SB Nation User Blog: ncoolong

SFOM, McGovern's and Steeler Nation

ncoolong — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:40:10 -0000

"We are Steeler Nation. Everything else is just background noise."
- Homer J

"Homer" wrote those lines on a posting on Behind the Steel Curtain, thus encapsulating the essence of how I've tried to describe what being a Steelers fan is.

Kudos to him. Writing for the Washington Post for multiple decades gives you that kind of ability.

We hear tales of running into fans on the street, and how brief exchanges of celebration or quick opinions on this or that, or where we lived in Pittsburgh are the common results.

While I always enjoy those, especially hearing where they happened, the Steelers, to me, are defined in the gathering of those outside Pittsburgh.

It's the rush to get to the place where you're watching the game, only to find about 150 people have beaten you there, even though it's 11 a.m. It's knowing there are two dozen TVs, and not one of them will be showing another game. It's the wait staff adorned in black and gold despite not having been Steelers fans prior to the group's arrival.

That sort of culture transcends just about anything else.

Steeler Nation exists at McGovern's Irish Pub in downtown St. Paul, and the background noise is discarded when the Steelers Fans of Minnesota descend upon it.

Since I live in the Twin Cities area, I have been to McGovern's dozens of times. A fine establishment, no doubt. It's the best summer weekend patio spot in St. Paul.

I couldn't have been happier when Steeler Fans of Minnesota leader Glen Leonberger told me McGovern's was the new home of the club.

Great food, even better atmosphere, their upstairs bar area is perfect for a group of our size and die-hard loyalty.

My fiance and I showed up for Week 1 vs. Houston and despite the venue change, it was obvious the club was still true to its roots. The same people were arriving at roughly the same times they had in previous years, and there were still the same cat-calls toward the CBS announcers who picked Houston to score an early upset.

It wasn’t long until my fiancé and I decided our rehearsal dinner would be held at McGovern’s.

During the playoffs, the club picks up a much more fervent attitude, but the regular season is much like it was that September morning. Mayor Paul is armed with a bullhorn and a Diet Coke, Glen anxiously counts the gate, sets up the raffle prizes and schmoozes with management. Volunteers hand out tickets at the door while attendees exchange pre-game high-fives while waiting for their hand-stamp.

SteelerBro and I have been attending this club's weekly gatherings since 1996, and this exact atmosphere - the buzz, the nervousness, the way 300 people are focused hard on the pre-game and cheering vigorously for those teaser shots of Ben warming up - is the reason we consider ourselves strong members of Steeler Nation.

McGovern's caught us at the perfect time. Their management and wait staff brought in a massive group of people, and fostered a relationship befitting a simple group of fans who want to absorb Steeler Nation. Completely devoid of a bad seat, an attentive and friendly wait staff takes orders and refills glasses at a pace befitting such a dedicated group.

It's tough to get that at your local bar.

At the local bar, you cannot truly feel a part of the Nation the way the SFOM did at McGovern's, and thankfully, will continue to feel during the Stairway to Seven.

That feeling resides in my memory of defeating the Hated Ravens in the AFC Championship game. It's in the memory of getting a few Los Angeles Kings players to wave Terrible Towels after clinching a Super Bowl berth. It's in the memory of me shouting "WE'RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!" and hugging random people after The Interception.

McGovern’s caught a break in hosting the SFOM during a fantastic season. Minnesota-based Steelers fans caught an even bigger break in getting to know McGovern’s, the SFOM and melding the two together throughout the team’s record- setting One For The Other Thumb drive.

While 2009 cannot beat 2008, I’m looking forward to it carving its own niche.

SteelerBro and I and our respective lady friends will be at McGovern’s at the first snap of the new season, embracing Steeler Nation and ignoring all background noise.

Report: Dallas Releases Owens

ncoolong — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:51:44 -0000

Get yo' popcorn ready, because the free agency period just got a lot more interesting.

Multiple sources are reporting Terrell Owens has been released by the Cowboys. Owens' high profile nature seemed to mesh well with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and Owens was well rewarded. He just signed a three-year, $34 million extension nine months ago. It takes only a special man to get the boot when that one action costs the team $9.6 million against the cap.

That really begs the question, who's going to sign him?

Tampa Bay has the cap room, as does Minnesota. It wouldn't surprise me to see him land with the Jets, though. More of the problem TO now faces is the fact any team with the available cap room to give him the contract he's enjoyed the past several seasons is a team without a high-end quarterback.

Why didn't the Cowboys try to work a trade?

Perhaps they did, but it slipped through the radar of the national media. Doesn't seem likely, considering the national media have known the time and general reaction to each of Owens' sneezes over the past six seasons.

History Shows Good Things for Second-Year Steelers Receivers

ncoolong — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:53:39 -0000

It ruined the perfect start.

There was rookie WR Limas Sweed, exploiting a slip from CB Corey Ivy in the AFC Championship game, wide open down the left sideline. Roethlisberger's pass was right on the money, and the biggest game ever played against the Hated Ravens was about to be ended right before halftime.

DOINK!

Sweed pulls a Troy Williamson, ball bounces off his hands, incomplete. What's better, he somehow manages to get hurt on the play (injury to his pride, as it was later reported) and burns the Steelers last timeout of the half.

I wasn't happy about the drop, but the lack of awareness in staying down and wasting their last timeout on an incomplete pass sent me into a tizzy.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin used Sweed the previous week in a blowout win over San Diego, but it was a rare appearance for the rookie from Texas. Sweed's number even got called late against the Chargers, nearly hauling in a tough catch late in the game. It was later said Tomlin called that play because San Diego had been using timeouts on their previous offensive drive, down 35-17. He had the attention of SteelerNation.

Until that drop that cost the Steelers seven points, and the injury that cost them three, Sweed had mostly avoided the negative radar as a rookie. Didn't really do anything to be on the positive radar, but no news is good news when you're 6-foot-4 with great speed.

With the forthcoming departure of Nate Washington (no updates Saturday morning, but last report had him visiting the Titans today), Sweed will be asked to fill a much larger role next year. This shouldn't come as a surprise to Steelers fans, they've been throwing their younger receivers into the fire often in recent years.

Take Washington for example. He was a rookie on the Steelers' Super Bowl XL team, but his second year started with a touchdown reception against Miami in the first week of 2007. He finished the year with a very healthy 624 yards and a ridiculous 17.8 yards per catch average, while bumping Cedrick Wilson out of the No. 3 receiver spot.

But it was the rookie who (no pun intended) blazed past both of them. Santonio Holmes went off for 824 yards and 16.8 yards per catch. His second year saw him chalk up a league-high 18.1 yards per catch and 942 total yards.

Go back as far as Plaxico Burress in 2001 - his second year. He had 66 catches for 1008 yards. Hines Ward had 61 catches and seven touchdowns in his second year. Let's just forget about Troy Edwards. He was never on the team.

Plain and simple, the Steelers expect a lot from young receivers in the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver role.

It's not a leap of assumption to say Sweed is just as talented as Washington, Holmes or Burress. Maybe even Ward. With an offensive line returning all five starters from Super Bowl XLIII, and a lack of commitment to the run in that time, it seems Sweed's in the driver's seat to make fans forget about The Drop of the Year, and think of him more as a redshirt his rookie year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Guard Quandary

ncoolong — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:07:51 -0000

With veteran Kendall Simmons getting his release (word is he has not recovered from an Achilles injury that cost him the 2008 season), and Chris Kemoeatu receiving an offer from the Jets, the Steelers find themselves in the exact position they figured to be in today:

Precariously thin at the offensive guard position.

To put it mildly, Darnell Stapleton did not have his best game in Super Bowl XLIII. If Kemoeatu does sign with the Jets, Stapleton will be the only guard currently on the roster. Trai Essex has been listed as a guard and tackle in the past, as has Jeremy Parquet.

Does this mean the Steelers will pursue a guard on the free agent market? It's a better question to ask if they are going to pursue a starting guard in free agency. Rumors linking Colts C Jeff Saturday playing guard in Pittsburgh were debunked when he re-signed with Indianapolis. Cowboys free agent lineman Joe Berger is talking with the Dolphins.

Saints G Jahari Evans is impressive talent-wise, but his price tag is likely far off what the Steelers will pay. The same can be said for recently released G Derrick Dockery, as well as Ravens suddenly-uber-talented G-C Jason Brown (the Dolphins are going after him hard, according to Armando Salguero) meaning it's a solid bet the Steelers will be looking to draft guard come hell or high water in April. It is early in the free agency period, though.

It seems a safe bet to suggest they may bring in a veteran guard for the sake of providing some depth (see Defensive line: Eason, Nick), unless they plan to extend Trai Essex and give the behemoth a realistic shot at the left guard spot. That is contingent on whether they feel Stapleton is the answer at right guard.

That's certainly a step down from where it was last year.

There's the omnipresent notion of moving recently first-round-tendered Willie Colon back inside, which would really only force the problems to the tackle position, which has only thismuch more depth than the guard position. The Steelers did not make an offer to veteran T Marvel Smith, and appear to be content going into 2009 with Max Starks and Colon.

It was very likely the Steelers were going interior offensive line in the draft, and perhaps in anticipation all of this, they feel comfortable saying they will select a starter with one of their picks.

Poll

A 2009 Draft pick will be starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers at Guard for the bulk of the 2009 season.

True

572 votes

False

262 votes

834 votes | Poll has closed

Kemoeatu reportedly receives offer from the Jets

ncoolong — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:51:06 -0000

At nearly the same time last season, the Steelers began preparation for life without All Pro guard Alan Faneca. A huge part of that plan was huge guard Chris Kemoeatu.

Now, according to Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News, Kemoeatu may be joining Faneca on the New York Jets. Per Cimini, Kemoeatu was offered a contract in the range of $4 million per year, but no length was provided.

Cimini must be certain he'll sign, he's already referring to him as "Kemo."

Washington to Detroit?

Per John Niyo of the Detroit News and Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, Steelers WR Nate Washington will visit with Lions officials this weekend. Niyo speculates that Minnesota and Tampa Bay are two other potential suitors for Washington's services, and even goes as far as to say he could be the best young WR in this year's free agency crop.

Star Tribune writer Judd Zulgad confirms the Vikings are interested in Washington in his blog.

Super Bowl XLIII MVP Odds

ncoolong — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:07:19 -0000

I feel like a kid on Christmas who woke up early, but has to wait for his presents.

I've only got two things right now: time, and predictions.

As rumors fly around about Ben's ribs/kidneys, and Ward's knee, and which strategically placed politician is placed in Steelers camp, all I'm thinking is the game is here, but we still have to wait an eternity for it (I'm writing this at 6:17 a.m. ET).

Predictions are what pass the time between regular life and the big game. No single game award is bigger in the NFL than Super Bowl MVP. If we at BTSC were running a sports book, here are some bets for today's MVP.

10 to 1: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

He's exciting, dynamic and athletic as hell. His playmaking skills will be on display, and if the game turns mostly defensive, which is seems to be heading that way, a big play or two from the rookie could be critical.

8 to 1: Ryan Clark

Clark is a forced fumble waiting to happen. I see the Steelers pressuring and being able to force later throws. If the ball gets tipped in the air, Clark has the best angle on it of any defender. The last free safety to win a Super Bowl MVP? Tampa Bay's Dexter Jackson...who was coached by Mike Tomlin.

Does that have anything at all to do with this? No. But it sounds cooler that way.

6 to 1: Anquan Boldin

I wanted to write about Boldin being one of the more underrated players in the game in my match-ups column for Steel City Insider. The fact I wasn't able to fit him in proves my point. We don't see many situations where the NFL's career leader in receiving yards per game won't get a mention for a key player in a big game. The fact is, Boldin is Ward 2.0; a dangerously athletic receiver, who's toughness is re-defined every day.

Don't be at all surprised if Boldin's stat line reads one receiving touchdown and one touchdown pass. I've watched him since his early days at Florida State, he can throw the ball.

4 to 1: Troy Polamalu

This is where I'd lose my money, I think. I just can't see Warner even bothering to try to challenge him. The Cardinals realize the biggest mistake most teams make is even bothering to throw near the guy.

Just ask yourself this: When have fans of the Steelers opponents ever been cheering after hearing his name announced over the PA system? "...Polamalu on the play..." He's got the most big-play ability of any defender in the game, but I think the Cardinals are going to play with the attitude that they will either win or lose, but Polamalu will not be the factor either way.

4 to 1: Kurt Warner

Conversely, if Warner stays away from Polamalu, and is able to quickly process what the Steelers defense is throwing at him, he can be successful.

Yes, I'm aware that basically no quarterbacks have been able to do that all year. Regardless, Warner's been successful in his career in doing what he's not supposed to do on paper. You may also remember a certain Patriots quarterback who wasn't supposed to beat Warner and The Greatest Show on Turf.

3 to 1: Larry FItzgerald

I just read an entry from his dad, who you may have heard, is a sports writer and editor in the Twin Cities area. Truth be told, I've heard of Larry Fitzgerald Sr. from way back. I've just never read or have seen his publication - the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. The "Bettis is from Detroit" storyline of this Super Bowl has been Senior covering Junior in the game. Really, I don't see the big deal. Asking journalists to be objective nowadays is mostly pointless anyway.

The point is, I think I put Fitzgerald way too high on this list. But I can't move him from the 3-to-1 hole, either. I think the Cardinals are going to attack using Fitzgerald outside the numbers, and I think they're going to do it early. Their defense responds to their offense. If they can jump out early like they did against Philadelphia, they can set their own tone.

3 to 1: LaMarr Woodley

I don't see Levi Brown blocking him effectively all game. Woodley has been the Steelers best pass rusher these playoffs. To enhance that, Dick LeBeau is going to send defenders through the middle as if they were pillaging Phoenix, and Woodley's going to see the fun side of single blocking.

2 to 1: Ben Roethlisberger

Ben's a proud, image-conscious guy. He's in no way, shape or form happy with his performance in his first Super Bowl. That was Bettis's team. This is Ben's team. He can't get a word in edgewise to the Peyton and Brady conversations without playing well in this game.

This isn't to say it's not a team effort, but the quarterback has the greatest effect on winning or losing a big game, and Ben knows that. He's going to see the whole field, and he's going to take a few shots deep. While this can obviously backfire, I think he's headstrong enough to impose his ability on his opponent.

Woodson Inducted, Dawson Screwed Again by Hall of Fame

ncoolong — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:38:45 -0000

The NFL announced Saturday that former Steelers CB Rod Woodson will be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. It was his first year of eligibility.

Woodson was an All-Pro player at cornerback and free safety in his career, and also excelled as a return man for much of his 17-year career. He made 11 Pro Bowls for the Steelers, Baltimore and Oakland.

Dawson was named to the final list of 15, but did not make the final cut to 10. He was named All Pro six consecutive years, from 1993 through 1998, never once missing a start in that time.

Other inductees are Bruce Smith, Randall McDaniel, Bob Hayes, Derrick Thomas and Ralph Wilson.

In a fine example of his class and respect, former Cowboys wide receiver, Michael Irvin, A 2008 inductee, said on ESPN Radio 1250 in Pittsburgh that Woodson "was soft."

Irvin made it on the second ballot, which is one more than it took for Woodson. Making it on the first ballot is generally considered to be "elite," while making it on the second ballot isn't as good.

Dawson can take some solace in knowing that McDaniel made it on his third try. While Dawson will have to wait at least until his fifth year of eligibility (in 2010), McDaniel was clearly one of the best at his position for most of his generation. The same argument can be made for Dawson.

Steelers Built for Success Beyond Super Bowl XLIII

ncoolong — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:43:31 -0000

Champions and consistent winners in the NFL follow a standard principle: Lock in a core group of 12 or 13 players, and fill the rest in with inexpensive veterans and drafted youth.

The Steelers are a fine example of that.

On the eve of their second Super Bowl in four years, they are dangerously close to letting the rarely-justified "D" word escaple their lips (dynasty), and judging by the young players who are turning into core players, some attention should be paid to who the Steelers have coming through their pipeline.

RB Rashard Mendenhall

When adding the injured 2008 first-rounder, the Steelers will essentially have two first-round picks in camp this year. Despite some fumblitis early in the pre-season, he showed some flash and power in certain situations. He wasn't quite all the way there as a three-down player, but judging by what his coaches told Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette Sunday, he's working hard and will physically get back to form with plenty of time to spare for training camp.

Mendenhall will bring an added dimension to an offense that improved tremendously throughout the season. The biggest flaw it had all year was its offensive line, which led the unit's overall improvement. Mendenhall would be wise to work on blitz pick-up, being that it is the one component necessary to become a three-down back in the NFL.

WR Limas Sweed

Obviously, Steelers fans only think of one play when thinking of the former Texas WR. It's hard not to. The worst part, though, was his "injury" after the drop, which automatically burned a timeout, which the Steelers needed to kick a field goal at the end of the half.

Mental mistake.

Imagine the AFC Championship game, with a non-Joe Flacco quarterback under center for the opposing team. Ya think Pittsburgh wouldn't have paid for walking away from a drive scoreless after a dropped touchdown pass and a bogus roughing the punter call? You're dreaming.

OLB LaMarr Woodley

Judging by Sweed's performance this year after being a second-round pick, it's difficult to remember starting OLB LaMarr Woodley was taken in the second round the previous year. Obviously, it's an apples-to-oranges comparison, but clearly Woodley is an emerging force league-wide, and it doesn't seem it will be long until he's considered one of the top defenders in the game.

After watching him this year, it's hard to say he's a second-year player. He plays far above that. If Sweed puts up half the production Woodley did this year, Pittsburgh's got itself a phenominal run of second-round picks.

CB William Gay

As his nickname indicates, "Big Play" William Gay has a knack for being around the ball. was thrust into the spotlight in his second year, filling in nicely for Deshea Townsend's open nickel back position. Townsend filled in his customary starting role for Bryant McFadden over a stretch this season. McFadden is an unrestricted free agent this off-season, and while it will be interesting to see if the Steelers want to let McFadden go, he really had a breakout year in 2008. If they choose not to meet the demands of his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Gay may be back in the nickel spot next year.

Gay had the game-clinching interception in Steelers/Ravens II, and broke up seven passes in his second season in Pittsburgh.

P Dan Sepulveda

Anyone miss him? I'm sure special teams coach Bob Ligashesky does. While the Steelers have seen a dramatic turnaround in their kick coverages this year, their punting has been among the worst in the league. It begs two questions: 1. Was the giant leap forward due to the fact they had far less distance to run to the returner (39.8 yards per kick in 2008 vs. 42.4 yards per kick in 2007) or was it simply with the team's lack of ability to bring returners down last year?

Either way, this year's 35.8 net average is a far cry from last year's 37.9. Pittsburgh went from 8th in the league to 25th. The Steelers need The Sepulverizer.

TE Matt Spaeth

The Minnesota product filled in nicely for Heath Miller in Weeks 10 and 11, netting 12 catches for 108 yards. The Steelers usually start in a double-TE set, and with his blocking improving tremendously from last season, they've created a nasty set from which they can run or pass. Miller is the Steelers' key free agent this off-season, but regardless what they do with him, Spaeth has become an important part of the offense.

Opponent Spotlight: QB Kurt Warner

ncoolong — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:24:58 -0000

I know, pretty creative, right?

This won't really be a creative game. But the Cardinals ability to pull off the upset will hinge on Warner's ability to recognize what's coming at him. And rest assured, it's going to come in waves.

Warner was able to crush the Eagles defense throughout the first half of their NFC Championship game win based on his ability to keep his head and feet in focus, and simply hit the open receiver. A large part of what made his first option read was based off the fact Eagles coordinator Jim Johnson kept bringing pressure from the edges.

There was a big throw to WR Anquan Boldin down the right side, just above the flats. There was a quick in-route to Man 'o War-like WR Larry Fitzgerald, who was the hot receiver on an overload blitz.

Guess what Warner is thinking? The Steelers blitz off the edge better than just about anyone, let's make sure our slot receivers know to recognize this.

He'll then need to remember the concept of the zone blitz.

The Steelers won't be able to pound away off the edge the way they have in previous games. Warner has too many weapons and is too accurate to make all-world OLBs James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley pin their ears back and go after him.

The Steelers can, however, bring one from the outside shade of the tackle, or stunt them inside, and drop the other into a short zone. The key to stopping Warner and the three-headed monster of Boldin, Man 'o War and Steve Breaston is going to come up the middle.

Cardinals C Lyle Sendlein is going to have a tough time with NT Casey Hampton. Sendlein is giving up at least 30 pounds to Hampton, and Hampton's job is going to be to push him and force a guard over to help. Look for the Steelers' inside linebackers to attack through the B gap, but there will be another linebacker dropping over the short middle zone in true zone blitz fashion. This could also be filled by SS Troy Polamalu, who will show blitz to create even more confusion for the Cardinals offense.

Warner is obviously savvy, or he wouldn't have gotten to three Super Bowls with two different teams. He'll have to be patient, and perhaps take a few shots in the process, but if he forces throws to the spot vacated by the defenders blitzing off the snap, he's going to throw right into the defense's plan.

To his advantage, though, CBs Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden will have to defend the inside route even more than usual, and watch out for the double-move (and the inevitable defensive holding penalty). With Fitzgerald's sheer size and Boldin's all-around ability, expect the Cardinals to look for the deep ball to try to keep Polamalu out of the box, and to keep FS Ryan Clark from shading to one side or the other.

Warner holds the key to beating one of the best defenses the NFL has seen in a while. It's critical he makes the correct pre-snap read, and his receivers must understand which routes they'll have to break off based on what the defense is showing. One or two mis-reads by any of them will result in them becoming defenders, needing to tackle in the open field.

Suggs Injury Puts Ravens Depth on Notice

ncoolong — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:13:22 -0000

Baltimore Sun writer Mike Preston's blog post has an interesting tidbit from former Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware, who dealt with the same kind of injury Terrell Suggs suffered against Tennessee last week.

According to Boulware, "...with pass rushers like Suggs, mostly everything comes from your legs anyway," Boulware said. "As long as he can get up the field and around the corner, he can still be effective as a pass rusher. The only problem is that when you get there and try to tackle the quarterback, it can be difficult to grab him."

Smokescreen? How much of what the Ravens have reported - Suggs shoulder injury along with injuries to CB Samari Rolle, RB Le'Ron McClain, NT Justin Bannan and WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton - should be considered meaningful?

From all reports, Suggs sounds like his right shoulder is in pretty bad shape. Despite his immediate dismissal of the notion of not playing in the AFC Championship game last week, and despite Boulware's objections, Suggs would struggle if his shoulder is as bad off as the media in Baltimore are suggesting.

For all of Suggs' ability, the role Bannan plays, and their lack of depth at corner, make he and Rolle's injuries more prevalent to this game. Bannan has filled in admirably for Kelly Gregg all season, and he is the key to the Ravens' ability to show a 4-3 and a 3-4 defensive front. Without him in there, monster NT Haloti Ngata won't be able to rotate around the line. It will make the Ravens front seven less imposing.

Combine that with Rolle not being at 100 percent and Suggs probably not playing, the Steelers have edges they can attack. Steelers fans remember the 2007 season, when the Ravens had to dig deep just to field cornerbacks, and Pittsburgh shredded Baltimore for one of the most one-sided games in the history of the rivalry.

The Ravens have played a ridiculous 15 consecutive games thanks in part to Hurricane Ike postponing their game in Houston, and moving their bye week to the third week in the season. With the injuries mounting up, the Ravens have to rely on their depth.

Then again, when has Baltimore not taken advantage of these situations? Bannan filled in for Gregg, Quarterback Joe Flacco was given the keys to the offense after injuries set back Kyle Boller and a case of tonsilitus sidelined Troy Smith. McClain got a lot of his successful carries due to the fact he's the only Ravens running back who's stayed healthy all year. I'm not sure how great SS Jim Leonhard is, but considering he contributed to a great defense in wake of an injury to Dawan Landry, he's another fine example of how they are able to plug in players and still succeed.

Is LB Edgar Jones - Suggs' likely replacement - the next to get in this line? It seems we're going to find out Sunday.