SB Nation User Blog: tannofsteel84

Could this be true? BA gone for real?

tannofsteel84 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:32:31 -0000

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/307907-breaking-news-coaching-changes-coming-for-pittsburgh-steelers?utm_source=newsletter

I'm not sure how reliable the source is but the silver lining to this season would be a our OC and line coach and special teams getting canned. The guy quotes Adam Schefter of Espn who from my understanding is a reliable source. If this is true then it may have been worth a whole season lost.

For those of you who blame tomlin for waiting so long, I don't. After year one ben set TD franchise records. Year 2 they won the super bowl. Its kinda hard to fire your OC after that. But when you go 6-7 and staring 6-10 dead in the face with 4 first round draft picks on this offense who are far from bust there is no reason for the steelers scoring less than 21 points a game. Also remember Tomlin is a defensive guy, he was DC for the Vikings and a Secondary coach for the bucs. I'm pretty sure he has trusted BA but the results aren't there and he has to do the head coach thing. Its about time and they need to score on the next hiring. Mike Shananahan anyone? I know its a pipe dream but don't piss on my parade.

If this does happen I will rub it in the face of my father who tells me I shouldn't question Bruce Arians because he knows more about football since he coaches in the NFL..... I beg to differ.

Even in defeat, I love the Pittsburgh Steelers

tannofsteel84 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:22:23 -0000

The year was 1999 and the Bill Cowher had just finished an uninspiring 6-10 season. The Steelers offense was well non-existent and while the run defense was OK the pass defense was a major weak point. The special teams were nothing spectacular either. The year before the Steelers finished 7-9. It was the first time Bill Cowher had finished with consecutive losing seasons in his coaching career at Pittsburgh.

Many had wondered if Bill was the right coach for the Steelers. This being his 7th year as head coach and never delivering a Super Bowl ring for a organization that ranked tied for #2 at the present time, behind San Fransisco, for the most super bowl wins all time. The steelers had been to three AFC Championship Games and being favored in all three to only win one. That one win followed by a subsequent loss the the hated Dallas Cowboys with 'that guy' (his name has been forever banned from my memory) throwing two inexcusable interceptions that cost the Steelers their then record tying fifth super bowl win.

I remember thinking no matter what these are still my steelers. I love everything they represent and stand for and love how they play; even in defeat I feel like they are one of the best teams in the NFL. The best thing about the steelers is on the rare occasion that they do have a losing season you can still tell that they have the talent to turn it around to compete next year. You know that the team will be diligent in the draft to get younger, better, and faster.

The same can be said about the 2009 Steelers. No matter the cause of our recent downfall, I'm sure we all feel that this team will be able to bounce back in 2010. They have too much talent and now they have motivation to avenge the death of their 2009 season. There are a lot of things that will be determined between now and then. For example, do we extend Casey Hampton or try to trade up to get Suh of Nebraska. Sure we'd have to give half the draft away, but if you've seen this guy play he appears worth it. Or, do we keep Hampton and address the Safety/Defensive Back position. I feel the latter is more pressing. I never imagined this defense being this bad without Troy. Of course you expect a drop off, but these guys cleared the cliff. Troy is an all-time great but we need to be ready for when he goes out the game in case of injury as he has proven to be prone to. That is the only knock on his game.

I love these steelers and want the best for them. Just like when Cowher was coach, who had shown less than Tomlin has at this point in their coaching careers comparatively. There is no two ways about it. All this non-sense about Tomlin riding Cowher's coat-tails to a Super Bowl like John Gruden did to Dungy seriously missed the 2007 season. Tomlin had improved the passing defense and the special teams in 2008, something Cowher never did even with Coach Dad. Does ben have something to do with that? Yes but before you go too far, how many super bowls has Bill Bellicheat won without Tom Brady, how many has Dungy won without Peyton Manning? If Brett Farve doesn't play brilliantly in the first half of this season - Childress would be getting the pink slip right about now. The coach success is directly dependent on the success of the Quarterback. Even for the Baltimore team that won the Super Bowl team, they still needed the QB to not screw things up for the defense. One bad year following a Super Bowl win does not merits a firing. There are changes that need to be made that is for sure. But not at the head coach level, that is the last straw scenario.

So heres to the 2009 season we barely knew thee, and we will support and love our Steelers to the bitter end. I welcome the 2010 season where the steelers go on a revenge tour in the division and remind everyone this has and will always be our division. This team has way too much talent not to and giving the Steelers a good position in the draft is a death sentence especially in the first round. Ben, Hampton, Santonio, are all pro-bowl players who the steelers selected in the earlier portions of the first round. I expect nothing less this year whomever that may be. So get your terrible towels, your Steelers Jersey, and lets win 3 in a row so we can avoid Tomlin's first losing season.

Bungals Coach Lewis stops order on Chad

tannofsteel84 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:50:22 -0000

This post is just for fun. In addition to the Daily Six Pack story.

We all know about Mr. Ochocinco's antics being in the same division. I actually like them and think his touchdown celebrations and off the field comments add a great entertainment value to the game. He really is a good guy who doesn't get into too much trouble, although I wouldn't want him on the steelers.

I think the NFL has noticed and I have noticed a serious drop in fines on Mr. Ochocinco's this year. For those of you who may know, Mr. Ochocinco was planning on sending mustard to the steelers because, "they won't be able to ket-chup" to him. The steelers responded saying they really dont mind.

But Cincy's Coach put a stop to it once he found out about it. The coach was sending a message, but I'm not quite sure its the one he wanted. Think about it, it was ok for Chad to send deodorant to the ravens last week - but the steelers get special treatment this week?

Maybe thats because deep down inside Lewis has a fear of the steelers, maybe i'm just being a homer - who cares. Last week game was big and made this week game even bigger so you can't say because its a very important game. But I do know this, the steelers are paying attention and if they do take it as fear - they will be like sharks in blood water. Not that they need extra motivation. Heres the link to the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4645293

What do you think? I hope my grammer, punctuation, and spelling is up to snuff, I wouldn't want angry comments by out of work english teachers...... (hope sarcasm is noted)

Biggest Game of the Season

tannofsteel84 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:42:43 -0000

Wow.

I am, like everyone else, glad to see the steelers win the game in that fashion. But now attention has to be turned to the Cincinnati Bengals. Who would have thought in the beginning of the season that Nov. 15 would be the game to decide the division and not Nov. 29? But alas, here we are 5 days away from the deciding factor of who will win the division.

You really have to acknowledge the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals have done an adimarable job this season. They only have one bad loss - against the texans where I and many others thought they were going to revert to the Ben-gals of old. But they have bounced back and now hold the division lead (currently they have the tie-breaker against us). A win this sunday and the division is theres.

The question is there and I have to ask it. How good are the ravens? That determines the level of fear (can't believe I just said that) we should have of the bengals. I honestly don't think the ravens this year are that good. But the point is - how good is the AFC? No one has played anyone and there are so many bad teams you can't really gauge how good the good teams are. In my opinion there are only three good teams in the AFC that seperate themselves from the rest - Colts, Pats, and Steelers. I still, like many of us, do not want to believe that Cincy is for real - as in Super Bowl Contender. But they are a playoff team. That is quite clear when looking at the remainder of their schedule. There is no reason that 10-6 or 11-5 is out of reach for the bengals this season and that should be well enough for a playoff spot this year.

Ultimately you have to scratch your head at the Ravens, after coming back and thumping the broncos, they lose a key division game to the bengals. With Pitt twice and Indy left on the schedule its hard to envision that team in the playoffs. Which reflects on the broncos who, after this loss, are showing that they are at least not a super bowl contender. They may still make the playoffs by way of a weak division and all around weak conference. Houston and the NY Jets will contend with them for the last playoff spot if they let the Chargers pass them for the division. And the Jets are a 4-4 squad right now.

Keys to the game:

Defense:

Do what you do best: Stop the run.

We have seen cincy play two types of games they been able to grind it out against baltimore and pass over the place against green bay. If we stop their running game then they become one dimensional and with Chris Henry out the pressure will be on L. Coles to have a good day. Chad O. will always be the focal point of the passing attack.

Take the ball away.

When this defense gets turnovers the offense has no hope. With Troy P. back patrolling the field look for palmer to take an extra second to get ride of the ball which will lead too.....

Sack the Qb

Insightful. I know. But this gets the offense out of sync so much and puts them in more predictable passing situations which will lead to the defense getting off the field more.

Offense:

Run the football

This is crucial because not only it protects our defense from getting tired, and being attacked by a very good QB in Carson Palmer, we're learning this year - it protects us from ourselves also. We all know that BA, Ben, whoever it is; has been a bit trigger happy with the passing game this year. This has lead to picks that well could have been avoided if the offense hadn't passed the ball three straight times. This is of course if Mendy can hold onto the ball

No turnovers

I am confident if we do not turn the ball over, we win this game going away.

Sweed Redemption

I know most people are done with Sweed. The last time we played the Bengals was when the last bit of hope in this guy was lost by most of us. But Sweed is still a great talent and Ben knows it. When ben passed behind the guy last night people could tell he was upset. Ben always wanted a tall receiver and sweed can be that guy. Ben wants sweed to sucess so if he is activated, I believe that Ben will try to get the ball to the guy. I also believe that all it takes is one TD catch in a meaningful game and Sweed become another deadly weapon to our arsenal and all drops are forgiven.... well maybe not all.

Win this game and the steelers still have to win 1 of 2 against the ravens to clinch the division. Lose this game, and the Bengals basically clinch this division. Yea this game is important.

Your thoughts on my obvious observations. :)

Biggest Concerns - Denver Broncos

tannofsteel84 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:31:21 -0000

Just wanted to post something real quick.

Eddie Royal concerns me though. He will probably be matched up against William Gay, who has been very solid but I think a speedy guy like Royal can take advantage of Gay's lack of speed. I'm sure they will try to match Royal up against Gay and if he has help make sure Tyrone Carter, who also lacks great speed, is backing Gay up. Post-Gazette is reporting that Clark will sit out of this game - and thats for the best. I'd rather lose him for a game than for the season again and wouldn't want him to risk his life. If Royal gets a couple of big catches then I wouldn't be surprised. Also in the return game, Royal is dangerous. Good news for steelers fans though, Anthony Frazier - the steelers 2nd leading special teams tackler- will return this game. He sat out the last two games with a bruised thigh. The same two games where the steelers gave up a TD returns on kickoffs.

What helps the steelers out a lot is that Kyle Orton isn't a great deep ball thrower. Because of this ,denver is a 'play it safe' team that will let you beat yourself and not make mistakes. The dink and dunk method which offenses use against us will be in full play this monday. This method which you all know is full of short passes, slants, curls, short post, 10 or 5 yard outs, and screens. Because of the way our defense is schemed this is the most efficient way to move the ball down the field. The problem is it takes a lot of consistency and focus for everyone to stay on the same page. Usually the our defense is good enough to stop the offense at some point. Although we've been slacking on our 3rd Down defense, the Defense have stepped up these past four games.

We've (the steelers, not us) had two weeks to prepare for this game. Two weeks to get the perfect offense against denvers - mediocre defense. I say mediocre because well they have played against Cleveland, Oak, Cincy, SD. While the later two offenses are good now, cincy hadn't started clicking at week 1, and SD well no one can figure them out. The Pats were in a funk and Dallas had turnovers which is what Romo does so well. I dare say that is the best part of his game. Especially since this is the first time in his illustrious career that he has went three straight games with no turnovers. I think we have the offensive fire power to put up some decent stats and some points on this defense which is overrated imho. Baltimore's D showed us the perfect game plan to bottle up whatever offense denver had. I think we've have more than enough going in our favor for this game.

Although Denver is bruised right now from their lost against the Ratbirds, I'm not sure they have the moral to rally among themselves and perservere. Especially against an elite team coming their way. There is much to learn about teams so far this season and we will definately learn something monday night. For the steelers, we'll learn how they handled sucess, coming off a 4 game win streak, and the broncos we'll learn how they deal with losing for the first time under the new head coach. Either way you put it, my biggest concerns are trumped by my realism in that this should be another win for the black and gold if we don't turn the ball over. I say 21-10 steelers.

Take a deep breathe and slowly back away from the ledge

tannofsteel84 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:46:19 -0000

"Take a deep breathe and slowly back away from the ledge", is what my brother, mother, and father yelled at me as I embraced for the jump. The first step to overcoming a problem is understanding and admitting you have a problem. I recall the first symptoms of this "disease" showing up sometime around last year. Right after the Eagles game I made the remark,"There's no way the steelers will win anything this year". From then on I was plagued with the onset of 'Pre-December football panic' (PDFP). It has become quite an epidemic. It doesn't just effect me, steelers fans, or red and blue monkeys (sorry couldn't resist). Recent studies have shown that about 65% of the football watching public suffers from PDFP. This number grows but there is a cure.

Our society is focused on the here and now and not a second later. We are accustomed to split second breaking news, information at the tip of your fingers in cell phones, and word travels around the world in less than a second. These conditions create a pee-tri dish for PDFP to develop. ESPN acts as a catayst for this disease, with weekly power rankings, daily anaylsis, and up to the second references on how great brett farve is. So it is easy to see how PDFP spreads among the masses.

After stepping back from the ledge, I came to realize my disease. I battle with it every week. It is a process but can be overcome. The cure is simple and my brother and father discovered the cure. It's called common-sense. Common-sense when taken daily can subside the affects of PDFP. The truth of the matter is that pre-december football sets up december football. That is when teams are in position for playoff runs. There has been enough football played to properly gage who are contenders and who are predenders. Once upon realizing these facts a patient suffering from PDFP slowly begins to understand to not panic pre-december. They see that two losses are not the end to the season despite how they came. They begin to see that to properly gage how good this defense is you have to wait til Troy P gets back. Then a determination and anaylsis can be made about the effectiveness of this defense. Troy P solidified our secondary without his stellar play, the secondary goes from awesome to ordinary. That extra second that Troy causes QB's to think, leads to Int's, incompletions, and sacks. Qb's usually stay away from him because of his play making ability which makes life easier on the pass rush and the other defensive team members who are in coverage. His explosive speed, instincts, and tackling ability helps with run support also. Frankly Troy makes this defense better.

Common-sense also exposes patients to the thought that we lost very close games even without Troy, that speaks volumes to how well this team is playing. The offense is doing at lot better than last year and if Sweed ever stop dropping the ball the 'tall reciever element' will be added to our arsenal of weapons. There is really nothing to worry at this point. Common-sense tells you to wait till december then make judgement. The super-bowl is the goal, not style-points, not beating a team by 30 points, and certainly not winning every single game. 18-1 is a lot worst than 15-4. Also you can be reminded of Pittsburgh's 5th super bowl run. When they had to win five straight games to just get into the play-offs at the end of the year. Then win three road games in the playoffs to make it to the super bowl (which had never been done). The season is 16 games long, not 8. You want your team peaking and playing it's best football in december, not october. Of course you want them to win as many games as possible but you also understand a loss here or there does not eliminate you from the Super Bowl. There is no BCS system. So if you see a friend who may be suffering from PDFP please educate them of their ill-ness and provide the proper cure.

Just what the doctor ordered

tannofsteel84 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:22:11 -0000

After a couple of days to cool off. I realize the loss to the bears may have been just what the Steelers needed. I thought things may be different with Tomlin, maybe we could string together wins in pace to a 15-1 season. But the steelers just don't like to do things that way. Well they did once but right now that is an anomaly. Plus with the type of game the steelers play and not putting teams away you can be subject to these every once in a while. Now with the everyone writing off the steelers puts a chip on the shoulders. Face it the steelers of today do their best when the media counts them out, which they do willingly. If you really look at the loss the ccause for concern is unwarranted. We were in perfect position to win, the kicker just missed-twice. Doesn't happen often, but if he makes one of those or tyrone carter just falls on a fumble then we are 2-0 and no one panics. But this is just what this team needs as a wake up call. With ESPN.com having the Ravens as the best team in the NFL and Pete Prisco of CBSsports.com creaming for a jets/giants super bowl, everyone has pittsburgh around 7 or 8 in their power rankings so far. Which doesn't mean much, rankings this early in the season has about as much worth as pre-season polls in college sports. But it still gives you an idea of what the perception of a team is in the eyes of journalist. If you care about such things. But we know players read headlines, they watch ESPN. Like it or not players do use things like this for motivation, like some players using their draft position as motivation to prove people wrong who passed over them. I expect the steelers to win this weekend but it won't be easy. There is no such thing as a easy win. We'll see if this is just what we needed.

NFL Predictions

tannofsteel84 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:08:58 -0000

I went through every teams' schedule. Every single game that will be played this upcoming season in the NFL. I complied the Win-Loss record for every single team. Or at least my opinion. This is purely subjective. My thought process while doing this is to take the teams from last year, and take into account possible improvement and possible decline in each team due to change in schedule and what they did over the offseason. Now feel free to disagree because I even look at it and shake my head. But the NFL season never goes as you expect it so this is purely for speculation and for fun. I explained my thought process for each division, and for fun I did my playoff picks too.

AFC EAST W L

NE 12 4

Buffalo 6 10

NY Jets 6 10

Miami 7 9

I know what you may be thinking. “There’s no way Tom Brady and the Pats lose four games”, Well I feel that Brady will be rusty I mean he has had over a year and a half off of football. Guys get rusty if they rest their starters on Week 17 and have a bye week in the playoffs. We’ve seen it so many times. So if two weeks off that your opponents don’t get cause so much rust, then how can we expect that year and a half won’t have some affect on Tom Brady, I mean Jesus, he isn’t Jesus!!! Plus I still don’t have faith in their secondary, if they can’t effectively rush the QB again this year then teams will be able to score on them. Buffalo will be without their best offensive treat for four games this season, and the defense isn’t solid, and I don’t believe Edwards is a good enough QB for TO. Jets obvious, defense is suspect, QB unknown. Miami they fall back to the earth this year against a tougher schedule and people actually respecting them.

AFC NORTH W L

Pitt 15 1

Ravens 9 7

Bengals 8 8

Browns 3 13

I felt confident about this when I went through the schedule. But now looking back at it, I really don’t. Yes 15-1 is possible for the Steelers but the Steelers that is imprinted in my mind, the bill Cowher Steelers, always have a couple of games where they play down to their competition. The Mike Tomlin Steelers however, I feel, will not succumb to this flaw. You can tell the way he carries himself that he won’t tolerate let downs. Plus there are some trap games in the schedule that I am weary of. The only reason why I didn’t change this is because I have faith in Tomlin. Don’t believe the ravens will lose 7 games this season? My answer to that is at San Diego, at New England, at Minnesota, Pittsburgh twice, Indy at home, and at Cincy (yea I know sounds crazy but I think if Carson stays healthy they’ll have a decent team and get them in cincy) and if not cincy then at green bay. Bengals should be better with Lavereous Coles making up for the loss of TJ and Carson being back and an improved defense, if they can run the ball watch out they have potential to take the second spot. The browns are the Browns.

AFC SOUTH W L

Indy 13 3

Jags 3 13

Titans 10 6

Texans 10 6

As long as you have Peyton as your QB you will win games, that defense isn’t bad either. The titans should slip a little bit but not too much; they still have a good running attack and a good D. This is the year the Texans put it together, they have too much talent not to, plus they don’t have Sage turning the ball over 3 straight times to the colts, if Matt can stay healthy they’ll have a winning record. Jags – offensive line questions, WR questions, Garrad is a “don’t make mistakes Qb”, with no weapons he’ll be forced into mistakes and the defenses will key in on bowling ball RB that is Jones-Drew.

AFC WEST W L

OAK 3 13

SD 11 5

Denver 2 14

KC 7 9

This is still the worst division in the AFC. SD will win because they are the only team with a Pro Bowl QB, RB and the defense should be back with the return of Merriman. Oakland still need to see something from Russell to have any faith in them, Garcia will take the job from him mid season to win at least three games. KC should be better, but anything is better than what they were last year, better QB, better WR, better D still 7-9 sucks for you. Denver is just horrible when I look at their situation, the only reason why they won 8 games is because of their offense and strong armed QB, now you replace that strong armed QB with one that isn’t as strong then the dynamic offense goes away. With no defense and no running game to speak of, unless Moreno is the truth, I don’t see Denver winning much at all with their no coach, and the new coach will have to earn some respect.

NFC EAST W L

Dallas 5 11

Eagles 12 4

Redskins 9 7

NY Giants 10 6

Dallas takes a huge hit this year. There isn’t anyone on that roster that can replace what TO did for them. Roy E. Williams only ever had a 1,000 yard receiving year once in his career. TO has nine of those. The secret on Roy is to press him because he isn’t incredibly strong and not blazing fast either. There is no other WR to take the heat off of him either so that means more focus on witten, Romo numbers go down and defenses can focus more on the running attack. Eagles should win this division this year. If the D stays up to stuff without their leader in Jim Johnson, may he rest in peace. The offense will be dynamic. That should go without explaining. Redskins should do ok, I mean there still isn’t enough playmakers on that offense for me to like plus who comes in if Portis gets hurt again. I like Cambell but he would have to have an All-Pro season for this team to win the division. I think the giants take a hit because they have no one to replace Burress. We saw how the offense limped into the playoffs without him. But they have a good defense and a great running attack. It should at least keep them in the playoff hunt.

NFC NORTH W L

Vikes 12 4

Green Bay 11 5

Bears 8 8

Lions 3 13

Green Bay can’t win for losing but I wouldn’t be surprised if this team won the division. They are set at offense; if their defense plays better they’ll win it. But I don’t see that and they’ll probably go 10-6 or 9-7 as easily as they can go 11-5, I gave them the benefit of the doubt because of their weak schedule. Vikes have every position set except QB and with the whole Brett Farve debacle I say their desperate. They should win the division, good defense and a great running game. Bears will take some time adjusting to Jay and the defense needs to play better, average season from them. Lions don’t have much talent but should compete at least this year, Calvin Johnson is a stud, here’s an idea, throw the ball up and let him get it.

NFC SOUTH W L

Carolina 9 7

TB 4 12

Saints 13 3

ATL 10 6

I know this sounds crazy, Saints 13-3? Well I don’t know what I was smoking when I went through their schedule but I have them being that surprise team this year that comes from nowhere. Plus there is the tradition in the AFC south for the last place team the previous year to end up first the following year. They have the offense, the only question is did they do enough for the defense to be better. They lost a lot of close games last year. Carolina is an enigma, sometimes Del Home plays OK some time he plays like he shouldn’t be in the league, but their running game is good and the defense is good. They’ll win some games but they don’t have the powder soft schedule to carry them in the playoffs like last year. Tampa bay doesn’t have a QB; defense is old and has a new head coach that spells trouble. I like Matt Ryan, I believe he is the next best thing in the NFL, if the running game can hold up; Matt can use his new weapon in Tony Gonzalas. The defense needs to step up but they should be in the hunt for the playoffs again.

NFC WEST W L

CARDS 10 6

SF 4 12

Seahawks 7 9

Rams 8 8

Cards are the class of this division. Now they have gotten over the hump I don’t see anyone in this division taking it from them. San Fran still doesn’t have a QB and will struggle again, the seahawks haven’t been good since their run to the super bowl a few years back, they need to start over there. They can win home games, just when they go on the road they tend to fold. The rams should have a decent season if RB Steven Jackson stays healthy and gets some blocking. This is the worst division in football for a reason someone has to win those games.

Playoffs

AFC Wild Card

6 Titans at 3 New England

5 Texans at 4 San Diego

NFC Wild Card

6 NY Giants (Wins Tiebreaker) at 3 Arizona

5 Green Bay at 4 Vikes

AFC Divisional

4 San Diego at 1 Pittsburgh

3 New England at 2 Indy

NFC Divisional

6 NY Giants at 1 New Orleans

4 Vikes at 2 Philly

AFC Championship

3 New England at 1 Pittsburgh

NFC Championship

6 NY Giants at 2 Philly

SuperBowl

Philly VS Pittsburgh

Super Bowl Champion

Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes I'm a homer. But like I said its my opinion. Share your thoughts.

Questions

tannofsteel84 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:48:49 -0000

Recent allegations against Big Ben had me worried. After seeing what happened to Kobe, which was a different situation, I've made up my mind that 1) the media doesn't care what the truth is they want a story 2) You may not h ave actually raped someone but if people believe that you did then your perception and how you are treated will be of that of a convicted rapist. Not that I don't believe that Ben couldn't rape anyone its just that I didn't know and whenever there is something like this arise there is a danger that it could be true or that people may think its true. If it is true then Ben would deserve everything he gets but if its not true its another story of someones fame being taken advantage of and how our media slanders people's good name.

But it wasn't until I read the details of the filed complaint from Mr. Florio's, whom I despise, page which can be found here, http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/07/21/complaint-gets-very-specific-regarding-interaction-between-mcnulty-roethlisberger/. I've stayed to at Harrah's in Las Vegas in July 2008. I'm not sure if it differs from the one in Lake Tahoe. I've seen what their staff wear and most people can vouch that hotel staff do not wear dresses. Harrah's employees wear a read shirt with white lettering that says harrahs and black pants. Here is an excerpt from Florio's page:

McNulty admits that she didn't try to fight Roethlisberger, citing his size and strength. She claims that she "communicated her objection and lack of consent," and that he nevertheless began "fondling [her] through her dress and between her legs."

So if this lady was on the job why would she be wearing a dress? Is this some different type of hotel where they wear a dress? It doesn't make sense to me. Unless this was something special, I know that Harrah's employees don't wear dresses. Plus if you pay attention to the story you noticed that ben had various women with him through it. So why would he be so hard to pursue this young lady? Not to say that it couldn't happen with the ego filled celebrity who can't take no for an answer that are walking around today. Is Ben that guy? I dunno, but it seems strange for such a large hotel who is often have to deal with large demands of people, expecially for that day, wouldn't have someone available to go and fix ben's TV for her, I'm pretty sure that they had everyone at least on call. She said she couldn't reach anyone. Not that that is impossible either, I just question it. In my opinion this story is filled with holes but I may be biased. I just feel a lot better about this now when I hear the story.

But the legal system is so slow, who knows when this might get settled. I got a feeling this will be sticking around for a while, what Ben needs to do is go ahead and call a conference, address the situation, and answer the media because until he does, they are gonna be on this story like bees on honey.

10 things that must happen for repeat

tannofsteel84 — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:31:53 -0000

Forgive me if this was posted earlier. We all know how difficult it is to repeat as Champs in the NFL. But I think the Steelers are in a very rare situation this year after winning their 6th super bowl. The fact that they have won the Superbowl recently and had Ben's worst year as a steeler, they already have first hand experience on what it will be like as defending champions. This allow them to prepare better this year for what awaits them. There have only been 6 teams, that I can think of, that have repeated; New England, Cowboys, 49ers, Packers, Miami and the only team to do it twice is the Steelers. Can we do it a third, if so heres what must have to happen.

1. No Major Injuries

This has nothing to do with skill, its pure luck. Its such a violent game and any play can be your last. But injuries will occur, you just don't want them to be major. Like Ben tearing an ACL or Troy dislocating a shoulder. These players are irreplaceable and their absence would be detrimental to our season.

Chances of this happening : N/A

There is no way to predict injuries.

2. The play of William Gay

This guy has to increase is level of play. Not that it was so bad. He started four games I believe last year and did so well that he split time on the field even after Branyt McFadden was fully healed. Which was a necessity because Mr. McFadden ending up ditching the steelers to go play with the Cards. But Gay needs to play a whole season and play it at a high level. We cannot afford deep passes in our secondary. If we end up playing the patriots in the ARCCG then Gay will have to hold down Welker and do it well.

Chances of this happening: Good

Although we havent seen him play a full season yet I'm pretty sure that with another year of experiences Mr. Gay will do just fine.

3. Ben making the leap

When I mean by leap, I mean the leap to Elite. Don't get me wrong in my book Ben is already in the hall of fame. But there are several areas he can improve on to become that elite QB and everyone recognize it. If he reads defenses better, throw the ball away sometimes insead of taking the sack, learn when to hold on to the ball better; then Ben stats will go up and our margin of victory will be wider - which means I won't need a pace maker this season.

Chances of this happening: Very Good

I think that Ben can adapt to the line being poor if it doesn't improve and make plays. If he raises his game mentally then he will be unmatched. We have seen Ben put up great numbers, his 4th season. I think he can return to those type of numbers and more because he knows what it takes now and if it wasn't for that motorcycle, which I believe set him back a little, then Ben career numbers would be off the charts.

4. Offensive line improves

Only if our offensive line was more like Indy's or the Pats, and ben was taking 20 sacks a season, it wouldn't be fair to the opposition. If our line improves that means the running game comes back and there is less chances of Ben getting sacked. Hopefully Urbik takes Stapelton spot and Hills takes Colon, that will bode well for our future. Only the mind can imagine what our offense would look like if Willie Parker had gaping holes and Ben had 5 seconds to throw.

Chances of this happening: Not so Good

I don't believe we have the talent there, and well cohesiveness may make a little improvements I believe there is a ceiling on the current starters abilities. I don't see much improvement unless Urbik and Tony Hills improve enough to get starting roles.

5. Nate who?

Limas Sweed need to make us forget who Nate Washington was. That will be a tough out. Nate wasn't the greatest but he sure was a deep threat for been, in four straight games he caught TD passes for 40+ yards, it would have been 5 but you all remember that Giants game and the holding call bringing Nate's TD back. Limas is just as fast as Nate and about 4 inches taller than Nate. If he can fufill the 3rd string WR position then watch out, defense will find it hard to match up against Limas, Holmes and Ward - throw in Heath and its even more tough.

Chances of this happening: Good

Do you remember Burress in his first year? More of a headache than he was worth, and still is, but he was a shadow of himself then. He made bonehead plays - spiking the ball after he caught it and fell to the ground (he forgot that in the NFL you have to be touched to be down). I believe Sweed has the talent to be a big deal at the WR position and if he does, he already has a QB that can get him the ball. Only thing that stands in his way is the mental part of the game and with a year under his belt we better see some improvement.

6. Defense defy age

We need Casey to play well, Aaron Smith to play will, Farrior to play well, James Harrison to play well. What is the common denominator on all these players, they are all over the age of 30. We all know that 30 is old man status in this league and we need these guys to not break down in order to have a shot at another championship.

Chances of this happening: Extremely Good

Casey is in a contract year, Aaron Smith motor is always full blast, Farrior smarts supplements his declining athletic abilit and Harrison is only a 2 year starter, not much wear and tear on the body plus he is a work out addict. I don't see these guys play dropping off, matter of fact I see Casey having one of his better years trying to show the world that he hasn't lost a step in his age in hopes for one more lucrative deal.

7. Special teams must be special

Special teams is 1/3 of the game, a third that often gets over looked. Tomlin has steadily improved our special teams play in each of the two years he has been here and this third year it looks to improve again. Mike Wallace should return Kicks, while a host of players should return punts. With robo punter back we won't have worry about 25 yard kicks, his legendary hang time ability should improve our punt coverage also. If we can return a couple of punts or kicks this year and at least avg. decent returns now that we have speed as return guys our offense won't have to dig itself out of holes and the defense won't be stuck defending only one half of the field. This will help our team out tremendously.

Chances of this happening: Certain to happen

With the addition of Daniel by it sill our special teams will improve, how much more it will improve will depend on how well mike wallacee and company and do in the return department. I have my hopes.

8. Timmons Chance

We all wish Foote was still around, there is nothing like depth for security purposes but he isn't here now its even more important for Timmons to have great endurance, no more turning a pick six into a falling down on the one inch line, and to impact the game we expect it. He has the talent but he has to prove it as a starter.

Chances of this happening: Good

You never know what will happens when someone assumes a starting roll for the first time, but Timmons wasn't a number one draft pick for no reason. He has the talent and just needs to put his whole game together, its scary when you think of the speed of this guy - he ran down darren sproles in the AFCDG last year. He can make this defense more dynamic and more scary.

9. The Sophmore slump?

If Rasard mendenhall can come and play like a first round draft pick is suppose to then the steelers will in theory feel like they got 2 first rounders this year. As with the other guys Mendenhall has the talent, he is fast, has soft hands, and has the power. But running in the NFL is much different than running in college, esp. the slow Big Ten. Rashard can make a 1-2 punch with Willie P. and boom we have a dynamic running game and it will feel real good to see that.

Chances of this happening: OK

There is no way to tell how Rashard will bounce back from his injury plagued rookie season. I'm not too sure about it and his sucess will depend on if Willie can stay healthy too simply because it's something extra for defenses to prepare for.

10. Old Man Ward

We need one more good year out of Hines Ward. He began to break down at the end of last season and had very quiet playoffs. We need time to help ensure that holmes can keep progressing and Sweed.

Chances of this happening: Certain

I never doubt Hines, he always has played with a chip on his shoulder and always comes through for the steelers.

So what do you think we need to happen in order to repeat, please give thoughts.