We've got a week of casual viewing of our present and future opponents, and a healthy record's perspective from which to see them. Health is the trendy topic this week, as Pittsburgh is out multiple defensive ends and potentially, a free safety. It should be noted (and of course, the PZB makes sure of that) Ryan Clark has the support of Steeler Nation with whatever he and the medical staff decide to do, but certainly, a win in Denver helps Pittsburgh's case to not be in this situation come playoff time.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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It's a personal grudge-match for PZB; Steelers vs. the hometown Vikings. Far too many bets riding on this game, and perhaps it's because these are the two teams PZB hears about the most often, but it looks like two mirrored teams will be squaring off at Heinz Field. Both teams can make arguments supporting them having the best three-deep receiving corps in the league. Both have dominant edge pass rushers. Both have highly successful quarterbacks with reputations to gut out wins late. All signs point to this being a close one. Maybe it comes down to the kickers. At the very least, we know our kicker looks for fights as opposed to backing away from them.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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Fourth quarter points? Psshaw! All that means is our offense scores enough to force teams to come back. Detroit had nothing else to play for, and the fact Daunte Culpepper threw perhaps the stupidest pass I've ever seen (including high school quarterbacks) is exactly what makes them the Lions. It's tough to worry when you've got a passer the likes of Ben Roethlisberger under center (I see him, too). But, the greatest news of all, we've got Troy back. Worst news of all, Aaron Smith is out for the rest of the year. Take the good with the bad, because it's a new season, ladies and gentlemen. It starts with a visit from our old pals in Cleveland.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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The Lions got off the schnide in Week 3 with a big win over Washington. Then they hopped right back on via a thorough whipping at the hands of Chicago in Week 4. New Look Lions? Maybe not so much, but former Titans defensive coordinator, now Lions head coach, Jim Schwartz has them going in the right direction. (Just look at what happened to Tennessee since he left) He's got a strong ex-Steeler, a multi-faceted defensive end and a promising quarterback. The PZB has nickname ideas, a look at our opponent's preparation and The Big Legursky.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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The friendly confines of Heinz Field probably never looked as good as they do right now for the battered Steelers. Dropping two consecutive games, something that hasn't happened in over two seasons, is a sobering reminder of the cruelty of the NFL season. Missed field goals, dropped touchdown passes, that extra yard on a 4^th-and-2 all add up to a disastrous 1-2 start. The good news? The new season starts Sunday vs. San Diego.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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Still smarting from a tough road loss, the Steelers regroup, but find themselves in a strange situation. Yes, the Bengals are a viable team, with a viable defense. I watched their first two games, and they actually don't look like the old Bengals; ya know, the ones where we gave them credit, because at least they didn't spike themselves?

That's not the last "Major League" reference in this week's PZB, and we've also got face-plants, stories of resurgence and a whole lot of "Swaggin'."

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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How bad was Jay Cutler in Week 1? Pretty bad. In his three years in the league, though, he tends to rebound quite well after poor performances. Add in the fact the Steelers are without their best defensive player (the Bears have several injuries as well), and it makes the defending champs' Week 2 match-up with Chicago an intriguing one.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

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The Tennessean had a great quote to describe this game from Pittsburgh's viewpoint: "For one team, this is a coronation. For another, this is a chance for a dose of redemption. Welcome to Steelers-Titans '09. Better tighten your chin strap.

That sounds about right. The NFL made a great choice to open the 2009 season.

A dual-headed monster rushing attack (one much fatter than the other, even though he claims to have lost weight) awaits the defending champs tonight. The Titans plan to use Chris Johnson in space, is spot-starter Keyaron Fox up to the challenge?

Here's what our opponents are up to.

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The third preseason game was as crisp as fall air. We even got to hear a little bit of smack talk from James Farrior. While the Panthers have yet another quality running back in the works, the final game of the preseason - tonight at Carolina - is all about the final roster cuts. Here's what our opponents are up to. 

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The preseason marches on, but the Steelers won't be taking the bus Jeff Reed duped them into thinking they would take to a movie theater Thursday, the last day of training camp.

That Jeff Reed...he's a funny one.

Here's what we're reading out of Redskins camp this week.

I always get a kick out of stories about the Steelers fans traveling to road games, but when we (the fans) are able to force teams to change their offenses based on our turnout, you feel nothing but pride.

Every coach has to support his guy, I suppose, but for Redskins safeties coach Steve Jackson to suggest La’Ron Landry is better than Troy Polamalu is akin to having Kool-Aid pumped straight into your veins. Redskins fans on HailRedskins.com agree.


Redskins coach Jim Zorn says the "Battle of Towels" that will apparently result from the Redskins giving away 50,000 white "Redskins Rally" towels in preparation for an invasion of Terrible Towels "will be fun." I guess.

Many Redskins fans are writing their displeasure after the 23-0 loss at Baltimore, and are already discussing their coaching options (coach Cower?).

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