Flacco doing his best Kobra Kai. ‘Take him out!’
Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Steeler Nation, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Joe Flacco may not be an elite quarterback, but he sure is elite when it comes to being a huge dumb ass.  His dumb assery apparently knows no bounds, especially when it comes to knowing the rules of football… or heck, when it comes to being a good sportsman.

The final play of Super Bowl XLVII came down to a free kick from Baltimore to the 49′ers.  Niners Ted Ginn Jr. was to receive that free kick and had the opportunity to either run back the kick or signal for a fair catch with four seconds left on the clock.  Ginn chose to run for a score, but was tackled at the 50-yard line to end the game.  But if Ginn were to get past the eleven Ravens on the field, there were 41 other players that could have taken Ginn out from the sideline.  And Flacco, was pretty much ring leading them all prior to the kick itself to do just that.  Here is the exchange that NFL Films caught from Flacco’s mic he just so happened to be wearing the entire game:

“If he starts to break it, go tackle him,” Flacco told Pitta.

“Really?” Pitta said.

“”I don’t know. I mean, what else what could they I don’t know,” Flacco said. “They might be able to give him a touchdown on that, but I don’t know.”

Flacco then shares the same message with Birk.

“Hey, if he breaks it, if he busts it for some reason, tackle him, go tackle him,” Flacco said.

“Why can’t you?” asked Yanda.

“I will,” Flacco said. “I’m going to.”

Jesus.  This something like out of the Karate Kid where the leader of the Kobra Kai tells his little pupil to take out poor little Danny.  However, I seriously doubt our beloved Bert would have the guts to do something like that on his own.  Besides, his ‘elite’ status would be tarnished were he the one to pull such an egregious move.  But, if he could get one of his teammates to do it, he would be free of guilt, a Super Bowl winner, an MVP, and waiting for his ‘Elite’ status card to come in the mail.  Except the boy wonder genius forgot something – the rules.  Rule 12, Section 3, Aricle 3 of the NFL Rule Books states the following:

“Palpably Unfair Act. A player or substitute shall not interfere with play by any act which is palpably unfair. Penalty: For a palpably unfair act: Offender may be disqualified. The Referee, after consulting his crew, enforces any such distance penalty as they consider equitable and irrespective of any other specified code penalty. The Referee may award a score.”

Ruh roh Joe.

The officiating crew was already having one hell of an evening with trying to make good calls (it wasn’t), and this would have blown the roof off the Super Dome.  But the rule clearly states that the Referee may award a score.  If Ginn had a clear field to score and a Raven jumped out and tackled Ginn, then there’s no doubt that the crew would have awarded Ginn the touchdown anyways.  Think of it like a penalty shot in hockey, except that there’s no goalie waiting in the net.

So there are a few things here.  1) If that were to really happen, we would have witnessed the most bizarre and most asinine stunt ever pulled in professional sports (aside from the Cotton Bowl of 1954 where this very thing happened).  2)  It would have been awesome to see the Ravens lose the game in that fashion, not only for the glorious satisfaction of seeing them lose and no championship for Ray Lewis, but also because their star and ‘elite’ QB appeared desperate enough to cheat.  3) Regardless of the outcome of this game, Joe Flacco is forever a stupid, uni brow’ed, jackass for even considering something like interfering with a play from the sidelines – aka CHEATING.  God, just thinking about hearing that exchange between him and the other players makes it sound like he’s the playground bully who dares you to go push some kid in mud, or go eat that green puss oozing out from the dumpster.  How old are you?  Where is your maturity?  (The ‘retarded’ Super Bowl media day comment is really starting to make sense now.)

Yes Joe Flacco is the Super Bowl MVP  - where the P stand for Pea brain.  I almost wish it really did happen because then Flacco would have been exposed for the jag he really is.  Instead, everyone chuckles at how ludicrous it was to think about doing something like that and that he was more than likely joking.  Right.  Joking.  So, just like his other high class act, Ray Lewis, Flacco’s ill thought out actions as a man and sportsman will be overlooked.  He’ll be elevated to whatever status ESPN wants him at and Baltimore will slap that franchise tag on him for his big $20 million payday (probably because they feel they can’t get any better from here).

Joe Flacco, you truly are a jagoff.  You may get your pay day, but there’s no ounce of respect for you in my eyes, and I hope anyone else who has the sense to see you for who you really are.  You were so desperate to win, to get that elite status, to quiet your critics – that you openly contemplated cheating.

“No, not at all because they have to go through one team — that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers in that AFC championship. So in order for them to get to the Super Bowl, they have to beat us, and we’re not gonna let that happen once we get that close. So that’s not gonna happen in this lifetime.”  -LaMarr Woodley on the Baltimore Ravens (June 2011)

From now on, this quote will forever be etched into “Steelers vs. Ravens” lore, and now it appears that Woodley’s remarks will likely mark an important turning point in the entire rivalry altogether.  Unfortunately for Woodley, he might always be remembered as the one who woke the sleeping “Raven Giant” named Joe Flacco.

Woodley had a down 2011 and a down 2012 season. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While the Steelers had recently possessed the upper hand in their rivalry with the Ravens,  including two postseason wins after the 2008 and 2010 seasons, both teams were essentially even in terms of on-field talent when the Spring began back in 2011.  These comments did not sit well with Baltimore’s Quarterback Joe Flacco either, and “Borat” took offense to Woodley’s rather cocky remarks.

Although the Steelers had won 6 of their previous 8 against their division rivals between 2008 (Flacco’s Rookie year) and 2010, no game had been decided by more than 9 points, and each contest was in doubt until the 4th Quarter/Overtime.  This however did not stop Woodley when he shared his thoughts with the world regarding Joe Flacco and the Ravens.

I’m not saying that these comments had everything to do with the Ravens recent success, especially against Pittsburgh.  But it really made zero sense to give any sort of bulletin-board material to a long-standing rival who was capable of knocking your own team off at any moment. 

In fact, the last two years have seen not only a shift in the rivalry (Baltimore has won 3 of the last 4, including a 35-7 blowout in the 1st game post-comments), but a shift in both Flacco’s and Woodley’s careers:

Flacco: Super Bowl XLVII MYP, 22-10 Regular Season record, 5-1 Postseason record, 7,427 Pass Yards, 42 Touchdown Passes

Woodley: 23 Total Regular Season Games, 13.0 Sacks, 2 INT’s, 2 FR’s, weight issues, complacency issues, hamstring and ankle injuries, and a $61.5 million dollar contract currently weighing down the salary-cap needy Steelers

It pains me to say it, but we could be in for a serious down era of Steelers football, especially when they have to macthup against their hated rivals.  This comes arguably at the worst possible time because Joe Flacco is now entering the prime of his career with a litany of Offensive weapons.  If the youngsters are unable to develop on Defense for the Steelers and undisciplined play reigns supreme, only bad things can happen as Flacco will continue to build off of his already terrific 2012 season.  As far as Woodley is concerned, I’m glad that I was one of the few people who spoke out against the team when they attempted to sign such an overrated contract to a player of his caliber.  Woodley nevertheless “got paid” that offseason, and he is only able to eat his words after what has just taken place over the last two years.

Face it “Steeler Nation,” the Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh rivalry has shifted, and the scales are not in Pittsburgh’s favor anymore.  Heck, with a successful 2013 campaign, the paradigm of Big Ben being better than Joe Flacco might shift in Flacco’s favor as time marches on also.  If the last two years were any indication, the Steelers are now not the type of juggernaut obstacle which Baltimore must go through anymore in the A.F.C., let alone the A.F.C. North.  Flacco and the Ravens easily dispatched the “one team” according to Woodley back in 2011, and never had to deal with them at all as a postseason contender in 2012.  As it stands today, it is the Ravens, not the Steelers, who have won back-to-back A.F.C. North Champs, and now reign supreme as the Super Bowl Champions.

All of these things I might add have happened in the 20 months since Woodley added gasoline to the rivalry fire.  Sometimes if one has nothing nice to say, they should not say it at all.  Nevertheless, I must ask the following:

What does “Humble Pie” taste like, LaMarr?

Share your thoughts below readers

What do you mean I was supposed to wear a suit to this thing? Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that this is the worst case scenario for any Steeler fan when it comes to crowing the next Super Bowl champion.  The game itself will be difficult to watch.  Much like our cohort, Kimmy, the game will be more of a Statler and Waldorf commentary and paying that much more attention to the commercials.

‘I haven’t watched something this awful in a long time.’
‘Oh yeah? What was that?’
‘My wife saying ‘I do.”
‘Woahahahaha!!!’

There are cases to be made why neither team is a good one for any Steeler fan in their right mind to openly cheer for.  And surprisingly enough, there are Steeler players that have come out in favor of the Ravens.  Excuse me while I go throw up…. Sorry fellas, but I have to stop you there.  I may love you playing on the field, but if you’re rooting for your most hated rival, then you’ve had one too many hits to the head.

So why am I quietly hoping for the San Francisco 49′ers defeat the Ravens?  One word – respect.  See that’s the thing about a heated and hate filled rival – I don’t really respect the Baltimore Ravens.  It’s John Harbaugh, it’s Ray Lewis (before and after the PED news), it’s T-Sizzle, it’s the Ed Reed infatuation, it’s Baltimore fans, it’s the ‘elite’ Joe Flacco.  Just about everything that is purple and black and gold rightfully receives my venom and lack of respect.  It seems that every single season and every single game and every single moment in their miserable existence the Ravens go out of their way to be disrespectful to any and all that cross their path.  I guess Ray Ray doesn’t preach sportsmanship from his podium.  Maybe it’s not part of ‘his’ Ten Commandments.

Some argue that it’s just a sting in the wound for Steeler fans if the Ravens win.  They will have to put up with the Ravens and their bragging rights for a full season, and soon that will swiftly go away as the Ravens head into obscurity.  Joe Flacco will be named ‘elite.’  Ray Lewis will ride off on a deer into the sunset.  John Harbaugh will finally get his trophy.  Ed Reed can retire a happy man.  The Ravens will be validated.  All of that will be said, yet somehow we as Steeler fans are supposed to find comfort because we know ‘the truth.’  The most important thing in the bigger picture is that the 49′ers are left empty handed so that they do not tie the Steelers for most Super Bowl wins.  Somehow for those who want the Ravens win is the most important thing.

And that’s where I disagree.  Respect.  As much as I hate the Harbaugh clan, I can actually respect the San Francisco 49′ers.  They have a storied franchise of amazing players and coaches.  Guys like Montana, Young, Walsh, Rice.  It’s a team, despite their idiot child of a coach, I can respect now and I can certainly respect them winning a 6th Super Bowl.  So what?  They tie the best NFL franchise to ever exist in Super Bowl wins.  I can respect that.  It’s good company to be in.

But what about the debate of best franchise?  Who’s the better 6 Super Bowl win team?  Well who cares if that becomes part of the debate.  It’s a healthy debate.  Let it act as motivation for an organization who had a pretty terrible year in getting back up to Super Bowl form.  Go get a 7th Super Bowl.  Hell, they came very close two years ago against the Packers – otherwise this wouldn’t even be a friggin’ debate.

So, let the tattooed boy wonder and the baby with the red Sharpie take home the Lombardi.  I can respect that.  But what I can’t respect is a team that has no respect for anyone but themselves.  What I can’t respect is a division rival take home a trophy that they don’t really deserve.

That’s why I’m rooting for those ‘Niners.

A picture of Ray Lewis during practice on Wednesday.
Credit: Jeremy Dominic

In what is referred to as a shocking turn of events, Ray Lewis has been reportedly seen on the practice fields in New Orleans with antlers growing out of his head.

Turns out there were some side effects to taking that deer antler extract after all.  Forget performance enhancing drug ‘roid rage or saggy man boobs.  Somebody make sure there is a flack jacket under his uniform – his head may end up over a mantle if he’s not careful enough.

Lewis is still denying that he ever took deer antler extract, but there’s no denying this dude is an 8-point thing of beauty.  ’This is just a gag, man,’ yelled Lewis. ‘By the grace of God, I bought me an antler headband and decided to wear it at practice!’  Many are still suspicious of Lewis’ claims after he screamed repeatedly when Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata pulled on the antlers sticking out of Lewis’ helmet.

NFL Commish, Rodger Goodell, had no comment on the situation, although some sources claim Goodell could be seen from his office polishing off his 30-0-6 rifle late last night.  League officials report that if Lewis plays with the antlers on his head in Sunday’s Super Bowl, he will be fined somewhere around $15,000 for uniform violations in the final game of his career.

A humble Lewis answers questions about being a great leader, but won’t field questions about the murder trial nor the deer antler extract. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Reports flew and swirled throughout New Orleans when Sports Illustrated broke a story on Tuesday that Ray Lewis used deer antler extract to help speed along his recovery from his triceps injury.  How was it introduced into the body you ask – a spray under the tongue.  As gross as that is, the offensive part of using that extract is that the company that manufactures the extract, Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (S.W.A.T.S), has said that it contains IGF-1 – a banned substance by the NFL.

Of course, when Ray Ray was approached about this during the Ravens media day on Tuesday, Ray completely denied even using the substance during his recovery.  He went even further with his denials.  Here are some of his greatest hits:

- That was a two-year-old story that you want me to refresh.  I wouldn’t give him the credit to even mention his name or his antics in my speeches or my moment. I can’t do it. So I won’t even speak about it.

- Every test I’ve ever took in the NFL? There’s never been a question if I’ve ever even thought about using anything. So to even entertain stupidity like that, tell him to try to get his story off somebody else.

- My only purpose in life is to find different ways to help people and encourage people and make our world a better place

Lewis also gave numerous responses about the murder he was involved in.  He was dismissive and avoided those questions regarding the murder, turning to ‘God’ as reasons and saying,

I just truly feel that this is God’s time, and whatever his time is, you know, let it be his will. Don’t try to please everybody with your words, try to make everybody’s story sound right. At this time, I would rather direct my questions in other places. Because I live with that every day. You maybe can take a break from it. I don’t. I live with it every day of my life and I would rather not talk about it today.

Wow, there’s a lot one could read into that little soap box.  Brushing aside the fact that he’s completely avoiding the situation and somehow is ‘living with it’ (What is ‘it’ exactly?  The murder? Guilt?), he certainly loves to be hypocritical.  ’Don’t try to please everybody with your words…’  One of the many things that pisses me off about this sorry sack of a man is that he loves to get on his podium about being a humble leader and giving all his praises to God, yet he will take up an hour of time on the podium to talk about himself and his career.  This humble man loves to do his epileptic dances whenever he can and seems to place Vapo Rub under his eyes without anyone really noticing for those Insta Tears.  Would you ever see or hear someone like Polamalu do things like this?

There’s so much dirt that exists around this guy, yet he somehow remains one of Goodell’s Golden Boys of the NFL.  His murder trial became an inconvenience and a hardship for Lewis to overcome, never mind the families involved with the murder itself.  It became part of the ‘story’ concocted by the NFL during the Ravens last Super Bowl win back in 2000/2001.  It was disgusting then, and is as disgusting now that he can brush off questions about that part of his past – arguing that none of us are qualified to try to understand.  Sorry for being compassionate human beings, you jag.  Now, during his ‘final ride’ off into the sunset, Lewis is splattered like blood from a knife wound all over the place as a great man who was one of the best LB’s.  ESPN is especially guilty for pushing the Lewis and the ‘Ray-vens’ farewell tour.  The man has become bigger than the team.  Humble indeed.

So here we are with Lewis being accused of taking a substance that potentially contains an illegal substance.  There’s little question as to whether or not he at least had possession.  There are video recorded phone calls, according to the New York Daily News article that owner of SWATS, Mitch Ross, had with Lewis shortly after his triceps injury.  ‘Just pile me up and send me everything you got,’ is just part of the conversation Lewis had with Ross.  But Lewis denies this conversation ever happened.  Is he lying?  Absolutely.  Why admit to taking the substance before you are about to end your career on the biggest stage in the world?  I’m sure he’ll get “Armstrong’ed” soon enough.  But until then, Lewis will still look like the Golden Boy to his teammates, his coaches, the owner, Goodell and every media outlet out there shaking the Tebow cobwebs out of their empty journalistic brains.  It’s quite possible that IGF-1 may not actually exist in the substance, and that even if it did, his body may not have absorbed the IGF.  As plausible as that is, it’s still an illegal substance.  And I can’t help but think that this substance gave him an advantage in his recovery…. and maybe even his performance after his return – he is playing some of his best football in years.  Inspired football? Or chemically induced?  Even if we knew for a fact on this very day that Lewis ingested IGF-1, he would still play in the Super Bowl.  Period.

It’s one thing to hate yet respect a player.  Respect Ray Lewis?  Cold day in hell before I ever could.  He’s played us all for years, and continues to play this humble child of God act – but does it in such an over the top way.  Kind of makes Tebow look like a heathen these days.  Love him or hate him, you have to admit that he’s had a shady past and that his placement upon some golden mantle is unfounded.  No no, my friends, it will be a great day to see this man to never step on the field again.  And hopefully, it will be without another Super Bowl ring.