Does anyone else notice, when our players and coach speak they sound much more grounded, intelligent and team oriented than the rest of the NFL? I cannot stand Rex Ryans approach, and I feel like he hurts his team with his mouth. Not alot of trash talking has happened this week...but hey, there are still a few days left.

Anyways, on to the poll. We could sit here all day listening to ESPN and NFL network tell us about what needs to happen on Sunday for the Steelers to win, but I think we all have our own opinions. What do you think needs to happen the most for us to move on to the Super Bowl?

The Steelers have advanced to thier 15th ( that is mind blowing ) AFC championship game. Currently we are 7-7, not bad, but not great either. Lets make it a winning record this weekend. This will be my first time in Pittsburgh for a championship game and I am stoked.

So today I want to know which championship game had you the most hyped up? Even the ones we lost, I know we were all crazy with anticipation before hand. But whatever the reason; you went to the game, your significant other liked the opposing team, or whatever...

What a catch by the rookie...seriously. Is it just me or have we seen quite a few of these "Tyree-Like" catches recently? I am going to make it short and simple today, as I am still drained from the weekend.

On another note though, I am coming up to Seven Springs to snowboard this weekend ( 1.5 hours away from Pitt ) and on the way home on Sunday we are stopping in Pittsburgh to watch the game at a local bar. I have only been up there to actually go to the games, so if any of you could give me some advice on the best place to watch it, that would be awesome.

On to the poll...

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So here we are 1 day before our Super Bowl before the Super Bowl. I dont know about you guys but I am so amped I can barely contain my excitement. Anyone on this site going?

Traditionally the Steelers defense has fared better against the Ravens offense than our offense vs. thier defense. Which makes sense considering these are very defense oriented teams.

There was the exception however...you all remember "Baltimore Beatdown". Well let's all hope we get a repeat of that performance. For todays poll I want to know which of the following hypothetical performances you think has a better chance of happening tomorrow.

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The past two days we have looked at Defense, and QBs, today we will look at the 3rd and final piece of the threesome that makes these two teams tick.

They say running the ball and excellent defense gets you wins in January and February. These teams are setup exactly for those things, with a little QB play sprinkled in there. Lately however, most of the NFL, as well as our beloved Steelers are turning to more pass heavy offenses. 

A current trend that has become popular as well, is having two running backs that could carry the load. The Ravens have traditionally had better commitees, however we have typically have had the better feature backs. With the current RBs these teams have it is very hard to say who has the edge.

Today, I want to know which of these backfields you would want if you were starting a team.

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Now that both teams have proven franchise quarterbacks, I think its time we reflect back on the QBs that were a part of this rivalry before the current signal callers.

While the Ravens have had quite a few more QBs than the Steelers, they did win a Super Bowl on effiecient yet unspectacular play by Trent Dilfer ( mostly by the play of thier defense though ). While the Steelers could not make it to the big game.

Who do you think had the better QBs before the new guys came into town?

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So, there wasn't as much disparity in the poll yesterday as I though there was going to be. Most of you thought the "Trifecta" of wins was the most memorable of the Steelers vs. Ravens rivalry. Todays poll will not be so easy. Since this is Steelers/Ravens week, I am going to keep in theme for the rest of the polls.

These are the 2 best defenses in the NFL ( regardless of San Diego's official ranking ) and they thrive off of pass rushing, sound tackling, and playmaking. There are alot of pieces from both teams that could be swapped with little or no drop-off in play for either team.

My poll today will be excruciating to answer for most of us, as we would never want to lose a player to the Ravens. However, if someone was holding a gun to your head and said you HAVE to trade player A for player B, would you trade...

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WOW...what an opening weekend of playoff football. We saw two huge upsets on Saturday, and at least 1 decent game on Sunday. On a side note, who else thinks this run by Marshawn Lynch is one of the best runs they have ever seen?

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81d8d049/Lynch-s-TD-seals-upset-of-reigning-champs

I dont know about you guys but I am happy we are playing the Ravens. I mean what better way to close out the season with wins against them and the pansies to make it to the Super Bowl.

I was however hoping for an all keystone state matchup in the big game, if nothing else just to see GODdell's head explode with all of the "Bad Guy" talk about Vick and Ben.

For the poll today we are going to examine the best Steelers - Ravens games in the "Big Ben Era". I chose this time frame since; for #1 the dirty birds have only been around since 1995 and the rivalry really just started to heat up around the turn of the century, and #2 since there are some younger readers they may not remember the days of Mike Tomczak or Kordell Stewart.

After the jump I will list the games with a short description and a link to the recap from Yahoo sports for those of you who want to re-live all of the moments from that particular game. I will go ahead and skip 2010 for now since next week may be the most memorable of all.

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Now that the season is over and all the numbers are in, this year like most other years was riddled with some amazing individual accomplishments. We could go with ALOT of steelers for this category like Ben's career low 5 int's, Wallace's 21 YPC average, Timmon's stat line; 135 Tackles, 3 sacks, 2 int, 2 FF 9 PD ( thats borderline Patrick Willis ) or the obvious Troy and Deebo for thier Defensive MVP level of play this year .

I do think there were a few players with more impressive numbers than what our players have posted this season. In terms of statistics, and the player's supporting cast to accomplish the feat, which of the following do you think is more jaw dropping?

By now you may have all heard the news about Vince Young. If not...The Titans are announcing that they will be releasing or trading the former Rose Bowl hero and #3 overall pick. This young man has had one hell of a rollerocaster ride in the NFL; from being rookie of the year, to deep depression, to winning 8 of his last 10 games last year, then being benched this year.

This has most undoubtedly been the year of the QB. There was no 2000 yard rusher, or 20 TD back, WR numbers are down across the board and there has been no real standout TE. Jason Witten is the only TE to cross the 1000 yard plateau, and by only 2 yards.

Today I want to talk about Quarterbacks. I will spare you the talk of Brady's INT free streak, Big Ben's suspension, Manning's miscues, or Vick's redemption story, as that will be all we hear for the next few weeks. Instead, today I want to focus on the QB's that did not make the playoffs.

Other than Vince Young, since the story is still developing, what do you all think has been the most signifigant, non-playoff QB story?

Hey guys. I've been a regular reader of this site every day for a few years now, and cant get enough, thank you. I figure it's my turn to contribute regularly.

As an avid Steeler fan for quite some time now ( 20 years or so...im 29 ) I keep up on them with an almost obsessive like state.

Lately I have had alot of free time at work, so I figured since we all love polls so much I will post 1 new poll every weekday for our enjoyment and debating purposes.

Today I posted the "Draft Day" Poll, which it seems like we are very split on the whole who to draft and when thing, which is an interesting thing to see. But to kick off the daily poll thread I am going to go bifecta with another poll after the jump, which I hope you all enjoy.

Thanks, and let me know if this is something you want me to continue...

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I think we can all agree our biggest needs are a top flight corner and a lineman who can be a stallwart for years to come.

My question is...With the amount of good DB's in this draft would you draft one of the ones that falls to us in the first round like; Janoris Jenkins or Ras-I Dowling then trade your second and third ( or package a few later picks ) to move up and snag Mike Pouncey before anyone else does ( very risky if we really want Mike, considering he is considered late first, early second ).

Or in the opposite order; draft Mike in late first and move up to get Ras-I ( I doubt Janoris would be available in this scenario ).

Im confused...

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Ok, so this is my first post. I have been reading you guys for months, and love what you guys put out. Since it is such a long summer with football on the mind everyday, I thought I would take a shot at my ( hopeful ) 53 man roster, with the depth at their position respectively, and a short description next to each of why they will make the team.

 

OFFENSE

QB

·     #7 Ben Roethlisberger - I can see this as another pro-bowl season.

·     #2 Dennis Dixon - The flexibility and fresh legs give him the edge over Batch.

·     #16 Charlie Batch - Always a reliable insurance policy.

 

HB

·     #39 Willie Parker - Needs to have a contract year based on two sub-par, injury filled seasons.

·     #34 Rashard Mendenhall - Gives us one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL ( based on potential ).

·     #21 Mewelde Moore - Filled in admirably when called upon, and could you ask for a better 3rd down running back? Plus, don’t forget the Minnesota ties with Tomlin.

·     #44 Frank Summers - FINALLY a true goal line threat.

 

FB

·   #49 Sean McHugh - A big surprise last year. Gives Chris Cooley type flexibility to Arians.

 

WR

·   #86 Hines Ward - Amazing how he keeps going at such a high gear every year.

·   #10 Santonio Holmes - This will finally be his breakout year.

·   #14 Limas Sweed - Tall receiver Ben wants...too high a draft pick to not play, Tomlin will show faith after a good pre-season.

·   #87 Shaun McDonald - Poor mans Wes Welker, with some NFL experience.

·   #17 Mike Wallace - Nate Washingtons replacement as the deep threat. Our best option as punt returner.

 

TE 

·   #83 Heath Miller - One of the best complete package tight ends in the NFL.

·   #89 Matt Spaeth - Can catch, and is very tall. Not a very good blocker. McHugh will play some 2 TE sets if Spaeth does not learn quickly.

 

LT 

·   #78 Max Starks – No more Franchise Tags…

·   69 Jason Capizzi T – A warm body to fill a back up position, and that’s about it.

 

LG

·   #68 Chris Kemoeatu – Got a good extension, I trust the front office. One of our best lineman.

·   #79 Trai Essex – Also got an extension, capable backup.

C

·   #62 Justin Hartwig – Our best option at the position, Yikes.

·    #61 A. Q. Shipley – Love his heart and drive, possible future starter ( Think, Mike Webster )

 

RG

·   #72 Darnell Stapleton – Too small, but we don’t have many options.

·    #65 Kraig Urbik – Will be the starter by mid season. May even supplant Stapelton by week 1

 

RT

·   #74 Willie Colon – Extended for another year, front office hopes he can prove something this year.

·   #66 Tony Hills – The jury is still out on his talent, but he will push Colon.

 

 

DEFENSE

 

 

LE

·   #91 Aaron Smith – Most underrated DL in the league in my opinion. Amazing on stuffing the run. Remember what happened when he went down a few years ago at the end of the season.

·   #90 Travis Kirschke – Good back up; can play both end spots if needed.

 

NT

·   #98 Casey Hampton – Our Anchor…Please just come to camp in shape for once.

·   #76 Chris Hoke – Not as big as the "Big Snack" but filled in well when needed.

 

RE

·   #99 Brett Keisel DE – I can see some great potential, but Hood is in the rear view mirror with a much higher ceiling.

·   #96 Evander Hood – Will see a handful of snaps each game until he overtakes Kiesel within a year or so.

 

LOLB

·   #56 LaMarr Woodley – With Deebo getting more double teams this time look for another monster year.

·   #54 Andre Frazier – Insurance policy / special teams player.

 

LILB

·   #51 James Farrior – Tackle machine, and on-field leader. Not going anywhere till he retires.

·   #57 Keyaron Fox – Insurance policy / special teams player.

 

RILB

·   #94 Lawrence Timmons – The next Levon Kirkland, with more sacks per year possibly?

·   #97 Arnold Harrison - Insurance policy / special teams player.

 

ROLB

·   #92 James Harrison – Will he have another MVP type year, with all the OL attention he will be getting?

·   #50 Bruce Davis – Will not see much playing time unfortunately, except on special teams. Had great potential coming out of college.

 

 

LCB

·   #24 Ike Taylor – Tall corner, that can run with most receivers…if only he had hands.

·   #27 Keiwan Ratliff – Veteran CB to sure up doubts about inexperience of DB corps.

·   #20 Keenan Lewis – Will do well learning behind Ike for a couple years. To high a draft pick to put on practice squad.

 

RCB

·   #22 William Gay – Looked better than B-Mac most of last year. Great mini camps.

·   #26 Deshea Townsend – Veteran CB, fan favorite. Learning to play safety.

·   #37 Anthony Madison - Insurance policy / special teams player.

·   #40 Joe Burnett – Strictly kick/punt returns

 

SS

·   #43 Troy Polamalu – The best overall safety in the NFL.

·   #23 Tyrone Carter – Decent hands, good special teams player.

 

FS

·   #25 Ryan Clark – Very Hard hitter. Works well with Troy. Crossing my fingers for the front office to resign.

·   #29 Ryan Mundy – Limited to special teams, however potential starting to show.

 

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

 

 

LS

·   #60 Greg Warren – Just don’t let Deebo do it.

 

K

·    #3 Jeff Reed – Knows the wind tunnels of Heinz. The hair alone is enough to keep him though.

 

P

·    #9 Daniel Sepulveda – Has a monster of a leg, as long as it is healed. Reports from mini camp seem to say he has looked back to form. By the way I hope you have all seen this by now :

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FhCgLeuO0I&feature=PlayList&p=60EC4BD0B4B6FF96&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=8

 

 

Well that is it for now…let me know what you guys think.