Eagles vs. Steelers: A Battle for PA.

Two cities, Two blogs,

Two friends, One game. The winner retains some quasi-bragging rights over the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bio: The voice of reason and Pittsburgh sports happens to the Chief and Editor of One For The Other Thumb, but most importantly is the fact the he's one of my best friends. He simply goes by the name Cotter (No Welcome Back jokes tolerated). We've decided to put on a little show here in light of the Steelers vs. Eagles week 3 matchup. We gave each other 5 questions. What you have below "Are the non-sensical ramblings of a man obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Big Lebowski, and Lager...."

On with the show......

1. There have been numbering reports about Benny from the Block's shoulder injury (Sprained vs. Separated). Worst case scenario, how would this injury effect Sunday's game with the Eagles?

Whatever, man. Ben’s always nursing something. A shoulder, a knee, a concussion, a scorching case of herpes. I mean, he knows how to play through pain. Plus, we don’t ask him to throw too many bombs, especially when our deep threat San Antonio is also ailing. So I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact. That said, it’s never good when your QB’s shoulder is sore during the 3rd week of the season. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried.

Oh and here’s your answer for #2 -

2.Scenario: You are a super hot chick in Pittsburgh, and you are looking to have some FUN (FUN=SEX). Who would make the better lover? Mike Tomlin, Dick LeBeau or Jeff Reed

I don't know. That sounds like a question for Domski. Personal reference and all...

3. So far the Steelers are 2 - 0, and the pregame show that you and Tecmo broadcast doesn't have a name. Coincidence, or good luck charm of for the 2008 campaign?

Now that you point it out, I’m gonna have to say - “good luck charm.” Two shows, two W’s. I’m a superstitious person. So it’s only natural I’d feel that way. I mean, our inconsequential 5 minute YouTube show probably doesn’t have much impact on the Steelers karmic state of affairs. But there’s a reason I wear the same exact clothes to watch every single Steelers game. Why would this be any different? Why mess with a good thing? And I use the term, “good” very loosely...

4. Who's the most indispensable player in the Steeler's defense, and Why?

Man, that’s a really tough question. I mean how does one evaluate indispensability? Speed? Toughness? Tackling ability? Four-square prowess? I guess I’d have to say Casey Hampton. It’s no secret that Big Snack is my favorite Steeler. And he’s most indispensable because without his ability to tie up two Offensive Lineman, most of the Steelers blitzes wouldn’t work nearly as well. There’s a reason why the Steelers picked him in the first round of the ‘01 draft – he’s a monster. 6’1,” 340/350. He eats Centers and Guards for lunch...hence the clever name. Plus, it is my professional opinion that he’d win the NFL Big Man Dance Challenge, hands down (link to - http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/drunkcaseyhampton.jpg). Warren Sapp, who?

5. Steeler fans travel well all over the country. You have a significant number of fans located throughout the country too. If the Steelers are in town you are sure to see a plethora of terrible towels at the game. Shouldn't your shear numbers and terrible towels protect you from the "Roman Mob" that is Philadelphia?

Not even Chuck Norris could protect us from the Killadelphia “Roman Mobb” (whatever that means). Come on, man. I know how this works. Every Steeler jersey they see is going to draw not only boos, but also off color statements about injured players, cleverly calling Pittsburgh - “Shittsburgh,” and since there’s no snow yet, probably plastic bottles full of piss (fingers crossed that no one gets entrepreneurial and tries glass). I kid, I kid...well, kind of. In all seriousness, I’m sure there will be plenty of Black & Gold representatives at the game. Let’s just hope we can all treat each other with respect. If not, I’ve instructed Matt to bring an industrial strength taser for crowd control.

And there you have it. What makes a displaced Steelers fan tick. For those who may read this, and wonder what was meant by "The Roman Mob that is Philadelphia" I am referring to Veteran Stadium, and the inhabitants of the 700 Level. It bares a striking resemblence to the Roman Coliseum

"Are you not entertained? Isn't that why you are here?" For more adventures, go here.

Thanks is in order to my life long friend Cotter. His portrayal of the Immortal Silky Johnson are shockingly accurate. Here's to you my friend. I know you're not drinking!

GO BIRDS!!!!!!

"Money over championships"

Big words from small man! It would seem that Wes Welker has supreme confidence in his team, but does that give him the right to make a statement like this? Is he taking a shot across the the Eagles' bow?

No, he is not qualified to make that type of statement. Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Troy Brown to name a few have earned that right. Why would they have the right you ask? They all have the hardware to back it up. Wes Welker has not won a Super Bowl yet.

I don't think that he was taking a shot at the Eagles either. I do believe that people will interpret his statement that way, but what do you think?

1. Do you think that he was making a statement about the Bird's chances?

2. Do you think that he was making a statement as to the character of Samuels?

3. Is Wes Welker's lack of Super Bowl rings enough to discredit anything that he says in relation to championships?

Glorius

I am glad that the New England Patriots did not win Super Bowl XLII!!!!! I have a number of reasons for taking this stance. The Patriots are considered to be a dynasty. The Patriots are considered to be the model franchise in the NFL, but that is not the case at all. They are no better than any of the other 31 organizations in the NFL.

Bill Belichick, there is no argument that can be made against him being a football savant. However he appears to be void of conscience or sportsmanship. Belichick is a cheater! He has been warned by the league about video taping opponents prior to Spygate. Once the accusations by Jets had been confirmed, he appeared totally unapologetic. He claimed that he was within the constraints of rule based on his interpretation. He did not acknowledge that he got caught cheating. Now there are allegations that he video taped the pre-game walk through of the rams before they met in the Super Bowl. To go along with that Commissioner Goodell has a sworn affidavit from Belichick that he turned over all possible video evidence of misconduct to the league. It seems clear to me that he is of questionable principles, and that this new allegation is not a far stretch, and quite possibly true. With the Spygate chip on his shoulder he proceeded to destroy competition, which in itself is not a bad thing (I wish the Eagles could put up points like that). The issue is within running up the score. It's fourth down, you are in field goal range, up by an insurmountable lead, and you leave your offense on the field to go for it. Then you justify this action by saying that you'd rather go for it, and make them stop you, then kick the field goal. At this time I would like to point out that this man is calculating. This man ingeniously took a safety to get better field position to win a game. In the third quarter of the Patriots week nine game against the Colts he sent out Stephan Gostkowski to kick a 34 yard field goal. Why didn't he go for it then? Then you have him leaving the field before the Super Bowl was officially over. Of course you were disappointed. Who wouldn't be after going undefeated all season, and then losing the game that matters the most. You ran out shook hands, but failed to notice that your team, and the coaching staff weren't behind you. As a head coach you are supposed to set the example for your team. That is not the example that should be set by a team that is considered to be the model that every other franchise should strive to achieve!

Don't forget about the players. New England is hailed for their personnel. Rodney Harrison tested positive for a band substance. He is a defensive captain. Aren't captains supposed to be leaders in what they say, and what they do? Moving along there is Vincent Wilfork (Dirty Player). He has received a number of fines from the league for unnecessary conduct. The most recent events involved him grabbing Michael Turner by the face mask, and poking Brandon Jacobs in the eye. The eye gouge could not even be construed as accidental. Jacobs, and Wilfork were jawing with one another after a play, when he just shoved his fingers into Jacob's face mask. Richard Seymour was shown bumping into Philip Rivers after the play was dead during the AFC championship game. Perhaps River's exaggerated the bump by falling down, but there is no justifiable reason for contact after the play. Then just like every other team in the league they have the off the field player problems. Defensive Back Willie Andrews was arrested for Possession with the intent to distribute.

How does this behavior not reflect directly upon a team that is heralded for what they represent? For one reason or another people dismiss these issues, and still hold the team above all others.

A few side notes:
Kudos to Randy Moss for making me a believer. You aren't a waste of athletic talent!
Wes Welker you can come and play for the Eagles any day.
Tom Brady I am sure you will get your 4th ring, but to comfort you until then, Your girlfriend is hot!
Sen. Arlen Specter, and the rest of his cronies. Stay the F*@%! out of sports. Let them handle there own dirty laundry.

The Immortal Silky Johnson