I'd like to thank SBR high roller Durito for the lede in to my column this week 
CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Look for disappointing Steelers to upset Ravens
Before last Sunday’s games and I already had picked San Diego to beat Denver, a statement was made to me that there was absolutely no way that Denver would lose at home to San Diego.
The final tally in that game? It was 35-27, Chargers. I’ve been watching football a lot of years now and if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that there are no absolutes – and to never say never.
At the beginning of this season, I might have broken that rule and said that there was absolutely no way at the end of November that the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers would have a losing record. Not many would have likely challenged that statement. However, the rule proves true again, as the Steelers take their 4-6 record into Baltimore to take on the 8-2 Ravens.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has tossed 17 interceptions this season to lead the league, while the Ravens’ defense has picked off 18 passes to also lead the league. Despite that statistic, the Steelers total offense ranks 6th in the league, while Baltimore trails in that area, coming in 21st. Turnovers and a strong defense will be critical for Pittsburgh, along with time of possession, while Baltimore must look at takeaways and generating offense.
My friend Terry, an ardent Ravens fan, is planning to watch this game at my house. For those who don’t know this, I am a lifelong Steeler fan. Terry insists there is absolutely no way the Steelers can win this game. I hope that rule I learned is still in working order … STEELERS.
Chicago at New England: The Bears take their third road trip in as many weeks, only this time it’s not to the Meadowlands. New England stomped Green Bay on the road last weekend 35-0, but that was only Green Bay – minus Brett Favre for much of the game. While the Chicago offense still needs work, the defense is excellent … BEARS.
N.Y. Giants at Tennessee: Giants coach Tom Coughlin had the scream heard round the world after New York’s loss last week to Jacksonville. Team dissension and a road trip are often poor companions … TITANS.
Philadelphia at Indianapolis: What better way to soothe your first loss of the season than a trip to Philly and no Donovan McNabb to greet you … COLTS.
In other games Sunday:
Houston at N.Y. Jets
Arizona at Minnesota
New Orleans at Atlanta
Carolina at Washington.
San Francisco at St. Louis
Jacksonville at Buffalo
Cincinnati at Cleveland
Oakland at San Diego
Monday
Green Bay at Seattle
Last week: 11-5; overall: 100-60.
This is the opinion of Nancy Allen, who can be reached at 232-5845 or nallen@CITIZEN-TIMES.com
CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Look for disappointing Steelers to upset Ravens
Before last Sunday’s games and I already had picked San Diego to beat Denver, a statement was made to me that there was absolutely no way that Denver would lose at home to San Diego.
The final tally in that game? It was 35-27, Chargers. I’ve been watching football a lot of years now and if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that there are no absolutes – and to never say never.
At the beginning of this season, I might have broken that rule and said that there was absolutely no way at the end of November that the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers would have a losing record. Not many would have likely challenged that statement. However, the rule proves true again, as the Steelers take their 4-6 record into Baltimore to take on the 8-2 Ravens.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has tossed 17 interceptions this season to lead the league, while the Ravens’ defense has picked off 18 passes to also lead the league. Despite that statistic, the Steelers total offense ranks 6th in the league, while Baltimore trails in that area, coming in 21st. Turnovers and a strong defense will be critical for Pittsburgh, along with time of possession, while Baltimore must look at takeaways and generating offense.
My friend Terry, an ardent Ravens fan, is planning to watch this game at my house. For those who don’t know this, I am a lifelong Steeler fan. Terry insists there is absolutely no way the Steelers can win this game. I hope that rule I learned is still in working order … STEELERS.
Chicago at New England: The Bears take their third road trip in as many weeks, only this time it’s not to the Meadowlands. New England stomped Green Bay on the road last weekend 35-0, but that was only Green Bay – minus Brett Favre for much of the game. While the Chicago offense still needs work, the defense is excellent … BEARS.
N.Y. Giants at Tennessee: Giants coach Tom Coughlin had the scream heard round the world after New York’s loss last week to Jacksonville. Team dissension and a road trip are often poor companions … TITANS.
Philadelphia at Indianapolis: What better way to soothe your first loss of the season than a trip to Philly and no Donovan McNabb to greet you … COLTS.
In other games Sunday:
Houston at N.Y. Jets
Arizona at Minnesota
New Orleans at Atlanta
Carolina at Washington.
San Francisco at St. Louis
Jacksonville at Buffalo
Cincinnati at Cleveland
Oakland at San Diego
Monday
Green Bay at Seattle
Last week: 11-5; overall: 100-60.
This is the opinion of Nancy Allen, who can be reached at 232-5845 or nallen@CITIZEN-TIMES.com
