Monday, November 27, 2006

Football



In Other News

Okay, I also have a job and sometimes that keeps me busy.

The Baltimore Ravens played the Pittsburgh Steelers over the weekend. Here is an article about the game. Now, I think you would be hard-pressed to disagree that the Ravens never get any respect. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl, the only "football analyst" to pick them was Sterling Sharpe, and the only reason he picked the Ravens to win is that his brother, Shannon, was on the team.

Typical of Sports Illustrated, they think the Steelers are the best team ever. Right behind them are the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN, however, is not much better. Can you guess the sources of this article?

Big Ben Sacked 9 Times, Steelers Blanked By Ravens

BALTIMORE (AP) -- While sacking Ben Roethlisberger nine times, the Baltimore Ravens slightly reduced the Pittsburgh Steelers chance of successfully defending their Super Bowl title. Though still considered one of the best teams in the AFC North, the Steelers did not play well against the overrated Ravens, who, despite their nine wins, struggled throughout the game.

The Ravens troubles have haunted them all season. With Brian Billick's job on the line, he made some quick changes, firing offensive coordinator and long-time friend, Jim Fassel. Billick now controls the offensive play calling, but many wonder if this is enough. Though offensive play has improved slightly, many wonder if it will be enough to stop the surging Bengals.

McNair, thought to be the answer to the Ravens offensive problems, only threw for 140 yards, whereas Ben Roethlisberger, one of the best quarterbacks in the league over the past few years, threw for 214 yards. Baltimore, trying to find their grove, was forced to put Kyle Boller into the game. The Ravens struggled with penalties throughout the game, losing 87 yards on 10 penalties. Pittsburgh, which maintained good ball presence, only suffered 4 penalties for 28 yards.

The Steelers had some impressive drives showing that they are still in the driver's seat. Nate Washington received the ball 4 times for 49 yards, one catch alone for 27 yards. Also on the receiving end was Cedrick Wilson, also with 4 catches for 49 yards. The Steelers defense showed to be more formidable, shutting down Jamal Lewis, limiting him to only 66 yards. In the field, Todd Heap was held to 58 yards and 7 catches and veteran Derek Mason was held to 5 catches for 43 yards.

The loss was a minor setback for the Steelers. However, fans should not be dismayed as they play Tampa Bay and Cleveland at home, both winnable games. Also on the schedule are the Panthers who are in the midst of a major slump, losing to the Redskins yesterday. Following this game the Ravens come to Pittsburgh, where the Ravens have struggled. A strong showing throughout the remainder of the season could easily vault the Steelers into the playoffs.

The Ravens, however, have tough games at Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh, with home games against the surging Browns and Bills. Most analysts agree that the Ravens will need to do more to make a run at the playoffs, faint as their odds may be. A poor showing in the standings surely will end Brian Billick's career in Baltimore.

Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, the Bengals proved why they are the best team in the AFC North with a decisive win over the Browns, 30-0. The Bengals have the Ravens in their site and with a few solid wins, could easily swing ahead of the Ravens.

Dixon on Baltimore

When asked about the Ravens chances of winning it all, Baltimore mayor-default Sheila Dixon, said that she hopes the Ravens can really play above the rim and have a good chance of winning the NAACP Championship.

Ms. Dixon also said that she wants to increase state funding to city schools. Ain't that great? City schools already receive an average of $9000 per student per year. We could send these kids to private schools cheaper than that. Why are we, as taxpayers, sending them to drug-infested, bullet-ridden insane asylums?

One for the funny pages

Six years after Bill Clinton, the President who stole the Most Promiscuous President of All-Time Award from Kennedy, left Washington D.C., we see the new class photos from a beltway elementary school.

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