SB Nation User Blog: maryrose

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #6

maryrose — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:33:47 -0000

It seems the Nation is taking a fancy to the discussions following these write-ups, painful as they may be. Thus, we are going to change plans a bit and add a tournament at the end. From now on, we are only going to give you one Heartbreak at a time, counting back from #6 on through #1.

After the write-ups, we are going to take the winners of the two polls already taken (2002 Titans and 1994 Chargers are currently in the lead) and add them to the final six to be counted down individually to create the Great Eight Heartbreak Tournament. We'll have quarterfinals, semifinals and then the championship. Here we go with #6.

#6 - 1997 Season: Broncos 24 Steelers 21

Some of you clamored to have the 1994 Chargers game higher on the list. I respect that suggestion, especially in light of how that game unfolded and by how much the Steelers were favored. Trust me, I agonized as much as anyone. But with this game against the Broncos, and all others listed from here on, the team who beat us won the NFL Championship instead of getting their heads handed to them. The significance for me, especially from a heartbreak standpoint, is that I believe the Steelers would have been hard-pressed to beat a San Francisco team hitting on every cylinder. After this game with the Broncos, the Steelers, I believe, would have won a Super Bowl.

This AFC Championship Game was played in Pittsburgh, against a Denver Bronco team the Steelers had pasted just one month earlier, 35-24. The stars were really lined up this year for a title. The Broncos got on the board first with a Terrell Davis 8-yard scamper, but Pittsburgh answered twice to take a 14-7 lead. Kordell Stewart scored on a 33-yard run and Jerome Bettis plunged in from the one. Jason Elam closed the gap with a field goal, but the real dagger came when John Elway threw two touchdown passes in the last two minutes of the first half. Instead of Pittsburgh going in at half leading 14-10, the Steelers trailed 24-14.

The second half went scoreless until the fireworks at the end. Stewart hit Charles Johnson with a 14-yard touchdown pass with 2:46 remaining and the score was 24-21 with the Three Rivers crowd in frenzy. Pittsburgh kicked deep since it had all three timeouts left plus the two-minute warning. The Broncos faced third-and-six from their own 15-yard line. At that moment I believed the Steelers would win. Denver had been stuffed the entire second half. Then came Dagger the Sequel. Elway hit Shannon Sharpe down the seam for 18 yards and the season was virtually over.

The two teams were remarkably similar in just about every statistic, except one. Kordell Stewart threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. We lived with Kordell and we died with him. Again, what elevated the pain level for me about this one was that the San Francisco-Dallas juggernaut was history. Green Bay was defending their title, but I really liked our chances against them. Denver proved the Packers were quite beatable in the Super Bowl.

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #9 - #7

maryrose — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:37:43 -0000

As we continue with our countdown, it is interesting to hear the debate as to which losses are more painful than others. Clearly, there are two distinct schools of thought. One way to define a heartbreaking loss is to look specifically at the game itself and final score, without reference to anything else. Conversely, another approach is to look more at the situation the Steelers were in and disregard what actually happened in the game itself. Sometimes the game is a dud, but the situation is heartbreaking because the Steelers would have had a great shot at the title had they won. Other times the game itself was a thriller, but the next team(s) waiting would have been prohibitive favorites, so losing is less stinging. And then there are games that feature both. Ouch.

What also needs to be factored is the playoff round itself. Losing a Super Bowl is worse than losing in the Final Four, which is worse than losing in the Elite Eight, which is worse than losing in the First Round. However, keep in mind that playoff level is not the end all-be all. Everything needs to be factored in. This exercise is not, at least in my mond, going to fit perfectly into a playoff-level structure. (Besides, that would be to simplistic!)

Here we go with numbers 9, 8 and 7...

(#12 - #10 can be found here)

#9 - 2007 Season: Jaguars 31 Steelers 29

In some ways this was the most heartbreaking playoff loss of them all. Namely, the game itself was as excruciating as any game ever. Also, it was my daughter Mary Rose's first live playoff game and she was heartbroken, piling on to my misery. Those elements alone made it difficult not to rank this game very, very high. However, it was "only" a first-round playoff game and every heartbreaker ranked above it was at least a final four game. In addition, the undefeated New England Patriots were rested and waiting in Foxboro, fresh with the knowledge of a regular-season beatdown over Pittsburgh. I realize the same scenario occurred in 2005, when the Steelers went on the road to avenge the unbeatable one-seed with the invincible quarterback, but asking for it twice in three years was more than my heart was capable. Anyhow...

The Steelers took the opening kick and drove in for a touchdown, sending the Heinz Field crowd into a frenzy. The crowd didn't get a chance to sit down when the guy with seats next to ours said, "Kick it out of bounds." I told him that was a little extreme. Yes, our kickoff coverage units were horrible that year, but let's not hand them the ball at the 40-yard line. It turned out that guy was right. Maurice Jones-Drew took the kickoff back 96 yards. One play later it was 7-7 and all the air was taken from the stadium. Jacksonville maintained that momentum through the second quarter. Rashean Mathis picked Ben Roethlesberger and went 63 yards to the house and Jones-Drew caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from David Garrard. At half the Steelers trailed 21-7.

It got worse in the third quarter. Jeff Reed's field goal was answered by another Jones-Drew touchdown and after three stanzas, Pittsburgh was behind, 28-10. The fourth quarter brought the biggest tease I've ever experienced as a Steeler fan (and yes, with little Mary Rose). Ben to Santonio Holmes for a 37-yard scoring strike brought life to the crowd. Ben to Heath Miller on a 14-yard touchdown pass raised the decibel level even further. Curiously, Coach Mike Tomlin elected to go for the two-point conversion, down by five, with more than 10 minutes remaining. A holding penalty moved Pittsburgh out of reasonable range, but Tomlin still went for the two, which unsurprisingly failed.

After Najeh Davenport plunged in from the one to give the Steelers a 29-28 lead, It was pandemonium. At this point, the Steelers had to chase their earlier two-point gamble without another two-point try, and this one also failed. However, the Steelers got the ball back and needed just one first down to seal a remarkable comeback. But the season unraveled from there. First, a horrible third-down call forced us to punt. The punt was terrible. The return was too many yards, and then on a fourth-down play, the officials allowed two blatant holding calls and Gerrard ran for 32 yards to set up the winning field goal by Josh Scobee. Season over. Two-point loss. Did I mention that the Steelers opted not to kick two extra points?

Not many plays have been more painful than this one

#8 - 1947 Season: Eagles 21, Steelers 0

Finally in 1947, in their 15th year of existence, most of them bad, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the NFL playoffs. They actually tied the Philadelphia Eagles for the Eastern Division crown (both 8-4) and needed a one-game playoff to see who would play the Chicago Cardinals for the NFL title. It was the equivalent of being in the Final Four. In 1947, the Steelers were led by their single-wing back, Johnny "Zero" Clement. Clement replaced Bullet Bill Dudley, who just couldn't get along with Head Coach Jock Sutherland and was traded away. Clement was among the NFL leaders in many offensive categories. Typical of Steeler fortunes in those days, Clement was injured and could not play in the playoff game. So too was his backup, Gonzales Morales. In a single-wing offensive, having no feature back is the same as having no offense.

Clement was good enough to make Steelers' fans forgive Bill Dudley's departure

Making matters worse, the players were pouting because they believed they should be paid an extra week's pay for the playoff game. They actually went out on strike for a couple days and missed valuable practice time, especially now with their third-string feature back. When Art Rooney talked them into coming back, Coach Sutherland was still outraged. The health and chemistry of the team was shot to pieces, for what was their most important game in franchise history.

The game itself, played at Forbes Field, was not much of a game. The Steelers could only muster 154 yards and no points, Philadelphia scored touchdowns in each of the first three quarters and coasted to a 21-0 victory. The first two scores came on touchdown passes from Tommy Thompson. The only score in the second half came when a fellow named Abisha Bosh Pritchard scampered 79 yards with a punt return. True, the game itself was not heartbreaking, but considering the injuries to Clement and Morales, considering the chemistry problems and missed practice time due to the mini players' strike, and considering that Coach Jock Sutherland would soon die suddenly from a brain tumor and never coach again, all in all it was a very painful loss.

Coach who got the Steelers into their first playoff appearance

#7 - 1994 Season: Chargers 17 Steelers 13

This loss turned my stomach into knots. The Steelers were playing at home as double-digit favorites to make their first Super Bowl appearance in 15 years. Everything continued in their favor when the Steelers took the opening kickoff and marched 67 yards, capped by a J.L. Williams 16-yard jaunt, to take a 7-0 lead. The two teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter to give Pittsburgh a 10-3 halftime advantage. Gary Anderson tacked on another field goal early in the third quarter to stretch the lead 13-3. At that point there wasn't anyone on the planet who didn't think Pittsburgh was headed to the Super Bowl.

Maybe the Chargers were the exception. It was a bit shocking when a guy named Alfred Pupuno, a tight end, scored on a 43-yard touchdown strike from Stan Humphries. Then on a third-and-14, Humphries bit Tony Martin on another 43-yard touchdown pass when Steelers cornerback Tim McKyer was badly beaten. Trailing 17-13, the stunned Steelers began their final drive on their own 17-yard line. Down to the Chargers' three-yard line, Pittsburgh had one fourth-down play left. A field goal, trailing by four, was painfully worthless. Neil O'Donnell tried to hit Barry Foster in the end zone, but linebacker Dennis Gibson deflected the pass and ended Pittsburgh's season. The Steelers compiled 415 total yards to San Diego's 226, adding to the frustration of it all.

How does this tight end's only claim to glory came at our expense

A sad footnote, Tim McKyer collapsed on the sideline after being overwhelmed by grief. He was carried off the field, never to wear black and gold again. While the game itself was a shocking, gut-wrenching, come-from-behind upset, the only consolation for Pittsburgh fans was that the San Francisco 49ers, still in their prime, were waiting at the Super Bowl and crushed San Diego, 49-26. The Niners looked unbeatable, but who knows?

Tim McKyer helped off the field in total despair

Poll

After reading about the three playoff losses below, which was the most heartbreaking in your opinion?

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #12 - #10

maryrose — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:59:55 -0000

Yes, a series of articles talking about heartbreaking playoff losses is a painful journey down memory lane, but I figured now is the best time to take such a journey. With Steeler Nation still basking in Super Bowl glory, having snatched two Lombardis in four years, nothing can feel too bad these days. It is best to discuss the wounds of the past under the euphoria of the present.

This series will outline 12 heartbreaking playoff losses in Steelers' history, in reverse order from 12 to 1. The first two parts of the series will each address three games; the next two parts will each discuss two games and the final two parts will be devoted to single games, the runner-up and champion. Of course, these games and the order in which they are placed are purely arbitrary and in some ways, personal. Surely some will remember other games that they would replace on the list and for that matter, I am sure we would all have the list in different orders. That's great; that's what we're here to talk about.

Here we go, out of the box, numbers 12, 11 and 10...

#12 - 1989 Season: Broncos 24 Steelers 23

The Steelers were coming off a thrilling sudden-death win in the Wild Card game at Houston when Gary Anderson nailed a 50-yard field goal in overtime. It was Chuck Noll's last great win. Pittsburgh was not expected to hang with top-seeded Denver, but did so for the entire game at Mile High Stadium. Trailing by just one point with time running out, I can vividly see Bubby Brister's pass beautifully thrown to a guy named Mark Stock around the 50-yard line. All we needed was the great Gary Anderson, again, to get to the AFC Championship game. Stock drops the pass so well thrown it makes Jackie Smith's drop look like a circus catch. Season over. Stock, a 1988 graduate of Virginia Military never played before 1989 and never for the Steelers afterward, but his name will live in infamy in my memory. He became a much better man than football player, a commissioned U.S. Army officer in Operation Desert Storm and then later becoming a real estate guru. However on that day, we lost by one point.

1989 was one of Chuck Noll's finest years in coaching. The Steelers lost their opener, at home, to the Cleveland Browns by a score of 51-0. They lost the second game, 41-10 to Cincinnati. It would have been very easy for the season to go right in the tank, but Noll would not allow it. The Steelers avenged the Cleveland loss at Lake Erie and then won five of their last six games to sneak into the playoffs. They continually improved as the season wore on and became very dangerous in the end. Against Denver in the playoffs, the Steelers out rushed the Broncos badly, 175 yards to 138 yards; and out passed the Elway-led Denver team as well. Merril Hoge had the game of his life, racking up 120 yards on just 16 carries, while Pittsburgh dominated time-of- possession by nearly 10 minutes. Hoge also caught eight passes for 60 yards. The Broncos had no answer for him. Denver went on to easily beat Cleveland, and then was unmercifully smoked by San Francisco in the Super Bowl. Mark Stock, one point, sorry Merril.

Mark Stock Left the Steelers to Join Operation Desert Storm; Merril Hoge Almost Single-Handedly Beat the Broncos.

#11 - 1993 Season: Chiefs 27 Steelers 24 (ot)

Any overtime loss in the playoffs is automatically a heart breaker. What added some mustard to this one was the fact that the Steelers never trailed in this game until it was over. The Steelers didn't have an exceptional offence, but the defense, soon to be called "Blitzburgh," was starting to come into its own. Gerald Williams sacked Joe Montana three times and Pittsburgh led at half,17-7, and still led after three quarters, 17-10.

The six-seed in the tournament, the Steelers were looking good after Neil O'Donnell marched them 74 yards into the end zone in the middle of the fourth quarter, on a 22-yard pass to tight end Eric Green. Late in the game with Pittsburgh leading, by a touchdown, the Chief's Keith Cash blocked a Pittsburgh punt and Fred Jones returned it to the Steelers' nine-yard line. After gaining just two yards in three plays, Joe Montana hit Tim Barnett with a seven-yard touchdown to tie the game and send it to overtime. There Nick Lowrey kicked a 32-yarder to send the Steelers home. The Steelers lost a playoff game when one fourth-and-goal stop at the seven-yard line with just 1:43 remaining would have continued their season. The Buffalo Bills would defeat the Chiefs to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Earlier in the season, the Steelers demolished Buffalo, 23-0, on a Monday night.

Gerald Williams Sacked Joe Montana Three Times; Eric Green Caught a Huge Touchdown Pass

#10 - 2002 Season: Titans 34 Steelers 31 (ot)

After a thrilling come-from-behind win against Cleveland in the Wild Card game, the Steelers went on the road and played Tennessee toe-to-toe. After the Titans jumped to a 14-0 lead, the Steelers stormed back with four unanswered scores to lead 20-14. Tennessee answered with two touchdowns to lead 28-20, and then Pittsburgh scored twice to lead 31-28. The Titans kicked a field goal to send it in overtime. This game was really exciting because each team kept coming back. There was not a lot of defense. While neither team rushed for 100 yards, Tennessee racked up 430 yards to Pittsburgh's 324. Hines Ward scored two touchdowns for the Steelers while Steve McNair and Frank Wychek were trouble all day on the other side.

There is very little I dislike about the NFL. It is the fairest sports system on the planet. One of the few exceptions is the league's overtime format. We lost the game because we lost the coin toss. We never got the ball. Making matters worse, the Titans actually missed the 31-yard winning field goal and we should have gotten the ball, but a ticky-tack running into the kicker penalty by Dewayne Washington gave Tennessee yardage and another shot. Joe Nedney connected on a short 26-yarder and the game was over.

Sometimes the pain of a loss is heightened or reduced by how good future opponents are, at least in my mind. For example, that 1989 playoff loss would have eventually led to the San Francisco 49ers, a team who destroyed Denver with embarrassment. Yes, I would love to get there and yes, anything can happen, but reality tempers pain in my world. This particular year, the Titans next lost to the Raiders who next lost to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. In my mind, they were both extremely beatable. But who knows, maybe Tampa Bay's defensive backfield coach, Mike Tomlin, learned a thing or two about winning Super Bowls that would help him down the road.

Joe Nedney Earned His Way Into the Screen Actors Guild Hall of Fame; Hines Ward Showed Why He is a REAL Hall of Famer

Poll

Of the three losses, which was the most 'heartbreaking' for you?

"Every Day I Walk Past Five Lombardi Trophies, Not Five Rushing Titles. Willie's Comments Can be Construed as Selfish, Which He is Not."

maryrose — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:17:17 -0000

There you have it, the 2-Seed wins the Super Bowl. Sound familiar?

First of all, many thanks to all who participated. We had close to 12,000 total votes cast. Our Tomlinism Tournament was picked up by USA Today, the Post Gazette and numerous other web sites, so hopefully we welcomed a few new fans into the BTSC family.

The Tomlinism Tournament featured a fine blend of colloquy: shorter and longer; previously spoken and original; timely and timeless; abrupt and philosophical; motivational and inspirational. Regardless of the label, what was clear is that different elements turn different folks on in different ways. I've heard a few arguments and even made a few of my own: "How can you vote for this over that?"

The Champion 2-Seed, a combination of original, philosphical and motivational, proved itself a classic among Steeler Nation:

"Every day I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing titles. Willie's comments could be construed as selfish, which he is not."

Willie Parker and Mike Tomlin, the two principles of the Tomlinism Super Bowl Champion

To begin with, it was dead-on accurate. Rushing titles mean nothing. Some have said "we've got to get back to smash-mouth Steeler football," which sounds good to me in the snow and mud on Heinz Field in December, but the truth is, there are many ways to skin a cat. You should never force players into a system that lessens their chances of success; instead, design a system around the talent you have to work with. Tomlin gets it, and we've previously noted such with his handling of LeBeau's defense.

Secondly, just the fact that Tomlin acknowledged the reverance of those five Lombardi Trophies warms the cockles of Steeler hearts. He could have made his point in other ways, but chose to do so by honoring glories of the past. He made his point by reminding everyone how respectful he is of Steeler tradition. That'll work.

Third, he ingeniously hinted that Willie's comments were selfish, but quickly pointed out that Willie was not selfish. It was almost a clever oxymoron to point out something in one direction at the same time claiming the speaker was in the opposite direction. What a crafty message and delivery.

Finally, after this Tomlinism was said and done, Willie Parker was named team captain for the very next game, a cherry on top of a delicious sundae. Tomlin stood strong, made his point, came to the defense of his player and then put that player at the 50-yard line for the next coin toss. And there's your Super Bowl Tomlinism.

The significance of Mike Tomlin's communication skills goes far beyond cliches, sayings and clever little nuggets. These things we call "Tomlinisms," while fun to talk about and even make into a playful little tournament, simply represent the tip of the iceberg. Tomlin cuts to the bottom line, he makes no excuses, he separates the wheat from the chaff and has a profound respect for the organization for which he works and the Nation for which he serves. That's what makes us all smile.

Thanks again for playing. Together we all eat.

Tomlinism Super Bowl

maryrose — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:22:12 -0000

Here we go, the last two standing. We will keep the voting open through the weekend and then Monday. We will crown the champion Tuesday morning. The 6-Seed is coming off three consecutive wins, the last a 53-46 upset over the host 3-Seed. The 2-Seed is hungry and waiting, having finally dispatched the pesky 12-Seed by a wide margin, 71-28.

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more

#6-Seed: "I don't care how my players evaluate me. I evaluate them. How's your editor?" (Bristled after a reporter asked him how his players evaluated their coach)

581 votes

#2-Seed: "Every day I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing titles." (In response to Willie Parker publicly stating that the Steelers needed to run the ball more)

934 votes

1515 votes | Poll has closed

Tomlinism Tournament Semifinals Match 2

maryrose — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:23:16 -0000

Remember, both Semifinals are being posted back-to-back, so vote for both!...The #6-Seed beat the #4-Seed by a wide 2-1 margin and now must bump up a seed to meet #3-Seed, who bettered the #8-Seed, although it didn't cover, winning by only a 54-45 spread...

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more?

#6-Seed: "I don't care how my players evaluate me. I evaluate them. How's your editor?" (bristled after a reporter asked him about how the players evaluated their coach)

511 votes

#3-Seed: "It is not hunger that drives me. Hunger and thirst can be quenched. We have to be a driven group. We have to seek greatness." (in a reflective moment after the Super Bowl when asked how to keep the hunger of winning)

458 votes

969 votes | Poll has closed

Tomlinism Tournament Semifinals Match 1

maryrose — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:22:06 -0000

Remember, both Semifinals are being posted back-to-back, so vote for both!...The amazing 12-Seed, upset winner over both the #5-Seed and then the 1-Seed, now has to face the biggest winner percentage-wise yet in this contest, the 2-Seed, who annihilated the 10-Seed with 76 percent of the vote over the overwhelmed #10-Seed. The #12-Seed edged the #1-Seed in a vote so close the folks in Florida are nervous again, 50% to 49% in a thriller.

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more?

#12 Seed: "We've got a big windshield and a small rear-view mirror." (After being asked to reflect on his Super Bowl XLIII victory)

253 votes

#2-Seed: "Every day I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing titles." (in response to Willie Parker publicly stating that the Steelers needed to run the ball more)

610 votes

863 votes | Poll has closed

Update on Tomlinism Tournament Quarterfinals; Semifinals Set for Monday

maryrose — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:01:20 -0000

While voting for the Tomlinism Tournament Quarterfinals continues until Sunday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern, the Semifinals, to some extent, are starting to shape up. The Semifinals will both be posted at the same time on Monday morning (early Eastern). The pairings will be determined after Quarterfinal voting. The Semifinal polls will be open for all of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 11:00 p.m. Eastern. The Championship Match will be posted Thursday morning. That poll will be open through the weekend and all day Monday. On Tuesday morning (June 23) we will crown the Champion.

A furious battle is raging as the #1-Seed fights to come back against the pesky #12-Seed. The polls are razor thin (50%-49%) and you can still vote. The #1-Seed, "The more I understand Steeler Nation...," was given its lofty seed due to Mike Tomlin directly crediting us, Steeler Nation itself, for helping to motivate his drive to win. But the 12-Seed, featuring the large windshield and small rear-view mirror, seems to have taken the Nation by storm with its timely optimism.

The #3-Seed is holding serve over the #8-Seed. Fans are appreciating the Tomlinator knowing that hunger and thirst can be quenched, and that success can never become complacent. You can still vote for that Match as well.

the #6-Seed is surprisingly having an easy time over the #4-Seed. This is a battle of two Tomlin originals, and the Nation seems to prefer his bark at a reporter for not understanding the chain of command, namely it is he who evaluates players and not the other way around. The #4-Seed, subscribing to hocus pocus, has trailed the whole way, but there is still time to vote.

Finally, in the largest disparity to date, the #2-Seed is running 3-1 over the #10-Seed. Fans not only love the thought of Lombardi Trophies trumping rushing titles, but there is also some love for the way Tomlin handled Fast Willie throughout that minor ordeal. The 10-Seed, about under-promising and over-delivering, has pulled off one upset to date, but needs to rally to pull off an encore. That vote is still open.

Tomlinism Tournament Quarterfinals Match 4

maryrose — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:50:39 -0000

The #8-Seed, with little resistance in the First Round, treks to the #3-Seed for the final battle of the Quarterfinals. This is a test of two different styles, the established quote going back to the Bible vs. the modern made-up-on-the-spot saying. You may still vote for Match 1, Match 2 or Match 3 of the Quarterfinals.

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more?

#8-Seed: "Iron sharpens iron." (using the Scriptures to explain that one of the hardest schedules in NFL history was actually a good thing)

375 votes

#3-Seed: "It is not hunger that drives me. Hunger and thirst can be quenched. We have to be a driven group. We have to seek greatness." (in a reflective moment after the Super Bowl when asked how to keep the hunger of winning)

428 votes

803 votes | Poll has closed

Tomlinism Tournament Quarterfinals Match 3

maryrose — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:29:12 -0000

This one is a classic barn-burner, #6 Seed at #4 Seed. You can still vote for Match 1 and Match 2 of the Quarterfinals.

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more?

#6-Seed: "I don't care how my players evaluate me. I evaluate them. How's your editor?" (bristled after a reporter asked him about how the players evaluated their coach)

567 votes

#4-Seed: "We don't subscribe to that hocus pocus. We only have to beat Baltimore once." (when questioned about how hard it might be to beat a team three times prior to the AFC Championship Game)

331 votes

898 votes | Poll has closed