Behind the Steel Curtain: FanPosts

2010 NFL Mock Draft : Updated 11/20

2009-11-20T19:14:54Z

First of all, sorry I'm a day late in posting this, I couldn't find the time to do it yesterday. There haven't been many changes from the previous weeks selections. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is the one player who is making this difficult for me. He's got all the talent you'd want in a QB but is still considered raw. Some team will most likely trade back into the latter half of the first round to get him. Of Course this is contingent on whether Mallett decides to leave school early. I'm sure that my Steelers pick for this week is going to draw a lot of conversation in the comments section, and as always I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
I really don’t like the idea of mocking a DT as the number one overall pick. But the Bucs don’t need a QB or a LT so Suh wins by default since their other greatest need is a WR but there isn’t one worthy of this high a pick. Right now their most pressing need is for someone to collapse the pocket and Suh can do that very well. Suh is the type of 3 down, 2-gap player that is perfect for defensive coordinator Jim Bates’ scheme.

2. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S, Tennessee
Cleveland needs help everywhere. This franchise is a disaster. I could possibly see them going after a QB since neither Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson seem to want the job in which case they would go for Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. Already having a cornerstone LT in Joe Thomas means they won’t target OK ST OT Russell Okung. Berry is pretty much the consensus best player in college football and is a once a decade talent in the mold of Ed Reed. Cleveland has seen first hand what a great safety can do for a franchise with division examples like Reed and Troy Polamalu. In the event that team owner Randy Learner cans coach Mangini at the end of his first season, this will most definitely change to QB. I know it sounds absurd that Learner would fire him after only one season, but what’s one more executive on the payroll who’s no longer on the team. Don’t be surprised to see Cleveland trade back again to acquire more picks with someone looking to snag Okung or Clausen.

3. St. Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
The Rams number one priority this off season will be to find a new Quarterback. There’s no debate about it. In the last two years they have passed on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez. Clausen is having a great season and scouts will love the fact that he plays in a pro-style offense under center. If for some reason the Rams management thinks that Marc Bulger has any gas left in the tank they might consider taking the best defensive player available which would be Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy.

4. Detroit Lions: Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions need a cornerstone LT to protect their 40 million dollar man in Matt Stafford. Okung is the top LT prospect and plays a near-flawless game. He athletic, uses his hands very well, and has quick feet to get out in front of speed rushers. If Okung is off the board at this point, look for the Lions to take the best defensive player available or trade back to acquire more picks.

5. Oakland Raiders: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
I continue to waffle on this pick. McCoy would be a great pick but Al Davis’ love for speed might be too big to pass on USC Safety Taylor Mays. Mays will stumble out of the top 10 to 15 on draft day if he falls past Oakland. If Oakland comes to its senses and picks a replacement for the failed JaMarcus Russell experiment, Davis will surely go with Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker has the arm strength to throw the deep passes and is very mobile with a 4.6 40 time. And don’t be surprised if Davis goes with Florida DE Carlos Dunlap, whose freakish measurables Davis with also love.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Matt Cassell needs a LT that will give him enough time to throw the ball down field. KC spent a lot of money on Cassell and it would be nice if they got a return on their investment. It would also allow them to move 2008 1st round pick Brandon Albert to LG, his natural position, since it doesn't seem like he can make it playing on the outside. Campbell is showing strong play this season and is very similar to Okung. With Berry already off the board there are no other elite prospects available at a position of need for the Chiefs to consider with a top 5 pick. In the event that KC decides to skip on Campbell given his injury history, look for them to trade back several spots and target USC tackle Charles Brown or Florida CB Joe Hayden.

7. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
With the way Jason Campbell is continuing his poor play the Redskins(Dan Snyder) will definitely look to replace him, regardless of the fact that Snyder’s impatience with head coaches and coordinators is the reason for it or not. In all likelihood Coach Zorn will be fired at the end of the season. Regardless of whom Snyder gets to replace him they will want to bring a new QB to start fresh. A better pick would be an OT but Snyder is going to go with a flashy, big name like Bradford. As ESPN has reported, Bradford is having his shoulder operated on by the renowned Dr. James Andrews, who also just happens to be the Redskins team doctor. So Snyder will definitely have the inside track on whether Bradford’s shoulder is going to hold up. If Snyder doesn’t think Bradford shoulder will hold up they may target Washington’s Jake Locker or even Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett.

8. Buffalo Bills: Charles Brown OT, USC
Look for the Bills to replace the gaping hole left by the Jason Peters trade to Philly unless one of the top tier prospects like McCoy fall. McCoy would be perfect to help the Bills horrendous run defense but they will have to trade up to get him. This is a little high for Brown but he’s the only OT prospect left who projects to play on the left side with the struggles of Oklahoma OT Trent Williams and the injuries to Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker QB, Washington
Without any top tier left tackle prospects left to replace the aging Walter Jones, look for the Hawks to find an heir apparent to often injured Matt Hasselbeck. Locker comes from a shotgun style offense and will take some time to develop, but he’s a solid player with a strong arm and great mobility. If Charles Brown or Bruce Campbell manages to slip then I would expect the Seahawks to go for one of them and try to find a project QB later in the draft such as Old Miss. QB Jevan Snead, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett, or even Texas’ Colt McCoy.

10. Tennessee Titans: Joe Hayden CB, Florida
Who would have thought that Vince Young would turn this season around? The Titans are starting to show a glimmer of hope after the most disappointing start a team could have. They have multiple needs but Young’s play so far means they won’t be looking for a QB. Cornerback is their biggest need and Hayden is the best in this year’s crop. His stock is continuing to grow with each passing week as he is having a great year. The loss of Albert Haynesworth to free agency has exposed the lack of playmakers in the backfield of this defense so they may also look to trade up for Gerald McCoy as is the most polished DT prospect and has a quick burst and is great at using his hands to shed blockers.

11. Denver Broncos(via Chicago Bears): Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama
The Broncos have very few holes to fill although they are starting to fall apart. After going 6-0 they have been exposed for their lack of the deep ball. If given the opportunity they may look to go QB with this pick if one of the top prospects at the position slips. With Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Brandon Marshall they really need a strong armed QB that can sling it downfield. Look for them to take the best defensive player available if none of the QB’s slip down this far. McClain is continuing to rise up draft boards and would be a perfect fit considering he already plays in a 3-4 defense at Alabama. Another consideration would be a NT like Alabama’s Terrence Cody, be he’s starting to fall due to conditioning concerns.

12. New York Jets: Donovan Warren CB, Michigan
Having found a legitimate down field threat, at least for now, in the trade for Braylon Edwards, the Jets will most likely look for someone to play opposite Darrell Revis. They may also look for defensive line help, especially at DT where Kris Jenkins has had the second season-ending injury of his career. They also need defensive ends that can play in a 3-4 but none are worthy of a pick this high. If the Jets decide to go wide receiver look for them to possibly take USC WR Damian Williams, whom QB Mark Sanchez had a great re pore with during his last year in college and will almost assuridy lobby for.

13. San Francisco 49ers(via Carolina Panthers): Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
The 49ers greatest need is a RT to play opposite Joe Staley. I know this seems high for a right tackle but having a road grader to open up more running lanes for Frank Gore is worth the price. Bulaga has had a down season with injuries and a thyroid condition but would be a perfect fit at RT at the pro level with his work ethic and run-blocking ability. Other options may be Florida CB Joe Hayden if he’s available or Alabama ILB Rolando McClain who is continuing to rise up draft boards although they have a greater need of an OLB.

14. San Francisco 49ers: Taylor Mays S, USC
Having already taken care of the o-line with their previous pick and the emergence of QB Alex Smith the 49ers will turn their attention to the defense. As many who have read my mock draft before already know, I’m not very high on Mays. He plays without discipline, has stiff hips, takes poor angles, and is usually more worried about laying someone out rather than holding his coverage. But there’s no denying his physical attributes, and Coach Singletary is just the right person to teach him how to play. Plus, he’s big and strong enough that he could possibly be moved to OLB where he could truly be a force.

15. Miami Dolphins: Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
With the secondary shored up in last years draft look for the Fins to plug up their defensive front. They have been using aging veterans to plug the gaps for some time and could really use a shot of youth. Alternatives here could be help at linebacker. Team architect Bill Parcells may not look favorably on Codys prior weight issues in which case he may go for a receiver to help the progression of young QB Chad Henne. The best option would be USC WR Damian Williams, who many consider to be the most complete WR in the draft.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
The Jags need a number one receiver despite being burned by plenty of them in recent years(Matt Jones, Reggie Williams) and find one in Bryant. I know Jags owner Wayne Weaver insists that he will draft Florida QB Tim Tebow if he gets the opportunity but Tebow is not a first round talent and will be available in the second or third round. The recent suspension of Bryant for lying about conversations with Deion Sanders will not hurt is draft stock. He’s got all the intangibles you look for in a receiver and looks a lot like Andre Johnson did when he came out of Miami. Another option here would be a 4-3 defensive end as the Jags make the transition back to after a woeful attempt at using a 3-4 in which case Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan would be a good option as his stock is continuing to rise.

17. Green Bay Packers: Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
Green Bay will take the best tackle available after watching QB Aaron Rogers eat dirt every week. It’s obvious that Rogers is starting to show that the never-ending beatings he’s taken are taking a toll on him. The only other consideration would be to add an OLB to replace Aaron Kampman who’s in the final year of his contact and clearly not comfortable making the switch from DE to OLB.

18. New York Giants: Morgan Burnett S, Georgia Tech
Previously I would’ve thought the Giants would continue to stock pile D-linemen but they have been shredded through the air and could really use a Free Safety to play opposite Kenny Phillips who was lost for the year with a serious injury.

19. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
Todd Heap has been surprisingly healthy so far but the Ravens will still need to find an eventual replacement for him. Gresham is the type of speedy, pass catching TE that is perfect for the development of QB Joe Flacco. Even though he's out with a knee injury for the rest of the year, he will have plenty of time to rehab before the NFL combine. A lot of people will think that the Ravens will draft a CB, especially considering how badly they have been torched through the air, but the Ravens draft on value and if Gresham wouldn’t have hurt his knee this year he would’ve been a top 10-15 pick. Plus there won’t be any other first round CB’s left. Another option would be to find a WR such as LSU’s Brandon LaFell.

20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas S, Texas
The Texans need help in multiple areas but the biggest concern is in the secondary, especially if they let the unhappy Dunta Robinson leave via free agency in the offseason. Thomas is only a red shirt sophomore but is having a great year, even though many draft fans are wary of Texas safeties. If not Thomas they may consider GT S Morgan Burnett.

21. Atlanta Falcons: Navorro Bowman OLB, Penn State
The Falcons will take the best defensive player available. Previously I had them taking Old Miss. DE Greg Hardy but he has some injury issues and has just been lost for the season. Look for the Falcons to also target a CB if another prospect emerges. Bowman is a beast with great physical tools.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
Without any tackle prospects left to replace the often injured Shawn Andrews, look for the Eagles to take the top DE or Linebacker prospect available. Morgan is having a great year and would go much higher if not for the fact that so many teams now employ a 3-4 defense and he is better suited for a 4-3, although some team may decide to try and switch him to an OLB.

23. Dallas Cowboys: Damian Williams WR, USC
Even with the sudden appearance of Mile Austin, look for the Cowboys to upgrade their receiving ranks. Williams can also sub for often injured Felix Jones on kick return duties. Other options may be to take the best defensive player available. I could also see them taking an OT to replace the aging Flozell Adams if Trent Williams or Charles Brown falls to them.

24. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
Having taken care of their QB needs earlier in the draft, the Seahawks will look to take the best OT available. Walter Jones will probably retire at the end of the season and Sean Locklear cannot stay healthy. They will need someone to keep Matt Hasselbeck upright long enough for them to develop Jake Locker. They may also look for a RB, but they should be able to grab either Cal’s Jahvid Best or Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer in the second round.

25. Arizona Cardinals: Jason Fox OT, Miami
Arizona needs LT help bad. They drafted Levi Brown a couple years ago to be a RT when they thought Matt Leinart, a lefty, would be the QB of the future. Well he hasn't been so far and Warner is suffering because of it. This is high for Fox so look for the Cards’ to also consider taking the best defensive player available. If Charles Brown manages to slip a few spots back don't be surprised to see the Cards trade up to snag him.

26. San Diego Chargers: Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
Assuming they resign LT Marcus McNeill and in all probability franchise tag Shawn Merriman, they will most likely target someone to play opposite budding wideout Vincent Jackson. Other options may be to take Clemson RB C.J. Spiller since they will most likely lose either Darren Sproles to free agency or cut LaDainian Tomlinson after the season, Bama NT Terrence Cody to replace the aging Jamal Williams. LaFell fits the mold of a taller wideout that the Chargers prefer.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson
For the last few weeks I’ve had the Steelers taking either a safety who could replace Ryan Clark given that he’s in the final year of his contract and he’s over 30 years old or a lineman to add to the teams’ depth. But after the continual disappointment of the special teams this pick has to be Spiller if he’s available. Willie Parker is most likely not going to be resigned in the off season and Spiller would be a great speedy compliment to Mendenhall’s power for a lot less cost than Parker. But more importantly he would also fill what has become a dire position of need over the years as a return man. Stephan Logan has been serviceable but it’s inefficient to have a return specialist on the active roster plus he can’t manage to down a kickoff for a touchback even when he’s 7 yards deep. I’m positive Ryan Clark will take a discount to finish his career in the Burgh. The same goes for Tyrone Carter as well. Plus they will still be able to find a quality Safety in rounds two or three. South Florida Safety Nate Allen may even still be available in round two. An option I’ve been high on is Alabama NT Terrence Cody if he manages to slip, which many think he will do considering his weight issues. He’s managed to lose almost 50 pounds in the last year and keep the weight off so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could continue that positive trend into the NFL, especially with the right guidance. Weight issues or not, we’re going to need someone large enough to anchor our defense so our linebackers can continue to flow freely to the opposing QB. Casey Hampton is 32 years old and in the final year of his contract, and with two Super Bowl rings already on his chubby fingers he may seek a big pay day somewhere else. I’ve seen mock drafts where Cody is a top 10-15 pick and some where he doesn’t even go in the first round. The offensive line has been getting better every week and no longer seems like a dire position of need, but Idaho’s Mike Iupati could fill the one weak point at RG where Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex are lacking and rookie Craig Urbik didn’t show much during the off season. He’s a big road grader and could possibly slide over and play RT if Willie Colon leaves via free agency. Of course there’s also a chance we may be able to get him or Alabama OG Mike Johnson in the second or third round. Cornerback could also be another option considering none of the rookies from last year have seemed to distinguish themselves, although it’s definitely too early to tell. To a lesser extent would be to find an eventual replacement for James Farrior. He’s playing at a high level this year but he’s 34 years old and since it takes a couple years for linebackers to learn our system anyway it would be nice to find his replacement now. A lot of people are high on Florida ILB Brandon Spikes, who may be great against the run but is somewhat of a liability in zone coverage. A player I really like in the later rounds would be Baylor’s ILB Joe Pawelek. One player I would love for the Steelers to take in the second or third round would be Stanford RB Toby Gerhart. Anyone who watches him has to be in love with his power. He’s like Mike Alstott, only bigger.

28. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle DL/OLB, Texas
The Patriots need more youth and depth in their linebacking corps. Kindle lines up all over the field for Texas and is the sort of versatile player Belichick loves. And speaking of versatility, it wouldn’t shock me to see them draft Tim Tebow. He could be their QB for life after Brady. And yes I know this is high for a QB who could be a back-up for a few years, but he can also serve as an H-back and be put in for trick plays such as the Wildcat. He also has that air of smugness that reminds me of Brady that I hate so much.

29. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahvid Best RB, Cal
The Bengals don’t have many real needs at this point, so look for them to take Best, who would be a good compliment to the emerging Cedric Benson. Best has sustained a concussion in consecutive weeks and is now seen as somewhat of an injury risk, be he’s probably the most complete back right now in this draft.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
Anyone who’s read my mock draft before knows I’m not big on Dunlap and I have likened him to Vernon Gholston. But there’s no denying his physical gifts and perhaps the decorated D-linemen of the Vikings can get him to focus. The one weak link is the end spot opposite Jared Allen. They may also consider future replacements for the Williams boys such as Rickey Sapp of Clemson, Jared Odrick from Penn State, or Arthur Jones of Syracuse. Also, don’t be surprised if the Vikings pick a QB like Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett, who’s very raw but has all the qualities you would want in a QB.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Jerry Hughes DE/OLB, TCU
As always, the defense is the weak spot on this team. The Colts will take the best available defensive player which may also be a CB. Also, don’t be surprised to see them trade up for a LT prospect to replace Tony Ugoh.

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon OLB, Missouri
The Saints will continue to add to an improving defense. Weatherspoon is probably the best OLB suited to play in a base 4-3 defense and would be a great addition to the Saints.

What players have you most wished could have been Steelers?

2009-11-20T17:10:33Z

It was with sadness today that I read the news of the passing of Chris Spielman's wife, Stefanie, who died yesterday after a long battle with breast cancer. She had been battling the disease for 11 years and evidently she and Chris had raised over $6 million for research to fight it. I didn't know of that, and I applaud the Spielman's for it.

What I did know was that Chris Spielman was a rugged, intelligent linebacker who would have looked great in the Black and Gold. As an Ohio State fan, I followed his All-American career closely and rooted for him as he made Pro Bowls for both the Lions and the Bills. It seems unfortunate that he wound up on those teams. Chris Spielman was meant to be a Steeler. His grit, his effort, his toughness. For an Ohio guy he had Pittsburgh all over him.

Even though most of us are turning our attention to the Steelers-Chiefs game, the mention of Chris Spielman has gotten me to thinking. What opposing players, either current or past, would you most liked to have seen in the Black and Gold? For me, Spielman tops the list, followed closely by Ronnie Lott and Earl Campbell (imagine Earl Campbell as a Steeler! Now that would have been something!). Anyone else? I'm curious as to who the Nation would list...

Stephen Logan needs to go

2009-11-20T15:55:21Z

This is not a post exhorting that we bring back Redman.

And, Logan is a great story. Seems like a god kid. But we need to face facts: He is taking up a roster spot to return kickoffs, and he just isn't that good. Not that he isn't good returning kickoffs -- he is an upgrade (albeit a slight one) from last year. He just isn't good enough to warrant a full roster spot.

It's like keeping a guy on the Penguins just because he can score in a shootout. (They had a guy like that, and they wisely traded him...)

Yeah, Logan also is on the kick coverage team -- and how is that working out? He left his lane in the kick off return on Sunday. He wasn't alone in that... but the point is he is no Special teams ace.

Meanwhile, one thing that has killed the Steelers has been their kickoff return coverage.

We would be better off having two kickers: Jeff Reed for accuracy, and another guy whose only job would be to kick the ball out of the end zone. Imagine what the Steelers would look like if every kickoff meant the other team had to start on the 20?

If I am going to devote a full roster spot to one Special Teams player... let him be a kicker with a super leg. I don't care if he can kick an extra point or a field goal. I'll keep Skippy for that. But give me a guy who can boom it out of the end zone on kickoffs. They are out there...

Keisel The Diesel

2009-11-20T15:45:40Z

Great article on Brett Keisel in the Pittsburgh Tribune this morning singing his praises for his 2009 performance thus far. Have to agree with Farrior's assessment that this is 99s best year since he joined the Steelers. In Aaron Smith's absence it is also HUGE of Brett to step up.

Always a big game player I will never forget Keisel's contributions on special teams as wedge buster early in his career. Then a couple big sacks at Denver in a HUGE AFCCG game victory in 2005 and his clinching recovery in XLIII cemented his status in Steelers lore. I was inspired to log on and vote for Brett Keisel for Pro Bowl honors. I am glad the Steelers extended him. Link below;

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_654109.html

STEEL CURTAIN RADIO #47: ARE THE CHIEFS SLUMP BUSTERS?

2009-11-20T06:26:57Z

STEEL CURTAIN RADIO #47: ARE THE CHIEFS SLUMP BUSTERS?

Click Link or Paste Link into Browser to Listen

http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/SCR_47.mp3

Show Topics:

Why the Steelers must get Balanced?
Offensive Game Keys
Defensive Game Keys
Is there anyway the Steelers lose this game?
Stop Ripping Skippy
Can the Steelers Fix there Special Teams?
Can the Steelers still win the AFC North?

Master Feeds for all the shows on Whatchatalkinbout.com

Poll

Can the Steelers still win the AFC North?

Steelers vs. Cowboys

2009-11-20T00:36:09Z

Question i have been asking myself for a while. why is that when you see steelers fans in stadium's around the league its cause the steeler faithful travel well. but when its the cowboys its cause there america's team. Me im from dallas die-hard steelers fan since 1992 thanks to Rod Woodson being my favorite player .I have never been to pittsburgh the furthest north ive been is k.c. LOL.

Im am waitin for pitt to come here so i can go to that game. i know of many steeler fans here in dallas and a few from all-over. Last time i pitt came here was ben's rookie year and i remember John "Everything he Says is Gospel" Madden says there or just as many steelers fan's here in the stadium as there are dallas fans i see that everywhere else but didnt think i would see that here in dallas. then last year i was checking the stands to see if cowboy fans filled heinz field i couldnt tell but didnt look like it from t.v. Any insight on that please reply. Also in staying Dallas im constantly fightin family and friends about who has more fans of course i hear the america's team thing alot but we have a Nation.

So when i hear this im like do annoucers think that the only steeler fans are from penn. and cowboy fans are all-over i bring up cowboys cause they are the only other team besides pitt you hear about having just as many fans in other teams stadium as that team does. Steelers and boys are always 1 and 2 in popularity. colts and pats fans that i know are bandwagoners to me so they dont count in popularity thanks. Also here if the cowboys win a game not the superbowl or even a playoff game most fans not all feel like and act like they have won the superbowl. im like wow you beat k.c. in o.t. yall didnt win the superbowl. if they go off of that notion then the cowboys have like 30 lombardi's. wondering if it like that in pitt. love all other dallas teams but cowboys

Okay. We need some fun!

2009-11-19T23:21:21Z

Alright, here it is folks. As the headline says, we need some fun, therefore, I am putting this idea out there for you all to vote on, and chime in with.

(Jumpy jumpy)

This is a prototype, R&D if you will, for a spot to post funny things. IE: pictures, sayings, smack-talk, jokes, basically anything you think is funny. If it goes well/gets a good reception, I'll start a weekly thread for just this. I'm also thinking about making it a competition. Basically, the 3 or 4 jokes/captioned pictures/sayings ETC. will be featured in the next post, and a poll set for you to vote on your favorite. You wont be winning anything, per se, outside of bragging rights, but like I said, it's just for fun! Besides, hopefully we'll all get a few LOLZ out of it.

Caveat! This IS a "family" site for the most part (outside of the open game threads...hehe) so please bear that in mind and keep it relatively "clean".

I'll attach a poll just for Schnitzengiggle.

Poll

Should SteelFever make this a weekly feature?

Gatewood added to practice squad

2009-11-19T14:31:29Z

With Donovan Woods replacing Arnold Harrison on the active roster, a practice squad spot opened up. Linebacker Curtis Gatewood has filled that spot.

Undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2008, he was on practice squads in Washington and Kansas City last year. In 2009, he's been with the practice squads in Detroit and Philly. He has appeared in six games with KC last year, with two tackles (corrects an earlier error).

Gatewood led Vandy with seven sacks his senior season. He played defensive end but at 6'-2", 242, was considered too small for the position in the NFL. If anybody can teach him to be an effective linebacker, it's the Steelers.

Timmons and the linebackers disappointment?

2009-11-19T04:49:20Z

I'm not trashing Timmons by any stretch here, but does anyone else feel like he hasn't lived up to expectations?
I read all summer about how Foote was expendable because Timmons was a star in the making - a freakishly fast athlete that was a defensive coordinators dream and an offensive coordinators nightmare.

Yet I honestly can't remember a single time this year when I noticed that he did something. I know he has been hobbled by an ankle injury but I just don't see much of him. Now that may be because the inside linebackers don't rush the quarterback as much in our system, but am I the only one who thinks this?

To be sure our defense has been SOLID and very respectable especially considering that Polamalu has been out but I just don't see the linebackers being as dominant this year. Harrison and Woodley just don't seem to be getting to the quarterback all that much.

Any thoughts?

The NFL network sucks!!

2009-11-18T22:44:44Z

I was just watching it and the subject of the Bengals came up and the host asked his guests..Jayson Laconfora and Steve Wyche if the bengals were legit..Wyche answered" The beat the snot out of pittsburgh twice" My question is.."WTF were you watching????" They beat them at the line of scrimage...HUH, didnt we out rush them BOTH games?? Didnt we out gain them both games?? CB NEVER had 100yds againt us..they couldnt even score a TD on this last week! Please, send your thoughts!

Doom and Gloom?

2009-11-18T20:53:03Z

I'm not burning my Terrible Towel, nor am I buying a Peyton Manning jersey so I can feel like a winner... but I am very concerned.

I was worried, honestly, after we lost to Cincy the first time around. A couple of weeks ago, I was saying that the Steelers had to win the 4 game stretch, and I was worried that they couldn't do it: Vikings, Broncos, Bengals, and Chiefs...

I said at the time that if we failed to win the next four that we would probably not repeat as champions. I was called crazy (and a bunch of other things...) After we beat the Vikings with our Defense, and dominated the Broncos with a combination of defense and running game, I was feeling a lot better about things... But after this past Sunday, the future seems a lot more black and a lot less gold...

When the game was over, and my remote had settled on the floor after being hurled at the TV in disgust (and, oh by the way, I'm pretty sure it traveled further than Ben's last lame pass...) my first thought was: There goes the Super Bowl.

I hope I am wrong (and I will discuss some faint glimmer of hopes...) but things look bad, Steelers fans...

With the Bengals remaining games and the Steelers remaining games, I think we will be very unlucky to end the season with the same record... and since they hold the tie-breaker, that gives them the division.

Can we expect a Steelers team, who is already beat up, with a #43 whose knee cannot seem to shake the Madden Curse, to make an almost impossible run through the playoffs.

Even should we beat Cincy, I am not liking our chances of going on the road all of the way to the Super Bowl. Yes, the 2005 team did it, but they were very lucky... they caught Indy by surprise, and the Broncos over-achieved until they crashed back to earth.

Let's say that the Bengals don't implode, and they win the division. OK... so, let us say that the Steelers finish strong and end up 11-5. So, how do the playoffs look?

It's fair to assume that Indy takes the South and New England takes The East. I believe the Broncos will hold on for the west, and Cincy will win the North.

That leaves Pittsburgh fighting San Diego for the top wild card spot, and fortunately they hold the tie-breaker. So, the way things look right now, the final rankings will be (and this is only a guess.. but...)

1. Indy

2. Cincy

3. New England

4. Denver

5. Pittsburgh

6. San Diego

That means that Pittsburgh would play Denver in the wild card game... We beat them once, and we'd have to play there... but I still think Pittsburgh wins that. (If they fold and the Chargers win the west, we have to play the Chargers, but I still like our chances... the Charges fold in the December almost as badly as the Cowboys...)

Who knows what happens in the other games, but coming out of the Wild Card, we would have to go in to Cincinnati if the rankings break down the way things look now. I don't know if Marvin Lewis subscribes to the hocus pocus theory about beating a team three times in a season... but I am wondering why anyone would predict that Pittsburgh can suddenly do in the playoffs what they couldn't do all year...?

But even if we can somehow beat the pesky Bengals... for the Steelers, that is not enough. (I mean, the Bengals have already had a successful season -- the Steelers have to win the Super Bowl for that...) If the Steelers somehow beat the Bengals, now they have to go into Indy or Foxboro and win again... that is asking a lot.

Frankly, I could easily see Pittsburgh not even making it to the AFC Championship game if it enters the playoffs as a Wild Card team...

So... what can change?

Pittsburgh's best bet is to hope on a Cincy Collapse. We've been waiting for it all season long. They are certainly capable of it. Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't... Losing Cedric Benson is huge. Yes, they beat the Steelers without him, but they also didn't score a touchdown. If the Steelers don't give up six gift points, the game is tied in the 4th, and I believe the outcome is much different.

Other teams are going to see what Pittsburgh saw: They no longer need to fear the running game... that means the Defenses will adjust and start making Carson Palmer beat them -- and that could be a huge difference coming down the stretch. You get a sense that CIncy has a bubble of invincibility about them... but they are one prick away from having it burst ... could that prick's name be Larry Johnson?

Face it, the Bengals are not exactly scary -- they have won a lot of close games And the Texans aren't that good, and they beat them. Take away the threat of a run, and this team is more than mortal.

Honestly, the Bengals could very well go out to Oakland and lose this week. As crazy as that sounds, this week's game is a bit of a trap game for the Bengals. Ask the Eagles. They also have three road games they could pretty easily lose: The Vikings, the Chargers and the Jets. The Vikings will be at home, and unless Brett Favre is falling apart (and he may be, who knows...) that will be a tough game for the Bengals to win. The Chargers will be fighting for their lives, and the Jets will probably be playing spoiler by year's end... but Rex Ryan is not the kind of guy to let his team finish early... he will want the spotlight of beating a playoff caliber team.

The Bengals will probably lose two more games. they could lose four. Pray they lose four...

The Steelers have to play Baltimore twice -- which is never easy, since they genuinely hate us, and will play hard against the Steelers just to try to knock them out of contention. But even if they split with Baltimore, they probably win the rest. MAYBE they lose against Green Bay, but since that game is at home, probably not. They play in Miami, but that team is looking like to will be vying for draft pick by week 17. The only two away games are against the Ravens, against the Browns and against Miami. None of those scare me except for the Ravens.

If Pittsburgh can manage to win out, or just lose one, I think they still win the division. If they lose two games, they better hope that Cincy self-destructs.

Because I don't think the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers can win as a Wild Card team...

A View from the SteelCage (Unscheduled)...A couple things about everyone's comments and my own assessments on Special Teams

2009-11-18T07:43:59Z

via cache.daylife.com

A couple things about everyones comments and my own assessments on Special Teams:

1. Reed - To tackle or not to tackle. I am all for the kicker not tackling a guy because the 10 guys in front of him did, but he is still the last resort. HOWEVER...pause for dramatic effect...saying we wouldn't want him to get hurt is a crock. Teams win and lose as a team not as individuals. Jerome Bettis fumbles it against the Colts in the playoffs and Big Ben makes "The Tackle". Should he have avoided doing that because he can't be replaced, no! Big Ben is much more important than Jeff Reed, who not only can be replaced, but WILL be next season anyways. And for those of you who will site his accuracy, he is 13 for 16 and ranked 15th in the league with 81.3 % accuracy. I know, I know. He is the only man who can kick at Heinz Field, wrong. If you watched the game you would have seen the stat that said the longest field goals ever at Heinz Field are 50 yarders and it has only been done twice (actually Pat MacAfee of WVU kicked a 51 yarder there, and Mason Crosby of GB kicked a 52 yarder during the Preseason). The myth about Heinz Field being impossible to kick on is false until the 40 yard line (50 yard field goals if I confused anyone). (ADMIN NOTE: I am talking about the spot of the ball, so the LOS is the 33) Let’s look at kicking at Heinz Field: Reed vs. Opponents after the jump.

via cache.daylife.com

Any missed attempts over 50 yards are noted in parenthesis by the distance and blocked kicks are marked as BK.

2009 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 11/11, 100 %

Opposing kickers 6/9, 66.67%. (51 and BK)

2008 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 14/16, 87.50 % (51)

Opposing kickers 12/14, 85.71%. (53)

2007 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 13/14, 92.86 %

Opposing kickers 6/8, 75.00% (53).

2006 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 10/17, 58.82% (BK twice) *Hit 50 yards vs. TB

Opposing kickers 5/7, 71.43%.

2005 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 10/13, 76.92% (52)

Opposing kickers 10/13, 76.92% (53).

2004 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 13/14, 92.86 %

Opposing kickers 11/12, 91.67%.

2003 Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 12/16, 75.00 %

Opposing kickers 7/8, 87.50%.

For a total

2003-Present Kickers at Heinz Field: Reed – 83/101, 82.18% (1/3 from 50+ with 3 blocked)

Opposing kickers 57/71, 80.28% (0/4 from 50+ with 1 blocked)

That is a 1.9% difference. Considering a kicker should have the advantage at home and dome kickers coming to Heinz Field in November-December have to seriously adjust, I don’t see less than 2% being worth the off field problems, lack of kickoff power and sorry attempts at tackling when there is a run back, I think it is time we Freed Reed. Let him be someone else’s headache.

via drunkathlete.com

2. And to Stefan Logan fans and others, KR and PR stats last year and this year (ypa=yards per attempt):

2008 – Team KR average 20.3 ypa Individual KR Average Gary Russell 23.2 ypa and Davenport 21.6 ypa

2009 – Team KR average 24.7 ypa Individual KR average Logan 25.5 ypa Mike Wallace 1 attempt, 26 yds

2008 – Team PR average 6.0 ypa Individual PR average Holmes 6.6 ypa

2009 – Team PR average 7.6 ypa Individual PR average Logan 8.8 ypa

The question as to whether or not our returns have improved is undeniable, look at the numbers. The problem is we don’t know if anyone else on the team could do as well or even improve on those numbers. ST Coach Bob Ligashesky is probably having flashbacks to the year of muffed punts (2007 we must have had 10) and when Burnett had some issues in the preseason, I think they gave up on him too early to see what he could on PR and they never gave him the chance really on KR. I would love to see him get the opportunity. I think Donovan Woods getting called up is step one, but if we find someone on the 53 man roster who can replace Logan I think we would be dumb to say removing him from the roster would unequivocally be the wrong thing.

via www.tailgate365.com

The BTSC Predict the Score Competition, Wk 11 @ KC Chiefs

2009-11-18T07:15:50Z

Still in the process of calculating scores, bear with me

Steelers lost to the Cincinnatti Bengals for the second time this season, the last time this happened was 1998.

Yet I urge the masses of Steeler fans (real ones, not you fair weather fans, go support the Colts) to not panic. We still have a slate of winnable games coming up, first of which starts this week at Kansas City

Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium is an amazing sight, the sea of red, as well as being known as one of the loudest stadiums in the league

Make your picks below.

Bengals sign Larry Johnson

2009-11-18T07:10:19Z

It's a good signing for them. Cincy may as well keep a strong running game going with Benson injured. I'm sure Benson will be their choice RB down the road, or at least until he flakes out again or Cincy sucks again... whichever comes first. Anyone think Cincy can become a force on the ground? Not a bad idea with Henry out on IR.

Sorry I didn't get the details of the deal. My browser's being a slow-grinding pain in the tuchus (sp?).

STEEL CURTAIN RADIO #46: WHO DEY ..... THEY DEY

2009-11-18T05:49:48Z

STEEL CURTAIN RADIO #46: WHO DEY ..... THEY DEY

Click or paste Link into Browser to Listen

http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/SCR_46.mp3

Show Topics:

Can the Steelers win the AFC North?
Are the Bengals Really Better than the Steelers?
Why the Steelers Schedule will be there Best Friend?
44 Passes and 18 Runs - Really?
Why Troy Polamalu Shouldn't play against the Chiefs?
Relax .... There's a lot of Football Left

Master Feeds for all the shows on Whatchatalkinbout.com

Not riding the rollercoaster

2009-11-18T04:30:50Z

As Coach Tomlin often says, a game such as the one on Sunday--like a big win--is best put behind you quickly. Let's face it, a lot of stuff that normally works for the Steelers, simply didn't this time around.

While we certainly can't take anything for granted, the Steelers match up quite well against the rest of the teams on our schedule. If they can use this dreadful game as a springboard, the Steelers can put together another winning steak that hopefully will carry them through the regular season and into the playoffs.

That being said, it's also pretty clear that everyhting is not hunky-dory in Steelerland. Anyone who thinks we're not getting some serious warning signals must be living in Fantasyland. Maybe a few heads will need to roll before this gets straightened out. But don't expect a lot to change before the next off-season. We've seen what happens to teams that make too many changes in mid-season (the Browns for example).

There's far more to pro football than just the talent of the players, which is fairly well distributed throughout the league. What has distinguished the black and gold through the years is their strong sense of team confidence and a willingness to do (in Coach Nolls' words) "whatever it takes."

Greatness consists in doing what you need to do when the situation demands it. This game isn't just about X's and O's. The dismal, second loss to the Bengals represents a fork in the road for this team. It's an occasion to renew the great confidence of a champion and move forward.

I'm betting that the Steelers will step up and meet this challenge. And if they don't, I suspect they'll be getting plenty of "encouragement" from Steeler Nation and BTSC. That's one thing you can absolutely take to the bank.

More verbal gold from Mike Tomlin

2009-11-17T23:40:15Z

During a week where most Steelers fans are looking for something positive, I really enjoyed several of Tomlin's statements from this week's press conference.

Q: You used Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall in the same backfield and gained 12 yards. Will you look to expand on that?

A: Potentially, yes.

Q: Is that the Pony backfield?

A: You know I don’t get into specifics of what we call things. I call it Two Tailbacks in the Game.

"Two Tailbacks in the Game", I love it.

Q: Should Jeff Reed have done more as a tackler on the last two returns for touchdowns?

A: Man, I am not going to go down to evaluating Jeff Reed as a tackler. When it comes down to that, we have failed as a coverage unit. I don’t lose any sleep on the quality of Jeff Reed’s tackles … or tackle attempts.

Looks like Tomlin's standing by Reed, though he does seem to get a little jab in talking about "tackle attempts".

Q: Has Brett Keisel played better since Aaron Smith went down?

A: No, he’s been playing well all year. He really has, even when Aaron was available. Brett is a solid, solid professional. He does a lot of dirty work. He’s really underappreciated. I think it’s the nature of the position he plays in our scheme, similar to Aaron Smith. There are a lot of people that ride the wave of destruction that he provides. I think on both of those sacks he was disruptive, but that’s nothing new for Brett Keisel.

"The wave of destruction that he provides" - cool wording, in my opinion.

Q: Were you surprised by what Bill Belichick did the other day?

A: No, I wasn’t surprised. I heard his comments after the game. He made a decision he felt was appropriate for his team and gave his team the best chance of winning, and for that I applaud him. There are only 32 of these jobs. We have decisions to make that are not always going to be popular. I always appreciate men that are bold enough to do it even when it’s potentially unpopular. Obviously Bill has the stomach to make those decisions.

Interesting commentary about Belichick's decision. (which I happen to agree with, by the way)

Playoff scenario--2005 redux?

2009-11-17T22:11:20Z

Even if we don't win the AFC North, all is not lost. If the current standings hold up, the AFC playoff seedings would be:

Colts
Bengals
Patriots
Broncos (tiebreaker over SD)
Steelers
Chargers

In the first round, Steelers at Denver is a game that we just won, so we should be able to handle that. Assuming other seedings hold, in the second round we would play the Colts at Indy. A tough assignment, to be sure, but the Colts routinely fold in the playoffs. A win there could send the Steelers into Cincinnati for the big re-rematch, winner-take-all for a Super Bowl berth. Can the Bengals beat the Steelers three times in one season? It would be fun to find out.

If these playoff matchups sound familiar, it's because in 2005, the Steelers won road playoff games in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Denver. I'm not saying it will happen again. But it could. So for the 77% percent of you that think the Steelers will be a wild-card team, that's not such a bad thing.

Steelers are not a Super Bowl team

2009-11-17T21:53:44Z

Before everyone has a freaking coronary, allow me to explain. Last years playoff run was no fluke. The defense was by far the best in the league. Big Ben was his usual self and came up big in that final drive. Santonio played out of his mind and special teams did not allow the big play in kickoff coverage. Are you starting to get my drift? I'll break itt down for you one by one.

While the defense is still exceptional, and the drop off from last year has not been significant, the season is just past the halfway point and the lack of depth is bound to take it's toll. Smith is gone, Timmons is dinged up, and Troy cannot be counted on to finish the season, his knee is clearly a bigger problem than anyone on the Steelers cares to admit. The defense has pride and it has heart, and it has Dick LeBeau. But it's another year older and lacking depth. There are brutal games on the horizon and I just don't see them holding up well enough to make a serious run through the playoffs. One more major injury and they might not even see the playoffs.

Big Ben is not his usual self. I mentioned this in another post and it was pooh poohed by the faithful. I'm going to say it again and if you can't see it you are clearly in a state of denial. Big Ben isn't right in the head for all the obvious reasons. He's a future hall of famer and 2 time Super Bowl champ, I love the guy and expect amazing things from him in the future. But I am not so foolish to think that anyone having been accused, falsely or otherwise, of a heinous crime who is currently awaiting trial could have his head completely in anything, especially the pressure packed, fast paced, highly cerebral job of a winning NFL QB. As much as I dislike Bruce Arians playcalling, there were plays to be made yesterday, everyone gets a little blame, but Ben was not sharp and it's not the first time this year that he was obviously out of sorts.

Holmes. He's made some big plays this year. And he has left some bigger plays on the field. Hines is Hines and you can expect 100% from him every Sunday, but Hines 100% is not what it used to be and Santonio needs to step it up. It wasn't well documented but he was struggling with a wrist injury or something earlier in the year. I'm not sure that he is completely healthy. Holmes potentially dealing with a nagging injury, Hines dealing with father time, Heath Miller spending too much time in the backfield providing support to an O-line that frankly seems to be a bit over hyped this year (which is to be expected considering what an improvement they have been from last year), add it all up and it's a recipe for disaster.

Just a note on Arians, the league has figured this guy out for the fraud of an offensive coordinator that he is. The offense does it's best work when Ben calls the plays. If you can, please convince me otherwise. And for those of you who think we should be running more, see last comment. Ben calls a balanced attack.

Special Teams. The return unit is definitely improved from last year and IMHO it has everything to do with Stefan Logan. It seems to me that we give no support to this guy at all and yet he continues to put us up around the thirty yard line with consistency. Perhaps that has something to do with the rule changes regarding the wedge, but it's obvious that other teams have made the necessary adjustments, painfully obvious. Some of you have said that Logan is a liability on coverage which negates the field position he gives us with his returns. But when I watch the replays he seems to be the first one down the field on every play, he does get knocked around a bit, but he is relentless and has made some big plays. I think I heard the word scapegoat in another post. If a scapegoat is what we are looking for, Logan is the last place to look.

Random thoughts.

I think I hear a bus coming down the road, quick, grab Bruce Arians.

I've seen a lot of offensive lineman limp off the field this year and then return to play, could that be because there is no one to replace them and how long can this trend continue?

Positive thinking does not equal positive yardage.

I love Mike Tomlin but we are about to find out just what kind of coach and leader he really is. Should this team falter in the playoffs, or heaven forbid fail to reach the playoffs there are going to be some tough decisions to be made in the off season. Will Coach T make the correct evaluations and proper adjustments, is he willing to let go of a few members of his coaching staff if need be? Time will tell.

OK guys and gals. I've said my piece. Now it's your turn to rake me over the coals. I don't expect to be a very popular guy this week but what the heck, it should be fun getting my ass verbally kicked for the next few days. I can take it. Fire away.

Finally Out Of The Psych Ward...

2009-11-17T21:31:14Z

after my mandatory 24 hour observation period after the Steelers loss. I'm wondering if I'm letting the Steelers wins and losses affect my life a little too much? Maybe they are just an entertainment to be enjoyed only for what they can give me? Maybe I spend too much time on reading this blog and every other thing written about the Steelers on the net? Maybe I should learn to keep a football game in perspective with the rest of life?

Naa.

Steelers-oh-Steelers, wherefore art thou? I didn't get to see the game, but my buddy who is from the Burgh (He played his high school ball under Fran Rogell (SP?)) was quite adament that Bruce Ariens should be traded to the Browns for two cups of sugar and a potted plant. Maybe Bruce reads the blogs and his head swelled from all the posative things we have been saying about him? Well, no more. With the improvement of the offensive line (except blitz pick-up in this game, apparantly), Bruc Arians is a close second for weakest link in the Steelers organization.

What to do with the kick coverage team? I see that Arnold Harrison was fired today. Is that enough? I thought for sure that Anthony Madison would be re-signed, but not yet. Donovan Woods was promoted from the practice squad and no other player was signed so far. Something has to be done about Skippy. With him out there, the Steelers only have ten men on coverage and that wont do. Thank God the Steelers have TWO special teams coaches. When is one of them going to get fired?

From what I can gather about this game, the Steelers really only need a little tweeking to get over the hump. It seems that while our defense is well coached to not give up the big play, the other units seem to have missed that section of the job description. The Steelers are frequently giving up big plays on the special teams, and sometimes a pick-six on offense. One big play there can erase a lot of hard work in other areas of the game. As we saw with the Bengals game. Without that big play, the game is tied at thirteen apiece and maybe is extended into overtime.

I like the fact that action was taken. While I don't wish losing a job on anyone, I do believe in negative reinforcement in some instances. This is one of them. This message should serve as powerful motivation for the remaining players. If it doesn't, bring in another player and see if he can perform better than someone who is not cutting it. I think it might be time for the Steelers to take a play out of Vermiel's (SP?) play book and invite the men of Pittsburgh to try out for the special teams.

One of the tings I think I see, is that Big Ben doesn't trust Wallace to get to the deep ball. He constantly underthrows the rookie receiver. Ben needs to heave that sucker as far as he can and trust Wallace to run under it. It's just my uneducated opinion, but I believe that Wallace can get to Ben's farthest thrown ball. As I looked at the replay of one of the plays on the final series, I felt that Wallace was about to break away from the coverage and that Ben under-threw the ball. Had Ben thrown the ball five yards deeper, Wallace had a touchdown. I know, I know - Tuesday morning quarterback.

Probably the most painful part about this whole experience is how the commentators are slathering the praise on the Bengals. I don't think that the Steelers got as much praise or coverage after they won the Super Bowl. It is downrite discusting that when the Steelers win (Except after a Monday night victory) ESPN will not show much more than one or two plays, but when the Bengals beat the Steelers, break out the band, bring in the dancing girls, and drinks all around. Just makes me crazy...er.

Was it just me, or did Mike Tomlin look visibly angry after the game in his press conference? I wonder how things shake out when he gets angry about performance? What wil practice be like for the Steelers this week. Does he call BS BA into his office this week and give him a performance evaluation? I would so like to be a fly on the wall in the Steelers facility this week.

This loss presents another oppurtunity for the Steelers to maybe go to the Bengals house and knock them out of the playoffs again. Tell me, any of you, that wouldn't make these two losses worth it.

While this loss was painful, I am still really optimistic about the Steelers future this year. I like the remaining schedule. If you watched the Ravens and the Browns last night, you have to think those three games will have favorable outcomes for the Steelers. The Ravens have seriously digressed. Look at the schedule, the Steelers hardest games are at the Ravens and Dolphins. The Bengals still have to go to the Vikings, Chargers and Jets.

And in other news...

What can you say about Peyton Manning? He struck fear into the heart of Bill Belichick...Bill freakin Belichick. I dearly love to see th Hated Patriots lose. Thank you, Peyton Manning.

Did anyone catch John Gruden sticking up for Belichick last night on Monday Night Football. Gruden refered to the time his Bucs had the Colts 35 to 14 with five minutes left, a few years back, and Manning and the Colts came back to win the game. I never thought Manning could do it to the Hated Patriots.

It sure was interesting to watch the talking heads turn on their coaching god after just one mistake. I mean, it made me think that they secretly hated the man.

At least I'm not a Browns fan. Holy smokes is that team f****d up. And, I don't think Randy Learner can afford to fire another coach. Watching them this year, I'm convinced that Mangini is solely at fault for his quarterbacks poor play. Mangini has sysematically destroyed any confidence either of his quarterbacks might have had. Now, the NFLPA is looking into some of his coaching practices.

If Mangini is fired, will he ever coach in the NFL again?

Did anyone see the Redskins' field goal kicker throw the touchdown pass against the Broncos? One of the comentators said he couldn't believe that the Redskins tried the play after showing that they were going to try it before taking a timeout. I think that showing the trick play and then taking the timeout was planned. You have to think that the Broncos were sure there was no way the Redskins would try that again after showing their hand. Brilliant!

Josh McDanials is looking decidedly more uncomfortable in his post game press conferences. And, Brandon Marshall is looking a lot more discontent. This week, neither the Broncos or the Bears want to talk about their quarterback trade. Seems, everyone lost.

Of course, the Broncos do get the Bears first round pick in the draft, and it looks like it may be a high one after all. Can you say quarterback?

Right now, I think the two most dangerous teams that look like they will not make the playoffs are the Panthers and the Titans. They are going to change the landscape of the playoffs in the weeks to come.

I think the Hated Patriots and the Bengals both benefited from the same thing this week: The opposing quarterbacks were off their games.

As any of you that have read my ramblings know, I really don't like what has become of ESPN (Except for James Walker, the AFC North blogger). There is hope though. Have any of you watched Sports Nation? While I would never say it is what you might call, essential. It is entertaining. If you haven't watched it, give it a try. Last time I watched, Michelle Beatle was still trying to push "The Akron Hammer".

Okay, thanks for reading.

Go Steelers!