Today, Coach Mike Tomlin will try to light a fire under the football team to get the running game going against the Bears.  The Chicago Bears are missing four key starters on defense, two of them are linebackers, one named Brian Urlacher.

The Steelers of late are now a pass first run second offense under the field General Ben Roethlisberger. 

The Defense is intact, for the exception of Troy Polamalu being out 3 - 6 weeks with a spraind MCL, and limited action by Lawrence Timmons with a sprained high ankle.

The Steelers will also be able to go toe to toe with Chicago's Devin Hester with their own threat in Stefan Logan.  There will also be an advantage with Daniel Sepulveda to punt.

Sorry, guys I have to post this, because I think it is some really good stuff.  I think this will help some fans grasp how Mike Tomlin's thought process is.   Disclaimer: All credit goes to Steelers.com and their reporters.

Q. When you were hiring your coaching staff, what were you looking for in your assistants?  

A. I was looking for guys who didn’t mind putting the vision or the ambition of this team in front of their own. I was looking for guys who are knowledgeable about football. Guys who are good teachers, and by that I mean they’re good communicators and able to build a rapport with players, and with different kinds of players.  

Q. In your mind, are there levels of authority within your coaching staff, for example, position coaches, then coordinators, then you? 

 A. I try not to draw boundaries or lines in terms of what I envision people contributing. If people put their hand in the pile and they have an opinion, I try to do a good job of listening. I want that to permeate through the staff. If a quality control guy can bring something to the table in terms of us winning, I’m open to it. We don’t worry about titles and positions. We’re just trying to put our team in a position to win, and that’s the kind of environment I encourage and look for.  

Q. What is a coordinator’s job?  

 A. To do just that. To put together a quality plan, to put the players in a position to excel, to give the position coaches what it is they need for the growth and development of their men.  

Q. What would have to happen for you to fire an assistant coach, a coordinator, one week before the start of a regular season?  

A. I can’t imagine that from my standpoint, and that’s just my approach and my opinion. I understand that there are different ways to slice it. The issue that I have is this: as coaches we stand in front of our team and we encourage our team never to blink, never to panic, tell them that things are always going to be less than perfect, that we are a team in development and we are going to stick together and fight the fight to improve and do the things we need to do, that we are going to play to our strengths and minimize our weaknesses, things of that nature. When you take an action like that – firing a coach right before the start of a season – you’re pushing the panic button. At times, the things that come out of your mouth after that are a little less relevant.  

Q. During a game, will you tell one of your coordinators to run a certain play here, or to blitz there, or do you allow them to do their jobs and then critique the performance afterward?  

A. The answer to that is both. I believe in allowing guys to do their jobs, but I’m also willing, and do, interject my thoughts and feelings during the course of football games. I believe that our staff has an understanding of that. I believe everybody in this business has an understanding of that. I’m the guy who has to go and stand at that podium when it’s over, so at times I take liberties.  

Q. What do you think of the characterization of a football game as some kind of chess match with one coordinator calling his plays and the other team’s coordinator trying to counteract those calls?  

A. I think that’s sensationalized at times. The big thing is you get quality players and you put them in position to perform. Coaches don’t determine the outcome of games. It’s the quality of play inside the white lines that does. Coaches lose games when you’re below the line from a preparation/organization standpoint. But really, I think when you prepare, you put guys in proper position, the guys on the field determine the outcome of football games.  

Q. Is it ever the play-call, or is it the execution of that on the field?  

A. Usually, when it’s the play-call, it’s because of deficiencies on the other side. I’m not taking anything away from quality play-calling, offensively and defensively, but usually it’s the guys in the helmets who determine the outcome.

                                    2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 10 vs. Titans 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Sept 20 @ Bears 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 27 @ Bengals 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Chargers 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Lions 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 18 vs. Browns 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Vikings 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 1 BYE
Monday, Nov. 9 @ Broncos 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 22 @ Chiefs * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 29 @ Ravens * 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 6 vs. Raiders * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Dec. 10 @ Browns 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network)
Sunday, Dec. 20 vs. Packers * 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 27 vs. Ravens * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 3 @ Dolphins * 1 p.m. (CBS)

* Flexible Scheduling

** All Times Eastern

Continue reading this post »

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

REGULAR SEASON

Thursday, Sept. 10 vs. Titans 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Sept 20 @ Bears 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 27 @ Bengals 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Chargers 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Lions 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 18 vs. Browns 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Vikings 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 1 BYE
Monday, Nov. 9 @ Broncos 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 22 @ Chiefs * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 29 @ Ravens * 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Dec. 6 vs. Raiders * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Dec. 10 @ Browns 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network)
Sunday, Dec. 20 vs. Packers * 1 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 27 vs. Ravens * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 3 @ Dolphins * 1 p.m. (CBS)

* Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling

** All times Eastern

I was looking at the schedule and I saw something hidden that will be of great use for the Steelers.  There are in essence two extra hidden Bye Weeks with inthe schedule.  If you look close and hard enough you will find these hidden Bye Weeks after the two Thursday night games.

One of the hidden Bye Weeks are right after the Steelers play the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Sept. 10 .  The second hidden Bye Week is after the Steelers play the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Dec. 10 .

I think these two hdden Bye Weeks along with the regularly scheduled Bye Week Sunday, Nov. 1 will most definitely help the Steelers out when it comes to the injury department.  So there is rome for injury after all, though we would love it if injuries were kept to a minimum.

When you throw together the hidden Bye Weeks, the ease of schedule, the return of 19 out of 22 starters, and the return of Danial Sepulveda and possible addition of Stephan Logan,  the Steelers have a great opportunity to make it to Super Bowl XLIV.

Tell me what you think of my assessment.

Have you ever heard the Firestone Tire shibboleth, "Where The Rubber Meets The Road"? Well, the Pittsburgh Steelers pretty much fit that bill, except it is more like, "Where The Cleats Meet The Gridiron." Trust me, the Steelers will defend every blade of grass in 2009 with their cleats meeting the gridiron.

Continue reading this post »

Have you ever heard the Firestone Tire shibboleth, ”Where The Rubber Meets The Road”? Well, the Pittsburgh Steelers pretty much fit that bill, except it is more like, “Where The Cleats Meet The Gridiron.” Trust me, the Steelers will defend every blade of grass in 2009 with their cleats meeting the gridiron.

Just like I promised, here is the new segment I'll be writing for the season. Mind you I will not be a stat freak, Just write as I see things.

Analysis :

The Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 20 – 10, with some promising performances from their rookies and second year players. It wasn't a Super Bowl rematch of sorts as others were making it to be. The game was merely used to evaluate the depth of players to help determine which of them will comprise the 53 man roster for 09.

The first team offense was playing to the cord of staying injury free, playing two series. So, you knew nothing spectacular was going to happen. Though the first team held their ground. The first team defense held the cardinals first team offense scoreless, that is what is expected of them.

Limas Sweed looked pretty confident out there catching an eleven yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger and a 45 yarder from Charlie Batch, even though he dropped one from Dennis Dixon in the third quarter that could have been a first down. Limas Sweed looks night and day compared to last year.

Charlie Batch looked great out there connecting with Limas to bring the ball down field for Jeff Reed to kick a 50 yard field goal. Jeff Reed looked like he was in mid-season form. Yes I know it was the heart of Summer when he Kicked that field goal, now it's time to see if that continues during the regular season in the wind and cold.

Lamarr Woodley, Ziggy Hood, and Sonny Harris all took part in sacking the Quarterback twice. I look forward to the defense being ranked number 1 across the board.

Piotr Czech looked okay even though one of is field goals sailed wide left. I still don't think he'll unseat Jeff Reed. Boy, wasn't it great to see Daniel Sepulveda boom those punts for a near 50% average in yards. It was dog on awful seeing Mitch Berger and Paul Ernster rotate in punting duties last year.

Mike Wallace handled himself well connecting on two passes for 35 yards  from Dixon, and returning a kick off for 35 yards also. He looked very fluid with his route running and adjustment to the ball.

Joe Burnett did well on punt returning duty, fair catching one at the 9 yard line and blocking to let one go for a touchback. He also ran one back for several yards. I like how he intercepted Brian St. Pierre for 42 yards to set Issac Redman up for a 3 yard touchdown. Issac Redman also had a nice 5 yard touchdown.

Final Thoughts:

I thought the Steelers played a great game, and are headed in the right direction. Some players were more noticeable than others and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is great not to be noticed, especially along the defensive and offensive lines. There is still a lot of work to be done before a 53 man roster is pieced together.

Notes and Quotes:

HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN

Coach Mike Tomlin: That was a good start for us on a lot of fronts. This is going to be a good take for our football team to make corrections. Of course we are far from perfection. That is why we go through this process. We saw some things that we don’t like – 12 men in the huddle and delays of game – things of that nature that are a part of August football. Those are things that we need to put behind us to get to 200-level problems, if you will. We saw some positive things and some young men who distinguished themselves. We had some guys who made plays inside stadiums for us, and it was enough for us to win. From that standpoint it was good, but by no means are we going to wear our hands out patting ourselves on the back. We have a lot of work here in front of us, and we will continue to work our football team to build for the ’09 season.

Did Limas Sweed carry his strong play into the game?

Really, it was what we expect from him. We are not going to be pleasantly surprised by production from that young man, or any of them for that matter. There is a standard of expectation around here and we expect them to exceed it. I thought that he did a pretty good job tonight.

Does Isaac Redman know how to get into the end zone?

It was relative. Hopefully we will get some more looks at him against some varsity guys, if you will. He did a nice job with what he was faced in front of tonight. We are not going to make too much out of it. We will continue to work and move forward.

Did you want to see your return guys get more opportunity?

We take it how we can get it. There was some good situational football. We didn’t get a bunch of returns, but we did get a chance to evaluate Joe (Burnett) in some areas. He of course fair caught a ball inside the nine-yard line. He didn’t fair catch another attempt which allowed him to be a blocker. He got a successful block which allowed the ball to roll into the end zone. Those are just as important as fielding and running – some of the decision-making that comes with being the punt returner, if you will. We had the same thing on kickoff returns. We didn’t get a bunch of looks, but we did get to see some judgment issues. We had guys standing in the end zone when the ball was five-and-a-half yards deep, and so forth. That is as big a part of the process as seeing the guys with the ball in their hands.

Was that a good play to fair catch the ball on the nine?

Absolutely.

Can you talk about the play of Bruce Davis?

I make no bones about the pressure that I apply to second-year men so that they jump forward in a big way. It is no different than what we asked of Lawrence (Timmons), (LaMarr) Woodley, (Matt) Spaeth, William Gay and those guys to do a year ago. We expect this class to distinguish themselves if they want to be a part of this thing.

How did you assess Rashard Mendenhall?

I thought he made some nice runs. I would like to see us control the line of scrimmage a little better as a unit. I thought he represented himself quite well for the first time out. We have a ways to go as a football team.

Did your young defensive backs make some good plays for you?

Yeah, you knew they would. That was the nice thing about playing an explosive team like Arizona here this early – you knew you were going to come out and get an opportunity to get to see these young defensive backs play. For the most part, I thought they did a nice job. They kept the ball in front of us. That is a prerequisite if we are going to be good. We have to do a better job of catching it when we get our hands on it. That will make us great. For the most part, I thought it was a pretty good part.

Was it nice to see Daniel Sepulveda boom the ball?

It was just good to see him in uniform. It is not a good feeling to look around and see a fourth-round punter in street clothes. It was great to see him in uniform. He kind of gave us what we think he is capable of giving us.

Was scratching Brett Keisel a last-minute decision?

It was. He got kicked in the calf yesterday morning at practice. We looked at it and he ran on it prior to the game and was still feeling it. We thought we would exercise a little bit of caution and not play him tonight. We do not expect that to be serious at all. Hopefully we can get him back out there running on Saturday.

How did Ziggy Hood do for the first time out there in a game?

Again, I have to watch the tape. He flashed and made a couple plays. I will have to hold judgment until I see how he does the mundane things – the ordinary things that don’t comprise highlights. How is his get-off, how is his pad level and how is his hand-usage. Those are the things that are going to get him into the rotation.

How did Dennis Dixon do with the mundane things?

He had some good moments and he had some moments where you would like to see him make a few more plays. I thought we had a couple guys keep down the field on some play actions that you would like to see one or two connected on. I liked his presence and I thought he handled the group very well. We had a delay of game in there. For the most part, like I characterized to the team at the beginning of this, I thought it was an acceptable beginning for us and something we can build off of and move forward from.

STEELERS PLAYERS

Daniel Sepulveda

When you came to the sideline after your first punt, the defenders were slapping your hand, Coach Tomlin came over – it had to feel good.

It was kind of a welcome back kind of thing. It’s good to be back. It’s just a blessing to be able to play in the NFL, first, and secondly, for the greatest franchise. You never want to take those things for granted. You never know when an injury can come up. So I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.

How did that leg feel?

It felt great. It’s good to go. I wish I wasn’t in a brace. But once you get out there playing, you kind of forget about it. It feels good. We’re taking the necessary precautions and we’ll go form there.

You got a nice little ovation out there.

Yeah, before the kick, which was interesting. I hit a good one for them after they cheered for me before I kicked it. It feels good to be back out there, for sure.

Limas Sweed

I know you dropped one on the sideline, but tonight you had a couple of big plays.

It was alright, like Coach Tomlin said. We have to get back in the lab and work on some things. There are some things that I could have done better. I take it as a positive building step. I’ll look at the tape, look at all the negatives, get them corrected and just keep moving forward.

Can you take us through the deep ball that Charlie Batch threw to you?

We saw those guys were playing single coverage pretty much the whole night. In the huddle, Charlie called something-go, I don’t remember. When we were coming up to the line, he was going to pick who he wanted to go to. I figured there might be a good chance. Just like in practice, I saw the ball, got it at the highest point and made a play.

Comment re: body positioning on deep passes

That’s something that I try to work on all the time, being a bigger guy. I don’t really want to always give away that I’m going for the high ball. So I try to turn at the last moment. The DB, his back is turned, so he doesn’t know what I am doing. So if I can turn at the last split-second, I usually try to come down with it.

Mid-game quotes

Max Starks

With a couple of new starters on the offensive line how do you think the line did tonight?

We still have some things to work on. We need to sure up some protection things. I need to focus more myself. Now that we will have this first game out of our systems, we will know our expectations on our play.

What are some good things you did out there tonight?

I think we communicated very well tonight. That’s the most important thing that everybody is on the same page. Everybody was talking, that was very important to establish that early so there is no miscommunication, a guy coming free.

Re: you guys were backed up a few times and came out with a couple first downs to change field possession.

That’s an important thing. It’s very hard to go down and get points when you’re backed up that deep, but if you can go down and get the punter some room to get it out of there.

Hines Ward

You got hurt at the end of the year last year. How did it feel to get out there and catch a few balls?

It feels just to be on the field healthy. Coach Tomlin has been very good to me at training camp. It has been a long offseason for me. It feels good to come out here and get hit, because at practice I don’t get hit.

Re: On the offense changing field position when you were pinned deep.

It felt real good, just to come out and get the ball moving. We played more, the first group, than we wanted too. We made some great plays and moved the ball out there.

Re: On Limas Sweed’s few catches.

I knew that he was going to have a great preseason this year. What happened last year was last year. He is going to grow as a wide receiver and make some big plays for us.

Ben Roethlisberger

How would you rate the offenses performance tonight?

Overall without looking at film I think it was ok. I think we had a couple plays with few breakdowns, but it just felt good to go against someone other than your own guys.

Re: About Limas Sweed.

So far so good, he made two great catches. We just have to make sure he can keep going. I told him to keep it up.

Re: On changing field position.

It was big for us. Any time we can’t go down and score, we just need to make sure we give Daniel (Sepulveda) room. We did a great job. We got a few first downs and got us out to change the tempo of the game.

Aaron Smith

How do you guys think you did in there? Did you get some good downs? Going up against the offense, do you think you did pretty well?

We did well. They moved the ball a little bit on us, but they didn’t score, and I think we played all right. We’ll see.

Especially that first possession, they moved the ball down a little bit and then you and LaMarr got the sack and we saw you guys stepped up.

Yeah, it’s just a matter of us settling in. It’s the first preseason game and you’re going to have mistakes here and there, guys being a little rough. For the most part, it felt like it was good though.

LaMarr Woodley

How do you guys think you did in there?

I think we did alright. It’s the first preseason game but we always expect the most out of ourselves. It felt like we were on the field too long.

What were some of the good things you guys did in there?

We didn’t give up the big plays. We had an opportunity when they threw the 15 down the field, and we didn’t give up the big plays. I think that’s a good thing that we did, not giving up the big plays.

Do you like going up against a top offense in the preseason? Do you think that it helps to get you guys ready?

It definitely helps. You get a chance to see actually where you’re at right now. Both of us went to the Super Bowl last year, and with the offense that Arizona has and the defense that we have, it was a good comparison to come out here early and see them early in the preseason game.

Troy Polamalu

The first time getting in against another team, how do you guys think you did as a defense?

I think we did pretty well. Obviously, the goal always to not give up any points, which we did a pretty good job of. We’re very patient, and the offense is very patient as well, so there’s obviously a lot of regrouping to do and we’ll just take it from there.

Is it good to go up against an offense early that has that much firepower? Is that going to help you down the road?

Yeah, it’s always good to face an offense of this caliber in a preseason game. It helps you prepare for the season and the rest of the preseason as well.

The “Underdog Card”, what a fantastic card it is to play. Some misconstrue it as the Bluff Card, for whatever reason, it seems to befuddle me.

The underdog card is used so to speak, to keep the players in check and away from complacency. You want the players to enter each game as if the opponent is a better team than yours.

The bluff card is used in terms, to force other teams to think that you are depleted. When I mean depleted, I mean that your team is so called playing without key players to injury. The message the other team should register into their minds is “Oh, it looks like we have this game in the bag.”

Take the Pittsburgh Penguins for example: In the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs the Penguins used both cards to attempt to claim the cup. They went into each game of each series with the attitude that the other teams were way better, causing them to play at the highest level they could.

The coaching staff opened up the bluff card in the media expressing that they had several players injured. It was used to try and throw the other teams off balance and play down to a lesser level.

Now you see how people can sometimes misconstrue the two types of cards, “Underdog and Bluff.”

OK, getting back to the underdog card, that's the card that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of familiarity with. It's the card that they are often comfortable using, because they are very successful at playing it.

Boy, the Steelers sure are awesome at playing the underdog card. In fact they win most of their games playing the underdog card.

If you look back at recent history, the Steelers played the “Underdog Card” to push themselves to be the ones at the end of the tunnel playing in Super Bowls XL & XLIII.

Back in 2005 everyone was talking about the Steelers not being able to make it to the Super Bowl. Why? Because they counted on Ben Roethlisberger to have a sophomore slump.

People were saying things like “Quarterbacks usually have sophomore slumps in their second year in the NFL.” Well did Roethlisberger have a sophomore slump? No. He went out there and proved everyone wrong.

Former head coach Bill Cowher used this to the Steelers advantage, to prepare his team to have the set mind frame that they are the underdogs. The Steelers played the “Underdog Card” throughout the 2005 season and it worked. So the they continued the use of the underdog card end-to-end in the post-season, they hit the jackpot with a gracious victory in Super Bowl XL.

Fast-forward to 2008, media members had the preconceived idea that second-year head coach Mike Tomlin could have a sophomore slump. Doesn't this remind you of what was said about Big Ben Roethlisberger? I bet it does. Well, anyways, Mike Tomlin took to account recognizing all of the above poppycock, he used it as an asset and rolled with the punches proving them wrong.

Mike Tomlin saw a use for the underdog card, he used it at will getting all his players on board with that mind frame. So, the Steelers went through the toughest schedule game-by-game playing the “Underdog Card.” It worked. They continued playing that card throughout the post-season, keno the Steelers hit the lottery, bringing home the sixth unprecedented Lombardi Trophy.

Here goes a quote from Mike Tomlin: “That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us. We did that in Baltimore to win the division. We’re a team and that’s why there’s no division in our locker room, because those guys know that when the chips are down, number seven and company will ante up and kick in. I’m just so happy and proud of them. If I could win any way, it would be like that. All people being involved and having to deliver for us is truly special. As a coach, it’s special.”

I think this quote of Tomlin's well describes the Pittsburgh Steelers using the “Underdog Card.”

OK, now let's get to brass taxes, the Steelers actually play the underdog card for 95% of their games.

If you have noticed, the media hardly ever mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Super Bowl contender at the beginning of the season, if not at all. You usually hear the media mention teams like the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys – being favored to win the Super Bowl.

The Steelers don't mind not being brought up in the Super Bowl ring of latent contenders. Yes, it's okay, they like it that way, flying under the radar playing the “Underdog Card.” The Pittsburgh Steelers are at their best on the gridiron when they play that card.

So, I believe Steeler Nation has embraced the underdog card, I know I have, and Mike Tomlin has likewise. Underdog Card it is, because it's the best card to play.

Just remember, the “Underdog Card” is always the perfect card for the Steelers to play.

The “Underdog Card”, what a fantastic card it is to play. Some misconstrue it as the Bluff Card, for whatever reason, it seems to befuddle me.

The underdog card is used so to speak, to keep the players in check and away from complacency. You want the players to enter each game as if the opponent is a better team than yours.

The bluff card is used in terms, to force other teams to think that you are depleted. When I mean depleted, I mean that your team is so called playing without key players to injury. The message the other team should register into their minds is “Oh, it looks like we have this game in the bag.”

Take the Pittsburgh Penguins for example: In the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs the Penguins used both cards to attempt to claim the cup. They went into each game of each series with the attitude that the other teams were way better, causing them to play at the highest level they could.

The coaching staff opened up the bluff card in the media expressing that they had several players injured. It was used to try and throw the other teams off balance and play down to a lesser level.

Now you see how people can sometimes misconstrue the two types of cards, “Underdog and Bluff.”

OK, getting back to the underdog card, that's the card that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of familiarity with. It's the card that they are often comfortable using, because they are very successful at playing it.

Boy, the Steelers sure are awesome at playing the underdog card. In fact they win most of their games playing the underdog card.

If you look back at recent history, the Steelers played the “Underdog Card” to push themselves to be the ones at the end of the tunnel playing in Super Bowls XL & XLIII.

Back in 2005 everyone was talking about the Steelers not being able to make it to the Super Bowl. Why? Because they counted on Ben Roethlisberger to have a sophomore slump.

People were saying things like “Quarterbacks usually have sophomore slumps in their second year in the NFL.” Well did Roethlisberger have a sophomore slump? No. He went out there and proved everyone wrong.

Former head coach Bill Cowher used this to the Steelers advantage, to prepare his team to have the set mind frame that they are the underdogs. The Steelers played the “Underdog Card” throughout the 2005 season and it worked. So the they continued the use of the underdog card end-to-end in the post-season, they hit the jackpot with a gracious victory in Super Bowl XL.

Fast-forward to 2008, media members had the preconceived idea that second-year head coach Mike Tomlin could have a sophomore slump. Doesn't this remind you of what was said about Big Ben Roethlisberger? I bet it does. Well, anyways, Mike Tomlin took to account recognizing all of the above poppycock, he used it as an asset and rolled with the punches proving them wrong.

Mike Tomlin saw a use for the underdog card, he used it at will getting all his players on board with that mind frame. So, the Steelers went through the toughest schedule game-by-game playing the “Underdog Card.” It worked. They continued playing that card throughout the post-season, keno the Steelers hit the lottery, bringing home the sixth unprecedented Lombardi Trophy.

Here goes a quote from Mike Tomlin: “That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us. We did that in Baltimore to win the division. We’re a team and that’s why there’s no division in our locker room, because those guys know that when the chips are down, number seven and company will ante up and kick in. I’m just so happy and proud of them. If I could win any way, it would be like that. All people being involved and having to deliver for us is truly special. As a coach, it’s special.”

I think this quote of Tomlin's well describes the Pittsburgh Steelers using the “Underdog Card.”

OK, now let's get to brass taxes, the Steelers actually play the underdog card for 95% of their games.

If you have noticed, the media hardly ever mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Super Bowl contender at the beginning of the season, if not at all. You usually hear the media mention teams like the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys – being favored to win the Super Bowl.

The Steelers don't mind not being brought up in the Super Bowl ring of latent contenders. Yes, it's okay, they like it that way, flying under the radar playing the “Underdog Card.” The Pittsburgh Steelers are at their best on the gridiron when they play that card.

So, I believe Steeler Nation has embraced the underdog card, I know I have, and Mike Tomlin has likewise. Underdog Card it is, because it's the best card to play.

Just remember, the “Underdog Card” is always the perfect card for the Steelers to play.

Sifting through NFL.COM I watched a new Official Review video. In the video Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira explained that there will be four rule changes voted upon at the NFL spring meetings.

Here are the rules as follows with a detailed break down:

1. Onside Kick: Right now on the kicking team you must have four players on each side of the Kicker. The part that they want to change is return team. Owners will vote on this rule that states return teams can no longer line up in bunch formation. This rule was drawn up to keep player safety in check.

1. Blindside Block: To improve player safety the competition committee submitted this rule stating that offensive play will no longer be able to block a defender from the blindside. Referring to the block that Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers put on Cincinnati's line backer Keith Butler.

1. Peel back: This will be a rule stating that neither defenders nor receivers will be able to peel off of one another to get open for the ball.

1. Defenseless Receiver: This rule will also extend to player safety, it will be stating that a defender can no longer run into a receiver shoulder or head first into the head or neck area. They say too many receivers have injured their necks being hit like this.

• Bonus Rule = Overtime: Instead of having sudden death in overtime, some owners expressed that they'd like to see each team have a chance with the ball first. This would give each team a fair shot before it goes into sudden death overtime.

Here goes the link to the Video:

Proposed Rule Changes 

In my view of things it seems like the more rules that are applied the more pansy the game of football gets.

Since the 2008 season is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, I decided to compose an analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Opponents and how they can make a run to Super Bowl XLIV. For example you will see 3-0, meaning three wins and zero losses in the series or game against an opponent.

So, shall we take a surreptitious glance and look to see how the Steelers may fare against their opponents:

Baltimore Ravens – In 2008 the Pittsburgh Steelers diminished the Ravens spirits in the regular season twice, they did for a third unheard of time in the AFC Championship Game. Can the Steelers do it again in 09? Yes, it can be done, but will it. It's not that foreseeable to happen once more. The fact is the Ravens are a mirror image of the Steelers. The series gets tied. The Steelers record against Baltimore will be 1-1.

Cincinnati Bengals – The Pittsburgh Steelers once again swept a division series under the carpet. Does that mean the Steelers will do it again in 09? That will remain to be seen, because the Bengals aren't a doormat team every year. Though I find it hard to believe they can put up a fight against the Steelers nasty defense. The Steelers take this series at 2-0.

Cleveland Browns – Ditto. The Steelers stole this series also leaving them 6-0 in the AFC North Division. The Browns were pick to be the Cinderella team to make it to the Super Bowl. What a joke, they never put up at all in the season at all. Note to Experts, the Browns choke big time when you favor them to make the Super Bowl. I see the Steelers sweeping the Browns again in 09. So this mean that the Steelers will take this series at 2-0.

Oakland Raiders – Al Davis is holding his team back. I don't see the Raiders being playoff contenders this year. They are still in the rebuilding process. Plus the Steelers are a very dominant team and tough to beat. The Steelers have this one in the bag at 1-0.

San Diego Chargers – Now this will be a tough match up even though the Steelers beat them twice, both in the regular season staving off with an 11-10 victory, and in the playoffs with a decisive VICTORY. Yes, the Steelers have a chance to beat them again, but you never know what could happen between the Steelers and the Chargers. Though I believe the Steelers will take this at 1-0.

Tennessee Titans – Oh this is sure going to be a revenge match for the Steelers. The Titans blatantly stomped on the Terrible Towel. How dare them? They almost certainly made their death bed. The Steelers will stomp a mud hole into the Titans for desecrating the Terrible Towel. Revenge will most definitely be a quetch in this game for the Titans. The Steelers get their revenge and take this game at 1-0.

Green Bay Packers – They are steeped into tradition just like the Steelers are, though they haven't been competitive since Brett Favre. The Steelers are perennial playoff contenders. Yet this will be another game that will be a hard fought game to play for the Steelers. I still believe the Steelers will grab this game at a pedestrian 1-0.

Minnesota Vikings – Let me say this,”The Vikings have nothing to put up a challenge.” They just are under matched for the Steelers. The Steelers won't have much to worry about in this game. The Vikings have no chemistry at all what so ever. So, I believe this will be another game that the Steelers will have in the bag at 1-0.

Denver Broncos – The Broncos coach Josh McDaniels got off on the wrong side of the bed with Jay Cutler. When you diminish your franchise quarterback, don't expect him to lead you to the playoffs, he will hold a slight grudge. So the Broncos won't be focused enough for this game. The Steelers are going to be a tough team to beat, so they have this one locked away at 1-0

Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are in a rebuilding phase right now with a new head coach. So they have a while before they can be thought of as playoff contenders. The Chiefs will have hard time sneaking past the Steelers defense, because it is like running into a Brobdingnagian brick wall. The Steelers will take this one in the bag at 1-0.

Miami Dolphins – With Bill “The Tuna” Parcels at the helm of Pro Player Director for the Dolphins, he was able to help them become more competitive. The Dolphins made the Wildcat offense popularized. Though I am not convinced that they can put up a fight with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are going to be a tough team to beat, they have this game in the palm of their hands at 1-0.

Chicago Bears – Like the Steelers they are known for playing stingy defense. But the Bears have a very weak offense, they don't even have a franchise quarterback. Unless Kyle Orton has a phenomenal season, I don't see them banging it out hard with the Steelers for 60 minutes at all. I just don't believe their offense has what it takes against the Steelers iron clad defense. I say the Steelers put the cat in the bag at 1-0.

Detroit Lions – Huh!!! What a carnal knowledge joke they were in 08 going 0-16. Pathetic, they can't even win a game. That is a whopping shame. So it is obvious that the Lions have nothing up their sleeves to even make this a game. It will be an embarrassing blow out by the Steelers. Well,yeah, The Steelers put this one in the bag at 1-0.

So in my summation of the Steelers and their 2009 Opponents, the Steelers will at least have 15-1 record for the season. At best they can go undefeated at 16-0 and become the first team since the 2007 New England Patriots to have a perfect season. Though I believe the Steelers can match the 1972 Dolphins and close out the post season 3-0 winning the Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLIV.

Note: Home Games are in BOLD, Away Games are in ITALICS. The division opponents are in bold an italics to reflect Home and Away games.

Since the 2008 season is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, I decided to compose an analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Opponents and how they can make a run to Super Bowl XLIV. For example you will see 3-0, meaning three wins and zero losses in the series or game against an opponent.

So, shall we take a surreptitious glance and look to see how the Steelers may fare against their opponents:

Baltimore Ravens – In 2008 the Pittsburgh Steelers diminished the Ravens spirits in the regular season twice, they did for a third unheard of time in the AFC Championship Game. Can the Steelers do it again in 09? Yes, it can be done, but will it. It's not that foreseeable to happen once more. The fact is the Ravens are a mirror image of the Steelers. The series gets tied. The Steelers record against Baltimore will be 1-1.

Cincinnati Bengals – The Pittsburgh Steelers once again swept a division series under the carpet. Does that mean the Steelers will do it again in 09? That will remain to be seen, because the Bengals aren't a doormat team every year. Though I find it hard to believe they can put up a fight against the Steelers nasty defense. The Steelers take this series at 2-0.

Cleveland Browns – Ditto. The Steelers stole this series also leaving them 6-0 in the AFC North Division. The Browns were pick to be the Cinderella team to make it to the Super Bowl. What a joke, they never put up at all in the season at all. Note to Experts, the Browns choke big time when you favor them to make the Super Bowl. I see the Steelers sweeping the Browns again in 09. So this mean that the Steelers will take this series at 2-0.

Oakland Raiders – Al Davis is holding his team back. I don't see the Raiders being playoff contenders this year. They are still in the rebuilding process. Plus the Steelers are a very dominant team and tough to beat. The Steelers have this one in the bag at 1-0.

San Diego Chargers – Now this will be a tough match up even though the Steelers beat them twice, both in the regular season staving off with an 11-10 victory, and in the playoffs with a decisive VICTORY. Yes, the Steelers have a chance to beat them again, but you never know what could happen between the Steelers and the Chargers. Though I believe the Steelers will take this at 1-0.

Tennessee Titans – Oh this is sure going to be a revenge match for the Steelers. The Titans blatantly stomped on the Terrible Towel. How dare them? They almost certainly made their death bed. The Steelers will stomp a mud hole into the Titans for desecrating the Terrible Towel. Revenge will most definitely be a quetch in this game for the Titans. The Steelers get their revenge and take this game at 1-0.

Green Bay Packers – They are steeped into tradition just like the Steelers are, though they haven't been competitive since Brett Favre. The Steelers are perennial playoff contenders. Yet this will be another game that will be a hard fought game to play for the Steelers. I still believe the Steelers will grab this game at a pedestrian 1-0.

Minnesota Vikings – Let me say this,”The Vikings have nothing to put up a challenge.” They just are under matched for the Steelers. The Steelers won't have much to worry about in this game. The Vikings have no chemistry at all what so ever. So, I believe this will be another game that the Steelers will have in the bag at 1-0.

Denver Broncos – The Broncos coach Josh McDaniels got off on the wrong side of the bed with Jay Cutler. When you diminish your franchise quarterback, don't expect him to lead you to the playoffs, he will hold a slight grudge. So the Broncos won't be focused enough for this game. The Steelers are going to be a tough team to beat, so they have this one locked away at 1-0

Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are in a rebuilding phase right now with a new head coach. So they have a while before they can be thought of as playoff contenders. The Chiefs will have hard time sneaking past the Steelers defense, because it is like running into a Brobdingnagian brick wall. The Steelers will take this one in the bag at 1-0.

Miami Dolphins – With Bill “The Tuna” Parcels at the helm of Pro Player Director for the Dolphins, he was able to help them become more competitive. The Dolphins made the Wildcat offense popularized. Though I am not convinced that they can put up a fight with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are going to be a tough team to beat, they have this game in the palm of their hands at 1-0.

Chicago Bears – Like the Steelers they are known for playing stingy defense. But the Bears have a very weak offense, they don't even have a franchise quarterback. Unless Kyle Orton has a phenomenal season, I don't see them banging it out hard with the Steelers for 60 minutes at all. I just don't believe their offense has what it takes against the Steelers iron clad defense. I say the Steelers put the cat in the bag at 1-0.

Detroit Lions – Huh!!! What a carnal knowledge joke they were in 08 going 0-16. Pathetic, they can't even win a game. That is a whopping shame. So it is obvious that the Lions have nothing up their sleeves to even make this a game. It will be an embarrassing blow out by the Steelers. Well,yeah, The Steelers put this one in the bag at 1-0.

So in my summation of the Steelers and their 2009 Opponents, the Steelers will at least have 15-1 record for the season. At best they can go undefeated at 16-0 and become the first team since the 2007 New England Patriots to have a perfect season. Though I believe the Steelers can match the 1972 Dolphins and close out the post season 3-0 winning the Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLIV.

Note: Home Games are in BOLD, Away Games are in ITALICS. The division opponents are in bold an italics to reflect Home and Away games.

Yes! If I were Bugs Bunny that is what I'd say, ( Verwy Verwy Quiet Six burgh Steelers are Hunting Wabbit.) Why? You would ask. Because for the past couple of weeks the Pittsburgh Steelers have been very quiet during free agency for the norm.

So far we have lost Nate Washington to the Tennessee Titans, Anthony Smith to the Green Bay Packers, and Bryant McFadden to the Arizona Cardinals in which the Pittsburgh Steelers beat in Super Bowl XLIII. I look at it this way, “How do we give away players and not get anything in return?”

Yeah the Steelers have Joey Galloway coming in for a visit today, but he is 37 years old. Will we sign him to the roster filling the void with Washington gone? I'd like to think so, though it is his age that hovers that fine line of the policy we have on signing guys over the age of 30.

I'd say the Steelers captured a few wabbits they hunted for. The wabbits are Max Starks one-year franchise tender offer, Sean McHugh a three-year contract, Willie Colon a tender offer yet to be accepted, and Chris Kemeaotu a five-year contract. Some nice wabbits huh?

One of the wabbit talks are slowing down, James Harrison and the Steelers are having a hard time piecing together this wabbit's contract. Thanks to the wabbit Albert Haynesworth signing a wabbit of a contract for $100,000,000 with the free spending Washington Redskins.

There were a few wabbits that toyed with the Steelers and our psyche, which wasn't nice. Here are those really naughty wabbits as follows:

Jeff Saturday, he toyed with the idea to become a Steeler, then he stayed with the Indianapolis Colts anyway.

Marvin Harrison, he teased us with the same idea, though he is still on the market.

Terrell Owens, he didn't toy around but the media did, they toyed with us saying he would make a great fit because the Steelers are the defending Super Bowl champs and that he had a great shot at getting a ring with us, well then Terrell Owens went the route we mentioned, but he signed the contract with the Buffalo Bills not the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So are the Steelers hunting talented wabbits or are they hunting for the wabbit at the end of the tunnel where the light is? Super Bowl XLIV.

Super Bowl XLIV sure would be a nice wabbit to catch and get “Stairway To Seven”. I know all of Steeler Nation is dreamming of that wabbit as the days go by. We hope for the Steelers to catch that wascally wabbit.

As Elmer Fudd would say,”sh sh sh we're hunting WABBITS.”

Pepto Bismol could be the choice of beverage around the league for offensive coordinators, and here it is:

Dick LeBeau Steelers defensive coordinator stated there is still room for Outside Linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley to improve. Last season they both combined for 27.5 sacks.

“It's a challenge for us from a coaching standpoint to keep expanding, giving them stuff that can make us better.” LeBeau said, “I think they will get better.”

At the Steelers' South Side practice facility in LeBeau's office, that challenge points out notes covering a dry erase board.

Throughout the season plays, thoughts, and innovations that come to mind, LeBeau writes them down. Those small pieces of paper that he sorts though, they are thrown away after Dick separates his ideas which may be worth a try from the ones that are worth discarding.

LeBeau said, “I've probably got 50 ideas up there.”

Practices during the offseason probably only has a few brainstorms of his that are not worth a look at, given LeBeau's success.

Since the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles who lead the NFL in passing, rushing, and total defense, the Steelers last season were the closest to match them. A Steelers single season duo sack record was set by Woodley and Harrison. NFL experience between the both of them only three years apart in years started is what lead LeBeau to the conclusion that they both still have lots of upside.

Woodley and Harrison, who is in his final contract year, will be returning among leaders on a defense last year might just lose one starter. In all likelihood to sign somewhere else is unrestricted free agent Cornerback Bryant McFadden.

Though don't expect a missing beat from the unit that has held the least points allowed for 2008 in the NFL, for the likely replacement of McFadden if he doesn't return is Cornerback William Gay in which the Steelers look high upon.

As a Louisville second year man, Gay while McFadden and Deshea Townsend were sidelined by injuries started last season in four games. After McFadden came back from a forearm that was broken Gay even had plenty time playing and he did good enough.

LeBeau said, "B-Mac started (at the end of last season), but William played almost an equal number of snaps, so in my mind that question's already been answered. I think we've got a good, quality player there who should continue to grow,” After he was asked if Gay was ready to become a starter.

LeBeau is driven by squeezing talent laden Woodley and Harrison to do more and enhancing players like Gay.

In his 51st year of the NFL as Coach or Player he's 71 years old, though LeBeau's retiring hasn't been given any close indications.

Dick said he was “dumbfounded” of rumors, which came to light before SUPER BOWL XLIII, that 2008 might be his last season. LeBeau's son told him about the rumors, so he informed his players that such language didn't surface from him.

LeBeau said he is as passionate of coach as ever before.

“Who would not want to be a part of these guys buy how they played last year?” LeBeau said. “I suppose there will come a time physically when I won't be able to do it, but I don't think that time has come yet. I feel good, and these guys are a joy to coach.

“What would I be doing if I wasn't here? I'd be watching football, going to football games or writing a football book. I'd rather be coaching.”

Today February 27, 2009 marks one year since good old Myron Cope has been gone as the Pope of Steeler Nation. So let's take a moment and remember how valuable he was to our great Black and Gold Nation.

In late 1975 Myron was approached by WTAE radio's producer to come up with a gimmick for the run to the Super Bowl. Myron professed that he wasn't a gimmicky type of guy, well his producer refreshed his memory that he was due for a new contract. So Cope said “I'm a gimmick guy.”

Co-workers blurted “How about a mask of Noll's liking?” The marketing department did some research on it and noted that it would cost a lot at 50 cents a piece for 30,000 fans. Then Myron said “How about a towel, we can call it the Terrible Towel?” The marketing director said “Yeah that'll work everyone has a towel, but they must be yellow or gold ones.” then he said “If the fans don't have one, they can buy one, if they don't want to buy one, they can dye one.”

See awhile back Myron Cope use to be a sports writer for Sports Illustrated before he got into broad casting. He had among the best and top rated articles in sports. Let me show you an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated?:

May God bless Myron Cope. Hope you enjoyed his piece.

The Cuts

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut Right Guard Kendall Simmons and Linebacker Mike Humpal this evening. What a shocker Kendall Simmons getting released. No one saw this coming I bet.

Kendall Simmons tore his Achilles Tendon in the forth game last season. He didn't play the rest of the season and sat on Injured Reserve.

He was drafted in the first round of 2002. Simmons then became the Steelers starting Right Guard in his rookie year. Kendall held his starting position until he landed on IR in 2004 and up till his injury in 2008.

So Mike Humpal became the next target for release. He was drafted in the sixth round of 2008. Humpal sat on Injured Reserve with an injury to the neck last season.

The Offers Tendered

The three contracts tendered for one year by the Steelers were offered to their RFA's this evening were --- Tackle Willie Colon, Fullback Sean McHugh, and Cornerback Anthony Madison.

Free Safety Anthony Smith wasn't offered a contract tender. He was drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. So now Anthony will remain a UFA.

The three players that were tendered maintained their rights to the Steelers. This allows the Steelers to replicate offers that the players may receive from other teams.

An offer of $2,198,000 was tendered to Willie Colon. Meaning which if Colon were to sign onto another team and the Steelers don't replicate the offer, they in return would get a compensatory first round pick.

Both Madison and McHugh were offered a low tender of $1.01 million. The Steelers maintain their rights to replicate any offer made by another team. In return if they don't match the other offer for McHugh, they'll get a compensatory seventh round pick. In Madison's case the Steelers wouldn't get a draft pick because he wasn't drafted.

The Have Not's

Arnold Harrison a Linebacker and other RFA's weren't offered any tenders, they will become UFA's. Jon Dekker a Tight End hasn't been offered a tender either as an exclusive rights player.

Exclusive rights players --- Fullback Carey Davis and Guard Jeremy Parquet also haven't been offered a tender.

Position Flexibility Reflected

Roster By Position

Offensive Roster

Defensive Roster

Special Teams Roster

Now that I have the Mock Roster sketched, what do you think?

 First of all if you know anything about football of the 70's every team in the NFL were doing steroids at the time.  So how could the Steelers have cheated in all four Super Bowls in the 70's?  It's because they didn't; everyone in the league was on the same boat. 

You just have no kind of justification at all to back up those claims.  Evidently there weren't any league policies banning steroids in the 1970's either.  So there is't any need to call the kettle black anymore.

The Steelers won Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV fair and square, plain and simple.

Secondly, there is no way in heaven I'll subscribe to the "Hocus Pocus" that the Ref's were paid off to give the Steelers there current Super Bowl victories.  It's just plain old ludicrous to think of that.  How can you even have an inkling of a suggestion that the Ref's were paid off? 

You just can't; because it never happened.  Just accept that the referees are human and make mistakes.  The NFL is an imperfect league in an imperfect world, that's all what that boils down to.

The Steelers won Super Bowls XL & XLIII fair and square, plain and simple.

So there I debunked both of the notions that the Steelers cheated to win their six pack of Super Bowl Trophies.  Now move on and enjoy American Football like everyone else and stop being jealous.  Jealousy is ignorance. 

Jealousy breeds contempt and stop the complaining.