The Colts are trailing by 11 points to the steelers in the last Qtr.
Looks as though there will be a good finish to the game

[Sick Boy]

Just watching the Bears match.

Haven't watched enough NFL in the last few years, but seeing as the Bears are doing better this season I got back into it.

The first match tonight sounds like it was the one to watch. Might + the replay.

[fantastic dan]

i watch it every week. Shame the chargers couldn't get it done because LT is a joy to watch, although there have been a lot of real stand out running backs this year, Alexander, Barber and the suprise Larry Johnstone have all been great.

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by Biggav

The Colts are trailing by 11 points to the steelers in the last Qtr.
Looks as though there will be a good finish to the game

Yep this match and the final quarter was a classic. There is something about the Colts I can't stand for some reason....so I couldn't believe it when 'The Bus' fumbled at the two yard line with two mins to go.

Still justice was done in the end! Just out of interest as I must have been out of the room at the tim, but what was that Pittsburgh interception that wasn't not allowed for?

Originally Posted by Sick Boy

Haven't watched enough NFL in the last few years, but seeing as the Bears are doing better this season I got back into it.

Ditto for me. The bears defence has been awesome all year, but they were awful last night! I couldn't believe it...gutted!

Having said that the Panthers seemed to have an excellent game plan. Of course it always helps when during the second play of the came the opposition cornerback slips over and leaves your WR wide open!

[Steve T]

Both games last night were great, but the Pitsburgh and Indy game was the "stand out" game of the play offs this year. I always find that you usually get a better game(s) in the play offs than in the SuperBowl.

As for the Pitsburgh interception (that was overturned) it was a shockingly bad call, really bad - just BAD! It was the clearest example of an interception I have seen and there was no reason to overturn the call except for the "Home field" pressure the officials must have been under....Anyway, the Steelers finally got it done, and I wish them all the best against Denver.

How about Carolina sticking 29 points past Chicago's defence They'd given up only 61 points in total at home all season so it was a right shock (especially as I was wearing my Urlacher shirt....) Chicago really should've double teamed Steve Smith, because he was the difference maker - I can't believe he was allowed to receive for 200+ yards.

I'd love to see a Steelers vs Seahawks Superbowl. Steelers winning it 28 - 24 with the BUS scoring 2 touchdowns on his last ever game and being Superbowl MVP.....

The call that was given for the interception was that his right knee was still on the ground when the ball left his hands, so it was classed as an incomplete pass. had he got both knees up then dropped it, it would have been classed as a complete pass then a fumble.
I agree very bad call I thought. Never the less was a cracking game.

[LFCRules]

That last quarter between the Colts and Steelers was amazing. Big Ben saved Pittsburgh with "that" tackle after the fumble by Betis, if he hadn't of done that, Colts would have scored a TD and the game was over. And the Bus would have had the worst send off in history for a future Hall of Famer. But he didn't, he has at least one more game, hope he goes all the way, he deserves a great ending to a great career

[rob_finch]

The Colts-Steelers game was a classic, Pittsburgh deserved the win after the interception that wasn't, but still felt for Vanderjagt after he missed the FG.

Was it me, or were all the divisional games against the form quide? I fancied the Bears, Colts and Patriots to win, but none seemed to really get their act together. I've followed the Patriots since '86 (honest!), but went several years with no Sky Sports, but now I've got back into it again. Didn't think they deserved to get to the 'bowl this year, but still disappointed at the tame loss to Denver.

I don't mind who wins it now, the Steelers have a good side and Bettis couldn't have a better way to end his career, but the Panthers are new and have already nearly won it (lost to New England, yay!), Denver are solid, and the Seahawks are entertaining to watch (I love watching a team with a wicked WR like Steve Smith).

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by rob_finch

The Colts-Steelers game was a classic, Pittsburgh deserved the win after the interception that wasn't, but still felt for Vanderjagt after he missed the FG.

I think that was the worse miss I have ever seen from a professional kicker....dont feel sorry for him!

I may have felt sorry for him had it come back off the upright, but not when he misses by that far

Excellent tackle by the Pittsburgh QB BTW...as someone else mentioned.

Go Steelers!! Been a fan since the 70's. We have been in the playoffs so much in recent years but always seem to get beaten in the AFC championships by the Pats. Hopefully we'll go against the form books on Sunday up in Denver. I'll be sat avidly watching Sky Sports come 8pm on Sunday!!!

Cheers
Blakey

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by Blakey

Go Steelers!! Been a fan since the 70's. We have been in the playoffs so much in recent years but always seem to get beaten in the AFC championships by the Pats. Hopefully we'll go against the form books on Sunday up in Denver. I'll be sat avidly watching Sky Sports come 8pm on Sunday!!!

Cheers
Blakey

I thought the AFC game was on Saturday?

I think I'll be backing the Seahawks now the Bears are out.

[runningback]

both games are on Sunday, starting at 8pm on SkySportsExtra

I thought the playoffs lacked a little in suspense in comparison to previous years, apart from the last quarter in the Pittsburgh @Indy game.
Might be that it's just teams i really can't stand that are left in the AFC.
I'll be backing either of the two NFC teams that goes through in Super Bowl XL.

regarding the interception/no interception call, i've seen loads of very, very questionable calls by referees in the last two seasons, IMHO mainly stemming from the emphasis on this 'maintaining possesion and making a football move' nonsense rule, that really brings these ridiculous decisions.(on both sides of the football, OFFENCE and DEFENCE.)
For me it makes no sense that a runningback for example can barely touch the goalline stretch over and loose the football in the process and this is classed as a touchdown, whilst a receiver has to catch the ball maintain controll all the way through the catch whilst both of his feet have to be in the endzone.

this rule needs an overhaul by the NFL execs, fans already don't understand a fair share of dubious calls being made.

examples: - the Shockey 'catch' in the endzone even though he was levelled and lost the ball before he even fell to the ground
- the 'no TD' rule in the TB vs Washington game, even though the receiver had control of the ball all the way through till his knee hit the ground and then he lost the ball.

This rule needs to be simplified.

Anyway enough ranting, Denver and the Seahawks will be in the Superbowl and i hope the Hawks will win for the first time in their history.

[Dazza Cole]

I'm hoping for a Steelers-Panthers bowl......with the Bus to score the winning touchdown in the last minute Would be a great send-off for a great player.

Just don't get me started talking about the Bears defensive plan on sunday......

And wasn't the montage of the coaches and players reaction to Vandershank's kick one of the standout moments in sports tv? "He missed it".....although you have to feel for Dungy

[Steve T]

I'm hoping for a Steelers v Seahawks Superbowl with the Steelers winning a tight (exciting game!!)

It's a shame the Championship games are on at a later start time on Sunday, I'll have to watch the AFC and record the NFC game.....

[TopMeTom]

I'd love to see a Steelers vs Seahawks Superbowl.

Well you got that right!

I have followed Seattle for 22 years,Finally they get there!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scrapbook]

This is a bit off topic and is one for you NFL old timers.....I was a big fan of NFL from about 1984 up until CH4 loss the rights, anyway....

Why did Barry Sanders retire early??

Was there any particulary story behind that or was he just a bit fed up playing for the Lions??

[runningback]

I think in a nutshell you got it right with fed up plying for the Lions, he was unhappy with the front office and the teams performance but he was never one to say what he thought in public, i think that's the reason why his retirement seemed so sudden.
I found this article who i think illustrates the reasons for his retirement.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/fea...ashbacks/lamb/

P.S. IMHO he was the best runningback ever, always been a great fan and i started playing runningback in the same year he started his pro carreer.
Would have loved watching him run behind the line of the early nineties Cowboys....

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by runningback

I think in a nutshell you got it right with fed up plying for the Lions, he was unhappy with the front office and the teams performance but he was never one to say what he thought in public, i think that's the reason why his retirement seemed so sudden.
I found this article who i think illustrates the reasons for his retirement.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/fea...ashbacks/lamb/

P.S. IMHO he was the best runningback ever, always been a great fan and i started playing runningback in the same year he started his pro carreer.
Would have loved watching him run behind the line of the early nineties Cowboys....

Thanks for that.

I agree....I never saw anyone make the yards he did after the intial hit.

I guess 1999 must have been a year or two before free agency really kicked in. Back in my original days of really watching the NFL players used to go no where.

[Steve T]

Barry Sanders was an amazing back. It seemed he could run sideways as fast as he ran forwards. I think in every game I ever saw him play, he'd break a huge play. Just a shame he was stuck in Detroit and never got to the Superbowl.

Anyway, Steelers vs Seahawks it is!

I can't wait, I've booked the day off work and will be watching with the obligatory crate of beer! It's great to see two new teams in this year (Steelers haven't been to the big show for 10 years and it's the Seahawks first time), which is why I love the NFL so much. You don't get the same 3-4 teams year in year out fighting for the top honours.

Anyway, Steelers to win - but a close game (I hope!) With their performance in the playoffs so far, I just don't think they will be denied. I think their defence willl largely shut down Alexander, which will force the game into Hassleback's hands.