2009 Afc North Forecast: Partly Cloudy, With A Chance Of (Purple) Reign

[Pitts200]

Part of me would love to see the Steelers and Ravens play in week 1 when everyone is healthy so there are no excuses from either teams fan base depending on which team loses.

Unfortunately, by the time the Steelers/Ravens game comes around, I forsee some injuries to some starters whether to the Steelers or Ravens that will lead to excuses for the outcome of the game. I guess that's all we can do as fans is justify a lose and keep faith that our team will do better next time they play.

As for the Ravens having the injury bug last year and the Steelers barely squeaking by. I understand your optimism when looking at your roster and thinking, "oh this guy was hurt, oh this guys better at this position". But don't forget, just because the Steelers didn't change their team much, it's possible to improve without having new players.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='05 September 2009 - 12:37 PM' timestamp='1252168634' post='229505']
Part of me would love to see the Steelers and Ravens play in week 1 when everyone is healthy so there are no excuses from either teams fan base depending on which team loses.
[/quote]
For the past 5 years, that's what I've wanted to see. Sure, there was that meeting in Week 2 of the 2004 season, but I feel as if that game was well below the expectations of what the Ravens-Steelers rivalry has become since 2006.

[noy]

On the contrary, I'm glad we're not playing the Steelers early. Those games have the tendency of causing some injuries to both teams, and I honestly don't want other teams on the schedule benefiting from this tough rivalry. We're going to smack everyone else in the mouth, then butt heads with the Steelers later in the season, it's great.

Speaking of season starting games, I hope the Steelers destroy the Titans. I know, blasphemy, but the Titans really pissed me off last year with all their complaining and immaturity. That's the only game I hope they win.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='05 September 2009 - 12:37 PM' timestamp='1252168634' post='229505']
Part of me would love to see the Steelers and Ravens play in week 1 when everyone is healthy so there are no excuses from either teams fan base depending on which team loses.

Unfortunately, by the time the Steelers/Ravens game comes around, I forsee some injuries to some starters whether to the Steelers or Ravens that will lead to excuses for the outcome of the game. I guess that's all we can do as fans is justify a lose and keep faith that our team will do better next time they play.

As for the Ravens having the injury bug last year and the Steelers barely squeaking by. I understand your optimism when looking at your roster and thinking, "oh this guy was hurt, oh this guys better at this position". But don't forget, just because the Steelers didn't change their team much, it's possible to improve without having new players.
[/quote]

You're absolutely right, it is possible to improve without significant personnel changes. That is in fact one of the main reasons why I'm so pumped about our Ravens (Flacco, Rice and our young OL gaining tremendous experience last year, facing elite teams all year long and in the playoffs).
And that's practically our entire offense that benefits. Now look at Pittsburgh...can you honestly say that "been-there-done-that" pros like Big Jen, Pretty Quick Willie Parker, Hines, et al have benefited nearly as much as our guys have? Your guys have already reached their ceiling in terms of talent and potential, we have just begun to scrape the surface of ours. That's not smack talk, btw, it's actually an acknowledgement to what a great crew Pittsburgh has. But, it brings us full circle to what was said earlier...if you squeaked by us last year when our offense was in it's infancy, and it took herioc efforts by your defense to do it, I just think that the balance of power has shifted in our favor this year.

No matter how this actually plays out (easy for me to make projections from my computer), we'll both be in the playoffs again this year, and one of us is going to be reppin' the AFC in Miami.

[flynismo]

[quote name='noy' date='05 September 2009 - 01:28 PM' timestamp='1252171708' post='229546']
On the contrary, I'm glad we're not playing the Steelers early. Those games have the tendency of causing some injuries to both teams, and I honestly don't want other teams on the schedule benefiting from this tough rivalry. We're going to smack everyone else in the mouth, then butt heads with the Steelers later in the season, it's great.

Speaking of season starting games, I hope the Steelers destroy the Titans. I know, blasphemy, but the Titans really pissed me off last year with all their complaining and immaturity. That's the only game I hope they win.
[/quote]


I have nothing but hatred for those trash over there. That towel stomping incident infuriated me; utter disrespect for one of the classiest organizations in the league. But the joke was on them in the playoffs, when it really mattered, so as far as I'm concerned, in a wierd way we kind of taught them a lesson about messing with the big boys of the AFC and gained some vengance for Pittsburgh by knocking their sorry butts back to their trailers in Tennessee.
Kind of a strange relationship we have with Pittsburgh, reminds me of my relationship with my brother as kids.....I used to beat him up all the time and had the sibling rivalry thing going on, but god forbid anybody else so much as look at him the wrong way.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 September 2009 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1252172239' post='229560']
I have nothing but hatred for those trash over there. That towel stomping incident infuriated me; utter disrespect for one of the classiest organizations in the league. But the joke was on them in the playoffs, when it really mattered, so as far as I'm concerned, in a wierd way we kind of taught them a lesson about messing with the big boys of the AFC and gained some vengance for Pittsburgh by knocking their sorry butts back to their trailers in Tennessee.
Kind of a strange relationship we have with Pittsburgh, reminds me of my relationship with my brother as kids.....I used to beat him up all the time and had the sibling rivalry thing going on, but god forbid anybody else so much as look at him the wrong way.
[/quote]
Lol, my feelings are completely different. I'm of the "I support two teams: the Baltimore Ravens and whoever beats the Steelers" persuasion.

[flynismo]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='05 September 2009 - 01:51 PM' timestamp='1252173074' post='229576']
Lol, my feelings are completely different. I'm of the "I support two teams: the Baltimore Ravens and whoever beats the Steelers" persuasion.
[/quote]

Hey now, I didn't say I wanted Pits to win on Thursday! We evened the score for them last year, so now it's business as usual, lol...

I hope that Pittsburgh crushes them all day long, only to lose by a last second FG.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 September 2009 - 01:56 PM' timestamp='1252173361' post='229585']
I hope that Pittsburgh crushes them all day long, only to lose by a last second FG.
[/quote]
In other words, similar to how we lost in Week 4 in overtime.

Ah...fond memories of dominating for three quarters in that game...

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 September 2009 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1252172239' post='229560']
I have nothing but hatred for those trash over there. That towel stomping incident infuriated me; utter disrespect for one of the classiest organizations in the league. But the joke was on them in the playoffs, when it really mattered, so as far as I'm concerned, in a wierd way we kind of taught them a lesson about messing with the big boys of the AFC and gained some vengance for Pittsburgh by knocking their sorry butts back to their trailers in Tennessee.
Kind of a strange relationship we have with Pittsburgh, reminds me of my relationship with my brother as kids.....I used to beat him up all the time and had the sibling rivalry thing going on, but god forbid anybody else so much as look at him the wrong way.
[/quote]
I completely agree. The difference between hatred for Tennessee and Pittsburgh is that I have absolutely no respect for the Tennessee Titans organization whatsoever. They have no class down there at all, and the ONE reason I EVER had ANY sort of respect for them left for Baltimore in 2006. One word sums up their organization,head coach, quarterback,and fans (you used it first) TRASH

[macbrak]

I can't see the Steeler's D declining without a visit from the injury bug.

Old Myth: a couple weeks ago i added up all the players >30 on teams in the AFCN, the Ravens had the least. This may have changed with recent cuts but all that proves is that our "old" guys still got it.

I can see the Ravens O improving while the Steeler's is just running to stand still.

[SackinU]

The Titans as an organization are horrid, Watching the 2000 recap one day on NFLN,
and Trent Dilfer reported his playbook stolen in of all places Tennessee, surprise surprise surprise, and they still lost in the playoffs...

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 12:03 PM' timestamp='1252080190' post='229134']
lol...you agree with the steeler fan, then spend the next two paragraphs agreeing with me
[/quote]
He did exactly what you suggested I do; Serve 2 Masters. He supported the Steelers to an extent, But tried pleasing his fellow Raven Fans at the same time. With that Stradegy, He's less likely to get negative ratings. He may have supported the Steelers a little too much. But, whos the judge of that? It just goes to show that you really cant serve 2 masters or walk on egg shells when it comes to being honest when people feel you shouldnt be. Its either you're with your squad or against them. Even in the cause of doin right, you're still considered a transgressor/sinner if the majority doesn't support your cause. So, in my opinion, it's best not to sneakily praise a rival team such as the Steelers. You Won't and Can't Win!

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='05 September 2009 - 02:04 PM' timestamp='1252173880' post='229595']
In other words, similar to how we lost in Week 4 in overtime.

Ah...fond memories of dominating for three quarters in that game...
[/quote]

Gah! You could hear a pin drop at Heinz.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='08 September 2009 - 10:38 AM' timestamp='1252420690' post='230788']
He did exactly what you suggested I do; Serve 2 Masters. He supported the Steelers to an extent, But tried pleasing his fellow Raven Fans at the same time. With that Stradegy, He's less likely to get negative ratings. He may have supported the Steelers a little too much. But, whos the judge of that? It just goes to show that you really cant serve 2 masters or walk on egg shells when it comes to being honest when people feel you shouldnt be. Its either you're with your squad or against them. Even in the cause of doin right, you're still considered a transgressor/sinner if the majority doesn't support your cause. So, in my opinion, it's best not to sneakily praise a rival team such as the Steelers. You Won't and Can't Win!
[/quote]


You are waaay off in your assessment of my comments. Way off.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='08 September 2009 - 10:38 AM' timestamp='1252420690' post='230788']
He did exactly what you suggested I do; Serve 2 Masters. He supported the Steelers to an extent, But tried pleasing his fellow Raven Fans at the same time. With that Stradegy, He's less likely to get negative ratings. He may have supported the Steelers a little too much. But, whos the judge of that? It just goes to show that you really cant serve 2 masters or walk on egg shells when it comes to being honest when people feel you shouldnt be. Its either you're with your squad or against them. Even in the cause of doin right, you're still considered a transgressor/sinner if the majority doesn't support your cause. So, in my opinion, it's best not to sneakily praise a rival team such as the Steelers. You Won't and Can't Win!
[/quote]
I don't think anyone here supports the Steelers as much as we have respect for them, just like the few Steelers fans who are regulars on these forums have respect for the Ravens. That doesn't mean that we don't hate the Steelers though.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='08 September 2009 - 03:38 PM' timestamp='1252438725' post='230901']
I don't think anyone here supports the Steelers as much as we have respect for them, just like the few Steelers fans who are regulars on these forums have respect for the Ravens. That doesn't mean that we don't hate the Steelers though.
[/quote]


Ding-Ding-Ding!!! Winner. And the reverse is true as well. Thank you.

[SteelerHater80]

[quote name='flynismo' date='03 September 2009 - 11:51 PM' timestamp='1252036282' post='229018']
Okay, since Peter King's predictions are all jacked up, I thought I'd be the "ying" to his (flawed) "yang".

Without further ado, I present to my purple brethren "The First Annual Fly AFC North Prediction Thread ( aka T.F.A.F.A.N.P.T.)"
[b]
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)[/b]

With the return of several key players from season ending injuries, and the infusion of new talent via free agency and the draft, this unit gets a fresh start on the road to Miami. The maturation of Flacco and Rice playing behind the league's best offensive line takes the Ravens to the next level.
[b]
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)[/b]

Fast Willie Parker is looking more and more like Pretty Quick Willie Parker with each passing season. Rashard Mendenhall provides talented, albeit inexperienced, depth should Parker go down, and will likely serve as the short yardage back. Last year's #1 defense will find it tough to repeat their gritty and under-appreciated performance of a year ago, putting more pressure on the offense than it can handle (Ben's fourth quarter heroics will need to work it's magic again for Pittsburgh).
[b]
3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)[/b]

The Bungles are considered by many to be 2009's surprise team. This Fly guy isn't on that train. Carson Palmer showed signs of decline before last year's disaster, and one of his favorite targets is now in Seattle (replaced by the explosive but very inconsistent Lavearneous Coles). A solid draft and the progression of several of their young defenders result in a couple upset victories this year, but little else.
[b]
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)[/b]

Seriously, it's the Browns. They suck.
[/quote]


I LOVE this forecast! Well said sir, well said.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='05 September 2009 - 11:51 AM' timestamp='1252173074' post='229576']
Lol, my feelings are completely different. I'm of the "I support two teams: the Baltimore Ravens and whoever beats the Steelers" persuasion.
[/quote]


exactly!!! Go Titans. Don't get me wrong, I loved when we knocked them out last year, but any loss for Pit immediately benefits us end-game.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Mick0311' date='08 September 2009 - 08:06 PM' timestamp='1252454782' post='231017']
exactly!!! Go Titans. Don't get me wrong, I loved when we knocked them out last year, but any loss for Pit immediately benefits us end-game.
[/quote]


You're mentality is the norm and I agree (from your standpoint), but unless we desperately need you guys to lose I will be (gulp) cheering for the Ravens when they play the Pats. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif[/img]

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='08 September 2009 - 03:06 PM' timestamp='1252436773' post='230876']
You are waaay off in your assessment of my comments. Way off.
[/quote]
naw,my response was directed toward Flynismo,not you. I recently gave Ben and Troy props and i got Hammered by some of my fellow-Raven fans. Flynismo suggested that I sugar coat my props by dissing Ben & Troy at the same time to please the Raven fans. If I i didn't, Raven Fans would give me negative ratings. So, Im not sayin you are serving 2 masters. Your post sounds similar to what Flynismo prompted me to do. I totally understand what you were sayin. You gave fair, unbiased assessments of Raven players vs Steeler players.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='08 September 2009 - 03:38 PM' timestamp='1252438725' post='230901']
I don't think anyone here supports the Steelers as much as we have respect for them, just like the few Steelers fans who are regulars on these forums have respect for the Ravens. That doesn't mean that we don't hate the Steelers though.
[/quote]
I understand completely. But i've experienced negative ratings after giving fair, honest assessments/analysis of Steeler players. The majority wont agree with a statement such as "Ben isnt over-rated" or "Troy is a Monster"!. Though very true, hardly anyone will express tha fact that they agree. However, If I say " Ben is garbage & over-rated", I will get a sworm of support from Raven Fans even though those statements are false and Biased opinions. But I understand the point you're makin. Im cool with the regular Steeler fans as well. That doesnt mean I dont Hate the Steelers though. I agree!

[flynismo]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='08 September 2009 - 10:46 PM' timestamp='1252464394' post='231105']
naw,my response was directed toward Flynismo,not you. I recently gave Ben and Troy props and i got Hammered by some of my fellow-Raven fans. Flynismo suggested that I sugar coat my props by dissing Ben & Troy at the same time to please the Raven fans. If I i didn't, Raven Fans would give me negative ratings. So, Im not sayin you are serving 2 masters. Your post sounds similar to what Flynismo prompted me to do. I totally understand what you were sayin. You gave fair, unbiased assessments of Raven players vs Steeler players.
[/quote]

lol...you do know it was kind of tongue in cheek when I said that, right?
Speak your mind man. If people can't see an honest assessment when it's presented to them, then you're not the fool, if you catch my drift...
Backhanded compliments are a surefire way to annoy the people on the receiving end of it; but if it's directed at the Steelers, then no one really cares

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 September 2009 - 01:56 PM' timestamp='1252173361' post='229585']
Hey now, I didn't say I wanted Pits to win on Thursday! [b]We evened the score for them last year,[/b] so now it's business as usual, lol...

I hope that Pittsburgh crushes them all day long, only to lose by a last second FG.
[/quote]
Oh goody, we cleared the playoff route for them by eliminating the AFC team most likely to keep them from that Lombardi. Woo-hoo!

[flynismo]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='08 September 2009 - 11:03 PM' timestamp='1252465430' post='231111']
Oh goody, we cleared the playoff route for them by eliminating the AFC team most likely to keep them from that Lombardi. Woo-hoo!
[/quote]

We sure did, when we lost to them.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='flynismo' date='08 September 2009 - 11:07 PM' timestamp='1252465656' post='231116']
We sure did, when we lost to them.
[/quote]
the info u gave me was sound doctrine/advice. Now I know what not to say and/or how to say it. I have no beef with you bro!! I just wanted to give the Other dude a heads up

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='08 September 2009 - 10:46 PM' timestamp='1252464394' post='231105']
naw,[b]my response was directed toward Flynismo,not you[/b]. I recently gave Ben and Troy props and i got Hammered by some of my fellow-Raven fans. Flynismo suggested that I sugar coat my props by dissing Ben & Troy at the same time to please the Raven fans. If I i didn't, Raven Fans would give me negative ratings. So, Im not sayin you are serving 2 masters. Your post sounds similar to what Flynismo prompted me to do. I totally understand what you were sayin. You gave fair, unbiased assessments of Raven players vs Steeler players.
[/quote]


Oh. My bad.

[J-man]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='08 September 2009 - 11:03 PM' timestamp='1252465430' post='231111']
Oh goody, we cleared the playoff route for them by eliminating the AFC team most likely to keep them from that Lombardi. Woo-hoo!
[/quote]

IMO, the Steelers had an easy path to the Lombardi, let's break it down.

Divisional game. Vs. Chargers, an 8-8 team that got lucky on the Colts. They already beat the Chargers earlier in the year, and lost to the Colts.

Conference game. Vs. Ravens. Already beat us twice. We were banged up, but had a ton of confidence after we beat the Titans. But if it wasnt for all the turnovers, we would have lost. The Steelers lost to the Titans in the season.

SuperBowl. Vs. the Cardinals. Instead of the Giants or Eagles who they lost to in the season.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='J-man' date='09 September 2009 - 04:16 PM' timestamp='1252527371' post='231349']
IMO, the Steelers had an easy path to the Lombardi, let's break it down.

Divisional game. Vs. Chargers, an 8-8 team that got lucky on the Colts. They already beat the Chargers earlier in the year, and lost to the Colts.

Conference game. Vs. Ravens. Already beat us twice. We were banged up, but had a ton of confidence after we beat the Titans. But if it wasnt for all the turnovers, we would have lost. The Steelers lost to the Titans in the season.

SuperBowl. Vs. the Cardinals. Instead of the Giants or Eagles who they lost to in the season.
[/quote]


[img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img] Yep. It was a cinch. SImple as that, right?

And just think, we have the EASIEST schedule in the league this year. WHOO-HOO! [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[NorthShoreChicago]

That couldn't be further from the truth. The Steelers has a tough schedule last year. Got beat up on, and somehow, amazingly beat the Ravens three times. Something no one imagined.

Time will only tell what happens this year. Quite frankly, its a coin toss in my opinion, but I won't be throwing any dirt until the playoffs LOL

I can tell you the Browns will lose alot of games, and that makes me happy.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='J-man' date='09 September 2009 - 04:16 PM' timestamp='1252527371' post='231349']
IMO, the Steelers had an easy path to the Lombardi, let's break it down.
[/quote]
You're preaching to the choir.

[quote name='darklight1216' date='31 August 2009 - 02:06 PM' timestamp='1251741982' post='227427']
Other things to consider as far as the opponents are concerned: Two of the three opponents the Steelers faced in the postseason had won fewer than ten games. The Cardinals in particular allowed more points than any Super Bowl competitor in NFL history. Fun fact: in the regular season, the Cards scored just one more point than they surrendered (427 to 426). In other words, the Steelers offense faced the worst Super Bowl defense ever... and still almost lost.[/quote]