Mythos Update

[Mr.Murder]

Mythos Update
By Chris Haynie, Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist

Bad season for Pittsburgh's fans so far. Oakland's favorite Raiders are bad as well. Teams we expected great things of are not playoff contenders and that this game is not deciding home field or a Division title for one or both teams is odd.

Nonetheless we have great histories; the Rooney's solid backing kept the NFL solvent in lean early years. Their faith was rewarded with the most winning dynasty ever. Fans still await their loyalty and patience in Noll to pan out on the Cowher prospect. Both coaches were clamored for firing by the die-hard fans at different times (early for one late for the other) and yet each was a model of consistency.

Noll was the Brown coaching tree made manifest, his roots were deep to the great minds and legacies of the sport (Browns-Bengals bashers take note of the fact).

Is Cowher fool's gold? His ties were to the Paul Brown coaching tree via Martyball Shottenheimer. Overall individual success in terms of winning it all which is what Steelers merits strive for. Still he has won enough to be the longest tenured coach in the game presently, including 7 division titles and a wild card appearance in 11 years and a Superbowl berth in addition to four Championship appearances. Fool's gold in shallow streams, can Cowher find the depth and substance to strive for greatness and the real deal? Is this talking of treasure just a bunch of Malarkey? Steeler's expectations are justifiably higher.

The Raiders mystique has been a mistake this season so far as well, turning into finger-pointing and back-talk which ALWAYS was there but was made irrelevant in better times. The wine of winning can wash down bitter meals, but when the records get bad such scrutiny mounts to crisis levels. Vintage vineyard grapes are tread in wrath for future flavor; the result however is noticed negatively in short term. Cally recall results have been a gold rush of initial success and post Superbowl letdown and busts. The worst part of this is how many points and plays were left on the field via mistakes and penalties, some of which were injury others were oversight (coaching or motivation).

These teams can meet and regardless of the present time it brings a Renaissance of Style and Stories. The mythology of greatness is part of both franchise identities and the NFL as a whole. Since neither team is at those levels currently, the focus for Raiders fans is on great players; the same should apply to the Steelers.

The dynamic duo of Steeler Probowl receivers Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress meets the Double Trouble Defenders of Charles Woodson and Phillip Buchanon. When healthy Woodson is arguably the best, tough fast and instinctive, a fitting challenge for Hines Ward who is also the sport's best at this moment in terms of his play and toughness. From special-teamer to all pro Ward's smiles in the face of danger play after play are a Steeler staple this century.

The other pairing is two enigmatic players, on the verge of icon status. Plaxico Burress has the physical tools to make teammates better with his size and presence. Phillip Buchanon's speed, hands, and big play ability are lightening in a jar and his jersey is the top selling for young fans in the entire sport. Each player has to master the Art of War; the discipline factor has haunted each by their own doing. Spiking live footballs and indiscreet exhibitionism has haunted the former and latter at key times. Each player is great and needs to take these skills a level higher, consistent game could make them Hall of Famers. The two in man lockups will be great to see, Plax is tall enough to be a city landmark, and Buch-Baby is challenged by his size. Two young talents who are upside can outgrow their youthful setbacks.

Here is to seeing the rebirth of classic Oakland man defense, with great Steelers receivers showing the playmaking ability of Super Seasons previous.

In addition each team has Hall caliber players in Mr. Bettis, Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Every play these men make adds to their records and though limited in their touches they still are standard bearers for dedication to the sport.

Each team has a write-off at QB as well. Rick Mirer has laid himself out for a win regardless; his spinning 820-degree run for a first down is shown week after week for season highlights. Desperate times show heroic efforts for those overlooked. Pittsburgh's representative in this regard is Charlie Batch; a veteran gunslinger not even listed as WANTED, below outlaw status. Despite the fact that he was competitive for bad Lions teams, people said he was done. He has the last laugh, outearns his starter and now playing in his stead.

Happy Hour for those nobody else wanted, fitting they are underdog reps of the Greatest 2 AFC franchises in terms of winning it all. To great memories past and great moments present, especially the fans of both teams!


Posted previously in mcmillenandwife on the fan 2 fan alliance

Sources: www.steelers.com,www.raiderfans.net

[Steelrzgirl]

I would sure love to see a true, well played, competitive game today with a "glimpse" of the reputations that have built these organizations

Anything to take me away from the reality of a dismal coaching staff, penalty riddled performances, burned secondarys, less than stellar lines and QB fubars that seem to have affected both teams.

[Mr.Murder]

Congrats BG, Bettis piling yard yards on top of OJ's all time totals, too bad it isnt coffin dirt as well. Good Luck down the stretch, do not give up!