Guest Vitamin X Report post Posted December 16, 2004 Schedule- Saturday, Dec. 18 Pittsburgh at N.Y. Giants, 1:30 p.m. Washington at San Francisco, 5:00 p.m. Carolina at Atlanta, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 Buffalo at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Denver at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Seattle at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m. New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Jacksonville at Green Bay, 4:15 p.m. Tennessee at Oakland, 4:15 p.m. Baltimore at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 New England at Miami, 9:00 p.m. The rundown- BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - Rookie quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning duel and the Carolina Panthers hope to beat Michael Vick for the first time Saturday in Week 15 of the NFL. Roethlisberger was selected 11th overall in the 2004 draft and is unbeaten for the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-1), who can set a franchise record for consecutive wins when they visit the New York Giants. Manning was the No. 1 overall pick but he is struggling with an 0-4 record for the Giants (5-8), who have lost six in a row. Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi had a chance to select Roethlisberger out of Miami (Ohio) with the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft. Instead, he opted to take North Carolina State quarterback Philip Rivers and then shipped him along with draft choices, including a first-rounder in 2005, to San Diego for Manning. Roethlisberger ended up sliding all the way to the Steelers, who couldn't be happier with the results. Since taking over as the starting quarterback in Week Three for the injured Tommy Maddox, Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to an 11-0 record and the AFC North title - the eighth division championship in 13 years under coach Bill Cowher. The 11-game winning streak ties a club record set in 1975 when Pittsburgh finished 12-2 and won its second straight Super Bowl. Giants coach Tom Coughlin benched veteran Kurt Warner, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, in favor of Manning after a 17-14 loss at Arizona on November 14. The switch has proved to be disastrous. Manning has lost all four of his starts, completing just 38 percent of his passes (42-of-110) with an abysmal quarterback rating of 33.8. Last week, Manning looked shellshocked in a 37-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, completing 4-of-18 passes for 27 yards with three turnovers - two interceptions and a fumble - before being mercifully yanked by Coughlin in the fourth quarter. "I'm struggling right now," Manning said. "I've got to find a way to get out of it and play better. I don't know if I've lost the confidence of my teammates but I haven't proved anything to them yet." The Panthers (6-7) have proved to be quite a resilient team. After being counted out at 1-7, Carolina has overcome a plethora of injuries to move into the second NFC wild card spot with three games left. On Saturday, the Panthers face the Atlanta Falcons (10-3), who clinched the NFC South title last week. Beating the Falcons will be a major hurdle for Carolina. Vick, the NFL's fastest quarterback, has won all four of his starts against the Panthers by a cumulative score of 118-24. On October 3 at Carolina, Vick received plenty of help from his teammates in a 27-10 victory. Vick threw for just 148 yards and ran for 35, but Warrick Dunn scored on a 38-yard run and cornerback Kevin Mathis returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown to lead the Falcons. "We got sidetracked as a team, as a defensive unit, in thinking we've got to stop one person," Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers said of the first meeting. "There's 10 other people out there. If you focus on just one, someone else will kill you." The Falcons will be without running back T.J. Duckett, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday, and fullback Justin Griffith, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg. Duckett rushed for a career-high four touchdowns in Atlanta's 35-10 rout of the Oakland Raiders last week. The Washington Redskins (4-9) meet the San Francisco 49ers (2-11) in the other game scheduled for Saturday. And finally, the playoff scenarios as they stand right now- AFC EAST NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS New England has clinched division title. New England can clinch first-round bye with: 1) NE win + SD loss or tie OR 2) NE tie + SD loss + IND loss or tie OR 3) IND loss + SD loss + PIT win or tie OR 4) IND loss + SD loss + NE or PIT clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over SD. NEW YORK JETS N.Y. Jets can clinch playoff berth with: 1) NYJ win + DEN loss + BUF loss or tie + JAC loss or tie + BAL clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over Denver this week. AFC NORTH PITTSBURGH STEELERS Pittsburgh has clinched division title. Pittsburgh can clinch first-round bye with: 1) SD loss + IND loss OR 2) PIT win + SD tie + IND tie AFC SOUTH INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Indianapolis has clinched division title. AFC WEST SAN DIEGO CHARGERS San Diego can clinch division title with: 1) DEN loss OR 2) SD win or tie + DEN tie San Diego can clinch playoff berth with: 1) SD win + BAL loss or tie OR 2) SD tie + BAL loss NFC EAST PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Philadelphia has clinched division title and a first-round bye. Philadelphia can clinch home-field advantage with: 1) PHI win OR 2) ATL loss NFC NORTH GREEN BAY PACKERS Green Bay can clinch playoff berth with: 1) GB win OR 2) GB tie + STL loss OR 3) GB tie + CAR loss or tie 4) CHI loss or tie + STL loss + CAR loss + DAL loss or tie, OR 5) CHI loss or tie + STL loss + CAR loss + TB loss or tie + SEA win, OR 6) CHI loss or tie + STL loss + NYG loss or tie + DAL loss or tie, OR 7) CHI loss or tie + STL loss + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie + SEA win, OR 8) CHI loss or tie + NYG loss or tie + DAL loss or tie + CAR loss, OR 9) CHI loss or tie + NYG loss or tie + CAR loss + TB loss or tie + SEA win Note: Green Bay may clinch a playoff spot based on strength of victory tiebreaker if GB loses, CHI loses or ties, and any two of the following occurs: NYG loss or tie, STL loss, CAR loss. NFC SOUTH ATLANTA FALCONS Atlanta has clinched division title. Atlanta can clinch first-round bye with: 1) ATL win + GB loss or tie OR 2) ATL tie + GB loss NFC WEST SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Seattle can clinch playoff berth with: 1) SEA win + DAL loss or tie + NYG loss or tie + DET loss or tie + CAR loss + CHI loss or tie Miami, Cleveland, Oakland, San Francisco and Tennessee have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. Oh, and the expected high this Sunday at Lambeau Field is expected to top out at 9 degrees... For a late afternoon game. I wonder if the Jags can handle that kind of cold weather, even if Jacksonville is having record lows (in the 30s, though). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 16, 2004 Im shopping the whole day, and then coming home just in time to see the Ravens/Colts game on ESPN at 8:30. The Ravens have to either win this week or next week..maybe they can win both but I doubt it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Man in Blak 0 Report post Posted December 16, 2004 I'm interested in seeing Tom's thoughts about the Sunday Night matchup, given the past "history" of both teams (Colts moving to Indianapolis) and potential for new history (Peyton's chase of Marino). I'm thinking it could be the game of the year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
therealworldschampion 0 Report post Posted December 16, 2004 I'd really like to watch the Atlanta/Carolina game, but I'll most likely be out. Eagles should beat Dallas by a comfortable margin, but they need to get through this week with no big injuries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly Report post Posted December 16, 2004 I think I'm going to miss alot of football this weekend. So is anybody buying kyle Boller as a legit QB yet? I'm not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0 Report post Posted December 16, 2004 I might be going to the Giants/Steelers game Saturday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Failed Mascot Report post Posted December 16, 2004 The Patriots have a tough game with Miami this Monday Night. ... ...not buying that huh? Oh well...Dillon will gain over 200 yards against them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Shadow Behind You Report post Posted December 16, 2004 If NE and Philly are smart; they quickly run up the score and put in the second stringers and such to rest the starters. No need to risk injuring stars. Those two teams along with Pittsburgh are capable of running up the score quickly to perserve the players and get the needed wins There's no reason for BenRo to be playing at all in the 4th quarter. GOTY isn't Indy/Baltimore; at least for me. Buffalo/'Nati should be a gamer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 16, 2004 I think I'm going to miss alot of football this weekend. So is anybody buying kyle Boller as a legit QB yet? I'm not. I Want a definition of "Legit". Hes rarely going to be put in the position where he needs to throw the ball for over 250 yards, nor does he have the recievers to actually help him out in doing so. The Ravens run the ball first and foremost, whether its Jamal or Chester Taylor. The format is the same one they used to turn Trent Dilfer into a Super Bowl winning QB. He's a legit QB in the Ravens system but he's never going to put up numbers like Peyton Manning is. Sadly as well, I would go as far as to say that he would be even better on another team that had better recievers and less of a commitment to the running game. Also, Todd Heap coming back after missing 2+ months gives him a go to reciever that they didn't really have while he was out. Hopefully that will make a big difference.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly Report post Posted December 17, 2004 I've been hearing people say that he's "arrived" now. He had a good game against the Giants last week, but it was the Giants. He made some good throws last week, but I don't see him as soeone who helps them win or even keeps them in games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted December 17, 2004 If Jacksonville can brave the elements well enough, the Jaguars/Packers game could be a rocketbustah. It really is a must-win for Green Bay, what with the next two games at the Favre-killer Metrodome and a revenge matchup at Chicago. After a 1-4 start, an 11-5 final record would be awesome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Failed Mascot Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Pats put Tyrone Poole on IR and the Roethless-Burger is absolutely disgusting. Scrambled eggs, sour craut and all sorts of shit that should never be mixxed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Favre 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 I'm not Giant fan, but i'll be rooting for them today. Kickoff return TD for Willy Ponder (Giants) 7-0. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Favre 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Big Ben interception. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 The Giants defense had the lead but they blew a coverage, Randle El with a touchdown grab to make it 17-14 Steelers. Great game so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike546 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Fuck Tom Coughlin. Who puts a safety, especailly a SUCKY safety in Cousin, in one on one coverage with Randle El? And fuck the refs too. They don't call the late hit on Barber, but they make a bullshit one on us after we sack Rotheslisberger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Go Steel men! I hate the Giants and Eli. Although Eli is doing better with his simplified offense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 You know I realized that when Eli gets pressured or has a bad play he loses his composure. He has no composure on that field whatsoever. He begins to get that "Oh man!" look on his face and he looks like a kid about to throw a hissy fit! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Fuck Tom Coughlin. Who puts a safety, especailly a SUCKY safety in Cousin, in one on one coverage with Randle El? And fuck the refs too. They don't call the late hit on Barber, but they make a bullshit one on us after we sack Rotheslisberger. That was pretty weak they didn't call that late hit. It ended up costing the Giants at least a FG attempt, meanwhile the late hit on the Giants leads to a touchdown. The moral? If you even touch the quarterback wrong, FLAG! Anyone else....eh, they have to suck it up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strummer 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Ben picked off again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Ben picked off again Starting to become a trend Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Shockey is a HORSE.Literally took 5 guys to take him down and prevent the touchdown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strummer 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Giants have to settle for a field goal, 20-17 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vitamin X Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Fuck Tom Coughlin. Who puts a safety, especailly a SUCKY safety in Cousin, in one on one coverage with Randle El? And fuck the refs too. They don't call the late hit on Barber, but they make a bullshit one on us after we sack Rotheslisberger. That was pretty weak they didn't call that late hit. It ended up costing the Giants at least a FG attempt, meanwhile the late hit on the Giants leads to a touchdown. The moral? If you even touch the quarterback wrong, FLAG! Anyone else....eh, they have to suck it up. Eh, that's nothing new in the NFL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike546 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Shockeys been a horse since his first preseason game against the Texans in his rookie year. Nearly barraled over like 8 guys for a 50 yard run. He doesn't have allstar stats because are O-Line is so bad, and hes always on the line blocking. He was a fucking beast his rookie year. I remember when Brian Dawkins talked shit about him, and then he shut him the fuck up the next week by jumping over him for a TD catch. *sigh* Such good memories. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Sitting here watching the Steelers struggle vs the same team that the Ravens manhandled last week has me very optimistic about the Ravens chances next week as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1234-5678 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 I gotta vote for the Giants in this game even if I do think Eli is a joke thus far. I just want to see the Steelers lose cause they kicked the Birds asses so badly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 I just thought how crazy it would be for the Ravens/Steelers rivalry if the Ravens were the only team to beat them this year, they beat them next week and it costs them Home Field in the playoffs. Although...If the Ravens had a preference I think they would rather have to play in Pittsburgh than in NE again.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
therealworldschampion 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 He was a fucking beast his rookie year. I remember when Brian Dawkins talked shit about him, and then he shut him the fuck up the next week by jumping over him for a TD catch. That horse's ass started it in 2002 by talking shit about the Eagles' secondary being overrated, like he's one to talk about anyone being overrated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 18, 2004 Eli heating up. Hats off to Coughlin for speeding up the offense to get Manning better used to this. Should have thought of that sooner than this week. Manning to Rivers, TOUCHDOWN Giants. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
