football. Too bad I hurt my knees or I could possibly be leading the Steelers to victory instead of Rothlessburger on Sunday. I’ll look at the brite side of things though, at least I won’t have to go to that cesspool of a city Detroit.

Too bad the game is fixed though or the Patriots would be on their way to a three-peat. So who knows, maybe the Seahawks will win if that is what the NFL wants.

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Geechee, or anyone else on the blogs, who is this guy, Matthew? Why does he exist, to annoy people? I haven’t been blogging long, but man, this guy might drive me to quit. It sounds as if he’s trying to be funny, or something, but all he is, is grating. I hope I am not alone in my assesment, but man, the world could use a lot less of him.

And is it just me, or are there many of Matthew’s on these blogs? I’ve counted at least 2 in the last couple of hours. 2 seperate styles and voices.

By VegasBoy

January 31, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

You shouldn’t have heard it here first, but if you did… Seattle is going to blow the Steelers out. If you want to make some money now’s your chance.

By VegasBoy

January 31, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

P.S.

Great b.y. Matthew, the Sucrets are on me.

By Matthew

January 31, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg1980,

I seriously don’t know what your problem is or why you think I am somebody else. If you don’t agree with my opinions, too bad. I am here to post my takes on the article written. That is what the blogs are for. Why you choose to pick on me I don’t know.

I’ll tell you what, I’ll let you be you and post your stuff and you just let me be me and I will post my educated opinions.

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

No, I just don’t understand why you have to act like a child, and I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks so. Just talk sports, and leave whatever else out of it, there’s no place or reason for it.

By EG

January 31, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

On wild card weekend the Steelers were losing at halftime. Even though Palmer was gone it seemed they had control. During halftime Chad Johnson and Marvin Lewis get in a fight and the Bengals run to the corner and start sucking their thumbs. Steelers win. The next week the Colts hit the carpet trying to throw the ball instead of handing off to James. Steelers get a huge lead and hang on to win even though the refs and Jerome Bettis try to gift wrap it for them. The next week Jake “The Snake” forgets he’s playing in Denver and reverts back to being Jake “The Mistake” of the Arizona Cards and throws the ball to everyone but his receivers. In the mean time the Seahawks just take care of business and wind up in Detroit. I say they do the same thing this Sunday and just take care of business again and take the Steelers down. It’s going to be a blowout. 34-7 in favor of the Seahawks sounds like a score that will have everyone just hanging around to see another funny commercial and not a football game. And Jeff, you can have Anna Benson. Starr on the morning TV show The View is the hottest woman on the face of this earth. What a babe!!!!!!

By Matthew

January 31, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Look, I just know a lot more about sports than you. Before my knee injury I was a promising figure skater, football player, and little league baseball phenom. Did I mention I could hit with some serious power from both sides of the plate? I doubt any of you gentlemen could hit with serious power from both sides of the plate. My throw from deep left center to home would short hop right into the catchers mitt 100% of the time, at 65 miles an hour too.

However, I joined the marines, and the rest is history. If not for that knee injury, I would be making history right now. Now quit the personal attacks everyone. They’re juvenille!

Oh yeah, I had a 4.143 forty time.

By EG

January 31, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

I think I saw you play. Didn’t you play for the Ludowici Turnip Roots?

By Larry

January 31, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

“figure skater?”

“…little league baseball phenom?”

Little Matt is a legend in his own mind.

Too funny!

By timmy

January 31, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg, Cowherd is an idiot! That man never gets it right! I finally stopped listening to him about 2 months ago. Thanks for reminding me why I stopped. Ever notice how he repeats everthing he says? As if hearing it once wasnt bad enough. I really dont understand how he gets a radio show.

By Birdbrain

February 1, 2006 02:39 AM | Link to this

PiTT 27 Sea 17 Not even going to be close, defense dominates, and Big Ben does his best Brady impersonation.

By brewerfaninATL

February 1, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

Matthew: Yeah, those skills you are talking about come from playing video games, you know, where no athletic ability is needed. I bet you’re the best when it comes to Madden NFL 2006 too, right? BTW, get over the Patriots getting “robbed” BS, it is very old. I mean, what has it been, 3 weeks now? Face the facts, the only team ever to 3-peat is the Green Bay Packers from 1965-1967 (There was no Super Bowl in the 1965-66 season), not your beloved Patriots. The Dolphins almost accomplished the feat, and the Steelers had a great 4 out of 6 stretch, including 2 repeats. Face it, the Patriots run is over, history, FINISHED! And they lost fair and square, as much as you are too shameful to admit!

By DawgsfantilliDie

February 1, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

The Steelers are good with some Georgia players & have played good all season. Ben has been throwing good all year, but Matt Hassellback has been better. Shaun Alexander is my choice for player of the year. My pick, Seahawks-27 Steelers-24.

By Michael Swiderski

February 1, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Geechee, I am with you. Jessica Alba may be the most beautiful woman alive.

By SP

February 1, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Pittsburg 34 Seattle 21

By CHERYL GOODMAN

February 1, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

THE STEELERS WILL WIN 27-17 THATS WHAT TIME IT IS. FALCONS WILL BE THERE NEXT YEAR WE NEED A MORE EXPERIENCE QB VICK TO YOUNG THEY TAKE THE KID FROM HIS GAME, I AM A FEMALE CAN GIVE HIM A FEW POINTERS ABOUT HAVING THE HEART TO DO WHATEVER.

By Ironfeet

February 1, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Despite their record, Pittsburgh proved to me that they were the dominate team in the toughest conference in the league. Despite being the 6th seed, they beat the top three seeds in the AFC playoffs. No other team in league history has accomplished that feat. If the Seahawks were still in the AFC west, they would have finished the bottom half of that division at best. I understand that they had the best record in the NFC, but the Eagles, Packers, Falcons, Rams, and Vikings were all down this year. These were all playoff teams last year. Their march to the SB was ridiculously easy. This week they face a Steelers team that is battle tested and hungry. The Seahawks haven’t been hit in the mouth all season. This week they will be picking up their teeth off of the carpet of Ford Field by the fourth quarter. Steelers 24, Seahawks 17.

By SP

February 1, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Cheryl, how does being female qualify you to know about having heart? All Caps means you are screaming. Just an FYI. As far as Steelers - Seahawks go, it will be 27 -21 going into 4th quarter with Steeler’s on offense. The Seahawks will get a steady dose of da Bus. Steelers will chew up clock and put it out of reach with about 6 minutes left. Steelers 34 Seahawks 21.

By BirdDawg

February 1, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Ironfeet, I think you’re right on. The Steelers have proven themselves to be the team to beat. BigBen kinda reminds me of a bigger Joe Montana. He has such a great grasp of what it means to be a QB so early in his career. Tom Brady is much the same, but BigBen is doing it earlier, pointing to a brighter future possibly than the one Brady is currently enjoying. Then again, BigBen could be Dan Marino… one and done. But he should win this one, if it’s all he gets. I like Hasselbeck, but how many QBs have come and gone in this game who’ve been just good, but not great? Kerry Collins, Rich Gannon, Boomer Esiason, etc. They were all just good. I know some “good” QBs have won the game (Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer, Mark Ryepin, etc), but looking at BigBen, I see greatness… not goodness.

By Andrew Young

February 1, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Seattle 31, Pittsburg 24 I think Seattle is being under estimated. Pittsburg has been a great team and they will do well. However I think that Seattle wants it more.

By REALBIG

February 1, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Pittsburg 27 Seattle 21

By BirdDawg

February 1, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

How can they possibly want it more? The Steelers have been on a mission since BigBen made his now famous promise to Bettis last year when they lost the AFC Championship Game. How could Seattle possibly want it more than the 52 guys plus coaches on the Steelers sideline who want to see The Bus go out a winner?

That is one thing I’ll never understand, whenever someone says, “This team wants it more.” There is no worse cliche in all of sports. Wants it more? Tell that to Hines Ward who was inconsolouble last year when he thought his best friend, closer than a brother, would be retiring without a ring, that they had all failed him.

Now, is Seattle being a little disrespected? Maybe. They’re a 1 seed underdogs to a 6 seed. But it’s been stated far and wide the reasons, and they are logical. But logic doesn’t play into emotion. Seattle is angry, that is for sure, but the Steelers will be playing with a better emotion: the joy of winning and seeing The Bus go out a winner.

Pittsburgh wins this game. The have the better defense. People talk about Alexander, but he won’t be able to run against the Steelers. That makes their offense one-dimensional, and I just pray that Hasselbeck doesn’t get hurt. People always forget that good defense always beats good offense. Super Bowl III, Jets and Colts. Super Bowl XXV, Giants and Bill. Super Bowl XXXVII, Bucs and Raiders. Everytime a team with a good defense goes up against a team with a good offense, the good defense ALWAYS wins. And it’s even worse when the team with the good defense has a good offense as well. I give you the Steelers in the 70’s, 49ers in the 80’s, and Dallas in the 90’s.

No, Seattle will not win this game. And the closer we get to Sunday, the more I think it’s not going to be a close as I think it will be.

By SP

February 1, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Birddawg, you are right about most of what you said. Only one exception. While I was at lunch today, I overheard a group of guys talking about the spread. The spread is up to 4 1/2. The spread like wallstreet will rise until it hits equilibrium. That is equal number betting on Pittsburg as betting on Seattle. Since the spread is still rising, people obviously feel 4 1/2 points is too low.

By Matthew

February 1, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

The Steelers are a 6th seed on paper only. They had injuries to key players in the middle of the season, like Rothlessburger’s knee, which caused them to lose games they would have won if healthy. Then towards the last 3rd of the season they got healthy, the formerly injured players were rested, and they went on a tear. In reality they are a 3rd seed at worse.

I see a low scorring game, 13 to 10 with Pittsburgh winning. While Seattle is the most well rounded team, they play a more finesse style of football. I think the old school power football the Steelers play (similar to the style the Patriots play) will prevail and shut down the Seahawks offense. Kind of like how they dominated the finess Colts and finesse Broncos.

I think the game will turn into a battle of field position and who makes the least amount of mistakes. I feel that after being pressured all day in the pocket, Hasselback will get happy feet and throw a foolish interception which will cost Seattle the game.

The only way I see Seattle winning is if they somehow reinjure the knee Rothlessburger injured earlier in the year and Tommy Maddox has to play. I know all about knee injuries and if Rothlessburger reinjures his it will cost the Steelers the game.

From my experience as a superstar quarterback in middle school I know you need mobility in the pocket as well as being able to firmly plant your foot to get good power on your pass. If Rothlessburger reinjures his knee he can’t do that and Pittburgh will turn into a one dimensional team.

By Matthew

February 1, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Adam,

It wasn’t that I peaked at 13 it is just that I hurt my knees and became physically unable to compete any longer at the superior level I had grown accustomed to.

I do thank you for the compliment though and I am glad there is one person on here who can appreciate greatness when they come across it. Yes my athletic accomplishments were very impressive. Just think if I hadn’t hurt my knees what I could have done. I could be right there with the great Hines Ward in the Super Bowl.

By Matthew

February 1, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

I also sensed a slight undertone of jealousy in your post too. Can it be that a lot of you guys are simply envious of my accomplishments? Sounds like it. Its almost a good thing I hurt my knees. If I hadn’t, then I would be debating right now whether to fly to Turin to practice for my quest to get Olymipic gold in figure skating, or go to Detroit and try and get a Super Bowl ring. Decisions, decisions. When I was in 8th grade, the high school coach was already recruiting me as a starter on the JV team. I ws truly an elite athlete back in the day.

By Prince Smith

February 1, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

The Seahwawks have a great ground game when Alexander is allowed to run at least 20 times per game. However, the “Steel Curtain” defense of the Steelers will shut him down causing the Seahawks game plan to change. Steelers 27 Seahawks 14.

By caleb mohamed

February 1, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

I think that the score will be Steelers win 27-24. Even if that is not the score the Steelers are still going to win.