Posted on 11/13/2004 4:18:53 AM PST by beyond the sea
Bill Parcells wasn't able to rattle him. Bill Belichick, the master of disguise, was unable to unnerve him. Now along comes Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Gerard Warren, admittedly trying to rattle rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and, in the process, threatening physical harm.
Warren told a group of reporters Thursday he will be aiming for Roethlisberger's head when the Steelers and Browns meet tomorrow, even if it means a potential fine.
The league wasted little time reacting to Warren's comments. Commissioner Tagliabue sent letters to Warren and the Browns' organization yesterday, warning that a flagrant foul committed against Roethlisberger could result in Warren's suspension.
"Yeah, we're going across his head, regardless of cost," Warren said. "That's what we get paychecks for: We pay the cost.
Asked if hitting Roethlisberger in the head might result in a hefty fine, Warren said, "It'll be well worth it. You go across somebody's head a time or two, and they'll be looking for you."
"That's my personal way of rattling him," Warren said. "This game is all about being malicious and violent."
Coach Bill Cowher declined comment and instructed his players to do the same.
But wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who is a friend of Warren, said the comments by the former No. 1 pick from Florida were inappropriate.
"When you play this game to hurt people, you don't need to be playing," Burress said. "We all put our pants on the same way and we all have dreams and aspirations.
"He doesn't realize he's not going out playing against just Ben. He's got five guys in front of him he has to get past. This ain't track. This isn't a one-on-one game."
Then, smiling, Burress said, "I thought I raised him better than that."
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
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That would be sweet -- (see post #7).
;-)
"Better bring enough for the whole team!"
ROFL!!!!! That's real true! Thanks!
How's this? ......... "Don't tell me how rocky the sea is, just bring in the ship." -- Vince Lombardi
You're right about his toughness, but we're all human. Thank God the offensive line loves the guy and they're playing very well in front of him. The weather will be sunny and cool, very little wind I believe...... so that is all good. I see a great Steeler win. I cannot believe the points are only three and a half to four. That makes me wonder what's up! I would think the Steelers would be favored by just a little more.
Hmmm?
If I were his coach, I'd bench him and fine him for being TSTP (Too Stupid To Play). Telling the press this was ridiculous. I predict Warren will be carried off the field before the game is over. The Steelers won't talk to the press before the game about their plans for Warren.
I believe they will just like they've done to every team this year...I thought the NE Pats weren't ready to play that day, but I've changed my mind. The Steeler look REAL good ALL around, not just R'berger!
Pitt is going places this year.
Nothing like an *sshole remark by an opponent's player to get you psyched up even more for a Steeler/Browns game. Warren may have done the Stillers a favor with his lips flapping!!!
ROFL..... to the iceberg!
ROFL -- "TSTP"
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Check this out .......... Then there was Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, the Kansas City cornerback who parlayed his tough-guy image into a few action-movie roles. Just before the Chiefs played the Packers in Super Bowl I, Williamson promised to level a few Green Bay receivers with the forearm shiver that was his trademark.
Instead, with the game safely put away, the Packers pulled guard Gale Gillingham and ran a sweep at - and directly over - Williamson in the fourth quarter. "Laid him out like a bear rug, too," a Packer official recalled Tuesday - 36 years later. "Some hammer."
I've seen enough of NFL to know that the Steelers are ripe for a loss here.
A rivaly road game against a "sleeper" team like the Browns after two huge wins fits the NFL equation for a Steeler loss.
Alot of professional gamblers would take the Browns and the points in this spot. I've had my stint into that darkside of this world, and believe me, if gambling were this easy everybody would be doing it.
A Browns win would not shock me.
I hear you. You sound like you've been close to the game for a long time. I was thinking the same things yesterday when I saw the points. It DOES smell like it could be one of those days............. but I don't think so (maybe I'm just too much of a fan).
There just may be some special magic around this QB and the way he gets along with the guys in front of him. That means oh so much. But I really do hear what you are saying. All the things you say are wise.
I've been around the gambling world-around pro football(you remember how old Art Rooney Sr. got started) for decades here in Pittsburgh. Strange things happen in the circumstances that you mention. But, as I said, I'm feeling some magic that I HOPE will overcome all those things you mention.
It sure will be interesting!
Well Mr. Warren, there are at least six linemen in front of Big Ben who can play that game too - They'll be your huckleberry, playing for blood is just their game. One goes high, one goes low, end of Mr. Warren. It's a lot easier to take out a defensive lineman then it is an offensive guard.
Uglier than when the Steelers decided to repeatedly spin Brian Sipe around the field by his facemask?
I was there too ! I can still picture it ! It sent shivers down my spine!
Although there are very specific rules involved, cut blocking in itself is not illegal, not yet anyway. There's a big discussion going on by the NFL competition committee about cut blocking since a Denver Olineman broke someone's leg(I forget who exactly)just a few weeks ago, but for now, it's legal.
Remember the games in the 70s with Cincy? As I recall, one season Cincy beat Pittsburgh twice as Cincys only wins, and Pittsburghs only losses.
The AFC Central has been brutal that way for decades...though it's been a lot less severe than it was in the 70s and 80s.
Right on. The Steelers are not into that crap, but see post #5.
I am more than psyched to see a few "pancakes" tomorrow!
Bill Fralic of Pitt fame was known for these accomplishments........... when an offensive lineman puts a defensive lineman on his back or BUTT!!!!!
I'm ready for some FOOTBALL!
I'm with you.A little double teaming from our offensive line willl take the wind out of his sails real quick.Grab It And Growl!!!
LOL! See post # 5
I think it has alot to do with team-style and the way it is coached.
Bill Belichik bucked the trend with that huge win streak. He is still one of the most underappreciated head coaches in the NFL when he should be heralded.
What he did with that win streak should go down in history as one of the greatest head coach accomplishments in all of sports! It's extremely difficult to put these win streaks together.
Belichick does it by putting a different team out on the field every Sunday, and the opponent has no idea what is coming. If you notice, when alot of good teams first get beat, the armor is usually cracked wide open and the rest of the league looks at that gamefilm on how to beat them. It can't be done with Belichick.
The man is a certified genius IMHO, the Vince Lombardi of our era, and combine that with a stellar front office (Owner Bob Kraft is a genius too), you are going to compile alot of Super Bowl rings.
It's very likely these two (Pats and Steelers) will meet again in the playoffs and it'll be something to witness, and it could be the rivalry of the decade.
But as far as my eye can see, I don't see Patriots slipping from the top anytime soon as long as they don't change anything at the coaching and management level. I predict they will be the Packers of the 60s, Steelers of the 70s, Niners of the 80s, Cowboys of the 90s.
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