SBNation.com User Blog: Steeler Nation VA

Hockey Media - NHL Network & Sirius

Steeler Nation VA — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:03:03 -0000

The NHL Network and NBC Sports are doing a better job of showing key games on national TV. While it is frustrating not being able to watch the Pens broadcast all of the time. I moved out of the 'burgh 20+ years ago. But be able to watch more hockey is great. I have only 2 real complaints. 1) Don Cherry is crazy. He is a neanderthal. He was a great coach, but time has past him by. His ideas remind me of those people who can't accept that the world has changed for the better and want to still believe the earth is flat. Get him off the TV. 2) The Saturday night games on NHLN usually have great match ups. Ok, it is the national game of the week for Canada. But why do we need announcers who only want to bash the American team. The other week the Pens were playing the Maple Leafs on the National Game of the Week. If I can't listen to the Pens bradcast, why do I have to listen to a homer? I get it during the week, games on NHLN or NBC Sports sometimes have the home teams broadcast and games against the home market team (for me the Caps) the Pens broadcast is blacked out. But on the game of the week, why is it Canada hates the US. I have Sirius NHHL Radio. I listen to the broadcast and enjoy learning more about the game. I have a thirst to learn more about the strategy. On their NFL, some of the hosts try to educate fans on the strategy of the game. I would love to learn about the differences between the Pens' and Bruins systems. What are the diffent types of PK and PP schemes, what is a LW lock, etc? Many of us whant to learn more about the game, not just the players.

NO SCHEDULE YET?

Steeler Nation VA — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:36:11 -0000

Just heard from Bettman. He can not release the schedule. If you want to make it possible for fans to come back, release the schedule. We need time to make plans. Is this for the attorneys (all of whom are idiots) or is the priority for the fans. I am sure that the networks have the schedule already. Come on Man. Don't treat the fans like crap. Give us something to look forward to. Come on Man.

Visit to see Baby Pens

Steeler Nation VA — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:01:37 -0000

Drove up to see the AHL Pens over the weekend. The arena is a nice little venue, friendly and easy to get to. 4 hour drive from DC area. Thoughts on the game: Pens won 2-1 over Toronto. Very few of the players are NHL ready if they ever will be. Some showed flashes of understanding the system, but most did not. The passing was bad, real bad. The were not able to hit the open winger breaking out of the defensive zone or make the cross ice pass. They spent way too much time in their own end of the ice. 2 goals scored were ugly grinding goals. Shots from the point went wide with no tipins or forechecking to cycle the puck. Goalie, Jeff Zatkoff, was great. Defensemen are the strength of the team. None stood out as lock down defensemen who are NHL ready. Simon Despres, Joey Mormina, Robert Burtuzzo were solid. Morrow has lots of room to grow. Tangradi is playing well. Always moving. Beau Bennett has flashes. Could not tell you about any of the centers as none were not special, good or bad. I know the system is hard to learn, but they need to work hard to get it before the NHL players get back. Hopefully sooner than later. Would love to hear others views from down in the minors as there is no other penguins Hockey.

Ok - Where do we go next year?

Steeler Nation VA — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:27:59 -0000

After Game 1, I said our backs are up against the wall. After Game 2, It was damn near done. After Game 3, the fat lady has sung her song.

Getting into the playoffs is not the objective. Winning the cup is the #1 Objective. With all of the talent, what happened and where does the FO go?

At some point we will not be able to keep Crosby, Malkin and Staal. Is this the year we make the move?

The defense sucked in the serries. Who goes? Is Depres ready to play big boy hockey every day? Is Martin the odd man out? What can we get for him?

Do we need a better backup Goalie so that Fleury is not so tired come the playoffs?

Was the speed of the playoffs too fast for Vitale? Is he the answer as a 4th line C or is he a possible 3rd line replacement for Staal? What is Park's role?

How do we fix the PP. We have given up too many SHG this year. Is the problem personnel or scheme?

It is going to be a long off season.

After Game 1, I said our backs are up against the wall. After Game 2, It was damn near done. After Game 3, the fat lady has sung her song.

Getting into the playoffs is not the objective. Winning the cup is the #1 Objective. With all of the talent, what happened and where does the FO go?

At some point we will not be able to keep Crosby, Malkin and Staal. Is this the year we make the move?

The defense sucked in the serries. Who goes? Is Depres ready to play big boy hockey every day? Is Martin the odd man out? What can we get for him?

Do we need a better backup Goalie so that Fleury is not so tired come the playoffs?

Was the speed of the playoffs too fast for Vitale? Is he the answer as a 4th line C or is he a possible 3rd line replacement for Staal? What is Park's role?

How do we fix the PP. We have given up too many SHG this year. Is the problem personnel or scheme?

It is going to be a long off season.

Sirius NFL Radio

Steeler Nation VA — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:48:12 -0000

I am a big Sirius NFL radio fan and was wondering if I am off base with this observation. Some of the hosts are better than others, but one host is really bad. Ross Tucker's favorite line is "I never thought of that." That is why you get paid to be a host, to think of that. His questions are lame and naive. He does not have a good grasp on the details of football beyond being a journeyman OL and getting cut.

Today they were talking about why the Bungle fans hate Mike Brown. Never understanding that the stadium deal left the county broke and unable to keep teachers, 1st responders etc. The Rooney's got a good deal for the stadium, but did not pillage the Pittsburgh area. The Bungle fans look at the class act in Pittsburgh, 6 trophies and consistant winning and then look at the bad management from their home town team and get upset. The reason there is no team mandated cap this year is because teams like the Bungles want to pillage the local area for another year and make as much money as possible. The Rooney's on the other hand want to win a 7th trophy.

Love listening to Sirius NFL Radio, but ussually turn it off when ever Ross Tucker is on because of his naive comments and questions. Am I off base?

Why all of the concussions?

Steeler Nation VA — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:16:14 -0000

Is the reason for the cucussions that the game has gotten so much faster? I think that is part of the reason. Players are bigger and faster. The rules changes to allow more open ice skating has put players at risk for blind side hits. The strict enforcement of no hits to the head will decrease the amount of head hunting. The medical precautions when a concussion is suspected will decrease the number of 2nd hits which can make it even worse. But is that enough?

Hockey players wear helmets that are inferior to even high school football helmets from 20 years ago. Why can't hockey take football's lead and develop and mandate better helmets for all players? Is it that hockey players do not want to look like aliens? Develop better helmets with more padding/suspension, paint them black and put the logo on the right side only. You'll fit right in.

I agree player safety should be priority #1, but the equipment companies have a role to play.

Poll

Is the problem

Equipment

10 votes

Speed of the game

6 votes

Head hunters

3 votes

Who cares, what concussion problem

0 votes

It is the player's fault for getting hit

0 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

Tebow - 1 game from the savior

Steeler Nation VA — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:44:40 -0000

Ok - two weeks ago I posted a FanPost about how I wished the Steelers would play the Broncos and Tebow. http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/10/11/2483912/too-bad-we-dont-play-the-broncos

Well there was a lot of comments, not as many as on the Broncos SBNation site. He has now played one game as the starter against the mighty Miami Dolphins with their perfect record.

I will admit, that I did not watch the entire game, but saw some + highlights and read enough from the experts who actually played the game. So lets look at the stats.

He was 13 for 27 or 48% completion %. Add the 7 sacks he was 13/34 or 38%. Assuming that 50% of his 8 runs should have been passes he was 13/38 or 34%. That is done around the bottom of a NFL QB. He had 6 net yards passing at half time. At the half he had converted 0.0% of 3rd downs. For the game it improved to 25% (2nd half and OT was 36%).

Keep in mind, this was against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

On Ben's worst days he is not that bad, and BB has had some real stinkers. That is up there with Rex Grossman numbers.

Tebow was out performed by Rookies without any off season, such as Cam, Gabbert, Dalton and Ponder.

This week they go against a very hungry and angry Lions team. Suh will rock his world. I do not see another win on their schedule and some of the games will be down right ugly. Week 11 they play the Jets. I wonder how many picks Revis will get.

Will Tebow be a star is still up for grabs. But in my opinion after watching football for over 40 years, not a chance.

If you love Tebow, and think that he is a lock for the HOF, I would love to do business with you someday.

Ok - two weeks ago I posted a FanPost about how I wished the Steelers would play the Broncos and Tebow. http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/10/11/2483912/too-bad-we-dont-play-the-broncos

Well there was a lot of comments, not as many as on the Broncos SBNation site. He has now played one game as the starter against the mighty Miami Dolphins with their perfect record.

I will admit, that I did not watch the entire game, but saw some + highlights and read enough from the experts who actually played the game. So lets look at the stats.

Keep in mind, this was against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

On Ben's worst days he is not that bad, and BB has had some real stinkers. That is up there with Rex Grossman numbers.

Tebow was out performed by Rookies without any off season, such as Cam, Gabbert, Dalton and Ponder.

Poll

Tebow's performance against the mighty Dophins with their perfect record was?

Ugly - one of the worst I have seen

13 votes

On par for a 2nd year QB

6 votes

Ok for a future star

0 votes

One of the best performances I have ever seen

5 votes

Hey he won - who cares about style points

23 votes

47 votes | Poll has closed

Too Bad we don't play the Broncos

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:42:11 -0000

It would be so much fun for Woodley to get a crack at Tebow. All those Tebow lovers think that he is an NFL ready QB. Wait 'till he faces a really good NFL defense with great LB or strong safety. He'll try to run and get creamed.

Miami stinks, but they will have a week to prepare. Then ......

The Broncos play the Lions on the 30th. Suh will kill him.

Mark my words ... Tebow goes on IR on Halloween day.

Miami stinks, but they will have a week to prepare. Then ......

The Broncos play the Lions on the 30th. Suh will kill him.

Mark my words ... Tebow goes on IR on Halloween day.

Poll

Tebow will be remembered as a

HOF QB

4 votes

Pro Bowl QB

13 votes

NFL journeyman QB

34 votes

NFL Bust

13 votes

NFL (name another position)

0 votes

College QB

20 votes

Tebow who?

12 votes

96 votes | Poll has closed

Was it Ben's lack of mobility or BA's play calling

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:52:24 -0000

It looked like Ben got rid of the ball much quicker in the Titans game than he has in a very very long time. The OL did a better job, but Ben also did a better job of releasing the pass quickly.

Was the reason for the quick release, the fact that Ben knew he could not scramble, so he took what was available? Or was it the play calling?

Let me preface this whith the fact I do not like BA. I think he is a bad play caller, has not done a good job of coaching up Ben and his scheme does not fit the Steelers OL or complement the defense. (more on that another day)

My guess is that Ben knew he could not run and escape, so he took what was available in order to live another day. The OL, especially Max played well. The ability to run the ball kept the defense on its toes. The play calling was better, but still, there were a few boneheaded calls. Empty sets when you know your QB can't move to save his life is down right dumb.

Hopefully, Ben has learned that a quick release is better than getting hit over and over again.

It looked like Ben got rid of the ball much quicker in the Titans game than he has in a very very long time. The OL did a better job, but Ben also did a better job of releasing the pass quickly.

Was the reason for the quick release, the fact that Ben knew he could not scramble, so he took what was available? Or was it the play calling?

Hopefully, Ben has learned that a quick release is better than getting hit over and over again.

Poll

Was the Offense's success due to:

Ben releasing the ball quicker

62 votes

BA's brillent play calling

18 votes

80 votes | Poll has closed

NFL needs look at NHL

Steeler Nation VA — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:28:58 -0000

The NFL needs to look at how the NHL is handling disciplinary issues and excessive hits.

Hockey has an ex-player reviewing the hits and issuing the punishment. Best of all he was a tough player who dished out his share of hits. The NFL has a person who has never stepped on the field reviewing the hits.
Hockey is issuing a video with each penalty explaining to the players, media and fans the rationale for the punishment or decision not to punish. The NFL notifies the player by mail and issues a list for the media.

The NFL needs to look at how Hockey reviews goals

Hockey reviews all goals in a central location to ensure consistent interpretation of the rules. The NFL has a former part-time official look at the video and buzz down to the part-time referee on the field who goes under the hood to review the play among the screaming fans. If there was an error, the NFL headquarters will issue a statement the next day that there was an error that may have cost a team the game and the head coach his job.

The NFL does so many things better than anybody else. These are two areas that there is major room for improvement.

The NFL needs to look at how the NHL is handling disciplinary issues and excessive hits.

Hockey has an ex-player reviewing the hits and issuing the punishment. Best of all he was a tough player who dished out his share of hits. The NFL has a person who has never stepped on the field reviewing the hits.
Hockey is issuing a video with each penalty explaining to the players, media and fans the rationale for the punishment or decision not to punish. The NFL notifies the player by mail and issues a list for the media.

The NFL needs to look at how Hockey reviews goals

Hockey reviews all goals in a central location to ensure consistent interpretation of the rules. The NFL has a former part-time official look at the video and buzz down to the part-time referee on the field who goes under the hood to review the play among the screaming fans. If there was an error, the NFL headquarters will issue a statement the next day that there was an error that may have cost a team the game and the head coach his job.

The NFL does so many things better than anybody else. These are two areas that there is major room for improvement.

Poll

Which sport handles player discipline the best?

NFL Football

1 votes

NCAA Football

0 votes

Table Tennis

1 votes

NHL Hockey

11 votes

NBA

1 votes

Major League Baseball

0 votes

NASCAR

0 votes

Boxing

0 votes

Olympics (Winter and Summer)

5 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

I can't Stomach Watching Tonight's "America's Game - 2010 GreenBay Packers"

Steeler Nation VA — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:33:50 -0000

I can not watch tonight's highlight show on the Packers and may not watch the kick off game on Thursday. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUR GAME.

We were so close to getting the 7th Lombardi Trophy. I know it eats up the players even more, but it still hurts.

I still turn off the TV when the highlights from the 1995 Super Bowl XXX are shown. The pain is still there, but the pain has been eased by SB XL and SB XLIII.

So I ask you loyal Steeler Fans, will you watch the Vince Lombardi Trophy ripped from our hearts again or are you going to do something else?

I can not watch tonight's highlight show on the Packers and may not watch the kick off game on Thursday. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUR GAME.

We were so close to getting the 7th Lombardi Trophy. I know it eats up the players even more, but it still hurts.

I still turn off the TV when the highlights from the 1995 Super Bowl XXX are shown. The pain is still there, but the pain has been eased by SB XL and SB XLIII.

So I ask you loyal Steeler Fans, will you watch the Vince Lombardi Trophy ripped from our hearts again or are you going to do something else?

Poll

Will you watch the Vince Lombardi Trophy ripped from the Steelers hands?

Yes - I will watch with sick glee

5 votes

I will watch - with lots of beer

14 votes

No way in hell will I watch

49 votes

68 votes | Poll has closed

Who is a HOF Steeler from this Era?

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:51:06 -0000

I know that the season is right around the corner, but the article about Casey made me wonder who will get in the HOF from this era.

In my opinion there are 3 4 locks for the HOF and some that should be in consideration.

One of the definition for the HOF is the question, can you tell the story of the NFL without talking about that person.

Locks for the HOF

Troy: You can not talk about the Steeler defense of the 2000's without talking about how Troy was all over the field. His interceptions, sacks and game changing tackles. He made the Steelers the dominating defense of the decade. OC had to game plan for him and QB's had to know where he was at all times.

Hines Ward: The Steeler offense ran because of his blocking and receiving. He was the leader of the team. He caught big catches and made huge powerful blocks. He was the heart and sole of the team. He was SBXL MVP and a big part of one other win and another trip. He was the best blocking WR in the game. He has a rule named after him.

The Bus aka Jerome Bettis: He was Steeler smash mouth football in the late 90's and early 2000's. He was instrumental in us getting to SBXL and other AFC championship games. He was a leader of the team that was so dominate in the early 2000's. He finished as one of the all time leading rushers at a time that the game was evolving from a running game to a passing game.

Alan Faneca: I forgot Faneca and thanks to somebody else I am adding him. He was the best G for most of the decade. Was instrumental in the Steelers run game that won SBXL and got to 2 other AFC Championship games. He also was a major force with the Jets run game and the development of 2 rookie OL with the Jets.

There are 4 possible selections

Casey Hampton: How can you tell the story of the Steeler defense and the DL without talking about how Casey plugged the middle? You can not. He was critical in us being the #1 defense against the run. Even though he was not recognized by "experts" as the best, those that know FB, know what he did.

Aaron Smith: Hands down the best 3-4 DE of the era on the best defense of the era. Nuff said.

Big Ben: 2 SB wins and another trip to the dance. His game against the Seahawks was bad, but we do not get there without him. He won the games against the Bengals, Colts and Broncos. Especially with his tackle. His come from behind wins and ability to move in the pocket were what our kids will talk about. One more SB win and he is a lock.

James Harrison: If he has another 2-3 years like the last few years he will be a lock. Defensive Play of the Year, anumber of PB, 2-3 SB wins, he will be a lock.

Bill Cowher: Is 1 SB win enough? He had 15 great seasons and a number of AFC championship games and 1 other trip in 95 to the SB. But was that enough. Can you tell the story of the NFL without talking about Cowher? Not sure.

Too Young to Tell

Pouncey, Woodley, Timmons, Wallace, Tomlin

Time will tell if others will make this list over the years. Guys like Farrior may get consideration from the veterans committee if we win 1 more before he calls it a day.

So, Hear We Go Steelers.

I know that the season is right around the corner, but the article about Casey made me wonder who will get in the HOF from this era.

In my opinion there are 3 4 locks for the HOF and some that should be in consideration.

One of the definition for the HOF is the question, can you tell the story of the NFL without talking about that person.

Locks for the HOF

There are 4 possible selections

Aaron Smith: Hands down the best 3-4 DE of the era on the best defense of the era. Nuff said.

James Harrison: If he has another 2-3 years like the last few years he will be a lock. Defensive Play of the Year, anumber of PB, 2-3 SB wins, he will be a lock.

Too Young to Tell

Pouncey, Woodley, Timmons, Wallace, Tomlin

Time will tell if others will make this list over the years. Guys like Farrior may get consideration from the veterans committee if we win 1 more before he calls it a day.

So, Hear We Go Steelers.

The owners are id&#T

Steeler Nation VA — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:32:29 -0000

The owners are very short sighted. They would rather have a federal judge order them to open their books than voluntarily open them up where they may have some control. Wonder what they are hiding? Wonder which owner is worried about the tax evasion charges or other financial crimes they may have committed?

It does not look good. My guess is we are in for a long fight. If the Rooneys-Maras etc could not convince the rest of the gang to get reasonable, nobody can.

The season will be cancelled.

It does not look good. My guess is we are in for a long fight. If the Rooneys-Maras etc could not convince the rest of the gang to get reasonable, nobody can.

The season will be cancelled.

New DB Coach?

Steeler Nation VA — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:12:41 -0000

Ok, we lost 1 coach. Hopefully that is it this off-season (unless you want to see BA leave). That is a seperate post, so lets not beat the dead horse again.

Last year MT made some changes and they turned out great. The OL over performed. The young WR did a great job. They really stepped up. The special teams did much better. They only gave up 1 return for a TD. Too many penalties, but an improvement from the year before.

OK, now we need to replace the DB coach. Talent is one thing, but a great coach can make a difference as we saw with the OL. I have all the confidence in MT. He will hire the best and brightest. But what will look for? What is most important?

NFL experience as DB coach?
College experience as DB coach?
NFL player experience?
Great teacher?
Great skills breaking down tape?
Communication skills?
Evaluator of talent?
3-4 zone blitz experience?
Cover 2 experience?
Former star or long time backup who got it through hard work?
Experience as a Safety or CB or both?
Other?

Ok, we lost 1 coach. Hopefully that is it this off-season (unless you want to see BA leave). That is a seperate post, so lets not beat the dead horse again.

NFL experience as DB coach?
College experience as DB coach?
NFL player experience?
Great teacher?
Great skills breaking down tape?
Communication skills?
Evaluator of talent?
3-4 zone blitz experience?
Cover 2 experience?
Former star or long time backup who got it through hard work?
Experience as a Safety or CB or both?
Other?

Random Post Season Thoughts

Steeler Nation VA — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:42:18 -0000

The NFL should do away with the Pro-Bowl. The couple of plays I say looked like flag football.

The attempt to bring attention to the awards was better. Why not have an awards show either after the SB or on the Sunday before and announce all of the awards, recognize the Pro-Bowl players, the All-Pro Teams, etc. NHL does it and it works.

The late start time makes it hard for adults, let alone kids, to stay up for the 4th quarter. Move the Super Bowl to Saturday night and have the owners party on Sunday at Noon with the entire winning team or atleast move the kick off up to 5PM EST.

Too many worthy HOF players are being left out. The hall is not for the writers, it is for the fans. When the league was smaller in the '60's, the numbers were ok, but now with 32 teams, it is too few. A separate category for contributors like Ed Sabol, owners, coaches etc. should be created. Also former players/coaches/GM's should be on the committee. The membership of the committee should be rotated and not seats for life.

The owners need to agree among themselves how to share the money.

If the league goes to 18 games and increases the roster to 60 players, that will only help the really good teams. Our 54-60th players would make somebody else's roster.

If there is a long lockout, it will help the stable teams that are not installing new systems.

Can't wait 'till training camp. See you in Latrobe.

The NFL should do away with the Pro-Bowl. The couple of plays I say looked like flag football.
The attempt to bring attention to the awards was better. Why not have an awards show either after the SB or on the Sunday before and announce all of the awards, recognize the Pro-Bowl players, the All-Pro Teams, etc. NHL does it and it works.
The late start time makes it hard for adults, let alone kids, to stay up for the 4th quarter. Move the Super Bowl to Saturday night and have the owners party on Sunday at Noon with the entire winning team or atleast move the kick off up to 5PM EST.
Too many worthy HOF players are being left out. The hall is not for the writers, it is for the fans. When the league was smaller in the '60's, the numbers were ok, but now with 32 teams, it is too few. A separate category for contributors like Ed Sabol, owners, coaches etc. should be created. Also former players/coaches/GM's should be on the committee. The membership of the committee should be rotated and not seats for life.
The owners need to agree among themselves how to share the money.
If the league goes to 18 games and increases the roster to 60 players, that will only help the really good teams. Our 54-60th players would make somebody else's roster.
If there is a long lockout, it will help the stable teams that are not installing new systems.
Can't wait 'till training camp. See you in Latrobe.

Bungles have no class - Hard Knocks Replay

Steeler Nation VA — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:23:00 -0000

I have been watching the Hard Knocks re-runs the past week. It was really interesting watching how the different organizations handle issues. As much as I hate to say it, the Cowboys were somewhat classy. Jerry Jones met with most of the players being cut. Raven's coach Brian Billiick even met one on one with each of the players.

On the other end was the Bengals. They notified players that they were cut by telephone or meetings with low level personnel. One guy who was being cut, walked by Marvin Lewis, un aware that he was being cut. Marvin did not have the spine to tell him. Mike Brown did not even have the class to meet with the players.

I am sure that the Steelers show more class when they release a player, rookie or vet.

Poll

Which sports team has the least amount of class?

Bengals

36 votes

Browns

4 votes

Raiders

21 votes

Yankees

4 votes

Cleveland Cavs

4 votes

Washington Redskins

4 votes

Red Wings

0 votes

Flyers

5 votes

Washington Capitals

2 votes

New York Rangers

1 votes

New Jersey Devils

0 votes

Pittsburgh Pirates

5 votes

Any other Team from New York

8 votes

94 votes | Poll has closed

Random Thoughts

Steeler Nation VA — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:48:00 -0000

As I have tried to kill time being a Dad, waiting until Football season starts, or at least until training camp starts, I have had plenty of time to come up with random thoughts about the NFL.

Big Ben does not need to do interviews with Opra. Get some behavior therapy. Re-learn the social norms. Actions will speak volumes. When he goes out for dinner, treat the waiter/waitress with respect, tip appopriately, pay your bill, do not get sh*t faced, act like an adult. Treat your teamates, football staff, media, fans with respect. Charity work is fine, but it is the everyday interactions that will make the difference.
Bruce Arians is an idiot. By mid season he will no longer be calling the plays. He will keep calling empty back sets on 3rd and 1 too many times for the Rooneys and Tomlin. BA is so pompous. He thinks that he should be HC not Tomlin. BB can not save him anymore.
Mendenhall will have a great year. The OL will look better, not great. BB will still not learn to get rid of the ball quicker, until BA is fired.
As long as Troy is healthy, the defense will be much better. Farrior retires mid training camp, realizing he has lost too many steps. Foote and Timmons start. Fox is the primary ILB backup.
Trai Essex is cut. No upside and too many mistakes. Pouncey starts at RG. Hills cuts himself before camp. The guy sucks.
Hall of Fame: They need to increase the number of players that get elected. It was fine when there were fewer teams, but now there are 32 teams. Also, why shoudl the HOF committee have life terms like the Supreme Court Justices. Lets see some new blood and new thoughts. Put some fans, ex-players, ex-coaches, and ex-GM's on the committee. Journalists do nto have all of the knowledge.
More HOF: Dermonti Dawson should be in HOF. Kurt Warner does not deserve to be in the HOF. He had 2 great years, 4 good years and the rest sucked. He was benched and cut twice. If he gets in Kenny Anderson should be a lock and he does not deserve to get in. LC Greenwood should be elected - - 6 Pro Bowls, 2 time All Pro

Kurt Warner's career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarnKu00.htm

Kenny Anderson's career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeKe00.htm

LC Greenwood career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeL.00.htm

Final thought of the day, The Bengals suck and will come back to reality. 6 wins. Palmer will get hurt again and be out for the season. 3 more players will get arrested. Mike Brown will decide that he should coach the team for the last game.

As I have tried to kill time being a Dad, waiting until Football season starts, or at least until training camp starts, I have had plenty of time to come up with random thoughts about the NFL.

Big Ben does not need to do interviews with Opra. Get some behavior therapy. Re-learn the social norms. Actions will speak volumes. When he goes out for dinner, treat the waiter/waitress with respect, tip appopriately, pay your bill, do not get sh*t faced, act like an adult. Treat your teamates, football staff, media, fans with respect. Charity work is fine, but it is the everyday interactions that will make the difference.
Bruce Arians is an idiot. By mid season he will no longer be calling the plays. He will keep calling empty back sets on 3rd and 1 too many times for the Rooneys and Tomlin. BA is so pompous. He thinks that he should be HC not Tomlin. BB can not save him anymore.
Mendenhall will have a great year. The OL will look better, not great. BB will still not learn to get rid of the ball quicker, until BA is fired.
As long as Troy is healthy, the defense will be much better. Farrior retires mid training camp, realizing he has lost too many steps. Foote and Timmons start. Fox is the primary ILB backup.
Trai Essex is cut. No upside and too many mistakes. Pouncey starts at RG. Hills cuts himself before camp. The guy sucks.
Hall of Fame: They need to increase the number of players that get elected. It was fine when there were fewer teams, but now there are 32 teams. Also, why shoudl the HOF committee have life terms like the Supreme Court Justices. Lets see some new blood and new thoughts. Put some fans, ex-players, ex-coaches, and ex-GM's on the committee. Journalists do nto have all of the knowledge.
More HOF: Dermonti Dawson should be in HOF. Kurt Warner does not deserve to be in the HOF. He had 2 great years, 4 good years and the rest sucked. He was benched and cut twice. If he gets in Kenny Anderson should be a lock and he does not deserve to get in. LC Greenwood should be elected - - 6 Pro Bowls, 2 time All Pro

Kurt Warner's career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarnKu00.htm

Kenny Anderson's career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeKe00.htm

LC Greenwood career stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeL.00.htm

Final thought of the day, The Bengals suck and will come back to reality. 6 wins. Palmer will get hurt again and be out for the season. 3 more players will get arrested. Mike Brown will decide that he should coach the team for the last game.

A little bit of civility is needed

Steeler Nation VA — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:15:54 -0000

Just wanted to raise an issue that some of the posters/members need to be reminded of:

If you disagree with somebody's comments, do not make personal attacks and threats. Do not call out their children, do not use racial or sexual slurs. If somebody, who is new, posts something that could be posted someplace else, welcome them , but point out where they could have posted it. In otherwords, GROW UP.

I enjoy reading other fans' comments. Many have enlightened me about aspects of football that I did not know as well as giving me a different perspective. I may agree or disagree, but I enjoy the banter back and forth.

Some posts do not interest me, fine, I do not follow them, but I know others do.

But if members continue to make personal attacks and are rude to new members, I will leave and this site will loose members who are sick and tired of petty BS.

Just wanted to raise an issue that some of the posters/members need to be reminded of:

Some posts do not interest me, fine, I do not follow them, but I know others do.

But if members continue to make personal attacks and are rude to new members, I will leave and this site will loose members who are sick and tired of petty BS.

Play Preseason Games at Colleges

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:56:36 -0000

Instead of charging season ticket holders full price for preason that do not mean anything, why not play the games at neutral sites? I am sure that if the Steelers played a game at Morgantown they would still sell out.

If the 2 teams make a festival similar to what the Steelers do at Latrobe HS for the scrimmage. If they have an open (sell tickets) on Thursday and Friday practice before the game on Saturday. The local fans who can't get to Pittsburgh would be thrilled.

Imagine a Steeler-Eagle game at State College. It would sell out in minutes. Dallas playing in El Paso would be huge. Atlanta playing at Univ of Alabama would be just as big. I am sure that if the San Diego played a game in either LA or Las Vegas would bring in fans who would not normally go to see a Chargers game. Could you imagine the Saints playing in Little Rock this year after winning the Super Bowl?

Think about all of the merchandise the teams could sell. Casual fans in these forgotten cities would buy a T-shirt, jersey, hat etc. or more for their kids.

Fans have moved away from home. Why not go to were they are. I am sure that these transplanted fans would go happily to see their favorite players. Move the games around so that it does not become stale.

I have taken my kids to training camp, but if I had a chance to see a game live, even a preseason game I would go. Package it with 1 or 2 practices, no doubt about it, I would take my them to see their Steelers practice and play a game even if it was a pre-season game.

Think about all of the merchandise the teams could sell. Casual fans in these forgotten cities would buy a T-shirt, jersey, hat etc. or more for their kids.

Poll

If you have moved away from home (Pittsburgh), would you be interested in going to a preseason game in the following cities if that was your only chance to see an NFL game live?

Morgantown

4 votes

State College

4 votes

Montgomery, AL

4 votes

Little Rock, AK

0 votes

Oklahoma City, OK

0 votes

Albuquerque, NM

1 votes

Portland, OR

1 votes

Las Vegas, NV

1 votes

Virginia Beach, VA

3 votes

Now way would I go to see a preseason game

1 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

Did Tank do anything while on IR?

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:46:35 -0000

I was wondering if naybody knows if Tank Summers did anything during the season to help his case as the FB for next year. Did he spend time watching film, hanging around and learning or did he disappear. I hope that besides rehab work, he spent the time learning and getting bigger.

I think that Tank has potential, but was not NFL ready yet. He needed to improve his blocking and learning the blocking assignments.

We need a FB to help with the running game. Carey Davis is not the answer, there is not much out there in FA, so either Tank steps up or we go back to draft or rookie FA route again.

I think that Tank has potential, but was not NFL ready yet. He needed to improve his blocking and learning the blocking assignments.

We need a FB to help with the running game. Carey Davis is not the answer, there is not much out there in FA, so either Tank steps up or we go back to draft or rookie FA route again.

What happened to the running game?

Steeler Nation VA — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:03:52 -0000

Do not get me wrong, BB had a great game and I am thrilled that we one a game finally. But we could have and should have locked the game up without the last second heroics.

The Steelers were down by 1 point with 7:49 left on the clock and at their own 31 yard line. Plenty of time to score and still control the clock. Well, we ran the ball once, good for 11 yards but was called back due to holding. That was the last running play of the game for the Steelers. We drove down the field to score in left 3:58 on the clock. If we had run a balanced attack, we could have scored with no time (or almost no time) left on the clock. Instead, we panicked and left plenty of time left on the clock for GB to score. They just were not smart enough either to eat up the clock.

Does BA think that it is against the rules to run the ball and control the clock in the 4th quarter? Last year we controlled the ball for the entire 3rd quarter against SD. Why do we always have to rush down the field to score and give the ball back to the other team with time left on the clock?

A good 4 minute offense gets first downs, eats up the clock and scores with no time left. One of the eagles problems in previous years was the fact that they had no running game and could not close out games. We have a good running game with Mendenhall and the OL is doing a good job blocking. If you have no confidence in the defense control the ball and the clock.

We had had this problem all year. BA refuses to call running plays when we need to control the clock. So often her would call 3 pass plays and a punt. Then the other team drives down the field for a winning TD or FG. I think he is so hung up on the passing statistics that winning is secondary.

Anybody who has been a Steeler fan for a long time knows that in November and December you need to run the ball to win. And in the 4th quarter, the Steelers control the clock by running the ball all the way to another victory.

Do not get me wrong, BB had a great game and I am thrilled that we one a game finally. But we could have and should have locked the game up without the last second heroics.

Poll

Should the Steerlers run the ball to control the clock in the 4th quarter?

Yes - We should run the ball to control the clock and score if needed with no time left

26 votes

No - We should score as fast as possible and give the other team the ball with plenty of time left

6 votes

32 votes | Poll has closed

OL - power Blocking or Zone in SD Game

Steeler Nation VA — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:36:53 -0000

The OL did a great job on the running and passing game. Somebody posted that he thought that line was using a power blocking scheme for a change against San Diego. While I am a fan, I could not tell which scheme they were using. They clearly were getting a good push and openning holes.

Mendenahall helped the OL a lot. He had great vision to find the hole and cut through it with a flash. He turned a 2 yard loss into 3 yard gains by powering north south and not bouncing it east west.

But the credit starts with the line. If you have looked at tape, did they switch the blocking scheme?

Mendenahall helped the OL a lot. He had great vision to find the hole and cut through it with a flash. He turned a 2 yard loss into 3 yard gains by powering north south and not bouncing it east west.

But the credit starts with the line. If you have looked at tape, did they switch the blocking scheme?

Breaking down the Steelers by position

Steeler Nation VA — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:22:50 -0000

Breaking down the Defense:

D Line - Top 5 overall, Top 2-3 for teams that run the 3-4 defense. Smith is the # 1 DE for the 3-4 scheme.

Linebackers - Top in the league.

D Backs - Safeties as a group are Top 2-3 (Troy is #1), Corners are top 10 depending on how Gay performs.

QB - #3 overall

WR - As a group Top 10. Maybe higher if Sweed emerges as a true #3

TE - Top 5.

RB - Top 10-15 depending on FWP health, Mendenhall's development, and goal line

OL - Top 25-30.

If the OL can somehow improve through better coaching, and get to be average, Ben doesn't get killed, running game improves, They can run out the cloack when we have a lead and we challenge again for the SB.

See previous post about bringing in Dermonti Dawson as an assistant OL coach.

Breaking down the Defense:

D Line - Top 5 overall, Top 2-3 for teams that run the 3-4 defense. Smith is the # 1 DE for the 3-4 scheme.

Linebackers - Top in the league.

D Backs - Safeties as a group are Top 2-3 (Troy is #1), Corners are top 10 depending on how Gay performs.

QB - #3 overall

WR - As a group Top 10. Maybe higher if Sweed emerges as a true #3

TE - Top 5.

RB - Top 10-15 depending on FWP health, Mendenhall's development, and goal line

OL - Top 25-30.

See previous post about bringing in Dermonti Dawson as an assistant OL coach.