FanProphet

Pressure Breaks Pipes

Most people haven’t agreed with me, but I truly believe yesterday’s playoff games were great and the mere fact that fans would blame the results on poor officiating, poor player performances (Todd Collins/Ben Roethlisberger), and bad coaching decisions (Mike Tomlin) shows me that they have not a clue as to what they’re talking about. There were several mistakes, but the better teams won the games. I can see how these excuses make sense for the fans of the two losing teams, however, the truth is, “Pressure Breaks Pipes”. It was simply too much to ask the “Skins” to win on the road and the Steelers to beat a more physical/talented team without the presence of Willie Parker. Not to mention, Mike Tomlin has a long way to go and a lot to learn about managing a game and keeping his overrated quarterback (who consistently tries to do too much) in check.

In the Steelers game it wasn’t the fact that Ben threw three interceptions or Tomlin went for 2 points on two separate occasions. The result of that game hinged on the fact that Mike Tomlin did not recognize the emotional momentum shift when the Steelers got within five points with 10:25 left in the 4th quarter. As we all know, after coming within five points the Steelers took the lead when Najeh Davenport scored on a one yard touchdown run a mere four minutes later. By not kicking the first extra point Tomlin sent the message that he didn’t think the Steelers could score another touchdown. If he had any confidence or experience he would have realized that there was enough time at the 10:25 mark to make several stops and score in various ways to regain the lead. “Pressure Breaks Pipes”! At that point Roethlisberger’s interceptions were forgotten about and even though they remained behind, the Steelers had complete control. Tomlin was sadly mistaken and by not recognizing this edge and as a result he sent his Steelers home early with everyone second guessing themselves. Better luck next year “Steel City”.

By the way, I did my best offensive coordinator impersonation and called a quarterback draw for David Garrard when the Jags sealed the deal. Beautiful!

In the Redskins/Seahawks game keep in mind, I don’t like either team. However, I dislike the “Skins” more the Holmgren, but I try to stay as open-minded and unbiased as possible while watching any NFL game. However, I didn’t see these bad calls the same way some Redskins fans saw them. My dislike for the Redskins doesn’t take away from the fact that I view their games from an honest perspective. They were simply out manned and road teams are going to have more penalties in most games during the playoffs, “Pressure Breaks Pipes”. Remember, there is only so much that emotion and a “cause” will do if you don’t have the talent. This is the NFL not the NCAA. It’s always a good thing when the best teams win.

Just a reminder to the Redskins/Steelers fans;”there’s no crying in football”. Roethlisberger tries to do too much, Tomlin doesn’t have the experience, the entire Redskins organization doesn’t have equal talent, and Joe Gibbs should consider going back to NASCAR.