SB Nation - Tyrone Carter

Steelers S Polamalu Will Not Play Against the Chiefs

Joel Thorman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:19:54 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

2 months ago: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, left, comes down with an interception intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohammed Massaquoi (not shown) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) is in on the play. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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Looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers play the secrecy game as well. This week S Troy Polamalu would not answer questions about his injured knee. Head coach Mike Tomlin instructed him not to speak on the topic.

"Who says there's even a real knee, first of all?"

Well, okay then. Knee injury or not Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Polamalu will not play against the Chiefs.

This is a major plus for the Chiefs. The Steelers have only allowed 100 rushing yards on two occasions this season - both were games Polamalu missed.

So, one of the top safeties in the game will not play this weekend. His replacement will be Tyrone Carter, who Polamalu says is a solid player.

"There are a lot of strengths that Tyrone has that I lack and vice versa," Polamalu said. "That's why every time I'm in the game, I come to the sidelines, he's in my ear about the previous drive and each play, and where I can improve and what to look out for."

This weekend, it'll be Polamalu on the sidelines getting in Carter's ear.

Final Injury/Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

Kirkendall — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:04:38 -0000

CINCINNATI BENGALS

DOUBTFUL	PROBABLE
G Evan Mathis (ankle)	WR Andre Caldwell (illness)
LB Keith Rivers (calf)	DE Robert Geathers (hip)
	DT Tank Johnson (illness)
QUESTIONABLE	C Jonathan Luigs (illness)
RB Jeremi Johnson (chest)
DE Frostee Rucker (neck)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OUT
RB Carey Davis (hamstring)
DE Travis Kirschke (calf)

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Jeremi Johnson (chest)	DNP	LP	FP
G Evan Mathis (ankle)	DNP	DNP	DNP
LB Keith Rivers (calf)	DNP	DNP	DNP
RB Cedric Benson (not injury related)	LP	FP	FP
DE Robert Geathers (hip)	LP	LP	LP
DE Frostee Rucker (neck)	LP	LP	FP
S Roy Williams (forearm)	FP	DNP	IR
WR Andre Caldwell (illness)	--	--	DNP
DT Tank Johnson (illness)	--	--	DNP
C Jonathan Luigs (illness)	--	--	DNP

STEELERS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Carey Davis (hamstring)	DNP	DNP	DNP
G Trai Essex (illness)	DNP	--	--
LB James Farrior (not injury related)	DNP	--	--
DE Travis Kirschke (calf)	DNP	DNP	DNP
CB Deshea Townsend (not injury related)	DNP	--	--
WR Hines Ward (not injury related)	DNP	--	--
S Tyrone Carter (illness)	--	DNP	--

Bengals Banter: Head coach Marvin Lewis has Coors Light commercial potential. He just needs that moment.

Kirkendall — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:44:36 -0000

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

about 1 month ago: Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis watches from the sidelines in the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 17-7. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

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Three things happened. One, we posted a lengthy midseason review on Wednesday that we wanted to keep in your peripheral vision so that more readers will see and comment on it. Two. I got two brand spanking new video games within the past week. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Dragon Age: Origins. Three. I was off work yesterday, which meant a whole lot of #2 (go ahead with your Peter Griffin laugh). All things considered, we have a lot to get through today.

Bengals players nominated. On Wednesday, player of the weeks were announced by the NFL. In the AFC Dallas Clark won on Offense, Tyrone Carter on Defense and Stephen Gostkowski on Special Teams. The Bengals did receive two nominations this week. Cedric Benson on offense and Johnathan Joseph on defense.

If we're forced to look at the Wild Card. Even if the Bengals lose to the Steelers, there's an interesting dynamic here that could reverberate for the rest of the season. The Houston Texans (5-4), Baltimore Ravens (4-4), San Diego Chargers (5-3) and New York Jets (4-4) would be fighting either the Bengals or Steelers for two wild card spots. The Bengals already lost to Houston, swept the Ravens and have the Chargers and Jets on tap.

While some call it an easier schedule, it doesn't make it any less critical. In fact, I feel I'd rather the Bengals have a tougher schedule. This team seems like the team that raises the ante when challenged. What we saw against Cleveland earlier this year scares me.

Time to start thinking about a contract extension for Johnathan Joseph. I felt very strongly naming Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall as the team's Defensive Player(s) of the Midseason. Not only are they on one of two teams with "two players with at least four interceptions", they "are tied for second for most interceptions in the AFC behind Buffalo's Jairus Byrd, who has seven." Leon Hall has the third most tackles among cornerbacks and one could argue that their coverages have enabled pass rushers the additional time needed to get to the quarterback.

Johnathan Joseph will enter the final year of his five-year contract in 2010 and it's time to start thinking about an extension. I know what you're thinking. It's a bit soon. I disagree. Once the season is over and if the Bengals and Joseph go through an entire offseason without conversation, then Joseph will feel insulted. With players as young as Joseph, whose biggest contracts usually come after their rookie deals (save for the first five picks of any NFL draft and elite superstars), the Bengals should reach out to Joseph soon and, at least, get the dialogue rolling. Once his contract is up and he declares free agency, there's probably a very small chance the Bengals sign him back. If he does sign an extension, this offseason will be when he does it. And considering how slow the Bengals are to get things like this done, it's time to start thinking about that now.

We let one get away. There really isn't an award for something we meant to mention yesterday at our cyber-cafe awards ceremony. I suppose we could call it "Coach of the Midseason" and nominate all of the coaches, like Paul Alexander or Mike Zimmer (or god forbid, Bob Bratkowski). What we really wanted to honor is how Marvin Lewis has turned this team around a second time. In 2003, Marvin Lewis took a 2-14 team and made them 8-8. In 2008, Marvin Lewis took a 4-11-1 team, turned them into a team that's 6-2 and preparing to battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the lead in the division. How does one award that type of turn around from a head coach twice? I'm sure you could nominate all of our coaches for something, but Marvin Lewis should get the bulk of the credit for this team's complete reversal of holy crapiness to holy crap, they're good.

Should we talk about another contract extension? Lewis' contract expires after 2010.

Quote of the Day:

"That's why they brought me here - get the ball in my hand on third down and pass-protect for the quarterback," Leonard said. "Of the two, protect the quarterback is my No. 1 job."

Lewis really, really, really defends Jerome Simpson. One of the more interesting notes from yesterday comes from head coach Marvin Lewis' defense of Jerome Simpson.

“Jerome is doing everything he can to try to prove that he can get out there and make productive plays for us,” Lewis said. “He hasn’t lost an ounce of his athleticism and so forth but he has a lot to learn in coming to the NFL.

“He’s working diligently. Hell, he’s got his own coach. Which is great. He’s getting personal tutoring on every single play, every single day. Just trying to get where we can be confident that the quarterbacks can be confident in him understanding everything. He’s working hard at it. But some guys come here and they have a little better knowledge of how coverages unfold and things work. And Jerome’s working extremely hard at it. The other part of it, shoot, I don’t know if there’s a guy at any position that has the skill level of Jerome.”

OK, OK, coach. Anyone else see Joe Reedy during the ~~Coors Light commercial~~ press conference? I don't think anyone has disputed this kid's talent. But the truth of the matter is that he's probably going to be the team's fourth receiver. He needs to get on the field sooner or later. And if he's still not capable of being on the field as the fourth receiver, then you have to do something to utilize that roster spot. The deeper the Bengals get into the season as playoff contenders, the greater the possibility is that they'll need that roster spot on the field.

Bengals, no longer a finesse team, will beat the crap out of you. I've always wondered how Football Outsiders obtain their analysis. I don't mean the people. They're brilliant. I mean, do they watch game tape? A recorded broadcast? Or do they have access to All-22 -- an angle that shows all 22 players throughout the play. Can you imagine if we had access to that?! The analysis would be ridiculous. That's all we'd do -- once we tire of Modern Warfare 2 and Dragon Age... of course.

"Hello."
"Yea, bossman?"
"What is it, Josh."
"Yea, got the tape from last week's game. Going to take off work to check it out."
"You've got to be kidding me."
"I know!! I actually got the tape."
"Josh."
"Well, it was a sloppy win. But a win is a win, right?"
"Josh."
"I really want to watch the pass coverages and how offenses react. I need one of those video tape dial thingys that slows and rewinds the plays."
(sigh) "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Actually, can we make it two days."

With that said, Football Outsiders wrote a piece on the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line.

It's typical to think of teams with great passing games and previously ineffective power blocking as "finesse", but any opponent harboring that assumption about the current Bengals is making a very big mistake. This is as much a power team as any AFC North bully could be, with its stacked lines and inside running, and the schematic variations tell the story of a line with great confidence and continuity. If the Bengals capitalize on their hot start down the stretch, the line will be a major factor -- with or without Andre Smith.

More, more, more.

All Bengals fans should read this Bob Labriola piece on Steelers.com, briefly explaining that the history between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati is a lot richer than you might think.

I was a part of The League panelists on Wednesday talking about Larry Johnson. I wrote that if Johnson wants to get back into the league, he should follow Cedric Benson's lead.

Laveranues Coles isn't very open with the media. “Uh, I don’t really speak (to the media),” Coles said. “I’m just chillin’.”

James Walker's biggest disappointment in the Bengals on his Midseason Report is that Andre Smith hasn't played yet. That's it? That's it.

Chick Ludwig thinks of ways to bring Maurice Purify to the 53-man roster, no matter what.

Steelers vs. Bengals: AFC North Game of the Year

Congradulations for Bengals fans, who donated "9,234 pounds of non-perishable and canned goods, 1,604 pounds greater than in 2008. In addition, Bengals fans gave $11,061 in cash donations to help feed the hungry in our community, a $3,041 increase over 2008."

Remember when we remarked that Ed Reed missed a lot of tackles last week against the Bengals? We weren't the only ones that noticed.

Steve Wyche handed out some love for the Bengals in his mid-season review. Cedric Benson was named as the Comeback Player and Andrew Whitworth was "Most critical to teammates' success".

Picture of the day. A reader sent this picture (a bit blurry) of a man wearing an Odell Thurman jersey... in France! And here we thought Steelers fans traveled well.

Note: if you have anything you want to share, email me anytime.

Potent Quotables - The Wednesday Washington Warm-up

John Bena — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:12:02 -0000

More photos » AP

about 1 month ago: Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton walks off the field at the end of the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. The Steelers won 28-10. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

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HEAD COACH JOSH McDANIELS

On the offense's performance the past two weeks

"I think we haven't sustained our ability to stay balanced in both games. We didn't run the ball very effectively in the Baltimore game (and) didn't run it very effectively in the Pittsburgh game. That always puts more pressure on your pass protection (and) more pressure on your passing game in general. It is not really an effective formula to win any games in this league. I don't care what offense you are playing with. We have got to do a better job of being able to run the ball, stay in positive situations (and) stay out of third-and-longs, which we found ourselves in too many times the other night in the second half. If we do that-that is really kind of the formula that we played with for the first six games, and we have got to make sure that we sustain that going forward."

On why the Broncos have had difficulty running the ball the past two weeks

"We've played against two good defenses, and that's not an excuse that we are going to use. We have got to do better than what we have done, whether it be execution, whether it be mistakes (or) whether it be just somebody made a nice play on defense. We are playing against physical teams, and that's what we play against every week. We've got to do better at the point of attack. We've got to do better with the ball in our hands. We've got to do better in terms of scheming something if we can do that to help ourselves, but we haven't lost faith in our ability to run the football or play good offense here. We've just got to go back to work and do better."

On starting RB Correll Buckhalter against Pittsburgh

"We made a decision to do that. (There was) no huge reason. We're going to play both of them. They know that. It just so happens that that's what we started with the other night."

On the offensive line's performance against Pittsburgh

"Any time you give up pressures and sacks and don't run the football well, you always say, ‘Well, we didn't play very well up front," but I think it is a lot of things. We have got to work together as a group. We have got to work together as an offense. Our backs have got to compliment them in the running game. Some of the pressures that we gave up the other night had nothing to do with the offensive line, and then, yet, some of them did. We've got to work better as a group. We've got to play better in every area on offense, and that is not just the offensive line. That's everybody involved in playing good football on that side of the ball. I know we can play good football, and that is what our goal is going to be. We've got to get back to work and make sure that we start doing that this week."

On his interactions with QB Kyle Orton have been more intense in the past two games

"It was probably less heated the last two weeks than it had been the first six weeks. I think I've coached the same way in every game we have played. He knows that I want him to play as well as he can possibly play. I want everybody to play that way. (I am) just trying to get the best out of the guys, and if there are some mistakes that need correcting, sometimes you've got to pay attention to what people are saying and not how they're saying it. I think he has got extremely thick skin. He knows that. I'll handle him the same way going forward."

On his relationship with Washington LB London Fletcher after playing together at John Carroll University

"I have coached against him a number of times. It is always great to see him. London Fletcher is a great person, first and foremost. I think he is the leading tackler in this decade in the National Football League. I'm proud of him for what he's been able to accomplish in this league coming from John Carroll. We kind of all knew when we were playing with him that he was a special player, a special person and would have a bright future ahead of him. It's always great to see him, and I'll look forward to seeing him in pregame and talking to him after the game, also."

On Orton's interceptions against Pittsburgh

"There were a couple-I'm not going to make excuses for it. We threw three interceptions. The first one, obviously, we hit the umpire, and I don't know if that ball gets intercepted 10 out of 10 times, but we've got to keep the ball down over the middle. Any time you're trying to throw into the middle of the defense, which the Steelers were playing some coverages where they dictated that that is where we go with the football, we have got to make sure that we keep the ball down. Those are the kind of balls that either get tipped or sail over someone's head and end up with somebody else carrying the ball. We've got to go back to playing good mistake-free football and being aggressive like (Orton) was in the first half and just taking care of the football when we have the opportunities to do that."

On needing to throw more deep passes to have the opponent's safeties drop into deeper coverage

"It's easy to say that when (Pittsburgh S) Troy Polamalu and (Pittsburgh S) Tyrone Carter are 35 yards deep during the course of the game and you threw for 190 yards in the first half or whatever it might have been. We were having success doing what we thought we should do to win the game, and there were plays that we have in our offense, and we always will, that if nobody is back there, that is where we are going. If somebody is back there, we are not going to go there. We're going to continue to coach and do the things we have done to be successful. We're not going to change that."

On the need for an explosive play to open up the Broncos' offense and build its confidence

"If you need that and you're looking for that, you are in trouble because those plays are few and far between a lot of times in this league. If you're sitting there trying to play offense hoping for one big play, you're going to have a long day. You better be able to execute against good defenses. These teams know what they want to try to take away. When they try to take those things away and you try to force the ball in spots, you could end up turning it over four or five (or) six times in the game. It's always great when you get big plays, but I think the biggest thing is you can't force things like that to happen. If you do, then you play bad offense. Would we love to have a bunch of explosive plays every week? Sure, but you have got to try to do the smart thing. Those explosive plays will come, but you can't do it where the risk is going to significantly outweigh the reward."

On OLB/DE Robert Ayers' progress

"He is playing better each week. He did some good things in the running game, which I know doesn't really get a lot of focus and attention. He's doing a better job of setting the edge in the running game and playing a lot in our nickel packages and doing a decent job in the pass rush, too. He scooped that ball up the other night and scored with it. He is doing his job. He's learning how to fit in in terms of our schemes. Each week, he works hard to try to get better, and I hope that's true of all of our rookies."

On CB Ty Law

"We rested him a little bit off and on just to try to make sure if we needed him at the end, obviously, in some nickel packages that he would be available for us, but he played a good portion of the game in our sub defense and did a nice job. That's what I would expect of Ty, and I would expect that going forward. He's a smart player (and) understood the defense. It took him a few days to learn it, and he'll continue to learn it and understand in more than he did on Monday night. I would just expect his performance and his play and the number of plays that he's capable of being in the game to go up as we go on."

On Law's ability playing inside

"He's been a matchup guy a lot of his career, so if the matchup took him in the slot, he went in there plenty. He's played in there extensively at different times in his career. With the (New York) Jets last year, sometimes they used him inside. Sometimes they used him outside. They matched up (New York Jets CB Darrelle) Revis last year sometimes on a specific receiver and then Ty kind of balanced off of him sometimes. If you've played in there and had to learn how to play in there because you've played in a matchup style of a defense, I think it's-hopefully for a guy like Ty, it is like riding a bicycle. You get back in there and you understand what you're dealing with. There are a few things that happen inside that don't happen outside, but Ty can handle that, and we expect him to play well."

On Law's adjustment to the defensive system

"This system is different than the system he's played in before, but some of it is similar and carries over. For the most part, the terminology and just the understanding of the words and those kinds of things are slightly different than the system that he grew up in, I would say, but he's learned a few different defenses in the last so many years here. I don't think that's a big task for him."

On defensive adjustments following the Pittsburgh game

"We need to play better longer. That's across the board. Defensively, we did a decent job in the first half of containing (Pittsburgh QB Ben) Roethlisberger in the pocket (and) pretty much handled the running game for what we wanted to do and get done there, and then we let some big plays happen. I think (Pittsburgh RB Rashard) Mendenhall had four carries that ended up being over 100 yards on those four plays. Any time you give up big plays as the game wears on, you sense that is that a loss of focus or concentration, is it some kind of assignment (or) is it a coaching thing or a strategy where we can make an adjustment and help ourselves, but it is all of those things. We've played good defense for four quarters a bunch so far this year. We're not discouraged by the fact that we played well for a significant portion of the game and then all of the sudden, made some errors that gave them some big plays. We have just got to do a better job of executing over the course of 60 minutes against teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and if we do, then the games will be competitive just like the first half of the season has been. That's the kind of game that we are going to play in. That's the kind of team we are."

QB KYLE ORTON

On what the Broncos' offense needs to do to get back on track

"We have got to score points. That is obvious. We are moving on from the last couple of weeks, but we have got plenty of areas to improve on. It is just critical to come out and have a good week of practice like we did last week (and) come out and have a great week of practice and find a way to play for 60 minutes."

On if the Washington game is the start of a new season

"Really, from week to week, all you can do is focus on that week. On a short week like this, we have got so much to do in three days to move on to Washington. Really, all of our thoughts are behind us for Pittsburgh and Baltimore and all those games. We have got enough to worry about with Washington to come out and play a good game."

On if his interactions with Head Coach Josh McDaniels have changed in the past two games

"We strive for perfection in a win and in a loss, so it has really kind of stayed the same from week to week."

On analyzing defenses' success against the Broncos' offense

"You have got to look at what they've done to us and you have also got to look at what we've done to ourselves. I think it goes both ways. We have played two good teams, two good defenses, and they have done some good things against us, but really, the most important thing for us is to look at the things we've done to ourselves and try to correct those as fast as possible."

On what corrections the Broncos have to make

"We've got to stay balanced. We've got to find a way to run the ball. We've got to find ways to make plays in the passing game. We made chunk plays, I think, in the passing game last week, the 20- and 25-yard plays, but we have also got to find a way to make some bigger plays, no question about it. It's tough to always rely on eight, 10-play drives to score points, but it would be great to find ways to score in three- or four-play drives. When it gets down to it, it's based on execution. You have got to find ways to be able to carry that over through an entire drive. I thought we moved the ball inside the 35's halfway-well. Then, we'd get to the 35 or the 40-yard line and find ourselves in second-and-long. It's tough to do that against good teams."

On taking shots down the field

"Yeah, you've got to take shots. You don't want to force the ball, no question about that. We're not looking to force the ball. We've got plenty of weapons. We've got plenty of ways to move the ball down the field to not have to force things, but certainly when they are there, we would like to be able to take them."

On why the Broncos haven't thrown more deep passes

"Everybody wants to say, ‘Throw the ball 50 yards down the field.' Well that's all great. You can say it, but there are a lot of things that go into that: coverage, you have got to have time to throw it down the field (and) you've got to have the run, hopefully, to set up the coverage that you want to throw it against. We had a couple called (against Pittsburgh). We didn't get the looks that we wanted, and we didn't throw them."

On the importance of the running game

"We'd love to get balance. It's tough when you have 20 yards rushing or whatever we had. It's tough. Saying that, there are games where it is going to happen and you have got to rely on the passing game. The pass game has got to come through in a big way, and we've done that. We've won games throwing the football, so it's not like we can't do it, but I think just in our offense, getting the run game going, I know the guys up front like to come off the ball and be able to pound on the other team for 25, 30 carries. That makes a big difference, rather than always trying to catch them and pass for the entire time, as well."

On if defenses have played closer to the line of scrimmage

"Maybe a little bit, but like I said, I don't think it's been all what teams have done against us. It's looking back at what we've done against ourselves. We've got plenty of things to fix and we'll get back on that today."

On his response to the Pittsburgh loss

"It's been fine. I've moved on from Pittsburgh. There are a couple of throws that I would like to have back, (but) I don't think (any) reads for the most part. I thought I saw the field pretty well. That's a good thing. The couple of throws that were errant or whatever may be the case-I'm hard on myself. When the offense isn't going, I put that on me."

On playing an early game in the eastern time zone

"We'll be fine to play at whatever time it is. I'm excited for the short week, just to move on, and you're forced to move on and get on to a good football team in Washington."

On what Washington's pass defense does so well

"They get a lot of pressure with their front four. They bring five people to get one-on-one blocks, and they have good guys in the secondary as well, so we've got to get the ball out quick. (We've) got to get open quick and have got to protect up front."

S BRIAN DAWKINS

On the biggest issue defensively against Pittsburgh

"(They are) the things that we will try to fix this week. I can't tell you the things we talked about, but we saw some things that we need to concentrate on to get better at. Those are the things that we'll work hard in practice (on) as much as we can and be very, very aware of that late in games to not allow the things that have happened the last couple of weeks to become a trend."

On if fatigue has affected to the defense's performance in the second half of the past two games

"Sometimes, trying to do a little too much can always be a problem, getting out of your gap to try to do a little too much. Fatigue should never be an issue, regardless, because both teams are on the football field the same amount of time. If you are on the offensive or defensive side of the the ball, so that should never be an excuse, and we will never use that as an excuse. Our job remains the same. We have got to get off the field when those opportunities present themselves, be disciplined to do our responsibilities early in games and be more detailed late in games to make sure those things, like I said earlier, do not become a habit (by) allowing teams to do what has happened in the last couple of weeks."

On adjusting the no-huddle offense during the past two games

"That's not an adjustment. (It is) just the fact that if that is something that teams are going to do, we just have to prepare for it and stop it. It's kind of point blank, to tell you the truth. It's not anything you can adjust to. If it's going to happen, we have to be detailed in our work. We have to get the calls in, get the calls across the board and line up and play football and get off of the field. The thing that you do as a team, any time that anybody presents the same thing over and over again, is you have to stop those things. Until we do it, I'm pretty sure teams are going to do it."

On stopping the run when having a nickel package on the field defensively

"Every individual has to do their job, regardless. The personnel on the field, we still have the talent to be sound in our jobs to get off the field. We've done it before. Why, all of the sudden, is this a problem now? We're not going to make excuses. We have to make sure we detail our work, period. That will be the thing that you are going to hear echo from me the whole time we talk. We have to detail our work. Whoever is on the field, if your responsibility is to do a specific thing, do that specific thing and count on your guy inside of you to be in his position. If those things happen, then we can do what we do what we do defensively, and that's get off of the football field."

On CB Ty Law playing against Pittsburgh after signing with the team on Saturday

"Obviously, that is a tough, tough position to be in. Give him props big time for being able to come in and do what he did as many snaps as he did in that game. We tried to do our best the couple of days we were in there with him to communicate with him and to make sure in the game we were over-communicating, if you will, (and) just make sure he knows where he is, but it's a tough position to be in because even though you are being told and you kind of understand where to be because of years of playing, it is different from stepping in there and now ‘I know where I am supposed to be so I can sit on some stuff and jump some stuff and make some plays.' The reason why I say that is because that's what he does. He knows where he is supposed to be. Then, he can jump some things and pick some balls off and take some balls to the ‘house.' That's really what he brings to the table, that playmaking potential in that slot position to get the ball into his hands and take it to the ‘house.'"

On having veteran experience in the secondary

"I have said this from the jump: the communication that we have most of the time-we do make our mistakes, obviously, but for the most part, the communication and anticipation of things to come-is a huge benefit for us, and to have as many guys in the secondary that have been through the war, so to speak. I use that term very loosely, but to have been in those battles, there is no panic. There is no panic. Even though they moved the ball this past week and got in the red zone, we still had opportunities to get off the field. We just didn't do it. There is no panic when you have the guys that have been in those situations so many times."

On playing his former NFC East rival at Washington

"I just know what to expect when I play these teams I have played them so long. I know this is going to be a-every time that I have played the Redskins, it has been a physical battle (and) I come out of the game a lot sorer, if that is a word, because of those big bodies that they have. They pound (Washington RB Clinton) Portis at you, (and Washington RB Ladell) Betts at you (and) take shots up top with these quick receivers they have. This has just been something that has been bred in me to anticipate certain things when I play the Redskins."

On responding to consecutive losses

"One of the things that I kind of live by, my biggest sermon can be the way that I approach things, not so much by what I say, but what I do. If I'm walking around panicking, pouting, then that is what I'm going to preach to others. If I'm working (and) I'm diligent in my study in the classroom, if you will, and if I'm busting my hump in practice, then that is the sermon that I'm also going to preach. It's not so much what needs to be said. We've said what we needed to say. (Head Coach) Josh (McDaniels) has said what he needed to say, (Defensive Coordinator) Mike (Nolan) and down the line. We know what we need to do. It's just about doing it now."

On Washington RB Clinton Portis' influence on Washington

"He has been a huge, huge weapon, to say the least, for that team over the years. You know that you have to be prepared to stop this cat for four quarters before stepping in there and sticking your nose in and bringing something with you when you do, because he does. Even in pass protection, he's one of the, if the best chip blocker there is on the ends. He's trying to do damage. If you blitz, you know you better have your chin strap buckled up (and) your mouthpiece in because he is going to try to take your head off. That is the type of mentality he's brought to that offense."

On the toughest adjustment for young safeties

"I know for me it was the speed, the speed in which things happen. You have to be able to anticipate motions and shifts and be able to put yourself in the next position and still be able to play fast. That's a tough, tough thing to do. The length of the season, your body is going to tell you that the bowl game is over with and it's time to chill out, and we're still playing football in the pros, so your body is kind of telling you mentally to shut it down and you've got to push through that wall. Then, the expectations that are put on you, guys that are drafted high, to be able to produce right away a lot of times, especially on special teams, and then you can't let that fatigue allow you to not make the plays that you need to make for your teammates, so there's a lot of pressure in that respect. It's a lot of pressure on young guys, but when you have guys that have been through it and then are open to be able to talk to them, which we all are, to help them out as much as we can, it helps them out."

On the development of younger players in the Broncos' secondary

"They understand their roles. If anything happens, they are able to step in right away. You saw when (S Darcel) McBath stepped in right away against the (San Diego) Chargers and played some pretty good ball, I thought. I think they're doing an excellent job."

On the origin of his ‘Weapon-X' nickname

"It was just my love for the character ‘Wolverine' and what he is called. He is called ‘Weapon-X.' When that kind of came out that I liked him so much, people kind of put two and two together and that's what I became."

On the Wolverine figures in his locker

"I probably purchased maybe four and all the rest of them have been gifts from either my family or my kids, rather, or fans."

On the atmosphere playing at Washington

"You play for so long, they're all hostile environments. There are a couple of fans that I recognize from behind our bench that have been pretty fun over the years to listen to as they try to get after you. He's pretty good at it, too. I don't know his name, but he's pretty good sitting behind the bench. It can be a very intimidating place if you allow it to (be), just like every opposing team that has passionate fans. This is no different."

On S Renaldo Hill's performance

"I didn't know a lot about him, obviously, going from the NFC to AFC. The thing that has jumped off on me is he is the quarterback of this defense... If he says something, we all believe what he is saying as far as his checks are concerned. He's a very, very smart guy. Every day I'm coming in saying, ‘Hey, did you see this? Watch the film. What did you see? Let me know some secrets. Stop keeping secrets from me,' in a playing fashion. He's a very, very smart guy, so that helps us in so many ways. Then, his potential to get the ball in his hands, he's always baiting, trying to get his hands on the ball."

On Hill's influence on his play

"We communicate, don't get me wrong. If I see something, I'll let him know, but any time you have someone, your counterpart, beside you that is that smart, that intelligent to be able to say things and help in that respect, that definitely allows me to line up and just do what I do."

On his initial impression of Hill

"There is only so much you can be impressed by a guy by talking to him one day. I was just excited at the fact of us coming in together and learning the scheme together and the potential going forward because I knew that he had played some pretty good ball this past year in Miami. I was excited about that."

Primer: Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

Kirkendall — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:01:27 -0000

by Ed Reinke - AP

2 months ago: Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell (87) catches a four-yard touchdown pass against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior (51) in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won the game 23-20. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

View full size photo »

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Series Leader: Pittsburgh Steelers, 47-31
Streak: Steelers have won five of the past six and 14 of the past 19
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 4-10. Tomlin: 4-1
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. Westwood One Radio: Howard David, Dan Reeves. SIRIUS: 147 (Cin.), 123 (Pit.). XM: 105 (Pit.).
SB Nation: Behind the Steel Curtain
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a high of 62. [Weather.com]
Uniform: White
Television Coverage: All of Ohio and many surrounding states, additional Midwest and West Coast coverage. Click on the link. [506]

Cincinnati Bengals

Dating back to December 14, 2008, the Cincinnati Bengals have won nine of the past 11 games.
Bengals look to win consecutive games against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since 1998.
When a running back rushes the football 25 times or more under the Marvin Lewis era, the Bengals are 26-1.
In his past six games against Pittsburgh, Carson Palmer has completed 120 of 214 passes for 1,242 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions -- 86.2 passer rating.
Cedric Benson looks to rush for 100 yards or more in his third consecutive games. Benson is averaging 106.2 yards rushing per game when he rushes 20 times or more; his teams are 11-1-1 when rushing 20 times or more.
In his past four games, Chad Ochocinco is averaging 95.3 yards receiving per game.
Defense has recorded eight interceptions in the past four games.
Johnathan Joseph recorded a pick-six in last game against the Steelers. With four interceptions this year, Joseph needs only one more interception to surpass his career-high in 2007.
Leon Hall has four interceptions in the past four games and looks to record an interception in his third straight game. Hall needs one more interception to tie a career-high.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin is 7-0 versus the AFC North at home.
Dating back to November 16, 2008, the Steelers have won eight straight games at home.
In his past three games against Cincinnati, Ben Roethlisberger has completed 56 of 89 passes for 735 yards with four touchdowns and an interception (99.2 passer rating).
The Steelers are 33-2, including the playoffs, when Roethlisberger has a passer rating of 100 or better.
Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 150 yards or more twice this season.
Willie Parker has four 100-yard rushing games against the Bengals
In four home games this year, Hines Ward has three 100-yard receiving games this year.
In his last game against Cincinnati, Mike Wallace set a career high in receptions (7) and yards receiving (102).
Tyrone Carter tied a career high with two interceptions last week, including a 48-yard pick-six.
Troy Polamalu has three interceptions in four games this year. The Steelers are 16-3 when Polamalu has an interception.

TEAM RANKINGS

Offense	Bengals	Steelers
Total	348.8 (12th)	382.0 (5th)
Scoring	22.5 (t-16th)	24.4 (13th)
Third Downs	42% (11th)	45% (5th)
Passing	218.8 (18th)	266.8 (5th)
Passing TDs	14 (t-10th)	15 (9th)
Rushing	130.0 (9th)	115.2 (15th)
Rushing TDs	7 (t-13th)	6 (t-18th)
Sacks Allowed	12 (t-4th)	23 (24th)
20-yard Passes	22 (16th)	31 (t-5th)

Defense	Bengals	Steelers
Total	325.5 (14th)	284.9 (5th)
Scoring	16.9 (5th)	17.4 (6th)
3rd Downs Allowed	37% (14th)	42% (26th)
Passing	241.6 (25th)	214.5 (14th)
Passing TDs	10 (t-11th)	9 (t-8th)
Rushing	83.9 (2nd)	70.4 (1st)
Rushing TDs	4 (t-7th)	2 (t-1st)
Sacks	10 (t-11th)	9 (t-8th)
QB Rating	81.6 (11th)	77.2 (8th)
20-Yard Passes Allowed	27 (25th)	18 (t-9th)
Interceptions	10 (6th)	8 (t-10th)

Special Teams	Bengals	Steelers
Kickoff Return	19.2 (31st)	25.0 (6th)
Punt Return	12.4 (5th)	6.8 (23rd)
Punting (Net)	37.6 (19th)	40.1 (t-7th)
Punts Inside the 20	13 (t-14th)	13 (t-14th)

2009 STATISTICAL INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Carson Palmer	Stat	Ranking
Quarterback Rating	89.5	t-12th
Yards Passing	1,832	16th
Touchdowns	14	t-9th
First Downs	93	t-13th
Average Yards/Att	7.0	t-15th
Completions	160	15th
Interceptions	7	t-17th
Times Sacked	12	t-9th

Cedric Benson	Stat	Ranking
Yards Rushing	837	2nd
Attempts / Game	24.8	1st
Touchdowns	6	t-7th
First Downs	35	t-4th

Chad Ochocinco	Stat	Ranking
Receptions	44	t-11th
Yards Receiving	639	8th
Touchdowns	5	t-10th
20-yard receptions	10	t-4th
First Downs	33	t-8th

CAREER AGAINST THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Carson Palmer

Date	Result	Comp	Att	Yards	TDs	INTs
9.27.09	W, 23-20	20	37	183	1	0
12.02.07	L, 10-24	17	44	183	0	0
10.28.07	L, 13-24	23	31	205	1	0
12.31.06	L, 17-23	20	38	251	2	0
9.24.06	W, 28-20	18	26	193	4	2
12.4.05	W, 38-31	22	38	227	3	0
10.23.05	L, 13-27	21	36	227	0	2
11.21.04	L, 14-19	13	25	165	2	1
10.3.04	L, 17-28	20	37	164	1	2

Chad Johnson

Date	Rec	Yards	TDs
9.27.09	5	54	0
10.19.08	8	52	1
12.02.07	6	86	0
10.28.07	5	51	0
12.31.06	4	53	0
9.24.06	1	11	0
12.4.05	5	54	0
10.23.05	4	94	0
11.21.04	5	80	1
10.3.04	4	54	0
11.30.03	6	117	1
9.21.03	4	77	0
11.24.02	7	152	0
10.13.02	7	71	0
12.30.01	2	25	0
10.07.01	5	52	0

* Chad didn't play in the second game against the Steelers after he was declared inactive because of insubordination.

Laveranues Coles

Date	Rec	Yards	TDs
9.27.09	5	34	0
11.18.07	1	56	0
11.28.04	6	55	0
12.9.01	3	20	0
10.8.2000	1	18	0

Chris Henry

Date	Rec.	Yards	TDs
9.27.09	1	19	0
11.20.08	2	25	0
10.19.08	3	44	0
12.2.07	2	31	0
12.31.06	4	124	1
9.24.06	5	69	2
12.4.05	5	52	0
10.23.05	0	0	0

Cedric Benson

Date	Rush	Yards	TDs
9.27.09	16	76	1
11.20.08	16	35	0
10.19.08	14	52	0

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Denver Broncos (6-1) - Week 9 Open Thread (2nd Half)

Blitzburgh — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:59:10 -0000

Well, it wasn't pretty but through one half, the Steelers are right where they need to be, ahead 7-3. They'll get the ball first to start the second half. The stories through one half was the lack of offensive plays for Pittsburgh, thanks in part to a defense that has given up a decent amount of yardage without breaking; the crucial mistake by Kyle Orton that led to a pick six by Tyrone Carter; and the advantage the Steelers have had in the punting game.

Let's Go Steelers!

Final Practice/Injury Report: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

Kirkendall — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:35:26 -0000

Cincinnati Bengals

OUT	Questionable	PROBABLE
CB David Jones (foot)	DT Jonathan Fanene (illness)	RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
T Andre Smith (foot)	DE Michael Johnson (illness)	WR Chris Henry (quadricep)
	G Nate Livings (knee)	CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle)
		DE Antwan Odom (not injury related)

Pittsburgh Steelers

OUT	PROBABLE
S Troy Polamalu (knee)	S Tyrone Carter (thigh)
	LB James Harrison (illness)
	WR Limas Sweed (foot)
	LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
T Andre Smith (foot)	OUT	OUT	OUT
CB David Jones (foot)	DNP	LP	LP
RB Cedric Benson (ankle)	DNP	LP	FP
WR Chris Henry (quadricep)	DNP	LP	FP
CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle)	LP	LP	FP
G Nate Livings (knee)	LP	LP	LP
DT Jonathan Fanene (illness)	--	DNP	DNP
DE Michael Johnson (illness)	--	--	DNP
DE Antwan Odom (not injury related)	--	--	DNP

STEELERS	WED	THUR	FRI
S Tyrone Carter (thigh)	DNP	LP	FP
S Troy Polamalu (knee)	DNP	DNP	DNP
DE Aaron Smith (not injury related)	DNP	--	--
WR Hines Ward (scared of Keith Rivers)	DNP	--	--
WR Limas Sweed (foot)	FP	FP	FP
LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)	FP	FP	FP
LB James Harrison (illness)	--	--	DNP

DNP - Did Not Practice
LP - Limited Participation in Practice
FP - Full Participation in Practice

Pregame Zone Blitz: Steelers at Bengals

ncoolong — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:27:08 -0000

More photos » by Mike Roemer - AP

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Still smarting from a tough road loss, the Steelers regroup, but find themselves in a strange situation. Yes, the Bengals are a viable team, with a viable defense. I watched their first two games, and they actually don't look like the old Bengals; ya know, the ones where we gave them credit, because at least they didn't spike themselves?

That's not the last "Major League" reference in this week's PZB, and we've also got face-plants, stories of resurgence and a whole lot of "Swaggin'."

Here's what our opponents are saying.

Opponent Web Sites/Forums

This week's plea from home fans not to sell tickets to Steelers fans.

Fans on Bengals Zone Message Board are feeling some confidence from Joe Theismann's prediction of a Cincinnati win.

Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Daugherty says the Bengals need to bully the Steelers.

Steelers WR Hines Ward would do it again, says the Associated Press via the Dayton News.

It's funny how a 1-1 start makes Ohio-based media proclaim bold statements - a Bengals win, a 10-6 season and a playoff berth.

Last Game

The thin margin between success and failure in the NFL is a pain. Pittsburgh, with a 17-14 loss at Chicago, has gone from Super Bowl champions and odds-on favorites to repeat, to a game behind rival Baltimore facing a must-win game at upstart Cincinnati in just two weeks.

In this case, that margin is defined by a few feet to the left of the left upright at Soldier Field.

Damn, Skippy.

K Jeff "Skippy" Reed hasn't earned exile treatment; he's been steady and reliable his whole career. But he really isn't helping things, either. If the Steelers go up by two-possessions of points, the Bears would have had a real difficult time climbing back into that game. Give them credit, they wagered all their chips on the idea of controlling the ball with a short, rhythm passing game, not allowing Pittsburgh's monster pass rushers to get a hold of QB Jay Cutler (note to fans: get ready for a lot more of that strategy). Chicago figured they could get enough out of their defense to keep it close, then, with precision and a little luck, they could pull it out at the end.

It worked, and Pittsburgh is forced to continue an 8-game winning streak at Paul Brown Stadium to keep pace with the charging Ravens (and Bengals) in the AFC North.

Opponent Spotlight: DE Antwan Odom

What? Cincinnati has a pass rusher?

Seriously, Odom, likely September's Defensive Player of the Month, has racked up seven sacks in the team's first two games, a last-second loss to Denver and a big road win over Green Bay.

Five of those seven sacks came at the hands of Green Bay last week, but despite his performance, the Bengals needed every last defensive play to get past a streaky Packers team. For Cincinnati, heading into Week 3, Odom represents something the franchise hasn't had in God-only-knows-when; hope on defense.

The question then becomes (well, the question after "the NFL has a drug-testing policy, right?") how much of an impact can Odom have, now that he'll be a focus of the protection scheme? With all due respect to him, the Packers have struggled mightily in pass protection through two games. It's tough to sweep aside a stat like five sacks in one game, but unless the player's name is Harrison, or Allen or Umeniyora, it's tough to take an eye off that player's opponent.

The more revealing picture I gleaned from watching the Bengals' gutty win over the Packers was how many of those sacks should be at least half-attributed to a much-improved secondary. It's always seemed former first-round picks Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall played well - against everyone but Pittsburgh. The addition of the leaner, sleeker Roy Williams at safety has given Cincinnati a well-balanced coverage defensive backfield, and one that makes it a bit easier on the front seven to get to the passer.

With that being said, Odom did wreak enough havoc against Denver suggesting this really is a combination of outstanding efforts from all three positional units on Cincinnati's defense.

I know, weird to hear, right?

Steelers Spotlight: CB Ike Taylor

Just a random guess...the coaching staff of the Bengals peeked at the film from the Bears victory over the Steelers last week. In that, they're going to see a few mismatch opportunities if they are able to spread Pittsburgh's secondary out. With a group of talented receivers, lead by the moronic Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati is going to try to employ as much 4-WR sets as possible, in the hopes of isolating either Ochocinco or WR Chris Henry on one of Pittsburgh's smaller safeties.

The spotlight falls on the veteran Taylor (Swaggin') for the sake of his ability to lock down Ochocinco over the years (and mix it up with Henry). The Steelers can't hide a weakness in 1-on-1 coverage because they have to play both of their back-up safeties in some specialty packages. But Taylor can be counted on to take out the opponent's most athletic receiver (Ochocinco), and perhaps be able to use more of what Tyrone Carter and Ryan Clark excel in - a Cover 2 look.

Ochocinco's frustrations are usually pretty obvious by the second half, if the ball isn't going in his direction. Using his own fatal flaw against him is something Taylor's been doing for several years now. The Chad Johnson version of Ochocinco has scored once against the Steelers in their previous six meetings, dating back to 2006. He was also at the mercy of a few beatings by Pittsburgh's secondary over the years. Or, maybe he just bounces his face off the turf.

He's carrying something of a hot hand going into Week 3, having snared nine catches for 180 yards and a touchdown in Cincinnati's first two games this year. Look for the Bengals to pass and run out of 3 and 4 WR sets. Taylor will have to do what he can to make up for a team disadvantage in those situations.

I See You

I see you, Chris Kemoeatu. The Bears saw you, too, usually in a "there's a freight truck bearing down on me, and there's nothing I can do" kind of way. Your crushing hits on the unfortunate defender in the hole during the second half last week sparked hope in a dimming light of a run game, and you did it so consistently well, it inspired the offense. It inspired your offensive coordinator to continue to call 22-Blast over and over. Pulling from your left guard position, your assignment is simple; destroy the linebacker or safety, and knock him out of the play. Effort, technique and confidence fixes more problems than anything, and because of your ability to show those characteristics, the Steelers can say, again, they have a bread-and-butter running play.

Key Stats

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 11-1 against the AFC North since 2007 - the only loss being a Week 17 throwaway against Baltimore in 2007.
Since 2007, the Steelers are 7-2 in games following a loss
Since 2005, the Steelers are 7-3 in games without SS Troy Polamalu
Cincinnati has not recorded a sack against Pittsburgh in three straight meetings

Quick Hitters

"Shut up, Dorn. Save all that energy for the field" If this story doesn't show the complete level of dysfunction currently engulfing the Cleveland Browns, nothing will. It seems more fit for another show of Cleveland's joke status, the movie "Major League," when third-baseman Roger Dorn taped a red tag on rookie Ricky Vaughn's locker, indicating Vaughn had been cut. Vaughn tackled Dorn, and engaged in a yelling match highlighted by the most F-bombs dropped since "Scarface." In the Browns' case, perhaps the most telling sign was WR Braylon Edwards yelling "Welcome to the Browns locker room!" with the media present. That's a shocking sign of intentional disrespect, and one guaranteed to get Edwards jettisoned out of town next season, if not earlier.

In the end, though, doesn't the mug shot of Francies look like a character drawing from "The Simpsons?" Sort of like Apu Meets Tyra Banks?

Credit Where Credit's Due: Ron Turner

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:22 -0000

More photos » by Nam Y Huh - AP

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After the week 1 loss to Green Bay I was very adamant about my displeasure with the game plan. Whether it falls on offensive coordinator Ron Turner or the many audibles from Jay Cutler, I didn't like the way they attacked the Packer defense. But, I have to give credit where it's due on the home opener vs. Pittsburgh.

Turner called a good game.

Turner only called 16 runs, a far cry from the "get off the bus running mentality", but his runs were sprinkled throughout the day, and gave the Steelers enough of a look to keep Matt Forte on their minds. Even though Forte hasn't looked like the premier back many expected, he's still has respect league wide, and teams still game plan for the Bears running game. However, a few more sub par games and thoughts of the sophomore slump will start to creep in. Personally I just feel the Bears faced two very good run defenses, so I'm not concerned with Forte (or the run blocking of the O-Line)... his breakout is coming.

Facing the 3-4 defense poses problems, the many blitzes and various angles they blitz from are the biggest. Identifying where the blitzers are coming from is crucial to beating them with the quick 1 to 3 step drops. Jay Cutler did plenty of the quick step and throws to the receivers, and more often than not they were called to the perfect side to beat the blitz. Defenses hate those quick hitters, it negates their pass rush, and can wear down a defense by forcing them to pursue. It's basically an extension of the run game. As fans we're accustomed to pass plays going for big gains, but with those bubble screens a 3 or 4 yard pick up is acceptable. With the speed the Bears have at wide out in Devin Hester and Johnny Knox getting the ball in their hands could lead to some big yards after catch opportunities.

Screens in general are a great way to take advantage of aggressive defenses. Catching a defense rushing up field then dumping it off to a back is almost too easy if run properly. I'd love to see the Bears become better at the traditional screens to the running backs, just like the one they ran to Forte in the fourth quarter (where Olsen saved the day with the fumble recovery). Cutler is such a vertical threat, screens should be a big part of the game plan every week.

Getting back to beating the blitz, if you can guess which side the blitz is coming from you can exploit either a one on one match-up or a hole in the zone. In my opinion the Steelers sold out where they were coming from when they blitzed. When their players showed blitz, more often than not they came. The Zone Blitz is at it's best when they show blitz on one side, then blitz from the other, and the Steelers didn't do that often enough to keep the Bears honest.

On the Knox TD the Steelers blitzed from the right side and Cutler hit Knox coming from the right. He was one on one against an already hobbling Tyrone Carter. Recognizing where that blitz was coming from was key for that play.

Find the blitz, short drop, and throw. I read a few Steelers blogs leading up to the game, and almost to a man, their worry was the short passing game. Good to see them disappointed this week.

Practice Report (Thursday): Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

Kirkendall — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:24:16 -0000

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, we'll update the practice/injury chart leading up to Sunday's game. The chart is pretty self-explanatory. If the player is listed as out, they're out for the game. If they did not participate, they didn't practice. If they were limited, then they only participated during a portion of practice (typically means missing 11-on-11 drills). If the player is listed as full participation, it simply means that they practiced fully and that the only reason they're listed is because injury was an issue the week before.

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
T Andre Smith (foot)	OUT	OUT
CB David Jones (foot)	DNP	LP
RB Cedric Benson (ankle)	DNP	LP
WR Chris Henry (quadricep)	DNP	LP
CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle)	LP	LP
G Nate Livings (knee)	LP	LP
DT Jonathan Fanene (illness)	--	DNP

STEELERS	WED	THUR	FRI
S Tyrone Carter (thigh)	DNP	LP
S Troy Polamalu (knee)	DNP	DNP
DE Aaron Smith (not injury related)	DNP	--
WR Hines Ward (scared of Keith Rivers)	DNP	--
WR Limas Sweed (foot)	FP	FP
LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)	FP	FP

DNP - Did Not Practice
LP - Limited Participation in Practice
FP - Full Participation in Practice