2/05/2005
Superbowl Preview
By Mark Riley,
Terrell Owens says he will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday in Jacksonville, Florida.
It probably isn't a surprise to him that the New England Patriots will be there as well.
The Patriots will try to cap off two seasons of dominance with a third Super Bowl title in four years when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Fla.
New England and Philadelphia have been two of the NFL's premier franchises this decade. But while the Patriots won Super Bowls in two of the last three years, the Eagles dropped three straight NFC championship games in the same span.
So Philadelphia brought in Owens to boost a passing game that faltered so badly in the last two of those championship game losses. He more than did his part, catching 14 touchdown passes and helping the Eagles run away with the NFC's best record before suffering a major leg injury on Dec. 19.
Though the injury was expected to need much longer to heal and he has not been medically cleared, Owens has left no doubt about his plans.
"I will play on Sunday," he said. "I know the type person I am; I have a lot of faith in my ability. I’m 81% right now (a reference to his number?), but I’ll 100% on Sunday”.
"I told the guys in the locker room: You guys just get us into the Super Bowl and I'll be there. They've done their job, now it's time to do my job."
Owens' decision gives Philadelphia hopes of getting a contribution from one of its biggest stars. New England, on the other hand, seemingly wins because nobody acts like a star.
Relying on the team concept and depending on coach Bill Belichick and his staff to come up with schemes to expose the weaknesses of their opponents, the Patriots have gone 33-4 over the last two seasons. They are 8-0 in the postseason under Belichick, one game shy of the longest playoff winning streak in NFL history, held by the incomparable Vince Lombardi.
"No one cares about individual glory," receiver Deion Branch said. "We're a team, not a collection of individuals."
This postseason run might be New England's most impressive. Thought to be vulnerable because of injuries to starting cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole, as well as star defensive lineman Richard Seymour , the Patriots instead shut down record-setting Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis offense, then went into Pittsburgh and forced four turnovers in a 41-27 victory over the top-seeded Steelers in the AFC championship game.
Philadelphia also has been rolling in the postseason, even without Owens. In easy victories over Minnesota and Atlanta,Donovan McNabb was 38-for-59 for 466 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
While Belichick and the Patriots are known for devising ways to stop top quarterbacks, McNabb's athleticism could make their planning more difficult than it was for much less mobile QBs like Manning or Kurt Warner, the leader of the St. Louis Rams team New England stunned to win its first title.
"He's the total threat," Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest said of McNabb. "He has a strong arm, he can throw the ball really well. He can hurt you with his feet, he's smart, he reads defenses and he's experienced. He's won a lot of games and he has a knack for making plays when he needs to, especially in big games."
McNabb had his best season, throwing 31 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions while passing for 3,875 yards. Booed on the day he was drafted by Philadelphia fans that preferred running back Ricky Williams, McNabb now has a chance to be embraced by the city like few athletes have if he leads the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title.
That has already happened for Tom Brady in the Boston area.
The sixth-round draft choice has led game-winning drives in both of his Super Bowl appearances, setting up field goals by Adam Vinatieri. Brady was named MVP of both games, leaving him one shy of Joe Montana's NFL record.
"(Brady) is the key. He is the heart and soul of the team," Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse said. "He doesn't have really big numbers in any category. He just wins games. He's got some pretty big numbers in the wins category. He just does what it takes."
Both McNabb and Brady will face superb defensive teams. McNabb must find a way to solve the Patriots' plans that frustrated Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, while the underrated Eagles defense has already limited the effectiveness of superstars Randy Moss and Michael Vick in this postseason.
To keep pressure off their quarterbacks, both teams will need strong performances from their running backs. Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook is averaging 5.9 yards per carry in the postseason and added five receptions in each game, while Corey Dillon has rushed for 217 yards in his first two playoff games and gained a team-record 1,635 yards during the regular season after spending his first seven seasons in Cincinnati.
Philadelphia lost to the Oakland Raiders in 1981 in its only previous Super Bowl. New England, which lost its first two Super Bowl appearances, would tie the record for the longest postseason winning streak in NFL history with a victory. Green Bay won nine straight in the 1960s.
Their decided edge in big-game experience is the reason the Patriots are favored by a touchdown, but the players know it won't matter much on the field.
"We're not defending anything," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "We haven't pretended that we own this title and that we carry it with us. We have put a lot of work in and won a Super Bowl, but you have to come back and start all over. You realize that when the season starts and everyone is gunning for you."
Terrell Owens says he will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday in Jacksonville, Florida.
It probably isn't a surprise to him that the New England Patriots will be there as well.
The Patriots will try to cap off two seasons of dominance with a third Super Bowl title in four years when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Fla.
New England and Philadelphia have been two of the NFL's premier franchises this decade. But while the Patriots won Super Bowls in two of the last three years, the Eagles dropped three straight NFC championship games in the same span.
So Philadelphia brought in Owens to boost a passing game that faltered so badly in the last two of those championship game losses. He more than did his part, catching 14 touchdown passes and helping the Eagles run away with the NFC's best record before suffering a major leg injury on Dec. 19.
Though the injury was expected to need much longer to heal and he has not been medically cleared, Owens has left no doubt about his plans.
"I will play on Sunday," he said. "I know the type person I am; I have a lot of faith in my ability. I’m 81% right now (a reference to his number?), but I’ll 100% on Sunday”.
"I told the guys in the locker room: You guys just get us into the Super Bowl and I'll be there. They've done their job, now it's time to do my job."
Owens' decision gives Philadelphia hopes of getting a contribution from one of its biggest stars. New England, on the other hand, seemingly wins because nobody acts like a star.
Relying on the team concept and depending on coach Bill Belichick and his staff to come up with schemes to expose the weaknesses of their opponents, the Patriots have gone 33-4 over the last two seasons. They are 8-0 in the postseason under Belichick, one game shy of the longest playoff winning streak in NFL history, held by the incomparable Vince Lombardi.
"No one cares about individual glory," receiver Deion Branch said. "We're a team, not a collection of individuals."
This postseason run might be New England's most impressive. Thought to be vulnerable because of injuries to starting cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole, as well as star defensive lineman Richard Seymour , the Patriots instead shut down record-setting Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis offense, then went into Pittsburgh and forced four turnovers in a 41-27 victory over the top-seeded Steelers in the AFC championship game.
Philadelphia also has been rolling in the postseason, even without Owens. In easy victories over Minnesota and Atlanta,Donovan McNabb was 38-for-59 for 466 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
While Belichick and the Patriots are known for devising ways to stop top quarterbacks, McNabb's athleticism could make their planning more difficult than it was for much less mobile QBs like Manning or Kurt Warner, the leader of the St. Louis Rams team New England stunned to win its first title.
"He's the total threat," Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest said of McNabb. "He has a strong arm, he can throw the ball really well. He can hurt you with his feet, he's smart, he reads defenses and he's experienced. He's won a lot of games and he has a knack for making plays when he needs to, especially in big games."
McNabb had his best season, throwing 31 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions while passing for 3,875 yards. Booed on the day he was drafted by Philadelphia fans that preferred running back Ricky Williams, McNabb now has a chance to be embraced by the city like few athletes have if he leads the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title.
That has already happened for Tom Brady in the Boston area.
The sixth-round draft choice has led game-winning drives in both of his Super Bowl appearances, setting up field goals by Adam Vinatieri. Brady was named MVP of both games, leaving him one shy of Joe Montana's NFL record.
"(Brady) is the key. He is the heart and soul of the team," Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse said. "He doesn't have really big numbers in any category. He just wins games. He's got some pretty big numbers in the wins category. He just does what it takes."
Both McNabb and Brady will face superb defensive teams. McNabb must find a way to solve the Patriots' plans that frustrated Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, while the underrated Eagles defense has already limited the effectiveness of superstars Randy Moss and Michael Vick in this postseason.
To keep pressure off their quarterbacks, both teams will need strong performances from their running backs. Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook is averaging 5.9 yards per carry in the postseason and added five receptions in each game, while Corey Dillon has rushed for 217 yards in his first two playoff games and gained a team-record 1,635 yards during the regular season after spending his first seven seasons in Cincinnati.
Philadelphia lost to the Oakland Raiders in 1981 in its only previous Super Bowl. New England, which lost its first two Super Bowl appearances, would tie the record for the longest postseason winning streak in NFL history with a victory. Green Bay won nine straight in the 1960s.
Their decided edge in big-game experience is the reason the Patriots are favored by a touchdown, but the players know it won't matter much on the field.
"We're not defending anything," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "We haven't pretended that we own this title and that we carry it with us. We have put a lot of work in and won a Super Bowl, but you have to come back and start all over. You realize that when the season starts and everyone is gunning for you."
1/24/2005
Finally For F(Ph)illy
By Mark Riley,
Fireworks soared above the roof of "The Linc." A blizzard of glitter swirled in the bitterly cold breeze. Fans toasted their team and each other with beers and hugs.
It was a Super-sized celebration four years in the making. And quite a relief, too.
Yo, Philly, how's this sound?
Your Eagles are going to the Super Bowl.
Donovan McNabb & Co. overcame the burden of three consecutive losses in the NFC championship game and warmed a frozen city's heart, stuffing Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons 27-10.
McNabb isn't satisfied yet.
"There's no relief for me," he said. "We'll have relief after the Super Bowl. We set a goal of winning the Super Bowl, not just the NFC. So that's where I'm going. We're excited, but we're not done."
The Eagles already have soothed a city's fragile psyche, burying the disappointment of the past three years and pulling within one victory of Philly's first major pro championship since the 76ers won the NBA title in 1983.
Twenty-four years ago, the Eagles made it to their first -- and, until Sunday, only -- Super Bowl with a team coached by Dick Vermeil and led by Ron Jaworski. They fell flat in the title game, losing to the Raiders 27-10.
That score went the Eagles' way this time. They will meet either defending champion New England or cross-state Pittsburgh in Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 6 for the NFL championship.
"We want to go to Jacksonville and get some closure and finish this up," receiver Freddie Mitchell said.
The fourth consecutive appearance in the NFC title game proved to be the charm for the Eagles, even though they didn't have top receiver Terrell Owens -- reduced to the role of MVC (Most Valuable Cheerleader) on the sideline.
Nothing was going to stand in the way of this team, which entered the season with a Super Bowl or Bust mentality and met those enormous expectations.
McNabb threw a pair of touchdown passes to Chad Lewis, including the clinching score with 3:21 remaining. That turned the final minutes into a delirious coronation, the 67,717 fans saluting a team that fulfilled its destiny.
"Super Bowl! Super Bowl!" they chanted when play was halted for the two-minute warning.
The only warm-weather team left in the playoffs went cold in its biggest game of the year. Vick was sacked four times by the fearsome Philly defense, which also came up with a crucial interception that set up David Akers' second field goal.
The significance of the day was evident on the field -- the Eagles pranced and posed after every big play -- and in the stands, where most of the fans never bothered to sit down on a 17-degree day.
"This team has great personality," coach Andy Reid said. "Everybody here in Philadelphia loves 'em."
The Eagles will be going for their first NFL title since 1960, which predates the Super Bowl by six seasons.
McNabb completed 17-of-26 passes for 180 yards, a workmanlike performance that solidified his position as one of the game's best quarterbacks. He also ran 10 times for 32 yards.
Vick's debut on the Super Bowl stage will have to wait. He completed 11-of-24 for 136 yards, while the Eagles stifling defense kept him from pulling off one of his signature runs.
He ran it only four times for 26 yards, but gave up even more yards on the sacks. Derrick Burgess dropped the elusive quarterback twice, and Jevon Kearse kept Vick hemmed up on the other side. The Eagles didn't blitz much -- a change in philosophy -- but they made sure Vick didn't get a chance to warm up.
"I didn't get outside the pocket," Vick said. "I think that was their first priority."
Philadelphia led only 14-10 at halftime, a bit too close for a team that had lost to St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Carolina in the last three NFC title games. Even more galling -- the two more recent defeats were at home.
But, as the sun gave way to a nearly full moon over Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles dominated the final two quarters. Akers connected from 31 and 34 yards, then McNabb and Lewis teamed up to finish off the Falcons with their 2-yard touchdown.
Owens, who didn't play because of a severe ankle injury, had a prominent role nonetheless. He drew plenty of attention with his sideline antics, flapping his arms and waving a towel to urge on a crowd that didn't need any encouragement.
And he might recover in time for the Super Bowl.
"I have a feeling he will," Reid said.
Owens' teammates filled in admirably. McNabb worked his passes around to eight players, led by Brian Westbrook with five catches for 39 yards. Westbrook also handled the bulk of the running load, carrying 16 times for 96 yards.
Then, it was time for the party -- Philly-style.
"For those about to rock, we salute you," AC/DC screamed over the sound system. Fireworks went off above the stadium. And tons of glitter fluttered over the field, recreating the blizzard that swept through the city a day earlier.
"This is their fourth trip in a row to the championship game," said Jim Mora, the Falcons' rookie coach. "They've been in this position before, and they played like they've been in this position before."
It was a great season for the Falcons, who came within one victory of their second Super Bowl after going 5-11 last season. With Vick at quarterback, the future looks bright.
Philadelphia scored on its second possession after Chris Mohr managed only an 8-yard punt into a stiff wind. The Eagles appeared to go three-and-out, but a holding penalty on rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall kept the drive alive.
Westbrook broke off a 36-yard run, scooting through a huge hole on the right side and breaking through Brian Scott's attempted tackle. Dorsey Levens finished it off with a 4-yard touchdown run, appearing to be stopped at the 2 but getting a shove into the end zone from offensive guard Jermane Mayberry.
The Falcons responded by holding the ball for almost nine minutes, also benefiting from a defensive holding penalty on third down that kept the drive alive. But Philadelphia stiffened on first-and-goal from 2, throwing T.J. Duckett for a loss -- only the second negative run of the season for the 254-pound back. Atlanta was forced to settle for Jay Feely's 23-yard field goal.
Back came the Eagles for another touchdown, set up by another big play. McNabb lofted a pass to Greg Lewis, who was covered by undrafted free agent Christian Morton. Lewis slowed up to catch the ball while Morton stumbled out of position, the result being a 45-yard completion to the Atlanta 4.
Two plays later, it was another Lewis, tight end Chad, making a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone. He somehow managed to drag both feet inbounds after leaping to pull down the high throw. Atlanta challenged, but the replay clearly backed up the refs' call.
The Falcons followed with their most impressive offensive display. In only five plays, they shredded the Eagles for 70 yards, capped off by Warrick Dunn's 10-yard touchdown with 2:02 left in the first half.
But Atlanta's offense never warmed up over the final two quarters.
While the temperature at kickoff was 17, it felt more like zero. A steady 26 mph wind -- gusting as high as 35 mph -- swept in through the openings on the north end of the stadium.
But the sun and a brilliant blue sky were a striking change from conditions a day earlier. Snow was piled up around the edge of the field, remnants of a blizzard that dumped about a foot of snow and paralyzed much of the East Coast.
The bitter conditions didn't diminish the mood of the fans, nearly all of whom bundled up in something green. They began gathering in the parking lots -- where snow had been plowed into piles higher than their vehicles -- just after sunrise to get an early start on the expected celebration.
Leading up to the kickoff, there was another Philly moment.
The "Rocky" theme blared from the speakers, sending the crowd into a towel-waving frenzy. The video board showed clips from the movie interspersed with highlights from the Eagles' season.
Now, they've got a chance to show the biggest highlight of all -- a Super Bowl championship.
Fireworks soared above the roof of "The Linc." A blizzard of glitter swirled in the bitterly cold breeze. Fans toasted their team and each other with beers and hugs.
It was a Super-sized celebration four years in the making. And quite a relief, too.
Yo, Philly, how's this sound?
Your Eagles are going to the Super Bowl.
Donovan McNabb & Co. overcame the burden of three consecutive losses in the NFC championship game and warmed a frozen city's heart, stuffing Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons 27-10.
McNabb isn't satisfied yet.
"There's no relief for me," he said. "We'll have relief after the Super Bowl. We set a goal of winning the Super Bowl, not just the NFC. So that's where I'm going. We're excited, but we're not done."
The Eagles already have soothed a city's fragile psyche, burying the disappointment of the past three years and pulling within one victory of Philly's first major pro championship since the 76ers won the NBA title in 1983.
Twenty-four years ago, the Eagles made it to their first -- and, until Sunday, only -- Super Bowl with a team coached by Dick Vermeil and led by Ron Jaworski. They fell flat in the title game, losing to the Raiders 27-10.
That score went the Eagles' way this time. They will meet either defending champion New England or cross-state Pittsburgh in Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 6 for the NFL championship.
"We want to go to Jacksonville and get some closure and finish this up," receiver Freddie Mitchell said.
The fourth consecutive appearance in the NFC title game proved to be the charm for the Eagles, even though they didn't have top receiver Terrell Owens -- reduced to the role of MVC (Most Valuable Cheerleader) on the sideline.
Nothing was going to stand in the way of this team, which entered the season with a Super Bowl or Bust mentality and met those enormous expectations.
McNabb threw a pair of touchdown passes to Chad Lewis, including the clinching score with 3:21 remaining. That turned the final minutes into a delirious coronation, the 67,717 fans saluting a team that fulfilled its destiny.
"Super Bowl! Super Bowl!" they chanted when play was halted for the two-minute warning.
The only warm-weather team left in the playoffs went cold in its biggest game of the year. Vick was sacked four times by the fearsome Philly defense, which also came up with a crucial interception that set up David Akers' second field goal.
The significance of the day was evident on the field -- the Eagles pranced and posed after every big play -- and in the stands, where most of the fans never bothered to sit down on a 17-degree day.
"This team has great personality," coach Andy Reid said. "Everybody here in Philadelphia loves 'em."
The Eagles will be going for their first NFL title since 1960, which predates the Super Bowl by six seasons.
McNabb completed 17-of-26 passes for 180 yards, a workmanlike performance that solidified his position as one of the game's best quarterbacks. He also ran 10 times for 32 yards.
Vick's debut on the Super Bowl stage will have to wait. He completed 11-of-24 for 136 yards, while the Eagles stifling defense kept him from pulling off one of his signature runs.
He ran it only four times for 26 yards, but gave up even more yards on the sacks. Derrick Burgess dropped the elusive quarterback twice, and Jevon Kearse kept Vick hemmed up on the other side. The Eagles didn't blitz much -- a change in philosophy -- but they made sure Vick didn't get a chance to warm up.
"I didn't get outside the pocket," Vick said. "I think that was their first priority."
Philadelphia led only 14-10 at halftime, a bit too close for a team that had lost to St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Carolina in the last three NFC title games. Even more galling -- the two more recent defeats were at home.
But, as the sun gave way to a nearly full moon over Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles dominated the final two quarters. Akers connected from 31 and 34 yards, then McNabb and Lewis teamed up to finish off the Falcons with their 2-yard touchdown.
Owens, who didn't play because of a severe ankle injury, had a prominent role nonetheless. He drew plenty of attention with his sideline antics, flapping his arms and waving a towel to urge on a crowd that didn't need any encouragement.
And he might recover in time for the Super Bowl.
"I have a feeling he will," Reid said.
Owens' teammates filled in admirably. McNabb worked his passes around to eight players, led by Brian Westbrook with five catches for 39 yards. Westbrook also handled the bulk of the running load, carrying 16 times for 96 yards.
Then, it was time for the party -- Philly-style.
"For those about to rock, we salute you," AC/DC screamed over the sound system. Fireworks went off above the stadium. And tons of glitter fluttered over the field, recreating the blizzard that swept through the city a day earlier.
"This is their fourth trip in a row to the championship game," said Jim Mora, the Falcons' rookie coach. "They've been in this position before, and they played like they've been in this position before."
It was a great season for the Falcons, who came within one victory of their second Super Bowl after going 5-11 last season. With Vick at quarterback, the future looks bright.
Philadelphia scored on its second possession after Chris Mohr managed only an 8-yard punt into a stiff wind. The Eagles appeared to go three-and-out, but a holding penalty on rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall kept the drive alive.
Westbrook broke off a 36-yard run, scooting through a huge hole on the right side and breaking through Brian Scott's attempted tackle. Dorsey Levens finished it off with a 4-yard touchdown run, appearing to be stopped at the 2 but getting a shove into the end zone from offensive guard Jermane Mayberry.
The Falcons responded by holding the ball for almost nine minutes, also benefiting from a defensive holding penalty on third down that kept the drive alive. But Philadelphia stiffened on first-and-goal from 2, throwing T.J. Duckett for a loss -- only the second negative run of the season for the 254-pound back. Atlanta was forced to settle for Jay Feely's 23-yard field goal.
Back came the Eagles for another touchdown, set up by another big play. McNabb lofted a pass to Greg Lewis, who was covered by undrafted free agent Christian Morton. Lewis slowed up to catch the ball while Morton stumbled out of position, the result being a 45-yard completion to the Atlanta 4.
Two plays later, it was another Lewis, tight end Chad, making a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone. He somehow managed to drag both feet inbounds after leaping to pull down the high throw. Atlanta challenged, but the replay clearly backed up the refs' call.
The Falcons followed with their most impressive offensive display. In only five plays, they shredded the Eagles for 70 yards, capped off by Warrick Dunn's 10-yard touchdown with 2:02 left in the first half.
But Atlanta's offense never warmed up over the final two quarters.
While the temperature at kickoff was 17, it felt more like zero. A steady 26 mph wind -- gusting as high as 35 mph -- swept in through the openings on the north end of the stadium.
But the sun and a brilliant blue sky were a striking change from conditions a day earlier. Snow was piled up around the edge of the field, remnants of a blizzard that dumped about a foot of snow and paralyzed much of the East Coast.
The bitter conditions didn't diminish the mood of the fans, nearly all of whom bundled up in something green. They began gathering in the parking lots -- where snow had been plowed into piles higher than their vehicles -- just after sunrise to get an early start on the expected celebration.
Leading up to the kickoff, there was another Philly moment.
The "Rocky" theme blared from the speakers, sending the crowd into a towel-waving frenzy. The video board showed clips from the movie interspersed with highlights from the Eagles' season.
Now, they've got a chance to show the biggest highlight of all -- a Super Bowl championship.
1/23/2005
New England at Pittsburgh
By Mark Riley,
The two-time MVP was no problem last week. Neither was another two-time MVP in the Super Bowl three years ago.
Now all that stands between the New England Patriots and a chance to play for another title is a quarterback who nobody has been able to beat yet -- including the Patriots themselves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hope Ben Roethlisberger is the missing piece to help them avoid another AFC Championship Game loss when they host the Patriots in a showdown between the teams with the NFL's best records.
The contest is a rematch of the AFC Championship Game following the 2001 season, when New England went into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers 24-17. The Patriots then stunned the St. Louis Rams 20-17 to win their first of two Super Bowl titles in three years.
Those two upsets helped cement Patriots coach Bill Belichick's reputation for devising schemes to stop top quarterbacks and teams. New England had two interceptions of Kurt Warner, who won his second MVP that season, and forced the powerful Rams offense into three turnovers.
"It's a nice compliment," Belichick said of his reputation. "I don't think it really means much this week. I don't think anybody cares about that. I'm sure Pittsburgh doesn't care."
He has earned even more praise for his brilliance the last two years while leading New England to a 32-4 record, with one Super Bowl title and another one just two wins away. His teams are 4-0, including two playoff wins, over the last two seasons against Indianapolis and its quarterback Peyton Manning, who won or shared MVP honors in both years.
But just like everybody else in the NFL, he hasn't yet shown he has answers for the Steelers since Roethlisberger became their starting quarterback.
The NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year has won his first 14 starts, helping Pittsburgh to the longest winning streak in franchise history and the best record in the NFL this season.
Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes and the Steelers had 417 yards of offense when they beat the Patriots 34-20 on Oct. 31, snapping New England's NFL-record 21-game winning streak, counting playoffs.
"We didn't do hardly anything well," Belichick said. "Obviously, I did a terrible job. You get beat 34-13 or whatever it was, you don't feel very good about your job."
That win helped Pittsburgh earn home-field advantage for Sunday's game, but that hasn't mattered much in the recent past. Before their loss to the Patriots three years ago, the Steelers also lost AFC championship games at home to Denver in 1998 and San Diego in 1995. Their last Super Bowl appearance came after they beat Indianapolis in 1996.
"I think we have been prepared to play every game," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "When you go into the playoffs, you are playing quality teams and you can't turn the ball over and squander scoring opportunities. Those things have a way of staring you in the face at the end of a football game."
The Steelers seemed headed for another home playoff loss last week, but pulled out a 20-17 overtime victory over the Jets after New York kicker Doug Brien missed a pair of field goals late in regulation.
Roethlisberger looked like a rookie for one of the few times this season. He had one pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, and another interception set up the Jets with good field position before Brien's second miss.
"I did everything I could to lose the game," Roethlisberger said. "I've got to play better. That was terrible. The game we played today is not going to cut it."
That game had to remind some Pittsburgh fans of the AFC championship game loss to New England. The Jets scored a special teams and a defensive touchdown, while the Patriots scored twice on special teams in their win three years ago.
Those kinds of scores sometimes seem necessary against a Pittsburgh defense that ranked first in the NFL overall and against the run. The Steelers forced four turnovers and held the Patriots to 5 yards rushing in the regular-season meeting.
However, the Patriots didn't have an injured Corey Dillon that day. Dillon's arrival from Cincinnati helped make what was already the NFL's best team even better, as he rushed for a franchise-record 1,635 yards during the season.
Dillon ran for 144 yards last week, a big reason the Patriots were able to keep the ball out of Manning's hands in the second half.
"I think he's really going to take the pressure off Tom Brady," fullback Patrick Pass said. "I just knew he would have a good game. He's our go-to guy."
The Patriots still have other injuries, though they continue to overcome them. Cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole were joined on the sidelines last week by star defensive lineman Richard Seymour, but Tedi Brucshi forced a fumble and recovered two to key a dominant defense that prevented Manning from leading a touchdown drive after he threw an NFL-record 49 TD passes during the season.
Roethlisberger isn't the only quarterback protecting an unbeaten streak. New England's Brady is 7-0 in the postseason and has thrown at least one TD pass in five straight playoff games. The last time he didn't have one was the victory in Pittsburgh, when he was knocked out with an injury and replaced byDrew Bledsoe.
New England's seven straight playoff victories tie four teams -- including the Steelers from 1974-76 -- for second all-time. Green Bay won nine straight in the 1960s.
The two-time MVP was no problem last week. Neither was another two-time MVP in the Super Bowl three years ago.
Now all that stands between the New England Patriots and a chance to play for another title is a quarterback who nobody has been able to beat yet -- including the Patriots themselves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hope Ben Roethlisberger is the missing piece to help them avoid another AFC Championship Game loss when they host the Patriots in a showdown between the teams with the NFL's best records.
The contest is a rematch of the AFC Championship Game following the 2001 season, when New England went into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers 24-17. The Patriots then stunned the St. Louis Rams 20-17 to win their first of two Super Bowl titles in three years.
Those two upsets helped cement Patriots coach Bill Belichick's reputation for devising schemes to stop top quarterbacks and teams. New England had two interceptions of Kurt Warner, who won his second MVP that season, and forced the powerful Rams offense into three turnovers.
"It's a nice compliment," Belichick said of his reputation. "I don't think it really means much this week. I don't think anybody cares about that. I'm sure Pittsburgh doesn't care."
He has earned even more praise for his brilliance the last two years while leading New England to a 32-4 record, with one Super Bowl title and another one just two wins away. His teams are 4-0, including two playoff wins, over the last two seasons against Indianapolis and its quarterback Peyton Manning, who won or shared MVP honors in both years.
But just like everybody else in the NFL, he hasn't yet shown he has answers for the Steelers since Roethlisberger became their starting quarterback.
The NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year has won his first 14 starts, helping Pittsburgh to the longest winning streak in franchise history and the best record in the NFL this season.
Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes and the Steelers had 417 yards of offense when they beat the Patriots 34-20 on Oct. 31, snapping New England's NFL-record 21-game winning streak, counting playoffs.
"We didn't do hardly anything well," Belichick said. "Obviously, I did a terrible job. You get beat 34-13 or whatever it was, you don't feel very good about your job."
That win helped Pittsburgh earn home-field advantage for Sunday's game, but that hasn't mattered much in the recent past. Before their loss to the Patriots three years ago, the Steelers also lost AFC championship games at home to Denver in 1998 and San Diego in 1995. Their last Super Bowl appearance came after they beat Indianapolis in 1996.
"I think we have been prepared to play every game," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "When you go into the playoffs, you are playing quality teams and you can't turn the ball over and squander scoring opportunities. Those things have a way of staring you in the face at the end of a football game."
The Steelers seemed headed for another home playoff loss last week, but pulled out a 20-17 overtime victory over the Jets after New York kicker Doug Brien missed a pair of field goals late in regulation.
Roethlisberger looked like a rookie for one of the few times this season. He had one pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, and another interception set up the Jets with good field position before Brien's second miss.
"I did everything I could to lose the game," Roethlisberger said. "I've got to play better. That was terrible. The game we played today is not going to cut it."
That game had to remind some Pittsburgh fans of the AFC championship game loss to New England. The Jets scored a special teams and a defensive touchdown, while the Patriots scored twice on special teams in their win three years ago.
Those kinds of scores sometimes seem necessary against a Pittsburgh defense that ranked first in the NFL overall and against the run. The Steelers forced four turnovers and held the Patriots to 5 yards rushing in the regular-season meeting.
However, the Patriots didn't have an injured Corey Dillon that day. Dillon's arrival from Cincinnati helped make what was already the NFL's best team even better, as he rushed for a franchise-record 1,635 yards during the season.
Dillon ran for 144 yards last week, a big reason the Patriots were able to keep the ball out of Manning's hands in the second half.
"I think he's really going to take the pressure off Tom Brady," fullback Patrick Pass said. "I just knew he would have a good game. He's our go-to guy."
The Patriots still have other injuries, though they continue to overcome them. Cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole were joined on the sidelines last week by star defensive lineman Richard Seymour, but Tedi Brucshi forced a fumble and recovered two to key a dominant defense that prevented Manning from leading a touchdown drive after he threw an NFL-record 49 TD passes during the season.
Roethlisberger isn't the only quarterback protecting an unbeaten streak. New England's Brady is 7-0 in the postseason and has thrown at least one TD pass in five straight playoff games. The last time he didn't have one was the victory in Pittsburgh, when he was knocked out with an injury and replaced byDrew Bledsoe.
New England's seven straight playoff victories tie four teams -- including the Steelers from 1974-76 -- for second all-time. Green Bay won nine straight in the 1960s.
Atlanta at Philly
By Mark Riley,
Michael Vick has walked into a frigid, intimidating atmosphere in the playoffs and emerged a winner.
So have Brad Johnson and Jake Delhomme.
Vick now will try to duplicate what those lesser-heralded quarterbacks have done the past two years by going into Philly and stealing a spot in the Super Bowl away from a desperate city.
Playing in the NFC championship game for a fourth consecutive season -- and playing host for the third year in a row – Donovan McNabb and the Eagles hope this is finally the year they take the next monumental step as they face Vick and the Falcons.
"The last few years have left a bad taste in our mouth," Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said. "We know what is at stake now. We are a better team now than we were the last three years."
There is no reason to believe Vick and the Falcons will be rattled by the raucous fans or the weather in Philadelphia. The forecast for Jan. 23 is calling for strong winds and a possible snow shower with temperatures in the low 20s.
"I don't think it'll be a factor," Vick said. "We come to play football, and football is played in all types of conditions -- rain, snow, sleet or whatever. You have to go out and play the game; the game is not going to be called off. Regardless of the conditions, this is for all the marbles."
Conditions didn't matter two years ago for Atlanta when it went to a snowy Green Bay in the wild-card round to face a Packers team that was 11-0 at home in the playoffs. Vick played mistake-free football, throwing for 117 yards and rushing for 64 while not committing a turnover, and Atlanta won easily 27-7.
The next week, Atlanta played in Philadelphia and Vick was intercepted twice in a 20-6 defeat.
That sent the Eagles into their second successive NFC title game -- they lost at St. Louis the previous year -- to face Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being a favorite and hosting a team that had traditionally been dreadful in cold conditions, Philadelphia lost 27-10.
Last season, the Eagles again were expected to win as Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers visited the 'Linc' for the NFC championship game. Philadelphia fans, whose 22-year title drought is the longest of any city with teams in all four major sports, came away further dejected as the Eagles were upset 14-3.
"It's unfortunate what happened to us the last three years, but it's just a different feeling this year," McNabb said.
The Falcons, meanwhile, enter their second NFC championship game the same way as they did the first, as underdogs on the road. Atlanta pulled off the victory last time, beating Minnesota 30-27 in January 1999 before losing to Denver in the Super Bowl.
"This is a totally different team than was here in 1998, with a different feel and a different look," said linebacker Keith Brooking, who joins Travis Hall as the only holdovers. "But it is similar in the sense that we are making plays when we need to."
Vick certainly has.
He broke McNabb's record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game with 119 last week in a 47-17 rout of the Rams in the divisional round. Warrick Dunn had 142 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries as the Falcons' league-leading rushing attack gained 327 yards -- though the Rams defensively do not provide the challenge Philadelphia does.
"They're doing a good job with ball control, so we're going to have our hands full, especially with their quarterback," Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins said.
The Eagles did not have problems keeping Daunte Culpepper in the pocket last week in a 27-14 victory against Minnesota, but he's not nearly as fast as Vick.
Philadelphia can crowd the line of scrimmage to stop the run because its secondary is perhaps the best in the NFL. Dawkins and fellow safety Michael Lewis made the Pro Bowl, as did cornerback Lito Sheppard, who along with Sheldon Brown might often be left in single coverage against Atlanta's suspect receivers.
"If we need to throw the football to win, we can throw the football to win," Falcons coach Jim Mora said. "We also believe that if we're pounding it down someone's throats like we were the other night, then that's what we're going to do because that's an attitude, that's a toughness, that's a physicality that you're supposed to play with."
Once considered a weakness, the Eagles' run defense has improved significantly since Trotter was made the starting linebacker midway through the season. Trotter, voted to the Pro Bowl despite making only seven starts, keyed the victory last week with seven tackles, a half-sack and an interception.
While Trotter's job will be to stop the run and put pressure on Vick, the man whose primary purpose might be to just shadow Vick is Jevon Kearse.
The speedy defensive end played a role similar to that last week against Minnesota and helped limit the effectiveness of Culpepper, who was intercepted twice.
Atlanta has one of the league's best defensive lines -- Pro Bowl selection Patrick Kerney had 13 of the Falcons' NFL-high 48 sacks -- and that group must put pressure on McNabb.
The Pro Bowl quarterback was sacked only once last week as he went 21-for-33 for 286 yards with two touchdowns, not seeming to miss T.O. and having no problems shaking off the rust.
Owens won't be back this week -- he has an outside chance of playing in the Super Bowl -- but Philadelphia's much-maligned secondary receivers played well last week and Brian Westbrook remains a solid option out of the backfield.
"It's going to be a bunch of crazed dogs out there just fired up ready to just tee off," McNabb said. "We're looking forward to this challenge and we can't wait for it to happen."
Michael Vick has walked into a frigid, intimidating atmosphere in the playoffs and emerged a winner.
So have Brad Johnson and Jake Delhomme.
Vick now will try to duplicate what those lesser-heralded quarterbacks have done the past two years by going into Philly and stealing a spot in the Super Bowl away from a desperate city.
Playing in the NFC championship game for a fourth consecutive season -- and playing host for the third year in a row – Donovan McNabb and the Eagles hope this is finally the year they take the next monumental step as they face Vick and the Falcons.
"The last few years have left a bad taste in our mouth," Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said. "We know what is at stake now. We are a better team now than we were the last three years."
There is no reason to believe Vick and the Falcons will be rattled by the raucous fans or the weather in Philadelphia. The forecast for Jan. 23 is calling for strong winds and a possible snow shower with temperatures in the low 20s.
"I don't think it'll be a factor," Vick said. "We come to play football, and football is played in all types of conditions -- rain, snow, sleet or whatever. You have to go out and play the game; the game is not going to be called off. Regardless of the conditions, this is for all the marbles."
Conditions didn't matter two years ago for Atlanta when it went to a snowy Green Bay in the wild-card round to face a Packers team that was 11-0 at home in the playoffs. Vick played mistake-free football, throwing for 117 yards and rushing for 64 while not committing a turnover, and Atlanta won easily 27-7.
The next week, Atlanta played in Philadelphia and Vick was intercepted twice in a 20-6 defeat.
That sent the Eagles into their second successive NFC title game -- they lost at St. Louis the previous year -- to face Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being a favorite and hosting a team that had traditionally been dreadful in cold conditions, Philadelphia lost 27-10.
Last season, the Eagles again were expected to win as Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers visited the 'Linc' for the NFC championship game. Philadelphia fans, whose 22-year title drought is the longest of any city with teams in all four major sports, came away further dejected as the Eagles were upset 14-3.
"It's unfortunate what happened to us the last three years, but it's just a different feeling this year," McNabb said.
The Falcons, meanwhile, enter their second NFC championship game the same way as they did the first, as underdogs on the road. Atlanta pulled off the victory last time, beating Minnesota 30-27 in January 1999 before losing to Denver in the Super Bowl.
"This is a totally different team than was here in 1998, with a different feel and a different look," said linebacker Keith Brooking, who joins Travis Hall as the only holdovers. "But it is similar in the sense that we are making plays when we need to."
Vick certainly has.
He broke McNabb's record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game with 119 last week in a 47-17 rout of the Rams in the divisional round. Warrick Dunn had 142 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries as the Falcons' league-leading rushing attack gained 327 yards -- though the Rams defensively do not provide the challenge Philadelphia does.
"They're doing a good job with ball control, so we're going to have our hands full, especially with their quarterback," Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins said.
The Eagles did not have problems keeping Daunte Culpepper in the pocket last week in a 27-14 victory against Minnesota, but he's not nearly as fast as Vick.
Philadelphia can crowd the line of scrimmage to stop the run because its secondary is perhaps the best in the NFL. Dawkins and fellow safety Michael Lewis made the Pro Bowl, as did cornerback Lito Sheppard, who along with Sheldon Brown might often be left in single coverage against Atlanta's suspect receivers.
"If we need to throw the football to win, we can throw the football to win," Falcons coach Jim Mora said. "We also believe that if we're pounding it down someone's throats like we were the other night, then that's what we're going to do because that's an attitude, that's a toughness, that's a physicality that you're supposed to play with."
Once considered a weakness, the Eagles' run defense has improved significantly since Trotter was made the starting linebacker midway through the season. Trotter, voted to the Pro Bowl despite making only seven starts, keyed the victory last week with seven tackles, a half-sack and an interception.
While Trotter's job will be to stop the run and put pressure on Vick, the man whose primary purpose might be to just shadow Vick is Jevon Kearse.
The speedy defensive end played a role similar to that last week against Minnesota and helped limit the effectiveness of Culpepper, who was intercepted twice.
Atlanta has one of the league's best defensive lines -- Pro Bowl selection Patrick Kerney had 13 of the Falcons' NFL-high 48 sacks -- and that group must put pressure on McNabb.
The Pro Bowl quarterback was sacked only once last week as he went 21-for-33 for 286 yards with two touchdowns, not seeming to miss T.O. and having no problems shaking off the rust.
Owens won't be back this week -- he has an outside chance of playing in the Super Bowl -- but Philadelphia's much-maligned secondary receivers played well last week and Brian Westbrook remains a solid option out of the backfield.
"It's going to be a bunch of crazed dogs out there just fired up ready to just tee off," McNabb said. "We're looking forward to this challenge and we can't wait for it to happen."
