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30 July 2008

Roethlisberger...Need I Say More?

I feel there alot of people that take an overall look at NFL Quarterbacks and put the top three at Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and anyone but Big Ben Roethlisberger. I see those teams with those certain quarterbacks building up an all-star lineup so their quarterbacks can excel. I think the greatest attribute of Roethlisberger is the fact that we don't have to do that. We can give him any old receiver and he can get them the ball. He lives the definition of greatness, not just statistically, but in his work ethic, his leadership, and his skill. He has been put in tougher situations than Brady or Manning have ever dreamed of and came out on top. He chose the tougher road in college to stay close to home. He openly accepted a starting role when everything was stacked against him. He only ended up with the greatest rookie season in history for a starting quarterback. He made it all the way to the AFC Championship game, but as we all know now, he was cheated by the Patriots. It is ok though, he started the next year on fire and ended up winning the SuperBowl in what would be an early dream come true, not only for Ben, but for his good friend and mentor Jerome Bettis. Ben came clean on a promise. Now, we are looking at this upcoming season, a year removed from statistically his best season yet, and all I can do is smile. I can only see Ben getting better and now that they have added a couple more offensive weapons, the sky is the limit. I think it is the best time for the best year in his career so far due to the incredible schedule the Steelers are facing. He might not get the best record of his career, but it is time to show that last year wasn't a fluke. It is time for him to put his name on that pedistal right up there with Brady and Manning. He is the youngest of the three and will set the standard this year. He will achieve more with less than every other top tier quarterback in the league right now. I am just happy that he is on our side.

2008 Season Outlook

Big Ben got a huge contract this winter, one that forbids him from participating in "hazardous activities." That's good, because a motorcycle crash is the only thing that has slowed his ascent to the fantasy elite. Like other top fantasy quarterbacks, what distinguishes Roethlisberger is his willingness to go down the field; his career 8.1 yards per attempt is the fourth-highest in NFL history. He set a career high with 32 touchdown passes in '07, completing 65.3 percent of his throws, good for seventh in the league. His temporary "pleas" for a big receiver notwithstanding, '08 looks like another year of improvement.

Passing Stats
YEARTEAM G CMP ATT PCT YDS AVG TD LNG INT RAT
2004PIT14 196 295 66.4 2621 8.9 17 58 11 98.1
2005PIT12 168 268 62.7 2385 8.9 17 85 9 98.6
2006PIT15 280 469 59.7 3513 7.5 18 67 23 75.4
2007PIT15 264 404 65.3 3154 7.8 32 83 11 104.1
Career 56 908 1436 63.2 11673 8.1 84 85 54 92.5

Rushing Stats
YEARTEAM G ATT YDS AVG LNG TD FD FUM LOST
2004PIT14 56 144 2.6 20 1 12 1 1
2005PIT12 31 69 2.2 13 3 9 1 0
2006PIT15 32 98 3.1 20 2 11 2 1
2007PIT15 35 204 5.8 30 2 17 2 0
Career 56 154 515 3.3 30 8 49 6 2

Punting Stats
YEARTEAM G ATT AVG LNG YDS BK TB TB% IN20 IN20% RET YDS AVG NET
2005PIT2 2 36.0 39 72 0 1 50.0 1 50.0 0 0 0.0 36.0
Career 2 2 36.0 39 72 0 1 50.0 1 50.0 0 0 0.0 35.5

Scoring Stats
YEARTEAM G RushTD RecTD RetTD TotTD 2PT PAT FG TotPT
2004PIT14 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 6
2005PIT12 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 18
2006PIT15 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 12
2007PIT15 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 12
Career 56 8 0 0 8 1 0 0 48

5 seasons in, Steelers leaning on Big Ben

LATROBE, Pa. (AP)—Casey Hampton labored unsuccessfully through the mandatory eight 100-yard dashes every Pittsburgh Steelers player must run to begin training camp.

When the four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman realized he wouldn’t make it, who ran up to lend not only a helping hand but offer words of consolation? Not another defensive player, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

It’s a much-repeated scene only four days into the Steelers’ camp: Roethlisberger isn’t just running the offense, he’s leading it. The entire team, too.

There’s no hiding it: The Steelers are Big Ben’s team. Not Jerome Bettis’ team or Alan Faneca’s team or Hines Ward’s team, but one that now relies on No. 7.

“Absolutely,” said new center Justin Hartwig, citing the most visible example of what the Steelers think about Roethlisberger. “One million dollars is a lot of money.”

That’s $102 million to be precise, though the 26-year-old Roethlisberger probably won’t see all of it. A nice chunk of it, $36 million, is guaranteed, including the $25.5 million signing bonus.

Such a contract isn’t uncommon for NFL star quarterbacks, but it’s a huge commitment for a team that previously declined to devote nearly as much cash to a single player. But Roethlisberger already is the second-most accomplished quarterback in the 76-year-old franchise’s history to Terry Bradshaw, even though he is beginning only his fifth season on the job.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t until his fifth season in 1974 that Bradshaw, one of the greatest big-game quarterbacks in NFL history, fully secured a starting job and led the Steelers to the first of their four Super Bowl victories in six seasons. At the same stage of his career, Roethlisberger has won a Super Bowl and is averaging 11 victories per season.

“The guy keeps getting better,” Ward said. “And you know he’s going to keep getting better.”

Other than winning multiple Super Bowls, there isn’t much Roethlisberger hasn’t done since the Steelers drafted him No. 11 overall in 2004. He went 13-0 in 2004, by far the best record for an NFL rookie quarterback, won a Super Bowl the next season, then set Steelers’ single-season records with 32 touchdown passes and a 104.1 passer rating last season despite getting sacked 47 times.

After years of searching for a franchise quarterback, the Steelers didn’t want to lose this guy. That’s why it’s grown apparent that whatever Ben wants, Ben gets.

The Steelers tore up Roethlisberger’s rookie contract to give him the new deal in March. A month later, they gladly fulfilled his request for a tall receiver with downfield skills by drafting Limas Sweed of Texas in the second round.

“I wanted to stay here,” Roethlisberger said. “The day I came here, I wanted to be one of those guys who played their entire career for one team, like (John) Elway and (Dan) Marino. I love Pittsburgh and I wanted to stay here.”

Understandably, too.

If a quarterback in New York or Philadelphia, for example, recklessly went out and crashed his motorcycle without wearing a helmet, nearly killing himself and effectively dooming his team’s season months after winning a Super Bowl, it might have generated such fan anger that it could have ended his career in that city.

Yet after Roethlisberger’s June 2006 accident, the fans shrugged their shoulders and said, “Well, that’s stubborn Ben for you,” endured an underachieving season, then went back to cheering him as Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a 10-6 record and a division title last year.

Even with the new offensive toys the Steelers are giving him in Sweed and running back Rashard Mendenhall, their first-round pick, Roethlisberger will earn his money this season.

The offensive line, stripped of one of the best players in franchise history when Faneca signed with the Jets as a free agent, is a work in progress that may not come together until well into the season. Until then, Roethlisberger must rely on his versatility, scrambling ability and a no-huddle offense to avoid being sacked once per series.

“I ask Ben all the time what he thinks and he has all the confidence in the world in (the linemen),” said defensive end Brett Keisel, one of Roethlisberger’s best friends. “I don’t think they’re doing as much shuffling as they did last year and once they get that continuity down, they’ll be fine.”

The still-developing no-huddle offense, which Roethlisberger has run effectively but sporadically, allows him to direct the show on his own without listening to his helmet headset for plays.

“I know he’s itching to get out there and run that no-huddle and not have guys in his ears all the time,” Ward said.

To that, Roethlisberger said, “In high school and college, when things are going faster and I’m calling stuff, it always seems to work out better for me.”

Roethlisberger, like everyone associated with the Steelers, is eager to see how much better an already good quarterback can be. He is fifth all-time in NFL career passer rating, is 12-5 in games decided by six points or less, owns a 39-16 career record and has led 13 fourth quarter or overtime game-winning drives, yet still hasn’t played his 60th regular-season game.

“I want to continue to get better and grow,” Roethlisberger said. “I think we’ve got an explosive offense just waiting to get let out.”


Roethlisberger will drive Steelers' success
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

After one day of training camp, it seems obvious the Steelers have a lot going against them. Casey Hampton is too fat. Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoeatu are too lame. The offensive line could be too weak. The defensive line could be too old. The schedule is too tough. The Cleveland Browns could be too strong.

But the Steelers also have one very important thing going for them.

Big Ben.

"It almost scares me how good he is, how into it he is and how good he's going to be," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was saying between camp practices yesterday.

Probably scares a few NFL defensive coordinators, too.

The Steelers are lucky to have an elite player at football's most crucial position, the best quarterback in the league not named Tom Brady. You might argue for Peyton Manning. The Steelers and I will take Ben Roethlisberger at this stage of their careers. That's why the Steelers gave him a $102 million contract in March, including a $25.2 million signing bonus. That's why I'm here to tell you this morning he is the one reason to like the Steelers' chances of holding off the Browns in the AFC North Division.

I'm thankful I have the easy part, not the money part.

Roethlisberger has done so much so quickly that it's easy to forget he's 26, starting his fifth season. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to go 13-0 in the regular season as a rookie in 2004. He led the Steelers to the Super Bowl in '05. Forget '06 because of his motorcycle accident, emergency appendectomy and concussion. He set franchise records last season with 32 touchdown passes and a 104.1 passer rating and made his first Pro Bowl.

"He's going to continue to grow as a quarterback," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "He'll keep getting better and better."

Arians already has seen it on the practice fields at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. "It's the way he carries himself," he said. "It's a night-and-day difference now from where he was two years ago. Then, he was like, 'I've got to take care of myself. This stuff is hard.' Now, he's like, 'I've got most of it down. I can help the other guys.' "

In the team run test Sunday, Roethlisberger was the first to Hampton when Hampton clearly was struggling. (Unfortunately, he didn't kick The Big Snack in his fat behind for letting his coaches and teammates down). After the morning practice yesterday, he walked off the field with wide receiver Willie Reid, who had a couple of minor dust-ups with defensive players during drills. "You have to be smart," Roethlisberger could be heard telling Reid.

I'm thinking the Steelers bought a little leadership for that $102 million.

But let's be real here. The Rooneys paid the big money for big plays, touchdown passes and wins. There are reasons to think Roethlisberger will deliver on all fronts.

There are the new rookie additions -- running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed, the big target Roethlisberger coveted -- to an offense that includes the ultimate possession receiver in Ward, a budding big-play man in Santonio Holmes, a terrific tight end in Heath Miller and a healthy Willie Parker at running back.

"I think we have an explosive offense that's ready to take off," Roethlisberger said.

There is an underappreciated offensive line that's better than the 47 sacks the Steelers gave up last season, at least according to the poor fellow who was on the receiving end of all 47 and was lucky to walk away from the last game. "I'm excited for those guys so they can silence the critics who are talking bad about them," Roethlisberger said. "I have all the faith in the world that they'll protect me."

There is an apparent willingness on Arians' part to use a bit more of the no-huddle offense, much to Roethlisberger's delight.

"It's just always been that when things go faster and get crazy and I'm calling my own plays, things seem to work better for me," Roethlisberger said.

But mostly, there is Big Ben.

It's fair to think Roethlisberger's greatest improvement will show in the interceptions he doesn't throw and the sacks he doesn't take. Arians said that's nothing more than maturity.

"Ben has great confidence in his ability to make a play when it looks like it might not be there," he said. "I never want to take that away from him. But, at the same time, he'll get better knowing when it's OK to throw the darn thing away. Why take a hit that you don't have to? Why force something and throw that interception?"

Roethlisberger threw three picks in the first half of the playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, a big reason the Steelers trailed by 18 points going into the fourth quarter. It didn't matter that he played the position as well as you can play it in the second half, completing 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards, leading four consecutive scoring drives and putting the Steelers ahead late. They ended up losing, 31-29.

"I'm ashamed of the way I played," Roethlisberger said afterward.

The man didn't back off those words much this week.

"It's one of those things that you're disappointed because you let a lot of guys down. But you can't dwell on it because, if you do, you're not going to get better. You let it go. It's over. I'm moving on."

And taking the Steelers with him.

Make no mistake about this:

Big Ben is their best chance of going a long way.

Ron Cook can be reached at rcook@post-gazette.com.
First published on July 29, 2008 at 12:00 am

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29 July 2008

Fearless Predictions from ESPN

I think Bentley would be a very good pickup IF he can stay healthy. I think he brings some competition for the position. Here is some stats for him, what do you think he is worth?

Roster

LeCharles Bentley

LeCharles Bentley

Height:
6'2"

Weight:
309lbs.

College:
Ohio State

Birthdate:
11/07/1979

Year in NFL:
7

Games Played/Started:

2002 (14/14); 2003 (13/13); 2004 (16/16); 2005 (14/14); 2006 (0/0); 2007 (0/0)

Career Totals

57 games, 57 starts

Career Transactions

Originally drafted by New Orleans in the second round, 44th overall, in the 2002 NFL Draft…Signed by Cleveland to a six-year contract as an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2006.

Career Highlights

Five-year offensive lineman has started in 57 career games with New Orleans…Voted to Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2005…Two-year starter at center (2004 and 2005) and two-year starter at right guard (2002, 2003)…Voted to the 2003 Pro Bowl, however did not participate due to a knee injury…In 2002, named Sports Illustrated Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team.

As far as the other predictions, I wouldn't be that surprised with the Browns prediction, they need that rookie playing to keep the veterans in line. I also wouldn't be that surprised to see Maxwell make the Bengals team due to the fact that they have no receivers left, especially if Johnson continues to be a distraction. As far as the Ravens are concerned, I think they need to find a veteran quarterback, maybe Favre, to train him first, but I can see him starting.

Fearless AFC North predictions

July 29, 2008 11:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

With all four training camps officially underway in the AFC North, there is no better time to look into the crystal ball.

But these predictions are a little different because they don't state the obvious. Many are going out on a limb, which could draw responses such as, "Are you crazy?"

With that in mind, here are four fearless predictions from training camp representing each AFC North team:

1. Cleveland Browns: Rookie LB Alex Hall will make the 53-man roster.

  • This is the most talented team the Browns have had since returning to the NFL in 1999. Still, seventh-round pick Hall from tiny St. Augustine will make the initial 53-man roster. Keep in mind, just one seventh-rounder has made the Browns out of training camp in the Romeo Crennel-Phil Savage era. But Hall, although he's very raw, has just what the Browns need at outside linebacker with athleticism and the ability to rush the passer. Even if that's all Hall can do, it will make it tough for Cleveland to cut him. If Hall proves to be solid on special teams, he could be a lock.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Maxwell will win the No. 3 receiver job.

  • I know what you're thinking. Who is Maxwell? My point exactly. Maxwell has been quietly on the lips of the Bengals' coaching staff all offseason for his playmaking and work ethic in practice. The question is can Maxwell translate that into actual games? Maxwell is big at 6-foot-3. He has nice quickness and great hands. It may be enough to replace Chris Henry in 2008. Check here for a profile on Maxwell from Bengals camp later today.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco will start in week one.

  • This will not be a shock to regular readers of this blog. I've held this prediction for months since I watched all three quarterbacks throw in minicamp. There are many unknowns with Flacco. First, he's a rookie. Second, he has yet to take a hit. Third, we don't know how well he can read defenses. But Flacco physically is superior to his two competitors, Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Flacco is taller, throws the best ball and has the strongest arm. That gives him enough of a chance to win the job in week one.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers: LeCharles Bentley eventually will sign with Pittsburgh.

  • The Steelers and Bengals were two teams within the AFC North that showed preliminary interest in Bentley this summer. Bentley, if healthy, has a chance to make an impact at guard for Pittsburgh. He is a natural center but Justin Hartwig is expected to start there. Although Bentley is a Cleveland native, he was not a happy camper when he left the Browns because of the way his knee injury was handled. So what better way to get back at the Browns by playing for their biggest rival?

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A Look At Bloom

Most teams overlook Jeremy Bloom simply because of his size, but I fully believe that if he had not qualified for the Olympics and had issues getting reinstated into the NCAA football, he might have had a higher spot in the draft. He had some pretty intense records and stats while he played college ball. He was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, but was looked at by the Steelers then as well. I look forward to seeing if he can bring some of his big play ability to our return team.
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Former U.S. Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom has the Steelers right where he wants them.

He's finally healthy and focused on football. Sure, he's a long shot to make the Steelers, but the challenge of competing for an NFL job is a dream come true for someone who already has attained one of his lifetime goals.

"My goal was to ski in the Olympics and play in the NFL since I was 8 years old," said Bloom, who competed in moguls competitions during the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics and was a fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2006 draft. "I have three world (skiing) championships on my desk at home and (competed) two Olympics. I'm blessed to have those, but I felt like I was ready for a big challenge. I knew that the NFL would do that."

Bloom is accustomed to overcoming adversity. He'll have to at just 5 feet 9, 180 pounds. He's hoping to catch on as a receiver/kick returner.

At age 15, he became the youngest male freestyle skier to make the U.S. ski team. A two-sport star, he won a gold medal at the 2003 World Skiing Championships a month after receiving freshman All-American football honors at Colorado.

Bloom became ineligible to play college football in 2004 when the NCAA ruled he accepted endorsements to support his skiing career.

After being drafted by the Eagles, Bloom suffered a hamstring injury, sat out the 2006 season and was released in 2007 without appearing in a game.

The Steelers signed him prior to their playoff game against Jacksonville last season but drafted a receiver, Limas Sweed, in the second round.

Still, following a morning practice yesterday at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Bloom sounded upbeat about his chances.

"That's the beauty of the NFL. That's why I'm here -- for the challenge," said Bloom, 26. "As an athlete, that's what I love. I love that challenge. I love that competition. To feel that burn inside of you like, 'This guy might beat me,' you get that every day in the NFL."

Bloom is well aware that the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing is Aug. 8 -- the same day the Steelers play their first preseason game against the Eagles at Heinz Field.

"It was a tremendous honor for me to be a U.S. Olympian," said Bloom, who finished sixth in the moguls at the 2006 Winter Olympics and placed ninth in the moguls at the 2002 Games. "Those two years in 2002 and 2006, to represent your country and wear the flag, I don't think there's too many bigger honors that come with athletics. "I'll definitely watch this year. I'll be a fan. That's the beautiful thing about the Olympics. For the most part, it's athletes who really do love the sport. It's not for the money, not for the fame but for the simplistic beauty of playing the game. That's their Super Bowl. That's the championship right there every four years."

John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.

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Sepulveda Is Lost!

Well, I know he is just a punter, but in my opinion, it is a huge loss and a key injury for the season, hopefully it is the only loss. Daniel Sepulveda showed his worth in his rookie campaign and we will most definitely miss him in this upcoming season.
Recent Career Punting
Year Team G
PuntYdsAvgLongIn20In10FCTBBlk
2007Pittsburgh16
68288042.4592871420

These are his rookie season statistics. It may be just numbers to anyone, but his percentage of punts inside the 20 were nothing short of phenomenal, especially for a rookie. We will be made to search around to find a punter with half as much talent because, as we should know, there is not an overflowing demand for punters as well as a large supply of them. I say it is a key position because it is a major part of Special Teams, which is a big key to success in the NFL. If you are able to pin teams inside the 20, it is statistically and physically harder for them to drive the field and score a touchdown. Those teams that get pinned deep have more of a tendency to kick a field goal, with the exception of the Patriots last season. Obviously, the idea to come away with will sound like a John Madden quote...you score less if you score field goals instead of touchdowns!
By The Tribune-Review
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Daniel Sepulveda, the Steelers' second-year punter, likely will be lost for the season with an injured right knee.

Coach Mike Tomlin said today that Sepulveda was injured Monday, the first day of training camp, and underwent an MRI later in the day, which revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

"My knee has been shaky for a while," Sepulveda said, adding that it didn't feel right while warming up Monday.

Results of the MRI today confirmed the prognosis. It is the second time Sepulveda has torn the ACL in his right knee.

Today, the Steelers claimed punter Paul Ernster off waivers from the Detroit Lions. He is expected to arrive in training camp tonight.

"It's unfortunate for Daniel on a personal level, but it's part of football," Tomlin said. "That's what this game is about. We have to prepare to move forward, and we'll do that."

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Band of the Week! -BEDlight for blueEYES


So, I decided to start a bi-monthly blog all about what I will call my favorite band of the week. This weeks band is called BEDlight for blueEYES. You can click on the band name for a full bio, but as for this blog, I will give you the quick down and dirty. There are five members to this band, all out of Berkeley Heights, N.J. As stated from The Gauntlet.com, "Passion. Insanity. Rock and Roll. Armed with these notions ingrained in their very bones, five kids out of Berkeley Heights, N.J. have worked tirelessly to perfect a unique and explosive sound." I love the 80's guitar solos blended perfectly with the new sounds of today. "Back with a vengeance, New Jersey melodic pop rock quintet Bedlight for Blue Eyes has taken all of their Passion, Insanity, and Rock N Roll, and multiplied it by one hundred." courtesy of Trustkill Records. If you are going to go look for their albums, here are their covers so you know what to look for.

There is a player on the bottom here with a couple songs from the band so you can have a hearsee. Also, here is a link to some lyrics, so you can see if you like their message as well. Basically, I am telling all of you to check out this band and let me know what you think!


MusicPlaylist

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28 July 2008

Why wait until September? Here are our Summer Power Rankings

By Scott Burnside
ESPN.com

With the exception of future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan, Mats Sundin (the ponderous one), Joe Sakic and Teemu Selanne, all the big-name free agents have been snapped up, and the complexion of the vast majority of NHL teams is well-established heading into the dog days of summer.

I can easily see a rematch of the finals this year again.

Here's a look at our Summer Power Rankings with less than two months to go before the start of training camp:

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Penguins
Never mind the absence of Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone, Jarkko Ruutu and Georges Laraque, the Penguins still have the most formidable lineup down the middle of any team in the NHL, with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, plus an emerging elite netminder in Marc-Andre Fleury.

2. Montreal Canadiens
Many folks will pick the Habs to win the East next season, but Carey Price will have to prove he's over this spring's playoff meltdown before we hop on that train. Sundin will make that bandwagon pretty crowded if he signs on with the Habs.

3. Philadelphia Flyers
What do Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Braydon Coburn, Daniel Briere, Kimmo Timonen et al do for an encore after going from 30th overall in 2006-07 to a berth in the Eastern Conference finals? How about a return trip?

I completely disagree here, well, you should have figured this out since I am from Pittsburgh.I see them Second in the division, not third in the conference.

4. New York Rangers
The Rangers have been flirting with contender status for three seasons now, and they'll have a dramatically different look with Wade Redden, Nikolai Zherdev and Dmitri Kalinin in and Jaromir Jagr, Shanahan (we assume) and Martin Straka out. Different, but not necessarily better.

5. Washington Capitals
OK, the defense is still a little suspect and there's Jose Theodore in net, but this Caps team can light it up with any team in the league.

6. New Jersey Devils
We put the Devils here because they're always better than we expect they'll be. This will be true again with the addition of Brian Rolston and the continued growth of an underappreciated blue-line corps.

7. Carolina Hurricanes
Yes, the Hurricanes have missed the playoffs twice in a row after winning the Cup in 2006, but they missed the cut by a single point this spring and have improved themselves along the blue line with the addition of Joni Pitkanen. If healthy, they're a playoff team.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning will be much more imposing offensively this season with the addition of Malone, Radim Vrbata, Gary Roberts and Adam Hall. Defense is young, and goaltending is unproven. Still, a playoff team in the mediocre East.

I think this is a bit lofty for the last place Lightning. They have unproven stars in their lineup right now, but if those stars shine, they just might hit this target.

9. Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres inked netminder Ryan Miller to a long-term deal and added stabilizing force on the blue line with Craig Rivet. Veteran defenseman Teppo Numminen likely will return to help a talented young lineup, which took a step backward in missing the playoffs this past season.

10. Ottawa Senators
The Senators have devolved quickly from a Stanley Cup finalist in 2007 into a one-line team with ordinary goaltending.

11. Boston Bruins
The Bruins missed out on Hossa, but got better by subtracting aging Glen Murray. Look for Michael Ryder to return to 30-goal form with the B's.

12. Florida Panthers
Still waiting for the Panthers to realize their potential. Maybe rookie coach Pete DeBoer can manage to make that happen. Or not.

13. Toronto Maple Leafs
Little to recommend on the Leafs up front with the departures of Darcy Tucker (bought out), captain Sundin (we assume) and Kyle Wellwood. Defense is actually better than people think. But not much.

14. New York Islanders
Well, GM Garth Snow will have no one to blame now that he has canned Ted Nolan.

15. Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers, Leafs and Isles look to be in a heated battle for the No. 1 pick in next summer's draft and the chance to land super prospect John Tavares. That's about as good as it gets for the Thrashers, whose spotty lineup promises to make rookie coach John Anderson's first season a long one.

Western Conference

1. Detroit Red Wings
The defending Stanley Cup champs pick up one of the top two-way forwards in the game in Hossa to go with accomplished all-around players Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Also picked up a more than capable backup for Chris Osgood in Ty Conklin and remain the gold standard for all other NHL teams.

I think this could be the team to beat definitely and without a doubt.

2. San Jose Sharks
Ho hum, another offseason of heightened expectation in San Jose with blue-chip puck-moving defenseman Dan Boyle playing the role previously held by Brian Campbell. Rob Blake will be a welcome addition, although the Sharks are suddenly looking less and less youthful and more and more old and desperate. Not a bad thing, but different.

3. Dallas Stars
Stars are deep down the middle, have a nice collection of emerging defensemen and a bona fide leader in Brenden Morrow, and added a nice agitating touch in Sean Avery. Did they overachieve in advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2000? We don't think so.

4. Anaheim Ducks
Still a formidable lineup from the goal on out, but the Ducks slipped offensively last season. Brendan Morrison will help bring much-needed depth down the middle and could possibly line up with Selanne if the Finnish Flash ever gets off his couch and makes a decision about his future.

5. Edmonton Oilers
There isn't much to separate about 10 teams in the middle of the conference pack, and the Oilers, who missed the playoffs by a scant three points after a late-season surge, have improved their back end with the addition of Lubomir Visnovsky and their talented young forward corps with the addition of Erik Cole.

6. Chicago Blackhawks
Like the Oilers, the Blackhawks finished three points out of the last playoff berth and added two big pieces to what should be their playoff puzzle. In Chicago, it's puck-moving defenseman Campbell and steady netminder Cristobal Huet. With rookie of the year Patrick Kane and new captain Jonathan Toews maturing, this is a team ready to take a big jump.

7. Calgary Flames
We love the addition of Mike Cammalleri as a possible center for Jarome Iginla, and let's assume Miikka Kiprusoff's on-off 2007-08 season was an aberration. If so, the Flames should be in the hunt in the crowded Northwest Division.

8. Nashville Predators
The Predators boast one of the best young defensive lineups in the league and are well-coached. They score by committee, but don't score quite enough and will miss Alexander Radulov if he can't be repatriated from Russia.

9. Minnesota Wild
It doesn't take much to take a slide in the Northwest Division, and the Wild have moved sideways at best and might have taken a step back with the loss of Rolston and Pavol Demitra. Then there's the uncertainty surrounding Marian Gaborik, who can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the coming season.

10. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are bigger and more mobile along the blue line, but still don't have enough offense; and, unless R.J. Umberger or Derick Brassard is the answer, Columbus still doesn't have a No. 1 center to play with Rick Nash.

11. Phoenix Coyotes
The Coyotes now have the big center they've been lacking in Olli Jokinen, but they still don't have enough scoring and they're going to miss Keith Ballard along the blue line and in the dressing room.

12. Vancouver Canucks
This ranking would change if Sundin decides $20 million over two years is enough incentive to pack up and head west. If not, the Canucks are overmatched offensively by pretty much every other team in the conference.

13. Colorado Avalanche
Did we mention it's a short trip from the top to the bottom in the Northwest? And with the goaltending duties now split between Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft and captain Sakic's return uncertain, the Avs are poised for a big step backward.

14. St. Louis Blues
St. Louis has a fine collection of defensemen, but special teams and offense are wanting. After looking as though they were ready to get back in the playoff hunt two seasons ago, the Blues have been lapped by their Central Division colleagues.

15. Los Angeles Kings
A familiar place for the perpetually rebuilding Kings, who remain two or three years from contending for a playoff berth.

Scott Burnside is the NHL writer for ESPN.com.

I am sure this assessment will change a hundred times in the coming months, but it is a great starting point.

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2008 Steelers Camp Roster and the Skinny

The roster that the Steelers will open camp with tomorrow when they begin their 42nd summer at Saint Vincent College
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

CAMP ROSTER 2008
No Player Ht. Wt. Exp. College The skinny
QUARTERBACKS
2
Dennis Dixon
6-3
195
R
Oregon No. 3 with a bullet
Could be used for some trick plays
7
Ben Roethlisberger
6-5
241
5
Miami (OH) Among best in NFL
If Ben improves his stats from last year, we will go far in the playoffs, just have to evade the sacks.
8
Mike Potts
6-4
220
R
William and Mary Looks like arm for camp.
16
Charlie Batch
6-2
216
11
Eastern Michigan Best backup in the league.
RUNNING BACKS
Possibly the best RB tandem
21
Mewelde Moore
5-11
209
5
Tulane Well-rounded third-down back.
28
Justin Vincent
5-10
219
1
LSU Tough for him to make it.
33
Gary Russell
5-11
215
2
Minnesota Sleeper who made it.
34
Rashard Mendenhall
5-10
225
R
Illinois Should make an impact.
Best sleeper in the league, Might be #2 of the best 1-2 punch in the league this year.
38
Carey Davis
5-10
225
3
Illinois Only legit FB on team.
39
Willie Parker
5-10
209
5
North Carolina Healed and ready to go. Might get the first 1000 yards of a Steeler 2 man 2000 yard rushing season
42
Billy Latsko
5-10
233
1
Florida Practice squad possibility.
WIDE RECIEVERS
Might have the most versatile WR group in the NFL
10
Santonio Holmes
5-11
192
3
Ohio State Gets shot as return man, too.
11
Jeremy Bloom
5-9
180
2
Colorado Gets a shot as return man.
13
Marvin Allen
5-10
185
1
None International player on practice squad.
14
Limas Sweed
6-4
220
R
Texas Has chance to make plays.
I think he may just turn some heads this year.
15
Willie Reid
5-10
192
3
Florida State Can he stay healthy?
19
Gerran Walker
5-10
185
1
Lehigh Deep on depth chart.
80
Kevin Marion
5-10
168
R
Wake Forest Slight frame, small chance.
81
Dallas Baker
6-3
206
1
Florida '07 pick on the brink.
86
Hines Ward
6-0
205
11
Georgia As tough as ever.
85
Nate Washington
6-1
185
4
Tiffin Steadily improving.
87
Micah Rucker
6-6
221
R
Eastern Illinois Among tallest of the wideouts.
TIGHT ENDS
48
Cody Boyd
6-8
264
2
Washington State Competing for No. 3 spot.
83
Heath Miller
6-5
256
4
Virginia As good as they come.
84
Dezmond Sherrod
6-2
250
R
Mississippi State There's an opening.
88
Jon Dekker
6-5
250
2
Princeton Inside track to No. 3.
89
Matt Spaeth
6-7
270
2
Minnesota Fast start, then disappeared.
I think he will reappear this year.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Needs to keep Ben off his back
61
Sean Mahan
6-3
301
6
Notre Dame Trying to keep his job.
62
Justin Hartwig
6-4
312
7
Kansas Likely new center.
65
Jeremy Parquet
6-6
321
4
S. Mississippi Big man, tall order.
66
Tony Hills
6-5
304
R
Texas Only lineman drafted.
67
Matt Lentz
6-6
320
1
Michigan Huge guard.
68
Chris Kemoeatu
6-3
344
4
Utah Finally gets his shot.
69
Jason Capizzi
6-9
330
2
IUP Tall player, long shot.
72
Darnell Stapleton
6-3
305
2
Rutgers Backup guard/center.
73
Kendall Simmons
6-3
315
7
Auburn Steady starter.
74
Willie Colon
6-3
315
3
Hofstra Looking to start again.
77
Marvel Smith
6-5
321
9
Arizona State Back miseries behind him.
78
Max Starks
6-8
345
5
Florida $7 million still a mystery.
79
Trai Essex
6-4
324
4
Northwestern Must fight to hold roster spot.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Let's keep the steel curtain up and running
64
Jordan Reffett
6-4
292
R
Washington Has an outside shot.
67
Kyle Clement
6-3
315
R
Northwood Openings for young linemen.
71
Scott Paxson
6-4
292
1
Penn State Third time the charm?
76
Chris Hoke
6-2
305
8
Brigham Young Longtime strong backup NT.
90
Travis Kirschke
6-3
298
12
UCLA Back has held him back.
91
Aaron Smith
6-5
298
10
Northern Colorado Among team MVPs.
93
Nick Eason
6-3
305
6
Clemson Youngest of top 6 D-linemen.
95
Ryan McBean
6-5
290
2
Oklahoma State Youngster on older line.
96
Martavius Prince
6-2
282
R
Southern Miss Has prince of a chance.
98
Casey Hampton
6-1
325
8
Texas Rumored weight loss a plus. Unfortunately just a rumor.
99
Brett Keisel
6-5
285
7
Brigham Young Speed, quickness asset.
LINEBACKERS
Young and fast, I can't wait to see this
46
Patrick Bailey
6-4
235
R
Duke Rookie free agent, long-shot.
47
Donovan Woods
6-2
230
R
Oklahoma State Has a chance.
48
Anthony Trucks
6-1
230
1
Oregon Rolling, rolling, rolling.
50
Larry Foote
6-1
239
7
Michigan Challenged by Timmons.
51
James Farrior
6-2
243
12
Virginia Still strong at 33.
53
Bruce Davis
6-3
252
R
UCLA Might help pass rush.
54
Andre Frazier
6-5
245
4
Cincinnati Adds depth on the outside.
55
Mike Humpal
6-3
240
R
Iowa Sleeper draft pick.
57
Keyaron Fox
6-3
235
5
Georgia Tech UFA special teams signing.
94
Lawrence Timmons
6-1
234
2
Florida State Getting a Foote in door.
97
Arnold Harrison
6-3
241
3
Georgia Veteran backup on outside.
92
James Harrison
6-0
242
5
Kent State Last year's MVP.
56
LaMarr Woodley
6-2
265
2
Michigan His time to shine.
SAFETIES
23
Tyrone Carter
5-9
195
9
Minnesota Roster spot in jeopardy.
25
Ryan Clark
5-11
205
7
Louisiana State Back after losing spleen.
27
Anthony Smith
6-1
200
3
Syracuse At a crossroads.
Hopefully he doesn't get too cocky this year
29
Ryan Mundy
6-1
215
R
West Virginia Could stick as backup safety.
41
Grant Mason
6-0
198
2
Michigan Back to try again.
43
Troy Polamalu
5-10
207
6
USC Looking to regain top form.
CORNERBACKS
They need to keep sharp
20
Bryant McFadden
6-0
190
4
Florida State At the least, No. 3 CB.
22
William Gay
5-10
190
2
Louisville Nice rookie season.
24
Ike Taylor
6-2
195
6
La.-Lafayette Rebounded after poor '06.
26
Deshea Townsend
5-10
190
11
Alabama Keeps on tickin'.
30
Roy Lewis
5-10
190
R
Washington ROY, not Ray.
31
Travis Williams
5-9
180
R
East Carolina Size could be problem.
37
Anthony Madison
5-9
180
3
Alabama Little man hangs around.
SPECIALISTS
These positions are key
3
Jeff Reed-a
5-11
225
7
North Carolina Almost perfect in '07.
4
Julian Rauch-a
5-11
207
R
Appalachian State Extra leg for camp.
9
Daniel Sepulveda-b
6-3
230
2
Baylor Should only get better.
60
Greg Warren-c
6-3
252
4
North Carolina Excellent long-snapper.
a-kicker b-punter c-long snapper
I have read a few reports that show that we have 14 FA next year, so this is the year to take it, or to gain some youngsters to do the deed. I think we have the talent this year, if we can stay healthy. We do have a tough schedule and alot of turmoil ahead of us, but here we go!

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