IX- Remember in 2006 when the Steelers came storming back in to playoff contention after starting the year 2-6? Well, the second to last game of the season was against the hated Ravens and the Steelers got absolutely pummeled, 31-7. Baltimore outgained Pittsburgh 359 to 251 in total yards, sacked Big Ben twice and were never really threatened by the Steelers. Please, please, please let that not be the case on Sunday - at least let us see yet another thriller that comes down to the wire. May the best team win!
X- Still no word about what prompted Limas Sweed to leave the team for the rest of the season. Mike Tomlin only insisted that he'll continue to support Sweed's privacy regarding the matter. The Steelers went out and signed veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway to fill in for Sweed. I like the move. He won't need too much time to figure out what the Steelers like to do offensively and if necessary - like say if Hines Ward is too banged up to play effectively - Galloway could step in in a pinch and perhaps surprise some people. The Steelers also added long snapper Jared Retofsky to fill in for the injured Greg Warren, who was lost for the season for the second consecutive year.
XIII- John Harbaugh thinks Troy Polamalu will play on Sunday. Dale Lolley writes that #43 is 'iffy' about his status. He mentions that Polamalu's latest MRI was far from encouraging, but that he remained non-committal about whether or not he might play against the Ravens. Btw, anybody read or heard anything about whether or not Baltimore's all world safety, Ed Reed, will be ready to go?
XIV- A pretty rational explanation of Coach Tomlin's decision to try the onside kick.
XL- Check out QuickHit Football and tell me what you think about the site. I've been given a Terrible Towel signed by Coach Cowher that I'd like to give away to one of you. I will be thinking of the best way to do that here later today, so stay tuned for that if you're interested. In the meantime, if you are so inclined, check out that interactive (and of course, free) football game on that site and let me know what your impressions are.