Go 49ers!!

[PatsDeb]

If they can knock off the Steelers that will give everyone else in the AFC at least 4 losses and if we win out we are the #1 seed! I am liking our chances!

GO PATS!

PS - I hope it will count for something in the playoffs, but again I saw yesterday something in this year's team that was lacking in the last several years, and that is, the ability to keep playing when things are definitely not going your way early on. We folded like a cheap suit (including our last two playoff appearances) when things got off to a bad start in the last few years, either on O or D. Now, more like the Pats of old, we make adjustments and keep playing, even if things don't look too good. Not sure how far that can take us, but I am glad for the ride!

 

[Wilfork#75]

Plus, if the 49ers can get the 2 seed in the NFC it could potentially improve the Pats 1st round pick from the Saints.

 

[BTTA]

Agree. I'm not buying the argument that's being made on this board that the #2 seed will be better than the #1 seed. I want to stay at home up to the SB, both to extend the healing time (less travel time) for the players, get the home field crowd advantage, and give the fans the possibility of another home playoff game.

 

[Willie55]

Roethlisberger is a game time decision but I bet he plays.

 

[supafly]

Roethlisberger is a game time decision but I bet he plays.

Word here in Pittsburgh is that he is definitely playing tonight. Multiple sources.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Agree. I'm not buying the argument that's being made on this board that the #2 seed will be better than the #1 seed. I want to stay at home up to the SB, both to extend the healing time (less travel time) for the players, get the home field crowd advantage, and give the fans the possibility of another home playoff game.

We're 1--2 in winning the Lombardi, including a one and done, as number one seed in the BB/TB era (and, the "1" of that "1--2" came in 2001 when there was no bye week before the SB). We're 2--0 as number two.

I'm not arguing that Number One is necessarily bad; I'm just saying that this team has historically played its best with a little bit of a chip on its shoulder and its back to the wall; two of the three SB's went through Heinz field and they are all the sweeter for that, IMO. If we got a third that way, the roofs of buildings in downtown Pittsburgh wouldn't be large enough to hold all the fans trying to jump off.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I feel alot better about the offense then I have in a while. Like you said, when they've struggled in the past it's been awful. This year, other than the Giants game they got things going eventually after struggling. I've said it before, I'd rather see us win games like this then to beat teams 38-14 week in week out like 2007 and the 2nd half of 2010. We already know how great this offense can be when things are going good, this year we've seen how great they can be when the other team has answers for them. Very encouraging to see adjustments finally.

 

[supafly]

Agree. I'm not buying the argument that's being made on this board that the #2 seed will be better than the #1 seed. I want to stay at home up to the SB, both to extend the healing time (less travel time) for the players, get the home field crowd advantage, and give the fans the possibility of another home playoff game.

I get what you're saying, but playing the role of devil's advocate, keep in mind the 'other route' (#2 seed) is a much easier path.

No matter what, as of yesterday Dec.18th, the Patriots will not be leaving Boston until at least a month. With the last 2 games at home, and a pretty good chance at a bye, they will be here until their mid-January game in the divisional round of the playoffs. Win that game, and now they remain home for the next FIVE weeks, with a potential at still hosting the AFCCG game anyway. No matter what (assuming they win the first game), they should be at home for the next 5 weeks. Are you saying that there's going to be a big difference between staying at home for 5 weeks vs. 6 weeks? Is that really enough of a reason to want to go through the 2 toughest teams in the AFC? To me, that's crazy talk.

With a #1 seed, the matchups have the possibility of producing both games as very difficult ones, drawing not only the Ravens but also the Steelers. Those are 2 games against the top 2 AFC opponents...why would you want to go through them, when one can knock the other out with us having the #2 seed?

Not only that, but there is a strong possibility that our first game at home can be an 'easier' game vs the likes of the Houston Texans. Win that one, and we're now in the AFCCG...not only that, but should the lower seeded team in the Pittsburgh/Baltimore matchup win, we're now hosting them in Foxborough anyway..

To me it's a clear no-brained decision, I'm not getting all the love for the #1 seed. In other years, yes---but in this specific year with the loser of the AFC North coming in at the #5 seed, it makes absolutely no sense wanting the #1. Of course that's simply my opinion, and I definitely see your point and respect your opinion too, but a lot of potential Super Bowl runs are helped with some luck with you who draw. I'd rather have an easier first game at home to get the monkey of our backs, and a potential easier shot at an automatic AFCCG matchup. Then we'd have a 50/50 shot at hosting it anyways..and even if that doesn't work out, they are very capable of going on the road to Heinz field, where they've won it 2x already.

The #2 seed will likely be a whole lot easier, but we'll have to see where the chips fall.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Pitt needs a win badly to win the div. Right now, both (ravens and Steelers) have secured a playoff spot. I rather have the Ravens win the division and eventually have them come to our house to play the game. Their away record is awful 3-4.

Go 49ers!

 

[supafly]

Pitt needs a win badly to win the div. Right now, both (ravens and Steelers) have secured a playoff spot. I rather have the Ravens win the division and eventually have them come to our house to play the game. Their away record is awful 3-4.

Go 49ers!

So you'd rather have to play both teams, Ninja?

I'll take the HOU Texans at home. This team needs to start somewhere again in the playoffs, and I'd hate to see another one and done performance against a potentially tough team like the Steelers or Ravens.

Good point about the 3-4 road record though.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

So you'd rather have to play both teams, Ninja?

I'll take the HOU Texans at home. This team needs to start somewhere again in the playoffs, and I'd hate to see another one and done performance against a potentially tough team like the Steelers or Ravens.

Good point about the 3-4 road record though.

I'll take on the Steelers home or away. I'd take on the Ravens away. Not sure if I want to face them at Home w. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis and Suggs.

 

[Dutchmaster617]

If they can knock off the Steelers that will give everyone else in the AFC at least 4 losses and if we win out we are the #1 seed! I am liking our chances!

GO PATS!

PS - I hope it will count for something in the playoffs, but again I saw yesterday something in this year's team that was lacking in the last several years, and that is, the ability to keep playing when things are definitely not going your way early on. We folded like a cheap suit (including our last two playoff appearances) when things got off to a bad start in the last few years, either on O or D. Now, more like the Pats of old, we make adjustments and keep playing, even if things don't look too good. Not sure how far that can take us, but I am glad for the ride!

Correct me if I am wrong but we came from behind vs BAL, GB, MIN, MIA?, DET last year. I don't think this team is that much different except we pass for more yards and get sacks.

 

[brdmaverick]

I get what you're saying, but playing the role of devil's advocate, keep in mind the 'other route' (#2 seed) is a much easier path.

No matter what, as of yesterday Dec.18th, the Patriots will not be leaving Boston until at least a month. With the last 2 games at home, and a pretty good chance at a bye, they will be here until their mid-January game in the divisional round of the playoffs. Win that game, and now they remain home for the next FIVE weeks, with a potential at still hosting the AFCCG game anyway. No matter what (assuming they win the first game), they should be at home for the next 5 weeks. Are you saying that there's going to be a big difference between staying at home for 5 weeks vs. 6 weeks? Is that really enough of a reason to want to go through the 2 toughest teams in the AFC? To me, that's crazy talk.

With a #1 seed, the matchups have the possibility of producing both games as very difficult ones, drawing not only the Ravens but also the Steelers. Those are 2 games against the top 2 AFC opponents...why would you want to go through them, when one can knock the other out with us having the #2 seed?

Not only that, but there is a strong possibility that our first game at home can be an 'easier' game vs the likes of the Houston Texans. Win that one, and we're now in the AFCCG...not only that, but should the lower seeded team in the Pittsburgh/Baltimore matchup win, we're now hosting them in Foxborough anyway..

To me it's a clear no-brained decision, I'm not getting all the love for the #1 seed. In other years, yes---but in this specific year with the loser of the AFC North coming in at the #5 seed, it makes absolutely no sense wanting the #1. Of course that's simply my opinion, and I definitely see your point and respect your opinion too, but a lot of potential Super Bowl runs are helped with some luck with you who draw. I'd rather have an easier first game at home to get the monkey of our backs, and a potential easier shot at an automatic AFCCG matchup. Then we'd have a 50/50 shot at hosting it anyways..and even if that doesn't work out, they are very capable of going on the road to Heinz field, where they've won it 2x already.

The #2 seed will likely be a whole lot easier, but we'll have to see where the chips fall.

Of course, there is also the possibility that Cincy or NYJets (whomever gets the 6 seed) defeats the QB-less Texans. In this scenario it would be good to be #1.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

ben is a game time decision..if he doesn't play...49ers have a very good chance to help out the pats a good amount tonight...go 9ers!

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

anyone just see how bad ben is limping walking into stadium? I say steelers lose tonight...ahh i just want it to be game time


Even if ben plays...he won't be able to move or throw it good at all...

 

[BlitzFritz]

thanks for clearing that up, you are right.

-- FRITZ

I get what you're saying, but playing the role of devil's advocate, keep in mind the 'other route' (#2 seed) is a much easier path.

No matter what, as of yesterday Dec.18th, the Patriots will not be leaving Boston until at least a month. With the last 2 games at home, and a pretty good chance at a bye, they will be here until their mid-January game in the divisional round of the playoffs. Win that game, and now they remain home for the next FIVE weeks, with a potential at still hosting the AFCCG game anyway. No matter what (assuming they win the first game), they should be at home for the next 5 weeks. Are you saying that there's going to be a big difference between staying at home for 5 weeks vs. 6 weeks? Is that really enough of a reason to want to go through the 2 toughest teams in the AFC? To me, that's crazy talk.

With a #1 seed, the matchups have the possibility of producing both games as very difficult ones, drawing not only the Ravens but also the Steelers. Those are 2 games against the top 2 AFC opponents...why would you want to go through them, when one can knock the other out with us having the #2 seed?

Not only that, but there is a strong possibility that our first game at home can be an 'easier' game vs the likes of the Houston Texans. Win that one, and we're now in the AFCCG...not only that, but should the lower seeded team in the Pittsburgh/Baltimore matchup win, we're now hosting them in Foxborough anyway..

To me it's a clear no-brained decision, I'm not getting all the love for the #1 seed. In other years, yes---but in this specific year with the loser of the AFC North coming in at the #5 seed, it makes absolutely no sense wanting the #1. Of course that's simply my opinion, and I definitely see your point and respect your opinion too, but a lot of potential Super Bowl runs are helped with some luck with you who draw. I'd rather have an easier first game at home to get the monkey of our backs, and a potential easier shot at an automatic AFCCG matchup. Then we'd have a 50/50 shot at hosting it anyways..and even if that doesn't work out, they are very capable of going on the road to Heinz field, where they've won it 2x already.

The #2 seed will likely be a whole lot easier, but we'll have to see where the chips fall.

 

[Betterthanmost]

My god, they just showed Big ben and he is so limping for the camera. If you are that hurt, there is no reason to even travel.
This guy loves the attention.

 

[alvinnf]

My god, they just showed Big ben and he is so limping for the camera. If you are that hurt, there is no reason to even travel.
This guy loves the attention.

He is a legend..........:attention:

 

[supafly]

My god, they just showed Big ben and he is so limping for the camera. If you are that hurt, there is no reason to even travel.
This guy loves the attention.

He's pathetically ridiculous.

Remember a few yrs ago when they played CLE on the last game of the season? He needed to be carted off the field in a freaking stretcher. The whole spectacle took about a 1/2 hour to stabilize his head and neck etc...yet he miraculously never missed one single snap the very next week.

I've never seen such a drama queen in my entire life.

2 times he's told the media that he had something broken, and both times the Steelers denied it...

The dude is too much. What's even funnier is how some fans actually believe "how tough he is."

 

[ausbacker]

anyone just see how bad ben is limping walking into stadium? I say steelers lose tonight...ahh i just want it to be game time


Even if ben plays...he won't be able to move or throw it good at all...

Despite their defensive reputation the 49ers defense isn't ranked too highly against the passing game. Their teeth are cut on the run. The Steelers have a clear advantage in the passing game. It should be interesting to watch this game.