Christian Steelers

Season's Beatings

2006-12-30T23:59:00.000-05:00

On a tour of Florida, the Pope took a couple of days off to visit the coast for some sightseeing. He was cruising along the beach in the Popemobile when there was a frantic commotion just off shore.

A helpless man, wearing a Cincinnati Bengals jersey, was struggling frantically to free himself from the jaws of a 25-foot shark. As the Pope watched, horrified, a speedboat came racing up with three men wearing Pittsburgh Steeler jerseys aboard. One quickly fired a harpoon into the shark's side. The other two reached out and pulled the bleeding, semi-conscious Bengals fan from the water. Then using baseball bats, the three heroes in black & gold beat the shark to death and hauled it into the boat also.

Immediately the Pope shouted and summoned them to the beach. "I give you my blessing for your brave actions," he told them. "I heard that there was some bitter hatred between Bengals and Steelers fans, but now I have seen with my own eyes that this is not the truth."

As the Pope drove off, the harpooner asked his buddies "Who was that?" "It was the Pope," one replied. "Catholics believe that he is in direct contact with God and has access to all of God's wisdom." "Well," the harpooner said, "he may have access to God's wisdom, but he don't know much about shark fishing - how's the bait holding up?"

Bengals.
Tomorrow.

Steelers 27, Browns 7

2006-12-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

Ravens 27, Steelers 0

2006-11-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

The better team won, convincingly.

Broncos 31, Steelers 20

2006-11-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

Turnovers
Turnovers
Turnovers

It’s pretty hard to win a football game when you turn the ball over five times. In every loss this season the Steelers have turned the ball over more frequently than the opposition – 5 to 0 against the Broncos, 4 to 1 against the Raiders, 3 to 2 against the Falcons, 2 to 1 against the Chargers, 5 to 3 against the Bengals, and 2 to 1 against Jacksonville. It is the most telling statistic and it is evidence of an undisciplined team, something rare for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The season is lost.

And the worst part about it is that we don’t even get the pleasure of looking forward to the draft – where do the Steelers have a weakness? The Steelers are solid at every position, with Najeh Davenport becoming the battering ram running back that the Steelers crave and Chucky Okobi filling in nicely on the offensive line when the starters go down. The defense is solid and doing everything that it can to compensate for the short field that the offense frequently sticks them with, so there are no glaring holes on defense. The reason why the Steelers are 2-6 is exceedingly simple: a lack of discipline and that falls squarely on one person.

Coach Cowher.

It will be interesting to see if he has the team ready to play against the Saints, because for the year-to-date – beginning with the preseason – the Steelers are yet to look like a team that is prepared to play the game of football. Perhaps Coach Cowher is more interested in getting to Raleigh than Miami – time will tell.

A SLIGHTLY different take on the Raider Game

2006-10-30T23:18:00.000-05:00

As tempting as it was to post this under the picture of the buxom songstress, I cannot do so in all honesty.

As pathetic as the game was, as brutal to watch, It still, is not OVER.

It isn't even November. It CAN'T be over.

No, we must sit through nine more games.

The good news is they cannot possibly be any worse than this.

The bad news is we have to find out.

Why?

Because we are fans. We LOVE the Steelers. We will likely grit our teeth and bear with them for the rest of the year. It is not like this has never happened before.

For those of you who have conveniently forgotten, I give you December 6, 2002.

Houston Texans 47 yards total offense, 24 points
Pittsburgh Steelers 422 yards total offense, 6 points

We actually made the playoffs after that.

And ridiculous as it may appear, we STILL have a chance.

I wish we didn't.

Raiders 20, Steelers 13

2006-10-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

Falcons 41, Steelers 38

2006-10-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

I thought we had worked this out, but apparently not.

Three turnovers committed by the Pittsburgh Steelers were turned into three Michael Vick touchdown passes, making today's game yet another example of what happens when each game is not considered precious.

In today's devotional, five of the ten virgins chose to wait until later to gather the oil to power their lamps. That would be the attitude of a team which has been among the most successful in the past several seasons.

When a team is used to playing between 9-12 home games a year because of the unprecedented ability of their fan base to take over visiting stadiums, it can fall into a false sense of security.

When, even with a 2-4 record, that team can STILL be heralded as the premiere team in their division, it is easy to assume the light will come on before absolute darkness descends upon the land. That is not the attitude of a champion. Running off 5-6 wins in a row will not mean a whole lot in a few weeks, because the hole dug by fumbles and mental errors will be too deep to ascend out of.

On a brighter note, obscured in this defeat is the continuing growth of the receiving corps. Santonio Holmes has been as effective as a receiver as he has been unreliable as a punt returner. Nate Washington has improved each week, although if he could get people to let him do his dance alone after he scores, that would be better for all involved. Hines Ward seems to be healthy and performing as he always has. So long as teams put 8-10 defenders in the box to stop the run, their performance will be instrumental to the growth of this team.

Unlike my co-contributor, I believed after the Chargers loss that there was some room for error with a 1-3 record. I do not think 2-4 is not insurmountable either, given the teams that remain. What is certain, is that the Steelers will be spending a large part of January away from Heinz Field. What has yet to be determined is whether or not the Steelers will still be playing in January in Denver or Indianapolis or sitting at home watching with us.

Steelers 45, Chiefs 7

2006-10-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Perfection is a goal, not a residence. God tells us to strive for perfection even as he knows full well it is impossible to attain. He does this because it builds character in us. No matter what the circumstances might be, It is vital for us to always give our all, because God can only truly bless in the face of maximum effort. The Steelers chose to wait until the conventional wisdom of the NFL broke out their collective shovels and prepared to bury the Steelers under a pile of cliches, Super Bowl Hangover and the like.

What we witnessed on Sunday was a clear announcement that the rumors of the Steeler demise in 2006 are greatly exaggerated. The Kansas Chiefs are a good football team, even without their starting quarterback. They did not make an excessive number of mistakes, in fact, they did not turn the ball over at all. The Chiefs showed up at Heinz Field with an average effort against a Championship team playing with intensity and got embarrassed.

The Steelers have received the best effort of each team they played this year, from the Dolphins to the Jaguars to the Bengals to the Chargers. The good teams won because they wanted the game more than the Steeelers and they were inspired by the pedigree of their opponent. The Dolphins, as time has revealed, are simply a team lacking in many areas and their best wasn't good enough. The Jags, Bengals and Chargers are playoff caliber teams and an average effort from the Steelers wasn't enough to overcome their pursuit of excellence. On October 15, 2006, the Steelers could have handily beaten ANY team in the NFL with the effort they showed on the field against the Chiefs. This is underscored by the fact that Kendall Simmons and Joey Porter did not even dress for the game. Special mention goes to Chris Kemoeatu and Arnold Harrison who were especially noteworthy when pressed into starting duty. The game was reminiscent of the run that ended in Jerome Bettis hoisting the Super Bowl XL trophy. Hopefully, this will be the effort that we see from the Steelers week in and week out.

Chargers 23, Steelers 13

2006-10-08T23:49:00.000-04:00

Ready the rotund woman.

You know it's going to be a long game when Alan Faneca consistently gets manhandled in the trenches - future Hall of Famer Alan Faneca. Granted, Faneca had to block Pro Bowl tackle Jamal Williams, but Faneca, Hartings and Associates have consistently blocked the best tackles, ends and linebackers that the NFL could throw at them over the last 5 years.

It may be that the Steelers' season of ascendancy coming to an end.

Big Ben was under duress almost every time he dropped back to pass and Fast Willie was frequently hit in the backfield before he could get going north and south. It was a bad day for the Steelers' offensive line, and a bad day in the trenches rarely results in victory - it usually cues a Lane Bryant wardrobe malfunction.

The fat lady has not yet sung over the Steelers season, but the orchestra is preparing a set-piece aria and a big-boned soprano is swigging lemon juice in preparation for the Steelers' 4:15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. It's up to the Steelers to delay her entrance, stage left.

Check Yourself

2006-10-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

During this bye week the Steelers had an opportunity to take a close look at two important rivals – the Baltimore Ravens and the San Diego Chargers – as they played each other this Sunday. However, neither of these teams is the most important team that the Steelers need to examine. The Steelers seriously need to examine themselves.

The Steelers have many strengths, from an athletic and mobile quarterback to the best pass-catching and linebacker-blocking wide receiver in football to an up-and-coming speed-burner at wide out and a defense that could almost hoist the Lombardi trophy by itself. Ken Whisenhunt’s play-calling is the envy of the league while Dick LeBeau invented the Zone Blitz and is yet improving upon his own creation. The kicking game is fairly reliable with Reed and Gardocki both earning their keep and the running game is steadily improving.

But the Steelers have also exhibited many weaknesses. The Steelers ought to be 3-0 during this bye week, but they have lost two games due to failures on offense and special teams. The defense did its job in holding Jacksonville to 9 points and limiting Cincinnati to 14 points prior to the special teams and offensive meltdowns in the second half of that game. Big Ben has been erratic with his passes, and many of his passes that have been close to the mark were dropped – everyone from the sure-handed veteran Hines Ward to the up-and-coming rookie Santonio Holmes. There has been an undeniable failure to execute on offense and the name “Colclough” has become an obscenity in some quarters of the Steeler Nation – he should never be seen fielding a punt for the Black and Gold again.

The Steelers have a golden opportunity this year to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. The Bengals have been exposed as paper tigers and the Ravens are one injury away from mediocrity. The Browns have the most potential to become a threat, but they have not yet realized their potential. The Steelers need to steel themselves for the fight ahead in order to take advantage of these opportunities before they dig a hole so deep that they cannot reach the playoffs.

The biggest threat to the Steelers’ success this year is the Steelers themselves. Dropped passes, missed blocks, and overthrown passes are the hallmarks of an unprepared team – you execute that which you practice – and the responsibility for that falls squarely on the shoulders of Coach Bill Cowher. Coach Cowher is responsible for getting the team ready to play on Sundays. Coach Cowher is responsible for selecting the personnel for special teams, offense, and defense. Coach Cowher is responsible for the performance of the Pittsburg Steelers, and to-date that performance has been pretty poor. Coach Cowher would be wise to remember the P⁶ axiom and insist upon perfect practice from his players – we are all witnesses to Pittsburgh’s poor performances.

Bengals 28, Steelers 20

2006-09-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Self Destruction.

We're heading for self-destruction.

The Steelers beat the Bengals in every possible way - 27 first downs to 15, 365 total yards to 246, 195 yards passing to 159, 170 yards rushing to 87, 33:51 to 26:09 in time of possession - but the one category where it was essential that the Steelers put up a smaller number than the Bengals the Steelers topped the Bengals there too: 5 turnovers to 3.

And that has made all the difference.

The defense did a phenomenal job - pressuring and sacking Carson Palmer (18/26 193 yds, 4 TD, 2INT) frequently, stuffing and stymieing Rudi Johnson (19/47 yds), and knocking Chris Henry into next week. However, when the Steeler offense and special teams gave the Bengals the ball on the Steeler 30 and 9 yard line respectively one can only ask but so much of your defense. Big Ben was picked 3 times to kill scoring drives - one in the end zone - Verron Haynes fumbled when the Steelers were driving, and the hopefully-soon-to-be-cut Ricardo Colclough muffed a punt that resulted in the 9-yard Bengals touchdown drive that essentially sealed the game.

This game should have been 41-7 Steelers, and would have been if you take away the bone-headed turnovers - all the result of poor play by the Steelers. This is not the way to win Super Bowls, and Coach Cowher will have to right this ship in a hurry. The bye week comes just when the Steelers need to take stock of who they are and what they hope to achieve. Self-destruct against San Diego after the bye week and this season may be over for the Men of Steel.

Jaguars 9, Steelers 0

2006-09-20T00:18:00.000-04:00

Tuesday morning found me as it often does, contemplating God’s goodness at the fact that I feel better than I did yesterday, despite the fact that I did nothing to deserve that blessing. I spent last night huffing and puffing in frustration as I watched a team in odd colors do to my team what I grew up watching my team do to other teams.

It is important to ignore the fact that the game was not truly over until…well until it was almost over.

When your offense cannot muster a rushing first down, you have been thoroughly beaten

When you do not cross the opposing teams forty yard line at ANY point, you have been served a fairly substantial helping of Whoopin.

When you make a habit of being near the top of the NFL in Rushing offense AND rushing defense, and then allow a team to nearly QUADRUPLE your rushing output, it is finally time to recognize the perpetual bulls-eye the Super Bowl XL championship banner hanging in Heinz Field has brought with it.

Jacksonville is a quality football team forged in the spirit of the its coach and the hard working blue-collar town it calls home. It found itself in the AFC championship game in its second year of existence, but labors in complete obscurity, its 12-4 season last year overshadowed at first by landmark seasons by the Colts and Bengals, and then finally by the Road Warrior run of the Steelers.

Add to that the coronation that was last week’s win in Pittsburgh and the Jaguars spared not the rod in welcoming the Steelers and their fans back to earth.

What now, you say? I direct you to the devotional. Whenever you find yourself on the receiving end of the best life has to give you…or in your particular case, the worst, wisdom is the best medicine.

Let not your heart be troubled, Steelers Faithful…into each life a little rain must fall.

You must bear the rain in September to reign in February.

Steelers 28, Dolphins 17

2006-09-07T23:45:00.000-04:00

Boom baby!

The Steelers picked up where they left off last season - stuffing the run, sacking the quarterback, intercepting passes, and executing Ken Whisenhunt's offense to perfection. Outside of a goal-line fumble that cost the Steelers a touchdown, Charlie Batch (15-for-25 for 209 yards) ran the offense well in Big Ben's stead.

The Black-Eyed P's made themselves known to the Dolphins this evening. Willie Parker rushed 29 times for 115 yards - much of it between the tackles - while J Peezy had three tackles, two sacks, and an interception which he returned for a touchdown. Troy Polamalu also had 9 tackles and a perfectly-played pick. The wideouts Ward and Washington had wonderful games, and Heath Miller put up 101 yards receiving, including a touchdown catch that wasn't - Heath was out of bounds on the 1 yard line but it was ruled a touchdown. Dolphins' coach Nick Saban waited too long to throw his challenge flag and the referees didn't see it until the extra point had been kicked.

He who hesitates is lost.

Next up for the Steelers are the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars beat a Dallas team that is expected to seriously contend for the NFC chamionship, so the Steelers will need to play Steeler football for a full 60 minutes - ball control offense with a suffocating defense.

HERE WE GO STEELERS! HERE WE GO!

Welcome Back

2006-04-26T01:30:00.000-04:00

It seems like an eternity since the confetti stopped raining on our favorite gang of 53 and their fearless leader in Detroit back in February. The Steeler Nation sat and basked in the freedom of the freshly lifted burden of 26 years of waiting. We admired our trophy and went on to spend the next 2 months celebrating.

Then came the predictable exodus. We bid farewell to Kimo, Randle-El, and Hope, and thanked them for their services. We greeted Clark and welcomed him to the family.

The draft came and each player seemed to fit into the puzzle.

Round 1 - Santonio Holmes - A game breaking Wide Receiver from (the) Ohio State University who is a life long Steeler fan and has the kind of speed and moves that will continue to give the Steelers the kind of play-action capabilities that will give defenses nightmares.

Round 3 - Anthony Smith - A Safety from Syracuse that will bring the kind of intuitive team oriented safety play that is mandatory in a Blitz oriented defense that features the kind of safety play All-Everything you ever wanted Troy Polamalu brings to the table

Round 3 - Willie Reid - A return specialist from Florida State who brings additional deep threat skills to the table as a receiver

Round 4 - Willie Colon - A big ornery offensive lineman from Hofstra who can play either Guard or Tackle, to add depth to the line

Round 4 - Orien Harris - A Defensive Tackle from Miami who will likely play defensive end. Athletic and technically proficient, he will attempt to add depth.

Round 5 - Omar Jacobs - Another QB from that fertile farm of quarterbacks, the MAC Conference. Omar has excellent instincts for the game, but has issues with his mechanics. He has the potential to be a steal, with the proper adjustments.

Round 5 - Charles Davis - A big strong talented Tight End from Purdue who adds depth to the position that finally received a major upgrade with the addition of Heath Miller, last year's first round draft pick.

Round 6 - Marvin Philip - A center from California. Marvin is cut from similar cloth as Hartings' heir apparent Chukki Okobi.

Round 7 - Cedric Humes is a running Back from Virginia Tech that struggled with injuries but brings trademark Steeler toughness to a position that is losing a legend in Jerome Bettis.

There will surely be the usual couple of non-drafted free agents that will distinguish themselves, as there is every year. But that remains to be seen.

For now, we can only look forward to their triumphant return on August 12 against the Arizona Cardinals in their new...uh....thing.

Steelers 21, Seahawks 10

2006-02-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

One of the enduring curiousities about being a Christian and a Steeler fan is the duality of it all. The very notion of being a fan stems from the word fanatic, and it is very easy for perspective to be lost.

Tonight, none of that matters. All that matters is THIS:

SUPER BOWL XL
STEELERS 21
SEAHAWKS 10
final score

There will be complaints about the officiating. There were complaints about the lack of respect afforded the Seahawks for simply being the Seahawks. One could even complain that it wasn't fair for the Steelers to play what amounted to a home game in the Super Bowl. And many are already saying that the game was boring and not very well played.

The fact remains...

SUPER BOWL XL
STEELERS 21
SEAHAWKS 10
final score

I said early on that this year felt right. All the weaknesses that have plagued the Steelers have finally been eradicated. Time and time again, The Steelers have struggled to pick up the big play on offense, that they have had a propensity to give up when the chips truly get down. Not ONE big play for the Seahawks this time around. Not one blown coverage from one of the youngest and most promising defensive backfields in football. Shawn Alexander had a good game but no game changing runs. Peter Warrick had a good punt return and Kelly Herndon had a long interception return but that wasn't nearly enough. The Seahawks looked, in many ways, the way the Steelers USED to look during big games. They played well, but looked bad at all the wrong times.

On the other hand, the Steelers, who have been known to be a grind it out team up until this year's playoffs, unloaded big play after big play. From the scramble bomb to Hines that setup the first touchdown by Rothlisberger, (yes, it was a touchdown) to the electrifying run by Fast Willie to open the second half, and culminating by Antwaan Randle-El's 43 yard touchdown pass to the Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward, everytime the Steelers needed a big play, it was delivered as if by Federal Express. Seattle was close to the Steelers all night long, but they needed more than good, they needed Perfect, and they were anything but. I believe Mr. Stevens will be hearing Joey Porter's words (and footsteps) in his sleep.

And then to finally send Jerome Bettis, one of the NFL's true warriors, home with a ring. No, he didn't play a huge role in the victory, but he has been the face of the franchise for a decade, one of the great Steelers of all time. Some "Fans" have tried to put the Bus in the garage for many years, but There is no denying the level of accomplishment he has reached. He will be missed, as much for what he brings to the team off the field as on.

When it was all said and done, a twenty-six year wait for the one for the thumb was finally here.

Or is it?

What this is, is ONE.

The First One.

I would love to talk about how to get to the NEXT one, but I am too busy enjoying THIS one.

Uncle

2006-01-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

Sometime you just have to know when to admit defeat. My younger cousin Carol, the smart one in the family, owns me in all word games - Scrabble, Boggle, et al. - but I challenge her to a game every time I see her because she's younger than me and I am supposed to beat her. Never mind the fact that in nearly 40 years I don't recall ever beating her - or even coming close - but I dutifully take my beating every time I see her because one of these days I'm going to take her down.

I don't have that obligation when it comes to Dave. I'll just admit defeat now as he has thoroughly defeated Don and me in the weekly prognostication exercise. Next season you will all have the opportunity to pick against Dave, and we will have some kind of prize for the super prognosticator(s) relating to Super Bowl XLI.

Congrats Dave - you know your football.

Steelers 34, Broncos 17

2006-01-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

Two roads diverged in a yellowing wood, and the Steelers –
The Steelers took the XL road.

The Steelers today affirmed that which was known since at least last week – the Bus’ last stop will be in Detroit, XL style. A wide-open offense coupled with trademark Steeler defense led to a dominating outing that quieted Investco Field almost from the onset as the mile-high denizens watched as the Broncos were turned into glue sticks before their very eyes. Big Ben threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns while The Bus rumbled and ran over defenders for an additional touchdown. The Steelers’ defense unleashed their favorite reality series – Linebackers Gone Wild – and transformed Jake Plummer back into Jake “The Snake” of Arizona Cardinal fame, intercepting him twice and forcing him to fumble twice.

Frosty.

Two months ago there were many who thought that it would be a cold day in the Lake of Fire before the Steelers – 7-5 at the time – would make it to Super Bowl XL. Seven straight wins later (5 on the road) the Steelers are heading to Detroit, having avenged two regular-season defeats (Bengals, Colts) and made a statement against the teams with the three best records in the AFC. The Steelers know what it is like to have a lower-seeded opponent come into your home and walk away as the AFC Champion, bound to defeat an unimpressive NFC Champion. Today, the Steelers played the role of usurper and are heading to the Super Bowl to face the Seattle Seahawks.

Nobody gives Seattle a chance.

Hopefully, the Steelers have learned about what happens when people don’t expect you to win, when people expect you to get blown out of the dome. While the Steelers bask in all the adulation that is truly due them for reaching the Super Bowl, let us hope that Coach Cowher has them ready to play in the big game because Seattle – disrespected as they are – will have something to prove, and if the Steelers lose the edge with which they’ve played these past two months then Super Bowl XL will end a lot like Super Bowl XXX. Enjoy the moment, but the Steelers need to win and send The Bus out as a champion.

And that will make all the difference.

Steelers 21, Colts 18

2006-01-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

Faith.

The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

Tell the truth – did you really think the Steelers had a chance of winning this game? Sure, we all hoped that they’d win, we all cheered for them to win, but when did you begin to believe that they could actually win? Was it when Big Ben opened the game throwing the ball like his name was Marino? Was it when the Colts’ offense self-destructed like a ’72 Pinto? Was it when the Steelers went up 14-0, or 21-3? When did you believe that the Steelers actually would win this game? Was it when Troy intercepted Manning (before the reversal)? Was it when Jerome was heading into the end zone to ice the game? Was it after The Tackle™? When did you first believe?

Coach Cowher is worth every penny that he is paid because he believed in his players from the very beginning of the season, and his faith in them has been rewarded in spades. The Steelers flew to the ball, made spectacular catches, sacked Manning when Manning most needed to make plays, and flat-out played like champions – overcoming adversity like they belong in the Super Bowl. Cowher had his team ready to play, and he unleashed Ken Whisenhunt and Big Ben in a way that has not been seen since teams were trying to avoid the University of Miami (Ohio) in the 2004 Liberty Bowl.

The Steelers needed every point from that offensive onslaught as the referees did everything that they could to keep the Colts in the game. Troy Polomalu’s interception was ruled an incompletion – to the surprise of even the Colts – and the Colts’ mugging of Steeler receivers was never called, but the Steelers overcame all of that, although they almost gave it away at the end. Jerome Bettis, possessing one of the best pairs of hands that the NFL has seen, fumbled on the goal line as the Steelers were about the finish the game. The fumble was returned by Nick Harper and, if not for a shoestring tackle by Ben Rothlesburger (hereafter to be known as The Tackle™), would have sealed the game for the Colts. Then, after the Steelers held the Colts to three plays, the Colts’ sure-footed kicker, Mike Vanderjagt, missed a field goal by a good 30 yards, double-wide right.

O ye of little faith.

Tell the truth – did you doubt that the Steelers would win this game? I know that I did – a lot – but there will be no more backsliding from here to the XL. Next up is the Denver Broncos and Jake “The Snake” Plummer. Jake has done an excellent job of putting his Arizona Cardinal days behind him, looking more like the heir to John Elway that many in the mile-high community were hoping that he would become. The Steelers’ job next week will be to force Jake to relapse into the panicky, snake-bitten quarterback that he’s always been.

Do you believe?

Steelers 31, Bengals 17

2006-01-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

Who Dey?
We Dey!

The Steelers made an Extra-Large statement today, sending the inexperienced Bengals packing as the men of Steel move on in their quest to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl XL. The Bengals’ Carson Palmer started the game with a hot hand – completing his first pass for 66 yards to Chris Henry – but that would also be his last pass as Kimo Von Oelhoffen fell into Palmer’s leg, tearing two ligaments in Palmer’s knee, ending Palmer’s season.

The Bengals were devastated.

For two quarters the Bengals tried to ride the emotion of winning one for Palmer, but in the second half the Steelers reminded the Bengals why Kitna had been benched in favor of Palmer, intercepting Kitna twice and forcing him to fumble once. Without Palmer the Bengals reverted to the Bungles of old, and that’s not good for anyone. Our prayers go out for Palmer, that he has a full recovery and that he is able to play next season – we don’t want the Bengals to have any excuses when the Steelers beat them again, and again, and again…

Next up are the Indianapolis Colts. Nobody gives the Steelers a chance to win this game since the Colts virtually went undefeated during the regular season and since the Steelers laid such an egg the last time they played in the RCA Dome. The Steelers, however, are acutely aware of last season’s 15-1 run, how nobody gave the Patriots a chance to win against the Steelers after they’d laid an egg earlier in the season at Heinz Field. The Steelers have nothing to lose next week, so let’s hope that they play some inspired Steeler football against the Colts.

HERE WE GO STEELERS! HERE WE GO!

Steelers 35, Lions 21

2006-01-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

Got ‘r done.

The Steelers secured the final spot in the AFC playoffs by beating a surprisingly tenacious Detroit Lions team. Many people – starting with yours-truly – expected the Lions to roll over and play dead: they have nothing to gain, most of the principles will still be there next year, and they flat-out stink. That said, they are still professional football players, and on any given Sunday – you know the cliché.

The Lions came to play, but in the end there is still a reason why they finish the season with a 5-11 record – they’re just not that good, and the Steelers did what was necessary to secure the win.

That won’t be enough next week.

Next week the Steelers visit Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers won there this year – while the Bengals won in Heinz Field – so the home-field advantage should mean little next week for the Bengals. The Steelers will need to put much more pressure on Carson Palmer than they put on Joey Harrington today – Joey threw three touchdown passes against the Steelers secondary.

Joey Harrington.

Carson Palmer, whose play is improving daily, will eat the Steelers for lunch if they play that sloppily next week. Palmer threw for three touchdowns in their win at Heinz Field so Coach Perry and Dick LeBeau will have their work cut out for them this week, but the Steelers are still playing, following that Black and Gold brick road to Detroit and Super Bowl XL.

Steelers 41, Browns 0

2005-12-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Who’s your daddy?

Good teams are supposed to beat bad teams and today the Steelers demonstrated why the playoffs are a very real possibility. The Steelers dominated the Browns from the opening warm-ups to the closing interviews. The Steelers ran for more than 200 yards and threw for another 250 while limiting Cleveland to 178 total yards for the game, sacking rookie quarterback Charlie Frye eight times.

Welcome to the NFL.

The Steelers hit everything in a Browns uniform that walked onto the field, and hit them hard. Even a local fan tried to mix it up on the field, but he felt the full force of James Harrison as ol’ Silverback body-slammed him to the Cleveland turf and held him there until local officials could take him away.

Linebackers Gone Wild.

Next week the Steelers can clinch a playoff spot by beating the Detroit Lions. That seems like an easy enough thing to do, but the Steelers have to go into that game knowing that if they slack off they can be beaten – on any given Sunday any team can be beaten. If the Steelers take care of business next week then it’s likely that the first round of the playoffs will find the Steelers in Gillette Stadium, reintroducing themselves to the New England Patriots who have ended the Steelers’ playoff runs the last couple seasons.

But first things first – the road to Detroit XL begins with beating the Detroit Lions next week.

Steelers 18, Vikings 3

2005-12-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

Total domination.

The Steelers made the Metrodome their home today by beating the Minnesota Vikings in every aspect of the game. This was a game between two playoff-caliber teams but the Steelers were the only team to show up and play like it belonged in the playoffs, forcing three Viking turnovers, sacking Brad Johnson twice, and forcing a safety.

The Vikings had an excuse for their sloppy play – four Vikings were charged this week in the now-infamous Love Boat party – but quarterback Brad Johnson denied that theory, saying, “Our focus was great all week. I don't think that had anything to do with it.”

Maybe the Vikings just aren’t that good.

The Vikings had a six-game winning streak coming into this game, but it was primarily against teams with losing records – St. Louis, Detroit (twice), Cleveland, Green Bay, and the New York football Giants, the only team of the six with a prayer of making the playoffs. Perhaps the Vikings weren’t as stiff a challenge as some had assumed, but the Steelers did not take them lightly and did everything that was necessary for victory.

Next up for the Steelers are the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland has not provided the Steelers with much of a challenge since their rebirth after Art Modell abandoned the city, but the Steelers will have to bring their best nonetheless – one more loss and the playoffs will be nothing more than a far-flung dream.

Week 15 Prognostication

2005-12-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

I've been working from 7 AM to 10 PM every weekday and 11 AM to 9 PM every Saturday recently, so I apologize for being a bit behind on everything - sleep deprivation and all. Here's this week's ~~wild guesses~~ well-researched selections. (Home teams capitalized) If picks aren't in by game-time I'll just fill in the favorites as the default pick.

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
NEW ENGLAND 4 1/2 over Tampa Bay	1:30 today	NE	New England	Brady
N.Y. GIANTS 3 over Kansas City	5:00 today	NYG	G-MEN	Eli
Denver 8 1/2 over BUFFALO	8:30 today	Denver	Pale White Horse	Jake The Snake
Arizona 2 over HOUSTON	1:00 Sunday	Arizona	Cardinals	Kurt
INDIANAPOLIS 7 1/2 over San Diego	1:00 Sunday	Indy	Nap-Town	Peyton
JACKSONVILLE 15 1/2 over San Francisco	1:00 Sunday	Jax	Jaguars	Garrard
MIAMI 9 over N.Y. Jets	1:00 Sunday	Mia	Fish	Gus
Carolina 9 over NEW ORLEANS (at Baton Rouge, La.)	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Jake The Man
Pittsburgh 3 over MINNESOTA	1:00 Sunday	________	STEELERS	Big Ben
ST. LOUIS 3 1/2 over Philadelphia	1:00 Sunday	Philadelphia	Rams	Harvard Alum
Seattle 7 over TENNESSEE	1:00 Sunday	Seattle	Seahawks	Matt
Cincinnati 8 over DETROIT	4:05 Sunday	Cincinnati	Bengals	Carson
OAKLAND 3 over Cleveland	4:05 Sunday	Cleveland	Browns	Tuiasosopo
WASHINGTON 3 over Dallas	4:15 Sunday	Washington	Redskins	Drew
CHICAGO 3 over Atlanta	8:30 Sunday	Chicago	Hotlanta	Kyle O
BALTIMORE 3 1/2 over Green Bay	9:00 Monday	Baltimore	Green Bay	Gomer Kyle
Week 14		11-5	13-3	13-3
Season		112-47	103-58	109-52

Steelers 21, Bears 9

2005-12-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

This is a bit late in coming, but I am sure many of you rejoiced the way I did. Something about seeing those black uniforms in the cascading snow playing what should be patented as Steeler Football made me nostalgic. But since that isn't a healthy state for an honest writer, I must press on in addressing the current Steelers state.

It seems last weeks impossibilities of the playoffs have given way to this weeks relative possibilities.

Kansas City goes to New York to play the Giants
San Diego goes to Indianapolis to play the Colts
Steelers in Minnesota

Losses by both put the Steelers in Major playoff contention, especially considering they play each other the following week, while the Steelers go to Cleveland for Christmas Eve.

I guess football season isn't over after all.

Week 14 Prognostication

2005-12-10T07:59:00.000-05:00

Here's this week's ~~wild guesses~~ well-researched selections. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
GREEN BAY 6 over Detroit	8:30 Sunday	Green Bay	Green Bay	Tails: Persians
CAROLINA 5 1/2 over Tampa Bay	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Calicoes
CINCINNATI 12 1/2 over Cleveland	1:00 Sunday	Bengals	Cinci	Tabbies
Indianapolis 8 over JACKSONVILLE	1:00 Sunday	Colts	Indi	Big Brother
MINNESOTA 7 over St. Louis	1:00 Sunday	Vikings	Minnesota	Pillagers
New England 3 1/2 over BUFFALO	1:00 Sunday	Patriots	New England	Denny Crane
Oakland 3 over N.Y. JETS	1:00 Sunday	Raiders	Oakland	Heads: J.E.T.S. Jets! Jets! Jets!
PITTSBURGH 6 1/2 over Chicago	1:00 Sunday	Steelers	Pittsburgh	I DO believe in Cowher power...
TENNESSEE 7 over Houston	1:00 Sunday	The OLD Oilers	Tennessee	Arrested Development
N.Y. Giants 9 over PHILADELPHIA	4:05 Sunday	NYG	Giants	Little Brother
SEATTLE 16 over San Francisco	4:05 Sunday	Seattle	Seattle	Alexander the Great
Washington 4 over ARIZONA	4:05 Sunday	Arizona	Washington	Indigenous Persons
DALLAS 3 over Kansas City	4:15 Sunday	Kansas City	Dallas	Metroplex
DENVER 14 over Baltimore	4:15 Sunday	Denver	Denver	Mile High
SAN DIEGO 13 1/2 over Miami	4:15 Sunday	Chargers	San Diego	Aztecs
ATLANTA 10 1/2 over New Orleans	9:00 Monday	Atlanta	Atlanta	The Red Light District (ATL)
Week 14		11-5	13-3	13-3
Season		112-47	103-58	109-52

Bengals 38, Steelers 31

2005-12-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain,
or command locusts to devour the land
or send a plague among my people,
if my people,
who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open
and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
I have chosen and consecrated this temple
so that my Name may be there forever.
My eyes and my heart will always be there.
2 Chronicles 7:13-16

This year will serve as a reminder of what could have been. The Steelers COULD have provided the NFL with a worthy counterpart to the runaway favorite that is the Indianapolis Colts, but they haven't. What they have done is frustrate us beyond belief. We have sat and watched them make mistake after mistake and put themselves in difficult positions on a continual basis. Yes, injuries - especially to Big Ben - played a large part, but even without him, they were in every game, losing twice in overtime to teams that simply are not supposed to be as good as they are.

Even yesterday, with 4 turnovers and countless penalties at the wrong time, they found themselves just short.

Again.

Three loses where victory seemed within reach, two at home have made this season almost a lost cause. The destiny of the Steelers is not in their hands alone, but in the hope of OTHER teams making the very mistakes that have plagued the Steelers all year long.

Even MORE disconcerting is the fact that this game was a bellwether in the future of Football in the AFC North.

The Bengals are not flawless, but all the pieces are coming together. The Steelers' window can close as quickly as it opened if they do not fix the mistakes.

As if it the problems for the Steelers aren't big enough, they have arguably the best defense in football coming to town, and a four-game losing streak a very REAL possibility.

A Bittersweet View from Texas

2005-11-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

You do not know this, but Tony Dungy was my favorite Steeler growing up. Not so much because of what he did ON the field, but because of what I learned about him as he went on to be a coach.

When Chuck Noll retired In 1991, I was a leading advocate for Tony Dungy, who had been a leading Defensive Coordinator for a long time by this point, to replace him. As you well know, that did not happen and I am satisfied with the way things have turned out. Both for the Steelers and for him.

My view on Monday night's game is, as I always like to say, grounded in objectivity. While I pledge eternal allegiance to the Steelers, I am a realist who doesn't let my personal allegiances cloud what I know I saw.

The best team won on Monday. Yes, mistakes were made, but even without those mistakes, Indianapolis had plenty to keep the Steelers at bay. Are the Steelers good enough to beat the Colts? Yes. But more often than not, they won't. Once upon a time, the Steelers matched up favorably with the Colts. Those days are gone.

The defense you see should look familiar. It is a VERY similar Defense to the Defense that Jon Gruden rode to his Super Bowl championship in Tampa. Lightning fast and unforgiving. Quick to the ball and aggressive. It IS a championship caliber defense, and it complements the offense nicely.

Things do not bode well for the Steelers THIS year. The road to Super Bowl Xtra Large will clearly run through a city with less than Three Rivers.

Hopefully it won't also be INDOORS.

Colts 26, Steelers 7

2005-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Steeler football won this game.

It just wasn't played by Pittsburgh.

Last I checked, the Steelers' basic game plan is to pound the ball up the middle with a bruising back or two while keeping the secondary honest with the threat of the deep ball if they crowded the line of scrimmage to stop the run. The Colts' first play from scrimmage was a bomb to Marvin Harrison that exposed the veteran Ike Taylor making a rookie mistake. That caused Dick LeBeau to keep Troy back in the secondary and mostly away from the line of scrimmage where Edgeran James ran for 124 yards on 29 carries - the first 100-yard rusher that the Steelers have allowed in 23 games.

The vaunted Indy offense was impressive in their efficiency, but the Steeler defense did its job - they held Indy under 30 points. Our problem was on offense. Big Ben looked like he hadn't played NFL football in a month - he was as rusty as we expected - but Ben wasn't the problem Monday night, the offensive game plan was. Indy has an exceedingly fast defense, but that speed comes at the expense of size. There is no way that Indy could have taken a full 4 quarters of Deuce and The Bus, yet Whisenhunt tried to out-speed Indy with Fast Willie? I'm a certified Fast Willie fan, but you need the right back for the right job, and the job on Monday night was to beat up the Colts for 4 quarters - wear them down then score at will - and that is a job for big, bruising backs, not Fast Willie. This is two games in a row where the coaching staff has put together a mind-boggling game plan that looked nothing like Steeler football and ultimately lost the game.

Failure is unacceptable.

The coaching staff has the appearance of a group of guys who are comfortable in their jobs, who lack the hunger and drive necessary to win championships. There is a reason why football fans watch every Sunday - every game matters. Any given Sunday you can win or you can lose. This isn't baseball where you have 162 games and can afford a bad night or two, in football every game matters - the Steelers could not afford to play around with Baltimore last week and couldn't afford to lose to the Colts this week. Next week a hungry Bengals team is coming into Hines Field knowing that if they don't win that game then they are likely out of the playoffs - with 4 conference losses they would lose the Wild Card tiebreaker to both San Diego and Kansas City. The same thing applies to the Steelers all the more, but the coaching staff doesn't seem to have the drive to gameplan for championships, the hunger to go get it. The game against the Bengals this Sunday will test Cowher's strategic and tactical coaching ability (35-78 lifetime in games where the Steelers never led by 10 points or more) and will determine the Steelers' fate for the season - let us pray that Cowher can get up for the challenge.

Otherwise we may need a new coaching staff...

Week 12 Prognostication

2005-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here's this week's ~~wild guesses~~ well-researched selections. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
Atlanta 3 over DETROIT	12:30 Thursday	Atlanta	Hotlanta	Predatory Fowl
Denver 2 1/2 over DALLAS	4:15 Thursday	Denver	Denver	Orange Crush
Carolina 4 over BUFFALO	1:00 Sunday	Panthers	Carolina	Gamecocks
CINCINNATI 9 over Baltimore	1:00 Sunday	Bengals	Cincin	Brothers Johnson
KANSAS CITY 3 over New England	1:00 Sunday	KC	Patriots	Brady Bunch
MINNESOTA 4 1/2 over Cleveland	1:00 Sunday	Cleveland	Vikings	Love Boat
San Diego 3 over WASHINGTON	1:00 Sunday	Chargers	Chargers	Powder Blue
St. Louis 4 over HOUSTON	1:00 Sunday	Rams	Rams	Nelly n em
TAMPA BAY 3 over Chicago	1:00 Sunday	Chicago	DA' BEARS	Windy City
TENNESSEE 7 1/2 over San Francisco	1:00 Sunday	Tennesee	Titans	Commodores
Jacksonville 3 over ARIZONA	4:05 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jaguars	J-Ville
OAKLAND 7 over Miami	4:05 Sunday	Raiders	DA' Raaydaars	Oaktown
PHILADELPHIA 4 1/2 over Green Bay	4:15 Sunday	Philadelphia	Packers	National Fowl
SEATTLE 4 1/2 over N.Y. Giants	4:15 Sunday	Seahawks	Seahawks	Waterbourne Fowl
New Orleans 1 1/2 over N.Y. JETS	8:30 Sunday	NY Jets	Jets	N'Awlins
INDIANAPOLIS 7 1/2 over Pittsburgh	9:00 Monday	I'll pick the Steelers cause they aren't favored	Steelers	Big Ben 'n 'em
Week 11		12-4	11-5	13-3
Season		101-42	90-55	96-49

Ravens 16, Steelers 13

2005-11-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

Tommy Maddox threw the ball thirty-six times.

No one really thinks we should WIN a game when Tommy Maddox throws the ball thirty-six times.

I am glad we lost. Let that be a lesson to those who call the plays for the Black and Gold.

I cannot understand the logic. In all my years of watching football, never have I been so exasperated by offensive play calling.

Week 11 Newsletter

Week 11 Prognostication

2005-11-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

Here's this week's ~~wild guesses~~ well-researched selections. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
ST. LOUIS 10 over Arizona	1:00 Sunday	Rams	Rams
NEW ENGLAND 10 over New Orleans	1:00 Sunday	Pats	Patriots
NY GIANTS 7 over Philadelphia	1:00 Sunday	NYG	G-MEN
WASHINGTON 6 over Oakland	1:00 Sunday	Native Americans	Da' RAAYDAARS
Pittsburgh 4 over BALTIMORE	1:00 Sunday	___________	Nails of Steel
ATLANTA 6 over Tampa Bay	1:00 Sunday	Falcons	Hotlanta
Carolina 3 over CHICAGO	1:00 Sunday	Bears	Carolina
CLEVELAND 2 over Miami	1:00 Sunday	Browns	Cleveland
DALLAS 8 over Detroit	1:00 Sunday	Dallas	Cowgirls
Jacksonville 4 over TENNESSEE	1:00 Sunday	Jags	Jaguars
Seattle 12 over SAN FRANCISCO	4:15 Sunday	Hawks	Seahawks
Denver 13 over NY JETS	4:15 Sunday	Broncs	Sick, white horse...
Indianapolis 6 over CINCINNATI	4:15 Sunday	Cincinnati	Colts...in a shoot-out
SAN DIEGO 10 over Buffalo	4:15 Sunday	Bolts	Chargers
Kansas City 6 over HOUSTON	8:30 Sunday	Chiefs	KC
GREEN BAY 4 over Minnesota	9:00 Monday	Pack	Who cares?...Packers
Week 11		10-5	11-5	9-7
Season		89-38	79-50	83-46

Pray Without Ceasing

2005-11-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Tommy Maddox will start this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Pray.

Live from the Dallas Galleria: It's the View from Texas Week 10

2005-11-16T11:05:00.000-05:00

The more I watch football, the more I realize what my stepfather taught me is true:

You cannot truly be successful in the NFL without running the football and having defense as the cornerstone of your franchise.

One reason the Steelers have never been a truly awful team in my lifetime is that they have always run the ball at least adequately and stopped the run with some regularity.

No team in football has been successful without these two key linchpins of football.

If you live by your quarterback, you will die by your quarterback, no matter WHO he is.

As I sit in a mall in Dallas, TX with a sweatshirt on, I am finally reminded that the REAL football season is just now beginning. This time of year is what separates the men from the boys. This time of year is when the brand of football all Steeler Fans have come to know to be the truth will become evident.

It is for THIS reason that I have constantly harked on the fact that unless the Steelers get the Vaunted Indianapolis Colts on the frozen tundra of Heinz Field in January, the road to Oscar's hometown will take a decidedly uphill appearance.

Watch the Colts/Bengals game very closely. This will be the first REAL game the Colts play this year, other than the Patriots game and the Jaguars game. This game is far more important to the Bengals than it is to the Colts. The Bengals cannot escape the fact that they got mushed at HOME by the Steelers. To catch anything approximating that from the Colts - again at home - would be devastating to the psyche of a young team, especially one that STILL has to travel to Pittsburgh with the division on the line.

As for the Colts, remember this: when was the last time you saw THEM without their starting Quarterback?

Steelers 34, Browns 21

2005-11-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

Make that 96-1-1.

The score from this game is deceptive - the game wasn't that close. The Browns blocked a late field goal attempt and ran it back for a touchdown, and with less than 30 seconds left in the game they scored a slop-time touchdown. After giving up a touchdown on the initial drive - again - the Steelers shut the Browns down in every aspect of the game. It was 24-7 mid-way through the third quarter and the Browns were force-fed a healthy dose of Deuce and the Bus. Even Verron Haynes scored a touchdown after the Browns special teams' touchdown, running it in on 4th and goal from the 11. Think about that for a second - the Browns couldn't stop the Steelers' 4th string running back from scoring a touchdown on 4th and goal from the 11 yard line.

Total. Domination.

Unfortunately, Charlie Batch broke his hand at the end of the 1st half and Tommy Maddox was pressed into service for the second half. Tommy's first throw went for 3 yards and his second throw was intercepted. Fortunately, the Browns were called for cheating on the play (personal foul, face mask) so the Steelers kept the ball and got 15 free yards. Tommy missed most every throw that he threw beyond the line of scrimmage, and they weren't even close. Heath Miller is at least 6'5" yet Tommy overthrew him by a good ten feet. He missed Randel El. He missed Hines Ward, although Randel El hit Ward with a pretty 51-yard pass off of a fake end-around. Tommy did a great job of blocking on that play so maybe the Steelers should convert him to fullback where he can back up Dan Kreider.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

Fasting would be a good idea too.

Big Ben is hopeful that he'll be ready for the Indianapolis game, but between here and there we have to play a Ravens team that gave us all that we could handle a few weeks ago. Charlie Batch was lighting up the Cleveland defense in the first half (13/19, 150 yds) and would have been perfectly comfortable starting against the Ravens, but as of right now it looks like Tommy Maddox will be starting for the Steelers next Sunday.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

One incredibly good note from this game was that Hines Ward broke John Stallworth's record for career receptions with the Steelers. Prayerfully, someone will actually be able to pass the ball to Hines against the Ravens' defense.

Pray for Charlie Batch's hand to heal.

Seriously.

Week 10 Newsletter

An open letter to Cedrick Wilson

2005-11-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

"It's frustrating ... because I want statistics, just like anybody else that's on offense. That's the only way you keep a job in this league. But, at the same time, there's nothing I can do. I guess I could gripe about it."

-- Cedrick Wilson

Dear Mr. Wilson,

The purpose of me writing this letter to you is to give you an objective and reasoned response to your plight. I am a Christian and that is my first and foremost obligation. I am also a life-long fan of the Steelers and I am all too aware of the tenuous relationship between Steeler Fans and players who express anything other than unmitigated gratitude towards them and the team they love so much. Much of this stems from the exorbinant salaries that are commanded by professional athletes. Some of it, sadly stems from a racial element that is too tangential to be discussed here. What is evident here is a simple issue, in my estimation.

Mr. Wilson, you are one of maybe 1000 men on the planet who can play NFL wide receiver. Of those 1000 men, you are probably better than 90% of them, and you believe you are better than 99% or maybe even all of them. But at the midway point of the season, you have 9 catches. That is not representative of the kind of money you make, and it is NOT going to get you Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, or even Hines Ward money.

Mr. Wilson, let me let you in on a secret. I am positive the Steelers saw in you a player who would fit into what we do here. I am indeed sorry that you didn't do more research into how Bill Cowher likes his offense run, but you are in a much better situation professionally than you were in San Francisco. No, you will not get the ball thrown to you like you did there. Nor will you have to go home with an L more often than not. Success in this town has its own reward. There is a love we have for good soldiers on this team. You were brought here to be a STEELER wide receiver and that, as you have seen, is a bit different than it is in other cities. At no point in the history of this team as I have known it, have the Steelers been a pass-first team (and successful at the same time). The Steelers throw to keep the defense from bunching up the line, and if they have a lead...they do not throw the ball at all. The unfortunate thing, Mr. Wilson, is that the better the Steelers play, the less they throw the ball. So the decision ultimately becomes this: Do you want stats...or do you want to win?

THAT answer, Mr. Wilson, will ultimately determine your success in Pittsburgh, and in life.

Let me close this letter by saying that I thank you for taking millions of dollars to play for a championship contending team, and that I appreciate your sacrifice of statistics for victories, so long as that is what it is. I miss Plaxico Burress, but I see that he is happier in New York and I wish him well. You are our receiver now, and as long as you wear the black and gold #80 I will continue to cheer for you and wish you well. Let me close with this:

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

Week 10 Prognostication

2005-11-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

Here's this week's attempt to catch up to Dave. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
DETROIT 4 over Arizona	1:00 Sunday	Arizona	Lions	Kwame's Kats
BUFFALO 2 1/2 over Kansas City	1:00 Sunday	Buffalo	Chiefs	Vermeil's Boys
CHICAGO 13 1/2 over San Francisco	1:00 Sunday	Chicago	CHI	Chi Town
INDIANAPOLIS 17 1/2 over Houston	1:00 Sunday	Indianapolis	Nap-town	Hoosiers
JACKSONVILLE 6 1/2 over Baltimore	1:00 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jaguars	The Get Fresh Crew
New England 3 over MIAMI	1:00 Sunday	New England	Patriots	Brady Bunch
N.Y. GIANTS 9 1/2 over Minnesota	1:00 Sunday	NY Giants	G-MEN	Gotham
CAROLINA 9 over N.Y. Jets	4:05 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Felines
Denver 3 over OAKLAND	4:05 Sunday	Denver	Denver	Equestrian Society
ATLANTA 9 1/2 over Green Bay	4:15 Sunday	Atlanta	Hotlanta	A-Town
SEATTLE 7 over St. Louis	4:15 Sunday	Seattle	Seattle	Puget Sound
Washington 1 1/2 over TAMPA BAY	4:15 Sunday	Washington	Redskins	Potomic Drainage Basin
PITTSBURGH 8 over Cleveland	8:30 Sunday	_______	How nice of you Dave! Steelers!	Deuce & a Quarterback
PHILADELPHIA 3 over Dallas	9:00 Monday	Philadelphia	How nice of you again Dave! Dallas!	JR Ewing
Week 9		8-5	10-4	10-4
Season		79-33	68-45	74-39

95-1-1

2005-11-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

There is an incredible statistic that follows Coach Cowher every week - if the Steelers get ahead of an opponent by 10 points or more at any point in the game then the Steelers are 95-1-1. 95-1-1! That is obscene - nobody is better than that when it comes to playing with a lead. It's almost perfect. It isn't hard to understand how this comes about - the Steelers run the football, and that eats up the clock, leaving the opposition with precious little time to mount a comeback against a defense that is already blitz-happy and sends quarterbacks to the whirlpool faster than the angel of Bethesda.

Therefore, the Steeler strategy would seem to be simple against Cleveland this Sunday - score twice quickly while stifling the Browns offense and then sit on the ball, giving them a heavy dose of Deuce with occasional peeks at the back of Fast Willie's jersey.

The importance of accomplishing this strategy is highlighted by the other end of the 95-1-1 statistic: in games where the Steelers under Cowher were never ahead of the opponent by 10 points or more the Steelers are 35-76 since 1992. Don has pointed it out to me several times that Cowher does not coach well in a dogfight, that Cowher doesn't manage the game very well from behind or when tied, but Cowher is indeed unstoppable with a comfortable lead. Understanding our weaknesses is essential to overcoming them, and knowing what it means for this team to be up by a comfortable margin should be more than enough motivation for the offense to kick it up a gear and for the defense to stop the Browns' initial drive cold.

One can hope.

The View from Texas at the Midway point

2005-11-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

If you think rust is bad on an automobile, try having it on your starting quarterback. Charlie Batch WILL be the starter on Sunday against Cleveland at home on Sunday night on ESPN, a fact that surely vexes the good folk @ Chez Mickey and Goofy who are girding themselves for another Sunday Night Stinker.

No matter, this game will look a lot like the Green Bay game, which was like 1976 all over again - when a journeyman QB named Mike Kruczek handed off a lot and threw ONLY when necessary. It will be ugly...and we WILL win.

It seems difficult to fathom, but Steeler fans must get used to the fact that we have a franchise quarterback, and when that quarterback is unavailable, there will be a considerable dropoff. Yes, I wrote here that it was no big deal. I came back a little later and said that we needed the Big Dog when the games really counted. A little later I rattled off the schedule and the road the Steelers had to travel. These two weeks were the closest to off weeks the Steelers would have. Green Bay and Cleveland (at home) leads into @ Baltimore, @ Indianapolis, Cincinnati and then Chicago. Indianapolis is gunning to run the table all the way to Home Field Advantage and it is really important to do what we can to make sure Indianapolis at least has to come through Heinz Field in January.

In the meantime, the Steelers grind on...accumulating injuries but perservering on.

Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Phillipians 4:8

Steelers 20, Packers 10

2005-11-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

When I was in the Air Force Academy we once went on a navigation training flight. The plane was a military version of a 737 and the pilot showed us something that freaked us out - while flying level he suddenly went right full-rudder. The plane didn't budge. He then went from right full- to left full-rudder. Again, the plane didn't budge. The pilot explained to us that the reason that the Air Force used the 737 for navigation training was that it flew like a brick, but like a brick in motion it is incredibly hard to shake from its vector - an incredibly good trait for navigation training.

I was reminded of this little episode in my life by this game. We went right full-rudder with Charlie Batch as quarterback - no change in the offense. We went left full-rudder by switching out Fast Willie for Deuce - no change in the offense. So long as you don't do something really stupid - like reversing the engines mid-flight or throwing into quadruple coverage - the Steelers will grind out 20-30 points every game.

Charlie Batch had an interception on a miscommunication with Hines Ward and he took a sack off of a bad shotgun snap, but while he certainly didn't light up Lambeau Field with his passing proficiency, he also didn't lose the game for us. When you have The Bus, Deuce, and Fast Willie in the backfield and Hines Ward and Heath Miller as reliable receivers then the quarterback doesn't have to do much to keep the Steeler machine moving. Charlie did his job.

And Hines Ward about knocked some poor DB into next week while blocking for Deuce - we'll get his name next week when we catch up to him because he got JACKED UP.

Once again, the Steelers did what was necessary to win. Next up is the Cleveland Browns - we need to make a statement and there is no better team for the Steelers to use in that fashion than the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are coming off of a win and feeling pretty good about themselves - we'll have to come strong if we expect to change that for them.

Week 9 Newsletter

Prognostication Week 9

2005-11-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here are our picks for week 9. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
Detroit - MINNESOTA, even	1:00 Sunday	Detroit	Lion's roar	Tails: Joey n 'em
Atlanta 2 1/2 over MIAMI	1:00 Sunday	Atlanta	Hotlanta	Hotlanta
Carolina 1 1/2 over TAMPA BAY	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Tampa	Cats
Cincinnati 3 over BALTIMORE	1:00 Sunday	Cincinnati	Cincin	Bungles
CLEVELAND 3 over Tennessee	1:00 Sunday	Cleveland	Titans	Mistake By The Lake
JACKSONVILLE 13 1/2 over Houston	1:00 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jaguars	J Ville
KANSAS CITY-Oakland, off	1:00 Sunday	KC	KC	KC Kasem
San Diego 6 1/2 over N.Y. JETS	1:00 Sunday	San Diego	Chargers	Bolts
Seattle 4 over ARIZONA	1:00 Sunday	Seattle	Seahawks	Starbucks
Chicago 3 over NEW ORLEANS at Baton Rouge, La.	4:05 Sunday	Chicago	Da BEARS	Lovie's Lot
N.Y. Giants 11 over SAN FRAN.	4:05 Sunday	NY Giants	GIANTS	Little Manning
Pittsburgh 4 over GREEN BAY	4:15 Sunday	One Sunday I am just going to leave this blank so you guys can catch up	Here We Go...	Batch Job
WASHINGTON 3 over Philadelphia	8:30 Sunday	Philadelphia	Skins	Boys To Men
Indy 3 1/2 over NEW ENGLAND	9:00 Monday	Indianapolis	I've learned my lesson...Patriots	Big Manning
Week 9		13-2	11-4	13-2
Season		71-28	58-41	64-35

Batch Job

2005-11-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Big Ben had arthroscopic surgery yesterday - a 15-minute procedure - and will be down for the next 10-14 days. In the meantime, Charlie Batch is in the queue to execute the Steeler game plan. There are those who would be concerned about turning the keys over to the third-string quarterback, but this is no ordinary third-string quarterback. Charlie was the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions - stop laughing - and was one of the lone bright spots on that blighted team. He had no protection whatsoever from his offensive line, no running game behind him, and receivers who were so bad that the Lions subsequently used three consecutive 1st round picks on wide outs. Charlie, coming off of a shoulder injury that prompted the Lions to dump him and his $2 million salary in 2001, came to Pittsburgh and backed up Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox. Once Kordell was jettisoned the Tommy Gun offense was installed and worked fairly well - for a season. Then the Steelers lucked up on the steal of the 2004 draft - Big Ben.

Charlie Batch wasn't on the third string because he was a mediocre quarterback, he's simply found himself in situations where hot quarterbacks were in front of him. Charlie actually had an opportunity to sign with a couple teams that would have started him, but he came to the Steelers for less money and less opportunity because he loves Pittsburgh and he loves the Steelers. How can you not root for this guy?

I have every confidence that Charlie Batch will do just fine Sunday against Green Bay. Watch and see.

A Day late in the Great State of Texas

2005-11-02T11:55:00.000-05:00

It is always good when your friends quote ya in their posts. The truth is I prefer winning ugly even to winning pretty. Do not be fooled by the Absence of All-Pro defenders, Baltimore is a decent team, especially on Defense, and ESPECIALLY when they play Pittsburgh.

Just as in the Days of old, division teams will always get up for the Steelers. The Ravens HATE the Steelers and are also a desperate team clinging to respectability. there are about 15-20 players on that team with Super Bowl rings, so they know full well what is at stake. A win in Pittsburgh can turn their season around, so they gave the performance of the season.

But alas, this is not their year. This year belongs to the Steelers. That's right, I said it.

This year is the year. Not last year, and if we were here, I would have told you so. I was along for the ride and enjoying it, but it didn't feel right. it FEELS right this year.

One thing stands in the way.

The health of Big Ben.

Yeah, I know I wrote about the beauty of winning ugly. Now I am writing that in JANUARY, you need your Big Gun.

Pray the man's stength and Keep the faith.

Steelers 20, Ravens 19

2005-11-01T00:41:00.000-05:00

As Dave noted a few weeks ago, the Steelers have a knack for winning ugly, and this game was one of the ugliest wins that I have seen in a while. Big Ben was hit early and you could tell that he was playing in pain - although Ben at 50% is still preferable to Maddox at 100%, yet we'll not go there. Heath Miller caught 3 passes for 18 yards and 2 touchdowns while Fast Willie and The Bus combined for 85 yards rushing on 22 carries. The defense kept giving up yards to an offensive Ravens offense, but mostly limited them to field goals (4/5 and 1 touchdown).

Hines Ward once again showed that he is tough as nails and worth every penny that the Steelers are paying him. Hines put on a clinic Monday Night, demonstrating what it means to run tight routes, to watch the ball all the way in, to take wicked hits and bounce right back up - grinning. Hines Ward is certainly my favorite Steeler as well.

Thanks to a mental lapse by Rookie long-snapper Greg Warren, Chris Gardocki had to do his best Garo Yepremian imitation from Super Bowl VII. It turns out that Gardocki is Yepremian's equal in the passing game.

This was an ugly game, but in the end Big Ben drove the Steelers down for the winning field goal and the defense stopped the Ravens on 4th down when it counted, with an assist from Anthony Wright whose last pass was about as accurate as a Zedekiah (son of Kenaanah) prophesy. The Steelers did what was necessary to win, but just getting by will not get us to Super Bowl XL. The Steelers were supposed to blow the Ravens out of Heinz field - especially with them missing Ed Reed and Ray Lewis - and we barely escaped with the win. It's time to step it up - Brett Farve is next on the To-Do List, and he has something to prove after imploding this week against the Bengals. Don't let the 1-6 record fool you - sleepwalk against Green Bay and we will walk out of Lambeau Field with a big fat "L" next week.

Week 8 Newsletter

Reason #1 why Hines Ward HAD to remain a Steeler

2005-10-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

Do everything without complaining or arguing
so that you may become blameless and pure children of God
without fault in a crooked and depraved generation
in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14-15

These Words appear in Hines Ward's locker, as sent to him by Terence Mathis who was a former Steeler.

This explains the smile, the tenacity with which he blocks, and ultimately the success he enjoys as a Steeler.

And this is why he is officially on the record as David Parrish's Favorite Steeler.

No, not of all time....not yet at least.

Hall of Fame Thoughts

2005-10-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

The nominees for induction in the 2005 class of the NFL hall of Fame were announced today and of the 112 names, three caught my eye: Donnie Shell and L.C Greenwood, two member of the "Steel Curtain" defense of the 70's, and Dermontti Dawson, a perennial All-Pro at center for the Steelers of the 90's.

Much has been made by anyone who isn't a Steeler fan about how many of the Steelers of the 70's are in the Hall of Fame(9) as opposed other players.

You don't argue with four rings in six years with what basically was the same team. The team was a remarkable collection of exceptional talent...the best at their position at the time, which speaks to the what the traditional criteria of making the hall of fame.

As much as the Steeler fan in me would love to see it, I don't imagine Donnie Shell will make the Hall of Fame, even though he epitomized the Steel Curtain. Almost thirty years later i still remember him catching Earl Campbell right between the 3 and the 4 on a hit that jarred the ball loose and flattened a man who was thought to be unstoppable by only one man.

L.C. Greenwood was a finalist last year, but with the esteemed class of this year(Troy Aikman and Reggie White are almost sure first ballot entries) makes his vote a little less sure.

And then there is the case for Dermontti Dawson. Dawson is the first Steeler with no ties to the glory years of the 70s with a realistic chance for enshrinement. At first, I thought he was a longshot, and then I did some homework. This is what I realized.

In my LIFETIME as a Steeler Fan there have been essentially four centers There was Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and now Jeff Hartings.

In the NFL...there was Mike Webster, then Dwight Stephenson, and then Dermontti Dawson.

A cursory examination of HOF Dwight Stephenson's career reveals an uncanny resemblence to Dawson's except for the fact that Dawson's career was longer and was highlighted by a rushing attack that consistently was in the top 10 in the NFL for the entirety of his career, while Stephenson spent the latter part of his career pass blocking for Dan Marino.

Let's not even jot down a list of the Quarterbacks Dawson hiked to over those years. Suffice it to say the transition from Terry Bradshaw to Big Ben has not been especially noteworthy.

A savvy and informed voting block would put Dermontti Dawson in the HOF on the first ballot, a fact that would NEVER sit well for the people who think there are already too many Steelers in the HOF.

Week 8 Prognostication

2005-10-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Here are our picks for Week 8 (Home teams capitalized.):

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVID'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
DETROIT 3 over Chicago	1:00 Sunday	Chicago	Chi-town	The D
CAROLINA 7 1/2 over Minnesota	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Tar Heels
CINCINNATI 9 over Green Bay	1:00 Sunday	Cincinnati	Green Bay	Bearcats
DALLAS 9 over Arizona	1:00 Sunday	Dallas	Dallas	Irving
HOUSTON 2 over Cleveland	1:00 Sunday	Cleveland	Texans	Browns 2.0
Jacksonville 3 1/2 over ST. LOUIS	1:00 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jaguars	J Phi Ville
N.Y. GIANTS 2 1/2 over Washington	1:00 Sunday	NY Giants	GIANTS	Pale Faces
Oakland 1 1/2 over TENNESSEE	1:00 Sunday	Raiders	Titans	Black Pirates
NEW ORLEANS 2 1/2 over Miami	4:05 Sunday	Miami	New Orleans	The Bottom
SAN DIEGO 6 over Kansas City	4:05 Sunday	San Diego	Chargers	Powder Blue
DENVER 3 1/2 over Philadelphia	4:15 Sunday	Denver	Eagles	Orange Crush
Tampa Bay 11 over SAN FRANCISCO	4:15 Sunday	Tampa Bay	Tampa	Red Pirates
NEW ENGLAND 9 over Buffalo	8:30 Sunday	New England	Buffalo	Boston Public
PITTSBURGH 10 over Baltimore	9:00 Monday	Why do we keep picking the Steeler Game? So you two can try and build up your admittedly pathetic numbers? Forgive me, that wasn't Christian.	Here We Go...	Big Ben's Boys Because on any given Sunday... Et ego te absolvo.
Week 8		11-3	7-7	9-5
Season		58-26	47-37	51-33

Bulletin Board Material

2005-10-25T09:32:00.000-04:00

He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23

Carson Palmer gave all the appearances of a QB on the rise, even including the beating he took on his home field in Cincinnati on Sunday. Then he got in front of a Microphone and said this:

I don't think they're that much better of a team than us. Right now, I think we're the better team. We just didn't play well enough to win.

Apparently, either the beating he took has damaged his ability to reason, erased his memory, or just plain made him stupid, because my lifetime of watching football indicates that if a team rolls up 221 yards of rushing on you, and only needs to throw the football twice in the second half, then you cannot possibly be the better team.

Furthermore, after a sound thrashing like that, it would behoove Mr. Palmer and his fellow Bengals to acknowledge that they were beaten up. Humility has a way of bringing focus to you.

Focus keeps you from missing that safety lurking in the underneath coverage.

Don't think what Mr. Palmer said went unnoticed because it was not responded to. The Steelers ARE focused....and keeping themselves from needless calamity.

Steelers 27, Bengals 13

2005-10-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

"You don't have to win the game yourself, just don't lose it for us."

Simple.

221 rushing yards later the Steelers win again when the quarterback doesn't lose the game for us. Big Ben threw touchdown passes to Hines Ward and Heath Miller, but he only needed 14 attempts (completing 9 for 93 yards with one pick) to seal the victory. Steeler football isn't that complex - run the ball effectively, pass when you have to, and stop the run and the big play defensively if you want to win. Everybody knows the Steelers' basic game plan coming into a game, the question is whether anyone can stop it.

The Bengals can't.

Many people were jumping on the Bengals' bandwagon, even though they had not yet played a serious playoff team from last year, and the teams that they had played boasted a collective winning percentage south of .333. Despite that, some people actually believed that the Bengals had something for the team that boasted the best record in football last season. They were mistaken, and the pretenders were exposed today. Chad Johnson showed that he is truly a big-time receiver and Carson Palmer showed that he will be somebody to be reckoned with for a long time in this league, but the Bengals had too many Bungles moments and their defense couldn't stop the running attack of Temple. That usually fore-tells a bad day when you're playing the run-happy Steelers - the Steelers held the ball for 9:21 in the second quarter, 10:24 in the third and 11:34 in the fourth.

Ballgame.

The Steelers had to win this game and did what was necessary to accomplish that goal. The Ravens are up next on Monday Night Football - Mr. Polamalu, Mr. Farrior & friends should have a field day with Baltimore's offense, but Ray Ray and his friends could provide some unique challenges for Big Ben and company. It should be an exciting game.

Week 7 Newsletter

The dark underside of being a citizen of Steeler Nation

2005-10-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons this collective of people is necessary is because of the actions of other members of the Steeler Nation.

It is a verifiable fact that many people in the Nation take this stuff WAY too seriously. I would encourage anyone who claims to follow the God to pray for the minds of anyone who would harrass an any athelete, especially one who plays for YOUR team, for any reason. The very idea that you would go so far as to heckle his grade-school age children is too sickening to contemplate here.

Please pray for these people.

Week 7 Prognostication

2005-10-21T09:15:00.000-04:00

This week's is a bit early due to Wilma's expedition of the Dolphins-Chiefs game. Here are our picks for this week (Home teams capitalized).

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVE'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
MIAMI 2 over Kansas City	7:00 Friday	Kansas City	Kansas City	Priest's Parish
ST. LOUIS 3 over New Orleans	1:00 Sunday	Saints	St. Louis	St. Lunatics
Green Bay 2 over MINNESOTA	1:00 Sunday	Minnesota	Green Bay	Green Machine
PHILADELPHIA 4 over San Diego	1:00 Sunday	Eagles	Philadelphia	Phili
WASHINGTON 13 over San Francisco	1:00 Sunday	Washington	Washington	Indigenous Persons
Indianapolis 16 over HOUSTON	1:00 Sunday	Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Nap
Pittsburgh even at CINCINNATI	1:00 Sunday	Goes without saying	Steelers	Da Burgh!
CLEVELAND 2 over Detroit	1:00 Sunday	Browns	Detroit	Garcia's Lions
SEATTLE 3 over Dallas	4:05 Sunday	Seattle	Dallas	Southfork
ARIZONA 4 over Tennessee	4:15 Sunday	Tennessee	Tennessee	Volunteers
NY GIANTS 2 over Denver	4:15 Sunday	NY Giants	NY Giants	OJ's Truck
CHICAGO 1 over Baltimore	4:15 Sunday	Bears	Baltimore	Poe's Muse
OAKLAND 3 over Buffalo	4:15 Sunday	Buffalo	Buffalo	Wings & Rings
ATLANTA 7 over NY Jets	9:00 Monday	Atlanta	Atlanta	Peachtree Street
Week 7		10-4	9-5	8-6
Season		47-23	40-30	42-28

Slow to speak

2005-10-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

Oscar and I spoke very shortly after the debacle that was Sunday afternoon. That was not the time to write about the game. Taking a full extra 24 hours from my usual Tuesday spot was the wise thing to do. Time, as it always does in matters regarding the Steelers, has mellowed me to the point that I can speak with some degree of clarity and context.

The important thing for me is to maintain the attitude I had before I arrived at my chosen location for the game, in this case the Buffalo Wild Wings in Euless, TX where I watched the Cowboys, Giants, Steelers, and Jaguars all take turns trying to give a football game away. Two of the teams succeeded, almost simultaneously. The games ended at almost exactly the same time, sending me fleeing the scene while fans of random indistinct teams chuckled as I strode out of the joint in anger with a bemused but patient fiancee in tow.

Here I sit Wednesday, as the Steelers sit at and unacceptable 3-2(1-2 at HOME, 0-2 against PLAYOFF CALIBER TEAMS AT HOME!), I am...going to be patient.

Sundays game is a must win. Not so much for reasons of records and division races, but for reasons of respect and momentum. Big MO swung mightily and knocked the Steelers for a loop, knocking the Steelers from the ranks from the pre-eminent teams in the NFL and elevating...The BENGALS(!!!!) to the ranks of the Colts and Broncos(who smacked around the Patriots) as the teams to beat in their respective divisions.

The less said about Mr. Maddox, the better, so I won't comment on what was plainly seen. I will only pray Mr. Rothlisberger's strength on Sunday as well as all the others who are ailing.

Hallelujah!

2005-10-18T18:15:00.000-04:00

Big Ben will start against the Cinncinati Bengals. All that I can say is hallelujah! - especially considering Maddox's excuses. Cowher definitely should have pulled Maddox in the second half.

Jaguars 23, Steelers 17

2005-10-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

For 60 minutes Tommy Maddox tried to give Jacksonville the game - 3½ minutes into overtime he succeeded. Tommy, once again, threw into triple coverage and looked surprised when Rashean Mathis intercepted the pass and ran it back for a game-ending touchdown. This coming after Tommy's fumble and failure to fall on the ball earlier in overtime, in addition to two previous interceptions. Suffice it to say that Tommy had a bad day.

Much like Custer had a bad day at Little Big Horn.

Perhaps a victory was too much to expect when the 1^st string quarterback and #1 receiver were both out of action for the game, but one would expect that the same orders given to Big Ben when he became the starting quarterback would apply to Maddox: you don't have to win the game yourself, just don't lose it for us. Was that too much to ask?

Apparently, it was.

Sure, there were other contributors to this loss, like the defense uncharacteristically allowing Jacksonville to run the ball (33 carries for 99 yards and 1 TD for Jones and Pearman) and Chris Gardocki having a punt partially blocked, but if not for Tommy's turnovers this game still would have been a win.

On the bright side, Heath Miller demonstrated why the Steelers picked him in the 1^st round - hands softer than a baby's bottom and the strength and determination to fight his way into the end zone with multiple defenders holding on to him for dear life. We need to see more Heath - a lot more Heath - in the coming weeks.

The Steelers have a week to get ready for a Bengals team that is on a roll and needs to be taken seriously - these aren't your father's Bungles any more...

Week 6 Newsletter

Week 6 Prognostication

2005-10-15T17:45:00.000-04:00

Here are our picks for this week (Home teams capitalized) as I pray for divine guidance in trying to catch up to David.

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVID'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
DETROIT 1 over Carolina	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Cak-a-laki
Atlanta 5 1/2 over New Orleans	1:00 Sunday	Atlanta	Hotlanta	Dirty Birds
BALTIMORE 6 over Cleveland	1:00 Sunday	Cleveland	Cleveland	Ray Ray n 'em
CHICAGO 3 over Minnesota	1:00 Sunday	Chicago	Vikings	Dante's Boys
Cincinnati 3 over TENNESSEE	1:00 Sunday	Cincinnati	Remember the Titans	Bungles
DALLAS 3 1/2 over N.Y. Giants	1:00 Sunday	NY Giants	Dallas	Eli, Plax n 'em
KANSAS CITY 6 over Washington	1:00 Sunday	Kansas City	KC	KC & The Sunshine Band
PITTSBURGH 3 over Jacksonville	1:00 Sunday	Pittsburgh	YOU KNOW!!!	Men of Steel
TAMPA BAY 4 over Miami	1:00 Sunday	Tampa Bay	Tampa	Pirates In Pewtrer Pants
BUFFALO 3 over N.Y. Jets	4:15 Sunday	Buffalo	Buffalo	J.E.T.S. Jets! Jets! Jets!
DENVER 3 over New England	4:15 Sunday	Patriots	Patriots	Elway's Spawn
San Diego 2 over OAKLAND	4:15 Sunday	Oakland	San Diego	LT Breesin'
SEATTLE 9 1/2 over Houston	8:30 Sunday	Seattle	Seattle	MS Seahawks XP
INDIANAPOLIS 13 1/2 over St. Louis	9:00 Monday	Indianapolis	Naptown	Peyton's Posse
Week 6		9-5	9-5	10-4
Season		37-19	31-25	34-22

Substantive Faith

2005-10-11T02:49:00.000-04:00

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Whenever adversity strikes, this scripture comes to my remembrance. The very nature of football is that of injury. The very legend of Big Ben is borne directly from the injury of Tommy Maddox, whose legend (such that it was) was borne of an injury to Kordell Stewart. The only reason Charlie Batch is back in his hometown of Pittsburgh is because of the injuries he suffered in Detroit. Who can forget the great Mike Kruczek, who replaced Terry Bradshaw after the infamous Joe "Turkey" Jones hit in 1976?

Ok, I am getting a bit obscure. You see my point. It would be different if this was the NY Jets where a phone call had to be placed to the local AARP chapter to find Vinny Testaverde.

The hallmark of Steeler football has always been running the football, controlling the clock, and stifling defense. Winning ugly is our stock and trade. It is the reason every stadium finds a significant presence of Steeler fans. The Steelers do what is necessary to win — we always have, we always will. If Ben can't go, I have every faith that hometown boy Charlie Batch can.

The bottom line is, a victory like this one is what will bring teams to Heinz Field instead of taking the Steelers into hostile territory.

In the meantime when you hit your knees tonight, remember to send a healing prayer for Big Ben.

Steelers 24, Chargers 22

2005-10-11T01:45:00.000-04:00

King Pyrrhus of Epirus, after being congratulated on his victory over the Romans at Heraclea and Asculum in 279 BC, replied, "One more such victory and I shall be lost!" I would not be surprised to hear Coach Cowher saying those very words this morning, for though the Steelers have gone into San Diego and won this battle against the Chargers, we may have lost the season - Big Ben went down late in the game with a knee injury of unknown severity.

The defense did an excellent job of containing LaDainian Tomlinson (18 car., 62 yds., 1 TD) and Troy Polamalu held Antonia Gates to 61 yards receiving on 5 catches, but the question on everyone's mind is the status of Big Ben. The offense won the time of possession battle (33:23 - 26:37) and the Steelers won the turnover battle 2-1, but the only thing anyone's worried about right now is how's Ben doing. Jerome played big today and showed that the wheels on The Bus still go round and round, but all eyes are on Big Ben's left knee.

We beat the Chargers tonight. Another such victory and we shall be ruined.

Week 5 Newsletter

Week 5 Prognostication

2005-10-08T18:15:00.000-04:00

Here are our picks for this week - hopefully Don and I can gain some ground against the gentleman from Texas:

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVID'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
DETROIT 1 1/2 over Baltimore	1:00 Sunday	Detroit	Detroit	Baltimore
ATLANTA/New England, no line	1:00 Sunday	Atlanta	Hotlanta	Atlanta
BUFFALO 3 over Miami	1:00 Sunday	Miami	Miami	Buffalo
CLEVELAND 3 over Chicago	1:00 Sunday	Cleveland	Chicago	Cleveland
GREEN BAY 3 over New Orleans	1:00 Sunday	New Orleans	New Orleans	New Orleans
HOUSTON 3 over Tennessee	1:00 Sunday	Tennessee	Titans	Houston
ST. LOUIS 3 over Seattle	1:00 Sunday	Seattle	Seattle	Seattle
Tampa Bay 3 over N.Y. JETS	1:00 Sunday	Tampa Bay	Tampa	Tampa Bay
Indianapolis 14 1/2 over SAN FRANCISCO	4:05 Sunday	Indianapolis	Colts	Indianapolis
Carolina 2 1/2 over ARIZONA	4:15 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Carolina
DENVER 7 over Washington	4:15 Sunday	Denver	Washington	Denver
Philadelphia 3 over DALLAS	4:15 Sunday	Philadelphia	EAGLES!	Philadelphia
JACKSONVILLE 3 over Cincinnati	8:30 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Bungles
SAN DIEGO 3 over Pittsburgh	9:00 Monday	Pittsburgh	YOU KNOW!	PITTSBURGH
Week 5		9-5	7-7	7-7
Season		28-14	22-20	24-18

Bye Week in Texas

2005-10-05T01:24:00.000-04:00

I did something I have never done before in 33 years of watching football. I spent this past Sunday without it. There were football games on TV, yes, but not MY TV. I saw not one play, not one score, nothing. I picked my games (better than the other two gentlemen on this site incidentally) early sunday morning, then I went on my way and lived my life as though I cared not a whit about the NFL or any other level of football. I waited until the stroke of Midnight to check on the scores and re-introduce myself to the NFL.

Why?

Because I needed to know I could. And to be honest, you need to know that you can as well. I wasn't distraught about losing to the Patriots,( at home, again) but I was sufficiently disgruntled that I found myself unwilling to write about it.

As a professional writer, that is a cause for alarm.

So I took a step back and took personal inventory about myself and my life. I didn't really think I was fanatical about the Steelers, or football in general.

Now that I know I am not, life can go on. see you tomorrow.

Week 4 Prognostication

2005-10-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

Here are our picks for Week 4:

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVID'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
TAMPA BAY 6 1/2 over Detroit	1:00 Sunday	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay
Buffalo/New Orleans, even, at San Antonio	1:00 Sunday	New Orleans	Buffalo	Buffalo
CINCINNATI 10 over Houston	1:00 Sunday	Cincinnati	Cincinnati	Cincinnati
Indianapolis 7 over TENNESSEE	1:00 Sunday	Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Indianapolis
JACKSONVILLE 4 over Denver	1:00 Sunday	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jacksonville
N.Y. GIANTS 3 over St. Louis	1:00 Sunday	NY Giants	St. Louis	N.Y. Giants
NEW ENGLAND 5 1/2 over San Diego	1:00 Sunday	New England	New England	New England
WASHINGTON 2 over Seattle	1:00 Sunday	Washington	Washington	Seattle
BALTIMORE 7 over N.Y. Jets	4:05 Sunday	Baltimore	Baltimore	Baltimore
ATLANTA 6 over Minnesota	4:15 Sunday	Atlanta	Atlanta	Atlanta
KANSAS CITY 1 1/2 over Philadelphia	4:15 Sunday	Kansas City	Philadelphia	Philadelphia
OAKLAND 3 over Dallas	4:15 Sunday	Dallas	Dallas	Dallas
Arizona 2 1/2 over San Fran. at Mexico City	8:30 Sunday	Arizona	San Francisco	San Francisco
CAROLINA 7 1/2 over Green Bay	9:00 Monday	Carolina	Carolina	Carolina
Week 4		10-4	8-6	8-6
SEASON		19-9	15-13	17-11

Any given Sunday...

Patriots 23, Steelers 20

2005-09-25T19:50:00.000-04:00

Character is not developed in adversity, it is revealed. Or in some cases, it is exposed. The Steelers nearly overcame a long series of mishaps, poor judgment, and the total collapse of the offensive line. Big Ben was hit more often than London during the Blitz. When Ben actually had time to pass, Antwaan Randle El was dropping passes like cigarette butts. And when Randle El wasn't dropping passes, he was confusing the game of football with Chutes & Ladders. Despite a comedy of errors that was in no ways funny, the Steelers still almost won.

So what does this game say about the 2005 Steelers? Things are not as bad as it seems right now. Some of the problems that we witnessed today can be corrected. Cedrick Wilson has shown that he has the skills and mental toughness to be the #2 receiver, and I would expect Coach Cowher to make that adjustment immediately. Speaking of toughness, Hines Ward showed why he is worth every penny that the Steelers are paying him and then some. Ward pulled a hamstring just before the 2-minute warning in the 4th quarter, but instead of sitting out the rest of the game he had the medical staff wrap up his hammy and then he went back out on the field and caught two more passes, including the game-tying touchdown pass.

The defense did a good job but not a great job - they hit Brady early and often, and Clark Haggans had a career day (12 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and a sack) - but the Patriots adjusted in the second half while the Steelers didn't. That's not the defense's fault, that's on Dick LeBeau. The good thing is that LeBeau probably won't make the same mistake twice, so we can take a degree of comfort from that.

There are some things, however, that got exposed in this game. The offensive line, which to-date had been phenomenal, was man-handled today. Big Ben did what he could under pressure - although he missed a couple wide-open passes at crucial points in the game - but when you no longer have confidence in the people who are supposed to be protecting you then you will inevitibly begin to look like a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. I don't know how you fix that problem - either you block or you don't, and the Steelers' o-line didn't block anyone during this game. This is a problem that could raise its ugly head again and again, and Russ Grimm will have his hands full trying to fix this mess.

Things are not as bad as they could be, but we have some problems that need to be addressed. The Steelers are now facing a bit of adversity so their character will soon be revealed - championship teams step it up at times like this. That's what the Patriots did today after losing last week in Carolina. What will the Steelers do?

Week 3 Newsletter

Week 3 Prognostication

2005-09-24T14:30:00.000-04:00

Each week David, Don, and I will pick the winners in each game, and we will keep a running tally for the year for utlimate bragging rights. Here are our picks, post your picks in the comments. (Home teams capitalized.)

THE GAMES	TIME/DAY	DAVID'S PICKS	DON'S PICKS	OSCAR'S PICKS
BUFFALO 2 1/2 over Atlanta	1:00 Sunday	Atlanta	Atlanta	Atlanta
Carolina 3 over MIAMI	1:00 Sunday	Carolina	Carolina	Carolina
Cincinnati 3 over CHICAGO	1:00 Sunday	Chicago	Cincinnati	Cincinnati
INDIANAPOLIS 13 1/2 over Cleveland	1:00 Sunday	Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Indianapolis
MINNESOTA 4 over New Orleans	1:00 Sunday	Minnesota	New Orleans	New Orleans
N.Y. JETS 2 1/2 over Jacksonville	1:00 Sunday	NY Jets	Jets	Jacksonville
PHILADELPHIA 8 1/2 over Oakland	1:00 Sunday	Philadelphia	Philadelphia	Philadelphia
ST. LOUIS 6 1/2 over Tennessee	1:00 Sunday	St. Louis	St. Louis	Tennessee
Tampa Bay 3 1/2 over GREEN BAY	1:00 Sunday	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay
Dallas 6 1/2 over SAN FRANCISCO	4:05 Sunday	Dalllas	Dallas	Dallas
SEATTLE 6 1/2 over Arizona	4:05 Sunday	Seattle	Arizona	Seattle
PITTSBURGH 3 over New England	4:15 Sunday	C'mon now...	PITTSBURGH!	PITTSBURGH!
SAN DIEGO 5 1/2 over N.Y. Giants	8:30 Sunday	San Diego	Giants	San Diego
DENVER 3 over Kansas City	9:00 Monday	Kansas City	Kansas City	Kansas City
This week		9-5	7-7	9-5
Season		9-5	7-7	9-5

The View From Texas...week 2

2005-09-20T09:14:00.000-04:00

One of my hobbies is reading Pre-season predictions after the season has started and NOT during the pre-season when they are released. I confess I was genuinely surprised that the majority of publications I saw picked Baltimore as the consensus favorite to win the AFC North despite their OBVIOUS QB deficiencies. There were the few renegades that picked Cincinnati to get over the hump and make the Cinderella run of 2005, but for the most part Baltimore was the favorite.

Fast Forward to Tuesday morning, and here we sit, atop the AFC North, staring down the teeth of our schedule a mouth that extends to the end of the year.

Sunday Home for the Patriots

Does this REALLY need to be talked up. Three of the last four Lombardi Trophies sit in Foxboro. The last TWO AFC championship losses are at their hands. Enough said. This game is as winnable as it is losable. Expect a MAJOR dose of up the middle grind it out followed by a healthy portion of play-action.

Bye week
I will be spending quality time with my fiancee' . Fans need off weeks too. Might even do 11am service. no...let me stop. I don't do 11am service even during the off season.

10/9 @ San Diego for MNF
Can you say TRAP game. These are the games that cause even GREAT teams not to go 16-0.

10/16 Home for Jacksonville
Another Trap game. Big physical team that loves to bust you in the mouth. coming off a trip back from the West Coast on a short week. Blah.

10/23 @ Cincinnati
We gotta show those youngins who is STILL boss around these parts. Another potential L.

10/31 Home for Baltimore and MNF
As big of a Kordell fan as I was(am?), the thought of him starting IN Heinz Field on MNF AGAINST the Steelers just cries out for an extra long essay. Funny thing is, he is the best QB on their roster right now...even with Boller healthy.

11/6 @ Green Bay for a 4:15 game
Trap game extraordinaire...Green Bay should be even worse by November, but its still a late game in Green Bay after a big division game on MNF.

11/13 Home for Cleveland @ 8:30
Let me establish something really quickly. THESE ARE NOT THE BROWNS. The Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996. This is the new NFL team in Cleveland. This team isnt a rival from the glory days. This team didn't get down and dirty with the Steelers throughout the 70's. This is an expansion team. Sorry, that's just how it is. They are a rival, but they aren't THE rival. We play that team NEXT week.

11/20 @ Baltimore for a 4:15 game
This is the definition of a trap game. Baltimore will NEED this game DESPERATELY by this point. A more hard fought game is not on this schedule.

11/28 @ Indianapolis for MNF
This will be the HIGHEST rated MNF game this year. Give me ONE reason you won't be glued to the screen. Even the missus-to-be is gonna sit in on this one.

12/4 Home for Cincinnati
I would GIVE this one to get the one before it. Winning IN Indianapolis might cost us a home win against Cincinnati.

12/11 Home for Chicago
Ugly game. Kyle Orton, meet Mr. Polamalu, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Farrior.

12/18 @ Minnesota
Minnesota should be fully imploded by this point.

12/24 @ Cleveland on Christmas Eve (only two games on Sunday and one on monday)
Road division Games are NEVER fun. Especially this late in the year.

1/1 Home for Detroit
I cannot think of a good reason to worry about this game, but this IS the NFL after all. Oscar would just DIE if they blew this one.

The point of this exercise is that it is clear that the Steelers have what it takes. What it takes is enough wins to get home-field advantage. I know it hasnt served them well in the past few years, but it's STILL better than playing in hostile territory.

Indianapolis, New England, and the Steelers are clearly the class of the AFC each carries a stiff advantage at home, especially the Colts.

Recent History notwithstanding, It is imperative to secure Home-Field to provide the greatest chance to get to Detroit.

All those games are winnable....they are all just as easily lost. Do not be fooled by the ease of the first two wins. This is the NFL...and it won't be this easy.

Who's Your Favorite Steeler?

2005-09-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Personally, I'm a bit torn. The obvious favorite is Big Ben, but I usually prefer to go against the flow like a naked bootleg. My favorite offensive player would be Hines Ward (the other obvious favorite). He embodies the blue-collar mentality and toughness that has exemplified the Steelers throughout the ages. Hines Ward is everything that is good and right about the Steelers - dedicated to the team, tireless in his work ethic, relentless on run plays, and unstoppable on pass plays. I actually prefer to watch him on runs than on passes - there is nothing more satisfying than watching Hines decleat a 300 lb. lineman, and he does it all the time. He's worth every penny that the Steelers are paying him and then some.

On defense - there are so many to choose from - but I would have to say that Troy Polamalu is rapidly becoming my favorite. The man plays every position on the field, from Safety to Cornerback to Linebacker to Defensive Tackle - I saw him line up and play each of those positions Sunday - and he's probably Dick LeBeau's favorite defensive player too. Watching him come diving at some unfortunate victim who happens to be holding the ball is cathartic. In fact, both in flying through the air and in his looks Troy reminds me of one of my favorite wrestlers from back in the day - Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. I mean they could pass for kin, seriously. It might even be worth calling Tom Joyner for one of his "Are you my daddy?" segments.

So those are my two favorite current Steelers - Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. Who are your favorite offense and defensive players?

Steelers 27, Texans 7

2005-09-18T18:15:00.000-04:00

The second game of the season went pretty much like the first game - flawlessly. Big Ben was questionable for the game but his game was unquestionable - 14/21 passing for 254 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT. Any questions? Troy Polamalu played like his name was Samson - 6 solo tackles and 3 sacks. 3 Sacks! And Fast Willie left the Texans in the dustbowl with 111 yards rushing on 25 attempts. We might not see The Bus or Deuce this season...

Next up are the New England Patriots - the biggest hurdle between the Steelers and Super Bowl XL. The Patriots were mauled by the Carolina Panthers so you know that they have something to prove - they will bring their A-game. This game will define the season - it will show just how good the Steelers are, or aren't. This game will be huge.

Week 2 Newsletter

Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

2005-09-15T18:45:00.000-04:00

I don't think that I have ever laughed out loud as I did during the 1992 Vice Presidential Debate when Admiral Stockdale uttered the words, "Who am I? Why am I here?" It was humorous because he was not a politician, relatively unknown, and yet he was in the political spotlight. The question, however, is actually quite profound. Who am I? Why am I here?” This questions drives philosophers to think and minstrels to sing, each inquiring about that one thing: “Who am I and why am I here?” To answer that question we must look to God. David inquired of God, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; What is man that you take thought of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Ps. 8:3-4) Who am I and why am I here?

I am a child of the Living King. Before any other descriptor I am a child of God. Everything else is an adjective - American, Black, man - I am a Christian, and I am unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am an evangelist, an apologist, a student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, unemployed at the moment, and wholly dependent upon the grace of God.

Who am I?

I am a refugee from the lair of Lions' fans. I was born and raised in Detroit, but I learned early in life (circa 1979) that the Lions were not about winning championships. This was around the time that I developed a visceral loathing for the Dallas Cowboys who began calling themselves America's Team, and since the Steelers were consistently beating the Cowboys I jumped on the Steeler bandwagon and never jumped off.

But why am I here?

I am here because of who I am. I am a Christian. I am a Steeler fan. And if you're reading this then that probably applies to you too. Welcome home.

Who I'm is

2005-09-12T09:41:00.000-04:00

I am one of the Nation. I am living in hostile territory now, as I vowed to do when I left Pittsburgh at the age of 18 in 1988 (Also known as the dark ages).

I left Pittsburgh behind, but took my love for the Steelers with me. That isn't really an option for Pittsburgh natives, especially in my age group. The Steelers as the world knows them was born right before I was, with the hiring of Chuck Noll in 1969. Terry Bradshaw's first training camp coincided with my first months on the earth. Franco Harris plucked victory from the shoulder Pads of Jack Tatum when I was familiarizng myself with the Potty. I remember an indepth conversation with Jack Wagner in Children's Hospital during their fund-raising drive when I was in kindergarten spending the Christmas season in the Hospital.

As they grew and matured and dominated the NFL in the dawn of the 80's, so did I. It was in 1983 that I found Jesus as my personal Savior and began my eternal walk with him. As the city foundered through the 80s courtesy of the relentless march of time and progress with a crushing lead block courtesy of Reaganomics, so did my Steelers, and for that matter so did I culminating in a humilating and painful exit from college.

As the Noll Era ended and The Hour of Cowher Power began, I relocated first to California and then to Maryland, learning to get my Steelers information the best way I could. This was before the Internet and Direct TV and the like, so information was limited. As the Steelers returned to power, so returned my strength to walk with God in better spirit and truth.

I could go on and on...and I will at a later date.

Suffice it to say my history with the Steelers is long, intimate, ongoing and very personal.

TWO things keep me tied to Pittsburgh, Family and the Steelers.

In many ways...they are the same to me.

In the Family that is the ChristianSteelerNation, I am the Hometown Kid.

Steelers 34, Titans 7

2005-09-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

Relax, folks, we'll be OK.

The first game of the season has erased any doubts as to whether or not Big Ben is the man, because if you're like me, the preseason had you a little concerned. This game also erased any questions about whether or not Willie Parker could fill the massive shoes of The Bus and Deuce - a good sign of things to come. Next up, the Steelers head deep into the heart of Texas to meet the Houston Texans. The Texans were embarrassed this week by the Buffalo Bills - by the Texans' own admission - so expect them to play with extra zeal this Sunday. The Steelers will have to prove to the Texans that their zeal is not according to knowledge.

Week 1 Newsletter