God damn, looks like A-Smith is out with a tricep injury.  Press Conference notes is that he has a torn tricep-the same one that took him out for a year a while back.  Its possible this is the end of a long awesome career.  who knows.  But our run game will suffer no doubt.  how much I dont know.  But I'm a bit optimistic.  Whenever we lost smith we also lost troy.  if he can be healthy we should be ok for the year.  both being gone is bad, but having troy will help us in the long run.  For what its worth-we're now playing with a mostly young defense so if we can win here on out at least that bodes well for the future.  Hampton and eason are the only 30+ers.  Harrison is not human so age does not count.  we'll have to wait and see :-(

Disclaimer-I'm a steelers fan.

Where do you guys find it in yourselves to support the Browns? I mean, I can understand on weekends people may tune in to watch the Browns play-maybe theres nothing on TV, maybe its a easy way to pass time, whatever.  But how do you guys find the energy to come onto this site, write and post stuff about the Browns.  I mean, do the lead writers get paid (I'm not familiar with SB nation).  I'm a die hard steelers fan, since I started watching football (i was 9 when we went to the first superbowl in 1995 -first for ME) and lost to the Cowboys.  I cried.  yes, I cried.  I was nine.  But since then I've stayed true, watched everygame and been heartbroken everytime till Ben came along. 

But at least, in addition to nostalgia we had a chance to win the superbowl-sthe steelers had gone to the AFC championship so many more times (and the pats cheated them out of it so many more times)...yet you guys are perennial losers.  Who are you fans? are you from the older generation of bygone browns success? or newer folks/? I can't comprehend it.

I really do believe we should start a new wave of calling troy polamalu Samson.  I know its been stated before, and people have intermittently called him Samson, but that really should be his name.  Samoan Samson would work as well, but seriously....it makes 100% sense.

1.Troy Polamalu is absolutely 100% religious.  I mean this guy is more devout than a Catholic Priest and Samson is from the Biblical Times, the references fit.

2.Samson used to tear apart people, Troy Polamalu is a beast, no. Sorry, a meast.  I'd call him a geast but that doesnt sound well (God/Beast) and certainly not Least (Lord/Beast) ;-)

3. Troy Polamalu and Samson have something even more in common-their very very long hair.  Even Troy admits his hair is special.  When asked (and this was from the announcers) if perhaps he should do something about his hair covering up his name he said "my hair is my name." Folks that says it all.  Troy Polamalu should be called Samson.

I think we should all start using Samson as his nickname.  Not polamalu, not troy, not any variation of that.  Just, Samson.  Think about it, what if we could make it so popular the announcers start calling him that, the players start calling him that? The Samoan Samson.

Samson is such a glorified name ( I mean very few people even name their kids Samson) because it means above and beyond strength.  And Troy Polamalu is a God amongs the players.  He is singlehandedly the best player in the Steelers Team.  And I think he's better than Big Ben, by a long shot. 

I really hope everyone here and elsewhere begins to call him Samson.  lts an incredible name that is also fitting and appropriate for Troy, the Samoan Samson (sounds like something from WWF but whatever, stick with Samson).

Here's to # 43.  Here's to Samson.

Hey folks, I had a few questions about the Bucs and was hoping you guys could answer them.  I barely pay attention to Tampa as its an NFC team and we rarely play you guys.  So here goes.

What are your defense strengths? 

How good are your D linemen?

-specifically, how big are they? 

do they take up space?

are they a finesse group?

who would you compare your best D lineman to? and why?

What exactly is Tampa 2 in terms of Linemen and LB play?

How good are your corners? How old is Barber-how fast is he?

What are your weaknesses on D?

How good are the o-linemen?

who is your best receiver? why? Is the tallest wr any good?

Does the Cadillac still have gas?

who are the pro-bowlers?

The bengals are going to be just fine folks. No need to worry. I was just as upset and disappointed as you guys but realized a few key things that should help us out. These advantages are unique to our team! Both TO and Ocho are very charismatic players. They have an excellent ability to get attention. A few weeks back I was watching reruns of Both players excellent reality shows. I saw their innate ability to entertain and get peoples attention and was blown apple away by that ability. I felt excited for this season after hearing TO would be on our team. These guys are primetime. They will selflessly put the team on sex their shoulders. For that reason alone I think, nay. Know that our season will be fine. I wish I could have been in the locker room to hear their rousing speech. In addition 2+2=4.

A while back, in the beginning of the season I made a few predictions that most who read scoffed and mocked. 

I claimed Ben would get over 4,000 yards.  that holmes AND ward would get 1,000 yards each AND that mendenhall would get over a 1000 yards.  On top of which I maintained that the steelers would be a top three defense and would be second in sacks.  I even claimed the colts and saints and vikings would be in their respective championship games.  the only team I was wrong about? Steelers.  Whoda thunkit the jets would make it that far, I guess I failed to predict that the steelers would lose to easy teams....but I'm not suprrised, thats how we played the year before the superbowl. 

at least I can take solace in my predictions....if not the superbowl.  

I took the time to post this because of a simliar post by you guys on our forum.  hope it clarifies issues and what I consider a bad officiating day for BOTH sides.

I've read Peter Kings commentary.  that guy gets almost everything wrong.  And rodney harrison is a dirty player.  And yes that is tripping.  tripping is defined as INTENTIONAL attempt to bring a defensive or offensive player to the ground by getting underneath his knees during a pass play(who does not have the ball or the ball is not yet in play).  At the time it happened, the football had not been released.  So yes, this is tripping.  I dont care what harrison(cheap player) Goose(cheap player) king thing.  I'm surprised Dungy didnt know more.  Anyway, even if you disagree, that wasnt the only thing that went AGAINST the steelers.  

I'm getting annoyed by all the unnecessary whining that the steelers got favorable officiating.  check after the jump.

Oh, and I was at the game..AWESOME

First, heath Miller had INCIDENTAL CONTACT.  and yes, the route of the DB was thrown off as he did fall down.  However, this was PRIOR TO THE TOUCHDOWN PASS.  And the official rulebook states:

Actions that do not constitute offensive pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Incidental contact by a receiver’s hands, arms, or body when both players are competing for the ball (this did not happen as neither heath miller nor the db were near the ball) or neither player is looking for the ball.

(b) Inadvertent touching of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball(neither were playing the ball).

(c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the ball is clearly uncatchable by involved players. -even though the DB FALLS DOWN...HE WAS NOT CAPABLE OF GOING NEAR HOLMES AS AT THAT POINT HOLMES WAS OFF COVERAGE.   the db was not involved in Holmes pursuit!

Note 1: If there is any question whether player contact is incidental, the ruling should be no interference.

Ok, now to the second issue, TRIPPING.... The definition of tripping is if a offensive player attempts to trip a defensive player ON PURPOSE.  I was at the game, but I kept hearing afterwards how Goose was against the call.  let me first off say that dude was one of the cheapest players on the defensive side.  no wonder he sided with the vikings.  Anyway...lets see here, yes the tight end did actually INTEND TO GO DOWN.  It looks like it was an accident, as if he fell.  you watch carefully and you can see his intent was to trip him over.  that is not allowed.  just because you dont have your foot out(ahem dallas cowboys) doesnt mean its not tripping.  That CERTAINLY IS CONSIDERED.

now, contact.  there was NO contact.  but that is STILL TRIPPING.  the INTENT to trip someone constitutes as TRIPPING.

And finally, Kick return.  watch carefully for the hold.  there was considerable holding during the wedge formation(which is apparantly legal as long as its only 2 players) and there was an obvious block in the back.  neither of which were called. 

so in the end, this goes both ways.

I'm getting annoyed by all the unnecessary whining that the steelers got favorable officiating.  check after the jump.

Oh, and I was at the game..AWESOME

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I heard he was Indian and I was pretty excited to hear that and wanted to find out more about him...I'm half indian half black and just curious what kind of player he is.  I'm always for Indians doing well in non academic areas.  Too many indian doctors, engineers, professors, CEOs if you ask me.  I'd rather see more indians doing well in the media-Jay Sean any1?  LMFAO-no i dont like his music but its cool he's number 2 in the country right now.

I also heard about some sort of leaping sack he made recently and I thought perhaps he was coming into his own.  How good a player is this dude?  Is he up and coming?  how old is he? I think about 26 right?  He was picked up on free agency for 3 years and a few mill-seems pretty cheap but then again may be reflective of his ability.  What do you guys think of him?

So apparantly woodley will be writing articles...or at least he'll be giving his thoughts and someone else will or something like that.  anyway heres the link and check what i think after the jump

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lamarr_woodley/10/08/diary/index.html

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A lot of steelers fans are concerned about the 'lack' of sacks by the steelers in 2009...so I figured I'd go ahead and do a little analysis.  check it out after the jump.

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I've been scouring for information regarding steelers/cincy matchups and i was surprised to find this information.

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Is this true?  The nytimes has a blurb about the steelers in a semi-humorous fashion..check it out after the jump.

From the NYTimes:

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so how good is he really?  he seems to have a pretty good run this year...but its suspect.  the broncos aren't known to have good offensive line...yea yea we dont either...

and  he was up against a backup guard against the packers.  any info on this guy?

I havn't heard of him much and he wasnt great last year nor was he much of a playmaker with the titans...hence left...

Good:

1.  A lot of naysayers about the fans of pittsburgh.  many complained about the Oline, the lack of addressing the issue, the weakness in pass protection and how the coaching staff is responsible.  Its only the second game but those with faith in the oline and coaches saw dividends sunday.  The game was played well.  the running game was improving.  thats what I liked about it.  

As a result, I'm sure the steelers will cope with this loss just as well as any.  they'll take it in stride, not panick because they're veterans, and cover their weaknesses.

2. Offensive line played really well.  I mean very well.  Both sacks were because Ben either held the ball to long or did not audible out of an obvious loaded pass rush.

3.  Rashard Mendenhall: he's very young and showed he can run decisively.  What I Liked about the run around wasn't his speed or his yardage but his willingness to move the chain.  I doubt willie parker would have done that.  he has confidence in himself even with limited NFL appearances.

4. Ben is making better decisions.  I like the way ben is throwing.  he wasnt perfect, but at least with the time he's given he's throwing well and not interception/risky throw prone.

5. This is only the second game.  If I were to lose a game I'd definately lose this one so we can figure out what mistakes we're making and get a severe reality check.  This was one of those games.

6. Deshea Townsend is a veteran.  Put him in play for Carter.

The BAD:

1. For Holmes to be clutch and considered pro bowl level he needs to keep his head in the game.  he has to catch all kinds of balls.  good passes, bad passes, ugly passes.  most of the dropped passes were good.  rain and incidental deflections do not count as excuses.  as a future #1 receiver he needs to grab them all.  ward was 7/8 passes for comparison. 

2. Reed missed field goals: 2.  This isn't on him.  Why are we dependent on him in the first place?

3. Ben's decision making/throwing.  For the most part, he's thrown well.  but some of his passes were not as accurate.  the announcers said it was because of the rain.  again...no excuses.  he's getting paid elite level money.  i'd like to see it more. Also, ben needs to know when taking sacks is BAD.  he cannot be taking stupid sacks when they're within field goal range.  thats not good.

4. Tyrone carter looks awful in coverage.  He's responsible for both touchdowns and let it happen.  Abosultely bad.  He needs to be replaced or needs to do a better job quickly.

5. William Gay needs to play better-FAST.  I'm not putting too much blame on him...bryant took a few years to come along and did his best in contract year..but gay based on the coaches seems to have come along fine.  im hoping he comes along fine faster so that he can contribute quickly.  or we're in for a long season.

THE UGLY

1. steelers were exploited on defense.  And it showed.  The best way to hurt us is by throwing to the flats.  we all know that.  it forces our lbs in coverage and then we depend only on 3 man pressure.  not something that we can depend on over and over again. 

pretty soon cutler was throwing to the middle because there wasnt as much pressure.  thats where we got burned.  our corners were mediocre.  taylor was decent but his penalties on special teams hurt.  gay was abused by knox all day and carter wasnt good at all.  the play was bad.  i'd much rather have townsend and im sure that the quality of play would improve dramatically.  he knows how to cover, is smart, and knows the playbook well.  a veteran is needed in the back. 

2. if this is isnt fixed quickly a lot of teams will be able to hurt us in the back.  even the bengals.  andthey're not as bad as before.  i'm not particularly happy with the next game.  things could get a lot worse before they get better.

3. this is where our running game needs to step in.  we need to keep the ball on offense.  we need to chew up the time.  in the first half the steelers owned pretty much the entire game.  the time of possesion was good in the first half with the steelers holding the ball for 20 of 30 minutes.  in the fourth quarter- less than 5. that cannot happen.  by holding the ball longer the steelers force the other team to throw deeper and be less dependant on the short pass.  by holding the ball longer our defense doesn't tire out.  this is really the only way we can fix our problems.  Our corners are lacking and our safeties cannot be depended on for every play.

4. My biggest fear about this game was the way our defense was exploited.  thats dangerous.  last year we lost games.  but we lost games because of collosal failures on offense.  i cant blame the oline or even the players that badly for this loss.  our defense was exploited and it shows that we cannot depend on close games to win everytime. we need touchdowns where field goals are...

i know reed missed twice.  but that doesnt mean its his fault.  he's not perfect.  he's clutch 80% of the time.  that other 20% will show up and it will show up when it counts most if we keep having close games.  why should we depend on him?  why cant we get the touchdowns when we need to?  This is when holmes needs to step up as do the rest of the team, including ben's miscued throws and unwarranted sacks.  its cool he can extend plays but as someone we consider elite he needs to absolutely KNOW when to throw the ball away/when to change play.  thats his fault.  absolutely his fault.  to be championship caliber he needs to get to the next level which is moving out of his COMFORT ZONE and taking the risk of the loss.

After the jump: what we can learn:

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I'm not an expert by any means but my predictions these past few years have panned out fairly well.  I predicted the 05 bowl and the 08 after the first game...

ok so i predicted last year after brady went down, but still...check out my top 10 after the jump

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check out BTSC if you will to find out what our concerns about this upcoming game.  the general consensus is that it should be a close game, that cutler will have fixed his mistakes, and that ben will be forced to throw the ball once again.  what are your takes and your perspectives

I'm always checking the 'enemie's' blogs and surprisingly it seems a little quiet here.  No comments on the weakness/strengths of sundays matchups, breakdown of players, matchups in positions etc...

whyyyy sooooo seriousss-ah?

just wondering...since both are key to their defense and both are out how are they compared to each other? just curious because everyone seems to anoint jerod as the best new inside linebacker in the past 5 years.  do you guys agree?  I always thought lawrence timmons was the new guy.  the guy who everyone is in awe off.   Both were first round picks if I'm correct.  Although mayo did win rookie of the year.

Someone posted earlier a link to the postgazette and a comparison of other players who had the same injury.  most were sidelined 2-3 weeks.  It seems appropriate that Troy could be in the same boat.  From what I understand, Tomlin doesn't know for sure yet and it may be more serious.

However, i think its important to note the teams we are playing in the next six weeks.  even if troy is gone for that long, we're against opponents that dont particularly scare us-and thats what an easy schedule can do for you.

Frankly speaking, if we have an elite defense, even without troy we should be able to win a substantial number of  games and i believe that.  Especially against these six teams.  The only team that concerns me are the chargers and vikings-and that should say something about the rest, bengals, browns, lions, etc.

In fact, I dont even think the vikings are that much a threat, but you never know with AP and even Farve-early in the season, in the backfield.

The chargers are the only team that concern me and rightfully so:  they have very good corners and in the preseason seemed to have played at their probowl level unlike last year.  this could potentially be a high scoring game especially without TP.

I'm thinking that if we throw as often as we do their corners may make plays on us.  even though titans have  good secondary i dont think its anywhere near what the chargers have.  also their pass rush is just as good or better than the titans. 

This could very well be our litmus test.  Do well here, and we're basically the best AFC team hands down. 

I really hate picking greenbay.  not because I have anything against them but they're definately the best all round NFC team right now.  Awesome offense in passing and running.  Good defense-on paper.  From what I understand their new 3-4 looks pretty good. 

I'd like to think the Falcons are a good team as well, unfortunately they've got quite a few injuries at wide receiver.  I'm not sure how far they can get with just a running game and an ok defense into the playoffs.

Giants are a shell of themselves.  Their defense will be a beast but I'm afraid their offense will suffer for worse.  No Plax no Manning Power. 

To many not interested...this would seem like a wall of text.  If you are not interested in reading the entire thing then read only the BOLD WRITTEN.

Before I begin, I wish to make a few assertions.  This post isn't intended to air some sort of greivance.  Nor is it to establish my own insecurity as an individual because of race(I am half black /half Indian). 

The point of this post isn't even to assert that blacks are not physically gifted.  Science may pan out that, indeed, they are.

Normally, when posts like this come up stating one race is physically/mentally better or appears better than others I ignore them.  But the previous post regarding this matter has had a lively debate. I felt a need to post this because of two reasons: 1. So many people responded that I felt I could no longer ignore the issue, and 2. The converse of the previous post should be presented as a SEPARATE post entirely that blacks are not physically superior.  To give fairness to the issue.

Now, why should I even bother with this?  Havn't we been oppressed enough?  have we not dealt with racism and insecurities all our life?  So leave us alone then!  Let us celebrate our physical gifts.  So what if we are physically stronger etc. etc. 

The problem with this mentality is that if one were to agree wtih the previous post about blacks being superior then it opens a Pandoras Box.  Allowing others to claim the same about other characteristics.  The previous poster used observational evidnece coupled by some statistical data such as the fastest people, 70% of NFL is black, black athletes are faster etc.

Based on that concept one can say the same about asians and whites.  Look at them, they've got all the Nobel Prizes.  Look at them, they're all rich, they've got the inventions.  One can parade out statistics as well, 40% of Nobel Prizes won are by Jewish people.  NO BLACK PERSON AHS EVER WON A NOBEL PRIZE in Science or Economics.  All the black people I come across are not as succesful in school etc. 

Indeed, dare I even say, after that post 'that blacks are physically superior' was posted, I have an inlkling that someone who is white or of another race read it and thought: "well yea, so what? just like one race is superior in something whites are superior in intellect and success in high cognitiive work, big deal" and then moves on with his life. 

That is precisely the kind of thought process I wish to debunk.  It is HURTFUL to only black people.  Thousands of black athletes go to college every year on scholarship.  Very very very few make it into the NBA.  Very few make it into the NFL.  Most struggle through college.  Even those who make it into the big league struggle financially. 

70% of NBA retirees end up in bankruptcy!  Look it up!  not everyone is Michael Jordan.  Hell even he wasnt MJ after a while.

This sort of conversation allows blacks to think, well yea...this is what I am gifted at, physical strength, my genes allow me to by physically strong.  Whites can stick to computers and math.  I'll do this and make it into the NFL/NBA.  The thing is, as we all know, very few blacks make it into the pros.  Even the best athletes, the stars of their school don't make it in.  thats how competitive it is.  thats how few there are of people in it. 

So why do so many blacks play sports?  why do so many do it?  To them, its the glory, the attention, the all male machismo.  To many parents of these 16 and 17 year old kids, its the only way to send them to college.  They cant get academic scholarships, they know their kids wont succeed without some help.  probably wont even make it into college without sports.  So they agree with the recruiters and sign the dotted lines.  Yes, send my son to college, give him an education, an opportunity to succeed, a place where I the parent never went to.  Therein is the reason so many blacks go to college to play sports.  its the only way to get an education. 

 For many the value of college is immense.  Many of us who have had a wonderful opportunity to succeed in life come from familes of success as well(my father is a PhD engineer/MBA and succesful businessman, I'm starting med school).  But for these folk, who have never gone to college sending thier kid to college makes them think they have a better chance at success in life.  They know the numbers for the pro sports.  THey just wnat their kids to succeed.  Problem is, kids tend to ignore academics and struggle.  many students after college end up doing the same thing their parents did, struggling or not doing financially as well as others.  College isn't a one way ticket to success.  But these families think so and hope so.  they want their kids to lead better lives.  its not always the case.

This is why it is very important to debunk these kinds of stories.  Black kids need to know that its not necessarily genetic.  that they are not predisposed to being faster and stronger and perhaps as a tradeoff less intellectual.  It seems appropriate, that if one race has one gift another race should have another.  Perhaps this sort of mentality isn't mentioned.  maybe people don't think of these things openly.  but its an underlying factor.  laying there in the subconscious of people.  and when festered and growing it becomes a tumor, blocking out all other conversations about race and skill.  Black kids need to know they can succeed academically. 

purely statistically speaking, a black person has a better chance at becoming a physician than a nfl star.  a black person has a better chance at becoming a dentist than a nfl player.  a black person has a better chance at becoming an engineer/an professor than an NBA player.  Sure the salary is a lot lower, but at least a lot more are leading meaningful lives than the ones who dont end up in the pros. 

Now onto exactly why blacks may not be phsyically superior.  Unfortunately this post will not necessarily show the science behind why they may not be physically superior.  the fact is, such science doesnt exist.  thats why I specifically say MAY and not absolutely say they are not superior.  I could be wrong.  But im fairly certain haivng studied genetics for 2 years(research) and neuroscience(my major) that I am not.

I will make an attempt to point out thoughts about why they are faster and then debunk each myth.

MYTH 1. more blacks are in sports than any other race thus it must be because they are more athletic since it is competitive sport.

STATISTICS Do NOT share the WHOLE Picture.

-statistically this is true.  more blacks are in sports than any other race but that does not mean that it is because of their natural gifts.  More blacks are in sports and athletics because more blacks go into sports and spend more time and effort as athletes.  Even though many whites go into sports, playing college basketball(more whites play college basketball than in the NBA) the thing is, many of these whites choose other careers.  many dont necessarily go into sports with the intent of a career in sports.  many whties do not go into sports thinking its the only way to college.  In fact, SAT scorewise, whites do better than blacks, white come from higher income than blacks.  So whats the difference?  White people have better educations in general, they have more emphasis on schoolwork beacuse they come from higher income families. 

 Even whites who play sports generally come from the same income bracket as other whites or if poorer, not as much.  however blacks on the other hand who do get scholarships to play sports specifically are from LOWER INCOME brackets than blacks who dont and the general population as a whole.  Thus blacks have a greater need to suceed in their sports. blacks need to do well in order to succeed in life and see that if they dont succeed in sports they wont have a career-many are not academically prepared through schooling to succeed in alternate careers.  they spend SO MUCH TIME PRACTICING AND PLAYIGN SPORTS that they dont have time to study.  In addition,  their school system is a lot weaker prior to college and less capable of developing their academic potential.

MYTH 2: The Self Perpetuating Myth and the MEDIA; THE AMERICAN DREAM and a little bit of history....

THE MEDIA HAS HYPED IT UP FOR BLACKS

The media has played a big role in the development of the ultra black athelte.  A sort of machismo attitude, that blacks can do it all.  And the MEDIA loves it.  Who doesnt love a down on the luck family that sends its child into sports making him a multimililionaire?  Its the perfect American Dream Story.  

So where did this begin?  Go back 50 years and blacks were not even that big in sports.  sure there were a few, some were amazing, just great.  but in the 50s it was the whites who played. t he white linebackers, the white corners.  even white running backs.  Once college integration took hold and brown v board was struck down many and more blacks joined college. 

Thing was, to get in they had to stand out.  Problem was that blacks went to historically poor schools with less academic devlopment.  their own familes due to Jim Crow Laws.  So many families who were not engineers or physicians etc. knew that to send their kdis to college they needed scholarships for money.  Sports provided the answer.  Many kids began to play, working out struggling to hold jobs and playing the game.  And they succeeded.  Whereas white families would have aspirations for lawyers or doctors or engineers because they ahd the money for education and the better academic upbringing, blacks knew sports was the only ticket out of their current life.  And so the media caught on as well.  proclaiming it as a way to bridge two races together first.  Then, when blacks began to succeed finanically in sports as a way to present the American Dream.  Anyone can do it! Only in AMerica!

So the media has been hyping this up forever, and blacks and whites and asians ahve bought into it.  Thinknig that blacks are born for this.  so let them.  and blacks think, this is my way out of it.  I can succeed.  I can become rich if I play ball!

MYTH 3.  Ok fine, you're saying that blacks and whites are equal and blacks play in this country because of racial divides income gaps and so forth.  how about other countries?

OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES

Why are more black athletes from Africa than say China or India?  all are poor countries wont they want to get out of their misery?

Not so fast there...the cultural issues that take hold play  key role in the success of athletes from these countries.  In africa, the infrastructure for education is almost nonexistent.  Very few schools are even developed enough to be appraised on an international level.  Indeed the best schools are in historically arab or white regions of Africa-that is Egypt and South Africa where blacks are not looked up on as equals even today or are not weatlhy enough to attend these programs.  thus, with the american stereotype in tow, many black athletes see it as an opportunity to succeed in sports.  So many blacks in america are succeeding why cant we?  lets go to the olympics and break world records, the money will come!

How about India and China?  Thing is, in India and CHina there is a far greater preference for educated individuals.  statewide the government has spend billions in each country attempting to create a more competitive workforce through better education.  Africa does not have the money to develop these programs so the influence for a strong education is not as developed as in these countries.  And so nationally, Indi and china promote education above all else.

MYTH 4 but look at blacks, they're just as strong as any i've seen!  Asians tend to be smaller and weaker! 

GENETICALLY AND SCIENTIFICALLY NO REAL VARIATION.  ITS JUST WHAT YOU SEE THAT SEEMS THAT WAY

-Because of chinas recent foray into the olympics as way to assert itself globally it has won almost or more than the white and black athletes in most of the world.  China is only second to the US now!  More chinese won the powerlifitng competition than any other country!  Sure steroids are an issue but its an issue in every country and cant be the overwhelming explanation.  I know the entire team got disqualified in weightlifting but a new team came in, passed the tests and still won.  Who can forget the womens weight lifting in eastern europe and the steroid abuse in the 70s?

Anyway, the point is that we cannot base our inferences on observations alone.  and it is very important to fight stereotypes of any sort.  Even positive stereotypes can have negative consequences.  blacks may become pigeonholed(they already are) and think sports is the only way to succeed.  they may think going to wall street and engineering and medicine is only really for rich black folk or other races.  that somehow sports is only for blacks and blacks for sports.

What we are doing when we say...look so many blacks in sports, faster than me, must therefore be physically more gifted is no different when

600 years ago people though...look, Sun come from East, Go down in West, Must revolve around Earth!

positive things have been happening lately to help them out, more more are entering the technical workforce and Obama is our president!

 DISCUSS:

This skanky, rotten, foul mouthed, disgusting person decided that a 'settlement' was appropriate.  how wrong of her

She's not only abusing ben but she's abusing the city of Pittsburgh and giving us all a bad name for even supporting Ben during this time.  How many posts did we endure here of idiots from our own city, old farts, and fans of other teams posting how Ben must be a rapist and how he dosent care for women and how he takes advantage of them. 

 


http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/sports/20802657/detail.html

The link...read the response by Ben's lawyers at the bottom.

So Stefan Logan will make the team as that is what CBS Sports is reporting.

I'm really happy as I think he will make a huge impact in our game.  Think about it, our kicker sucked so we gave up good field position last year and still won.  Our return team sucked and gave us bad field position and we still won.  We're going to win now.  And we're going to win decisively.  especially those games that would have been close.

I was wondering if anyone remembers the abuse we received when we played the pats last year.  Tom brady passed like crazy against a defense that couldnt get any pressure on Brady.  We played poorly in the second half and basically got destroyed.  I know this was a long time ago but I'm just wondering what happened and why

Few questions:

1.  Was it mostly because of anthony smith?

2. What is different about our pressure today from last year?  was our team just tired?

3. Not having polamalu had that big a difference? 

4. What other issues were at hand for our poor play?

I'm just curious if we're headed for a 07 repeat or if it was because of factors that we have since addressed: overworked team, lack of health, better players now(polamalu, clark) etc?

http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-defense

Click on the link or paste it and then click on troy polamalu.  You can do the same for willie parker who is the offensive player nominated. 

Please make an effort to get out the vote...you can do it as it is so easy and have your friends do it to!

Please.

Vote...or Die.

http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-defense

Click on the link or paste it and then click on troy polamalu.  You can do the same for willie parker who is the offensive player nominated. 

Please make an effort to get out the vote...you can do it as it is so easy and have your friends do it to!

Please.

Vote...or Die.

If a Pitt player is nominated make sure to vote for him!

I think its important that we show how much we care for our teammates.  In fact....if they keep getting nominated and knowing how rabid we are as fans...we'll vote for the players all the time.  But this is just a friendly reminder

If a Pitt player is nominated make sure to vote for him!

I think its important that we show how much we care for our teammates.  In fact....if they keep getting nominated and knowing how rabid we are as fans...we'll vote for the players all the time.  But this is just a friendly reminder

Btw folks, I've been following this blog for about 6 months now but I havn't really takent he opportunity to say hi to everyone.  I really appreciate all the comments and insights you provide.  Believe me when I say I read this blog probably 3 or 4 times a day hoping that I'll read something new.  Keep up the amazing work.  I'll post more often now.

I'm sure everyone knows but I figured I'd post it for the record since I didn't see it anywhere.

www.nfl.com/snf

The Sunday primetime game will be shown online with different camera views at 8:15.  So if you cant watch in front of a tv or dont have HDTV but have high speed cable...check it out on your pc or laptop!