Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers voted safety Troy Polamalu team MVP and I'm sure it was close to unanimous. In a year where Ben Roethlisberger missed the first four games and the Steeler's offense was lethargic at times, Polamalu and the defense stepped up and helped the Steelers go 11-4 and get into the playoffs.
Polamalu, who was just voted to his fifth Pro-Bowl this week, was absolutely electric for most of the season. He impacts the game unlike any defensive player I've ever seen. The play he made early in the season against the Tennessee Titans, jumping over the offensive line to tackle Kerry Collins, who was trying to do a quarterback sneak was incredible. Nobody makes that play besides Troy. Polamalu also had a interception in that game and has six picks on the season, despite not playing in every game.
Talking about life, sports, politics, and everything else imaginable.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Pittsburgh Penguins Don't Rush Jordan Staal Back
Up until this year Pittsburgh Penguins center Jordan Staal had never missed a game. He was well on his way to being considered an "Iron Man" in one of the world's toughest sports. So far, the 2010 NHL regular season has been a season to forget for Staal, who has yet to play a game.
New England Patriots Are the Only Team Standing in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Way
If the Pittsburgh Steelers win their game against the Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday, they'll win the AFC North, and earn a bye in the playoffs. They will also host a playoff game in the second round of the playoffs.
None of that can go under-appreciated, considering everything that's happened on and off the field with this team this year.
None of that can go under-appreciated, considering everything that's happened on and off the field with this team this year.
Philip Rivers is not elite.
You can also read this article on Bleacher Report.com
Philip Rivers, the quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, has had his name tossed around in the category of elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
When you talk about quarterbacks nowadays, the one word you hear get tossed around is "elite." You'll hear people say, "This guy's elite, and this guy isn't."
The word itself might end up being overrated because of the way people tend to overuse it. It's also still unknown how many QBs should be labeled as elite and what the actual criteria is.Philip Rivers, the quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, has had his name tossed around in the category of elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Ryan Clark and the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to have trouble with the NFL
During the loss to the New York Jets last Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark was penalized 15 yards for his hit on Jets receiver Braylon Edwards. The penalty set up the only offensive touchdown of the game by the Jets as they went on to defeat the Steelers 22-17.
It's not surprising Steelers' fans and players were upset by the call. I thought the play deserved a flag based on the current rules. I just thought that the official called the wrong penalty. He flagged Clark for helmet to helmet contact, but there was no helmet-helmet contact. Clark did "launch" himself at Edwards, which is currently against the rules.
It's not surprising Steelers' fans and players were upset by the call. I thought the play deserved a flag based on the current rules. I just thought that the official called the wrong penalty. He flagged Clark for helmet to helmet contact, but there was no helmet-helmet contact. Clark did "launch" himself at Edwards, which is currently against the rules.
Washington Capitals fans chanting "We want Pittsburgh".
Listen to the chant "We want Pittsburgh! We Want Pittsburgh!". Be careful what you wish for. This is the best and most physical Pittsburgh Penguins team I've seen in quite some time. Sidney Crosby is already playing with a motive do you really want to feed him more motivation. Didn't the Capitals lose seven games in a row? That's funny.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Caroling with tthe Steelers
This was passed along to me bye my friend over at Pittsburghsportsontap.com Check out his work he's a really good writer.
Evgeni Malkin starting to heat up
Last month, I wrote that the Pittsburgh Penguins needed more production from Evgeni Malkin.
In the first 25 games of his 2010-2011 campaign had just eight goals and 22 points, which wasn't even good enough to be in the Top 25 in the league.
I was frustrated with Malkin's inconsistency and I knew that he was—and is—capable of much more.
Talent-wise, there's not many more physically gifted players in the NHL. Malkin is a former Art Ross—regular season leading scorer—and Conn Smythe winner—playoffs MVP.
In the first 25 games of his 2010-2011 campaign had just eight goals and 22 points, which wasn't even good enough to be in the Top 25 in the league.
I was frustrated with Malkin's inconsistency and I knew that he was—and is—capable of much more.
Talent-wise, there's not many more physically gifted players in the NHL. Malkin is a former Art Ross—regular season leading scorer—and Conn Smythe winner—playoffs MVP.
Hines Ward's Career Is Quickly Approaching the End
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is one of the most beloved athletes of all time in the city of Pittsburgh. He plays the game unlike most receivers in the NFL by blocking hard on every play and dishing out hits that would be envied by most of the defenders he faces.
His style of play fits in perfectly for the team he plays for and the city it represents.
However, Ward is 34 years old and is starting to look a little slower. Ward had two catches for 34 yards against the New York Jets. Two games before that he had just one catch for 13 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. On the season Ward has 51 catches for 672 yards, which translates to four catches and 56 yards a game on the season.
His style of play fits in perfectly for the team he plays for and the city it represents.
However, Ward is 34 years old and is starting to look a little slower. Ward had two catches for 34 yards against the New York Jets. Two games before that he had just one catch for 13 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. On the season Ward has 51 catches for 672 yards, which translates to four catches and 56 yards a game on the season.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Donovan McNabb benched because of play not because he's black
The year is 2010, and we're fast approaching 2011. Yet some people are still crying racism, still crying that they're being treated unfairly by the color of their skin.
Now I'm not saying that racism is dead. I'm sure it still exists in all parts of the world, including America.
What I don't believe is that Donovan McNabb was benched because of the color of his skin.
McNabb is supposed to be an "elite" quarterback in this league. He has very impressive career numbers and has won a lot of games. Many argue that he deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his career is over.
That is why many were stunned when McNabb was traded away from the Philadelphia Eagles last summer to the Eagles' division rival, the Washington Redskins.
The move seemed to make more sense for the Redskins since they've had so many problems and so much mediocrity at the quarterback position for such a long time. Even though the Redskins were 4-12 last year, they were expected to be a much better team with McNabb at QB. Not only that, but two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan was taking over as the head coach as well, so optimism was in the air in Washington.
However, the season and the team didn't live up to expectations. The Redskins are now 5-9, were 5-8 with McNabb as the QB and had lost three straight games leading up to the Cowboysgame . Shanahan decided to pull the trigger and bench McNabb for Rex Grossman.
Grossman is not a better QB than McNabb, but McNabb was not playing well. On the season, McNabb had 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; four games with multiple interceptions.
The Redskins, at 5-8, were not going to make the playoffs, so Shanahan wanted to see if Rex, who supposedly had a better understanding of the offense, could do any better by giving Grossman the start against theDallas Cowboys . Grossman threw four touchdown passes and 322 yards in a 33-30 loss to the Cowboys. McNabb never threw more than two touchdowns in a game all season.
So was McNabb really benched because of the color of his skin? Personally, I think that's a ridiculous statement. Every time a black QB gets benched, peoplestart accusing the coach and the organization of being racist and not wanting the QB to do well because of the color of his skin.
If that were the case, why would the Redskins trade for McNabb in the first place? Why would the Redskins give McNabb a huge contract extension in the middle of the season?
Defending McNabb is one thing, but saying it's because he's black is asinine. McNabb wasn't playing well. It's that simple. Maybe, just maybe the Redskins are shutting McNabb down for the rest of the season because it's a lost season. Maybe Shanahan just wanted to see if the problem was at the QB position. Again, McNabb had more interceptions than touchdowns, and he threw an interception in 10 straight games.
That's when all the excuses for McNabb started coming out. It's the team. It's the offensive line. It's the receivers. What about McNabb's play? Isn't an "elite" QB supposed to elevate his team? Have you seen what Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are doing with all the injuries and bad defenses their teams have suffered?
Maybe McNabb just isn't as good as he used to be. He's had a lot of injuries and is getting older. The fact is that he's not an elite quarterback anymore, so he shouldn't be treated like one.
To think that an NFL coach in this day and age would bench a player because of his skin is idiotic. All these coaches want to do is win, and McNabb wasn't winning. His play wasn't good enough.
The race card is starting to get played out. This is a business. This is a business about winning. Babying McNabb and giving him excuses is not the way to go about it. McNabb was benched because of his play, not because the color of his skin.
Now I'm not saying that racism is dead. I'm sure it still exists in all parts of the world, including America.
What I don't believe is that Donovan McNabb was benched because of the color of his skin.
McNabb is supposed to be an "elite" quarterback in this league. He has very impressive career numbers and has won a lot of games. Many argue that he deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his career is over.
That is why many were stunned when McNabb was traded away from the Philadelphia Eagles last summer to the Eagles' division rival, the Washington Redskins.
The move seemed to make more sense for the Redskins since they've had so many problems and so much mediocrity at the quarterback position for such a long time. Even though the Redskins were 4-12 last year, they were expected to be a much better team with McNabb at QB. Not only that, but two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan was taking over as the head coach as well, so optimism was in the air in Washington.
However, the season and the team didn't live up to expectations. The Redskins are now 5-9, were 5-8 with McNabb as the QB and had lost three straight games leading up to the Cowboys
Grossman is not a better QB than McNabb, but McNabb was not playing well. On the season, McNabb had 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; four games with multiple interceptions.
The Redskins, at 5-8, were not going to make the playoffs, so Shanahan wanted to see if Rex, who supposedly had a better understanding of the offense, could do any better by giving Grossman the start against the
So was McNabb really benched because of the color of his skin? Personally, I think that's a ridiculous statement. Every time a black QB gets benched, people
If that were the case, why would the Redskins trade for McNabb in the first place? Why would the Redskins give McNabb a huge contract extension in the middle of the season?
Defending McNabb is one thing, but saying it's because he's black is asinine. McNabb wasn't playing well. It's that simple. Maybe, just maybe the Redskins are shutting McNabb down for the rest of the season because it's a lost season. Maybe Shanahan just wanted to see if the problem was at the QB position. Again, McNabb had more interceptions than touchdowns, and he threw an interception in 10 straight games.
Maybe McNabb just isn't as good as he used to be. He's had a lot of injuries and is getting older. The fact is that he's not an elite quarterback anymore, so he shouldn't be treated like one.
To think that an NFL coach in this day and age would bench a player because of his skin is idiotic. All these coaches want to do is win, and McNabb wasn't winning. His play wasn't good enough.
The race card is starting to get played out. This is a business. This is a business about winning. Babying McNabb and giving him excuses is not the way to go about it. McNabb was benched because of his play, not because the color of his skin.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thougths on Life and FHl.
Today I played my first official game in the "FHL"(Franklin Hockey League) and I have a lot to say about it. The FHL is a street hockey league that was developed by John George and friends. I don't even think many of them imagined that it would be as big and/or as popular as it is today. Unlike regular hockey, the games are played with only 8 players and two goalies because of the size of the court.
This year is the first year that I'm playing in the FHL. I went into the day nervous and not knowing what to expect. I've played hockey at different levels before, and have had a recent run of success at Penn Hills dek hockey. Up there I captained, coached, and played for the "Sasquatch Gang". In five different seasons at Penn Hills I finished in the top 10 in three of the five seasons I played up there in points. Every team I played for up there made the playoffs but was always upset in the first or second round in the playoffs. Since most of my team is in college, we now usually only play one season a year, in the summer.
I've known about the FHL since it's existence. I never had much interest in playing for a number of reasons, but mostly I was just being immature. I was also quite jealous of the success that the FHL has had in the last few years. Again just me being immature.
However, I've grown up some since my days at Steel Valley, where I developed a not so great reputation. I've had some dark days in my life in the past few years of my life and have made some very poor choices at times. At the same time I've been working on improving my life in every way possible. I've recently been accepted by Point Park University, which I hope to be attending in the fall of 2011.
I've also been having some recent success in the field of sports journalism. I'm not the greatest writer in the world, but I do know sports. I've had some good success with this very blog and on the sports website bleacherreport.com. My hopes and dreams are to be a success writer and/or radio personal, making a living talking about sports.
As for the FHL, I was quite surprised about the way I was treated by my captain(Andrew McDonald) and my teammates, in a good way. I was treated fairly and felt very comfortable playing for and with them. I was nervous for a number of reasons about playing in the FHL but those feeling have since disappeared. I was fully aware that there are a "few" people that may not like me at FHL. I'm sure that some of those same people know that I may have said some not-so-nice things about some of them. Most of these feelings stem back from my high school days, which if you think about it is pretty silly. Which is the beautiful thing about sports. You don't have to like your teammates or your opponents, but you should show someone respect. I can now admit I was wrong about some people that are involved in the FHL and wrong about the FHL overall.
Obviously the FHL created stems from the recent success of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the fact that Sidney Crosby, the greatest hockey player in the world today plays right here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even one of the teams are named after him called "the Crosby's". The FHL has donated to multiple charities in the Pittsburgh area, and even has a toy drive every year for kids that are less fortunate.
In the end I think the FHL is a great thing and I'm not afraid to admit it anymore. It gives former high school sports stars a chance to redeem their glory days, and most of all, it allows people that love the sport of hockey to get together on Saturdays and play the beautiful game it is.
This year is the first year that I'm playing in the FHL. I went into the day nervous and not knowing what to expect. I've played hockey at different levels before, and have had a recent run of success at Penn Hills dek hockey. Up there I captained, coached, and played for the "Sasquatch Gang". In five different seasons at Penn Hills I finished in the top 10 in three of the five seasons I played up there in points. Every team I played for up there made the playoffs but was always upset in the first or second round in the playoffs. Since most of my team is in college, we now usually only play one season a year, in the summer.
I've known about the FHL since it's existence. I never had much interest in playing for a number of reasons, but mostly I was just being immature. I was also quite jealous of the success that the FHL has had in the last few years. Again just me being immature.
However, I've grown up some since my days at Steel Valley, where I developed a not so great reputation. I've had some dark days in my life in the past few years of my life and have made some very poor choices at times. At the same time I've been working on improving my life in every way possible. I've recently been accepted by Point Park University, which I hope to be attending in the fall of 2011.
I've also been having some recent success in the field of sports journalism. I'm not the greatest writer in the world, but I do know sports. I've had some good success with this very blog and on the sports website bleacherreport.com. My hopes and dreams are to be a success writer and/or radio personal, making a living talking about sports.
As for the FHL, I was quite surprised about the way I was treated by my captain(Andrew McDonald) and my teammates, in a good way. I was treated fairly and felt very comfortable playing for and with them. I was nervous for a number of reasons about playing in the FHL but those feeling have since disappeared. I was fully aware that there are a "few" people that may not like me at FHL. I'm sure that some of those same people know that I may have said some not-so-nice things about some of them. Most of these feelings stem back from my high school days, which if you think about it is pretty silly. Which is the beautiful thing about sports. You don't have to like your teammates or your opponents, but you should show someone respect. I can now admit I was wrong about some people that are involved in the FHL and wrong about the FHL overall.
Obviously the FHL created stems from the recent success of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the fact that Sidney Crosby, the greatest hockey player in the world today plays right here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even one of the teams are named after him called "the Crosby's". The FHL has donated to multiple charities in the Pittsburgh area, and even has a toy drive every year for kids that are less fortunate.
In the end I think the FHL is a great thing and I'm not afraid to admit it anymore. It gives former high school sports stars a chance to redeem their glory days, and most of all, it allows people that love the sport of hockey to get together on Saturdays and play the beautiful game it is.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Big Ben Roethlisberger getting treated unfialry on and off the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger must be playing in the NFL under a completely different set of rules than the rest of the quarterbacks in the league. At least it sure seems like it. Roethlisberger has been hit after the play on multiple occasions lately, especially in the last few games. I'm not the only one that is seeing it, as Ben and his teammates even addressed the issue afterthe game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In thatgame Roethlisberger was hit by Bengals safety Roy Williams after he had already thrown the football, which should have resulted in a roughing the passer penalty.
Here's the definition for roughing the passer: "Flagrantly running into or hitting the quarterback after the ball has been released. Can also be called when a defender hits the quarterback in the head."
As a Steelers fan, I am more concerned for the health and protection of the Steelersfranchise QB than the penalty not being called.
Big Ben was already playing with a broken nose and a broken bone in his foot, so you would like to think that the referees would be watching for these kind of hits. Well, it was apparent that they either didn't see these hits, which is highly unlikely, or they just refuse to call any kind of roughing against the Steelers quarterback.
Against the Baltimore Ravens, Ben was hit in the face during a play by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. The play resulted in a broken nose for Ben and no penalty. Roethlisberger told the media that the official's explanation for the non-call was that Ngata was just trying to tackle him. That makes no sense because you simply can not touch another player's face mask or helmet, especially a quarterback's helmet or face mask.
The "just trying to tackle him" argument is a result of Ben's style of play. Ben and the Steelers are at their best when he is scrambling around, avoiding sacks and breaking tackles. But I'm not talking about Ben getting tackled, I'm talking about him getting roughed up by opposing players after the play is either already over, or after Ben has gotten rid of the ball.
This is the same league that goes out of its way to call roughing the passer on the Steelers at all costs. This is the same league that created a new rule after Tom Brady was hit and injured in 2008. These are the same referees that called a roughing the passer call against the Eagles after Peyton Manning's helmet was grazed by an Eagles player.
So every time Ben takes a questionable hit and there's no call, Steelers fans are going to ask themselves "What if that was Brady or Manning instead?"
Is it that simple or is Ben being treated unfairly? The conspiracy theorists may be on to something when they say that the Steelers are being targeted by the NFL. Ben is telling the media that he's getting weird explanations from the officials after these non-calls happen. Even after Ben plays with broken bones, the refs still refuse to call the game the same way for Ben as they do with other QB's.
Is it just because of the style of play that Ben plays? Is it because he's a bigger QB and they think he can handle it? Are they simply just missing these calls? Or is Roethlisberger being made an example out of by Roger Goodell and the NFL?
Remember that Ben is the only player to have been suspended by the league for violating the code of conduct without being charged with a crime and/or arrested. We saw countless players get charged with crimes and arrested this offseason, and most of them faced little or no punishment.
Ben was neither charged nor arrested yet he was convicted by the media, fans and the NFL. Even though Ben wasn't charged, he received a six-game suspension that was later reduced to a four-game suspension by Goodell. Like many others, I was outraged by the length of suspension and the way Ben was being treated by the league and the media.
I'm not outraged by the way he's being treated during the games. Ben is getting roughed up by the opposing teams throughout the game, and sometimes it's blatant and very easy to see. Yet, he continues to get no calls from the refs. It's not just Ben either. Steeler nation has been upset with the officiating through the season, causing them and the players to believe they are being targeted by the NFL.
If the refs are simply missing the calls, that's also unacceptable. I understand the human-error element of it, but they should be held to a higher standard and be held more accountable. The league can't allow officials to try and ruin this beautiful game. If there's more to it, then we also have a problem. A bigger problem.
If Ben and the Steelers are being targeted and being made an example of by the league, then we have an integrity problem. Either way, something has to be done. These issues need to addressed sooner rather than later. The Steelers and their fans have a reason to gripe about the way their team and quarterback are being treated.
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In that
Here's the definition for roughing the passer: "Flagrantly running into or hitting the quarterback after the ball has been released. Can also be called when a defender hits the quarterback in the head."
As a Steelers fan, I am more concerned for the health and protection of the Steelers
Big Ben was already playing with a broken nose and a broken bone in his foot, so you would like to think that the referees would be watching for these kind of hits. Well, it was apparent that they either didn't see these hits, which is highly unlikely, or they just refuse to call any kind of roughing against the Steelers quarterback.
Against the Baltimore Ravens, Ben was hit in the face during a play by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. The play resulted in a broken nose for Ben and no penalty. Roethlisberger told the media that the official's explanation for the non-call was that Ngata was just trying to tackle him. That makes no sense because you simply can not touch another player's face mask or helmet, especially a quarterback's helmet or face mask.
This is the same league that goes out of its way to call roughing the passer on the Steelers at all costs. This is the same league that created a new rule after Tom Brady was hit and injured in 2008. These are the same referees that called a roughing the passer call against the Eagles after Peyton Manning's helmet was grazed by an Eagles player.
So every time Ben takes a questionable hit and there's no call, Steelers fans are going to ask themselves "What if that was Brady or Manning instead?"
Is it that simple or is Ben being treated unfairly? The conspiracy theorists may be on to something when they say that the Steelers are being targeted by the NFL. Ben is telling the media that he's getting weird explanations from the officials after these non-calls happen. Even after Ben plays with broken bones, the refs still refuse to call the game the same way for Ben as they do with other QB's.
Is it just because of the style of play that Ben plays? Is it because he's a bigger QB and they think he can handle it? Are they simply just missing these calls? Or is Roethlisberger being made an example out of by Roger Goodell and the NFL?
Ben was neither charged nor arrested yet he was convicted by the media, fans and the NFL. Even though Ben wasn't charged, he received a six-game suspension that was later reduced to a four-game suspension by Goodell. Like many others, I was outraged by the length of suspension and the way Ben was being treated by the league and the media.
I'm not outraged by the way he's being treated during the games. Ben is getting roughed up by the opposing teams throughout the game, and sometimes it's blatant and very easy to see. Yet, he continues to get no calls from the refs. It's not just Ben either. Steeler nation has been upset with the officiating through the season, causing them and the players to believe they are being targeted by the NFL.
If the refs are simply missing the calls, that's also unacceptable. I understand the human-error element of it, but they should be held to a higher standard and be held more accountable. The league can't allow officials to try and ruin this beautiful game. If there's more to it, then we also have a problem. A bigger problem.
If Ben and the Steelers are being targeted and being made an example of by the league, then we have an integrity problem. Either way, something has to be done. These issues need to addressed sooner rather than later. The Steelers and their fans have a reason to gripe about the way their team and quarterback are being treated.
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Around the league
Of course the Steelers won yesterday but other games around the NFL did take place. Check out some of these videos from around the league.
The New York Giants were supposed to play the Minnesota Vikings at Minnesota yesterday. Unfortunately for both teams and the city of Minnesota this happened to the Vikings' stadium.
I'm sorry but that video is just awesome. I feel bad for Vikings' fans but I wouldn't want that to happen to a Pittsburgh stadium but I just think the video is really cool looking. The Vikings and Giants are going to play their game Monday night in Detroit. So much for home-field advantage.
Speaking of bizarre check out this video of an incident that happened during the game between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
For starters I did laugh when I originally saw this. It sucks that the player got hurt and a coach or anyone doing that on the sidelines is cowardly and uncalled for.
As a Steelers' fan it reminded me of an "almost incident" when Bill Cowher almost punched a Jaguars player after the Jags blocked a Steelers kick and returned it for a touchdown. The only difference being that Cowher only gestured the act and this guy from the Jets went through with it.
The New York Giants were supposed to play the Minnesota Vikings at Minnesota yesterday. Unfortunately for both teams and the city of Minnesota this happened to the Vikings' stadium.
I'm sorry but that video is just awesome. I feel bad for Vikings' fans but I wouldn't want that to happen to a Pittsburgh stadium but I just think the video is really cool looking. The Vikings and Giants are going to play their game Monday night in Detroit. So much for home-field advantage.
Speaking of bizarre check out this video of an incident that happened during the game between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
For starters I did laugh when I originally saw this. It sucks that the player got hurt and a coach or anyone doing that on the sidelines is cowardly and uncalled for.
As a Steelers' fan it reminded me of an "almost incident" when Bill Cowher almost punched a Jaguars player after the Jags blocked a Steelers kick and returned it for a touchdown. The only difference being that Cowher only gestured the act and this guy from the Jets went through with it.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Steelers need the bye week in the playoffs
There is no doubt that the win over the Baltimore Ravens was huge. It was a prime time game against a division rival, on the road. It also allows the Pittsburgh Steelers to control their own destiny in more ways then one.
Not only are the Steelers now in first place of the AFC North, they're essentially two games up on the Ravens(8-4) because of the divisional records of each team. If the Steelers win out or if they don't lose either of their last two remaining divisional games—they will win the AFC North.
Furthermore, the Steelers are now in control of getting a bye in the AFC playoffs. The New England Patriots will most likely get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The only way the Steelers can pass the Patriots is if they finish with a better record.
That's probably not going to happen.
If the Steelers can finish with the No. 2 seed in the AFC they will guarantee themselves a bye in the playoffs and a home game in the divisional round. That would be huge for this team considering how the season has gone.
The Steelers are a banged up team right now, with some key players with serious injuries. Starting with their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who has two different injuries. Big Ben has a broken nose, causing him to wear a clear visor on his face-mask this week. Roethlisberger also suffered a "foot injury" against the Buffalo Bills a few weeks ago—which obviously isn't going to heal with him playing every week.
Could the Steelers get to the Super Bowl without getting a bye week in the playoffs?
If the Steelers can get a bye in the playoffs, Ben will have a whole week to rest up all his injuries. That scenario is very similar to 2008, when Ben suffered a concussion in the last game of the season. The Steelers earned a bye, and Ben had a week to heal up.
He came out fresh and played very well against the San Diego Chargers. If the Steelers don't get that bye that playoff run could have been very different. Ben might not have even been available to play if not for the bye.
Roethlisberger isn't the only one injured. Aaron Smith, who is a very key part of the defense has been out since October with a torn tricep. Smith has just been cleared to start lifting weights and is projecting to be ready to return by the first round of the playoffs. Once again, if the Steelers can earn that bye, Smith will get an extra week to rest up and get ready.
Along with those two, everyone else will be able to heal up and get some much needed rest. Which is the biggest benefit of the bye. The New York Jets game is no longer as important as it once seemed since the Jets lost to the Patriots. The Jets can't finish first unless they pass the Patriots which isn't likely. The games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are much more important, because the Steelers will finish with a better divisional record than the Ravens.
I don't think this team can win a Super Bowl if they fail to get a bye week. They are too banged up. I know a lot of people will point to the run to Super Bowl XL, but that was a once in a lifetime thing. These Steelers aren't as healthy or as hot as that team was.
Not to mention that they are most likely and most unfortunately going to have to beat the Patriots to get to the Super Bowl. That's going to be the biggest challenge for this team by far. I would at least want to have everyone healthy for that game if it happens, and that still might not be enough. But it can't a hurt. The Steelers have to get a bye if they want to have a legit shot at winning another Super Bowl this year. That's one thing for sure.
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Not only are the Steelers now in first place of the AFC North, they're essentially two games up on the Ravens(8-4) because of the divisional records of each team. If the Steelers win out or if they don't lose either of their last two remaining divisional games—they will win the AFC North.
Furthermore, the Steelers are now in control of getting a bye in the AFC playoffs. The New England Patriots will most likely get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The only way the Steelers can pass the Patriots is if they finish with a better record.
That's probably not going to happen.
If the Steelers can finish with the No. 2 seed in the AFC they will guarantee themselves a bye in the playoffs and a home game in the divisional round. That would be huge for this team considering how the season has gone.
The Steelers are a banged up team right now, with some key players with serious injuries. Starting with their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who has two different injuries. Big Ben has a broken nose, causing him to wear a clear visor on his face-mask this week. Roethlisberger also suffered a "foot injury" against the Buffalo Bills a few weeks ago—which obviously isn't going to heal with him playing every week.
Could the Steelers get to the Super Bowl without getting a bye week in the playoffs?
If the Steelers can get a bye in the playoffs, Ben will have a whole week to rest up all his injuries. That scenario is very similar to 2008, when Ben suffered a concussion in the last game of the season. The Steelers earned a bye, and Ben had a week to heal up.
He came out fresh and played very well against the San Diego Chargers. If the Steelers don't get that bye that playoff run could have been very different. Ben might not have even been available to play if not for the bye.
Roethlisberger isn't the only one injured. Aaron Smith, who is a very key part of the defense has been out since October with a torn tricep. Smith has just been cleared to start lifting weights and is projecting to be ready to return by the first round of the playoffs. Once again, if the Steelers can earn that bye, Smith will get an extra week to rest up and get ready.
Along with those two, everyone else will be able to heal up and get some much needed rest. Which is the biggest benefit of the bye. The New York Jets game is no longer as important as it once seemed since the Jets lost to the Patriots. The Jets can't finish first unless they pass the Patriots which isn't likely. The games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are much more important, because the Steelers will finish with a better divisional record than the Ravens.
I don't think this team can win a Super Bowl if they fail to get a bye week. They are too banged up. I know a lot of people will point to the run to Super Bowl XL, but that was a once in a lifetime thing. These Steelers aren't as healthy or as hot as that team was.
Not to mention that they are most likely and most unfortunately going to have to beat the Patriots to get to the Super Bowl. That's going to be the biggest challenge for this team by far. I would at least want to have everyone healthy for that game if it happens, and that still might not be enough. But it can't a hurt. The Steelers have to get a bye if they want to have a legit shot at winning another Super Bowl this year. That's one thing for sure.
You can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/madchad1187
Steelers news and updates
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at 1 pm.
The Steelers are going to be awfully banged up. You already know Ben Roethlisberger will be playing with a broken nose and still has his foot injury. Ben will play with a clear visor on his facemask this week. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Speaking of Ben's nose, Mario Lemieux recently told Ben that he looks like a hockey player.
As for the rest of the team here's what the injury list looks like.
Heath Miller is doubtful after he took that vicious hit.
Issac Redman is questionable with a reported ankle injury.
Aaron Smith is out but has been allowed to begin lifting weights. If the Steelers can get him back healthy for the playoffs it would be huge.
Surprisingly Flozell Adams says he'll play against the Bengals. Adams left the game against the Ravens with a high ankle sprain.
Also the Steelers believe that the Baltimore Ravens targeted James Harrsion.
The Steelers are going to be awfully banged up. You already know Ben Roethlisberger will be playing with a broken nose and still has his foot injury. Ben will play with a clear visor on his facemask this week. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Speaking of Ben's nose, Mario Lemieux recently told Ben that he looks like a hockey player.
As for the rest of the team here's what the injury list looks like.
Heath Miller is doubtful after he took that vicious hit.
Issac Redman is questionable with a reported ankle injury.
Aaron Smith is out but has been allowed to begin lifting weights. If the Steelers can get him back healthy for the playoffs it would be huge.
Surprisingly Flozell Adams says he'll play against the Bengals. Adams left the game against the Ravens with a high ankle sprain.
Also the Steelers believe that the Baltimore Ravens targeted James Harrsion.
25 Best Rock Ballads of all-time
Since the popularity of this blog has taken off over the past few months, I've been getting requests via email or just when people run into me to do some more lists. I love discussing and debating certain rankings and lists, whether it be about sports, music, or movies.
So I'm going to have a weekly installment of a top 25 list for certain topics for now on.
Today's list is going to be the top 25 Rock Ballads of all-time. I did not separate it as far as "power ballads" or "hard rock ballads". I ranked these songs based on lyrics, music, and vocals. Some of these may be biased but I literally listened to over 500 songs considered ballads before this list. I used a few other lists for research and made then used my own tastes to come up with the list below.
Some of these are love ballads, and some of them are some of the saddest songs you will ever hear. Most of them are just good music.I hope you enjoy and please feel free to comment and make your own lists below.
25. Elton John- Tiny Dancer
This song was made popular once again thanks to the really good movie "Almost Famous" which came out in 2001.
24. Red Hot Chilli Peppers- Under the Bridge
23. Cinderella- Don't Know What you got til it's gone
22. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters
21. Guns N' Roses- Patience
20. Lynyrd Skynyrd- Simple Man
19. U2-One
18. Eric Clapton- Tears in heaven
17. The Rolling Stones- Wild Horses
16. Simon and Garfunkel- Bridge over Troubled Water
15. Don McLean- American Pie
14. Bob Dylan- Times they are a changin
13. Boston- More than a feeling
12. Pink Floyd- Hey You
11. Pearl Jam- Black
10. Simon and Garfunkel
9. Guns N'Roses- November Rain
8. The Beatles- Let it Be
7. John Lennon- Imagine
6. The Who- Behind Blue Eyes
5. Aerosmith- Dream On
4. The Eagles- Hotel California
3. The Beatles- Hey Jude
2. Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven
1. Pink Floyd- Wish you were here
So I'm going to have a weekly installment of a top 25 list for certain topics for now on.
Today's list is going to be the top 25 Rock Ballads of all-time. I did not separate it as far as "power ballads" or "hard rock ballads". I ranked these songs based on lyrics, music, and vocals. Some of these may be biased but I literally listened to over 500 songs considered ballads before this list. I used a few other lists for research and made then used my own tastes to come up with the list below.
Some of these are love ballads, and some of them are some of the saddest songs you will ever hear. Most of them are just good music.I hope you enjoy and please feel free to comment and make your own lists below.
25. Elton John- Tiny Dancer
This song was made popular once again thanks to the really good movie "Almost Famous" which came out in 2001.
24. Red Hot Chilli Peppers- Under the Bridge
23. Cinderella- Don't Know What you got til it's gone
22. Metallica- Nothing Else Matters
21. Guns N' Roses- Patience
20. Lynyrd Skynyrd- Simple Man
19. U2-One
18. Eric Clapton- Tears in heaven
17. The Rolling Stones- Wild Horses
16. Simon and Garfunkel- Bridge over Troubled Water
15. Don McLean- American Pie
14. Bob Dylan- Times they are a changin
13. Boston- More than a feeling
12. Pink Floyd- Hey You
11. Pearl Jam- Black
10. Simon and Garfunkel
9. Guns N'Roses- November Rain
8. The Beatles- Let it Be
7. John Lennon- Imagine
6. The Who- Behind Blue Eyes
5. Aerosmith- Dream On
4. The Eagles- Hotel California
3. The Beatles- Hey Jude
2. Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven
1. Pink Floyd- Wish you were here
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tom Brady deserves the MVP over Mike Vick
Michael Vick has come a long way as a person and especially as a quarterback. He has become a more patient, accurate passer. When he played for the Falcons, he would always look to run, which can hurt a team more than it can help.
I wasn't always the biggest fan of Vick when he was in Atlanta. I thought he was stubborn and definitely thought he wasn't as good of a quarterback as everyone thought he was. His careercompletion percentage was well below 60 percent, which is well below NFL standards. I thought his accuracy and decision making were not very impressive.
Since Vick has been playing for the Eagles, it's hard to not be impressed with his growth and development has a quarterback. He's always had the talent physically. He has a rocket launcher of an arm and the speed and agility of a running back. Now he seems to have it upstairs.
I think a lot of credit should go to Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who was very influential in turning Donovan McNabb into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Some credit should also go to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and McNabb for Vick's transformation.
Right now Vick is having a great season, with 15 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. His quarterback rating (105.7) is good enough for second in the NFL. Vick has the Eagles in first place of the NFC East with a 8-4 record and poised to make the playoffs. His performance against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football last month was one of the best performances I have ever seen. Vick threw four touchdown passes and ran for two touchdowns as well.
All that is great, but having said that Vick still doesn't deserve to be the NFL MVP this year. No, that award should go to Tom Brady. What Brady is doing right now is incredible. It pains me to say it because I am from Pittsburgh and am very much a Steelers fan.
Right now Brady leads the league in quarterback rating (109.5), touchdown passes (27) and has just four interceptions on the season. Brady threw four touchdowns against the New York Jets Monday night, and threw three touchdowns against the Steelers last month. That's very impressive considering that both of those teams have two of the best defenses in the NFL.
It's all impressive what Brady is doing if you consider what his supporting cast looks like. His defense ranks second to last in the NFL in terms of yards allowed and is just 18th in the league in points allowed pergame . Brady doesn't have a receiver like the Eagles' DeSean Jackson or a running back like the Eagles' LeSean McCoy both of whom could be elected to this years pro-bowl.
You also have to consider that Brady has played in every game and has the Patriots at 10-2, which is tied for the best record in the league. Brady and Head Coach Bill Bilichick are pulling off a tremendous season, when many thought they would have one of their worst seasons this year, especially after they got rid of Randy Moss, when they traded him to theMinnesota Vikings . Look where Moss is now and look where the Patriots are.
I love the Steelers and think they're one of the best teams in the league. But my Pittsburgh bias can't stop my appreciation for the Patriots this year. I don't want them to win, but what they're doing this year is impressive. Look at what Brady is doing when you see how Peyton Manning is struggling with a mediocre offensive line, no running game to speak of and an injured and mediocre receiving core (besides Reggie Wayne).
I'm also impressed with Vick's transformation into what looks like a very elite caliber as a quarterback. He's definitely going to win Comeback Player of the Year, but he's not the MVP of the league. Brady is, and you may not like it, but it's true.
I wasn't always the biggest fan of Vick when he was in Atlanta. I thought he was stubborn and definitely thought he wasn't as good of a quarterback as everyone thought he was. His career
Since Vick has been playing for the Eagles, it's hard to not be impressed with his growth and development has a quarterback. He's always had the talent physically. He has a rocket launcher of an arm and the speed and agility of a running back. Now he seems to have it upstairs.
I think a lot of credit should go to Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who was very influential in turning Donovan McNabb into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Some credit should also go to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and McNabb for Vick's transformation.
Right now Vick is having a great season, with 15 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. His quarterback rating (105.7) is good enough for second in the NFL. Vick has the Eagles in first place of the NFC East with a 8-4 record and poised to make the playoffs. His performance against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football last month was one of the best performances I have ever seen. Vick threw four touchdown passes and ran for two touchdowns as well.
Right now Brady leads the league in quarterback rating (109.5), touchdown passes (27) and has just four interceptions on the season. Brady threw four touchdowns against the New York Jets Monday night, and threw three touchdowns against the Steelers last month. That's very impressive considering that both of those teams have two of the best defenses in the NFL.
It's all impressive what Brady is doing if you consider what his supporting cast looks like. His defense ranks second to last in the NFL in terms of yards allowed and is just 18th in the league in points allowed per
You also have to consider that Brady has played in every game and has the Patriots at 10-2, which is tied for the best record in the league. Brady and Head Coach Bill Bilichick are pulling off a tremendous season, when many thought they would have one of their worst seasons this year, especially after they got rid of Randy Moss, when they traded him to the
I'm also impressed with Vick's transformation into what looks like a very elite caliber as a quarterback. He's definitely going to win Comeback Player of the Year, but he's not the MVP of the league. Brady is, and you may not like it, but it's true.
Pens getting their money's worth with Kris Letang
Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Ray Shero is really good at getting quality players for good deals. Well I think it's safe to say that he got the Penguins another bargain when he signed defenseman Kris Letang to a new deal this past March. Letang was signed to a four-year contract extension that runs through the 2013-14 season with the Penguins worth an annual $3.5 million.
When Letang for made his debut, many fans and critics were skeptical of hisgame . He took some big risks on the ice and often left his defense out to dry when he tried to join the rush. He was often criticized for being out of position and being careless with the puck.
My how things have changed. Letang is having a huge 2010-2011 season so far, second to Atlanta's Dustin Byfuglien in terms of points by a defensman with 26 points. Letang already has more goals than he did last season with five, and is on pace to have 14 goals and 74 points this year.
Letang's offensive performance can't be underestimated considering that they cut ties with Sergei Gonchar, was a very good offensive defenseman for the Penguins the last three years. Letang has not been as strong as Gonchar on the power-play, having just seven power-play points. But Letang has replaced Gonchar as far as a strong offensive presence on the blue-line for the Pens.
The most impressive thing about Letang is the amount of confidence he seems to have on the ice. Now he seems to have an understanding of when it's ok to take certain risks on the ice in terms of joining the rush. He's become so comfortable on the ice that his playing time continues to increase. Letang is now averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game and is often on the ice when the opposing team has their top line on the ice.
Pens' fans aren't the only ones noticing Letang's play. ESPN currently has him as the top contender for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the NHL"s best defenseman at the end of the season. Letang is also the top vote getter for the 2010-2011 NHL All-Star game for defensemen, which is really impressive being that he wasn't even on the ballot, you literally had to write his name for to vote for him.
It's not all Letang though, the Pens defense as a core has been very impressive this year, especially during this ten game win streak. Brooks Orpik, Letangs partner on defense, should also be given some credit for Letang's breakout season. Orpik is a very tough, and smart defensmen, who often covers for Letang, allowing Letang to join the offensive rush.
At just the age of 23, it's Letang's play seems even more impressive. His potential seems sky high and Letang could very well develop into one of the best offensive defensemen of his era. Here's hoping.
When Letang for made his debut, many fans and critics were skeptical of his
My how things have changed. Letang is having a huge 2010-2011 season so far, second to Atlanta's Dustin Byfuglien in terms of points by a defensman with 26 points. Letang already has more goals than he did last season with five, and is on pace to have 14 goals and 74 points this year.
Letang's offensive performance can't be underestimated considering that they cut ties with Sergei Gonchar, was a very good offensive defenseman for the Penguins the last three years. Letang has not been as strong as Gonchar on the power-play, having just seven power-play points. But Letang has replaced Gonchar as far as a strong offensive presence on the blue-line for the Pens.
The most impressive thing about Letang is the amount of confidence he seems to have on the ice. Now he seems to have an understanding of when it's ok to take certain risks on the ice in terms of joining the rush. He's become so comfortable on the ice that his playing time continues to increase. Letang is now averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game and is often on the ice when the opposing team has their top line on the ice.
It's not all Letang though, the Pens defense as a core has been very impressive this year, especially during this ten game win streak. Brooks Orpik, Letangs partner on defense, should also be given some credit for Letang's breakout season. Orpik is a very tough, and smart defensmen, who often covers for Letang, allowing Letang to join the offensive rush.
At just the age of 23, it's Letang's play seems even more impressive. His potential seems sky high and Letang could very well develop into one of the best offensive defensemen of his era. Here's hoping.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Steelers pass defense still their main concern
After winning a hard fought game against the hated Baltimore Ravens, mostly all is good in Steeler Nation. It was a very important win for the team as they now control their own destiny to get a bye in the playoffs.
There is still a big concern for this team: The Steelers' pass defense is quickly becoming something that might hold this team back from winning the Super Bowl.
The NFL is a passing league. The Steelers haven't faced many good quarterbacks this year, yet they still have looked mediocre defending the pass.
Every week, we hear that the opposing team won't be able to run the ball and that the Steelers don't get the ball run on them. While that is true, I'm not sure opposing teams should even be concerned about running the ball against the Steelers.
In the game against the Ravens, Joe Flaccocompleted two passes of at least 60 yards. Bryant McFadden and Ryan Clark were the two defenders on those two plays. What bothers me is this defense is at least supposed to prevent those big pass plays.
The Steelers often play a deep zone coverage with some sort of blitz. The problem is when teams pick up on the blitz. On the first deep ball, the Ravens kept seven guys in to block, having only three receivers running routes. Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' best defensive back, blitzed on the play but he and the rest of the pass-rushers were picked up by the Ravens, resulting in a 61-yard completion to Anquan Boldin.
Which tells me that teams are doing a good job of preparing for the the Steelers' defense, and that most are caught up on Dick LeBeau's scheme.
Luckily for the Steelers, Flacco isn't a truly elite quarterback. He's a good QB, but he is still young and he's not verycerebral . However, he and the Ravens did win the first meeting between the two teams, and they won by throwing the ball. If Flacco and and the Ravens can do that, what's going to happen when the Steelers play one of the best pass defenses in the NFL in the playoffs?
Perhaps no team was more prepared than the New England Patriots. When the Pats came to town they had no interest in running the ball. They spread the Steelers out with four and five wide-receiver sets, and went on to throw the ball 43 times for 343 yards.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick own the Steelers and know how to beat them. Of course Brady and the Pats seem to do that to every team, but this defense is supposed to be elite; it's supposed to be the best.
The same thing happened two weeks before that game when the Steelers playedthe New Orleans Saints . The Saints had no intention of running the ball against the Steelers. They lined Drew Brees up in the shotgun with three, four, and sometimes five-receiver sets, and threw the ball over 40 times.
Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but I still think it's the only way to beat the Steelers.
Brees went on to complete 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns on the night. In the second half, Brees completed 20 of 22 passes and led the Saints to 17 of their 20 points, which leads me to believe that the Steelers coaching staff must be one of the worst at making halftime adjustments, both offensively and defensively.
The Steelers did a decent job against Brees, but the Saints obviously made some minor adjustments at halftime that allowed Brees to go 20 of 22 throwing the ball.
Looking back all the way to Super Bowl XLIII against Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers did a good job in the first half, holding the Cardinals to seven points. But in the second half, Warner threw for over 200 yards, and the Cardinals regained the lead.
Last year, Bruce Gradkowski led not one, but two game-winning drives against the Steelers, who made him and Louis Murphy look like All-Pros.
Last year, everyone gave the defense a pass because Polamalu missed most of the year and the Steelers had replaced cornerback McFadden with William Gay. Now both Polamalu and McFadden are back and starting, but we're still getting the same results.
Polamalu played some the worst football of his career against the Saints and the Patriots, often getting beat deep in coverage and missing more than one tackle.
In all three of the Steelers' losses this year, you can blame their week pass defense.
And, part of the blame goes to LeBeau and Mike Tomlin.
They continue to have their corners play eight and sometimes 10 yards off the ball, allowing teams to complete short passes the entire game. The Steelers play a safe coverage trying to prevent the big play. That's fine, but at the same time, if the opposing team continues to complete four to 6-yard passes, it still adds up the same.
They need to be more aggressive and press the corners with a blitz, the same thing that other defenses try to do them. Playing safe isn't always the best option.
This prevent-style defense could end up costing the Steelers a big playoff, however, especially considering that their opponent will most likely have one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
I just hope the Steelers aren't too arrogant to realize that they have a big problem to fix.
Pittsburgh is going to make the playoffs this year, but what happens if they have to face Brady and the Pats?
Do you feel confident they can stop them?
There is still a big concern for this team: The Steelers' pass defense is quickly becoming something that might hold this team back from winning the Super Bowl.
The NFL is a passing league. The Steelers haven't faced many good quarterbacks this year, yet they still have looked mediocre defending the pass.
Every week, we hear that the opposing team won't be able to run the ball and that the Steelers don't get the ball run on them. While that is true, I'm not sure opposing teams should even be concerned about running the ball against the Steelers.
In the game against the Ravens, Joe Flacco
The Steelers often play a deep zone coverage with some sort of blitz. The problem is when teams pick up on the blitz. On the first deep ball, the Ravens kept seven guys in to block, having only three receivers running routes. Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' best defensive back, blitzed on the play but he and the rest of the pass-rushers were picked up by the Ravens, resulting in a 61-yard completion to Anquan Boldin.
Luckily for the Steelers, Flacco isn't a truly elite quarterback. He's a good QB, but he is still young and he's not very
Perhaps no team was more prepared than the New England Patriots. When the Pats came to town they had no interest in running the ball. They spread the Steelers out with four and five wide-receiver sets, and went on to throw the ball 43 times for 343 yards.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick own the Steelers and know how to beat them. Of course Brady and the Pats seem to do that to every team, but this defense is supposed to be elite; it's supposed to be the best.
The same thing happened two weeks before that game when the Steelers played
Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but I still think it's the only way to beat the Steelers.
Brees went on to complete 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns on the night. In the second half, Brees completed 20 of 22 passes and led the Saints to 17 of their 20 points, which leads me to believe that the Steelers coaching staff must be one of the worst at making halftime adjustments, both offensively and defensively.
The Steelers did a decent job against Brees, but the Saints obviously made some minor adjustments at halftime that allowed Brees to go 20 of 22 throwing the ball.
Looking back all the way to Super Bowl XLIII against Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers did a good job in the first half, holding the Cardinals to seven points. But in the second half, Warner threw for over 200 yards, and the Cardinals regained the lead.
Last year, Bruce Gradkowski led not one, but two game-winning drives against the Steelers, who made him and Louis Murphy look like All-Pros.
Last year, everyone gave the defense a pass because Polamalu missed most of the year and the Steelers had replaced cornerback McFadden with William Gay. Now both Polamalu and McFadden are back and starting, but we're still getting the same results.
In all three of the Steelers' losses this year, you can blame their week pass defense.
And, part of the blame goes to LeBeau and Mike Tomlin.
They continue to have their corners play eight and sometimes 10 yards off the ball, allowing teams to complete short passes the entire game. The Steelers play a safe coverage trying to prevent the big play. That's fine, but at the same time, if the opposing team continues to complete four to 6-yard passes, it still adds up the same.
They need to be more aggressive and press the corners with a blitz, the same thing that other defenses try to do them. Playing safe isn't always the best option.
This prevent-style defense could end up costing the Steelers a big playoff, however, especially considering that their opponent will most likely have one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
I just hope the Steelers aren't too arrogant to realize that they have a big problem to fix.
Pittsburgh is going to make the playoffs this year, but what happens if they have to face Brady and the Pats?
Do you feel confident they can stop them?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Two huge blown calls in the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens got together for their second meeting of the year. It was one hell of a game, to say the least. It was basically a playoff game, played by two very good teams, in a playoff atmosphere.
It was another prime example of why the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is the best that the NFL has to offer. It mixes old-time football, played with passion and grit, with great skilled and talented players on both sides of the ball.
Yet, the officials did their best to try to ruin the game. They missed a few big calls but none were a bigger miss on than the Heath Miller hit. In the third quarter, Miller attempted to catch a pass and was took a viscous hit by Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. The hit was obviously against the rules as Miller was in a defenseless position and was stuck in the head, forcing his neck to bend back in an awkward position.
At the time of the hit, I thought that Miller was going to be severely injured. Thankfully, I was wrong, as the hit obviously looked a lot worse than it really was. Miller did suffer a concussion and was knocked out of the game. He looked lost and I don't expect him to be play in the Steelers' next game against the Cincinnati Benglas.
Despite it being on obvious penalty, there was no flag on the play. How could that be? Everyone in the stadium saw it. Everyone knew it was a penalty. I thought the NFL was supposed be cracking down on these type of plays?
As a Steelers fan, I have to ask myself, what if that were James Harrison that made that hit? I would have to expect a flag and maybe even an ejection. I'm also sure that Harrison would have been given a maximum fine and most likely would have faced a suspension.
There was even a shot of Harrison talking to James Farrior after the Miller hit took place and you could read his lips saying, "Could you imagine if that were me?"
Even thought that was the most egregious foul committed last night with a non-call by the refs, there was another blatant foul committed that went without a flag. In the first quarter, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was hit in the face by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. Roethlisberger's nose was broken as a result of the play.
Not only are you not allowed to hit anyone in the head or face with your hands, the rules are even more strict for quarterbacks. In a day and age where the QB position is protected more than any other in pro sports, you would think that there would have been a flag. Well, there wasn't. Just some more ammo for the Steelers, their fans, and conspiracy theorists.
Imagine if it were Petyon Manning or Tom Brady getting hit in the face. Don't you think there would have been a flag? I'm sure there would have been. Is it because Roethlisberger is a big and tough quarterback, or does the NFL just have it out for him?
Big Ben and the Steelers did get the last laugh, pulling off a big win, but these missed calls are simply unacceptable. Whether there is a real conspiracy against the Steelers or it's just human error, the officiating has to better. There has to be more punishment for the refs when they do a poor job, whether it be a fine or suspension.
I just don't think it's fair to the fans or the players for a great game like last night's game to be ruined by horrible officiating.
It was another prime example of why the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is the best that the NFL has to offer. It mixes old-time football, played with passion and grit, with great skilled and talented players on both sides of the ball.
Yet, the officials did their best to try to ruin the game. They missed a few big calls but none were a bigger miss on than the Heath Miller hit. In the third quarter, Miller attempted to catch a pass and was took a viscous hit by Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. The hit was obviously against the rules as Miller was in a defenseless position and was stuck in the head, forcing his neck to bend back in an awkward position.
At the time of the hit, I thought that Miller was going to be severely injured. Thankfully, I was wrong, as the hit obviously looked a lot worse than it really was. Miller did suffer a concussion and was knocked out of the game. He looked lost and I don't expect him to be play in the Steelers' next game against the Cincinnati Benglas.
Despite it being on obvious penalty, there was no flag on the play. How could that be? Everyone in the stadium saw it. Everyone knew it was a penalty. I thought the NFL was supposed be cracking down on these type of plays?
As a Steelers fan, I have to ask myself, what if that were James Harrison that made that hit? I would have to expect a flag and maybe even an ejection. I'm also sure that Harrison would have been given a maximum fine and most likely would have faced a suspension.
There was even a shot of Harrison talking to James Farrior after the Miller hit took place and you could read his lips saying, "Could you imagine if that were me?"
Even thought that was the most egregious foul committed last night with a non-call by the refs, there was another blatant foul committed that went without a flag. In the first quarter, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was hit in the face by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. Roethlisberger's nose was broken as a result of the play.
Not only are you not allowed to hit anyone in the head or face with your hands, the rules are even more strict for quarterbacks. In a day and age where the QB position is protected more than any other in pro sports, you would think that there would have been a flag. Well, there wasn't. Just some more ammo for the Steelers, their fans, and conspiracy theorists.
Imagine if it were Petyon Manning or Tom Brady getting hit in the face. Don't you think there would have been a flag? I'm sure there would have been. Is it because Roethlisberger is a big and tough quarterback, or does the NFL just have it out for him?
Big Ben and the Steelers did get the last laugh, pulling off a big win, but these missed calls are simply unacceptable. Whether there is a real conspiracy against the Steelers or it's just human error, the officiating has to better. There has to be more punishment for the refs when they do a poor job, whether it be a fine or suspension.
I just don't think it's fair to the fans or the players for a great game like last night's game to be ruined by horrible officiating.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: Man of Steel
Terrell Owens of the Cincinnati Benglas recently called Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger "soft". I wonder if he had a chance to watch the game Sunday night between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.
In a day and age where the quarterback position is protected by the officials to the fullest extent, Roethlisberger seems to be the exception. There was a play against the Buffalo Bills a few games ago, where Ben was sacked and seemed to be roughed up even after the whistle. Yet there was no flag on the play. Had it been Peyton Manning or Tom Brady the result of the play might have been different.
That also seemed to be the play in which Roethlisberger injured his right foot, which was believed to be broken by many. Yet in that samegame Big Ben, with an injured foot, r an for a first down on a third and 18. A truly heroic play by Ben, who is willing to do anything for his team to win the game.
Then came the game against the Ravens on Sunday night. Ben already playing with a "broken foot", was hit in the nose by Ravens' defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. This appeared to have broken Ben's nose, which looked crooked and was gushing blood. Yet there was no flag on the play. Blatant hands to the face, a quarterbacks face none the less and yet no flag on the play. Again, imagine if it were Manning or Brady instead of Ben.
Just like James Harrison, Roethlisberger is a target by many on the field and off. Ben is a very disliked person around the country. Most of the dislike stems from Ben's off the field incidents were he was accused of sexual crimes by two different females. Ben was not charged with a crime or even arrested in either case.
There also seems to be a a dislike towards Roethlisberger by some NFL fans because they think he's overrated. I hear a lot of talk by other fans that if their favorite qb the Steelers' defense or if their favorite quarterback were on the Steelers they would have multiple Super Bowls by now.
What they fail to realize is that the Steelers have had a Super Bowl caliber defense long before Ben was here. Yet they failed to win a Super Bowl mostly due to the lack of talent at the quarterback position. Ben put this team over the top mentally and physically.
What those same critics of Roethlisberger fail to mention is what Ben is forced towork with offensively. Against the Ravens, the Steelers lost yet another offensive lineman to injury when tackle Flozzell Adams left the game. After Adams left, the Steelers only had one official starting offensive lineman left in the game, playing with four backups.
That wasn't the only injury as Steelers' tight end Heath Miller left the game with a concussion. Miller took a vicious looking hit late in the third quarter and yet there was no flag. Miller is one of the most valuable players in the Steelers' offense because of his blocking and receiving abilities.
Ben's receivers weren't helping him out that much either. They were having trouble getting open for most of the night and dropped a few key passes.
With all that stacked against him, Roethlisberger kept playing and kept making plays. His stats weren't great last night, 22 of 38 for 253 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. But those stats don't show the whole story. Stats do not define Roethlisberger, they never had.
Roethlisberger is defined by his play in the clutch and for plays that do not show up on the stat sheet. Like the play last night when Terrell Suggs had Ben dead to rights for a sack, and yet somehow Ben fought him off to throw the ball a way, backhanded. I don't see any other qb in the NFL making that play.That play is the kind of play that defines Roethlisberger.
I also don't see any other qb surviving behind that offensive line. Brady and Manning are horrible when they actually get real pressure against them. Ben goes through that on a weekly basis. Ben has been sacked more than other any other qb in the NFL since 2004. He doesn't complain, it's almost as if he enjoys it.
On a team that always seems to be fighting some kind of adversity, they have a quarterback that seems to welcome it. They have a quarterback that will fight for them until he has almost anything left. That's what he did last night.
In a league where qbs are given special treatment. In league where the qbs are not supposed to be tough, Ben continues to be the exception. Other qbs might be more talented and have better stats, but I don't think any of them would fit this team better then Big Ben. It's a match made in heaven, the Steelers and their quarterback, the man of steel.
In a day and age where the quarterback position is protected by the officials to the fullest extent, Roethlisberger seems to be the exception. There was a play against the Buffalo Bills a few games ago, where Ben was sacked and seemed to be roughed up even after the whistle. Yet there was no flag on the play. Had it been Peyton Manning or Tom Brady the result of the play might have been different.
That also seemed to be the play in which Roethlisberger injured his right foot, which was believed to be broken by many. Yet in that same
Then came the game against the Ravens on Sunday night. Ben already playing with a "broken foot", was hit in the nose by Ravens' defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. This appeared to have broken Ben's nose, which looked crooked and was gushing blood. Yet there was no flag on the play. Blatant hands to the face, a quarterbacks face none the less and yet no flag on the play. Again, imagine if it were Manning or Brady instead of Ben.
Just like James Harrison, Roethlisberger is a target by many on the field and off. Ben is a very disliked person around the country. Most of the dislike stems from Ben's off the field incidents were he was accused of sexual crimes by two different females. Ben was not charged with a crime or even arrested in either case.
What they fail to realize is that the Steelers have had a Super Bowl caliber defense long before Ben was here. Yet they failed to win a Super Bowl mostly due to the lack of talent at the quarterback position. Ben put this team over the top mentally and physically.
What those same critics of Roethlisberger fail to mention is what Ben is forced to
That wasn't the only injury as Steelers' tight end Heath Miller left the game with a concussion. Miller took a vicious looking hit late in the third quarter and yet there was no flag. Miller is one of the most valuable players in the Steelers' offense because of his blocking and receiving abilities.
Ben's receivers weren't helping him out that much either. They were having trouble getting open for most of the night and dropped a few key passes.
With all that stacked against him, Roethlisberger kept playing and kept making plays. His stats weren't great last night, 22 of 38 for 253 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. But those stats don't show the whole story. Stats do not define Roethlisberger, they never had.
Roethlisberger is defined by his play in the clutch and for plays that do not show up on the stat sheet. Like the play last night when Terrell Suggs had Ben dead to rights for a sack, and yet somehow Ben fought him off to throw the ball a way, backhanded. I don't see any other qb in the NFL making that play.That play is the kind of play that defines Roethlisberger.
I also don't see any other qb surviving behind that offensive line. Brady and Manning are horrible when they actually get real pressure against them. Ben goes through that on a weekly basis. Ben has been sacked more than other any other qb in the NFL since 2004. He doesn't complain, it's almost as if he enjoys it.
On a team that always seems to be fighting some kind of adversity, they have a quarterback that seems to welcome it. They have a quarterback that will fight for them until he has almost anything left. That's what he did last night.
In a league where qbs are given special treatment. In league where the qbs are not supposed to be tough, Ben continues to be the exception. Other qbs might be more talented and have better stats, but I don't think any of them would fit this team better then Big Ben. It's a match made in heaven, the Steelers and their quarterback, the man of steel.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sidney Crosby is Simply the best
The debate will go on until his career is over and probably even after that. However, there is no question that right now Sidney Crosby is the best, most complete player in the National Hockey League.
In all due respect to fine goaltenders like Tim Thomas and Carey Price, not one single player does more for his team than Crosby. Alexander Ovechkin and Steven Stamkos may be better pure scorers and have more offensive creativity, but Crosby makes up for that by simply outworking everyone.
Not that Crosby doesn't have an incredible arsenal of physical talent, he surely does. He has top level speed and agility, impressive lower-body strength for his frame and has the eye-hand coordination that is just out of this world.
All that being said, having talent and being a great athlete just isn't enough in pro sports anymore. Everyone in the NHL is a good athlete for the most part and everyone in the NHL is talented. What separates the "elite" players from being ordinary is motivation.
Rarely do you see Crosby gliding around the ice or looking lethargic. Rarely does Crosby "settle" for anything. Crosby seems almost obsessed at being perfect in every aspect of the game. It seems that Crosby is on a quest to be the best and most complete hockey player in the world and right now he surely is that.
After watching Ovechkin lead the league in goals two seasons in a row, most fans and critics said that Ovechkin would go down as the greatest goal scorer of his generation. Those same people said that Crosby could never be as lethal of a goal scorer as Ovechkin.
Last season Crosby tied Stamkos for the lead league in goals with 51, taking home a share of the Maurice Rocket Richard trophy, which is given to the leading goal scorer at the end of each season. To prove that it wasn't a fluke, Crosby once again leads the league in goals this year, and is on pace for a whopping 64 goals for the season. (Ovechkin hasn't scored in nine games and currently stands 11 points and 11 goals behind Crosby).
Its not just the goals and assists, its even his face-offs. His first few seasons in the league Crosby, who plays center, was often criticized for his failures on face-offs, failing to win 50 percent of them his first two years in the league.
Last year, Sid lead the league in face-off wins and won over 55 percent of them. This year is no different as he once again leads the league in face-off wins and is still winning over 55 percent of them.
Right now it's hard to come up with an adjective good enough to describe just how well Crosby is playing. He's on a 14-game points streak, in which he has scored 15 goals, including two hat-tricks. It might very well be the best he has ever played in his career.
In all do respect to all of the great players around the league, there is no debate as to who is the best player in the league, at least for now. Crosby has everything you need in a player. He's fast, strong, has great vision, is a great passer and a proven finisher.
What really separates Crosby from everyone else is his work ethic and motivation. Every day he's training or working on a weakness of his game. He doesn't just want to be considered good he wants to be the best. I think so far he's proven that.
So what's next for Sidney Crosby? What else can he prove? What else can he accomplish? Can he reach the levels that Wayne Gretzky and/or Mario Lemieux were at? Can Crosby become one of the greatest hockey players of all-time? I'm not sure, but I certainly wouldn't bet against Sidney Crosby.
In all due respect to fine goaltenders like Tim Thomas and Carey Price, not one single player does more for his team than Crosby. Alexander Ovechkin and Steven Stamkos may be better pure scorers and have more offensive creativity, but Crosby makes up for that by simply outworking everyone.
Not that Crosby doesn't have an incredible arsenal of physical talent, he surely does. He has top level speed and agility, impressive lower-body strength for his frame and has the eye-hand coordination that is just out of this world.
All that being said, having talent and being a great athlete just isn't enough in pro sports anymore. Everyone in the NHL is a good athlete for the most part and everyone in the NHL is talented. What separates the "elite" players from being ordinary is motivation.
Rarely do you see Crosby gliding around the ice or looking lethargic. Rarely does Crosby "settle" for anything. Crosby seems almost obsessed at being perfect in every aspect of the game. It seems that Crosby is on a quest to be the best and most complete hockey player in the world and right now he surely is that.
After watching Ovechkin lead the league in goals two seasons in a row, most fans and critics said that Ovechkin would go down as the greatest goal scorer of his generation. Those same people said that Crosby could never be as lethal of a goal scorer as Ovechkin.
Last season Crosby tied Stamkos for the lead league in goals with 51, taking home a share of the Maurice Rocket Richard trophy, which is given to the leading goal scorer at the end of each season. To prove that it wasn't a fluke, Crosby once again leads the league in goals this year, and is on pace for a whopping 64 goals for the season. (Ovechkin hasn't scored in nine games and currently stands 11 points and 11 goals behind Crosby).
Its not just the goals and assists, its even his face-offs. His first few seasons in the league Crosby, who plays center, was often criticized for his failures on face-offs, failing to win 50 percent of them his first two years in the league.
Last year, Sid lead the league in face-off wins and won over 55 percent of them. This year is no different as he once again leads the league in face-off wins and is still winning over 55 percent of them.
Right now it's hard to come up with an adjective good enough to describe just how well Crosby is playing. He's on a 14-game points streak, in which he has scored 15 goals, including two hat-tricks. It might very well be the best he has ever played in his career.
In all do respect to all of the great players around the league, there is no debate as to who is the best player in the league, at least for now. Crosby has everything you need in a player. He's fast, strong, has great vision, is a great passer and a proven finisher.
What really separates Crosby from everyone else is his work ethic and motivation. Every day he's training or working on a weakness of his game. He doesn't just want to be considered good he wants to be the best. I think so far he's proven that.
So what's next for Sidney Crosby? What else can he prove? What else can he accomplish? Can he reach the levels that Wayne Gretzky and/or Mario Lemieux were at? Can Crosby become one of the greatest hockey players of all-time? I'm not sure, but I certainly wouldn't bet against Sidney Crosby.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Big Ben has a broken foot
Ben Roethlisberger apparently has a broken foot which he suffered during the game against the Buffalo Bills. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting that the Ben will play this Sunday Night against the Baltimore Ravens. Ben missed last years Sunday night game with a concussion and was called out by teammate Hines Ward. Some people, like the people at Baltimore Sun.com have called Ben a "drama queen".
This is what they had to say about Ben:
game against Buffalo last week, I laughed because I knew there was going to be some drama with an injury. If it wasn't going to be his foot that hurt, then it was going to be his big toe or his little finger, or his butt or a tooth. Always something.
I can understand why Roethlisberger might not want to play. He will be missing his two starting offensive tackles, and I don't think the Steelers can handle the pressure the Ravens will bring. But we all know that Big Ben will play. He'll get the ankle taped, take a pain killer and then play.
But until then, there will be a lot of drama from the Drama King all week. It wouldn't be a Pittsburgh/Baltimore week without Roethlisberger trying to grab attention by playing the injury card.- Baltimoresun.com
I find it funny that Ravens' fans are calling out Roethlisberger. Ben is 7-2 in his career against the Ravens and has won his last 5 straight starts against the Ravens. The last three games the Ravens have won over the Steelers they were facing a backup quarterback.
My thoughts are that Ben is going to play Sunday night and give a great performance. Maybe then people won't question his toughness.
This is what they had to say about Ben:
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might have made some adjustments in his living style, but he still likes the drama when it comes to football. It seems that every time the Ravens play the Steelers, Roethlisberger comes up with some injury. On Monday, it was the sprained foot.
As Roethlisberger limped off the field at halftime of the Steelers I can understand why Roethlisberger might not want to play. He will be missing his two starting offensive tackles, and I don't think the Steelers can handle the pressure the Ravens will bring. But we all know that Big Ben will play. He'll get the ankle taped, take a pain killer and then play.
But until then, there will be a lot of drama from the Drama King all week. It wouldn't be a Pittsburgh/Baltimore week without Roethlisberger trying to grab attention by playing the injury card.- Baltimoresun.com
I find it funny that Ravens' fans are calling out Roethlisberger. Ben is 7-2 in his career against the Ravens and has won his last 5 straight starts against the Ravens. The last three games the Ravens have won over the Steelers they were facing a backup quarterback.
My thoughts are that Ben is going to play Sunday night and give a great performance. Maybe then people won't question his toughness.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Hines Ward speaks out about Roger Goodell
Hines Ward was very outspoken on Tuesday about his feelings toward the NFL.
Courtesy of Yahoo.com, this is what Hines had to see about the league:
Amen, Hines, amen. Now, I've not always been a fan of Mr. Ward's off the field remarks, especially when he called out his quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, last year for not playing against theBaltimore Ravens .
However, I'm in 100 percent agreement with him about the hypocrisy of the NFL. The way the league treats its employees is pretty much sums up everything wrong about corporate America.
The NFL tells its employees not to drink and tells them that alcohol only leads to trouble, yet almost every other commercial you see during a game is for a alcohol company. The NFL "frowns" upon gambling, but gambling is one of the main reasons it's so popular.
Then, the NFL says it's cracking down on player safety but is adding two more games to an already grueling schedule. Not only that, but the league already has an all-time high in injuries this year, and adding two games is supposed to help that?
The NFL says it's all about player safety, yet they still promote big hits on their own site. This is how they advertise the game on that page: "If there is a more physical, visceral rivalry in the game today, I'm not sure what it is". Yeah that sure sounds like a fun and SAFE time.
Of course no one wants to see anyone injured, but injuries are and always will be a part of the sport. The way that the NFL is going about reducing them is all wrong. When a referee already has a flag in his hand before a penalty occurs you have a problem. Go re-watch the Oakland Raiders-Pittsburgh Steelers game again. Even though the Steelers won in a landslide, it was still hard to watch for Steelers' fans because of all the penalties.
No one wants to turn on the game and see a flag on every other play. No one wants to see the league "baby" these players. Not even the players! They know the risk they take, and they love it, and so do the fans.
I say bravo to Hines Ward and any other player that is willing to come out and speak the truth. Fact is, Roger Goodell and the rest of the people that run this league are ruining it very fast. Of course people will still watch, and I really can't blame them. Thinking about America without the NFL is really hard, but it can happen, as soon as next year.
The players, the NFLPA, and the fans need to band together and make a stand. The fact is, this once great game is being ruined and controlled by people who seem to have no idea what they're doing. It's going to take more players like Hines Ward to come out and realize it.
Thank you for reading and you can read this article and many others @ my bleacher report account.
Courtesy of Yahoo.com, this is what Hines had to see about the league:
"The league doesn't care about us anyway. They don't care about the safety ofthe game . If the league was so concerned about the safety, why are you adding two more games on? You talk about you don't want players to drink...and all you see is beer commercials. You don't want us togamble , but then there are [NFL-endorsed lottery scratch-off games].
"[The illegal-hit penalties are] going to change the outcome; somebody's going to lose a game because of it. It's going to be a huge play in a playoff game, somebody's going to hit a quarterback or do something and the referee is going to be too scared to call it. So he's going to call it anyway so he can save his tail. He may not even get fined or not, but it will come down to the outcome of a ballgame."
Amen, Hines, amen. Now, I've not always been a fan of Mr. Ward's off the field remarks, especially when he called out his quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, last year for not playing against the
However, I'm in 100 percent agreement with him about the hypocrisy of the NFL. The way the league treats its employees is pretty much sums up everything wrong about corporate America.
Then, the NFL says it's cracking down on player safety but is adding two more games to an already grueling schedule. Not only that, but the league already has an all-time high in injuries this year, and adding two games is supposed to help that?
The NFL says it's all about player safety, yet they still promote big hits on their own site. This is how they advertise the game on that page: "If there is a more physical, visceral rivalry in the game today, I'm not sure what it is". Yeah that sure sounds like a fun and SAFE time.
Of course no one wants to see anyone injured, but injuries are and always will be a part of the sport. The way that the NFL is going about reducing them is all wrong. When a referee already has a flag in his hand before a penalty occurs you have a problem. Go re-watch the Oakland Raiders-Pittsburgh Steelers game again. Even though the Steelers won in a landslide, it was still hard to watch for Steelers' fans because of all the penalties.
No one wants to turn on the game and see a flag on every other play. No one wants to see the league "baby" these players. Not even the players! They know the risk they take, and they love it, and so do the fans.
I say bravo to Hines Ward and any other player that is willing to come out and speak the truth. Fact is, Roger Goodell and the rest of the people that run this league are ruining it very fast. Of course people will still watch, and I really can't blame them. Thinking about America without the NFL is really hard, but it can happen, as soon as next year.
The players, the NFLPA, and the fans need to band together and make a stand. The fact is, this once great game is being ruined and controlled by people who seem to have no idea what they're doing. It's going to take more players like Hines Ward to come out and realize it.
Thank you for reading and you can read this article and many others @ my bleacher report account.
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