I hear that you guys are in a good cap situation..Are you guys going to sign RR to a long term deal? If so, at what price? Flacco, he is still working on his rookie contract..I hear that Ravens owner, Mr. Bischotti is looking to sign Flacco long term...what numbers are we looking at? !0ml per year? What about Ben Grubbs? Will he be signed? JJ, is he an UFA? Once you pay RR and Flacco, how does it look to sign the other guys? The strength of this O-line is up the middle, Yanda, Grubbs and birk, who is retiring?

thanx

I am sick and tired of all these "paid" hacks at the NFL network saying that deebo should be suspended! These guys are nothing more than a bunch of "pip squeaks" Deebo has probably seem enough of defensive guys cheap shotting BB. Lets check this out. Phil Taylor swang his arms at BB head. True, 15yd penalty. This was not even a football play. Then, on the play that BB got injured, BB was hit low. Clearly a penalty, no flag!! When is enough , enough? Now on the alleged play that deebo illegally hit McCoy, He was running toward the line of scrimmage, which he did scamper a few times during the game, was actually a running back, WHO DOES NOT GET PROTECTED!! Once the QB breakes the pocket, he is no longer a QB.

The way I see this, Deebo is sticking up for his QB, who get zero protection!

I have been looking VERY closely at the O-Line lately and I want to know if you guys(gals) agree with my assessment. Remember, I don't get to see every steeler game because I am in NYC, but I do have the "red zone". So here goes. RT Marcus Gilbert in what I have seen has/is making excellent progress. Him and foster work well together and will push Colon for the starting RT next year. LT Max starks has been pretty good and still gets beat to quicker guys on the outside at time. Overall, a HUGE improvement over J. Scott, which I am still pissed was handed the starting LT job to start the season. Consider that Suggs got 6 sacks VS him in 2 games!! RG foster is more than adequate especially run blocking, less effective in pass blocking. LG Kemo, a DISASTER in pass protection, who constantly gets beat inside, but still remains a very good pulling guard. C pouncey, a down year from last year..injuries? But clearly our best O-line man..gets to the second level and finishes off blocks well. G/C Legs, Ok until he wilts VS Ngata due to being over powered, Kemo is better VS Ngata but Legs has heart, but not the tools to handle beasts like that.

Here is my solution for the upcoming year..I know its premature, but here it goes

1. Sign the best FA left guard we can find to solidify the A gaps, which is where we are weakest, still draft an O-line man in the second round(need to replace Snack soon)

2. move colon to RG and leave Gilbert there one more year before moving him to LT

2. Keep starks another year..

final result:

Starks, FA, pouncey, colon, gilbert

Not too bad!

Since we were down so many receivers on Sunday evening, why didn't, or don't use w. Saunders in more receiving routes?  He could be used in the red zone as that big, tall receiver that Ben always wanted.  I hear that he isn't used because he hasn't played in over a year and no training camp because of the lockout.  I has been 9 weeks of practice, playbook and I don't see him running routes..WHY not??? I can't watch D. Johnson catch a pass and lumber down field and get tackled so easily.  We have lots of trouble in the red zone, why not 2 TEs with saunders catching balls in the red zone.  He should be ready by now..

BTW, Suggs 0 sacks VS Starks

Yes, the O-line sucks.  Tell me something that we don't know..But something else is scaring me..Did you notice that the Colts were running at our right side...WITH SUCCESS!!!????  That was/is Aaron smith's part of the field...Getting blown off the ball by a rookie O-line man??  I really believe that it's time for Hood to take over that spot, he has earned it and he is ready..in the meantime, get Hayward in the game..I would love to see Sylvester in more and sit farrior a little...AS hard is it to say, they are starting to show some age...Those of you that remember 1979, eventhough we won it all that year, age was there...Getting blow out by san Diego and cincy that year is an example...and trailing the 9-7 Rams for 3 quarters was another example...

Sylvester, worilds, Ziggy to get lots of snaps?   I know this is treason, but hear me out.  The NFL is a copy cat league and the Pats, Green bay and now the ravens have figured out what to do..Green bay didn't have their main TE in the super bowl, which would have been a major problem..In passing situations, why not have worlids, slyvester and even Lewis on the field to cover what is becoming a problem..passes to RBs, TEs, which Farrior and woodley, and even clark can't cover any more...

Hear me out.  We should take care of business the next 2 weeks without Deebo.  Neither of these 2 teams have a good D or offense.  Lets worlids play and rest deebo, and have him back for the texans.  He is clearly hurting and winded and it was obvious that he is hurting.  So, why not rest him for the next 2 weeks?  I have a feeling that we will see lots of underneath passes to the TEs and RBs over the middle until we prove we can stop it..why not have Slyvester play a little more too?  He has speed to stay with TEs and RBs, unlike Farrior or foote.

You guys were GREAT!  Domination on both sides of the ball..RR over 100 yds..sacks, turnovers, picks..Ed reed showed up, T-sizzle, Ngata..Good victory for u and Flacco!  see you in November!  Enjoy this, it could be the beginning of domination for you guys, if we continue to suck like we did today!  I know its only one game, but its they way you guys won it..You guys were well prepared, motivated and did your jobs..No excuses this time!

I heard at the ESPN blog that Big Ben will be calling his own plays?  Or is this from the no huddle offense?  If this is true, I feel the Offense will be in better hands.  When he calls his own plays, the offense usually does better.  Does anyone have the facts on how the Steeler offense does when BB calls his own plays as when he doesn't?  I have a feeling it will be within the no huddle offense, not the regular offense!

Thanx

I have been trying to find out some info, and can't seem to find a couple of things that I am looking for: 1. Which NFL team has the most wins since the merger..2.  I have been trying to find Franco Harris' 79yd TD run VS. the Dallas Cowboys in three rivers stadium in 1977..To me, this was my favorite REGULAR season run by Franco. First, I set the tone for that game that the Steelers would crush Dallas, who went on to win the Superbowl that year, and he out rushed Tony Dorsett..If someone can find that highlight, please display it for all the Steeler fans to see!

I hear that LT from the Vikings is available.  We need a LT and this would be a great fit.  Jonathan Scott is a crap shoot and very inconsistent and I remember that Suggs had 3 sacks against him in the playoff game and harassed BB relentlessly.  Starks handled him better, but not by much.  Mckinnie would step right in at LT and be an immediate upgrade and maybe save BBs life in the process.  Picture this:  Mckinnie, Kemo, pouncey, hills/foster, colon.  This is a line we can go to war with and keep BB healthy.

If this is a truley a "copycat" league...why not try this..

1. Lets examine the so-called "they have our number" In the 70's, we had the cowboys number..TB beat the cryboys 5 straight times.  From the TB era, 1975 untill 1983, TB beat the cowboys everytime and NEVER lost to them! 

2. The only QB that I remember that we had trouble with was Dan Fouts..

3. Getting back to the Pats..The colts and PM couldn't get that monkey off his back untill 2006, in the playoffs untill the championship game to do that..

4. Who, in the Belicheck era, has given the Pats the hardest time?

a. Miami...in Miami, the fins  always seem to give the Pats fits.  They might not win most of the games, but certainley give them a better game than we do.

b. Broncos..especially Shanahan, with Jake Plummber..

c. recentley, the J-e-t-s with Rex Ryan

d. Ravens, may not always win, but play them tough...even beat them in the playoffs..

e. San Diego..always give them fits..

Question, what is it that they do?  Why can't/won't try to implement it?  We are way too predictable for the Belicheck coached Pats..don't our coaching staff look up tape??  Adjustments??

In the broncos case, they are a west coast team, but it seemed to work against the Pats..I didn't include the Giants, who really beat the pats in 2007, and played them tough twice that year, but they don't play too often..

any suggestions, or did I miss something?

I have noticed that over the years, since 2001, the Pats have had our number..We did beat them in BB's rookie year and have not beaten  him since.  Then I ask myself, could it be a wrong defensive scheme by coach dad?  I have this question, why is it that the ravens, who play a similar defensive scheme that we use, and play them VERY tough?  Example: in 2007, which the pats went undefeated, barely held off the 5-11 ravens that year?  If the raven coaching staff didn't call that time out, that game was over...with Klye Boller at QB!! 

Now in 2009, the ravens go to foxboro and get robbed by the officials and the Pats win..Very close game that the ravens should have one..though, they did get revenge in the playoffs..

Now, this year, ravens get robbed again at foxboro..with the smae scheme that we use..

The J-E-T-S play a similar defense also, lots more blitzing though..yes, they have revis, but he can't cover everyone..

What I am saying is this, its not the def scheme thats flawed, (ravens, jets) its the fact that our offense cannot sustain drives..the Jets and the ravens have superior O-Lines than we do..

So, why is everyone screaming at Lebeau, when this scheme really works against the pats?

First and foremost congrats to the Ratbids, you earned it by beating a 35yr old 4th string QB with 30sec left!  The ratbirds hate the Steelers, but do other fans,,,why?  Because they want to be us and they are insecure as long as we are good!  So conculding this, they hate us, but want to be us and they will ALWAYS be our step sisters!

1. I was wondering about this at the end of the game..I said to myself "I've seen this movie before"  WE have the ball back with 2min left..what do we do, the predictable think and run 3 sttraight running plays...Why not a play action pass on first down???  a roll out to Heath?   anything that they won't expect.!!  Even if we didnt get the first down...I would have taken a saftey and punted for the 30yd line instead of our endzone..I know it gives them 2points, but our punter was having a good day and couyld have punted to their 30yd line..seem like a moot point now..

2. I am vindicated!  I told you guys that wanted to run BB out of town, and u know who u r, are all crying now that if BB is in there, we win that game..everyone wanted BBs head on a platter..I and a few others here took heat for sticking up for him..Look, BB is a flawed acter, but aren't we all?  I my opinion, Godell  would not have suspended BB if not with the Rooneys blessing..Keep all this in mind that BB wasn't even arrested, of given a summons...

3. Anyway, just sounding off!

I have felt for awhile that this group is overated.  Heres why:

1. Ray, ray is still the spiritual leader and does play at a high level..but, he can no longer pass defend effectivly.  Sure he can deliver a blow, but coverage is lacking

2. Suggs, from the magical 2008, he has dropped off considerbly, injuries might have slowed him, but the sacks are not there anymore..still good vs the run..pass defense, not great..

3. johnson/kruger..seems like good run defenders, not sure about pass defense though.  not the most athletic though..

Is my assessment correct?

In an interview he did after the game, he stated that "we were not dominated" and he proceeded to say that we can play with them..It gets better, he said it didn't feel the ssame as the beadown last year by the Giants and Jets.. Was he playing in the game that I was watching?  Listen you were blown out by half time and we ran the ball down your throat..Come on Josh,  have a little humility and move on!

The Steelers got their butts kicked...But, why? 

1. The steelers just finished the most gruelling three game stretch imaginable..New England, Dallas and the ravens..think there was a "let down"? 

2. The Steelers started reading and believing in the press clippings about themselves..

3. After beating Baltimore, which was the second time for the year, they knew they  had the division "wrapped" up and as we saw, came out flat.

4. I know it was for the number one seed, but did the Steelers really care?

Not taking away anything from the Titans that game, they played a great game and deserved to win..but was Pitt really into the game like the week before?

Since we are underdogs in this game, and watching the titans dismantle Oakland's mighty raiders, we might as well wave the white flag, right?  WRONG!  If the Steelers play the way they should, I think we can steal a victory here!

1. NO TURNOVERS!  We must win the turnover battles.  If not, we lose! 

2. Special teams.  It would be nice to get a cheap TD this way, after all, we were very generous giving away field position and points on special teams in 09, it's time we get one for us!

3. Defense!  Hold CJ under 100yds rushing and under 50 passing..Impossible you say?  Not really.  He has never did it against us in his first 2 encounters and cannot let this happen now.

4. Pass on first down!  Yes, you can't keep Mendy running into 9 in the box..this will put us in 2, 3 and long, where we don't want to be.  Thats not to say don't run on first down, just keep the defense honest!

5. Throw to Wallace deep!  If they stack the box, throw it to wallace.  Finnagan is good but will not be able to cover Wallace all day.  This will open up the running game because they will have to watch the passing game.

6. Bill Walsh said this " 250 passing yds and 150 rushing is the perfect game" I agree!   150 rushing, which includes DD should not be impossible..and 250 passing VERY possible..Titans last year were terrible against the pass..

7. Have Timmons/troy spy VY and CJ..with those guys covered, only have to worry about Britt and crumpler.which will not beat us..

Any thoughts?

Marcus Mcneill...can't we trade for him?  He is a pro bowl T and what is his age?  Sure, he will cost a lot of money, but getting BB killed is more expensive!  What about gaither...I know the ravens won't trade him to us, but can we get a third team involved??  I think a third round pick will do for them..Gaither is young, but not sure of the age of Mcneill...would this help?  could and should the steelers do this?  Even if we draft a T next year, will he be able to start?  These guys are ready and are pro bowl players..

I have been hearing that Dwyer is having trouble in camp...Will he make the team?   Is there a chance that he will be cut?  Or, will redman be the guy?  I am a little uncomfortable with Mendys backups...Am I wrong?  Is there a chance we will pick up a waiver guy?  Any suggestions on who might be available...There some teams that have a surplus of backs, maybe we can smare one of them..

It is no secret that Woodley wants an extension, and he DESERVES it..hopefully the new CBA will fix this problem..How about a trade...Wood for Revis??  Forget the money part of it(I know thats hard) but, this will shore up both teams..For us, Revis gives us a pure lockdown corner and along with troy, OUCH!!  Then, we move Timmons over to OLB, which is his natural position...then lookout!  We have Foote, farrior, fox and slyvester on the inside..the 2 new rooks will give Deebo a breather..The Jets are desperate for a pass rusher, which they clearly dont have..

I am not saying to do this, and hell, I love Wood, but unfortunatley, it is a business..

And Woodley didn't?  Every team has the 30% rule and Chris Johnson got his money too...We need to sign Woodley due to the fact that we have an aging defense and need younger players...Tom Brady will get his and peyton Manning too...In the Jets, ferguson got his extension..Can someone explain to me why Wood didn't get his yet?  How is the New CBA going?  Anyone have info on that?

As I hear a lot of football analysts compare the AFC North teams to each other, I get a little concerned.  I terms of the O-Line, we have the third best..Running backs, second or third best..with the ravens leading the charge..receivers, where last year, we no doubt were, but with the ravens aquiring Boldin and now with cincy aquiring bryant and now TO...Hmmm.  Yes, BB is wat better than any QB in the division, but we dont have him for 4 games..Defense, Our dline and the ravens are close but they have youth on their side..so we dont win there..linebackers, YES, we are the best there..sceondary, Troy is God, but can bmac step up?  someone please analyze this to me?

I am getting a little bored hearing about all this "run the ball" stuff all the time.  If we play a team that can actually stop the run, say the ravens and they stack 8 in the box and stuff the run, won't that put lefty in a no win situation?  I know Mendy ran well against the Ravens last year, in Baltimore but I don't want to see lefty in 3rd and long with the blizt coming!  I am not against running, but we cannot be afraid to throw, especially on first down!  Throwing, 20-25 times a game is a must and we can't play not to lose these games untill BB comes back..BTW, we have to beat the Ravens through the air...No Reed and the two corners had ACL injuries..

As much as I enjoy watching the NFL network, are these guys nitwits?  They were rating QB's and how did BB fall from the top 10??  All this "off the field" didn't seem to affect his play last year and why now?  I continue to believe that the NFL has a bias..Every year the Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots and now the Jets are the best teams.  What has Rivers done that BB hasn't(on the field)?  BB numbers were equal to Rivers and BB missed a game?  Can someone enlighten me?

I know this is contoversial, but since I am no stranger to controversy...Here goes..Lots of non new york fans love to hate this man, but you never really knew the good side of him..Yes, he has done some unsavory things and got banned from baseball for awhile..Yes, he started the big money free agency that literally destroyed some historic franchise..Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, etc, etc..

I first Met George Steinbrenner when I was a young homicide detective in the Bronx in the early eighties..and I must admit, I did not like George then( I was a Cincinnati Reds fans, left over from the Big Red Machine) and became a Yankee Fan immediatley.  I made a big arrest closing out a homicide closing out 7 homicides and George had invited me to Yankee staduim..  I got to sit with him and met the Yanks!  Don Mattingley, Ricky Henderson, etc, etc and George himself donated monies all over the city to help the poor and disadvantaged..He also helped out with strangers who had big medical bills..This is the man that most people love to hate, but he was a great man.

I feel blessed that the two sport teams that I root for are both the baet in the business and the best owners( eventhough I disagee with the Rooneys about BB ) in all of sports!

Goodbye George, we will miss you!

So far, my criticism of Roger GODell, and defending BB has been correct!  Let me refresh your memories..remember, I was chastised for my "blind" support of BB...Belicheck...the taped were destroyed probably showing that we were robbed of 2 superbowl appearance..He then ONLY took 1 of their drapt picks(first round) but should have taken the highest one..Vince Young..charged with a crime(misdemeanor) and had it on tape..and in a strip bar...NO SUSPENSION!!  and, it wasn't his "first" incident..If BB motorcycle accident was an incident, then VY attempting "suicide"..Not really so sure about that though..but, Fisher was VERY concerned and called the authorities..Michael Vick...Nuff said!  BB was not charged and punished...