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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We Are Pittsburgh, Super Bowl Champs!

I know it is Tuesday and we won on Sunday, but I needed a couple days to gether my thoughts and see what the press was saying before I wrote. I do have to say that I am so very proud of our Steelers and their unique comeback ability late in games. I think the way we played all season made this last drive a little easier than it should have been. It was more of a we have been there before type attitude and knew it can be accomplished again, even if it is the biggest stage there is.

I do have a small complaint to get out of the way though. It is dedicated to all the Seattle Seahawks fans and now it looks like the Arizona Cardinals are going to be lumped into this category too. Stop complaining. It isn't going to change anything. The calls were made at the right times and were legit. If you were to win these games or able to win these games, you would have. You didn't hear Steelers fans blaming the officials for their futilism in 1996 when we lost Superbowl XXX. We blamed Neil O'Donnell. He threw three picks and couldn't get it done. We don't hold a grudge against the Cowboys at all. I won't lie, we all still hate them from all the great games and great competition from prior Superbowls and that, but we don't blame anyone but our own team there. There, I have said it, now I am done. I consider this a closed case.

I do have to say, this was one of the best Superbowls I have ever been blessed enough to watch. I am even more excited that it was not only my favorite team playing, but winning as well. I believe that game was everything and more than what any commentator or football expert expected. Yeah, the safe call was that it would be a close game, but the week leading up to the big game it didn't seem like anyone was on the Steelers side, but still expected them to win. This was based on pure experience. I never doubted.

At the beginning of the game, the Steelers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead and it looked like the Cardinals were going to get blown out, but Kurt Warner led them back within three with a quick, 83 yard drive ending in a pass to his tight end Patrick for his first touchdown of the year. It was a great drive, but not a great one for our defense. It looked like we were having a difficult time moving the ball after this touchdown. Maybe our energy was drained, but the Cardinals weren't. They drove again a few series later for 64 yards before the James Harrison show started. Right before halftime, an NFL record was set by non other than our own defensive player of the year, James Harrison. It looked as if the Cardinals were going to go up 14-10, but Harrison dropped back into coverage and intercepted Kurt Warner's pass at the goal line. He rumbled, completely out of wind, for 100 yards for the touchdown. This proved to be the longest play in NFL history as time ticked to zero on the game clock. Harrison and his entourage knew time was up and it wouldn't matter unless he got into the endzone. Harrison crashed through Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston to break the plane and score. It was a heck of a play.

After the half, Arizona was forced to punt, we drove down to kick a field goal and it was 20-7. After a few more punts, the Cardinals put together another touchdown drive finishing it off with Fitzgerald catching the pass in the corner. Another couple series and we were backed up deep in our own territory when Ben completed a pass from the endzone to the 20 yard line which seemed incredible till the holding call on Jeff Hartwig in the endzone. The rule is if there is a holding call in the endzone, it is an automatic safety. 20-16 was the score. The very next drive was seemingly a backbreaker, it was Fitzgerald from Warner, 65 yard catch and run to the endzone, putting the Cardinals ahead for the first time, 23-20.

I hope that every one of those analysts throughout the season that pegged Ben Roethlisberger as not one of the best quarterbacks in the league was able to watch him in action Sunday. He was unbelievable. His only blemish came on a great individual effort by nose tackle Bryan Robinson, where he tipped Roethlisberger's pass into the air and intercepted by Karlos Dansby. Other than this, Ben played superb. They had two chances to get into the endzone during the game, but the decision to kick the field goal by head coach Mike Tomlin was not argueable. I thought it was smart considering the history of this season. We have been having trouble getting across the goal line when inside the five yard line. It is weird because three years ago, when Jerome Bettis was on the team, this was a gimme touchdown. That was a different time and a different team. Roethlisberger threw for 256 yards, 1 TD and that pick. I consider this great, but the main reason this was so great was how he earned the last seven points. He drove the Steelers and believe it or not, bailed out our #1 ranked defense in the closing minutes of the game. Ben went five for seven for 84 yards in that drive, completing 4 of them to Santonio Holmes, the games' MVP. The Steelers only had 2:36 left on the clock when the recieved the ball around the 22 yard line. It turned worse when Kris Kemoeatu was called for holding in the first series. I couldn't believe it. Ben didn't let that stop him, he knew this was it, their final shot to make history. Ben threw a 14 yard strike to Holmes. Then an incompletion meant for Nate Washington. Another sharp pass to Holmes for 13 yards on third down and 6. That turned out to be a first and 10 at Pittsburgh's 39 yard line. Ben then went back to Washington for an 11 yard first down throw. Ben was then flushed out of the pocked for a 4 yard scramble. The Steelers just crossed midfield when Ben passed it to Holmes again, but this time the cornerback slipped and it was off to the races. Holmes finally got dragged down at the 6 yard line. I was screaming my head off as were most of the fans at Raymond James. Ben went to the back left corner to Holmes, but the ball went straight through his hands. He finished the drive with an incredible, perfect throw to the back right corner to Holmes who, this time, held on and drug both toes in bounds for the game-winning touchdown. Nothing can get more exciting than that.

Way to go Steelers, you earned this win. Now it is defintely time to start looking out for 2010 Superbowl. Although Tomlin won't call it a repeat, I would love to see another title here in Pittsburgh. You can say what you will about this team and these fans, but all I have to say is that every professional sports team wishes they had a following like the Steelers do. We have exactly one year to figure out what we are going to call the Seventh title. We can't call it one for the thumb, one for the other thumb, or the sixpack. By the way, only true Pittsburghers would name a NFL Championship after beer.

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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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Playoff Picks

Now there is still a number of games to be played on Sunday to determine the playoffs, but I am going to make my picks anyhow. First, I will predict who gets in and the seeding, and then the rest of the playoffs.
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Here are the scenarios:

AFC

EAST DIVISION

Miami Dolphins: can clinch the division with (1) a win; (2) a tie and a New England loss or tie or can clinch a playoff spot with a tie and a Baltimore loss.

New England Patriots: can clinch the division with: (1) a win and Miami loss
or tie; (2) a tie and a Miami loss; can clinch a playoff spot with (1) a win and a Baltimore loss or tie; (2) a tie and a Baltimore loss.

New York Jets: Can clinch the division with: (1) a win and a New England loss; can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) A win and a Baltimore loss.

SOUTH DIVISION

Tennessee Titans: clinched the division, first-round bye and homefield advantage.

Indianapolis Colts: clinched a playoff spot.

NORTH DIVISION

Pittsburgh Steelers: clinched the division and a first-round bye.

Baltimore Ravens: can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win; (2) a tie and
a Miami loss or tie; (3) a tie and a New England loss or tie; (4) a New England
loss.

WEST DIVISION

Denver Broncos: Can clinch the division with: (1) a win or tie.

San Diego Chargers: Can clinch the division with: (1) a win

ELIMINATED

Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Oakland.

NFC

EAST DIVISION

New York Giants: Clinched the division and homefield advantage.

Dallas Cowboys: can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win; (2) a tie, a Chicago loss or tie and a Tampa Bay loss; (3) a tie, a Minnesota loss or tie and a Tampa Bay loss; (4) a tie, a Chicago loss and a Tampa Bay tie; (5) a tie, a Minnesota loss and a Tampa Bay tie.
Philadelphia Eagles: can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win and losses by Tampa Bay and Minnesota; (2) a win and losses by Tampa Bay and Chicago.

SOUTH DIVISION

Atlanta Falcons: clinched a playoff spot; can clinch the division and a first-round bye with: (1) a win and a Carolina loss.

Carolina Panthers: clinched a playoff spot; can clinch division and first-round
bye with: (1) a win or tie; (2) an Atlanta loss or tie.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win and a Dallas loss or tie; (2) a tie, a Dallas loss and a Minnesota loss or tie; (3) a tie, a Dallas loss and a Chicago loss or tie; (4) a tie, a Dallas tie, a Minnesota tie and a Chicago win or tie; (5) a tie, a Dallas tie, a Chicago tie and a Minnesota win or tie.

NORTH DIVISION

Minnesota Vikings: can clinch the division with: (1) a win; (2) a tie and a Chicago loss or tie; (3) a Chicago loss; can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win and losses by Dallas and Tampa Bay.

Chicago Bears: can clinch the division with: (1) a win and a Minnesota loss or tie; (2) a tie and a Minnesota loss; can clinch a playoff spot with: (1) a win and losses or ties by Dallas and Tampa Bay; (2) a tie and losses by Dallas and Tampa Bay.

WEST DIVISION

Arizona Cardinals: clinched the division.

ELIMINATED

Detroit, Green Bay, New Orleans, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington

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Here are the seedings as of right now:

AFC Seed Team Division Record 1 Tennessee(yz*) South 13-2-0 2 Pittsburgh(yz) North 11-4-0 3 Miami East 10-5-0 4 Denver West 8-7-0 5 Indianapolis(x) South 11-4-0 6 Baltimore North 10-5-0 Still alive (below) 7 New England East 10-5-0 8 N.Y. Jets East 9-6-0 9 San Diego West 7-8-0 Eliminated 10 Buffalo East 7-8-0 11 Houston South 7-8-0 12 Jacksonville South 5-10-0 13 Oakland West 4-11-0 14 Cleveland North 4-11-0 15 Cincinnati North 3-11-1 16 Kansas City West 2-13-0

NFC Seed Team Division Record 1 N.Y. Giants(yz*) East 12-3-0 2 Carolina(x) South 11-4-0 3 Minnesota North 9-6-0 4 Arizona(y) West 8-7-0 5 Atlanta(x) South 10-5-0 6 Tampa Bay South 9-6-0 Still alive (below) 7 Dallas East 9-6-0 8 Chicago North 9-6-0 9 Philadelphia East 8-6-1 Eliminated 10 Washington East 8-7-0 11 New Orleans South 8-7-0 12 San Francisco West 6-9-0 13 Green Bay North 5-10-0 14 Seattle West 4-11-0 15 St. Louis West 2-13-0 16 Detroit North 0-15-0

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Here are the matchups:

WEEK 17
Sunday, Dec. 28
Game	Time	TV
Kansas City at Cincinnati	1:00 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
Oakland at Tampa Bay	1:00 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
Cleveland at Pittsburgh	1:00 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
New England at Buffalo	1:00 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
St. Louis at Atlanta	1:00 pm	FOX Regional
Chicago at Houston	1:00 pm	FOX Regional
Tennessee at Indianapolis	1:00 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
N.Y. Giants at Minnesota	1:00 pm	FOX Regional
Carolina at New Orleans	1:00 pm	FOX Regional
Detroit at Green Bay	1:00 pm	FOX Regional
Seattle at Arizona	4:15 pm	FOX Regional
Dallas at Philadelphia	4:15 pm	FOX Regional
Miami at N.Y. Jets	4:15 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
Washington at San Francisco	4:15 pm	FOX Regional
Jacksonville at Baltimore	4:15 pm	CBS - HD (Regional)
Denver at San Diego	8:15 pm	CBS - HD National

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Here are my picks for the week:

What this all means is that I think that Detroit is going to be the first 0-16 team in NFL history, not saying that the previous winless team (the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers) are celebrating and the 11-5 reigning AFC Champion New England Patriots (not to mention 16-0 regular season record holders from last year) will not make the playoffs. I believe that the NFC seedings will change drastically as I see the Bears will win the division due to their win and the Giants beating the Vikings. As far as the AFC seedings, I see the Chargers overtaking the Broncos to get into the playoffs.
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So the seedings would be as follows:

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Winners/Losers:

Wild Card Games

AFC

Indianapolis wins at San Diego

Miami beats Baltimore

NFC

Atlanta beats Arizona

Chicago wins at Dallas

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Divisional Games

AFC
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Wins

Miami at Tennessee

Miami Wins

NFC

Atlanta at New York Giants

New York Giants Win

Chicago at Carolina

Carolina Wins

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Conference Championship

AFC

Miami at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Wins

NFC

Carolina at New York Giants

Carolina Wins

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Pittsburgh and Carolina

Pittsburgh Wins!

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Yes...surprise!, surprise!, I pick the Steelers. I have real problems picking against them this year. You can check my track record and I never picked against them. I know alot of people are bashing the Steeler offense and the play of the stars of this team, but I feel that the Steelers are an offense built on key situations. By this I mean when the game is on the line, they come through. The defense prides itself on keeping the team in the game and then the offense does exactly what it has to exactly when it has to to win. I feel that the defense will always give them a chance to win any game and the offense will do enough and not make costly mistakes to cost them the game. As they always say, defense wins championships, and the Steelers have that defense this year.
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One key number: 43! Super Bowl 43! Polamalu for Super Bowl MVP!

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