I wanna say this about the Broncos

[Tibs]

Steelers fan here from the far side of the globe, thought I'd share my thoughts on the game vs. you oxygen-deprived mules from Colorado.

I've just spent the past half an hour or so watching some interviews with Broncos players & coaching staff: http://cbs4denver.com/video/?cid=5

Larry Coyer's (D coordinator) comments are particulary insightful, calling the Steelers an extremely difficult team to prepare for. All the way down the line, from Shanahan, to Plummer to FB Kyle Johnson (his comments on the Steelers D are worth watching), these guys seem to think they're going to have their hands full.

I never really pay much attention to other teams, other players in the NFL, but my pocket assessment is that these guys are pretty cool, level-headed, football smart, and all that. I think they are showing plenty of respect to the Steelers team and players. As we've seen - in the more civilized part of the country with running water & electricity - pretty much the same can be said for the fans that have dropped by our board @ steelernation.com.

Bottom line, this is the first time in a long time I have very little angst, hatred, whatever you want to call it, with regards to the opposition. I mean it's so easy to hate on teams like the Bengals, Pats, Colts, et al. Facing this Broncos team is building up to just being a great game of pure football. Two great teams, head to head, similiar styles, great players on both sides of the ball, excellent coaching staffs & diehard, loyal fans.

An AFC Championship game for the ages?

Oh, and for those of you gasping for air at that Himalayan altitude, here's the collection of videos from the Steelers' lockerroom:

http://kdka.com/video/?cid=33

I may have a new-found appreciation for the Broncos, but come Sunday, it's gonna be war. And I hope the Steelers destroy this team, in all phases of the game.

It just doesn't get any better than this.

Cheers, Tibs

[The Big E]

Damn, where have you Steelers fans been all week? We were infested with Pats fans last week and I couldn't even stand to come here.

I agree that we have two evenly matched teams, and we both pissed on the NFL's parade by taking out the league's darlings. That might contribute to the lack of animosity between us, but I'm sure we'll get there soon enough.

[ChampBailey24]

welcome and great first post but im afraid ur team will lose in a close heartbreaker lol. just my opinion. later man

[Play2win]

I think both these teams and their fans have a good amount of respect for the other team.

Unlike most of the other teams that WERE left in the playoffs...

[Kaylore]

The feeling is mututal. It will be a good game.

[Sodak]

Denver's 13th man. Altitude!

[ironskillet101]

Yeah, i've always respected the Steelers style of play and the fact that both of our respective teams earned their spots(to the whines of "experts") makes this a game in which both fans seem to respect the other team.

Believe me, the broncos are not overlooking the Steelers but I hope they are overlooking us.

welcome to the board.

[gunns]

It has been absolutely refreshing talking with Steeler fans this week after the Pat fans last week. On the ESPN boards there have been more Pat fans trying to justify their loss than Steeler fans but the Steeler fans that have come are great. Very evenly matched teams, the stats are eerie they are so similar. Wouldn't put my money on either team. To say the least this is weird.

[Tombstone RJ]

Its gonna be a hella game. I can hardly wait...

[2KBack]

Great goddamn post, I'm having a harder time everyday building up hatred for the enemy this week. It kinda feel like I'm just rooting against the Denver Doppleganger.

[Tibs]

A couple of thoughts (ten, to be exact) -

1. This is the guy that's gonna have to come through - big time - for you guys to stay in this game:


11 Bradlee Van Pelt, Quarterback

Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 220 lbs.
College: Colorado State
Born: in Owosso, Mich.
Acquired: D7-04
Pro Year: 1st
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 3/0
Postseason: 0/0

Yes, I'm a bit concerned for the well-being of Jake Plummer, as much as I respect the guy.

2. (actually 1.b.) The Steelers front seven have been winning the line-of-scrimmage battle against every team they've faced during the past month and a half, I don't see that being any different Sunday. Dick LeBeau has been at the top of his schemes, and they've been working against the top offenses in the league (Bengals/Colts). The Steelers will bring the heat on Plummer, and as good of a scrambler as he is, the Steelers have the hounds to get after 'im. The Broncos do add the running game, which the Steelers D has been stopping for over 5 years now, consistently.

3. The Steelers O-lineman have been teeing-off on the Browns D-linemen for longer than even they can remember. Roethlisberger will have time to create in the passing game, and we all know the Steelers will do whatever they need to do to run the ball effectively.

4. Troy Polamalu will once again be all over the place. He's John Lynch with a rocket-pack strapped on, he's the one player who's reputation will never surpass his skills & impact on the field.

5. Big Ben is not the rookie QB who somehow made it through his rookie season 15-1, only to be overwhelmed by the time the games really counted in the playoffs last year. He's been relaxed, composed, and has obtained the respect of the entire team, on both sides of the ball. He's also 6-5, 250, who's able to move around in the pocket, and has been smart with his decisions.

6. Much like the Broncos, the Steelers' roster is full of veterans, hungry for their five minutes of fame. Hines Ward & Jerome Bettis are the heart & soul of this team. They've come up short many times, and the drive to the SB is as hot as it will ever be.

7. Willie Parker. You guys probably don't know much about our starting RB, as much press as the Bus is getting, but this kid is the Steelers' Tatum Bell, with 4.3 speed and the ability to go the distance. He is my darkhorse player of the game, as the Broncos focus their attention elsewhere.

8. Antwaan Randle El - returning punts, running reverses, throwing passes. I think the Steelers dip into the bag of tricks and Randle El is the ankle-breaking type player who can make things happen in a jiffy.

9. The Steelers unheralded, dismissed, underappreciated defensive backfield, young guys like Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, Chris Hope, Polamalu have been getting the job done. This is not the Steelers secondary of yesteryear with the likes of Chad Scott and DeWayne Washington (Toast, Burnt). I know the Broncos have scored with some young DB's as well, but these guys have been more than holding their own themselves.

10. The soppy, teary-eyed story of Jerome Bettis, sure-fire HOF'er. It may seem like a superficial thing, but in the 'Burgh, it is all about getting Bettis back to the Super Bowl in Motown.

Okay. So that's the equation from our angle, more or less. It's not gonna be easy, but I think the Steelers are riding a wave right now that's going to be hard to stop. As in Cinci, as in Indy... playing on the road means nothing to this team. Several players are from your neck of the woods - Aaron Smith, Porter, Haggans ... The altitude question - I think - is totally overblown.

Having said all that, as I wrote in my initial post, your Broncos are the first team we've faced this year that I can honestly say I have absolutely no bone to pick with. The Broncos could very well take this game. It's gonna be a doozy.

Cool site you guys have here, let's get ready to rumble on Sunday.

[Broncos4tw]

The altitude is not a problem until the fourth quarter. It's even harder to breath when it's cold. In the fourth when it all comes down to the wire, I'm just happy to be on the hometeam who is used to the altitude. Altitude isn't overblown, it's a scientific fact. :p

The air is thinner, which means you get less oxygyn per breath. It takes a couple weeks to even get to a point where you are starting to become acclimated. I wouldn't so readily dismiss the altitude, it may have more a factor on the game than you think.

[Jens1893]

Tibs, do you think there´s more to Ben´s injury than everyone knows? I haven´t heard ANYTHING out of the Steelers´ camp and that somehow makes me suspicious. Not that I´d blame Cowher for trying to keep this secret, of course.

[Tibs]

Originally Posted by Jens

Tibs, do you think there´s more to Ben´s injury than everyone knows? I haven´t heard ANYTHING out of the Steelers´ camp and that somehow makes me suspicious. Not that I´d blame Cowher for trying to keep this secret, of course.

He's got a sore thumb. From what I know, there's nothing new from the aftermath of the Colts game. I think he got a stinger in the upper arm on a hit, but I think he's pretty much where he's been over the past few weeks.

[chuckrugger]

Awww, man. Now what the H am I gonna do. Half of the excitement comes from being able to get really angry at the other team (well, SOME of the excitement anyway). You guys are gonna ruin it for me.

BTW, Big E, I've been here since Monday (reference the "Here we Go" thread, first post: So which Broncos LB is going to have Bus tracks on his chest come Monday?)

[2KBack]

Originally Posted by Tibs

Yes, I'm a bit concerned for the well-being of Jake Plummer, as much as I respect the guy.

2. (actually 1.b.) The Steelers front seven have been winning the line-of-scrimmage battle against every team they've faced during the past month and a half, I don't see that being any different Sunday. Dick LeBeau has been at the top of his schemes, and they've been working against the top offenses in the league (Bengals/Colts). The Steelers will bring the heat on Plummer, and as good of a scrambler as he is, the Steelers have the hounds to get after 'im. The Broncos do add the running game, which the Steelers D has been stopping for over 5 years now, consistently.

3. The Steelers O-lineman have been teeing-off on the Browns D-linemen for longer than even they can remember. Ben will have time to create in the passing game, and we all know the Steelers will do whatever they need to do to run the ball effectively.

4. Troy Polamalu will once again be all over the place. He's John Lynch with a rocket-pack strapped on, he's the one player who's reputation will never surpass his skills & impact on the field.

5. Big Ben is not the rookie QB who somehow made it through his rookie season 15-1, only to be overwhelmed by the time the games really counted in the playoffs last year. He's been relaxed, composed, and has obtained the respect of the entire team, on both sides of the ball. He's also 6-5, 250, who's able to move around in the pocket, and has been smart with his decisions.

6. Hines Ward & Jerome Bettis are the heart & soul of this team. They've come up short many times, and the drive to the SB is as hot as it will ever be.

7. Willie Parker. You guys probably don't know much about our starting RB, as much press as the Bus is getting, but this kid is the Steelers' Tatum Bell, with 4.3 speed and the ability to go the distance. He is my darkhorse player of the game, as the Broncos focus their attention elsewhere.

8. Antwaan Randle El - returning punts, running reverses, throwing passes. I think the Steelers dip into the bag of tricks and Randle El is the ankle-breaking type player who can make things happen in a jiffy.

9. The Steelers unheralded, dismissed, underappreciated defensive backfield, young guys like Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, Chris Hope, Polamalu have been getting the job done. This is not the Steelers secondary of yesteryear with the likes of Chad Scot and DeWayne Washington (Toast, Burnt). I know the Broncos have scored with some young DB's as well, but these guys have been more than holding their own themselves.

10. The soppy, teary-eyed story of Jerome Bettis, sure-fire HOF'er. It may seem like a superficial thing, but in the 'Burgh, it is all about getting Bettis back to the Super Bowl in Motown.

Another good smack free post.

1. IF plummer goes down, yes I'm concerned. Luckily even if he is getting pounded, he usually doesn't take a lot of hard shots (typically becasue he is scrambling around). Denver plays the blitz well, and Pitt Blitzes well, it's a match-up to watch. I'd say this is the best o-line itt will have faced all year.

2/1b. I won't argue that this is a possibility, one of the better mini-match-ups in the game.

3. Please don't resort to brownco comparisons, that's been beaten to death by every opponent this year, and a 14-3 record with #2 rushing defense has proved them wrong.

4.no argument there, that guy's a beast
5.Ben's looked good, we'l have to see how he performs against constant heat. Much like the Plummer deal.
6.I like those guys, if you win, I'll be rooting for them.
7.Parker is a fast little dude, but Denver actually performs better against the speed guys, being a defense based on it. IT's one of the reasons why it's so nice to have aggressive tackling Corners. Not to mention easily the fastest LB corp in the league. You're more likely to run over us than around.
8.Actually, he scares the **** outta me.
9.Hopefully no one is underrating a secondary that held MArvin harrison to practically nothing.
10.If the Bus was playing anyone but Denver, I'd be rooting for him to get his ring.

[Rock Chalk]

Originally Posted by Tibs

A couple of thoughts (ten, to be exact) -

1. This is the guy that's gonna have to come through - big time - for you guys to stay in this game:


11 Bradlee Van Pelt, Quarterback

Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 220 lbs.
College: Colorado State
Born: in Owosso, Mich.
Acquired: D7-04
Pro Year: 1st
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 3/0
Postseason: 0/0

Yes, I'm a bit concerned for the well-being of Jake Plummer, as much as I respect the guy.

I hope it gets better because your first thought sucked. No offense.

2. (actually 1.b.) The Steelers front seven have been winning the line-of-scrimmage battle against every team they've faced during the past month and a half, I don't see that being any different Sunday. Dick LeBeau has been at the top of his schemes, and they've been working against the top offenses in the league (Bengals/Colts). The Steelers will bring the heat on Plummer, and as good of a scrambler as he is, the Steelers have the hounds to get after 'im. The Broncos do add the running game, which the Steelers D has been stopping for over 5 years now, consistently.

The Steelers have not played against Denver's athletic offensive line this year and you would be surprised how quickly your guys are gonna get gassed. The Colts and Bengals run offenses that require at least moderate protection. We dont. We run the ball or pass to quick flats until you back off and in so doing will score 21 points. When you back off we will run and bring you back in and then we will hit you deep. Effectively, we have nullified the pass rush with game planning and Jake's mobility AND two all pro studs on our offensive line with 3 better than average other guys.

3. The Steelers O-lineman have been teeing-off on the Browns D-linemen for longer than even they can remember. Ben will have time to create in the passing game, and we all know the Steelers will do whatever they need to do to run the ball effectively.

The Browns D-linemen, minus Trevor Pryce with Al Wilson, DJ Williams and Ian Gold right behind them. Funny how no one seems to mention those guys when they talk about the Brownco's. Pryce alone will draw double teams and STILL get pressure and if you dont think that Warren and Myers and Ekuban and Brown are all playing at a higher level than they were in Cleveland you are SADLY mistaken.

4. Troy Polamalu will once again be all over the place. He's John Lynch with a rocket-pack strapped on, he's the one player who's reputation will never surpass his skills & impact on the field.

Oh yeah, Troy will give us fits, but he is also uber aggressive and Mike Shanahan will game plan around that.

5. Big Ben is not the rookie QB who somehow made it through his rookie season 15-1, only to be overwhelmed by the time the games really counted in the playoffs last year. He's been relaxed, composed, and has obtained the respect of the entire team, on both sides of the ball. He's also 6-5, 250, who's able to move around in the pocket, and has been smart with his decisions.

Big Ben is a fantastic QB. I think he is much better than given credit for and I think he shows a lot of poise as a young QB. That being said, AFC Championship, in Denver, first time in 7 years, 4-0 in home AFC Championship games, 3-2 against Pitt, evenly matched...advantage: Denver.

6. Hines Ward & Jerome Bettis are the heart & soul of this team. They've come up short many times, and the drive to the SB is as hot as it will ever be.

Yes, and its good for a team to have heart. We got some too. Rod Smith, Al Wilson, Mike Anderson to name a few. Rod Smith, by the way, has TWO superbowl rings and has commanded the respect of every DB in the league for the past 10 years. His teammates look up to him and with quiet confidence, they follow him. Very similar to Hines Ward, but greater. No knock on Hines at all, but Rod is God, you just have no idea.

7. Willie Parker. You guys probably don't know much about our starting RB, as much press as the Bus is getting, but this kid is the Steelers' Tatum Bell, with 4.3 speed and the ability to go the distance. He is my darkhorse player of the game, as the Broncos focus their attention elsewhere.

Naw, we are fully aware of Willie Parker. This community here is fairly adept in keeping up with other players and potential fantasy stars To be fair, we are more worried about Parker than the Bus.

8. Antwaan Randle El - returning punts, running reverses, throwing passes. I think the Steelers dip into the bag of tricks and Randle El is the ankle-breaking type player who can make things happen in a jiffy.

Well, returning punts: Keith Burns. Running Reverses: The LBs, Throwing Passes: Champ Bailey, Ferguson and D Will.

9. The Steelers unheralded, dismissed, underappreciated defensive backfield, young guys like Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, Chris Hope, Polamalu have been getting the job done. This is not the Steelers secondary of yesteryear with the likes of Chad Scot and DeWayne Washington (Toast, Burnt). I know the Broncos have scored with some young DB's as well, but these guys have been more than holding their own themselves.

Yes, but we dont run a lot of deep pattern, we beat you short, long sustained drives. Kinda like you guys are used to. Should be fairly familiar to you, only you will be on the other side.

10. The soppy, teary-eyed story of Jerome Bettis, sure-fire HOF'er. It may seem like a superficial thing, but in the 'Burgh, it is all about getting Bettis back to the Super Bowl in Motown.

This is why I have no real hatred if the Steelers win. I would not be sad to see Bettis get a ring. That being said, **** Bettis.

Okay. So that's the equation from our angle, more or less. It's not gonna be easy, but I think the Steelers are riding a wave right now that's going to be hard to stop. As in Cinci, as in Indy... playing on the road means nothing to this team. Several players are from your neck of the woods - Aaron Smith, Porter, Haggans ... The altitude question - I think - is totally overblown.

Well, thats from mine.

Having said all that, as I wrote in my initial post, your Broncos are the first team we've faced this year that I can honestly say I have absolutely no bone to pick with. The Broncos could very well take this game. It's gonna be a doozy.

Cool site you guys have here, let's get ready to rumble on Sunday.

Yes, it is a nice site.

[Hogan11]

Go Pirates.

[No1BroncoFan]

Originally Posted by The Big E

Damn, where have you Steelers fans been all week? We were infested with Pats fans last week and I couldn't even stand to come here.

I agree that we have two evenly matched teams, and we both pissed on the NFL's parade by taking out the league's darlings. That might contribute to the lack of animosity between us, but I'm sure we'll get there soon enough.

I'll take two or three posters like this over the wave of Pats troll we got any week!

Welcome in Tibs!

Ben

[chuckrugger]

Unfortunately, the reason we were able to hold Marvin Harrison to just 2 catches and generally limit all the Colts recievers was because we got such great pressure on Manning with only 4 or 5 guys. Once he got pressured a couple of times his feet NEVER stopped dancing around. Plummer, as a guy who's comfortable scrambling and throwing on the run (not to mention getting the crap beat out of him in Arizona) seems to me like a guy who won't get scared nearly as easily. If we can't get him looking over his shoulder, it might be a long night for our secondary with Alexander, Putzier, Smith, and Lelie running around with time to get open.

[2KBack]

Originally Posted by chuckrugger

Unfortunately, the reason we were able to hold Marvin Harrison to just 2 catches and generally limit all the Colts recievers was because we got such great pressure on Manning with only 4 or 5 guys. Once he got pressured a couple of times his feet NEVER stopped dancing around. Plummer, as a guy who's comfortable scrambling and throwing on the run (not to mention getting the crap beat out of him in Arizona) seems to me like a guy who won't get scared nearly as easily. If we can't get him looking over his shoulder, it might be a long night for our secondary with Alexander, Putzier, Smith, and Lelie running around with time to get open.

Jeez, will you just look at this humble ****? Are we sure that AFC championship is coming up this weekend?

[BroncoFanDoug]

If you step back a bit, you have:

• Both have looked good in the playoffs
• Denver finished with a 2 game better record (that's a lot - diff between 10-6 and 8-8).
• Denver played a slightly tougher schedule
• Denver finished the 2nd half of the season much stronger
• Denver is playing at home
• Denver is better rested
• Denver has a much better net turnover in the reg season (20-7) and the playoffs (4-0)

I think Pit is a very good team, and none of this guarantees anything. But playing in Denver, I don't think these teams are even. I think Denver is better and should win.

Go Broncs!

[i4jelway7]

great posts steeler fans... I've never hated the steelers... whoever wins they will deserve it... both teams are tough and it is going to be a dogfight... whoever wins will represent the AFC well... with that said GO BRONCOS

[Rock Chalk]

This sucks.

I want SOME smack.

****ing Steeler pussies.

[kamakazi_kal]

im glad everyone on this post is all fuzzy and happy with the steelers fans but let me be the first to say

steelers...... you can ride the bus right into the offseason this weekend


oh and %u*k the STEELERS.......... classless i know but ......dont care