SteelerNation - This is Your Wake Up Call

SteelerNation - Time to Wake Up to Reality

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are spoiled.  There is no way around that fact.  The team that totes the most Super Bowl titles in NFL history has a fan base that proclaims that fact from the mountain tops as much as they possibly can.  However, Steelers fans haven't had to endure many rough patches in the past 15 years.  The last time the Steelers had a losing record was in 2003 when the Tommy Maddox led Steelers finished with a balmy 6-10 record.  10 years since a losing record for the Steelers and their fan base have fans wondering what went wrong.  Well, alot went wrong, but in terms of the fan base its simple.  Welcome to reality.

The Steelers have been one of the most successful NFL teams since the NFL / AFL merger and that is something that is often taken for granted.  In a world where there are still NFL teams that have failed to even reach a Super Bowl, Pittsburgh has won 6 and played in 8.  There are teams that haven't had a winning season in 10 years and the Steelers haven't had a losing record in 10 years.  All of that leads to a fan base that can be spoiled, too quick to judge, and also quick to turn their back on the team.  When I attended the Steelers vs Bears game in Pittsburgh I had great seats to watch the Steelers gift wrap a 17-0 lead to the Bears.  This was all in the first quarter, and I saw Steelers fans leaving the stadium.  No, not going to the bathroom, not going to get a beer (which would be recommended watching this Steelers team), no they left Heinz Field.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  In the first quarter fans were simply walking out on their favorite team.  That is simply unacceptable in my book.

The fact remains that if Steelers fans (aka - SteelerNation) are the fans that they claim to be, then they will not turn their back on their team.  I am not saying that Steelers' fans can't voice their displeasure about the team that they root for.  I do that enough for the entire fan base, but what I am saying is that SteelerNation needs to realize that this bump in the road for the Steelers isn't the end of the world.  If the Steelers don't have a magical turn around up their sleeves they will be ending this season with a losing record.  I can actually hear the Steelers' bandwagon getting lighter.  Think one losing season in 10 is bad?  Try being a Cleveland Browns fan.  Try being a Jacksonville Jaguars fan.  Try being a St. Louis Rams fan.  One bad season doesn't signify the end of the world.  Remember, it could be worse, and as so many Steeler fans always remind me..."we have more rings than anyone else!"  Be happy for that and stand by your team through good and bad.  SteelerNation - This was your wake up call.

5 Reasons the Steelers Will Beat the Patriots

Ben Roethlisberger Needs his 'A' Game on Sunday

I still can't believe I am attempting this article, but what are you going to do.  For those that are curious, no I am not inebriated...just trying to stir the pot before the Steelers take the field this Sunday.  Say what you want, but the Steelers actually do have a chance to win this Sunday at Foxborough at 4:25, and I'll tell you why:

1 - The Steelers Play Up to Their Competition - This has always been the case with the Steelers.  Even in the years that they won Super Bowls 40 and 43, there were teams that always got their full attention (Ravens, Patriots, Colts) and those that often times got the "half assed" attempt (Browns, Jaguars, Raiders).  Sometimes against those lesser opponents the Steelers were good enough to scratch out an "ugly win", but this year that isn't the case.  The Pats will get the Steelers attention this week, just like the Ravens did two weeks ago, and don't be surprised if the Steelers elevate their game accordingly.

2 - Tom Brady is "Off" - No one has thrown more off target passes this year, and the receiving corps that Brady has sure isn't a Pro Bowl roster.  Brady has made lemonade out of lemons before, and certainly has done so this season.  The Steelers will have to get to Brady early and often and keep him off his timing patterns.  The biggest challenge for the Steelers will be covering Rob Gronkowski, but Brady being a bit "off" only increases the Steelers' chances of hanging around this Sunday.

3 - Something to Prove - The Steelers are due for a bounce back game.  Some called the Raiders game as a let down game following the big Ravens win.  I couldn't say I completely disagree with those that think that, but in the same way I could see this game as a bounce back game.  The Steelers know what people are saying and how they are viewed.  Within that locker room there are players that still feel this team can compete at a high level, and what better way to do that than on a stage like playing the Patriots in Foxborough?

4 - Ben Being Ben - The Steelers offensive line is banged up, and there are still alot of question marks up front, but if you've followed the Steelers for any amount of time you know that sometimes when the chips are stacked against Big Ben, when the pocket collapses, and when you think he is "dead to rites"...he escapes and makes a huge play.  Well, I think its safe to say that Ben very well could have to make plays like that to win, but I like Ben's odds against this Patriots defense.

5 - Progressive Defense - The Steelers defense has improved little by little each week.  Sure there were some hiccups along the way, but this defense has been getting more turnovers and making plays as every week passes.  This bodes well as the Steelers defense will most likely have to set the table for the Steelers offense to make anything happen.  If the Steelers spot the Patriots a 14 point lead like they did the Raiders, then the game will not even be close to a 3 point deficit at the end.  This game will be on the Steelers defense's shoulders, and whether they can shoulder that load is TBD (to be determined).

Mike Tomlin Talks Raiders Loss At His Press Conference

Mike Tomlin Is Making Moves, But All the Wrong Ones

Why This Man, Kirby Wilson, SHOULD Be A Change
Mike Tomlin  Makes

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, sees a team that is 2-5 and in need of an overhaul.  Unlike the 2010 Tomlin that declared that changes would be made and the Steelers would "unleash hell" in the month of December...and nothing happened, the head coach is making moves for a team that is searching for an answer.  The only problem is that Tomlin is making the wrong moves.

The Steelers released punter Zoltan Mesko yesterday and demoted Jarvis Jones to 2nd string behind Jason Worilds.  I have been a harsh critic of Zoltan Mesko and his erratic, downright pitiful, and as Tomlin called it "Junior Varsity" punting this season.  This move is long overdue, but will it make a difference in the team winning and losing?  No.  Jarvis Jones hasn't been the impact player that people expected and although has shown flashes of the SEC player that dominated competition at Georgia, the bright spots have been outweighed by the missed tackles and blown assignments.  So, with Jones out, re-enter Jason Worilds as the OLB that will line up across from Lamarr Woodley.  Jason Worilds knows his assignments, but thats about the only difference between the two OLBs at this point.  Will benching Jarvis Jones make a big difference in the team winning and losing?  Probably not.

Tomlin had to make moves to appease the media and fan base, but if you know this team and you know the people in the organization you know that these moves were simply not enough.  If Mike Tomlin truly wants to make changes he will make moves that will send a message, not just moves that make tiny ripples in the overall ocean that is the Pittsburgh Steelers team.  One move I would make is to start playing Shamarko Thomas at safety more and more for Ryan Clark.  Someone tell me what Ryan Clark brings to this team that is helping them win?  Exactly, he has been more of a detriment than an asset.  Signing Max Starks again would at least add quality depth at a position that has been horrendous for the Steelers.  The biggest move that I want Tomlin to make is to tell Todd Haley that his services are no longer needed anymore.  Think back to the Baltimore Ravens last season.  Cam Cameron gets canned mid season and the offense thrives because of it.  I don't think Todd Haley is the main problem with the Steelers' offense, but it might just be time to eliminate one of the problems and let someone like RB Coach Kirby Wilson call the plays for the duration of the season.  Could it get worse than what it already is?  I don't think so.

I realize Tomlin is between a rock and a hard place, but changes need to be made...not so much for this season, but the future.  If you constantly threat to make changes and nothing ever changes, then the players know you are doing nothing but blowing smoke you know where, and that does no one any good.

For the Steelers, Is This the Beginning of the End?

Is This the Beginning of the End for the Steelers?

The loss to the Oakland Raiders still stings amongst SteelerNation.  How could the Pittsburgh Steelers travel across country and leave with a loss against the Raiders, again?!  Well, if you look at this team logistically you see some serious flaws.  Not only this past Sunday, but this entire season.  What once was a promising season has turned into a fiasco, and it could get worse.  Some fans say, "Play for a draft pick." while others scream, "We should be better."  Either way, what the team "should" be is not fixable with one draft pick.  Plain and simple.  Which brings me to the title of the article.  Is this the beginning of the end for the most successful organization in the NFL?  I'm starting to think that it very well could be.

There are alot of arrows that can point to the long term demise of the Steelers' organization, but there are a few that I am going to focus on.  First, missed draft picks.  One could point directly at the Steelers' 2008 draft class that consisted of 7 players that are not wearing black and gold except for fun in their free time.  Then you can look at the 2009 draft class that has 9 players in that class, with 2 that are still in the Steelers' organization (Ziggy Hood and the oft injured David Johnson).  To me, this isn't just about draft classes, but about drafting players high in the draft that simply were busts.  Players like Jason Worilds (taken in the 2nd round in 2010), Mike Adams (2nd round pick in 2012), and a guy like Chris Rainey garnering a 5th round pick when it was well documented the off the field issues with that individual.  When was the last time the Steelers had a pick that absolutely shocked everyone?  Can't think of one can you...thats because the Steelers' draft picks have been unbelievably underwhelming and that is why although the team has talent, it lacks skill and depth at some of the most important positions on the football field.  What is going to happen with Ben Roethlisberger leaves or retires?  Landry Jones?  That is laughable.  The answer is nowhere to be found.  It looks like the Steelers will be entering a new Mike Tomczak, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, and Kent Graham era if you ask me.  That sound like success?  Me neither.

There is more than just draft blunders.  How about the front office?  Under Art Rooney II, the Steelers have faultered.  Sure, they won Super Bowl 43 in Tampa Bay, but that was essentially under Dan Rooney.  The Steelers drafting issues fall on the scouting department, general manager Kevin Colbert, and head coach Mike Tomlin.  The hole that they have dug themselves might take YEARS to climb out of.  This same board also dismissed Bruce Arians.  Whether you liked or demised Arians, you cannot argue he wasn't successful.  Ben Roethlisberger thrived under Arians, and after the dismissal bringing in Todd Haley has done nothing but inject controversy to the team and the organization.  Questionable decisions across the board that, in my opinion, will only set this team back for years to come.

Simply look at the roster and you will see a team that is old in spots, and extremely "green" in others.  Although across the board you see one thing and one thing only...NO QUALITY DEPTH.  This team is 2-5 and hanging by a thread...literally.  Not just injury concerns, but after the starters there is NO ONE qualified to step up.  Mike Tomlin's "the standard is the standard" has become as old and worn out as the age old "we have 6 super bowls and you don't" mantra of SteelerNation.  I am a Steelers fan, and I hope that this isn't the beginning of the end, but if you look at it realistically...its hard not to see more darkness than light ahead.

Ben Roethlisberger Discusses Wasting a Time Out and the Raiders

Coach Tomlin's Post Game Press Conference Following Steelers Loss

The Steelers Loss Falls On Everyone

After the Steelers embarrassing attempt at playing the sport of football last night I posted on Twitter that Shaun Suisham should not hold ALL of the blame for the Steelers loss.  Below is my exact tweet:

Ppl cant blame suisham alone for this loss...the entire team played like garbage. #Steelers #SteelerNation
— Black n' Gold Blitz (@BnGBlitz) October 27, 2013

Shaun Suisham Can NOT Bare All the Blame For the Loss

After reading the comments I received after that tweet you would have thought that I personally insulted someone's mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, and their grandmother.  Some people on Twitter forget that everyone is entitled to their own opinion...that's a completely different can of worms that I am not going to open here today; however, the purpose for the above tweet was obvious.  Shaun Suisham missed 2 chip shots that when looking at the final score was extremely costly.  However, were those the only 2 mistakes made by the Steelers?  No.  How about the first play from scrimmage going 93 yards for a TD.  How about the blocked punt that lead to a Raiders TD.  How about Antonio Brown's drop on 3rd and 17 that would have extended a drive.  How about Antonio Brown's dropped pass that lead to an interception deep in Raiders territory?  How about having to burn a crucial timeout late in the game...whether thats on Haley or Ben Roethlisberger doesn't matter...it was costly.  How about a defense that had the Raiders pinned at their own 1 foot line and gave up a 3rd down conversion?  Do I need to continue?  Hopefully you get the picture. The final score dictated that the missed FGs were HUGE, and I'm not a Shaun Suisham apologist.  No, he deserves his slice of the "blame pie", but the entire loss can't fall on his shoulders.

No, this loss falls on everyone.  Coaching staff, offense, defense, and special teams.  Mike Tomlin continues to struggle in the time management game, and that was very evident coming down the stretch in the 4th quarter.  One question that still has yet to be answered that I hope gets asked at Tomlin's press conference tomorrow is this: When you convert the 2 point conversion to make the game 21-18 with just under 2 minutes left, why would you not kick the ball deep?  Kicking the ball deep would at least pin the Raiders back in their own end, and as they would run the ball 3 times to try and run out the clock you would at least be getting the ball in position to actually get in FG range.  That, and many other, coaching decisions had me scratching my head.

I obviously glossed over the physical errors on the field that had a hand in the Steelers dropping their 5th game of the season, but for some reason people want to pin this loss on Shaun Suisham.  Some people even want the Steelers to "make an example" of the kicker and release him.  Are you nuts?  The people who put ALL the blame (remember I give Suisham blame, but not all of it) remind me of a golfer that shoots 86 and someone asks why he shot 86 and he responds with, "Well I missed 2 par puts on 9 and 16." and doesn't say anything about the 3 double bogeys that he registered throughout the round.  The Steelers have major issues right now, and ones that aren't easily "fixable".  Oh yeah, don't forget next week the Steelers travel to see Tom Brady and the Patriots in New England.  Should be a fun week.

Fantasy Focus - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders

Le'Veon Bell - a START for your Fantasy Team

A new feature on the site is going to be an all Pittsburgh Steelers "Fantasy Focus" where I tell anyone that plays Fantasy Football and has a Steeler on their roster whether or not they should "start" or "sit" the player in black n' gold this week.  I take a look at this week's matchup in Oakland vs the Raiders.

START 'EM
- Heath Miller - Lets be honest, Heath Miller is Ben Roethlisberger's safety blanket.  When in doubt, throw it to #83.  Heath will get his touches, especially if Todd Haley decides to deploy extra tackles to help in protection that will allow Heath to run his routes instead of blocking.  The Steelers redzone problems most likely will be solved at some point, and don't be surprised if they are solved with Heath Miller getting more receptions in the red area.  That equals fantasy points for all those that have Heath on their team this week.

- Shaun Suisham - Shaun Suisham is having a career year, and even though the Steelers hope to score more TDs, they will still have plenty of FGs.  Suisham is a solid kicker who should be in your lineup until proven otherwise.

- Steelers D/ST - The Steelers defense is starting to get going in terms of getting pressure on the QB, not to mention they are facing a rookie QB.  Pryor is a different beast though, as he is leading the Raiders in rushing, but the Steelers defense typically does well against QBs like Pryor.  The Steelers special teams have been good all year, and Emmanuel Sanders is already lobbying for more chance to return kick offs, and that could mean points for your fantasy team.

- Le'Veon Bell - The rookie RB is Mike Tomlin's "boy".  Drafted by him, the entire zone blocking scheme was employed for just him.  His patience is something that is rare to see anymore, but ever game he has played he has improved and so have the Steelers rushing totals.  Look for that to continue, but also look for Bell to catch the ball out of the backfield and use his great hands to help the Steelers be more versatile.  Screen passes and swing passes could be the equalizer for a Raiders defense that likes to get after the QB.

- Antonio Brown - I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Antonio Brown is turning into a younger, faster, and just as versatile Hines Ward.  He will get his catches, but the only question is will be break a long run or get deep?  I say start him anyways for the simple reason is you know the ball is headed his way.

SIT 'EM
- Emmanuel Sanders - Sanders has struggled to get open, and has had some misfortune where Ben was unable to find him when he did get open.  The Raiders do give up passing yards, but Sanders is too much of a question mark to start, in my opinion.

- Jonathan Dwyer / Felix Jones - With Le'Veon Bell visibly turning into the feature back that the Steelers thought he'd be, the work load for Dwyer and Jones is becoming less and less each week.  No need to start either of these two RBs unless someone like Dwyer carves a niche for himself as a goal line back, but I wouldn't bank on that anytime soon.  Sit both of these players.

- Ben Roethlisberger - Although last year Big Ben put up great numbers (over 300yds passing and 4 TDs) in Oakland, this Steelers offense is much more controlled, especially when they are running the ball.  Roethlisberger's stat lines have looked very mediocre in the past 2 wins.  Great news for the Steelers, but bad news for Fantasy owners.  I saw sit Big Ben with the Steelers not trying to be "pass happy".

The Pittsburgh Sports Notebook (10/25)

The Penguins are finally back in action tonight and the Steelers are gearing up for the Raiders on Sunday.  That and more in the Pittsburgh Sports Notebook...

STEELERS
- Ben Roethlisberger's last trip to Oakland (last year) resulted in one of his best games ever.  He tallied 384 yards and 4 TDs in a 34-31 loss to the Raiders.

- Emmanuel Sanders wants to return more kicks and after last Sunday has proven that he can be a threat to take one back to "the house".

- Injury Update:
   - Markus Wheaton remains OUT for this Sunday's game with a broken finger.
   - Practiced Fully:
       - LT - Kelvin Beachum - Ribs
       - WR - Jerricho Cotchery - Abdomen
       - RT - Marcus Gilbert - Quad
       - DE - Cam Heyward - Illness
       - OLB - Jarvis Jones - Concussion
       - DE - Brett Keisel - Ribs
       - ILB - Lawrence Timmons - Hand
       - OLB - Lamarr Woodley - Knee

PENGUINS
- The Penguins are not only getting Olli Maatta for the remainder of the season, but Kris Letang is returning to the lineup tonight against the NY Islanders.

- Marc Andre Fleury has been given the night off (even though the last game was Monday) and Zatkoff will be in between the pipes for his 2nd career NHL start.  His first start was less than desirable in the Penguins only other loss of the regular season thus far.

- The Penguins made some WBS Baby Pens transactions as they add Jayson Megna from the Baby Pens.  Megna will make his NHL debut tonight.

- The Penguins are far to familiar with the threat that is the NY Islanders.  A game 6 OT winner last playoffs pushed the Penguins to the brink.  Hopefully they make a statement tonight.

- Penguins Lines at morning skate:
    - Dupuis / Crosby / Kunitz
    - Jokinen / Malkin / Kobasew
    - Glass / Sutter / Megna
    - Adams / Vitale / Engelland (playing as a Forward)
    - Orpik & Martin
    - Scuderi & Letang
    - Maatta & Niskanen

PIRATES
- A "Thank You" from the Pirates to the Fans for a magical season...

Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons Talks Preparation

Ben Roethlisberger Talks Wildcat, Raiders, and Being Hated

Steelers Offense vs Raiders Defense - BREAKDOWN

Oakland Has NOT Been Friendly to Big Ben

The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to the "Black Hole" on Sunday for a 4:05 game between two, 2-4 teams.  The ramifications of this game are well documented, so its time I break down the opposition and today I break down the Steelers offense vs the Raiders defense in my Top 5 Storylines of the matchup:

- Big Ben = NO Big Mistake - Ben Roethlisberger doesn't like Oakland.  He has never won there.  Heck, the Steelers haven't won there since 1995.  Big Ben's struggles date back to 2006 when coming off of the Superbowl 40 victory where the big mistake was made on more than one occasion.  If the Steelers want to win this game, Ben Roethlisberger needs to be the Big Ben of the last 2 games, and not the Big Ben of the previous 4.  Keep the INT / Fumble line clean and the Steelers should be sitting pretty in terms of the ability to win the football game.

- Run, Run, Run - Did everyone see the Steelers run the football against that "vaunted" Ravens defense last week?  First time the Steelers rushed for over the century mark this season.  Now its time to duplicate that against a Raiders defense that gives up a stingy 99 yards a game.  Well, that isn't that stingy, but its actually better than the Steelers defense.  The Raiders are a vulnerable group through the air (giving up 241yds on average per game), but the Steelers need to run the football to open up the passing game.  Look for heavy doses of Le'Veon Bell, as well as Guy Whimper and Mike Adams as extra tackles to open up lanes for Bell to get loose.

- Redzone = Fun Zone? - The redzone has NOT been the "fun zone" for the Steelers.  Mike Tomlin recently addressed that during his weekly press conference.  The Steelers HAVE to be better in the redzone if they truly want to be an offensive team that can score more than 19 points.  The Steelers defense is pretty solid, but holding teams in today's NFL to under 17 points is difficult.  The Steelers shouldn't turn down points, but at the same time they shouldn't settle for FGs.  Shaun Suisham is "money", but the Steelers need TDs not FGs.  The Steelers gimmick plays typically were run between the 40s, but it might be time to expand that part of the playbook to the redzone too.  Just a thought!

- Spread the Love - The Steelers passing attack has been spreading the love, and it needs to continue.  Sometimes the Steelers offense gets hyper focused on one player, and this year it has been Antonio Brown, but look at the distribution chart and the Steelers are certainly spreading the love.  This offense needs to keep getting Heath Miller open down the seam, hitting Antonio Brown on those quick hitters, and hopefully get Emmanuel Sanders open deep on play action.  Spread the love to force the defense to say spread out, which will open up running lanes as well.  Wow, look at that...a novel idea...you listening Haley?!

- Mix and Match to Confuse the Raiders - The Steelers game plan last week confused the Ravens.  Anyone else see the Ravens CB not knowing what to do when Ben Roethlisberger split out wide?  The Steelers need to continue to use different line combinations, different formations, and different personnel to keep the Raiders guessing on what the Steelers offense will do in certain packages.  If they can't run the ball down the oppositions throats like in the past, you might as well out think them.  The Steelers accomplished that last week, lets see if they can get it done again Sunday.

Coach Tomlin Press Conference Highlights

Coaches Get Paid To Coach, Not Talk

Its Not Always Giggles and Smiles at Coach T's Pressers...
Nor should it be.

I listen to the whiplash effect every Tuesday afternoon / evening and Wednesday morning when Mike Tomlin has his weekly press conference at 12pm on Tuesdays.  The whiplash effect is how people react to the coach and what he says during that 20min time span where the coach looks like a caged animal as he is forced to answer questions from media that often ask the dumbest questions imaginable.  The reaction from the said media is often time ridiculous and outlandish as they make it seem like Mike Tomlin gets paid and should be gauged by his comments to the media and not what his team's performance was the past week.  Remember folks, coaches get paid to coach, not to talk to the media.

Some of the biggest criticism of Tomlin this week were his comments in regards to rookie RB Le'Veon Bell.  Its obvious that Tomlin likes Le'Veon Bell.  You can tell that Tomlin wanted him in the draft, and in a draft where alot of running backs were still on the board and the Steelers chose Bell over other RBs like Eddie Lacy, alot of criticism can come with a decision like that.  With that said, Tomlin takes criticism of Bell personally and as Tomlin would say...OBVIOUSLY.  When you stick your neck out to draft a player, you are putting yourself "out there".  However, the media is going bonkers over Mike Tomlin's comments about how he "doesn't care what you (the media) say or write..." and how Bell might be impacted by negative comments.  To counteract the possible negative publicity, Tomlin decided to "pump up" the young RB through comments made at his press conferences.  As a coach myself, this all makes sense to me, but to some...its darn near blasphemy.

It has even gotten to the point where people are criticizing Tomlin's persona and attitude during the press conferences.  Some fans are saying that if he is going to be short, terse, and stern with the media then maybe he shouldn't be the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hold on a second, are people forgetting Bill Cowher?  Anyone remember Bill Cowher's press conferences besides the funky "Bill Cosby" sweaters?  The man absolutely despised the pressers and at times got so mad he walked out of the press conference early.  People who criticize Tomlin for his etiquette have underlying issues with him as a coach (or person) because Cowher did the same stuff, and to be honest was worse.

I listen to Pittsburgh sports radio as much as I can to get a pulse on what the Steel City thinks and feels about the "Big 3" sports teams.  To me, this story is an absolute NON STORY.  Coaches get paid to coach, not to talk to the media.  Is it part of the job?  Yes, but that isn't the primary job description.  I could care less what Mike Tomlin says.  I DO care about how the team responds to Mike Tomlin as a coach and how they play on the field.  These last 2 games have been a pleasant surprise after the 0-4 start.  Seems like whatever Tomlin is doing is working.  In this case, Mike Tomlin could cuss out every fan of SteelerNation for all I care...his job is getting the team to win, not to make the media, or even the fans for that matter, happy. Again, just my humble opinion.

"The Blitz" Podcast - 10/22

Alot to talk about on today's show.  Time to tell the boss to shut up, sit back, and enjoy Pittsburgh sports for the next 20 minutes or so.  If you don't love all 3 like I do, then I give you the times next to the run down below in case you want to fast forward through me talking to myself about the "Big 3"...Here goes...

PENGUINS

- Drop 1st game at CEC -

- Power Play Problems? -

- Maatta Decision Looming -

- This Team is STILL Banged Up - 

- Metropolitan Division Update - 

PIRATES

- AJ Burnett Finally Speaks -

- What Will He Do? - 

- Post Season Awards Starting to Roll In -

- Cutch MVP? -

STEELERS

- HUGE WIN over the Ravens -

- Hate People Downplaying the Win - 

- Coaches Deserve a TON of Credit - 

- Team's Health Will Remain Huge - 

- Thoughts on Big Ben -

- Oakland Up Next - 

- A Look Ahead? Comeback on the Horizon?

The Pittsburgh Sports Notebook (10/22)

Lawrence Timmons Found Himself on the Injury Report

Alot of news on the injury front for the Steelers.  Plus, Penguins and Pirates information...lets do this.

STEELERS
- Injury news out of Mike Tomlin's Press Conference:
   - Markus Wheaton - OUT (Finger)
   - Kelvin Beachum - Day to Day (Ribs)
   - Marcus Gilbert - Day to Day (Quad)
   - Brett Keisel - Day to Day (Ribs)
   - Lamarr Woodley - Day to Day (Knee)
   - Cam Heyward - Day to Day (Illness)
   - Jerricho Cotchery - Day to Day (Abdomen)
   - Lawrence Timmons - Broken Hand - Will be Casted and he will play.
         - All players listed as "Day to Day" will most likely be limited in the early portion of the week.

- No news on rookie OLB Jarvis Jones, as the Steelers have to follow protocol and wait for him to be cleared by team doctors.

- Tomlin spoke at length about the team's inability to score TDs in the red zone declaring that pre-snap issues were a huge reason why.

- Something I've noticed all season, is the poor play by Steelers punter Zoltan Mesko.  Coach Tomlin agreed that his play has been subpar by calling some of his kicks as "junior varsity punts".  I couldn't have said it better myself.

- The Steelers travel to Oakland this Sunday for a 4:05pm (EST) kickoff.  They haven't won in Oakland since 1995.

- Both teams are 2-4, and the Raiders are coming off their bye week.

PENGUINS
- The Penguins lost to the Colorado Avalanche last night 1-0, moving their record to 7-2.

- The Pens still remain atop the Metropolitan Division.

- Sidney Crosby's 8 game scoring streak was snapped last night.

- The Penguins struggled on the Power Play going 0-7 on the night.

- The Penguins dominated play, outshooting the Avalanche 34-14.

- Next game for the Penguins is Friday at home against the NY Islanders as they continue Metropolitan Division Play.

PIRATES
- The post season honors for the Pirates magical season have started to roll in and will probably continue to roll in here in the next few weeks.

- Pitcher, Francisco Liriano, was given the NL "Comeback Player of the Year" Award.

- Manager, Clint Hurdle, was named the NL Manager of the Year Award by The Sporting News.

Steelers vs Ravens - REPORT CARD

Ben Pondering His Weekly Grade...

QUARTERBACK - Ben Roethlisberger had another great game, but it was more about efficiency than it was flash.  He didn't throw for 300+ yards with 4 TDs.  No, he was 17/23 for 160yds and a TD.  No interceptions / fumbles again was huge for the Steelers.  Best part about Ben's performance?  The plays he made when it mattered the most.  With the game tied and the ball on the 37 yard line, Ben made some crucial plays to extend drives when the game was on the line.  Haven't seen that in a while.  Red Zone failures is what kept Ben from getting a superb grade for me.
GRADE - A

WIDE RECEIVERS - Antonio Brown continues to make plays in a variety of ways.  Returning the ball, running the ball, and obviously catching the football.  He has truly blossomed into a #1 WR this year, but the buck didn't stop at number 84.  Jerricho Cotchery had some great catches that extended drives along with Derick Moye and Heath Miller.  This group would get a great grade if it weren't for Heath's fumble that cost the Steelers 3 points, and Derick Moye's dropped pass in the endzone that should have been 6.
GRADE - A-

RUNNING BACKS - Alert the press!  The Steelers rushed for over 100 yards as a team for the first time this year.  Who cares they still don't have a 100yd rusher individually...baby steps people.  This was a big baby step in the correct direction.  Due in part to a great offensive game plan and improved OLine play, Le'Veon Bell finished with 93yds, Big Ben with 23, and Felix Jones added 16 yards to that total.  Not too shabby for a unit that was averaging under 70yds/game until the Ravens came to town.
GRADE - A-

OFFENSIVE LINE - Todd Haley helped this unit out BIG TIME by throwing Mike Adams and Guy Whimper in as extra tackles to not only protect the QB, but also to open up running lanes.  Both worked great as the Steelers rushed for over 100yds and Ben was only sacked once.  When Marcus Gilbert left the game with a sore quad, Whimper came in and didn't miss a beat.  This was BY FAR the best OLine performance for the Steelers this season, and I give them a very good grade...
GRADE - A

DEFENSIVE LINE - I gave this group a tough time last week saying that they weren't making enough plays. They changed that this week.  Steve McLendon was actually noticeable on the field, Cam Heyward is starting to look like a number 1 draft pick, and Ziggy Hood and Brett Keisel made great plays in the running game.  This is a group that is improving just like the OLine, and it couldn't come at a better time.  This group held the Ravens to 82 yards rushing, and although that isn't really "shutting someone down", its a step in the right direction.
GRADE - A-

LINEBACKERS - The linebacking crew had a great game, but really one player in particular...Lawrence Timmons.  Timmons registered a team high 17 tackles, with 12 solo tackles.  Yeah, thats not a typo.  A man that doesn't lead with his voice, but his play sure as heck backs it up.  Timmons was spying on the Raven's running backs all game, and it paid off.  Vince Williams played the best game of the season by far, and Lamarr Woodley is having a bounce back year that NO ONE is really talking about.  This group had a great game, but they still need Jarvis Jones healthy.
GRADE - A

SECONDARY - The Steelers' secondary had a pretty solid game.  William Gay broke up 2 TD passes and has solidified the opposite side of the field.  Cortez Allen has been taking the slot receiver and looks comfortable there.  Some questionable penalties went against Ike Taylor, but for the most part, the secondary was outstanding in this game.  Troy Polamalu's off sides craziness needs to improve, but he played more center field this past game then he has all  year.  Thats a good thing.
GRADE - B+

SPECIAL TEAMS - Shaun Suisham was 4-4, the Steelers didn't have to punt often, and the return game was "above the line" as Mike Tomlin would say.  You can't ask for much more from your special teams units.
GRADE - A+

COACHING - I wrote an entire article about this yesterday (if you missed it CLICK HERE) and each coach for the Steelers deserves a passing grade.  In fact, better than passing...
GRADE - A+

The Pittsburgh Sports Notebook (10/21)

Time to Give "Sushi" Some Love...

What a weekend in Pittsburgh Sports?!  Penguins defeat the Canucks in a shootout, the Steelers defeat their arch rivals to stay alive, and Andrew McCutchen and Clint Hurdle were on hand at Heinz Field for the "towel waving" ceremony.  Lets take a look at today's Pittsburgh Sports Notebook:

STEELERS
- The Steelers 19-16 victory over the Ravens makes it 9 of the last 11 games these two teams have played that has been decided by 3 points or fewer.

- Rookie OLB Jarvis Jones was inactive due to a concussion.  He is still considered day to day, but more information will be released at Coach Tomlin's Tuesday Press Conference.

- Other injuries of note during the game were: Marcus Gilbert (LT) re-aggravated his quadriceps injury.  Other than that, the Steelers seemed to remain relatively healthy throughout the game.

- Shaun Suisham's 4-4 night improved his overall tally to a perfect 14-14 this season.  To say Suisham has been "Money" is an understatement.

- The Steelers improve to 2-4 and are still at the bottom of the AFC North...barely.  Here are the standings:
 
           Bengals -  5-2
           Ravens -   3-4
           Browns -  3-4
           Steelers -  2-4

- As the Steelers attempt to tie the Ravens and Browns in the North Standings, here are their next 4 games on the schedule:
       
           @ Oakland - 4:05pm
           @ New England - 4:25pm
           vs. Buffalo - 1:00pm
           vs. Detroit - 1:00pm

PENGUINS
- The Penguins (7-1-0 - 14 pts) currently sit in 1st atop the Metropolitan Division by 3 points (2nd place Carolina Hurricanes), and have a game in hand over Carolina.

- Sidney Crosby was named the NHL's 2nd star of the week.  The 3 stars were as follows:
           1 - Jonas Gustavsson
           2 - Sidney Crosby
           3 - Patrick Marleau

- Crosby was awarded the "2nd Star" for posting 2 goals and 6 assists in the 3 games this past week bumping his point total to 17 points in only 8 games.

- Crosby leads the NHL in points (17) with a 5 point margin.

- Tonight the Penguins play the Colorado Avalanche (also 7-1-0) on NBC Sports Network at 7:30.

- Here were the line matchups at today's morning skate: (Absentees: James Neal & Beau Bennett)
    - Kunitz / Crosby / Dupuis
    - Jokinen / Malkin / Kobasew
    - Glass / Sutter / Conner
    - Adams / Vitale / Zolniercyzk
    - Orpik & Martin
    - Scuderi & Niskanen
    - Maatta & Bortuzzo
    - Engelland & Letang (Not likely to Play)

PIRATES

- Clint Hurdle and Andrew McCutchen were hosted by the Steelers to start the ceremonial "Terrible Towel Wave" at Heinz Field before the Steelers beat the Ravens 19-16 on Sunday.  Video of the event is below...

Ben Roethlisberger Discusses Steelers 19-16 Win Over the Ravens