World Forums

Including figure skating? hehehe Just kidding

In gymnastic news.... Leonid Arkayev have been replaced as head if his country's gymnastic federation. ANd replace with Yuri Titov. Khorkina was second. Daiane Dos Santos wins two goals medals at a world cup event in brazil.

Junior World Cup of Hockey is on and Canada, USA, Finland, and the Czech Republic winning their opening games
Some of the matches up today are; CAN vs. SWE B, CZE vs. RUS A,
USA vs. SUI A, and FIN vs. SVK.

I think since this is the Italian footie thread and this has nothing to do with italian football, perhaps it should be moved to the General Chat section.

USA 4-2 Swiss
Russia 4-1 Czech Rep
Slovakia 2-0 Finland
Canada 8-1 Sweden

Multi gold medal winning swimmer Micheal Phelps was arrested for DUI, and was given 18 months probation.

The world junior hockey medals will be decide on Tuesday. Czech Republic vs USA for bronze, and Canada vs Russia for gold.

GOOOOOOOO CANADA

One of my favorite players Ryne Sandberg was elected to the Hall of Fame today.




So was every chicken farmer's favorite, Wade Boggs.

Canada won the world Jr Hockey tourney. YAY!

Now Windy and Eugene can go at it again.

maggi

RE: Baseball HOF

Once again Mr Big Game Player himsellf, Jack Morris, is declined entry into Cooperstown. These fucking journalists are assholes for not burying their grudges. He should be judged on his ability, not because he disliked speaking to the media.

Like you said a while back, hopefully the selection committee (or whatever they call it) does the sensible thing.

Pabs,

I have to agree. He doesn't have the numbers per se, but Don Sutton is in. I don't think he even reached 50%.

Pabs - You have a point about Jack Morris and I may have given my opinion about him on the other boards. One has to admit that he was the dominant pitcher, at least in the American Leaugue, for at least 5 straight years and was pretty damn good in his post season outings. Those two things should be enough to get anyone into the HOF.

The only blemish he really has is his ERA. He pitched for some pretty good teams, your Toronto Blue Jays included. And with Toronto in 1992, a team that won the World Series, he had a 4.04 ERA. His lefetime ERA is almost 4 runs per game at .390, hardly HOF ERA.

But I would close an eye and vote him in. I remember Jack Morris very well and I even remember watching his no-hitter in 1984. He was one hell of a pitcher.

Bineaz - Yeah, Sandberg deservedly gets in. So does Wade Boggs. I remember the both of them well as they dominated their positions for many years.

Piero

Well... that was a pleasant surprise. I still can't believe the JETS beat the Chargers. And not only did they beat the Chargers, but they outplayed them too.

How did the Jets win? Well first off the offensive line did a fantastic job at 1) creating holes for Martin and Jordan and 2) they protected Pennington real well so that he could exploit the weak Charger secondary. Plus the defense played very well. Thomlinson was held to 80 yards rushing and those 80 yards were weak yards. They didn't hurt the Jets at all.

Pennington stepped up and made some really big plays. They needed him to do that. The 47 yard TD pass to Santana Moss was huge. Moss is a good receiver and he just blew past double coverage and Pennington threw a perfect pass. I don't think Moss can fly by that easily against other secondaries.

Drew Brees played very well. He was 31 for 42 for 319yds and 2 TDs. He did throw one INT. Antonio Gates played well in the 4th quarter as Brees was using him for many passes.

I was going to kill Barton. I still can't believe (on the what was to be the last play of the game) Barton hammering Brees in the head with a forearm. Personal foul, 1st and goal, OT on the horizon with less than a minute to go. What a dick.

In OT, I still can't believe Shottenheimer putting in the FG unit on a 1st down with a rookie kicker to kick a 40 yarder in the cool, damp air and it's raining. That was a bad move and it came to no surprise that he missed.

Thank goodness Brien made his FG to win the game in the following drive. That said alot to me about Pennington. He drove the team when he needed to. That was a very good plyoff performance.

Piero

Did you know that the Steelers are a 9 point favorite against the Jets? The Jets are 0-6 in Pittspuke. Did you also know that since the beginning of the bye week in the playoffs that the bye week teams have only lost once in the AFC?

It doesn't look good for the Jets but if I were a gambling man I'd take the Jets and the under.

I actually saw some of that game. Jets-Steelers; old AFC on rise again. You guys should have a blast.

Pabs

What can I say? Everytime there's a vote for the HOF some deserving player always gets screwed. Jack Morris is deserving of it and I'm sure the Veteran's Committee will ultimately get him in if the journalists won't.

Casati---what a fun game the Chargers-Jets was! I was watching it with my brother in law (a huge Jets fan), and he was suffering the whole time, while I was just enjoying the back and forth momentum swings.

I couldn't believe Barton's bonehead play. I've never seen anything like that in playoff football. Man, is he lucky the Jets won.

Marty is a total idiot. No wonder he has lost 12 playoff games. He had first down at the 21 and he tries THREE runs in a row...that net the Chargers -2 yards!! Brees and Gates were rolling down the field. Why not try at least one safety valve pass to the TE??? A 40 yrd field goal is tough for a rookie kicker. Marty just doesn't get it...sometimes you have to take chances in the playoffs to win.

Casati--I think 9 points is a lot against the Jets, but then again, they never have won in Pittsburgh. Thing is...Pittsburgh doesn't usually blow anyone out because they run and pound the ball so much...so games tend to be within 10 points..but not always.

I just can't see Pittsburgh losing this game. If they do, I'll be as sick and upset as I was for Italia-Brazil '94. You just don't go 15-1 by accident in the NFL. Our defense is fast, great against the run, and deep.

We'll be getting one of our corners, Chad Scott, back to play the nickel. Also, we'll probably get Kendrell Bell back for some plays. Duce should be healthier than last time we played. And, Plaxico Burress will play this time around--he is HUGE to our offense because he spreads defenses out, forces double teams, and allows our O-line to pound the run.

I'm not sure if Abraham is going to play for the Jets. If he sits this one out to nurse his knee and protect his health for a big free agent contract, then the NY media will KILL him (if they haven't already).

The Jets O-line is impressive. Kendall, Fabini, and Mawae are outstanding and should do a good job of picking up our blitz. I don't think the Jets will be able to run, so the game will be in Chad's hands. He played well against the Chargers, but their secondary sucks. I'm not sure if he can do that at Heinz field in 15 degree frigid cold and wind. (It's supposed to be really cold this weekend

My guess is this game will be close til the second half, and then I think the Steelers will pull away.

One thing's for sure, this team is not looking past the Jets to a matchup with the Colts or Pats. They are very good at keeping their focus.

Piero

Good break down of the Jets-Steelers. I also believe it will be a low scoring affair. In their last meeting, Pennington had a bad game, Martin ran for next to nothing, the Jets didn't score a TD and they lost by 10.

But I also believe that the Jets will keep this one closer. I don't believe the Jets will win, but they will not lose by more than 6. It will be a tough day for Gang Green, but Chad will have a decent day and Martin will be more effective than he was the last time around.

The big question mark in my mind is Rothlisberger. Can he handle the pressure? He's a rookie QB making his debut in the post season. Granted he's playing at home but the pressure has to be tremendous. The Jet pash rush has to put alot of pressure on this kid. They have to force some passes and hopefully get some turnovers. But before they can do that, the Jets have to stop the rush. If they stop the rush, they'll force Rothlisberger to pass.

It won't be easy.

Randy Johnson

Good job with the camerman yesterday. A channel 2 (WCBS) cameraman was shoved by Johnson as he was walking on Madison Ave & 58th street yesterday with Yankee security staff on his way to a physical. Before he shoved the camerman out of the way Johnson stated "Get out of my face. Don't talk back to me."

Oh boy.... this guy's gonna learn the hard way. He's never played in NY before but he'll learn what the media is all about soon enough.

Pittsburgh's nice... if you like enphysema.

Marty Shottenheimer is a LOSAR!!!! Jets unfortunately will get eliminated.

Casati--I've watched Roethlisberger all year, and I have a ton of faith in him. He's no ordinary rookie. Of course, there is a reason no rookie QB has ever taken their team to a Superbowl, but that has to happen sometime. No QB in the history of the NFL has been 13-0 in a season as a starter either. (Griese was injured in 72). The kid is special, so if any rookie can do it, he's the one.

Ben has all the tools too. He's 6'5 241 with a rocket arm, great scrambling ability, and good poise. Of course I prefer our running game to dominate, because that means an automatic W. But, if Ben has to step up, I think he will.

The big key is that Plaxico Burress is back and 100%. If the Jets stack the line like they did last game (sometimes with 8-9 men in the box), then Ben will go deep to Plax. If they double Plax and Heinz Ward, then the Jets front 7 will have to handle our Oline on their own.

I can't wait for Saturday. There's nothing like the NFL playoffs, especially when your team is in it. It's going to be 15 degrees and freezing on Saturday...the way football is supposed to be played.

Piero

True that Plaxico is back in the lineup. But he can controlled at the line if they bump him and stay with him. It's not an easy task, but it can be done.

The Jets defense really needs to step up and stop the run. If they stop the run I believe they have a shot at winning the game. If they limit the Steelers running game and force Ben to throw, then either oner of two things has to happen: 1) the pass ruch must pressure Ben into making mistakes and 2) the Jets secondary has to step up and cover all open men.

It's true: don't the NFL playoffs rule? I still don't know what I'm doing on Saturday. Since I always go to my friend's house in Plainview on Sunday to watch games I don't feel like "abondoning" my family on Saturday at 4:30pm. So I'll probably watch the game by myself. I'm sure you'll have your brother-in-law over and you'll watch the game in hi-def. Now that's nice. I saw SD-Jets in hi-def at my friend's house in Westchester. Awesome.

But one thing's for sure: I will be watching.

Casati--

It's funny you mentioned abandoning your family. My brother-in-law loves leaving the house and coming over my place because he can watch the game in piece. When he's at home, he's getting constantly interrupted and nagged. LOL

If I'm ever married, I think I need to build a "Sports Only" Room where no nagging, interruptions, etc. can occur

Piero

One investment that I made this past year was getting satellite hooked up to the kid's bedrooms. When I want to see a game in peace, I send them to their rooms and tell them to watch TV in there.

But my kids are older and easier to manage. Your niece is a little over a year old if I remember correctly. Granted, your brother-in-law shouldn't be bothered too much with an infant/toddler although they are a handful at that age. When they start walking they require so much attention and watching a game in peace can be a pain in the ass.

I already told the wife that we can do whatever we want as a family until 4:30pm on Saturday.

LOL@we can do whatever we want as a family until 4:30pm"

That's a great idea to have your kids hypnotized by their own TV's. You're boy can watch Power Rangers and your girl can watch some of that Teenie Girl junk

I would invite you over to my house, but I think it might already be destroyed by my brother in law if the Jets don't win During the San Diego game he was flopping around in agony like a fish out of water LOL

Piero

LOL! Now that Pennington has some some sort of flu, Jets fans are really worried. He puked his brains out and looked whiter than a polar bear yesterday. Hopefully he'll be OK for Saturday.

Also, Plaxico got ticked off by some off the comments by a defensive back who claims that he can be easily bumped off the line and that Plaxico isn't physical enough.

BTW... I checked the forecast for Pittspuke on Saturday. It calls for seasonal temps (> 30) and sunny.

Damn...the weather has changed. Yesterday they were predicting 16 degrees and snow in Pittsburgh for Saturday. Now it looks like it will be a bit warmer (although still cold).

I LOVE playoff games is crappy weather. That's what its all about--not they climate controlled pansy Domes.

Piero

If I were the commish of the NFL, indoor play would be banned. I remember seeing so many games in Minnesota back in the mid/late 70s and it was snowy & cold. Of course it's not ideal to watch at the stadium or for the players. But it sure looked fun from home on the TV.

Think about it: they still play in the cold & snow in Green Bay and Chicago. How much more brutal can it be in Minnesota?

Juist checked the weather for Pittspuke for tommorrow: 31 for the high and mostly cloudy.

DAMN..I'm pissed. This morning I'm flipping through radio stations and KTU is giving away tix for the game tomorrow. You had to go to the Mirage club in Westbury and be the first to throw a plastic Jet through a Steel Curtain (from 15 ft.) LOL

I was going to go down there and pretend to be a Jets fan to win the tickets

Some dude from Brooklyn won them before I had a chance to get there.

He got 2 tix, a free hotel in Pittsburgh, and $500 in cash to spend..not bad.

Piero

LOL! The Mirage is a hang out for guys & gals my age desperate to hook up. It's located in Westbury. It's a decent club that plays classic disco on Thursdays and Fridays. Haven't been there in while but it can be fun.

Jet Game


Well, all I can say is that NY played the Steelers in a very close game earlier in the season and it was only a trick play (halfback option-pass from Betis) that put us away...it was a game all the way into the fourth quarter.

I think the key for the Jets is to focus on Betis and make the rookie QB beat them.

The Jets have a better than "outside" chance at the upset. No way will the Jets commit as many penalties as last week (11), and Curtis will be strong regardless of what Chad does...the Offensive line did a great job last week at SD. I lke the Jet's defense. They get better every week, and it shows. Drew Breese is MUCH better than the Pitt Rookie, and we shut Drew DOWN.

I don't see the weather affecting much more than long field-goal attempts, and with what looks to be a defensive battle - those attempts could loom large.

Watch for trick play from the Jets this weekend....I thought we were going to see one in SD; since it never came, I suspect even more that we will see one tomorrow.

We'll know everything in the first quarter.

Jet Game

...and it most-certainly WAS a "Jet Game" in the the aspects of which team should have won it, as well as the "fitting-to-a-tee" Jet-ending.

I was never ONCE secure in a Jet victory even as Brien lined up for 40 yarder which he missed just minutes before....I always knew the Jets were doomed, and the fact that the offence scored 3 points validated it...I could go on and on about the lousy play-calling, but I'll focus on the positives and celebrate a fantastic effort by the Jets defense.

Steelers were handing the game away on a silver platter....The Jets beat themselves-----again.

Steeler QB is over-rated. The Jets made him beat them, and he never did.

The Steelers will beat whoever they play next week. They won't make the same mistakes that almost saw them out.

CLASSIC JETS.

Still no hockey and the lock out it is rumoured could go on for another season. Are both sides even talking to each other? Hockey is such a big thing here. The fans are going to get disillusioned and stay away once the thing do start up again.

Dezzi--How is Roethlisberger over-rated? He broke many of Marino's rookie QB records and helped the Steelers go 16-1. He deserves the praise he is getting for doing this all in his first year. But, yes, he is still a rookie. He made throws that were very uncharacteristic of him last night. There was speculation his thumb/hand was hurt, but I don't think that was it.

The great thing about Big Ben is that nothing seems to phase him. After his first pic, he led that long drive to tie the game at 17. Then in OT, from the Steeler 14, he led a 72 yrd drive for the winning field goal. He was 3/4 that drive for 34 yards including a key third down pass.

The Steelers played their worst game of the year and tried to give it away to the Jets. A pic for a TD, a special teams TD, and a crucial fumble and pic in the red zone.

The Steelers should have blown out the Jets with our defense playing so well, and instead they let them in that game. Luckily, we have a better kicker than the Jets

A W is a W, but that was a heart attack game. My brother in law (the Jets fan) was going crazy. But, in the end, he congratulated me, and admitted that the better team was going to the AFC Championship game.

Next week the Steelers will come to play. The entire media will come out and kiss the ass of the Colts/Pats winner and put down the Steelers. That will fire us up like crazy. I have a great feeling for next weekend.

FORZA STEELERS!

Fuckin Jets. Damn, that's a terrible loss. I caught most of the 4th quarter as I got home around 1 am after going out for a rare dinner with the wife. I couldn't believe it when Brien missed the first FG.

When Roethlisberger threw the interception I smiled because rookie QBs usually don't play well in big games. This one was no exception. Edwards then goes flat out conservative, moving the ball very little for the FG.

Brien, of course, now wants to get more leg on the kick compared to the last one and pulls it left. It wasn't even close.

After that, the Jets were finished. An exciting game but one filled with many mistakes. Even if the Steelers are a stronger team, they weren't the better team Saturday night. The Jets blew it.

Put this one in the books alongside Richard Todd and his goal line interception against the Bills in 1981, AJ Duhe and the Miami Dolphins in 1982 (5 INTs for Todd that day, 3 by Duhe), Mark Gastineau and the Cleveland Browns in 1987.

Pramzan---How did you see the game?

Is there an Italian network that carries all the playoff games live?? If so, that's cool.

Piero - I get to watch the NFL throughout the season. Until November, I get to watch a Sunday matchup and Monday Night Football on tape delay (a day or two later).

From November onward, I get the Sunday game live (the 4:00 kickoff) and Monday night on tape delay. I also get a replay of the Sunday game on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning as well as the Monday night game on Wednesday morning.

For the playoffs, I get all the games live and then I get a replay.

All of this provided by SKY Sports which I pay for. With my Serie A package and the movie channels, it costs me €53/month.

Piero

As you stated the Steelers were giving the Jets the game and the Jets didn't take it. I thought the Jets D played a great game. Unfortunately the Steeler D played just as well.

I do have some gripes. Chad Pennington ain't all that. I thought he played better than Rothlisberger but he still isn't a winner in big games. Ben is a rookie and he showed it. As usual, the Jets play calling sucked. You can only blame Paul Hackett so much. In the end, Herman Edwards deserves alot of the blame too.

BTW... The Steelers will lose on Sunday against the Pats. Rothlisberger will throw an INT or two. He's still a rookie that has alot of potential. But he has alo to learn about leading a team in the playoffs. The Pats are the team to beat. They totally manhandled Manning and they did it with a so called "decimated" secondary. Manning looked like a rookie yesterday and he is yet to win a big game.