IX - Looks like most everybody outside of the Pittsburgh area will get to see the Steelers and Ravens on Sunday. Here's the TV Distribution Map for Week 1.
X - During our live chat with Dale Lolley on Thursday, he mentioned an upcoming column about Isaac Redman and the increased role he was ready to assume in Bruce Arians' offense. He certainly has earned it.
XIII - James Farrior joined Vinnie & Cook on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh to talk about playing the Ravens this Sunday. My favorite quote?
"Every time you go up against those guys you get warm feeling in your heart, because you know it's going to be a rough, tough drag-out war."
IX - Here's a not-so-upbeat editorial in the Baltimore Sun about the Ravens' chances against Pittsburgh this Sunday. We'll see, I think playing at home will be a major factor for the Ravens, one that probably keeps Pittsburgh from playing as well as we might hope.
XL - Of course, it would be a complete fiasco if it came to this, but the Steelers are apparently contemplating dressing only Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch at quarterback, and deactivating Dennis Dixon for the week. That would leave Hines Ward as the emergency third string quarterback. How fun would it be to see Ward slinging some passes and running the Wildcat from the shotgun?
XLIII - Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller won't be on the sidelines Sunday to help his players contend with Dick LeBeau's blitz packages. Moeller has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Bonus Link: [Editor's Note: Correction. I had the location of The Meadows Race Track incorrect. Meadows Race Track is in Washington Co, in Meadowlands between Rt. 19 and I79, southwest of Pittsburgh.]
Just saw this and it's worth including in the six pack. You can watch the Steelers-Ravens game from The Meadows Race Track with a number of Steelers greats including Rocky Bleier.