Me too.

Liked what I saw. Specifically, the Ravens don't look very good on offense or defense. Be ready for them to come out a little, or a lot, flat at the beginning of the year.

Sure, Flacco had some good plays, but not many against the Redskins first string defense. Lee evans is a nice addition to their receiving core, but he is not enough to help them out. Ray Rice looked like himself. He was able to exploit some oppurtunities for some nice gains. The Steelers will be an apt test for him. Ricky Williams on the other hand, did not have success. I don't know if it was him or the line because the Redskins defense seemed to get nice penetration when Williams was running the ball.

The Ravens o-line did not look good. If McKinney (SP?) is not up to speed for the opener, Harrison and Woodley (Sounds like a law firm or rain coat makers) will have a huge game. Oher seems to be digressing. Maybe he needs another talking to from Leanne Tooey (Also SP?).


The Ravens secondary did not look good. Smith may have the tools, but he doesn't have the experience. If he is on Wallace, look for some nice gains by number 17. Same goes for Brown.

I was surprised to see the Redskins have some runnig success. Shannahan has always had good running teams, but not against the Ravens. The Steelers should see some success on the ground.

Overall, I was encouraged by what I saw. I'm a little less inclined this year than the past few to be concerned by the Ravens. That is not to say they can not pull it together for the opener, as they usually get up for the Steelers, but they do not look like an elite team to me. While everyone has been focusing on the additions on offense and talking about how much they should get better (They are not), no one has been noticing that the Ravens' defense declines a little more every year. I look for that decline to continue this year. While everyone was talking about Flacco needing ot get better, Ben actually got better. Maybe Joe needs to get married. And if he is already married, maybe he needs to trade her in for a Pittsburgh girl (If he can find one who will marry a Raven). Oh yeah, the Steelers receivers got better, the Ravens' best receiver is still learning the play book. Silly Raven, building through free agancy is for kids.

Overall, the first game of the season should be fun for the Steelers fan. The Steelers got better, I'm not so sure the Ravens did.

Ah, good ol' WyoFan. Had been wondering where his twisted humor had been this past few weeks. If you're new to the site and find yourself wanting to be offended, don't be. It's his harmless, unique M.O.  - Michael B. -

************

By now, we've all heard what Ray-Ray had to say about crime and the NFL lockout. Sure, the media was gasping for stories, but even if they weren't, they would have to have listened to the NFLs third or fourth leading authority on criminal activity (Plax and Vick have to be numbers one and two. See also: NFLs dumbest players).

Even though I'm not a fan of Ray-Ray the person, and I loath the future where ESPN hires him the day after he retires to educate us all on disrespect, he got me thinking - What are some of the possible ramifications, to society, if there are no NFL games this fall?

Lets think about this for a minute. How many football fans are there on the planet? One hundred million? Sure, there has to be at least that many. Just to be conservative, lets say they only watch one game a piece each Sunday. That leaves football fans with three hundred million hours of idle time to fill every week. I know your thinking if we could focus all that human power we could build a forth pyramid, but what would we do with a forth pyramid? We don't know what the first three were for! Don't say aliens.

Three hundred million hours. Let me put that into perspective for you: If you were to watch George W. Bush debate Paris Hilton on the subject of space exploration...By the time they were finished...It would feel like three hundred million hours. You with me so far?

Three hundred million hours is also the exact amount of time you have to wait at the DMV in Illinois to get a drivers license. Maybe not just Illinois.

So, here are the areas I, in my wisdom, see as potential consequence of football being canceled this year:

Continue reading this post »

IX - We often talk about the futility of trying to grade a draft right away, most say you need two to three years to grade a draft. USA Today recently graded the 2008 draft - Ooof!...that was not a good draft for the Steelers, Colbert and Tomlin. Can you even remember the while group of players? Additionally, a couple of years later, Belichick isn't such a genious. How can you not get an A with all those draft picks every year?


X - Here are five questions asked and answered about the Steelers (Also on USA Today). Don't expect anything mind-blowing here. But, when you're desperate, you will read anything concerning the Steelers (Like this Six Pack).

XIII - James Walker, always creative, asks what is the defining moment in Steelers history (As well as the Browns, Bengals and Ravens) and solicits your vote. I voted for the hiring of Chuck Noll. I also voted for the Brown defining moment being when they moved to Baltimore - I feel like that is really two defining moments for Baltimore.

XIV - Somebody working for the Browns is having delusions of grandeur. One of the best trades in history? I think this statement says it all:

"Based on what other teams around us were going to do"

How did he know what other teams were going to do? Stop talking until you have done something Pat.

XL - What's the AFC North's favorite spaz up to these days? If you haven't already read it, you are not going to believe this. I worked at the Rodeo here in Jackson when I was in high school, bull riding is no joke. I once saw a guy get killed. I think Chad was suckered by the promise of ten grand and a new truck IF HE CAN RIDE THE BULL, which he can't. So, the Rodeo promoter gets a free seat filler. Way to go Chad.

XLIII - Just for the fun of it! I watched this a little while back, it makes your stomach flip. Looks like he was thinking about the face he was about to ski and not concentrating on what he was doing. It's the little things that'll kill ya.

IX - You may have recently read about the website Draft Metrics in a recent Ed Bouchette column. It's a great site chalk full of interesting data and analysis. The site is run by Tony Villiotti, who happens to be  the brother of BTSC contributor swissvale. Villiotti's credentials are impressive. A long-time corporate finance executive, Villiottti published a book titled 'Draft Metrics' about the history of the draft that multiple NFL teams found so valuable that they purchased it from him. Rumor has it that Bean recruited him to write about the draft in this year's preseason publication.

X - You can now purchase Steelers Digest in digital form for less than print form. You might want to check it out if you aren't protesting the lockout by not purchasing anything from the NFL, like me. If you are, sorry for the tease.

XIII -  I flipped to Dancing With the Stars last night in time to see the second half of Hines' second dance and the scores. I guess he did really well on the first dance of the night - not quite as well on the second. Here's what the Trib had to say about Hines' latest dance floor exploits:

I'm sorry Hines, I've tried, but I just can't watch that show for very long. I'd rather just wait for Momma Rollett's weekly reviews.

XII - Uh-oh...Twitter strikes again. Which is worse, what Mendy said, or Reggie Bush's recent comments?

Sure you were just kidding Reggie!

IV - If you want to see something that will get you a little heated check out NFL.com's team offseason Team Rankings

Grrrr...Except for Pat Kerwin.

XL - I find this little study about NFL player safety and helmets to be quite interesting: . Especially after all the talking the players have been doing about the owners lack of concern for their health. I was always taught that you can never be more concerned about a persons career than that person is. You parents might want to take note if you young man is playing football. Yep, you guessed it, you may soon be shelling out for a helmet to better protect your young player.

XLIII - Here is something just for the fun of it.

What do you have for the fun of it?

P.S. I didn't link to any of the NFL lockout stories because you can't swing a dead cat without reading one of those.

Loved this idea by WyoFan. So much in fact that I suggested he publish it in the fanposts rather than the main page so that it could stay up in the rec'd section for a few weeks while we collectively compile a list of words/phrases. Read on for instructions. I hope you participate, could be lots of fun! -Michael B. -

************

This is a game for everyone, and I mean everyone. That is to say, we are going to need everyone who participates in out little community, both readers and writers, to make this little game fly.

What is it you ask?

The BTSC word game is this: You all think of a word, or phrase, something new and original that has to do with football. Add it to the comments in this piece with an explanation of the word or phrase. Then, the featured writers on this site will make a list of the five they like the best and submit their lists to Master Bean. Bean will tabulate, collate, cross-reference or whatever he does to come up with a top five list. He will then post this list, allowing members of BTSC to vote for the one they think is the best.

Sounds kind of stupid doesn't it? I mean, what the hell is the point? This: Once we have our word, we (everyone on BTSC) will proceed to start using this word or phrase in conversations and blogs and anything that has to do with football that the use of the word or phrase would be appropriate for. The point of this exercise is to get the word or phrase into mainstream use. The ultimate goal is to hear the word used by a member of the media. We all know most of them haven't had an original thought since "As cool as the other side of the pillow", so you know if we do this right, the word or phrase will be picked up in no time.

Think of this as part fun, part social experiment, part BTSC (The best blog on the internet) flexing its muscle.

Imagine the word or phrase you thought up going global...Take your time...

But, this would have to be a total BTSC effort to get there.

Here are some examples, not entries mind you, but something to give you all the flavor of what this is about.

Continue reading this post »

Yes, it's that time of year again. Mother nature seems to be punishing me by making it snow every night and melt off every day. I'm not sure if she's after me or someone else who has offended her. Although, I can't think of how I offended her.

Have you ever seen a cat with cabin fever? It's not pretty.

So, if I seem a little crazier than normal, remember, there are outside forces at work here.

I think this is the perfect time of year, when nothing is happening and I have your strict attention, to bash the Hated Patriots (You Patriot smoochers can skip this part).

Did anyone catch Tom Brady crying because he didn't get drafted when he thought he would? No, I'm not talking about video footage from the year he got drafted, he was crying this year. OMG! Are you f*****g kidding me? Big Ben: Broken nose, hurt foot, no protection from the refs at all - NO CRYING! Tom Brady: Something that happened in the past that pales in comparison to what a lot of Americans go through, getting a job - CRYING! And, what's up with that long hair and all the fashion?

Anyway, this got me thinking about the Hated Patriots today: Specifically about their heralded ability to find guys in later rounds to build a team with, and have them perform. Now here's the part I don't get: Why hasn't ANYONE left the organization and taught the system to another team? Ever! Not one of his coaches has gone on to blow our minds by duplicating what the Hated Patriots and the supposed genius, and proven cheater, Billy-boy Belichick has done, and taught them. Why you ask? Good question. (Seriously, if you're a Patriot smoocher, move on) Because - Are you ready? - They are still frickihn' cheating! A hall of fame Quarterback and a crappy team can only get you so far (See: Payton Manning an the Colts), but after that, come on, there is no way a team does that well. Patriot defenders may say something like: "Well, you see - Excuse me, could you pass the lobsta? - Where was I? Oh yes, you see the Patriots had/have gifted playas". To which I say: Sure, they may have been physically gifted, but most of them are dumb as stones. How else can you explain a team that is that successful* with that low of a payroll? Where talking about an organization that won three championships and never-ever felt obligated to reward its best players - AND THEY TOOK IT. The players were/are STUPID! Now how do you win with a hall of fame quarterback and stupid players? You have to give them an advantage. You justify it by thinking of your team as handicapped, and then, YOU CHEAT! Still sceptical? Try this one on: How do you make a guy who cries about something so dad-gum trivial (I mean, come on, I'd say it worked out in his favor) a hall of fame quarterback? You consider him handicapped (Okay, one more: Maybe teams didn't draft him because they heard he was a crybaby).

I just picture him in some nice apartment, or house, all snuggled up to Gissel watching a rerun of the game earlier in the day, and him saying, "Did you see that? Did youseee that? That guy got within five feet of me and there was no flag!!...Unbelievable! NO...I...Am...NOT...going to cry." then his lip starts to quiver and he buries his face in Gissel's breasts and starts to cry (Now that's injustice).

Should this man get into canton and I ever get to visit, I'm taking a picture of him crying and taping it to his exhibit. I urge you to do the same.

So, another adult has forced the NFL and the NFLPA to sit down and negotiate - do you tink it will do any good? Not hardly. At the end of the day, I feel like I don't trust either side. And, I feel like when this is all said and done, the NFL will be worse off. I've joked about it, but what are we going to do if there is no salary cap and Dallas and Washington are able to purchase every player on the market, hmmm? Personally, I've already started getting into shape so I can do more outdoor activities this fall (Which has already started here, weather wise). I'm just not holding my breath for a good outcome is all I'm saying.

You want to know how crazy and bored I am? Today I read something about Charlie Sheen!... Help me!

I see that Peyton Mannig is the proud father of twins. One boy and one girl. What in the hell is he going to do with a daughter? And, what is shegoing to do with all that football knowledge? Realistically, Peyton has a chance to make her into the perfect woman. Now, if someone will just take the time to teach her to cook and clean (I kid ladies, I really do). You know this puts all kinds of pressure on Eli.

Has Terry Bradshaw started crying because his brain is turning to goo? Present tense?

I have to say, this years draft has no clear candidates. Everyone's, and I mean everyone's, drafts are so far apart that I'm totally lost. All that is left is to say a prayer to Saint Rooney (The patron saint of football. Someone start working on the designs for the medallion) and cross your fingers. Sure we've had some great, and possibly crazy, mocks right here on BTSC, but they haven't cleared anything up. At least not for me. That is not a shot at the mockers, they were brilliant, every one of them. Therein lies the problem, I was talked into drafting four or five guys in the first round. Clear as mud.

People, it's time to rant. Pick a subject and go for it. Bean has been basically carrying this site all by himself lately, with a little help from a limited cast. There is a whole group of writers I enjoy here whom I haven't seen for quite some time (Arn? Where the hell are you? Momma, get writing, love your stuff). I know there isn't much out there to write about, so make something up if you have to. Go wild, let's hear from you.

Speaking of which, do you guys want to hear the story of Punxy and the three browns, or the three Bengals?

That's all for today.

Go Steelers!

In one of Bean's Daily Sixs, he linked us to "The Album Cover Game" and expressed an interest in our doing the same thing, or something like it. He left the details up to us. Big Mistake.

I read the Album Cover Game, there were some really creative entrees. Some funny stuff. We could do better. We have some zany cats showing up at BTSC. I didn't read the whole piece as it seemed quite long and, well, I think I may have potentially, possibly seen a trend - I was getting bored.

I wanted something a little more personal though, to start. You know, just to let us get the ball rolling and at the same time maybe bring us closer and get to know one another a little better.

What I'm suggesting is the "Member-Picture" game. You see, there are so many unique and disturbed characters at BTSC that don't have pictures of themselves and whom we really know nothing about, but somewhere in the back of our head we have built a picture and maybe a short story. So, let's hear it, and see it.

Troll the net for a picture that represents your idea of a member, post it in this blog, and add a short story about the member and what is happening in the picture. In case you're not clear, we're going for humor here, so take your time, think it through. Make us laugh.

Sure, some of our more popular targets may have pictures posted next to their name already, feel free to use the real picture and embellish what is going on.

Here, I'll start it off:

This is a picture of our founder and inspiration, Michael Bean and his big brother, who has been so understanding of Michael's life choices, at Michael's graduation from journalism school. Michael (Or Michelle as he likes to be called at some of Seattle's alternative bars, most notably, Miss Pickles and The Magical Mystery Skirt) spent years as someone he didn't want to be, a car salesman. After some serious soul searching and not receiving return correspondence from Elton, he enrolled in the Mary Kay School of Soft Journalism and sought out a job he could perform dressed, "Any way I damn well please". Congrats Michael, well done.

And of course:

Rebecca Rollett (A.K.A. "Momma Rollett") tries to hide her face as she is being led to a police car. She was arrested for spearheading a kangaroo fighting ring. Police were tipped of by a local veterinarian who saw a dramatic rise in the number of kangaroos seeking treatment  for "falls" or "Running into Sean Penn". Momma Rollett was importing these marsupials under the guise of "Yard protection". Police believe the proceeds from the fighting ring were going to buy season tickets to the Steelers or having the member of her choir who keeps hitting the wrong note rubbed out, a misdemeanor in the state of Pennsylvania.

Okay, so I technically made every scrap of information up and really went delusional with the picture in my head of these two members, now you get the idea, go wild.

P.S. This is meant to be friendly, so please be mindful of the spirit of the exercise.

Maybe one more:

ESGB, Josh Roberts, pictured left, shirtless, and his band of eighties dancers, "The Epileptics", show of their brand of "Fresh" break-dancing skills on the steps of the House of Commons. Josh, the choreographer and fitness leader of this dedicated group, says, "F**k soccer, we're into something else, totally solid". 

So, what are we going to do with ourselves if the NFL lockout continues into the season? Really, think about it. While going homicidal is certainly a viable course of action, I think it behooves us to explore other options first.

Football and its peripheral activities take up a significant amount of time every Sunday, and that's just for those of us who are watching it at home. I have to get some food ready, make sure I have beer, and snacks. Then I have to chase down the sacrificial chicken. I don't know how they know, but they know, and catching a properly motivated chicken can take a while. We all know what I'm talking about.

I was thinking about using a sacrificial pig for a while, but if they figure out what's going on, they're liable to bite.

But I digress.

Continue reading this post »

As part of my path to enlightenment, and to attain my goal of becoming a true renaissance man, I learned to cook (Also, I've never been married, so it was essential). Cooking can be many things to many people. Some do it for the artistry, some do it for the creativity, some for their health and some for the love of a good dish well prepared. I'm not talking about them.

I'm talking about a specific dish. Pay attention, because I'm going to give you a recipe for disaster.

Continue reading this post »

Every now and then, I have a conversation with a friend of mine where he expresses concern about how much he cares about the Steelers. Whenever he says it, I think: At least I'm not the only one!I think we all, at some point, wonder about how much the Steelers mean to us, then we keep on being loyal fans. Oh, we try to keep our fanship in perspective, until game day, at which point we lose perspective and the game becomes the center of the universe. So, I took a queue from J. Foxworthy and started a list of possible hints you are a Steelers fan. Please add to it as you see fit.

You Know You Are A Steelers Fan If:

- Your bride's maids wore black & gold and didn't complain.

- You've driven your neighbors cat to the next county and dropped him off because your neighbor is a browns fan...Twice.

- You have at least one Steelers tattoo. Your parents took you to get it.

- As a child, you waited up one Christmas Eve to MAKE Santa give you season tickets to the Steelers. What a crushing night that was.

- You have a second spouse in Pittsburgh so you have a place to stay (Free) for games.

- You've spent time at a "Retreat" after a Steelers loss. The place caters to Steelers fans.

- You've planted Symtex in your neighbors garage and then turned his name into the FBI as a possible terrorist to move one spot higher on the Steelers season ticket waiting list. He was eleven.

- The most consistent sex you and your spouse have is after a Steelers' win.

- When told at the hospital that you would require an immediate four hour surgery to save a crushed finger, you told them to "Cut it off" so you wouldn't miss the game...It was a preseason game.

- You once pretended not to be in labor until the game was over. That's why he married you.

- You've made your kid pretend he/she was dying to get tickets to a Steelers game through Make a Wish Foundation. Your kid was thirty-two at the time.

- You and your spouse split up because of the Big Ben thing, and you're both still Steelers fans. Your child's psychologist had to be a Steelers fan.

- You're a married man and you listed Troy Polamalu as one of your five freebies. None of your buddies find this strange.

- You're a married woman and you listed Steelers as all five of your freebies. Your husband helped you pick the five.

- You're in prison for trying to have and opposing QB whacked....Twice.

- You voted for Obama because Dan Rooney endorsed him...Correction: Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney.

- You feel the need to write something on BTSC as least once a week.

- You watched Dancing with the Stars last night (You so-know Hines did better than a seven!).

I submit to you, the NFL is in the perfect position to be usurped by another league. If thirty-two guys got together, I mean rich guys, organized a league, they might be in the right place at the right time.

With the lock-out, players are able to sign with anyone they want, from professional soccer, to the senior dog racing league (Picture it...). If a new league, let's call them the PFL (Professional Football League), formed and offered the players fair contracts, with good profit sharing, and benefits (The new league would not need to address retired players benefits, as they have no retired players), the PFL might (Should) be able to scoop most if not all of the current players.

Now consider this: What if the new league reverted back to some of the old rules? None of this flag football crap. What if they returned the game to what the fans wanted to see? Boom, takeover complete.

The new league could even play the same time of year as the NFL does now. Even if the NFL signed players of inferior caliber to fill their ranks, their game wouldn't compare to that of the new league. This would lead to the Television networks jumping ship and that would lead to the NFL's demise.

To start, the new league would have to play games at university stadiums and the like, but in two or three years, they could purchase some really nice professional quality stadiums for a song.

Think about it.

(What follows is for the purposes of humor (Hopefully) only. It is FICTION, no need to take any part of what is said or implied seriously. That being said, if you haven't read my crap before, you will not have a clue as to what is going on. Check out the link at the bottom of the page for enlightenment, as it were.)

Today units of the NYPD, National Guard and Naval Special Forces were called to the NFL corporate offices after the building was evacuated for  safety reasons following a series of lightening quick attacks which  left several high ranking employees curled up on the floor holding their...um...you know...Huevos.

Witnesses were in disagreement as to exactly what or who was perpetrating these attacks on members of the NFL labor negotiating team. Some claim it was a ghost, some a Tasmanian Devil. One claimed it was a small child.

Continue reading this post »

Twenty three years of labor peace - Pffft - gone! For twenty three years that golden goose has been getting plumper and juicier. This is no stringy free range goose, this is a butterball goose, corn fed, Swedish massaged, hand carried from the feeder to the pooper, seriously pampered. And now, not only does it have an appointment with the chopping block, there are two different sides claiming ownership and the right to slice up that golden goose.

Set that goose on a scale and its weight is not measured in pounds, but in increments of greed. When last weighed, golden boy had hit the coveted Exxon mark, right above the Haliburton mark and just below the Mark Elliot Zuckerberg line. We're talking serious greed, the kind that makes a person forget their family, friends and Boyscout oaths.

What now? What do we as fans do now? Don't hold your breath, this could take longer than that (Unless you can hold your breath for six months or longer). For some of us, this is bordering on sickness, an addiction if you will. What are we going to do? Baseball isn't going to do it. Basketball is definitely not going to do it. Soccer? Oh hell no!

You see this is the problem, we LOVE the NFL. Well, maybe not the NFL, but professional football. And that is what the greedy parties are counting on, our addiction and/or love. Greedy bastards! Sure there is college football, if you like the less attractive, younger sister (Or, the less attractive, younger brother for you Momma), methadone to some of you. Sure, it will hold you over for a while, but what happens when you, or more likely I, snap? Not good.

Can you or I walk away from the sport? Just take a stroll out the door on a Sunday afternoon, get some exercise, spend time with loved ones, be productive members of society, and never look back at the sport that broke our heart? Hmmm...Can you quit heroin cold turkey? Maybe some of the strong ones. But what about us, shall we say... impulse challenged? Potato inclined? Movement stagnant?...specimens? What about us?

We now have six months to develop and nurture an ulcer, and the possibility of perforating it come mid September. And I assure you, developing the ulcer is going to be the fun part. The perforation will come on a dark Sunday with no other choice but to do chores, all the while struggling internally with which side to curse more fully, the players or the owners, neighbors watching as you stop raking leaves to gesticulate wildly and contort your face as you converse with ghosts. At that point loved ones will be gathering quietly and talking in whispers about an intervention of some sort. Just pray to almighty God they don't offer Soccer tickets.

What happens to BTSC? Bean will have to go back to clowning at birthday parties. Maryrose will have to go back to stripping in front of Walmart for senior ladies offering services without their dentures. Momma will have to...Well, she has that choir thing, so she may be okay. Others? Seaton Hall and Steelers? ESGB? The horror!

Did the Bastards think about this when they decided to fight for a few percent more in their paychecks? Not likely. Fans? F A N S? No, doesn't ring a bell. Oh, the people paying for all this, you mean the rabble, the masses, the consumers, the chumps. Now I know who you're talking about. Them.

Us, struggling with our dignity.

Both sides talk and posture about hurting the other side, but can either side be hurt as much as the fan, the only participant in this sporting triangle who does it purely for the love in their heart? The only way our voice can be heard is through silence, utter and total. Silence of the wallet, silence of the television tuner, silence of the ticket machine, all of it. This is not for the weak.

The good news is: the longer the labor unrest, the cleaner we will get. Forget that you were in front of the television in your underwear, hair uncombed with a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 six Sundays in a row. Forget that you had to explain to your six-year-old why you were growling at the t.v. Lay to rest that your spouse has a restraining order against you. Write and apology letter for defecating on Big Ben's front porch. You will slowly heal. And the more you heal, the more able you will be to resist the temptation when the owners and the players get done dividing up your money.

There is another world out there. It has light, and friends, and loved ones...Oh who am I kidding, there has got to be something that lets you sit in your man cave, drink beer, grunt, yell and swear that you love as much as watching three hundred pound men try to mash each other into applesuace, we just have to find it. If you say Cricket, you die.

Or maybe I'm making too big a deal out of this...Er, whatever.

I knew Troy was hurt worse than the Steelers were letting on in the playoffs. Turns out, his Achillies was injured. This explains his being a non factor in the Super Bowl and the playoffs.


I read that the Steelers were out in force at Wisconsin's pro day and that Kugler worked out Carimi, Moffit and their center. Of course, the Steelers would be interested in Carimi, some of our mockers have mentioned him, but what about Moffit? Can anyone tell us about him and the possibility of the Steeelers selecting him in the later rounds?

Here's a question for all you big brained mock drafters: What about John Clay in the middle rounds? He slimmed down to 233 for his pro day (Down from 270 against TCU in the bowl game). We, as Steelers fans, are always looking for the large back in the mold of Jerome, could this guy be a candidate?

All this information came from the same piece at SI.com. In said piece, Don Banks also talked about the fact that the Hated Patriots won't draft a player represented by Tom Condonbecause he was Ben Watson's agent and he gave the Hated Patriots a hard time in negotiations. This goes with what I've always thought: You have to be a sucker to be a Patriot. They are always talking players into taking less than market value contracts, as do the Steelers, but the difference is, the Steelers still end up against the cap, the Hated Patriots are way under it. I think the Steelers do it to make sure all their players get a fair wage, I think the Hated Patriots do it to save money at the players expense. I don't think they care about their players anywhere like the Rooneys do. So anyway, if you have an agent who is going to get you a fair deal, the Hated Patriots don't want you.

I was reading James Walker the other day and he had a little article about the Bengals'quarterback busts, with Carson Palmer being the only exception as of late. I think it is time to label the organization a quarterback killer. Consider this, the steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons in the first round and he didn't start until his third year.  And now he is a beast. Would he have been considered a bust on other teams and given up on too early? I think one of the qualities I see in Tomlin is that he does not give up on potential unless he absolutely has to. The Steelersseem to understand that developing a player is a process and that some players seem to take longer to get going. I think the Bengals and other teams don't understand this as well as being poor at developing players past what they walk in the door with.

This leads me to Sean Kugler. What are his capabilities when it comes to developing offensive linemen? I've seen a lot of coments in mock drafts about drafting a lineman who needs finishing and letting Kugler "Coach him up". It is good to have a line coach we all have confidence in, but how good is Kugler? And, if he is really good, why not make Spaith (SP?) a tackle? And, if the Steelers were not able to get a great offensive lineman in the draft, what are the chances the line sees marked improvement in Kugler's second year using the same cast?

Then there's Carnell Lake, very intriguing. I think he has as much potential for bust as success. I mean, he really only has one year of coaching under his belt, albeit a good year. I am curious as to why he quit what seemed to be a good job? But I am excited to have him. He is like a first round draft pick on the coaching staff. Expectations are high, the future is unknown.

Also seen: Mike Tomlin at the University of Miami's pro day. Can you say Brandon Harris? How long has it been since we drafted a shutdown corner in the first? Or, how long has it been since a corner met expectation for the Steelers, excluding Ike? Anyone?

Here is a nice look at secondary prospects:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/14795835/draft-preview-primary-secondary-prospects

Interesting what is said about Dowling, who is ranked 9th overall. Interesting about Moore too.

Go here to see Walterfootball.com's multiple round mock draft, as well as their 2012 mock draft:

http://www.yardbarker.com/jump/41

 What, Seaton Hall and Steelers, no 2012 mock draft? Slacker.

Somebody is delusional if they think those two teams will be in the Super Bowl next year! Sure, at the beginning of the year, those two are going to be in the Super Bowl every year, but at the end of the year? Not! You would think the professional writers would catch on sometime.

Today is the last day of the extended CBA. I wonder if Vegas has odds on the NFLPA and the NFL getting a deal done? Or, extending the deadline yet again? I bet they can't get a deal done, but they extend the deadline. Pure guess.

At this point, I'm thoroughly confused as to who to be rooting for. The owners include the Rooneys and I should be rooting for them, but they also include Kraft and Jones and I don't want to root for them. The Players Union, kind of the same. But, further than that, is the eighteen game season just a bargaining chip? Are the owners really suffering (Relative term - they own football teams for Gods sake) under the burden of infrastructure debt? What do football teams really profit in a year? How does the business model apply to football? I learned, once upon a time, labor costs should be around 75% of costs. Is that true in the NFL, where the players were getting around 60% of income? How does this all work, does anyone know, or is this one of those life mysteries that can never be answered?

That's all fo today, I think.

GO STEELERS!

A lot has been written about the Steelers needing either a corner or an offensive lineman in this draft. I was just thinking about picking an offensive lineman and the role Sean Kugler plays. So far, he has done pretty good. I mean, the first offensive lineman the steelers picked with him as the offensive line coach was a rookie pro bowler. That gives me high hopes for the future of picking offensive linemen.

How does that concept, the one where the position coach plays a key role in finding the draftee, come into play when Tomlin is considering a new secondary coach? I don't know, but I hope it plays a role. Which leads me to this question for those of you guys that know: Was Ray Horton a good secondary coach? The Steelers didn't seem to be too good at picking corners the last few years.

If you head on over to Steelers.com, there are a couple of quick hit articles (They don't do any other kind) about Mike Tomlin. There are a couple of interesting little tidbits in there and as they don't take very long to read, I recommend you give them a minute or two.

It seems the new speculation is that Ike Taylor will be getting the transition tag. This seems like a no-brainer to me. There is no way the Steelers can afford to loose Ike, I don't care what Tomlin's philosophy is about "The standard is the standard". If we lose Ike, the standard will be much lower. I think it might be wise to dust off the "I like Ike" campaign signs and march around in front of the Stelers' office just to let them know, even the fans know how much Ike means to the team, not to mention how popular he is.

Well, Champ Bailey was signed to stupid money. I think an overpriced signing like that shows that the Broncoshave turned into a desperate team since the release of Shannahan (SP?). Are they taking lessons from Al Davis? Here's something else I don't get: Why would you sign a coach who is responsible for his last team getting the first pick in the draft? I digress. As Mr. Stephens wrote in his Daily Six, this signing of Bailey will not bode well for the Steelers picking up a quality CB in free agency. But more to the point, how will it affect the resigning of Ike?

Wait a minute, what WAS Champ getting paid? Doesn't the 30% rule apply to him? So, he couldn't have gotten more than a 30% raise, right? So how much was he getting paid?

I would like to revisit the delusional world of superstition for a minute. You see, I may have caused the Steelers to lose the Super Bowl. Yes, I said it. It night have been me. Over the last few years, I have discovered that the Steelers don't do well when I wear any Steelers apparel or have my Terrible Towel out. So, for the Super Bowl, I had everything tucked away nice and safe. Only, my buddy wanted to see my ski boots. Without thinking I got them down off the self, removing the hats that were piled on them. Also without thinking, I may have touched a Steelers hat. So now you know, it might have been me. My bad.

Now that Aaron Smithis going to be healthy to start next year, who are the starting defensive ends? Aaron is "Injury prone" as of late, but still one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the business, if not the best. Do you start Ziggy to keep Aaron fresh for the end of the game and the season, or do you start Aaron and hope he doesn't get hurt? If you do start Aaron, when do you bring in Ziggy? Is one better at stopping the run and one better at the pass rush? Can the Steelers afford to pay three defensive ends starting money? At this point, I think "Starter" is just a tittle you apply to the guy who is in the position for the first snap of the game.

Everyone likes to say that the biggest leap in performance for a receiver is between the first and second year. Man, the Steelers receiving core is going to be scary good. Put Ward, Miller, Wallace, Sanders and Brown on the field at the same time, and watch the defense try and cover them. What if the offensive line gets better in pass protection? Oh my. Add in Mendy's probable increase in production if the line gets better. The Steelers just went to the Super Bowl and their offense wasn't even as good as it can be. Nice thought.

So the Steelers franchised Woodley, does that affect Harrison? Is it more or less money than Harrison? Can the Steelers afford to pay that kind of money to both OLB's? I've heard it both ways: The Steelers will develop Worilds and let Woodley go next year, and that they can't live without him. Personally, I say do what they have to do to keep Woodley. I like the fact that he has never - not once - opened his mouth or said a negative thing about his contract or the negotiations. I think Worilds would have to be phenomenal to replace Woodley, both on the field and in our hearts.

Any of you lawyers reading this, answer me this: If the purpose of the union decertifying, as I have seen written several places, is to pursue antitrust litigation against the NFL, what is that antitrust litigation seeking to change? If the antitrust litigation is successful, how will it change the NFL? In five thousand small words or less please.

You have to know the Bengals can't cave to Palmers demands. If they do, they will never get another player to stay there again. If you let one player out, there will be a stampede. I always thought the Bengals hired low character guys because they were cheap, but I now realize it is because they can't get any quality guys to consider going there. On the bright side, Carson might make a good broadcaster. Good luck Carson.

I was trying to think of something new to do with Punxsutawney Polamalu and it hits me, f**k Steely McBeam!, Punxy should be the Steelers mascot.

Lastly, a fun question for you readers: I'm always amazed at how many participants we have from far an wide on BTSC, so I'm wondering, which of you lives the farthest from Heinz field, in miles. ESGB? No?

Okay, I'm out of babel for the day.

GO STEELERS!

I'm still amazed every time I read one of the Mock drafts here. I can't believe some of you guys can pull off so much research, revision and posting and still maintain a life. Concerning that: If you are about to fail out of school because of one of your fine mock drafts, tell us and we will see about raising some funds to help with bills. I wouldn't tell your parents about your new career until you get the money into your hands though.

You know I'm just kidding about that, right?

All of it - After the amazed part.

Here is what I see when considering the Mocks: the Steelers went to the Super Bowl, there is no area of MUST have. I mean, sure the Packers are the new Patriots (i.e. the press is in line to get on their knees), but we SHOULD HAVE beaten them. That is not sour grapes talking. Without the pick-six, the Steelers offense scores more points and wins the game. So, our defense really did a great job of holding His Holiness, Aaron Rogers, to enough to win. Thus, our defense did it's job. Thus, nothing to panic about. Conversely, without the pick-six, the offense does enough to win the game, even with the decimated offensive line. Thus the offense got to the Super Bowl AND was capable of winning it, without the starting tackles, an always questionable right guard and missing a pro-bowl center.

So, do the Steelers have to have a CB or OL? No. BUT, it would sure be nice. Can you imagine if the defense had another good corner? Can you say "Better Defense"? Really? Is that a possibility? How about a GOOD right guard? Wow, now I think the offense could be great, despite BA running it (Just kidding, I think the Steelers have developed a better offensive coordinator over the past several years).

This creates a situation of "Either-or" for me. I would be ecstatic with either a CB or an OL. If the Steelers go that way. Something tells me they may not. Not to mention, I don't see any reason for the Steelers to trade up in the draft to get one of those two positions.

Here's a question for one of you guys: Since the Steelers have franchised Woodley and are seemingly intent on keeping him around, is there any chance the Steelers move Worilds (SP?) to and inside linebacker position like they did Timmons? Does he have the skills? Anyone?

Okay, back to the draft thing: I think the Steelers take the best player available to them at number 31 (Oooh, that hurts to say), within reason. I don't think they are going to take a QB (Never count out a TE though) or some other position they are particularly strong at. But, NT, DE, S, FB (Just Kidding), RB? Hmmm...On second thought, the offense is really solid everywhere except the O-line, I mean, there are some really good players at the skill positions, so if they do draft offense, they might stick to the O-line early.

I know we've all been keeping an eye on the CBA situation, here are a couple of nice articles from SI.com that give a pretty clear picture of what might or might not happen:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/02/17/nfl-cba-labor/index.html

And

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/02/18/labor.ap/index.html

The first one is a good read and the second is more something to skim. The first one really explains what each side is trying to do and what it means. Very well done. Very understandable.

In the end, I think both sides want the really big win and we, the fans, will not be happy unless both the owners and the players association are not.

Who else here feels total delight when you read anything about Carson Palmer wanting out of Cincy? I've always thought of Carson as a classy guy, never, ever called ocho anything negative, never criticized any of the MANY stupid decisions the team made. A guy like that saying he will not play there again, no matter what, speaks volumes about what a crappy organization it is. Of course, Steelers fans knew this all along. Just ask any one of them.

Oh, I haven't mentioned yet what an A** H*** Peter King is. Wow, do you think that fat bastard tried to make Ben look bad before the Super Bowl? Here's a question for you: Do you think (Before the article) Ben twitters, texts, holds hands with, or answers Peter Kings Calls (Think Tom Brady)? I'm thinking, no. We all know King doesn't get tough with players unless they don't talk to him. I wonder if he lashes out because it takes him back to the playground (You know, the fat kid and all that). I mean, look at him now, he had to be really dopey looking as a kid.

Rex was at it again, God bless him. I love to hear him say that crap, because I like to see his reaction when it doesn't happen. You want priceless? When he threw his sh*t at the end of the AFC Championship game, that was priceless. Unfortunately, we don't get to play them during the regular season next year because they didn't win their division.

Let me just end by saying this: Mr. Bean, you have been doing such a wonderful job of filling this site with quality, interesting content, most of us have totally forgotten Ender.

Go Steelers!

Some of you read my unkind words about the "Fat Bag of Guts", Tom Jackson, and a couple even went as far as to defend him.

I still maintain, in my opinion, the man is an idiot. As I was perusing the web for ANY Steelers related material (There seems to be a shortage for a team going to the AFC championship game) I came across this little tidbit about the Fat Bag of Guts' comments after the Hated Patriots loss:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2011-01-18-tom-jackson-contradiction-radio_N.htm


If that doesn't sum up the character and credibility of The Fat Bag Guts, I don't know what does.

Back to the fact that articles on the Steelers are few and far between: I know the Steelers aren't talking to the NFL films guys in protest of their treatment by the NFL this year, but are they staying away from any other outlets as well, or all of them? I watched NFL Tonight on ESPN last night and the only mention of the Steelers was as the opponents of the Jets (In a half hour show). What gives?

Unfortunately, I don't have the NFL channel and therefore don't get to see their coverage, but are they mentioning the Steelers? Is this an ESPN thing?

I did find some stuff (very little) on the web sites of FOX and CBS, and a nice piece at USA. Where are you guys finding some good reads about the upcoming Steelres-Jets game?

GO STEELERS!

Oh, I'd have to say seeing Tom Brady sitting on the sidelines late in the game looking beat after the Steelers beat the Ravens in the playoffs. I do love to see the Hated Patriots lose. We'll get back to them in a bit.

I have to say, I've learned how to be a Steelers fan in the last few years. You have to keep believing. Sure, I was looking on the internet for the best ways to commit suicide, but then I thought, "Calm down, get a grip man, these are the Steelers for God's sake". They do take you to the edge of an ulcer at times.

B.S. call on Hines. I was getting set for another game against the refs, but was pleasantly surprised by thier lack of impact on the game. Yes, I believe that was a holding on the kick return. The ref that threw the flag threw it from the other side of the play from the replay. When I was watching the return live, I thought that was a hold with the different camera angle.

I know Suggs did a lot of talking and had that shirt, but he seems to have matured some. I thought the way he said things in the media was much better than in years past. I even saw him an Ben talking on the field and it appeared friendly. After watching the jets game, I have a feeling a lot of the disrespect this, and disrespect that, might, just might, have been fostered by Bart Scott. Way to take a victory well Bart.

I read the fanpost about King and I have to agree with those who don't think too highly of him. I see a journalist who goes hard on players who don't speak to him on a regular basis and ignores the shortcomings of those who do. Sure, he picked the Steelers and the Packers at the beginning of the season, but his fine fifteen yo-yos like a fourthgrader was deciding who was good based on very narrow windows of information. He is way too in love with Brady and Belichick. My God, can you immagine if the Hated Patriots had recovered that first onside kick (I want you to picture the inside of the internet aid trailer at the end of the South Park episode where the internet went down)? I think King tries to hard to elevate Belichick, Brady and the Patriots and downplay the fact they are proven cheaters (Oh, by the way, didn't I say I thought the Patriots were still cheating a little while back? Well Patriot smoochers, what do you have to say now?) I too think King should have given the Steelers more love in his column.

I think all the broadcasters should have. How many of you caught Berman and that FAT BAG OF GUTS Tom Jackson after the Patriots loss? Jackson's comment about the Steelers maybe winning three super bowls without having to play the Patriots, arguably the best team in the last decade? ESPN's NFL Prime Time has gone to the dogs and I can't figure out if Burman and Jackson have come across this bias themselves or are being directed to it by the management.  Any way you look at it, NFL Prime Time sucks, especially, the fat bag of guts.

Before I even read anything by King, I was going to write about Rashard. I don't care what anyone says, he has become a hell of a back. That second touchdown was pure will. Oh, and he made Ray miss in the hole too. Money. The man is a baller.

How about those young receivers? Limas, are you paying attention? I've been moreof an Antonio Brown fan than Sanders, just because of the underdog aspect of life, but both are great receivers. What is going to happen in their second year? Watch out. T.J., are you paying attention, you big cry baby?

I think Ray Lewis is done. He is not great anymore. He is just good. That defense has always been predicated on having one great linebacker in the middle and one good one to eat up blocks. Now their lacking. Watch for them to try to replace him some time soon. Don't get me wrong, I still think he is one of the best to ever play the game, if not the best.

It seems that the Steelersdevelop not only players, but O.C.s as well. I hear there is a hell of a leap in performance between their thirty-first year of coaching and their thirty-second.

Kugleron the other hand, masterful. I like the fact that injured players are kept around the team and kept contributing. With him coaching, I might consider playing O. tackle. This guy really needs some love from Steelers Nation.

This just in: James Harrison fined $100,000 for too many sacks.

I think Mike Tomlin said it best when he said everyone contributed for the win. Once again, he may be reissued his Mensa card.

I have to say, I think the Jets at home look pretty good. They just played the 25th defense in the NFL, now they have to play the second (Did the Chargers really have the best defense this year? Really?). I have a feeling they will have to game-plan more for Harrison, and Woodley will show up. I look for a great defensive showing on the part of the Steelers. Also, Ben will not perform any different if you put pressure on him like they did Brady.

Let them talk. Let them get emotional. They still have to play the game. Most opponents don't understand the level of intensity the Steelersbring in a playoff game. Can the Jets match it? I don't know if they know what is ahead of them, what with them already making the Super Bowl and all. What do you think Ryan is telling them today to get them to focus on the Steelers?

If Ryan thought Belichick was the best coach in the game, and Ryan beat him, does he think he is the best coach now?

Okay, I have wasted enough of your time and mine. Great win.

GO STEELERS!

If you are going to read what is below, you might want to read this first: http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/2/9/1302338/a-day-in-the-life-of-punxsutawney

5:45AM     Harrison's clock gets exactly one note out before he crushes it with his fist (He buys alarm clocks by the pallet, as well as nightstands). The NFL fines him $500 for an improper hit on a clock.

5:46AM     Harrison makes his bed. The standard is the bed spread has to be so tight he can bounce a 45 pound plate off it. The NFL fines him $100 because one of his corners is not spec.

5:50AM     Debo goes for a five mile run...Up hill...With a 100 pound pack...In the snow...Barefoot...Pulling a car...Talking on his cell phone to one of the Steelers trainers. The NFL fines him $750 for not wearing NFL contracted shoes.

6:00AM     Breakfast: 8 raw eggs, 2 whole cantaloupes (And I mean whole), 3 scrambled chickens, an orange tree, and a sack of hash browns. No coffee, it makes him sluggish. The NFL fines him $35 for not peeling the cantaloupe.

6:15AM     Shower, shave, shave, shave, shine his head (Turtle wax) and dress. The NFL fines him $1500 because turtle wax was put on the illegal NFL substance list, at 6:01AM that morning.

6:45AM     Harrison climbs into his car. He has a custom made Cadillac that runs on pedal power. Gotta be green. In no time he is doing 60 on the freeway. There is a strange thumping sound coming from the trunk...Oh yeah, he still has Punxy locked in there. The NFL fines him $1000 for improper imprisonment.

7:00AM     James hits the gym for his pre-practice workout. The neighborhood ladies hate going to the gym this early, but they do. The NFL fines him $75 for encouraging improper thoughts.

7:05AM     One of the ladies is asked to get something from Harrisons trunk. This is the only safe way to get Punxy out. She returns carrying Punxy who is all smiles and shyness. The NFL fines him $163 for putting a citizen in danger.

7:46AM     James finishes his workout. Punxy has climbed to the top of the rock wall and refused to come down. Harrison shakes the rock wall until PP falls. The NFL fines him $400 for cruelty to rocks.

7:47AM     Dangling him by the left foot, Debo carries Punxy, growling,  to the car and zip-ties him into the child seat in the back seat. The NFL fines him $90 for the improper use of a child seat.

7:48AM     A young lady is having trouble parallel parking, so James picks up her car and places it in the parking spot. The NFL fines him $250 for failing to have the lady use her turn signal.

8:00AM     Harrison stops at Sheetz for a gallon of Gatoraid, 6 Slim Jims, 4 tubes of Pringles, and a box of doughnuts. While there he stops a gang or former Russian special combat troops from robbing the cashier. The NFL fines him $925 for not reading them their rights.

8:30AM     Roger Goodell calls James and informs him the NFL is fining him $2500 because Tom Brady stubed his toe getting out of bed. The NFL levies an additional fine of $150 for hanging up on the commissioner, or as they call him, The Grand Pubah Of Arbitrary Rules And Decisions.

9:00AM     Finally, he reaches the Steelers facility, where he tosses Punxy to Troy in the first team meeting. The NFL fines him $338 for an illegal forward pass.

10:26AM    During practice, Casey Hampton asks Debo to hold his helmet so he can stuff Punxy in the ball bag. The NFL fines James $458 for defensive holding.

10:51AM    James Harrison is held by one of the offensive linemen. He is fined $1128 for causing offensive holding.

12:00PM    Lunch: Salad: 4 heads of lettuce, 8 carrots, 6 cucumbers, 22 turnips, 13 tomatoes and one cricket. Main course: 3 deviled ostrich eggs, 2 deep fried pigs and a 25 pound sack of rice, raw, with bag. Desert: 1 York Peppermint Patty (He is watching his weight). The NFL fines him $38.60 for the fall of the Mexican peso during heavy morning trading.

12:45PM    Debo takes a quick power nap. The NFL fines him $1268.50 for contributing a green house gas to the atmosphere.

1:15PM     James joins the defense in the projector room to watch film of the Jets. He vows to get even with whoever let Punxy loose while the lights were off. The NFL fines him 98.50 for having a ruptured testicle. (You might have to read this: http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/2/9/1302338/a-day-in-the-life-of-punxsutawney to understand)

3:00PM     James goes to the training room for his brick massage. The NFL fines him 836.62 for using a non union mason.

4:05PM     Harrison showers before heading to a charity event. Dropping the soap, he is the only man in history who has never had a fear about picking it up. The NFL fines him $6,457.82 for the Gulf disaster.

5:30PM     Harrison donates all the money fans have sent him to pay his fines to the charity he created. The NFL fines him the exact same amount for being charitable.

6:00PM     Debo has a light dinner of sauted cow, french fried bamboo sticks, boiled gravel and southern slow cooked railroad spikes. The NFL fines him $45,387.26 for contributing to deforestation.

7:06 PM     Walking to his car, James notices a building about to colapse. He holds it up long enough for the occupants to escape unharmed. The NFL fines him $26,592.91 for the war in Afghanistan.

7:30PM     Having a beer with a friend, Harrison has a Corona. The NFL fines him $14,275.76 for encouraging illegal aliens to cross the border from Ohio.

8:19PM     Harrison goes to his blacksmithing class where he hammers a piece of 600 pound steel into a cross with his bare fists. The NFL fines him 128,948.59 Swedish cronars for human rights violations in the Congo.

8:40PM      Rex Ryan calls. Harrison agrees not to hit Sanchise too hard. The NFL fines him 478,284.89 Russian rubles for an illegal hit on Mark Snachez.

9:30PM     James purchases a hot dog vendors cart from him and eats the contents as he pushes it home. The NFL fines him $25,000.00 for causing Lindsay Lohan to start drinking and having loose sex, again (This, coincidentaly, is the exact amount Roger Godell will be paying in tuition fees for one of his children the next day).


10:00PM    James Harrison slips into his Steelers pajamas, writes zero in his check register, says his prayers and goes to bed. The NFL fines him $68,735.28 (On Credit) for the increasing duck population in South Africa.

Policeman: Mr Rothlisberger, that young lady claims you sexually assaulted her.

Rothlisberger: What?..No...I was just trying to tackle her.

Policeman: Oh, okay Mr. Rothlisberger, you can go.

I think I'm going to use that as my defense for everything for a while and see if it works. My guess is that such a feeble lie only works in the NFL.

I think Steelers Nation needs to do two things: One, we need to mobilize and as a massive group, taking turns following the NFL refs around to see who is influencing them, or thwart it. Two, we need to boycott any NFL products and just send the Rooneys $20 a month until the bottom line forces those behind the curtain to change their ways. I mean, you know Steelers Nation has to make up a very large piece of the NFL pie. Can the NFL really afford to anger us? Seriously, I just feel like the NFL is giving the Steelers and their fans the finger.

I have new found respect for Ben. He is tough. Period. Just looking at that nose had me curled up on the floor. Do you think any other quarterback would take the punishment he has and stay on the field, much less win the game? I know, I know, some of you are thinking Tom Brady, and certainly he has stood up to a stiff wind when Mother Nature wasn't flagged on several occasions, but I say Ben is tougher. My standard for tough has always been Don Meridith (God rest his soul), who, I believe, once played with a punctured lung (Or maybe a collapsed lung. Something that would make me run to my mother crying). I think Ben is approaching that kind of tough. I say if he gets into the HOF they use his broken nose for the bust.

Oh, a third thing: We need to send James Harrison lawyers, guns and money (Who's song is that?). There has got to be something he can sue the NFL over. Some kind of human rights violation. Isn't there something in the Bill of Rights about a linebackers right to sack the quarterback without being held (Those may not be the exact words)? By the way, if you send a lawyer, poke a hole in the box. I think refs would be a little hesitant to let that flag fly if they knew Steelers Nation was sending guns, or that James had access to some really crazy fans (How about this, at the beginning of a game, James whistles really loud, a fan stands up, James points to a ref and the fan nods and takes his seat? It's worth a try). In the end, I think we should just send the money. I've read that some fans are already doing it and that James is giving the money to charity. Hmmm...Maybe the charity is behind this.

How about the hit on Hines Ward, a future hall-of-famer, by the Hated Patriots that not only puts him out of the game, but ends his streak of consecutive games with a catch? Huh? Wasn't that the exact same hit as James Harrison got fined $75,000 for? Refresh my memory here, what happened to the Patriot player that made that hit?

I have this picture in my head of Goodell standing in front of Kraft and asking, "Please sir, can I fine one of your players?", and Kraft responds, "Fine, as long as the NFL reimburses him for the mental anguish. Oh, here are the shoes I'm wearing tomorrow. Shine them and have them back when you deliver my paper in the morning."

I think the only conclusion you can reach is that if some faction of the NFL isn't behind the rather skewed treatment of the Steelers, then the refs are crooked. Either way...

Speaking of the Hated Patriots, for those of you honest, law abiding citizens out there, let me clear it up for you: they are cheating, AGAIN. Do I have any proof? No. I'm using history to make my judgement. Really, do you think that Belichick always has them in the right offense or defense? Doesn't it remind you of when they were cheating? Genius my ass!

To me, the Jets don't seem as much of a contender in the AFC any more. I mean, sure they lost big to the cheaters, but you must discount that loss and look at the Dolphins loss. Two in a row and surely three by next week. To me, the Steelers, Ravens and Hated Patriots are the teams to watch in the AFC. Of course, this is still the NFL and you know that wing-nut team will show up for the playoffs. Who will it be? No, not the Jags.

That's about as much ramble and rant as I have in me for the first time back in a long while. If I have recreated any posts or arguments, I'm sorry, I haven't had that much time to catch up.

GO STEELERS!

I was just surfing with some free time on my hands and I thought I would pull what I saw together for my fellow BTSCers.

Pouncey got stepped on by 330 pounds of Trai Essex yesterday and was out for only a short while before showing his toughness and resuming the center position with the first team O. Hmmm...Maybe Essex is not ready to relinquish the starting right guard position. Look for him to "Accidentally" cripple Ramone Foster in the near future. In the same article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10147/1061155-66.stm , Rashard Mendenhall has some interesting comments about the running game. I find them a little troubling. It seems, B.A. is still B.A.

I have often talked about Steelergurl's blog: http://www.tailgate365.com/steelers/ . I found two nice pieces at the top today (Alright, I haven't been there in a while) you should check them out. She always has a well written and thoughtful prospective. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find where to comment since she changed the format. Anyone?

Steelers.com has a quick piece (Do they ever have a long one?) about Mike Wallace http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Wallace-comfortable-in-offense/fc0cfe3e-547e-4380-845d-7f7133975aec, the subject of a lot of talk and speculation this off season. Everything I read gives me the sense that he is really taking advantage of Hines Ward's advice. So many young people today have a hard time with learning from the older guys. I think it is just another indicator of how mature this young man is. That is until I see his haircut! It just cracks me up. Originally, I thought it was helmet head, but now I'm beginning to realize he doesn't own a mirror.

Big Ben finally get some good press from an ex-girlfriend: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10147/1061101-66.stm . I had never heard of their relationship, and I have to ask: What was he thinking? She is the perfect girl for our franchise quarterback. She is attractive, and an athlete in a sport he likes to play. What more could he ask for? I mean, with her he wouldn't have to sneak out to the golf course. And, She has respectable written all over her. I say it's time for Ben to explore a reconciliation.

Non Steelers football related news:

It appears that Jared Allen has, gasp, cut his mullet for his wedding: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/05/26/vikings.allen.ap/index.html . Included in the article are a couple of priceless quotes about that most impressive of hair styles. Now, don't get me wrong, I had a mullet for a while in college (It did me right too. One of the prettiest girls I ever dated introduced herself by walking up behind me and running her hand through it), but I never considered keeping it and never considered it a life style.

Jeremy Shockey was taken to the hospital with "cesure-like symptoms": http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8185ab2b&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true . I hope he is all right. That guy just can't stay healthy.

Philip Merling, a defensive end for the Dolphins has been charged with battery of a pregnant woman (Boo-hiss): http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8185910a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true . There isn't much information there so we will have to wait and see. The reason this caught my eye was the pregnancy aspect, as I'm sure it influenced the media to report it, because, you may be able to get away with a lot of things in this world, but harming a pregnant woman seems to still hold some serious negative consequences. If he is convicted or pleads, does the NFL go harder on him?

This little article caught my eye: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/report%3A-pregnant-exotic-dancer-suing-nfl-star . Not because of it's connection with Albert, but because of the use of the word "Exotic". What happened to calling a stripper a stripper? I worked, once upon a time, as a bartender in a strip club in Miami, and I can tell you there is nothing "Exotic" about them. More like crazy. How did we get so PC sensitive as to worry whether not a stripper would get upset by using her rightful title? By the way, you know how black people can make fun of blacks, or Jewish people can tell Jewish jokes? You guessed it, I can make fun of strippers because one of my sisters was one. And, yes, she is bats**t crazy.

Was that too much? More than you wanted to know. Is it time for me to go? Okay.

Stay sane BTSC nation.

Go Steelers.

The word "Daily" has become somewhat of an ambiguous term as of late. I'm not knocking anyone. Turns out Franky and Mikey have real jobs and adult lives. Who knew?

Anyway, because they have given so much of themselves to give us this site to read, write, rant, bluster and, at times, bicker, I thought I would try to give them a hand, "Unofficially".

Remember, I'm old and not particularly computer savvy, so I won't have all the bugs and whistles, but, I'll try.

Onward:

IX - Usually, the Steelers.com site is not very informative (Part of that secrecy thing they do, I guess), but this morning I found three nice articles about players in a row:

Ziggy Hood:  http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/A-world-of-difference-/f9627d63-e139-4b30-b4c7-d19ab4b23b9b

LaMarr Woodley: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Focused-on-one-thing/f58d189c-c922-45a4-adcb-1b131c65eee0

And, Larry Foote: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Back-in-the-swing-of-things/5dbd3429-807a-479a-8e40-9972162c6164

There is an interesting little tid-bit about Dwyer at the end of the Hood piece. Check them out.

X - It appears that Big Ben will not make practice this week - again. Seems Roger-dodger has some kind of other reason for the delay. You can read about it here: http://blog.triblive.com/view-from-the-press-box/2010/05/24/big-ben-not-expected-to-practice-this-week/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+triblive%2Fblog%2FViewFromThePressBox+%28View+from+the+Press+Box+Blog%29

You can thank James Walker for digging that article up for us. He is the hardest working guy on the internet (Besides Mikey and Frankey) these days. He always has fresh content throughout the day. I highly recommend checking him out at fairly regular intervals.

XIII - Speaking of James Walker, remember he has his AFC North chat (Usually) every Tuesday at 4pm Eastern. I recommend you get in there, he is always inundated by questions by those other fans from the division. And you know, Steelers fans should always show up in force. So, don't miss it. Also, Ed Bouchette has his weekly chat on Tuesdays too (Usually).

Frank: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth

Ed: http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/?m=1

Just go to these sites and scroll down until you find them. Frank Walker has a link that will take you right to the chat, and it is usually set up early so you can submit questions beforehand. I have never figured out how to submit questions for Ed's.

Continue reading this post »

Bruce Arians spoke publicly for the first time since last season here:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10140/1059455-66.stm

and here:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_682019.html

I don't know what to say. He's like the idiot that married your sister. Yeah, you love your sister, but every time he opens his mouth, you wonder what she sees in him. What can you do? Just continue to smile and pretend, for her sake, everything is okay.

Fortunately, the Steelers are not my sister.

From what I read, I got the impression that ol' Bruce really doesn't agree that his run game sucked last year. Oh, I get it, the receivers were the running backs, because in his mind, a short pass is really a run. It's all so clear now.

"Take the Super Bowl for example. There were seven catches or six catches Santonio [Holmes] had that were running plays when [there were] safeties blitz that are unblockable, and you have runs called. So it's not a 'number' of runs because we threw the ball out there and got a bunch of yards. 'Oh, that's a good pass.' No, that was a running play. That happens quite often. And what we do, we take some short screen stuff and treat that as [part of the] running game."

No, that wasn't clear at all. Sorry.

But, he did talk about the past success in the short yardage game with - Garry Russell?

"I think the critical runs, short-yardage, goal line, have been a problem," Arians said. "They got addressed (in 2008) with Gary Russell.

I've gotten older, my memory is Swiss Cheese at this point, can anyone refresh me as to when Gary Russell was "Addressing" the short yardage woes of the Steelers? And if he was, why didn't the Steelers keep using him?

This little gem made me choke on my Copenhagen:

"When we came out of training camp last year, we were running the ball as well as we have since Super Bowl XL (in 2005),"

Maybe, just maybe, Ariens was the bad influence on Holmes. He seems to be smoking the same stuff.

Of course, It's not Ariens fault that his team struggled against 4-3 defenses. It's not like it is his job to, you know, get his offense ready to play the next team. What, was it a shock to him when these teams lined up in a 4-3?

"We're having success in training camp, running the ball pretty good. Now the problem occurs when you see a different style, when you see penetrating 4-3 (defensive linemen). It's a totally different technique for the offensive line and tight ends."

That last quote smells like Bruce is the type of guy that doesn't take into account what the other team is doing. You know, the guys that says "Were going to play our game", no matter what. Which is fine when you impose your will on the other team, not when your running game sucks.

I'm hoping that Mr. Arians said this just to be nice to his friend :

Larry did a hell of a job

 He is of course speaking of that guy we all know and love, Larry Zierlein. Yeah, he did a hell of a job, unless, the Steelers had to run against a 4-3 defense (or any defense), get short, critical yardage, or had to run a few minutes off the clock at the end of the game. Like I said, I hope Bruce was just showing the flag for a friend, otherwise, he is just delusional - Which I'm not ruling out.

I get the impression from reading these, and this is all just my opinion, that Bruce doesn't really think there was anything wrong with his performance last year. He seems to give excuses (4-3 defense, unblockable defensive plays) for his performance. Or, he says that some of the passing game is really the running game. Really? I get the impression he thinks we are just too dumb to understand all this, or too dumb to see through all his B.S.

It seems to me that he does not see any failure running the ball last year, even though he said it, and he is not really with the program. Kind of like he is being forced to address the running game, and he is doing it reluctantly. I just don't think he believes in what he is being told to do. Does anyone else feel this way, or am I putting a negative slant on what I'm reading because I already don't like the guy (Professionally).

One of the first things I read this morning is that Brian Cushing retained his Associated Press DROY award after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. In an unprecedented move, the AP stripped Cushing of his award and then re-voted, with Cushing being eligible for the award in the second voting. Sure enough, the sports writers voted Cushing the award a second time.

Between the time the award was stripped and the re-vote, I noted that there were, astonishingly, several writers saying that they would vote for Cushing again. This is perplexing to me. Using a performance enhancing drug is cheating isn't it? Therefore, Brian Cushing was cheating, wasn't he? I don't get it. But, to my astonishment, it seems that those who would overlook cheating were in the majority.

Is this an indicator that the line for acceptable behaviour has shifted? And shifted toward the immoral side? (I can hear the comments "Who are you to say what is moral". If you don't think cheating is immoral, give me your best argument) When I think of this I think of a bell curve: On one end are the virginal angels, the people who don't drink, don't smoke, don't lie (ever), are at the head of the line to get into heaven. On the other side are the lying, cheating, stealing dritbags at the head of the line for a warm afterlife. Between these two groups, the numbers swell, gradually at first and then bulge to the peak. This peak would be the mean for acceptable behaviour. If you were actually looking at a bell curve, it would be clear: "Oh, there's the line for acceptable behaviour". But there is no bell curve and so the line is kind of a fuzzy gray area. So, if you could actually quantify the line, most peoples behaviour would flirt with line, sometimes going over in minor ways.

The gray area is the difference in thinking between two average people. Most of society would be average. So in society, there will be some who think white lies are okay and those who think it is okay to lie to get what they want. I won't argue the fine points here, but I was pretty sure that cheating was on the wrong side of the behavioural line. Has it shifted so that it is now in the gray area? Has the line shifted so far that cheating is acceptable?  Is there a plausible argument for cheating in this day and age?


Pete Rose was banned from Baseball for gambling, not cheating. But, there was a strong chance, a viable argument, that he may have cheated. We are talking just the possibility of cheating here. Banned. For Life. Recently, the Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was caught actually cheating. The subsequent investigation by the NFL was anything but transparent and a lot of fans were left grumbling and unsure of the depth of the infraction. Did Belicheck get banned for life, suspended for a year, even suspended for a few games?...Not even close. He got fined a fraction of his yearly salary and was allowed to continue coaching. Now the Brian Cushing incident.

Here's what I see. If you make enough money, you can pay to cheat. Belichick did it. Now Cushing is going to do it. And in Cushing's case the press has given him a resounding round of applause for cheating. "You cheated and got the ROY award? Well done!"

In Cushing's case, someone, the head of the AP, stood up and said, "This is unacceptable and we are going to do something about it". Then, the writers also stood up and said, "You're wrong and we'll show you, and the world, that this behaviour is acceptable to many". You know the saying "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to stand idle"? Well, a good person did not stand by, and got trampled.

Am I wrong here with my rant? Did I miss the memo that said society had voted and cheating was acceptable these days, with a token show of punishment, and certainly okay if you didn't get caught? Can one of you reading this give me a credible argument for cheating (The "everyone's doing it" argument is not a credible argument (unless you heard about everyone stealing and are now supporting yourself through thievery))? If it helps me to understand how cheating can be rewarded, I swear I'll listen.

Go Steelers!

As always, if you're looking for any meaning whatsoever below, don't bother.

Just another ramble out of the old west.

Concerning "Waves": If you are reading this and at any time feel that it is just terrible and not worth your time, please, discontinue reading and click to another post. It's really quite easy, just move your wrist a tiny amount and press twice with your index finger. Thanks.

Today, Troy Palomolu's wife was mentioned somewhere and I decided to Google her image and found this nice piece about her:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.troypolamalufan.com/Articles/theodora%2520-%2520fanfare.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.troypolamalufan.com/Articles/Fanfare%2520-%2520Theodora.htm&usg=__os6WTZVTkmOjMDBbfC-3xkn1s14=&h=299&w=200&sz=63&hl=en&start=1&itbs=1&tbnid=etdR8yqZu0e7-M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=78&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTheodora%2Bpolamalu%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG%26as_st%3Dy%26tbs%3Disch:1

Wow, is that long. Anyway, she seems like a very intelligent and good person.

I also hit the Steelers.com website and looked through pictures ( http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/photo-gallery/2010-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Mini-Camp/e304adee-a260-4c2d-94be-47b3320c202b) of the last mini-camp. A few observations:

Picture #5: It's good to see MCFadden back at practice.

#20: Look at the size of Dixon's hands. The ladies will be particularly interested in this trait.

#25: Oh man, this guys legs make Dixon look like a power lifter.

# 28: Bruce Ariens just told Hines Ward he would be assistant coach of the year this year.

#37: A nice picture of this years late round favorite, Johnathan Dwyer. Look at the calves on that guy.

#39: A demonstration of just how skinny the defensive backs legs are. They all look like they have been in wheel chairs for years (Think Avatar).

#41: Here you will see a picture of what has been reported, Urbik snapping the football. Boy, is that intriguing. Are they doing this just for some positional flexibility, or does Kugler see some possibility there?

#48: This is a picture of this years first round choice. Pouncey looks to be quite the physical specimen. He really doesn't look like a lineman in this picture, which suggests his ability to move well for a big man.

#51: This is the first picture of kugler. In all the pictures of him, he seems to be teaching something by showing his players. I'm really hoping he helps the line make a quantum leap this year.

#52: I ask you: Which one of these guys doesn't belong in the picture? (Little Sesame Street reference there, in case Chad Johnson is reading) The answer? Woodley, but not why you think. It's because he is the only one with only one Super Bowl ring.

#56: Ziggy demonstrates that if you are a former number one round pick you can get away with looking over at the lunch buffet while everyone else is paying attention.

#57: In this picture, Randy Fitchner explains how he got his first coaching job.

#66: Here we see Stefen Logan catching the ball. Is there a chance to turn this guy into a Wes Welker type?

#68: I know he is in space all by himself, but Sylvester looks really small.

#70: Thadius Gibson looks like he is playing offensive line. I know he is raw an inexperienced, but he does know he plays defense, right?

#79: Just after this picture, the tackling dummy ran Gay over.

#80: Do you think they included this picture to prove what everyone was thinking wrong?

#92: I think several people noticed Tomlin gaining weight last year. Here he looks like he is back in tip-top form. Maybe he is setting an example for Casey.

Onward:

If you read MMQB you will have noticed Peter King writing another article from his knees about Tom Brady. When will I ever learn?

I love the fact that the Bengals signed Adam "Packman" Jones. My biggest hope is that he takes out the whole defensive backfield some night and they all get arrested. In the near future they will be taking their team picture in prison stripes.

There have been some writings in the press that suggest that Ben may be exhibiting poor behavior because of his many head traumas. At first I thought, B.S. But after some thought, I remembered when my cousin's boy had a sever concussion. He exhibited several behavioral problems, including running outside in the middle of the night and climbing trees. My cousin did the research, and asked the doctors, and they said that it is quite common to have behavioral problems after a concussion. As well, he talked to several people who told him that sometime after a concussion, almost from one day to another, they could think much clearer. I'm not saying this is what happened to Ben, or is happening, but it is food for thought.

I've been reading the blogs lately, and someone needs another hobby to go along with writing on BTSC. How about Photography? It is very relaxing and can take a large amount of free time. No? How about Mountain Biking? It is good for getting your exercise, and also takes up a lot of free time. Not athletic? How about shooting? It is more relaxing than you think and will come in very handy when you finally tip over the edge of sanity.

I read something where the writer disparages the Rooneys over the Big Ben situation and something totally inescapable occurred to me: There are big Ben fans out there that are Ben fans first, and Steelers fans second. Yeah, it blew my mind too. I'm not saying it's wrong, it had just never occurred to me before.

Mr. Bean, would you please look into making you anthem available on Kindle? Please?

Okay, I'm done.

Go Steelers.

P.S. The angry beaver is cracking me up!

I hope that you all read this with the humor that is intended. That being said, if you are easily offended, leave this post now.

8:00AM     Ben is brought out of a pleasant dream about Miley Cirus by his alarm clock.

8:01AM     He picks up the journal that Roger Goodell is secretly making him keep and writes down his dreams. He lies.

8:15AM      Number seven jumps in the shower with the soap on a rope that Ochocinco sent him, just in case.

8:30AM      Breakfast consists of plain oatmeal, skim milk and dry toast. Ben is trying to get used to boring.

9:00AM     In excruciating pain, Ben drops to his knees as he leaves his house. Punxy Palomolu, who had been hiding outside Ben's door, delivered six lightning fast punches, rope-a-dope fashion, to Ben's burgers. Punxy skips backwards (Very few can do this) down Ben's walkway giving the tearful quarterback the finger with both barrels as he makes his way back to Hamp's car. Casey is in tears too.

9:13AM     Ben regains consciousness and staggers to his car. He notices that someone has put a sticker on his rear bumper that reads "I Brake For College Girls". He leaves it on and drives away.

9:30AM     Now sitting in his car in the parking lot of the building where he is supposed to meet his NFL appointed evaluator, Ben starts to sweat. He decides to calm himself down with some music. He puts in his favorite song by "Two Live Crew". You know which song.

9:45AM     Fifteen minutes early, Ben introduces himself to the receptionist for Dr. Rigina (The second I is hard) Boolbuuster, the noted Dutch psychiatrist and feminist.

9:00AM      Rigina Boolbuuster opens the door to the outer office and invites Ben in. She is 5'3", two hundred pounds. Ben's hopes are dashed...Mostly.

9:17AM     Boolbuuster has a massive brain aneurysm when Ben states: "The first six inches were consensual".

9:35AM     After telling the paramedics and the Pittsburgh police, "I don't know what caused it", Ben calls Goodell and askes for a new psychiatrist.

10:00AM    Ben Strolls into the Steelers offices for a meeting with the "Goons", otherwise known as, the Rooneys, Colbert, and Tomlin.

10:02AM    He had no Idea that Punxy was around that corner.

10:08AM    Art Rooney's secretary revives Ben, who she had discovered when she was sent to find him. He pinches her ass.

10:10AM    Ben watches as Rooney's secretary relates the pinch to the Goons, and then he watches Kevin Colbert pay Tomlin $500 cash. Art has to turn a picture of the Chief to face the wall.

10:15AM    Ten 8" X 10" photos of women and their bios are laid out for Ben to choose which one he is going to marry. They are all attractive, upstanding Steelers fans who have agreed to marry Ben in exchange for lifetime season tickets, unlimited access to training camp and getting to make one third round choice in the draft every two years. Ben picks Steelergurl.

11:00AM    Leaving the office, Ben runs into Dan Rooney who shakes his hand and hands him a pamphlet and says, "That's the ticket 'til the marriage". It is a pamphlet for "Cougar Night" every Friday at the Holiday Inn.

11:30AM    The Hillshire Farm representatives meet with Ben to discuss his being their new spokesperson (Yea, I remembered).

11:45AM     The representatives from Weight Watchers meet with Ben to see if he is interested in doing a commercial for them too (Ben's agent didn't even tell him about the offer to be on the television program The biggest Loser).

12:00PM     Ben goes to lunch. He flirts with his waitress, a pretty little Pitt student, until she starts to tap the taser on her belt.

12:30PM    Feeling low, he calls Heff for advice. I mean, come on, three! twenty-something girls at his age? How does he get away with it? Heff tells Ben to grow up.

1:00PM     Things really get disappointing when Ben goes for his weekly massage and his masseur, Candy, is replaced by Sven. That wasn't happy at all!

2:00PM     Waiting for his, now mandatory, weekly hair cut, Ben reads Cosmo, also now mandatory. He thinks the girls are pretty.

2:19PM     For the third week in a row, his barber Al, nicks his ear with the scissors.

2:30PM     Ben calls a press conference to explain, in detail, how his ear was almost sliced off. He claims to have lost two quarts of blood and fifty percent of his hearing.

3:00PM     Back at the Steelers facility once again, Ben is shown to a quiet room where a representative of the NFL re-administers the Wonderlick test.

3:30PM     Vince Young is shocked to receive a call from Ben to ask how Young did so well on said test.

4:05PM     Ben hits the video store to get some movies for the night. He picks up "Dumb and dumber", "Jackass", and "Babe". The last one is a huge disappointment. Although, the lead character does resemble someone he picked up at a club once when he was highly intoxicated. She's currently suing him too.

5:00PM     Only because his sister had set it up months in advance, Ben goes home to prepare for a date.

5:15PM     After looking longingly at the devil shirt his lawyer forbids him to wear, Ben finally decides on a long sleeve T-shirt with the silhouette of a naked girl on it, like the kind you find on a trucker's mudflap.

6:00PM      Sarah's father opens the door in full dress uniform. Turns out, he is a full bird colonel in the army...special forces.

6:30PM     Ben returns to Sarah's house in a shirt and tie. He is more than a little miffed when her father proceeds out to the car and jambs himself into the back seat.

7:00PM     Sarah's Father orders the most expensive item on the menu, and then glares at Ben, daring him to protest. But, Ben is preoccupied with the fact that his favorite restaurant has taken his picture off the wall and replaced it with Michael Vick.

7:22PM     The crowd in the restaurant is startled when Sarah's father stands so quickly his chair shoots across the room and hits a 92 year old woman, in response to Ben telling his daughter, "I have something in my pants for you". Tensions are eased when Ben slowly reaches into his pocket and pulls out his two Super Bowl rings.

7:23PM     Everyone applauds when Sarah's father proposes to Ben.

8:13PM     Ben takes Sarah, and her father, to an art exhibit. BIG MISTAKE! The art crowd are not Ben's people. Several women slap him on principal.

9:00PM     Never in his whole dating career had Ben been so glad to get a pretty date back home. Her father told Ben to call him.

9:32PM     Ben rolls into his driveway slowly, scanning the grounds carefully. When he is sure that Punxy is not hiding somewhere, he sprints to his front door.

9:33PM     He would have never guessed that Punxy had the code to his alarm.

9:46PM     Once again regaining consciousness, Ben picks up his bag of videos and crawls to his room. He regrets having such a big house.

10:08PM    This is where Ben discovers the somewhat dubious tittle "Babe".

10:10PM    Thoroughly having had a bad day, Ben decides to call it quits. He pulls on his Steelers pajamas and crawls into bed. He calls Roger Goodell for his bed check and then goes back to his dream about Miley.

Here we are, the long cold football winter has come to an end with a BANG.

There I was a few weeks ago, having suffered an equally long, and boring, winter in Wyoming, wondering if I would soon find myself at the local convenience store with a gun for some light shooting. I was crazed with the dismal weather and the lack of good football input.

Sure there was some, just a little, speculation about the draft to keep me going. But, Iupoti-Pouncey-Wilson, Iupoti-Pouncey-Wilson, Iupoti-Pouncy-Wilson, Iupoti-Pouncy-Wilson, threatened to cause a stroke when repeated enough times (I almost had one just now). More than one person commented on my drooling at this point. Sanity was Iupoti-Pouncey-Wilson-Williams. I was that close.

Then, the perfect stimulis, Big Ben. This news was welcomed like a sharp stick in the eye. No, I mean it, it made me stop cleaning my gun, wipe the drool from my face and pay attention. Whatever side you came down on, football was back in the spotlight. Sure, it was the less than optimum sex, scandal, accusation, counter-accusation type, but then, some of us were hanging on by a thread.

Sometime along the way, Santonio knew, KNEW!, there were fans out there like me. So, he got together with the kids in Foreman's basement and did some brainstorming. They all settled on some provocative tweeting. Unfortunately, there was a drug test the next day. Santonio was traded for a fifth round pick, two cartons of cigarettes and a warm six pack of I.C. Lite. At this point I started showering again.

And BTSC lit up like a Christmas tree. Every morning I awoke with anticipation for what would be under that tree. Opinions were fired back and forth like watermelon seeds in a kindergarten. I put my two cents in (More like a dollar and two cents). Color started to come back into the world.

We learned something about Hi5. He lurks around every corner. You just know that if you were at a road game, say in Oakland, and you were all alone and being hassled by a group of Raiders, and Hi5 was walking by, he would be there for you. Although I don't know what he looks like, I can just picture a faceless guy charging the crowd, his battle cry: STEEELEERS!, as he launches himself like a bowling ball at some Raiders pins.

Remember, I'm recovering.

And now the Hi5 scandal. That's right. It's true. A picture has surfaced showing that Hi5 contributed to the corruption of a small dog with tobacco. The proof is there, it is undeniable. Authorities are investigating. The Rooneys have no comment at this point. Blitz couldn't be reached either. Oh...Hi5...

Thanks!

I for one will stand by him though. He deserves nothing less.

And finally, the sun has come out in Wyoming, the snow has melted, the draft is tomorrow and that cop has stopped following me around town. I sit at my desk, showered, shaved, hair combed, teeth brushed.

I am a Steelers fan.

Go Steelers!

I'm reading a lot of fans writing, or rebutting what others have written, with: Ben has never been charged or convicted of anything. True, but that does not mean that he is a good person. I submit to you: If you know the kid down the street is a drug dealer but he has never been arrested or convicted of anything, do you want your kids hanging around with him? What if you just think he is a drug dealer? Are you willing to take the chance?

I know, we don't KNOW Ben has done these things, but the evidence is mounting, although circumstantial. But doubt has been planted and it is serious. The doubt, in this case, is the multiple accusations.The question is: Should the Steelers take the chance? History suggest this may be unwise. We all thought the Tahoe scare would straighten Ben out, we thought wrong. Quite a few think this incident will straighten Ben out. What does history tell us?

It has been suggested that those of us who don't support Big Ben are not Steelers fans. Not true. We are Steelers fans in the truest sense of the word. We are concerned for the future and the reputation of the franchise. Ben is not the franchise, and at this point, he is severely damaging the image of the franchise.

Some say the fans have no right to suggest the Steelers behave in a certain moralistic way, or express disappointment at the way the situation has developed. I disagree. A lot of us were attracted to the Steelers when we were young by the wins, the players, and the championships. We were young, it was simple. Over the years, one of the things we became proud of was the strong moral compass the Steelers demonstrated. Was it perfect? No. Was it far better than most teams? Most definitely. We had a lot of fun pointing to the Bengals and guffawing. Now, others are pointing the finger at the Steelers. This hurts. Not because I'm not a true fan, but because I am, and I love the Steelers for all that they have given me over the years.

Those of you who think the the teams are not in this for the fans, you are wrong. The fans are the second half of football. Without the fans there is no football. Just look at the small market teams who are struggling financially who have small fan bases. We, the fans, pay for football, whether it's through the purchase of a jersey, season tickets, or by simply watching an add during the game. We, the fans, have the right to express our opinions and then support the direction of our team or not. I'm not suggesting jumping to another team, but I definitely will not be buying a Rothlisberger jersey. In this way, and through other channels (Such as here), the fans have every right to attempt to influence the direction of their team, and should. If enough people are on the same side of an opinion, chances are good that something will happen.

In the end, if you are writing something on BTSC, you are probably a Steelers fan. We all have different opinions, which is good. Please, lets attack the opinions, not the fans. The better your opinion is expressed, the better chance you have of swaying others to your point of view.

Go Steelers!

Ahem...here we go.

If you're tired of reading about Ben Rothlisberger, see ya.

The following is my case (Pure speculation) for Ben Rothlisberger being gone in the next few days. I know, you're thinking, "Why did he have to do a whole separate post instead of adding on to an earlier post?" Well, those of you who have read my writings know that I tend to be long winded. I didn't think that I should put something this big into someone else's blog.

If you read my recent post "Long Cold Off Season", you will be familiar with my stance, that I can't really judge Ben for his actions that I only think are those of a young guy with way too much money and not enough maturity. Of course, this all changes if he did, in fact, do the crime. This seems to be a little bit of a gray area. I don't know either way.

And, that's the problem, I have a doubt. The D.A. in Georgia did not say Ben was innocent, rather, he said he could not prove Ben guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt. In his conference, he stated that the young woman did in fact have bruises and a laceration in her genital area. What does this prove? Apparently nothing. I have a hard time believing that she fell and hit her baby-maker and did that kind of damage though. So, I have a doubt.

Either way, I read that the Rooneys are "Livid" about the negative press generated by last years situation, this one and Santanio's behavior. The Rooneys have been a standard for proper franchise ownership for far too long to see all they have worked for go POOF! because of one overly horny player, no matter who he is. Does anyone doubt that they are committed to their standards enough to let Ben go? I don't.

This is a little nit-picky (I know it's not a word), but, the guy everyone has been telling to show some maturity, the guy everyone has been hoping would get some maturity after this potentially life altering situation, shows up to his apology news conference sporting a mohawk! Take a long look at the do, and tell me that is not a mohawk. I just don't think he gets it. Let me ask you this: If you were going in front of a crowd of national reporters to do your apology, would you use cue cards? I think he would have looked a lot more heart-felt if he wasn't looking at the cards to remind him how to say he's sorry and going to try to be a better person, IMO.

We have begun calling Ben the face of the Steelers, but he's not, Hines is. Now, I see Hines' statements in the press last year questioning Ben's commitment in a whole new light. Now, I question the continuity of the locker room. I'm wondering if there is a rift there and if this will make it bigger.

It seems that at this time, if Ben was a real character guy, people would be coming out of the woodwork to defend him, they're not. I'm sure by now that you have seen Bradshaw's statements about Ben. This does not sit well. This statement, at this time, is designed for one purpose, to make Ben look bad, or to show his true character. It was not designed to reassure Steelers Nation that their franchise quarterback will respond positively to the preceding events.

Here's the part for wild speculation. I read that Rooney had voted for the overtime rules change "Reluctantly". That is not like the Rooneys to do something they are against. I think they made a deal with Goodell. I think that it was that if Ben was not charged, he would not be suspended, or not for long. Not to make sure that their franchise quarterback would be available to play for the Steelers, but so he would be available to play for the team they trade him to.

A lot of people think Ben is too valuable to be traded. Do you think he is more valuable than the reputation of the Steelers? You say he has brought two Super Bowl trophies to the 'Burgh. I say he has tarnished both of them. What is he worth now? Everybody who is not a Patriots fan, me for sure, think that the Patriots superbowls are tainted because of the cheating. Sure, this is a different kind of taint, but a taint just the same. Do you want to have to defend Ben's indefensible actions in a sports bar someplace to some idiotic Ravens fan, over this?

At first, I was all about rallying around Ben. I didn't want to see him go. I was worried about future wins, and possible championships. Today? I'm worried about the reputation of the Steelers. Is sitting Ben going to make enough of an impact on the man? Questionable. More importantly, does it make enough of an impact on the fans? Dig deep and ask yourself what you would think if William Gay was in this position. I would want him gone in a flash, as I did Santanio once I understood all the factors that went into that trade.

In conclusion, my opinion is that we will pay too high a price to retain Ben and possibly win another championship or two. And, that's the problem, championships should be earned, we should not have to pay for them. And make no mistake about it, if the Steelers retain Ben, they and Stelers nation will pay for it in credibility.

That is why I see Ben traded in the near future.

If you're not in the mood for a ramble, leave now.

All others, follow me.

Well, it is just under two weeks until the NFL draft (What other draft would you be interested in?). I've been reading people's posts concerning the draft and I have to say I'm amazed at the time and effort that has been put into these predictions. Someone recently (Actually, two that I clearly remember) wrote quite a lot about how they were sick of ALL the mock drafts and overlapping opinions...After, apparently, reading every one of them. I for one have enjoyed them all, whether I agreed with them or not. My hat is off to those of you who took the time to compile your drafts, especially BigJ week in and week out.

After reading everyones opinions, reasons, justifications, disagreements, etc...I have come to my preference for a first round pick. And the selection is: Either Pouncey or Wilson. Way to make a decision, I know. While I think that corner is the position of most need, I think that Pouncey might be too good to pass up. Also, I have to think that Gay, Burnett, or what's-his-name might still have the ability to step up with another year under his belt, and a second round corner is still very good, if the coaches have their doubts too. Check out Pouncey though if you haven't already.

Please, don't anyone say the word "reach", I don't believe in the concept. If that is the player you need and he is not going to be there in the next round, then you take him. I know, some of you think taking a center in the first is sacrilege, but that went out the window when three centers were drafted in the first 50 players taken last year. I think that if you need him, you now have to take him when you're sure you can get him.

I haven't wanted to comment on Big StupidBen until I had watched and waited for a while. I think he will prevail at this point and I'm happy about that. There is a lot to think about here though. First, the outrage that everyone has expressed that this young man was intending to have sex in a club bathroom with a woman he didn't know. I say, "ehh, whatever. Young men will do that". Concerning the "Devil shirt": All I have to say is, "Wow, that was an ugly shirt". What do I think about him putting himself in a potentially bad situation? I have to say, "That's a tough one!" If we could see they were bad situations ahead of time, there would be not problem. So, now we are talking about "potentially" bad situations. That is a whole other can of worms. "Potentially" bad situations expand exponentially in number from just "Bad" situations. "Potentially" bad, could be anything. Going there could drive you crazy.

Sure, you say any girl willing to have sex in a club bathroom (I'm giving Ben the benefit of the doubt that he didn't lure her into the bathroom on the pretense of them both washing their hands and then suggest a little mutual touching) is a no-brainer "Potentially" bad situation (Disease, Craziness - whatever). I have to agree with that, but I'm a little (Okay, a lot) older than Ben.

Women reading this, you may not know this (but, I suspect you do): Young men love to have sex in strange places with strange women. Just a simple fact. Those of you who haven't done it, or wanted to do it, can express moral outrage here. Take your time, really get it out. If you must, comment on it below.

Another thought occurs to me: If you had given me 100 million ($100,000,000!) when I was his age, I don't know what I would have become. I was pretty much an idiot at that age. And I wasn't even famous! Or rich! I think the combination of the three would have done me in.

The only argument I can find here against Ben, other than if he actually did it, is why do other mega-rich mega-stars seem to stay out of these situations. It may come down to pure luck, or bad luck, plain and simple. It may not. In that case, Ben should be able to turn this thing around, if, he is so inclined. Otherwise, bad luck, can be a serious bitch to plan for.

So, for the most part, what I'm saying is: I have no moral outrage, shock or amazement that Ben got into the situation he got into. I have no position to expect him to behave any differently. I wish he would though. I would love for him to mature to be a real character guy. But those are just my expectations and aren't worth very much.

As for Santonio? I guess, he fits into the same explanation above. I'm not shocked he was out in a club. Rather, I would be shocked if a young man of his wealth wasn't out socializing. Unless he's married and she is at home tending the kids. We can't ask these guys to forego the pleasures of their labors because the "Potential" for others bad behavior, as the situation now appears to be.

I'm old enough, I have no interest in twitter, I thought, ever. But, if any of yinz know what Santonio twittered that has gotten others so upset, please tell me, so I can understand why there is talk of sending this guy packing. Not so interested I would even investigate signing up for Twitter.

For those of you who want a good song for your I-pod that you have never heard of, try: Voto Latino, by Molotov. If you like Low Rider by War, you should like this. Interesting sound.

I digress.

I don't know If I expressed it here, and I'm way too lazy to go-a-searchin', but I really thought that Willie Parker would do great under Mike Shanahan. I look for big things out of Willie. I wish him only the best.

I think it was Ed Bouchette who reported that Rooney voted for the overtime rule change "Reluctantly". How do you get a Rooney to do something "Reluctantly"? I thought the whole charm of the Rooneys was that they did what they thought was right. Maybe, they had to make a deal for something? Wonder what it would be?

I don't know how I feel about the overtime rule change. I see the points on both sides making sense. I've always thought, win the game in regular time and you don't have to worry about overtime. But, I may be leaning towards liking the whole filed goal and the other guy gets a chance thing. And, I may be leaning toward not liking the fact that if the first team makes a field goal then the second team only has to make a field goal to keep the game going. I think this could lead to injures, and injures haven't been very kind to the Steelers lately.

I loved Sean Payton's education, where in he learned that, no, in fact, he really has no real power when it comes to decisions in the NFL. Poor guy. I hope they're paying him enough to get over it. I didn't like the sneaky way the NFL did it, sending the coaches out to play golf and then voting. That felt like something Goddell, Jones and Kraft would cook up.

Hence forth, Goodell, Jones and Kraft will be known as, "The Axis of Evil".

Whoever reads this and has some musical talent, would you please re-record Jane's Addiction's song "Been Caught Steelin'" as "Been Caught Cheatin'" and send it to the Steelers to play during home games with the Hated Patriots. Please?

I think Philly will rue (Yes, I said it) the day they sent McNabb to their rivals. I think that I would not give Shanahan any help if he moved to my division. That being said, even Joe Gibbs couldn't do much with that franchise, so, until the owner is replaced, maybe there isn't that much to worry about from Washington.

Has anyone heard anything significant about the new offensive line coach? I mean, does he like his players? Does he think he NEEDS a new stud? What?

Okay, it's time for lunch and I think I have worn at your sanity.

Ramble out.

Go Steelers!