SBNation.com User Blog: PaulMorel

Roger Goodell is SO consistent. This fake injury didn't deserve a fine for an obvious reason. I'm...

PaulMorel — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 02:32:44 -0000

Roger Goodell is SO consistent. This fake injury didn't deserve a fine for an obvious reason. I'm not sure what it is, but obviously, the Steelers deserved a fine because ... logic.

Wording of Tuck Rule Shows That Wrong Call Was Made

PaulMorel — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:11:56 -0000

Wording of Tuck Rule Shows That Wrong Call Was Made

When [an offensive] player is holding the ball to pass it forward, any intentional forward movement of his arm starts a forward pass, even if the player loses possession of the ball as he is attempting to tuck it back toward his body.

Winnipeg crowd shouts "Crosby's better" at Alexander Ovechkin. Crosby takes a lot of unwarranted...

PaulMorel — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 06:34:09 -0000

Winnipeg crowd shouts "Crosby's better" at Alexander Ovechkin. Crosby takes a lot of unwarranted crap from most fans, so I hope that this makes him smile.

Also, obvious chant is obvious ... remember when Crosby v. Ovechkin was debatable?

Top 50 NHL Players

PaulMorel — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:17:10 -0000

Top 50 NHL Players

Crosby is #1 and Malkin is #6. Click the link to see which other Penguins made the list compiled from a player questionnaire.

Crosby's Return IS Imminent - Hence Reclassification as "Neck Injury"

PaulMorel — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:01:00 -0000

Crosby's Return IS Imminent - Hence Reclassification as "Neck Injury"

For the past week, I have been wondering why Crosby suddenly sought the neck specialist on the west coast. Now it is clear to me: Crosby wants to play despite his symptoms.

Hence, he went to the neck specialist to try and get his injury re-classified. Now it's no longer a concussion, it's a neck injury, and the regulations regarding concussions no longer apply.

The linked article reveals how the rebranding of his injury will help him get back on the ice: "He said he has felt a little better in the past week and is optimistic since the injury has been diagnosed as a neck problem rather than a concussion."

This makes a lot of sense for everyone involved. Does the NHL have a right to keep him sidelined for headaches? Do they want to test that in court? He certainly wants to get back out there, and the Penguins certainly want him back.

The Mario Lemieux Hat-Trick?

PaulMorel — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:38:24 -0000

The Mario Lemieux Hat-Trick?

Mario's 5 goals 5 ways is an impressive, but not a very repeatable feat. On the other hand, 3 goals: one scored at Even Strength, on the Power Play, and Shorthanded, is impressive and seemed like something that would be rare enough to mark a genuine achievement.

...Until someone creates the Alex Ovechkin hat trick (Empty Net Goal, Power-Play Assist, Questionable Hit)...

Malkin Leading the Points Race

PaulMorel — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:56:36 -0000

Malkin Leading the Points Race

I'd just like to point out that Malkin is now tied for the league lead in points. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. For most of this season he has been the best player in the league, and if he hadn't missed so many games early in the season (Sedin has played 9 more), then he would be running away with it.

Roethlisberger Out Against Rams

PaulMorel — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:51:13 -0000

Roethlisberger Out Against Rams

Is this really a surprise to anyone?

Crosby Out Indefinitely with Concussion-Like Symptoms

PaulMorel — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:41:28 -0000

Crosby Out Indefinitely with Concussion-Like Symptoms

Ugh. It feels like I've been punched in the stomach.

Tabloid Slander is Officially Worse than Actually Committing Crimes

PaulMorel — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:30:25 -0000

Tabloid Slander is Officially Worse than Actually Committing Crimes

In Roger Goodell's magical fairyland, it's officially worse to be written about in the tabloids than to commit actual crimes and go to jail. This is proved in the case of Cedric Benson, whose suspension was reduced to one game. Everyone is welcome to their own opinion, but comparing this to Ben's four game suspension for what amounted to unsubstantiated rumors makes Goodell look exactly like the Steeler-hating biased %$# that he is.

Manning will be in the Coaches' Box on Sunday

PaulMorel — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 23:23:15 -0000

Manning will be in the Coaches' Box on Sunday

Manning told The Indianapolis Star that he would sit next to Colts quarterbacks coach Ron Turner and would be a "resource." He also plans to participate in the team’s pregame routine and at halftime.

Benson Goes To Jail, But Only Gets 3 Game Suspension

PaulMorel — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:01:57 -0000

Benson Goes To Jail, But Only Gets 3 Game Suspension

"He was sentenced last month after striking deals for two misdemeanor assault cases stemming from separate incidents in Austin, Texas (the last one occurred two months ago during the lockout). He eventually served five days in jail just before the start of the season. "

You don't need me to tell you that Goodell hates the Steelers. It's blatantly clear. There were NO CHARGES brought against Ben Roethlisberger, because there was NO EVIDENCE that he did anything wrong. I don't know what transpired in that bathroom, but Ben was only found guilty in the tabloids.

Benson, on the other hand, is actually guilty of multiple crimes, and yet he gets a shorter suspension than Ben.

All Steelers fans know that this is utter bull%#$@, so it hardly needs to be repeated ... but boy does this feel like a slap in the face.

Will Manning Play Against the Steelers?

PaulMorel — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:33:49 -0000

Will Manning Play Against the Steelers?

The Colts start with Houston, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It's looking like Manning will miss the Houston game, which, as a divisional game, is the most important of the three. If he sits out the Houston game, will the Colts try to get him into the Cleveland and/or Pittsburgh games? Even if he is 90% in week 3, it seems unwise to bring him back for his first game against what is arguably the league's best pass rush.

Antwan Randle El is on NFL Network right now (8/25/11 7pm ET). I guess he won't be signing anywhere?

PaulMorel — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:04:02 -0000

Antwan Randle El is on NFL Network right now (8/25/11 7pm ET). I guess he won't be signing anywhere?

PSU Star LB Aaron Maybin Waived by Bills

PaulMorel — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:55:18 -0000

PSU Star LB Aaron Maybin Waived by Bills

Obviously, he's not in great shape right now ... but how many times was James Harrison cut? Should the Steelers take a shot at Maybin? Perhaps for the practice squad? Clearly, there's no need for him, but if any team can turn a linebacker around, then it's the Steelers.

Ike Taylor with Broken Thumb

PaulMorel — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:41:20 -0000

Ike Taylor with Broken Thumb

Meh. If Taylor could catch, then this might effect his play.

It's a sign! The episode of House with the Mike Tomlin Reference was on tonight! Any other...

PaulMorel — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 04:08:30 -0000

It's a sign! The episode of House with the Mike Tomlin Reference was on tonight! Any other signs, omens or portents?

Photoshop: What is Troy holding/saying?

PaulMorel — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:30:12 -0000

Photoshop: What is Troy holding/saying?

Yahoo Playoff Scenario Machine

PaulMorel — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:03:16 -0000

Yahoo Playoff Scenario Machine

This things is freaking amazing. First, pick which teams win which remaining games (or pick the scheme by which it should do so). Then it tells you who makes the playoffs and what the matchups will be. It's very slick.

And the good news is that things look pretty rosy for the Steelers. To fall out of the 2nd seed, we need to lose at least 2 games ... and there is almost no way that we miss the playoffs.

Who has Pittsburgh Beaten?

PaulMorel — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:22:39 -0000

Who has Pittsburgh Beaten?

That's the question posed by Don Banks in his power rankings. It's a good question, and I hope the Steelers give him an answer on Sunday night!

Another Silly Fine for Harrison

PaulMorel — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:42:46 -0000

Another Silly Fine for Harrison

Another silly fine for Harrison. Meanwhile, a dozen other similar hits go totally unpunished.

I hope Rooney reimburses him at the end of the season. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he did.

Are the Steelers Being Targeted?

PaulMorel — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:11:14 -0000

Are the Steelers Being Targeted?

In the new-age NFL where playing punishing defense is becoming increasingly frowned upon, the Steelers (7-3) are the team that most exemplifies that style. The NFL and its most successful franchise have butted heads all season as the league continues to try to pull back the Steel Curtain in the form of heavy fines and penalties.

Brian St. Pierre Starting for Carolina This Weekend

PaulMorel — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:55:47 -0000

Brian St. Pierre Starting for Carolina This Weekend

One week ago, the most pressing issue for stay-at-home dad Brian St. Pierre(notes) might have been making sure there were enough diapers around the house for his 18-month-old son. On Sunday, the 30-year-old journeyman quarterback will have a bigger problem to contend with: Ray Lewis(notes) and the Baltimore Ravens defense.

NFL says officials made 2 wrong calls against Steelers

PaulMorel — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:16:26 -0000

NFL says officials made 2 wrong calls against Steelers

The league informed the Steelers the penalty against Hampton should not have been called because he hit quarterback Carson Palmer on the thigh, not below the knee or to the head, after an incomplete pass.

Brian Billick: Refs Made the Right Call

PaulMorel — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:47:15 -0000

Brian Billick: Refs Made the Right Call

Brian Billick explains the controversial call. Brian Billick, despite his clever cover as a former Ravens coach, is clearly an unashamed Steelers fan.

Teammates Say Big Ben Looks "better than ever"

PaulMorel — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 03:20:39 -0000

Teammates Say Big Ben Looks "better than ever"

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has impressed his teammates with his performance upon returning from a four-game suspension, a league source tells PFT. Roethlisberger had a strong training camp; per the source, the thinking is that he now looks even better than he did during camp.

Chris Hoke Sprains Knee - Out For at Least 2 Weeks

PaulMorel — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 04:36:37 -0000

Chris Hoke Sprains Knee - Out For at Least 2 Weeks

Another game, another injury for the Steelers. This one was not sustained by a starter, but it knocked out one of their most valuable backups. The medial collateral ligament in Chris Hoke's right knee was sprained in the final minutes of the game Sunday and he will be lost for at least two weeks, maybe more.

Steelers won't sign another quarterback

PaulMorel — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:31:59 -0000

Steelers won't sign another quarterback

The Steelers are going to rely on Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch alone on Sunday. Does this seem like a bit of a risk to anyone else?

Peter King Picks the Titans to Score 27 Points on Sunday

PaulMorel — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:34:50 -0000

Peter King Picks the Titans to Score 27 Points on Sunday

I can see why he would pick the Titans to win. After all, the Steelers have their 3rd string QB in there. But 27 points against this Steelers defense? 27 points against a defense that knows it has to carry the game? No way.

Cheerleader Pics from Week 1

PaulMorel — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:26:47 -0000

Cheerleader Pics from Week 1

I'm still glad that the Steelers refrain from this silly part of football ... nevertheless, nfl.com has a nice gallery of the cheerleaders from week 1.