On The Right Track

I looked at the roster from last year's Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers and couldn't think of anyone else I would want on this team. In saying this I mean that I figure if we sign a majority of our free agents and come in next year with the same team, we would be in good shape to repeat. I know, I know, Coach Mike Tomlin says we aren't allowed to say that word because every year, every team is different, but I am saying it because it is so close to the same.

I see us only getting better now that we have resigned some of our key players. I know we lost Bryant McFadden to Arizona and Nate Washington to Tennessee, but out of the starters, the only important piece that we lost is McFadden. We have some strong backups in William Gay and Fernando Bryant. Grant it, they aren't as strong and McFadden, but I see him as replaceable. I mean that players like Troy Polomalu and Ben Roethlisberger aren't in the replaceable category. Out of all the Free Agents we have signed from last year, I believe the most important was Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu.

I know its our dreaded offensive line, but we need some players to bridge the gap until we get the proper replacements. I figure the draft will help us there. We did release Kendall Simmons and didn't try to sign Marvel Smith, but I think those were very smart risks to take, as the Steelers always seem to do.

Another plus that will make us stronger this upcoming year will be the return of Daniel Sepulveda. I know he is only the Punter, but come on, look at our statistics from one year to the next and it is like day and night. In 2008, we were a combined, between Mitch Berger and Paul Ernster, 78 punts averaging 39.8 yards per punt. We had 4 total touchbacks and 23 inside the 20. Now, looking at 2007, Danial Sepulveda had 68 punts for an average of 42.4 yards per punt. A significant improvement, also, he had 2 touchbacks and 28 inside the 20. Those are much needed yards.

I am excited to see how our top two rookies from last year pan out this year. I know Rashard Mendenhall only had 19 ruches last year before breaking his collar bone, but he showed alot of spark that we needed. Willie Parker definitely need the break to keep his career going longer. Limas Sweed is the other important player now with Washington gone. I am interested to see how he answers all the criticism from last year. I would love to see him as everyone in the draft saw him, a big threat.

The last item I want to cover is the defense. We have the exact same defense as last year, minus McFadden. We should rank in the top 5 at least. I would love to see us accomplish #1 in all categories, unlike last year where we came so close, but didn't quite get there.

I am prepared to say that with this team, and the 4th easiest schedule next year, we should make another huge splash in the postseason. I am hoping, as always that we give a 7th reason for all other fans to hate the Steelers!

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Super Bowl Bound Super Steelers!

That was everything I expected and more in a Conference Championship game!

I enjoyed every second of it. It is a better game, however, considering that we won. I loved the fact that before the game, one of the commentators was stating that when Ed Reed intercepted the ball, it always went for a touchdown, unlike when Troy Polamalu intercepts one. I wonder if Troy was listening.

I think Ben Roethlisberger played an excellent game considering the pressure and the lack of a running game today. Willie Parker just couldn't go anywhere against that Ravens' defense. I wasn't surprised by that though. Ben is starting to look like his idol, John Elway, I will say that without hesitation, and I thank God he is on our team.

The Steelers defense looked just as incredible as they have all season long and just when we needed the big play, the defense came up with it.

Now, I know we are going to face the Arizona Cardinals in the Superbowl, but I really can't see any team beating this defense. I know the Cardinals looked incredible on offense against the #3 defense in the Philadelphia Eagles, but I really don't think that the Eagles compare to the Steelers.

I hope that Hines Ward is able to play in the big game, but if not, Limas Sweed stepped up with some big hits and some key catches. I know, I know, he missed the big one and cost us a timeout, but he came back with a couple big plays.
Jeff Reed didn't have to kick the game winner this time, but it is good that we have his steady foot in our arsenol.

I thought LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, and James Farrior played a very solid game. They all were able to make plays when it seemed there wasn't a play to be made.

The Ravens spent all their time this past week trash talking instead of practicing apparently because their offense looked bad. I thought it was supposed to be Joe Flacco's best game. You do have to give him credit though, he was the first rookie to win two playoff games. They were both on the road too. He will be a force next year once he gets more games under his belt.

Overall, a dominating performance by the Steelers and one more game to go. Going to Tampa! AFC Conference Champions!

Here We Go Steelers!

Here We Go!

Steelers Are Going To The Super Bowl!

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The Real Superbowl?

I fully believe whoever wins this game, will ultimately win the Superbowl. It will be such an emotional win that it will carry over. The team that wins this game will have more confidence than anyone left over in the playoffs, whether it be Arizona or Philadelphia, they won't be able to hold a candle to the intensity that the AFC team will bring. That AFC team, of course, will be the Pittsburgh Steelers. They bring too much too the table. There has been a ton of trash talking on the Baltimore side. If that is what they need to get up for this game, then so be it. I think the more disciplined and mature team will come out on top. The Steelers have a bad taste in their mouth from the previous home losses in the AFC Championship games. To see another team celebrate on the field because they are going to the Superbowl would be, "devistating" as Hines Ward put it.

I watched another interview with James Harrison the other day and they asked him if he could bring out another level of gameplay, he simply stated, "no, because I give my all in every game". I thought that was a great answer.

In another interview with Ben Roethlisberger, he said that he thinks the experience of being in the AFC Championship game a couple time should benefit him more than the fact that this is Joe Flacco's first. Ben didn't say if he thought Flacco was going to faulter, but that he simply hoped it would help him (Ben).

Santonio Holmes and Willie Parker finally are hitting their stride, just at the right time. We were not able to utilize their abilities as much in the previous two matchups because Parker was hurting and Holmes wasn't where he is now. I think they will be two of the X factors for the Steelers offense.

I love the play as of late by our offensive line. I know they have been on the downside of everything about the Pittsburgh offense, but they have had so many injuries that they apparently, until now, haven't gelled quite yet. Luckily they figured it out for the last game and are on track for the rest of the season.

I like the quiet confidence in Hampton, Polamalu, and the rest of the Steeler defense. They aren't saying much, but it is what they are not saying that makes them confident. The Ravens are going to every media outlet they can find to gain respect. The Steelers gained their respect on the football field and don't care what anyone else thinks.

Jeff Reed is going to have to be one of our best players in this game. After kicking so many clutch times, it might be up to him to send us beyond Heinz Field this Sunday.

I would love to see Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, and James Harrison at least register one sack each. I think if we are able to spread out our linebackers like that, we can catch them offguard. With the current injuries that the Ravens have and the huge pride factor, Baltimore will be desperate to keep up and make some mistakes.

Basically, I like our odds and our chances. I also like the way our team has behaved during this week in the face of the trash talking. I see a big win here where the temperatures will be a lovely 20-25 degrees. Perfect for a hard-hitting, hard-nosed game.

Here We Go Steelers!

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Steelers Versus Chargers

Sunday will be the first game of the Divisional Playoffs for the Steelers. The Steelers are up for a great rematch against the San Diego Chargers. San Diego is coming off a five game winning streak as well as a big overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were coming into San Diego with a red hot streak of nine games and a regular season record of 12-4. The Chargers finished off their season with an 8-8 record, benefiting from the collapse of the Denver Broncos.

During the regular season, the Steelers beat up on the Chargers 11-10, but the game wasn't that close. Willie Parker ran for 115 yards, Ben Roethlisberger thew for 308 yards with Hines Ward receiving 124 of those yards. The Steelers ended up with 410 total yards and the Chargers with 213. Phillip Rivers threw for only 159 yards and two interceptions while LaDanian Tomlinson ran for 57 yards. It was another defensive dabacle by the Steelers defense. The score only dictates the Steelers inability in the red zone. Mark my words, the Steelers won't let that happen again.

The Chargers come in with a few key injuries and a few surprises. The big injury is to Tomlinson. He has an injured groin, but to what extent, we don't know. He barely played against the Colts. Instead, he was replaced with Darren Sproles. He is a 5'6" wonder in the backfield. Sproles finished off the Colts with 328 all purpose yards. I feel that Sproles is the key to the Chargers offense now. You contain him, you contain the team.

The Steelers finished the season at #1 in Total Defense, #1 in Passing Defense, #2 in Rushing Defense, and #1 in Scoring Defense. With newly acknowledged Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison on board achieving 16 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 1 interceptions, and 101 tackles, we should set our sights high this playoff season. They also allowed under 300 yards for 15 of 16 games this season, the only game that they allowed more was week 16 against Tennessee, who only achieved 323 yards. Troy Polamalu is also having a career year with 7 interceptions.

Now, I am not saying to overlook the Chargers because when we did beat them, it was in week 11, that loss dropped them to 4-6. They would go on to lose two more games before going on their current streak. They seemed to have found their groove. You can look at the Steelers in the same respect. They lost to the current #1 seed in the Tennessee Titans in week 16 which was more of a wakeup call than anything for the Steelers. The next week, they beat up on Cleveland pretty bad to finish the season 12-4. The Steelers also achieved this record while working with the hardest schedule in terms of previous season's winning percentage in 20 years or so. I consider that incredible.

Pittsburgh has faced almost every team that remains in the playoffs with the exception of Arizona and Carolina in the NFC. I like our odds against any team we face with the defense that we currently have in place. The Steelers also know that their defense can be legendary, but only with a Superbowl win.

They have their sights set right, just have to achieve the incredible.
Steelers 20 - Chargers 10

Here We Go Steelers!

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New York Midgets

This weeks game is the biggest of the year thus far. I am so excited to show the rest of the league that we are where we are for a reason. It is two 5-1 teams clashing that could very well be a preview of the post season. It is also a battle of 2004 draft picks Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. There was alot of talk this week of who is the better quarterback. Roethlisberger owns that statistical lead in almost every category, but Manning won the Superbowl last year. This schmuck from FoxSports must have missed the last few season, because he like s Eli over Ben. Crazy, huh? It looks like we are getting Willie Parker back. I think this is a great thing, due to Miwelde Moore's performance the last couple weeks, we have a runningback 1-2 punch. This helps Ben this week with the balanced team of the Giants. We will also will have Troy Polomalu even after his latest concussion. With the Woodley-Harrison duo coming after Eli and the tough secondary chasing down Plaxico Burress, I think it will be a hard fought, but great game. Burress is coming back to Pittsburgh after leaving us before the Superbowl season of 2005. He left us for the money. We apparently did not need him. Like I was saying before, I see a big victory on the horizon and I am excited.
Steelers 25 - Giants 21

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Game 6 Analysis

Well, when all the commentators said that this should be another bye week for the Steelers playing an 0-6 Bengals team, they were right. Cincinnati is now officially 0-7. What is interesting about this record is that the only 18 times since 1991 has a team started 0-7, the Bengals have 5 of them. Ben Roethlisberger is officially 11-0 in his home state of Ohio since joining the Steelers. Miwelde Moore got the surprise start and capitalized with 20 carries, 120 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. He also caught a 2 yd TD pass in the game. The thing I am most proud of is the sacks. We sacked Fitzpatrick 7 times today and looked really good. We have the top tandem of sackers in the league with James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley. I am excited for next weeks game against the Giants. We didn't start Casey Hampton or Willie Parker like I originally believed. We are playing really well with half our lineup in there, imagine how we will be when healthy.

1st Downs 20 16 Rushing 9 5 Passing 10 11 Penalty 1 0 3rd-Down Conversions 6-12 4-16 4th-Down Conversions 0-0 2-2 Punts-Average 5-40.8 8-37.9 Return Yards 91 135 Punts-Returns 3-21 3-6 Kickoffs-Returns 3-70 6-129 Int.-Returns 0-0 0-0 Penalties-Yards 3-15 4-55 Fumbles-Lost 2-0 2-1 Time Of Pos. 30:35 29:25

Total Net Yards 375 212 Total Plays 58 68 Average Gain 6.5 3.1 Net Yards Rushing 125 84 Rushes 27 22 Avg. Per Rush 4.6 3.8 Net Yards Passing 250 128 Comp.-Att. 20-31 24-39 Yards Per Pass 8.1 2.8 Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 7-47 Had Intercepted 0 0 Touchdowns 5 1 Rushing 2 0 Passing 3 1 Other 0 0 Extra Points 5-5 1-1 Field Goals 1-1 1-1 Red Zone Efficiency 4-5-80% 1-2-50% Goal To Go Efficiency 2-3-66% 1-1-100% Safeties 0 0

Steelers (5-1) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT Roethlisberger 17/28 216 2 0 B. Leftwich 3/3 34 1 0 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG M. Moore 20 120 2 24 N. Washington 1 6 0 6 G. Russell 4 0 0 3 Roethlisberger 2 -1 0 0 Receiving REC YDS TD LG S. Holmes 5 89 0 32 H. Ward 4 60 1 29 N. Washington 2 57 1 50 M. Moore 5 14 1 7 H. Miller 2 13 0 7 L. Sweed 1 11 0 11 M. Spaeth 1 6 0 6 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS M. Moore 1 0 0 0 Roethlisberger 1 0 1 -3 L. Woodley 0 0 1 0 Kicking FG LG XP PTS J. Reed 1/1 21 5/5 8 Punting NO AVG I20 LG M. Berger 5 40.8 2 51 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG N. Davenport 3 23.3 0 27 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG S. Holmes 3 7.0 0 12 Defense T-A SCK INT FF L. Timmons 7-3 2.0 0 0 J. Farrior 6-5 1.0 0 0 R. Clark 5-1 0.0 0 0 B. McFadden 4-1 0.0 0 0 J. Harrison 3-2 2.0 0 0 C. Hoke 3-0 0.0 0 0 I. Taylor 3-0 0.0 0 0 W. Gay 2-0 0.0 0 0 T. Polamalu 2-3 0.0 0 0 L. Woodley 2-2 2.0 0 1 N. Davenport 1-1 0.0 0 0 B. Keisel 1-0 0.0 0 0 T. Kirschke 1-1 0.0 0 0 A. Madison 1-0 0.0 0 0 O. Roye 1-1 0.0 0 0 G. Russell 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 1-0 0.0 0 0 D. Townsend 1-0 0.0 0 0 G. Warren 1-1 0.0 0 0 D. Woods 1-0 0.0 0 0 L. Foote 0-1 0.0 0 0

Bengals (0-7) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT R. Fitzpatrick 21/35 164 1 0 J. Palmer 3/4 11 0 0 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG C. Benson 14 52 0 15 K. Watson 4 17 0 6 R. Fitzpatrick 4 15 0 10 Receiving REC YDS TD LG Houshmandzadeh 8 58 0 19 C. Johnson 8 52 1 9 C. Henry 3 44 0 18 C. Benson 1 10 0 10 A. Chatman 2 8 0 5 J. Simpson 1 2 0 2 K. Watson 1 1 0 1 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS R. Fitzpatrick 2 1 0 -12 Houshmandzadeh 0 0 1 -3 Kicking FG LG XP PTS D. Rayner 1/1 26 1/1 4 Punting NO AVG I20 LG K. Larson 8 37.9 2 50 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG A. Caldwell 3 29.3 0 36 D. Coats 1 18.0 0 18 J. Simpson 1 8.0 0 8 K. Watson 1 15.0 0 15 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG A. Chatman 3 2.0 0 7 Defense T-A SCK INT FF D. Jackson 4-3 0.0 0 0 B. Johnson 4-3 0.0 0 0 L. Hall 3-0 0.0 0 0 D. Jones 3-2 0.0 0 0 D. Jones 3-1 0.0 0 0 J. Joseph 3-1 0.0 0 1 R. Geathers 2-5 0.0 0 0 C. Ndukwe 2-4 0.0 0 0 A. Odom 2-1 0.0 0 0 J. Fanene 1-0 0.0 0 0 E. Ghiaciuc 1-0 0.0 0 0 K. Hebert 1-2 0.0 0 0 D. Peko 1-0 0.0 0 0 G. Pope 1-0 0.0 0 0 P. Sims 1-3 0.0 0 0 B. St. Louis 1-0 0.0 0 0 M. White 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Hodge 0-1 0.0 0 0 R. Jeanty 0-2 0.0 0 0 C. Lynch 0-1 0.0 0 0

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Cincy Bungoles

Looks like another bye week right? You would look at the records and think so, but the Bengals always try to show up against us. However, you have to take into consideration Ben Roethlisberger's record in Ohio, He hasn't lost since high school. We are healed up, Casey Hampton and Willie Parker are back, which means alot for our team. Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward are due for breakout games after Ben's 309 yards performance in Jacksonville two weeks ago. We will see if Hines will still be able to play his game due to the recent incessant fines. These fines even brought Troy Polomalu out of his quiet dimeanor to make a statement. I see this week as a week to show we deserve the #3 on the ESPN Power Poll. I see an easy victory, but it might be time for a statement game before we take on the reigning Super Bowl champs. As always, I would love to see a blowout. I like the matchup as always, but like I said earlier, this should be won easily by the Steelers.
Steelers 31 - Bengals 13

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A Little R&R!

Finally! I think the best thing for this team right now is our bye week. Usually, I wouldn't like to see it this early in the year, but we really need it. We are in for a rough road ahead, but the bye gives us a chance to heal up before we make our playoff push. We are ahead of my season prediction of 10-6, where I picked us to be 3-2 right now. I am impressed in the resiliency of our team and the skill of our defense. This is a good time to look at the things we have done right and the things we have done wrong and fix them. It also gives a chance to look at players like Mewelde Moore, who apparently has alot more to offer. It gives us a chance to work around our recent season ending injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and Kendall Simmons. It gives Jeff Reed a chance to let his sore groin soften up. It gives us another chance to look at our playbook once again and cross out the play that just haven't worked for us so far. It gives a chance for James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley to step back and realize how special of a tandem they are. Ben Roethlisberger gets the chance to convince Bruce Arians and Mike Tomlin once again to let him run the offense some more. Ben will also get to look at some tape and realize that he needs to get rid of the ball more than he is. The receivers get a chance to see if Limas Sweed can break the lineup and work with Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. Our offensive line should have a team building exercise so they can get on the same page a little better. Troy Polomalu gets to rest up from his maniac antics and prepare for much, much more. Overall, I think we played well these first five games, but with very little work, and I mean very little, they could be so much better. I think it is extremely important that we solve these minor issues due to the strength of schedule for the rest of the year. Luckily some of those teams that excelled last year are pretty human this year, so it isn't as bad as it should be. Still tough none the less.

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Game 3 Analysis

I figured I owed you all this much, as bad as they are. They are the stats from the Last game. The few bright spots are Polamalu's interception, his third of the year which ranks him second in the NFL in that category. We also have six total for the season which is over half of our total of eleven from last year. Our defense held the powerful Eagles offense to just 65 yards on the ground. We are averaging 64 yards per game which ranks second in the league so far. We rank 9th against the pass and rank 2nd in yards per game with 234. We are also ranked 3rd in points allowed per game. I feel our defense is playing well, our offense just stuttered last week. We should regroup this week.

1st Downs 14 16 Rushing 1 3 Passing 10 13 Penalty 3 0 3rd-Down Conversions 2-13 6-14 4th-Down Conversions 0-1 0-0 Punts-Average 5-41.4 5-44.4 Return Yards 77 87 Punts-Returns 1-5 2-11 Kickoffs-Returns 3-72 4-76 Int.-Returns 2-0 1-0 Penalties-Yards 7-35 7-62 Fumbles-Lost 2-2 1-1 Time Of Pos. 27:26 32:34

Total Net Yards 180 260 Total Plays 60 64 Average Gain 3.0 4.1 Net Yards Rushing 33 65 Rushes 19 23 Avg. Per Rush 1.7 2.8 Net Yards Passing 147 195 Comp.-Att. 17-32 26-38 Yards Per Pass 3.6 4.8 Sacked-Yards Lost 9-44 3-19 Had Intercepted 1 2 Touchdowns 0 1 Rushing 0 0 Passing 0 1 Other 0 0 Extra Points 0-0 1-1 Field Goals 2-2 2-2 Red Zone Efficiency 0-2-0% 0-2-0% Goal To Go Efficiency 0-0-0% 0-0-0% Safeties 0 1

Steelers (2-1) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT Roethlisberger 13/25 131 0 1 B. Leftwich 4/7 60 0 0 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG W. Parker 13 20 0 8 M. Moore 1 6 0 6 Roethlisberger 4 6 0 2 C. Davis 1 1 0 1 Receiving REC YDS TD LG H. Miller 4 63 0 21 N. Washington 5 51 0 16 H. Ward 4 34 0 16 S. Holmes 3 32 0 16 R. Mendenhall 1 11 0 11 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS Roethlisberger 2 2 0 0 B. McFadden 0 0 1 0 Kicking FG LG XP PTS J. Reed 2/2 53 0/0 6 Punting NO AVG I20 LG M. Berger 5 41.4 3 53 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG C. Davis 1 24.0 0 24 R. Mendenhall 2 24.0 0 26 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG S. Holmes 1 5.0 0 5 Defense T-A SCK INT FF J. Farrior 7-0 0.0 0 1 T. Kirschke 6-1 0.5 0 0 R. Clark 5-0 0.0 0 0 B. McFadden 5-1 0.0 1 0 T. Polamalu 5-0 0.0 1 0 I. Taylor 4-0 0.0 0 0 L. Foote 3-1 1.5 0 0 W. Gay 2-0 0.0 0 0 J. Harrison 2-1 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 2-0 0.0 0 0 L. Timmons 2-0 0.0 0 0 L. Woodley 2-1 1.0 0 0 C. Davis 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Frazier 1-0 0.0 0 0 C. Hoke 1-0 0.0 0 0 H. Miller 1-0 0.0 0 0 J. Reed 1-0 0.0 0 0 Roethlisberger 1-0 0.0 0 0 N. Washington 1-0 0.0 0 0 K. Fox 0-1 0.0 0 0

Eagles (2-1) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT D. McNabb 24/35 196 1 1 K. Kolb 2/3 18 0 1 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG C. Buckhalter 10 43 0 11 B. Westbrook 5 12 0 4 L. Booker 5 11 0 5 D. Jackson 1 1 0 1 D. McNabb 2 -2 0 -1 Receiving REC YDS TD LG H. Baskett 8 85 0 20 C. Buckhalter 6 44 1 20 D. Jackson 5 40 0 18 J. Avant 2 24 0 19 T. Hunt 2 12 0 7 L. Booker 2 5 0 4 G. Lewis 1 4 0 4 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS T. Hunt 1 1 0 0 B. Bunkley 0 0 1 0 B. Dawkins 0 0 1 0 Kicking FG LG XP PTS D. Akers 2/2 31 1/1 7 Punting NO AVG I20 LG S. Rocca 5 44.4 3 64 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG Q. Demps 2 29.0 0 37 G. Lewis 2 9.0 0 12 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG D. Jackson 2 5.5 0 9 Defense T-A SCK INT FF Q. Mikell 7-2 0.0 0 0 S. Bradley 6-0 0.0 0 0 B. Dawkins 5-2 1.0 0 1 T. Cole 4-1 1.0 0 0 O. Gaither 4-3 1.5 0 0 J. Parker 3-2 2.5 0 1 A. Samuel 3-2 0.0 1 0 L. Sheppard 3-0 0.0 0 0 S. Brown 1-0 0.0 0 0 B. Bunkley 1-0 1.0 0 0 T. Daniels 1-0 0.0 0 0 C. Gocong 1-0 0.0 0 0 J. Hanson 1-1 0.0 0 0 D. Howard 1-1 1.5 0 0 T. Hunt 1-0 0.0 0 0 D. Jackson 1-0 0.0 0 0 D. Klecko 1-1 0.5 0 0 J. Reed 1-0 0.0 0 0 J. Runyan 1-0 0.0 0 0 M. Patterson 0-1 0.0 0 0

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Game 1 Analysis

That whole concern if the ownership is going to be a distraction apparently doesn't fade the Steelers. In front of a 300th consecutive sellout crowd, including playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Houston Texans soundly 38-17. All Steeler fans can look at this game in two different ways: We played incredible against an alright team or we played like we were supposed to against an inferior opponent. I am taking a different road, right up the middle. I think we played an incredible game, but it was expected, and the Texans were 8-8 last season, which isn't terrible. I think certain aspects of our team were in question and those questions were answered. Our offensive line looked great despite allowing two sacks to Mario Williams, who, by the way, was second in the league last year in the sack category. As you all know, Ben went down for the count 47 times last year. I think this was an important improvement. Another thing our line accomplished in game one was opening up the holes for fast Willie Parker. He gained 138 yards and a career best 3 TDs. I think our offense, as well as Parker himself, answered all the questions that were asked, with Willie's broken leg in the second to last game against the Rams last year and the drafting of RB Rashard Mendenhall, with Parker's performance. Ben Roethlisberger, on the other hand, looked extremely confident and comfortable in his role for this game. Ben played almost perfect going 13 for 14 for 137 yards and 2 well thrown TDs to his favorite receiver, Hines Ward. His QB rating was a league best 147. He played so well that he was able to take a seat at the end of the third quarter so Byron Leftwich could get some time behind center. Parker also took a rest in the fourth quarter in favor of Mendenhall getting some playing time. Unfortunately, Rashard still is having a little bit of the dropsies with his first regular season fumble. He claims that it isn't the way he carries the ball because he never had a problem before. Well, here is some news to you, Mr. Mendenhall, apparently you forgot you were in the NFL, not college or high school anymore, change the way you carry the ball! Other than the fumble, which he didn't lose, he looked pretty good. Anywho, if you look at the rushing stats of 183 yards out of the total 305 yards, along with the minimal passing necessary, we looked like the Superbowl team of 2005. I think we have alot to look forward to for this season. Oh, and one more thing, I was pretty close on the final score!

Game Playbook

1st Downs 20 21 Rushing 5 10 Passing 13 9 Penalty 2 2 3rd-Down Conversions 3-10 6-10 4th-Down Conversions 0-1 0-0 Punts-Average 4-43.2 3-43.0 Return Yards 117 82 Punts-Returns 2-5 1--3 Kickoffs-Returns 6-112 4-79 Int.-Returns 0-0 2-6 Penalties-Yards 5-43 4-41 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 3-1 Time Of Pos. 28:29 31:31

Total Net Yards 234 305 Total Plays 58 59 Average Gain 4.0 5.2 Net Yards Rushing 75 183 Rushes 20 39 Avg. Per Rush 3.8 4.7 Net Yards Passing 159 122 Comp.-Att. 25-33 13-18 Yards Per Pass 4.2 6.1 Sacked-Yards Lost 5-43 2-15 Had Intercepted 2 0 Touchdowns 2 5 Rushing 1 3 Passing 1 2 Other 0 0 Extra Points 2-2 5-5 Field Goals 1-1 1-1 Red Zone Efficiency 2-3-66% 5-5-100% Goal To Go Efficiency 2-2-100% 1-1-100% Safeties 0 0

Texans (0-1) Team Page Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT M. Schaub 25/33 202 1 2 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG S. Slaton 13 43 0 8 A. Green 5 28 0 14 M. Schaub 2 4 1 4 Receiving REC YDS TD LG A. Johnson 10 112 0 24 K. Walter 3 41 1 16 O. Daniels 3 33 0 14 S. Slaton 3 6 0 5 V. Leach 1 5 0 5 A. Green 4 3 0 6 D. Anderson 1 2 0 2 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS M. Schaub 1 1 0 0 D. Ryans 0 0 1 41 Kicking FG LG XP PTS K. Brown 1/1 34 2/2 5 Punting NO AVG I20 LG M. Turk 4 43.2 1 56 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG A. Davis 6 18.7 0 28 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG J. Jones 2 2.5 0 5 Defense T-A SCK INT FF Z. Diles 11-2 0.0 0 0 D. Ryans 8-4 0.0 0 0 M. Williams 6-0 2.0 0 1 F. Bennett 4-1 0.0 0 1 C. Brown 4-2 0.0 0 0 K. Bentley 2-2 0.0 0 0 T. Johnson 2-1 0.0 0 0 A. Weaver 2-0 0.0 0 0 J. Zgonina 2-0 0.0 0 0 D. Anderson 1-0 0.0 0 0 W. Demps 1-4 0.0 0 0 J. Dreessen 1-1 0.0 0 0 D. Faggins 1-0 0.0 0 0 M. Greenwood 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Johnson 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Molden 1-1 0.0 0 0 J. Reeves 1-1 0.0 0 0 K. Walter 1-0 0.0 0 0 N. Kalu 0-2 0.0 0 0 V. Leach 0-1 0.0 0 0 D. Robinson 0-2 0.0 0 0

Steelers (1-0) Team Page Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT Roethlisberger 13/14 137 2 0 B. Leftwich 0/4 0 0 0 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG W. Parker 25 138 3 32 R. Mendenhall 10 28 0 9 Roethlisberger 2 17 0 17 B. Leftwich 2 0 0 0 Receiving REC YDS TD LG H. Ward 6 76 2 29 H. Miller 3 26 0 11 S. Holmes 2 19 0 10 C. Davis 1 10 0 10 M. Spaeth 1 6 0 6 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS Roethlisberger 2 1 1 -2 S. Holmes 1 0 0 0 L. Woodley 0 0 1 2 Kicking FG LG XP PTS J. Reed 1/1 44 5/5 8 Punting NO AVG I20 LG M. Berger 3 43.0 0 45 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG R. Mendenhall 2 23.0 0 27 M. Moore 2 16.5 0 21 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG M. Moore 1 -3.0 0 -3 Defense T-A SCK INT FF J. Harrison 7-2 3.0 0 1 R. Clark 6-2 0.0 0 0 I. Taylor 6-0 0.0 0 0 B. McFadden 4-1 0.0 0 0 L. Timmons 4-0 0.0 0 0 B. Keisel 3-2 0.0 0 0 T. Kirschke 3-0 0.0 0 0 T. Polamalu 3-0 0.0 1 0 L. Woodley 3-0 1.0 1 0 N. Eason 2-2 0.5 0 0 J. Farrior 2-3 0.5 0 0 T. Carter 1-1 0.0 0 0 C. Davis 1-0 0.0 0 0 L. Foote 1-3 0.0 0 0 A. Frazier 1-0 0.0 0 0 W. Gay 1-1 0.0 0 0 W. Parker 1-0 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 1-1 0.0 0 0 D. Townsend 1-1 0.0 0 0 D. Woods 1-2 0.0 0 0 C. Hampton 0-2 0.0 0 0

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