Dolphins vs. Steelers: A football game, a fight

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a tough team. They are physical. They are eager to use that asset. And they have a well-deserved reputation for being the baddest dudes on the block going back to the days of the Steel Curtain.

The Dolphins, in case you have not heard, also fancy themselves a physical team. And so when these two lovers of violent football get together ...

"I think anytime you play against the Steelers you know it’s going to be a physical contest," coach Tony Sparano said. "They make no bones about it. I think that from our end we feel like we’re a physical football team, so it’s going to be a physical game.”

Believe it or not, that is the politically correct way to portray it. Running back Ronnie Brown has another way. He sees the Steelers as a bully. And he thinks there's only one way to deal with bullies.

"When you have bully on the school yard, he thinks he's the baddest," Brown said. "Therefore he's going to carry himself like he's the baddest. He feels that way, so therefore he's going to act like he's the baddest. That's how it is with the Pittsburgh defense. They think that way, they act that way. That's how it is until someone proves them differently. That's how it is."

And just because Brown plays running back and it is part of his job description to take blows, that doesn't mean Brown intends to let Pittsburgh bully him.

"You have to accept that challenge," he said. "As an offensive player, I come in with a defensive mentality. Just because I'm a running back doesn't mean I can't be an aggressor with the football.

"Until you stand up to the bully he's going to keep picking on you and if he feels he's found a weak spot, you're going to have to deal with that every day. If you show up and show him you're not scared, then it goes away. But until you do that, you're going to get the same result. So why not attack it full head on?"

The last time these two teams played -- in the 2009 regular-season finale -- the Dolphins didn't stand up to well against the bully. Quarterback Chad Henne had to leave the game with vision problems. Backup quarterback Pat White came in and lasted less than one quarter before he literally got knocked out.

"Last year you know it took us three quarterbacks to get through the game and hopefully that won’t happen this game," Henne said. "But, we’re going to have to protect, we’re going to have to keep it balanced, we’re going to have to run the football, and protect me in the passing game.”

Like Brown, Henne says he's not afraid, concerned, or sweating the physical nature of the Steelers, particularly on defense.

 “No, I mean I’m just going to go out there and play my game and I’m not going to let anything affect me," he said. "I’m not going to stare at the rush a little bit more. I’m just going to go through my progressions, know what I’m doing what I’m doing back there and you know if I get hit I get hit. That’s part of the game.”

Talking to several Dolphins players, one gets the idea the Dolphins have a little to prove to the Steelers. One gets the idea they intend on standing toe-to-toe with their Pittsburgh counterparts.

"They're going to keep grinding and you have to match that intensity," Brown said. "Coming into the game week, your whole mental process has to be ready for that. That's the good part of this game. they're going to present challenges. And you have to take advantage of that. You have to take each blow when they get their chance. And when you get your chance your have to take your shot.

"I'm not going to say they go out and try to hurt people. But they do try to strike some kind of fear. And if you buy into that, it is what it is. But if you don't and you go out and fight, that's what it's going to be. It'll be a fight."

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[BLOG NOTE: For those of you who are regulars on this blog and particular those who are live blog regulars on game day, I have a question: Do you wish for the latest comments to appear first from now on? We currently list comments in chronological order, but if most of you want a change to latest comments first, I will request that change be made. Answer in the comments section.]

Comments

[enrique1085]

CHAD HENNE IS ON THE SCOTT VAN PELT SHOW RIGHT NOW!!!

[enrique1085]

Armando,
I really would like for the latest comments to appear first, a la ESPN! lol

[Mark in Toronto]

Pittsburgh is a bad bad team. Those playoff games with baltimore and players getting carried off on stretchers attests to that. Big boy pants mus tbe worn!

(Keep blog as is)

[David]

latest comments first please

[Gregg Goatee]

How come my blog sucks?

[Hurri']

Tough < or = Dirty.

So much so, that their LB would rather quit than play by the rules.

[enrique1085]

The interview kind of sucked.

[Trev]

i kinda like the chronological order...

[Sandoval]

Lastest comments first please. Also the interview with Brandon Marshall and Jim Rome was interesting...

[Mark in Toronto]

Who's Running Brown?

[Jim in NYC]

Latest comments first!

[Poizen]

We do really need to get our D to tighten up also! BTW, WE BETTER MAKE PITT WEAR THE BLACK JERSEY'S IN THE HEAT @ 1:00 in the afternoon!!! Mando PLEASE tell me we were smart enough to make them do that! I like the blog the way it is, No change is my vote.

[Marc]

I think the last comments last is fine, however, the multiple page format, the fact that you post seperate blogs per quarter, and the fact that it doesn't refresh are my complaints.

Oh yeah, and the fact that your blog has become overrun with idiots the last 2 years. Loyals have defected and the content has been sub-par this season...

Other than that...Way to go Mandy

[Mark in Toronto]

Marc, contribute more and the quality will go up.

[Marc]

MarK...I can't tolerate being on here as much as before.

Most of the old regulars are gone and we're stuck with meatball subs, home, poor grammar, jet's fans, farmers, and donkeys...

It's almost unbearable. I can't believe I actually miss people like Jersey, and Booby

[enrique1085]

Channing Crowder said this:"I'm still gonna go out there and hit people with my helmet, I don't care about any fines". Let's not be surprised if he single handedly gives Pitt some free first downs because of this.

[krut]

list latest post first n it would b great if there was a filter to just show armondos posts

[Marc]

I'm here most game days though

[Armando Salguero]

Marc, I'm sooo happy you love this blog.

[Poizen]

Wow, I didn't think it was THAT bad, or unless i am part of the problem... I think not though.

[Mark in Toronto]

Meh, I like it.

I look forward to interacting with such fans as ALoco, Darryl Dunphy, Bill Connors, DC Dolfan, Odinseye, DyingBreed, enrique, and even 2 watt, and many others that I forgot.

And from time to time, you will find Carlito and Bobby here too.

I don't always agree with everyone here but what fun would it be if I did.

[Darryl Dunphy]

I like the chronological order. This way if the blog has a flow it continues. By posting the most recent threads first, you risk that flow, and then a lot of good points are lost because they don't ever get read. IMO, the blog is great the way it stands now.

[Mark in Toronto]

oh yeah, Poizen too, past 3 pm and cold medication is kicking my caboose. Apologies if I forgot any of the regulars. My brain is broke.

[donpaizon]

Alright, I'm calling it.

Miami wins this game, by 10.

Pitt has a strong D, no doubt, but in my opinion the only really good and close to complete offense they have played has been BALT, and they lost that game. ATL is decent, but they play like crap on the road and in my opinion aren't as well rounded as the Phins. Miami is physical, and our pass protection should be solid. We have a very complete Offense this year. Marshall is a beast, Hartline is solid and Bess is approaching uncoverable status underneath. Our RBs may not have a big day, but they will wear down that D. Like to see what happens when Harrison tries to Tee-Off on Ricky. He won't be coming back for more that's for sure. On top of that, our D is going to own this team on Sunday. Roethlisburger is over-rated, and Cam Wake gets at LEAST 1 sac on Sunday. Their receiving core took a big hit letting Holmes go and I think we will handle their WRS just fine. Pitt will score, but they will also turn the ball over a couple times. Roethlisburger will get sacked, hurried, and lead his team to many 3 and outs, which will help in tiring out that D. Miami's offense will wear them down. Fins 24 Pitt 14.

[DyingBreed]

If this is a well played game by both sides. There will be only 7 scoring drives max the entire game. If this happens here's what we must do to win the game.

1. Maximize our scoring opportunities. 2td's 1 field goal = 17pts. 21pts would be perfect.

2. Like I said if its a well played game by both sides(7 total combined scoring drives) whoever has that 4th scoring drive may have the best chances of winning this game.

Just as in baseball and football game 7 is the decisive game. So whoever owns that 4th and final scoring drive(3+3+1) will probably win this game.

So to ensure victory we must maximize our 3 scoring opportunities we get then be the owners of that decisive odd man out 4th scoring opportunity.

A well played game by both sides offensively and defensively most likely leads to a combined total of 7 scoring drive the entire game. I like to think the winner wins the battle of scoring 4 scoring drives to 3 for the opponent.

[Marc]

Mandy, I'm still here aren't I?

Just seems like the blog has taken a back seat to your show. You must be able to look in the mirror and see this.

Facts are that your loyal fan base is over at the Sentinel. That can't be denied. Same screennames and all...

[sullysfins]

Like it the way it is. GO PHINS.

[odinseye]

Marc,

You're going to knock this blog and it's content!?!?

What amendment gives you the right to advocate juicing up junior high schoolers on steroids?

You got no right to open your mouth unless you're on your knees you dress wearing FLOOZY!!!!

Toronto Mark,

Did you get my Black Jack response on the last Blog?

Armando,

Keep it the way it is PLEASE!

[Marc]

Your interaction has lessened as well. Go back a year or two and you would have live blogs that you actually contributed to fairly often.

[Marc]

It would be the SAME one ODIN...

FREE SPEECH.

[DyingBreed]

Can we please stick to the blog topic instead of the kindergarten tattle-tales?

[Marc]

Oh, the topic?

The Steelers are gonna mop the floor with us...

How's that?

[DyingBreed]

If this is a well played game by both sides. There will be only 7 scoring drives max the entire game. If this happens here's what we must do to win the game.

1. Maximize our scoring opportunities. 2td's 1 field goal = 17pts. 21pts would be perfect.

2. Like I said if its a well played game by both sides(7 total combined scoring drives) whoever has that 4th scoring drive may have the best chances of winning this game.

Just as in baseball and football game 7 is the decisive game. So whoever owns that 4th and final scoring drive(3+3+1) will probably win this game.

So to ensure victory we must maximize our 3 scoring opportunities we get then be the owners of that decisive odd man out 4th scoring opportunity.

A well played game by both sides offensively and defensively most likely leads to a combined total of 7 scoring drive the entire game. I like to think the winner wins the battle of scoring 4 scoring drives to 3 for the opponent. TY

[cowkilla]

doesnt matter to me, keep it the way the majority wants it, ill just roll with it either way.
And Miami will beat pitt by 6 points this week, bleeed dat

[dishpan]

testify, cowkilla

[Poizen]

Mando, I am not sure why I am so styuck on this, but it looks like a humid day there on sunday and upper to mid 80's. Steelers wearing BLACK?

[DyingBreed]

We especially need to guard against turnover into our own territory. This almost always leads to a free scoring drive to the opponent(3-7pts). Very difficult to win against a quality opponent when giving away free scoring drives.

[TMPhins]

See Marc, the writer couldn't care less who contributes to this blog as long as he gets a million hits. They can talk about whatever they want. It doesn't matter because his bosses only look at the amount of hits, not the content. They'll be in here talking about dinner and where they like to hang out and the bosses are like WOW, look at all the people our man has got interested in the Dolphins, never knowing that they're actually using the site as a personals chat room. And the posting content gets worse and worse every year. Got to love the sarcasm from Armando, makes you feel like staying right.

[Mark in Toronto]

Odin, I did get the reply. If it was possible to spend weeks explaining what it took me years and a lot of $$$ to learn about the market, I would gladly do it. I understand that the market is intimidating and some people just have no stomach for incurring losses which keeps them away. Unfortunately it is the greatest tool in existence for building wealth and these days it's at everyone's fingertips. You just have to "pay your tuition" if you will, which few people have the stomach to do.

Anyway, Marc, DOLPHINS ROLL!!!

[finfaned]

we get our first win at home sunday. we need it to prove we are a contender in the AFC.

i like the blog the way it is. cant please everyone if it aint broke dont fix it.

[Armando Salguero]

Marc, folks make decisions based on their choices and desires. I usually post EVERY DAY, regardless of whether I'm off or not.

Am I posting at 2 a.m. like I used to? Nope. But if I have something worth posting, it gets on here.

I still appreciate that you are still here, that is for sure.

[enrique1085]

DyingBreed-
Thats an interesting theory you got there man. It does make a lot of sense when playing a team like Pitt. I sold my tickets to that game cuz my baby boy will be getting his first shots this monday :-(

[odinseye]

The Steelers are gonna mop the floor with us...

How's that?

Posted by: Marc | October 21, 2010 at 03:22 PM

At least a freshly mopped floor will keep your knees clean!

How's that?

[DC Dolfan]

Mando, yes, it would be helpful for the latest comments to come first, so you don't need to keep switching pages. YOU THE MAN!!

[Poizen]

Marc is getting close to sounding like test.

The heads of Crowder, Bess and Carroll combines make one NASTY MOP! Maybe We Mop up the Steelers!

[DyingBreed]

Also need to guard against turnovers into the opponents field of play. Scoring drives and opportunities are golden. Once lost or carded away its very difficult to regain. Especially when playing quality defenses.

[enrique1085]

Armando,
I honestly expected to see a blog about the Channing Crowder comments on the whole illegal hits dilema. Is that something you're keeping your nose out of?

[2 watt]

ss = homers

[Marc]

TM, this is the first year in about 4 or so I've followed the blog that I can see a noticible decline in the blog. It's been a downward trend, but, this year everyone jumped ship and the content, well, what content?

One blog a week is Sparano's press conference "Ver Batum". We could read that gibberish on the team's site.

[DC Dolfan]

Steelers talk a lot of trash. But Mando's right, they back it up. I don't think we should go toe-to-toe with them. I think they're a bunch of dumb muscle men. I think we shouldn't try to go through them, we should float over them. You know how you take the front 7 out of the game? 15-20 yd. pass plays to Marshall, Bess and Hartline. Or Fasano, or a wheel route to Ronnie. Let's not play THEIR game. Let's beat them smartly (like Bellicheck seems to do to teams). That's how you deal with a bully, you show them they don't know everything about anything!

[Darryl Dunphy]

What I've seen with teams like Atlanta, Tennessee, and Baltimore. Were that of those 3 teams, only Baltimore(who are bullies in their own right) did not play into the steelers strength. Every team wants to smash the bully in the mouth, and prove they are the tough guy. That's fine if that's your goal. If your goal is to win the game, you outsmart the bully. Sure we have to try and pound it. But look what this did for the Falcons, and Titans(both better running teams then we are) They had a lot of 3 and outs. Sure it shortened the game. But it's not like Pittsburg is an offensive juggernaught. This is a week where Henning can redeem himself, where it won't take a weaseley locker room quote to feel vindicated.

[finfaned]

watching the replay at GB man we really manhandled them. we have so many games that we are close to blowing teams out.

i feel we are so close to beimg that dominate team.

[Dolphin22]

keep it as is

Thanks

[Marc]

That was actually funny Odin...

[finfaned]

didnt think about the blog online. the way it is now works best on Iphone. will the changes affect it as well??

[odinseye]

Marc,

You came on here today and started calling people names right of the bat.

You criticized the posters, their posts, then Armando and his articles.

You're part of the problem here Marc. The evidence lies in your contribution here today. It's always the same with you.

You got issues Man and free speech or not, we DON"T WANT TO HERE IT!

PS: I hear Omar got a pimping a s s hat on his avatar, why don't you go check it out?

[2 watt]

henne still remembers that hit he took last season from pitt. i wonder if thig will be bumped up to #2.hmmmm?

[LAKECITYFAN]

Little Ben gets picked three times by the Miami "D".....Harrison gets ejected from the game for a personal foul. Henne throws for 300+ yards (Troy "P" gets one pick off of him) and the running game goes over 150 yards. The Phins win by 7............

[Darryl Dunphy]

What did Channing say that has everyone up in arms? I haven't heard the clip so I don't have a clue as to what he said. Everyone is commenting on this helmet to helmet, don't hit defensless player rigamarole. It couldn't have been anything to bad?

[acwalsh8]

FWIW I kind of like the current way.