The NFL Network gets what it wants: the hot Panthers against the slumping Steelers. Carolina has won one in a row and Pittsburgh has lost one in a row.
If the Panthers can run, the Panthers can compete. I want to see what Jimmy Clausen, who played well last week at home against lowly Arizona, does against this defense on the road.
I like Pittsburgh, the city. I like the way it looks, the way it reinvented itself. I like the way it comes together for a football game. I brought my older son here when he was young and he sat by himself, surrounded by Steeler fans. He wore Panther colors and cheered for Carolina. A big old Pittsburgh fan said, "Son, you might not want to do that here."
So my son adapted and the fans adapted and when I went to check on him at the end of the first-quarter it was as if he had 50 new babysitters.
Pittsburgh is real. You feel as if, when you check into the hotel, you ought to stop in the bar and order and beer and a shot.
Heinz Field will be loud, the evening will be brisk and there could be snow in the air. We'll have football weather. And I think, at least for a half, we'll get a football game.
Pittsburgh 24, Carolina 13
Steelers 24
pussy cats 0
No way we score on this D. No way.
Posted by: FOXSUXCOX | December 22, 2010 at 01:37 PM
35-9... and it wont be that close
lets get the number one pic..
and go saints!
Posted by: goobersdaddy | December 22, 2010 at 01:38 PM
I will be estatic if the Panthers can score 10 points on the Steelers...
38-10 Steelers
Posted by: averagejoe40 | December 22, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Wow,
That is the nicest comment I have heard about the "Burgh" in a long time. I live in California now, but will never forget my Pittsburgh roots. Mom, two sisters and a brother still live there. Many of my birth family seem to be moving to North Carolina. (damn yankees). My older sister, my grown nephew, my grown neice have moved to the most dynamic state of North Carolina. My younger brother moved to South Carolina years ago. My older brother and his wife will be moving to North Carolina next year. Even the Cowher's love your state.
Posted by: Gene Hopkins | December 22, 2010 at 02:06 PM
I hope we can help y'all get that number one pick!!! The Bengals and Broncos are right on your heels, though. All kidding aside, the Panthers are professionals and have a great running game. I do not expect them to lay down. It should be a competitive game and the Steelers must bring their best, if they expect to win.
Posted by: Gene Hopkins | December 22, 2010 at 02:15 PM
You all take care of Pittsburgh, and we'll let Cincy beat us in the finale.
Posted by: ray lewis | December 22, 2010 at 04:46 PM
upset special
Posted by: chris | December 22, 2010 at 05:26 PM
People love to sigh and longingly say nice things about Pittsburg, Syracuse, Buffalo, Milwaukee, Cleveland, etc. until you talk to them about moving back. No one moves back. They stay in the Carolinas, of course, but talk about how great things used to be in those cities. But, like I said, they stay here. Sorry we don't have any of those dirty neighborhood spots that you want to duck into and grab a beer. We just have a relatively safe, nice, clean New South friendly and affordable city without the snot, grit, unions and corruption. Sorry. And, of course, the Steelers are better than the Panthers.
Posted by: Football Weather my Butt | December 22, 2010 at 07:59 PM
the panthers cant even lose right they will win 34 to 14 mark my words
Posted by: redonkulous | December 22, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Panthers running game will be tested against one of the best defenssive teams in the AFL. Scoring any points at all will be challenge against the Steelers. There is far more interest in obtaining the first pick in the draft than there is in rising to the occasion and stunning Pittsburg. Steelers 24-6
Posted by: Carl Grashof (Slower) | December 23, 2010 at 05:36 AM