Undefeated

[DevilsLuck]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 08:31 PM' timestamp='1274232710' post='411664']
You think you're going to sweep us? Remember, you're also going to have to beat the Bengals who swept BOTH of us last year.

On paper, I think you guys beat the Patriots; 50/50 on the Jets and I think the Saints crush you (probably us and the Bengals as well). Who really knows, but that's what I'm thinking on May 18th.
[/quote]

Yeh well I believe we will sweep the Steelers simply bekause u don't have holmes ur number 1 reciever and won't have Ben for our first match up and also bekause u have never played the Ravens with an good recieving corps before. Also Ngata and Cody to open up ur O line like a bag of chips to let Ray, Suggs, Kindle, and Johnson through. Ben is gonna have an hell of a time playing us this year.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='18 May 2010 - 09:42 PM' timestamp='1274233332' post='411668']
And that is predicated on everyone making out of TC in one piece, injuries, hurricanes, volcanoes, snow storms, tornado's and earthquakes.............
[/quote]

Definitely. You guys are a great example of off-season predictions: No one predicted the 2008 Ravens to do anything, yet they were in the AFCCG.
I love all these kids and media types who discount the Steelers.
The only teams (besides my own) that I'm really eager to see are the Saints and the Jets.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='DevilsLuck' date='18 May 2010 - 09:43 PM' timestamp='1274233436' post='411669']
Yeh well I believe we will sweep the Steelers simply bekause u don't have holmes ur number 1 reciever and won't have Ben for our first match up and also bekause u have never played the Ravens with an good recieving corps before. Also Ngata and Cody to open up ur O line like a bag of chips to let Ray, Suggs, Kindle, and Johnson through. Ben is gonna have an hell of a time playing us this year.
[/quote]

Ben's never really lit you guys up anyway. We still have Wallace, Ward, El, Miller and a couple good RB's.
If you guys would have better addressed your secondary I'd be more concerned about getting swept. We've addressed our weaknesses with regards to ST's coverage and depth in the defensive back field.

[DocMartin]

Back to the "topic" - Nobody is going Undefeated this season.
And Steelers are going winless, probably....
That would work for me.

[DevilsLuck]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 08:49 PM' timestamp='1274233771' post='411672']
Ben's never really lit you guys up anyway. We still have Wallace, Ward, El, Miller and a couple good RB's.
If you guys would have better addressed your secondary I'd be more concerned about getting swept. We've addressed our weaknesses with regards to ST's coverage and depth in the defensive back field.
[/quote]
Ben hasn't every really lit us up because our defense is beast it was always our offense that lost the games for us. Not being able to score with ample opportunities of having the ball.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='DevilsLuck' date='18 May 2010 - 10:04 PM' timestamp='1274234647' post='411683']
Ben hasn't every really lit us up because our defense is beast it was always our offense that lost the games for us. Not being able to score with ample opportunities of having the ball.
[/quote]

So that means your defense is awesome and ours is a bunch of scrubs? lol

We generally can move the ball on you between the 20's; we just have to settle for FG's a lot. Not unlike you guys. Sometimes it's the fault of the offense and sometimes it's because of very good defense.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 08:46 PM' timestamp='1274233583' post='411670']
Definitely. You guys are a great example of off-season predictions: No one predicted the 2008 Ravens to do anything, yet they were in the AFCCG.
[b]I love all these kids and media types who discount the Steelers.[/b]
The only teams (besides my own) that I'm really eager to see are the Saints and the Jets.
[/quote]

... right. The steelers are the perpetual underdogs aren't they?

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='18 May 2010 - 10:39 PM' timestamp='1274236773' post='411710']
... right. The steelers are the perpetual underdogs aren't they?
[/quote]

Perpetual? No wiseguy, I never said that.

But I challenge you to find anyone predicting them to win the AFCN this year; or even come in second.
I don't see why everyone is handing it to the Ravens and the Bengals and I look forward to what I believe will be a big disappointment to both of those teams in their match ups against the Steelers.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 10:46 PM' timestamp='1274237164' post='411719']
Perpetual? No wiseguy, I never said that.

But I challenge you to find anyone predicting them to win the AFCN this year; or even come in second.
[b]I don't see why everyone is handing it to the Ravens and the Bengals and I look forward to what I believe will be a big disappointment to both of those teams in their match ups against the Steelers.[/b]
[/quote]

People are "handing" the division to the Ravens and Bengals because of how the Steelers ended the year and how their off-season has gone. Not only will Ben miss 4 games, the team lost its most clutch WR, the running game isn't what it used to be and the D is pretty old.

All we can do is wait to see how things play out though.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 09:46 PM' timestamp='1274237164' post='411719']
Perpetual? No wiseguy, I never said that.

[b]But I challenge you to find anyone predicting them to win the AFCN this year; or even come in second. [/b]
I don't see why everyone is handing it to the Ravens and the Bengals and I look forward to what I believe will be a big disappointment to both of those teams in their match ups against the Steelers.
[/quote]

Who cares? As you've already pointed out, "expert" predictions are rarely very accurate. Any given sunday...

And even though I think the Ravens will sweep the steelers this year... its almost never easy against you guys. That's what makes it interesting I suppose. I still have minor brain aneurysms every time I remember that disgusting affront to football that happened in week 13 last season.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 10:46 PM' timestamp='1274237164' post='411719']
Perpetual? No wiseguy, I never said that.

But I challenge you to find anyone predicting them to win the AFCN this year; or even come in second.
I don't see why everyone is handing it to the Ravens and the Bengals and I look forward to what I believe will be a big disappointment to both of those teams in their match ups against the Steelers.
[/quote]
Division games are always played differently. With that said, even if we don't necessarily play good against you guys next season or only beat you once or don't beat you at all, I still like our chances at finishing ahead of you guys. Because there's always gonna be a chip on someone's shoulder. Our's is the Colts. Even when their defense doesn't play great or even good against weaker teams, they own us. This is just an example.

And I'm not very thrilled to hear the media declare us a better team than you guys in May. It might motivate you guys to win extra games and challenge us more than what we would like.

As I've said before, the Steelers are arguably the most resilient and battle tested team you'll find in the NFL. The challenge of not having your starting QB for the first 6 games and not having Santonio Holmes at all next season might seem like another day in the office for the other players like Ward, Miller, Polamalu, etc... But at what point is it too much to overcome?

[DocMartin]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='18 May 2010 - 10:54 PM' timestamp='1274237654' post='411728']
People are "handing" the division to the Ravens and Bengals because of how the Steelers ended the year and how their off-season has gone. Not only will Ben miss 4 games, the team lost its most clutch WR, the running game isn't what it used to be and the D is pretty old.

All we can do is wait to see how things play out though.
[/quote]
Agreed. We had pretty strong playoff run, great offseason, so the expectations are high.
But it's new season in NFL - Leftwich might have a great season, Big Ben might sit on the bench all year and "OMG" Pittsburgh might get lucky and make "somehow" the Playoffs. And 49'ers might play Texans in the Superbowl !?
Anything's possible these days

[T-ray]

I'd so laugh if the 49ers and the Texans both made the Super Bowl. Its not entirely out there either. Both have a good team and good coaches, just lacking one piece. But I'd place my money on the 49ers before I would the Texans.

[TSizzle00]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 09:49 PM' timestamp='1274233771' post='411672']
Ben's never really lit you guys up anyway. We still have Wallace, Ward, El, Miller and a couple good RB's.
If you guys would have better addressed your secondary I'd be more concerned about getting swept. We've addressed our weaknesses with regards to ST's coverage and depth in the defensive back field.
[/quote]
It will be very different without Holmes there. If Ben only threw one TD in the game against the Ravens it seem to always be to him in a critical moment. Hopefully Wallace is NOT up to the challenge lol..

[beasy2487]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 09:46 PM' timestamp='1274233583' post='411670']
Definitely. You guys are a great example of off-season predictions: No one predicted the 2008 Ravens to do anything, yet they were in the AFCCG.
[b]I love all these kids and media types who discount the Steelers.[/b]
The only teams (besides my own) that I'm really eager to see are the Saints and the Jets.
[/quote]

You'd think as the resident Steeler fan you'd already understand the futility of coming on the Ravens' board and complaining about a perceived "lack of respect" for your team.

People discount the Steelers because they have every reason to and even STILL it's always with the caveat "but the Steelers are always tough." You play poorly last year, you LOSE pieces going into this year, and you have question marks all over the place... of COURSE the media is discounting you.

You're right in '08 nobody expected us to do anything and we went to the AFC Championship. Then, in '09, after that performance and an offseason where we had some changes but still had the core of our team in tact we were given no respect. That's what bites at us Ravens fans.

When the Ravens have every reason to be respected, they aren't. When the Steelers have done everything they can on and off the field to warrant disrespect, you complain about it. As much as I hate to do it I'm going to quote Keyshawn Johnson here: "C'maaaawn man."

[flynismo]

I think it is extremely foolish to count the Steelers out. When you have a defense like that, and [i]<Roethlisber>[/i] under center, you've already got what it takes to win a lot of games. I mean, isn't that how NE built those SB teams--defense and a great QB?

And I'm not so sure that the Bungholes are as good as advertised. How many games did they win via last minute comeback last year? Are you really willing to bet that that luck holds up this year?

I got us winning the division.

After that, if Pitts can start off 2-2 without Ben (and assuming he is back after four games), they'll be in real good shape to make a wild card run, and probably beat out Cincy for #2 in the division.
And as we all know, anything can happen once you're in the playoffs. The challenge is getting there.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='flynismo' date='19 May 2010 - 02:47 PM' timestamp='1274294866' post='411951']
I think it is extremely foolish to count the Steelers out. When you have a defense like that, and [i]<Roethlisber>[/i] under center, you've already got what it takes to win a lot of games. I mean, isn't that how NE built those SB teams--defense and a great QB?

And I'm not so sure that the Bungholes are as good as advertised. How many games did they win via last minute comeback last year? Are you really willing to bet that that luck holds up this year?

I got us winning the division.

After that, if Pitts can start off 2-2 without Ben (and assuming he is back after four games), they'll be in real good shape to make a wild card run, and probably beat out Cincy for #2 in the division.
And as we all know, anything can happen once you're in the playoffs. The challenge is getting there.
[/quote]
I agree with most of this. And as I stated, the Steelers are always a team to watch out for. As much as everyone on here hates it, they're almost always in the mix.

But I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see the [i]<Bengals>[/i] lol finishing in last. In fact, that's my prediction, I think the browns will be a surprise 7, 8, 9 win team.

In this league, nothing is guaranteed and nothing is a given. ALWAYS be ready the unexpected because I've learned not to be surprised by any outcomes.

[flynismo]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='18 May 2010 - 08:49 PM' timestamp='1274233771' post='411672']
Ben's never really lit you guys up anyway. We still have Wallace, Ward, El, Miller and a couple good RB's.
If you guys would have better addressed your secondary I'd be more concerned about getting swept. We've addressed our weaknesses with regards to ST's coverage and depth in the defensive back field.
[/quote]


Addressing weaknesses? Cmon Wardy, as Steeler and Ravens fans, we both know all too well that often a better tactic is to simply improve your strengths than it is to address an area of need.
How long have you guys neglected your OL and WR positions? Yet you have two SB trophies in the last 5 years.
We made the playoffs three of the last 4 years with virtually no passing attack (well, last year it was decent) and won a SB with a terrible offense.


But I love what we've done this offseason....we built on our strengths when we grabbed Kindle and Cody AND we addressed our weakness when we landed Boldin and Stallworth.
I dont see our CB position as a weakness. Foxworth, when he's on, can handle any reciever in our division. Fabe should be back soon enough, he's a decent #2.
I can see why people are handing us in the division; on paper we have a complete team. Of course that means nothing come gameday, but if you have to pick a favorite to win the division, I think the Ravens would be the sensible pick, because we dont have nearly the ?'s that Pit and Cincy has (isn't there another team in our division?? coulda sworn there is four of us in the AFCN *scratches head*).

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='18 May 2010 - 10:58 PM' timestamp='1274237913' post='411732']
Who cares? As you've already pointed out, "expert" predictions are rarely very accurate. Any given sunday...

And even though I think the Ravens will sweep the steelers this year... its almost never easy against you guys. That's what makes it interesting I suppose. I still have minor brain aneurysms every time I remember that disgusting [b]affront to football that happened in week 13 last season.[/b]
[/quote]

Refresh my memory.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='flynismo' date='19 May 2010 - 03:04 PM' timestamp='1274295883' post='411960']
[b]Addressing weaknesses? Cmon Wardy, as Steeler and Ravens fans, we both know all too well that often a better tactic is to simply improve your strengths than it is to address an area of need.[/b]
How long have you guys neglected your OL and WR positions? Yet you have two SB trophies in the last 5 years.
We made the playoffs three of the last 4 years with virtually no passing attack (well, last year it was decent) and won a SB with a terrible offense.


But I love what we've done this offseason....we built on our strengths when we grabbed Kindle and Cody AND we addressed our weakness when we landed Boldin and Stallworth.
I dont see our CB position as a weakness. Foxworth, when he's on, can handle any reciever in our division. Fabe should be back soon enough, he's a decent #2.
I can see why people are handing us in the division; on paper we have a complete team. Of course that means nothing come gameday, but if you have to pick a favorite to win the division, I think the Ravens would be the sensible pick, because we dont have nearly the ?'s that Pit and Cincy has (isn't there another team in our division?? coulda sworn there is four of us in the AFCN *scratches head*).
[/quote]

Wow Fly, I disagree with that completely. We never lost a game by more than 7 points last year. We lost one (maybe two) because of missed FG's and we lost the rest because of our ST's and our secondary. What some of you may not have realized is that our offense learned how to win in spite of our defense. I think Wallace will step right in where Santo left off. Santo burned you guys because of his speed and not much else. Wallace is every bit as fast.

We added depth to the secondary (and LB corps) and brought back McFadden who I thought we should have kept all along. Our D may be aging, but they can still produce. NO ONE could have predicted the impact of Troy's loss last year either.

[FerrariFan87]

I'd rather go 8-8, sneak into the playoffs, get hot, and win it all than go 16-0 and not.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='19 May 2010 - 02:11 PM' timestamp='1274296301' post='411962']
Refresh my memory.
[/quote]

That was the week the steelers came out and played like a mediocre, lethargic high school team and still won due to our complete inability to stop sabotaging ourselves.

It was probably the most frustrating game of the year IMO because everything that could go wrong did. Foxworth intercepted Ben for a TD but it was called back by an illegal block (which wasn't relevant to the play), mcgahee ran in a go-ahead TD but it was called back (a bogus holding call, again it had no effect on the play) and Mason drops a gift-wrapped, perfect ball in the corner of the endzone when it bounces right off his face.

I was seriously contemplating throwing my TV at the wall.

Edit: excuse me it wasn't week 13 but week 16 I believe.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='19 May 2010 - 04:29 PM' timestamp='1274300957' post='412007']
That was the week the steelers came out and played like a mediocre, lethargic high school team and still won due to our complete inability to stop sabotaging ourselves.

It was probably the most frustrating game of the year IMO because everything that could go wrong did. Foxworth intercepted Ben for a TD but it was called back by an illegal block [b](which wasn't relevant to the play)[/b], mcgahee ran in a go-ahead TD but it was called back ([b]a bogus holding call, again it had no effect on the play[/b]) and Mason drops a gift-wrapped, perfect ball in the corner of the endzone when it bounces right off his face.

I was seriously contemplating throwing my TV at the wall.

Edit: excuse me it wasn't week 13 but week 16 I believe.
[/quote]

Why must it always be the refs fault?

We've all both won and lost those games. You'll get over it.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='19 May 2010 - 04:36 PM' timestamp='1274301411' post='412014']
Why must it always be the refs fault?

We've all both won and lost those games. You'll get over it.
[/quote]

Sheesh, Warden, you're on the war path. Stop bringing your 'silly Pittsburgh sense' here! Besides, aren't you supposed to be watching Roethlisberger right now? Who knows what he's up to!

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='19 May 2010 - 05:41 PM' timestamp='1274305280' post='412035']
Sheesh, Warden, you're on the war path. Stop bringing your 'silly Pittsburgh sense' here! Besides, aren't you supposed to be watching Roethlisberger right now? Who knows what he's up to!


[/quote]

"War Path??" I'm as cool as a cucumber Bro! lol

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='19 May 2010 - 03:36 PM' timestamp='1274301411' post='412014']
Why must it always be the refs fault?

We've all both won and lost those games. You'll get over it.
[/quote]

Now you're putting words in my mouth. I didn't say it was the refs fault now did I? The penalties cost us the game, but the refs are just doing their job. We should have won anyway.

And thanks but I'm already over it. But you're just trying to provoke me aren't you?

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='19 May 2010 - 05:41 PM' timestamp='1274305280' post='412035']
Sheesh, Warden, you're on the war path. Stop bringing your 'silly Pittsburgh sense' here! Besides, aren't you supposed to be watching Roethlisberger right now? Who knows what he's up to!


[/quote]

"War Path??" I'm as cool as a cucumber Bro! lol

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='19 May 2010 - 05:58 PM' timestamp='1274306322' post='412047']
Now you're putting words in my mouth. I didn't say it was the refs fault now did I? The penalties cost us the game, but the refs are just doing their job. We should have won anyway.

And thanks but I'm already over it. [b]But you're just trying to provoke me aren't you?[/b]
[/quote]

too easy to do around here. I actually have to try very hard to NOT provoke Ravens fans on this board. Some of them get me; some of them don't.

[DrMoonTooth]

The Steelers lost a bunch of close games last year, so I'm not ruling them out at all...and their games without Ben are all completely winnable without him.

OT: I'd rather Baltimore grow from losing a couple of games this year than go undefeated and pull a Patriots. But 12+ wins is a very reasonable prediction. I'll only go as far as 13-3.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='DrMoonTooth' date='19 May 2010 - 06:15 PM' timestamp='1274307316' post='412057']
The Steelers lost a bunch of close games last year, so I'm not ruling them out at all...and their games without Ben are all completely winnable without him.

OT:[b] I'd rather Baltimore grow from losing a couple of games this year than go undefeated and pull a Patriots. But 12+ wins is a very reasonable prediction. I'll only go as far as 13-3.[/b]
[/quote]

Great post. You always hear about teams peaking or getting complacent or bearing the burden of possibly going undefeated. Not sure who would ever call a loss a good thing, but if there was such a thing, it would be during a near perfect season.