Bleacher Report - Articles by JOHN LUCKEL

Pittsburg Steelers: Stats and Schedule

JOHN LUCKEL — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:50:23 -0400

On May 7, the Steelers signed wide receiver Shaun McDonald, who said that it didn't take long to see the difference between his new team and the Lions, the team for which he had played for two years.

Hines Ward signed a four year contract through 2013. Hopefully, Ward will receive his wish to finish his career with the Steelers.

Mike Tomlin was reflecting back to the 2005 season when they followed their Super Bowl winning season with mishaps, letdowns, and loses. Still, Tomlin is familiar with what happens when a team tries to live off of its title for too long.

Some of the notable stats for last year's regular season should give the offense something for which to strive.

Their stats are 290 first downs, 92-224 third down conversions, 4991 total offensive yards, 1690 total rushing yards, 3301 total passing yards, 31.41 average possession time, and a +4 turnover ratio.

James Farrior—133 tackles, 87 of which were solos, four sacks, and one caused fumble.
James Harrison—100 tackles, 67 solos, 16 sacks, and seven caused fumbles.
Troy Palamalu—73 tackles and 54 solos.
LaMarr Woodley—60 tackles, 41 solos 12 sacks, and two caused fumbles.
Lawerence Timmons—65 tackles, 43 solos, five sacks, and one caused fumble.
Troy Palamalu—Seven INTs and 59 yards avg.
Tyrone Carter—Three INTs, 64 yards avg, 21.3 long, and went 32 yards with one TD.
Lawerence Timmons—One INT, 89 yards avg, 89 yards long, and was 89 yards no TDs.
There were 20 total interceptions for the regular season, 290 yards avg, 14.5 longest run, back 89 yards, and two TDs.

The Steelers 2009 schedule looks to be somewhat challenging.

Week one—Home against Tenn
Week two—Away at Bears.
Week three—Away at the Bengals.
Week four—Home against Chargers.
Week five—away at the Lions
Week six—Home against the Browns.
Week seven—Home against the Dolphins.
Week eight—A bye week.
Week nine—Away at the Broncos.
Week ten—Home against the Bengals.
Week 11—Away at the Chiefs.
Week 12—Away at the Ravens.
Week 13—Home against the Raiders.
Week 14—Away at the Browns.
Week 15—Home against the Packers.
Week 16—Home against the Ravens.
Week 17—Away at the Dolphins.

Steelers fans, put on your black and gold on for the 2009 season! Let's see if we can cheer the Steelers onto the post season and then the Super Bowl.

Wes Malott Remains King of Bowling

JOHN LUCKEL — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:22:36 -0400

Wes "the Big Nasty" Malott rolled a perfect 300 game last week against Walter Ray Williams Jr. to keep his title, King of Bowling. Wes sat on the side lines waiting to see who would challenge him for the title.

Last night matched two rookies, John Nolen and up-and-coming left hander Rhino Page. Rhino Page went on to defeat Nollen 256-176 to earn the right to go head-to-head with the Big Nasty.

Rhino Page stared off strong, confident, and a little cocky with Malott. The Big Nasty put him in his place, defeating Page 257-233 to retain his title.

Next week's match between Brad Angelo and Parker Bohn will prove to be interesting.

Parker Bohn is almost impossible to beat when he finds his groove.

Next Wednesday night's match will be a tough battle for both bowlers. Each will compete to see who is worthy to face the Big Nasty.

Steelers 2009 Mini-camp a Success

JOHN LUCKEL — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:30:25 -0400

On May 4, coach Tomlin announced his mini-camp to be a success, saying, "I got a chance to look at a lot of new guys, and to gather our veterans to start the process of building our 2009 team." Coach Tomlin stated that there was great energy and enthusiasm on the field.

Tomlin was taking a good look at special teams during their final day of mini-camp. He said, "I like what we're doing, and I like attention to detail. We have some new guys who are showing some capabilities in areas that can help the football team."

There has been a lot of teaching during mini-camp on both sides of the ball.

Tomlin is excited with how the team is building and how the newcomers are growing.

Keep your eyes on a couple of rookies this season who will have positive impact: No. 96, Ziggy Hodd, and No. 44, Frank Summers.

Steelers 2009 Draft Report

JOHN LUCKEL — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:08:01 -0400

In the 2009 draft, both director of operations Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin were excited about their first round, 32nd overall pick, Evander "Ziggy" Hood. The 6'2", 300 pound defensive linesman is Steelers material.

In an interview with head coach Mike Tomlin, he had said, "You don't find many of these body types. We are comfortable with his capability of playing five techniques in a 3-4 defense."

While they picked a defensive linesman in the first round, they traded their second round pick for two third picks.

Among those picked in the third round were corner back Keenan Lewis from Oregon State, a 6'0", 208 pound terror who was picked 96th overall. They got Mike Wallace, wide receiver, at 6'0", 199 pounds from Mississippi, who was picked 84th overall. Also in the third round, the 79th overall pick, is a guard, Kraig Urbik, a 6'5", 323 pound pure destructive force from Madison, Wisconsin.

For the fifth round choices, we have full back Frank Summers, a 5'10", 230 pound speed demon from Las Vegas, Nevada. Then, we have a promising pick, Joe Burnett, a corner back from UCF. He comes in at 5'9", 192 pounds and the 168th pick overall.

When it came down to the sixth round pick, they didn't have to think long about their decision. They picked 6'2", 298 pound defensive end Ra'Shon Harris from Oregon.

For their seventh round, 241st overall pick, they got Davis Johnson from Arkansas, a 6'2", 260 pound tight end.

Overall, it looks like the Steel Nation is on the right track with their draft picks for 2009. They have covered most of the positions that were giving them trouble.

I'm glad to see the power drafted both for offense and defense. With the addition of this year's draft, we should make it to the Super Bowl.

Wes Malott Bowls a Perfect 300

JOHN LUCKEL — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:32:56 -0400

Wes "the Big Nasty" Malott defeated one of the greats in the sport, Walter Ray Williams, today in Lake Wales, FL.

The Big Nasty rolled a perfect 300 game on national TV to remain the king of bowling.

This feat is extremely difficult to accomplish. Throwing twelve balls in nearly the exact same spot to complete a perfect game is a feat few have done. Performing on national TV has to intensify the pressure.

Next week in the circuit, the Big Nasty will try to do it again. This time, he will go up against one of the sport's newest members, left handed Rhino Page.

Rhino Page was last year's Rookie of the Year. He has a good chance to defeat and dethrone the Big Nasty.

Bowling fans should tune in to next week's match see what happens. Whoever takes the match will be the king of bowling.

Tune in and see the excitement.

Mark Martin Signs Two Contracts with Hendricks Motor Sports

JOHN LUCKEL — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:33:37 -0400

Nextel cup driver Mark Martin announced that he signed a two year contract with Hendrick Motor Sports. The 50 year old driver had recently said that he would drive a partial season for Hendricks in 2010. This week, he declared that he would be driving a full season in 2010.

Thank you, Mark!

Mark is the oldest active driver in cup series. With his first win of the season, the Subway Fresh 500, I'm sure that this won't be his last win this season.

Don't let the age fool you; Martin is still young at heart. He has a few more good years of driving left in him. He will give the young guns a good run for the money. With years of experience and a heart to win, keep you eyes on No. 5.

NFL: Does Size Really Matter?

JOHN LUCKEL — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:42:27 -0400

In today's NFL it seems size doesn't matter.It seems to be the smaller you are the better it is. Back when I played high school football small was a bad thing. Every year the players were getting bigger, and I seemed to not grow. Well to say the least I stopped playing.

I look forward to the upcoming season to see how small they will go this year. Looking back to last year we have Darren Sproles, a 5'6" 180 pound running back for the Chargers, Quentin Griffin 5'7" 195 pound running back, then we have CORNER BACK, Jason David 5'8" 172 pounds.

I'm not sure how these guys would of fared back in the days of bone crushing, bloody football of the 70's. I'm sure there are a few small guys who would have an impact on football then, now seems to be the time of the smaller players.

Lets see what this season has to offer us as fans of the sport. I for one look forward to watching the smaller backs bob and weave through the stunned defenses. Their speed alone is something to contend with, once they get into the open field good luck catching them. With their bodies so low to the ground they have the advantage from the start.

So once again lets go back and ask ourselves the question, does size matter? I don't think so, in most cases bigger is better, if your a lineman, a linebacker yes big is good. But when it comes to the backfield look out big here comes small, and their coming low and fast. So lets see what happens this up coming season, lets see if the defense can come up with a solution for this. Hope you enjoy the 2009 season.

Jason Belmonte: Is Bowling with Two Hands Better than One?

JOHN LUCKEL — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:26:42 -0400

I'm not sure how many bowling fans we have out there. I for one am, have been for many years now. As a fact, I have rolled two 300 games in which I proudly am displayed in the Pro Bowlers Hall of Fame in St. Louis, MO, along with all my other accomplishments I've achieved in the sport.

I, for one, did all this with one hand. Now let me throw a name out there for you: a 23-year-old, Jason Belmonte, from Australia. Not too many of you may know this name; he is a 2009 two-handed bowler, that's right two-handed. He has put a whole new spin on the sport of professional bowling.

I have seen this young man do his thing, tournament after tournament, taking on all comers. So far his opponents still bowl the old fashion way, one-handed. I've never tried two-handed bowling before. If it's as easy as he makes it look, why not give it a try? We may see you on TV as well. Good Luck and good bowling.

Take Someone Out to the Ballgame

JOHN LUCKEL — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:12:49 -0400

I was watching an Indians game the other night and started to reflect into my past. I think I knew TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME before I knew the National Anthem or the Pledge Of Allegiance.

I remember my father and grandfather being a big influence in my life when it came to sports.

I can remember going to my grandfather's house to watch the game.We would lay on the floor in front of the TV side by side. I can still remember him yelling and screaming at the set when the Indians weren't doing well at all.

He would say well, that's it, no more Indians games, but day after day he was there yelling and screaming, no matter what. God rest his soul. I know he's watching from heaven now, most likely proud of the Indians of today.

On occasion, my father would take me to the ballpark to catch a game. Those were special days to me, they didn't come along too often, so I took in every moment I could.

My father has also passed on, watching from up above.You don't realize how special those moments are or can be for you and your children.

So please take a day spend it at the ball park with your parents and or your children.

Make special moments of your own you can cherish and keep with you forever. You never know when you'll be watching the game alone. Thank goodness for America's pastime. So TAKE SOMEONE TO THE BALLGAME.

Steelers: The Fast and Furious, Are They for Real?

JOHN LUCKEL — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:01:59 -0400

It seems as though were looking back in time,when the steel curtain could not be penetrated. Today's Steel curtain their tough,fast,or they for real?Yes they are,i would not want any of the defense coming at me.

If it wasn't for the strength of the defense where would Big Ben be they win more games than the offense does,this season will be no different,tough,fast ,mean.i believe Mean Joe Greene,Jack Lambert,CHRIS Hamburg, etc would be and are proud.

For all the linesmen,safeties,linebackers of the WORLD CHAMPION PITTSBURG STEELERS,all you fans say thank you,thats really not enough,but for now thanks,i know i'm looking forward to another great sit on the edge of your seat season.

Micheal Vick: Second Chance?

JOHN LUCKEL — Sun, 03 May 2009 01:39:45 -0400

OK, I know this is just about wore out about now. I personally am not a Michael Vick fan or as far as the Falcons go. The question here is who will Micheal play for next season. It's not will he play, it's with whom will he play.

I am, for one, enraged at what Michael did with the dogs. I am an animal lover since childhood. I'm glad he will never own another one in his life. I don't think his punishment was not severe enough, but he did his time, now it's time to move on.

Michael, in his own right, was a good quarterback. I feel anyone deserves a second chance. Come on, where would most of us be without a second chance? I believe he should be able to finish his passion, maybe be ranked in the top 10 quarterbacks.

Now it'sa question of who will pick him up as a player again? I don't believe he should play for a team which has an animal represent the team, name and logo such as the Lions, Eagles, Dolphins, well you get my point. LONG LIVE THE SECOND CHANCE.

Will Jimmie Johnson Make it Four? Will Earnhardt Contribute at all?

JOHN LUCKEL — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:23:38 -0400

Race fans, I don't know about you, but even though it's early in the season, some aspects I'm happy with and some are disappointing. Jimmie Johnson, so far, isn't driving like a three time champion, and where is Little E?

Last week's race at Talladega was very exciting. If you didn't think the finish was spectacular you weren't watching the race. I'm just disappointed in Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr. Every week it's something different with Dale. I guess your name can't carry you through life.

I hope Jimmie Johnson is just holding back. I know the last couple races he has had some car troubles. Well let's get the car fixed so he can run up front where he belongs. Good luck Jimmie and to all his fans. I WANT TO SEE No. 4!

Will Big Ben Make It Seven For The Steelers?

JOHN LUCKEL — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:58:52 -0400

Well Steeler fans, what's it going to be this year?

Is Ben going to be worthy to wear the black and gold?

Can he repeat with a good year? Lets hope so.

I have been a Steeler fan my whole life, through thick and thin, rough and smooth.

I wonder if we will ever see the days of the 70s? They are coming close to it. The defense is as good as the old steel curtain.

What about the quarterback? Can Ben stay healthy? Can the offense protect him? That is the question. Ben can't keep taking hit after hit every game and be expected to be able to take this team to the big one once again.

Lets hope they work on the offensive line this season and protect Ben. I would love to see him ranked up there with Bradshaw and some of the other greats. Lets hope our back up can handle the pressure of the game just in case. I hope to see you at Super Bowl.