I have a bold prediction that I’m sure many will disagree with, but here goes. Given the fact that Mendenhall is still in recovery mode and Redman has the advantage of actually running with the first team during OTA’s and Minicamp I believe Saint Redman will have the starting job come game one. Given his persistence, determination, and pounding running style he will perform well. Also, if he has the compliment of a change of pace back like Rainey they could develop into a successful one-two punch. Professor Tomlin could easily take the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach that will secure Redman’s place as the number one back until his wheels fall off.

I hate to see anyone lose their job due to an injury, but personally I like Redman’s running style and I think he is more dedicated and tougher than Spin-then-Haul. It’s also frustrating to have your high-dollar feature back riding pine while an undrafted free-agent gets the carries, but you gotta go with what works and I think The Saint will make it work.

When the word was initially leaked that Mike Wallace wanted Larry Fitzgerald like money I was very skeptical. Today I checked some statistics that were a bit surprising. I don’t know if think they support a deal like Fitzgerald’s current contract, but they may support making sure Wallace is happy here for a very long time. The stats have changed my mind about how I feel about him getting a big decent contract now.

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For the entire week leading up to the epic matchup between the Steelers and the Ravens I was inundated with inquiries regarding how I thought the Steelers could beat the Ravens.  During almost all of those discussions the tipping point really came down to Roethlisberger vs. Flacco and/or the receivers.    

Everyone that was pro Ravens kept saying that Flacco "was due" or it was "his time" to finally show he had what it takes to win in the post season.  I stood my ground and said I'd take Ben just for the fact he is one of the best in post season play. 

When that discussion faded the pro Ravens fans would always go to the receivers saying that the Raven corps as a whole was superior to the Steelers.  I really didn't feel the same and would say that to the man I would take the Steelers receivers over the Ravens.   Ward/Mason - I'll take Ward. Wallace/Boldin I'll take Wallace.  Houshmandzadeh/Sanders - I'll take Sanders.  Then who do the Ravens have?  Stallworth?  I'll take Antonio Brown or Randle El any day over Stallworth. 

All week long I made this argument without stats to back it up.  Today, as I watch the Bears blowing out the Seahawks I have some time to do some research, so let's see if I can back up my opinions with some numbers after the jump. 

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From the Falcoholic 

The Ugly

If you tell me to not blame the officials, you're dead to me. All game long, they gave terrible spots for both teams and made some horrible non-calls, including the three holding penalties that occurred on Mendenhall's OT winning run. We had been shutting him down hard all game and suddenly he breaks one? Not a coincidence. Both Kroy and Abe were being very obviously held. Look back at the replay.

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I’m sure we will have to wait until after the draft to know for sure, but it’s nice to discuss something football related at this point isn’t it?So let’s wrap up the free agency situation as the draft draws closer. 

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At the post gazette.... 

 He "expressed his "gratitude" to Georgia prosecutors for not bringing charges against him and sorrow for the "disappointment and negative attention" he brought to his family, teammates and employers.

The video is here at NFL.com

I would say he said what needed to be said, but only time will tell if he means any of it.  There are still rumors that the NFL and the Steelers intend on some type of discipline in the future.

Mock Draft Summary at scout.com has a convienient list of 35 "experts" and their pick for each slot in the upcoming draft. 

13 of the 35 have us taking Iupati

6 - Anthony Davis

3 - Dan Williams

3- Maurkice Pouncey

and 10 other possibilities.

There is also a "draft simulation" tab that predicts the Steelers taking Anthony Davis because the 49ers took Iupati at #17. 

And a Mock Trend Graph to show the current mood of the picks at each slot.

I thought it was interesting.  Hope you do too.

The Steelers have shifted their focus from FA signings to preparing for the Draft according to Kevin Colbert as quoted here. 

No visits by other free agents are planned and unless another player pops loose or some other circumstance warrants it, the Steelers' signings may have ended with Foote.

I for one am happy about the teams decision to using free agency to improve and add depth, although I've always had faith they would use the draft better than anyone to do this.  It's a change of pace and they appear to be able to focus on some other needs they may have not been able to in the draft if they had taken their usual approach.  With a successful draft they will stay competitive and be able to hopefully make a run at #7 - Superbowls that is.

Speaking of #7, Ben was absent during the first day of team workouts as mentioned in the notes of the same article.  Although they aren't OTA's or required, maybe Ben would be well suited to spend his time in the Gym with his team and less time at Bubba's BBQ or wherever his favorite weight gain spot is. I'm less and less of a fan of Roethlesberger's at this point and any thing he could do to show his commitment to this team would be a big step in the right direction right now. 

First I want to say I understand that Ben is not guilty until proven to be in a court of law. This post is my reaction to the combined events over the past year, not an attempt to convince others of Ben’s guilt or innocence.  We all make mistakes and it’s very likely that this is a cooked up story, I know I hope it is.

Three things I strongly dislike in the people I associate myself with; 1. people who are stupid and don’t need to be, 2. people who lie, and 3. hypocrisy although some may argue #’s 2 and 3 are the same thing. 

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.  He seems to not have learned anything from his previous accusation.   This lends me to believe that he is being stupid when he doesn’t need to be.  He isn’t developmentally delayed, although I wonder if the motorcycle accident didn’t bump his common sense node in his brain.  He should have learned from his situation last year to not put himself in questionable circumstances with questionable people. 

So it’s an understatement to say in Big Ben’s current situation I’m disappointed.  I feel like Ben lied when he apologized to his team for the distraction and then went out and put himself in a situation where a similar event could take place again.  If he had been sorry he would have stopped the behavior that created the opportunity for someone to take advantage of him. 

On the hypocrisy point; unless Ben only plays for Jesus on the field I would consider him a hypocrite considering that in the beginning he was also very open about his Christian faith. He wore the words, "Play for Jesus," on his cleats until the NFL forbade it.  If he only chooses to play for Jesus on the field and Plays for himself on random Thursdays at the bar I’ll continue to be disappointed in his choices.  Has Ben lost his commitment to his faith?  It seems that it is possible that he has.  I know he continues to support charitable giving and I admire that, but I haven’t heard anything about his commitment to his faith since his rookie year. 

My advice to Ben is that it is time to grow up.  Having just celebrated your 28th birthday you’ve had time to sow your wild oats.  You have six to ten years to seal your legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game.  That time will fly by and you’ll be sitting on your porch looking back in 10 years and say wow, if only I had spent that time in the gym or studying game tape instead of getting drunk and groping random women, maybe I could’ve been truly great! 

I'm a huge Madden Addict and play more than I should.  I've been experimenting lately and I KNOW Madden isn't real life, but.... I've had much better success with Sepulveda on kickoff duty.  Two things work to his advantage if in real life he can keep from getting hurt. 

1. He's bigger, faster and stronger than Skippy. 

2.  He can probably boot it into the enzone 90% of the time instead of twice a season (if Skippers gets a tailwind). 

Thoughts?

Additionally, I get about the same success on Kick and Punt returns with Wallace as with Logan.  I love Logan, but now that Mike is in his 2nd year maybe he could take kick return duties and free up a spot for Redzone Redman. 

Thoughts? 

My 2010 wishlist

1. Joey Porter decides to retire a Steeler and alternates series with Harrison and spells Woodley on the other side.

2. Willie Parker stays as a backup for a very reasonable price, but if he doesn't the Front office picks up LT or Chester Taylor.  I'm not wild about Westbrook at this point in his career. 

3.  The Free Agent and Draft processes give us what the Steel Circle defense needs - Corners. 

4.  Sweed decides to play football - Finally. 

5.  Tomlin puts a fullback in Bruce Arians Offense sinc Bruce won't do it.  I've tried to talk Bruce into running the ball more, but he won't listen.  He did listen when I called and suggested he air it out to Wallace, first play first possesion against the Packers.  We'll see if he blocks my calls this year! 

6.  The bengals loose every game, except when they play the ravens, and the ravens and the cowgirls loose every game. 

7.  Ben decides to go to the gym.  (actually my wife's wish) She says he is chubby and lazy, and at times I'm beginning to agree. 

Told you these were Random Thoughts!

And to finish... Who would you rather have if the contract were the same for the following?

I am the one who wrote the fan post - 10 reasons why the Steelers beat the Bengals last week.

In one of the comments I challeged one of your blog-members to come back and post his post game reaction to the what I at the time believed would be a blow out.  He agreed and challenged me to do the same.  I have not looked to see if it has happened, but wanted to come here and respect his challenge in the same manner I respect your team. 

The Bengals handed the Steelers a tough loss at home.  No excuses.  Ben Roethlisbergers game looked like he couldn't hit the broadside of a barn.  Skippy the punter showed again that he is afraid to tackle anything except a towel dispenser (although he did make one stop later in the game in a feeble attempt to redeem himself), and our running game fell apart behind an offensive line that was as offensive as they were at times during our last season. 

Once again.  No excuses.  Good game.  Well fought. I am choking on some big words right now and can only hope we get to have the chance to see you in the post season. 

Good game and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Sincerely,

One Humbled FanofSteel.

10 reasons we beat the Bengals.
In no particular order. 

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I thought some of you would like these for roster cuts and speculation.

The link is here....Page 18 I believe, 

Sorry about the formatting.  This site isn't super cooperative with columns, and I'm a bit busy at the moment.

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1.  Mendenhall still carries the ball too low.  (the play before his fumble he had it low in his arm and droped it below his waist several times).

2.  Sweed has the ability to make great tough catches. I wish he didn't drop the easy ones. 

3.  Logan is still impressive.

4. Redman gets winded easily.

5. Burnett is trying hard to make up for his fumbles. 

6.  The spot for 4th WR is wide open.

7.  Hood looked tired in the 4th qtr.

8.  Fox could be a star.

I'm sure everyone else will have more to say. That's my 2 1/2 cents.

In reading the article from the Triblive website I came to some conclusions that I think the defense will be able to draw the Judge/Jury's attention to if this thing ever goes to trial.  That's assuming of course it doesn't get thrown out as a frivolous attempt at character assassination. 

Now, I don't want anyone to think that I don't have compassion for the alleged victim.  I'm a Hospital Emergency Department Social Worker in my non-football life.  I see rape victims as a part of my job on a routine basis.  Compassion is my life's work.  If Ben did this I believe that a severe punishment will be in order and I will be crushed.

All of that being said Ben is innocent until proven guilty.  Some points that will make it difficult to prove his guilt  I believe exist in this affidavit from

Angela Antonetti, a former co-worker of Roethlisberger's accuser at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino.

Here's the link to Antonetties' Affidavit

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ESPN Poll - Click here

They are once again debating who is the most loved team.  Lets set the bar so high they'll quit arguing.  Everyone vote!

I do like that James Walker was chosen to weigh in on behalf of the Steelers. Here's a quote from the article.

More Hardware Gives Steelers The Edge

By James Walker

In this historic period of great change, it is time that NFL Nation reconsiders its options.

And we should start by giving the Pittsburgh Steelers the label of "America's Team."

The current version -- the Dallas Cowboys -- no longer deserves this distinguished title. During their term in office, they've made horrible decisions, overspent the annual fiscal budgets and grossly underperformed (zero playoff victories since 1996)........

Desroko, I would have posted this as a comment to your previous post, but the formatting doesn't work well enough. 

I've been obsessing about this since reading about Pythagorean Wins in Desroko's post.  I modified the formula a bit and did some analysis. 

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...leave it to receiver Chad Ochocinco to take the team's optimism several notches higher.

"It's going to be a great year; we're going to the playoffs," Ochocinco guaranteed during Thursday's opening of mandatory minicamp. "We're going ... We're making progress. I mean, I see it, and I can come out on a limb and say what we're going to do."

Ochocinco said he's happy, his mind is clear and everything feels right with the 2009 Bengals. The former Pro Bowler spent most of the offseason working out independently in Los Angeles before joining the team and looks in great shape.

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Stallworth Suspended by the NFL

(CNN) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely by the National Football League, days after he pleaded guilty to killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol, the NFL said.

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Ask the casual football fan about the Steel Curtain and they will likely name the Pittsburg SteelersDefense. No disrespect to Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White. I recognize that the name actually belongs to the front four of the 70’s dynasty, however I think the name can be fluid or, like a surname, any time the defense rises to the name it can be passed forward.  Just as the name eventually (for most fans) came to encompase the identity of the entire defense of the 70's, it could be expanded to include The Defense.  The team name doesn't change from year to year or from dynasty to dynasty.  The Steelers are the Steelers. Why can’t today’s defense be the Steel Curtain? 

The name is very descriptive, invoking images of a mesh that is deceptively strong and impenetrable.  A mesh comprised of Iron melded together with other bonding agents and hardened beyond the strength of the ingredients themselves.  I believe the current team respects the history of the franchise, works hard to show their commitment to success, and has the ingredients to be the Steel Curtain. 

Free your mind and believe that the Steel Curtain lives on in the only franchise that can claim the birthright of the name. I only hope that future teams can live up to the name the same way I hope that each team each year will live up to the expectations of Hard Hitting, Smash Mouth, Football with Integrity that the teams of the past have drawn fans by the millions and kept them loyal throughout many decades.   

 If you vote no please comment and even better give a suggested name!

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One for each of the teams he ranked above the Steelers.  

8. 11 of 12 other ESPN “expert” writers placed the Steelers eight places higher than he did. (I should mention the Panthers in this spot, but why?)

7.  No Plax. No Giant win.

6.  A tougher schedule grounds the aging Towel Disrespecting Titans offense.

5.  The Colts lack leadership and need a year to come to terms with the fact that their quarterback is smarter than their entire coaching staff combined.  Peyton needs a year to come to terms with the fact he is smarter than his entire coaching staff.

4.  The Chargers continue to show the world that they remain the most overrated team in the NFL despite having talent in abundance.  Is it a coaching thing? 

3.  The Ravens – I hate ‘em, but they are better in every aspect than the Patriots.

2.  The Eagles run the wheels off Westbrook in the first five weeks and they go 8-8 without a decent running attack.

1.  Until further notice Tom Brady has not proven he is able to return to previous form after his injury. Oh, and by the way, The Steelers are the Defending World Champions!

Just for fun I did a little research on some accomplishments of the two:

Chuck Norris doesn't bowl - he knocks one pin down and the other nine faint - James Harrison knocks down the bowling alley. 

Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one – Burger King gave James Harrison his own McDonalds.

 James Harrison is the unstoppable force that moved Chuck Norris.

 Chuck Norris counted to infinity – Twice. James Harrison is infinitely mean.

 When Chuck Norris goes to bed at night he checks under his bed for James Harrison.

 Newton’s Fourth Law – For every action of a quarterback there is James Harrison.

 Chuck Norris went to the White House – James Harrison will have the White House come to him when he wants to meet The President.

I'm sure with a little effort the brilliant minds of BTSC can come up with some better comparisons.  Just some food for thought.

If you're like me and, (from what I gather from other commentors) pretty much everyone else on this site, I'm sure you're counting the days 'til kickoff!.  Well I decided to copy the idea from MJD at shutdown corner and create our own kickoff countdown clock.  Sometimes it seems to remind me how far away kickoff is so I'm not sure it helps, but I like to know.  For those who also like to know here you go.

Recently I've been interested in being more of a complete fan (my wife would call it obsessing).  I'm interested in developing a better knowlege of the entire team, not just the starters, the coaches, ownership etc. Having already worked on a better knowlege of the players I decided to start looking at the coaches beyond Tomlison, Arians, and Le Beau.  I was working on a similar compilation and stumbled across this one today. 

Pittsburg Steelers Coaching Staff.

Although it doesn't cover all of the coaching staff it's probably much more complete on each individual than what I would have done so I hope you enjoy.

I'm as frustrated as the next person when a slow news day comes around for my favorite team, but I like to take this moment of frustration and appreciate what isn't happening. 

The Steelers aren't waiting to move forward with their QB compettion because Brett can't seem to stay retired. 

Our QB appears to be staying far away from motorcycles and the like.

Our workout facility hasn't collapsed. 

We aren't waiting to see if Plax beats his rap in the NY courts so we can sign him. 

I for one am glad that the Men Of Steel are low-profile, and for the most part level headed football players, and (for today) am happy there is little news in Steeler Nation.