SB Nation User Blog: drinkyourmilkshake

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Please Don't Go Kevin Colbert Edition

drinkyourmilkshake — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:13:50 -0000

IX-A scary report has emerged from ESPN.com where they are reporting that if and when Bill Cowher decides to get back into coaching that Steelers G.M. Kevin Colbert will follow him to his new gig. Colbert has arguably been as important if not more important than either head coach Bill Cowher or Mike Tomlin in the two most recent super bowl victories. If you don't think Colbert is important just look at his first round draft picks since he took over for Tom Donahoe in 2000: Plaxico Burress, Casey Hampton, Kendall Simmons, Troy Polamamlu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Lawrence Timmons, Rashard Mendenhall, and Ziggy Hood.

X-After an outstanding preseason Stefan Logan made me think he could be one of the most electric return men in the league, but after almost an entire season, I am starting to realize he is nothing more than an average to above average return man. The sad part is it wasn't anything Logan did or didn't do that made me come to this realization, it was actually the insane punt return that DeSean Jackson had on Sunday night against the Giants. Jackson looked like he was from another universe during that return as he tight-roped down the sidelines for a 72 yard punt return. Jackson was taken in the 2008 draft only four picks ahead of our dear friend, Limas Sweed. (Ray Rice was taken two picks after Sweed).

XIII-I know I am behind the curve on this one, but I broke down and bought the book "The Blind Side" about current Raven's tackle Michael Oher and finished it this morning. I have yet to see the movie, and probably will wait till it comes out on DVD, but the book is a must read for football fans since the book isn't just a tale about Oher's rise to fame and fortune from his troubled childhood in West Memphis. The book uses Oher's story as a framework to discuss the value of the left tackle position in the NFL and it traces the moment when the left tackle was no longer paid and treated like an ordinary lineman back to Lawrence Taylor's entrance into the league. For those not into reading the movie is supposed to be terrific too and has grossed over 130 million dollars in the United States already.

XIV-Steelers current Left Tackle Max Starks isn't letting his big off-season raise affect him as he was recently named the Steelers 2009 Walter Payton Man of the Year. Starks will go onto compete against 32 other nominees from each NFL team and one winner will be selected the 2009 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year during Super Bowl week this year in Miami. Starks has the "Max Starks Fund, through the Pittsburgh Foundation, to promote childhood literacy and education", as well as contributing to efforts for breast cancer awareness, a Thanksgiving food drive, and multiple other charities.

XL-Rookie Ramon Foster will be staring in place of injured guard Chris Kemoeatu again this week, so even if injuries are the cause the Steelers will be making a few personal changes. BTSC's favorite beat writer Jim Wexell questions whether the Steelers should blow up parts of the Steelers going forward.

XLIII-While the Steelers continue to struggle it was fun to watch teams like the Ravens, Jets, Texans, and Titans dominate inferior opponents the way solid football teams should do. Earlier this season the Steelers struggled to get a victory against the Lions, meanwhile the Ravens blew them away by 40 plus points yesterday and Ray Rice dominated the game. Some other brief thoughts about the NFL from Sunday:

Quietly and with little national media attention Andre Johnson may be the best receiver in the game.
The Season Chris Johnson is putting together is one that will be talked about for many years. If I had an M.V.P. vote it would go to Chris Johnson, while it's hard to argue against Drew Brees or Payton Manning Chris Johnson has been a beast all season long.
It's a long shot that they make the playoffs but the San Fransisco 49'ers would be a team I wouldn't want to face in the playoffs. The seven turnovers that they forced last-night against a hot Cardinals team was quite impressive.

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Max-A-Million Edition

drinkyourmilkshake — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:33:04 -0000

IX-So the rumor started floating around yesterday that Troy Polamamlu is unsure if he will play again this season. While I don't think this should surprise anyone, and I think their is a strong possibility that it could be true, that basis for the rumor was a comment made by Troy and he only stated that their is no definitive date for his return. Ed Bouchette said he had heard nothing about Troy being done for the year on yesterday's chat, so it really isn't definitive either way. In other injury news Hines Ward and "Not So Big-Play" Willie Gay both think they have a shot at playing on Thursday, although the reports from inside the Steelers clubhouse is that both will likely miss the match-up against the Browns.

X-Want to see what Max Starks bought with his big money extension? According to the Arizona Republic, Max Starks paid 2,050,000 dollars CASH, for a house in the Crest View neighborhood of Fountain Hills, AZ. From a little detective work it looks like this is the house that Starks purchased which includes five bedrooms, five and a half baths, an outdoor BBQ and an infinity pool.

XIII-Former Pittsburgh Steeler Plaxico Burress has now been in prison for just a few months and his legal team is already seeking a work release. New York State prosecutors say the request is premature, and it would send a bad message to the public. After Burress is completely released from prison I I wouldn't be surprised to see Roger Goodell ask Tony Dungy to perform a similar role as he did with Michael Vick if Burress and NFL teams are interested in his possible return.

XIV->Going into the 2009 NFL Draft many Steeler fans were hoping that center Alex Mack from California University would fall to the Steelers, but ultimately Mack would end up going to the rival Cleveland Browns. This week the Akron Beacon Journal caught up with Mack who is excited by the challenge of playing against the Steelers and looks like he will be another solid piece in a young Cleveland offensive line that already includes pro-bowler Joe Thomas.

XL-How ridiculous is this entire Tiger Woods scandal? For a guy who defines greatness with his golf game, he seems absolutely helpless right now and all because he was unable to "nine-iron in his golf bag" or at least keep it private. How is this football related? Well take a look at this hilarious photo of the Jacksonville Jaguars mascot dressed up to look like Tiger Woods being chased by a blond woman with a nine iron during their game last weekend.

via i.cdn.turner.com

XLIII-Earlier in the season whoever was lineup at kick-returner against the Steelers was guaranteed to have a shot at winning AFC Special Teams player of the week, and Jamal Charles and Bernard Scott won the award against us. Now it seems like every offensive player has a shot at winning the AFC Offensive player of the week with the way the Steelers Defense is playing, especially in the fourth quarter. This week after throwing three touchdowns in the 4th quarter Bruce Gradkowski was named AFC Offensive player of the week, becoming the first Raiders QB since Kenny "The Snake" Stabler to win the award in 1979. Brady Quinn, Mohamed Massaquoi and even Jamal Lewis are foaming at the mouth right now.

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Hell On Earth Edition

drinkyourmilkshake — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:22:22 -0000

IX-The good folks over at Benstonium.com were kind enough to send me their newest Mike Tomlin press conference video in which coach Tomlin decides instead of unleashing hell, he is going to uncork some booze.

X- Yesterday's Mike Tomlin press conference was a day earlier than it normally is, but it was still full of lots of strong words that hopefully actually be followed up by some actual results on the gridiron come Thursday night. Tomlin announced a few injuries in the press conference and it sounds like William Gay will be out for sure on Thursday, Troy Polamalu is very doubtful as well, and it's looking somewhat questionable if we will see Hines Ward this week. Hopefully the decision on Hines Ward will be made prior to Wednesday so that Big Ben doesn't throw a hissy fit on national T.V. about Hines not playing. Starting tailback Rashard Mendenhall is expected to play, but he is a bit dinged up with a swollen and sprained ankle but he is still expected to play on Thursday Night.

XIII- Mike Florio of profootballtalk complains about how the Steelers and other teams are reporting their Injuries. The fact that Willie Gay suffered a concussion on Sunday certainly puts Pittsburgh in the spotlight on the concussion front once again. There are lots of stories and articles about former pro players who have suffered lingering long-term effects, and the Chicago Tribune frames a discussion on concussions by telling the divergent paths of former players Mike Ditka and John Mackey.

XIV-The New York Times Fifth Down Blog explores the old-school Raiders mentality and how some of the events of the past week fit in so well with the old Steelers and Raiders match-ups that were extremely violent and competitive. While it's easy to discount the Raiders as a horrible team, (which they almost certainly are), Bruce Gradkowski has certainly been a major upgrade at quarterback since he has taken over for Jamarcus Russell. Gradkowski had started for three different teams in the NFL and I think given the chance and the right system he could be a serviceable starter, especially if he played against the Steelers secondary every week. ZING!

XL-At this point Steelers fans are so disgruntled they are taking out their frustrations on animals. So in the spirit of taking our minds off this disaster that has become the 2009 season, I recommend all Nintendo Wii owners check out the brand new "Super Mario Brother Wii." The game is just a total blast with up to four people able to play at one time it makes it one of the best "party games" come along in a long time. For those of you who grew up playing the Nintendo classics, you will immediately love the sense of nostalgia that the game brings, but the actual game-play itself makes the game a must-own.

XLIII-Joe Burnett is one of the goats of Sunday's game after missing a sure-fire interception, but at least Burnett is owning up to his mistake and he sounds like he is prepared to come to play on Sunday, and with Willie Gay ruled out it sounds like Burnett and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis better be "on the details." Burnett had this to say on his twitter account:

Man Up, As a professional, I have to make that play! Im a competitor and i hold myself accountable.

Oakland Raiders (3-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) - BTSC Week 13 Open Thread (1st Half)

drinkyourmilkshake — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:59:19 -0000

Good afternoon Steeler Nation, today is the first game in Mike Tomlin's plan to "Unleash Hell" in December. Let's keep this simple and short, every game is a must win. Here we GO!

Coming Out Of The Final Turn And Down The Stretch The Steelers "Unleash Hell"

drinkyourmilkshake — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:05:32 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

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Many thanks to RickVA for this piece on the last five weeks of the 2009 regular season. Rick provides a lot of reasons to be excited and to believe that the Steelers can make another run in the playoffs. [DYM]

Coming Out Of The Final Turn And Down The Stretch
The Steelers "Unleash Hell"
RickVa

Hard times for the Nation. Set up by the October bounce back and an impressive Monday Night steamrolling of the Broncos to roar out the Bye week and begin November, our guys then take the rest of the month off. Actually, I need to take that back. What has been so frustrating with this team is that they have shown just as much creativity to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory this year as they did doing the opposite last year. Five defeats. Three having to go to overtime in order to get the job done. The remaining two each having to go to the 60th minute. Everyone contributes it seems: the franchise QB who has calmly engineered game winning drives with less time and much more at stake loses his mind and plays mad bomber for a quick four and out to end a ball game. Our best cornerback plays a pass brilliantly, comes down on his fanny and drops the ball with no one around him. Fumbles, missed tackles, interceptions, ruinous penalties, bizarre play calling all occurring at times and in ways that professional wrestling would have a hard time trying to convincingly choreograph. And, of course, what analysis worth anything can fail to mention the kickoff returns.

The good news, at least for me, is that there has developed a certain rhythm to all this so that most of the fans that I have been hanging around see the disaster coming from a long way off. This last week being the most creative of all. Ben can't play against the Ravens. Charlie's wrist is broken. All we have left is a guy who (it seems) hasn't played seriously since Pop Warner. Oh, no. We're screwed! The entire football universe agrees on this. Even Hines loses his cool. So we psychologically innocuate ourselves. 'At least we'll see what Dennis can do,' was the most common refrain. Then Dixon scores late, plays pretty damn well if you ask me and puts us ahead with six minutes left to play. What did he have to do that for? In spite of ourselves hope rises...and then the Dagger (largely self administered).

Unfortunately, regardless of how the Steelers perform over the next month, the experience is likely to be hellish for many of our legions of fans. My late father used to have a bizarre definition of what he saw as a fair fight; "You have a gun or a knife while the other person doesn't have a damn thing." In other words, no drama. Get a strong early lead, don't let it drop beneath eleven as the sacks and other statistics pile up. We haven't had many games like that this year (perhaps Cleveland or Denver) and I wouldn't bet any significant money that we'll have many or any more. Can we make the playoffs? Can we prevail in the playoffs? Absolutely! One of the things that has made this year rather unique is that Pittsburgh has not appeared to be outmatched in any of it's games, even last week's match up starting our third string QB. On the other hand, be honest now, would anyone be shocked if we made the Raiders or Browns look like the 2008 Steelers? So, all that talk about feeling blessed, thankful and so forth that folks like myself, Maryrose, Blitz and others have been preaching is gonna be put to the test this December. A word of caution; its one thing to watch with morbid fascination how such a talented team can let victories slip through their fingers in the early fall, even November, is one thing. It will be quite another to watch a season slip away in a similar manner.

Take proper precautions this holiday season. Make sure that sharp objects and the breakables are locked away. Stock up on heart medicine, liquour, drugs, whatever helps you get through it all and enjoy the show. As for me, stubborn optimist that I am, I, like Tomlin, am a big Gladiator fan and I actually think that the guys will play to their potential at least once this year and will unleash some hell this month. Whether it can be sustained into a January run will be the big mystery. But if they could wouldn't that be glorious?

The League. Reports of Parity's demise have proven to be premature. Instead it has proven to be a season of streaks. Remember when the conversation about the strongest teams in football included the Ravens, Giants and Broncos? When we left the Titans (and Vince Young), the Jags and the Chargers for dead? The league, the networks and more than a few gullible fans will continue to promote the Cowboys as some sort of superpower as long as there remains one breath of playoff possibility in them. Shameful. I get the impression that most writers believe that other than some juggling for wild card spots that things are pretty much settled around the league. Can't say why, but the playoff landscape may likely be quite different at the end than it appears now.

Cincinnati. Surprised at the Bengal's run? So am I. So much so that I have evolved a rather far fetched theory that, nonetheless, explains the upheavel in the AFC North. I think Marvin Lewis has hooked up with some Louisiana Voo Doo woman. Sweeping us or the Ravens, okay. Sweeping both and the Browns? Suspicious. And what's going on with the Bearcats? Undefeated? A BCS candidate? Are you kidding me? Somebody check Marvin's pockets.

Pittsburgh. No comment on the whole Hines Ward issue. Much ado about nothing. But I do think there are some potential lessons and long term issues that can be discerned from the events of the past couple of days.

O-Line. This really is nothing short of miraculous. How many times was Dixon sacked on Sunday night? five months ago you could not have a conversation on BSTC or anywhere else on what ails the Steelers without the offensive line being front and center as a topic of discussion. In the national media comments are for the most part laudatory. Individuals such as Kemoautu, Starks and Colon are being described as being among the best around in their specialties. Not saying they're great. But they have been good enough to allow the Steelers to have one of the more productive offenses around. I'm interested in your thoughts about this turnaround and what accounts for it. In the meantime, kudos to a much maligned guy over the past few years; Coach Larry Zeirlein.

Ben. One thing that Sunday made more glaringly clear; the lion's share of the blame on the hits that Ben takes lies with Ben. I like Ben and he's a great player. Ben is also stubborn and is at risk of having a shortened career if he does not learn to take care of himself and, by extension, his team. The handwritting is on the wall. The league is going to have to take a more cautiously aggressive stance in relation to the treatment of concussions. Ben is in a pretty much unique position. People like comparing contact in the NFL with car accidents. Well, Ben has had a car accident already. And he hangs onto the ball too long. Is it too far fetched to imagine a doctor and other members of the Pittsburgh brain trust sitting Ben down and telling him that he will no longer be permitted to play? And that happening much sooner than later. A number of people need to help Ben get smart about this. In this sense I do believe that there is a constructive role that we as fans can play. One of those steps have already been taken when it was clear that fans were clearly against him playing against the Ravens if there was any danger that it could compound his problem. If it costs us a playoff berth or a title, then so be it. There are more important things in life for both players and fans.

Arians. Can I come back home? For the past several months I have favored a more tolerant posture toward Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians. One play has driven me off of that particular bandwagon. Let me explain what I saw to you and if any of you can let me know if I am over reacting I would sincerely welcome the feedback.

Early in the Kansas City game Rashard Mendenhall runs the ball off right tackle on first down and gains between 7 and 8 yards. Let me explain in advance; it does not matter one bit to me whether Arians passes or runs in this circumstance. Either decision can be easily defended. What Arians did which made no sense to me is that he lined up for the next play in an empty backfield set. The defense would have to respect the presence of a runner in the backfield which would make a play action fake particularly effective...I could go on. I come to the conclusion that Arians at times through play selection, formation, etc. sabotages the running game. With how Mendenhall is performing he should be leaned on heavily in the coming weeks. My bet is it will only happen reluctantly if at all.

Mendenhall (Sweed). Mendenhall is on track to be a top tier back, assuming that they give him a chance to play. Part of the problem is trust an issue that Rahard contributed to with his careless handling of the ball. The ball handling has improved but trust takes longer to regain. Along this vein, what will it take for Sweed to gain trust? How many dropped passes would be deemed acceptable as opposed to being one more nail in his professional coffin?

Brett Keisel and Trai Essex. Two players that many if not most on BTSC seemed content to let go last spring. Keisel was initially retained after his first contract because they did not want to repeat the mistake they believed they made in letting Mark Vrabel go to Pats. Essex was the little used backup to Marvel Smith at left tackle. Fair to say that both players are having career years. Since Brett is Ben's best friend on the field and just signed an extension this spring, this is particularly good news. Essex has settled in nicely to the right guard position and is doing precisely what many had suggested they do with Willie Colon. Tip of the hat again to Coach 'Z' and to Defensive Line Coach John MItchell.

Linebacking Corps. Lawrence Timmons, particularly impressive on Sunday. Maybe because he's fully healthy for the first time this year. It also struck me as the best game for the full unit. Woodley appears to have found the form that served him so well last year. The key component of any 'unleash Hell' strategy.

Quarterback Corps. Waiting to see who will be the first to suggest that we should dump Ben in favor of Dennis. You know its gonna happen, probably already has. Next will be 'let's kick Charlie's old fragile behind under the bus'. But I will say, seriously, that it will be time shortly to begin preparing Charlie's exit strategy. Wouldn't it be nice if Batch could transition out as a player/coach? Wouldn't have to commence immediately.

I'm betting that we'll still be in the middle of things in January. Your thoughts?

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Raiders Have A Nasty "Efense" Edition

drinkyourmilkshake — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:46:10 -0000

IX-While the Raven's did get a huge victory over the Steelers on Sunday, Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun says that the five sacks on Joe Flacco in the second half of Sunday Nights game leave much to be concerned about for the heavily praised unit. Although Michael Oher had a huge movie released (Grossed 40+ million at the box office) he was brought back down to earth on Sunday night by Lamar Woodley who had another breakout game with two sacks and constant pressure on the uni-browed one.

X-In preparation for the big game this Sunday the raiders have decided not to play any "D" and are fielding an "efensive unit" that is expecting Ben Roethlisberger to play this weekend. The article also reminds me that the Steelers will be facing Bruce Gradkowski for the third time as a starting Quarterback in the NFL. Below is Gradkowski’s stat line in the first two match-ups.

Dec. 3, 2006 (20-3 loss): 20 of 34 for 175 yards, no TDs, 3 INTs, 5 sacks

Dec. 28, 2008 (31-0 loss): 5 of 16 for 18 yards, no TDs, 2 INTs, 3 sacks

XIII- Mike Florio of Profootballtalk reports that this season could be Reggie Bushes' last in New Orleans. He is due a heavy pay increase (8 million dollar salary next season) if he stays on the Saints roster, so they will have to considered giving the former Heisman Trophy Winner the boot. With the success of Rashard Mendenhall, it is almost a certainty that Willie Parker will not be back for another season in Pittsburgh and it could be very possible to see an new offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh next season. If the Steelers get a new offensive scheme, although the chances are slim it would be interesting to see a player as dynamic as Bush in Black and Gold? If you think my idea is hair-brained you should read Florio's latest theory that Big Ben will be replaced by Dennis Dixon, for good.

XIV-In a piece for the Sporting News, Mike Florio also draws some comparisons between arguably the most improved quarterback in the league right now, Vince Young, to the career path of former Steeler Kordell Stewart. I personally think their paths are very different considering Kordell entered the league as a second round pick that was used as a utility player for his first few seasons. Young has taken full advantage of his second life in the NFL and only time will tell if he crumbles if he faces some more adversity but all the reports of late have reported that Vince is doing all the right things to a be a solid pro in this league.

XL-Wow, the New Orleans Saints were really impressive on Monday night and could seriously make a strong run at an undefeated season this year, but this weeks match-up against the Redskins is one that I think could derail their plans. The Saints won an emotional victory that was quite possibly one of their most important games in franchise history and they are coming off that game by playing a seriously inferior and battered Redskin team on the road. Many times in the NFL games like this become a "trap" because it's easy to overlook an opponent after a big win.

XLIII-The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders was once a marque match-up in the NFL that evoked similar emotions to the Pittsburgh and Baltimore or Pittsburgh and New England, but today it is more like playing a scrimidge. Even though I said that I'm not that confident that the Steelers will beat the Raiders the way they are playing currently, but the Raiders are still the dregs of the NFL. Perhaps some of the elder statesmen of BTSC could share their memories of classic Steelers vs. Raider match-ups.

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Ravens Week Edition

drinkyourmilkshake — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:35:22 -0000

IX-The Raven's finally get a prime-time match-up in their house this season and the Baltimore Raven's marketing department must brought in a team of marketing geniuses to think up their brilliant strategy of creating Raven's Rags. The Raven's will give out 70,000 of the purple and white towels that will be plastered with the Under Armor logo (a sponsor), and the rags will also benefit the Wounded Warriors foundation, an organization that raises money for wounded veterans. It's obvious the Raven's organization doesn't want a national audience seeing a sea of Black and Gold like the Bronco's and Chief's organizations learned the hard way.

X-James Walker of ESNP AFC North pulls out his list of the "AFC North 2009 All-Injury Team", and the Steelers have a few players on the squad including Big Ben, Lawrence Timmons, and Troy Polamalu to name a few. In all the talk of the Steelers coaching staff needing their livelihoods taken from them, and the lack of hunger from the squad it is interesting to think about how many key injuries the Steelers have had this season at inopportune times. Certainly the standard of expectation doesn't change but that doesn't mean that a lack of depth, experience, and pure athletic ability hasn't hurt the Steelers this season. But if you feel even the slightest bit bad for the Steelers, go check out the injuries the Buffalo Bills have suffered on their Offensive line this season, and for those who like to punish themselves by watching a Theisman-esque leg break, check out this youtube clip of Eric Wood's injury from Sunday.

XIII-Speaking of the Buffalo Bills it looks like former Steeler head coach Bill Cowher has been contacted regarding the possibility of taking over for Dick Jauron in Buffalo. Early reports are that Cowher isn't interested in a considering a coaching position until at least the NFL season is over. It was also reported that the Bills are willing to offer in the range of 10 million dollars per season to "The Chin" for his services. The Bills also scooped up some old Steeler talent yesterday by signing former first round draft pick Kendall Simmons.

XIV-In the unlikely event that Ben Roethlisberger can't go on Sunday night we will get a look at what Dennis Dixon can do in his first extended piece of playing time in the NFL. During his senior season at Oregon, Dixon was possibly thought to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the draft and up until a season ending Knee Injury he was having an amazing year for the Ducks. Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports profiled Dixon before the 2008 NFL draft in which Dixon wasn't even sure he would be drafted. If the Steelers end up clinching a playoff berth a game or two early, or god help us they are eliminated a game or two early, am I the only one who would like to see Dixon get some playing time? In order to find out whether he will be able to fill in the shoes as a back-up QB for the Steelers next season or be used as possible trade bait down the line it will be necessary to see what what Dixon can do in some live regular season work.

XL-The Mike Tomlin press conference transcript from yesterday is up at Scout.com, and Tomlin addressed the media and sounded confident in Ben Roethislberger's chances of playing on Sunday and clarified that he was unhappy with a lot of facets of this 2009 version of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was initially happy with the move to bring in Donovan Woods as a scare tactic to make our group realize that they need to shape up on special team or their job is on the line. But the more I think about it and after reading a comment by the ever-wise datruth4life yesterday where he pointed out that the Steelers have 4 guys that only play special teams, I realized it makes no sense to scare the 4 guys that only play special teams since the issue is all the players on this unit, not just the 4 that are at risk for losing their job. It's either a lack of hunger and drive or a issue with coaching these players up to the level they need to perform.

XLIII-They might as well just give whomever is returning kick-offs against the Steelers the Special Team's Player of the week after Jamal Charles became the second consecutive player to win the award after playing the Steelers. What a mess!

Steelers To Sign Former University of Pittsburgh Quarterback Tyler Palcko

drinkyourmilkshake — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:28:54 -0000

Steelers To Sign Former University of Pittsburgh Quarterback Tyler Palcko

This is likely good news in terms of the health of Ben Roethlisberger. If the Steelers had went after a veteran like a Jeff Garcia it would of probably indicated that the Steelers were concerned about Big Ben's health.

Steelers Stumble On Road Against Chiefs, Fall To 6-4: Post Game Reactions

drinkyourmilkshake — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:43:05 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

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*Before most of us even had time to sit down and make it through the first beer of the afternoon, the special teams unit put the Pittsburgh Steelers in a quick seven point hole by allowing their fourth kickoff return of the year. Mike Tomlin showed earlier in the week that he was trying to do more than just pay lip service to the season long problem. However, the addition of Donovan Woods in place of Arnold Harrison proved not to be the answer, at least not right away. Jamaal Charles took the opening kickoff to the house for a quick 7-0 lead for the home Chiefs. What's next personnel wise, if anything? The Steelers did plenty else wrong to keep the Chiefs in the game before they capitalized in overtime and took down the defending champs, but once again, without that special teams blunder, the Steelers probably don't even find themselves in a close game late in the game. I wonder what Mike Tomlin plans to do to fix this unit that has consistently let inferior opponents hang around.

*Sticking with the special teams theme - Stephan Logan had another solid day returning the ball on kicks (28.8 yards) and punts (10.7) but I wonder if he did enough to save a roster spot. Changes are surely on the horizon and if Logan is cut, I have no doubt that he will be on another NFL roster before he clears waivers.

*Ben Roethlisberger threw for just under 400 yards and three touchdowns but his two interceptions really allowed the Chiefs to stay in the game. The first interception was a fluke bounce of Heath Miller's hands on the Steelers first drive of the 2nd half. Ben was really not at fault whatsoever for that one. The second interception though was classic Ben - pump faking and holding on to the ball for a few extra seconds while trying to extend the play. Sometimes his improvisation results in a positive play, but every once in a while he costs the Steelers big time by forcing things unnecessarily. That was the case today when Roethlisberger threw an interception inside the Chiefs red zone late in the 3rd quarter with the score at 17-14 in Pittsburgh's favor. What's so frustrating is Ben had looked outstanding up until that point in the game, and even more so on that drive in particular. Ben needs to be more conscious of his surroundings and realize that he can't take those chances in the red-zone.

*I was a big supporter of Willie Parker this off-season and even early on this season, but frankly I see no reason for him to be splitting carries with Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall catches better out of the backfield and Parker is becoming a liability in pass protection, especially in comparison to Mendenhall who looks like he could fill in for Max Starks if needed.

*Speaking of missed assignments in pass protection - Mewelde Moore got lit up by Derrick Johnson on the Steelers first play of their last drive of regulation. The score was tied at 24 and the Steelers had 1:47 left to work with. Rather than meeting Johnson a step or two away from Big Ben, Moore let Johnson run him over for the costly sack. Again, plenty of blame to go around in this one.

*Mendenhall's hustle on Ben's second interception was a big key to why the Steelers were even able to take the Chiefs into overtime. Some slow guy named Studebaker had chugged all the way down to the Steelers 8 yard line after intercepting the pass near the opposite goal line. Mendenhall eventually chased him down. Ever since Mike Tomlin benched Mendenhall earlier this season he has done everything you would expect of a first round draft pick. His running in the overtime period was incredibly inspired and it's actually quite sad it went to waste in a loss.

*Lamar Woodley had his first big game of the season and was an impact player all day long. He had two sacks on the day, giving him 5 on the season. Woodley's draft mate, Lawrence Timmons also made plays all game long. His strip sack of Matt Cassell late in the 3rd quarter gave Pittsburgh a short field to work with. They'd capitalize and regain the lead 24-17 shortly thereafter.

*With the game on the line today the Chiefs followed the blueprint the Bengals laid out last week by bringing a full on blitz on Big Ben. Despite not getting Ben to the ground until the 4th quarter, the offensive line eventually gave in and was unable to keep blitzers out of Roethlisberger's face with the game on the line. That's consecutive weeks now that Ben has looked lost in crunch time and failed to lead his team to victory with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. Am I the only one who doesn't feel confident in this particular team's chances with the game on the line?

*That's plenty from me for now. I'm sure Blitz will have some thoughts as well soon enough. - dyms -

Steelers Upset By Chiefs: Initial Reaction

drinkyourmilkshake — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:19:30 -0000

Wow, credit goes to the Chiefs for hanging around and being in the position to win the football game, but the Steelers beat themselves this week with costly turnovers, poor play calling, and another huge special teams gaffe. This team has some major work to do if they intend to make any sort of push toward the playoffs. Next week we face a hungry Baltimore Ravens team that is 5-5 so let's take the next few hours to vent our frustrations and the crew here at BTSC will attempt to put together some content while we mourn this horrible, horrible loss.