I was pretty surprised when Tebow went 25 for Denver although I did enjoy the special ESPN has been airing with Gruden and the QBs and Tebow def. showed he is willing to be coached.  Don't you wish there were more players like that?

I think it was a great season, a great last game, think of all our injuries and inconsistent play on the line, and we still made the best comeback in NFL History in a playoff game.  Great year for a first year coach, but here's my beef.

Did anyone else things that the Jacksonville Jaguars are a dirty team?  How about why Hines Ward was so pissed, anyone catch that #25 trying to twist his knee after the tackle, or that guy that kicked big ben in the helmet at the bottom of the pile.  IT was ugly and the refs did nothing.  look for the Silverback to unleash the beast on them next season.  BIGTIME!

Rest in Peace man, my prayers are with him and his family.

Ok so we were 5 rows from the field at about the 20 yard line for this game.  Here are some of the pics:

Pre-game burning of Shaun Alexander figurine, only at a tailgate.
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563676&id=728686202&l=d381d

Warmups
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563669&id=728686202&l=d381d

Early Arrival:
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563670&id=728686202&l=d381d

How close we were:
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563671&id=728686202&l=d381d

Run Stuffers:
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563672&id=728686202&l=d381d

Take a look at the joker standing, i wanted to beat on this kid.
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563673&id=728686202&l=d381d

Ok really, does this kid have eye makeup on?
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563676&id=728686202&l=d381d

First team offense:
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563681&id=728686202&l=d381d

This was the huddle shortly before Davenport's romp, do you think they know what they were about to see?
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563682&id=728686202&l=d381d

Once again, Alexander goes nowhere.
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563683&id=728686202&l=d381d

Timmons and Co. didn't get to see too much of him from this angle, I dunno if he played much at all.
http://duq.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=563685&id=728686202&l=d381d

Thats it for now, hopefully i'll have more as the season progresses.  GO STEELERS!

Hey guys, nice job on all the posting and discussion!  I've been sad that I haven't been able to keep up on the site as of late, been so busy being newly married and working alot of OT.  It's crazy in my neck of the woods, but I just wanted to say hats off to those of you who've been contributing some good stuff!

I just wanted to share my thoughts out here:

Man is it great to see Willie springing the "tough" yards.  Did anyone else notice the spin move he used to ELUDE a tackle and then bust one for about 20 yards.  It's those little things that will pay dividends this year, not only in his yardage, but his wear and tear.  Gotta love FastWillie.

James "Silverback" Harrison was all over the freaking place.  I know we hear about Troy alot, but I swear I saw him around every pile or spitting snot all over someone near the pile.  He's a terror on the field and has a great gas tank it seems.  He makes plays on defense, then runs his butt off on Special Teams, I love that kind of player!

Hats off to Tomlin on picking up Rossum.  He's not old and washed up as some people thought!  Not only is he good for the added spark, he's, Dare I say, SECURE with the ball on punt and kickoff returns.  It's so nice to know that someone will catch the ball back there!

Najeh Davenport is 1+ years recovered from a decent injury.  I've heard it can take over a good year to come back from an injury that he had, and I think his feet have shown some added quickness.  He appeared to have some more punch on his hits delivered to the niners defense, as a result he busted his own nice little run!

I love the Red Zone playcalling we've seen this year.  I'll admit, I want Willie to get his opportunities for TDs.  I hate to see a Tiki Barber situation where a back gets a million yards and one touchdown a year.  Although, I totally agree with the effective Red Zone offense we've shown with throwing to the TEs.  According to my research, using NFL www.profootballweekly.com the Steelers have been 100% in the redzone for scoring  %.  Which means every trip to the redzone has resulted in a TD or a FG 5TDs and 8FGs according to my numbers.  Granted, there are other teams that have this as well, this bodes well considering I can remember at least 4 red zone trips last year that ended in fumbles.  OUCH.
Either way its something to think about.

Lastly, sorry for the length here fellas, leading tacklers are the two James'  Farrior and Harrison respectively, followed by Ike Taylor.  Nice to see the sacks well spread out!  2nd in the NFL in team sacks.  Team leaders are Farrior and Woodley with 2 apiece.  I can't wait till Woodley is the main man.  Keep it up fellas!  I've got tickets to the Seahawks game in two weeks!  See you there!

So the 0-line is obviously a worry with their inconsistent play against the who?  The SKINS?  I guess their defense could be improving, and I didn't catch the whole game, but it appeared Ben was back to scrambling for his life and stuff.  I dunno, not good.  I think we're in for another long year in that department.

Also, call this whatever you want, but when our most exciting comment out of training camp is our "beastly punter"  I'm scared.  Here's to the boys, and hoping they learn to pass block!

So I stumbled across this yesterday, its a document posted at
www.thesmokinggun.com
 its a document that the Steelers require all hotels to follow so the Steelers will stay there during their road trips.  I enjoyed the stipulations about how many and what kind of hot wings they are to have.  Makes ya wish your job could make these demands huh?

So Willie Parker will probably not play in this Sunday's Hall of Fame game against the New Orleans Saints due to swelling in his left knee.  The team has taken the stance that this is a precaution, but swelling on the knee in training camp scares me man.  I don't like this.  They call it "training camp knee"  it's news to me, call it what you will.

Timmons is also still fighting his ailment.  Call me a pessimist today, but I don't think it looks like it could be a great year for Timmons at this stage in the game.  Groin injuries can be nagging and can plague you all year long.

http://news.steelers.com/article/79283/

On the good news: James Harrison is getting better

So a random question:  Every year for the past three seasons I have made it a habit of buying one jersey at the beginning of the year.  So far, all my buys have been good ones as the players are still playing.  Year 1: was Ben Roethlisberger, Year 2: was Troy Polamalu, and my most recent purchase (which was a very tough decision) was Willie Parker.  I really want to get a Lamarr Woodley jersey, but I think I need him to start first.  My question for all of you is this:  Who is your next jersey purchase and why?  Some people may go with the Porter jersey, since you can get one CHEAP, lol.  And who knows, it might be a collector's item I guess.  Offense or Defense?  ST?  

Has anyone else seen this?
http://news.steelers.com/article/77084/
My instant thoughts  are: man I want to go there and tear it up!  Till I see some of the dudes in the pictures.  But how cool is it that our team has something like this?  I'm sure alot of NFL teams do, but it's just a nice gesture to see happen and its something that I would one day, LOVE to do.

There's nothing new or huge to report, but as of today, the Steelers resigned RB Verron Haynes to a one-year contract.  Note he has a 4.2 ypc average but we all know he hardly sees time.  I like the depth he adds and his familiarity with the team and the players obviously pays off.  Given more opportunities he might improve but we all known he's best used sparingly.  Nice to have him back though, i've always liked him.  Link here:
http://news.steelers.com/article/76967/

Since there isn't a whole lot of Steeler information availible at this point in time in the year, let's take a look around the NFL.  Based on NFL.com there's a poll there to vote on third year players for this year's "break-out" player.  They Include:

Alex Smith
Matt Jones
Mark Clayton
Ronnie Brown
Cedric Benson
Jason Campbell
Troy Williamson
and I will add
Bryant McFadden or Nate Washington

As I look at this list its apparent that the Steelers are not looking for a third year player to step up huge for them this year, as it may be true that they are looking for more of their second year players (and younger) to make large impacts early on.  But I forsee Alex Smith breaking out big this year, don't ask me why, more of a hunch and a healthy Forest.  Any opinions out there?

Hey everyone, I too will be posting things occassionally. The only thing I  have to add today is the Lamar Woodley returned to the practice field today.. via steelers.com Woodley returns to the practice field

The article says most of it but I must say that I'm encouraged to see him back on the field.  I also have read rumors on ESPN that state that Woodley might see some reps at the ILB spot as well.  Either way, we'll get to see how versatile this man will be on our team.

Amidst all the recent hub-bub of negative publicity coming out of the Steelers organization (porn on computers, faneca etc.) I came across this feel-good story of a Pittsburgh Native particiating in OTA -Organized Team Activity.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_508807.html
If you all remember Rasheed Marshall from his WVU playing days you will recognize him.

What does everyone think about Larry Johnson being made availible or possible trade bait out of Kansas City?  It's pretty shocking that they may consider it but what are everyones' thoughts?  I don't necessarily think we should take him, but he's an awesome back, thats for sure.  I'd hate to see two #1 backs in rotation in Willie and Larry so I don't really see us as a suitor, but I like the thought of seeing Johnson on the back of a Steeler jersey.  There are alot of teams looking for a good back so he could fit in nicely somewhere else.  i'm guessing the Chiefs are shopping for a QB but I don't really know.  THoughts?

Anyone been watching the Pens?  That goal crosby made in the first was just sickening!  Sickening!  Here's a link for those of you who missed it.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Video
go there and pick the hilights for March 16's game Pens Vs. Montreal.  It's unreal man.

Their offense is just sick.

On the other hand, anyone hear the Big Ben is doing a mini football camp for the kids today.  This is good to hear.  I've never really seen him reach out to the kids before, I think its not only a good PR move, but maybe it'll sink into his head a bit.  

Oh and P.s.-How about Rhodes going to the Raiders, wow. Why aren't the Steelers getting in on this action!

Does anyone else here enjoy cheering for Pitt bball?  Although, they had a nasty one last night, I love this team.  They've got some relatively young talent and some older guys who've been around awhile.  I've gone to many games at the "Pete" and have loved every minute of them.  To see a Big East showdown is just a ton of fun.

Also, how about those Penguins?   I know this isn't a Pittsburgh sports blog, but I like to hear peoples' takes here.  Let's go PITTSBURGH!

For by your infinite wisdom and desire for more revenue, you let me singlehandedly miss out on one of the most satisfying games of the year because I was away from the NFL Network.  It's quite obvious that your satisfaction for pleasing your fans has gotten to the point of paying yearly subscriptions to watch the games.  It's not enough that we spend man hours talking about the NFL at work, on the internet, spending a minimum of 75-100 per game we go to, buying jerseys at 65 bucks a clip, and spending countless other hard earned dollars to buy merchandise.  Now we must sell out to your network to watch a local televised home rivalry game.  Thanks NFL!

p.s.-GO STEELERS!

Seeing as this this season is going nuts and surprising us all.  I pose this question:  Who is your Steeler pleasant surprise this year?  

I would have to say, there are several I could point out here just because several guys have been surprising in one game and attrocious in the next.  But I like the play of nate washington.  Sure he's dropped a couple of TD passes this year, but to his defense, most of his drops happen when he is twisted, or fully extended  (at least his drop against New Orleans this weekend was) and I like his routes and his ability to get open.  I also like Najeh on returns, ALOT!  Any suggestions?

So what does everyone think about this?  Honestly, I see where Ben wants to play, he wants to be the go-to guy so he probably feels its "his" responsibility to get in there and make plays.  But I can't help but thinking, if he gets hit again, its Troy Aikman-Steve Youtn-all over again.  Plus, I'm totally confident in Charlie's matchups against the Raiders, although did I read somewhere they have the first ranked Passing Defense?  IS that true?  Or is that just because their run "D" is so suspect?  I see Willie jaunting it all over the place, as long as the O-Line shows its true colors.

Anyone hear anything else on Casey Hampton's injury?  Is it just me or are we getting killed with the injury bug this year?  We lucked out pretty well last year, I guess you are right Blitz, its catching up to us.

So I had some ramblings on Tuesday morning as I procrastinate getting back to my work....
1)Shawne Merriman - I have two thoughts about this, one being this kid is absolutely sick at LB, however how much of that was steroid induced play?  Granted its a big point, but he's still got some awesome natural ability right?  But here's the thing, if that kid is juicing, who else is?  He seemed like a pretty "good" guy in the league, it scares me to actually think about it.  

2.  Man, God Bless Charlie Batch.  A guy that has really withstood a test of time, so to speak in waiting for his opportunities and totally cashing in on them when he gets a chance.  Love that guy, wouldn't want anyone else back there.
3. We miss Joey Porter more than we think.
4. We miss James Harrison more than we know--kick return team, backup LB, although Arnold is doing a darn fine job!
5. Troy is sick and I proudly wear his jersey.
6. Pass protection could still be improved, many plays broke down too early and we still got stuff off of it thanks to ingenuity at QB.  That being said, the O still played a heckuva game.  Love those Steelers!

Wow, needless to say this game made me sick.  I can't believe Arizona got away from the offensive gameplan.  Edgerrin James coulnd't get anything going all night.  Why do you abandon the short pass when its so effective for you?  I don't get it.  You can't run on CHicago with a weak offensive line!  4 interceptions from Grossman!  How gross is it, 2 defensive TDs and one punt return for a TD.  Wow, all i can muster is poor arizona.  There is Leinart, even comes back on the last drive and rackers hooks one man.  HOrrible.

Just got word from my inside source for the New Steelers Linebacker:

Chad Brown!
Which is kind of a shock but I'm not sure what to think about this signing.  Obviously we need a little more depth at the position with Porter being out and now Harrison going down.  Andre Frazier sighting anyone?  Any thoughts on this?