Superbowl XL

[philnikki]

It only seems fitting that a Pittsburgh Steelers fan starts this thread! :D

Let the smack talk, and score predictions begin!!!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/philnikki/capt.jpg

[TazLuv]

I'm not a fan of either team but it looks to be a good game. I've liked Rothlisberger so I suppose I'll be cheering for the Steelers. Can't beleive I just said that! :p

[hockeybrat]

I'll be cheering for the local team.

Go SEAHAWKS!

[southerner]

I'm happy to see both of these teams go to the Superbowl. Even if I am a Pats fan stuck in Panther hell, I think they both deserve to be there.

[lawyergirl25]

PACKERS fan cheering for the STEELERS... I just can't make myself cheer for Matt "We Want the Ball and We're Going to Score" Hasselbeck. ;) Besides, I love THE BUS and I'm really hoping he gets a SB ring before he retires.

GO STEELERS!!

[Chimichanga]

I actually think this year's game will be a good one. We've had some blowouts in the past - this one could be a good one...where I'll actually watch the second half for more than just the commercials. :p

[Secret_Squirrel]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20060122/180x270hawks2.jpg

Woo-hoo!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2006/01/22/2002756187.jpg

[Sposa06]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/bremertonian/football/SeahawksLogoFlag1.jpg

[euphorhea]

Seattleites don't really "talk smack" when it comes to sports. We are just happy to have made it into the Superbowl. :D

Hopefully, they'll win one for the 12th man, though!

[julifromjersey]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df02b3127cce969bd4818de700000015108RbtmTRu1Y

[Secret_Squirrel]

Seattleites don't really "talk smack" when it comes to sports. We are just happy to have made it into the Superbowl. :D


Yes! Plus, a lot of us are too polite. Ask the people who wore Carolina jerseys around town last week - Sam Carlson, 28, of Charlotte was quoted in the paper: "I was expecting people to talk trash, but all they said was, 'Welcome to Seattle.' "

Besides, I'm too superstitious. I don't want to curse the team by being over-confident. :D

[TracieB]

I honestly don't know who to cheer for. I'm a disgruntled Colts fan and am still really, really disappointed about their crappy performance a couple weeks ago.

I'm an Indiana University grad and Randel El was our quarterback while I was there, so in that sense, I'll be cheering for the Steelers. Plus, it doesn't make the Colts look so bad if the team that beats us goes on to win the Big Game.

But on the other hand, I love that the Seahawks have never been to the Super Bowl in franchise history and it would be cool to see them win. But, I don't like Matt Hasselback's wife, Elizabeth (on The View - she drives me NUTS!!!), so that's one reason why I don't want them to win. (I know it's a weird reason, but so annoys me to no end!)

Sooooo.... I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I want the Steelers to win! It would be cool to see the Bus go out in style! He seems like a very cool guy.

[annielynn]

Here we go Steelers, Here we go!! Kick some Seahawk butt in SB XL! :)

[ajlanden]

BRONCOS fan cheering for the Steelers. You are on a roll!!!! I hope you roll right on over the Seahawks!

[JillyB]

But, I don't like Matt Hasselback's wife, Elizabeth (on The View - she drives me NUTS!!!), so that's one reason why I don't want them to win. (I know it's a weird reason, but so annoys me to no end!)
I'm pretty sure that Elizabeth's hubby is Tim Hasselback (back-up QB for the Giants), and Tim and Matt are brothers. Just FYI. ;)

I'm a Steelers fan by marriage...So, I hope they "get the one for the thumb!"

[Chimichanga]

It's so fun to see such passionate sports fans - who aren't men!! DH works in sports so I'm so used to having these types of discussions with men who pour over this stuff.

I have to say, though, I do hope the Steelers win. I'd love to see Bettis have such a perfect farewell. I like Cower (okay, I have NO clue how to spell his name) as a coach and I think he's done a really good job keeping a consistently decent team throughout his career.

[mortiz]

I will definately be rooting for the Steelers all the way. This has been a long hard road and I hope they go all the way. Though, I will love them either way....once a Steelers fan always a Steelers fan. :D

[euphorhea]

It took us 30 years to get here. 30 YEARS!

I'm not going to knock on the Steeler because that team seems to be the team to beat [their defense, especially...] but I can't go against the hometeam. It would seem all kinds of wrong if I did. ;)

The critics predicted we'd never make it. I'm glad we proved them wrong.

So may the best team win. Really.

I'll be happy either way.


:)

[Sposa06]

I'm a fan of the Steelers - I really am. I've enjoyed watching Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward for years, and I think Ben Roethlisberger is pretty amazing. I even think their defense is better than advertised.

However ...

I'm a Seahawks fan, born and raised! I'll be rooting for the Seahawks all the way! After 30 years, we deserve it! The whole region has Seahawks fever - it's really pretty incredible! Our team this year is incredible, too. We have so many players who are so talented and versatile - and they really all play together! The Seahawks are an amazing team!

And yes, Matt Hasselbeck is Elizabeth Hasselbeck's brother-in-law, not husband! :)

[msnicolea]

Packers fan rooting for the Steelers--I love Bill Cowher and the Bus!

[taragiraffe]

Go Steelers!
http://www.post-gazette.com/images3/20060123pd_ward_bettis_fbnPJ_450.jpg

[TracieB]

Good to know! I still don't like her though ;)

[Rosebud]

I'm rooting for the Seahawks. DH grew up in Seattle and is a big fan-- plus, the city of Seattle is SO excited about this and I'd love to see them win it. The Steelers are tough, though. I think this might be the most interesting Super Bowl in recent history-- these are two great teams!

[jennylou]

Hate, hate, hate the Steelers. Comes from living in Steeler country for about six years. I suppose if I was born and raised, it would be different, but I moved there in high school. They all seemed so cocky (fans and team a like) HATED that they would start playing the Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl song in July. My dads family is all in Pittsburgh and think I'm rotten for hating the Steelers, but I just do.:p

Go Seahawks! :)

[Daniel's Kitty]

We are really hoping for the Steelers, but I am just happy that both teams really deserve to be there. It looks like it will be a great game!!

Go Steelers

Sorry little boys are very curious and must help type, I hope I fixed the errors that happened in the sentences. I let him say hi though.
mkkkkkkkkkkko

[kissmary]

Pittburgher checking in! Go Steelers!

[jimmysgirl424]

Ravens fan here. I'm rooting for the Seahawks...I really want to see them win their very first Super Bowl ever!! Go Seahawks!!

[msnicolea]

taragiraffe--I LOVE your icon. When I was a kid and the Steelers were going for #5, one of my best friends wore a tee shirt that said that on it--I'm feeling very nostalgic now!!!

[Natasha]

I've been a Seahawks fan for years, and living in the SF bay area, I always get made fun of! But, this year THEY made it to the Superbowl (hahaha, it feels so good! lol), and I would love, love, LOVE for them to win. But if they don't, Seahawks still made it to the Superbowl, and I am beyond excited just for that!

[taragiraffe]

taragiraffe--I LOVE your icon. When I was a kid and the Steelers were going for #5, one of my best friends wore a tee shirt that said that on it--I'm feeling very nostalgic now!!!

Thanks! I've made thousands of icons/signatures, but that one is definately one of my very favorites!

I'm so excited to see all these Steeler fans in here!! :D

[TerpsFan]

Ravens fan here. I'm rooting for the Seahawks...I really want to see them win their very first Super Bowl ever!! Go Seahawks!!

Another Ravens fan here! I'll root for anybody BUT the Steelers...

[Daisy]

Go Hawks!!

[Michelle]

But, this year THEY made it to the Superbowl (hahaha, it feels so good! lol), and I would love, love, LOVE for them to win. But if they don't, Seahawks still made it to the Superbowl, and I am beyond excited just for that!


This is exactly how I feel. I'm really hoping that the Seahawks win but I'm just so excited that they are actually going to playing in the Superbowl! It's crazy! The Seahawks in the Superbowl? I'm still getting used to that idea! :)

Go Hawks!

[jimmysgirl424]

Another Ravens fan here! I'll root for anybody BUT the Steelers...


Got that right. I've been to several Ravens/Steelers games at M&T Bank Stadium and every time the Steelers fans that attend have been highly obnoxious, not to mention rude. I just can't bring myself to root for them and I don't care about the fact that they are in our division.

[philnikki]

Ok, I have sat silent long enough in RE: All of the Steelers fans are arrogant, rude, etc.

I have been to enough sporting events to know that EVERYONE's team has fans that are rude. I think its pretty unfair to say that only the Steelers fans are capable of being overzealous. So what - your teams lost and now you have resorted to personal jabs at Steelers fans?!? Haters suck :p And notice, I don't see any Seahawks fans making these comments! I think its great that we are playing them in the Superbowl and I look forward to a hard fought game against a well respected opponent (although I hope we win in the end! he he). Let's keep the talk about the game, and the teams please. I don't think anyone likes being called names.

[Daniel's Kitty]

I would have to agree that every team has some bad fans. It isn't the teams fault that there are nuts.

[jimmysgirl424]

Ok, I have sat silent long enough in RE: All of the Steelers fans are arrogant, rude, etc.

I have been to enough sporting events to know that EVERYONE's team has fans that are rude. I think its pretty unfair to say that only the Steelers fans are capable of being overzealous. So what - your teams lost and now you have resorted to personal jabs at Steelers fans?!? Haters suck :p And notice, I don't see any Seahawks fans making these comments! I think its great that we are playing them in the Superbowl and I look forward to a hard fought game against a well respected opponent (although I hope we win in the end! he he). Let's keep the talk about the game, and the teams please. I don't think anyone likes being called names.


Thank you, but I'm not a 'hater'. I have been to many games playing many different teams and IMO Steelers fans are the worst of the bunch as far as being rude and obnoxious. And there is a huge difference in being 'overzealous' and causing fights in the stands; which has happened on every single Ravens/Steelers game that I have personally attended. Oh, my opinion has nothing to do with the fact that 'my team lost'....the Ravens played badly this year and got stomped on as a result. Period.


ETA I agree, though, that I allowed myself to be sidetracked in this thread! It should be about the teams, as previously stated. Sorry ladies!

[philnikki]

jimmysgirl424 - I pm'd you too, but just to respond: On behalf of the Steelers community I personally apologize for the fact that our fans have not carried themselves in a respectful manner at your functions. That's unacceptable, and downright not classy. I just thought making that blanket statement was unfair, because I am a Steelers fan and I have been to games and I have never started a fight or been rude to anyone. I have also had the not so fun experience to see Ravens fans being rude as well and starting fights at our games in Pittsburgh, hence my statement that no one is perfect, and all teams have rude fans.

[Jen&Dan]

I am for the Steelers all the way baby!!!

[jimmysgirl424]

jimmysgirl424 - I pm'd you too, but just to respond: On behalf of the Steelers community I personally apologize for the fact that our fans have not carried themselves in a respectful manner at your functions. That's unacceptable, and downright not classy. I just thought making that blanket statement was unfair, because I am a Steelers fan and I have been to games and I have never started a fight or been rude to anyone. I have also had the not so fun experience to see Ravens fans being rude as well and starting fights at our games in Pittsburgh, hence my statement that no one is perfect, and all teams have rude fans.


Agreed. And I should have stated that I have also seen Ravens fans (although not me personally) behave just as badly on occasion. I guess sometimes football just brings out the worst in certain people. :)

[jellybeany]

I'm a Giants fan rooting for the Steelers.

DH is a Bills fan also rooting for the Steelers.

We don't have anything against the Seahawks but we would like to see The Bus win it. :)

[msnicolea]

LOVE him!

http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/fantasy/football/img6889479.jpg

What a cutie patootie!

[lawyergirl25]

He's adorable :)

I can't wait for Sunday! I need to figure out what we're doing Sunday night for the game. DH has to have SS at a decent hour, but we'd like to watch at least part of the game together. Anybody (and I know this is a long shot since it largely depends on the game) have a tenative schedule in their minds of game time, half time and end of the game? I don't even know when kickoff is!

[princesse]

I LOVE the STEELERS!!!!! It is so cool to be in Pittsburgh right now. The whole city is totally nuts. It's such a great experience, especially for the kids. We are teaching them how to be good sports, don't worry:-) The Steelers are a team with a good heart for the community and this is a city with a great heart for the team, so it is great to see this happen. The guys are ALL adorable with thier warm smiles. It would just be fantasmic to see them win on Sunday.

I think kickoff is somewhere around 6:30 or so.

ONE FOR THE THUMB! We've been saying it since we (ok since I) was in elementary school..... we need a new saying!

[shoegal]

Checking in! Go Steelers!!!!!!!! I was recruited to the Steelers' fanbase by SO (three years ago) and found out that that is a family tradition! I met the grandparents last month and if anyone ever wants any Steeler's history-they can answer it. Plus, what a great story about Jerome Bettis. Ending his career where it began. They are all just great guys.

Go Steelers!!!!

[princesse]

OFFICIAL KICK OFF......6:31 PM! Eastern Steelers Time!

[euphorhea]

It's starting to get ugly. Porter definitely doesn't hold back, does he?

But yeah...

I LOOOOOOFA TATUPU!

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2005/09/26/PH2005092601691.jpg

Again, no disrespect to Pittsburgh [I was rootin for them last year when Big Ben blew it. :( ], but I gotta root for the hometeam this year.

[taragiraffe]

It's starting to get ugly. Porter definitely doesn't hold back, does he?
*Snort*

[Sposa06]

Tatupu is AWESOME! I am so excited that he stepped up so quickly!

I mentioned earlier that there are a lot of Steelers I really do like. Joey Porter ... definitely not one of them!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Seattle Fan Here-
The vibe here is so amazing... Everyone is really rooting for the home team! And I love watching the Hawks play... We don't have just one guy that runs the show and it's great to watch a TEAM make it to the Superbowl.

Why I am so modest- I never thought we would make it... I remember when I was little and you couldn't give away Seahawks tickets! I am so happy for them for gong so far and I love watching them this year.

Also- We have had so many close calls with our other teams and national championships (Mariners and the Sonics have came close in the 90's) that I would just love for Seattle to finally get one under it's belt!

Sorry- I should add that it's about time the men in Seattle catch up. The Seattle Storm has one championship under their belt.

[Secret_Squirrel]

Oh yeah Porter. Keep your Porter-mouth running, you're just giving our guys inspiration!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2006/01/22/2002756105.jpg

[Sposa06]

From the Seattle Times (http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/seahawks/index.html#009064):

Big Ben backlash

Posted by Seattle Times at 01:56 PM

Before arriving in Detroit on Saturday, some of the more flamboyant members of the Seahawkers booster club spent the night at a motel in Findlay, Ohio, hometown of Pittsburgh Steelers second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Y'know, just to be jerks.

But they discovered that the guy with the reputation in town as the biggest jerk of all is none other than Big Ben himself.

As they shopped the aisles of the Kroger grocery store, decked out in Seahawks gear, people stopped them to say they were courageous. But at a Findlay restaurant, both the waitress and the bartender told them that Roethlisberger's hometown is lukewarm over the kid. The waitress said she wanted to root for Roethlisberger, but just couldn't, knowing what she knew.

The front-desk person at the motel told them Big Ben and his entourage once acted like such Big Jerks there, that Roethlisberger's mother wrote the motel a letter of apology. The Seahawkers got a particular kick out of that.

"After a while, we started to feel very comfortable in his hometown," Bruce "PaintedHawk" McMillan said.

-- Stuart Eskenazi

[Pghchic]

Hi,

I can not wait for the game tonight GO STEELERS I am from Pittsburgh so definately hoping the home team wins. I want Bettis to win a supwerbowl ring in his hometown so bad. As far as Ben being a jerk there are always tons of stories around about athletes both times I have met him he has been nice.

[Rosebud]

Today's the day!!

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

[philnikki]

CONGRATULATIONS STEELERS!!!!SUPERBOWL XL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

Yahoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WON WE WON WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pghchic]

WOOHOO!!!!! I am so glad that Bettis went out with a ring it tooke me 3 hours to get home last night which normally should be a 1 hour drive everything was crazy I was loving it though.

[msnicolea]

Crappy game but great outcome--really happy for Bettis and Cowher!

[batgirl]

To start with... I am not a Seahawks or a Steelers fan, but I did watch the game, and all I can say is that Seattle really got the shaft in regards to the refs. I honestly believe that the Seattle outplayed the Steelers, they just must have pissed of the refs somehow. And like I said, I wasn't rooting for either.

So, congratulations Steelers fans, but I really suspect that the outcome would have been different if it would have been called fairly. Even John Madden questioned the calls... has he ever done that before?

[Pghchic]

I do agree that the Seahawks played better in the first half but they couldn't finish our Defense held them. Pretty Much the announcers are always against the Steelers we almost lost a Playoff game against the Colts because of bad calls. I really don't think the game was called bad at all.

[jrdhbunny]

all I can say is that Seattle really got the shaft in regards to the refs
I completely disagree. There were only two calls that I remember being questionable, but that was it. And neither one would have changed the outcome of the game. I thought there were a few that could have been called against Seattle that weren't (block in the back against Ben, anyone?).

ETA- In the interest of full disclosure, I am a devoted Steelers fan.

[msnicolea]

There were a few questionable calls on both sides--there always are.

If the Seattle receivers could CATCH the ball, they could have won the game. How many drops did the Seahawks receivers have? It was an incredibly high number.

neither team played their best, which was disappointing, but sometimes that happens. There haven't been that many GREAT Super Bowls.

[batgirl]

Really, you guys think it was called fairly? Well, I guess your are a bit biased...

I've read a few newspapers (non seattle btw), espn, and a couple other websites and they are saying that it was terrible officiating. Some blogs are saying that the NFL has become as bad as WWF (fixed outcomes...)

That rinky-dink offensive pass interference flag wiped out an early touchdown pass, forcing Seattle to settle for three instead of seven. (Granted, this was right in front of an official, so its possible they could call it when it usually isn't called)... But when Roethlisberger lunged for the goal line near the end of the first half, replays indicated a close play but a clear stop by the Seahawks. Nope—touchdown, Steelers. Then it really got bad...With the Seahawks trailing 14-10, a phantom holding call negated a completion that would have given Seattle first and goal at the one yard line (even Madden said "I don't see where there is a hold"). And then the tackle by Hasselbeck was called a "block below the waist." Come on! When is the last time you saw a penalty on a QB for making a tackle below the waist?

It was really really bad officiating... Sorry Seattle, you got robbed... (and this is coming from a Bears/Lions fan... I'm used to losing with great officiating!)

[msnicolea]

I'm a Packers fan and am not biased at all--I think there were some bad calls, but there are ALWAYS bad calls--I am a big proponent of instant replay. I don't think for one second, however, that those calls made the difference in the game.

I think Rothleb was in--the ball only has to touch any part of the goal line--it doesn't have to cross all the way in. Hasselback threw a very costly interception (as did Roth), and the Seattle receivers played very poorly.

[batgirl]

I'm a Packers fan and am not biased at all--I think there were some bad calls, but there are ALWAYS bad calls--

I do agree.

I don't think for one second, however, that those calls made the difference in the game.

I really disagree with this. Instead of the shaky offensive pass interference call, the Seahawks would have gotten a touchdown (+4pts). The "holding call" that seems undisputed as a terrible call, would have put the seahawks first and goal at the 1 yard line, thus probably scoring (+7pts). Even without overturning the bad Steeler touchdown or the bad below the waist block call, this would have been a score of 21-21. Factor in those two others and you have a seattle victory.

Okay, enough stirring the pot on my end. I was just really curious to see what other people (mainly non-steelers fans, because of the obvious bias) thought about the officiating.

[jrdhbunny]

I was just really curious to see what other people (mainly non-steelers fans, because of the obvious bias) thought about the officiating.
Hmmm. Yes- I am biased. I admit that freely. But I'm not sure why my eyesight or knowledge of football is any worse than a non-biased fan. I will definitely give you the Roethlisberger TD (although I do think the ball broke the plane) and the personal foul against Hasselbeck. I don't like that Joey Porter trashtalks- I think he should have been called for taunting on more than one occasion. But the other calls? A penalty is a penalty. There is no such thing as letting one slide because hey, it's not really that bad. Jackson pushed off against Hope. If that were allowed, receivers would do it all day. Pass Interference already favors the offense enough without that. If a guy holds a defender on the play, it's a hold. Seattle committed way too many penalties and they were caught doing it. And like I said before- there were others that weren't called that seemed fairly obvious to me. And if the game were truly fixed, the refs would have allowed Hasselbeck's (non)fumble to stand. ;)

[philnikki]

So, if you are a Seattle fan you are "unbiased"?

Or if you are an "anti-steelers" fan, you are "unbiased"?

Hmm, that seems real fair.

Regardless, you all are biased one way or another, and that's not a bad thing! What IS a bad thing is being a sore loser. There were plenty of times during that game, I was thinking that we were going to lose, and had made up my mind that I was going to post a congratulations to the Seahawks. (You know, be a good loser. ) I think that the perspectives as far as the play calling being right/wrong that have been posted by both sides are fair, but msnicolea is right, EVERY game has bad calls. And to suggest that the refs were paid off or something is just downright ridiculous! The Steelers hardly EVER get any love from officiating crews, and ESPECIALLY in recent memory! (Colts game, anyone?)

Anyway -- I am sorry that your team lost, but it just downright isn't classy to suggest that the game was fixed. If there is one lesson I will teach my child is that if she loses, even if it wasn't fair, she needs to shake the opponents hand, congratulate them, and keep trying to win next time.

[taragiraffe]

From one biased (and completely ecstatic) Steelers fan to another, jrdhbunny...I couldn't have said it better. :)

Even John Madden questioned the calls
Now there's a shocker. :rolleyes:

[euphorhea]

Well, you know what we, in Seattle think. But what can we do about it now? Absolutely nothing.

EVERYONE wanted the Bus to win in his hometown and EVERYONE wanted the Steelers to win it all... and they did.

End of story.

BUT you do have to admit that there were a lot of ridiculous calls being thrown the entire time [favoring heavily upon the Steelers] -- and had it gone the other way, I'm sure all of the Steeler fans would feel the same way. [Porter would be the first to admit it was cheating, I'm sure...]

We can go on and on about it but it won't change anything. What's done is done and there is no going back.

It's just interesting to know that those who doubted us, both ESPN, FOX and everyone else in this world, are now doubting the officiating of the game. It just all seems weird, is all.

Oh well.

Congrats to the city of Pittsburgh and to all of the Steeler fans out there.

:)

[cgmom313]

First I have to say a huge congrats to the Steelers. I am so happy for the Bus. But I am so happy for the MVP. Hines Ward is my favorite and I am sitting here with my #86 jersey on today. :D

Ya know, I have sat through many football games with bad calls. All the games have bad calls. But as Mike Holgrem said last night on an interview. I complain about bad calls every game, this just happens to be the Super Bowl. He said the only call in his mind that was bad was the Ben TD. He said they missed opportunities. How about the 2 missed field Goals that were wide? The TD they should have had when the receiver was Out of Bounds?
If Mike Holgrem doesnt even ? the refs why should the fans.

I think the Seahawks are a good young team and will back soon enough if they can keep some of the key players with free agency.

[cgmom313]

Sorry one last thing on the whole Joey Porter thing.

Jerermy Stevens opened up his trap first with the trash talking. He should know that Joey Porter was going to talk back so I am not sure why people are surprised. It is funny that Jeremy talked trash first and dropped about every ball that was thrown his way last night. I am sure all Joey Porter could do was laugh!

No one not even the media every mentioned that Jeremy Stevens started the whole talk and then Mike Holgrem shut him up after that. On the other side Cowher said he let Joey talk to keep pressure off of Ben and others. I thought that was very funny.

Ok... Back to the regular schedule program.

[jrdhbunny]

euphorhea- It's interesting that you say that because I think that in the week before the Super Bowl, there was kind of a backlash against the "Bettis Returns Home" story. And I thought that the commentators on all shows began to talk more about the advantages that the Seahawks had over the Steelers- most crews were split 50/50 on their picks.

[Porter would be the first to admit it was cheating, I'm sure...]
Hee! FWIW, I didn't agree at all with what Porter said after the Colts game (although he wasn't the only one who said it). While I believe that the officials blew two huge calls in that game, I certainly don't think the game was fixed.

I personally think that the Seahawks are a great team and that they were extremely gracious in defeat. Holmgren, Stevens and Hasselbeck in particular are really classy guys- my proverbial hat is off to them.

[msnicolea]

Jerramy Stevens also had a terrible game--dropped pass after dropped pass (4 total). And I want to aadd that while Michael Smith wrote an article about the refs on ESPN.com (and I like Michael Smith--but this isn't a new position for him to take), other writers have not made those types of claims. There are multiple articles from multiple authors talking aout the quality of play, not the quality of refereeing. I guarantee you, after every major sporting event, there are people who questions the officiating--it always happens. I have lost my share of games (my teams, I mean) where BS calls were involved. However, had the field goals been made and the passes caught, those calls wouldn't have mattered. It rarely comes down (solely) to the officials, and I don't think it did last night.

[batgirl]

So, if you are a Seattle fan you are "unbiased"?

Or if you are an "anti-steelers" fan, you are "unbiased"?

Hmm, that seems real fair.

Regardless, you all are biased one way or another, and that's not a bad thing! What IS a bad thing is being a sore loser. There were plenty of times during that game, I was thinking that we were going to lose, and had made up my mind that I was going to post a congratulations to the Seahawks. (You know, be a good loser. ) I think that the perspectives as far as the play calling being right/wrong that have been posted by both sides are fair, but msnicolea is right, EVERY game has bad calls. And to suggest that the refs were paid off or something is just downright ridiculous! The Steelers hardly EVER get any love from officiating crews, and ESPECIALLY in recent memory! (Colts game, anyone?)

Anyway -- I am sorry that your team lost, but it just downright isn't classy to suggest that the game was fixed. If there is one lesson I will teach my child is that if she loses, even if it wasn't fair, she needs to shake the opponents hand, congratulate them, and keep trying to win next time.

Um, did you even read my post? I am not a Seahawks fan, I am not a Steelers fan (and I am not an anti-Steeler, either). I watched the game because I like football, and I am only expressing my (and lots of other non-seakhawk non-steeler football fan's) concerns about a poorly called game.

And like I DID say. I'm a Bears fan and a Lions fan. Trust me, I am not a sore loser (since I have so much practice!)

[philnikki]

batgirl - Yes, I did read your post. I was responding to this comment in particular:

Originally posted by batgirl
I was just really curious to see what other people (mainly non-steelers fans, because of the obvious bias) thought about the officiating.

The obvious inference is that non steeler fans have no bias on their part, and would make a better contributor to the objectivity of the game.

And regardless of whether or not your particular team was even in the game, or how terrible they are and never win, blah, blah, it IS being a sore loser to make a statement like the game was fixed. The whole point of my post was to say that regardless of the outcome, don't make excuses. Move on, and congratulate the other team.

[batgirl]

I never said the game was "fixed." I said that I read that people were comparing it to WWF (henced "fixed outcomes.")

And the reason I said I was interested in hearing from "non-steeler" fans, was just because I was wondering if other people that didn't really care who won thought that the calls were as bad as I did (and the only people who had responded at that point were steelers fans who obviously didn't think the calls were bad).

Wow, how 'bout that runon sentence!

Edited out my snarkiness...

[jrdhbunny]

I think the bottom line is this- it was a sloppy game on both sides. And when it seems like a team keeps almost scoring but gets those scores negated by penalties, it's frustrating and people start questioning the validity of the calls. However, as I said before, for most penalties there is no gray area. Most penalties are not subjective. A hold is a hold is a hold. Pass interference is pass interference. And if you push off in the endzone directly in front of the ref, the ref is going to throw the flag. Every time. If Hope had given Jackson a shove, the ref would have called him for defensive pass interference.

Anyway, I don't want to beat this into the ground. I just want to be happy that the Steelers won. :D

[euphorhea]

I just want to be happy that the Steelers won. :D

As you should be.

Again, congrats to your team. :)

[jesseybell]

As a dire-hard Patriots fan I went into the game thinking of reasons why I'd want both teams to win (Hasselback is local, they were the underdogs, they had never won/ Bettis in his home town) and reasons why I wouldn't want the Steelers to win (and that continued after they booed Tom Brady!) and I couldn't think of any reasons why I wanted the Seahawks not to win. But ultimately I was happy for Bettis. I wish the game had been a little bit closer, which it would have been if not for some of the bad calls.

Bring on next year!!!!

[Rosebud]

And the reason I said I was interested in hearing from "non-steeler" fans, was just because I was wondering if other people that didn't really care who won thought that the calls were as bad as I did (and the only people who had responded at that point were steelers fans who obviously didn't think the calls were bad).


My husband is from Seattle, so he and I were rooting for the Seahawks, but we watched the game with a bunch of people who had no allegiance to either team and weren't rooting for anyone in particular. Everyone watching the game with us was disgusted by the calls made by the refs. Barely into the third quarter, there started to be serious conversations about the game being fixed and the interest the NFL would have in a Steelers win. I think to anyone watching the game, it was clear something was not right.

This isn't to take anything away from Steelers fans. They won and they should go ahead and celebrate and all of that. That's what you do. But I think anyone who is a football fan needs to be concerned about what happened at that game. Hopefully this issue will be addressed after everyone's emotions have died down a bit. I hate to think that a sport so many Americans love could be corrupt, but that might be what we're dealing with. That sucks for everyone.

[TracieB]

Colts fan chiming in here. I really didn't care who won the game. I would have been happy with either one (having the Steelers win would make the Colts look better and I went to IU when Randel El played and having the Seahawks win would be cool b/c they never have before). I just like football and wanted to see a good game.

I have to agree that some of the calls were outrageous!! It started with the "push-off" call after the Seahawks scored their first TD. Crazy!! It just got crazier when they said Rothlisberger crossed the end zone line. I didn't see that at all... not even an inch over the line. I couldn't believe they upheld that call.

The call on Hasselbeck was another interesting one. C'mon, a 'tackling under the waist' call on a QB??? Interesting.

FWIW, I wholeheartedly agree with batgirl on every point she made.

[Rosebud]

Thoughts on this from some news sources in neither Pittsburgh or Seattle.


From the Miami Herald:

Throw a flag on these Super Bowl referees

What crime-ridden, boarded-building, automotive-industry-ravaged, snowy Detroit couldn't do, an NFL officiating crew pulled off with relative ease in front of plenty of bored-silly football fans inside beautiful Ford Field. Sports' and television's most indestructible beast - the Super Bowl - met its match in the 40th playing of the game the world stops to watch. The inevitable finally happened. A group of middle-aged executives trying to keep pace with a group of highly trained 20-something athletes destroyed America's sports holiday. Pittsburgh's one-for-the-thumb Super Bowl will be remembered as the game when physically overmatched referees flipped non-Steelers fans an XL middle finger.

The Seahawks justifiably can complain that Sunday's one-sided officiating disrupted their offensive rhythm and undermined their focus. The officiating had to creep inside their head. And NFL fans need to acknowledge that there's something terribly wrong with professional football. This year's playoffs were horrible. Sunday's Super Bowl stands as an appropriate symbol of the 2006 playoffs_boring and poorly officiated.



From the Chicago Sports Review:

Super Bowl Refs Steal Seahawks Show

For those who wish to believe the outcry regarding the complete trashing the referees handed Seattle yesterday is overdone - already crying foul are Michael Wilbon, Skip Bayless, Jason Whitlock, Michael Smith, and many others (check out Slate.com) - consider the immensity of the response had this happened to Pittsburgh.

Not only is the NFL full of what are clearly subjective officials, these subjective, and clearly, clueless zebras are forced to become subjective on their own subjective rulings. This, frankly, is a sad subject.



From Slate.com

How the referees handed Pittsburgh the Super Bowl

Four critical calls stood out. A rinky-dink offensive pass interference flag wiped out an early touchdown pass from Matt Hasselbeck to Darrell Jackson, forcing Seattle to settle for three instead of seven. When Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lunged for the goal line near the end of the first half, replays indicated a close play but a clear stop by the Seahawks. Nope—touchdown, Steelers. Then came the pivotal double shot that ended all hope for Seattle. With the Seahawks trailing 14-10, a phantom holding call negated a completion that would have given Seattle first and goal at the one yard line. Three plays later, Hasselbeck was picked off by Ike Taylor, a mistake he partially made up for by tackling the Steelers CB. Sadly for Seattle, tackling now brings a 15-yard penalty—the zebras somehow called Hasselbeck for a "block below the waist." The last call set up Pittsburgh for the clinching score.

Even John Madden, as reliable an apologist for the NFL as there is, started questioning the calls. The videogame pitchman sounded especially miffed after the phantom hold/illegal tackle sequence. He wasn't quite as persistently loud and angry as Billy Packer in the 2001 NCAA basketball finals, sounding off on a series of laughably pro-Duke calls. But this was eye-opening stuff coming from the usually see-no-evil Madden.

[TracieB]

Pretty interesting article from FOX Sports...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5310192

And some from ESPN...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=2320683

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=thepulse

Do you think officiating mistakes affected the outcome of Super Bowl XL? (103,167 votes)
61.7% Yes
38.2% No

[taragiraffe]

Stick, meet dead horse. :rolleyes:

[philnikki]

Tara ITA

[TracieB]

Just sayin... if it were the other way around, you guys would be up in arms, too.

I just wish the Super Bowl was a little more evenly officiated, that's all. It's a shame that the season concluded like it did.

And with that, I'm out. Go Horse next season :D

[taragiraffe]

Just sayin... if it were the other way around, you guys would be up in arms, too.

I just wish the Super Bowl was a little more evenly officiated, that's all. It's a shame that the season concluded like it did.

And with that, I'm out. Go Horse next season :D

The officiating in the game in which we played your team sucked, too. (Although, we won that one anyway. ;) ) And besides, the officiating wasn't the only reason the score came out like it did. Neither team played very well.

The dead horse thing wasn't directed at anyone in particular. Everywhere I go, I hear about it and I'm just sick of it.

I'm out. Good night.

edited to reword/add

[TracieB]

Wasn't going to bring it up, but the officiating in which we played your team sucked, too.

Not arguing that one!!! What's going on in the NFL? Sheesh!!

We'll get ya next year ;) Night!

[JillyB]

Wow, I'm in shock at all of the "finger pointing" at the refs in here.
I just wish the Super Bowl was a little more evenly officiated, that's all. It's a shame that the season concluded like it did.

Hmmmmm..."evenly officiated"...I wonder if that truly exists?!?!? ;) I'm a Steelers fan by marriage, so for my "household's sake", I'm REALLY happy that the Steelers won. I love sports, including football...and I'm so disappointed that the refs are getting so much press about the "possible" outcome of the game. What's that sports quote..."On any given night, any team can be beaten." Well in my book (and all of the history books), the Seahawks were beaten (there will be no * in the books for "possible" outcomes of the game). The refs for the Super Bowl are the best of the best, correct? They are rewarded for being the "best" by being asked to officiate the Super Bowl. Can you imagine the pressure? How nervous they were? You can often tell when players are nervous in a big game (note the Steelers off-sides penalties on their first possession), but there are no "do-overs". Congrats to the Steelers!!!!

[taragiraffe]

We'll get ya next year ;)

Ooh, I love the smell of trash talk in the morning! We'll just see about that! :D

[Rosebud]

Everywhere I go, I hear about it and I'm just sick of it.

I totally understand that. I think it's a bummer that bad officiating created a situation where the Steelers and their fans were put in this situation. It's not fair to anyone. If I was a Steelers fan I would try to just block it out and enjoy the moment-- none of this is your fault, after all! However, I do think football fans in general should continue to put pressure on the NFL to review their officiating policies so a scenario like this doesn't happen again.

[Dally]

Sorry for all of you who don't want the thread to continue, but I didn't see it until now and I care a lot about this.

My best guy friend is a Steelers fan, and he felt the Colts-Steelers game had a ref bias against the Steelers (you might remember that Joey Porter talked about that after the Colts-Steelers game). Anyway, I think the same was true of the Superbowl, only this time the refs favored the Steelers--the clear emotional favorite.

I'm a Diehard Seahawks fan, but not an unreasonable one. I'm not saying the Seahawks would have won if the refs hadn't made those bad calls. I don't know. The Hawks made a lot of mistakes, too. Especially Jeremy Stevens. But what made me angry is that the bias was a factor at all. I expect a few bad calls, but they usually even out among the teams (I've watched football for years, and that's what I've seen). That was definitely not the case with the Superbowl--the bad calls weren't even at all--and that's why so many people are talking about it.

I'm not just sorry about the Seahawks dealing with bias, I'm sorry for the Steelers, too. They have to deal with this when they should be just celebrating their win. Poor officiating hurts both teams.

End result: rather than sweep this under the rug, football fans EVERYWHERE should calling for better officiating so this never happens again.

That said, congrats to the Steelers. :)

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Was it ever brought up here that the head ref should have never been on the field because of his bias? Holmgren pissed him off 20+ years ago in a highschool football game and has considered him an a$$ since to add to that he was also raised and went to college in Pittsburgh.

He was chosen before the teams were determined. Once it was announced that the Steelers and Seahawks were going to the Superbowl the ref should have been reconsidered and re-evaluated and excused from the game.

I'll admit that I do have somewhat of a bias because I live in Seattle, but the (unbiased) announcers were talking about the horrible calls during half time and replays were shown. Roethlisberger admitted that the close touchdown that was challenged and stood was not a touchdown. He moved the ball and we all saw him do it on the instant replays from all angles. The same reels that the referees watched. The point of a challenge is to let the refs get another look from another angle and make a fair call.

I know that it seems like we are a bunch of cry babies and ungracious losers, but the facts stand that those were unfair biased calls by a leading biased referee that had no business in that game.