Why the funeral talk?

[StillCurtains]

Hello Guys!

I know; we lost once again to the very hated New England Patriots. I also know the sudden frustration of the overturned TD. It was gut wrenching. I believe that it should be a catch, but according to league rules it wasn't. I understand the importance of the game being that home field advantage was on the line, but I was somewhat disappointed with the outrage of our fans on twitter claiming we were robbed. If this were a clear call that shown no doubt I would understand, but this was a call that could have gone either way.

I'm just grateful this wasn't a call made in the playoffs or the Superbowl. Complaining about this just makes us look like sour little babies. I'm not saying it's all of us, but it's quite a few. There are also a good number of our fans that feel that we have no chance now of winning in New England if need be.

Yes: We could have had more aggressive playcalling in the drive while up 24-19. However, if we had and Ben threw a pick, would there be many claiming that Haley should have used Bell to keep Brady off the field? Probably so. Yes: Davis should have picked off that pass. However, it's pretty difficult picking off a deflected pass as the ball changes direction quickly.

Yes: it was tough to watch Davis cover Gronk, but I really couldn't get down on him because it's very tough to do. Should they have double covered him? Possibly, but with who? Also, is there any doubt that Brady would have found the open man if they did? I don't doubt it. Mitchell already bit on the playaction to Cooks. He's truly been lacking as the last line of defense if he's giving safety help to the corners while Gronk is being doubled.

Yes: the last play was atrocious. Not sure who's fault it was whether it be Ben, the coaches or both but it's over now. I'm just hopeful that they learn from it. I know that most of the media pundits believe that we can't win in New England because of this game and many of our fans have followed suit. The truth is; we just lost to New England by 3 points in a game we had in the bag without AB and Haden.

The way New England celebrated as if they won the Superbowl shows that they know what type of team we have. It shows that they feel that they need the home field to have a shot at beating us. This was a big game but not a playoff game. The Steelers are in the playoffs.There is no need in watching if we don't think we can win it. With AB out of the game, Bell still did what he wanted and JuJu and Bryant stepped up. AB being out until the playoffs gives the other guys an opportunity to be fine tuned for the playoffs. We also will be stronger with Gilbert back.

The defense held up well with the exception of defending Gronk. Tomlin has time to figure out what he can do to defend him. Possibly using a mixture of Brian Allen and Watt. Also Haden not playing this game is an advantage for the Steelers if we meet them again. Belichick won't have the advantage of seeing how Haden was used against them being that he wasn't in the lineup.

Honestly; here are my main concerns:
1) Getting and staying healthy to have what I feel is a legitimate shot to win the Superbowl.
2) Beating Houston
3) Beating Cleveland
4) Secure bye week by winning last 2 games
5) Winning vs Div. round opponent
6) Winning AFCCG vs opponent (Possibly NE)
Its remarkable that we have not played them at full strength for 3 years straight now!
7) Win the Superbowl

Those are my 7 for #7!
We'll see! I can only hope for the best. I'm not going to throw in the towel though because we lost a regular season game to New England. As long as we're alive and still functioning in the playoffs, I'll continue to hope.

[Drazo85]

Good read. After watching game, as a fan I'm not afraid of them, but at same time I'm worried. We are going on the road and we all know what that means when you play Cheats at their house. There will be some funny stuff going on, we can all count on that. So I'm pissed that one play can change the outcome of all season. And that play was overturned by refs on the rule that is by all accounts stupid, when there was no concrete evidence to overturn it. So I'm pissed, worried and at a same time optimistic.

[DesertSteel]

Part of the letdown is that the team itself made having the #1 seed their top priority in the offseason and all year long. There was a big deflation when that was lost. Hopefully it puts a chip on their shoulder and they finish 5-0.

[AtlantaDan]

Part of the letdown is that the team itself made having the #1 seed their top priority in the offseason and all year long. There was a big deflation when that was lost. Hopefully it puts a chip on their shoulder and they finish 5-0.

Agreed - home field in the playoffs is so important, particularly with the splits on Ben’s performance at Heinz as opposed to on the road

Pats are much less effective as a road playoff team, as is true for other great teams (70s Steelers 8-1 at home/2-3 on the road in playoffs)

Tomlin needs to get the team past the inevitable letdown - this loss was bad but screwing up in Houston and losing the bye would be even worse

[DesertSteel]

Agreed - home field in the playoffs is so important, particularly with the splits on Ben’s performance at Heinz as opposed to on the road

Pats are much less effective as a road playoff team, as is true for other great teams (70s Steelers 8-1 at home/2-3 on the road in playoffs)

Tomlin needs to get the team past the inevitable letdown - this loss was bad but screwing up in Houston and losing the bye would be even worse
I think the Pats playoff record at home vs road is a bit misleading. It's not really apples/apples. If you're playing on the road in the playoffs you obviously don't have as good of a team or you would be at home. So the record is going to be worse because the team is not as good.

[AtlantaDan]

I think the Pats playoff record at home vs road is a bit misleading. It's not really apples/apples. If you're playing on the road in the playoffs you obviously don't have as good of a team or you would be at home. So the record is going to be worse because the team is not as good.

True - but if two teams theoretically are equal when you factor in the traditional 3 points Vegas adds for home field advantage it is a 6 point swing. An ESPN article earlier this year calculated a 3 point home field advantage for the Steelers and, surprisingly, only a 1.9 point advantage for the Pats - a 5 point swing still is not insignificant.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20371914/home-field-advantage-nfl-2017-toughest-easiest-teams-play-road-more

And for whatever reason home field advantage increases in the playoffs

A Home Playoff Game Is A Big Advantage — Unless You Play Hockey

The NBA and NFL have the biggest regular-season home advantages, improving a team’s chance of winning by 10 and 7 percentage points, respectively. And those benefits grow even larger in the playoffs, ballooning to as high as 14 percentage points for NBA teams. NFL home teams gain almost 5 extra points of win probability in the playoffs — again, after controlling for the fact that better teams tend to get more postseason home games.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-home-playoff-game-is-a-big-advantage-unless-you-play-hockey/

[steelreserve]

We didn't lose to the Patriots.

[StillCurtains]

Part of the letdown is that the team itself made having the #1 seed their top priority in the offseason and all year long. There was a big deflation when that was lost. Hopefully it puts a chip on their shoulder and they finish 5-0.

Noone expected AB to be knocked out of the game either. That's a huge adjustment for the Steelers to have to make. Also here is a nugget: If the Steelers are healthy and are the better team, then they should win no matter where they play. It's obviously tougher on the road and you may possibly have to overcome bad calls, but if your better you can make plays to overcome it.

The overcame Troy's interception reverse call vs the Colts in the 2005 Season playoffs. That teams mindset was: We're better than them, stick together, overcome it.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I stayed off of forums and social media after the game but most was saying what I felt. Been to a football site where fans are neutral and various fans of all teams the other night. 90% was mad how we got screwed and arguing the same things about not enough evidence to overturn the rolling on the field. How Jesse made a football move and was a TD. So if the average NFL fan didn't think it was cool, is it hard to imagine Steeler fans are a little more upset ?

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Point being NFL fans in general are getting sick of these subjective calls and refs overtaking games. So as Steelers fans I think we should be allowed sometime to vent and no funeral here.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Again, I have been a fan for close to 40 years and it never amazes me more when fans on MB's like this treat the#2 seed in the AFC like its the death penalty. :thumbdown:

Try being a fan with Cliff Stoudt, Kent Graham or David Woodley as your QB, or Troy Edwards as one of your best WR's.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Again, I have been a fan for close to 40 years and it never amazes me more when fans on MB's like this treat the#2 seed in the AFC like its the death penalty. :thumbdown:

Try being a fan with Cliff Stoudt, Kent Graham or David Woodley as your QB, or Troy Edwards as one of your best WR's. Maybe we are scared to play them at home and the refs mostly. Of course refs are for the Pats no matter who has the home field.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Maybe we are scared to play them at home and the refs mostly. Of course refs are for the Pats no matter who has the home field.

Good theory. Keep searching, the truth is out there.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Bzmguy_hI/VR584QnQSKI/AAAAAAAAAVg/wGT_SzLOmjo/s1600/the-smoking-man-the-x-files.jpg

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Good theory. Keep searching, the truth is out there.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Bzmguy_hI/VR584QnQSKI/AAAAAAAAAVg/wGT_SzLOmjo/s1600/the-smoking-man-the-x-files.jpg Haha Cancer Man and the truth is out there and NFL favors The Pats for years now and not just against us.

[stillers4me]

Maybe for once, Steelers fans would like home field advantage for once and all the advantages there of........oh...nevermind.........:upyours:

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Again, I have been a fan for close to 40 years and it never amazes me more when fans on MB's like this treat the#2 seed in the AFC like its the death penalty. :thumbdown:

Try being a fan with Cliff Stoudt, Kent Graham or David Woodley as your QB, or Troy Edwards as one of your best WR's. Been there through all too. Actually meant Kent Graham so I'm even more special.

[Edman]

It was a golden opportunity to slay the hated dragon. We had them, and they escaped.

I think it isn't matter of how hard it was, its the fact of now having to deal with the talk of how great and awesome the Patriots are, and how the Steelers aren't in their class, because of a sequence of events that completely decided the game.

Tom Brady was about to get out-Bradyed by Ben, The "Cheerleader" Mike Tomlin was about to outcoach Bill Belichick, and the officials just weren't going to have that. Take that TD off the board, a turnover a play later, and all is right in the narrative of the football world. Bill Belichick is a genius, Tom Brady is the GOAT, and Mike Tomlin is just an incompetent cheerleader, and Ben sucks. That's why people are so sickened by this loss, or at least that is why. This isn't a case of a boneheaded playcall at the goal line like Super Bowl 49, or a comeback from 28-3 down in Super Bowl 51, a GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN was taken off the board so the Patriots have a second chance, and they won. This bullshit is why people utterly despise New England. Patriots fans are so desperate to convince themselves they won due to their "superior talent" and "coaching" and "DA GOAT", and "SQUEELERS LOST LOL" but this should shock no one.

Of course, none of this would've happened in the first place if the Steelers just took care of business earlier in the 4th, and didn't let the officials get ahold of the game in the first place.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Maybe for once, Steelers fans would like home field advantage for once and all the advantages there of........oh...nevermind.........:upyours: Yep we are sick of The Pats getting the easy ride from their division year after year and the 1 seed. Easy ride to the Super Bowl each year when you add in the refs help.

- - - Updated - - -


It was a golden opportunity to slay the hated dragon. We had them, and they escaped.

I think it isn't matter of how hard it was, its the fact of now having to deal with the talk of how great and awesome the Patriots are, and how the Steelers aren't in their class, because of a sequence of events that completely decided the game.

Tom Brady was about to get out-Bradyed by Ben, The "Cheerleader" Mike Tomlin was about to outcoach Bill Belichick, and the officials just weren't going to have that. Take that TD off the board, a turnover a play later, and all is right in the narrative of the football world. Bill Belichick is a genius, Tom Brady is the GOAT, and Mike Tomlin is just an incompetent cheerleader, and Ben sucks. That's why people are so sickened by this loss, or at least that is why.

Of course, none of this would've happened in the first place if the Steelers just took care of business earlier in the 4th, and didn't let the officials get ahold of the game in the first place. Great Post!

[st33lersguy]

This team really has not looked like a Super Bowl team for almost the entire year. This is a team that has done the following:
They beat what may end up being the worst team in NFL history by 3 points in week 1, and actually caused people to think the Browns may make some noise this year
They looked like crap against a mediocre Lions team and only won because the Lions are known chokers and couldn't figure out how to navigate the redzone
They barely beat a dreadful Colts team that looks like it will win 3 or 4 games, winning by only 3 points
They lucked out in playing the Packers at home without Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers, and STILL won by only 3 points
They somehow allowed a 14 point lead at home to a Ravens team struggling to make the playoffs in a weak AFC to turn into an 11 point deficit, and needed a crazy comeback to squeak out a 1 point win
Oh and they lost to a team starting Mike Glennon at QB

[AtlantaDan]

Again, I have been a fan for close to 40 years and it never amazes me more when fans on MB's like this treat the#2 seed in the AFC like its the death penalty. :thumbdown:

Try being a fan with Cliff Stoudt, Kent Graham or David Woodley as your QB, or Troy Edwards as one of your best WR's.

Agreed that those of us who have been Steelers fans for some time have certainly seen worse and that, as you posted yesterday, this is supposed to be an entertaining diversion rather than a source of stress that is not going to (or at least hopefully will not) be a life changing event for anyone posting here regardless of whether the Steelers lose in the first round of the playoffs or win Lombardi #7

But seasons get graded on a curve - expectations for the 2017 Steelers are a bit different than the late 90s Cowher teams or the post-Bradshaw Noll teams

By way of example, Steelers fans were thrilled when the Steelers first made the playoffs in 1972 and by the mid-70s many fans regarded any season not ending with another Lombardi as a failure

Most of us know how not having a franchise QB impacted the Steelers between Bradshaw and Ben while also knowing when Ben leaves, which could be at the end of this season, the championship window presumably will be closing for a while

So while a #2 seed obviously is better than a lower seed or missing the playoffs I think it is understandable that after a game the Steelers should have but were not expected to win there is disappointment with the prospect of probably having to go to Foxboro if there is a rematch

FWIW all fan bases can find a dark cloud somewhere - Pats fan Bill Simmons is mourning that this is probably the last best shot for the Brady Pats and that Belichick screwed up by trading Garoppolo for a second round pick

[DesertSteel]

True - but if two teams theoretically are equal when you factor in the traditional 3 points Vegas adds for home field advantage it is a 6 point swing.
If they're even otherwise, how does 3 points become 6? They aren't taking away 3 from the underdog and also giving 3 to the favorite.

At any rate, I think having AB the whole game is a greater factor than what stadium they play in.

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Maybe for once, Steelers fans would like home field advantage for once and all the advantages there of........oh...nevermind.........:upyours:
How'd home field help us with the refs on Sunday night?

[stillers4me]

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How'd home field help us with the refs on Sunday night?

Apparently, you missed the point....................that WAS my point. If we don't have the advantage in our our stadium then Foxboro is a deathtrap.

[AtlantaDan]

If they're even otherwise, how does 3 points become 6? They aren't taking away 3 from the underdog and also giving 3 to the favorite.

If it is a pick 'em game on a neutral field Steelers theoretically win by 3 at Heinz (say 30-27) and Pats win by 3 at Gillette (say 30-27 again) - that is a 6 point swing - pick up 3 points as the home team and lose three points as the road team

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

FWIW all fan bases can find a dark cloud somewhere -

This is the part that's baffling. This fan base goes looking for dark clouds.

[tube517]

This is the part that's baffling. This fan base goes looking for dark clouds.

Or skies that fall... :chuckle:

(Not a cue to bring out the cat pic!)

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Sky is not falling and we just need time to get over the screw job from Sunday. Again neutral NFL fans said we got screwed and they are tired of the refs and the subjectivity on calls and what teams they choose to call them on.

[DesertSteel]

If it is a pick 'em game on a neutral field Steelers theoretically win by 3 at Heinz (say 30-27) and Pats win by 3 at Gillette (say 30-27 again) - that is a 6 point swing - pick up 3 points as the home team and lose three points as the road team
But you said that the teams were theoretically even. So why would the Steelers win by 3 on a neutral? What am I missing?

[Fire Goodell]

Interesting read for anyone who's superstitious. The #1 seed hasn't been good to us historically, but the #2 seed...

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2017/11/30/16717058/history-shows-the-steelers-might-be-better-off-with-a-no-2-seed-afc-playoffs-patriots

Cliff notes: As the #1 seed we haven't won a sb since 1978, and are 1-4 since then for sb wins. As the #2 seed, since 1979, we've made the sb 4 out of 5 times

[DesertSteel]

Interesting read for anyone who's superstitious. The #1 seed hasn't been good to us historically, but the #2 seed...

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2017/11/30/16717058/history-shows-the-steelers-might-be-better-off-with-a-no-2-seed-afc-playoffs-patriots

Cliff notes: As the #1 seed we haven't won a sb since 1978, and are 1-4 since then for sb wins. As the #2 seed, since 1979, we've made the sb 4 out of 5 times
Exactly! I started a thread on it called Seeding.

[AtlantaDan]

This is the part that's baffling. This fan base goes looking for dark clouds.

My point with the reference to Simmons is that even fans of teams that have been to 6 straight AFC championship games and have won 5 Lombardis in 16 seasons somehow find dark clouds

I do not see it as being more pronounced with Steelers fans but concede I do not visit other teams message boards and mostly know other teams fans through the constant bitching in Atlanta (where the NFL team does not even draw the passion of UGA football)

As far as Steelers fans being depressed about their team continually finding new ways to lose to the Pats I get that is more than creating a dark cloud out of blue skies. It must have been like that for Oilers fans dealing with the 70s Steelers (their beef with a call being a TD catch that was ruled incomplete in an AFC championship game) - at least the Raiders won a Lombardi going through the Steelers and beat the Steelers twice in the playoffs during that era

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Exactly! I started a thread on it called Seeding. Of course give me the 1 seed anytime with Ben as the QB and not Kordell. That may have something to do with it.

[Mojouw]

This team really has not looked like a Super Bowl team for almost the entire year. This is a team that has done the following:
They beat what may end up being the worst team in NFL history by 3 points in week 1, and actually caused people to think the Browns may make some noise this year
They looked like crap against a mediocre Lions team and only won because the Lions are known chokers and couldn't figure out how to navigate the redzone
They barely beat a dreadful Colts team that looks like it will win 3 or 4 games, winning by only 3 points
They lucked out in playing the Packers at home without Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers, and STILL won by only 3 points
They somehow allowed a 14 point lead at home to a Ravens team struggling to make the playoffs in a weak AFC to turn into an 11 point deficit, and needed a crazy comeback to squeak out a 1 point win
Oh and they lost to a team starting Mike Glennon at QB

What 2017 does this not apply to?

Eagles have the best record in the league and they lost to the Chiefs and Seahawks - both flawed teams. They also played two close games (3 and 5 points) against the Giants, who are terrible. Sure they stomped some crap teams, good for them. Against quality competition it was almost always close games. Their offense is largely average on 1st and 2nd down and then turns into "Carson Wentz does something amazing on third down to save the drive" as a plan. Similar to past Steelers offenses that then sputtered and stalled in the playoffs.

There is no dominant team this year and simply coming up with an arbitrary list of grievances doesn't really prove a point. On a neutral field, what NFC or AFC team really looks like the Steelers have no shot and would be totally outclassed? Maybe the Jags because of the dominance of the defense?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

My point with the reference to Simmons is that even fans of teams that have been to 6 straight AFC championship games and have won 5 Lombardis in 16 seasons somehow find dark clouds

I do not see it as being more pronounced with Steelers fans but concede I do not visit other teams message boards and mostly know other teams fans through the constant bitching in Atlanta (where the NFL team does not even draw the passion of UGA football)

As far as Steelers fans being depressed about their team continually finding new ways to lose to the Pats I get that is more than creating a dark cloud out of blue skies. It must have been like that for Oilers fans dealing with the 70s Steelers (their beef with a call being a TD catch that was ruled incomplete in an AFC championship game) - at least the Raiders won a Lombardi going through the Steelers and beat the Steelers twice in the playoffs during that era

Bill Simmons complaining is partly to draw attention to his media outlet. The other part is that he is a neurotic whiner.

As for other teams, I bet the Browns, Bengals, Bills, Dolphins and other mostly bottom half of the league complains enough about not making the playoffs and having bad teams, but one could argue that the Steelers have been one of the handful of most successful teams of the past decade and fans complain about possibly being the #2 seed. Its all perspective and not a great one IMO.

Win your division and get into the playoffs should be the 1st goal. Get a bye should be the next and get the #1 seed should be the 3rd. Once the 2nd season starts, its really anybody's game, but a lot of fans look at a 13-3 season and only see the dark cloud of the #2 seed. Too bad for them.

[st33lersguy]

What 2017 does this not apply to?

Eagles have the best record in the league and they lost to the Chiefs and Seahawks - both flawed teams. They also played two close games (3 and 5 points) against the Giants, who are terrible. Sure they stomped some crap teams, good for them. Against quality competition it was almost always close games. Their offense is largely average on 1st and 2nd down and then turns into "Carson Wentz does something amazing on third down to save the drive" as a plan. Similar to past Steelers offenses that then sputtered and stalled in the playoffs.

There is no dominant team this year and simply coming up with an arbitrary list of grievances doesn't really prove a point. On a neutral field, what NFC or AFC team really looks like the Steelers have no shot and would be totally outclassed? Maybe the Jags because of the dominance of the defense?

Except other teams with double digit wins like the Eagles, Saints, Jaguars, Rams, Vikings, and Patriots, they at least have multiple dominant victories over inferior teams and point differentials over +100. Steelers allow weaker teams to take them down to the final play nearly every single week, and their point differential isn't even as good as the f-ing Ravens of all teams. At the very least, there are multiple teams that have looked better and more dominant consistently than this Steelers team.

[Mojouw]

Except other teams with double digit wins like the Eagles, Saints, Jaguars, Rams, Vikings, and Patriots, they at least have multiple dominant victories over inferior teams and point differentials over +100. Steelers allow weaker teams to take them down to the final play nearly every single week, and their point differential isn't even as good as the f-ing Ravens of all teams. At the very least, there are multiple teams that have looked better and more dominant consistently than this Steelers team.

Meh. They are also second in the league with wins. So what do those two taken together mean?

They beat the Vikings. The Vikings are better now but so are the Steelers.
Eagles now feature Nick Foles. Foles is good-ish but not capable of the weekly MVP level performances that Wentz was. Call it a push and Ben R is the trump card.
Rams. Scary good defense that took apart the Seahawks last week. Aaron Donald should make everyone quake in fear. Steelers have far more weapons on offense than anyone the Rams have beat.
Saints. Two headed monster at RB. Emerging playmakers on defense. Really good team that can score with anyone and now may have a defense to match. One of the scariest draws in the field.
Patriots. Just watched the Steelers go punch for punch with them.
Jags. This is the AFC team that worries me the most. Has the defense to slow or stop the Steelers on offense.

With all the above said, I still don't see a team that on "any given Sunday" the Steelers can't beat. I mean are they going into the playoffs locked and loaded like some dominant teams of the past? Nope. But we've also seen dominant Steelers teams fizzle in the playoffs.

I like this team's chances against anyone. I can also see them laying an egg against anyone. Same can be said for the entire playoff field.

[AtlantaDan]

But you said that the teams were theoretically even. So why would the Steelers win by 3 on a neutral? What am I missing?

I do not recall saying if Pats and Steelers theoretically were equal the Steelers would win on a neutral field - I said it would be pick 'em game

Going with the hypothetical three point home field advantage for two evenly matched teams would go like this for the pointspread

Patriots-Steelers on a neutral field - Even
Patriots-Steelers at Heinz - Steelers favored by 3
Patriots-Steelers at Gillette- Patriots favored by 3

Switching from home to road flips the point spread 6 points

:drink:

[DesertSteel]

I do not recall saying if Pats and Steelers theoretically were equal the Steelers would win on a neutral field - I said it would be pick 'em game

Going with the hypothetical three point home field advantage for two evenly matched teams would go like this for the pointspread

Patriots-Steelers on a neutral field - Even
Patriots-Steelers at Heinz - Steelers favored by 3
Patriots-Steelers at Gillette- Patriots favored by 3

Switching from home to road flips the point spread 6 points

:drink:
Gotcha. But the Steelers were underdogs even in their own building. It’s just a matter of how much. I’ll still take AB and Haden over 6 points.

This team is very good at one thing: Overcoming Adversity (credit to Tomlin). I think the way this one ended created just the right amount of adversity :)

[AtlantaDan]

Gotcha. But the Steelers were underdogs even in their own building. It’s just a matter of how much. I’ll still take AB and Haden over 6 points.

This team is very good at one thing: Overcoming Adversity (credit to Tomlin). I think the way this one ended created just the right amount of adversity :)

Agreed AB and Haden are difference makers although I would expect Belichick to make the better adjustments if there is a round two

Even though the final score landed on the Pats being favored by 3 at Heinz IMO that spread was inflated by the Pats traditionally abusing the Steelers (e.g. - Bouchette telling peter King after the Ravens game he expected the Pats to "clobber" the Steelers)

I certainly do not expect the Pats to be favored by 9 (which would be the 6 point flip from the spread for the game at Heinz) if there is a rematch at Gillette and all the stars are ready to play

[teegre]

It was a golden opportunity to slay the hated dragon. We had them, and they escaped.

I think it isn't matter of how hard it was, its the fact of now having to deal with the talk of how great and awesome the Patriots are, and how the Steelers aren't in their class, because of a sequence of events that completely decided the game.

Tom Brady was about to get out-Bradyed by Ben, The "Cheerleader" Mike Tomlin was about to outcoach Bill Belichick, and the officials just weren't going to have that. Take that TD off the board, a turnover a play later, and all is right in the narrative of the football world. Bill Belichick is a genius, Tom Brady is the GOAT, and Mike Tomlin is just an incompetent cheerleader, and Ben sucks. That's why people are so sickened by this loss, or at least that is why. This isn't a case of a boneheaded playcall at the goal line like Super Bowl 49, or a comeback from 28-3 down in Super Bowl 51, a GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN was taken off the board so the Patriots have a second chance, and they won. This bullshit is why people utterly despise New England. Patriots fans are so desperate to convince themselves they won due to their "superior talent" and "coaching" and "DA GOAT", and "SQUEELERS LOST LOL" but this should shock no one.

Of course, none of this would've happened in the first place if the Steelers just took care of business earlier in the 4th, and didn't let the officials get ahold of the game in the first place.

Bravo!!!

[DesertSteel]

What bothers me more than anything... by far, is after JJ scored I saw my 12-year-old son get more excited than I have ever seen in his entire life (literally). He went hysterical running through the house screaming touchdown about 40 times. He came back and they were still reviewing the play. He sat in complete silence, crushed as the game unfolded to its despicable ending. Crap like this is why the NFL is turning off a generation.

[Born2Steel]

There is an entire generation of fans that have only lived in a world where the Steelers and Patriots are good every year. These 2 teams are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs each season. Therefore, when these things don't play out, their world comes crashing down. I can only claim the Steelers from the mid-late 70s, so my first 20 years as a fan saw Superbowls, then about 7 years of suck, then hopes got high and dashed for a few years, all the way back to where we are now. We have been extremely lucky as Steelers fans. The Patriots have also been lucky for this generation. These rivalries, these triumphs, these heart breakers, are all what makes football great for fans. Either you can handle the roller coasters or you can't, but if 3 consecutive years of not making the playoffs would make you quit football, if that is the end all, this is not the sport for you. Because those seasons WILL happen. There will be a period of suck. Hopefully it won't be here for many years, and won't last long when it does happen, but be assured it will eventually happen. This is for both Steelers AND Patriots fans. It is just a game, this is not life, nor even slightly important in the scheme of things. It is entertainment and escape. Plus, you could be a Browns fan.

[86WARD]

lol. Because they can pick who they play.

[AtlantaDan]

There is an entire generation of fans that have only lived in a world where the Steelers and Patriots are good every year. These 2 teams are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs each season. Therefore, when these things don't play out, their world comes crashing down. I can only claim the Steelers from the mid-late 70s, so my first 20 years as a fan saw Superbowls, then about 7 years of suck, then hopes got high and dashed for a few years, all the way back to where we are now. We have been extremely lucky as Steelers fans. The Patriots have also been lucky for this generation. These rivalries, these triumphs, these heart breakers, are all what makes football great for fans. Either you can handle the roller coasters or you can't, but if 3 consecutive years of not making the playoffs would make you quit football, if that is the end all, this is not the sport for you. Because those seasons WILL happen. There will be a period of suck. Hopefully it won't be here for many years, and won't last long when it does happen, but be assured it will eventually happen. This is for both Steelers AND Patriots fans. It is just a game, this is not life, nor even slightly important in the scheme of things. It is entertainment and escape. Plus, you could be a Browns fan.

Great post on keeping perspective and appreciating what we have as Steelers fans

Related reality check tweet from Mark Kaboly

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