Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Two Players Dropped/Added to Steelers Roster
(The Burgh - October 31, 2006) - Halloween came and went along with a couple of roster spots in Stillers Nation. As expected, surgery will end the season for both FB Verron Haynes and LB Arnold Harrison, who are both expected to go under the knife sometime this week. Haynes will be first to have his ACL repaired with a procedure scheduled for tomorrow while Harrison will have to wait until the swelling in his knee goes down, which should happen by the end of this week.With the opening of these two spots, it came as no surprise that the Steelers signed a linebacker and a fullback to the 53 man roster. Third-year veteran LB Marquis Cooper (see photo) was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. Cooper was originally drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played in 26 games over the past two seasons (14 in 2004 and 12 in 2005) with the Bucs. Although Cooper was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006, he was only active for one game (10/01/06 at Buffalo) before being waived yesterday.
John Kuhn, the second year player from Shippensburg, will move from the Steelers' practice squad to the regular roster. Kuhn originally signed with the Steelers in 2005 and also spent part of last season on the team's practice squad.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Are You Kidding Me? A Very, Very, Very Painful Loss....
(The Burgh - October 30, 2006) - When it seemed things couldn't get worse, the defending Super Bowl Champs played more like chumps en route to literally handing (or should we say, tossing) the 1-5 Oakland Raiders their second victory in as many weeks. Although the Steelers outgained the Raiders by nearly 3:1, two (of four) bonehead Big Ben interceptions resulted in TDs for the Silver & Black. Those 14 points were all that Oakland needed to beat the dented Men of Tin.What makes this loss even more painful are the long-term effects it will have on the remainder of the Steelers dismal 2006 season. Although it will not be known for sure until later in the week, it appears as if both FB Verron Haynes and rookie LB Arnold Harrison will be out for the rest of the season with knee injuries. And to make matters even worse, starting C Jeff Hartings could be out for what Coach Cowher says "an extended period of time". Which leads to the speculation that if this injury is serious enough, it could be the last time we see Hartings in a Steelers uniform.
More troubling than the 3 injuries was the continued hesitancy of Big Ben to scramble out of the pocket and run the ball when the opportunity presented itself, as it did during the play that ultimately resulted in a 100 yard interception for the back-breaking touchdown. While we completely understand Ben's reluctance to run into traffic and possibly take a serious blow to the head, maybe he (or the coaches) should have realized that rushing him back into yesterday's game could create situations where his full capabilities could not be utilized.
Finally, the lack of control Coach Cowher has over his players continued, even after last week's promise (for the second time this season) that "this would not happen again". Although the back-to-back personal fouls resulting in 30 yards did not end in a Raiders TD, they did come away with a FG.
Next up are the AFC West leading Denver Broncos, who will surely be out for revenge after last January's loss to a much different Steeler team in the AFC Championship game. And a week later, the surprising NFC South leading New Orleans Saints come to Heinz Field. All in all, this season is turning into a bigger disappointment than anyone could have possibly imagined a mere 8 weeks ago. With the way the Steelers have been playing, the 7th loss of the season (something we haven't seen since the 2003 season) could be here before Thanksgiving.
Friday, October 27, 2006
The Friday Five: Week 8 Preview - Steelers @ Raiders.
(The Burgh - October 27, 2006) - With nearly half the season over, the Steelers find themselves a few games under .500, along with a tough road ahead, including games against 5-1's Denver & New Orleans and 4-2's Baltimore (twice) & Cincinnati. That's 5 of the final 8 games against teams with a combined 22-8 record. Fortunately, 3 of those games are at Heinz Field - the only place Ws seem to be found this season.
As far as we're concerned, this week's game couldn't have come at a better time: the Steelers lost a heartbreak OT thriller to Atlanta last week, while the Raiders got their first taste of victory (so it is expected that the Men of Steel should be extremely hungry, while the Black & Silver will be coming off the high of that first win last week). Look for the Steelers (0-3 on the road this year) to just shellac the Raiders. Let's put it this way, this game won't remind any of yunz of the stellar battles between these two during the 1970s. It's a new millennium and Jumpsuit Al hasn't made the necessary adjustments to stay up with the times.
But, even though this is about as cupcake of a game as the Steelers will face all year, there are plenty of questions in Stillers Nation, including these five going into Sunday's game:
1. Sit or Play Big Ben? Some say it's a no-brainer: start him if he is medically cleared. What sort of message would you be giving the Raiders, and more importantly, Ben's teammates (not that they're worried he's gonna become the next Duce Staley), if he were to sit when the team is 2-4 and looking at being eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving. On the other hand are the more cautious, who look at Big Ben's future as being more important than this season (or at least one game against one of the worst teams in the league). This guy will be playing for another 11-12 seasons, so why risk another concussion now? They say sit Benfor the start of the game and if he is needed, he is ready to play. If Batch can deliver a "W" (which he is capable of), then give Ben another week to heal before being thrown to the lions (or should we say, Broncos).
2. Kendall Simmons or Chris Kemoeatu? After dominating play in the Chiefs game, it looked as if Chris Kemoeatu was ready for more playing time. And after Big Ben got sandwiched last week against the Falcons, Kemoeatu replaced Simmons for the rest of the game. Now, the question is: who will start against the Raiders on Sunday? News is that Cowher is looking seriously at starting Kemoeatu, but one wonders.... If it ain't broke, why fix it? Over the past two years Simmons has played well, as part of one of the most consistent O-lines in the NFL. Maybe that freezer burn on his ankle that caused him to miss the Chiefs game in the first place was a sign of things ahead.
3. DeShea Townsend or Bryant McFadden? Just like the developing mid-season battle for RG, the starting RCB position also seems to be in play. In one corner (no pun intended) is the defending starter - DeShea Townsend; and in the other is 2nd year rising star, Bryant McFadden. This battle won't keep the other player off the field quite as much as the RG decision, since both players will be on the field during nickel and dime formations. But, after giving up 48 points last week to a defense that looked more like the Jarlsberg Steelers, changes are in store.
4. Where did Cedrick Go? Coming into the first week of the season, Cedrick Wilson was the #2 receiver. And looking on today's depth chart, he still is the #2 WR. However, over the past 2 weeks, Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes have been in the headlines alot more the Cedrick (although not always for good reasons). The question is: will Cedrick slowly move down to the #4 position over the coming weeks or will he find a way to hold onto #2?
5. Are the Raiders from the Dark Side? By the looks of it (see photo), the once feared Raiders are reaching out for some extra special help in preparation for the battle against their one-time arch-rivals - the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Here in Stillers Nation, we know better: the Force is With Us (well, at least it has been for for 2 of the first 6 weeks of this season).
As far as we're concerned, this week's game couldn't have come at a better time: the Steelers lost a heartbreak OT thriller to Atlanta last week, while the Raiders got their first taste of victory (so it is expected that the Men of Steel should be extremely hungry, while the Black & Silver will be coming off the high of that first win last week). Look for the Steelers (0-3 on the road this year) to just shellac the Raiders. Let's put it this way, this game won't remind any of yunz of the stellar battles between these two during the 1970s. It's a new millennium and Jumpsuit Al hasn't made the necessary adjustments to stay up with the times.
But, even though this is about as cupcake of a game as the Steelers will face all year, there are plenty of questions in Stillers Nation, including these five going into Sunday's game:
1. Sit or Play Big Ben? Some say it's a no-brainer: start him if he is medically cleared. What sort of message would you be giving the Raiders, and more importantly, Ben's teammates (not that they're worried he's gonna become the next Duce Staley), if he were to sit when the team is 2-4 and looking at being eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving. On the other hand are the more cautious, who look at Big Ben's future as being more important than this season (or at least one game against one of the worst teams in the league). This guy will be playing for another 11-12 seasons, so why risk another concussion now? They say sit Benfor the start of the game and if he is needed, he is ready to play. If Batch can deliver a "W" (which he is capable of), then give Ben another week to heal before being thrown to the lions (or should we say, Broncos).
2. Kendall Simmons or Chris Kemoeatu? After dominating play in the Chiefs game, it looked as if Chris Kemoeatu was ready for more playing time. And after Big Ben got sandwiched last week against the Falcons, Kemoeatu replaced Simmons for the rest of the game. Now, the question is: who will start against the Raiders on Sunday? News is that Cowher is looking seriously at starting Kemoeatu, but one wonders.... If it ain't broke, why fix it? Over the past two years Simmons has played well, as part of one of the most consistent O-lines in the NFL. Maybe that freezer burn on his ankle that caused him to miss the Chiefs game in the first place was a sign of things ahead.
3. DeShea Townsend or Bryant McFadden? Just like the developing mid-season battle for RG, the starting RCB position also seems to be in play. In one corner (no pun intended) is the defending starter - DeShea Townsend; and in the other is 2nd year rising star, Bryant McFadden. This battle won't keep the other player off the field quite as much as the RG decision, since both players will be on the field during nickel and dime formations. But, after giving up 48 points last week to a defense that looked more like the Jarlsberg Steelers, changes are in store.
4. Where did Cedrick Go? Coming into the first week of the season, Cedrick Wilson was the #2 receiver. And looking on today's depth chart, he still is the #2 WR. However, over the past 2 weeks, Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes have been in the headlines alot more the Cedrick (although not always for good reasons). The question is: will Cedrick slowly move down to the #4 position over the coming weeks or will he find a way to hold onto #2?
5. Are the Raiders from the Dark Side? By the looks of it (see photo), the once feared Raiders are reaching out for some extra special help in preparation for the battle against their one-time arch-rivals - the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here in Stillers Nation, we know better: the Force is With Us (well, at least it has been for for 2 of the first 6 weeks of this season).
STEELERS NOTES
PIT is 27-19-1 in games decided by 3 points or less under head coach BILL COWHER. ... In past 2 games, QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER has completed 32 of 41 passes (78.0 pct.) for 476 yards with 5 touchdowns, & 154.6 passer rating. ... PIT's 5 passing TDs last week vs. Falcons tied club record, set 5 times, most recently 11/3/1996 vs. STL. ... RB WILLIE PARKER has at least 20 carries in 4 of 6 games. ... With career high 171 receiving yards last week vs. ATL, WR HINES WARD registered 15th career 100-yd game, trailing only LOUIS LIPPS (16) & JOHN STALLWORTH (25) in club annals. Also, recorded career-high in TDs (3). Can extend consecutive games-w/-catch streak to 126 games. Became 1st player in club history to record at least 600 receptions. ... Rookie WR SANTONIO HOLMES recorded career highs in receptions (5), yards (91) & kickoff return yardage (88). ... Club stands 3rd in conference averaging 24.0 points & 228.5 pass yds/game. ... LB JOEY PORTER was named AFC Defensive POW (Wk. 1, 9/15/02) for efforts vs. OAK, registering 10 tackles, 3.0 sacks & 2 INTs w/ 114 return yards.
RAIDERS NOTES
Rookie QB ANDREW WALTER registered career highs in passing yards (263) and rating (83.1) in victory last week vs. ARI...RB LAMONT JORDAN has 120+ rush yds in 3 of past 4 Oct. home games & has 7 rushing TDs in those 4. In 2 of past 3 at home, Jordan has rushed for at least 128 yds. ... Last week vs. Arizona, RB JUSTIN FARGAS recorded career highs in rushing attempts (23) & yards (66). ... Ground game currently stands 2nd in AFC, averaging 4.4 yds/att. ... In his only previous mtg vs. PIT (12/2/02), WR RANDY MOSS caught 8 passes for 144 yards & 1 TD. ... Defense stands 1st in NFL allowing 140.5 passing yds per game & 4th in AFC allowing 273.0 yds per game. OAK owns AFCÂs No. 4 defense inside 20, allowing 10 TDs in 25 trips (40.0 pct.). ... DE DERRICK BURGESS has at least 1.0 sack in 3 of past 4 games & leads club w/ 5.0. DT TERDELL SANDS notched 1st career INT last wk. Defense limited ARI to 1 of 11 (9.0 pct) on 3rd down conversion atts in Wk 7 win. ... P SHANE LECHLER ranks No. 2 in NFL w/ 49.9-yard average.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Saints @ Steelers Kick-off Changed
(The Burgh - October 26, 2006) If this Stillers season hasn't had enough of the Monday night, Sunday night, and Thursday night games, mixed in with a healthy dose of 4:15pm starts in Oakland and at home against Denver... now comes the topper. For whatever reason (and we're assuming a purely financial one associated with the surging Saints), the NFL has now moved the home game against the New Orleans Saints from 1:00pm to 4:15pm on Sunday, November 12, 2006.
On the bright side, we'll get an extra 4 hours of tailgaiting in; but on the downside, the temps at kick-off will be a lot cooler than originally expected - which could bode well for the struggling Stillers Nation.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Week 5 Preview: San Diego Superchargers.....
(The Burgh - October 5, 2006) - Another week, another evening kick-off. I personally don't mind evening games, but it's definitely been difficult to get into the 2006 NFL Season when your team starts off 1-2 and plays 3 of its first 4 games at a time other than Sunday at 1pm EST.After a week off, Stillers Nation is chomping at the bit to shut the collective traps of all the hatas around the league - from the talking heads on every sports show, to the analysts online, to the average Joes found in chatrooms. So, who cares if we have to wait until Sunday night - bring on the Super Chargers. Which got me thinking about their original "fight" song that sounded more like an old Village People tune that what Pittsburghers think of when it comes to a real "fight" song.
Which then got me thinking about one of the games I attended at Jack Murphy Stadium (renamed Qualcomm Stadium a few years back). It was a strange day from beginning to end. Firstly, we arrive around 10am to tailgate and are greeted by the hosts with a tailgate consisting of sushi and chardonnay. Don't get me wrong, I love both, but not on a Sunday morning when I'm getting ready to wacth a football game.
Then we went into the stadium and up into the Club Seats, which had about as much energy as the lobby of an opera just before the curtain was raised. Then came the clincher, during the game (which by no means was a blow-out), a woman was reading her book - HER BOOK?!? I closed my eyes and pictured that same woman in Three Rivers Stadium (since we're talking pre-Heinz Field days here), and could only imagine what would have happened to her if she tried that nonsense during a Steelers game. I vowed from that day forward to avoid football games in San Diego and instead head south of the border to Rosarito Beach where I could wager on the games, drink Pacificos, and eat Fish Tacos until I couldn't move.
Which brings us to this week's game. Some say it is "the turning point" of this young season for the Stillers. Others say no matter what happens (win or lose), there is a still alot of season left. My take is if the Steelers can't pull out a W against San Diego, it won't bode well for post-season aspirations. Is it a do or die game? No. But, when is the last time the Steelers started of 1-3 and were able to turn it around? OK, other than the 2002 season?
Fans will notice few changes from the team the took the field in the past two losses - with the exception of Ricardo Coclough, who will not be fielding punts due to a "mysterious neck injury" suffered during an off-week somewhere other than practice. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Sounds a tad fishy, if you ask me. Which means that either rookie Santonio Holmes or Willie Reid will take over the role. Let's hope either (or both) can do a better job that what we witnessed against Cincinnati.
STEELERS NOTES
PIT seeks 3rd consecutive win on Sunday Night. PIT has been penalized 6 times, fewest in league. ... QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER has 11-2 (.846) career road record as starter, averaging 8.46 yards per att. (303 atts/2,562 yds) in those games. ... RB WILLIE PARKER rushed for 133 yards & career-high 2 TDs vs. Cin. in Wk. 3. Has 533 rushing yards (106.6) w/ 4 100s & 3 TDs in past 5 games. ... TE HEATH MILLER averages 20.9 yards per catch (7 for 146), tops among NFL TEs (min. 5 rec.) & has converted 5 of 7 receptions for 1st downs. ... WR HINES WARD (122) owns 4th-longest active consecutive games streak w/ catch. ... LB JOEY PORTER has 3.5 sacks in 3 career games vs. SD. Defense ranks 4th in NFL vs. rush (78.3 yds/game) & have posted top-5 mark in league in 4 of past 5 yrs. ...
CHARGERS NOTES
MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER (193) needs 1 win to surpass CHUCK KNOX (193) for 7th most wins in NFL history. ... QB PHILIP RIVERS (96.7) is NFL’s 7th-highest rated passer w/ 3rd-best comp. pct. mark (67.6; 46 of 68) in league...RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON has 87 touchdowns in 81 career games & needs 3 to reach 90 in 2nd fewest games (HOF JIM BROWN, 81). Tomlinson (300) & RB MICHAEL TURNER (221) 1 of 4 NFL teammate tandems w/ 220+ rush yds. ... WR KEENAN MC CARDELL (10,756) needs 101 rec. yds to surpass GARY CLARK for 17th most in NFL history. In past 6 at home, TE ANTONIO GATES has 474 rec. yards (89.0 avg.) & 6 TDs . ... LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN 1 of only 2 LBs with 4.0+ sacks & 1+ INT. ... Defense leads NFL in fewest yards allowed (184.3) & has yet to allow points in 2nd or 3rd qtr, outscoring opponents 39-0 in those qtrs. ... LS DAVID BINN to play in 195th career game Sunday night which would tie DOUG WILKERSON (1971-84) for 2nd-most w/ team (200: JUNIOR SEAU, 1990-02; RUSS WASHINGTON, 1968-82).
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