Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick Signorelli

NFL Week 13: Picks and Predictions

Nick Signorelli — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:34:21 -0500

Overall 101-45

Last Week 12-4

It just dawned on me that there are only four weeks left to the NFL season. Why is it that the regular season goes so quickly, but the off season seems to take FOREVER?!

Here is to hoping that someone starts a league that actually plays during the NFL off season, so at least we will have some real football to watch.

Five Star Picks of the Week

Oakland @ Pittsburgh

Mike Tomlin said after the loss to the Ravens, "We will unleash Hell in December," and that starts with the Raiders. Roethlisberger is supposed to play, although they said that last week too. If the Steelers are going to make a playoff push, it is going to have to start NOW.

Steelers win 27-9.

Houston @ Jacksonville

Every one was asking two weeks ago if Houston was for real. They answered no. Now, everyone is asking if Jacksonville is real. The answer?

Texans win 28-27.

Philadelphia (-5) @ Atlanta

I really don't want to hear about Mike Vick returning to Atlanta, because honestly, he probably wont see more than five snaps at the most. Turner and Ryan are both still fighting the injury bug, and the Falcons don't have enough to keep pace with the Eagles.

Eagles win 31-13.

Detroit @ Cincinnati (-13)

I hate games with such a high point spread, but come on already. Detroit beat the Browns after the game was over, and Cincy is considerably better than the Browns.

Bengals win 31-14.

New Orleans (-9) @ Washington

I really am shocked. The Saints pounded the Patriots by 21 points, and they are only giving nine to the Redskins? I am amazed.

Saints win 37-17.

St. Louis @ Chicago (-8)

The Rams are just what Jay Cutler and the Bears need to start rebuilding confidence. Other than Steven Jackson, the Rams have nothing, and it shows.

Bears win 17-6.

San Diego (-13) @ Cleveland

I have said before I hate to bet against the home team when they are getting more than 10 points, but this is a Chargers team that has no problem scoring in the 30's, and a Browns team that has problems scoring in the 3's.

Chargers win 38-9.

San Francisco @ Seattle

There is no line in this game as of when this article was written, so there can be no upset. Neither team is very good, but I am going to have to go with the 12th man, and go with Seattle.

Seahawks win 14-13.

Minnesota @ Arizona

As of posting this article, there is no line for this game. With the Saints beating the Patriots, the Vikings are going to have to try and keep from adding to their one loss to lock down a top two seed in the NFC playoff field. Arizona is playing OK, but that will not be good enough to stop Favre and company.

Vikings win 27-24.

Dallas (-1.5) @ New York Giants

I am so torn on this game because New York is playing SO bad, but at the same time, I look at the calender and since it is December, I don't know if Dallas can win a football game.

Dallas wins 21-17.

New England (-5) @ Miami

After being throttled by the Saints, you can be sure that the Patriots are going to come out and prove they are better than the beat down at the hands of the Saints.

Patriots win 31-14.

Upset Specials

Tennessee @ Indianapolis (-7)

The Titans are playing an inspired type of football no one thought they would be able to play. Vince Young has brought life back to this franchise, and I don't think the Colts can contain him. Besides, can two teams really go 16-0?

Titans win 24-17.

New York Jets (-3) @ Buffalo

After starting the season on fire, the Jets have cooled off dramatically. Mark Sanchez is banged up, and the Bills are playing hot since firing Dick Juron.

Bills win 23-20.

Denver (-5) @ Kansas City

After spanking the Giants on Thanksgiving night, the Broncos are still alive in the playoff hunt. If they can escape the Chiefs in Kansas City, they can keep the lead on the No. 5 playoff seed. Denver wins, but it is closer than most people will think.

Broncos win 24-21.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-6)

Tampa Bay is one of my least favorite teams, but yet, I keep picking them to upset other teams. I don't get it either, but for Carolina to be giving six points, with Jake Delhomme having a broken finger on his throwing hand is a little too much for me.

Carolina wins, but does not cover 21-17

Baltimore @ Green Bay (-3)

Two hot teams playing for their playoff lives. Aaron Rogers has not seen a defense like the one the Ravens have, and he struggled with the Bengals.

Ravens win 20-17.

AFC Playoff Breakdown: All the Seeds and Who Is Going to Miami

Nick Signorelli — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:29:17 -0500

With a chip on their shoulder the size of the UPMC building, the Steelers are preparing for their final push to the playoffs. As Mike Tomlin stated, "We will unleash Hell here in December."

Put to the side everything that has happened to this point in the season, because at this point, none of it matters—AT ALL!

The Steelers sit at 6-5, but in control of their own destiny. Pittsburgh's shot at winning the AFC North is bleak at best, but If they can win their next five games, they will be in the playoffs.

The playoff picture for the AFC is as follows.

Denver Broncos: 7-4

Remaining games: @ Kansas City, @ Indianapolis, Oakland, @ Philadelphia, and Kansas City

The Broncos will lose at least two of these games, likely against the Colts and Eagles. That will leave them at 10-6. Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos, so if they finish with the same record, Pittsburgh will finish ahead of them.

Baltimore Ravens: 6-5

Remaining games: @ Green Bay, Detroit, Chicago, @ Pittsburgh, @ Oakland

The Ravens have two games that will determine their playoff chances—Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Both games are on the road, and they will have a hard time making it out with two wins. If Baltimore wins one of those games and takes care of of the teams they should beat, they make the six seed. However if Baltimore manages to win at Green Bay and at Pittsburgh, they will claim the five seed. Baltimore also holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-5

Remaining games: Oakland, @ Cleveland, Green Bay, Baltimore, @ Miami

Like the Ravens, the Steelers have two tough games left. If Pittsburgh loses to Green Bay, and beats the Ravens, they would be the six seed; if they win them both, they will be the five seed.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-5

Remaining games: Houston, Miami, Indianapolis, @ New England, @ Cleveland

Jacksonville has the hardest remaining schedule of all the teams left fighting for the final two playoff spots. With games against New England and Indianapolis, they will have to win the other games to even have a chance. Miami and Houston are both trying to stay respectable, but if they lose one of those, their playoff chances are over.

My Prediction

Pittsburgh finishes the season on a five-game winning streak. Their two toughest games will both be in Pittsburgh, where the hometown crowd will make it like a playoff atmosphere. Baltimore beat the Steelers in overtime without their two best players (Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu), and they should both be back by the time these two games are played.

Baltimore will win each of their remaining games except their matchup away at Pittsburgh. At the end of the season the fight for the final two playoff spots should look like this:

Pittsburgh, 11-5

Baltimore, 10-6

Denver, 10-6

Jacksonville, 9-7

This puts Pittsburgh as the five seed, and by virtue of the tiebreaker, Baltimore gets the six seed.

Playoff Matchups

The Indianapolis Colts, with a three-game lead over the Bengals and Patriots, will lock down the top seed within three weeks.

Even though the Bengals currently have a one-game lead over the Patriots for the two seed, the Bengals still have to play the Vikings and Chargers, who are both battling for playoff position. New England has an easier schedule and should win out.

The Patriots get the two seed.

The three and four seeds are going to be determined by the head to head game to be played in San Diego against the Bengals. San Diego still plays at Dallas and at Tennessee, so I think it is fair to say they will split those two games, leaving the Bengals and Chargers with basically the same record, other than their head to head match up.

San Diego gets the three seed and the Bengals get the four seed.

Wild Card Weekend

Steelers @ Bengals

After being swept this year by the Bengals, the Steelers are going to have to go to Cincinnati to play the Bengals for a third time. This will also be the second time the Bengals have made the playoffs this decade, and both games will be against the Steelers.

With the injury bug behind them, Pittsburgh will beat the Bengals, 31-20.

Ravens @ Chargers

Baltimore will then travel to San Diego to play the Chargers. Terrell Suggs will return healthy, and the Ravens defense will be as potent as it was before. With the offense coming back around, the Ravens shock the Chargers 27-24.

Divisional Round

Steelers @ Patriots

New England has smashed their weaker opponents and had a hard time against the better ones. Playoff football is what these two teams live for, and they are two of the best in the postseason this decade, having won five of the eight Super Bowls since 2000.

New England's defense was torched by the Saints because they are young, inexperienced, and have no real leaders on the team. In a high-scoring battle, the Steelers win 33-30.

Baltimore @ Indianapolis

There are some teams that just do not play well against others, and Peyton Manning and the Colts always have a hard time with the Ravens. The Ravens' blitz comes from everywhere, and it always brings problems to the Colts.

The Ravens will shock the previously unbeaten Colts, and the corks will pop in Miami as the AFC half of the undefeated teams falls, 17-13.

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

The first time in NFL history that a team that did not win its division will host the AFC Championship game. For the second straight year, the Ravens and Steelers will battle for the AFC Championship.

In another knock down, drag out battle, the Steelers will just have too much for the Ravens in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers win 27-24 to return to the Super Bowl.

Steelers Band Wagon Is Leaving the Station: If You Want Off, Get Off!

Nick Signorelli — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:35:12 -0500

There are two types of Steelers fans. Those that are the REAL fans, and those that are the bandwagon hoppers.

Those that are the real fans, are some times unrealistic. They believe that the Steelers are un-beatable. They believe that no team can even compete with them. They believe that position by position, there is not a team in the NFL that can even come close to matching them. And if the Steelers lose, well, it was someone else's fault.

These ARE real fans, because of dedication, and blind love, the Steelers are the only team. Love them or hate them, they are the real deal.

Then there are those other real fans, that can look at the negative, and turn it into a positive.

We (and I include myself in this category) can see that there are negatives with the Steelers three game losing streak, but can also see the silver lining in the clouds. We see the potential of the team, and know that we still have a chance to make the playoffs.

It was hard watching the game Sunday night against the Ravens. The Steelers lost, plain and simple. There are no excuses.

Troy Polamalu wasn't playing. So what?

Ben Roethlisberger was injured, back up Charlie Batch was too? Who cares!

Chris Kemoeatu not playing hurt the line. Big deal!

The fact is, every team in the NFL has injuries that they have to deal with, and a team is only as strong as it's weakest link.

Then there are the bandwagon hoppers. Those that were quick at the beginning of the season to say how great the Steelers were, and were getting ready for their second run to the Super Bowl. Now that the bumps in the road are shaking the bandwagon, many of those hoppers are falling off.

The Steelers now sit 6-5, and in the midst of a battle for the wild card spots. All of you bandwagon hoppers, now is your chance. You don't want to be a Steelers fan when the chips are down? We don't need you!

I can make exceptions for kids, but even my eight year old daughter said that we would lose playing without Polamalu and Roethlisberger.

But it is those of you that insist in taking joy in the fact the Steelers are down right now. And this article is dedicated to you.

Instead of going after specific people in this article, which is what I started doing, I am going to back off of that approach. All I will say is, if you are someone that calls themselves a Steeler fan, regardless of your belief that the season may be over, stop delighting on that fact.

If you think this season is over, that is your opinion, and that is all it is, an opinion. The Steelers showed four years ago when they won Super Bowl XL, that we can win, as long as we make the playoffs, and that is where this team is headed.

If you want off the bandwagon, hop off now! Again, the Steelers don't need you.

Steelers Must Go Old School Against Ravens: Win It With Defense

Nick Signorelli — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:41:29 -0500

I have said numerous times this year, that this is not your parent's Pittsburgh Steelers football team. No longer is this unit forced to run the ball on first and second down, then hope for a decent pass on third.

The 2009 Steelers can win in the air. Ben Roethlisberger is one of the NFL elite, and they normally rely on him to take the game over, when it is on the line. When the Steelers travel to Baltimore on Sunday, Roethlisberger won't be able to save them, he will be inactive.

Dennis Dixon will make his first career start due to the concussion like symptoms Roethlisberger suffered when he took a knee to the head in overtime against the Chiefs last week.

For the Steelers to come out of Baltimore with the victory, they are going to have to do it old school. The defense is going to have to shut the Ravens down, keep them out of the end zone, and possibly put some points on the board themselves.

The Steelers defense will be without Troy Polamalu yet again this week, but they will have to play at their highest level of the year.

The Ravens strength at the beginning of the season was Joe Flacco putting the ball in the air. Lately, Ray Rice has been the gear that turns the wheel in Baltimore. The Steelers defense is the best in the league against the run, allowing 139 yards less than the second place Bengals, and under 70 yards per game.

The key to success for the Steelers will be keeping Rice in check and forcing Joe Flacco to beat them through the air. Ike Taylor is going to have to lock down Derrick Mason, and keep him under 100 yards receiving.

The other key for a Steelers victory will be running the ball, which against Baltimore, is easier said than done. Haloti Ngata returns to the Ravens line up for the first time in a month.

There are some injury issues that the Ravens defense is concerned with as well. Both Ray Lewis (foot) and Ed Reed (undisclosed illness / foot) are questionable, while Terrell Suggs has been ruled doubtful, meaning he likely will not play.

Brendon Ayanbadejo and Fabian Washington have both been placed on IR, while Samari Rolle is on the PUP list, so none of them will be playing the rest of this year.

Dennis Dixon is going to have to play mistake free football for the Steelers to be successful. He needs to not try to be Roethlisberger, and when his receivers are not open, do what you did best in college, take off running. Dixon will have to go through his progressions, check the check down, then take off running if no one is open.

On offense, the Steelers are going to have to limit mistakes and run the football to exploit the injuries the Ravens have, and to give the defense as much rest as they possibly can.

For the Steelers to win, they are going to have to do it with defense. They will have to play old school football, like only the Steelers can.

Steelers-Ravens: Will This Be a JV Game?

Nick Signorelli — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:02:22 -0500

When the NFL schedule was released, Steelers and Ravens fans alike were shocked that these two AFC powerhouses would not meet until this late in the season. It does make some sense, building the anticipation for the battle.

Not only that, but this late in the season, the games would take on more meaning. With two games left to play in the last six, these two teams would have to win to earn their playoff rights.

Although that remains true, it is not the AFC North crown they will be fighting for. Cincinnati already has a strangle hold on that. The Steelers and Ravens will be battling for the wild card, and maybe both.

When the Steelers visit Baltimore on Sunday night, in the match up Ravens fans spent the off season hoping for, at home, in prime time, are they getting what they had hoped for? I don't think so.

Most Ravens fans looking at the Steelers injury report would normally be ecstatic. Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith, Chris Kemoeatu, and Charlie Batch have all been ruled out for the Sunday matchup.

In addition, Travis Kirschke is questionable and may not play.

Normally, this would shoot the odds of the Ravens through the roof. With second year pro Dennis Dixon making his first career start, even though he was the third stringer just six days ago, the Ravens defense, one of the best in the league, would eat him alive.

Maybe not.

Though their injury report is not as bad as the Steelers, some of the names on the Ravens report give Steelers fans some hope that they have a chance.

Terrell Suggs is listed as doubtful, along with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis as questionable. Lewis is still expected to play, but will be slowed down by a foot injury. Reed has some undisclosed illness along with a foot injury as well.

Either way, this game is still important to both teams wild card chances, even if it is the JV playing.

NFL Week 12 Picks, Predictions, and Upset Specials Galore!

Nick Signorelli — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:01:15 -0500

Overall 89-41

Last Week 14-2

My best week to date. The only two games I got wrong were the Steelers losing to the Chiefs (who didn't get that one wrong?), and the Bengals at the Raiders (again, predicted this?).

I also picked two of the three upset specials, hitting on the 49ers covering against the Packers, and the Colts defeating the Ravens.

I called for the Saints to beat the Bucs, but thought that Tampa would cover. Hey, no one is perfect.

Now that I have a separated shoulder from patting myself on the back, it is time to get into Week 12, since there will be three games on Thursday.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone that is taking the time to read this. I hope that everyone has a blessed day and enjoys a day full of getting fat and watching football.

Thanksgiving Games.

Green Bay @ Detroit

Injuries have hit both of these teams, especially the Packers. Al Harris and Aaron Kampman are either on IR or on their way to it. You would think that would be a disadvantage for the Packers, but this is the Lions, and Matthew Stafford isn't playing.

Packers win, 27-13.

Oakland @ Dallas

Oakland is coming off of the upset of the week, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cowboys struggled against the Redskins.

Lightning will not strike twice for Oakland and the Cowboys will handle them.

Cowboys win, 31-17.

New York Giants @ Denver

The Broncos are in desperate need of a win, while the Giants have had trouble and winning last week is not a cure-all. The losing problem for the Broncos is infecting the team, and they are on the verge of self-destructing.

Last week we witnessed Brandon Marshall and Knowshon Moreno shouting at each other after a Moreno fumble in the end zone. Josh McDaniels has his work cut out for him.

Giants win, 24-10.

Five Star Picks of the Week

Indianapolis @ Houston

The Texans lost a heart breaker to the Titans on Monday night, and this week they have to play against the undefeated Colts. The Colts are due to lose, and the Texans are basically in a playoff game.

If Houston loses, they fall to 5-6. Doubt can creep in and destroy this team, who is looking for their first playoff birth and winning season in franchise history.

Indy can ruin the Texans' season by winning this game.

Colts win, 34-17.

Chicago @ Minnesota

The Bears need to thank the Lions for being so bad, or they would be the worst team in the NFC North.

Minnesota knows that if the Patriots can beat the Saints on Monday Night Football (Upset Special Alert), they will be tied for the best record in the NFC, with home field advantage at stake.

Minnesota is not going to let up, and the Bears will get pounded.

Vikings win, 34-13.

Washington @ Philadelphia

Clinton Portis is still out, as is Ladel Betts. The Redskins are trying to play spoiler to the Eagles, but they just don't have enough weapons in their arsenal to even keep up with them.

Eagles win, 28-17.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore

This is probably the most painful thing I have ever had to do.

Ben Roethlisberger is saying he is going to play, but is he really 100 percent after taking a knee to the head in overtime against the Chiefs?

The Ravens took the Colts to the closing minutes last week. Guard Chris Kemoeatu is injured, and lets be honest, this game is in Baltimore.

As much as I want to pick Pittsburgh to win, and as much as I hope I am wrong on this:

Ravens win, 21-17.

Kansas City @ San Diego (-13.5)

Even though the Chiefs beat the Steelers in overtime last week, winning their second game in a row, they still do not look like the kind of team that can be consistent week in and week out. I don't think they have a chance to win on the road at San Diego, who beat the Broncos last week, in Denver.

KC's bubble is about to burst.

Chargers win, 31-13.

Upset Specials of the Week

Miami (-3.5) @ Buffalo

Miami is not the same team they were with Ronnie Brown. Even though they beat the Panthers last Thursday, I am not sold on them being a legit playoff contender (sorry Hotnuke).

Buffalo is playing with a ton of inspiration with interim coach Perry Fewell, and I think they will cover and win.

Bills win, 21-20.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati (-14)

Do you think the Vegas odds makers forgot that the last time these two teams played, the Bengals won with about :02 seconds left in OT, with a field goal that may have been no good?

The Bengals are going to win, but they will not cover the 14-point spread.

Bengals win, 27-17.

Arizona @ Tennessee (-3)

Kurt Warner, like Ben Roethlisberger, was knocked in the head last week, and also said that he is going to play this week. Mistake.

The Titans secondary is playing like last year, and Warner is going to have his hands full. The big difference is, Arizona is not going to be able to stop Chris Johnson, and the Titans are going to continue their winning streak.

Titans win, 28-21.

Seattle (-3) @ St. Louis

Neither team is playing very well, but the Rams stayed with the Saints until late in the game a couple of weeks ago.

The Seahawks' entire team may be on the injury report.

Many people believe that the Rams are horrible, and I agree, but Steven Jackson will be too much for the Seahawks.

Rams win, 17-13.

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta (-14)

Atlanta is on a four-game losing streak, and though Tampa is not a very good team, 14 points is a lot to give up when your team is not playing well. Matt Ryan is playing more like a rookie than he did when he was a rookie.

Falcons win, 24-13.

Carolina @ New York Jets (-3)

Carolina is fighting for their playoff lives, while the Jets, who started the season at 3-0, look nothing like the team that beat the Patriots earlier this year.

Mark Sanchez is playing like a rookie, while Jake Delhomme is not playing as bad as he did at the beginning of the season.

Panthers win, 17-14.

Jacksonville (-3) @ San Francisco

Most people gave up on Jacksonville, except Jacksonville.

San Francisco started the season off as a surprise pick to go to the Super Bowl, but that talk is now dead and gone.

The Jaguars are going to pound the 49ers.

Jaguars win, 27-10.

New England @ New Orleans (-3)

A fitting game for Monday night and will be the best game of the week.

New England had the Colts all but defeated two weeks ago, before Bill Belichick gave the game to the Colts, and basically home field advantage through the AFC playoffs.

The Saints are a great team, but they have not played against a team as good as the Pats. This will be a high-scoring game, and if you like to gamble (which I am not saying you should, and if you do it is not my fault if you lose money, so don't blame me) bet the over (56).

Patriots win, 37-31.

With Special Teams in Disarray, Steelers Make Roster Moves

Nick Signorelli — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:48:37 -0500

It has become painfully clear the the Steelers' special teams are in trouble. They have allowed four kick returns for touchdowns this year, not exactly a way to return to the Super Bowl.

Last week, the Steelers released Arnold Harrison, who was immediately signed by the Cleveland Browns (not that it will help them). To fill his roster spot, the Steelers signed Donovan Woods as his replacement.

It was clearly a good decision, as the Chiefs returned the opening kick off for a touchdown on Sunday. Mike Tomlin insisted that the Steelers would not put a Band-Aid on the problem by playing starters on special teams. So if the starters are going to remain off of special teams, how do we fix this problem?

Today, heads rolled in Pittsburgh. Donovan Woods was released, along with Keiwan Ratliff. To replace them, Rocky Boiman and Corey Ivy were signed to the active roster. In addition, running back Justin Vincent was released from the practice squad, and guard Jonathan Palmer was added to it.

Bringing in Boiman to replace Woods was really a no-brainer.

Boiman was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. Since then, he has spent time with the Cowboys, Colts, Eagles, Chiefs, Titans again, and now with the Steelers.

Two good things can come of this. One is that

Boiman will be able to contribute immediately on special teams because there is no way he could possibly do worse that Woods and Harrison.

The other thing is that being under the guidance of the Steelers' line backers and coaches, Boiman's original potential could be unlocked, and he could become a contributor over time.

The decision to sign Corey Ivy is a little bit more curious. Ivy did play for the Baltimore Ravens for three seasons (2006-2008) before being signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2009. However, he did not make the cut for the regular season.

Maybe the Steelers decided to sign Ivy so they would not have to play against him when the Steelers square off against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Baltimore just placed corner Fabian Washington on season ending injured reserve due to a knee injury and could have been calling Ivy because of how his familiarity with the Ravens system.

Either way, the Steelers are hoping that this is more than the Band-Aid fix that they had with Harrison and Woods, and that Ivy and Boiman will help fix their issues on special teams.

Can the Steelers Run the Table and Win the AFC North?

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:38:04 -0500

Having lost to the Cincinnati Bengals twice this year, winning the AFC North is going to be a tall task for the defending Super Bowl champions. With six games left to play, the Steelers are going to need help to complete that task.

First, the Bengals will have to lose two games more than the Steelers in order for the Steelers to over take them for the crown.

Bengals' remaining games

Cleveland Browns

Even though the Browns took the Bengals to the last seconds of overtime before losing to them in week four, that more than likely will not happen again. Cincinnati is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Oakland Raiders and will probably pound the Browns.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are a joke of a team that the Bengals should easily beat. With only two victories in the last year and a half, this should be a cakewalk for the Bengals unless they are looking ahead to the Vikings.

@ Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is the most complete team left on the Bengals' schedule. They post a staunch defense and two offensive weapons, Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson, that will be too much for the Bengals to handle.

@ San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have come alive and have now taken the AFC West lead. The Chargers will need this game for playoff positioning, and Cincy has proven they are not that good when they travel across the country.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were lucky against the Steelers, and the Bengals will probably need this game after losing to the Vikings and Chargers.

@ New York Jets

The Jets are a decent team, but they are having normal problems for a team that has a rookie quarterback. They will not be able to stop the Cincinnati attack.

I look at the Bengals going 4-2 for the rest of the year, with a final record of 11-5.

That means for the Steelers to win the AFC North, they will have to end the season with a 12-4 record. The Steelers currently have four losses, so they will have to win the rest of their regular season games if they hope to pass the Bengals.

@ Baltimore Ravens

It is uncertain that Ben Roethlisberger will play against the Ravens, and Troy Polamalu is out. The Ravens will be playing without Terrell Suggs, so the pass rush will not be as devastating as it would be, and if Dennis Dixon can play as the Steelers hope, they can overcome the Ravens.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders had a stroke of luck against the Bengals, but they were at home, and the Steelers will be playing with urgency.

@ Cleveland Browns

The Browns already lost to the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and by losing to the Lions, the Browns are on pace to be the worst team in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers have taken many hits to their defense with Aaron Kampman and Al Harris being placed on IR. Green Bay probably could not have defeated the Steelers with them, so they shouldn't be able to without them.

Baltimore Ravens

Two days after Christmas, the Steelers host the Ravens, and both teams should be back to full strength by that point. Look for the Steelers to end the Ravens' season, knocking them out of the playoff hunt.

@ Miami Dolphins

The biggest strength of the Dolphins was their wildcat offense, but without Ronnie Brown, the Fins just do not match up with the Steelers.

Not saying that the six games that the Steelers play are going to be easy, but the Steelers, if they can fix their special team woes, have a very realistic shot at running the table, forcing the Bengals to lose no more than one game.

If the Steelers can do that, then the AFC North crown could very well be theirs. The Bengals will have the pressure on them to not let the Steelers catch them. If the Bengals do so, they await a possible rematch with the Steelers come playoff time.

The Case For Troy Polamalu Winning The NFL MVP.

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:05:48 -0500

Before any of you start to tell me how crazy I am, at least hear me out. I know that the award always goes to an offensive player. This year, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are fighting it out, and one of them are going to win. I know this.

Next, you will probably say something to the effect, Polamalu has missed too many games to be considered the MVP. How can someone who has missed more than half the season be the MVP?

My answer to that is simple. MVP stands for Most Valuable Player, right?

In the Steelers opening game against the Tennessee Titans, Polamalu was a complete animal before he injured his knee. The Titans were held to seven first downs in that half. While Polamalu had seven tackles, two for losses, and an interception.

After the injury to Polamalu, Tennessee marched 71 yards in three plays for a touchdown.

Polamalu missed the next three games, in which the Steelers lost two of them, both pass plays in the closing seconds of the game. In both instances, Polamalu would have been playing the zone in which the winning score was thrown.

Before anyone asks how I know that, it is because both touchdowns were thrown to the strong safety side of the field.

Polamalu came back against the Cleveland Browns, in which he had four tackles and an interception.

The next week, Polamalu had six tackles, all of them solo, and 2 passes defensed.

Against the Denver Broncos, Polamalu had three solo tackles, an interception, and two passes defensed.

Polamalu also added on tackle, in three plays against the Bengals, also knocking Cedric Benson out of the game.

This is not taking into account the intangibles that Troy Polamalu brings to the table. Between his ability to cover the entire field, blitz from anywhere, and fake the blitz, and get back to his zone faster than anyone else in the game.

Anyone that watches the Steelers on a regular basis knows that, when Troy Polamalu is in the game, the Steelers defense is a completely different unit. They play with more physicality, because they know that Troy will be able to cover any mistakes that anyone on the field makes.

I know that Troy Polamalu will not win the NFL MVP award, but if he does not win at least the Steelers MVP this year, then someone that does not deserve the award is going to get it.

With Roethlisberger and Batch Injured, What Is Next for Steelers?

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:19:47 -0500

One game back of the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the weakest part of their schedule. With the exception of playing the Baltimore Ravens twice, the only potential playoff team the Steelers play against is the Miami Dolphins.

The only position on the Steelers that looked the most set on Sunday morning was the quarterback. Not anymore.

In the beginning of overtime, Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to his head and the injury, as Mike Tomlin says, is concussion-related. Charlie Batch stepped in, and his first pass was a 19-yard strike to Santonio Holmes for a first down.

The reason the Steelers brought back Charlie Batch was for situations such as this. To come in for a drive, or a game or two while Ben Roethlisberger was injured. Now, Batch is injured as well.

Details are sketchy at this point, but Batch has an injury to his wrist, which will require surgery, and keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

In the 2007 draft, the Steelers selected Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Dixon was believed to have first-round potential, but due to a torn ACL during his senior season, Dixon fell to the fifth round. Dixon was drafted to eventually backup Ben Roethlisberger.

With the injury to Roethlisberger and Batch out of commission, Dixon is next in line to be under center for the Steelers, but is he ready?

Dixon spent his rookie season rehabilitating his ACL, and even though he was not going to get much playing time, the Steelers kept him on the team roster because they knew if they were to put him on the practice squad, another team would sign him away.

Dixon was kept off of the IR because they wanted him to be able to continue practicing with the team. Dixon did just that.

Through the offseason, Dixon stayed in Pittsburgh working with Limas Sweed on his timing and learning the playbook. He has made a commitment to become the player teams thought would be available in the draft, prior to injury.

Dixon has waited patiently on the sidelines, carrying his helmet and clipboard, waiting for his chance to play. He may be getting his chance.

Sunday night, the Steelers will travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens. The Ravens are known as a blitzing team that loves to apply pressure to the quarterback. Even without Terrell Suggs, they are going to be sending people at who ever is under center.

Roethlisberger is known for keeping plays alive, scrambling when necessary, and making plays on the run. Dixon does not have the experience of Roethlisberger, but he can run considerably better than him.

In the preseason, it was obvious that Dixon was trying to stay in the pocket and show the Steelers that he was not going to be a run-first quarterback. As the preseason wore on, Dixon started to show his running abilities when plays broke down.

Two games behind the division leaders, the Steelers are entering their first "must-win" game. If the Steelers cannot defeat the Ravens, they will fall three games back (if the Bengals win) of Cincinnati, and lose their grip on the inside track to the wild-card playoff position.

If Roethlisberger does play, and gets further injured, then the Steelers' season could be over. Dixon may be called upon to play against the Ravens, and the Steelers future could rest upon Dennis Dixon.

This is Dixon's chance to prove that the Steelers made the right decision drafting him in the fifth round, and the other 31 teams made a mistake in not taking the chance on him.

Either way, we are going to find out how good of a job the Steelers' scouts did in evaluating Dixon, and if the Steelers found the steal of the draft.

Update: profootballtalk.com is now reporting that the Steelers have contacted the agents for Cleo Lemon and Jeff Garcia, who will both be in Pittsburgh for work outs on Tuesday.

Charlie Batch Out Six Weeks, Dennis Dixon Next in Line

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:46:25 -0500

When Ben Roethlisberger was injured in overtime of the loss to Kansas City, the announcer stated that Charlie Batch was one of the best backups in the NFL.

Not anymore.

According to ESPN and profootballtalk.com , Batch suffered a wrist injury, which will require surgery. Batch will be out for four to six weeks.

Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the injury to Roethlisberger is "concussion related." Even though Roethlisberger said after the game he would "be fine," the Steelers' depth at the position has taken a serious setback.

If Roethlisberger is unable to play against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night, that would put the ball in the hands of second-year pro Dennis Dixon.

In his senior season at Oregon, Dixon was leading the Ducks to an undefeated season and was one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. However, with two games left in the season, Dixon suffered a torn ACL, ending his year.

At the time, he was believed to have first round potential but fell to the Steelers in the fifth round. Dixon has worked hard to keep his roster spot and may finally get a chance to show what he can do in a real football game.

The one thing that Dixon brings to the table that Roethlisberger and Batch don't is amazing speed. He has speed similar to that of the young Mike Vick, though he does not have the arm strength.

Either way, Dixon may be getting his first start of the year, and he may be doing so against a Baltimore Ravens team that will be fighting for their playoff lives.

Flag on the Play: Double Standard Becoming Obvious in the NFL

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:09:54 -0500

A few weeks ago, when the New England Patriots were playing the Baltimore Ravens, Terrell Suggs bumped into Tom Brady's legs. As Tom Brady turned to the referee wanting a penalty, the ref immediately threw his flag.

See, the rules in the NFL have changed. The "Tom Brady rule" prevents the quarterback from taking unnecessary shots to either the head or legs.

However, not every quarterback seems to reap the benefits.

On the play from today's Chiefs-Steelers game pictured above, one of the Chiefs players was clearly taking a shot at Ben Roethlisberger's head. Big Ben was poked in the eye on third-and-short. Hard to complete a pass while someone's hand is inside your face mask, isn't it?

Then, in overtime, Roethlisberger was scrambling when he dove while a Chiefs' player was tackling him. Another dove at Roethlisberger, hitting him in the head with his knee.

Now, personally, I think the rules getting a little ridiculous. Most of the quarterbacks are becoming cry babies like Brady when he was hopping around wanting the personal foul on Suggs.

But rules are rules, and if they are going to be called for someone like Brady, shouldn't they be called for all quarterbacks? Wouldn't Brady have gotten those calls if he had been hit like Roethlisberger was hit today?

If a personal foul would have been called on the hit Big Ben took in overtime, the Steelers would have had the ball on the Chiefs' 35-yard line. That would have put them in field-goal range to win the game and stay competitive in the AFC playoff race.

The NFL needs to either change the rules so that hits like these are legal, or they need to be consistent with all of the signal callers in the NFL. Right now, I'm pretty sure that league officials are playing favorites.

Every AFC North Team Falls, Race for Conference Title Still Up for Grabs

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:45:07 -0500

Sunday was supposed to be a day where the AFC North dominated the NFL.

Beginning the day, the Ravens were taking on the NFL leading Indianapolis Colts. Even though the Colts were undefeated heading into the game, the Ravens, with their dominating defense, were still one and a half point favorites to win the game.

The Steelers were traveling to Kansas City, in a game where they were supposed to dominate the lowly Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Browns played a Lions team that has won only one game in the last season and a half.

Finally, the division leading Bengals visited the Oakland Raiders, who just benched their franchise quarterback in favor of a former fifth round pick.

The Ravens took the Colts to the limit. Indianapolis, with a two point lead, had to punt to the ever dangerous Ed Reed. Instead of just going down, Reed tried to be the play maker that he is and lateraled the ball. Reed fumbled, Indianapolis recovered, and the Ravens fell to 5-5.

Soon after, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell. After handling the Chiefs most of the day, the Steelers allowed the Chiefs back into the game. In overtime, Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to the head, knocking him out of the game. Charlie Batch came in and immediately marched the Steelers into field goal range.

Bruce Arians called a sweep, Mewelde Moore gets tackled for a two yard loss, which took the Steelers out of field goal range. A minute later, Matt Cassel moves the Chiefs to the two yard line, and Mr. Irrelevant kicks a game winning field goal.

Cleveland did no better. With the lead, and only seconds to play, Matthew Stafford threw the ball into the end zone hoping for a win. What he got was pass interference in the end zone as the clock struck 0:00. With one, un-timed down, Matthew Stafford threw his fifth touch down of the game, and with the extra point the Lions won 38-37.

Against the Raiders, the Bengals had the chance to end the race in the AFC North, taking a three game lead on the Steelers and a four game lead on the Ravens with a win.

Instead, lightning struck, and the AFC North race remains wide open.

Bruce Gradkowski threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to rookie Louis Murphy to tie the game at 17 with 33 seconds left. The play was replayed, but the score was upheld.

Cincinnati was going to get the ball back with 30 seconds and all three time outs left, to try to mount a game winning drive.

Return man Andre Caldwell then fumbled the kickoff at the 17 yard line.

After three kneel downs, Raiders' kicker Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 33 yard field goal to win the game.

With the chance to put the final nail in the coffin of the Steelers and Ravens, the Bengals came up one fumble short.

Now the AFC North race is in the same position as it was before the first game began on Sunday.

Why Steelers Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians Needs To Be Fired

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:50:27 -0500

With Sundays loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, there are a few things that have become abundantly clear to me.

1—There is too much talent on this Steelers offense to not be putting at least 30 points per game on the score board.

2—As long as Bruce Arians is calling the plays, this team will never accomplish that feat.

In over time, when Charlie Batch came in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger, the first play called was a pass play,which made me think, WOW—Arians must be finally getting it.

Now, I think Batch heard a different play than the one Arians called.

On third and two from the 35 yard line, instead of running Rashard Mendenhall up the middle, or even a QB sneak, Arians made the all time bone headed call of the year. A sweep right.

On the play, sweep right? Instead of having the powerful Rashard Mendenhall take the ball, or the fast Willie Parker (I know he is not that fast anymore, but he is faster than Mewelde Moore), the Steelers put in Mewelde Moore.

Putting Moore in would have been a great call if the play was a run up the middle, or a short pass, not a sweep.

So, Arians calls for the sweep, and Moore looses three yards, pushing the potential field goal from 52 yards to 55 yards, and out of Jeff Reeds range.

Regardless of what happened after that point, the loss has to be put on the shoulders again of Bruce Arians.

Though the season is not over for the Steelers, if they are going to be successful one of two things is going to have to happen.

1—Arians is going to have to be stripped of his play calling.

2—Ben Roethlisberger is going to have to be calling a LOT of audibles.

With the talent the Pittsburgh Steelers have, they should be dominating the better teams in the league, let alone the Chiefs.

So, here is my short list of potential offensive coordinators, that the Steelers should consider hiring when they fire Bruce Arians at the end of the season.

1—Charlie Weis. Though he faltered heavily with Notre Dame, there is little speculation that he has an amazing ability at calling plays. Since Weis left the New England Patriots, the Pats have not won the Super Bowl. They won three titles while Weis was calling the plays. Weis is one of the reasons Tom Brady is known as he is today.

2—Brian Billick. Since being fired by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2007 season, Billick has worked in TV. Many people do not want to give Billick credit as an amazing offensive coordinator, but forget about the time with the Ravens. Billick led the Minnesota Vikings to post the most points ever put on the score board (556 points with 41 TD Passes) with Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss in his rookie season. With a quarterback that is considerably better than Culpepper, and more offensive weapons (I would take Holmes, Ward and Wallace over Moss), Billick could do wonders with this team.

3—Mike Martz. I took a lot of heat on suggesting Martz previously, but I think it just might work. Martz flopped as a head coach, even with the "greatest show on turf". If he would be willing to focus more on running the ball, he would be a great addition. Pittsburgh has turned into a pass first team, and with the weapons the Steelers have, even Martz would be able to do an amazing job.

4—ME! I know, I know, what have I ever done to warrant an NFL coordinator gig? My answer is simply, nothing. Nothing at all. I guarantee that I would not have the problems that Arians is having. I would be willing to mix up the plays, and I would allow the no huddle offense a lot more than Arians does. The no huddle keeps defenses on their toes, and wears them out because they can not freely substitute. I would run the no huddle at least once per quarter, putting the ball in Ben Roethlisbergers hand, and let him work his magic. Not only that, I would be cheap. I mean VERY cheap. I would do the job for like, $100K per year, which would make me the lowest paid coordinator in the NFL.

For years, the Steelers were only one piece away from being a dynasty. During the Neil O'Donnell days it was no receiver. During the Kordell Stewart days, it was no QB. For the Steelers to let this opportunity go because of loyalty to Arians, that would be a shame.

Steelers-Chiefs: Poor Play Calling Costs Steelers Win Again

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:06:52 -0500

For the second week in a row, coaching blunders have cost the Pittsburgh Steelers a victory, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

While the players on the field made mental mistakes, from the opening kickoff, the coaching decisions have put the Steelers in the hole they may not be able to overcome once December starts.

The Steelers special teams remained a joke, allowing ANOTHER kickoff to be returned for a touchdown, their fourth this year and third in three games.

Arnold Harrison was the sacrificial lamb this past week, bringing Donovan Woods up from the practice squad.

Mike Tomlin said he did not want to put a band aid on the problem, even though a band aid may have been enough to keep the Chiefs from returning the opening kickoff for a score and a 7-0 lead, 16 seconds into the game.

Stefan Logan again did not break a kick off, keeping the Steelers from great field position.

Defensively, the Steelers played well. But in over time, when the Steelers were not set when Kansas City hiked the ball, a pass was completed to the Steelers four yard line setting up a field goal, no further than an extra point, which gave the Chiefs the win.

Once again Bruce Arians put the Steelers in a bad position in over time.

After the Ben Roethlisberger injury, Charlie Batch was brought in and made a 19 yard completion to bring to Steelers near field goal range. On 3rd-and-2 from the Chiefs 35 yard line, instead of running Rashard Mendenhall up the middle, Arians called a sweep to the right.

The result? A loss of two yards, taking the Steelers out of field goal range and forcing the punt.

Mendenhall did a great job in short yardage against the Chiefs. Why would they not run the ball up the middle, and bring in Jeff Reed for a long field goal attempt? Even if they would have called a QB sneak, Reed still would have been in range to make a field goal.

Again play calling cost the Steelers the game, and have now brought the wild card field closer to the Steelers.

With six games to play, the Steelers will now have to battle the Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, Texans, and Jaguars for the two final playoff spots.

With Bruce Arians calling plays, the Steelers have a lot to overcome.

Cleveland Browns Seriously Considering Charlie Casserly for GM?

Nick Signorelli — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:58:44 -0500

When the Cleveland Browns decided to fire George Kokinis, I thought it was a step in the right direction. With rumors this week that the Browns were interested in bringing in Mike Holmgren as a Bill Parcells type of role, I though, WOW, the Browns are finally turning the corner.

Now with news that the Browns are possibly interested in offering the position to former Washington Redskins GM Charlie Casserly , I have to wonder, really?

Casserly started his career in 1977 with the Washington Redskins as an unpaid assistant to Bobby Beathard. He was then hired the next year as a scout. Casserly became the GM of the Redskins in 1989.

Casserly did a good job at drafting good players, like Brian Mitchell, Steven Davis, Keenan McCardell, and Frank Wycheck.

His best season as a GM came before the 1999 season when he traded the Redskins first—round pick (fifth) to the New Orleans Saints for their entire draft, plus their first and second pick in the 2000 draft.

Even trading down, he still managed to land Champ Bailey, the player the Skins would have drafted in the five spot.

Dan Snyder decided after the 1999 season that Casserly was not the man to take his team into the future and decided to fire him. Casserly bounced back, signing on as the GM of the Houston Texans.

Though none of the players from Casserly's first draft really amounted to anything, he did a fantastic job in 2006 when the Texans chose Mario Williams over Reggie Bush and Vince Young. In 2006, he also drafted future Pro Bowl players DeMeco Ryans and Owen Daniels.

But, it was a move in 2005 that would eventually seal the fate of Casserly.

He traded the Texans' second— and third—round picks in the 2005 draft to the Oakland Raiders for CB Phillip Buchanon. Casserly was fired four games into the 2006 season, never getting to reap the rewards of the 2006 draft class.

After failing to secure a position with the NFL League Office, Casserly now works for CBS on The NFL Today.

So, though Casserly has made some good decisions as a GM in the NFL (2006 Texans draft class), he has also made some bone headed decisions that have hurt the teams he was running (Heath Shuler and Buchanon come to mind).

The Browns do not need someone that is so hot and cold running their franchise. They need someone who is a proven winner that knows how to make changes and adjustments to a roster that has a long way to go before it can be competitive.

Mike Holmgren, who has stated he is interested in rebuilding the Browns, knows how to bring a franchise back from the dead.

He did it with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. But, just because it is a no—brainer move that the Browns should make, does not mean Mr. Learner is going to make the right decision.

What it ultimately boils down to is this: will Learner be willing to give the keys to the franchise to someone that will be able to turn things around their way, or will he insist on keeping his hand in the decision making, even though he has proven that it is not his strong suit?

Every time Learner has made a decision, it has been the wrong one. This is a chance to either turn the franchise around or set it back even further. Hopefully for Browns fans, this will be the start of something great.

10 Changes the NFL Needs To Make

Nick Signorelli — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:09:16 -0500

With the NFL's collective bargaining agreement set to expire after this season, here are 10 things that both the owners and players need to agree on prior to signing a new contract.

Some people stress player safety and others stress revenue. Not me. Those things will work themselves out. I am here to take on the more important issues.

Now, some of these things will go into the safety issues and others will touch the revenue issues. But make no mistake about it, these things are more important than those.

Issue 1: Cheerleaders. What in professional sports is more important than cheerleaders? The team that doesn't have them, Pittsburgh, needs to get them. Those that have them and play in the cold weather need to stop this covering-up business.

Issue 2: Food at the stadium. Everyone agrees that food experience at the stadium is important. How often is the stadium food as good as the food at the tailgate parties? Never. Upgrade the food to be as good as we get outside, or it is free.

Issue 3: Unsportsmanlike penalties on the QB (We will call this the Brady Quinn rule). When a QB hits a defender low, instead of fines or penalties, we turn things around. The next time the QB drops back to pass, the defense gets a free shot at him. No roughing the passer will be called and whoever from the defense gets to him first gets the free shot.

Issue 4: Player fines. Start at the beginning of a player's career. The first time a player does anything that warrants a fine, it is $5,000. The next fine is $10,000. And it doubles every time the player does something fine-worthy.

Issue 5: Pass Interference. When a DB is flagged for pass interference, the penalty is at the spot of the ball. This can translate into a penalty of 50 yards or more. It's ridiculous. If a player is flagged on one play, they should have to play with their hands tied behind their back. When an offensive player is flagged, they're blindfolded for a play.

Issue 6: Holding on the offensive line. It is said that there is holding on every single play in the NFL. Then why even have the rule? Holding is a joke of a rule, so it is gone. The more important penalties, such as clipping, chop block, illegal hands to the face, should carry 15-yard penalties with fines.

Issue 7: Pre snap penalties—GONE. If there is a penalty on the offense before the play, the whistle is blown and the play is dead. That is wrong. If the defense is offsides, the offense gets a free play. Plays will continue on offensive pre-snap penalties. The defense is the one that will get the free play.

Issue 8: Fighting. In the NHL, fighting is a proud practice. In MLB, you see bench-clearing brawls all the time. In the NFL, the group that is the most protected by padding, no one can fight because of fines and suspensions. If two players start going at it, LET THEM GO! What is the big deal about these mountains of men wanting to throw down? Provided it is not a QB against a defensive lineman, let them go.

Issue 9: Show-boat penalties. The NFL is being called the No Fun League because every time a player does something that people at home find funny, there are resulting penalties and fines. Players should be able to celebrate, taunt and have fun. To those of you that say it is unsportsmanlike, then the defense needs to stop it from happening.

Issue 10: Offensive coordinators—GONE! Let's be honest. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger don't NEED an offensive coordinator. All coordinators do is take extra money being spent on an unnecessary position. Teams can have someone to help, but eliminate the position.

NFL Week 11 Picks and Predictions

Nick Signorelli — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:56 -0500

Overall: 75-39

Last Week: 10-5

Last week, in one of the craziest weeks for the league in terms of wins and losses, I pulled out one of my best records. I don't get it, either. Of my three upset specials of the week, I was right on two of them, which is pretty good, in my opinion.

So, before I break my arm patting myself on the back, I will get into this week's picks.

FIVE STAR PICK OF THE WEEK: Pittsburgh at Kansas City

This is not a good week to be the Kansas City Chiefs. After losing to the Bengals last week, the Steelers are going to come out and prove they are better than they played last week. With Dwayne Bowe suspended, the Chiefs lost the only punch they had.

Steelers win 33-10.

Seattle at Minnesota

The Vikings are one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, while the injury bug has landed in Seattle and infected the entire team. This game is going to be over early.

Vikings win 28-13.

Washington at Dallas

Dallas is another team that was embarrassed last week, and is looking to get back on track. The Redskins only beat the Broncos because of the injury to Kyle Orton. I picked up the Dallas defense in my fantasy league about a month ago for this game.

Cowboys win 31-17.

San Diego at Denver

The Chargers are on fire and the Broncos are on the brink. If the Chargers can beat Denver this week, the Broncos will implode. Take cover Denver, the implosion is coming!

Chargers win 31-10.

Arizona at St. Louis

The Cardinals have not lost on the road this year, and look to continue that trend against the Rams. The Rams are also in the running for the first pick in the draft, and whichever team wins the Browns / Lions game will be behind the Rams as well.

Cardinals win 35-13.

Cincinnati at Oakland

Forget the fact that the Bengals have never won in Oakland, forget the fact that the Bengals have never won more consecutive games on the road than the streak they are on, and forget the fact that Cedric Benson is banged up. The Bengals are playing fantastic, and the Raiders are, well, the Raiders.

Bengals win 31-10.

Philadelphia at Chicago

This is another matchup of two teams with multiple personalities. The dominating personality for the Eagles is good, while both personalities for the Bears are bad.

Eagles win 27-13.

Trap Games

Miami at Carolina (Thursday Night)

Will the Wildcat offense of the Dolphins be effective without Ronnie Brown in the back field? That will be the key in Thursday night's game. If Pat White can run the Wildcat, the Dolphins can win.

Dolphins win 17-13.

Cleveland at Detroit

The "battle for the first pick in the draft" bowl. This is going to be one of the worst games in a long time. The big thing really is, the over/under for this game is 38.5, so if anyone is THINKING about betting this game, go the under.

Lions win 13-10.

Buffalo at Jacksonville

With the new coach in Buffalo, some would think that the Bills could turn things around. If the new coach was that good, would the Bills have already started looking for his replacement?

Jaguars win 27-13.

Atlanta at New York Giants

A month ago, this game would have looked like a possible NFC Championship preview. Now both teams are fighting to make the playoffs. They both have shown weakness, but the Giants look more real.

Giants win 24-21.

New York Jets at New England

After losing a heartbreaking game to the Colts last week, the Patriots are going to close the door on a Jets team that has cooled off after its hot start. If you thought Rex Ryan was crying after losing last week, wait until the Patriots are done with New York.

Patriots win 31-13.

Tennessee at Houston

With the resurgence of the Titans under Vince Young, the Titans are trying to salvage a season in which they thought they had a legit shot at the Super Bowl. The Texans are hoping for their first winning record and still have an outside shot at the playoffs. This is going to be an amazing game.

Titans win 24-20.

Upset Specials of the Week:

Indianapolis at Baltimore

Some how, some way, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts are GETTING 1.5 points when they travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens this week. The Ravens are without Terrell Suggs, so the pass rush is going to be diminished, while Peyton Manning will have the time to pick apart the Ravens defense.

Colts win and cover 24-17.

San Francisco at Green Bay

The Packers have been struggling, but the 49ers have no real quarterback. Both teams are trying to salvage their seasons. Even though I believe the Packers are going to win the game, with a 6.5 point spread, I am picking 49ers to cover.

Packers win 21-17.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay

I am not for one second saying that the Bucs are going to win this game. The fact is the Saints have been in a lot of close games lately, and this is a divisional game. I still pick the Saints to win, but they will not cover the 11.5 points.

Saints win 27-20.

Proof That Some ESPN Reporters Have No Clue What They're Talking About!

Nick Signorelli — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:12 -0500

Bleacher Report is a great site for aspiring journalists. Some of us already have our journalism degree, and are waiting for their "big break", while others do this because we love to write.

It is obvious, to me at least, that the journalism degree does not mean that the reporter has any idea what he is talking about. I have never called out a professional writer, but there is a first time for everything, so I am calling out one of the writers from ESPN.

I read an article on espn.com, from reporter David Fleming . Mr. Fleming writes about how smart the Cincinnati Bengals are for not only taking a chance on Larry Johnson, but for ignoring the past of many of the free agents the Bengals have brought in, and the many players with questionable character they have drafted.

I will say that I am very impressed with the play of the Bengals so far this season. They have swept both the Steelers and Ravens, which is a task that no one had thought was possible. But is that any reason to crown them as the model franchise that NFL teams should mold themselves after?

Lets take a look at the real model franchises in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers . The only team in the NFL that has six Lombardi Trophies in their trophy case. They have had a total of three head coaches in the last 30+ years. They are a model of stability. They build their team through the draft, signing few free agents, and never break the bank on anyone they did not select in the draft.

New England Patriots . Since taking over in the late 1990's, Robert Kraft has been to five Super Bowls, winning three of them. They post the only undefeated regular season since the 1972 Dolphins.

Though they occasionally do sign players that have had a question or two in their past, everyone they bring in, buys into the system of Bill Belichick, and become a model citizen.

New York Giants . The Mara family has run a consistent tight ship. Signing one of the toughest head coaches, Tom Coughlin, to build a team of stability. When they did have a problem with one of their players, Plaxico Burress, he was suspended, then released prior to going to jail.

Indianapolis Colts . Another family run business, that builds their team through the draft. Hardly ever do you hear about a player on the Colts that is in any kind of legal trouble.

What do these teams have in common? They have won the last seven Super Bowls.

How have the Bengals and their brand of bringing in problem players done in that time? One playoff appearance, losing their first game.

Mr. Fleming says in his article, "So don't knock the Bengals for being one of the few teams out there who understand and exploit the character myth." I would like to take a look at some of those other teams that have brought in players with character issues.

Dallas Cowboys . Jerry Jones has done everything in his power to win a Super Bowl since Jimmy Johnson quit the team. He has brought in players like Terrel Owens and Pac Man Jones who have done nothing but divide the locker room.

How have the Cowboys done this decade? They have not won a playoff game.

Washington Redskins . Like Jerry Jones, Daniel Snyder has brought in players of questionable character, such as Fred Smoot (Vikings love boat scandal), and Albert Haynesworth (reckless driving).

How have the Redskins done this decade? One playoff victory.

Oakland Raiders . Al Davis is another owner that does not care about the character of his team. His head coach has been accused of spousal abuse, and of breaking the jaw on one of his assistants.

How have the Raiders done this decade? One Super Bowl loss.

Does this really show that the Bengals are on the right path to becoming a model franchise in the NFL? I don't think so. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of bad teams that do have a good year once in a while.

Cleveland Browns, 2007. Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns finished the season one game out of the playoffs. Many people thought they were a team on the rise, and would become perennial contenders.

How have the Browns done since? They finished the 2008 season picking in the top 5 of the draft, and they are on pace to be the worst team in the NFL this year.

Tennessee Titans, 2008. The Titans finished 2008 with the best record and home field advantage in the AFC. After being beat down by the Baltimore Ravens, their season ended on their home field.

They have won three games in a row, but it will take a miracle for them to make the playoffs.

Is it because the Titans and the Browns were really that good during those years? Or could it be that parity in the NFL gave each of them one good year, and reality sunk back in, and put them back to their original position in the pecking order?

If you look at the teams I named at first, Steelers, Patriots, Giants, Colts, you see that the common denominator of them is they have stability and quality people on their teams. Though there may be a questionable person or two on their rosters, they still have the stability to keep those players in line.

When you have a locker room with many players that have been in trouble, and are in trouble, you can not become a legitimate, long time competitor in the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals are doing good because the players ARE staying out of trouble so far. But could it have anything to do with the fact they have the third easiest schedule in the NFL? Could it be because they finished last year in third place in the AFC North, and are playing a third place schedule?

Is it even possible that the Bengals are just like the Browns of 2007 and the Titans of 2008, and will once again sink back into their rightful position in the pecking order of the NFL after this season?

All I know, if I were awarded an NFL expansion team, and I had to build my team like any other team in the NFL, it certainly will not be like the Bengals. It would be like the first group I mentioned.

And as for Mr. Flemings final thought, where he said, "There will be 31 teams out there wishing they were as clever as the Bengals." I think the only teams that will be wishing that are the perennial bottom dwellers, and the real championship calibre team will be glad they are built the way they are.

If It Ain't Broke...: Are the Cincinnati Bengals Ruining Their Team?

Nick Signorelli — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:47:53 -0500

Prior to the 2009 NFL season, HBO featured the Cincinnati Bengals on their yearly show Hard Knocks. It is a show that follows a team from the beginning of training camp until the end of preseason.

What the Bengals have done since is nothing short of remarkable. After a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos in their opener, Cincinnati has dominated the AFC North, defeating the Browns in the last seconds of overtime and sweeping the season series against both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Since they are basically the same team with a top-10 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, other than the return of Carson Palmer, most people would say that the main reason for the Bengals' success is their team unity and chemistry.

On the heels of their Heinz Field victory and attainment of sole possession of first place in the AFC North, the Bengals are now in danger of ruining that team chemistry.

First, they signed disgruntled troublemaker Larry Johnson. Johnson is a free agent because the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the worst teams in the NFL, could not put up with his behavior anymore. Johnson was suspended and then released after making negative sexual references to members of the press, not once, but twice.

Some Bengals fans would say that move was necessary because Cedric Benson was slightly injured against the Steelers. Forget the fact that Benson has said the injury is minor and it will not affect him next week.

Others would say that they are acting like the Bungles of old instead of the new division leaders.

Adam Schefter is now reporting, via profootballtalk.com, that the Bengals have also brought in receiver Joey Galloway, safety Mike Doss, and defensive tackle Ed Johnson for workouts and interviews.

There is an old saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." So, can someone tell me exactly what is broke?

Galloway was cut by the New England Patriots because he does not have the hands he used to. Numerous times in their first few games, Tom Brady tried to get the ball to Galloway, and he just could not hang onto it.

Doss and Johnson were both with the Colts during the preseason, but neither was good enough to make the regular season roster. The Colts have had injury issues with Bob Sanders, who was on IR for the last week and a half, and they still did not bring Doss back.

The Bengals also made two other moves today by releasing two players from IR. Tight end Ben Utecht and receiver Antonio Chatman were released. Because they were on injured reserve, they are now free to sign with any team other than the Bengals.

Now that the Bengals are finally over the stigma of being a bad football team, having only one other winning season in the last 20-plus years, you would think that they would not want to risk hurting the team chemistry. None of the men they brought in are considered to be as good as anyone the Bengals currently have on their roster, so it makes no sense.

These moves may be considered smart by some, but if the Bengals end up losing some winnable games over the next month, you can be sure that it will be traced back to the moment management decided to fix what wasn't broken.

Is the Bandwagon Broken? Steelers and Bengals Fans Prepare!

Nick Signorelli — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:43:22 -0500

There are three different types of fans in the NFL.

One, the true fan. The true fan is there through the thick and thin, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. Cincy fans that have been Cincy fans for their lives, or at least the last 10 years, are currently having the time of their lives. Congrats to all of you, enjoy the ride, you deserve it!

Two, the spectator fan. As Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio stated a couple weeks ago, he does not have one specific team he roots for. Each year, he takes the team that is doing good, and follows them. According to him, this way he never has the real ups and downs of cheering for one team.

Three, the bandwagon hoppers. These, in my opinion, are the dregs of society. They cheer for a team as long as they are doing good, but as soon as things start to go south, they quickly bail on the team, and act as if they never cheered for them in the first place. They then pick another "flavor of the month," and stand behind them, as if it was always their team.

Even though Steeler Nation is strong, we have more than our fair share of these bandwagon hoppers. It comes with the territory of being one of the elite teams. New England, Indianapolis, and Dallas have the most action on these bandwagons, along with the Steelers. It is just hard to figure out who these hoppers are when your team is normally good.

Now that the Bengals have swept the season series with the Steelers, it is starting to become clear that the bandwagon of the Steelers is starting to clear up. People are starting to jump off, and I think that is fantastic!

Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being critical of your team when they are not doing good. I myself just wrote an article on how Bruce Arians needs to be fired . I also know the Steelers are not going to fire him, which now presents me with two options. One—hop off the bandwagon, or two—accept the fact that my team has a deficiency that they are going to have to overcome in order to win the Super Bowl again.

I put myself in that second category. Am I certain that the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl? Absolutely not. Am I saying they don't have a chance? Not at all.

All of those people, and you know who you are, that are saying the Steelers CAN NOT make it to the Super Bowl, are in the first group. To look at the Steelers and say that there are teams that we just can not defeat, then you obviously have not watched this team, and have no idea of how the NFL works.

On any given Sunday, the Steelers can beat any team in the NFL.

I am not just saying this because I am a fan of the Steelers; watch ESPN. Mark Schreleth said the same thing. In describing how the Bengals are playing, he said they are successful because they are playing LIKE THE STEELERS!

The fact is, you can be a fan and be a critic at the same time. Fans of the Browns are a perfect example of this. As much flack as Browns fans get for their team being so bad, there is not a team in the NFL that has fans as loyal as those in Cleveland. They hope for their team to be good, and even though they are not, they still write their articles, and cheer for their team.

The big difference between being a fan and being a realistic fan, is to know what your team is really capable of. Browns fans can look at their team and hope that they will turn it around. Steelers fans look at their team and see the potential to be great.

My only point is to say, if you are a REAL fan, look at the Steelers and their potential and respect the fact that this team does have the ability to go on the road, and beat any team in the NFL. Just like they did when they won Super Bowl XL.

If you can't do that, then you can count yourself as a bandwagon hopper. Just do yourselves a favor, don't go and spend too much money on Cincinnati Bengals attire; they have yet to prove what the Steelers have—that they can be champions—even slotted as a wild card team.

Bruce Arians Needs to Be Fired: Today!

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:40:54 -0500

Wondering why I used a picture of the Cleveland Browns in this article about the Steelers?

You guessed it, that man in the middle is none other than Bruce Arians, the Steelers current offensive coordinator.

Arians got his start in Cleveland, and the man to his left? That is right, Tim Couch. The Browns first selection coming back into the NFL. What did Arians do for his career? Ruined it!

Sundays game against the Bengals again resulted in another loss by the Steelers, and again, it is thanks to the horrible play calling of the offensive coordinator—Bruce Arians.

There is little question as to the offensive weapons that play on the Steelers. Big Ben Roethlisberger is one of the top quarterbacks playing in the NFL. He has size, arm strength, and an uncanny ability to get himself out of trouble when things break down.

There are two Super Bowl MVP's that start at wide-out. Hines Ward is sure-handed and will take a crushing hit for a few extra yards. Santonio Holmes has speed that can humiliate some of the best corners in the NFL. Don't believe me? Ask Champ Baily what it was like trying to cover him.

The running game has last years first-round pick, Rashard Mendenhall, who is slowly becoming a real threat with the ball in his hand. Heath Miller, one of the best tight ends in the game, has hands as steady as a brain surgeon.

The offensive line, though they take heat for most of Big Ben's sacks, have been reliable this year, both in pass protection and run blocking.

So, why have the Steelers lost three games this year, including two to the Cincinnati Bengals? The horrible play calling from none other than Bruce Arians.

Sunday against the Bengals, the Steelers had to settle for four field goals, with the team marching into the red zone on all four of the field goal attempts. On all four of those possessions, and on the last drive of the game, I called out every play that was going to be run, and did not get a single one wrong !

The predictability of the offensive play calling is so bad that someone that did no film study, or looked at nothing other than the Steelers previous games, could pick out all the plays that were being called. What do you think a professional defensive coordinator do?

There is no creativity at all with the Steelers offensive attack. There are no trick plays, no wildcat, no nothing. I am not saying the Steelers should try to trick teams every game, but why not throw an occasional trick play in, just to keep the other teams defense honest? Because Bruce Arians does not want to.

The Steelers offense is it's best when they go no-huddle. When they do, no one in the league has been able to stop it. Why don't we do it more often? Because Bruce Arians does not want to. Why do you think that is? Because Bruce Arians does not get to call the plays.

I firmly believe that anyone could come in and do as good of a job calling plays as Bruce Arians is. ANYONE! There are plenty of people that are available, such as Jim Haslett, who used to be an offensive coordinator for the Steelers, or even Mike Martz may be available. The fact is, Arians is in over his head and has a job that he can not handle.

As I re-read this article, what comes across as the sad part is, the Steelers are 6-3. They could be so much worse, and they would be with out Ben and the crew, and the no-huddle offense.

It is time for the Steelers to take the next step, and that step is to get rid of the man that is calling all the wrong plays.

NFL: AFC Playoff Picture Is Taking Shape

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:12:07 -0500

With more than half of the 2009 season in the books, it is time to start preparing for the NFL's postseason. Week 10 was a roller coaster for some teams, while others started setting themselves apart from the pack.

No. 1 Seed - Indianapolis Colts (9-0). After a STUNNING win against the New England Patriots, one that saw Bill Belichick literally give the Indianapolis Colts life inside their own 30-yard line, the Colts are in position to have smooth sailing all the way to the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The Patriots had the chance to position themselves only one game behind the Colts, and the bad decision by Bill Belichick could cost the Patriots playoff seeding, and a bye week down the road.

Now the question is, can the Colts remain undefeated?

No. 2 Seed - Cincinnati Bengals (7-2). As shocking as this is to write, that is now where the Bengals have positioned themselves. With a 7-2 record, and a divisional record of 5-0, they will hold tie breakers over the Steelers and Ravens, plus in conference, they are 5-2, with an easy schedule remaining.

No. 3 Seed - New England Patriots (6-3). Losing to the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night hurt the Patriots for numerous reasons. Trailing the Colts by four games (by virtue of the head to head tie breaker), there is no way the Patriots will be able to catch the Colts, but the loss gives the Bengals a better record than the Patriots.

No. 4 Seed - San Diego Chargers (6-3). The Chargers and Broncos are deadlocked and face each other in Week 11. The Chargers are on a four-game win streak, and are looking for another division crown.

No. 5 Seed - Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3). After losing to the Bengals on Sunday, the Steelers are now playing for a wild card spot. They currently hold the head-to-head tie breaker with both the Chargers and Broncos (head-to-head match up), so regardless of who wins the battle for the No. 5 seed over either of them. The hardest remaining games on tap for the Steelers are two games against the Ravens.

No. 6 Seed - Denver Broncos (6-3). Since the Broncos started out the season on fire, winning their first six games, they have lost three in a row. The losses to the Steelers and Ravens will hurt in the battle for playoff positioning. The Broncos best chance to make the playoffs will be to win the division, because if it comes down to tie breakers, the Broncos could be sitting at home come January.

Still in the hunt.

Baltimore Ravens (5-4). I am assuming the Ravens will beat the Browns on Monday Night Football because, well, they are the Browns. The Ravens have been winning with offense, and still have a defense that is near the top of the league. All the Ravens have to do it finish with the same record as the Broncos for them to be playing in January. With two big games against the Steelers still to be played, the Seeding could be switched.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4). With a 3-1 home record, and a 2-3 road record, the Jaguars are going to have to start winning on the road if they want to make the playoffs. Even if they get there, they will still have to go on the road in the playoffs, which means IF they make it, it will be an early exit.

Houston Texans (5-4). The Texans are on pace for their best record in team history, and could sneak into the playoffs as a wild card team. They have no chance of catching the Colts, but still are in the hunt for the first playoff appearance ever.

The AFC North and AFC South are both in position to possibly send three teams to the playoffs this year. The top two seeds are more than likely to come from these divisions as well. Is it the East and West divisions of the AFC are just that weak, or is it just the North and South are that good?

There are still seven games to play, and a lot can happen in those seven weeks. This is how the AFC Playoff field would look if the playoffs started today.

Should The Pats and Colts Break The Bank For Brady and Manning?

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:25:36 -0500

When speaking of the greatest players in the NFL today, there is no way either Tom Brady or Peyton Manning can be left out of the conversation. Love them, or hate them, no one can argue they are future first ballot Hall of Fame entrants.

Peyton Manning is on pace to earn most of the individual records for quarterbacks, while Tom Brady is compared to Joe Montana as the best ever.

Both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have one year remaining on their current contract, meaning after NEXT season, if they are not resigned by the Colts and Patriots, respectfully, they will become unrestricted free agents.

There is no way that is going to happen.

Both Brady and Manning are going to be their teams top priority this off season. With the large contracts being handed out to the class of 2004, Adam Schefter reports that both Manning and Brady are set to sign contracts in excess of $16.25 million per year.

The question is not, "are they worth the money?" My question is how long will they be worth the money?

Peyton Manning was born on Mar. 4, 1976, which means he will be 35 when his contract is set to expire in 2012.

Tom Brady was born on Aug. 3, 1977, which means he will be 34 when his contract expires.

Should either of these two men demand a contract that lasts six years, it will run until after they turn 40.

I know the largest argument will be: Look at Brett Favre.

Do either Colts or Patriots fans believe that their guy will be playing at the level of Favre when they turn 40? Manning and Brady are not the kind of player that Favre is.

Not that they are less good—in their prime years, I would take Manning and Brady over Favre, but they are not the gun slinger that Favre is, and their game relies strictly on the strength of their arms, and their ability to read the defenses.

Once their arm strength begins to diminish, which normally starts to happen around 34-35, they are not going to have the scrambling ability that Favre does have.

For argument sake, lets say that each of them has two years of playing at their current level on their new contract (that means for three more years).

What happens then? You are still on the hook for four more years, at over $16 million dollars per, which translates to $65 million dollars less to spend on other players.

The reality is, to keep these players once they are past their prime, could seriously hinder the chances of success of their current teams, neither of which has had a "bad" season since they have been members of their teams.

So, my question to Colts and Pats fans, what do you want to do with your QB?

Keep them until they are no longer any good, and hurts your teams cap and your teams performance, or let them walk away for a first-round pick after next year?

Are the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Better Than the 2008 Champions?

Nick Signorelli — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:16:27 -0500

Prior to the start of the 2008 season, no one was talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least not in a good way. ESPN had the Steelers ranked at No. 7.

All the talk was about how the New England Patriots coming off a perfect regular season, and the talk was about the Patriots being able to repeat that feat. Who could blame them? The Patriots sported the easiest schedule in the NFL.

The Steelers, on the other hand, had the hardest schedule. Not just of the year, but the hardest schedule in nearly 30 years. There is no way the Steelers would be good enough to make it to Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII.

After the first weekend of the NFL season, all of the talk started to change. Tom Brady went down to a torn ACL, and the race to Tampa was on for the rest of the teams in the NFL.

But still, the schedule was so hard, the Steelers would need a minor miracle to make it to the Super Bowl.

Maybe God is a Steelers fan, maybe the stars were aligned just right, or maybe, just maybe, the 2008 Steelers were destined.

The Steelers defense went on to be one of the most dominant defenses in recent history. All of those teams that made up the hardest schedule in 30 years, started falling. The Chargers, then the Cowboys, the Ravens...TWICE.

The Steelers pound their way through the playoffs. The Chargers again, and the Ravens for the third time.

After defeating the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers were again Super Bowl Champions.

There is no goal to achieve in the NFL better than winning the Super Bowl, none. Dan Marino said he would trade every record he had to win just one Super Bowl.

So, at 6-2, with a game against the Bengals Sunday, how can I talk about this team being better? Simple, they are!

Comparing the defense to last years, is the hardest to do. Last year's Steelers were so dominant, people compared it to the Steelers of the 70's. And THAT was an amazing defense.

The 2008 Steelers finished the season with the top overall ranked defense, allowing only 3,795 yards, 382 yards less than the second place Ravens. They allowed 157 passing yards per game, and only 80 rushing yards per game.

This year, the defense is allowing 214 passing yards per game, and 70 rushing yards per game. The 2009 Steelers are allowing more yards per game, but four of those games were played without Troy Polamalu. And if you don't think that counts, look at the yardage in the games he missed.

Chicago - 275 yards, 231 passing.

Cincinnati - 273 yards, 173 passing.

San Diego - 497 yards, 320 passing.

Other than the Bengals, the Steelers gave up WAY more passing yards, in those games, way over their average. The Steelers rushing yards against didn't change, but the passing yards were up.

The biggest difference is the offense. The 2008 version was the 22nd-ranked offense in the league. They were ranked 17th passing with 3,301 yards, and rushed for 1,690 yards, which was good enough for 23rd.

This year's Steelers are ranked seventh overall, with 2,134 passing yards which is ranked seventh, and 922 yards rushing, which is ranked 15th.

At their current pace, the Steelers will pass for 4,264 yards, which is 963 yards more through the air, and 1,844 rushing yards, which is 154 more rushing yards than last year. This is not only an improvement of 1,107, it is dominating on the other side of the ball.

Last year, there were many games that the Steelers won that were attributed directly to the defense, and the defense deserved it. But no longer does the defense have to do it alone.

Ben Roethlisberger has improved his completion percentage from 59.9%, to 70.6%, and his QB rating from 80.1, to 104.1.

Rashard Mendenhall is averaging 5.7 yards per carry this year, to Willie Parker's 3.8 of last year.

And as for points, the 2008 team scored 347 points while this years team has scored 195, and is on pace to score 390. That is averaging over four points a game.

So, though the defense may not be as great as the defense of 2008, the offense is considerably better, in all phases of the game.

Why The Bengals Will Not Beat the Steelers On Sunday

Nick Signorelli — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:17:03 -0500

There was a question posted by B. Clifton Burke, asking, "Why Not ", about the chances of the Bengals winning in Pittsburgh this Sunday, for sole position of first place in the AFC North.

Instead of simply commenting to him, which I started, but it was WAY too long, I decided to write my reply in an article.

And I promise not to use, a) because they're the Bengals, b) because it's the Steelers, or c) because it's a big game on the road.

This Sunday, when the Bengals travel to Heinz Field, they will not be playing the same team they played in week three.

When the Steelers have the ball:

The Steelers offense is no longer the one dimensional running game, where they run on first and second down, and hope to convert throwing on third. The offensive weapons start with Ben Roethlisberger.

Big Ben has a passer rating of 103.3, and has completed 70.6 percent of his passes (the same percentage as Peyton Manning—Tied for best in the NFL). The weapons he has at his disposal are unlike any QB that has suited up for the Steelers since the dynasty days of the 1970's.

Split out wide, there are two, count them, TWO Super Bowl MVP's to catch passes, and force the safety to play honest, and not stack the box to prevent the run. In addition, rookie Mike Wallace, who had 102 receiving yards the last time these two teams met up, and Heath Miller who has 43 receptions for 371 yards and four scores.

Add to that, last years first round draft pick, Rashard Mendenhall is now playing like a first round pick should, rushing for over five yards per carry, unlike when Slow Willie Parker was in the game the first time these two teams met.

With the losses of Antwan Odom, Keith Rivers, and Roy Williams, who had a total of 17 tackles in the first game, those players, who are a big reason for the Bengals success so far, are going to have to be made up by someone.

They are going to HAVE to stop the Steelers running game, and have to do so without committing extra pressure with their secondary. If the Bengals are to stop the high powered Steelers offense, they are going to have to do it head up.

When the Bengals have the ball:

The success the Bengals have on offense is going to rely on the running game, and Cedric Benson specifically. Benson is second in the NFL, with only Titans RB Chris Johnson ahead of him. Benson showed up the Ravens in both of their meetings, by not only rushing for over 100 yards in each game, but being the only player in over 40 games to achieve that status.

IF, and it is a big IF, Benson can find success in their ground game, that will force the Steelers to commit either Ryan Clark and/or Troy Polamalu to stopping the run, which will leave either Chad Ochocinco or Laverneous Coles in man to man coverage, and Carson Palmer has the ability to get them the ball.

The Steelers defensive line, though old and banged up, has done an amazing job, leading the Steelers to the fourth ranked defense in the NFL, and first against the run.(Yes, the Bengals are second against the rush, but the Steelers lead them by 108 yards.)

When looking at the first time these two played in Cincinnati, the one key person from the Steelers that was missing was Troy Polamalu. When Carson Palmer hit Andre Caldwell for the winning score, there was no Troy Polamalu in the game. The pass that Caldwell caught was in the zone that Polamalu would have been playing.

The fact is, this Steelers team is playing as good, if not better than the unit that won the Super Bowl last year, and nothing like the unit that the Bengals beat earlier this year. With Polamalu back, there have been no fourth quarter let down, where teams (like the Bengals) have come back and won at the end.

Dick LeBeau has opened up the defensive play book, and offensive teams with plenty of weapons, (Vikings, Broncos) have gotten knocked down to Earth, as will the Bengals on Sunday.

I said prior to the season that the Bengals were going to be a surprise team this season, and I even said they had a chance to make the playoffs. I did say the Ravens would be better than them, but the Bengals have proven they are superior to the Ravens.

If the Bengals can some how beat the Steelers this Sunday in Pittsburgh, they will have the inside track to winning the AFC North, forcing the Steelers to compete for a Wild Card playoff birth. If the Bengals lose, then Pittsburgh will again be atop of the AFC North, and the Bengals will be forced to look at themselves in the mirror, and wonder if they are as good as they thought they were.

My prediction? Big Ben will throw for over 300 yards, and Rashard Mendenhall will rush for 125. Carson Palmer will pass for 225 yards, and Cedric Benson will rush for 75. Pittsburgh wins 34-21.

NFL Week 10 Picks and Preview: Thursday Edition

Nick Signorelli — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:10:52 -0500

Last week: 9-4

Overall: 65-36

Good news, and bad news NFL fans. The good news, the NFL will now have a game every Thursday through the end of the year. The bad news is, we are now in Week 10, so there are only seven games left in the regular season.

Five Star Picks of the Week

New Orleans at St. Louis

Poor Rams. I am trying to think if there is anything that the Rams can do to win this game, and I don't think there is any way other than a miracle from God.

Saints win 43-9.

Detroit at Minnesota

Poor Lions. They are in the same boat as the Rams. I think the NFL should do something in games like these to make it more fair. Maybe only let the Vikings play with 10 players, or the Lions get five downs to make eight yards?

Vikings win 31-10

Denver at Washington.

Denver is on a two game losing streak, and the Redskins are the perfect tonic to cure the ailments of the Broncos.

Broncos win 28-10.

Tampa Bay at Miami

Tampa won their first game of the year against the Packers. Does anyone really think the Buccaneers could go on a two game winning streak? Me either.

Dolphins win 24-13.

Trap Games

Jacksonville at New York Jets

The Jets have been less than spectacular, and so have the Jaguars. I think, playing at home, the Jets are just a better team than the Jaguars are on the road.

Jets win 21-13.

Buffalo at Tennessee

Could it be that the Titans will have a three game winning streak after starting 0-6? Could it be because Jeff Fisher benched Kerry Collins for Vince Young? Strange things are afoot in Tennessee.

Titans win 21-10.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

If Cincinnati wins, they basically own the division. If they lose, the Steelers have the inside track. Cincinnati won the first meeting in Week Three, scoring with :14 left in the game. The big difference this week, Troy Polamalu is playing, and Antwan Odom isn't.

Steelers win 34-21.

Atlanta at Carolina

Carolina will be a great team, when Bill Cowher takes over next year. They are not this year.

Falcons win 31-17.

Kansas City at Oakland

Checking the Vegas Lines, Oakland is actually favored to win this game. As the Cowboys got better by cutting TO, the Chiefs will now do better, cutting LJ.

Chiefs win 14-13.

Seattle at Arizona

The Seahawks almost blew it last week against the Lions, and the Cardinals thumped the Bears. I look for the Cardinals' offense to run the score board like a pinball machine against a battered Seahawks' defense.

Cardinals win 41-17.

Philadelphia at San Diego

These two fan bases have to be insane. BOTH of these teams can play like Super Bowl contenders, and BOTH teams can play like the Lions. Which teams will show up? If the "good" teams show up, this will be a great game. If the "bad" teams show up, this is going to be boring.

Chargers win 28-27.

Baltimore at Cleveland

Cleveland fans are planning to not be in their seats at opening kick off to support the fact they need changes in Cleveland. The owner has already fired the GM, with the promise of bringing in a "guru" to right the team. Tuning in to see if the fans are in their seat is the only exciting thing about this game.

Ravens win 35-10.

Upset Specials of the Week

Chicago at San Francisco (minus-3.5)

I am amazed the the 49ers are actually favored to win this game. Though the defense is decent, and Frank Gore is back, the QB situation would make me crazy if I were a 49ers fan. Jay Cutler will have a "good" Jay Cutler day, and the Bears will cover, and win outright.

Bears win 27-21.

Dallas (minus-3) at Green Bay

The Packers were embarassed by Tampa last week, and a home game is exactly what they need. The Cowboys can play like one of the best teams in the league, and they can be average. If the Packers lose this this game, their season is over.

Green Bay wins 24-21.

New England at Indianapolis (minus-3)

I know the Colts are undefeated, but that ends this weekend. The Patriots are GETTING three points, and they are not even going to need them. Tom Brady will pick apart the battered Colts secondary, and have a field day.

Patriots win 27-24.

Pittsburgh Steelers First Half Report Card

Nick Signorelli — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:16:28 -0500

At my daughter's school, they send out mid-semester report cards, to let the parents know how their child is doing. Here is the Pittsburgh Steelers report card for the first half of the 2009 season.

Quarter back - A+

Ben Roethlisberger is on pace for the best stistical season ever by a Steelers QB. That is right Bradshaw, time to step to the side.

Roethlisberger has already passed Bradshaw with having the most games with a passer rating over 100. Roethlisberger is starting to be recognized as the elite player he is, not just by Steeler fans, but by everyone.

Running back - C

Not consistant enough yet to be better than a C. Rashard Mendenhall is starting to show why the Steelers drafted him in the first round. If he keeps up this pace, this grade could go up.

Wide receivers - B

Hines Ward is still the man, and Santonio Holmes is drawing the other teams best corner. Limas Sweed brought this grade down, but rookie Mike Wallace is a possible RoY candidate.

Tight end - B

Heath Miller is having the best year of his career, but Matt Spaeth is not doing anything.

Offensive line - A+

For a unit that MANY of the Steelers faithful thought was going to be over matched this year, they have played above average in almost every game. Max Starks has shut down Jarod Allen and Elvis Dumerville, while Willie Colon is opening running lanes that I could drive through.

Defensive line - B

This would be an A, if Aaron Smith would not be injured. The back ups have done a great job making people not relaize Smith is not playing.

OLB - B

After a slow start, James Harrison is playing as good as last years Defensive MVP. LaMar Woodley has played good, but is not quite great yet.

ILB - A

James Farrior is playing like he is 28, and even thought Lawrence Timmons is injured, Keyaron Fox is playing at a level good enough to make people not miss Larry Foote.

CB - C

Using two draft picks on corners, neither has stepped up. Ike Taylor is playing good against the other teams top receiver, but Will Gay is not playing as good as Bryant McFadden did last year.

S - A+

Troy Polamalu is the best in the game, when Polamalu is in the game, the entire defense is better. Ryan Clark is one of the hardest hitters in the game. Tyrone Carter had two interceptions against the Broncos, returning one for a score, as a back up.

K - D

Missing kicks against the Bears and Bengals cost the Steelers the game.

P - A

Daniel Sepulveda is averaging almost 45 yards per punt. What is more impressive is, he has 13 punts downed inside the 20, with only one touch back.

Coaching

Mike Tomlin - A

Benching Rashard Mendenhall the first time the Steelers played the Bengals was the best decision he could have made, and possibly saved the career of the second year pro.

Dick LeBeau - B

LeBeau has improved since the return of Troy Polamlu. If we were grading before, it would have been an F. The Steelers defense alowed the opposition to get back into every game Troy was not in, costing the Steelers BOTH of their losses. Since Troy has been back, it was an A.

Bruce Arians - C

The first half against the Broncos, we ran the ball on every first down except one. In the second half, when they mixed it up, we killed the Broncos.

Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Need To Sign Larry Johnson

Nick Signorelli — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:37:40 -0500

I read an article today from one of my favorite writers, TJ Jenkins (by the way, GLAD your back TJ), talking about Larry Johnson wanting to play for the Steelers. Read his before you read this. Go ahead.

It seems to me that there are a lot of Steelers fans that don't think this is a good idea. As a matter of fact, Timothy Kessler said it so eloquently—

The first thing that came to my mind when i read the title to your article was, yeah...and people in hell want ice water.

NOT going to happen .

I commented, giving 10 reasons why the Steelers should take a chance on Johnson, but I would like to go into more detail.

1 - We have a strong enough locker room to control him. If he got out of line, imagine the offensive line moving out of the way and the defense getting a clean shot.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a "Band of Brothers", as my McDonalds DVD tells me. They have team unity. An amazing defense, with some of the hardest hitters in the NFL. I dare anyone to say that there is a safety that hits like Troy Polamalu, or an OLB that is tougher than James Harrison.

The offense features a Pro Bowl quarterback that has also won two Super Bowls, and is 27. They have two, count them, two receivers that are Super Bowl MVP's, and a starting running back that is in his second year.

If that is not a strong locker room, then I don't know what is.

2 - He is a Pittsburgh guy. His dad cried at the draft when the Steelers didn't draft him. (They took Polamalu instead - GREAT call).

First off, everyone that knows me knows that I think Troy Polamalu is the best player in the NFL. Had Troy not gotten injured, and played against the Bengals the first time and the Bears, the Steelers would be undefeated today.

Prior to the 2003 NFL Draft, Larry Johnson was open and honest about who he wanted to draft him. He grew up in Pittsburgh, went to Penn State and always wanted to be a Steeler. His Dad was wearing a Steeler hat prior to the draft, and cried when the Steelers did not draft his son.

3 - Parker is washed up. If anyone says they are the same age, there is a difference between a speed back at 30 and a power back at 30.

Yes, the magic number for running backs to decline is 30. Yes Parker and Johnson are both hitting that magic number. Parker has always been a player that relied on his speed. Johnson was never that fast in the first place.

4 - Mendenhall is the guy, but we still need that short yardage back, and LJ fits the mold to a T.

I love what Rashard Mendenhall brings to the Steelers. He has come a long way, and I believe he is the future at the RB position. There is one thing that bothers me: He almost acts like he is afraid of contact.

Have you noticed since becoming a starter, Mendenhall will run out of bounds instead of running over a DB? He has done it numerous times, and at least twice against the Broncos. That is all LJ knows. On the short yardage plays, I want someone that is going to put his head down and sprint into the pile.

5 - Considering he is already being paid around $5 million this year, we would probably get him for league minimum.

In his 6th year, Johnson is a fully tenured player. That means when he was on the opening day roster, his yearly salary became fully guaranteed. He is going to pocket near $5 million dollars for the rest of the year. If you could play for the Steelers, would you play for league minimum? I would!

6 - The reason he got killed so bad the last couple years in KC was because with no passing game, teams focused solely on him.

As I noted above, the Steelers have TONS of weapons. Teams would not be able to focus on LJ, or they would get killed by everyone else. There are not too many teams that have the weapons the Steelers have, so LJ would be just one of the bunch.

7 - Tomlin could coach him.

Tomlin benched Rashard Mendenhall earlier this year because he did not feel like he practiced hard enough. Tomlin takes no junk, and Johnson would be on a short leash.

8 - Remember Bettis at the goal line? LJ would be the same way.

4th and goal from the one, would you rather see the Steelers run or pass? Every one of you that said run, you lie! The Steelers short yardage game is a joke on third and fourth and short. We all get nervous every time, and LJ would hit the pile like Bettis used to.

Remember Jeromes last couple of years? The only time he would get in is if we needed 3 yards or less. That is the role of LJ.

9 - As a Steeler fan, do you really think he would not behave on the team he grew up rooting for?

Steeler Nation, we are different than every other team in the NFL. The fans are the most loyal, and we love the team like we are a part of it. LJ would not do anything that would give the Steelers a reason to want him gone.

10 - For the man to say he wants to play for the Steelers, he knows what will be expected, and knows that he would have to be on his best behavior.

With LJ not being on the opening day roster, he only gets paid for the games he plays. If LJ were to have ONE issue, then the Steelers could just cut him. LJ would know that. IF he were to act up, there is no other team in the NFL that would even look at him. They would all say, he hand picked the Steelers and could not even behave for them?

In my personal opinion, the Steelers are even better than they were last year. The Vikings and Broncos, who have three loses between them, each have one loss against the Steelers.

To me, anything short of another Super Bowl is a bad year. The Steelers have almost no weak spot. I see LJ as an insurance policy. What happens in Mendenhall gets injured? Why take the chance that the Super Bowl run could be cut short, when we could have an insurance policy that has rushed for over 1,700 yards is a season?

Chad Ochocinco Forbidden To Send Gifts To Steelers Secondary

Nick Signorelli — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:51:35 -0500

Steeler Nation, don't get me wrong, but I find Chad Ochocinco absolutely hilarious! Known for his theatrics as much as for his play on the field any more, Ochocinco is at it again.

Last week, Ocho sent the Baltimore Ravens deodorant, because they "would work up a sweat trying to cover him". Turns out, he was right! Ocho didn't exactly light up the Ravens, catching five passes for 66 yards.

This week, via his Twitter account, Ocho said he has something to send the Steelers secondary.

"I got a nice present for the Steelers---sending them some mustard since they'll never ketchup when we play Sunday,"

Most people would say this is bulletin board material. This would certainly fire the Steelers up, right?

"He'd better send us something," safety Ryan Clark said Wednesday in Pittsburgh. "He sent something to the Ravens, so that shows he respects them. So he'd better send something to us.

Sorry about your luck Ryan, no mustard is going to be sent this week. Marvin Lewis has put an end to Ochos actions, forbidding him to.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to send anything this week, thanks to Marvin Lewis," Ochocinco said. "That's the way to spoil the fun, boss man. I guess I have to talk trash to motivate myself this week."

Come Sunday, Ocho better be motivated. Playing for sole position of first place in the AFC North, Ocho is going to have to have his best game of the year is Cincinnati is going to come out on top.