We're going to make the not so bold assumption that teams will not be able to run on the Steelers this year. That means it will take good QB play to beat the black and gold. Now, an excellent defense or a TD on special teams can supplement a decent QB for a win as well.

Pittsburgh's losses last year were to:

Ravens/Joe Flacco - Sans Ben, it took a last minute TD pass for the loss. The Ravens D was the key for Baltimmore.

Saints/Drew Brees - Premier QB beat the Steelers

Patriots/Tom Brady - Best QB in the game beat the Steelers

Jets/ Mark Sanchez - Just an off game for the Steelers, as the last play of the game was an incompletion in the end zone to win it. Brad Smith's kickoff return for a TD was the difference

Packers/Aaron Rodgers - An off the charts second half won the Super Bowl. Though an INT return for a TD was the difference.

Let's look at how the Steelers will likely face in 2011:

Ravens - Joe Flacco

Seahawks - Tavaris Jackson

Colts - Kerry Collins

Texans - Matt Shaub

Titans - Matt Hasselbeck

Jaguars - Blaine Gabbert

Cardinals - Kevin Kolb

Patriots - Tom Brady

Ravens - Joe Flacco

Bengals - Andy Dalton

Chiefs - Matt Cassell

Bengals - Andy Dalton

Browns - Colt McCoy

49ers - Colin Kaepernick

Rams - Sam Bradford

Browns - Colt McCoy

16 games. 4 against rookies and 3 more against second year QBs. Inexperienced QBs rarely fare well against Dick LeBeau's guys.

Team wise, I'd predict maybe five games against playoff caliber squads (Ravens twice, Pats, Texans and Cards).

Top level QB wise, I'd say two: Brady and Shaub (and Shaub has never made the playoffs).

Flacco is at the next level (though the Ravens game is always close), Hasselbeck and Collins have been in the Super Bowl but are at the end of the road. Heck, Collins was retired just two weeks ago.

The others are muddled. Matt Casel is playing with injured ribs and Tavaris Jackson is trying to hold off Charlie Whithurst, for example.

If the Steelers show up and play well (not great, not bad, just good Steeler football), most of these QBs should come up short. A couple aren't even going to be the opening day starters (ie Kaepernick and Gabbert)

And in unrelated news...My Steelers history series (with some nice pics) is through the sixties over on my blog: Walking Through the Vale

There is simply no tight end in the game who brings more to the offense than Heath Miller. And I've long respected what Tony Gonzalez done. But Miller does it all for Pittsburgh. And he's been a major contributor during both the running and passing schemes the past few years.

Heath is practically uncoverable by linebackers and safeties. He gets open out in the flat, he drags across the middle and he gets up field once in awhile (though much less often than his first few years with the emergence of quicker wideouts in Pittsburgh).

I still remember being amazed at how fast he was when he caught a relatively short pass in his second season opener against Miami and took it 87 yards for a TD. The guy is quick, yet he's not just a pass catcher.

He blocks hard and effectively on the line. And I'll argue that he is better than any back or tight end in the game at making a block in the backfield and then releasing as a safety valve.

He's on track for just under 80 catches this year: that's far more than his previous career high.

I thought that Eric Green had the tools to redefine the tight position. But he was lacking in work ethic and got by on talent. He fizzled out and (in my opinion) self-destructed what could have been a hall of fame career.

I never saw Elbie Nickel play, and Bennie Cunningham (a talented receiver stuck in a system that rarely threw to the tight end) seems to be considered the best Steeler tight end since Nickel retired in 1957.

With the exception of Nickel (who does have better stats in a career about twice as long), I'll state that Miller is the finest tight end to ever play for the Steelers. And before he's done, I do think Miller will be, hands down, #1.

When Pittsburgh kicked onside, I thought that Tomlin was out of his mind and Ike Taylor was a doofus for grabbing it two yards early (I still think the latter).

But I immediately reconsidered the former and decided Tomlin was simply DESPERATE and with a sliver of playoff hope remaining, he was going to try and put the game in Big Ben's hands and not rely on the defense. Either Pittsburgh would recover, or they'd give up a score quickly enough for Ben to have one last drive.

Yes, it worked and he looks bright, or lucky. Whatever. But even if it had failed, the record of the D in fourth quarter and overtime made it the right move. There was no reason to believe the D could hold the lead.

Somebody asked the following in another post.

Anyway, way does it seem that everyone’s assumption is that they would go on a long, clock burning drive to win the game?

 Anybody questioning Tomlin is only looking at half the equation. They are ignoring the performance of the Steeler D in the fourth quarter and OT this year. Here are the scoring drives in those two periods in eight of our games. Six are losses, and the O had to score in the thirties to win the other two. The Tomlarians play-calling bugs me a lot of the time, but he made a bold call to try and save the season, based on the facts: our D has crumbled in the fourth quarter all season long.

 

Bears 4th Quarter - 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:16 elapsed, game-tying TD; 8 plays 41 yards, 3:03 elapsed, game-winning field goal with 8 seconds left.

Bengals 4th Quarter - 6 plays, 85 yards, 3:31 elapsed, TD; 16 plays, 71 yards (2 fourth down conversions), 5:00 elapsed, game winning TD with 14 seconds left.

Chargers 4th Quarter - 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:30 elapsed, TD; 3 plays, 59 yards, 1:17 elapsed, TD

Bengals 4th Quarter - 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:51 elapsed, game-winning FG; 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:20 elapsed, FG

Chiefs 4th Quarter - 8 plays, 91 yards, 3:41 elapsed, game-tying TD

Chiefs OT - 5 plays, 72 yards, 1:32 elapsed, game-winning FG

Ravens 4th Quarter - 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:33 elapsed, game-tying TD with 1:51 left

Ravens OT - 7 plays, 37 yards, 1:17 elapsed, game-winning FG

Raiders 4th Quarter - 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:34 elapsed, go-ahead TD; 3 plays, 84 yards, 1:45 elapsed, go-ahead TD; 10 plays, 88 yards, 1:47 elapsed, game winning TD with 9 seconds left

Packers 4th Quarter - 4 plays, 18 yards, 1:30 elapsed, TD (drive started in third quarter); 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:56 elapsed, go-ahead TD; 6 plays, 39 yards, 1:52 elapsed, go-ahead TD

My son's birthday party started at 4 yesterday.  I managed to get the tv on with the sound off, so I saw much, but not all of the game, until somewhere in the third quarter, when I tuned in for full viewing.

That game was a microcosm of the 2009 season. All the good and bad of the Steelers play was sprinkled throughout 60 minutes. Big plays on offense, giving up big plays on defense. Jeff Reed kicking field goals after the O stalls. Arians ignoring the run. The o-line giving Ben time and also getting him crushed. Ben moving out of trouble, still hanging onto the ball instead of throwing it away and going down. The linebackers getting to the QB a step too late. Harrison getting held almost every rush. Logan stutter-stepping short of the 20 and getting swarmed. Ben driving for a score. The defense giving it right back. Ben going headfirst into tacklers after he scrambled. Tackles missed (Tyrone Carter on Jennings' 83 yarder was ridiculous). Hampton in the backfield(!) and dragging down the running back. With the game on the line, the d getting beat to the outside for a long TD run.

Honestly, nearly everything Pittsburgh has done right and wrong this year occurred yesterday against the Packers. The only thing missing was a kick return for a TD (apparently KC was hoarding all of those).

Pittsburgh's first play of the game was a long TD pass to Wallace. So was its last play of the game. In between was four quarters of what, in 2009, has been Steelers football.

 

Second in the series. First at:

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/12/17/1205270/steelers-5-years-at-a-time-1970

1970 - 1974 marked the transition of the Steelers from losers to Super Bowl champions. 1975 - 1979 marked them as the dynasty.

Tag Line - Three Super Bowls in five years; 'Nuf said.

57-17 (.770 pct)

Close Losses %: 41% (7 of 17) 

Winning Seasons: 5/5

Double Digit Win Seasons: 4/5

Playoffs: 5 seasons/7-2 record

Championship games: 4 (3-1)

Super Bowls: 3-0

The block that has left Steeler fans spoiled for decades and expecting a Super Bowl every season. A five-year winning percentage of .770 is phenomenal. In 74 games, Pittsburgh lost by more than a touchdown only ten times. Three Super Bowls in five years (plus one in the year before the block).

The 'bad' year was 1977, when the Steelers won five of their last six to edge out the Oilers by one game. But, tied at the half, they fell in Denver in the first round of the playoffs.

KEY MOMENT - Pittsburgh and Oakland had met in the playoffs the three prior seasons, with the 1974 tilt the AFC championship game. They met again in the 1975 conference finale. Pittsburgh was looking to succeed the Dolphins as repeat Super Bowl champs and the Raiders were trying to break the Miami/Pittsburgh stranglehold (something they did the next year).

In a bitterly cold, snowy day in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh led the championship game 3-0 entering the fourth quarter. Even though the Steelers had EIGHT turnovers, they won 16-10, following up with their second straight Super Bowl victory. The Steelers would become the established AFC powerhouse.

SUMMARY - This block marked the Terry Bradshaw Era, which put him in the Hall of Fame. Jersey Joe Gilliam had started the first half of the 1974 season before being replaced by Bradshaw. The Blonde Bomber was at the helm for all three Super Bowls in this block. Pittsburgh had arguably the most successful five year period in NFL history with this block.

In fact, it was half of a ten year run that saw Pittsburgh win 69% of its games, appear in six AFC championships and win four Super Bowls. Wow!

TRIVIA - Has a team ever been as hamstrung in a conference championship game as the 1976 Steelers? Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, the first duo to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, both missed the game. Two backs, combining for 2,164 rushing yards, didn't play a single down against a tough Raiders defense. The star back was Reggie Harrison (44 yards). Is it any wonder Pittsburgh lost? Heck, Roy Gerela was out and center Ray Mansfield handled place-kicking duties.

KEEP IN MIND: The purpose of this series is to look at the past forty years of Steeler football to help give a little perspective on an average 2009 that has an awful lot of people worked up. Looking at a five year period instead of one year (less than 12 months after a Super Bowl victory, no less) is a little more level-headed.

Chuck Noll was hired in 1969 and won his first game. Of course, he lost the next 13. 1970 was the year of the AFL/NFL merger and the foundation of the current NFL. The Steelers moved into the AFC Central, the forerunner of today's AFC North. And, they began playing in Three Rivers.

With a fair amount of  Steeler Nation running a little short of perspective in a year when we will quite possibly miss the playoffs by just one game, I'm going to look at the last 40 years (the modern Steeler Era) in five year increments. At the end, I'll provide a bit of an overview of the past 40 years for Steeler Nation. And hopefully show that there's no reason to get worked up about 2009. Things aren't bad.

I was only 3 years old in 1970, so my earliest Steeler memories begin during this block.

Tag Line - The Steelers, after decades of futility, became an NFL power.

42-27-1 (.600 pct)

Close Losses %: 37% (10 of 27) 

Winning Seasons: 3/5

Double Digit Win Seasons: 3/5

Playoffs: 3 seasons/3-2 record

Championship games: 2 (1-1)

Super Bowls: 1-0

The Steelers improved on their win total in 1970 and again in 1971, showing progress under Chuck Noll. Then, after only two playoff appearances in team history, three straight trips to the postseason, two AFC championship games and one Super Bowl win. Delirium for a long-suffering fan base that would shortly be known as Steeler Nation.

I define close losses as those by 7 points or less. An offensive play here, a key stop there, and a loss might have been a win. Even if it was a 'bad' game, I'm declaring it a competitive one, based on final score. The Steelers not only had a pretty good winning percentage for the block (about the equivalent of a 10-6 season today), they almost won over a third of their losses, including the 1972 AFC Championship Game.

KEY MOMENT - Many things happened that helped turn the franchise around in this block, but the breakthrough came in the 1974 AFC Championship game. Pittsburgh trailed rival Oakland (who had knocked them out of the playoffs the prior year) 10-3 at the start of the fourth quarter. The Steelers outscored the Raiders 21-3 in the fourth and secured the first of SEVEN Super Bowl appearances. Miami's reign would be over with the Steelers' emergence (the Dolphins had appeared in three consecutive Super Bowls, winning the prior two).

SUMMARY - 1970-1974 was a watershed block for the Steelers franchise. Chuck Noll transformed perennial losers into Super Bowl champions, stocking the roster with pro bowlers and future hall of famers. And this block featured perhaps the most famous play in football history, The Immaculate Reception.

TRIVIA - The Dolphins barely made it to the Super Bowl in their undefeated 1972 season. The Browns led Miami 14-13 in the fourth quarter of the playoffs. The Dolphins had an 80 yard drive to win 20-14. We almost had a Browns - Steelers AFC title game! And in the conference finale, the Dolphins converted a fake punt on a TD drive in what turned out to be a 4 point victory.

Someone with the game recorded? There were different reasons for the sacks (bad blocking, Ben standing in the pocket, nobody getting open on the routes), but I clearly recall watching the replay on one:

Ben was in an empty backfield and a guy was lined up wide on Starks. At the snap, Starks Colon turned inside (his left) and moved to double team the d-lineman. The uncovered guy on his right flew straight to Ben, untouched, for a sack. With an empty backfield, Starks Colon can't just turn the other way and let the guy go.

Gregg Eastebrook at ESPN's Tuesday Morning Quarterback (best sports column on the web) often talks about how often in the NFL someone is just standing around during a play. It seems like a couple of plays last night our linemen quit during the play and ended up just standing and looking at the tackled guy.

We can write off 2009 as a season of disappointing under-achievement. Teams almost never go back-to-back in the NFL, and Pittsburgh is no exception this year. And yes, I know we have three games left. But I'm already looking forward to an AFC North title next year as I sit in my office and get crap from Browns, Bengals and Chiefs fans.

The status of free agents is up in the air beause the league and the union are pissing towards each other regarding the collective bargaining agreement (which the owners opted out of last month) and the possibility of an uncapped year. in 2010. I'm going to ignore that because any deal is just speculation and assume we end up with something that keeps the current rules in place for one more year. Unlikely? Probably, but it's something to go on. So, what does the free agent front look like in 2010?

LB Patrick Bailey (RFA) - Hasn't seemed to be much of a special teams player in 2009 and I don't recall him playing linebacker. He made $385,000 in 2009. Possibly re-signed on the cheap for special teams. Although, Tomlin may overhaul that unit and get rid of several regulars.

QB Charlie Batch (UFA) - Batch has played one series the past two years due to injury. He's 35 years old. A good guy who fits the system, his cap hit in 2009 is $510,000. That's cheap for a backup QB, but he's too injury-prone now and Dennis Dixon seems to be capable. I don't think he'll be back.

S Tyrone Carter (UFA) $838,000 against the cap in 2009. He's 33 and had some pretty bad times out there replacing Troy P. this year (He was terrible in the Browns loss). I think he'll be replaced with a younger alternative.

S Ryan Clark (UFA) - 30 years old, he counted $2.4 million against the cap in 2009. He could be re-signed for a couple years; especially with Troy injury-prone. Another team may want him as a veteran presence in the secondary (think John Lynch in Denver).  I think he's weak in coverage and spends too much time going for the big hit instead of wrapping up. I'd like to see him replaced with a decent free agent.

OL Willie Colon (RFA) - A young, experienced right tackle who made just under $2 million in 2009. Somebody is likely to offer Colon a notable increase. Pittsburgh will have to match or break in a new guy.

FB Carey Davis (RFA) - Hard to see him back since Bruce Arians doesn't believe in fullbacks. And he's not a particularly good one, either.

DE Nick Eason (UFA) - The 29 year old hasn't played a lot this year after a solid 2008. He counts $678,000 against the cap in 2009. With Smith, Kirschke and Kiesel aging and showing sings of wearing down, Eason remains a reasonably priced insurance policy who may be back for one more year, though I thought he'd be on the field more this year.

CB William Gay (RFA) - Gay is young and only cost $495,000 against the cap in 2009. He may have been disappointing, but it's hard to see Pittsburgh letting him go, with Lewis and Burnett not getting much experience this year. Don't see him getting a big offer like McFadden did. I do believe Gay is much more competent when Troy is out there.

NT Casey Hampton (UFA) - Big Snack is 32 years old and counts almost $6.7 million against the 2009 cap. He's been in Tomlin's doghouse for weight issues. I think somebody's gonna give him a lot of money to play run stuffer for a couple more years.

DE Travis Kirschke (UFA) - Hard to see giving a big contract to a 35 year old d-lineman who struggled with injuries this year. He only counted $1.3 million against the cap in 2009. He might be back for another year at a reasonable price.

CB Anthony Madison (UFA) - I don't know how much they signed Madison for, but it can't be much. Hopefully Tomlin keeps him for special teams.

RB Willie Parker (UFA) - Has actually performed well as an off-the-bench back. Wouldn't be re-signed for anywhere near the $4.5 million he hit the cap for in 2009.

K Jeff Reed (UFA) - Counted $1.958 million against the cap in 2009. It kinda seems like Skippy has worn out his welcome as a Steeler. With the Steelers' penchant for close games, they better have a sure-fire replacement if they let him go to save a few bucks.

P Daniel Sepulveda (RFA) - $575,000 against the 2009 cap and worth it. Not a great year, but better than Berger and he had a couple nice tackles. I expect him back.

TE Matt Spaeth (RFA) - After catching a few passes in 2008, pretty much invisible in 2009. Poor blocker. $648,000 against  the cap. Won't be back. But I'm telling you, Spaeth can be a receiving threat. I think he has more potential for a successful season than Limas Sweed does.

OL Darnell Stapleton (RFA) - 2008's pleasant surprise missed all of 2009. Only counted $463,000 against the cap. Hard to envision somebody offering him big money. Could be back at a reasonable price.

CB Deshea Townsend (UFA) - He sure didn't earn his $2,373,000 cap hit this year. The 34 year old had a nice career in Pittsburgh, but it's hard to see him coming back.

LB Rocky Boiman (UFA) - Does it really matter?


Over the past few years, the Steelers have started making changes in how they give out contracts.  Previously, the big, long-term contract was the exception. We got used to seeing favorite players leave via free agency.

But Big Ben was locked up with the biggest contract in team history. James Farrior was given a big deal that extends past his to-be-expected prime. So was James Harrison (linebackers who dominate games in their mid-thirties are few and far between). It will be interesting to see if this is a sign of change in how the Steelers do business.

Tyler Grisham came up from the practice squad. So, we can expect Holmes, Wallace (in an unfamiliar role), Sweed and Grisham tomorrow night.

Good lord. I hope every other pass is to Miller.

I'd split Moore out there and keep Sweed on the bench. He drops everything Big Ben throws to him but makes a great catch to beat Ohio State his senior year. Sweed is starting to haunt me the way Kent Graham did (he stunk for Ohio State and the Steelers).

 

Ben Roethlesberger, told that Hines Ward may miss Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Browns due to a strained hamstring, had some strong comments:  

 "What? A hamstring? He's not going to play because he's a little sore?"   He continued, after firing a football into the opposite wall and shaking his head.  

"I've got to question his toughness. I mean, a thing like that, I'd say the locker room is fifty/fifty on whether we're better off anyways with Sweed out there. At least he wants to play. And he's got better hands."  

 "Wow. A hammy, huh? I mean, I had my face surgically rebuilt and got right back out there. But you  know, a guy Hines' age, he's got to milk those last few years. There won't be another big payday for him. But that's okay. If Sweed needs a breather, we can just run Spaethie in Hines' routes. No dropoff there."  

Just a little Steeler sarcasm to vent some frustration.

I don't think Anthony Madison is a cure-all for the coverage problems, but I do think he was a solid special teams player for the Steelers the past few years. The Colts cut him December 1. Pittsburgh should bring him back. Personally, I'd let Patrick Bailey go. The Steelers don't need him at linebacker and he's played poorly on ST this year.

I think Fernando Bryant is still retired. Anyone? Anyone?

Fabian Washington, who had started all 10 games this year, is out for the season with an ACL tear. Ladarius Webb, a rookie from Nicholls State, will be starting this weekend against Pittsburgh.

Ed Reed is the only starter left in the secondary from last year's top flight defense.

It's still not known whether or not Terell Suggs will be playing this weekend after he sustained a knee injury on a cheapshot by Brady Quinn.

With Donovan Woods replacing Arnold Harrison on the active roster, a practice squad spot opened up. Linebacker Curtis Gatewood has filled that spot.

Undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2008, he was on practice squads in Washington and Kansas City last year. In 2009, he's been with the practice squads in Detroit and Philly. He has appeared in six games with KC last year, with two tackles (corrects an earlier error).

Gatewood led Vandy with seven sacks his senior season. He played defensive end but at 6'-2", 242, was considered too small for the position in the NFL. If anybody can teach him to be an effective linebacker, it's the Steelers.

They keep stats for everything these days, but I suspect the Steelers have accomplished a first the eight games.

Bengals - Int return for a TD in a 23-20 loss

Chargers - Fumble return for a TD in a 38-28 win

Lions - Int return for a TD in a 28-20 win

Browns - KO return for a TD in a 27-14 win

Vikings - KO return for a TD in a 27-17 win

Broncos - Fumble return for a TD in a 28-10 win

Bengals - KO return for a TD in an 18-12 loss.

Steelers - KO return for a TD in an OT 27-24 loss.

Returns for TDs in eight straight games. The offense and special teams have to stop making these mistakes. Pittsburgh outscores Cincy and KC in those three losses without the return gaffes.

I saw at least one comment criticizing Reed on the TD return. He got out to the edge and forced the guy back inside. Which is his main job on the return. The other 10 guys are supposed to make the tackle. Gay seemed attracted to a blocker like a piece of metal to a magnet.

But Reed has THREE touchbacks on kickoffs this year. Teams are routinely catching the ball between the five and the ten. Which makes it nearly impossible to get a returner inside his own 20, let alone a touchback.

Reed has been a clutch field goal kicker (folks remember Kris Brown?), and if he's not much help on returns, most kickers aren't. But we also need a guy who can kick into the end zone once in awhile. The combination of short kicks and bad coverage this year has been a crippling problem. Yesterday it helped lose the game.

If he stops acting like an idiot off the field, I'm for bringing Reed back, but trying to find somebody else to kick off.

And I sure miss Anthony Madison on the coverage unit.

And longer. The Bengals put safety Williams on IR today. Known as a big hitter, he's weak in coverage. I think that  Chinedum Ndukwe actually helps them this weekend, with Wallace and Holmes threats down the field. Williams was actually injured in the first Steelers game and had missed three of the last four.

They replaced him on the roster with receiver Maurice Purify.

Regarding the secondary, the Bengals corners are playing very well this year. But Cincy shouldn't have an answer for Heath Miller.

Back on February 12, I made my first post here at BTSC, with the title: Super Bowl Just Another Bad Game for FWP.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/2/12/757414/super-bowl-just-another-ba

Parker's yards per carry have declined every year since he took over as the feature back and I've argued in several posts he should have been replaced last year. So I'm not dumping on him now that it's trendy: His day had passed and I'm thrilled Mendenhall has proven to be a capable NFL back, with Moore a solid replacement.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/9/25/1054546/the-steelers-win-when-parker-runs

Mendenhall has had at least 10 carries in the past five games, and he's averaged better than 4.0 ypc in four of them. He's averaging 5.7 ypc for the season.

In 2008 and the first three games of this year, Parker broke the 4.0 ypc mark only four times in fourteen games. He's got 3.1 ypc this year behind the same line Mendenhall is playing with.

Parker had two excellent seasons and one good one (and a Super Bowl clinching run), but the numbers show he was on the decline. It's great that Mendenhall has rejuvenated the running attack, making the Steelers a better team.

It's been a quiet season so far for Lamarr Woodley, who had a stellar year right up through the Super Bowl. He's  eleventh on the team in tackles so far, and he only has two sacks (down a bit from last year's 17.5 pace).

But the next two weeks should be good ones for Lamarr. Second year Broncos tackle Tyler Polumbus is expected to make his first NFL start Monday night opposite Woodley. And the following week, in Pittsburgh, Flab-tacular rookie Andre Smith is expected to be in the right tackle rotation for Cincy. In fact, Smith's first NFL action, as a rookie, will be against the Ravens and Steelers. Uh oh..

Woodley will have every opportunity to dominate the next two weekends. I believe he'll be adding his name to the list of superstar linebackers in Pittsburgh over the next few years.

The Cincinnati Bengals have two crucial weekends coming up. A franchise that has been in serious decline since Kemo von Oelhoffen rolled into Carson Palmer's leg is on the verge of laying the foundation for a strong playoff seed and redefining the disappointing Marvin Lewis Era.

The Bengals are currently 5-2, tied atop the division with Pittsburgh and one ahead of the Ravens. Just as importantly, they are 1-0 against both teams. They host the Ravens this weekend and travel to Pittsburgh next Sunday.

Two wins and they are 7-2, have a sweep of their rivals and have at Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit up next. With the schedule after that (at Minnesota, at San Diego, KC and at the NY Jets), they'd really have to screw up to blow the division, holding the tie-breakers as they would.

But lose both games, and they'd (with some luck in Denver) be two games behind the Steelers, wtih a season split, and (assuming the Ravens beat the woeful Browns next weekend) one game back of Baltimore, also with the season split.

The Bengals have not had such a critical point in a season since week 13 of 2005 when they beat the Steelers and essentially secured the division title.

Think about it: after Palmer got hurt in the wild card,  the last vestige of hope for Bengals fans was three-plus quarters of desperately willing that backup QB Jon Kitna could beat the Steelers. He couldn't and Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl. After going 11-5 and winning the division, Cincy finished 8-8, 7-9 and 4-11-1, while Pittsburgh won yet another Super Bowl. The momentum of a franchise was stopped dead when Palmer went down.

I'm telling you, Bengals fans are keyed up for the next two games. They've waited for years to be important again. It's generally acknowledged that the only reason Marvin Lewis hadn't been fired was because Mike Brown is too cheap to pay him not to coach. Now, Lewis (who is a good guy) has Cincy lined up for a return to prominence. Huge two weekends for the Bengals. Hard for Steeler fans, who are accustomed to continual success, to fathom. But it's there.

I'm always interested in what's going on with former Steelers players. Unlike a lot of teams, most guys don't seem to leave the team disgruntled and badmouthing their time in Pittsburgh (didn't do much for Plax in the long run).

So, this thread, which I'll update as warranted, will contain news about guys who once wore the black and gold, with the most recent update in bold type. Also, Steeler roster moves will be added in the replies.

JASON CAPIZZI - Capizzi, an offensive tackle,  was an undrafted free agent  in 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, he has moved between practice squads, active rosters and injured reserve seven times (including three stints with Pittsburgh. He just finished playing in the new United Football League. He was signed to the Browns' practice squad on December 16, 2009.

MIKE REILLY - an undrafted free agent QB out of Central Washington in 2009, he was cut in camp. With ex-Louisville star Brian Brohm leaving the Packers practice squad to sign with the Buffalo Bills, the Packers replaced him with Reilly on November 19. Reilly was taken by the Rams on December 10 and put on the active roster.

VERRON HAYNES - Haynes was the Steelers third down back for several years, playing there from 2002 - 2007. He was out of football in 2008, and made the roster in camp. However, he didn't play, was cut in September, but re-signed a few days later. He's played in the last three games, catching 3 passes for a total of 20 yards.Haynes is from Georgia and was a Bulldog in college. Nice to see him playing in his home state.Haynes was cut by Atlanta on November 28. He was re-signed on November 30. And cut again on December 5. Yeesh.

ANTHONY MADISON - Madison, a special teams demon for the Steelers (2006 - 2008) was cut by the Browns on November 3, 2009. He's never started a game in his four year career, and I don't really remember him seeing much in the secondary. But the guy was a key part of the 2008 kick and punt coverage turnaround. The Browns, who can't score an offensive TD and just got rid of their GM, decided to dump Madison. Yet another example of how screwed up they are. I hope he lands somewhere. I like the guy.Too valuable to be unemployed for long, the Colts signed Madison on November 10. He was cut on December 1. The Steelers cut Corey Ivy to make room for Madison and signed him December 2. Welcome back!

DONAVAN WOODS - Woods, a surprising cut after only one week up from the practice squad (he certainly was at least as good as Patrick Bailey on ST), was signed to the Cowboys pracatice squad on November 30.

BYRON LEFTWICH - Tampa Bay placed Leftwich on IR (elbow) on November 24, so he's out for the year. Byron served well as a backup QB for the 2008 Steelers after besting Dante Culpepper in a tryout necessitated by Charlie Batch's season-ending injury in pre-season. Byron left to take on the Bucs starting job but was benched after only three weeks.

 KENDALL SIMMONS - Except for missing the entire 2004 season, the first round pick was a dependable starting guard from 2002 through 2007. He also overcame diabetes to be a Super Bowl champion. Simmons, who missed all but the first four games of 2008, was signed by New England in the pre-season, appeared in only one game and was cut on November 6.  Simmons was signed by the Bills on November 24. 

ORIEN HARRIS - Taken in the fourth round of the 2006 draft (only two picks after Willie Colon), the d-lineman has been with eight teams in four years (ten if you count three stints in Cincy). He's mostly a practice squadder. He was cut by Cincy on November 16 to open up a roster spot for has-been Larry Johnson. Harris was re-signed by the Bengals on November 24

CAMERON STEPHENSON - Stephenson was a fifth round pick in 2007: 15 picks before the Steelers took Wiliam Gay. He was cut and has spent time on the practice squads in Green Bay and New Orleans and he suited up for the Eagles for two games in 2008 but did not play. He had finished 2008 with Jacksonville, who just cut him on November 23.

ALLEN ROSSUM - On November 23, the Cowboys cut former Steelers return man (2007) Allen Rossum. Rossum, injured this year, started the season with the 49ers before being cut there. He's only had 8 returns all year. He averaged 23.8 ypr in Pittsburgh, including a 98 yarder for a TD. Current returner Stefan Logan is better, averaging 25.9 ypr.

ARNOLD HARRISON - Cut by the Steelers, he was almost immediately claimed by the Browns on November 18. That shouldn't be much of a surprise. I suspect he'll immediately be playing on special teams and may even see the field as a linebacker.

ANTHONY SMITH - The former third round pick from Syracuse played and talked his way out of the starting safety position now manned by Ryan Clark. The Steelers let him go after the 2008 season and he signed with the Packers, who cut him in camp.

He signed with the St. Louis Rams, but struggled with an achilles problem (no, he didn't run around fighting Trojans. That's Homer. The Iliad. Read a Book!)/ Tat last bit was from The Tick: one of the best cartoon shows ever.

Anyways,  the Rams just waived him and Jacksonville claimed him on November 6. I prefer Carter to Smith and don't think he was much of a loss. 

MIKE SCHNECK - Schneck was the Steelers' long-snapper from 1999 - 2004. He went on to Buffalo and has been with the Falcons since 2007. He went on season-ending IR with a (presumed) rib injury.

DEZMOND SHERROD - Sherrod was a rookie tight end who was on the Steelers practice squad in 2008. He was out of football this year, but signed with the Texans practice squad on November 4, 2009. It's safe to assume this move was triggered by stud tight end Owen Daniels going onto IR the same day.

MITCH BERGER - On October 26, 2009, the Broncos cut their punter (Brett Kern) and signed former Colorado Buffalo Mitch Berger. Berger, of course, lived the book Adventures in Punting en route to claiming a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in 2008. His services were not retained when the healthy Daniel Sepulveda returned. Berger's punting ranged between interesting and disastrous. In his first game (in which the undefeated Broncos were shellacked by Baltimore), he punted 8 times for a 38.4 yd average.

SEAN MAHAN - Tampa Bay cut Mahan, a classic center (classic in the sense he was built like one from the nineteen forties) on October 27, 2009. He started all 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2007. Mahan is listed at 6'-3", 301. He seemed smaller and struggled handling nose tackles all season long. He was replaced by Jeff Hartwig for 2007 and went back to Tampa Bay, where he had played from 2003 - 2006. He appeared in 12 games in 2008 (starting none) and had started 4 games in 2009.

Berea, OH is a suburb of Cleveland and home to the Browns' disorganizational offices.

There is a special place in Steeler Heaven for black and gold fans in Ohio. Cincinnati Bengal fans are mildly annoying, though the Mike Brown Era has made them largely toothless (and clawless) and they aren't too hard to ignore.

Browns fans are the rudest, most obnoxious fans in the NFL. Now, that said, living in Columbus, I do have several friends who are Browns fans. If they were jerks, they wouldn't be friends. But you go to a bar with a large number of Browns fans and they are just overbearing asses. I still remember watching a game in the nineties at a bar and the Steelers lost to the Oilers. The Browns were having another sub-.500 year and some fans at the bar were doing Browns cheers as the Steelers game finished up. That's just typical.

So, it is absolutely AWESOME that this year, as the Browns field a team that is even more incompetent than the expansion one they started up back in 1999. that  they seem to be modeling this season on the worst of the Raiders and the Redskins. It has literally gotten worse, week by week, both on and off the field. For most teams, the QB situation would be a 'worst of the year' disaster. But that's just a small piece of it.

They should make a reality show out of the Browns' season. It's great!

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/11/sources_cleveland_browns_gm_ge.html