Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick DeWitt

Turning The Corner: Where The Steelers Go From Here

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:14:55 -0500

Okay. Everyone take a deep breath.

First, the positive. The Steelers are still alive in the division courtesy of Cincinnati's unthinkable loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders. Cincinnati still faces Minnesota and San Diego, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility for them to lose two more games. If the Raiders can beat them, maybe the Jets can too.

Now, the negative. The Steelers cannot afford another loss, particularly next week against division rival Baltimore. The loser of that game can start checking out January tee times. The winner will duke it out with the Bengals and the rest of the AFC's playoff contenders for one of the remaining playoff spots.

Now that we have everything laid out, let's look at the schedule that remains.

The Steelers play in Baltimore, at home against Oakland, at Cleveland, home for Green Bay and Baltimore again, and then back out on the road to finish against Miami.

Of those teams, only Green Bay has a winning record this season. Baltimore is always hazardous to Pittsburgh. Miami is dangerous too. Cleveland and Oakland are bad, but both teams would love to knock the Steelers out of the playoffs, so they can't be ignored either.

In short, the Steelers' margin for error is now razor thin.

The Steelers had what can only be called a team loss on Sunday. Every phase failed to execute at critical points and there were even some poor coaching decisions that contributed.

Therefore, a look at the whole team is in order as we discuss how the Steelers can rebound and avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in Mike Tomlin's tenure.

Special Teams

We're going to work in order of importance. The Steelers have allowed four kickoff or punt returns for touchdowns this season. If the coverage units don't improve quickly, it will matter little what the offense or defense accomplish.

After last week's return by Bernard Scott, the Steelers parted ways with linebacker Arnold Harrison. The move was partially a message to the remaining members of the coverage units that poor performance would no longer be tolerated and could result in unemployment.

A week later, it looks like that message fell on deaf ears.

Perhaps the only quick fix that can be tried at this point is to play some of the team's starters on special teams. Rashard Mendenhall, James Harrison, and Brett Keisel are among the current starters who have played on coverage units in the past.

Maybe it's time to go back to the future. Whether its a lack of ability or lack of desire, the Steelers' coverage teams cannot adequately tackle returners and also are very poor in their pursuit tactics.

Jeff Reed is being asked to kick more directionally instead of booming kicks downfield so that the Steelers can collapse their coverage down onto one small piece of field. The problem is that they are getting there too late and are missing opportunities when they arrive.

On punts, fewer and fewer Daniel Sepulveda offerings are returnable. Sepulveda is quite the weapon, but his kicks are getting shorter because he has to kick out of bounds to prevent disaster. When he shortens his kicks to place them out of bounds, he sacrifices field position.

The kickoff returns have been far worse than the punt returns, but neither unit has distinguished itself in 2009, a year after both ranked as the league's premier units.

On the other side of special teams, the return game, the results have been unspectacular at best. The Steelers have returned one punt for a touchdown this season.

Stefan Logan's speed has not translated into many big plays, although the average starting field position is an improvement over last season.

Logan has been replaced periodically with Mike Wallace and Mewelde Moore. Neither has proved to be an improvement.

While the return teams are not as big a concern as the coverage teams, the Steelers would still benefit from being able to operate on shorter drives and also to have the occasional big return to balance out their poor coverage.

There's not much more that can be asked of Jeff Reed or Daniel Sepulveda. I don't and won't buy into the notion that Reed should be a better tackler. If a kicker or punter is responsible for making a play, ten people have failed in their responsibilities already.

Defense

For the first quarter of the season, the Steelers defense couldn't find a complete game. They needed a closer worse than their North Side counterparts, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A few times, they needed a starter instead. Either way, they weren't playing a full 60 minutes.

Then, mystically, it seemed to fix itself. They had a lapse here or there, but they were playing great football from start to finish. No one is perfect on every play.

Last week against the Bengals, when the defense needed to rise up and make a big stop in the three point game, they bent and broke and allowed the Bengals to widen their lead with a late field goal. They also let the Bengals chew up a good portion of the clock.

Sunday against the Kansas City, the Steelers let a mediocre (at best) offense drive 62, 91, and 76 yards in the second half and overtime. The Chiefs overcame a ten point deficit and beat the Steelers.

It used to be that a seven point lead was safe in Pittsburgh. The offense would grind minutes off the clock and the defense would snuff out any hope of a rally.

Now, no lead is safe. In four losses, the Steelers have blown leads in three contests. They've also made a few of their wins a lot closer than they needed to be (remember that Chargers game where a blowout turned into a nail-biter?).

The defense has played through injuries all season, but injuries aren't their biggest problem. They are wearing down, something no Steelers defense has done since the early part of the decade. Teams aren't finding openings early, so obviously the scheme and talent is sound. It's in the second half that the problem lies.

Perhaps the most troubling schematic issue facing Pittsburgh is that Dick LeBeau pockets several blitz packages whenever his star safety, Troy Polamalu, is on the sideline nursing his balky knee.

LeBeau needs to turn the Steelers loose in the second half and let them blitz continually. When Matt Cassel was under pressure in the first half of Sunday's game, he couldn't get anything done.

In the second half, Cassel drove the Chiefs against a defense sitting back and protecting the lead.

The "prevent" defense prevents one thing: victory.

Offense

Where to start?

Statistically, the Steelers have one of the league's top units. Ben Roethlisberger is having a career passing year.

Interestingly enough, last time Roethlisberger had a career year in yardage, the Steelers finished 8-8 after a Super Bowl victory the previous season.

This year, Ben is on pace to shatter his previous totals in many categories. The problem, as always, has been sacks.

Roethlisberger has a tendency for holding the ball too long. This gives the Steelers great plays. But when the offensive line struggles as they have the last two contests, Ben has much less chance of making a play.

I'm not advocating that the coaches try to change his game. But Ben needs a lesson in "when there is no play and one isn't going to develop, it's time to throw it away."

Lately, Ben has also seemed to have trouble feeling backside pressure, which is deadly for a quarterback.

On the rushing end, things have drastically improved from early on. The biggest problem here is play (and player) selection. At first, the Steelers were running Mendenhall into the ground. Then they over-corrected.

Now they are getting there, but they aren't using him in the right situations. Everyone will point at the play in overtime as a key example. Bruce Arians, faced with a third down and two yards, in field goal range for Jeff Reed, chose to run a toss play with Mewelde Moore.

First of all, if you look at the Steelers film from the last two years, the toss play is one of the worst in their catalog of rushing plays. It rarely, regardless of the player, yields a gain and all too often yields a loss. Without calling Elias for some official statistics, I'd say its about an 80% failure rate for yards gained.

Add in that, of all three of the Steelers backs, they chose their slowest. Mewelde Moore is not an edge runner. He runs a good screen route in the flat, but he doesn't turn the corner like Willie Parker can.

So if you have to run a toss play in that situation, you should be using Parker.

But let's throw that out and take it a step further.

Why don't you have your prized stallion out there going up the gut to grind out two yards. Mendenhall has been great between the tackles and was gaining 3.8 yards per carry yesterday. The Steelers needed only two to drive further.

Instead, they lost almost three.

More than anything on offense, the play selection has been hideous. Ben Roethlisberger shows a deft ability to run the no-huddle, calling his own plays, and creating outside the pocket.

Too often, and way too often against the Chiefs, Roethlisberger was running pocket passing plays, huddling between snaps, and running Bruce Arians' offense.

Turn him loose already.

In overtime (and, for that matter, in the 4th quarter when we were tied at 17 and then 24), I would have come out in a no-huddle offense.

The common misconception is that you don't run out of the no-huddle. That's not true. You can run out of that scheme. The reasoning behind it is that you keep moving and keep the defense from substituting and getting into a groove.

Someone needs to tell Bruce Arians what his unit's strengths are fast, before we lose another game because of an inept call.

Coaching

Without beating a dead horse about the offensive play calling, I think that Mike Tomlin needs to change too.

I rarely would attempt to criticize any head coach's style or game strategy, but I think Tomlin has a flaw.

Unfortunately, the Steelers always have had this flaw. Chuck Noll's teams did it. Bill Cowher's teams raised it to an art form.

The Steelers, for whatever reason, play down to their competition.

Against good teams, Pittsburgh plays its finest football. They routinely knock off more talented or equally talented teams. It's the bad teams that they struggle most with.

On Sunday, it was more of the same. The Kansas City Chiefs were 2-7 coming in. Pittsburgh was 6-3. The Steelers offense moved the ball at will and their defense was coming off a string of excellent showings. The Chiefs were struggling on offense and defense.

But Pittsburgh let the Chiefs hang around, even allowing them to revive themselves after falling behind 17-7 at halftime.

As a result, Pittsburgh lost.

If there is one thing Mike Tomlin needs to change, it is that aspect of the team's motivation. The Steelers should have the desire to prove themselves every game instead of just rising to the occasion against good teams.

This trend is particularly alarming, as the Steelers face only one more team (Green Bay, 6-4) that currently sports a winning record. If they can't get up for games they should win, the Steelers could not only finish without a playoff appearance, but with a .500 or worse record.

The Big Picture

There's a lot of bright spots, but there are also a lot of things that need sorted out. There's a soft schedule remaining, but a lack of motivation to beat struggling teams. There's a great opportunity to win another title, but some doubt creeping in as to whether or not this team wants it badly enough.

For Pittsburgh, it's time to prove that they are defending champions, and to prove it every single week.

Backsliding Pittsburgh Steelers Have Their Backs Against the Wall

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:59:58 -0500

Someone must have forgot to tell the Steelers that return season doesn't start until after Christmas.

In the past eight games, the Steelers have allowed some type of return for a touchdown. In the last two games, it has cost them in the final tally.

Before the opening kickoff, Steelers radio broadcaster Tunch Ilkin stated that he thought the Steelers would not allow another return for a touchdown for the remainder of the season.

Oops.

But the Steelers' loss Sunday to lowly Kansas City goes well beyond Jamaal Charles' 97-yard jaunt to start the game.

This was a team loss. In fact, it's the only thing the Steelers did as a team on Sunday.

Let's break it down.

Offense

Ben Roethlisberger had another huge passing day, completing 32-of-42 attempts for 398 yards and three touchdowns.

It would have been a wonderful day, nearly a career day, if not for the fact that he also threw two interceptions, was sacked three times, continually held the ball too long, and failed miserably in the fourth quarter to make plays to win the game.

Another red-zone interception by Roethlisberger also puts a damper on his statistical marvels. That interception, returned to the Pittsburgh six, was a back-breaker. After that, the offense was erratic at best and at worst an unmitigated disaster.

But let's not just pin this one on Big Ben. He had some help.

Mike Wallace fumbled in the first quarter after a long completion by Roethlisberger, killing a promising drive at midfield.

Several passes were dropped, and at times it seemed as if Ben and the receivers were playing two different games.

However, as has been the case since Mike Tomlin came aboard in 2007, some of the worst blame lies with the man in the offensive coordinator's headset: Bruce Arians.

The toss play in overtime will go down as one of his worst calls ever. Worse, he chose to run the toss play (which is a low percentage play for the Steelers anyway) with his slowest running back.

No offense to Mewelde Moore, but I'm not running many toss plays with him.

If Arians absolutely had to run the toss play on third down, he should have sent in Willie Parker to carry the mail.

The best choice, however, would have been to not run the toss play at all.

How about a power running play with Rashard Mendenhall, the best back on the team? Mendenhall was gaining tough yards on the Kansas City front seven. Why not let him push for two yards?

The worst crime of that toss play was that the Steelers were on the fringes of believable field goal range.

At worst, Jeff Reed could have come in and attempted a kick to win the game. After Moore lost two yards on the toss, the Steelers were beyond his range and forced into a Daniel Sepulveda punt.

Defense

So we're back to this? In the first half, the Steelers' vaunted defense allowed no points, not a lot of yards, and even less hope for a Chiefs offense mired in a season-long funk.

In the second half, the Chiefs offense was spotted marching down the field to tie and, later, to win the game.

We're back to playing halves and quarters instead of games.

Do not say it's about Troy Polamalu.

The defense broke once again when the game was on the line.

Forget the sparkling statistics. Games are won and lost in the fourth quarter based on whether defenses are successful or not.

On Sunday, the Steelers couldn't hold the Chiefs back. In the second half, the Chiefs scored on drives of 62 and, even more uncharacteristically, 91 yards. Their overtime drive encompassed 76 yards.

The problems range anywhere from poor tackling to lack of pressure. It almost seems as if Dick LeBeau is afraid to blitz without his prized safety in the lineup.

Special Teams

Stop me if you've heard this before.

The Steelers allowed a long return for a touchdown thanks to poor tackling and poor pursuit.

So, now what?

Will Tomlin cut another player, hoping that one person will change everything or will send the message that the players need to step it up?

It's obviously not all on the players.

It's time to start turning up the heat on Bob Ligashesky and Chris Amos, our friendly neighborhood special teams coordinators.

If this doesn't get fixed, someone's job will have to be taken away. The Steelers have struggled for years with kick coverage, which is something so basic that it should be an unquestioned strength.

Last year, to make matters worse, the Steelers owned the league's top coverage units. Things looked bright.

The players are the same. The results are opposite.

It's time to step in and scare some people into thinking their jobs are on the line.

It's also time to put some of your starters out there to cover kicks. The veteran defensive players (and even some of the offensive players) know how to make big tackles. Let's see it.

The best tackle of the day was on a return.

Too bad it was Mendenhall chasing down defensive star (read that sarcastically) Andy Studebaker after Roethlisberger tossed up a gift.

Maybe Mendenhall should play special teams. At least Studebaker didn't score.

I'm not sure anyone even bothered to breathe on Jamaal Charles.

Coaching

Mike Tomlin, this one's on you too.

The Steelers were flat. Worse yet, they were flat coming off a big loss to a division rival. Worse yet, that division rival lost, meaning that if the Steelers had even eked out a win Sunday, they would be back within sight of first place.

Both of the coordinators called poor games. Arians called an OK game, but the big calls define you, and his biggest call of the day was a failure of epic proportions.

LeBeau is afraid to blitz regularly without Polamalu. He needs to face his fear. Ty Carter is playing great whenever he's called upon.

Let him play Troy's game as well as he can. The results, particularly in the second half, cannot be much worse than they've been already.

I won't even mention the special teams again. I didn't really see them on Sunday anyway.

If Pittsburgh plays that game against Baltimore, their biggest rival in recent seasons, they will not only lose, but they will be physically destroyed.

It's time to get the boys motivated again. It's also time to get them playing as a team.

The Steelers didn't look like much of a team on Sunday. They looked like 53 guys playing football.

They need to play together.

Thanks to Cincinnati, it's not too late.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Special Problems, Offensive Offense Doom Steelers

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:13:38 -0500

There are three phases to every football game.

Sunday, the Steelers failed miserably in two of those phases and wore down in the third phase. That added up to an 18-12 loss to division-leading Cincinnati.

It wasn't just that the Steelers lost.

It was that they were beaten by a team that was playing their game, at their stadium, better than they were.

Cincinnati physically beat the Steelers on Sunday. There were no high offensive totals for Carson Palmer or Chad Ochocinco. There was no big day from Cedric Benson.

There was (another) long kick return for a touchdown and a suffocating defensive effort that tallied a turnover, four sacks, and an amazing ten passes defensed.

That, plus a usually dominant running game, is how the Steelers have destroyed teams for the better part of the last half century.

Let's break down what we found out Sunday.

Offense

The Steelers gaudy offensive statistics were bound to start falling back to Earth. Falling would have been normal. Crashing down like the aircraft carrier in 2012 ? That wasn't something anyone saw coming.

The Steelers failed to move the ball offensively, having an offensive day that was the worst in nearly a decade by this unit.

Ben Roethlisberger, usually accurate, threw high, wide, short, and low of his receivers when they managed to get open, completing 20 of his 40 attempts for 174 yards and an interception.

The rushing attack, keyed lately by an emergent Rashard Mendenhall, managed only 80 yards. Mendenhall managed only 36 on 13 carries.

The receivers couldn't get open.

When they did and the ball came to them, they couldn't hang on. Usually steady Mike Wallace struggled. Hines Ward was often the victim of blanket coverage. Santonio Holmes had the best day with seven catches and 88 yards, but even his performance was lackluster.

Of all the offensive components, it was the offensive line, however, that shocked me the most. Steady and even spectacular since the opening game against Tennessee, the Steelers' line looked lost and out of sync.

Roethlisberger was sacked four times and was regularly stuck in a collapsing pocket. The four sacks tied a season high for the Steelers offense (the other four sack game was by the Titans).

Overall, the offense was just offensive.

Defense

Troy Polamalu is hurt. Again.

Still, the Steelers defense played well. Dick LeBeau's usual goal is to allow less than 17 points defensively. He achieved it Sunday. The defense allowed four field goals (12 points) on Sunday. One of those came after a Roethlisberger interception which gave the Bengals the ball already in range.

So let's say they legitimately gave up nine points.

That's a pretty good day.

And it would have been great had the Steelers won.

But the defense did have a letdown. It was on the Bengal's final scoring drive, late in the fourth.

At that point, the Bengals led 15-12. They were starting relatively deep in their own end.

Then it happened. A few cracks for Bernard Scott to run through, a bad personal foul against James Harrison, and another field goal later, the Bengals suddenly put the Steelers firmly against the wall.

The defense can't be blamed, however. One bad (and not really bad) drive doesn't make a whole game.

Carson Palmer was held to pedestrian totals (18 of 30, 178 yards) and was sacked twice. Cedric Benson wasn't a factor before getting hurt (33 yards on 13 carries) and Bernard Scott wasn't a factor after (22 yards on seven carries). Chad Ochocinco was also missing from the highlight reel, recording only two catches for 29 yards.

The Steelers didn't allow a touchdown by the Bengals offense. The shortest field goal (throwing out the 23 yard boot after the turnover) was 32 yards. The defense was, in every respect, very much on their game.

Do I nitpick and say they should have tried to pressure more? I could. But then I'd just be nitpicking when there's something more important to dissect.

Special Teams

Let's start with the good.

Jeff Reed and Daniel Sepulveda were weapons on Sunday. Reed kicked four field goals and was his usual steady self. Sepulveda had five punts, all excellent, including a 55 yard boot.

Here's the lackluster.

Stefan Logan was pedestrian. His speed pays off on occasion, but the Bengals wrapped him up for the most part. He did have a 30 yard kickoff return and a 25-yard punt return, both good. Like the defense, he can't be blamed for the loss.

Now let's look at the bad.

The coverage teams were poor once again. For the third time in four games, the Steelers allowed a return for a touchdown.

For the third time in four games, the touchdown occurred after several players missed tackles.

For the third time in four games, the touchdown completely robbed the Steelers of momentum.

For the first time, however, it cost them the game.

The Steelers lost by six points. Those six points were achieved when Bernard Scott, a rookie, ran 96 yards on a Jeff Reed kickoff.

Reed couldn't even slow Scott down, but no kicker should be making tackles. Blaming Reed for the return is like blaming a fire on the match that started it. The real culprits get overlooked.

This, as they say, is getting old.

The Big Picture and What Can Be Done About It

The offensive flameout could and probably is a blip on the radar and due more to a stellar game by the Bengals' defense than anything. The offense should experience a revival against the Chiefs this weekend.

Ben Roethlisberger must be more accurate with his throws. He had a rare off day which, again, is more likely the exception rather than the rule.

Along the line, the Steelers have to commit fewer mental mistakes. Chris Kemoeatu must continue to improve but also to play within himself. Willie Colon is still a liability, but was joined mysteriously by Max Starks on the turnstile list this week.

The running game will go as the line goes. The Bengals are a punishing defensive front. I didn't expect the running game to put up almost 200 yards again, but I did expect a more complete effort, particularly from Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall looked tired Sunday.

The defense will be tested, as Troy Polamalu is expected to miss at least one game and possibly more after re-injuring his balky left knee. But the defense was relatively good without Polamalu on Sunday.

They should be able to weather that storm.

As I've said before, one player cannot define a unit, let alone a team, unless it's a quarterback. Ten other players on the defense need to step up. They all have proved before that they are capable of such success.

The coverage units?

That's a problem. With a capital "P" that rhymes with "T" which stands for trouble.

Arnold Harrison was cut earlier today, the first casualty of what has become a dismal unit. He'll be replaced by Donovan Woods. Time will tell if Woods is an upgrade or not.

The veteran starters are speaking out, saying that the young players on the coverage teams need to want it more and that they would be willing to step in for anyone who isn't ready to cover kicks or punts.

Now, before people start saying "divisive locker room" and other things, don't misread the intent of the Steelers' veterans. This is leadership. The veterans are standing up and taking charge, just as Mike Tomlin expects them to do.

Tomlin needs to step in too, along with his special teams coaches, and get these coverage units on track before they allow another back-breaking, embarrassing touchdown that costs Pittsburgh a game.

What's Next?

Well, to put it in simple terms, a bad Kansas City team.

But to be a little bit more specific: a trap game.

Kansas City will be desperate to win at home against the reigning champions. Think about how big a boost that would be.

The Steelers better arrive equally desperate. If they are to still win the AFC North, it is very likely they will have to win their remaining seven contests, all against teams with worse records than theirs.

It starts Sunday with the Chiefs.

My Guess

I'm not going to be bold an predict that the Steelers blow away Kansas City. I'm sure the line will give them a wide berth, but the Steelers routinely pander to their competition, so it's safer to predict a closer contest.

I'm going to say the Steelers still win handily, 28-9, and get themselves back on a winning track.

Film Study: Mendenhall, Wallace Among First Half Surprises For Steelers

Nick DeWitt — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:32:16 -0500

Eight games into their season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have definitely received two very early Christmas presents in rookie receiver Mike Wallace and second-year back Rashard Mendenhall.

Both players were virtually afterthoughts when the roster was finalized in September. Mendenhall was returning from a shoulder injury and had just put in his second lackluster training camp in Pittsburgh. Wallace was a third-round pick not expected to make much of a contribution behind Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and second-year receiver Limas Sweed.

After eight weeks, everything has changed.

Sweed, after dropping a sure touchdown against Cincinnati, was benched in favor of the surprising Wallace.

When the already ineffective Willie Parker went down with an injury, Mendenhall was asked to step in and replace him.

Both players have performed far above expectations.

Wallace possesses a rare combination of speed, savvy, and sure hands. He has become a favorite target of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in game-changing situations and also on third downs. Roethlisberger likes to throw the deep ball and Wallace gives him a target with breakaway speed.

Mendenhall possesses quickness, good speed, and the ability to run through tackles. He's hard to bring down and always keeps his legs churning. He is a complete back, able to run up the middle and gain tough yards while still having the speed and quickness to turn the corner on the outside.

What makes both players more special, however, is how well they have replaced those players for whom they've stepped in.

Mendenhall gives the Steelers the complete back that Willie Parker is not. Parker has seemingly lost a step and has become overly injury prone since a broken fibula ended his 2007 season prematurely. Parker was unable to stay healthy in 2008 and in 2009 was unable to stay healthy or generate a consistent rushing attack.

Parker was also never able to gain yards up the middle, something Mendenhall has proven to excel at doing. While Parker may see the field again this year, it is unlikely he will see it as often as Mendenhall, who has certainly taken over as the Steelers top rusher.

Wallace had already made a few nice plays as the Steelers' fourth receiver, but it was when Limas Sweed was benched that Wallace got a chance to play regularly.

Wallace has since shined, catching 25 balls for 473 yards and three scores. His speed, like Mendenhall's versatility, makes the Steelers a more dynamic offensive unit. While Wallace doesn't have the size of a prototypical receiver, he makes up for it with skill, good hands, and an innate ability to find the open spots in coverage.

Not to be missed among the Steelers' surprises this season is the offensive line. After struggling through the first two games, the unit has improved and gelled into one of the league's best. Some of the success enjoyed by Mendenhall is no doubt due to the great blocking he has received.

Maligned for much of the 2008 season and viewed as a big weakness coming into this year, the line has defied the odds.

Individually, Chris Kemoeatu, Max Starks and injury replacement Trai Essex have been the biggest stars. Kemoeatu, criticized last year for taking penalties and missing blocks, is now counted on the same way Alan Faneca was before him.

Kemoeatu is extremely important to the Steelers' ground attack. The Steelers trend toward running to the right. To accomplish this, the left guard is expected to pull and help the right side of the line in run blocking. Kemoeatu has excelled at this role.

Starks, the team's transition and franchise player in 2008 and 2009, respectively, has also shined in his first full season as the starting left tackle. Replacing the departed Marvel Smith, Starks has been healthy, stable, and effective while protecting Ben Roethlisberger's blind side.

Essex is possibly the most surprising. Never given an opportunity to start regularly, Essex was pressed into service after Darnell Stapleton went down for the season. Replacing Stapleton, arguably the line's weakest link in 2008, Essex proved that he was a capable blocker. While it's too early to tell, it is likely that Essex has secured the spot for the foreseeable future.

At 6-2, the Steelers are pretty much where they expected to be. A win Sunday against the Bengals would put them in the driver's seat in the division. The team seems a lock to make the playoffs either way, with winning a second title wholly possible.

Pittsburgh Steelers Film Study: Forget Stats, Defense Was Great Against Vikings

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:16:40 -0500

Numbers can lie. Want an example?

In 2002, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off with the Houston Texans for the first time. In that game, the Steelers generated over 400 yards of offense. They allowed less than 100 on defense.

They also lost 24-6.

So, when Brett Favre passed for 334 yards against the Steelers two Sundays ago, was it a case of numbers that lie or was it a case of numbers that reveal?

The numbers lie.

First of all, look at the rest of Favre's statistical line for the day. He threw 50 times, completing 33 passes. Only three passes went longer than 25 yards. He was also sacked four times, threw a costly interception in the red zone, and lost a fumble near the red zone.

So, Favre averaged 10.1 yards per completion and 6.68 yards per attempt. Those numbers are well within the realm of respectability for a defense. No one likes to allow 300+ passing yards, but in this case, it was exactly what the team needed to do.

Second, if you are a defensive coordinator preparing for the Vikings, who is the one player you absolutely must contain? It's not Favre.

It's Adrian Peterson, the Vikings' stud running back.

Take a look at what Peterson did that day:

18 carries, 69 yards (long of 19)

He also scored. I would say that is the biggest regret that Pittsburgh has about that game.

Peterson averaged 3.8 yards per rush. If you take out the 19 yard carry, that drops to 2.9 yards per carry.

Those numbers, especially against an elite running back, are excellent.

Simply put, the Steelers plan going into the game was to force Brett Favre, the old gunslinger, to beat them. They weren't going to lose a game because they got battered by Peterson.

They believed that Favre would, as he has done several times throughout his career, eventually make a mistake that would cost the team a game. His fourth-quarter fumble at the Steelers' 23 qualifies as that mistake.

After that, Favre became the victim of a good defensive play when Kenyaron Fox intercepted his pass on a tip and took it 82 yards to ice the game.

There's one drive, however, that truly shows how the Steelers, on that day, were more dominant and feared than any numbers could show.

Inside the Steelers' five yard line, Minnesota had three chances to punch the ball in for a game-changing touchdown.

They only gave Adrian Peterson one chance to do it. After he was stuffed, they asked Favre to beat the Steelers. When he failed on two pass attempts, they sent out Ryan Longwell.

That's when the Vikings lost the game.

Pittsburgh's defense didn't dominate Minnesota on the stat sheets. They dominated them mentally and, save for Peterson's bullying of William Gay, physically.

They did exactly what they set out to do. They forced Brett Favre to make plays to win the game. Then, when it mattered most, they stopped him from making those plays.

Favre threw for 334 yards. That covers a football field more than three times. He failed to record a touchdown pass.

So, if you think just because the numbers show Favre having another 300+ yard day that the Steelers defense didn't play a dominant game, then you need to realize that numbers aren't always honest.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Passing Grades on Post-Bye Week Report Card

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:54:25 -0500

At 5-2, Pittsburgh is in a de facto tie for first place in the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals. They technically are in second place by virtue of the Bengals' 23-20 win over Pittsburgh in Week Three.

But how do the Steelers grade out? Here's a look.

Top Offensive Performers

Ben Roethlisberger

First, let's have the statistics through seven games:

164 of 233 (70.4%), 2,062 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs, 20 sacks, 102.6 rating

Now, let's take a look inside the numbers.

Roethlisberger has the second-best completion percentage in the NFL, trailing only Peyton Manning. He's also one of the top passers in yardage and passer rating. But these statistics are more team attributes than actual individual numbers.

Of his six interceptions, only two were the sole result of poor decision making by Ben. He's also had a touchdown called back by penalty and one dropped by Limas Sweed. Santonio Holmes also began the season with a series of poor games. Roethlisberger's numbers could easily be higher.

The best way to measure a quarterback's individual performance is to examine their intangibles and the way they utilize their physical skills. If Roethlisberger didn't already get a passing grade for his stat line, he gets one here.

In the clutch, there is no one better than Roethlisberger. He has 18 career victories from behind in the fourth quarter or overtime. Judging solely on this season, Roethlisberger has gotten it done when the game was on the line.

Ben also utilizes his physical tools better than most quarterbacks in the NFL. His mobility is his greatest weapon. He also uses his arm strength to get throws to Mike Wallace, the team's newest speed threat.

Intangibles, for me, are broken down into decision making and mechanics. Ben doesn't have the best mechanics, but when he actually is dropping back, they are quite sound. He throws extremely well from multiple arm angles and while on the run, so he's mechanically a very good quarterback.

His decision making has improved markedly this season and may be the single biggest improvement in his overall game from last season.

Also, Ben has shown increasing aptitude for running the offense and reading defenses. Roethlisberger routinely checks down to secondary targets and does a phenomenal job of looking off defenders and using a realistic pump fake.

Overall Grade: A

Rashard Mendenhall

Again, let's have the statistics first:

78 carries, 418 yards (5.4 YPR), 4 TDs, 8 receptions, 69 yards, 0 TDs

I include receiving statistics for Mendenhall because he has been used increasingly on screen plays.

It's probably safe to say that the jury is still out on Rashard Mendenhall. He's proved to be the tough inside runner the Steelers had hoped for when they drafted him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but he still hasn't developed into a complete player.

It took a benching from coach Mike Tomlin to get Mendenhall to prepare effectively and professionally. Since, he has been dominant with one exception.

In four starts, he has fumbled twice, losing both.

If there is an area for improvement that could be considered glaring, it would be in his mechanics. He runs tall, which is OK as long as you protect the football. Mendenhall doesn't. He holds it out and also makes unnecessary dives (like the one against Minnesota that caused one of those fumbles).

Mendenhall must take better care of the football.

As far as the other areas of his game, he is solid. Mendenhall keeps his legs moving through contact, making him hard to bring down unless he is wrapped up low or taken off his feet.

He also shows a toughness to run inside the tackles, something Pittsburgh has lacked since the departure of Jerome Bettis. He also has the ability to get outside and turn the corner, making him a very dangerous threat for opponents.

Overall Grade: B+

Hines Ward

Ward continues to be a force in his 12th NFL season. Here are the statistics:

42 receptions, 602 yards (14.3 YPC), 2 TDs

The two touchdowns aren't a good indication of how Ward has played. He hasn't been targeted near the goal line (that has been where Heath Miller has gotten most of the touches).

Ward is still the go-to receiver on the team, although rookie Mike Wallace is emerging as Roethlisberger's favorite third down threat.

Ward continues to be a devastating blocker and sure-handed receiver. He's on par to have his sixth 1,000-yard season and perhaps his second 100-catch season. He is one of the league leaders in receiving yards, which is something new.

There's not much to say about Ward. His game is well-known and this year is just another in a line of impressive years for the future Hall of Famer.

Overall Grade: A+

Heath Miller

Miller's statistics:

40 receptions, 353 yards (8.8 YPC), 4 TDs

Miller has been a favorite target of Roethlisberger's, particularly in clutch situations and in the red zone.

Miller has improved every area of his game for a second straight season and is on target to shatter his career highs in all categories.

The best improvement has been in his running after the catch, where he has become a beast. Miller was already tough to bring down, but he has now developed a bull mentality that carries him through would-be tacklers.

Miller continues to be an effective blocker and his presence has helped greatly as the Steelers have continued to allow their young offensive line to grow into a cohesive unit.

Overall Grade: A

Offensive Line

The offensive line gets graded as a group because pass- and run-blocking is done as a unit.

After struggling mightily in their first game, the line has improved each week. While Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 20 times in seven games, some of those sacks are due to his style of play and not the offensive line's performance.

So trim five sacks off that total (at least).

As for the rushing attack, the line has blocked much more effectively for Rashard Mendenhall. Part of that is Mendenhall's willingness to hit the hole quickly. Part of it is a marked improvement in the play of left guard Chris Kemoeatu.

Kemoeatu has been asked this season to play in a way not unlike Alan Faneca. He has slowly excelled, particularly at the pull-out blocks that Faneca was famous for. He is the team's most improved lineman through the first seven weeks.

The biggest area of concern is penalties and, more specifically, penalties committed by Willie Colon. Colon continues to struggle with the basic concept of lining up with his helmet in line with the belt of center Justin Hartwig. He seems to be good for at least one of these false starts per game.

Overall, the line is playing well and continues to improve even as the competition gets more stiff.

Overall Grade: B

Overall Offense

Overall, the offense has been excellent. They don't lead the league in any category, but rank in the top 10 in both yards per game (sixth) and passing yards per game (fifth). The rushing attack has steadily improved (currently 19th after starting in the bottom five).

Judging without numbers, the offense has performed well when the game has been on the line. The Steelers also seem to excel on long drives, which speaks to the ability of the offense to sustain.

I'm encouraged by the improvement of the blocking and running game and think that the Steelers will excel in these areas coming into the season's second half.

Overall Grade: A-

Top Defensive Performers

James Harrison

Harrison has had another stellar start to the season. Take a look at the statistics:

41 tackles (35 solo), 8 sacks, 4 fumbles forced, 1 pass defended

What's most surprising about Harrison's performance is that he has routinely been double teamed by opposing offenses. Harrison initially struggled with this, but has steadily developed the ability to overcome them.

Harrison continues to be effective in both base formations and blitz packages. He continues to be effective at blowing up blocks and has also developed some ability in coverage (although it's limited).

Overall Grade: A-

Troy Polamalu

You know it's been an interesting year on defense when your No. 2 performer missed most of the season with a serious injury. But looking through the players, it's hard to say that anyone really stood out besides these two stalwarts.

When he has played, Polamalu has been the force the Steelers are used to. e continues to be most effective roving the field and simply making plays.

The Steelers certainly missed his ability to cover a lot of ground, particularly in the center of the field, where tight ends and slot receivers roam. Now that he's back, I would expect more of the same.

Overall Grade: Incomplete

Overall Defense

It's strange to say that the Steelers have struggled on defense. Statistically, this unit ranks pretty well (first against the run, seventh in points allowed, eighth in yards per game).

They have struggled some against the pass, but it's hard to argue that a lot of issues with the pass defense were related to the team's injury situation.

The team has seemingly adjusted well to Aaron Smith's injury, although it will be interesting to see if one player (Ziggy Hood?) emerges as the every down replacement.

The biggest issue the unit has had has been playing a complete game. I would say that they did just that against the Vikings. Brett Favre may have passed for 331 yards, but he was not effective when it counted and the Steelers were also keying on the Vikings' rushing attack.

If the Steelers can play complete games against opponents rather than starting slow or fizzling late, they will once again emerge as one of the NFL's most feared units.

Overall Grade: B-

Special Teams

Jeff Reed

Reed's statistical line:

9 FG, 12 FGA (75%), 20/20 PAT, 59.3 yards per kickoff, 0 touchbacks

Two of Reed's three misses came in the Bears game, in a stadium arguably as difficult to master as Heinz Field. That doesn't excuse them, it just puts them in perspective.

I would argue the biggest problem this season with Jeff Reed has been his kickoffs, which have not been up to his usual booming leg. I'm also not enamoured with his attitude off the field.

Reed is the best kicker the Steelers have had since Gary Anderson in the 1980s and 90s. Anyone who thinks we would be better off with another kicker obviously has forgotten the days of Todd Petersen and Kris Brown.

Overall Grade: B

Daniel Sepulveda

Sepulveda's statistical line:

26 punts, 44.8 yards per punt, long of 58 yards, 10 punts inside the 20, 1 touchback

If there is one area where the Steelers have improved most on an individual level, it is in the punting game. Last year, neither Paul Ernster or Mitch Berger were particularly effective in replacing the injured Sepulveda. This led to issues with poor field position.

Sepulveda has a rocket and he also is adept at placing kicks inside the 20 and away from dangerous returners.

Overall Grade: A+

Coverage Units

Last year, this was a position of strength. This year, it's become a weakness. The Steelers have allowed two returns for touchdowns and have also allowed several long returns. The units lack consistency and also seem to commit too many mental errors.

The tackling has been pretty poor and seems to be the biggest problem. Hopefully the bye week allowed the Steelers to focus their coverage teams into being more effective. Nothing has really changed since last season, so it makes no sense for this group to struggle.

Overall Grade: C+

Return Units

Stefan Logan has been excellent on returns, providing the Steelers with a much-needed spark. It is likely he will eventually break for a touchdown, although his desire to cut back often robs him of that opportunity.

Logan has definitely been an upgrade over the returners the Steelers have used in the last five years and his speed makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. He will only get better with experience.

Overall Grade: B+

Overall Special Teams

This unit has been good, if a little inconsistent. It certainly hasn't really cost the Steelers a game (as their defense has), but it hasn't been a game-changing factor (as the offense has) either. The units are steady, if unspectacular.

Overall Grade: B

Green Bay Packers Passing Problems Not All on Offensive Line

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:45:08 -0500

Four seconds. You've heard this all before.

It should be as blaringly loud as the alarm that wakes you in the morning, jarring you to action.

Quarterbacks are supposed to have clocks in their heads that, four seconds after the snap, should start a siren song that spurs the player to throw the ball, pull it down and scramble, or throw the ball away.

There are quarterbacks who violate the four-second rule on almost every play. Look at Ben Roethlisberger. He routinely holds onto the ball and runs around trying to make something out of nothing.

When he succeeds, it's easy to forgive his violation. Luckily for Roethlisberger and fans of the Black and Gold, he succeeds almost every time.

There are also quarterbacks who, for whatever reason, don't seem to know how to get rid of the football. When the alarm goes off, they hit the snooze button and stand still in the pocket.

Maybe it's that Jurassic Park mentality. You remember the line...as the T-Rex stops ever so close to the helpless visitors.

"Don't move. He can't see us if we don't move."

Maybe that's what Aaron Rodgers was thinking during half of his sacks in yesterday's game against Minnesota. If he stayed perfectly still, maybe the Vikings' defenders wouldn't see him.

Whatever Rodgers' rationale was for standing stone-like in a crumbling pocket, it backfired badly.

A lot of blame for Rodgers' league-leading total of 31 sacks has been lavished on the Packers' offensive line.

Maybe its time that Rodgers gets part of it, too.

Green Bay does not have a good offensive line. They have injuries and they've been ineffective, particularly against good edge rushers like Jared Allen.

But the offensive line can't help it when Rodgers drops back and stops.

During the first half of Sunday's game, Rodgers twice dropped back, rolled slightly to his right, and waited. He didn't pump, he didn't adjust by scrambling, he just waited for someone to get open.

Sure enough, he started to take off only after a defender laid his hands on him.

Down he went.

Looking back through the Packers' seven contests, Rodgers has routinely done this same type of thing. If his receivers don't come open quickly, he either will have no time to find them later or will not show any ability to scramble out of danger.

He takes too many needless sacks. Both of the first half instances Sunday found him well outside of the tackle box, meaning he could have thrown the ball away with no penalty.

Rodgers is a good quarterback, but he has to take care of himself. He takes too many hits that are avoidable. His sack total wouldn't quite be cut in half, but it would be significantly decreased if he learned how to get rid of the ball rather than stand still and be slaughtered.

The Packers lose too many drives to sacks. It's time to get proactive about correcting this flaw in their quarterback play before Rodgers ends up on injured reserve because he's been hit one too many times.

Steelers-Broncos: Follow in the Ravens' Footsteps for Once

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:22:14 -0500

It's usually unthinkable for the Steelers to follow in the footsteps of rival Baltimore.

But, just this once, it's imperative that the Steelers do just that.

Are the Steelers a better team than the Ravens? Statistics aside, the Steelers have a much better defensive front than Baltimore and also have a more cohesive secondary. Offensively, the team is also much more consistent, with the Steelers possessing better threats in the passing game.

But the Steelers will now face another tough test, coming off their bye to face the surprising but suddenly human Denver Broncos on the road.

Denver is human because Baltimore figured out how to finally solve the mystery that had allowed the Broncos to dominate opponents through the first six games.

Now Pittsburgh must take the Ravens' gameplan and execute it just as effectively.

Here's a look at how Pittsburgh can improve to 6-2 and firmly assert itself once again as a threat in the AFC:

On Offense

The Broncos had trouble with Ray Rice, a tough inside runner who has the speed and explosiveness to hit the hole fast and run past tacklers. Rice never stops his feet from moving, allowing him to gain a few extra yards when he's not wrapped up low.

Rashard Mendenhall is the same type of runner. Hopefully, the Steelers have sorted out Mendenhall's fumbling problems. If that is the case, he could be in for a big game against Denver.

The Broncos will have to respect Ben Roethlisberger's passing game, so look for them to load up in the secondary to prevent big plays, particularly over the middle to Mike Wallace and Heath Miller. That should open up some running lanes early for Mendenhall, which should in turn open up the play action passing game at which Roethlisberger is so effective.

The Steelers like to execute screen passes. The Broncos have defended these well during the season, but if Roethlisberger can complete a few long strikes downfield, look for the Steelers to utilize the space created by running screens and slants.

Heath Miller could be in for a big game a week after Denver let Todd Heap get loose several times in the middle of the field.

The biggest task for the Steelers will be playing mistake-free football, particularly in the second half. Denver has forced seven second half turnovers this season.

On Defense

The Ravens finally found a solution to the Bronco offense, bottling up Kyle Orton's passing game.

The Broncos and Orton do not throw deep. Orton has fewer than 20 passes on the season that totalled more than 20 yards. There's no need to play two deep safeties or to back the corners into deep zones.

The best thing to do is to use William Gay and Ike Taylor to keep the Bronco's receiving threats (Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal) in front of the defense. Dropping their free safety deep (likely Tyrone Carter with Ryan Clark not playing because of a medical condition), that leaves Troy Polamalu and the linebackers to come up in pressure and alternately to drop into coverage to take away tight end Tony Scheffler in the middle.

The Broncos run the ball well, but the Steelers know how to bottle up rushing attacks. I would say that if they can make the Broncos beat them with their passing game, that they will have little trouble dispatching them.

The two keys for the Steelers' defense will be to pressure Orton and to keep the receivers in front of their secondary. Orton doesn't have the arm for deep throws and won't escape the pocket very often.

On Special Teams

The Steelers have allowed two touchdowns this season on returns. That has to stop. I'd point to it being a tackling problem, something that shouldn't happen on a team that utilizes so many sure-handed players on their coverage units.

Jeff Reed should have a nice time kicking in kicker-friendly Denver. Daniel Sepulveda might be even more devastating a weapon with the lighter air.

If the Steelers can neutralize Eddie Royal in the return game, they have a chance to have a nice day on special teams.

The Broncos allowed the second half kickoff to be returned by Baltimore, so Stefan Logan should have some space to operate. Logan will benefit from taking a more north-south approach on his returns rather than trying to cut back across the field. His speed is his best weapon.

Predictions

Based upon the way the Steelers handled the two-pronged attack of the Minnesota Vikings as well as the way the Steelers' personnel matches up with the Ravens', I would say that the Steelers could repeat the beating that Denver received yesterday at the hands of the Ravens.

Look for big days by Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger on offense as well as Troy Polamalu, who should be rested and much more effective, and perhaps Lamarr Woodley on defense.

This might also be the week where Stefan Logan breaks loose on a return.

Steelers 38, Broncos 17

Just In Time: Your 10 Sports-Themed Halloween Costumes

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:38 -0400

So you're a sports fan with no idea what to wear to that Halloween party Saturday night?

Here's a few ideas for you (and how to create them)

1. Eric Mangini

Depending on your attitude, you may need an attitude adjustment. Start by fining your friends for taking anything that isn't their personal property. Did they take a pen off someone's desk for a moment? That sounds like a $1701 fine! Next, be angry at everyone no matter what. Don't smile or congratulate. Just beat people into submission. May I suggest a few videos of Adolf Hitler in action?

Then, you'll need to get some stuffing, or just eat anything in sight. Mangini has been packing on the pounds again in Cleveland, so make sure your ready.

Get a Browns hoodie or jacket and a headset. Don't worry, you won't hear any more good information in your headset than Mangini hears in his.

Great For: Parties of knowledgeable Browns fans, Steelers victory parties, making Raiders and Lions fans feel better about themselves, party at Romeo Crennel's house

2. Jason Giambi (circa 2008)

The Giambino. The perfect costume for anyone who wants to sport a "pornstache" or pass themselves off as a very poor Thurmon Munson lookalike.

You'll need a Yankee uniform, make sure you pump up the body a little (you know what I mean). For those particularly brave, wear a gold thong OVER the uniform trousers. Don't forget the mustasche either. That's key.

Great For: Parties during the World Series, Parties of overweight Chippendale's dancers, Halloween Party at the Playboy Mansion

3. Vlad Guererro

You'll need the Angels uniform, the dreads and a bat. To complete the look, swing at anything. Swing at baseballs, anything. You're a free-swinging kind of guy.

Great For: Parties with lots of breakable objects, Angels mourning parties, Party at Vlad's House

4. Josh McDaniels

You'll need a hoodie, although this time roll up the sleeves, some track pants, a white hat, and a headset and playsheet. To complete the look, pump your fist at everything. Someone shotgun's a beer? Fist pump. Someone passes out? Fist pump. Someone punches you in the face? Fist pump.

Great For: Parties with those who practice martial arts, Belichick lookalike contests, Kids (just like little Joshy himself)

5. Mike Tomlin (Winter Edition)

You'll need the hair that retains the exact imprint of your headset, scary eyes (rewatch your beloved Steelers losing to the Bengals a few times), and, of course, the Tomlin puffy black coat. To complete the look, stare everyone down and remind them continually that "it is what it is" and that "we need to focus our preparation" for the party.

Great For: Parties that lack preparation and attention to detail, Rashard Mendenhall's Halloween bash, Steelers parties

6. George Steinbrenner

You'll need the dark sunglasses, matted white hair, and the white turtleneck and brown sports jacket. To complete the look, fly in from Tampa and then have yourself driven around in a golf cart. Fire anyone who disrespects you. After all, you're the Boss.

Great For: Corporate parties, Parties at Yankee Stadium, Parties in Philadelphia

7. Scott Hartnell/Mike Tyson Combo

You'll need to divide your face and hair into half bald and tattooed and half long, stringy hair. Wear half of a Flyers jersey with lots of blood on it (your opponent's blood of course). To complete the look, bite anyone at the party wearing a Kris Letang jersey or dressed as a boxer. Another option would be to fight anyone who comes near you.

Great For: Hockey parties, Fight clubs, Parties in Philadelphia, Oprah's party

8. Jim Zorn & Dan Snyder (Two Person Costume)

You'll need the Zorn look (tall hair, Redskins windbreaker, totally confused, bewildered and kind of ashamed of yourself facial expression) and the Snyder look (expensive suit, cocky attitude, total lack of football savvy). To complete the costume, have the Snyder component stab the Zorn component in the back and rip his headset off of him. Optional would be to, halfway through the party, hand the headset to the person calling Bingo.

Great For: Parties of Monday Morning Quarterbacks, Bingo Parties

9. NFL Official/MLB Umpire (Single or Multiple People)

You'll need at least one of your party to wear the hideous NFL throwback referee uniform, everyone else can be dressed in the current getup. To complete the look, call penalties at random. Penalize for holding anytime someone gets close to scoring. Don't favor anyone, just make sure you blow as many calls as possible. Optional would be to review a call using your digital camera's video feature. Then overturn yourself with an Ed Hochuli-esque ten minute explanation.

Great For: Referee parties, Roger Goodell's Halloween bash, John Harbaugh's party

10. Al Davis

The classic costume. You'll need an Oakland Raiders track outfit, but occasionally forget that your team isn't in LA anymore (or yet). You'll need thick glasses on a chain and you'll need to be the oldest person in history to wear bling. To complete the look, bring along an overhead projector and fire someone "for cause." Also: continually ask people to "throw deep" whenever possible. Optional would be to bring along "Tom Cable" and have him punch people in the face.

Great For: Raider Nation parties, Al Davis' house, Senior Citizen parties, any party at Lane Kiffin, Norv Turner, or Art Shell's house.

Almost But Not Quite On The List:

Alex Rodriguez: We wouldn't want him to suddenly realize it's October now, would we?

Terrell Owens: He seems to have disappeared. No one can find him. There was a rumor about Buffalo, but stat sheets seem devoid of his presence.

Bobby Cox: Was on the list, but got ejected for arguing

Mark Sanchez: Was too late for the party because he stopped to get a hot dog

Jay Cutler: Demanded to be traded to a different party when we invited McDaniels, then had his invitation to that party picked off

Brett Favre: Couldn't decide whether he would come or not.

Brad Childress: One cross-dressing incident was scary enough.

Michael Crabtree: Held out for more money and didn't RSVP in time

Larry Johnson: Was invited, but slammed the party on Twitter and was told to go away

Brady Quinn: Wanted to come, but was told to sit down. Derek Anderson was invited instead.

NFL: Enough With The Throwbacks

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:35:25 -0400

It's getting ugly out there.

Literally.

The Pittsburgh Steelers do it right. They wear their throwback jerseys, which are nowhere near as offending to the eyes as some that we've seen, a couple times a year during important home games.

San Diego modified their throwbacks and adopted them as their regular uniform. It's hard to argue with the fact that they are the best looking uniforms in the league today.

For some teams, however, it's been a while since we've seen their regular uniforms.

Denver continues to trot out the runner up for the ugliest throwbacks ever (last year's Blue and Yellow Eagles incarnations were the worst by far) at home and on the road (see photo).

New England and Tennessee have been wearing theirs often too. Some confused fans are probably wondering if the Houston Texans had finally decided to do the decent thing and bring back the Houston Oilers.

No, it's just the hapless Titans.

It isn't bad enough that Seattle trotted out hideous green jerseys that made the University of Oregon's experiment with bright yellow look tame.

There's a reason that some of these teams changed their colors and uniform designs after color television became the norm.

What's next? Leather Helmet Day? Illegal Forward Pass Day? No Facemasks Day?

Maybe the Steelers should really go over the top and bring back those jailbird uniforms from the 1930s and change their name back to the Pirates.

Hey, at least the Pirates would be winners again in Pittsburgh.

All joking aside, this has gone far enough. There used to be rules governing this kind of skulduggery.

It's a money-making scheme. I get that. It generates revenue because some crazy small sect of fans actually wants to own those striped socks from the Broncos or a too-loud bright green Seattle jersey.

But to wear them more often than your regular uniforms? Come on.

Or how about picking the least offensive throwbacks. Denver would look great in the old "orange crush" uniforms. Tennessee would look good in the last incarnation of Oilers duds.

They still would look ridiculous every week, though.

It's time to retire the idea of using throwbacks to generate cash. You can still sell them. People will undoubtedly buy them (even if it's just as a gag gift for some unsuspecting fan). But let's quit wearing them every Sunday as if they are our regular garb.

Time marches on and, believe me, there's always a reason for progress.

Yankees-Phillies Series A Throwback to the Glory Days

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:19:33 -0400

Okay, so perhaps a better throwback matchup would have been if the Yankees were preparing to face the Dodgers. But let's face it. Since the Dodgers bolted from Brooklyn, the matchups haven't been nearly as exciting.

This will do, however. In fact, this will do quite nicely.

In a sport which depends so much on tradition and is so steeped in its own history, a matchup between two of its elder statesmen is perfect.

These are troubled times, baseball fans. Wild cards, rampant overspending, and owners more concerned with bottom lines than play within foul lines have quite possibly damaged baseball.

But the World Series, which begins tonight in New York's new baseball cathedral, should be perfect.

Let's face facts. Baseball purists will never really fully embrace teams in Tampa Bay or Colorado. Those teams that sprouted from the 1990s-era expansion seem like poor partners next to the storied franchises that have operated for over a century.

Last year's series was a great feel good story. The first team to ever reach 10,000 losses versus a team that rose out of the ashes of mediocrity to become a powerhouse. It just wasn't a good baseball history story.

It wasn't a throwback. It was actually an abomination; a tribute to the reforms that are wrecking the game. A game had to be delayed due to winter weather. Catwalks played a part in the game for the first time ever.

But this year its different.

They've only met once before. 1950. Casey Stengel in charge of the Yankees at the pinnacle of their history. The dynastic Yankees against the youthful "Whiz Kids" of Philadelphia.

As they would do from 1949 to 1953, the Yankees won, this time in four games.

But dig a little deeper and you'll find that this was a great series. The first three games were all decided by one run (1-0, 2-1, 3-2).

The Yankees were the defending champions. The Phillies' last pennant had come in 1915.

Fast forward 59 years.

The Phillies are now the title defenders and the Yankees are the ones who haven't won a World Series in awhile. The Yankees are still the talent rich, big name team they were when Joe Dimaggio and Yogi Berra took the field in 1950. The Phillies are still a mix of relatively young talent.

The matchup looks just as even as the box scores were from 1950. Consider tonight's matchup: CC Sabathia, the sturdy stallion of the Yankee rotation, against Cliff Lee, the deadline acquisition that has seemed to master the National League.

The Yankees have power throughout the lineup. The Phillies have speed and hit for average. They also have their bopper in Ryan Howard.

Yes, this is the World Series we've all been waiting for.

Hopefully the Phillies will wear their throwback uniforms at some point. This is too good a chance to pass up.

The series has implications for both teams too. For the Phillies, a second consecutive championship could signal the next great dynasty in baseball. For the Yankees, winning now would exorcise the demons of so many failed championship runs and would validate some of the exorbitant funds spent to put this franchise together over the last decade.

One thing is for sure. This series is going to be the best one we've seen in awhile.

And unlike 1950, I doubt either team can win this in four games.

NFL: 2009 Is The Season Of Disparity

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:47:05 -0400

Pete Rozelle is rolling over in his grave.

Paul Tagliabue is having fits.

Roger Goodell is pretending that everything is fine.

The first two men in that list worked tirelessly to give the NFL something that most professional and even collegiate sports rarely witness: parity.

Parity (n): equality, as in amount, status, or value

For the first part of this decade, the NFL looked like the perfect example of parity.

From 2000 to 2008, seven different teams won Super Bowls.

The turnover in the playoffs from year to year was interesting too. Different teams rose up every year, usually with several teams nipping at their heals. Division and wild card races ran to the final weekends of the season. It was exciting.

Sure, there were stinkers. The Detroit Lions haven't had much success since the 1950s. The Raiders fell off sharply after their 2002 Super Bowl appearance.

There were also dominant teams. The New England Patriots won three titles, the Pittsburgh Steelers two, and the Indianapolis Colts were routinely regular season dynamos.

But by and large, the league had unbelievable parity both in talent dispersion and results.

Then last year, the unthinkable finally happened.

The Detroit Lions, stumbling for years, failed to win a game. The St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were punchlines at best.

Ten of 32 teams finished with losing records. Half finished at 8-8 or worse. The San Diego Chargers won a division without a winning record.

Suddenly things didn't seem fair anymore.

The talent gap began to show. Teams like Detroit and Oakland had become incapable of fielding an NFL-caliber lineup. Players didn't want to go to those places, fearing their careers would end in disappointment.

Almost halfway through the 2009 season, things are actually getting worse.

St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Tennessee are winless. Tampa Bay and St. Louis don't even look like they could win a game this season given a handicap.

Just above them, Cleveland, Kansas City, Oakland, Carolina, Detroit, Washington, Seattle, and Buffalo all look forlorn. Washington has become a joke of the same caliber as Oakland. Cleveland has the worst talent level in the NFL and continues to trade away anyone who could help turn the team around. Detroit is perpetually rebuilding along with Kansas City and the others all look like teams with massive holes in their rosters.

Realistically looking at schedules, the Rams and Buccaneers could both finish 0-16, joined in the ranks of sub-.500 teams by all of the above franchises and also Chicago, Jacksonville and possibly as many as two more teams. That brings the total to as many as 15 of the leagues 32 franchises.

Last weekend was the perfect indictment of this alarming spiral. Of the 13 matchups played in Week 7, only two finished with a margin of victory less than ten points. Of the remaing 11, only two were within ten points. Of the remaining nine, six victories came by more than twenty points.

It's becoming hard for teams like New England and Indianapolis to find good competition.

Okay, so now we know what the problem is. The league has way too many disasters and too few competitors.

Where do we go?

The draft was engineered to fix this problem. The teams who struggle the most draft the earliest. The problem is that teams aren't drafting well or are trading their high picks away for lower picks or more players.

So the draft isn't the solution.

The league does enjoy a great parity in revenue and revenue sharing, so it doesn't appear funneling money to the poorer performers would help. Plus, unlike baseball, the salary cap precludes the possibility of buying your way out of the basement.

Could leaving it alone work? That's doubtful as well. Leaving it alone and relatively unchanged for a decade has produced this staggering fall.

Perhaps there is no solution? I don't think I believe that either. For a league to enjoy parity for the better part of a decade and good competitive balance for longer, there has to be something that was done right.

The league could attempt to get involved with the mismanaged teams. Al Davis, the Ford Family, and Randy Lerner all have a poor track record of mismanagement. But this leads to perceived prejudice, which could be worse than a tipping of the competitive balance.

The best solution I can come up with is for Commissioner Roger Goodell to stop ignoring the problems and pretending that they don't exist. Until the man at the top recognizes what's wrong and that action must be taken, the league's best minds on the topic will be held at bay.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Checklist for the Bye Week

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:13:21 -0400

After seven games and a few ups, downs, and injuries, it's finally time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a break.

The bye week couldn't really come at a better time for the Steelers, who have several key players banged up and also need some time to iron out a few more wrinkles in their improving game.

Here's a look at what Mike Tomlin and company will be working on as the Steelers begin extended preparation for the currently undefeated Denver Broncos.

Rest and Rehabilitation

He may still be playing at a Pro Bowl level, but make no mistake: Troy Polamalu is not 100 percent just yet. He's probably 70 or 80 percent, actually. Two weeks before the next game should do wonders for his tricky knee. Polamalu could very well be close to full strength by the time the Steelers take the field against Kyle Orton's Bronco offense.

Lawrence Timmons has an ankle sprain, but it doesn't seem to be a serious one. Timmons acknowledged yesterday that he will be ready to play against Denver and there is currently no reason to doubt that statement. Timmons has been key since his return from an early ankle sprain (disturbing trend?) sustained during the preseason.

The Steelers also have several players who are just plain banged up or need a break. The Steelers have played a very physical first seven games, so the bye week will be a good time to get everyone back up to snuff.

Ziggy

If I'm Mike Tomlin, I'm spending the bye week getting Ziggy Hood ready to play more often. Hood, the team's first round draft choice, hasn't made much of an impact this year, but he will be counted on to step in for defensive lineman Aaron Smith as the team proceeds down the stretch.

Hood, Tomlin says, is "not a finished product." That's perfectly fine, but he needs to play more. Good running teams will start exploiting Smith's absence from the defensive front. Hood should have the ability to plug that gap.

Anyone who watched Sunday's game against Minnesota could see that Casey Hampton was trying to do too much, leading to three neutral zone infractions. They've got to get some relief next to him so that he doesn't put himself into those situations.

Running Rashard

Rashard Mendenhall has emerged as the back the Steelers envisioned. There's only one problem: He fumbles.

It seemed like a theme during the Vikings game: players carrying the ball carelessly. Mendenhall, however, dove after a long gain with the ball dangling in front of him. Predictably, the ball popped free. That killed a Steelers drive. We didn't see much of Mendenhall after that.

The fumbles have to stop. I'm not sure what the solution should be. My guess would be to either have him wear elbow pads and forearm pads (as Ahman Green did and Willie Parker does) or to have him take extra reps against defenders trying to strip him.

Mendenhall is a great back. He runs with purpose and power. He just has to take care of the football.

Too Many Happy Returns

It's inexcusable. Tomlin knows that. Everyone does.

Last year, the Steelers were one of the league's better and more consistent coverage units on kicks and punts.

This season, they started out strong and have turned into a disaster. In successive weeks, the Steelers have been burned by long returns including Percy Harvin's touchdown on Sunday.

That can't keep happening. The Steelers have tightened up on defense, particularly late in games. They've got the offense moving at a good pace. They can't let special teams coverage units blow up.

For Tomlin, it might mean playing a starter or two on coverage. From what I can see though, it's not a problem with personnel. It's simply sloppy execution.

Even their return units have been sloppy, leaving Stefan Logan hung out to dry. In one instance, Greg Lewis, the Vikings gunner on the punt team, wasn't even covered and streaked down the field at Logan, who had to fair catch Chris Kluwe's punt deep in Steelers territory.

Time to get serious about improving those units. The big leg of Daniel Sepulveda and the steady work of Jeff Reed will mean nothing if the other ten players on the field cannot or will not do their jobs.

Here's Santonio

It's time to get the ball to Santonio Holmes. He's the reigning Super Bowl MVP and he just hasn't been getting the touches yet.

He's drawing a lot of coverage, but then again, so is Hines Ward. Bruce Arians, with his new balanced approach to offense, needs to devise a few new ways to get the ball into the hands of the team's star receiver.

When Holmes gets the ball, he's been dangerous. His hands seem to have improved in the last few weeks and he looks good on routes.

Secondary Concerns

Okay, Troy Polamalu is back on the field. For those of you opining that the Steelers' defensive issues would be cured by his mammoth presence, I give you Exhibit A:

Brett Favre, 331 passing yards.

Yes, having Polamalu back is great. He changes the way teams approach the Steelers and he makes everyone more dangerous. His return has precipitated some success for the long-missing Lamarr Woodley and has closed down the massive holes Antonio Gates and other tight ends and slot receivers were exploiting in the middle of the field.

That being said, it's not all good. Teams are starting to pick on William Gay and Ike Taylor has appeared out of position several times lately. Ryan Clark may not be able to play in Denver, so the play of Gay and Taylor will be crucial.

The Steelers should, with Polamalu healthy, start mixing up their coverages. Blitzing the corners will also help and will likely assist in creating pressure on the quarterback.

I'd also like the Steelers to play more press coverage and not settle into bubble zones as often. Fast receivers have been exploiting those, particularly in Gay's direction. Those bubble zones are also the kind of plays that seem to get Ike Taylor called for pass interference.

Focal Points

The biggest job for Mike Tomlin is going to be keeping the momentum of a four game winning streak going after having a week off. The Denver Broncos will be another tough test and will likely still be undefeated coming into the game.

The team seems to have shaken the Super Bowl hangover that plagued it the first weeks of the season. Key players are also returning from injury, which makes a huge difference.

Tomlin is all about preparation. The players may have the rest of the week off, but don't think for a minute he will let them forget their purpose and their goals. That's just not the way he operates.

NFL in LA: If You Come, He Will Build It

Nick DeWitt — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:07:03 -0400

WANTED: Suffering NFL team with old, small stadium, terrible fan support to play in new LA stadium. Current revenue problems not a must. Happy teams need not apply.

If you are a struggling NFL franchise, Ed Roski has a "Field of Dreams" proposition for you.

Come play your home games in beautiful, sunny Los Angeles and he will build you a state of the art, environmentally friendly stadium guaranteed to boost you back to the playoffs.

What's that? You can't afford to pay for a new stadium?

That's fine too. Roski will pay for it.

Does it sound to good to be true? Yes.

But is Roski serious? Does he actually have a firm plan? Is he ready to break ground for real?

Absolutely.

The Los Angeles area has been, ever since the mid-90s exodus of the Raiders and Rams to Oakland and St. Louis, respectively, a wasteland for NFL stadium and team relocation ideas.

I've been around long enough to have heard about how the Saints were going there after Katrina. Before that, the Vikings were moving while they were for sale. The Raiders were even going to move back over there. It seems that at some point, everyone has been moving to Los Angeles.

It was used as leverage for several teams to get new NFL stadiums in their hometown.

It became a punchline. Each year, there would be talk after the season about how a new stadium project in LA was "nearing construction" or "in the works."

Then, something would stop it. Or nothing would. It would just die of its own accord.

The difference between then and now? Ed Roski has the land, the labor, and the capital. He also has backing from the government and, silently and unofficially, from the NFL itself.

The Land

If you get a chance, do a search for pictures of the proposed NFL stadium in Industry, located on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

It's not just a stadium, it's a work of art.

It will be a departure from anything anyone currently has. It will be built into a hill, the field sunken and the stands grafted onto the hillside. It will have glass accents everywhere, a crystal palace that will gleam along with the rest of LA.

It will also be part of a larger development rumored to include a shopping center and hospital among other amenities.

In short, it's a beautiful project.

The Labor

Looking for someone to build a new stadium? Los Angeles is going through a jobs crisis.

And how do you remedy a jobs crisis? You create jobs. Building an NFL stadium is one part of that, operating it and the surrounding developments is another.

There still isn't a firm number on how many jobs this new venture will create, but the safe bet (and the obvious one) is that it will create more jobs than the Los Angeles area currently has available.

The Capital

Doing anything takes money. Building an NFL-caliber stadium takes lots of money.

$800 million in this case.

Where stadiums, like the one in my hometown of Pittsburgh were built with largely public funds and tax measures, Roski is proposing an entirely privately funded stadium venture (save for the already-approved $150 million for infrastructure improvements).

Like the headline says: If you come, he will build it.

His plan is to have one or even two franchises relocate to Los Angeles after this season and then have them play in the old Coliseum or another site until 2013, when the $800 million dollar hillside stadium will be ready for business.

The plan is pretty ambitious and has a much better chance of success than previous plans. Roski is privately funding the stadium, which allows him to have much more freedom than anything publicly funded.

He also has a stadium and development plan that is not only beautiful, but functional and environmentally friendly. This gives him another advantage.

And yesterday, he received support from California Governor (Governator?) Arnold Schwarzenegger in the form of a bill signing.

Now, all Roski needs is a team;that same stumbling block. But there have been whispers among several teams the past few years that LA might be the way to go.

Buffalo plays in one of the league's oldest structures and also sports a declining fan base (perhaps due to their decade-long absence from the playoffs). The team is rumored to be in a revenue-generating pickle.

Minnesota wants out of the ancient and unattractive Metrodome. The team has declined to field offers from other cities, but that could change soon.

Jacksonville also wants a new stadium and also sports a lackluster fan base.

It's worth noting that Buffalo and Jacksonville also face competition for fans from two other teams in the same state (The New York Jets and Giants (still considered New York teams regardless of their residence in New Jersey) and the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively).

In Los Angeles, there would still be other teams in the state, but there are more people to go around. The rumor is that Los Angeles also would like to support an NFL team of their own again. Roski has also pointed out that neither the Rams nor Raiders lacked fan support when they bolted town.

The NFL, while a silent partner in all of this, wants a team in Los Angeles. Odds are that they even know who they want there.

If I had to guess, I'd say that these are your four most likely teams (four because Roski is trying to attract not one but two)

(In order of likelihood):

1. Oakland Raiders

2. Buffalo Bills

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. San Diego Chargers

Other potentials could be Minnesota, San Francisco, or St. Louis among others. Roski is apparently after as many as eight teams currently including all three California-based franchises.

Oakland and Buffalo are curious because, of the four, they are struggling the most in terms of fan support. Jacksonville beats out San Diego, who needs a new stadium badly, because of a lack of fans as well.

Of the remaining potentials, Minnesota has been in this discussion before while San Francisco and St. Louis are dark horses. It will be interesting to see what new ownership does with St. Louis, which is why they are on this list.

So What's Going to Happen?

My guess is that we see a team in Los Angeles by the end of the 2010 season, if not,then after the current season. Roski is for real and his plan is going to stir someone to make the move.

Jim Zorn Will Rise Again, but Redskins' Future Less Certain

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:53:55 -0400

Sometimes in baseball, players who fail in the big leagues are often said to have been rushed into action.

In football, we might be witnessing something similar in Washington.

Jim Zorn, in only a few short weeks, went from Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach to Washington Redskins head coach. He completely leap-frogged being a coordinator.

Now, perhaps, is a good time to visit how that skipped step may have changed the outcome of his first head coaching job.

Zorn is a great person. If there was anyone who could take over for Joe Gibbs the person, it's Zorn. He's soft spoken in his press conferences and seems to have an inner peace about him, just like Gibbs.

But replacing Joe Gibbs the coach? No, I'd say he wasn't quite ready for that.

For all of his great personality traits, Zorn is too young in his coaching tenure to be running the show. Some guys, like Josh McDaniels in Denver, can do it at a young age. Some, like Zorn, cannot.

McDaniels credits his former boss, Bill Belichick, with preparing him for and mentoring him in the reality that is coaching an NFL team.

Who did Zorn have? Mike Holmgren.

Holmgren is a great coach. You don't need to even look at his record to know that. But Holmgren hasn't really groomed a successful coach since he left Green Bay. Even then, his record is mixed.

That's not to say Belichick is spotless either. He gave the league the pensive and totalitarian Eric Mangini (who failed in New York and is on his way to one-upping that failure with a new one in Cleveland) and Romeo Crennel (whom Mangini is replacing).

The difference is that Zorn never publicly credited Holmgren with his early success.

The other difference is that everyone from Belichick's coaching tree was a coordinator before they put on the big headset.

Let's not gloss over the fact that Zorn was supposed to be the team's offensive coordinator before Dan Snyder either got tired of looking for a coach or was just wowed by Zorn that much (my bet is the former).

Then, without preamble, Zorn was thrust into the driver's seat of a train that has steadily gone from very good to beyond awful.

Not only has Zorn struggled to run an already quixotic franchise, he has been undermined at almost every turn since he took over.

After his eight-game honeymoon period (also known as before the Redskins fell apart last season), Snyder openly flirted with replacing him after the 2008 season.

By the time that he decided to keep Zorn in charge, Snyder had already assassinated his leadership role with the team.

Since then, Zorn has been the weekly topic of hot seat rumors. Part of this is driven by the veteran coaching names sitting at home or in broadcast booths (Jon Gruden, Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, Brian Billick, Mike Holmgren).

Part of it has been that the Redskins' brass seems bent on blaming Zorn for the continual failure of the Redskins to field a competitive team for more than a season or two.

This week was the ultimate in betrayal. Several head coaches call their team's offensive and/or defensive plays. Zorn was calling the 'Skins offensive signals since last season.

Immediately after losing another abysmal game, Zorn was publicly stripped of his play-calling duties by team Vice President Vinny Cerrato (whose future is likely closely tied to Zorn's). Who got those same duties?

Enter Sherm Lewis, hired no more than two weeks ago as a "consultant" (read: interim replacement).

Lewis will call the plays. If he fails? Well, maybe at that point Snyder will hire a consultant again and give him the duties.

I think Snyder has been sharing a hotel room with Al Davis during ownership meetings. He's beginning to act like our befuddled friend in Oakland.

So what about Zorn? He'll live until the bye week and then likely be let go. For him, I would think it would be a huge relief.

But what about after that? Well, a lot of it is up to Zorn.

If he wants to coach, he will surely get a shot as a quarterbacks coach or even as an offensive coordinator. He won't get an immediate shot at another head coaching job, but I'd be lying if I said that I thought that we've seen the last of "head coach" Zorn.

The guy is a good coach in the making. He needs to work under the tutelage of a Bill Belichick or a Bill Parcells or even a Mike Tomlin and get his feet under him as a coordinator.

Then, once he's showed he can excel at calling plays, he can go back out and look for a head coaching job.

This time around should and hopefully will be chalked up as too much, too soon.

Zorn will rise again. Just not in Washington. And he should be very thankful for that.

Where do the Redskins go?

Mike Shanahan said no already. My guess is that Bill Cowher will also decline if approached. I'm of the school that Cowher still isn't ready to go back to work on the sidelines.

Jon Gruden? He could be the answer. He's a quarterback genius with a winning track record.

But what if Gruden says no? Does Dan Snyder hire another new kid on the block? Does he look at colleges to find a coach? Does it really matter?

It probably doesn't until Snyder learns how to actually run a team. The old trick of throwing money at a problem, then yelling at the problem when it doesn't just fix itself, and then blaming someone for the problem doesn't work.

Albert Haynesworth? Great player. Worth over $100 million? No way.

Jason Campbell? Snyder and his front office have been about as good with him as they have been with Zorn. Trying to trade your supposed franchise quarterback doesn't help his psyche.

The fact of the matter is that the Redskins make very poor personnel moves. They overspend and are poor talent evaluators.

Until all of that changes, it probably wouldn't even help if George Halas and Vince Lombardi co-coached this team with an assist from Chuck Noll and Don Shula.

Film Study: Ben Roethlisberger Flying High, Under the Radar

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:45:01 -0400

You know you're good when you can throw for 417 yards and two touchdowns and still not get much of a mention beyond a footnote in the highlight reel.

That's what Ben Roethlisberger got for his stellar performance (one interception notwithstanding) Sunday against the Browns.

Yes, they're the Browns. Yes, they're a terrible football team that can beat itself better than any opponent could possibly hope to do.

But Roethlisberger had a banner day. Let's start with the statistics:

23/35 (66%) for 417 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 113.6 rating

Ben leads the league in completion percentage, which is more telling than yardage. If a quarterback rolls up 400 yards but only completes half his passes, he's missing a lot of opportunities.

Roethlisberger has made a season of capitalizing on things. He currently has a 72.5 completion percentage. The best quarterbacks in the NFL right now, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, have a 69.2 and 73.5 completion percentage, respectively. That's pretty good company.

Add to that that Roethlisberger is outgaining both Manning and Brees in yardage and is on par with them in TD passes.

Roethlisberger deserves mention in the MVP discussion. The Steelers have leaned on him more often this year than previously and he has persevered in the face of a sometimes questionable (although not lately) offensive line and a questionable (although now-improving) rushing attack.

But MVP is still considered a two quarterback race between Manning and Brees. Brett Favre is thrown in for laughs as well. Where's Roethlisberger? Is it because his team is 4-2 and not 5-0?

If Ben keeps having games like he did against Cleveland, he'll force his way into the discussion.

Or maybe he'll just have to add to his late game heroics (18 comeback victories in the fourth quarter or overtime). Manning and Brees aren't known for that, so perhaps that is where his niche is.

One thing is for sure. No one else should be running this offense right now. Ben is simply too good.

Breast Cancer Awareness an Important Promotion for Sports

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:16:09 -0400

As I was sitting, curled up from the cold of an ice rink yesterday watching Division II California of PA's girl's hockey team roll up a 4-1 win over the University of Maryland, I was rather taken aback by all that has been done this year by a wide range of sports, teams, and players to promote awareness of one terrible disease.

For several years, Major League Baseball had the lead, taking one game out of the year to use pink bats, shoes, gloves, and other accessories as a way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. These items were later auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting research for a cure to breast cancer.

Collegiate sports have also taken up the cause, Cal U's pink jerseys yesterday being the perfect example.

Now, the NFL has taken center stage, allowing players to wear pink shoes, pink gloves, other uniform accessories (within reason), and adorning the playing surfaces with large breast cancer ribbons.

While several have griped that the NFL need concern itself with helping its aging retirees, particularly those dealing with concussion-related disorders, many have championed the NFL's effort.

There is, perhaps, no better way to raise awareness of something than to have a sports team promote it. Sports teams are often the heart and soul of a college campus or, in the case of professional teams, a city or region. Plus, teams and players donating parts of salaries or profits to research only inspires everyone to do more.

I have a habit of donating to any cause at sporting events. I don't mean raising money for new hats for the coaching staff or anything like that. That's what budgets are for. But if an organization is collecting for Breast Cancer Awareness, Alzheimer's Research, or any of a handful of causes, I'm more than happy to give over a few dollars.

This kind of stuff is important. It's definitely more important than the game on the field. These donations save lives and lay the groundwork for medical and research advances.

It's good to see sports branching out to help society. It's what they should be doing. Getting the NFL involved is perhaps the biggest step. The NFL, like it or not, plays to the biggest audiences, both in stadiums and at home through television. If there is a cause being backed by the NFL, it will get traction and support in mainstream society.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what sports should be about: reaching out and, through entertainment, helping the community.

Rush Limbaugh Is Not the Kind of Owner the NFL Needs or Players Want

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:13:46 -0400

Has it really been long enough to forget?

Rush Limbaugh has flirted with the sports world before. The outspoken talk show host once, albeit briefly, worked for ESPN as an analyst. Why he was brought in was beyond me then and the answer still hovers well out of my reach today.

For those who actually did forget, Limbaugh was fired by ESPN after he made blatantly racist remarks about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Limbaugh evidently believed the media was overly nice to McNabb because they "wanted a black quarterback to succeed."

Forget that McNabb is actually a good quarterback and was then too.

Now, just about six years later, Limbaugh has once again emerged as an NFL storyline.

He is arguably the leader of a small group looking to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

Really, Roger Goodell?

All of that time spent cleaning up the NFL and getting rid of jokers like PacMan Jones, and you're willing to let Limbaugh get hold of a team?

Several players, many of them black, have said they will not play for St. Louis should Limbaugh be successful in purchasing the Rams. That alone should give the NFL pause when considering his bid.

Add to that his history, both with ESPN and as a radio talk show host, of being vehemently against anything that he disagrees with. This is, after all, the man who proclaimed loudly almost before ballots were counted that he hoped President Barack Obama would fail.

Like him or not, I think most Americans would like their leader to succeed.

Limbaugh is self-interested in ways that even Jerry Jones and Al Davis would find ridiculous.

Why would anyone want this guy as an owner?

The possibility exists that this is just another public relations nightmare that Limbaugh has cooked up for himself. He loves the spotlight and will seemingly do or say anything that gets him a headline. I'm probably feeding him by even writing this story, but I cannot stand by and let this go unsaid.

Rush Limbaugh the owner would be a disaster for the NFL. There should never be a team that doesn't welcome players.

Racism among NFL owners should have died with George Preston Marshall. It shouldn't be fostered and brought back now, in the 21st Century, by a man who knows nothing about football but how to create controversy with it.

Most people don't like Al Davis and Jerry Jones, but I'd take them over Limbaugh any day of the week. They at least care about the game.

Limbaugh only cares about one person—himself.

Film Study: Steelers' Defense Finishes, But Still Not Completing Games

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:01:13 -0400

It took five weeks, but the Steelers' defense finally stepped up to finish a game, delivering three consecutive sacks to stop the Detroit Lions' last drive before it could really even begin.

It was a masterful game for linebackers. James Harrison continued his surge with a three-sack performance, also forcing a fumble.

Lamarr Woodley finally gave those on the "Woodley Watch" some moments worth remembering, contributing a sack and a half.

Lawrence Timmons, the new face of the group, even contributed a sack of his own.

But there were, as usual, some dark clouds to rain on the parade.

The defense didn't exactly start the game.

While the season's first four weeks were defined by a Steelers defense that started strong and then fell apart, this defense seemed to start soft and emerge in the second half.

Perhaps most disturbing was the Steelers' inability to contain Daunte Culpepper in the first half, allowing him to escape pressure and help himself to long gains on the ground.

The Steelers also flashed a circa-2003 inability to get off the field on third down, allowing the Lions to convert 61 percent (11-of-18) of their third-down opportunities (including one 32 yard scramble by Culpepper on the first drive).

The Steelers also continue to allow big plays, with three passes and one run going for more than 20 yards (and two more passes of 19 yards). In fact, were it not for an injury to Calvin Johnson in the first half, the Lions may have been even more dangerous.

One of the biggest offenses occurred in an area where the Steelers have been utterly dominant under Mike Tomlin.

With the Steelers up 28-13 in the fourth quarter against an offense that they had slowly begun to dominate, the Steelers defense allowed Daunte Culpepper to march the Lions' offense seven plays and 82 yards to bring them within a touchdown and two-point conversion from tying the game.

The scoring play? A 25-yard pass to backup wide receiver Dennis Northcutt.

So where is the defense after five weeks?

The short answer: about one week from finding out if one player can solve most of these problems.

Troy Polamalu should return against Cleveland after practicing for the first time this past week. What Polamalu does give the Steelers is middle-of-the-field coverage, something that was sorely lacking against San Diego and also against Detroit.

The Steelers will likely play tighter defense with Polamalu back. Once he's closer to 100 percent on the field, the exotic blitzes should help as well.

But one man probably won't solve everything.

The long answer is, of course, more complicated.

The front three (Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, and Brett Keisel) have been solid all year and are getting better as the linebackers emerge. There's not really much more this group can do.

Aaron Smith is having a quiet but spectacular season. He's getting pressure and driving blockers backwards. The opposing pocket almost always starts to collapse from his side of the field.

The linebackers have gradually improved. Lawrence Timmons is finally healthy, which makes a huge difference. His speed has helped plug up some holes and allows him to drop into coverage more effectively than the other four linebackers.

Woodley needs to build on his game against Detroit and help Harrison form that devastating duo that terrorized opponents in 2008.

Woodley seemed more comfortable and Dick LeBeau used a few blitz packages that allowed him to roam more freely. It helps that he plays behind Aaron Smith.

James Harrison has been gradually improving each week and had a trademark monster game against Detroit.

Harrison's three sacks doubled his total for the season. He also showed an increasing ability to fight off double teams, something he will need to do all year until Woodley becomes a more consistent threat.

James Farrior is again having a steady year, although he has yet to generate the pass rushing statistics he has the past few seasons.

He doesn't make mistakes, but is often being asked to cover more territory with Polamalu sidelined. He hasn't been blitzed as often, which likely contributes to his lowered totals.

The secondary is improving. William Gay is going to be a special player, but he's not a complete player yet. He still can get caught with his pants down by faster receivers.

He does blitz well and will likely be even more dangerous in this regard once Polamalu returns to the field.

Gay usually draws the No. 2 receiver, so he gets a break there. He is steady, which is what the Steelers need. It will be intriguing to see how the return of No. 43 affects his game.

Ike Taylor is having an unspectacular yet steady season. He plays extremely well against top receivers, but he needs to generate more turnovers. His hands of stone have cost the Steelers in every game. This is the one hole in his game.

Ryan Clark is hitting harder and harder and he helps cover the middle of the field. He's more dangerous with Polamalu, but has played well with Tyrone Carter. Carter has also been solid, but fans need to realize he is not Troy and does not have the same range.

The defense rose to the occasion this week instead of wearing down at the end of the game, something that will serve them well.

Now, the focus needs to be on bringing Troy Polamalu back into the game plan, organizing the skills of players like Gay and Woodley around his return, and focus on playing complete games and dominating from start to finish.

This unit has the talent. They just need to start showing the results. The Detroit game, for all the hiccups, was a step in the right direction.

Native American Mascots: Honorable or Ignorant?

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:14:17 -0400

It's been a prickly topic for years, even decades. It spans not just every professional sport, but collegiate sports as well. Depending on who you talk to, it's a stain on the organizations it affects or a way of honoring those who came before us.

Native Americans were exploited almost from the moment Europeans arrived on this continent, pushed and shoved off their land for centuries until they were confined to the reservations that are now common across the south and midwestern parts of the United States.

When sports teams and, more importantly, sports team's nicknames and mascots, came into being in the middle and late 1800s, Native American tribal names and symbols were commonly used to represent them.

Over the years, this pattern has given us the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Indians, Florida State Seminoles, Atlanta Braves and Washington Redskins (to name a few).

It might be that last one that generates the most controversy.

"Redskins" is, outside of sports, a racial moniker reserved for those of Native American descent. While the term has thankfully fallen out of common use, the connotation remains.

But is it meant to be offensive?

Originally the Boston Braves (another Native American reference) and the Washington Redskins were owned by George Preston Marshall, a noted racist. The name Redskins arrived during their second season, 1933.

It is unclear whether Marshall, who would famously refuse to integrate his football team in the 1950s, and his racist leanings had anything to do with the choice of nickname.

Regardless of this, several people have found the name insensitive enough to file lawsuits, the aim of which would be to force the Redskins to change their famous name.

A 2002 poll conducted by Sports Illustrated found that 75 percent of Native Americans polled had no problem with the team's nickname. Regardless, the lawsuits and appeals continue.

Florida State University provides an interesting counterpoint.

The Seminoles have official permission from the two remaining Seminole Indian groups (the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Nation in Oklahoma) to use the name for their sports teams. It is the only official exemption for any sports team.

Florida State remains the only NCAA school exempt from a ban on Native American mascots.

Several colleges, both large and small, have switched from Native American names to more innocuous ones. For example, Division II's Indiana University of Pennsylvania changed from the IUP Indians to the IUP Crimson Hawks. Other schools have followed this example.

But the question remains. Is this disparaging to Native Americans or not? The Seminole tribe and nation seem to think it is nothing to be concerned with, a mark of pride for their groups to be honored by a large school.

It is certainly hard to find names like Braves or Chiefs offensive. Neither is an outwardly or historically negative term. Instead, they are more reminiscent of pride and leadership and courage.

The debate rages on. What do you think?

Pittsburgh Steelers Don't Pass on Chance to Welcome New Offensive Era

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:53:00 -0400

There are two passes that could end up telling us a great deal about how the Steelers intend to operate their offense from now on.

Those two passes opened the Steelers' week four matchup with the San Diego Chargers.

No, that's not a misprint. The Steelers actually opened a game by featuring a quick strike passing game and not the once-vaunted rushing attack that was always part of Pittsburgh's past offensive systems.

While Bruce Arians takes a ton of heat for calling a run heavy, unimaginative offensive game, he has been rather diverse this season. If you close your eyes to a squint and look, it almost looks like they Mike Mularkey heyday (before he, too, became unimaginative and conservative).

There is one certainty through four games. These aren't your father's or grandfather's Pittsburgh Steelers.

A certain segment of the massive, worldwide Pittsburgh fanbase will be disappointed to see this evolution. I would say that it's most unsurprising considering how the team has drafted since 2004.

In the 2004 draft, the Steelers drafted quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th overall pick. If Kevin Colbert had intended for Roethlisberger to be nothing but a glorified game manager his entire career, he probably would have just signed a cheaper quarterback.

You don't draft first round quarterbacks to manage games for a career.

In 2005, the Steelers drafted Heath Miller in the first round. Miller was lauded as a great pass catching tight end. The Steelers needed a tight end. But Miller? He had suspect blocking skills listed by almost every analyst as his only weakness.

In 2006, the Steelers traded up in the draft to snag Santonio Holmes, a wide receiver with star potential. Again, you don't draft first round talent to be a role player.

In 2007 and 2009, the Steelers finally focused on their defense with Lawrence Timmons and Ziggy Hood, respectively. In 2008, the team drafted Rashard Mendenhall, the lone contributor to the rushing attack from the team's last six first round picks.

If that doesn't show that the Steelers have been building up to this, then maybe this will convince you.

Pittsburgh has also drafted Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, and Carey Davis while signing Mewelde Moore. Two of those guys are wide receivers with good speed. Davis is a pass catching fullback with so-so blocking skills. Moore is a better pass catcher than he is a rusher.

So this should come as no shock. The Steelers, as they showed Sunday night, still intend to run the football. They just are no longer a run-heavy, bruising offense.

If Rashard Mendenhall can generate those kinds of yards on a regular basis, then the Steelers will still be able to execute their run-out-the-clock offense in the fourth quarter.

The new wrinkle is that, during the bulk of the game, the attack will be balanced.

The first drive the Steelers had last night was a six play, 79-yard effort that included three passes and three runs.

Overall, the Steelers passed 33 times and ran 34 times (eliminating two Roethlisberger kneel downs).

How's that for balance?

Much of the credit for this change should be given to Roethlisberger himself. He has proven with late game drives that he can win games with his arm. He also has showed a great knack for calling things at the line and for operating the no-huddle offense.

Those kinds of things give you the confidence to balance your attack and let a guy put the ball up 30+ times a game.

You know Roethlisberger won't argue with that. He loves it.

Some of the other credit should be given to the offensive line, which has vastly improved its pass blocking this season. Roethlisberger was sacked three times by San Diego, at least two of which were because he was trying to make a play. Three sacks isn't a bad total anyway, especially considering that they didn't kill drives because Ben can make big plays with his arm.

The final piece of credit goes to Arians, who's finally emerging from his shell. Whether or not he's a great coordinator is a matter for debate. I think we need more evidence in the form of offensive games like Sunday night's before we give him too much credit.

He did let Ben start calling plays and audibles, so he is taking the cuffs off finally. The offense certainly hasn't been a problem in the last two games, so he's doing something right.

Is this a good change, though? Changes in unit philosophy are often among the most debated in the NFL. If a defense switches from a 4-3 to a 3-4 or vice versa, it makes the news.

For the Steelers to change from a decades long stance of run first, pass second on offense is almost unheard of. Running is the Steelers identity, or so the pundits say.

The truth is, the Steelers never had a star quarterback once Terry Bradshaw left. If you think Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, or Tommy Maddox were anywhere near as talented as Roethlisberger or Bradshaw, I have some ocean-front property in South Dakota for you.

The Steelers have, however, had great running backs. After Franco Harris, there was a bit of a gap until Barry Foster emerged. It is no coincidence that without a good quarterback and with running backs like Walter Abercrombie and Tim Worley the Steelers were not a good football team.

After Foster came Eric Pegram and Bam Morris, then Jerome Bettis, then Willie Parker, and now Mendenhall. Mendenhall isn't great yet, but he showed he could be on Sunday.

Running may have been the team's identity, but it may also have been so simply out of necessity and talent than because the coaches were making a conscious decision to run 70% of the time.

Even if Mendenhall shows he is the second coming of Jerome Bettis, the Steelers will likely always be a balanced team as long as Roethlisberger is under center. He's too good to ask to manage the game.

Is it a good change? That's a matter of opinion. I think it is. It will let the Steelers dominate teams offensively the way they usually dominate them defensively. If they do that, they'll be getting fitted for more rings in the very near future.

Pittsburgh Steelers Offense Aces Test vs. San Diego, Defense Gets an Incomplete

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:58:50 -0400

Finally, a second victory. Many people say that the Steelers should be 4-0, undone by an inability to finish that is foreign to Pittsburgh football teams of the past.

Well, they're 2-2. The good news, however, is that they finally answered the bell and knocked out a decent team.

There are obvious concerns which will either by addressed by the imminent return of Troy Polamalu or will fester most of the season.

Here's the report card for the Steelers against the Chargers (the next overall report card will be issued after the sixth game of the season).

Offense

Ben Roethlisberger: A+

What can I say about someone who leads the league in completion percentage and tackles broken by a quarterback (the second being an unofficial statistic, yet still important)?

Ben found the holes all night and would have two more completions to his name had Hines Ward not dropped a couple passes (although catching eight others totally absolves him of any wrongdoing).

The best thing Ben did last night? He spread the ball around and found everyone. A lot of quarterbacks get into a groove and go to that guy again and again. Ben finds everyone.

The only thing I wasn't thrilled with were the back to back sacks in the second quarter, but then he restarted the drive.

Rashard Mendenhall/Mewelde Moore: A+

Another what can I say moment. Mendenhall was in the doghouse last week (whether Tomlin admits he has one or not) for not knowing his playbook and not practicing effectively. If he didn't know the playbook this week, he did a wonderful job of making things up as he went.

Mendenhall gives the Steelers two things that they don't get with Willie Parker. His legs never stop churning, even after contact. The other thing? He can pound up the middle for tough yards.

Moore is excellent in his role as well. He will never be anyone's feature back, but it doesn't matter here. He's great on third down and as a receiver. Roethlisberger trusts him too, which is big.

Moore's touchdown pass also showed something the Steelers haven't done since Jerome Bettis retired: a trick play in the red zone.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A+

Hines Ward had another huge game. He has not found the endzone, but he's deadly in the middle of the field. His eight catch, 113-yard night led the Steelers. Ward did drop two passes late, but they hardly mattered in this system.

Santonio Holmes finally made a guest appearance in what has recently become Mike Wallace's world. Holmes played well and made several key catches, including a tough sideline catch that reminded me of his Super Bowl touchdown catch.

He seems to finally be on the same page with Roethlisberger (the overturned interception thrown his way would have been completed if he wasn't held obviously on the play).

Mike Wallace could be a Rookie of the Year candidate at this rate. I'm not saying he'll win it. Receivers aren't usually up for such honors.

But, Wallace continues to be one of the highest impact rookies in the NFL. He makes all the catches and has shown remarkable hands. He will definitely be one of the steals of this year's draft if this continues.

Heath Miller continues to be Ben Roethlisberger's favorite red zone target. He catches everything and is a downright bull when he starts running. He's fast entering the elite group of tight ends with Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez. He has no holes in his game. When he's not catching passes, he's as good a blocker as any tight end in football.

Offensive Line: A+

Another building block game. They've been improving ever since the gut check that was Tennessee and now they are playing lights out, Pittsburgh Steelers football.

The holes were there all night long for Mendenhall and Roethlisberger seemed to always have a nice pocket or enough time to decide to vacate it.

The one area of concern is penalties. I'm not overly concerned, but if you look at trends, Willie Colon always seems to be the false start guy. It's a career problem for him so far and he needs to solve it. He also tends to line up a little behind the center's belt. He got lucky last night when it happened and the refs didn't make the call, but he's been known for it.

This unit has the potential to be even better, believe it or not. If he continues to be a good, solid addition, Trai Essex's days as a backup may be over. He's been more effective than Darnell Stapleton was last season.

Chris Kemoeatu is also getting better. It was nice to see him pull on a couple of running plays the way Alan Faneca used to.

Five Things I Liked on Offense

1. Variety

Say what you will, and I've said plenty against him myself, but Bruce Arians called another masterful game last night. He's finally letting the offense run a diverse system of passes and runs and is shedding his label as a "three downs and a cloud of dust" offensive coach.

The Steelers' first drive was a perfect example: three passes, three runs. All gained positive yardage and the drive ended with a touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall.

2. Rashard Mendenhall

Does Willie Parker start when he comes back? If Mendenhall keeps it up, Parker will be the backup who comes in to keep him fresh.

We found out quickly that Mendenhall does not hesitate when he gets the ball. He plays with drive and hunger, something Parker doesn't lack, but also something he doesn't have the ability to demonstrate regularly.

Parker has clearly lost a step in speed and he also has never been a back that can get tough yards.

Mendenhall is the kind of back the Steelers have historically done well with. If he can duplicate this success on a continuing basis, he will prove his worth. If nothing else, he should be fun to watch against Detroit's weak defense next weekend.

3. Trick and Treat

It looks like Bruce Arians decided that he would start Halloween festivities early by dialing up a trick play against the Chargers in the fourth quarter.

I heard some whispers that people felt Pittsburgh was running up the score, but in reality I think they did the right thing by going for another score against a suddenly fast-moving Chargers team.

Trick plays work best when they aren't used often. In this case, Arians hasn't really used a trick play in almost two years (slight exaggeration). It was bound to work.

4. Doug Legursky, Fullback

He's been kind of hanging around in the dark corners of the locker room. Last night, we finally got to see him do something in a game that counted.

Doug Legursky might be the Steelers' best option at fullback, at least in blocking situations, since Sean McHugh or Dan Kreider. The block he delivered on the opening drive ahead of a hard-charging Rashard Mendenhall was excellent.

Frank Summers, before his injury, was not opening holes or delivering crushing blocks. Carey Davis is a great pass option out of the backfield and a steady, yet unspectacular blocker. Legursky punished the Chargers player he blocked (I couldn't see him because he was under Legursky's mammoth form).

5. Teamwork

This wasn't just an offensive win. It was a win that was contributed to by all members of the offensive unit. Anyone who came onto the field for the Steelers' offense was a positive force. There were virtually no mistakes and even fewer places to criticize.

When everyone pitches in, this unit is as dangerous as any in the league.

Defense

Defensive Line: A

The line got great push all night long and often was able to help collapse the pocket around Philip Rivers.

The line also plugged holes that LaDainian Tomlinson was trying to run through, limiting the Chargers to less than 20 rushing yards.

Casey Hampton once again found a way through the middle of an offensive line, getting to Rivers in the second quarter. That's excellent for a guy who is usually expected to take up blockers and space in the middle. If he's getting pressures on the quarterback, your line is producing results.

Linebackers: B-

James Harrison had a stellar game, so he gets an A+ individually.

I was also impressed by the pressure and blitz success the linebackers had, particularly in the first half.

Lamarr Woodley is still missing in action, which is a huge concern for the pass rush. Perhaps his game will be helped by the return of Troy Polamalu. If not, they need to start looking at why he can't get anything done.

On the inside, Lawrence Timmons makes this a different unit on passing downs. He consistently is able to get up to the line quickly and generate disruptions. He also is adept in coverage, making good plays when needed.

James Farrior continues to be a quiet, steady force. Both get B's for their performance last night.

Secondary: C

I know, I know. I'm too hard on them. William Gay had a good game and so did Ike Taylor. Tyrone Carter and Ryan Clark did the best they could.

It doesn't change the fact that these guys got absolutely torched in the fourth quarter. Philip Rivers went from virtually nothing to a three touchdown night.

Why?

It happened because the secondary stayed on the sidelines, at least mentally, once the third quarter ended.

Gay and Taylor did have excellent games. I'm not taking that away from them. Gay gets better each week, although he still has to do better in man coverage, particularly on the Steelers' side of the field. Taylor has no hands, but he makes the plays.

Carter played really well in run support, but he can't cover Antonio Gates. That's not entirely on him. Gates is a phenomenal player and will get his share of big catches no matter who's on him.

Clark is showing up and he's plugging holes, but that's about it. He isn't a big time player, but when he's paired with Troy, he's excellent. He, more than anyone, will benefit from Polamalu's return.

Five Things I Didn't Like on Defense

1. Meet the Press

The Steelers were manhandling the Chargers receivers all night until Dick LeBeau started putting the corners into zone coverage instead of playing man. Gay and Taylor are fast, but don't have closing speed that is required for zone schemes, so naturally, the Chargers suddenly had room to create. They did.

2. Union Break?

I know the guys on defense are members of the players union. That's great. It really is a good thing. But since when did union breaks come into play in the NFL?

The Steelers' defense takes one every fourth quarter. This cannot continue or the team will start losing games again. To allow 14 fourth quarter points and 21 in the second half is unacceptable after the defense proved it could play these guys effectively in the first half.

3. Dumb Penalties

James Harrison shouldn't really be dropping into coverage anyway, but when he does, you can't belt a guy just because he's open. That nearly cost the Steelers big. He made up for it, but you cannot commit these fouls.

4. Where's Woodley?

Week four of the Lamarr Woodley watch: one tackle.

The stats don't lie in this case. Woodley has been a non-factor this season. He's not drawing double teams like James Harrison, so he has no excuse. He should be working better with that kind of space. Instead, he's playing down to his competition.

5. Pick 'Em

Where are the interceptions? Ike Taylor dropped one last night, which was not terrible since it was a tough play to make anyway, but this team just is not creating turnovers. The Steelers have exactly one pick this season.

Philip Rivers put the ball up 36 times last night. He wasn't picked. The Steelers can defend passes well, at least in the first half, but cannot intercept them at any point in the game. They simply just don't seem to have the hands.

Special Teams

Kicking/Punting: A+

Chris Collinsworth asked us all how much we trusted Jeff Reed in another key situation. Evidently, Collinsworth thought that Reed's misses in Chicago were a habit. Apparently, he doesn't watch many games.

Reed once again proved he is the master of Heinz Field, hitting a 46-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 10-point, two possession lead in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.

Daniel Sepulveda only punted twice, but he wins the field position battle for Pittsburgh almost every time. The difference between last season and this one is that, at least on special teams, the team can win the battles for field position.

Stefan Logan: B-

He had an easy B+ until he fumbled. To be fair, he was hit by half the Chargers' coverage team.

But, he's not big enough to punish anyone, so he needs to learn when to go to ground and call it a return. He can only fight so far. He's best in the open field or one on one, where he can make someone miss.

This is his second fumble on a return. The first was in the closing moments against the Bears. This one hurt. It can't happen again.

Overall Grades

Offense: A+

Defense: B-

Special Teams: B+

With Parker Doubtful, Is Mendenhall Ready To Shoulder The Load?

Nick DeWitt — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:36:54 -0400

Rashard Mendenhall has certainly made an auspicious start to his NFL career, logging 107 yards in seven games since being drafted in the first round last year by the Steelers.

Last week, his personal stock took yet another hit when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin effectively benched him for failing to prepare effectively and practice professionally before the team's game against the rival Cincinnati Bengals.

Now, with Willie Parker suffering from an untimely case of turf toe, Tomlin may have no other choice but to insert Mendenhall into the Steelers' backfield.

But is he ready?

The biggest problem with analyzing Mendenhall is that he has only played in seven games since being drafted. There's too small a sample size to really gauge his effectiveness in games that count.

Mendenhall has also had two rather pedestrian training camps, this year's being worse than last year's. That makes the Steelers wary of playing him.

But Mendenhall has shown flashes of what made him a high draft pick. Most recently, he ripped off a 39 yard run against a stout Chicago defense that set up the Steelers deep in Chicago territory.

But Mendenhall doesn't always run hard and, as Mike Tomlin pointed out in his recent assessment of the back, he often misses blocking assignments and open holes. This makes him a huge liability as an every down back.

It appears, though, that Mendenhall will get his chance. A good game against the ailing Chargers won't absolve him of all his woes, but it would go a long way to the coaching staff gaining confidence in him.

A poor performance against the Chargers, however, could place Mendenhall squarely on the bench. With the versatile Mewelde Moore also available, Tomlin won't hesitate to use the hook if Mendenhall is unfocused or ineffective.

He, like Limas Sweed, is on a very short rope.

My bet is that Mendenhall will start against the Chargers, with Moore mixing in to keep him fresh. I think that this is the perfect chance for Mendenhall to have a big game. Shawne Merriman is banged up and the Chargers haven't exactly been staunch against the run this season.

A big game here earns him a bigger role, or at least a chance to contribute regularly in tandem with Parker. Mendenhall is still the top choice to replace Parker, who is unsigned after this season, so he will be given every opportunity to earn his pay and his starting job.

This storyline, especially now that Parker is doubtful on the injury report, definitely bears watching Sunday night.

Steelers-Chargers: A Look Inside the Game

Nick DeWitt — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:17:31 -0400

At 1-2, the margin for error is now razor thin for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Back home, where they usually dominate, the Steelers face what is almost a must-win game against the San Diego Chargers.

Limas Sweed is all but benched. Frank Summers, ineffective from the fullback position, is on injured reserve with a balky back. Shaun McDonald and Carey Davis are in for the Steelers.

Here's a look inside the Steelers' Week Four matchup with the Chargers:

Five Questions To Answer

1. Can the running game continue to build on its recent success?

2. Can the Steelers' secondary slow down Philip Rivers?

3. Is Shaun McDonald an upgrade over Limas Sweed?

4. Can the defense, particularly the linebackers, create pressure?

5. Can the offense finish more drives?

Four Fantasy Tips

1. If you haven't already, pick up Mike Wallace.

Wallace has proven to be one of Ben Roethlisberger's favorite targets, racking up his first 100+ yard receiving performance against the Bengals. Ben has showed increased confidence in him, particularly in key situations. He is fast developing into a breakout rookie.

2. Be careful with playing Philip Rivers.

Rivers is a great quarterback. He isn't even a bad fantasy option. But anyone who watched his playoff performance against the Steelers, not to mention his regular season showings, would tell you that he does not play well against Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense may be weak, but they will be able to key on Rivers and the passing game this week.

3. Don't Start Darren Sproles (or LaDainian Tomlinson).

Sproles and Tomlinson are also great players, but have been ineffective so far this season. Sproles gained only 41 yards against the Dolphins and isn't likely to do better against the Steelers. His value would primarily be as a returner, but that is another area where the Steelers are likely to keep him hemmed in.

4. Sleeper: Steelers Defense.

The Steelers defense has yet to play a full game, but this is probably a better matchup for them than Cincinnati. Right now, the Chargers offense is one dimensional, so the Steelers will be able to play their usual staunch run defense and key on quarterback Philip Rivers. The defense is also due for a big game and always play tough against San Diego.

Three Key Matchups

1. Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall/Mewelde Moore vs. Chargers Rush Defense

Willie Parker has turf toe, which could sideline him Sunday night. Rashard Mendenhall didn't play last week after a poor week of practice and preparation. If Parker can't go, Mendenhall best be ready. Mewelde Moore will likely be mixed in more often either way.

This group of running backs has talent, but so far they haven't put up too many good results. Sunday is their chance to be more effective. Miami's running game was quite effective last week against the Chargers, racking up 149 yards and one touchdown.

With the offensive line playing much better, the running backs must now shoulder the blame if the Steelers cannot move the football on the ground.

2. Steelers Pass Defense vs. Philip Rivers

This is, by far, the most important matchup of the game. Rivers is a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. The Steelers are usually one of the league's best defenses. Something will give on Sunday.

Rivers does not throw for a lot of touchdowns, but he does get a ton of passing yardage to set up the weak running game. The Steelers have to limit his opportunities and shut down Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.

Expect to see more blitzes against San Diego after Miami did a good job of creating pressure last week. With Lawrence Timmons healthy, the Steelers will likely try to use him with James Harrison so that the Chargers cannot continually double team one linebacker.

3. Lamarr Woodley vs. the Chargers' Offensive Line

Woodley is about as close to ineffective as you can get after three weeks. He seems to be having a second season slump as a starter, struggling to make any plays in the passing game and unable to get pressure or get off blocks.

While Woodley's starting job is likely safe in the long term, he must start making plays if the defense hopes to be anything like last year's unit.

Woodley should have some space to operate with James Harrison drawing a double team on every play and Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior taking up the middle of the field.

How Woodley plays could be a determining factor in the final score. No kidding.

Two Players in the Spotlight

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace

Wallace had his breakout game against the Bengals. Now everyone knows him and fantasy players are scrambling to pick him up before this weekend's action.

For Wallace, Limas Sweed's epic failures are an opportunity to step up into an increased role on offense. Ben Roethlisberger already targets Wallace in crucial situations and, so far, Wallace has been brilliant.

Wallace has great deep speed, something the Steelers have generally lacked for several years. He also has sure hands and excellent route running skills. He seems to be one of the draft's steals, but its a young season and Wallace still has a lot of proving to do.

San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers

Rivers surely will remember what happened the last time he played at Heinz Field. He was ineffective and battered by a tough Steelers defense.

Now, Rivers has a nice stable of receivers and will be playing a Steelers defense seemingly crippled by the loss of Troy Polamalu and several nicks to other stars. He has no excuse for not performing well after a stellar opening to the season.

Rivers does not do well with pressure, so he will have to prove that he can handle the Steelers pass rush if it finds a way to penetrate consistently. He will also have to overcome the team's lack of a consistent, effective rushing attack.

One Bold Prediction

Steelers 20, Chargers 16

Ben Roethlisberger and company turn in a couple of early touchdowns and then attack the Chargers with a strong rushing performance by Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore (assuming Parker is out). The Steelers play their best and most complete defensive game, complete with a now-rare Lamarr Woodley sack.

The Chargers put together a late rally but fall short on a late turnover/sack by Philip Rivers.

Film Study: Ben Roethlisberger's Way Works for Steelers

Nick DeWitt — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:06:31 -0400

It's not always pretty. In fact, it's rarely pretty. But it works.

Brett Favre is the classic gunslinger. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning throw the pretty passes from the pocket. Donovan McNabb has the flashy running skills.

Ben Roethlisberger? He's the guy who thinks every stadium is no different than his own backyard.

He will probably never set league passing records, regardless of an upward trend in pass attempts the last two seasons.

But he has two Super Bowl rings before entering the prime of his career, so he must be doing something right.

In this week's edition of Film Study, since there is such a focus on what's wrong with the Steelers, we instead take a look at the unique style of play that makes Ben Roethlisberger so successful.

Quarterback Measurables

Stat Line Through Week Three:

78-109 (71.6 percent), 860 yards, three TD, four INT, seven sacks, 88.5 rating

Arm Strength

If you didn't see Roethlisberger's (almost) touchdown pass to Limas Sweed, then you should go back and take a look at the tape.

Ben didn't just heave the ball deep into the end zone as most quarterbacks do. He gunned an absolute laser right on target to Sweed, who had the ball perfectly cradled until he fell over and let the ground pop the ball loose.

These displays of arm strength by Roethlisberger are not limited to one or two pass attempts. Going back to his rookie season, there are several.

Ben has the strength to make all of the throws and also can power the ball through coverage using nothing more than sheer speed (and some luck).

Accuracy

As I said in my report card yesterday, throw out the touchdown to interception ratio. At least two of the interceptions were not due to an error in decision making by Roethlisberger, instead being caused by a hit arm (intended for Mike Wallace against Chicago) and a Hail Mary (end of the first half against Tennessee).

Ben would have at least one more touchdown if not for Sweed's drop against the Bengals and would probably have an even higher completion percentage if not for some drops by Santonio Holmes.

As it is, 71.6 percent is extremely good, considering the drops. Ben is certainly hitting on all cylinders in the early going.

For the most part, Roethlisberger throws great to spots and also can lead receivers with passes. Many quarterbacks are good at one or the other, but not both.

Mechanics

One of the most important parts of quarterbacking deals with throwing mechanics.

Last year, Roethlisberger exhibited one questionable, but not necessarily bad, tendency: He held on to the ball too long.

For most coaches, quarterbacks are supposed to have a four-second clock in their heads, counting down from the snap until the average time it takes the pass rush to penetrate. Holding the ball longer than four seconds is usually considered to be holding on too long, therefore risking a sack or fumble.

But for Roethlisberger, it is a different sort of game. His large build, quick thinking, and escapability allow him to hold onto the ball until the last possible moment and still make a play with his arm.

Outside of that, mechanics consist mostly of footwork. Solid footwork allows you to step into throws and therefore get more power behind them. Poor footwork such as throwing off the back foot leads to passes that "sail" or "flutter." This leads to incompletions or interceptions.

Roethlisberger ever since his rookie year has had solid footwork. He routinely steps up and into throws but also has the strength to throw awkwardly if necessary. He has shown an ability similar to (although the two players are not comparable) Rich Gannon, who was adept at throwing from different arm angles with accuracy.

Ben's physical tools will always allow him to overcome any mistakes in mechanics, so these are not a concern.

Quarterback Intangibles

Leadership

During his first two seasons, Roethlisberger was the beneficiary of a veteran core of leaders. Hines Ward and Jerome Bettis helped Ben adjust to the NFL and tutored him in the finer points of leading the team.

By his third season, Roethlisberger stepped up and took charge on his own. He is now the unquestioned leader. He has also taken a leadership role in the offense, taking on some of the play-calling duties and taking control at the line of scrimmage.

Decision Making

Few of Roethlisberger's decisions can be questioned. So far in 2009, almost none of his decisions have been poor. He has made a bad throw or two, but you cannot discount the possibility that receivers ran incorrect routes or the fact that, every now and then, defenders just make a great play.

Roethlisberger's play-calling in the no-huddle has also been spectacular. Make no mistake, when the team has moved most effectively in 2008 and so far in 2009, it is because Roethlisberger is calling the plays and showing a great knack for it.

Playmaking Ability

Here is where Roethlisberger beats out Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. No one can do as much with nothing as Roethlisberger.

Do you think Brady or Manning could escape the pocket, scramble around for six or seven seconds, reset themselves, and throw a strike while two defenders drag them down?

Roethlisberger can, and often does, do just that.

This is the "it" that coaches describe loosely but can never fully define. It is the ability to make plays when the original formation, routes, and blocking schemes are total failures.

For example, the trademark play of Super Bowl XLIII was essentially a broken play. To hear Roethlisberger explain the play, Holmes was his third read (following Mewelde Moore at the front of the end zone and probably Heath Miller in the back middle of it).

Roethlisberger's pocket was disrupted on the left side, so he angled back and to the right, calmly read the play, and saw Holmes and a small sliver of daylight.

The next thing he knew, he was hoisting a Lombardi Trophy.

Roethlisberger has 18 times in his still young career led the Steelers on game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. That pace is unmatched.

Many people say that he draws a very favorable comparison to another No. 7: John Elway.

It took Elway his entire career to win two Super Bowls. Roethlisberger still has most of his career ahead of him.

The Bottom Line

Like or hate his style of play, you have to admit that Roethlisberger does what every quarterback is asked to do: He wins football games.

But he does so much more than that.

During his tenure, he not only has shown an impressive and unmatched knack for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, he has also shown an equally impressive lack of mind-blowing, poor decisions that cost the Steelers games.

Sure, he's had his ups and downs, his signature wins and mistake-filled losses, but he wins a lot more games than he loses.

I don't think too many learned Steelers fans would want anyone else under center during a crucial game.

Is he the best quarterback of this era? Statistically, he's not even close. But he's quickly closing the gap everywhere else.

Guys who win are remembered. In that category, he's almost second to none.

Report Card: Consistent Inconsistency Has Steelers at 1-2

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:41:41 -0400

This was not how the script was supposed to read for the defending Super Bowl champions. With one of the NFL's easiest (at least on paper) schedules, the Steelers seemed a sure bet to steamroll their way to the playoffs.

Not so on the field.

Pittsburgh has faltered to 1-2 and has seen their season defined by an injury to star safety Troy Polamalu and sloppy second-half play by both offense and defense.

Pittsburgh has played well enough to be 3-0, they just have not finished games.

It would be easy to try to pin their latest loss on Limas Sweed, or just the defense, but football is a team sport. Everyone contributes both positively and negatively.

Next Sunday, the Steelers draw the San Diego Chargers. What originally seemed like the first potential test now looms as an almost must-win contest.

Here is the Week Three Report Card:

Offense

Passing Game: B-

Ben Roethlisberger is quietly putting together a solid season. I've said a lot about Ben's play the last few weeks, but he's evened out the mistakes and even showed a quick, accurate delivery against the Bengals. No one is better than Roethlisberger with the game on the line. Don't be fooled by his negative TD-INT ratio.

One interception was on a hail mary pass against Tennessee. Another was due to Ben's arm being hit during the release.

The receiving corps has been inconsistent. Hines Ward and surprising rookie Mike Wallace, as well as steady tight end Heath Miller, give the Steelers three excellent options when passing. Willie Parker showed some hands against the Bengals, although historically he has not been a good receiver.

Santonio Holmes disappeared after a good showing against Tennessee and was absent again against the Bengals, dropping a couple of key passes and contributing to the interception.

Limas Sweed continues to struggle. Twice in five games (including the playoffs), Sweed has dropped a sure touchdown pass. This time, it helped cost the Steelers a victory. Sweed seems to do everything well except catch the ball. I suspect this is a concentration problem.

One look at Mike Tomlin during the postgame press conference will tell you that Sweed is on extremely thin ice after yesterday's drop.

Overall, the passing game has carried the offense, so it's hard to give them a grade lower than B-. Individually, Roethlisberger, Ward, Wallace, and Miller would earn A's, Holmes a C-, and Sweed an F.

Running Game: C

Three weeks into the season, we finally saw a glimpse of the Steelers' ground game. The problem was that the glimpse was only thirty minutes in length. The Steelers have not put together a consistent ground game, which only serves to limit the effectiveness of the passing attack.

Willie Parker looked good against Cincinnati, but he also showed flashes of inconsistent play. Parker doesn't always run hard when he's trying to get to the edge, where he is most dangerous. He slows down too often behind the line and waits for a big hole instead of taking what he can.

Rashard Mendenhall did not take part in the Cincinnati game due to a lack of preparedness. Mendenhall, like Sweed, is on thin ice. He has proven effective when inserted, but does not consistently produce results.

Ben Roethlisberger continues to be effective scrambling and on designed runs.

Mewelde Moore is effective when utilized, but seems to be more useful as a passing option.

Individual Grades: Parker (B-), Mendenhall (C-), Moore (B), Roethlisberger (B+)

Offensive Line: B

Talk about a turnaround. The most criticized part of the team going into the season and after their week one victory over the Titans, the Pittsburgh offensive line has silenced some critics with excellent play in Weeks Two and Three.

Against the early league leader in sacks, Antwaan Odom, the Steelers allowed only one sack by the Bengals.

The Steelers also limited the Bengals' blitz schemes, giving Roethlisberger plenty of time to read the defense and find targets downfield.

Max Starks still plays a bit inconsistently at the left tackle spot, but his play against Odom was mostly excellent.

Chris Kemoeatu played his first passable game of the season, although he seemed to wear down in the fourth quarter.

Justin Hartwig continues to be a steady influence at the center of the line. He will play better if the guards do and will struggle if the guards fail.

Trai Essex is quietly filling in and doing a good job of it. The golden rule for guards is that the less your name is mentioned during a game, the better off you are.

Willie Colon is also quietly having a steady season. He needs to do a better job with run blocking, but has been decent on passing downs.

Since the offensive line operates as a single unit, I will not give them individual grades except to say that all five have improved markedly since their poor showing in the opener.

Defense

Linemen: A

The Steelers continue to be a force against the run, having not allowed a 100 yard rusher in over 20 games.

A big part of that is the defensive line, which is the oldest unit on the team.

While the Steelers have struggled with their usual blitz packages and with creating pressure, the fault is not with the defensive line.

Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel continue to be strong on the corners. They won't generate many sacks, but they have been pushing opposing linemen backward.

Casey Hampton looks exactly like what he is: a guy playing in a contract year. Hampton has seemed motivated since showing up to camp last year out of shape and behind in his conditioning program.

So far, this unit has been strong and healthy.

Individual Grades: Smith (A), Hampton (A), Keisel (A)

Linebackers: B-

This unit has also played the run well but has failed to get the kind of pressure it did last year on opposing quarterbacks.

James Harrison is getting consistent double teams from opposing linemen, backs, and tight ends. This should, in theory, open up the field for James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and Lamarr Woodley. Instead, nothing has happened.

Timmons has been hampered by an ankle injury, but looked effective against the Bengals. He helped provide more pressure, particularly when shading toward Harrison's side of the play.

Farrior has been solid if unspectacular in the middle of the field. He looked like a liability on passing downs at the end of the game. The Steelers have to hope that this is not a trend. Farrior still plays the run extremely tough and gets some pressure in the middle, although not nearly as much as last year.

Woodley has been largely a non-factor so far this season, notching only one tackle Sunday against the Bengals. He has not been able to duplicate his sophomore campaign. With Harrison drawing constant double teams, it is up to Woodley to capitalize on the open space.

Individual Grades: Harrison (B-), Timmons (Incomplete), Farrior (B-), Woodley (C+)

Secondary (C+)

The missing man. With him, they are a different team. Without him, they are pedestrian.

Troy Polamalu does so many things for the Steelers defense that go unseen. Once he's out of the lineup, however, gaping holes become visible.

Ike Taylor has still provided excellent coverage and matches up well against the league's top receivers. He hasn't yet made the penalties that he is infamous for, but he also hasn't displayed any big play ability. His hands are, as always, suspect, but his overall play has been steady.

William Gay has been good in his first full season as a starter. He makes an occasional big play, but mostly plays steady. He plays the run very well and has good instincts. What's missing is some of the skill with blitzes that Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden ran so well last season. If he puts that together, he will become the team's best corner.

Ryan Clark has been a non-factor. So good last season, especially over the middle, Clark has been quiet through three games. He has not covered the middle particularly well, although he looked better against the Bengals. Part of this is the change in the rules governing hits on receivers who are considered (defenseless), but part of it seems to be a lack of concentration.

Tyrone Carter has done an admirable job filling in for Polamalu, but he is nowhere near the talent. Carter plays well on passing downs and rarely gets burned, but he lacks the ability to blitz and also lacks closing speed.

The team has missed Polamalu's open field tackles and disruptive blitz packages. Carter has been steady, but he is basically a bandage on a gaping wound.

Individual Grades: Taylor (B-), Gay (B+), Clark (C-), Carter (B-)

Special Teams

Returns (A)

Stefan Logan makes the Steelers dangerous. He also tips the field position battle in their favor anytime he touches the ball.

Punting (A)

The same could be said of punter Daniel Sepulveda, who has given the Steelers a strong, accurate leg. Sepulveda is a huge upgrade over the substitute punters from 2008 and routinely gives opponents a long field.

Placekicking (A-)

Jeff Reed had an off week against the Bears in a stadium that is almost as unforgiving as Heinz Field. Reed was back on track against the Bengals, missing only from 52 yards. He continues to be someone the Steelers don't have to worry about.

Coverage Teams (A)

The coverage units have been solid, just as they were in 2008. Opponents no longer get many free yards from the Steelers, who used to have some of the worst coverage schemes in the game.

Coaching

Mike Tomlin is the embodiment of everything Steelers fans expect their coach to be. But on Sunday, I noticed something a bit disheartening.

When the game was still tipped in their favor by a wide margin, I noticed Tomlin paying less attention to the game and more attention to a few side conversations he was having with some of the inactive players.

While team spirit is important, during a game, Tomlin needs to be focused on the action. For someone who preaches focus and preparation and details, this seemed to be uncharacteristic of him.

For Tomlin, it is all about keeping the Steelers on track. He has to get this team back on course after a 1-2 start. He seemed focused and driven in his postgame press conference, but it needs to translate to results on the field.

Bruce Arians is gradually allowing Ben Roethlisberger to do it all. Ben now determines when to run the no-huddle schemes and also has free reign to call his own plays at the line.

Arians still shows a lack of trick plays, but this is not concerning. He has balanced the attack for the most part, although the team tends to get pass happy.

The Steelers have been using screen passes to offset the lack of a running game and Arians seems to have this system down.

Dick LeBeau is still calling most of the same plays that were so effective last year for the league's top defense. What has changed, at least so far, is that he has been unable to make the proper adjustments at halftime.

The defense has played three great halves of football. Unfortunately, all of them have been first halves. In the second half, the Steelers defense has looked anywhere from slow to worn out.

Losing one player cannot be an excuse for the whole unit to struggle, so LeBeau needs to figure out which combinations of players will put the Steelers defense back on track.

Individual Grades: Tomlin (B+), Arians (A-), LeBeau (C+)

That's the report card. Check back next week for updates!

Steelers-Bengals: A Look Ahead

Nick DeWitt — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:57 -0400

After two weeks of their hunt for back to back championships, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1. What originally looked like an easy contest against the Cincinnati Bengals has gradually emerged as a possible can't-miss matchup.

Here's a look inside the Steelers' Week Three game with division rival Cincinnati:

Five Questions To Answer

1. Can the Steelers find their running game?

2. Will Antwaan Odom penetrate the Steelers' offensive line?

3. How will Jeff Reed react after two heartbreaking misses in Week Two?

4. Can Cedric Benson run against the Steelers?

5. Which offensive line will show up for Pittsburgh?

Four Fantasy Tips

1. Reconsider Starting Carson Palmer

Palmer threw three touchdown passes last week against Green Bay, but he also threw for only 185 yards and tossed two picks. Be careful starting him against a Steelers' defense that is much better than Green Bay.

2. Start Heath Miller

Santonio Holmes has emerged as Ben Roethlisberger's top receiver, but tight end Heath Miller is his favorite target in key situations. Miller is a tough player who gets yards in the middle and always seems to be near the ball. Against a relatively weak Bengals' secondary, expect Miller to find space in the middle of the field.

3. Don't Dump Jeff Reed

Make no mistake, Reed's game in Chicago is the exception, not the rule. Reed has consistently been one of the most under-appreciated (outside of Pittsburgh) and underrated kickers in the NFL. He is clutch, particularly in difficult winds at Heinz Field. He will rebound just fine after his rough game. This guy doesn't usually miss.

4. Sleeper: Willie Parker

Parker has struggled so far, but it usually is only a matter of time. With the offensive line showing better blocking and Parker showing more speed and cutting ability during Week Two, he should be back on track against a so-so Cincinnati rush defense that he has gashed many times in the past.

Three Key Matchups

1. Max Starks and/or Chris Kemoeatu vs. Antwaan Odom

Odom has seven sacks through the season's first two weeks, which leads the NFL. He has proven a beast on the pass rush and this week he will be attacking what can only be labeled the weakest part of the Steeler offensive line.

Starks has not played up to the expectations that come hand in hand with being tagged a franchise player and then being lavished with a large contract. He has gotten pushed back and off his blocks and has been beaten, particularly toward the inside of the line.

Kemoeatu is having a poor season thus far. He is the weakest link on what is right now a mediocre offensive line. He has become a turnstile for opposing rushers and often needs help with his blocks from either Starks or center Justin Hartwig.

How this matchup plays out may just determine who wins the game.

2. Steelers' Pass Defense vs. Cincinnati Pass Offense

OK, it's very general matchup, but this will be interesting. Last week, Chicago, with a receiving corps staffed with virtual unknowns, passed for 236 yards and two scores against a Pittsburgh unit that ranked No.1 in the NFL last year.

Pittsburgh's secondary has certainly suffered from the loss of Troy Polamalu. With Tryone Carter also nursing an injury (he's expected to play), this unit could be in trouble.

Carson Palmer is healthy and Chad Ochocinco has seemingly returned to form. Palmer shredded the Packers' weak pass defense Sunday. The Bengals look revived on offense.

Ike Taylor and William Gay must step up to cover the Bengals' receivers and Ryan Clark needs to cover the middle with Carter while providing big hits on receivers who attempt to find a soft spot.

3. Pittsburgh Rush Offense vs. Cincinnati Rush Defense

The most maligned cog in the usually well-oiled Pittsburgh machine has been the rushing attack. In two weeks, the Steelers have barely gained 100 rushing yards combined and have failed to execute in critical 3rd-and-1 situations.

This has forced the Steelers to rely much too heavily on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and has made the Steelers a one dimensional offensive unit.

The Bengals' rush defense held Green Bay to 89 yards (43 by quarterback Aaron Rodgers) on 18 carries. The Bengals employ a bend but don't break philosophy and it has helped them vastly improve their leaky rush defense.

Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall must step up this week. Against a stout Chicago defense, the offensive line proved its blocking ability and Parker and Mendenhall proved that they could find open holes and gain positive yardage. Now they must also show the consistency that has long been a hallmark of Steelers football.

Two Players in the Spotlight

Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker

Parker has not been the same since a broken fibula ended his 2007 season. He has been injury prone and has looked indecisive.

For Parker to be successful again, he has to hit the hole with more authority and speed and rediscover his missing cutback skills. He also needs to be kept out of runs up the middle, where he is not bulky enough to gain yards, and utilized on runs to the outside, where his speed becomes dangerous.

The offensive line has proven its ability to block after holding off a vicious Bears attack in Week Two. Now Parker must prove he can still be a consistent, quality back in the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson

Benson has experienced a career revival since arriving in Cincinnati and had a stellar game last week (141 yards on 29 carries).

This week, however, Benson will have to navigate a Steelers' rush defense that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in over a season. Benson's bruising style is similar to what the Steelers saw in Week One from LenDale White, who the Steelers held to 28 yards on eight carries.

Benson likely won't gain 141 yards again this week, but he will be one of the x-factors in the game. If he can penetrate the Steelers' defense and allow the Bengals to establish a ground attack, the Steelers will not be able to key on Carson Palmer and the Bengal receivers. If Benson struggles, then the Bengals will be forced to play a very obvious pass-happy game.

One Bold Prediction

Steelers 24, Bengals 13

Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall turn in a combined 100-yard performance and allow Ben Roethlisberger to set up a balanced attack. Cedric Benson struggles against the Steelers' defense and the Bengals fall into a pass-happy style that leads to an interception. Chad Ochocinco is held scoreless and below 100 yards.

Five Reasons to Believe in the Pirates' Future as Season Winds Down.

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:49:24 -0400

I know what you're going to say: "How can you possibly still believe in this organization?"

The signs are everywhere—literally—that the long-suffering Pirates fans have had enough of losing. In fact, I saw one the other day outside a little tavern in the suburbs south of the city.

"G-20 Souvenir: Buy the Pirates, Take Them With You!"

If that doesn't say it, I don't know what does.

But I still believe—and my feeling is that I'm not completely alone just yet.

There is hope for the Pirates, even if that hope may mostly reside in the minor leagues right now.

Here are five reasons for you to believe that the Pittsburgh Pirates are not sunk forever.

1. Organizational Depth

This has almost become a buzzword for Neal Huntington's regime. They divested the major league roster of its best (read: veteran) players and swapped them for a considerable cache of prospects.

They practically have a future team assembled through the minor leagues; more than most teams have waiting in the wings.

On the pitching side, Tim Alderson, Brad Lincoln, and perhaps even Danny Moskos and Jeff Locke are in various states of readiness for a future call to the big league rotation. Daniel McCutchen is taking his first cracks at major league lineups. Rudy Owens is tearing up the low minors.

Yes, the future of the pitching staff looks incredibly bright.

As for hitters, the Pirates have the potential to be a powerful and athletic lineup in the near future.

Pedro Alvarez is likely only a year away from his big league debut. Jose Tabata will be given an opportunity in spring training next season. Tony Sanchez is proving doubters wrong with his strong play since being drafted fourth overall this year. Gorkys Hernandez is strong and will only get better with experience.

There's also a bevy of other players who have major league upside (Chase D'Arnaud for example) working their way through the lower minors.

Add that to young stars Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones, and the Pirates have a chance to field a good lineup in the next three years.

2. Smart Decisions

Like it or not, Huntington has made good choices so far. While most of the trades he's executed will take time to pay dividends in major league victory totals, most of the players he's acquired have performed near or above expectations.

Joel Hanrahan has been a steadying bullpen force since his acquisition from the Nationals. Lastings Milledge seems to finally be finding himself after a fresh start in Pittsburgh. Ross Ohlendorf could lead the team in wins this year and has only gotten stronger as the season has progressed.

Jeff Karstens has been the reliable reliever the Pirates lacked for many years. Delwyn Young has been steady and versatile, while Ronny Cedeno is thriving back in the National League after a stint with Seattle.

Conversely, the players the Pirates have shipped out have only been marginally successful. While losing Nyjer Morgan and Freddy Sanchez may sting some, it's hard to imagine a better return.

Nate McLouth has been injury prone and only marginally better at the plate than he was during the season's first month. Sean Burnett has been steady, but no more so than Hanrahan. Sanchez has also been injury prone. Jack Wilson has been a non-factor at the plate. Ian Snell has been awful after a good start to his Seattle career.

In short, the Pirates gave up some good veterans, but they may soon be outweighed by the talented youth that came in return.

3. Steady Coaching at Two Key Positions

If Huntington has one item at the top of his to-do list for the offseason, it's to retain pitching coach Joe Kerrigan and infield/first base coach Perry Hill.

The work Kerrigan has done with what was previously the league's worst pitching staff is remarkable, to say the least. The Pirates will likely have two full-time starters with sub-4.00 ERAs this season after having an aggregate ERA of 5.88 last year.

Kerrigan is slowly sorting out the bullpen, which will likely be a focus for offseason additions (and subtractions).

Hill has been stellar, turning Young into a reliable second baseman and working with Andy LaRoche to improve his play at the hot corner. Many players credit Hill for their improved technique. Retaining him is a must.

4. Russell's Steady Hand

Manager John Russell may not be the fireball that Lloyd McClendon was during his tenure, but Russell's quiet leadership and continual insistence on players being accountable for their performances is exactly what the Pirates need.

Management has shown continued confidence in Russell, who has probably squeezed as many wins as possible out of an underperforming and inexperienced team. While some may disagree, the Pirates do play hard virtually every game and have also staged a few improbable comebacks that previous teams could not have possibly mustered.

Continuity at the top is key to success, so Russell will likely stay at the helm as long as the Pirates show steady improvement at key positions. Eventually, that will translate to success in the standings.

5. Saving to Spend Later

Whether you like the salary dump or not, the Pirates are building with an eye to the future. There was really no better way to execute a rebuilding plan without totally dismantling the previous regime's team.

This year, Huntington, ever the brave soldier, did just that by trading the team's free agents-to-be for as much talent as he could grab in return. Huntington's vision is a team that is built on pitching, defense, speed, and versatility.

There are still plenty of holes to fill, and Huntington knows that. The good news is that the Pirates shipped out a lot of overpriced veterans who weren't going to re-sign, and would therefore bring the Pirates nothing in return.

Forget about the name recognition for a minute. No one was going to ever confuse Adam LaRoche with Willie Stargell or Snell for Doug Drabek. Wilson was going to be too expensive, and Sanchez was injured and also expensive. The Pirates wouldn't have been able to compete for Jason Bay in an open market.

So instead of letting these talents walk, they turned them into more players.

So What About Next Year?

Okay, brace yourselves. I'm going to shock you.

The Pirates will not win the NL Central in 2010. They won't even be in the conversation after the All-Star Break.

However, they will finish out of the basement (my early bet is fourth place) for the first time in a while, and they will start to field something close to a threatening lineup.

The team will make at least one free agent addition that fans will love this offseason; perhaps a bullpen arm or a middle infielder.

They'll finish below .500 for another year, probably coming in much closer than people expect (75-79 wins).

After 2010, fans might want to start coming back to the ballpark for some real Pirates baseball.

Film Study: Pittsburgh Steelers' Defense Struggles without Troy Polamalu

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:22:35 -0400

After one week without the heart of their defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly feeling like they might be in some hot water until Troy Polamalu returns.

That's not to say that Tyrone Carter doesn't fill in admirably for Polamalu. Carter just doesn't have the unbelievable versatility that Troy does. He also doesn't strike fear into offensive players.

In fact, the Steelers' defense hasn't scared anyone that much since Polamalu was taken off the field in week one after trying to recover a blocked field goal.

While the rush defense has not seemed to suffer (43 yards allowed against Chicago), the pass defense has gotten considerably less frightening.

Jay Cutler put up 236 passing yards and two touchdowns Sunday. Cutler had little trouble finding receivers open in the secondary. He also didn't throw an interception after throwing four against the Packers in week one.

Polamalu might not have changed any of that. But it's a sure bet he would have at least made Cutler think twice before throwing long to an inexperienced crop of young receivers.

While the Steelers pressured Cutler often, particularly in the second half, they continually failed to sack him and often lost containment, allowing him to make plays outside the pocket.

Polamalu would have changed that. The greatest asset Troy has is his ability to be everywhere at once. He can get anywhere on the field in moments. Were Cutler to escape the brutal rush of James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley, or James Farrior, he would almost surely have had to contend with Polamalu somewhere on the field.

As strong safeties go, Polamalu is an excellent pass rusher. He creates havoc in the backfield by dropping back a step or two before charging forward and either over or through linemen and backs. His instincts are unmatched.

The Steelers' defense gets no break, facing the potent Cincinnati offense next week and then taking on Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. They could also potentially face the Vikings and Adrian Peterson before getting Polamalu back (he's expected to miss three to six weeks, making the game against Minnesota the sixth week he'll be out).

So with the problem identified, where's the solution?

The best thing the Steelers can do for the next two to five weeks is to bring creative blitzes from other players. William Gay is fast at cornerback, so he is probably as good a choice as any to run some of the exotic Dick LeBeau blitzes.

The Steelers should also see to it that Tyrone Carter gets help, particularly on deep routes.

There's no way to really disguise the hole in their defense, but the worst thing that could happen is for the team to stray from its identity while its star safety is sidelined. Pittsburgh has blitz packages involving any one of their players, so the key is to find out which players can create havoc through zone blitzes and faking drops into coverage.

I'd be interested to see a little of Ryan Mundy, too. He's never going to be a top safety, but his speed may make him a better option than Carter in some obvious passing situations and for some blitz packages. The key would be to not allow his involvement to become predictable.

One thing is for sure, LeBeau, his defense, and all of the Steelers will breathe a sigh of relief when they see No. 43 back on the field.

Roethlisberger, Steelers' Offense Still Listed as Questionable

Nick DeWitt — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:58:41 -0400

After Week One, it is easy to dismiss something out of the ordinary, good or bad, as nothing more than a blip on the radar.

After Week Two, trends start to emerge. That's not to say that these trends couldn't be changed after four or even six weeks. But, for now, we have two regular season weeks worth of film to look at.

So how exactly are Ben Roethlisberger and his offense doing?

Roethlisberger

In my position preview on the Steelers' quarterbacks, I listed several potential weaknesses for Ben's play. One of my chief concerns was Roethlisberger's tendency last season toward forcing the ball into tight spots, leading to interceptions.

After two games, Roethlisberger has three interceptions. We can throw out one because it was a hail mary at the end of the first half of the Steelers' Week One matchup with Tennessee.

Of the remaining two interceptions, one is a perfect example of throwing into coverage while the other is part of another alarming trend that must be corrected soon.

In Week One, Roethlisberger tried to force a throw to rookie wideout Mike Wallace that sailed. Wallace was well covered, with no less than three defensive backs in range to close on the ball. One of them took the ball away.

Yesterday against Chicago, Roethlisberger once again targeted Wallace. This time, however, Ben underthrew his target and the pass was intercepted.

Now, neither time was Ben throwing badly into coverage. The first pass would likely have fallen incomplete had it not been overthrown. The second one would have been a touchdown had Ben not been short.

But that doesn't mean that Roethlisberger hasn't thrown into coverage. He's just been incredibly lucky.

I will say that, so far, his decision making has been more sound. What alarms me most about his performance through two weeks is that he has often looked like he was having trouble on timing. He's been short, wide, long, or low on several pass attempts. This has led to a couple of missed opportunities that would have put the Steelers solidly ahead in both contests.

The other negative to Ben's game that I highlighted in the preview was his desire to hold onto the ball and try to make plays using his escapability.

This hasn't changed. What has changed, at least between Weeks One and Two, is that his offensive line and running backs stepped up to the plate and took the heat off of him.

Offense

The Steelers' offense played well enough as a unit to win one of their two games. The problem is that they still lost the game they played well enough to win.

When the Steelers give him protection and a rushing attack, Ben is almost unbeatable. Sunday afternoon, we got a glimpse of just how good this offense will be once everyone starts clicking.

Against what is arguably one of the NFL's top defenses, Pittsburgh's offensive line pushed back the Bears onslaught and kept Roethlisberger upright most of the day. They also managed to open holes for a revived stable of backs, helping the Steelers improve markedly on Week One's awful rushing total (36 net yards rushing).

It's still early, and after two very different performances, it is hard to conclude much about how the offensive line is going to perform over a 16-game schedule. What they did prove, however, is that they certainly have the potential to be an effective unit.

There will be no more excuses after the way they handled Chicago's front seven.

Putting It All Together

So what do the Steelers need to work on in advance of their meeting with division rival Cincinnati?

1. Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger needs to keep making good decisions with the football. He hasn't thrown a pass yet that left me wondering if his head was in the game.

He does need to sort out the timing issues, particularly with speedy Mike Wallace. I believe that this issue, at least as far as Wallace goes, is due to a lack of chemistry (Wallace is a rookie) more than either player making bad choices.

Ben does overthrow other receivers, however. That needs to stop. He should be more than comfortable with Santonio Holmes, yet Holmes has several times had to either come back for a pass or try to run under a deep ball. Hopefully, that is something that can be corrected by another week of reps for the two stars.

Other than that, Ben's game has been pretty sound so far. He still needs to recognize when he can't do anything with the ball and learn to throw it into the stands. That, however, seems like it will always be a part of Ben's game.

And that's also where the offensive line and running backs come in.

2. Offensive Line/Running Backs

If Roethlisberger is going to be sacked at least once per game (as he has in both contests) due to his desire to hang onto the ball, then the offensive line needs to minimize its mistakes.

In Week One, the line looked porous, allowing Tennessee to sack Roethlisberger four times and causing several plays, particularly running plays, to be broken up in the backfield.

That has to end.

For its part, the offensive line stepped up in Week Two. There will be no more excuses now that it has shown it can be effective against a good defense.

The running backs also stepped up in Week Two, breaking big gains several times and helping the Steelers execute screen and play action passes with a higher degree of success.

As with the line, there are no excuses now.

How 'Bout The Bengals?

You don't have to look far to find two players on the Bengals defense to worry about.

Antwan Odom and Rey Maualuga are major concerns for Pittsburgh's line.

Odom sacked Aaron Rodgers five times and Maualuga forced to fumbles and added a sack of his own yesterday against Green Bay. Odom now has seven sacks in two games.

It would appear, at least for now, that the Bengals are improved from last year's dismal incarnation. Defensively, they seem much more sound.

For the Steelers, the line will have to block Odom and Maualuga as well as the Bengals' other pass rush threats.

Cincinnati hasn't forced many interceptions, but they do have the potential to with cornerbacks Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph in the secondary.

The bigger concern for Pittsburgh is that Cincinnati was particularly stout against the Packers' rushing attack Sunday. The Packers have had similar issues with the running game, so it will bear watching as to how well Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall do on the ground.

Beating the Bengals will likely be more of a defensive issue, as the Steelers' offense matches up well, particularly in the passing game, with what Cincinnati brings defensively.

Grading

Roethlisberger: B

Ben gets a solid B for his two performances. There haven't been any mind-numbing mistakes, but there also haven't been a lot of big plays early in games.

Roethlisberger gets some points for his game-winning drive against Tennessee, but loses a couple for overthrowing open receivers.

He has been solid and somewhat spectacular. He just has to iron out a wrinkle or two before he gets the A.

Offensive Line/Running Backs: C

I'm not giving these guys a C because they haven't played well. They played great against the Bears and that is a tough task.

But they did play awful football in Week One and that can't be discounted. They get a C because, in short, we haven't seen enough to give them anything other than a middle grade.

They can, however, bump it up with a good showing against Cincinnati.