IX-J.J. Cooper of AOL Fanhouse says that the new four year contract for Max Starks and the extension of Trai Essex signals that the Steelers confidence that Tony Hills will start at tackle or even be able to be a back-up in 2009 is extremely low.  He implies that Hills will spend another year on the practice squad and makes it sound like Hills will be the latest in a growing line of Steelers o-line draft picks who haven't panned out in recent years.

X-Two of the top 25 players of the decade according to ESPN.com are Pittsburgh Steelers.  Troy Polamalu (19th) and Ben Roethlisberger (21st) were both chosen by a group of ESPN writers thanks in large part to both of them winning two Super Bowl rings.  Besides Brady, Big Ben is the only QB two win multiple Super Bowls, so his ranking is justified, but his one pro-bowl is by far the lowest of any player on the list.  I think he should be on the list, but I am somewhat surprised he is to be honest.  Who are the players you think should be on that list?

XIII- An awesome piece on the soon to be inducted Hall of Famer, Rod Woodson, from Ed Bouchette.  Bouchette says while Woodson may have moved on from the Steelers on a sour note after the 1996 season, his heart will always remain with the Steelers.  Sadly the most vivid memory I have of Woodson is seeing him tear his ACL, and I remember being very young and thinking that his career in Pittsburgh may be done after that day.  While Woodson recovered and had many more stellar seasons afterwards, the Steelers and Woodson were never the same together.

XIV-Dick LeBeau was honored by friends, and former colleagues at London High School, in Ohio.  Over 400 people were in attendance to help raise funds for the what we eventually be named the "LeBeau Field House."

XL-N.Y. Times columnist KC Joyner gives a few reasons why the Steelers should be considered one of the top contenders to win Super Bowl XLIV.  While the article is put together well and has good points, I am exhausted from hearing about who could and should be contenders, I can't wait for the season to start.

XLIII-Dan Rooney was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the embassedor to Ireland late last week, and he will arrive in Dublin on Thursday to prosent his credentials to the Irish President and then will be invovled in mutliple receptions and galas in the coming days.

OVERTIME-  Tune into NFL Total Access tonight at 7pm on NFL network to hear Mike Tomlin talk about Rashard Mendenhall.  According the the official NFL Network Twitter Account  "Coach Tomlin has some interesting comments to Steve Wyche on Rashard Mendenhall, Monday Total Access 7 ET."