Harrison Deserving or Steelers Statement?

Well, James Harrison finally got his payday. Now, I know a lot of you are thinking that the Steelers shouldn't pay a 30 year old linebacker a possible $50 million. They did pay Ben Roethlisberger $102 million...why not? Are the Steelers making a statement or is it a deserving payday? You decide!

Think about it for a minute...I mean really think about it. The Steelers organization isn't known for paying older players as well as players who have proven themselves over a short period of time. They find the diamonds in the rough from the draft or as an unrestricted free agent, but as soon as they appear to be losing some of their shine, the organization releases them. So far, for the past 50 years, it has worked like clockwork. They haven't paid out an older guy yet, but in the state of the NFL, I think it might be a necessary evil. It might be a huge payoff for the future, I mean, planting the seed that we are willing to pay for talent that shows the virtues of a true Steeler. That statement could bring a lot more success in than Harrison ever could.

Think about it for a minute...I mean really think about it. If the Steelers think it is worth it, than they are probably right. Harrison hasn't been a starter for long and that might be a serious influence on their decision. He hasn't had the wear and tear a typical 30 year old linebacker experiences in a career. He won the league's defensive player of the year. He set the sack record for the Steelers, which is saying a lot and he is still just a second year starter. They did have him on discount last year at $1 million. They did have another year on his current contract and could have held him for another by franchising him. Did they see something in him or not? I hope we will know as soon as the season starts.

So, you make the decision...a deserving raise or a statement for the future?

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The Three Kings

There are special people that play a certain important position on all major sports teams that are usually the centerpiece for that team. It is the position that pretty much makes or breaks their own team. If they play terrible, it affects the outcome of the game significantly, if they play incredible, it could make that said team look like champions, if only for that night. In hockey, it is the goaltender, in football, the quarterback, and finally, in baseball, I believe the catcher. I also believe that we are blessed with some of the best in their game for all our major teams in these positions.

We have Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers, Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins, and Ryan Doumit for the Pirates. These three guys are proving to be the rock that our teams can build off of. It is often said that a team can only go as far as these players let them. It all depends on the talent level in those positions. After looking at the whole picture, it looks like we can go far. In the case of the Pirates, unfortunately, they need more than just a great catcher to get this team rolling. The Super Bowl Champion Steelers are set with their franchise quarterback and the Eastern Conference Champion Penguins are set with their franchise goalie though.

I believe that there are also different types of these players on every team. For instance, we have the ugly players statistically, but these guys know how to win. We know that if the game is on the line, Fleury will make a key save, Roethlisberger will make a key throw, and even Doumit is starting to get that key hit. I do have to say that Doumit is still the low man on this great totem pole we have in Pittsburgh. Until he takes us to the next level, he will remain there.

Ben Roethlisberger was drafted 11th overall in 2004 by the Steelers, their first pick in that respected class. He was supposed to ride the bench his first year, but in the second game of the 2004 season, the starting quarterback, Tommy Maddox injured his throwing elbow against the hated Baltimore Ravens. So the Roethlisberger era began. He never looked back either. He comprised the best rookie season in NFL history by winning the next 15 consecutive starts and playing us into the AFC Championship game, where we lost to the then Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. It was a tough loss, but as the season video put it, it was an incredible run. Following this great season was record after record for Roethlisberger. He is the fastest player to 50 wins in NFL history, as well as one of two NFL quarterback to register three perfect passing games in the regular season. Two Super Bowl victories later, he is the pride of the organization. The great part is that he is only 27 still. He still has a lot of years and a lot of winning to do.

Marc-Andre Fleury has a different, but similar career to Roethlisberger. He was drafted first overall, the Penguins first pick in that draft in 2003. He immediately started games in his rookie season at age 18. In hockey, a player usually is sent to the minor leagues to hone his skills against lesser opponents. Fleury didn't have this luxury. He started good, but had a terrible team in front of him. It wasn't until a few more centerpieces were drafted that the team started looking like a team in front of this gifted netminder. Like I was saying earlier, these players can't do it on their own, but the team can't make it without them. Fleury and the Penguins have made the playoffs in the last two years and will make them this year again, I have confidence. They made the biggest splash since 1992 last year when they made their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Fleury has been sensational in the second half of his last three seasons, just when we need that extra boost. In March and April, like I said in another post, he is a combined 35-10-5 for the past three years. That is saying something.

Ryan Doumit is still on the outside looking in at this position. Just like Fleury was in the beginning of his career, he is a good player in a good position, on a very bad team. Doumit was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2nd round as the 59th overall selection in 1999. He spent some time in the minors as all players usually do and finally cracked the starting lineup in 2005, primarily as a backup. After an injury plagued 2006-07, he got a full season under his belt last year and really showed what he was capable of. He batted .318, knocking in 15 homers and 59 RBI's. For a catcher, these are great statistics. He is looking forward to getting the Pirates over .500 for the first time in 16 years, one shy of the major league record. I can see that happenning this year.

The Pittsburgh players have a reputation of being hard nosed players, as well as very hard workers. These three particular athlete exume this personna and give us all hope for the future. They have long and illustrious careers ahead of them to add to their already staggering numbers. Hopefully a few more championships as well.

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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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Sixburgh Steelers

Ok, I know I already talked about the Superbowl and all that, but a couple things are irking me so bad that I have to write about them.

First of all, let's talk about people calling Ben Roethlisberger a drama queen. The whole situation started when Ben released information to SI about broken ribs during the Superbowl. They asked the team and they supposedly had no idea. It seems most reporters didn't read the whole article that was written. Ben said he knew they hurt, but didn't know they were broken until after the Superbowl, once he got back to Pittsburgh. He didn't say he knew ahead of time or anything like that. He also said his preliminary tests showed nothing before the Superbowl. Even if they were that hurt, you think he is going to sit out the biggest game of his career? I don't think so. He isn't going to let on to anyone that it hurts because they might possibly sit him or the other team could find out and hit him harder. I think that is common sense. Another point that was made was that Ben says he is injured alot when he really isn't. I don't think that is the case. I think it is sorta like a Belichek thing for the Steelers. You don't want everyone to know someone is or was injured because you don't want that reputation that Belichek has as a deceiver when it comes to injuries. So, when Ben says he had an injury, it isn't because he is a drama queen, it is because he is or was. The team knows it makes them look bad when he comes out and says these things and they don't report them. All in all, I just think if Ben would know to keep these injuries to himself alot of this heat would be gone.

Second, all about the fans saying we are getting handed Superbowls that we didn't deserve. I am going to sit here and tell you that we deserved everything we got. Team that continually win will always be hated by all the other teams just because they are not winning and we are. That is the bottom line. The other teams fans will continue to argue until next year when a new team wins or we win again. At that point, there will be a whole other game to whine about.

Last, but not least, this is not a complaint, but more of an honor for the Steelers. Alot of teams that are currently transitioning to some degree are looking at the Steelers and how they are run, from top to bottom, and they are trying to mimic us. I think this is the greatest compliment to our organization. I started noticing it with the Cowboys thinking of their locker room chemistry instead of the pure talent they have been getting by with. Then you hear for teams that are looking for the next Tomlin for their team. I love this.

Let me know if you agree or disagree and why.

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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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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 4 Analysis

It wasn't very pretty, in fact, if I wasn't a huge fan, I would have given up on this team before halftime. I kept thinking, finally, halftime, maybe we can regroup. Apparently alot went down in that locker room. Ben Roethlisberger addressed the offense and then asked the coaches if he could go no-huddle. Typically, when nothing is going good, you don't just go no-huddle. If the other team is confusing you, you don't go no-huddle. If your line is letting the floodgates open for the opponent to sack and make you scramble constantly, you don't go no-huddle. So, they said,"how bad could it get, we aren't going anywhere now." Thank God they had this conversation. It looked genius when it happened. Down 13-3 and getting manhandled on offense, the Steelers went no-huddle, marched down and scored a touchdown. The first touchdown in three games. I was excited and yelling. I settled down, but only for 15 seconds. Next thing you know, James Harrison is drilling Joe Flacco and the football jets loose, you see LaMarr Woodley scrambling to grab the ball and once in his grasp, ran for the endzone for a defensive touchdown. All of a sudden, we have the lead, 17-13. It looked like the Steelers from game 1 against the Texans. By the end of regulation, we scored 3 more and let in 7. Yes, if you do the math, that equals 20 each. After a short penalty fiasco with 7 seconds left, we went to OT, where the Ravens won the toss. It should have mattered, but we got a key defensive stop and Baltimore punted. In a few short plays, we were preparing for a 46 yard field goal for the win. A timeout was called just before Jeff Reed kicked the ball through the uprights. The Ravens were trying to ice the kicker. Fortunately for us, Reed is money and drilled it through again. I will tell you, I haven't seen such a dependable kicker since good old Gary Anderson. Unfortunately we lost two key players in this game for the season, Mendenhall and Simmons. We will be surely be signing some players this week. What a game, what a comeback, what a kick. Like I said, it wasn't pretty, but we won.

1st Downs 16 11 Rushing 4 2 Passing 12 7 Penalty 0 2 3rd-Down Conversions 7-17 5-15 4th-Down Conversions 0-0 0-0 Punts-Average 8-47.4 7-40.1 Return Yards 128 84 Punts-Returns 4-7 6-28 Kickoffs-Returns 6-120 3-56 Int.-Returns 1-1 0-0 Penalties-Yards 8-72 5-29 Fumbles-Lost 4-1 2-0 Time Of Pos. 31:12 28:48

Total Net Yards 243 237 Total Plays 69 55 Average Gain 3.5 4.3 Net Yards Rushing 103 69 Rushes 33 28 Avg. Per Rush 3.1 2.5 Net Yards Passing 140 168 Comp.-Att. 16-31 14-24 Yards Per Pass 3.9 6.2 Sacked-Yards Lost 5-52 3-23 Had Intercepted 0 1 Touchdowns 2 2 Rushing 1 0 Passing 1 1 Other 0 1 Extra Points 2-2 2-2 Field Goals 2-2 3-3 Red Zone Efficiency 2-4-50% 0-1-0% Goal To Go Efficiency 2-3-66% 0-1-0% Safeties 0 0

Ravens (2-1) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT J. Flacco 16/31 192 1 0 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG L. McClain 16 63 1 11 W. McGahee 13 42 0 12 R. Rice 1 0 0 0 M. Clayton 1 -1 0 -1 J. Flacco 2 -1 0 0 Receiving REC YDS TD LG D. Mason 8 137 0 35 L. McClain 3 26 0 25 W. McGahee 3 19 0 15 D. Williams 1 6 0 6 D. Wilcox 1 4 1 4 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS J. Flacco 2 1 1 0 J. Brown 1 0 0 -1 Y. Figurs 1 0 1 0 M. Yanda 0 0 1 0 Kicking FG LG XP PTS M. Stover 2/2 33 2/2 8 Punting NO AVG I20 LG S. Koch 8 47.4 2 61 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG Y. Figurs 5 23.6 0 28 L. Neal 1 2.0 0 2 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG Y. Figurs 4 1.8 0 4 Defense T-A SCK INT FF R. Lewis 7-6 0.0 0 0 B. Scott 5-2 1.0 0 1 A. Barnes 4-0 0.0 0 0 C. Ivy 4-0 1.0 0 0 J. Johnson 4-1 0.0 0 1 H. Ngata 4-1 0.0 1 0 T. Suggs 4-2 1.0 0 0 J. Leonhard 3-3 0.0 0 0 M. Douglas 2-0 0.0 0 0 C. McAlister 2-1 0.0 0 0 F. Washington 2-1 0.0 0 0 T. Zbikowski 2-1 0.0 0 0 B. Ayanbadejo 1-1 0.0 0 0 J. Bannan 1-3 0.0 0 0 D. Martin 1-0 0.0 0 0 H. Nakamura 1-0 0.0 0 0 E. Reed 1-1 0.0 0 0 T. Gooden 0-2 0.0 0 0 T. Pryce 0-1 0.0 0 0 D. Wilcox 0-1 0.0 0 0

Steelers (3-1) Team Page | Depth Chart Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT Roethlisberger 14/24 191 1 1 Rushing ATT YDS TD LG R. Mendenhall 9 30 0 12 C. Davis 8 15 0 8 M. Moore 8 13 0 5 N. Washington 1 8 0 8 Roethlisberger 2 3 0 4 Receiving REC YDS TD LG S. Holmes 3 61 1 38 H. Ward 2 57 0 49 M. Moore 3 37 0 24 N. Washington 2 23 0 12 H. Miller 2 8 0 6 R. Mendenhall 1 6 0 6 C. Davis 1 -1 0 -1 Fumbles NO LST REC YDS C. Davis 1 0 0 0 Roethlisberger 1 0 0 0 L. Woodley 0 0 1 7 Kicking FG LG XP PTS J. Reed 3/3 49 2/2 11 Punting NO AVG I20 LG M. Berger 7 40.1 2 44 Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG C. Davis 1 16.0 0 16 M. Moore 2 20.0 0 22 Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG S. Holmes 6 4.7 0 13 Defense T-A SCK INT FF J. Harrison 6-5 2.5 0 1 J. Farrior 5-3 0.0 0 0 B. McFadden 5-0 0.0 0 0 L. Woodley 5-3 1.5 0 1 T. Polamalu 4-5 0.0 0 0 L. Foote 3-3 0.0 0 0 T. Kirschke 3-4 0.0 0 0 L. Timmons 3-1 1.0 0 0 P. Bailey 2-0 0.0 0 0 N. Eason 2-1 0.0 0 0 C. Hoke 2-0 0.0 0 0 A. Madison 2-0 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 2-4 0.0 0 0 R. Clark 1-6 0.0 0 0 A. Smith 1-0 0.0 0 0 M. Spaeth 1-0 0.0 0 0 I. Taylor 1-2 0.0 0 0 K. Simmons 0-1 0.0 0 0 D. Townsend 0-1 0.0 0 0 N. Washington 0-1 0.0 0 0

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