Well we have finally arrived at the climax to the NFL season and the big talking point is the weather. We have two teams who are used to playing in freezing conditions and while we expected to be discussing how they would adapt to the heat of Dallas instead Dallas has snow. I wonder what the odds were of two teams from the frozen north meeting in the Superbowl in Dallas while Dallas was snowbound. Anyone betting on that at the start of the season would have made enough money to get a black market ticket to the game.
You should not confuse Superbowl XLV with Fireball xl5. XLV simply means this is the 45th Superbowl.
This post like the previous one with the badgers and mascara is a joint effort with Kai so although my name appears at the top of the page she deserves at least half of the blame.
We have each profiled one of the teams below but it is worth mentioning a few points about the game beforehand. Naturally as the playoffs are a knock out competition both teams are right at the top of their form just now so we can expect a competitive game. In the past there have been Superbowls which were so one-sided there was no real point in watching the second half but that won’t be the case today. Both teams have excellent defences and you can expect them to be on top for part of the game. However this does not mean they will neuter the game and make it dull. These guys can defend spectacularly so even if there is a spell in the game where the offence can’t make any progress you can expect to be entertained.
The Green Bay Packers
by Kai
Background - How They Got Here
Historically, this is the team of Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, and The Championship Game of 1967 against the Dallas Cowboys, famously called “The Ice Bowl”. It was -20 F/-28C that day. So they wore long sleeves. This NFL synopsis film of the game is one of those quintessentially American celebrations of a fabled game when men were men, and life was set to an epic soundtrack.
Green Bay is the smallest city to have a National Football League team with a population of about 100,000, but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in heart and dedication to “The Pack”. Wisconsin is known for its dairy farms and cheese production, so you’ll see fans (and players) dressed as Cheeseheads . Originally this was a disparaging term used against Wisconsinites, but they embraced it and now the fans are proud to proclaim they know the “whey”. ;)
This could be a good game. We’ll see two tough, physical teams from hard working communities fighting it out. We’ve got the best defensive players (with the longest hair) in the National Football League, one on each team, and both sides will be going for those quarterbacks.
The Packers arrive having won 10 games and lost 6 this season, including two losses in overtime games. They won their Wild Card Playoff game (which means they got into the playoffs by the hair of their chinny chin chins) and they even beat their bitter rivals, The Chicago Bears, 21-14 to get into the Superbowl. Because they’ve won their last 5 games, the word is that they are slightly favored today, but many Steelers fans will disagree. The Packers have a great track record after a bye week (a week off), so that bodes well for their chances.
Players to Watch
Obviously the Packers have lots of great players or they wouldn’t have made it this far, but here are a few to keep an eye on.
Offense
Credit: Darin House
Aaron Rodgers waiting...
Quarterback: #12 Aaron Rodgers After 2 concussions this season he is healthy. He’s not shy about running and will take off if he has no open receivers.
Receiver: #85 Greg Jennings.
What’s that? 8 catches in each of the last 2 playoff games? Jennings is hot right now. We’ll see if he keeps his streak going.
Running Back: #44 James Starks (Rookie) His teammate, Chad Morton, says “He’s the most genuine person you’ll ever meet.” Starks hurt his hamstring in pre-season workouts and didn’t actually start games until December, so the Steelers don’t have a lot of film to watch to know how he runs. We know one thing: No matter how long he’s been doing this professionally, he can run.
Defense
The award winning Clay Matthews
The defense overall has been on the top of its game, limiting points per game to about 12 with plenty of sacks (tackling the quarterback). #52 Clay Matthews is responsible for 3.5 of those sacks in the playoffs. He’s an award winning linebacker with a big personality. Watch for the flowing blond hair. I can’t help but think that hair must be a hazard when guys are trying to bring him down. Ouch. But he’s a big boy, he can handle it.
Cornerback: #21 Charles Woodson - He used to be a ‘wild child’ when he played for the Oakland Raiders. Now he’s a family man living in Wisconsin and loving it. He was the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year.
I’ll include Coach Mike McCarthy in this list because the role of the coach is so integral to the game, unlike in European sports. He has been the coach of the Packers since 2006. In 2007 he was voted Coach of the Year by the NFL Alumni, and is known for his innovative ideas on offense.
For key match-ups to watch, check these:
Steven found a handy dandy “Depth Chart” for the Steelers, so I went rummaging around and found The Packers’ Depth Chart that shows who plays in what position on offense, defense, and special teams.
How They Win
The Packers need to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If they don’t and he needs to pass the ball while trying to escape the Steelers’ Troy Polamalu and company, it could cost them the game.
Fun facts
- Green Bay is the second oldest franchise in the NFL, created in 1919. The Cardinals were the first, established in 1898, but they didn’t play continuously from that year, so some count Green Bay as the oldest continuously playing franchise.
- The Packers are the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States.
- In the latest, ‘what is going on with the weather?’ news, this week has brought unusually cold temperatures for Texas, and they had twice their annual snowfall in one week. The forecasters say it will be in the 30’s F/ 3 C outside, but they’re playing in a dome, so the cold will only affect Jerry Jones’ parking lot viewers.
- The Dallas area is supposed to make about $350 million by hosting the Superbowl.
- Packers Coach Mike McCarthy was born and raised in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers
By Steven
History
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the 5th oldest franchise in the NFL having been founded on July 8th 1933. They have won 6 Superbowls but these have not been spread evenly over history. They won 4 between 1975 and 1980 and then did not win another until 2006. The Steelers are the most successful team in Superbowl history followed by the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers who have won 5 times each. They won in 2009 so they have many players who know exactly what is need to land the trophy.
Terrible Towels
Where the Packers have the cheeseheads the Steelers have the terrible towels. These look like yellow face cloths but you can expect to see the Steelers fans waving them in their thousands over their heads on Sunday. It seems odd from the outside for fans of such a physically aggressive sport to wave dish cloths but is it really any stranger than fans of West Ham on a frozen winter’s day in the rain singing “I’m forever blowing bubbles”? The terrible towel was invented by broadcaster Myron Cope in 1975 just at the start of the most successful period in their history. The rights to the towel belong to a school for mentally and physically handicapped people and its sales have raised $2.5 million for the school.
How we got here
The Steelers finished the regular season with a better record than the Packers by winning 12 of 16 games. The NFL structure is a bit odd to European eyes in that it is split into two conferences each of which is split into 4 divisions. So 8 of the 32 teams win their division and those teams plus the two teams in each conference outwith the division winners who have the best win/loss record go through to the playoffs which is a knock out competition. Given this structure there is no need to have a great record over the season to make the Superbowl. A team simply has to make the playoffs and play really well in those matches.
As a result of this system the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons who had the best record in each conference over the regular season have been eliminated in the playoffs. In the post season playoffs the Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens 31-24 and the New York Jets 24-19 to make the Superbowl.
Players
As mentioned in the previous post each team seems to have a couple of hundred players available to them but rather than read the whole list and struggle to make sense check out the depth chart. This shows all the players for each position and lists first, second and third choice. Some players will be listed more than once as they have multiple roles. To make things easier the depth chart has separate pages for offence, defence and special teams.
Those of you who have memorised the positions diagram in the previous post will have noticed that the Steelers defence is slightly different to the one shown. The diagram showed a 4-3 defence with 4 in the defensive line and 3 linebackers where the Steelers play a 3-4 defence. So instead on 2 defensive tackles they have a nose tackle who lines up in front of the opposition’s centre and they have two middle linebackers. The difference in these formations is simply down to the preference of each head coach but there are obviously strengths and weaknesses in each.
Players to watch
Offence
Credit: dgaproductions
Ben Roethlisberger acclimating to the cold
Quarterback #7 Ben Roethlisberger
The first player to look out for in any team is the quarterback as he controls all the offence. The Steelers’ quarterback is Ben Roethlisberger who is known as Big Ben because he is 6 foot 5. He has played in the two recent Steelers Superbowl winning teams. Like many professional sportsmen his off-field behaviour leaves a lot to be desired but his crimes are not suitable for discussion here.
Centre #53 Maurkice Pouncey
Despite being in his first season Pouncey has established himself as an important player in the Steelers team but unfortunately will not be able to play due to injury. His deputy #64 Doug Legursky has big shoes to fill and his connection with the quarterback is something to watch out for early in the match. If these two can’t get in sync the game could be lost before it starts. As if that was not a big enough problem starting each play a few inches in front of Legursky is Steelers 340 pound (24 stone) nose tackle B.J. Raji so Legursky has to safely give the quarterback the ball then get into a position to block the man mountain long enough to let the quarterback find a pass.
Wide receiver #86 Hines Ward
Ward is a very experienced member of the team having played 13 seasons since 1988. In that time he has caught 954 passes, gained 11,702 yards and scored 83 touchdowns. As well as being able to find open positions and having great hands Ward is also known as a great blocker. This serves the team well because while opponents are busy making sure they have him covered he can be blocking the opponent and creating an opening for a team mate.
Defence
Credit: Rich's Pics
Troy Polamalu in the backfield
Strong safety #43 Troy Polamalu
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of the defence is. Despite being only 5 foot 10 and weighing only 207 pounds Polamalu can regularly be seen knocking far bigger players out of his way as he homes in on the ball carrier with his long hair flowing behind him. When the Packers have the ball watch out for him.
Blitzing linebackers #92, #56, #94, #51
The four starting linebackers scored 29 sacks between them in the regular season. The Steelers don’t like to wait for the opposing quarterback to pass the ball and then intercept they like to send their linebackers after him before he has identified and open receiver. Aaron Rogers can expect to see these 4 and their back ups in his face regularly.
Coaches
Just as each team has dozens of players so they have a dozen coaches. These coaches work under the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin took over as head coach at the beginning of 2007 a year after the Steelers had won the Superbowl. He became the youngest head coach in history to win a Superbowl in 2009 in only his second season. During his time as head coach the Steelers have only met the Packers once with the Steelers winning the match.
So now you know everything you need to know about the game you just need to park yourself in front of a TV with enough to eat and drink for four hours and enjoy the spectacle. Even if you have never seen this game played before this is something you should not miss.
The pre-game show has started, it must be about game time.
Oh. 4 hours to go.
#USA
that is some build up!
Pre-game show already?
Wow. I feel a complete idiot now. I have spent half my life thinking the Super Bowl was a big basketbal event...
Pre-game 2:00, actualy game 6:00.
Not to mention the teasers for the Superbowl commercials for about a week and a half.
hehe
I have no idea about most of the things you guys talk about here. It's nice to have a little bit of my own background to bring to a subject. :)
*actual
LOL! Well, I don't always know what people are on about either, if it's any comfort. When I first got here, I had to look up what 'the ashes' were and when I'd finally found out, I had to look up what 'cricket' was. At times cultural differences are a bit hard to overcome, haha.
I'll try to keep an eye on this topic during the evening. I don't think I've understood everything completely yet, but it might be interesting to follow how things evolve. :)
I still don't know what The Ashes are...hehe *blush*
#confential
Or this, the Puppy Bowl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_Bowl
It has real puppies!!!! Me likes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo3zvuIOwB4
@Kai: Well, if it's not about motor racing or figure skating, I'm completely useless as well. #confidential
There is a puppy bowl? I had no idea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FcZ9fEbUn8
The actual Superbowl does happen somewhere in all the hype and advertising - see Gavin's cartoon from earlier today.
Oh, it was jpan's. Both were good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAOvgh71co&feature=related Complete with Kitty Half Time Show.
If we spent half of this energy on something worthwhile.....
Nice of them to fit the game in somewhere. If Bernie and Max were running it they would be trying to do it without the game because the noise and the crowds bothered the sponsors
I think some people put way too much time into the puppy bowl with kitty half time show. I wonder what events they do for build up week. That may be a nice build up post for next year. Let people's imagination run riot
They've been advertising it right alongside the Superbowl ads. "And don't forget The Puppy Bowl!".
I think of all the hours of time, meetings, emails, puppy wrangling, and paperwork that went into this.
#priorities
Is their a puppy draft and puppy colleges?
That comment is ruff.
It depends on their breeding and how much kibble they have.
:)
The Puppy Bowl is on for 2 HOURS.
Hopefully it gives the kids something to watch while the adults eat and drink.
SUPER BOWL EATS: 100K fans will eat 12 tons of nachos, 5T of cheese steak, 4T of hot dogs, 15K gallons of soda, 8K bottled waters
Does that include those in the car park?
No beer???
I want this screen, god knows where I'll put it, but I want it: http://twitpic.com/3x7hpc
Are they allowed to have food? Jerry Jones must be selling them $10 beers. How could he miss that opportunity?
I wonder why they are showing Reagan
He would've been 100 today, so it's all Reagan and 4 hours of pre-game show. Not my cups of tea.
He won't miss a chance to cash in. He will probably insist they are in place 4 hours early and not allowed to bring food or drink
I will never understand America. I can't ever remember being told one of our prime ministers would have been a hundred and there is no way it would ever have been mentioned at a sports event
From what I saw on the news people started going through security around 1:00 or so.
I can't say what I want to say, being an independent liberal who suffered through Reagan's crimes and economic policies, now he's revered? What?
#revisionisthistory
Sorry, #nopolitics
But it fits in great with that way of looking at things:
1. enormous amounts of food
2. in a huge stadium in Texas
3. Reagan's 100th bday
4. Football
Wait, I think this was supposed to be fun? What is wrong with me?
Sorry, folks.
*get off soapbox and calms the heck down
Yeah crazy. Perhaps if they were alive and actually 100?
Nothing wrong with the occasional mini-rant. I think the fact the game is in Texas probabl has a lot to do it but it would make more sense for them to revere a dead player than a dead president
We do things at sports events for recently deceased sports players.
I do think Texas being a huge Republican state has a lot to with it. If the Superbowl was in a different state I can't see it being there.
It's all making me a bit nostalgic over my Australian experience.... If it's a draw do they pretend it never happened and have another go next week with even more buildup?
Americans are not so keen on draws. They like one team to win so if the scores are level after four quarters we go into overtime.
That's why they played again though! No draw!! I couldn't believe they didn't just have some more extra time.
We have a new overtime rule this year, and we never play to a draw in football, through overtime we always get a winner.
We do? What is the new rule?
Everything you need to know about the stadium
And where to get the TVs RG
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/31063/
Oooh, anyone know Mitsubishi's number?
New this yerar, for the post-season only (only playoff games and the Superbowl) - Sudden Death Overtime "Each team must possess or have the opportunity to possess the ball unless the team that has the ball first scores a touchdown on its initial possession. Play continues in sudden death until a winner is determined, and the game automatically ends upon any score"
I can't remember all the ins and outs of the old overtime rules right now, but here is the link
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d817d7/article/postseason-overtime-rules
They probably have a website
So basically the team that has possession first in overtime can't just go for a field goal in their first drive. They have to score a touchdown or lose possession
I came into work and ESPN is on at the TV by my desk at full volume even though there is no one sitting anywhere near me.
Does the universe want me to watch?
Yes, exactly. It's meant to give both teams a chance instead of just going to for the field goal and that's it.
We want you to watch.
I assume you survived running
Looming labor disputes and possible player lockout is coming in a few weeks. You may hear people refer to it.
Yes we do. :)
Only in America.
what time does it actually start? or has it already started? I just have lots of people talking and I can't tell if its pre game or post game
I commented to say I didn't die and I even blogged it too :)
In about half an hour ish
ah i have time to go get breakfast then. and do some work.
Pluggage. What would Alex say if he saw a comment like that with no link on it.
http://amysrunning.posterous.com/
I'm hurt that not everyone already knows the address already. Or not :D
Not sure if I'm going to watch, may do the start. Seeing in retweets that some fans are being turned away because sections of temporary seating were not finished...
see http://twitter.com/darrenrovell
That is bad. I could understand problems related to weather but there is a roof on it and the stadium is 3 years old
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/8ld50p The Fire Marshall hadn't approved the extra seating they put in?
OOPS!
That is crazy
The Fire Marshall hadn't approved the extra seating they put in? They get to go into a 'hospitality area' to watch the game? Yeah, THAT should be a fun crowd. They may need security over there.
They get a refund of three times the ticket price. What about hotels, flights etc?
Darren Rovell
So to recap, a total of 1,250 seats were in affected area. 850 fans could be moved. 400 will watch game from outside.
Oh my word.... They're kids presents, a trip people have been anticipating all year etc etc etc...
Darren Rovell
Lots of emails from people who sold $600 auxilliary seats in between $2,500 & $3,000 each. NFL would only pay them back $1,800.
Plus all the snow and ice that made the travel difficult, etc. Oh boy.
Local MOTELs are being reported at 1000-2000$ per night. (nope, not a typo one Thousand and two thousand).
Supply and demand.
They are reading The Declaration of Independence in the pre-game show??
Embarrassing.
hey all.
Hey there
Quick, you're missing the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
(I'm not kidding. They're actually reading it in some prepackaged piece)
ooh jake.
You wanted to put somethingin the post about hype to
Can't have a big event without Jake
Didn't the BBC send someone to the game the last year or two? Jake and/or Matt the MotoGP man?
They have Mike Carlson. Awesome
Yeah, but I'm too busy gagging on the American flag. It's shoved down my throat.
Ok, that's harsh, but it's a bit much, yes? Anyone? Help?
(Will I get arrested now?)
I can't remember a full year ago
No, Bush is gone now.
#nopolitics
Phew! Thanks, Pat.
:)
jake: "for the best part of $1,000 you can not watch the superbowl in the stadium"
hehe!
I know precisely nothing about American Football or the Superbowl. But I'm not tired so it seems logical to watch and find out what its about.
Oh, and hello all :)
This may help you follow what is going on in the game. You may have to F5 it occasionally but it lets you see where they are on the field and lets you track plays and stats
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011020600/2010/POST22/[email protected]
#same
Glad you're here. :)
Oooh, Greg Brady, I've heard of him. *tempted into five live*
It costs $3 million for a 30 second ad during the Superbowl
Good idea. It's relatively easy to get the basics. We even wrote a post explaining things. Just remember there will be no badgers on the pitch. We are not so sure about mascara
http://sidepodcast.com/post/32-56-badgers-mascara-hike
Doesn't Danica Patrick have her, ahem, risque Go Daddy adverts aired during the Superbowl?
:)
Yep
And that's where the talking baby came from with the ads about trading online.
I seem to remember reading about that
And her Snicker commercial relaunched Betty White's career last year and got her on Saturday Night Live.
evening all - coffee on standby.......
Thanks for the tweetification, MrC.
Hi Barrie
any time, your posts are fabulous. thank you.
i should do the same.
thats the wonders of the Tassimo machine :)
who is that old hairy bloke? he looks familiar
No idea
good lord that is an entrance.
My twitter is full of Muse on the Superbowl comments
I have seen better. They used to introduce players individually.
Wouldn't that take all day?
You know who he looks like? Colonel Ross from the first Hulk movie......
Kai,
Do you know who that is introducing the teams?
oops my manners - Hi Kai! :)
Seemed like it. They didn't introduce all of them only the starting offence of one team and defence of the other so 22 players
Mike McCarthy is far too close a name to Mick McCarthy.
Christina Aguilera - she still has a career?
:D
oh no christina sings.... this could take a while.
Why dont they have a forces band like we do?
You need to have a superstar and let them strangle the tune
Busy elsewhere?
Sorry, I was getting my dinner...
I like him. Let me remember who it is... An actor..first name Sam...
true.
We need Bassano for film info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Elliott Sam Elliott!
Phew.
Sam Elliott. good for IMDB :)
Well done
twitter search returning 700 results every 10 seconds for #superbowl
Nice trophy!
Yay Walter Payton Award. Loved him.
hearts.
We have made it popular :D
Nooooooo not glee
Great player
I just saw him in did you hear about the Morgans...
Is one national anthem not enough?
Google actually, but I just typed in "Actor Sam" and I got the last name.
(minimal credit, I know hehe)
How many celebs do they need to mangle these patriotic tunes?
Maybe one of them is their 'Abide With Me'
:D
:lol:
Yeah, no egos there. hehe
oh amen. Save me.
And a great man.
Bush is there. Oh good.
ooh it's now on all 7 tvs in the office. i didn't know we cared that much.
i thought we said #nobush. what's he doing there?
We are only getting this Leah Michelle one
hang on a tick.......
American the beautiful, then Star Spangled Banner.......
World Champions? hmmmmmmm lol
Very true.
I think that's what the American public said...
from what I remember of Aussie daytime tv...........the Superbowl is preferable lol
Any betting pools on the run-time of the anthem?
How many planes in the fly past?
Or will there be a flypast when the roof is shut?
some mates in the states were doing a sweep on how long Christina takes to sing the anthem - the fave is 1 min 54 seconds lol
This could be over twice as quick if she didn't add 50 trillion new notes for every line.
Now we have Christina Aguileraaaaaoooeeeeaaahhh
Those are some....interesting facial expressions she is making there.
There's a lot of talk about how long the 'brave' bit will last. 6 seconds very common.
wow. now that was timing.
oh cute, he's tearing up... awww.. You did it, you're there!
How do they time those flypasts when singers stretch the song out so much
one of my favourite thing about the superbowl is seeing how much money the guy on 11points.com makes off his silly bets on things like the length of the anthem.
Every time
To the moment. Hard to do. Unless they were in here ear saying "5,4,3,2,1" while she stretched it out
I think one of the best comments that I have heard about "alternate" versions of any anthem, is that people at the event expect, or should expect to be able to sing the anthem. The anthem should not be a one-man show, but rather a communal affair.
how, she was singing in free time. she could've ended at any point?
*her
Maybe they have 6 groups circling and just point the camera up at the appropriate time
ah-ha
The planes were much slower than usual so maybe they were told to back off :)
All the singers do. Some of them act like it is a concert and they are the star and the air force hits the mark every single time
That had to be the worst rendition I have seen, and I think she some of the words wrong
I saw something about that once. They are arriving at a certain time, and she can't mess it up.
Michael Douglas is looking better :)
Good to see :)
Are we meant to know who these people in the coin toss ceremony are?
blimey this Hall of Fame is a stellar line-up isnt it
Those are all captains
Deion Sanders - lightning fast - and Richard Dent - was a Superbowl MVP when the Bears won? Defensive Back or something?
Deion Sanders who is tossing the coin won a couple of Superbowls with the Dallas Cowboys
Chose your goal already!
Dent was Def. Line
More than one? That is just too far.
I had no idea Marshal Faulk was so small. I thought he was taller
:)
hehehe
You tell 'em, Kate! :)
pocket rocket
This sums up my thoughts: http://twitter.com/#!/Skinola7/status/34393910893617153
I'm always surprised at how small they look. Though maybe thats because I'm used to thinking of them with their shoulder pads!
They have one for the offence, one for the defence, one for the lefthanded players, one for those who put their right boot on first etc
GO RAIDERS! No. Wait. :P
You got it.
The team that kicks off kicks the ball to the opposition. Most teams prefer to kick the ball away at the start of the game so they get the first possession of the second half
Go Steelers. I don't want Mick McCarthy winning owt.
love the graphics.
#amstealingthatidea
I love your hashtag. :)
We did put in a lot of work into our posts telling folks about what is happening and who is out there, so consider this my humble plug that our work will pay off. ;)
http://sidepodcast.com/post/32-56-badgers-mascara-hike
:D
Evening
Go Packers!
Remember they have 4 plays to get over the yellow line
Yup, yup, yup
Hi Bassano
hehe
You'd have a good chance of being right a few years ago.
I'd like to point out that wasn't me, but y'know.
That warbling was unbearable
Christina showboating again. Yeesh
3 and out. Didn't ake ten yards so they will punt the ball
(Say it, Steven, say it...)
I should switch to laptop
YAY! :)
bundle!
Kai, Steven Roy, great job on that post :)
Impressions so far: Its like rugby with more trash talk
Moi
Almost every game Kai and I watch has the first team go three and out
Sorry, I am really messing things up today. I would go and hide, but I can't right now.
I've been stressed out lately. :(
Black Eyed Peas on the halftime show.
@indycaradvocate:
Fun Fact: The Black-Eyed Peas last performed something that would qualify as "music" sometime in 2005.
Thanks
I'm not an expert but that seemed like a silly thing to do.
And padding
More stoppages
I like to think of it as physical chess.
I have always watched out for the Raiders because an ex was from LA when they were there, Silver and Black is a class combo, and Al Davis is a loony. Plus Marcus Allen was a superstar.
Thank you, Barrie. Sweet of you to say so. :)
I like it :D
:lol: :lol:
And stopping.
Spot on
@MarshallPruett
We have Prince's 2007 Super Bowl halftime show queued up and ready to play when the Black Eye Peas fire up their mindless drivel today.
@JustinWilson22
@marshallpruett Prince over BEP? Prince so 1999. I got a feeling that some people will have the humps. Cant even meet you half way.
Loonies, all of 'em, and fun to watch - in the news and on the field.
Offside Steelers
isnt that Chess Boxing? :p
:)
Heads up play by Rodgers
But thats literal, I was thinking more metaphorically.
i think they need a luminous ball. i keep loosing it.
He has to read that blitz or he is going to be seeing sky and grass
If Rodgers is throwing high he is hyper.
(This is not really news)
would love to see Al get to just one more Superbowl.........he's mad and ace.....
Kai, Steven Roy, just what is "Play Action"?
Sponsored by NEON.
When the QB fakes a run and drops to pass
Trying to fake out the other team
ooooooo through his hands!!!
perfect. have adjusted brightness instead.
ta Joe and Kai......(I thought every play was action :P)
They have commercial breaks in the game?!
That poor Packer looked so silly to miss that ball. Awww....
He's all excited , "I'm in the Superboooowww!"
Doh.
I don't think your posts explained what a fumble or a sack were and I forgot from last time
Are you kidding? They are the reason for the game. They have hundreds.
The game and clock are stopped during the ads
Nobody suggest that to Bernie, please. He'd stop the race every 5 laps if he thought he could make more money like that.
Going for the Lynn Swann play.......
Jake doesnt look right without his ipad and Eddie hanging off him lol
He looks weird. I think it must be his hair. His forehead looks really big.
he finally has talent to back him up, am loving it.
That kind of comment can only come from someone who knows what they are talking about
It costs $3 million for a 30 second ad during the Superbowl
We have had teasers for 2 weeks for COMMERCIALS. It is the biggest day for commercials we have.
oooooo ad on the BBC! BEER!!!
Thats an idea........lol
I'm calling OFCOM immediately....
He's all over the BBC today, was presenter for Cardiff-Swansea too
Amazing isn't it, people who know what they are talking about and can talk about it.
Fumble: dropped ball, up for grabs
Sack - tackled quarterback, lost yards, you get owned.
yay! Lynn Swann reference. Sweet.
I remember bits and pieces about games I have seen, but the intricacies of the game are a mystery to me.........
I was lucky enough to go to the first World Bowl at Wembley many moons ago.........
ooh, the ref is mic'd up the whole game?
That was a subtle plug there. Effortless.
Thanks
aw dont Kate, it reminded me that I have a couple in the fridge lol
They do that in rugby too...
He turns it on and off when he announces a penalty. Otherwise it would be all sweary when he went near the players.
:)
No just to for the penalties
Yep and he will talk all through it. There are 6 other people out there helping him
They are in rugby too but this one is far better because the stadium can hear him too
would be handy in football.
Do they all have mics?
of course. Keep 'em coming. I may be able to actually answer!
All you would get is bleeps
"this camera is sponsored by Bud Light" - seriously? are they all sponsored? :)
They are mic'd up, just only between themselves.
Frankly I doubt anything you'd hear on it would be pre-watershed friendly.
You only hear from the referee but they have lots of conferences to reach decisions
i need a beer for each advert break :)
EVERYTHING in the USA is sponsored
(This comment sponsored by SPC)
Is this a good game so far? I know nothing about American Football but it seems kinda dull at the moment.
This is the kind of thing Bernie could do for F1. THey sponsor everything. I keep expecting to hear that the commentator's toilet is sponsored by toilet duck the official toilet cleaner of the NFL
blimey, i forgot my twitter search tab... 38,610 new tweets.
You won't make half time
alcohol poisoning before the end of the first quarter.........
be glad it's on the BBC lol
Pretty dull at the moment, both defenses stopped the other guys.
It hasn't livened up yet but like any cup final it takes a little while for everyone to settle down
We predicted that
He's getting there, give him time. He's already decided that F1 needs an "official watchmaker" in addition to the "official timekeepers".
As predicted by STEVEN and KAI.
I think both teams are feeling each other out right now. Most NFL coaches have a list of 10-20 plays that they'll start with...with a bunch of if-then statements
Sponsored by Mystic Meg
Did you catch the metallic sparkle in the yellow helmet?
For a tomboy, I have my girly moments, people.
That's #44 Starks (see above)
:D
Bridgestone! #potentialf1link
Helio is there
http://twitpic.com/3x7xty
not any more........
I just saw the words Sam, Allardyce and Superbowl in the same sentence. I think it is therefore best to leave it there before my neck is locked in an upward position. Night, have fun, daily will be done shortly.
was that ms diaz?
*#potentialEXf1link
Night RG
Rodgers looking good tonight
Yep
Night RG
ace!
Night RG :)
I love Polamalu. (Steeler with big Somoan hair)
woah!
TD Packers
blimey!!
TOUCHDOWN!! Green Bay! Yeah!
Woo hoo!
Yes!
Everyone was expecting a short running play to get the first down and they went for the long pass
Something has happened!
that was a good catch........
You are an expert and trying to pretend to us you know nothing
I find it hard to believe that this man used to be an American Football player. He's dressed like an ICT teacher.
Yes! My glass is empty!
Dodgy hand-action from Mike Carlson then.......
great run. love kick-off returns.....
oh thats harsh.
Stupid penalty
There are a range of penalties for various offences that result in 5, 10, 15 yard penalties. If the penalty is too close to the end zone the penalty changes to half the distance to the line.
I love that Michael Johnson works for the BBC.
I wonder why none of the American networks hire him?
I know they are "America's Team" but I have never been able to warm to the Cowboys......
can't used to teams being called a franchise.
And I was also trying to figure out who he was because I knew that I recognised him, thanks!
It doesn't sound right
Interception
TD
a-mazini!
oh now THATS got the game going.........
I keep missing things because I'm reading comments/tweets
Yee-haw!
That was quite nice...
You can get into trouble for celebrating wrong?
a flag for extensive celebration? this IS their biggest game..........thats crap.
Interception to TOUCHDOWN!????? Holy moly!!!!
#thread fail!
I've no idea but I think at big athletics events he job-shares with ABC or whoever it is. I like that he's being used for non-athletics coverage.
*thread fail*
Oh yes.
That is a stupid penalty, not on the player, but on the Refs for calling
Yeah I haven't really seen any of the game yet.
but but but he didnt take his shirt off.....!!!! did he spike the ball?
I hate them.
thats a great run though - nearly 40 yards.........
I love the cameraman running into the endzone to get a shot of the celebrations
hmmmmm snackage.......... nachos or pitta/hummus combo?
It used to be getting into long, elaborate dances and stuff, and it got excessive, so they made the penalty.
San Miguel beer with Phish Food ice cream (never had it before, very nice)
not together
for our experts.......two useless Steelers questions......
1-Why do the Steelers have their "logo" on one side of their helmets only?
2-Terry Bradshaw - the only balding mullet?
I used to be totally and completely addicted to that.
glad you added that Pat.
I have MGD.....a sort of tradition for the Superbowl from my LA ex Kim.
and no phish food.
No idea. THe logo was the steelmark of one of the local steel companies at the time it was adopted. TTHe Steelers are the only team with a logo on only one side of their helmets
no reason, kind of old school, just a choice
mmm. We may be able to find others. Hulk Hogan, for instance.
Any reason why he is wearing odd shoes?
not odd shoes, One ankle is heavily taped
Great run from Roethlisberger. Read the blitz and found the gap
Ahh right thanks
Have they got L and R on?
oooh. You can bet the Packers are watching that left knee of the Steeler quarterback.
He's tough, though, played with a broken nose for the whole game. The thing was crooked.
That is the end of the first quarter. The second quarter starts from the same position the first ended but with the teams playing in the opposite direction
So who's the BBC Expert Man (not Mike Carlson)? They said he was in a Superbowl a few years ago
Tiki Barber
How does that make sense, surely you won't want to make any gains at all if you're turning around? :)
hehe
oh yes, from the Giants. Quite the fashionable guy.
ta - I was wondering that - he looks like Roger Craig.......(another Raiders link there :P)
@forgetcape (Get Cape Wear Cape Fly - singer/band)
Bowling for Souperbowl 45. Green Day Packers V Chris De Burgh Steelers.
No. The Steelers had 1st and ten from the Packers 32 yard line and they still have that. It's just that the ball has been moved to the other side of the field
Oh I see :)
It's about wind advantage...kind of a non issue indoors
Evening/Morning all,
I hope you guys missed the pre-game show on the UK coverage.
THe little red countdown timer that appears on screen is the play clock. The team with the ball has to start the play before it zeroes or they get a penalty
They switch it up because it's good for an outdoor stadium, if there is wind that will give an advantage in one direction.
Hey Scott.
Sadly not.
You said it better, Joe. :)
Much of it I think, joined when the teams came onto the field
Hi Steven,
who you cheering for? I'm kind of split once the Patriots disappeared from the playoff as teams from this part of the world usually do - all codes;)
We did miss it. The pre-game show lasts 4 hours
I turned it on everynow and again but it just felt lame.
Crikey, I could barely last through what we got of it
Well Kai profiled the Packers in the post and I did the Steelers so I guess she is winning
Field goal, 3 points for the Steelers
I miss the all-day coverage of big finals.....
anyone remember FA Cup Final It's A Knockout?
Class.
:)
Time for a beer
after the pre-game show, they had the pre-kick show. seriously ;)
in the commerical world, number of funny Doritos ads vs unfunny ads: about 3-0
evening folks
hehe
I wondered if we would cheer for the team we wrote about, but I've been a fan of each of these teams at different times, so I don't have a clear favorite today either.
If anyone analyses the comments for this post the most frequently used word will be beer
i gather ms christina warbled a lot and that one team is 14-0 up?
The beer ads are funny too ;)
I concur 100%
Neither do I but I think we should each look at the game from the point of ther teams we profiled
She was innovative
14-3 now
yep. and the girl from glee sang some other song ;)
John Travolta looks bored. Cameron Diaz was feeding her beau popcorn....
She was not good, I think she screwed up some of the works, as well.
WORDS!
Why would anyone analyze for the word beer? Is beer good, or is beer bad? Beer is beer beer beer beer.
I see
Twitter has thus far been unrepentant about it
beer is food.
That's the same thing Microsoft did, Works -> Word. nerd joke and I apologise..
Wait, I didn't find any of the Dorito ads funny. The Bridgestone one about the Reply All email was good, though.
Okay maybe I just like the weirdness of the one with the guy desperate for the last crumbs...
Oh and that Joan Rivers / Go daddy advert = shivers down my spine
his name is Tiki? Really?
nice twist that one. but apart from Danica who was the other girl?
1st cheesehead I've seen.
I would call that one disturbing, but I've been entertained by many disturbing things
I don't know
Joan RIvers? Go Daddy? I thought that was Danica.
What a letdown :p
I've 5Live on and apparently the only action is with the celebs in the grandstands - do people really care?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiki_Barber
about which? depends on your audience i guess.
There's going to be an ad for the animated film Rio which will feature a code that will unlock some secret level in Angry Birds
#TrueStory
Hmmm... Patrick's Go Daddy contract might be under scrutiny if she has another poor year or two in Nationwide
oh yeah I saw a plug for that when Jamie Foxx was on the red carpet pre-game show. the red carpet just went to the microphone where two hosts stood.
there doing a rolling commentary on the celebrities in the stands
twin brother Ronde, cornerback for Tampa Bay
What's the best SPC screen to use these days for seeing a few posts on screen at the same time?
You always get a bit of that in the Superbowl
OWWWWWWWWWW that hurt me! poor knee :(
http://sidepodcast.com/realtime/ ?
Cute commercial with a kid dressed like Darth Vader trying to work his magic powers on household appliances. He goes outside and tries it on the car, the dad uses the remote car starter, the kid is like ???!! .
very cool
I saw that a few days ago. Great ad
I saw that a couple of times last week. I think someone linked to it
or dashboard: http://sidepodcast.com/dashboard
I'm trying out the dashboard - but want to stretch the comments out a bit more horizontally. is this possible? trying to get more comments on fewer lines where possible - I've got wide screen
Great pass right into the middle
March Madness starts soon - that's College Basketball
Looks like the Steelers offence finally got in the game
ah, nope. realtime will do that.
All this Americana and the TV style is actually making me look forward to NASCAR.
cool thanks. I haven't been in SPC world because of going back to watching F1 via internet again - that takes care of one screen - makes things hard to follow ;) i have another screen now. I'll be back when the time zone works for me again.
oh look it's Rosanne....
:O
Super 8 might be a good movie to see but it's JJ Abrams, and that can go either way (Lost).
Packers intercept again
Good Job
Interception again! Those kinds of plays are HUGE.
Why did I have to say that?
Cloverfield was better than I expected
I never saw it for that reason, maybe I'll watch it?
I'm so happy I gave up on that show after six episodes (but watched the finale). I learnt as much about the Island as friends who watched all six years.
#jinx
Same here. I was glad not to go through all that bs. Once they stopped talking about the polar bear and all the other weirdness, I was out. Then watched the finale. :)
nice run from the rookie GB #44
Starks has been playing only since December - see the post above.
still confused by the mention of bridgestone :)
TD Packers
Yes!
I thought they operated as Firestone in the US?
Touchdown again!???
Wow.
oh blimey this is starting to look a bit one-way.......
Normally yes
And I just missed the touchdown because I was typing that!
Both
I just couldn't wait for the bear! every tv ad said "we'll tell you the secret of the island" and they never did. I smelt a rat.
another superbowl blowout? It's usually the favourites by more than the betting spread.
What a great camera angle right behind and above Rodgers.
Pittsburgh need to step up soon. Packers have dominated the game
Surprisingly so.
I have missed half the game typing stuff
I like that weird darlek thing hanging from two strings they use to get those shots. I'm always hoping to see one get hit but they're pretty good in the placement - with NFL it's easier than soccer/football.
I've barely seen any of it. :(
21-3 is a small margin with a 30+ min half time to make adjustments
With only 2 minutes till half time the game will really speed up now. Instead of taking 20 seconds to sort out plays they will try to do it on the fly
except for the two minute warning - for those that don't know - the clock stops automatically at 2 minutes to go - like a free time out
True. But possession time is very uneven so far.
I am making a point of ignoring some comments so that I see a good part of the game
extra commericals
Competition yellow for an ad break at prime time in the game
this sport is made for just made for tv, and my attention span.
I need to find that balance so I can enjoy more of it.
You shouldn't be commenting if you are missing it. It is why I go quiet during races.
Deion Sanders may say it best:
21-3 and its time for the black eyed peas. Big Ben tripping right now. He has to step it up or somebody go get Aretha Franklin. Truth
I think that field is just painted concrete
Woodson cannot get hurt.
I think the players will agree with you. And it probably is anyway.
:D
He managed all that without mentioning himself?
Truth.
Woodson. Woodson............wasnt there brothers with the same name a while ago? Rellies perhaps?
I think this Woodson has just been around forever
There was a Rod Woodson
Dunno. He used to play for the Raiders... :)
i love the VIP room out the back there with the big screens on either side of the tunnel
woodson look like he was carrying a bad left shoulder or was it something else?
If GB has lost Shields and Woodson....hm. Not good.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Woodson
yeah
Looked like shoulder
but good for the game.
TD Steelers
ooh, fightback?
here comes Pittsburgh....SCORE!
I don't understand why they rushed that play. 50 plus seconds and only 8 yards to go. Take your time and plan it properly
fox commentators (USA) speculate that none of that was planned. who cares right?
extra point good
21-10 GB leads
Just looking at that link, SR.......he was a Steeler too (and yes Kai, he got to a Superbowl with the Raiders :p)
because the defense wasn't set.
Didn't look planned
Scott, do you know about our potential meetup in Boston?
http://sidepodcastwiki.com/SidepodBoston
the locker room appears to be 3 miles from the field
wwhwoaaa?! no idea. thanks for the headsup.
I think it was more important to make sure the offence knew what it was doing
half time show - sounds like an opportunity for munchies :p
And we could use your help in finding the right hotel. I have only been there a couple times and I don't know anything about it. I live in CT and I go to NYC mostly, if I go to a city.
munchies are better than the Black Eyed Peas any day of the week
This game is starting to remind me of a Star Trek Voyager episode where crewmen kept disappearing off the ship one at a time.
Any moment of any day of any week on any planet.
:lol:
remind me after the superbowl ;)
That was a slow starter but the first half ended up being quite interesting and sets up an intriguing second half assuming any players survive the game
I demand a #sidepodmeetup in the US for 2012, based around my potential visit to the Indy 500
:D
Thousands are outside with those heater things in 40 degree weather, and Jerry Jones is inside counting his money. Those suckers went for it.
Jerry Jones inspires me to hate the Cowboys more every day
how did Boston make the meetup point? Makes it more likely I'll be there ;) especially Cambridge...what's the requirements?
I liked the Dodge AWD commercial. It's what it's like around here when 1 snowflake flies. But maybe not this winter, 'cause it snows about every other day now.
Beer and wifi
Not to get off topic, but when is the meetup? Coincide with a Rays-Sox game?
Bassano has been to NYC. I think that's the only reason. :) I had suggested NYC 'cause it's closer for me (selfish), but then Bassano suggested Boston.
Requirements: Breathing. Talking is good, too. :)
We're looking at April 1, 2,3. Can you make it?
http://sidepodcastwiki.com/SidepodBoston Meetup, for anyone who wants to come, please do!
Possibly. First I'm hearing of it.
Oh fascinating....
really? that's it?
hhm. compared to the first two things?
As for April 1,2,3 looks kinds of freeish for me to turn up for parts of it. Will depend on work.
what is?
Yep. I've never been to a meetup, so you guys know better than me.
That interview with BEPs
oh. I must have missed it.
munch munch munch
Now it's raining outside the stadium. Good times.
You just need a pub-like place selling food and alcohol.
oh lordy
Sounds good to me.
Owww the live autotune
fake audience?
there's the one that was in the opening scene of The Social Network....
ooh look space men on tv.
Sound system sucks. Thought that might be a blessing in disguise.
oh, dancers.
oops her microphone wasn't on.
Tron fans?
:lol: I do prefer if the mics don't work.
i thought that!
fake band too
Couldn't they just mime? It sounds awful
ooh pretty lights.....
One suggestion was Cheers
I like the lit up suits but couldn't they hire people who can sing?
The best halftime show I ever saw was Creed on Thanksgiving, it's on youtube.
love the arrows.
Yeah, this.
:lol:
C'mon everyone.
Boom boom pow....
hehe
Oh no why....
guns and roses?
I miss Janet Jackson and her fake surprise lol
Fergie, stop. Please just stop.
yeah - the bit that's supposed to be autotuned they didn't turn it on for. This is hurting me just a bit. But I made the mistake of walking away from a certain half time show 10 years ago and came back on the last note and thought the tv camera's changed angles quite suddenly....hours later I heard why...
SLASH!
Slash!
Respect = gone
Slash?
...and Slash too?? Deary me.
the one and only Slash.
good.
how can I be in the USA and you guys are getting this BEFORE me. stupid cable.
ouch......
She sounds just like Axl Rose
(good that there is only one.......lol)
oh my god, please stop.
They were all worried here about Fergie's outfit and having another wardrobe malfunction ala Janet. That's why they've had such different acts since Janet
Never been a fan of Guns and Roses in the slightest, but he is the only person on that stage with an ounce of ability
Same. DirecTV. We probably have a very slight delay or something for our precious ears or eyes.
:D
why are they worried? she's a bloke :P
Truth
*Deion style
that's the biggest issue with cable/digital - can't listen to radio broadcast of a game without it predicting the future. I could unplug the cable and go for the old rabbit ears....
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=creed+thanksgiving&aq=0
Awesome halftime
Just think last year we had the Who and before that Springsteen
usher too?
Stop teasing me, I keep thinking its over!
awesomeness. this is... well...
yep. they love mixing things up. which boy band played with aerosmith? nsynch?
Pull up your pants dude!
Usher doing his usual "do a dance and say oh once or twice" style of singing
that was just so CBS had everyone thinking about the CSI shows for the next week ;)
:D
ahh, i know this one.
At least a dumpster fire is interesting to look at....jeez!
dammit. I didnt feel sleepy until this lot started.
coffee. NOW!
This is from before they decided to be all electropop and rubbish
Hah :)
where is the love?
for these artists, I suspect not here right now....
tis their only decent track.
Wow - Fergie is full on shouting
Damn straight
:lol:
isn't that rap? ;)
http://twitter.com/EugeneMirman/status/34420085644861440
I'm afraid if the Superbowl is being broadcast into space, aliens will interpret this Black Eyed Peas performance as an act of war.
http://twitter.com/jpmontoya/status/34420363798659072
Black eye peas RULES!!!!
I knew I was right about him
Is it over this time?
Ah, nope.
Agreed.
what?!?!
dirty dancing?
What? They covered this?
Its a "sample"
Nope, it's just ****
i've just been a bit sick in my mouth.
Am I asleep and dreaming this?
I think she was in shouting distance of the right note
:D
Last year
exactly ;)
So they're a cover band, right?
Ah, you guys haven't been exposed to the horrendousness of this song before? Lucky you.
This is HILARIOUS!
electropop can be okay. just not theirs.
coming to a wedding reception near you.
:)
:)
:)
True.
Agree
i like the weird cube head Devo type things.
Me too
Ok. NOW is it over?
yep.
:lol:
i swear the pet shop boys did it in the 90's though.
Truly horrendous. I'd rather see Cher
Okay, I hope one of the dancers said, "Wait a minute....you want me to wear a box on my head? Seriously"
Yes Helio. Pee. You got that right
Montoya loves this???? Oh my....
careful
Think you're right. Think the Cure might have turned up with a block once as well ???
:lol:
Speaking of bad music where people say "is it over"...
96 days and 17 hours until eurovision....
slow-mo reel makes for better half-time entertainment.
And Slo-mo cheerleaders :)
mmmmmmmmmmmmm coffee.
right what did I miss? Oh good they have finished......
Good point
@chris_jenkins34 Chris Jenkins
by AP_NFL
In this case, extra long halftime helps Packers potentially get Collins, Woodson, Shields ready to return.
Mr C
While you're here, I should have a guest post for you tomorrow/later.
I love Eurovision though! *blushes*
Good point
hehe, snowfall.
nice one, chap.
So do a lot of people here and it will be live commented
I did until Terry retired. Graham Norton doesnt cut it.
Mr. C, while there's a break in the action, is there a poss. off season "Aside" in the cards?
I thought he got better with more wine
I think it was one of the first non motor sport events live commented? Without Terry Wogan it's not as funny - well said Barrie.
hopefully. christine and i have been quite unwell for a while. should be back in action later this week, then we'll get organised.
http://twitter.com/jakehumphreyf1/status/34422208805740546
Enjoyed singing along to Black Eyed Peas! Well played to all of you still with us. #bbcsuperbowl
Do you think he means for surviving the half time show?
I hope so
:D
now THAT was a run.
That's how I read it. :)
this is the first time in ages that I have stayed up for the second half........and its all you guys :P
* and gals :)
Woodson out with collar bone injury
Shields out with shoulder injury.
That is not good for Green Bay, but could motivate them to play harder for fallen comrades kind of thing.
tom merrit: except for the awful lighting, bad audio mixing, bad singing and incomprehensible cameos, the halftime show was average.
:)
;)
gees. I didn't think it was that bad but if that's him on tv, he's in his dressing gown....
Apparently the Daytona 500 is being advertised heavily
Shields is coming back they said
yep. cars can go three wide around the corners. two more than F1 ;)
He had a few good tweets about it. So did other TWIT presenters
In the Superbowl that has backing from Bridgestone / Firestone. Irony.
hahah
@darthvader
That half time show did more to crush the morale of the rebellion in 30 minutes than I ever did.
Good. I had started typing about Woodson and I missed it. I hate multi-tasking.
Both are on Fox.
That is awesome.
Anyone think the steelers can come back?
we should do this for the FA Cup Final.......
FA Cup Final CXL!!!! lol
@darthvader: That half time show did more to crush the morale of the rebellion in 30 minutes than I ever did.
:lol:
Jones drops another one!
good shout :p
Still possible but the Packers have to be favourite
NASCAR is Goodyear tyres though, isn't it?
Yes. But I also think Big Ben is hurtin' with that knee and is trying not to show it. You know that GB (Matthews) will be salivating to get at it and try to take him out. But they haven't been able to so far.
I imagine that will be appealed
Not relevent. Bridgestone only sponsored the halftime show. Fox want the cross promotion and are pushing it hard.
@AllenWedge: In case you haven't understood FOX's ad campaign. NASCAR drivers crash a lot, watch their races and see them crash into stuff
I think not much chance to be honest.
ummis that Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber?!?!
I saw enough. :)
and the camerman goes DOWWWWWNNNNNN!
ouch
TD Steelers
Game on
oh this is getting close...........
oh yeah!
Hit the Staples button, "That was easy"
worst extra point attempt ever. but it's good.
"Cram it in the boot"? On the mini commercial? Really?
Maybe I'm getting old
i was more scared by the test baby
stand up for that man.
What is this about? Do it before the game not during it
I agree with you there, though.
And the fact that he is tremendously embarrassed by all the hoopla around what he did says even more about him. Says he was just doing his job, and others are the heroes.
the guy's a hero but sorry Steven this is american TV ;) You have to mention a shout out to the armed forces every quarter or you're not patriotic.
This is 2011. Can you imagine was it was like 10 years ago?
:D
Maybe he had to fight his way out of the tunnel, what with all the Black Eyed Peas and all.
oh hello - the cheeseheads crumbling??
Finally the Steelers D is getting in the backfield
I wasn't joking ;) It's like the flag pin. I remember Obama saying how he'd never wear one because it didn't mean anything.... and three weeks later....
Sack - quarterback is tackled
:D
lucky bounce there for receivers. steelers with the ball.... tension....
And remember the time he didn't sing the anthem with everyone else? Or was it hand on his heart?
Just without hand on heart, IIRC.
But yeah, it was a huge issue - to those who cared about it, anyway.
Like that? I'm tryin'
I don't remember that one. i was living in italy at that stage.
They're playing muse in the stadium!
Exactly.
Shout out to Lukeh
I want toast.
Getting the snap wrong on 3rd and 1 and making the first down is a huge deal
can't help you, but I can get you some vegemite.
pittsburg go long but incomplete.
comments are drying up now the game is close huh?!
I think people are falling asleep or eating
ohhhh that was close
Can't believe he tried to throw that
Tiring a bit, and not really into it as I have no team affiliation (last year was much fun)
for once, I'm in a good time slot ;)
eating
Kai and Kate are quiet...........
who;d you cheer for last year? i was going for the New Orleans's saints - my girlfriend's team / also America's team. that city went through some serious bad stuff a few years back. i visited last year. i got pretty emotional just thinking about stuff - i can't imagine what it would have been like when Katrina hit.
Hahaa... love that Axl Rose is now trending on Twitter
:D
That was a risky field goal to go for
Saints partly because of the Katrina thing and also because they played London and won, which I think was the first full game I'd seen on TV. And according to the Universal Rules of Sport as I understand them, you follow the team that wins your first game. :)
Adding in the Colts was great because of the Indianapolis/racing connection, perfect Superbowl line-up for me. :)
I guess they wanted to just get within 1 point. wow. nice pass for GB to get over the half way line
Next year's Superbowl is in Indianapolis
yeah I'm expecting lots of IMS tie-ins!
It was a longer kick than their kicker had made all season and if he missed they were giving the Packers great field position.
how do they decide that stuff? like olympic biddings?
the year after that New York....an open stadium....freaking yipes!
Maybe they will put big screens in the speeway and get a crowd of 400,000
That's partially because they've been so good at getting closer to the goal line.
I'm not disagreeing with you though.
No, team owners bid for it as well as the city. It's heavily dependant on who can actually host it. Jacksonville was a disaster, Miami is a perenial favorite
Not sure. I would guess it cycles round the teams
what happened with jacksonville?
Sorry, had to do a couple of things. Watching, just wasn't near the keyboard.
It's nice to be missed, though. Awww. ;)
Me too! It's so rare.
:D
and I'm still tired ;)
ooh, fun. :)
I was trying to actually watch for a bit! But I think I'm too tired now so I'm going to bail out. Night guys.
The roads sucked and the city lacked enough hotel rooms. They considered bringing cruise ships up the St. Johns river to help with the accomodations. Also, Jacksonville's stadium is in a less than nice part of town
...assuming we're not in a lockout by then.
night!
Night Kate.
Sounds like the Korean GP
ooh charming,
sshhhh. :)
i heard that dallas had a shortage of ummm. "dancers"....
G'night Kate
That was stupid
flag is for pushing the guy into the ball?
oh it's for that!
Goodnight, Kate :)
yep. but what was he even doing there?!
Flag for taking a shot to the head of the guy pushing him into the ball
I thought Darfour had it bad
Special teams. tsk tsk tsk
They're so full of adrenaline when they come out.
Dumb move for sure, punching that guy in the helmet.
can you believe it?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12378790
i missed the hit. I've seen an illegal push a few weeks back for a similar situation to what I was talking about.
that was a slap ;)
I told you she screwed up the words!
Why is that not intentional grounding?
I knew someone would correct me
There was a reciever close....and I think he was outside the tackle box
*gasp*
nice pass ...nope incomplete.
Momentum = changed
tell me - are the BBC being sarky? lol
"0202: Constitutionally important news from our colleagues at BBC News in Washington, who spotted that Christina Aguilera fluffed a line of the Star-Spangled Banner as she belted out a version of the US national anthem earlier."
Constitutionally important....? lol
good call on that.
aww, in slo mo it hit him in the face. hehehe
That always cracks me up.
you understand why right? it's from Obama and the Chief Justice(?) fluffing the inauguration oath of office
THink so
hehe
Where did he come from. Aikman and Buck have been on their own until now
Who's the guy in the pink tie? I mean, other than Mike Fereira?
oh yes I remember that - speculation as to whether he was the president after that lol
they did another one a few hours later just to be sure.
He's a former referee who put his 2 cents in on close calls
it's the same as when a sit com brings in a new character to spice things up in the second season. eg a whacky neighbour/someones cousin....
:lol:
Packers pick up another stupid penalty
ooh a second kick. cool.
good second kick in a way. not sure it was supposed to hang that much - but no return so i guess it's good.
That punter has an odd technique. He shapes hi body like he is going to kick with his left foot then uses his right
@billmaher Bill Maher
I hate booth review - its just a game, not the Zapruder film!
:D :D
Rio ad coming up
happy days, the office, 90210, sopranos.....an odd advertisement
Alf!
loss of momentum there!
green bay get a fumble recovery
bueno
Big turnover
Showing off their technology, to dull effect.
@pattonoswalt Patton Oswalt
Baby trauma, robot thumbs, abusive women -- if these ads reflect the U.S.'s mood, we're in an "****** spiral."
I had the same reaction.
Nice pass
Caught and dropped
AH! Nelson! Boo. Grrr.
That's better. :)
he should have scored then.
nice recovery
The Steelers blitz has failed all night
Rodgers was hopping like a bunny as the pocket collapsed around him. hehe
TD Packers
Yeah!
WOOT!
good job
:)
anyone brave enough to say that's the game?
From the post:
Receiver: #85 Greg Jennings.
What’s that? 8 catches in each of the last 2 playoff games? Jennings is hot right now. We’ll see if he keeps his streak going.
Just you :)
Yep
Not in today's NFL
But, if Big Ben tries too hard to make things happen, the intereceptions will mount
if anyone wants to see this ad again
http://trovacinema.repubblica.it/multimedia/copertina/rango-lo-spot-per-il-super-bowl/28134527
yep but i wouldn't mind a few long passes in the last five minutes.
so here's the Rio ad. what are we looking for?
TD Steelers
Pitts TD!
TD
still think that's the game? :)
two point attempt now
That pass was priddy.
reason for two pointer attempt - gets within three points
it's good. fg can tie!!!
They made the 2 points so now the Steelers just need a field goal to tie it up
Some code. Apparently it was 13-12
Not helping here. Nothing special in that level
To tie the game that is
"work is not as important as this game"
^^i'll need that in the morning :)
holy guacamole (seems like the right comparison today)
It does
the go daddy commerical - was the second girl Jillian Michaels from the Biggest loser? (we'll ignore the third one from the earlier ad)
you are still awake. turnover time!
Yes
am coding and watching at the same time :)
This man is talking gibberish
Tiki Barber's play call makes Badgers, Mascara, hike seem reasonable
me too :) I'm working on Alzheimer's Disease,how bout you? :)
It actually makes perfect sense
hehe
D# !
ohhhhhhhhhh
Hopefully it will be on youtube and you can see it
That is how the Steelers can win this - freaking out Rodgers.
...and scoring more points.
You sure about that part
*goes to check rule book
helfire that was some catch
Great pass and catch
Jennings!!!!!!!
Thanks for entertaining comments folks. see you all sometime - i'm saying goodbye now in the same way as we'll get the "nfl copyright notices" soon. I'll still be around until the end
Polamalu tried to take his boots off
Out here too. See everyone for Daytona
night Scott :)
Check in with Bassano, me or the wiki about the meetup, Scott.
bye Joe :)
night sir
see ya joe
Night guys
Night Scott and Joe
i'm not going just yet. was just saying the nice stuff now so we can all get to bed/work later ;)
1st and goal
feel free to add my name on the wiki - i really don't want to have another account for somewhere. - if you don't mind.
Sure
ta
td. nope....
nelSON!
Night Scott
Field goal or too early?
ha ha!
Obviously not :)
Steelers now need a TD to level the scores and if they kick the point after they win
got to take the certain points in that position. lead by six. big difference to just leading by a fg.
two field goals and an OT situation could happen. the onside kick is an option.....
There may actually have been some sense in going for it on 4th down. If they failed the Steelers have to start from their own 5 yard line. A TD plus point after still wins the game for them
I think the kick was a mistake now I think of it.
the iphone is now coming to another phone company this week and the ad campaign is essentially "it's the same phone, but does your phone network work?" i love it. the at&t (current) network does indeed suck.
Playing Metallica in the stadium, it must be close
No. They want the ball as far down the field as possible
Too risky not to though. Points is points at this stage
not if the score with less than a minute - they'd kick off wouldn't they and need the ball back immediately.
The difference is the Steelers trying to get a TD from wherever they recover a kick off or from their own 5 yard line. Put them on their own 5 and let them feel the pressure
They know all about it. ATT vs Verizon. We watched a bit of Jon Stewart's bit the other night on it. "Freedom!"
Sorry. I thought you meant for the kick off that just happened
Angry Birds code is 13-12, the level that has a golden egg. Shoot the white bird backwards and drop an egg on the hill.
i might have - i do get confused sometimes about who kicks off when,
Ben's calling "Badger Badger!"
:D
Reading that and knowing NOTHING about the game, it's hilarious.
he's looking crazy. but if he wins, he's not crazy at all!
i played the demo version. it's free ;) didn't see the merit in the whole game.
fourth and five. field goal and come back for more?
oops wrong end.
What's more funny is a large percentage of the nation aren't watching the game anymore trying to figure it all out on their iPhones :)
WOW
incomplete! game over...
Game over.
Roethlisberger was trying to muscle those four passes. Too much power not enough accuracy
THEY WIN! THEY WIN!
Wonder what Favre is thinking now...
Story of the game?
I'm sure he's sending a text to someone.
season
So what they aren't waiting for the time to run out?
Another comeback?
Well done Packers, lead all the way
lol and now, amazed at lasting the night, I shall bid you all a goodnight :)
Thanks gang, have fun :)
If the other team can't get possession back, they just sort of...don't worry about the clock.
"Hey Aaron... Erm, sorry for what happened between the two of us. Say... you have a spare ticket to DISNEYLAND?"
:D
Night Barrie
Strange but true. :D
There is a 25 second clock to start each play so all the Packers had to do was givethe ball to their QB. He then kneeled down and is considered tackled and then they wind another 25 seconds offf the clock. Once there is less than 25 seconds on the game clock there is no need to make a play
night all. catch you later:) I'm outta here.
See ya Scott
Do you mean it this time?
appreciating your company everyone.
many thanks to steven and kai for the post(s).
hehe
Night Scott
Night to all those who are leaving
i was very clear last time actually! bye.,,.,.,.
Night Scott
I was tuning in and out. Good game overall?
It was a pleasure. Thanks for involving me. :)
Started slowly but from the second quarter it was good
This is a more precise explanation than "yeah, whatevs", like I said. :)
Oh, and Jerry Jones missed the attendance record - by 700 people.
Which is a paper-thin margin to lose it out by.
Sums it all up, really.
Odd that after all the players getting injured in the first half I can't remember one in the second half
I guess that's pretty normal when the stakes are this high
At least it looked like it could go either way at one point
Shame :D
Definitely above average. 8 out of 10 for me
is that the same number of people booted out because the seats weren't ready? cause if so, that serves him right.
Indeed. :D Remember, they lost 1200 seats because they couldn't build them in time...
see my other answer.
If the extra seats had been in and those people weren't tossed out, they would've been closer.
classic!
yeah, which is rare
i must sleep. talk tomorrow.
Night
Night Mr C
Night Sir
Average I reckon, but that might be not caring for the teams, some of those games I was watching (and had to abandon) in the main season on C4 were better, and last year's SB was unbeatable. A high bar. :)
And this is as someone who still doesn't understand much, just casuallyw atching
:D
Me too. Fun evening, cheers. :)
Back to the 6 Nations at the weekend. And the Bud Shootout maybe.
Night Pat
Night Pat
G'night
Thanks for keeping me updated, everyone. :)
Good morning!
Roger Staubach was on the mic when he said "I'm supposed to give this to you, then I can get outta here!"
Classic
:lol:
See ya Journeyer
The game only got close because of injuries to the Pack's defense, which takes a bit away from the game for me.
Still, a dogged fight in the second half, and it made the game all the better for me.
7/10, I reckon. :)
Awww. I do love that the Vince Lombardi trophy is going home to Green Bay. :')
Tell the world he's coming home. :)
I was debating between 7 or 8 myself, there were some dull parts.
Both teams had injuries. Steelers had to start with a Centre who hasn't started a game all season
Good point
Ahhh. Didn't know that. Forgot to mention - this game was more about who would make less mistakes than who would make more plays. Still, a close game will always make for a good game. :)
You didn't read our post? :(
The more I think of it the more I can't understand why the Packers didn't cruise this game. Roethlisberger threw interceptions, the Steelers blitz didn't work at all and Polamalu was not in the game.
:( waaah.
:D
From my point of view Rodgers wasn't totally in the groove. Then they lost their spiritual leader in Woodson, and Shields was out for a while. I think neither team was completely on it, but the Packers were maybe a little bit less out of it, if that makes any sense.
I would agree with that. I know it is fashionable for the QB to be MVP but before it was announced I was struggling to pick one. I was struggling to even find candidates
MVP?
Jennings made a couple of good catches, but it could've just coincided with my miserable multi-tasking and attention going in and out.
most valuable player.
Quote fail
Most valuable player - translates as man of the match
Ta
Flippin' acronyms
But even with that, no one stands out to me, either.
I have to find a better way to comment and also actually watch an event, or decide my priorities, or something. This was fun but it was also a bit frustrating in some ways.
He only made 4 receptions in the game. Nelson caught 9 and made more than double the yardage but I agree Jennings seemed to do better
Poor Neslon, I remember his dropped passes better. He did really well, but I don't have that impression.
GB 2nd youngest team in the league. Interesting
You can find yourself being dragged into the comments and missing the event. I think I enjoyed the second half more because there were a lot fewer comments. But I still enjoy the community aspect of the comments
Not the whole post, sadly. :(
Dynasty in the making?
I LOVE the comments, and I missed seeing most of the game. I heard it, but I didn't watch much.
Nelson 9 receptions 140 yards 1 TD
Jennings 4 receptions 64 yards 2 TD
There was a lot there.
I don't multi-task very well during races either
They only just scraped into the playoffs.
And I remember that Leigh watches the races and comments after, I think. I did find myself getting more into the comments than the races, too. I'll find a balance.
During races I tend to go through spells of ignoring comments. When I started commenting races I was missing most of what was going on
OH MY GOD! I just realized I WON the Superbowl POOL!
$200!!!!!!!!!!
Usually, the quantity and quality of my comments is a good indicator of how good a race is. The best races are those of medium quantity and short in length. (ex. FELIPE!!!!!). When my comments tend to get long, or I have plenty of comments, it usually means there's not much going on and I have attention to spare. :)
Well done! How'd you win?
Nice!
Well done. Spending money for Prague
That's not a small amount. :O
I have to do that. I get this thing where I feel like I'll miss something in the comments, or I have to answer as much as possible.
We just randomly put our names in boxes and the numbers are put on after. There is 0 skill at all, 'cause not everyone knows the teams, etc. But I've never won anything!
Yeah, it just paid for my comfy Patagonia shoes I bought.
No it's huge! Wow. :)
FREE SHOES
Ok, think I'll make lunch and get ready for work
Will probably be asleep very early Monday evening, see ya Tuesday folks
Night Bassano
Good night/Have a good day
Oh no.
I read the grid wrong. If it had been reversed for Steelers/Packers, I would've won. I didn't get jack squat.
Feel my pain.
:(
BOOO for reversing it
I see Woodson broke his collarbone.
It looked like it when he was in pain even standing on the side line
"After further review, we find that the play on the field is DISALLOWED. Incomplete reading of the grid. Penalty - $200"
Challenge the ruling
I think that was a challenge. Oh, I'm disappointed. :(
At least you had a couple of minutes where you won
Yeah, I'm a winner (in my own mind). :)
You had the feeling of winning
A little white out on the grid might be helpful.... hmm....
WOW Nearly a thousand comments. No wonder it was a struggle to concentrate on the game
I should get some sleep.
Thanks for getting me involved in something I knew about. :) It was fun.
:)
Good night.
I will be around for another ten minutes.
@APNFL#Steelers DE Keisel: 'Three turnovers to zero, that was the difference.' Woodley: 'We didnt' do a good job of getting pressure up front.'
One less turnover and they could have won the game
That's gonna hurt in the game film room.