I was happily thrown into the past on Sunday afternoon.  That’s right, the past; The only place I can escape to without hearing the continuous blowing of a whistle, without seeing referees slash their hands on their knees over and over, and if only to avoid James Harrison’s look in disbelief at another yellow flag falling to the grass.  

Let’s add some background to this time-travel.   It’s 3rd down and 17 for the Steelers at the Pittsburgh 29.  Four flags and seven runs ago, Rashard Mendenhall kicked off the drive with a 42 yard run, turning around only to see the team marching back the other way.  Holding.  It’s always something.  Back to third down: As soon as Ben snaps the ball he’s hit with pressure.  Announcer  Solomon Wilcots thinks he’s already sacked.  Steeler Nation knows better.  #7 doesn’t go down in 3 seconds.  He escapes to the outside, and he’s still looking for options.   Getting chased by a bills defender, Ben darts for the first down.  No one in front of him, one big Buffalo behind him, he makes 18 yards look like a mile.  Instead of sliding at 17, he goes all out and smashes his way past the marker.  That’s when I went back and simply forgot.

I forgot about the 163 yards in penalties that were called against the Steelers the week prior.   I forgot about the unfair target the league has placed on James Harrison.  I forgot all about Roger Goodell, and Mike Florio and Richard Seymour.  I forgot about the “If Tom Brady we’re this” and “If Peyton Manning were that” phrases.  All I could think about was Steve McNair on the Titans. 

You see, back in Steve McNair’s glory days, no one could tackle that man.  He’d play with a broken thumb, and bruised thigh and a black eye and you still couldn’t bring him anywhere close to the ground.  Then he’d throw a block or scramble to a first down just to remind you that he wasn’t just a quarterback.  He was the toughest quarterback in the league, and if you wanted to bring his team down, you had to bring him down first.

I can’t think of anyone that comes close to McNair’s playing style besides Ben Roethlisberger.  His fairly consistent passing, his clutch style, his ability to avoid the sack unless you’ve got 3 linebackers hanging on him.  I mean, you’ve got to surround this guy to bring him down, or he’ll make a play.   

You had to do the same with McNair, or soon you’d be seeing those turned out hands on the side of his helmet, and you’d be 7 points down.  I mean really, if McNair was still living, what would he have to say about all this?  This guy would’ve shredded the injury report weekly if he had the chance.  He was in the huddle and un-sackable no matter what.  That’s football.

 That 18 yard scrambled showed me how much of a football player Ben Roethlisberger continuously proves himself to be.  It was such a fierce football play, that I couldn’t help but forget all the nonsense that’s been going on in this league of “transitions” and “safety concerns.”  I just felt that Steve McNair would rather I didn’t ponder all that. 

Marc Savard couldn’t even think after he was blindsided by Penguin forward Matt Cooke early last week. The hit was dirty- Cooke left Savard motionless with a hot head on cold ice while teammates, opponents and fans held their breath with worry. But as silent as Savard has been after the incident, his teammates have been just as uninspired to respond to bring their star center and point leader any justice. The Bruins should be ashamed to call themselves Savard’s teammate.

No one really knew how the team would respond to the brutal attack on their star player when the teams met again on March 18th, as pressure from the league, the media and the fans was pushing them to react in opposite ways. The fans and Boston media publicly called for an attack on Crosby. “The Penguins took our star player out for the season so theirs’ should be next, right?" Well, not exactly. 

The league was pushing them to do nothing. Surrounding the game from all angles, the NHL had their VP in attendance along with assigning their top referee team to the ice. But everyone expected something to go down.
Boston Globe Columnist Ron Borges called for an all-out attack on the Penguins, writing in his article “What the Bruins should do instead is play their most physical game of the year. Contest every loose puck. Take Sidney Crosby down every chance they get. He, not Cooke, is the Penguins’ heart and soul. Make him bleed for the sins of his teammate.”

Borges continued ranting, “Take him into the boards. Knock him down every chance you get. Bounce a puck off his nose if you can. If you get a blind side shot at him, put your body through his chest.”
Although all of this attack is vicious, I understand the hate and I respect the passion of the Boston fans. If Crosby had been taken out for the season-or heck, just a week-I’d be calling for heads from the team that crossed the line. I’m all for passion and revenge, I’m just at a loss for words as to why that passion wasn’t matched by the Bruin players themselves.

Alas, all the Bruins mustered up was a sloppy fight with Matt Cooke to get even in the rematch. But the fight didn’t bring Savard justice in the least. Cooke “lost” the fight, but his grit seemed to give the Penguins more inspiration than the Bruins mustered up in the game. Penguins stood up on the bench and banged their sticks against the boards to commend Cooke for putting himself out there and taking the fall for his dirty deeds. As for the Bruins, after your star player was knocked out for the season on a dirty hit, the only thing you answer with is a little fight? Don’t those scruffs happen almost every game?

Look, its fine if you don’t want to get vengeance with dirty hits or big fights. If the Bruins had taken out Crosby or Malkin, who knows what the game would’ve escalated to, or how far this revenge would go on either side of the puck. It’s probably for the best that the Bruins didn’t go for that type of revenge. But they didn’t even play inspired, or even that vengeful intensity in game play. The Bruins went on to lose the game 3-0 with completely no offense, and a lackluster performance on defense. Is this the only effort this Boston squad can manage, when these guys are supposed to be playing for their leader, their teammate, their captain?

It’s not like the Bruins even needed further reason to win the game. They’re on the brink of missing the playoffs, and need to win every game they can get to earn the eighth spot in the conference. If this team can’t play inspired when they’re supposed to be getting revenge, is there really any hope for them? As a Penguins fan, all I can do is chuckle and shake my head, but all you Bruins fans out there must be reeling in frustration. At this point, the fans are the people taking shots to the head.

Read More at Nail Biters

Every year as the free agency period begins to approach in the NFL, fans gear themselves up to see what exciting changes their respective teams might undergo.  Whether it’s the addition of a flashy starter, the last-minute resigning of a loveable player, or the depth-solidifying addition of a couple dependable backups, football free agency gives that final adjustment that teams make to compete in the upcoming season.

Of course, the period could also be hell for a team, if they’re unable to hold on to any of their players, don’t have the money to bring in the big names, or miss out on those much needed yet overlooked dependable bench players.   This begs the question: why do teams rely on free agency so much?

Continue reading this post »

Here's an article I wrote BEFORE the Steelers 2010 Season....

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The decade of the New Milennium has been a momentous one for the Steelers Organization. There have been many highs, lows, changes, and of course, championships. The Steelers Management has a reputation of not overpaying players, and letting guys go when they become free agents. In this decade, it has proven a successful strategy for the team. Relying on the draft has created competition, youth, development, and depth within the organization, but it makes it hard for a player to last. Well, except for the great ones.

These are the players with that Steeler Mentality. The true essence of Black and Gold. The quintessential hypocycloids, if you will. The guys that don't get overpaid, but overperform, so that their contributions lead the team to success year, after year. Based on their attitudes on and off the field, statistic contribution, consistency, and team success while playing, these players have stood out as the best of the BG. Some are gone, some are retired, and some are suiting up as we speak. Given that there are 11 guys on the field for a team at any time, doing 11 guys only makes sense. These guys are the top 11 steelers of this decade.

11. Deshea Townsend-CB
Although not the most talented, nor flashy player on the team at any point in the decade, he made the list because of his hustle, leadership, and most of all consistency. All of these contributions can't be shown through statistics, but he is such a great component to the team because he can be so under-the-radar, yet make big plays at crucial times. Also, his coverage has never been doubted, and the skills he's learned in his 11 years as a Steeler have enabled him to keep up with today's passing game. The skill and leadership that he passes down to younger cornerbacks is unmeasurable.

10. Dan Kreider-FB
Krieder was the player most missed by Steeler Nation, following his release in 2008. The fullback position played a crucial role in the running game from 2000, his rookie year, to 2005. However, Bruce Arians has since devalued the position's contribution. Kreider was a force in front of Jerome Bettis, and his loss hurt the Steelers in the 2008-2009 season, when they suffered the worst running attack since entering the AFC in 1975. Willie Parker was continuously caught in the backfield, and Kreider's blocking skill was hurtfully longed for. Kreider was a tough competitor, who played without recognition. He triumphed when his running attack triumphed-and playing Steeler Football, he got his share.

9.Joey Porter-LB

Porter only played in 7 years of the decade, but in those 7 years he defined himself as a player with significant passion, work ethic, and performance. Talking trash was a large part of his game, but backing the trash up was just as important to Porter. He got into people's heads, then he destroyed them on the field. Porter played a signficant role in the playoff runs of 2001, 2004, and the road to the super bowl in 2005. "Peezy," was the team leader in speeches and motivation of all kinds. Possibly his most influential contributions came when he sacked Peyton Manning twice in a row to smother their comeback attempt, leading the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. Porter also led the Steelers in sacks in 2002, 2005, and 2006. Although he left the team in 2006 to play for the Dolphins, he will always be remembered as a Steeler.

8. Alan Faneca-OL
Faneca was the Steelers most well known offensive lineman, and most recognized for his tough mentality and nitty gritty playing style. He was a six time pro bowl selection with the B n G, because of his consistency, and ability to run block. His most famous block came in the 2005 Super Bowl XL, when he cleared the hole for Willie Parker to make the longest run in super bowl history. His relationship with the Steelers soured in 2007, when he felt he should be resigned, but the Steelers didn't want to overpay him after his playing peak. Faneca signed with the Jets, and continued to produce pro bowl blocking. Faneca makes the list because he held the offensive line together for the Steelers, and established the run blocking game that enabled them to continously run the ball the Steeler Way. His six pro bowl invites are the kicker.

7.. Jerome Bettis-RB
Bettis has made a case as one the best running backs in Steeler History-behind Franco Harris, perhaps, as second best. "The Bus" was quick on his feet but hard on his hits, and could destroy a defense in the 4th quarter. He could run out the clock single handedly, and rushed for a 5th best 13,662 yards in NFL history. Bettis is only 5th on this list because he retired after the super bowl run in 2005, and only has one ring with the Steelers.

6. Ben Roethlisberger-QB
Roethlisberger joined the Steelers in 2004, and made one of the best Rookie Campaigns ever in the NFL. He won 15 straight games as the "manager" of the steeler offense, and led the team to the AFC Championship Game. Although he only played 6 years in the decade, his contributions to win the team's two super bowl wins in the decade surely make him worthy of the All Decade Team. He's defined the Steeler Offense in the past two years, making clutch plays and "getting it done." Roethlisberger continues to make his case as one of the best quarterbacks in Steeler History. He makes the list above Bettis because he has earned two super bowl rings in the decade.

5.Casey Hampton-NT
As the nose tackle in the Steeler Defense, Hampton held together the core of the infamous 3-4 defense for every year in the decade. His ability to take on double teams and move back the line of scrimmaged enabled continous pressure and run stopping year, after year. "Big Snack" earned 4 pro bowl selections, and made significant contribution to the Super Bowl runs of 2005 and 2008. He is a key component to why the Steeler Defense has been elite throughout the decade. Hampton has two super bowl wins, and has played with the team throughout the decade.

4.Troy Polamalu- S
Drafted by the Steelers in 2003, Polamalu improved the Steelers Secondary instantly with his impact. His playing style enables him to be "all over the field," and he consistently makes plays that are unthinkable, and unexpected. He is a nightmare for an offense. Earning 5 pro bowl selections in only 6 years, he has defined him self as one of , if not the best safety in the league. He earned 2 super bowl rings with the team, and made big plays on both super bowl runs. But he makes the 4th spot on this list, because he transformed a below-average secondary into an elite passing defense through his consistency and big plays.

3. James Farrior-LB
Farrior is the current captain of the Steeler Defense, and his perhaps the best Free Agent signing of the decade for the Steelers. Playing from 2002 to the present after being signed from the Jets, Farrior has consistently led the team in tackles, terrorizing defenses as both a pass rusher on the line and a run stopper in the secondary. Although is one of the oldest members of the team, his ablity to stay in shape has made him the Steelers' most consistent tackler of the Decade. He earned 2 pro bowl selections and 2 super bowl rings, and his role as Defensive Captain puts him above Casey Hampton on this list.

2. Aaron Smith-DE
Smith is the most underrated player in Steelers history. Known perhaps only to Steeler fans, this gritty, hard working, and incredibly skilled defensive end has been the core of the Steeler Run defense for 11 years, throughout the decade. He was most recognized when he was injured midseason of 2007, and the Steelers run defense deteriorated. He has two super bowl rings, and sadly only one pro bowl selection. He is recognized league-wide among players as one of the best defensive ends in Football in the decade. He makes the list at number two because of his play without recognition, his consistency through 11 years, and his ability to hold together the run defense.

1. Hines Ward-WR
Ward is the epitome of a Steeler. His tough playing style, work ethic, consistency, clutch play-making, leadership, and personality make him the best steeler of the decade without question, and one of the best Steelers in history. As a wide reciever he is underrated because of his speed, and as a player he is feared because of his blocking. Ward is one of the best blocking wide recievers in NFL history, and is hated for it by un-expecting cornerbacks and linebackers. Playing from 1998 to present, he has showed no signs of decline, given that his skill at route running makes up for his lack of speed at the position. His leadership on the team and among wide recievers is unmeasurable, and his dedication to the Steelers is a large part of why the team has been so successful in the decade. He was MVP of Super Bowl XL, and although he was injured in the 2008 super bowl, he still played, as well as made significant contributions in the road via in 2008.

Honorable Mention: Ike Taylor, Willie Parker, Jeff Reed, Jeff Hartings, Larry Foote, Clark Haggans

Looking to the future: Santonio Holmes, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Lamaar Woodley, and Lawrence Timmons.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking at this list after the Steelers' disappointing 2010 performance, there are a few changes, reconsiderations, additions, removals-whatever you'd like to call them-that I think any observant fan would make.

First off, Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, and Hines Ward have all proven that they belong on the list.

Polamalu and Smith were both out for most of the season, and their absence was felt harshly (they didn't make the playoffs, and largely because of their defense). As of now, Aaron Smith has missed a large part of two seasons, and in both of those seasons (2007, 2009) the Steelers failed to win a playoff game. These two players are the quintessencial "valuable" guys, in so far as, if we don't have them, we simply are not a playoff team.

Ben Roethlisberger, Casey Hampton, and Hines Ward had outstanding seasons yet again. Casey Hampton made the pro bowl regardless of his aging body, while Hines Ward proved the haters wrong with yet another 1,000 yard season. Big Ben turned down a pro bowl invite because of a shoulder injury (he was the alternate for Tom Brady), and many thought he should've made the initial pro bowl team. Although he didn't lead his team to the playoffs, his performance was the main reason the Steelers remained in contention at all.

*edit*Heath Miller deserves a spot on the list, and probably should've earned a spot before the season even started.  His play only solidified his place as possibly the best tight end in Steeler History, as he became the first TE to catch 70 + receptions.  NFL experts agree that Miller is one of the more underrated tight ends in the league right now, as his blocking, receiving, and dependability are pro-bowl worthy.  As much as I adore Peezy Trashtalker Extraordinaire, I dare say Heath Miller deserves the spot over him, given that they've played the same amount of years (5) on the Steelers this decade

Deshea Townsend gets an honorable mention for proving his worth-he replaced a disappointing William Gay very adequately, and showed that his veteran savvy can top young speed any day.

No one played their way out of a spot on this list, but Santonio Holmes is really knocking on the door, and he's assuring himself a spot on next decade's roster. James Harrison had a fairly disappointing season and isn't really a "future" type guy anymore.

Woodley and Timmons are becoming the core of the Steeler D, further proving their spot as "future" candidates.

As for guys that were left off...

Rashard Mendenhall had over 1,000 yards with very little carries, and had several breakout games and plays to show that he will be a solid back in the future.

Brett Keisel also showed that he should be at least an honorable mention on the list-he's the definition of Steeler Football, and really the "Alan Faneca" of the defense.

This Steeler team still has a very promising roster for next year. There have been very few times when the Steelers have failed to make the playoffs in back to back years, and I can't imagine them doing it with this roster, with this young talent, with these proven veterans, and with Tomlin at the helms.

With the '00 decade dead and gone, here's to yet another successful decade of Steeler football. The Teens!!!

Read More at Nail Biters

It's funny how many Pittsburgh connections one can find in this year's playoffs.
Gene Collier wrote a bold article predicting a Chargers victory this past Sunday against the NY jets. I must say, it takes some courage to write an entire article predicting the outcome of one game, given that if the other team wins, your piece of writing is entirely discredited. This is exactly what happened to Collier this week, and unfortunately it was fully deserved.

In the article, Collier makes a short reference to Pittsburgh's elimination of the Chargers in last year's playoffs, and then jumps to say that the Jets have nowhere near the talent to do the same. He was on the right track comparing this year's Jets to the Steelers of old, but to say that the they are incapable of winning? Wrong Collier, and you should know better.

He should know, from covering Pittsburgh sports for years, that the #1 defense can smother offensive hype any day. He should know that a good secondary and pass rush can make any game close. He should know that a team that runs the ball consistently can kill a defense with one drive. He should know that no matter how bad a team was in the first half of the season, they can still win the superbowl. Does this sound familiar to Steeler fans?

And Mr. Collier-how dare you fail to mention a Mr. Darrelle Revis. Not only is Revis the defensive player of the year (by my standards, step aside Charles Woodson), but he his also the most successful Pitt football product since Larry Fitzgerald. Revis has played shutdown defense against the league's best wide receivers. Hey Gene, did you catch that interception he had on Sunday? Polamalu-esque, perhaps?

These NY Jets have the complete package to dismantle a streaking offense and a good quarterback like Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers, and dare I say Peyton Manning. Of course, i'm writing this after their defeat of the Chargers, after they embarrassed Gene Collier and his Pittsburgh roots. Hind sight is 20/20, but Collier's prediction seemed far too blind and stubborn for even that excuse.

I'm not going to be as stubborn and bold to predict that the Jets will dismantle a team as good as the Colts, but this team will definitely give Peyton Manning some problems. No, the Jets don't have Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith, or James Harrison. But they do have Revis, Bart Scott, a familiar Alan Faneca, Thomas Jones and breakout rookie Shonn Greene. I don't care what kind of offense you have, this team can slow you down, force mistakes, and keep it close; maybe close enough to reach a Super Bowl...
Read More at Nail Biters