Next up?: Time to make your choice
There isn't a Ravens fan worth his or her purple salt who isn't going to be almost as interested in today's Steelers/Chargers showdown as the Ravens' 13-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans yesterday. I believe that makes seven victories in the last eight road games, by the way, which is a nice stat going into the AFC championship game a week from today.
Right now, however, it's time to make your choice for their next road stop. Do you want the Chargers to win today and set up a sun-and-fun showdown in sunny Southern California? Or head-to-head battle No. 3 this year between the Ravens and Steelers at Heinz Field?
Personally, I want the Steelers, even though they won both regular season games against the Ravens this year. Actually, not even though they won both regular season games, because they did. It's called unfinished business and the Ravens took care of some of that yesterday. It's also the thing unimaginative sportswriters like myself call "destiny." The road to the Super Bowl -- in my mind -- has to go through Pittsburgh.
Now it's time time for your thoughts. I'm going downstairs to watch the Giants dismantle the Eagles and fulfill their end of the bargain. They have to be in Tampa, too, in my perfect world.
Comments
Bring on the Sqeelers . Seriously , we're more familiar with them and also would avoid a long west coast trip .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | January 11, 2009 12:20 PM
People underestimate how difficult it is to travel across the country and win a football game, especially with how tired our defense looked yesterday. I dont know the number off the top of my head, but very few teams have completed the trip and won. I say bring on Pittsburgh, we beat them for 57 minutes twice this season, their luck has run out.....
Posted by: Justin | January 11, 2009 12:42 PM
Give me the Steelers. I want revenge, pure and simple. I want Ray Lewis and Co. to wipe the rage-inducing grin off Hines Ward's face. It would be way more satisfying to arrive in Tampa via Pittsburgh than San Diego.
Posted by: Pathetic Fan | January 11, 2009 1:04 PM
I'll take the Chargers any day.They were a 4-8 club at some point in this season and play in a terible division. No way I want to go to Heinz Field .
Posted by: John | January 11, 2009 1:06 PM
Connolly's Corner Sports Bar asked the same question earlier in the week and I wanted the Steelers for a 3rd time, but after the victory and careful consideration, I'll take the Chargers. Honestley I wish we could play the Dolphins again, but if this is going to keep being compared to the 2000 season, then we must take care of the West Coast before we make it to Tampa. Helluva game!
Posted by: Kevin, Iraq | January 11, 2009 1:14 PM
Seriously?
For excitement and hype, the Steelers.
For a better chance to win? The Chargers.
The Chargers will be spent, emotionally, much like the Dolphins.
The Ravens were obviously exhausted against the Titans--the Chargers will be emotionally and physically exhausted after 3 tough games in a row, but the Steelers have a way of always looking fresh.
The Ravens have had a good run, but I really believe the Steelers have their number this year.
But my hope is with the Ravens to win against either team.
Posted by: logiopath | January 11, 2009 1:22 PM
Pittsburgh. Period.
Posted by: Rob K. | January 11, 2009 1:28 PM
you ravens fans are pretty dumb ... "we will play anyone, anywhere, anytime" ... "bring on the sqeelers" .... cmon now ... we won twice this year, do you really wanna get that embarassed and lose a 3rd time to your biggest rival?
Posted by: matt | January 11, 2009 2:15 PM
Pete, if we face the giants at the superbowl in tampa again, that would make US the unfinished business...
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Pete's reply: You make an interesting point, but I was talking about the Giants lopsided win this year.
Posted by: Don in San Diego | January 11, 2009 2:18 PM
It ould be great to have the Ravens knock the Steelers out of the playoffs, but there's no way I could bring myself to hope they win any game EVER, including their game today.
Posted by: Raven in PA | January 11, 2009 3:09 PM
Hey Pete!
Is it true that the Giants are going to be called the New Jersey Whiners from now on in honor of their head coach? I've never seen a coach whine to the zebras on every play like Coughlin does! GO RAVENS!!
Posted by: dave taylor | January 11, 2009 3:52 PM
To those who want the Steelers again, be careful what you wish for, they beat us twice for a reason.
Me, I want us to play Towson State for a Super Bowl berth, They should have hired Mike Preston to replace Combs.
Posted by: AGSpoilsport | January 11, 2009 4:10 PM
Anybody else notice how important that extra week off was? So far, the teams with byes last week are 0-3. And I'd like to see it end up 1-3. Much rather get the Steelers again than have to travel cross-country.
Posted by: jaybird | January 11, 2009 4:29 PM
Whoever wins today between the Steelers and Chargers!
Posted by: Mike B | January 11, 2009 4:58 PM
I definitely want to face the Chargers. Not only do I feel that they give us the best chance to win, but I'll be trying my hardest to get tickets for the game...
Posted by: Jon in San Diego | January 11, 2009 5:00 PM
Well folks its the sqeelers
Posted by: Anonymous | January 11, 2009 7:42 PM
Hey Pete,
Unrelated to this story, but have you heard anything about Michael Young wanting out of Texas because they want to move him to 3rd?
(http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/01/11/rangers.young.ap/index.html)
Not sure if he has a no-trade clause, but do you think the O's would make a push to get him since he's only 32?
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Pete's reply: Haven't heard anything, but a lot of teams would be interested if he was made available. Certainly would look good in the O's lineup,
Posted by: Dave Tucker | January 12, 2009 12:02 AM