Steelers - Bengals Rivalry Getting Bigger

[Menudo]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06267/724522-66.stm

 

Steelers Bengals' rivalry is one-sided, but it has grown closer

Sunday, September 24, 2006

 

By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

CINCINNATI -- A night of fun among good friends turned ugly and ended in chaos at Station Square's Margarita Mamas when the frivolity suddenly was shattered by the staccato bursts of ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're not going to believe this.

 

The Who Dey? chant.

 

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle John Thornton picks up the story.

 

"It was a week or two after the Super Bowl," the big man was saying last week. "I was in Pittsburgh for the Pitt-West Virginia basketball game and then we went to the club. Word got around that we were there. Some of the Steelers also were there. The next thing you know, the D.J. is screaming, 'Who Dey?' and everyone in the place is screaming, 'We Dey!'

 

"I couldn't take it. I had to leave."

 

That goes back to the Steelers' 31-17 road victory against the Bengals in the AFC playoffs in January. After the game in the jubilant Steelers' locker room and then again at the team's Super Bowl celebration at Point State Park a few weeks later, Steelers coach Bill Cowher led a "Who Dey?" chant, essentially mocking a Bengals' tradition.

 

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis played a tape of Cowher's rendition for his players Wednesday when they gathered to start preparations for today's game against the Steelers today at Heinz Field. It was a nice motivational tool, but it probably was unnecessary. When the Steelers are the opponent, motivation is the least of the Bengals' problems.

 

"We all hate Pittsburgh," quarterback Carson Palmer told the Post-Gazette in August.

 

In that playoff game, on the Bengals' second offensive play, a low hit from Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen shattered Palmer's left knee and, with it, the Bengals' Super Bowl dreams. Almost immediately, von Oelhoffen became known in these parts as Lee Harvey von Oelhoffen. As for Palmer, the injury was the start of a month of agony. He had reconstructive surgery, began a torturous rehab program and -- most painfully -- had to watch Jerome Bettis kiss the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl XL.

 

Palmer has been waiting 260 days to get another shot at the Steelers. It's not hard to imagine him scratching the days off on his bedroom wall, much the way a man does as he's waiting to get out of prison. Actually, it seems like everyone in this town has been doing some scratching. A "We Want Pittsburgh!" chant broke out at Paul Brown Stadium last Sunday near the end of the Bengals' win against the Cleveland Browns. And at least a few Bengals fans showed they aren't close to getting over the Palmer injury with their Internet postings after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's motorcycle accident in June.

 

"Irony. They cheap shot their way to the Super Bowl, now karma comes in," one man wrote.

 

"This is what I've been waiting to see happen to the Steelers," wrote another. "They laughed at us when Carson went down ... "

 

Said Palmer, "People get into [the games against Pittsburgh] more. Everybody's talking, 'It's Steeler week. It's Steeler week!' I'm not sure in Pittsburgh they're saying, 'It's Bengal week,' but, around here, it means a lot to us."

 

The Steelers consider the Baltimore Ravens to be bigger rivals.

 

"Face masks get ripped off. Some people get stepped on. There are a lot of dirty things that go on in that game," Steelers linebacker Joey Porter said. "It's a true dislike."

 

"Pure hatred," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has called it.

 

The Steelers don't get nearly that worked up over the Bengals. They understand Palmer's "hate" thing, dismissing it as mere frustration. They can't even get mad at Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, a first-class agitator who has made a career of annoying opponents.

 

A big reason is the Steelers' dominance in the series. They are 21-8 against the Bengals -- or sexyles, as they used to be known in Pittsburgh -- in the Cowher era. They won eight division titles and a Super Bowl during that time. The Bengals, meanwhile, had their first winning record in 15 years last season.

 

"I'm sure they look at us as a team they beat twice every year," Thornton said.

 

That doesn't mean there haven't been juicy moments when the teams play. Last season, for instance, the Bengals' "Who Dey?" chant wasn't all that was desecrated. A Terrible Towel or two also were muddied.

 

After the Steelers ran for 221 yards and crushed the Bengals in Paul Brown Stadium in October, 27-13, in what had been billed as Cincinnati's biggest game in years, Ward said, "We're still the AFC North champions. The champion has to go through Pittsburgh."

 

Ouch.

 

After the Bengals got even by winning at Heinz Field in December, 38-31, and putting the Steelers' playoff hopes in danger, Johnson said, "It's time for a change. It's like going from black and white TV to a color TV. It was Pittsburgh; it's Cincinnati now, and it probably will be that way for a while."

 

Ouch again.

 

Then, there was that playoff game.

 

Bengals fans' worst fears were realized -- and not just because Palmer went down. They had openly rooted for their team to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first playoff game since George Bush The First was in the White House. Hardly anyone in town wanted to see the Steelers in a game that meant everything.

 

"Cincinnati's our home away from home," Ward crowed after the Steelers won, their seventh win in eight games here.

 

Thornton doesn't need reminded of that or to see Cowher doing the "Who Dey?" to remember how much he hurt that day.

 

"It was bad because I felt like we had finally gotten over the Steelers' hump," he said. "We thought they were done when we beat them at Heinz Field ...

 

"I'm sure they were ticked off. I have buddies there" -- he played at West Virginia -- "who told me they didn't like some of the things we said and did after that game."

 

For sure, the Steelers didn't like that Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh wiped his shoes with a Terrible Towel.

 

"Yeah, I know," Thornton said with a sigh. "You win a big game and sometimes you say or do things and forget you might have to play that team again."

 

The Bengals know they can't get total revenge today. "I don't think they'll give us the Vince Lombardi Trophy if we win," Thornton said. But the Bengals do realize they can take early control of the AFC North Division with a win. They would be 3-0, the Steelers 1-2.

 

"Hopefully, we can do 'Who Dey?' in our locker room after the game," defensive end Bryan Robinson said.

 

Houshmandzadeh, for one, appears to be thinking a littler bigger. "I don't regret it at all," he said when asked about his Terrible Towel defilement. "I only regret not doing it in the end zone after I scored. I would have done it right there if I had one at the time."

 

Maybe today.

 

Maybe today.

[SLAYER]

Menudo hate to tell you this but your steelers are in deep trouble today.

[whomper]

I know this is an understatement but the Palmer injury threw this rivalry into high gear..Over the past few years the Bengals have come up with some really great offensive weapons..The irony of Palmer completing a bomb right before he went down is still in the guts of every Bengals fan as well as the notion that it was a cheap shot (which I disagree with). I agree with the article about the Ravens still being the bigger rivalry to the Steelers but this one is taking on some steam..Its sort of like Dallas..The Eagles and Giants are a hard fought bitter rivalry but they still take a backseat to the Redskins.

Edited September 24, 2006 by whomper

[Menudo]

Menudo hate to tell you this but your steelers are in deep trouble today.

 

 

Damn, why did you have to tell me ? I was looking forward to watching the game, but, now, you've ruined it for me.

[Dbaxx]

Game o' the week here. Interesting tidbit from my part of the country--AZ where I was the sales manager at a dealership. Levi Jones #76 Left Tackle on Cinci bought a new Denali for his sister through our dealership. When asked what he thinks of the upcoming season for him & the Bengals--"I'll tell you on Sept. 24th..." Should be a shootout!

 

Dbaxx says:

Pitt: 34

Cinci: 31

[i_am_the_swammi]

 

Dbaxx says:

Pitt: 34

Cinci: 31

 

 

 

lol...Pitt couldn't score 34 points if they were playing the Titans. And Cincy won't be able to put 31 on the Steelers defense, either.

 

Swammi says:

 

Cincy 19, Steelers 16

[Ruffian]

Should be a good one--I think Jaxonville was a great wake-up call for the Steelers, who were not exactly buring up the AFC North last year before their unprecedented run to the Superbowl. A game like this one could define the Steelers and the Bengals for the year--I think if the Steelers win, it will crush the Bengals emotionally, a blow they cannot afford. Likewise, if the Bengals win this one, the Steelers will relenquish the role of top dog in a very tough AFC North division. That sort of momentum would make the Bengals the pick to meet Jax or Indy for the AFC title.

 

The real question in my mind is this--can the Steelers get fired up? They look to have the Superbowl hang-over. The Benagls have something that motivates them right now, and if the Steelers can't find that kind of motivation, it could get ugly.

Edited September 24, 2006 by Ruffian

[gilthorp]

Should be a good one--I think Jaxonville was a great wake-up call for the Steelers, who were not exactly buring up the AFC North last year before their unprecedented run to the Superbowl. A game like this one could define the Steelers and the Bengals for the year--I think if the Steelers win, it will crush the Bengals emotionally, a blow they cannot afford. Likewise, if the Bengals win this one, the Steelers will relenquish the role of top dog in a very tough AFC North division. That sort of momentum would make the Bengals the pick to meet Jax or Indy for the AFC title.

 

The real question in my mind is this--can the Steelers get fired up? They look to have the Superbowl hang-over. The Benagls have something that motivates them right now, and if the Steelers can't find that kind of motivation, it could get ugly.

 

 

You might be right, Ruff. It did look that way last week, but to me, with Big Ben just coming off the shelf, and the fact that Jacksonville is a solid team--I'll bet that Pitt won't be hungover today.

 

Wish I was getting this one locally today.

[Menudo]

You might be right, Ruff. It did look that way last week, but to me, with Big Ben just coming off the shelf, and the fact that Jacksonville is a solid team--I'll bet that Pitt won't be hungover today.

 

Wish I was getting this one locally today.

 

 

Luckily, I have the ticket on Directv, but, the people here (Harrisburg, PA) area are fired up, as the local CBS station is showing the Baltimore-Cleveland game, instead of the Pittsburgh-Cincy game.

 

The NFL has determined that this is a Ravens area. Although we are geographically, much closer to Baltimore, I would rate this area as 45% Philly, 40% Pittsburgh, 5% Baltimore, 10% Other..........Of course, those numbers are simply based on the merchandise you find, and the people who show their support.

 

The local papers opinion line has been inundated with complaints. I'm guessing the bars that have directv will be doing good business today.

[Menudo]

lol...Pitt couldn't score 34 points if they were playing the Titans. And Cincy won't be able to put 31 on the Steelers defense, either.

 

Swammi says:

 

Cincy 19, Steelers 16

 

 

Last year's meetings:

 

Steelers 31, Bengals 17

Bengals 38, Steelers 31

Steelers 27, Bengals 13

[Ruffian]

You might be right, Ruff. It did look that way last week, but to me, with Big Ben just coming off the shelf, and the fact that Jacksonville is a solid team--I'll bet that Pitt won't be hungover today.

 

Wish I was getting this one locally today.

 

 

I'll be in the Skybox, old friend. I'll keep you in the loop if you are there.

 

Let's face it--Miami is not very good right now, and so that win tells us little. Jax is good right now, and that tells us more, but today's game will tell us more than enough about both teams, and even the fortunes of Baltimore. I'm firing up the chili and the icing down the brews.

[Ruffian]

Living in Pittsburgh, I can tell you one thing...there's definitely a feeling of anger here.

[gilthorp]

I'll be in the Skybox, old friend. I'll keep you in the loop if you are there.

 

Let's face it--Miami is not very good right now, and so that win tells us little. Jax is good right now, and that tells us more, but today's game will tell us more than enough about both teams, and even the fortunes of Baltimore. I'm firing up the chili and the icing down the brews.

 

I expect both of these QB's to have great days. Take the over if you're a betting man.

[KordellStewartSucks4Life]

I have been a Steeler fan since the mid 70's. I have often thought of going to Cinci for a game. With the things that have gone on the last 2 years I would not even drive though the city in Steelers gear let alone go to the game. This game will be a defining moment in both teams season's. It will be brutal.

[Squeegiebo]

Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Menudo]

Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Where's the Steeler symbol ?

[jaxfactor]

To quote one of the Bengals fans : "they laughed at us when Carson went down".

 

Who laughed at you? I for one did not. Nobody wants to see that happen to any player and I don't care who it is. So shut you're piehole whoever you are because you're certainly not talking about me or alot of Steeler fans! That really pisses me off!

[Trots]

 

Where's the Steeler symbol ?

 

Is it wrong to hope that your DirecTv goes out and you are forced to watch the Ravens fiasco today? I'm just asking...

[Menudo]

Is it wrong to hope that your DirecTv goes out and you are forced to watch the Ravens fiasco today? I'm just asking...

 

 

 

No worries though, I'm walking distance from a bar.

[Squeegiebo]

 

Where's the Steeler symbol ?

 

I was torn between

 

Steelers

 

and

 

Steelers

[Dbaxx]

lol...Pitt couldn't score 34 points if they were playing the Titans. And Cincy won't be able to put 31 on the Steelers defense, either.

 

Swammi says:

 

Cincy 19, Steelers 16

 

 

LOL...thinking the Steelers D is that good.

[Squeegiebo]

LOL...thinking the Steelers D is that good.

 

As if the Steelers D didn't play very well today. Their O and ST screwed them.

[Runner]

 

As if the Steelers D didn't play very well today. Their O and ST screwed them.

 

 

 

Roethlisberger lost the game for them. Plain and simple.

[Squeegiebo]

Roethlisberger lost the game for them. Plain and simple.

 

 

Meh. He certainly helped them lose the game, but he's not the ass hat who fumbled that punt, and it's not his fault that his meep receivers don't know how to run routes. Ben is mostly to blame, but not completely.

[Runner]

Meh. He certainly helped them lose the game, but he's not the ass hat who fumbled that punt, and it's not his fault that his meep receivers don't know how to run routes. Ben is mostly to blame, but not completely.

 

 

Don't blame the fumbled punt. Blame the 3 picks, esp. the 2 in the endzone.