I found this column with some really interesting stats, mostly focusing on QB performance in certain situationsaround the NFL.  Included are several positives for Ben and a very interesting note about how Carson Palmer fares under pressure. 

By the way, for those BTSC'ers on Twitter, the main guy from Move the Sticks is a recommended guy to follow.

On an unrelated note, Sunday is already going to be crap with the Steelers on a bye, but I also heard there is no Sunday night game because of the World Series.  Anyone out there with a suggestion for what the hell to do?

Just came across this story from Vikingland:

Foot keeps Winfield from practicing

Now I certainly don't take it as a guarantee that Winfield is out.  Otherwise, Vikings don't sound like there are any injury concerns.

As far as the offensive strategy, I would expect to see not less than 3 WR's on the field for virtually every snap.  That likelihood makes me wonder if it wouldn't make more sense to activate all 5 WR's and deactivate Matt Spaeth.  If the need arises for a 3 TE formation, throw Limas in Spaeth's spot.  I don't think he could block any worse.  Or put in Dougie Legursky as a tackle eligible.  I know it will never happen, but it seems like a logical move to me.

One of the more interesting developments of this week was the column written on SI.com by Jerome Bettis.  If you're reading this, you've probably already read this.  The Bus has thrown the Steeler offensive line, running backs and coaching under the (like you didn't see this coming) bus.  Like many, I was struck by how harshly Bettis criticized numerous facets of the offense.  On the other hand, I recognize that Bettis is a member of the media and I'd frankly rather get honesty from him than the tainted pro-Steeler analysis that I feel Merril Hoge is prone to provide. 

Nevertheless, after reflection, I am still taken aback by the vitriol of Jerome's writing.  So I began to wonder today if this was less the writing of a journalist offering a detached and objective examination and more of a former teammate delivering a message to get things straightened out.  We all know that coaches often do not mean what they say in public; that they are using a public statement as a means of delivering a message to the team or to a particular player.  The chief criticism of Eric Mangini not naming a starter in the preseason was that it failed to deliver such a message to his team.  Bill Parcells referring to Terry Glenn as "she" was perhaps the most classic example. 

So was there a deeper, "not said in so many words" intent behind the column?  Was The Bus perhaps even acting at the behest of a member of the organization?  Jerome absolutely could not admit that he was anything but detached and objective.  To do so would clearly violate the standards of integrity (weakened as they may be in this internet age) of sports journalism.  But there is no denying that few players have been more savvy and publicly open than Bettis about how external events affect the inner workings of the locker room.  So I'm just going to say it even though it can't be proven:  I think the column was less about what The Bus actually said and was more about sending a message to his former team that it is time to stop making excuses and start clocking in some quality performances on the field.