I'm no sports fanatic. More accurately, I'm not a sports fan at all.
But, it is with great regret that I watch the Steelers' greatest season in a while ended by the f--king Patriots.
Oooh, that team. I swear, being a Steelers fan is sometimes like being a "Generals" fan in a Harlem Globetrotters game. Only thing is, Tom Brady wasn't as stylish. He just did a better job than Ben. No hard feelings Mr. Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh fans can be idiots sometimes. I hope they treat you well. They have a habit of "using and abusing" quarterbacks... and receivers... and running backs.. and well just about every other player on the team that can be blamed for a play.
OK, so I know a little more about sports than I lead on. Well, it kinda' bleeds off on you when you live in Pittsburgh for any length of time. I will say the one thing that I've come to realize is the "rule of blame".
In my mind, there are certain definable areas on the football field that are central to blame. Whoever screws up a play in an area of blame, the fans hate intensely for the next few minutes, or until that player(s) is redeemed. This increases with point spread, time on the clock, and spillage from the Heinz "Red Zone" clock.
According to this tacit "rule of blame", everything else is moot when you fall into a blame zone. You could have led a team to the AFC championship game with three working fingers, an American flag on your back and a blessing from the Pope... but as soon as you screw up in an area of blame, you're lower than an evening telemarketer.
So, if you ever find yourself at a football game (and I mean an American football game - not that pansy leg crap they do in... the rest of the world), all you have to remember is not when you should cheer, but when you should boo like you've never booed before! Show them your spirit with unflinching criticism!
In my mind, there are certain definable areas on the football field that are central to blame. Whoever screws up a play in an area of blame, the fans hate intensely for the next few minutes, or until that player(s) is redeemed. This increases with point spread, time on the clock, and spillage from the Heinz "Red Zone" clock.