Bleacher Report - Articles by Charlie Cox

Steelers-Browns: Pittsburgh Passing Game Punishes Cleveland

Charlie Cox — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:02:26 -0400

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to Heinz Field after last weeks victory in Detroit. The Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 27-14 in what proved to be a very important week in the AFC North.

With the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens both losing, the Steelers have solely taken the second place spot in the AFC North pulling within half a game of the first place Bengals.

A game that should have been a very easy win for the Steelers, started out looking like a struggle. The Pittsburgh offense managed hardly any offensive production, trading punts with the Browns several times for the majority of the first quarter.

Cleveland's run defense quickly made a statement after holding Pittsburgh's new star Rashard Mendenhall to only 14 yards in the first quarter.

Troy Polamalu's return definitely made an impact as he intercepted Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson and helped spark Pittsburgh's first scoring drive.

Roethlisberger worked quickly as he drove 85 yards in 4:36, spreading the field to three different receivers in eight plays. Roethlisberger capped off the drive with a short eight yard touchdown pass to his tight end Heath Miller.

After another Cleveland punt, Roethlisberger worked 87 yards after hitting wide receiver Hines Ward on a 52-yard touchdown strike.

Cleveland kick returner Joshua Cribbs, who has always been dangerous to the Steelers, returned Jeff Reed's kickoff 98 yards to put the browns on the board to make the score 14-7.

With 4:15 left in the first half, Roethlisberger marched the Steelers down field in 12 plays to set up a 32-yard Jeff Reed field goal to make the score 17-7 into the half.

Derek Anderson and the Cleveland Browns answered quickly at the start of the second half. After a 43-yard strike to Muhammad Massaquoi, Derek Anderson hit his fullback Lawrence Vickers for a 1-yard touchdown reception to chip away at the the Steelers' lead 17-14.

The Steelers' continued where they had left off as Roethlisberger hit Hines Ward for a 45-yard pass to move into Cleveland territory. Rookie receiver Mike Wallace ran a reverse 21 yards into the red zone to set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Mendenhall.

The two teams then traded several turnovers as Roethlisberger was picked off and both teams fumbled twice.

After a Cleveland punt, Roethlisberger continued to stretch the field, hitting Mike Wallace and Hines Ward both for two 21-yard receptions. The Steelers drove into the red zone , but after Roethlisberger was sacked and a Trai Essex penalty, Jeff Reed delivered his second field goal of the day, this one from 39 yards out.

Derek Anderson proceeded to drive the Browns into Pittsburgh territory before he was intercepted by Steelers' free safety Ryan Clark.

The Steelers then drove to the Cleveland 34 from their own 1-yard line to run the final 4:21 off the clock to end the game at 27-17.

Roethlisberger played an outstanding game throwing for 417 yards and two touchdowns, picking up the slack for the running game which wasn't as strong as it had been the previous few weeks.

New found weapon Rashard Mendenhall managed 62 yards and a touchdown combined with Willie Parker's 54 yards in his first game back.

Despite defensive end Aaron Smith's absence, the Steelers' defense still played strong, especially in the fourth quarter where they have struggled every game this season.

Pittsburgh Prevails: Roethlisberger, Mendenhall Let Defense Off Hook

Charlie Cox — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:02:47 -0400

Pittsburgh, PA—Coming into this week four game, Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Rashard Mendenhall had just 45 yards on seven carries this year. Mendenall was under enormous scrutiny after being the Steelers’ first round pick of 2008 and showing numerous signs of a bust.

Mendenhall missed the final 12 games of the 2008 season after breaking his scapula in week four against the Ravens when he made his first start of the season.

This year, however, Mendenhall’s first start went a little differently.

The Steelers, just coming off an 0-2 road trip were out to make a statement that this season wasn’t the repeated Super Bowl hangover of 2006.

After being outscored 24-0 in the fourth quarter this year and have suffered from second half offensive production, Roethlisberger and company made it a priority to break the trend.

The opening drive of the night was nearly perfect for the Steelers, driving 79 yards for the score. Roethlisberger was 3/3 on the six play drive throwing for 65 yards to three different receivers. Second year back Rashard Mendenhall opened eyes of the Steeler faithful with three rushes for 14 yards and the score.

The Steelers’ defense went on to perform like they have the entire season, holding opponents to virtually no offensive production the entire first half.

After a San Diego Chargers’ punt, Mendenhall continued where he left off running for 20 yards on the next four consecutive plays. Eight plays and sixty yards later, Roethlisberger hit third down back Mewelde Moore for a 19 yard touchdown to make the score 14-0.

After trading several punts, the Steelers would take over from their own 21. Mendenhall again was the star of the drive, as he contributed 37 of the 79 yards and the score.

The Chargers would open the second half to the Steelers, whom drove 81 yards in eight plays to make the score 28-0 after Ben Roethlisberger hit tight end Heath Miller for a six yard touchdown.

Phillip Rivers would then engineer a 14 play touchdown drive hitting tight end Antonio Gates for the final three yards, putting the Chargers on the board for the first time of the night.

The teams would trade punts into the fourth quarter when San Diego fullback Jacob Hester stripped Steelers’ return man Stefan Logan for a 41 yard touchdown.

Shades of the past three games started to show as the Chargers cut the Pittsburgh lead in half 28-14.

The Steelers’ offense was determined not to make the same mistakes of the past several games, and continued to put their foot down on the throat of San Diego.

Mendenhall continued to impress carrying four times on a six play drive for 36 yards. However, to end the drive, it was a six yard pass to Heath Miller from Mewelde Moore, rather than Roethlisberger.

Nightmares started come to life as Phillip Rivers went 4/4 on the next drive ended by a 30 yard pass to Antonio Gates

Nate Kaeding would kick the onside kick that would be recovered by San Diego after backup free safety Ryan Mundy muffed the kick.

On the ensuing drive, Phillip Rivers hit wide receiver Chris Chambers for a 13 yard score after driving 54 yards in 90 seconds to make the score 35-28.

The Steelers would take over on their own 20 yard line with just over four minutes left in the game. The Steelers would drive down field in 10 plays to the San Diego 28 yard line, where Jeff Reed redeemed his past two performances with a 48 yard field goal to seal the game at 38-28.

The Steelers offense played incredible; Roethlisberger went 26/33 for 333 yards and two touchdowns, looking like the Roethlisberger of old. Mendenhall definitely proved himself rushing 29 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers jumped out to a 28-0 lead and didn’t surrender a point until the end of the third quarter. Even though the offense escaped to succumbing to the trials and tribulations of the previous weeks, the defense did not, surrendering 21 fourth quarter points.

Despite the lackluster play in the second half defensively, it was a win, and the Steelers will take it, evening out their record at 2-2.

Pittsburgh Steelers Falter Late Again: Offensive Complacency Plagues Team

Charlie Cox — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:12:21 -0400

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Paul Brown Stadium to a very pumped up Cincinnati Bengals football team, just coming off a big win against Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

Cincinnati was out for revenge against their division rivals after getting swept last season, and after having linebacker Keith Rivers knocked out for the season due to a Hines Ward block that broke his jaw.

The Steelers started out nearly perfect, going 3-3 on their first three redzone appearances with two Jeff Reed field goals and a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to running back Willie Parker to go up on the Bengals 13-0.

Hines Ward also achieved an NFL milestone, moving over 10,000 career receiving yards, the only Pittsburgh wide receiver and player to do so.

After a failed fourth down attempt in shallow Bengals territory, Cincinnati was able to move the ball down back down field to make it a 10 point game with a Shayne Graham field goal.

The Steelers completely controlled the first half and looked as if it was going to be an easy win.

The Bengals first half performance didn’t even come close to matching that of the Steelers, as the last minute field goal drive to end the first half was the most offensive production on the day.

The Steelers came out in the second half looking to continue where they had left off in the first half.

However, after a questionable pass interference call on Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward, Roethlisberger was intercepted by Bengals’ cornerback Jonathan Joseph for an easy touchdown. Shayne Graham missed the PAT making the score 13 – 9.

After a short four play drive, Ben Roethlisberger threw deep to second year wide out Limas Sweed on what was sure to be a 34-yard touchdown strike, but Sweed was unable to hang on to the ball in the endzone. It wasn’t the first time Sweed’s dropped a touchdown pass, as he did the same in last year’s AFC Championship against the Ravens.

Jeff Reed, who was 2/2 on the day, came out for a 53-yard field goal try and missed wide left.

After a Cincinnati punt, Ben Roethlisberger initiated a 75-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a one yard run himself.

Pittsburgh failed to take advantage of a missed Shayne Graham field goal, and punted back to Cincinnati.

Carson Palmer then engineered a seven play 85 yard touchdown drive ended with a 23 yard run by running back Cedric Benson to make the score 20–15.

The Steelers were unable to convert a third and six in their own territory to take more time off the clock and were forced to punt the ball to Cincinnati for only the second time on the day.

Carson Palmer took over with just over five minutes left in the game and proceeded to pick apart the Steelers defense just as Jay Cutler had a week before.

Palmer mixed short slants along with quick passes from a three step drop that left Steelers’ pass rushers unable to pressure him and exploited holes in the secondary.

The Steeler defense was unable to stop the Bengals on several consecutive third downs and two fourth downs in the redzone to lead to a Carson Palmer touchdown to rookie wide out Andre Caldwell, his first touchdown reception of his career, and to end the game.

A two point conversion made the final score 23–20, Cincinnati.

The Steelers proved to show their inconsistency, starting out very hot, and then cooling down too fast.

Bruce Ariens play calling and the overall state of the offense looked complacent. Too many times they failed to put the Bengals away for the game and let them hang around too long.

The Steelers hurry up defense continued to show its weakness as well, proving that it can’t stop the short routes or quick passes.

On the bright side however, the running game did bounce back, as Willie Parker carried 90 yards on 24 carries.

Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace looked to become one of Ben’s go to guys for the game with seven catches and 100 yards, making several catches in traffic. The speedy Wallace more than likely will take over the third wide out role from Limas Sweed.

The Steelers need to refocus on the task ahead and forget about the past three weeks. To avoid a repeated season of 2006, they need to be prepared for the San Diego Chargers next week in Pittsburgh, as the rest of the season could be hinging on this game.

It's All About The Benjamins Baby: Is NFL Out For Safety Or Money

Charlie Cox — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:50:38 -0400

In recent years, the NFL and the Roger Goodell regime has really stepped up in the safety and image of the league, dishing out fines for outlandish behavior and on the field “maliciousness” in effect to promote the image of the league and prolong players careers.

What appeared to be a beneficial policy in some aspects soon has turned into what appears a way to get money grabbing policy.

In the past two years, the NFL has handed out its share of fines that leave some scratching their heads as to why. I mean, after all, football is a contact sport where big hits are glorified and worshipped. In fact, at the end of each season, NFL films releases its DVD of the biggest hits of the year.

And let’s not forget the series of video games in NFL Blitz where the focus of the game was to see how much you could hurt an opposing player. In the game you could hit another player back 20 yards and were able to body slam him after the play.

In recent news, Pittsburgh Steeler safety Tyrone Carter was fined $5,000 for a hit he put on Chicago Bears’ tight end Greg Olsen to break up a pass in last Sunday’s game – a hit that didn’t even receive a flag.

Olsen was slow to get up, but simply because he was winded, is what he explained. "My head was fine,'' Olsen said, "It was a great hit, he made a great play.

This Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t strangers to being fined for what appears as no apparent reason. Wide receiver Hines Ward, the best blocking receiver in the game, received two fines last season in consecutive weeks. Ward did not receive a flag on either play.

Safety Troy Polamalu decided to take his shot at the league stating that defensive greats from the past such as Dick Butkus and Jack Tatum wouldn’t survive in the league now because they wouldn’t have enough money.

And he’s right. The Steel Curtain would never be able to survive with the punishing blows that Jack Lambert set up.

Lawrence Taylor, arguably the best linebacker to play the game was idolized due to the magnitude of the tackles he delivered.

"I think regarding the evolution of football, it's becoming more and more flag football, two-hand touch," Polamalu said. "We've really lost the essence of what real American football is about. I think it's probably all about money. They're not really concerned about safety."

The Steelers have questioned the NFL for an answer as why to Carter was fined.

I think what the bigger question is what all the fines truly stand for. The NFL can always justify vaguely for their fines, but it appears that the NFL has entirely become a business and no longer a sport.

The league gets money however and whenever they can and instead of promoting the league’s image, it’s detracting from it to true fans.

Steelers-Bears: Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Fall Victim to Chicago Conditions

Charlie Cox — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:25:29 -0400

Chicago, IL—Last week Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw a horrific four interceptions against a mediocre Green Bay defense. Also last week, Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was 2-of-2 with a game-winning field goal to beat the Tennessee Titans.

This week, however, all bets were off as it was a new week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers marched into Soldier Field standing with a 1-0 record and titled the reigning Super Bowl champs to play a defeated Bears team from the previous week.

All week long, the hype was, "Cutler threw four interceptions against Green Bay; he won't want to show up for Pittsburgh," and, "Who will be missed more: Troy Polamalu or Brian Urlacher?"

Even though the loss of both defensive players hurt each team, the weather conditions appeared more of a problem.

The conditions at Soldier Field—wet and rainy—weren't welcoming to any team and definitely proved so.

Chicago opened the game with a quick three-and-out before punting to Pittsburgh, pinning them back at their own eight-yard line.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers engineered a 13-play, 92-yard touchdown drive. Roethlisberger was 8-of-9 on the drive and capped it off with a one-yard pass to backup tight end Matt Spaeth for the game's first score.

The Steeler defense held the Bears offense to another three-and-out, forcing them to punt from their own territory yet again.

Pittsburgh took over from its own 42 and began what looked like another scoring drive before Roethlisberger was intercepted by Bears defensive back Charles Tillman at the five-yard line. Roethlisberger was going deep for rookie wideout Mike Wallace but threw short.

Both teams would then trade punts, giving the ball to Chicago at its own three-yard line. Cutler went 6-of-11, resulting in a 97-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass.

Pittsburgh would take over with 6:56 left in the third quarter after several punts by each team. After a short four-play drive, aided by a 13-yard reception and 39-yard rush by running back Rashard Mendenhall, Roethlisberger bootlegged left and ran two yards for the team's second score.

With 11:42 left in the game, the Steelers had a chance to go up on the Bears by two scores. After a nine-play, 43-yard drive to the Chicago 20-yard line, Jeff Reed, who was 48 for his last 49, missed from 38 yards out.

Cutler and the Bears quickly took advantage of the Pittsburgh mistake by marching 72 yards downfield for the game-tying strike—a seven-yard pass from Cutler to tight end Greg Olsen. Cutler was perfect on the drive, going 8-of-8.

The Steelers began what looked like a patented game-winning Roethlisberger drive. However, four dropped passes—two by Hines Ward and two by Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes, including one in the end zone—stalled the effort.

Roethlisberger's decision to go deep to Holmes on 3rd-and-2, rather than getting the first down and killing more clock, led to Jeff Reed's try at redemption. Yet just as it appeared the weather was troubling the hands of wide receivers, it troubled Jeff Reed as well. Reed missed badly from 43 yards out.

Reed's second botched field goal turned into Chicago's 41-yard game-winning drive, ended by Robbie Gould's 44-yard field goal to seal the score at 17-14.

Kick returner Stefan Logan fumbled the following return, ending all slim comeback hopes for the Steelers.

The absence of Troy Polamalu was strongly seen. Backup strong safety Tyrone Carter was overmatched the entire game, mostly blowing coverage.

Carter said that the defense would have to "play by the book" rather than the freelance style adapted when Troy Polamalu is on the starting roster.

The spread offense that Cutler began to run in the second half greatly exploited the hole in the secondary with the missing Polamalu.

More importantly, however, the running game continued to struggle. Willie Parker, who said he was the focus of the running game and would have to step it up, gained a measly 47 yards on 14 carries.

Roethlisberger finished 23-of-35 for 221 yards, a typical performance when the running game racks up more than 100 yards. Ben looked to manage the game well rather than play great like the previous week.

The two missed field goals and dropped touchdown pass by Holmes proved to be the ultimate demise of the Steelers in the game.

I'm sure Mike Tomlin will definitely have a few words to say and then move on to next week to prepare for Cincinnati in a division matchup.

Pittsburgh Pirates Marooned For Yet Another Year

Charlie Cox — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:15:09 -0400

With last night's win over the Colorado Rockies, the Pittsburgh Pirates end their eight-game losing streak, the longest in the MLB this season—not to mention all eight games were at home.

The Pirates also hold the longest losing streak on the road with five consecutive losses.

After another long and disgusting season, September and the end couldn't be nearing any sooner.

For the second season in a row, the Pirates traded away all their talent for the cheap prospects of tomorrow. Of course it seems the Buccos have been rebuilding for the past 17 years, starting with the unloading of Barry Bonds and Doug Drabek.

The 22-year-old rookie centerfielder, Andrew McCutchen, has become the face of the organization. Though a contender for the Rookie of the Year award, McCutchen lacks definite leadership, along with the entire clubhouse.

Lack of leadership has appeared to be the plaguing factor towards the latter half of the season, with the departure of veterans Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez.

The Pirates' new faces resemble a AAA team. Only one player on the roster, Luis Cruz, is over 30-years-old, and is a bench player.

Ross Ohlendorf, last years acquisition in the Nady and Marte trade, has posted the most wins on the season for the club with 10—a number no Bucco starter could reach last season except in the loss column.

Ace Paul Maholm has only posted a very mediocre 6-6 record after leading the club in wins last season. Teammate Zach Duke has improved from an injury-plagued past two seasons to obtaining nine wins this year.

The inexperienced and very inconsistent bullpen has blown it's fair share of games this season.

After trading away lefties John Grabow and Sean Burnett, the Pirates' pen doesn't have a single southpaw. The club relies on righties Jeff Karstens with a 3.99 ERA and Jesse Chavez with a 3.88 ERA to carry the load.

Closer Matt Capps is 2-7 with a 5.97 ERA and only 21 saves this far in the season.

Inexperience and youth on the team has hurt the organization. While it may help it in the future, there is no leadership, and from what I can see, there is definitely no heart.

St. Louis Cardinals-Pittsburgh Pirates: Carpenter Too Much For Pirates

Charlie Cox — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:55:40 -0400

In what should have been Ross Ohlendorf's first win in a Pirate uniform turned about to be just another loss—one that was undeserving.

The Pirates' right hander held the Cardinals' offense to just one hit through six strong innings, looking as though he might get the win after an RBI by Nyjer Morgan on a throwing error by Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols, the Buccos took a 1-0 lead that looked like would ultimately remain.

Cardinals' pitcher Chris Carpenter looked "unreal" as some would say, showing no signs of have taken the past two years off due to surgery.

Carpenter, a former Cy-Young winner, looked back to previous form of 2006 as he led the Cardinals to a 2-1 victory at Busch Stadium for a 2-2 series split.

Carpenter threw a one-hitter against the productive Pirate offense through seven innings before surrendering the lone hit to Pirates' third baseman Ramon Vazquez.

Carpenter was able to contain the Pirates to the infield with the exception of outfielder Brandon Moss's lazy flyball out in the sixth inning.

After surrendering a single to outfielder Ryan Ludwick, Ohlendorf was unable to field a perfectly placed bunt by shortstop Khalil Greene.

Yadier Molina then hit a soft ground ball up the middle that looked to be a double play ball, but scooted right under the glove of a diving Freddy Sanchez, scoring Ludwick.

Left-hander Sean Burnett came in relief for Ohlendorf and immediately gave up a single to pinch-hitter Brian Barden, giving the Cardinals the lead for good.

Though Carpenter was done after seven, the Cardinals' bullpen relinquished the Pirate batters in the eighth and ninth innings to seal the win.

Pittsburgh moves to Cincinnati on Friday for a three-game series with the Reds.

Jeff Karstens will be the Friday starter Johnny Cueto.

Steelers Owner Colorully Honored: What Ambassador Rooney Means to Steelers

Charlie Cox — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:07:29 -0400

As of Tuesday, March 17, 2009, the 76-year-old Dan Rooney was appointed Ambassador to Ireland by President Barack Obama. Rooney, the son of Steelers' founder Arthur J. Rooney, has been majorly involved with Ireland with maybe his biggest un-NFL achievement: the co-founder of the American Ireland Fund.

Rooney was an Obama campaign supporter during the election by funding the Pennsylvania Primary and helped Obama throughout western Pennsylvania.

Though praise should be given, the franchise needs to consider the outcome of this before total jubilation for their owner.

During the 2008 offseason, Dan Rooney spent the entire summer dispelling Stanley Druckenmiller, the 55-year-old hedge fund manager who attempted to buy the team.

Rooney, a 16 percent owner at the time, proceeded to buyout his other four brothers to own 80 percent of the team. Another Pittsburgh family, the McGinleys, own the other 20 percent. Rooney paid an estimated $750 million to give almost complete control to him and his son, Art Rooney II, who is president of the team.

However, with Dan serving as ambassador, Art II will take hold of the reigns in the front office, and one has to wonder what is to come of the team.

Dan and Art II bought out the other brothers to keep the franchise in the state it was in because the other brothers were more inclined to sell the team to Druckenmiller.

With Dan as the Irish Ambassador, more front office changes might come about to where Patrick Rooney or Art Jr. might retain some control of the franchise.

The Rooney's are already not a big hit among the middle class and working class of the Steel City, and messing with their team wouldn't make it better.

What's to come of the franchise in the future?

Nothing is sure for now. We just have to sit back and cross our fingers.

The Top 10 Greatest Catches of All Time

Charlie Cox — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:03:24 -0500

Now that football season is done, many long for a gridiron fix while they await the most grueling seven months, sparing the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft, and the combines. So for the maniac who still goes to the sports bars every Sunday because he is too dillusional, or stubborn, to realize that the season is over, here are the greatest catches of all time.

Begin Slideshow

Back to Reality: Steelers' Offseason Raises Many Concerns

Charlie Cox — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:29:47 -0500

Get off the Super Bowl high. The 2008-2009 season was a great one, but let's not make the same mistake as in the 2005-2006 transitional offseason.

First off, keep Ben off of a motorcycle.

After his June accident and emergency appendectomy, Roethlisberger was unable to play and suffered through mediocrity through the rest of the season.

But the main concern this offseason isn't preventing, it's preserving.

Management is a key factor that has become a concern; not just this offseason, but next. With the Steelers looking to resign only a couple of free agents, the slough of 2010 free agents should be addressed.

The key unrestricted free agents that are high priority are definitely cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receiver Nate Washington. Both players had breakout seasons this year. With Deshea Townsend only getting older, the Steelers need another shutdown corner. McFadden has proved himself to be Ike Taylor's complement.

Hines Ward is also in his thirties and has an expiring contract next season. After the Limas Sweed draft bust, Washington's stock has greatly increased for the Steelers, and because of his speed, he would take a lot of pressure off of Santonio Holmes.

Other free agents include QBs Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich, TE Sean McHugh, LG Chris Kemoeatu, LT and RTs Willie Colon, Max Starks, Marvel Smith, and Trai Essex, DE Orpheous Roy, LBs Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, and Arnold Harrison, CBs Fernando Bryant and Anthony Madison, FS Anthony Smith, and Punter Mitch Berger.

Marvel Smith and Max Starks could easily be resigned. Smith has great capabilities, but he is constantly injured. Starks stepped up in the left tackle role this year but is definitely a stronger right tackle.

With only a few sure to return and the upcoming draft, the Steelers should have enough in cap room to give out extensions to the 2010 free agents.

"Fast" Willie Parker is on the top of the list along with Ward as questionable resignees. Parker will be 30 and Ward is going on 34.

The Rooney's have some discrepancies in signing players who are over 30, especially for large amounts of money. Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore could fill in Parker's role, but Ward's leadership is invaluable. Unless Ward follows in the footsteps of Jerome Bettis and takes a pay cut, he could easily be somewhere else.

Casey Hampton is another interesting name on the list. Drafted in 1998 with Ward, he will be 33. Hampton is the best 3-4 nose tackle in the game, and though he doesn't always get penetration, he occupies two offensive linemen, freeing up more gaps for the linebackers and defensive ends.

James Harrison and Larry Foote will also become free agents. Harrison is a for sure sign, possible extension, while Larry Foote will probably opt for somewhere else.

As for FS Ryan Clark, kicker Jeff Reed, and punter Daniel Sepulveda, the Steelers have a lot to look forward to.

Mike Tomlin always says to take it one day at a time, but Mike, you have to tell Kevin Colbert to start looking ahead, if you want to keep this team together.

A Seventeen-Peat For the 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates? Let's Hope Not

Charlie Cox — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:45:40 -0500

At the end of the 2008 regular season, the Pirates became the first team in MLB history to have 16 consecutive losing seasons; a feat that many Pirates said would not happen.

You would think after the Penguins made the Stanley Cup run, and the Steelers won their sixth Superbowl title, and even the Pittsburgh Passion, the women's football team, has raked in their fair share of titles, that the Pirates would have some motivation to win a game or two.

After Neal Huntington's many surprising mid-season moves last season, the Pirates have acquired some fresh new talent, if not a reason to come see the MLB's youngest team play.

With the addition of such prospects of Jose Tabata, Brandon Moss, Andy LaRoche, and Pedro Alvarez, the Pittsburgh faithful have come to see the 2009 Pirates as something similar to the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays.

Now I'm not saying World Series, or even playoffs, but a winning season sure would lift the spirits.

Not only has the organization sparked interest in the young players, but in the veterans as well. Adam LaRoche has "tweaked" his swing so that he'll play the full year instead of only the second half.

Pitcher Tom Gorzellanny has also regained focus after losing it last year due to a hangover from his 14 win season.

Obviously the main struggle last year was the withered pitching staff where a nine-win Paul Maholm was the ace.

Huntington has already done some renovating, hiring pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.

Left hander Phil Dumatrait will remain out of camp due to the arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, but still has a run at a bullpen spot - a deep wound in the Pirates game.

Now that Craig Hansen has big league experience and Sean Burnett gave the organization a little confidence in the bullpen, there is only a little more tweaking to do. If Matt Capps can stay healthy, and Tyler Yates consistent, the Pirates' bullpen should be in decent shape.

Competing for the four open spots in the rotation are now Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen, and Jimmy Barthmeir.

Of course with Doug Mientkiewicz gone, someone else will have to cool down Ian Snell and step up to lead this team.

Nate McLouth seems the ideal player to fill the leadership role after being the only Pirate selected to the MLB all-star game last season. He also led the team in average and homeruns.

McLouth is also predicted to yet again be the leader of the offense, hoping to have another season where he hits over .280 and 20 homeruns. However, he isn't the only one.

If Adam LaRoche stays true to his word, he would definitely help out the offense, complemented by a blooming Brandon Moss, a speedy Nyjer Morgan, and a hopefully consistent Freddy Sanchez. With Jack Wilson, and Ryan Doumit, who hit just under .325 last season, in between, the offense should be one of baseball's best.

Should be.

But, this is the Pittsburgh Pirates; a team where this same kind of prediction has been written sixteen years in a row hoping for the best, but definitely expecting nothing but the worse.

Can the Pirates be the '08 Rays?

Pray Pittsburgh, pray, because it will take nothing less to get this team a winning season.

Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-Bound: Here We Go, Steelers, Here We Go

Charlie Cox — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:54:15 -0500

Cheer the Steelers, the Black and the Gold rang out across the Steeler Nation as the Lamar Hunt trophy was presented to Dan Rooney and the Pittsburgh Steelers after their 23-14 victory over Baltimore in the AFC Championship.

The Steelers played the Baltimore Ravens for the third time this season, and beat them for the third time as well, something they said would not be able to happen.

In an absolute beatdown, a defensive struggle as said to be, the Steelers prevailed to earn the franchise's seventh Super Bowl appearance.

The game opened in one of the slowest first quarters of football ever played capped off by two Jeff Reed field goals.

On a broken play in the second quarter, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found wide receiver Santonio Holmes for a 65-yard catch and run to extend the Steelers' lead to 13.

After a long Leonhard punt return to the Pittsburgh 17, the Ravens looked stopped, but on third down cornerback Bryant McFadden was called for pass interference giving the Ravens first and goal from the Pittsburgh goal line.

Running back Willis McGahee put the Ravens back in the game as he walked untouched into the endzone to make it 13-7.

Roethlisberger then drove the Steelers down field, helped by a Oscar-worthy acting job of punter Mitch Berger whom faked a roughing the kicker penalty.

However, that didn't help as rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed dropped a sure touchdown and used the last team timeout because of his "bruised ego." After an underneath route to Mewelde Moore, the clock ran out with the Steelers up 13-7.

The Steelers were able to put another field goal on in the third quarter to extend the lead to nine points.

Once again, a costly pass interference penalty on Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor, set up McGahee's second touchdown narrowing the point margin to two points, 16-14. For the first time, the game seemed to be a complete turnaround of the past two Steelers-Ravens games.

The Ravens saw through the eyes of the Pittsburgh Steelers and envisioned a last-minute comeback. Troy Polamalu quickly ended the wishful thinking by intercepting Joe Flacco and returning it 45 yards for the touchdown to nail the coffin shut.

Flacco came out again with two minutes left in regulation and threw his third pick of the night, this time to Tyrone Carter, to seal the Pittsburgh victory.

Both teams played equally physical football and left everything on the field. The deciding factors were that the Ravens did not capitalize on the Steelers' mistakes, their playmakers were shut down, and most of all, Joe Flacco played like a rookie.

Congratulations to the Steelers and their first Heinz Field AFC Championship victory and seventh Super Bowl bid.

Roberto Clemente: Baseball's Last Hero

Charlie Cox — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:16:55 -0500

As a foreword to writing this article, I would like to thank David Maraniss, author of "Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero." Maraniss' biography provided insight to the last hero to grace the game.

Roberto Clemente—arguably the greatest player on and off the field, the martyr of baseball, its last hero.

A stellar outfielder compiling 12 gold gloves, 12 All-Star selections, four batting titles, two World Series titles, a World Series MVP, a Babe Ruth award, an MVP title in 1966, and exactly 3,000 hits in 18 seasons, Clemente is also, oddly, the only player to hit a walk-off-inside-the-park-grand slam.

Clemente was also involved in charity work in Puerto Rico and Nicaragua until he was tragically killed in an aviation accident on the way to aid earthquake victims.

Clemente was born Aug. 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven siblings. Clemente struggled in childhood, working from a young age to help his family. An interest in baseball was sparked in him and he played against the neighboring barrios.

Clemente was later recruited by Roberto Marin to play shortstop for a softball team. Clemente then went to play in an amateur league at the age of 16.

Roberto began his professional career when Pedrin Zorilla offered him a contract with Santurce Crabbers. Zorilla desperately tried to hide Clemente by making him a bench player to prevent him from signing with a professional team.

Clemente hit .288 the following year as the leadoff hitter and signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers' AAA team in Montreal, where Clemente received the same treatment: no playing time. Max Macon, the team manager, treated him "more like a baby than bonus, protected from the world, often hidden in the dugout," as Maraniss states.

Clemente's biggest struggle thus far, however, was racism. Despite being Puerto Rican he was discriminated against while Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella faced Jim Crow segregation.

Clemente's biggest enemy early on was Montreal Gazette writer Dink Carroll, who constantly criticized him in the newspaper.

However, despite the attempts to hide Roberto, the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in the first round with the first overall pick in 1954, over second overall pick Willie Mays.

Clemente finished his rookie season in Pittsburgh, hitting .255 and battling media and inner-team racial tensions.

Clemente then finished the '50s, in 1959 leading the Pirates to their first winning season since 1949.

Clemente didn't play winter ball like the rest of the league. Roberto instead enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, spending six years of military commitment as an infantryman.

The rigorous conditioning and military training kept him in shape throughout the winter. Clemente remained in the Army Reserves until 1964, but this did not slow down his play.

In 1960, Clemente hit .314 with 16 home runs, earning a spot on the All-Star roster. He also led his team to a pennant and World Series title over the New York Yankees. Clemente hit safely in all seven games.

In 1961, Clemente was elected as the starting right fielder for the National League All-Star team and led the team to a 10th inning walk-off double to win 5-4 over the American League. Clemente also earned his first batting title of his career.

The following season Clemente struggled with a back injury, hitting .255 for the first quarter of the season before returning hitting in 33 out of 34 games, improving his average to .340. Clemente earned a third consecutive All-Star selection as a pinch hitter.

For the rest of the 1960s, Clemente hit over .300. He was also awarded the MVP in 1966. From 1961 on, Clemente did not go a year where he did not earn a Gold Glove or all-star selection.

In 1971, Clemente led the Buccos to another World Series championship over the Baltimore Orioles, who had won more than 100 games during the season. Clemente hit .414 and earned the World Series MVP award.

Clemente went on to struggle during the 1972 season, plagued by injuries and missing 60 games. However, Clemente still managed to hit .312 in the season. On Sept. 30, 1972, Clemente doubled off the wall against the New York Mets' Jon Matlock for his 3,000th hit. There was no show, no stopping of the game. Clemente humbly removed his helmet, waved to the crowd, and kept playing.

The following offseason, Clemente left for Managua, Nicaragua on New Year's Eve to aid earthquake victims. Clemente's plane never made it, crashing off the coast of Islas Verde, Puerto Rico.

Clemente was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1973 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. The Roberto Clemente Award is given out every year to a player who displays humanitarian effort.

Clemente, a hero on and off the field, and a symbol for persevering through discrimination and overcoming hate, left his mark on the game as the greatest player ever to play. Bud Selig said it best at the 2006 All-Star Game in Pittsburgh: "Roberto was a hero in every sense of the word."

Hopes Suddenly Drain: Will Ben Roethlisberger Be Ready?

Charlie Cox — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:27:30 -0500

Sunday at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took his last fall of the regular season, knocking him out for the game.

Roethlisberger, just two minutes from halftime and a seat on the bench, dropped back and extended the play like normal Ben, and was hit by Willie McGinest.

Roethlisberger hit his tailbone first, then snapped his head back on the ground.

Being in Houston, I was listening to Tunch, Hillgrove, and Wolfey on Fox Sports 970. The 15 minutes seemed like forever not being able to see the hit on Ben or what the happenings were on the field.

After going to watch the second half of the game at a local bar, I found out Ben was diagnosed with a concussion.

My worries lifted, but I still can't stop thinking of the playoff picture.

Coincidentally, last season the Steelers were plagued by a last game injury when the Steelers played the Rams. Willie Parker broke his fibula, leaving the game to backup Najeh Davenport, who ran for over 100 the game. That proved to be the last good game for Davenport, as he was held to under 40 yards against the Jaguars in the playoffs.

This year, with Roethlisberger injured, I can't help seeing deja vu. A concussion, however, is easier to heal than a broken leg, but a looming black cloud of doom appears to hang over Pittsburgh.

Mike Tomlin has become a scapegoat for the injury because he didn't rest Ben, but the only thing responsible is the unit that has plagued the Steelers the whole season: the offensive line. Granted Ben held onto the ball, but McGinest came unblocked.

Roethlisberger has two weeks to recover and plan for either the Baltimore Ravens or the Miami Dolphins.

If worse comes to worst, Byron Leftwich should be perfectly capable to handle the Ravens or Dolphins with the help of the Steeler defense that has helped Big Ben throughout the season.

Godspeed to the Pittsburgh Godsend.

Steelers-Browns: A Perfect Game...Almost

Charlie Cox — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:34:14 -0500

Pittsburgh, PA - In what was essentially a practice game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with nothing to lose but Romeo Crennel's job, they put an exclamation point on the season with a 31-0 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

The victory gives the Steelers the sweep of the AFC North division, the first since 2000, and a confidence booster.

The defense played stellar, not only shutting out the Browns' offense, but holding them to a total of 126 yards and only eight first downs.

The Steelers defense prevented the Browns from crossing midfield with one exception ending in a missed field goal by Phil Dawson.

However, the game wasn't entirely perfect as the Steelers saw their starting quarterback, Ben Roehtlisberger, go down late in the second quarter and leave the game with a concussion. Roethlisberger finished 9-14 and 110 yards with an interception before getting injured.

The Steelers started off a slow first quarter, much like the rest of the season, and were becoming frustrated quickly with the lack of offense, defined by the punt on the first drive and the redzone interception on the second.

With 5:35 left in the first half, Willie Parker capped off the three-play drive with a 34-yard touchdown run—the longest of the season. Parker moved to eight on the Steelers all-time rushing touchdowns with 24 passing Rocky Bleir. Parker continued to run for 116 yards total on the day.

After another Cleveland three-and-out, the Steelers began their march downfield engineered by Ben Roethlisberger. With the two minute warning approaching, Ben dumped the ball off to tight end Heath Miller before being hit hard by outside linebacker Willie McGinest. Roethlisberger lay motionless on the field for 15 minutes before getting carted off and diagnosed with a concussion.

Backup Byron Leftwich replaced Roethlisberger and capped the drive off with an eight yard scramble that was described as "a kindergartener on his first day of art class," by Tunch Ilkin on 970AM Pittsburgh.

After several more three-and-outs at the start of the second half, Tyrone Carter intercepted Bruce Gradkowski at the Cleveland 12-yard line, leading to a Jeff Reed field goal to put the Steelers up 17-0.

The Pittsburgh defense forced the Browns' offense to punt again, leading to an 11 play, 88-yard drive by the Steelersresulting which culminated in a three-yard touchdown run by Gary Russel. Steelers led 24-0.

On Cleveland's very next drive, Gradkowski, trying to elude the pass rush, was picked off again by Tyrone Carter for a 32-yard touchdown return sealing the game at 31-0.

Dennis Dixon then took over for Byron Leftwich going three-and-out after two penalties. Dixon then lined up in the victory formation and took the game ending kneel down to end the regular season.

Game Notes

Hines Ward moved over 1,000 yards on the season for the fifth time in his career with his 70-yard game today. Ward hasn't done so since 2004.

Willie Parker moved to eigth in all-time rushing touchdowns for the team with 24, surpassing Rocky Bleir.

Ben Roethlisberger left the game immobilized. He has been diagnosed with a concussion and will be likely to play in the playoff game come January.

Into the Wild: Steelers Rookie Dennis Dixon To Try Wildcat Offense

Charlie Cox — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:30:29 -0500

At practice this week at the Pittsburgh Steelers' facility, rookie quarterback Dennis Dixon put on a display of the Wildcat offense with the scout team.

Dixon, a running quarterback at the University of Oregon, has experience in the Wildcat-esque offense.

With the coincidence of playing the Cleveland Browns this week, Dixon was compared to Browns' wide receiver Joshua Cribbs, who was also a college quarterback.

The Steelers' defense commented on the effectiveness of the offensive scheme, and the caliber to which Dixon appeared to run it, suggesting to add it to the repertoire.

James Farrior, a 12-year veteran inside linebacker, and a pro bowler this year, acknowledged Dixon's athleticism.

"I think we can make plays with him on offense," inside linebacker James Farrior said of Dixon. "The man's a great athlete. I don't know what [the coaches] see for him in the future, but he's one of those type of athletes that can run it."

Farrior wasn't the only believer, as second year outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley also gave his praises.

"You see a lot of teams across the league using it," Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley said. "It's very effective when you have a quarterback that's back there to pass or run the ball. You can't just rush any kind of way."

The only problem with the idea is that Dixon would have to be activated on the roster as the third-string quarterback and would not be able to play unless starter Ben Roethlisberger and backup Byron Leftwich were injured.

Despite this being the last game of the regular season, in which most teams rest their starters, head coach Mike Tomlin did say that the team would play to win. A Steelers victory would be a sweep of the division, the first since 2000.

The Cleveland Browns are down to their fourth-string quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, and will probably input a large dose of Joshua Cribbs and the Wildcat. The Steelers defense is number one in the league and will probably continue to honor that statement.

Will the Steelers run the Wildcat on Sunday? Dixon doesn't know for sure, but when asked what he thought, he plainly said with a smile stretched from ear to ear, "If Mike T. calls my numbers, I'm going to try to perform to the best of my ability."

Quotes courtesy of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Terrible Turnout in Tennessee: Titans Disgrace Steelers' Tradition

Charlie Cox — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:03:15 -0500

Watching the defeat of the Steelers on Sunday was bad enough.

Seeing the last-second interception returned for a meaningless touchdown hurt worse.

But watching two Tennessee Titans players, veteran captain Keith Bulluck and third-year running back LenDale White, stomp, spit, and wipe their nose with a Terrible Towel made my blood boil.

The Terrible Towel: a Pittsburgh keepsake, a collectors item, created by longtime Steelers broadcaster and Sports Illustrated sportswriter Myron Cope in the '70s to bring mojo to the team.

To some, Cope's towel may just appear as an annoying piece of cloth that Steeler fans wave; yet to others, to the fans, to the Pittsburgh natives, it is a symbol—a hallowed tradition.

The towel is a symbol for the Super Steelers of the '70s.

The towel is a symbol of Steeler pride and passion.

The towel is a symbol for the city of Pittsburgh and it's fans.

The towel is a symbol of the Steelers of today.

And moreover, the towel is a symbol of the legacy of Myron Cope.

Stepping on the towel in the fashion that the two players did it in is not only an insult to the Steelers organization, but to the city of Pittsburgh, the history of the team, and the late great Cope.

After the game, both players expressed their remorseless view of the act along with gutless coach Jeff Fisher.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, on the other hand, is taking the high road and not addressing the issue at this time, as he feels, "it will be addressed when necessary."

Tomlin will probably take the same route former coaching great Bill Cowher did in the 2005 postseason, replaying footage of Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh wiping his cleats off with a Terrible Towel after defeating the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

I encourage both Keith Bulluck and LenDale White to look what happened to the Bengals the next time the two teams met.

The act was disgraceful and proved that Tennessee Titans have no class—whether it is winning or losing.

Every Pittsburgh fan will be waiting for the January rematch.

And I'm sure Keith Bulluck and LenDale White will be the ones getting stomped on.

Blown Out Of Proportion: Steelers' Loss Over-Dramatized

Charlie Cox — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:30:03 -0500

After turning off the television on a depressing Sunday afternoon due to a Pittsburgh Steeler loss, I went on with my day, never expecting the whole NFL community to react to the game the way it has.

The Tennessee Titans were the underdog of the game, despite having a better record and playing at home in Nashville.

The Steelers owned the hype and were set to, in the NFL's minds, own homefield advantage in January.

Monday and Tuesday, Sportscenter has been littered with replays and discussions that I painstakingly watch about the game and how the Steelers are suddenly not playoff worthy and will be another one and done.

From what I saw Sunday has been completely blown out of proportion and nearly defined the Steelers' season, as portrayed on ESPN.

The game was a clash of the two best teams in the NFL. One had to win, one had to lose.

It came down to who would play the better game.

I saw the Steelers as a deflated team that could only hang in through the first half. The defense played stellar, but they only have so much energy. The defense has bailed the team out so many times in the past few weeks, but when Ben turns the ball over five times and the defense is on the field for over two thirds of the game, they will get tired and fatigued.

The game came down to who controlled the line of scrimmage, which was easily depicted by the lack of offensive line by the Steelers giving up four sacks that led to four forced fumbles.

Tennessee's offensive line, on the other hand, who has only given up eight sacks on the season, played a phenomenal game against the best defense and sack tandem in the NFL, relinquishing only one sack to James Harrison, a Defensive MVP finalist.

The Steelers were unable to establish the run, which in part is due to the fact that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was calling for Willie Parker to constantly run up the middle into a wall of defenders, and persistently calling for draw plays when they were constantly going for negative yardage.

The point being is the two teams played a football game. The Titans played better, and got the win. I do not believe that this game defined the Steelers and how they play, or else they wouldn't be at 11-4 right now.

Remember, the Steelers have the hardest schedule in the NFL, and have played a very physical month.

They had an off game and will regain focus Sunday by finishing the regular season at home against the struggling Cleveland Browns who, as Stan Savran says, "Have thrown it in," and get ready for January.

When the Steelers and Titans meet again in a few weeks, there is no doubt in my mind that the outcome of the game will be a lot different.

Headed to Hawaii: Steelers Send Three to ProBowl

Charlie Cox — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:23:59 -0500

The regular season is a test for all NFL players to constantly perform to the highest level where they are then rewarded with a ProBowl selection to play in February in Hawaii.

The Steelers this year have sent three players—all defensive—OLB James Harrison, SS Troy Polamalu, and MLB James Farrior.

The whole ProBowl roster, in my opinion, is slightly skewed. I was a bit disappointed to see perennial ProBowler Casey Hampton didn't make the roster, along with LaMarr Woodley, who I thought was deserving of a selection.

The absence of Ike Taylor on the roster disturbed me the most. Ike has played phenomenal football this season, and is having the best of his career. He is matched up against some of the best receivers in the game: Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Santana Moss, and has only given up one touchdown.

However, I was not surprised with the fact that not a single offensive player on the Steelers was selected because of the lack of production from the unit this season. Yet, I will say, Ben Roethlisberger is more deserving of the quarterback spot than Denver's Jay Cutler, who has cooled off the past few weeks.

For the Steelers, the absence of their offensive unit on the ProBowl team will surely spark some spontaneous breakouts by the offensive stars.

Roethlisberger is starting to look up again and is coming back to the player of old. The offensive line is doing a much better job, only giving up three sacks to the Ravens defense.

Santonio Holmes is catching just about everything that is thrown to him now, complemented by Nate Washington's ability to get open. And Hines Ward, well Hines Ward is being Hines Ward; hitting everybody, catching everything, and running like hell.

The Steelers might not have sent a record to the ProBowl this year, but they're still headed to the playoffs and have one of the best teams the players, as well as myself, have ever seen.

Make It Five: Steelers Clinch Fifth Division Title of Decade

Charlie Cox — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:53:02 -0500

The drive for five this decade has been a long, hard fought road, accentuated by this season—five titles in eight years.

Coming off a mediocre 8-8 season two years ago, the Steelers have turned the franchise in the right direction again setting a 10-6 mark last year, and have already surmounted an 11-3 record this year.

The Steelers defense has made a name for itself, or resurrected one for that matter. Many are referring to this unit as the best defensive unit since the Steel Curtain of the seventies.

Along with Ben Roethlisberger's last minute heroics that have earned him the "Captain Comeback" identity, the Steelers have become virtually immovable and unbeatable and have made their definite statement of Super Bowl contenders.

Roethlisberger himself said, "This is the best team I've played with since the Super Bowl in 2005."

Other players have voiced their opinions such as defensive end Aaron Smith, who says that, "The team is playing for each other."

This Steelers' season was said to be the hardest schedule in the NFL, but they have persevered to win eleven games and beat top tier teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and have eclipsed the Ravens, who have been compared to the 2005 Steelers, twice.

The season really is a magical one, as said by head coach Mike Tomlin, and will continue to prove so.

Pittsburgh's "Godsend" in Big Ben has played absolutely phenomenal, but will have to create more scoring opportunities to get past the Titans and lead to victories in the postseason.

I put all my faith in Roethlisberger and admit this is the best Steelers team I've ever watched. There is no reason this team, this family, doesn't have a legitimate shot at being the first to six.

Patriot Pests: The Pittsburgh Steeler Killers

Charlie Cox — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:09:06 -0500

At one time in my life, a confusing time, when a man known as Kordell Stewart was quarterbacking the Pittsburgh Steelers, I was in search of an idol. Stewart was no where near that, despite my loyalty to the Black and Gold.

I came to admire Drew Bledsoe and his capability to dismantle defenses with the New England Patriots. Bledsoe was my idol, and the New England Patriots almost a second team.

Yet, as I grew older, things began to change: the 2000s brought on a sinister team that I turn in revolt and disgust whenever I hear the name. Yes, they are the same New England Patriots, but I cringe at the team of the past decade.

My memory takes me back to a game that the Steelers were playing the Patriots—my team against my idol. Bledsoe left the game with an injury, and I was somewhat disappointed; not only was my Bledsoe injured, but it unleashed the monster that we now call Tom Brady: the seventh-round draft pick from Michigan.

Brady led the Patriots not only to a victory in that game, but to many more. Over the past decade, he has quarterbacked the team to three Super Bowl victories in four chances.

In 2002, however, irony was never so heavy. The Steelers were playing the Patriots for the AFC Championship and looking to win it. Brady was injured in at the start of the second half, a bad omen, bringing in my once revered Drew Bledsoe, who systematically dismantled the Steelers' secondary to a victory, stunning Pittsburgh of its chance for "one for the thumb."

I had bought a Tom Brady jersey in 2003, the year the Super Bowl came to Houston, my home town, and I, for some reason, favored the Patriots over the Carolina Panthers. Yet, that quickly changed.

In 2004, the Steelers beat the Patriots due to injuries, and I couldn't have been happier. Yet, once again, the tides turned. The Patriots not only beat the Steelers in the AFC Championship, they demolished them by a margin of 25 points and ended Ben Roethlisberger's win streak at 15—the most for a rookie.

I had never been so emotional about a game, and I sat in tears watching my team fall short of the Super Bowl by the hand of Tom Brady.

I stowed the jersey as far back into the deepest depths of my closet and had to force myself to refrain from burning it because of the nostalgic value I knew it will hold in the future.

My mood changed over the next year to elation at the long awaited "one for the thumb" where the Patriots had no say in the Steelers' season. Pittsburgh was a Super Bowl champion once again.

Even after the mediocre 8-8 season the following year, I wasn't completely deflated. Perhaps I was still hungover from the Super Bowl victory of the previous season, and maybe it was because I was privileged to watch Peyton Manning keep the Patriots out of the Super Bowl.

But last season was the worst. I had never usurped so much hate for a single being than the Patriots. I had a hate so strong for them that the Ravens, Browns, and Bengals combined couldn't phase it.

The only competition was my hate for the Dallas Cowboys, whom I found myself rooting for against the Patriots! I was even pulling for the Ravens to beat them.

After watching the Ravens game, I thought the Steelers had what it took to beat the Patriots: a strong running game. Yet, the incompetent, second year, backup free safety, playing for the injured Ryan Clark, Anthony Smith, had to open his mouth and "guarantee a win" against the unbeaten, unblemished New England Patriots.

The game turned into a debacle where the Patriots used a trick play used two years before by the Steelers against the Bengals in the AFC wild-card game. Tom Brady hooked up with Randy Moss several times for two touchdowns, beating none other than the ignoramus Anthony Smith himself.

The hate grew exponentially inside me until Eli Manning and the New York Giants were able to put a stop to the horrendous "almost-perfect-season" of the Patriots.

This year, I was elated when I found out that Tom Brady was out for the season and that Matt Cassel, whom I had never heard of prior to this season, would be taking over. I saw the dangerous Randy Moss's numbers drop and the annoying Wes Welker's as well.

Yet, just as I was getting my hopes up, Matt Cassel posts back-to-back 400-yard passing games, in consecutive weeks prior to the Pittsburgh-New England faceoff. I had been looking forward to the Steelers finally destroying the New England Patriots and satisfying my hunger for their destruction...until Sunday.

Though the Steelers have the No. 1 defense in the NFL and are ranked so in every possible defensive category that could even be thought of, but I can't help but worry that the Patriot Pests of old and the Bill Belichick magic will once again turn the tides in an unfavorable outcome for me.

The Patriot defense could actually pose as "Patriots" being that they are 1770s ancient, but the Steelers' offense has been struggling with sudden signs of hope.

I just hope that Big Ben can play like his old self and like he did last Thursday against the Bengals. I hope that Willie Parker can return to being Fast Willie and break off a couple long runs with some added touchdowns.

But if anything, there won't be any guarantees this time, will there Anthony Smith?

Return of the Steel Curtain: Pittsburgh's No. 1 Defense Makes a Statement

Charlie Cox — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:16:35 -0500

The 1970s keyed the Steelers' defense as the "Steel Curtain;" the unstoppable, immovable defensive unit that dominated the NFL throughout the '70s.

In today's NFL, shades of the "Steel Curtain" have shown themselves, almost bringing back that of the '70s.

Anchored by Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and James Farrior, the Steeler defense has made a statement for themselves; a statement that has landed them in the top rankings of the NFL.

Harrison leads the defense with 12 sacks, just three more than second-year outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley. The Steelers have racked up 37 sacks this season and seven forced fumbles, first in the NFL.

The defense has only allowed a minimal 15 points a game, second in the league and lead in pass defense, rush defense and total defense; and they haven't been playing any bad offenses either.

The Steeler secondary has also been outstanding this season, the best in the past decade. They have recorded 10 interceptions on the season and are led by one of the most feared, and respected, players to ever play the game: Troy Polamalu, who has four of the 10 interceptions.

Just as John Madden said, "Defense wins championships," certainly has become the recent mantra for the Steelers. The defense has held particularly strong in the red zone and on short yardage situations, making up for the struggling Ben Roethlisberger and offense.

For a team that's ranked 24th in points scored (20.9), a 7-3 record is making a definite statement.

Defensive end Aaron Smith summed up the defense's play perfectly. “I think it’s our love for each other and playing for each other,” he said, “When we go out there we are not going out there as individuals we go out as a whole group. We put the group ahead of individuals.”

Smith isn't the only Steeler noticing the same phenomenon. Deshea Townsend also voiced his opinion on the chemistry of the defense, not only on the field, but in the locker room as well. “I just think all of the guys care about one another,” said Townsend also noting the jokes and fun in the locker room.

In the homestretch of the season and only six more games to go, the defense could see itself at the top of the NFL hierarchy all-time.

James Harrison is a candidate for NFL defensive player of the year, and the defense has a chance to send a handful of players to Hawaii for the Pro-Bowl.

The end of the season isn't any easier, but as long as the Steelers keep up the "love," a deep run into the playoffs, and possibly a Super Bowl, is in sight.

And to the rest of the league, watch out for the "Steel Curtain"-it's back.

Steelers-Chargers: Steelers' Defense Holds Up, Reed Comes in Clutch

Charlie Cox — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:49:40 -0500

Pittsburgh, PA. - Snow flurries welcomed the West Coast's San Diego Chargers to a cold Heinz Field. Temperature were around 30 degrees the whole game, but the Steelers came out hot, leading to a historic victory: an 11-10 win for the first time in NFL history.

The Steelers' offense looked a lot better in the game than on paper, posting up 410 offensive yards. Despite not scoring a single touchdown, they appeared to begin clicking and stringing long drives together.

Ben Roethlisberger showed signs of coming out of his slump as well, completing 75 percent of his passes and throwing for 308 yards. Despite having no TDs, he threw no interceptions, allowing the city of Pittsburgh to breathe a giant sigh of relief.

Roethlisberger appeared to be careful with the ball and didn't force any throws. He also got rid of the ball quicker and seemed more mobile in the pocket.

Willie Parker proved his reliability yet again on his first game back from his shoulder injury by tacking up 115 rushing yards. Parker has struggled through injuries this year but still shows no signs of slowing down.

Mewelde Moore has been more than enough talent for the running game and will definitely accentuate the rushing offense perfectly.

The defense, yet again, played better than stellar, picking off and sacking Philip Rivers twice, forcing a fumble, and recording a safety. James Harrison and Troy Polamalu once again stood out in the game each with an interception.

Harrison had a forced fumble which caused a safety as well. Polamalu's last second fumble recovery and touchdown, which was reviewed and overturned, was later corrected today, yet only counts for bragging rights.

The Steelers once again refused a 100-yard rusher, this time repelling LaDanian Tomlinson, a more-than-worthy adversary. The defense only relinquished a total of 66 rushing yards and one touchdown, proving their No. 1 ranked defense.

With just under a minute to go in the game, Jeff Reed tacked on the game-winning field goal, his third on the day.

The Steelers finished the game with one of their best performances this season, despite the low score. It is a win to allow relief, but they don't have long until their Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Steelers will have a chance to relax a little bit, but not too much, after seeing what the Bengals did to the Eagles. They need to win to keep confidence going into Foxborough the following week.

Pittsburgh Steelers' Seven Keys To Skin the 'Skins

Charlie Cox — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:17:36 -0400

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at the top of their division, the AFC North, with a 5-2 record. The Steelers are just coming off a devastating loss to the defending world champions New York Giants and have left every fan puzzled and asking themselves, "What the f*** was that?"

The Steelers should have easily won the Week Eight game; however, there is no time to look into the past. The Steelers have to use this week to prepare for their matchup on Monday night against the NFC East contending Washington Redskins.

The Redskins stand at 6-2 and have demonstrated a few strengths and weaknesses amongst their eight games. The Steelers will have to come out strong and confident if they want to win Monday night—completely opposite of last week.

Here are the keys to victory.

1. Protect Big Ben

Obviously, the top of everybody's list. Ben has been on his backside for more than 50 percent of his pass attempts, due to his tendency to hang on to the ball for too long and the lack of pass-blocking talent on the offensive line. The Redskins' defense does not have many sacks and does not have a strong pass rush.

The Steelers should not have that hard of a time protecting Ben, but don't cross your fingers, because this factor could determine the game.

2. Contain Clinton Portis

Clinton Portis is the NFL's top rusher so far this year, racking up an average of 145 yards a game. Portis has been a very reliable weapon for the 'Skins this year and will continue to be throughout the season. The Steelers are the No. 2 run-stopping defense this year, as seen in the NY game when they held Brandon Jacobs to only 47 yards.

The Steelers' defense will need to play physical at the line the whole game to ensure a shutdown of the Redskins' run offense, in an attempt to make them one-dimensional. That brings me to my next point.

3. Keep the Defense Off the Field

The Steelers have struggled with this, especially last week (funny how everything alludes to last week). Time of possession is a key factor the offense needs to grasp. Two positive results occur: Not only does the opponent's defense get worn out, but your own defense can rest.

The Steelers' defense was on the field for the majority of the game last week, and yes, they played well, but their play slowly digressed throughout the second half. Willie Parker should be back, so the running game should be back to full strength (not saying that Mewelde Moore hasn't filled his shoes) and able to run clock off.

4. Establish the Running Game

Something the Steelers haven't done quite that much this year, mostly because of injuries and tough run defenses. This game seems a perfect time to get the running game back into full swing. Willie Parker is healthy, and Mewelde Moore has been playing phenomenal.

Tie that in with the fact that Washington isn't a top-ranked run defense, and it begs for the Steelers to run. Go back to the Cowher and Bettis era, and run, run, run. That's what this offensive line is built for. Run blocking, not pass blocking.

5. Foot To the Throat

Do not let up. The Steelers seemed to create a habit of starting strong and letting up (just like the Pitt Panthers). Ariens needs to establish control and then put the game away.

Mewelde Moore capped off the first drive with a big run of 32 yards last week in the first half, and then the Steelers' defense got quiet. Nate Washington caught a big pass of 65 yards to open the second half, and then the offense got quiet again.

Don't let up; put them away, don't give them a chance to come back. No lead is safe if you remember the Oilers-Bills game in 1992 when the Oilers had a 35-3 at the half and blew it.

6. Ben, You Can Run

Something Ben has established very well in past seasons is his ability to scramble out of the pocket and run for yardage. Recently, Ben has stayed in the pocket and has either taken hits or rushed his throws and tried to force them into tight coverage. There have been many opportunities for him this year, and last week, to run out of the pocket for the first down.

7. Secondary Is Primary

Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El have been explosive targets and weapons for the Redskins and Jason Campbell this year. Between Moss's ability as a deep threat and Randle El's slot-receiver capability and gadget-play versatility, the Steelers' secondary will have a busy day.

Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend will have to play physical, Mel Blount style, and utilize Troy Polamalu and Anthony Smith/Tyrone Carter as insurance to close on the deep routes to disrupt the pass. And Anthony, if you do play, don't guarantee a win.

On another note, I would find it very amusing to see Antwaan Randle El try a gadget play, and I wouldn't doubt seeing it. Look for Mike Tomlin to fire the team up in front of the national audience Monday night and for them to come out and set the tone.

Steelers-Giants: Injuries Catch Up with the Steelers

Charlie Cox — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:24:23 -0400

Pittsburgh, PA-How many red-zone stands can a defense make? The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense held up the Giants' powerful offense the entire game—four times from inside the 10-yard line, and even on a 3rd-and-goal and 4th-and-goal.

Yet, the limit was set after James Harrison's high snap to punter Mitch Berger that led to a safety and a Giants' red-zone TD.

Pittsburgh entered the game plagued with injuries: RB Willie Parker, LT Marvel Smith, RB Rashard Mendenhall, and CB Bryant McFadden. FS Ryan Clark and LS Greg Warren went down and left later in the game, resulting in two costly plays, and Mitch Berger suffered a pulled hamstring, yet stayed in.

The Steelers also suffered a loss at WR; Santonio Holmes received a one-game team suspension from getting caught with marijuana.

Pittsburgh began the game strong, limiting the Giants to a first-possession field goal and scoring on their first drive, a 32-yard run by Mewelde Moore.

The defense continued to hold up, despite the advantageous field position granted to the Giants, giving John Carney a field day of four field goals.

The Steelers went into the half down 9-7 in a highly anticipated game that quickly became a defensive struggle.

After a third quarter, 70-yard TD strike from Ben Roethlisberger to Nate Washington, the Steelers regained the lead 14-9.

The Steelers stopped the Giants yet again, resulting in John Carney's fourth field goal of the night, narrowing the score to 14-12.

The Steelers went three-and-out on their next possession and were forced to find a replacement long snapper after the starter, Greg Warren, injured his knee. James Harrison, the defensive stud, was ordered to long snap, and delivered the ball over the head of the punter, Mitch Berger, and out of the end zone for a safety.

Berger had to saftey punt, giving the Giants' field position from their own 49. Eli Manning, who had been quiet the whole game, threw his first downfield pass of the night to Amani Toomer, who made a diving catch inside the Steelers' 10-yard line. Tyrone Carter, playing for the injured Ryan Clark, closed just too soon, allowing Toomer to make the reception.

Manning hooked up with TE Kevin Boss two plays later for the go-ahead score, 21-14.

The Steelers failed to convert on two drives, leading to their second loss of the season and the Giants' sixth win. Both teams are atop their division.

Game Notes

The Steelers are suffering inactive pains. Both starters Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes were inactive for the day, both of whom could have made game-changing plays. Nate Washington and Mewelde Moore both filled in quite well, with a touchdown each.

Limas Sweed got his first NFL reception and totaled two on the night for just under 20 yards.

Hines Ward had a drawl game of only a couple receptions and just over 30 yards. His bounty was not fulfilled.

Ryan Clark, Greg Warren, and Mitch Berger were all injured in the game. Berger was the only to stay in. Status on all is unknown as of now.

Author's Opinion

The game should have been an easy win for the Steelers. Despite having no sacks or interceptions, they defensively dominated. The offense started strong both halves, but seemed to digress and let up. Roethlisberger's four interceptions didn't help, and neither did the safety, which ultimately was the game-changing play.

The Giants' offense was very quiet and slow developing, metaphorically like a monotone of play. Through mistakes, the Steelers beat themselves and have no one else to blame. It should have been an easy win, and the schedule doesn't get any easier.

The Roethlisberger-Manning argument shall be skewed in the eyes of the biased this game. Roethlisberger, in my opinion, and yes I am a Steeler fan, is still the better of the two. He commands poise and is a leader and playmaker.

Manning, once again in my opinion, is overrated and is given too much credit. He lucked out in the Super Bowl run by being granted with an amazing defense. Roethlisberger is the better quarterback and will prove to be in the long run.

LT's Affliction: Chicken Noodle Soup and Commercial Success

Charlie Cox — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:54:54 -0400

Yes, I know you might think this is a stretch, or you might think this is silly, but legitimate evidence proves that some endorsements might actually reduce the productivity of a player; and no this isn't the same as the Madden Curse, but similar.

Ladainian Tomlinson has been one of the biggest producers to ever play the game amassing an astonishing 11,096 rushing yards on 2,488 attempts. Tomlinson has scored 119 rushing TDs and 14 receiving, yet recently has started a sudden, quite sharp, decline. LT only has 446 rushing yards with four TDs this year. Is this just age catching up with the San Diego phenom, or is it commercial stardom?

Tomlinson is the spokesman for Campbells' Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup and his ads litter television commercial breaks—much more frequently this year than in the past. This also is the first year LT hasn't seen great success. Perhaps if he wouldn't watch his film on his Vizio, but on a Sony HD, like Peyton Manning, he'd be playing better. I mean, Manning watches on a Sony and look at the success—or lack of, I mean he has.

The growing trend is endorsements for athletes, yet compare the athletes stats before and after those commercials. Sure LT is without Lorenzo Neal, but a fullback didn't rack up those Hall of Fame numbers.

Other signs of the digression can be seen in players of the past:

Donovan McNabb

McNabb, the former spokesman of Campbell's, is now having a phenomenal season, however, during his tenure with Chicken Noodle Soup, his production was way down—along with his team. Now that McNabb is off the Soup, he has brought his game back up.

Jason Giambi

The former Bronx Bomber used to have an ad for Degree deodorant. Giambi was coming off a string of highly impressive seasons before his Degree mishap. After his commercial, Giambi's success instantly dropped, until he grew the mustache.

Shawne Merriman

Merriman, another Soup victim, was a breakout linebacker for the Chargers with a promising future; However, his late night pickup game in the mud, with none other than LT, ended those promises for him and San Diego. Since the release of the commercial, Merriman's production has dropped and now injured him with multiple tears to ligaments in his knee.

These are only some of the examples of commerical affliction. Other examples consist of Rafael Palmero's Viagra, Eli Manning's watch commercials, and the Mia Hamm-Michael Jordan tandem of Gatorade.

Yes, this does seem a bit hokey, and yes it seems unlikely that Hollywood really affects the play on Sunday, but judging by the comparisons in the numbers and results, it could be a disastrous phenomenon.

To Pro Athletes: Don't do commercials. AND STAY AWAY FROM CAMPBELL'S CHUNKY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP!

Steelers-Bengals: Welcome to the Jungle

Charlie Cox — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:27:33 -0400

Cincinnati, OH-It was all fun and games for the Steelers as they came in unbeaten in Paul Brown Stadium since 2001. The Steelers took an early lead and never looked back, as they got their fifth victory of the season improving to 5-1 by decimating a winless Bengals team that is completely out of place.

Frank Caliendo said it best on his picks segment on FOX Sports by making a joke of how the Bengals were having the day off, just like John Madden. The boys over at NBC even ragged on the Bengals by naming this game a "practice game," which was almost exactly what it was.

The Steelers looked like they were back on the playground, as they put up a season high 38 points. Roethlisberger threw for two TDs and 216 yards in the victory. Roethlisberger's best statistic, however, or the offensive line, was the goose egg in the sack column; it was the first time this season.

Questions were raised on what the running game would be like without Willie Parker again, but Mewelde Moore quickly answered those questions by racking up 120 yards on 20 carries with a reception TD and two rushing TDs. "He's become a locker room favorite," said Mike Tomlin in his postgame press conference. "He's doing his deeds." Moore received the Steeler game ball after the game and deservedly so.

Another impressive stat was the seven sacks the Steelers racked up, along with the fumble recovery. James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and LaMarr Woodley gave Ryan Fitzpatrick a rough time in the backfield. However, Troy Polamalu and Bryant McFadden each left the game with injuries.

Byron Leftwich, the backup quarterback, saw playing time for the final three minutes of the game, as did the entire second team offense and defense. Leftwich was 3-3 for 34 yards and a TD to Hines Ward, his fourth of the year, and extended his streak to 152 consecutive games with a reception.

Game Notes

The Steelers played well against a lame Cincinnati Bengals team, scoring 38 points and only giving up 10. Mewelde Moore stepped up yet again, getting his first 100-yd rush game since Nov. 2005 and scoring three TDs. Hines Ward caught his fourth TD of the year and 70th of his career.

Ward is the Steelers' franchise leader in receiving yards and needs one 100-yard game to surpass Louis Lipps for second place in franchise history. Ward also leads NFL active receivers with the most red-zone TDs (40).

The Steelers have elevated their record to 5-1, and in a struggling AFC, they have become a contender to be the powerhouse. Injuries plague the team, Polamalu's is uncertain, and their schedule only gets tougher ahead, taking on the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants next week.

The Steelers have the talent, but with their schedule ahead, can they make a legitimate run at postseason immortality?

Steelers-Jaguars: Pittsburgh Leaves Last Year Behind, Wins in Jacksonville

Charlie Cox — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:36:07 -0400

Jacksonville, FL—Coming off a season of dropping two games at home to the Jaguars, both of which were come-from-behind victories, the Pittsburgh Steelers came away victorious 26-21 in a sea of terrible towels in the home of the Jaguars.

From the start, Ben appeared just wanting to get the interception out of the way, throwing one to Jaguar defensive back Rashean Mathis, who has intercepted Roethlisberger in every meeting since 2005 and has had three touchdowns.

What looked to be a rough start for the Steelers turned out to be a defensive wear down. The Steelers maintained offensive possession for nearly 22 minutes of the first half, fatiguing the Jaguars' defensive unit.

The Steelers put together six offensive drives in the first half, using three running backs and putting a 20 spot on the scoreboard. Roethlisberger quickly forgot about the pick-six and put up his best numbers since November of 2006.

He found Heath Miller and Nate Washington, who had a career high in catches and yards, for six first downs and two touchdowns, allowing a halftime lead of 17-14.

John Madden said it best when he told Al Michaels, "It's like the Steelers are winning 40-14," illustrating how much the Steelers were in control; however, David Garrard led the Jags down the field in the blink of an eye to take a 21-20 lead after an 18-yard pass to Marcedes Lewis, the big tight end.

The Steelers weren't going to drop another one to the Jaguars, marching downfield for Ben Roethlisberger's third touchdown of the night, this one to Hines Ward, for the go-ahead score, which would stay intact after the Steelers' defensive unit, who allowed 1.9 yards a carry, stopped the Jaguars on fourth and long.

Game Notes

Roethlisberger was 26-for-41 for 309 yards and three touchdowns after not having thrown a ball in practice all week, landing the Horse Trailer award. Roethlisberger was only sacked three times, yet he suffered what appeared to be an aggravation late in the game to his shoulder.

The bye week couldn't come at a better time, as the Steelers will rest up to go to Cincinnati for Week Seven to take on the winless Bengals. Willie Parker will be back, and Ben should have enough time to nurse his hurt hand and shoulder.

Also, Mewelde Moore, the free-agent acquisition from Minnesota somehow managed to sneak under everyone's noses with an unnoticed 99 yards on the ground, contributing to the 139 combined rushing yards for the night.

Najeh Davenport was used on special teams but was only limited to one carry (three yards). With Willie Parker and Carey Davis expected to be back, Davenport's time with the Steelers could be very short.

Steel Curtain Welcomes Joe Flacco Back to Heinz Field

Charlie Cox — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:16:52 -0400

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens both knew this game was going to be physical and drawn out, driven by defense, not like the Monday Night Football game from last year when "Big" Ben Roethlisberger threw for five touchdowns to blow out the Ravens, 35-7.

Just coming off a beating against Philadelphia, the Steelers summoned the 75th anniversary throwback uniforms that led them to a victory over the Ravens last year to turn the tides.

However, that was not the case at the outset, as the Ravens came into Heinz Field to send a message that was received by the Philadelphia defense a week ago. The game turned into an evenly matched battle that took overtime to decide, but the home team prevailed behind a Josh Reed field goal in a 23-20 Steelers victory Monday.

Led by rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, a former Pitt Panther who already was familiar with Heinz Field, the Ravens entered the game sporting a 2-0 record that placed them atop the AFC North.

Flacco, who had not thrown a touchdown yet this season, came out shaky, fumbling the first snap of the game leading to a three-and-out that gave the Steelers ample field position.

The Ravens defense was fired up and looked to take advantage of the Steelers' weak offensive line that was exploited last Sunday, racking up three sacks in the first half and leading to a first-possession field goal for the Steelers.

The Steel Curtain of the '70s seemed to be alive with the Pittsburgh defense tonight as the Ravens went to another three-and-out, leading to another punt. However, the Steelers were not able to capitalize on the field position after Roethlisberger threw a mistaken pump fake for an interception to the rookie Halofi Ngata that led to a Baltimore field goal.

The Steelers went a three-and-out, which seemed to be the trend for the team who only managed 67 first-half total yards, that led to another Stover field goal making the score 6-3.

The Steelers were forced to punt again, and the Ravens finally capitalized driving 44 yards for Joe Flacco's first touchdown pass of his pro career, giving the Ravens a 10-point lead and silencing the Terrible Towels of the Steel City.

Halftime came not a second too fast for Pittsburgh, as it needed time to adjust its struggling offense, which hadn't put up a touchdown in eight quarters.

That change was not seen for a while after both teams suffered multiple consecutive three-and-outs leading up to the turning point of the game, where Flacco's rookie image came out. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley credited with the sack and Harrison for the forced fumble, leading to a seven-yard fumble return for a touchdown for Woodley that lifted the Steeler spirits, and the score to just a 13-10 deficit.

Fifteen seconds later, after another Baltimore punt and a costly penalty, Roethlisberger hooked up with Santonio Holmes for the go ahead score to make it 17-13.

Reed came back with another field goal on 4th-and-goal from the 1, and the game seemed to be in the Steelers' control.

Flacco and the Ravens drove down field to end in a LeRon McClain touchdown to tie the score and send the game into overtime.

The Steelers defense came alive and ended the Ravens' hopes for victory by sacking Joe Flacco for the fifth time in the game to lead to a Jeff Reed OT field goal to put the game away.

The Steelers offense struggled in the first half, but made adjustments, running a no-huddle, and mixing up the play-calling a bit more. If the Steelers want to continue success throughout the season, the offensive line will have to step up and Roethlisberger will have to make quicker decisions with the ball.

The defense has continued to play phenomenal and smashmouth, but it alone can't win every game. The offense will have to make major improvements, especially with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall out for at least another week.

Pittsburgh should Try To "Pirate" Goods On the Black Market

Charlie Cox — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:26:19 -0400

As the All-Star break fast approaches, so does the looming shadow of a the 16th consecutive season without a playoff hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates; a streak that first baseman Adam LaRoche said would not continue to haunt the Pirates this season.

The Pirates currently stand at 42-48, and the 16-season streak becomes to look more unbreakable as the season progresses. The Pirates haven't been over .500 since April, when they stood at 7-6. Changes are needed with the club.

The injury-plagued Pirate pitching staff appears to be the focus. Starters Tom Gorzellany, who was recently sent down to AAA, and Ian Snell, just coming off DL, have disappointed after both putting up winning records last season.

The rotation is very inconsistent. Phil Dumatrait, who just came off the DL, gave up seven runs to the struggling Houston Astros, yet he has proved to be reliable pre-injury. Paul Maholm appears to be the only consistent starter, with a 5-1 home record, and he recorded only three runs in his last 16 innings.

Other holes have been filled by John Van Benschoten, a long-relief pitcher, and Ty Taubenheim, who was recently added to the active MLB roster. With closer Matt Capps on the DL, who has already suffered seven blown saves, Damaso Marte has taken on the role and has proven himself effective. Along with Tyler Yates, Marte appears to be the only reliable go-to in the bullpen.

The Pirates should stick to what they do best: trade. This time though, they should buy, not sell. The exodus of Craig Wilson, Oliver Perez, and Solomon Torres has proven very ineffective. However, the Pirates aren't headed into that sort of direction, as they head to trade away their only All-Star, Xavier Nady.

Nady, who is hitting .321 this season with 24 doubles, 12 home runs, and 55 RBI, emerged as a utility player last season and is now an everyday All-Star starter. Nady does have good trade value, but it would be in the best interest for the Bucs to keep hold of Nady, who has expressed his want to stay in Pittsburgh.

With an outfield of Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, and Xavier Nady, the Pirates have one of the most dominating outfields in MLB.

Possible players that should be traded could be Louis Rivas, along with Brian Bixler, the struggling shortstops who failed to cover for the injured Jack Wilson, and Adam LaRoche, a streaky hitter who has just started a hot streak and raised his value.

The Pirates need to keep their players that are producing and trade away their others before their trade value falls. This should bring in possible pitching prospects to fill in the open spots in the rotation and bullpen.