Some thoughts on the Steelers' 10th win of the season, a rather blasé 23-7 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday at The Big Ketchup Bottle:
Showing posts with label Cincinnati Bengals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cincinnati Bengals. Show all posts
12/13/2010
11/23/2010
2-8 Bengal Receivers Call Big Ben 'Soft'
I don't know why I'm acting like anything said on the T. Ocho Show is relevant, but here's a clip from the most recent episode in which the reality stars who double as the face of a disappointing football team take a cheap shot at Big Ben.
It was Owens who referred to the Steeler QB as 'soft' for being taken down so quickly by Richard Seymour, which is an adjective probably more appropriate in describing his 2010 Bengal teammates, who allowed 35 unanswered to Buffalo on Sunday. That's soft, Mr. Owens.
And by the way, I still haven't forgiven Troy Polamalu for appearing on this show earlier this season. I sure hope it sold a lot of extra shampoo.
Mondesi's House: The Director's Cut (more links, commentary, etc): twitter.com/mondesishouse
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com
Email: mondesishouse@gmail.com
11/09/2010
14 Thoughts on Steelers-Bengals
Well that was a lot more dramatic of a conclusion than I anticipated. Nonetheless, a win is a win, and I'll take it. Thoughts from last night's action:
11/08/2010
The Steelers are Good Tippers, Even in Cincinnati
Usually when I get an email from a TMZ employee, I cringe in advance of the news. Which Steeler got arrested? Who got accused? Who's in the unfortunate picture?
Luckily, this one wasn't so bad: several Steelers, including Byron Leftwich, Rashard Mendenhall, and Casey Hampton took down some ribs at the Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati this afternoon, and left a whopping 80% tip. Considering the source, I've never been more relieved to hear about an uneventful pre-game meal in my life.
9/30/2010
Thursday News and Notes
Today's news and notes include a curious Pirate firing, an AWKWARD radio interview [with audio], a major boo-boo by the makers of Ochocinco Cereal, updates on the health of Jordan Staal and Ray Rice, and much more.
7/29/2010
The Terrell Owens Era is Off to a Great Start
Terrell Owens had 55 catches for 829 yards last season, he's going to be 37 years old, he's known for his dropped passes, he owns no Super Bowl rings, and he's blown up virtually every locker room he's ever been a part of. Yet for some reason, his addition to the Cincinnati Bengals' roster has been celebrated only slightly less than the arrival of LeBron James and Chris Bosh in Miami.
Fans with blinders on drool at the Bengals' receiving pool of Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, Matt Jones, Jordan Shipley, and Owens as a Madden game come to life. In reality, it should be looked at as one segment of arguably the league's most combustible locker room, as a quick glance at the roster would corroborate.
Troublemakers off the field (Pacman Jones, Matt Jones, Cedric Benson, Tank Johnson, Carlos Dunlap, Rey Maualuga), high-maintenance personalities on the field (Bryant, Owens, Ochocinco), and a coach in the final year of his contract (Marvin Lewis) add up to a recipe for disaster for a franchise that last won a playoff game in 1991. When the Pittsburgh Pirates have won a postseason contest more recently than you, that's a sign that your franchise has seen better days.
Thankfully (and I do mean thankfully), this hodgepodge of wayward football players resides in the AFC North, with their imminent self-destruction so close to our viewing area that you'll be able to feel it when it happens. Step One in this process came today, when Mr. Owens started off his Bengal Era by missing his flight to Cincinnati and Bengal physical this morning. The contract signing was scrapped, the introductory news conference was scrapped, all the Bengals' plans for the day were turned upside-down.
In the grand scheme of things, the missed flight is not a big deal. In fact, I'd say it was somewhat expected, for this attention addict to create a more dramatic entrance. But that's what the Bengals get with Terrell Owens. Another sideshow under a big top masquerading as a pro football team.
In the grand scheme of things, the missed flight is not a big deal. In fact, I'd say it was somewhat expected, for this attention addict to create a more dramatic entrance. But that's what the Bengals get with Terrell Owens. Another sideshow under a big top masquerading as a pro football team.
We should all heed Owens' advice and get our popcorn ready soon. Watching this team come apart at the seams is going to be must-see TV for this Steeler fan.
7/12/2010
Chad Ochocino Compares Steelers to Girls
The next time nine-year NFL veteran WR Chad Ochocinco wins a playoff game will be the first. In the meantime, he'll keep busy snowing the general public with reality shows, name changes, touchdown stunts, and dancing with D-listers to create the perception that he's one of the highest-profile and therefore best players in the league.
With that being said, it's unfortunate that Ochocinco (I still feel dumb typing that, by the way) still makes news when absurd words come out of his mouth. Promoting his latest show, a reality-dating program on VH1 called, "The Ultimate Catch", Ochocinco had this to say on Good Day New York Monday morning:
Host: "When's the last time you saw so many girls on one field?"
Ochocinco: "When we played the Steelers"
Ha, ha, ha. Because the Steelers are girls! Get it! Girls who've beaten Ochocinco 11 of 16 times in the regular season and the only time they met him in the playoffs (which was en route to a Super Bowl win, mind you). He's right, the Bengals are totally better than the Steelers.
Just remember, people aren't laughing with you, Chad. They're laughing at you. And best of luck in your next attention-seeking endeavor. Maybe one of these days you'll actually be famous for your exploits in the postseason and not your latest PR stunt (of which I'll try not to fall for).
3/08/2010
STEELERS FREE AGENCY UPDATE
WR Arnaz Battle has officially been signed by the Steelers. Like earlier signee Will Allen, Battle is a special teams standout - an area I'm glad to see addressed - and will be reunited with his former position coach in San Francisco, Al Everest.
OT Jonathan Scott, a four-year veteran who's spent time with Detroit and Buffalo, reached agreement with the Steelers on a contract today. Again, this is a reunion of a player with a position coach, as the Steelers hired former Buffalo line coach Sean Kugler to the same position this offseason.
LB Larry Foote is meeting today with the Redskins, but apparently is wanted back in Pittsburgh to create depth at the position. The Steelers usually don't welcome back players once they've left, but this could be a rare occurrence of just that happening.
WR Antonio Bryant, the former Pitt standout, is visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. The Bengals have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall, so it looks like they're going to sign somebody to address their need at the position.
OT Jonathan Scott, a four-year veteran who's spent time with Detroit and Buffalo, reached agreement with the Steelers on a contract today. Again, this is a reunion of a player with a position coach, as the Steelers hired former Buffalo line coach Sean Kugler to the same position this offseason.
LB Larry Foote is meeting today with the Redskins, but apparently is wanted back in Pittsburgh to create depth at the position. The Steelers usually don't welcome back players once they've left, but this could be a rare occurrence of just that happening.
WR Antonio Bryant, the former Pitt standout, is visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. The Bengals have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall, so it looks like they're going to sign somebody to address their need at the position.
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1/01/2010
WEEKEND UPDATE
Lions tame Tigers: Collin Wagner hit a 21-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining, and Penn State completed a late-game comeback with a 19-17 win over LSU in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Wagner hit four field goals and a PAT on the day, accounting for 13 of the Nittany Lions' 19 points.
It was the 24th bowl win for Joe Paterno, extending his own record, and the first bowl loss for Les Miles while at LSU.
The Citrus Bowl field conjured up memories of that Steeler-Dolphin 3-0 Monday night slop-fest in 2007, and LSU took every opportunity to use that as an excuse for the loss. "That was by far the worst field conditions I've ever seen in my life. For them to say this is the best bowl outside the BCS, I would expect to play on the best field outside the BCS," said LSU WR Brandon LaFell.
I guess they like their grapes served sour in the south. [ESPN]
It was the 24th bowl win for Joe Paterno, extending his own record, and the first bowl loss for Les Miles while at LSU.
The Citrus Bowl field conjured up memories of that Steeler-Dolphin 3-0 Monday night slop-fest in 2007, and LSU took every opportunity to use that as an excuse for the loss. "That was by far the worst field conditions I've ever seen in my life. For them to say this is the best bowl outside the BCS, I would expect to play on the best field outside the BCS," said LSU WR Brandon LaFell.
I guess they like their grapes served sour in the south. [ESPN]
Olympic Orpik: Brooks Orpik became the fifth member of the Penguins roster to be named to an Olympic squad, scoring a spot on the US team on Friday. Former Penguin and Upper St. Clair native Ryan Malone will also suit up for the United States in the Olympics.
Bill Guerin did not make the team, but then again, neither did Mike Modano or Keith Tkachuk. So I guess that report earlier in the week about the team taking one of those three veterans was completely off base. [PG]
King Pryor wins big: Watching Ohio State drop a bowl game has become a bit of a New Year tradition, but they bucked that trend on Friday behind Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor, who threw for a career-high 266 yards and 2 TDs while adding 72 yards rushing in a 26-17 Rose Bowl win over Oregon. The Buckeyes outgained the Ducks 419-260 on the afternoon. Jim Tressel has already apologized for the overabundance of pass attempts. [ESPN]
Snoop and Ben do a good deed: Ben Roethlisberger put up $17,000 in airfare, hotels and other transportation costs to send the Thomas Jefferson Youth Football League's Little Jaguars to the Big Dog Bowl, a championship tournament in Los Angeles organized by Snoop Dogg.
The Little Jags are 11-0, and their undefeated record got them an invite from the canine-loving rapper for the 26-team field on January 9. [Trib]
Tank fires back: Bengals DT and all-around ne'er-do-well Tank Johnson didn't like LaMarr Woodley's comment that the Bengals and Patriots would "lay down" in their games this weekend in the hopes of keeping the Steelers out of the playoffs. Said The Tank:
"I can tell you this, we didn't lay down against the Steelers, so I think LaMarr Woodley should worry about what concerns LaMarr Woodley and the Steelers and not worry about this great franchise in the Bengals."
I could care less about Johnson saying the Bengals are a great franchise, because you have to consider the source. But does anyone see the irony in Woodley, whose team lost to the Browns, Raiders, and Chiefs saying that another team might lay down? [PFT]
'Eers bow to Bowden: West Virginia dropped the ball on behalf of the Big East, losing 33-21 to Florida State in the Gator Bowl. It was the final game for Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and his Oakley sunglasses, as he wrapped up a lifetime bowl record of 22-10-1.
"It's got to be memorable," Bowden said. "It's my last dadgum ballgame after 57 years of coaching." And yes, he really said dadgum. [ESPN]
To franchise or not to franchise?: The Steelers have a host of unrestricted free agent decisions coming up soon, and talk of using the franchise tag has popped up more than a few times. NT Casey Hampton says he does not want one, and S Ryan Clark says he's not good enough for one. I'm going to guess we haven't heard the last of this topic. [Trib]
Bill Guerin did not make the team, but then again, neither did Mike Modano or Keith Tkachuk. So I guess that report earlier in the week about the team taking one of those three veterans was completely off base. [PG]
King Pryor wins big: Watching Ohio State drop a bowl game has become a bit of a New Year tradition, but they bucked that trend on Friday behind Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor, who threw for a career-high 266 yards and 2 TDs while adding 72 yards rushing in a 26-17 Rose Bowl win over Oregon. The Buckeyes outgained the Ducks 419-260 on the afternoon. Jim Tressel has already apologized for the overabundance of pass attempts. [ESPN]
The Little Jags are 11-0, and their undefeated record got them an invite from the canine-loving rapper for the 26-team field on January 9. [Trib]
Tank fires back: Bengals DT and all-around ne'er-do-well Tank Johnson didn't like LaMarr Woodley's comment that the Bengals and Patriots would "lay down" in their games this weekend in the hopes of keeping the Steelers out of the playoffs. Said The Tank:
"I can tell you this, we didn't lay down against the Steelers, so I think LaMarr Woodley should worry about what concerns LaMarr Woodley and the Steelers and not worry about this great franchise in the Bengals."
I could care less about Johnson saying the Bengals are a great franchise, because you have to consider the source. But does anyone see the irony in Woodley, whose team lost to the Browns, Raiders, and Chiefs saying that another team might lay down? [PFT]
'Eers bow to Bowden: West Virginia dropped the ball on behalf of the Big East, losing 33-21 to Florida State in the Gator Bowl. It was the final game for Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and his Oakley sunglasses, as he wrapped up a lifetime bowl record of 22-10-1.
"It's got to be memorable," Bowden said. "It's my last dadgum ballgame after 57 years of coaching." And yes, he really said dadgum. [ESPN]
To franchise or not to franchise?: The Steelers have a host of unrestricted free agent decisions coming up soon, and talk of using the franchise tag has popped up more than a few times. NT Casey Hampton says he does not want one, and S Ryan Clark says he's not good enough for one. I'm going to guess we haven't heard the last of this topic. [Trib]
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11/18/2009
BIG MISTAKE
Ahh, the classic mistake of Bengal overconfidence. Really, Cincinnati? First you sign Larry Johnson, and then your fans burn the Terrible Towel? But I guess you should enjoy it while you can. We all know how this movie ends. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a photo to post.
*Video language Rated R
Not So Fast – There Are Annoying Yinzers to Mock, Too [KSK]
*Video language Rated R
Not So Fast – There Are Annoying Yinzers to Mock, Too [KSK]
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11/15/2009
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
BENGALS (7-2) 18
STEELERS (6-3) 12
ROETHLISBERGER 20-40, 175 YARDS, 1 INT
MENDENHALL 13-36
HOLMES 7-88
ROETHLISBERGER 20-40, 175 YARDS, 1 INTMENDENHALL 13-36
HOLMES 7-88
Nobody's perfect, which the Steelers proved while basically handing the 2009 AFC North division crown to Cincinnati on Sunday. A few thoughts on the disappointing conclusion to "Homecoming Weekend":
1. Why did the Steelers lose? A few reasons:
A. They couldn't run the ball. Rashard Mendenhall led the team with only 36 yards.
B. There was no offensive balance, with 18 runs and 40 passes. I love Big Ben like few do, but those numbers are out of whack.
C. Lack of big plays: the Steelers had only one play of 20 yards or more, and that only went for 21. The biggest play of the day was a 46-yard pass interference call drawn by Mike Wallace.
D. Ben Roethlisberger was human. A below-average 50% completion percentage, no touchdowns, and one interception proved that. I was waiting for "Get Me My Hat II", but it was not to be.
E. Poor special teams. The Steelers allowed their seventh return touchdown of the season, and we're only nine games in. It would also help if someone would teach Jeff Reed how to tackle already.
F. The Steelers were an awful 3-for-15 on third downs. That's not going to get it done against a bad team, let alone a 6-2 team.
G. They couldn't finish drives. Four field goals and no touchdowns is rarely enough offense to win a game.
2. It's hard to pin much blame for the loss on the defense, which was playing without Troy Polamalu for most of the game. They bent but never broke, they held Cincinnati to 61 yards rushing on 29 carries (albeit without Cedric Benson) and they limited Chad Ochocinco to two catches for 29 yards. Not to mention that they didn't give up any touchdowns. If you ask me, that's a pretty complete effort that should've been good enough to win the game.
3. As hard as it is, I/we must give credit to Cincinnati. They've swept both AFC Championship teams and barring a complete collapse should win the AFC North. They have been and will continue to be a legitimate threat in the conference. Plus, their remaining schedule includes pushovers Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit, and Kansas City. They're not going away anytime soon.
4. Hines Ward was virtually erased by the Bengal defense, targeted on 10 passes but connecting on only four, for 26 yards. The only time he was really noticed was when he got in a Bengal's face.
5. Big Ben looked Santonio Holmes' way a whopping 14 times, and connected on just half of those. Holmes had two catches in the second half after grabbing five in the first.
6. While Sunday's result was a major letdown, the season is not over. Yes, it just got a whole lot more difficult, but it is not over. To be honest, I think the injury to Troy Polamalu could be an ever bigger concern than this loss.
7. Wow - a Willie Parker sighting! One carry and one ball thrown in his vicinity now passes as a lot of work for a two-time Pro Bowler who's rushed for 125 yards or more against the Bengals four times in eight games.
8. I don't have an entire list of celebrity sightings at the game on Sunday, but at the very least I can tell you that Mean Joe Greene and Russell Crowe were both on hand to watch the Steelers lose. Greene was accepting his Clio Award 29 years late, and Crowe took in the game while in town filming The Next Three Days.
9. I thought I heard Dan Marino swear during the CBS halftime show and it turns out that he did. Hope the FCC watchdogs aren't football fans.
1. Why did the Steelers lose? A few reasons:
A. They couldn't run the ball. Rashard Mendenhall led the team with only 36 yards.
B. There was no offensive balance, with 18 runs and 40 passes. I love Big Ben like few do, but those numbers are out of whack.
C. Lack of big plays: the Steelers had only one play of 20 yards or more, and that only went for 21. The biggest play of the day was a 46-yard pass interference call drawn by Mike Wallace.
D. Ben Roethlisberger was human. A below-average 50% completion percentage, no touchdowns, and one interception proved that. I was waiting for "Get Me My Hat II", but it was not to be.
E. Poor special teams. The Steelers allowed their seventh return touchdown of the season, and we're only nine games in. It would also help if someone would teach Jeff Reed how to tackle already.
F. The Steelers were an awful 3-for-15 on third downs. That's not going to get it done against a bad team, let alone a 6-2 team.
G. They couldn't finish drives. Four field goals and no touchdowns is rarely enough offense to win a game.
2. It's hard to pin much blame for the loss on the defense, which was playing without Troy Polamalu for most of the game. They bent but never broke, they held Cincinnati to 61 yards rushing on 29 carries (albeit without Cedric Benson) and they limited Chad Ochocinco to two catches for 29 yards. Not to mention that they didn't give up any touchdowns. If you ask me, that's a pretty complete effort that should've been good enough to win the game.
3. As hard as it is, I/we must give credit to Cincinnati. They've swept both AFC Championship teams and barring a complete collapse should win the AFC North. They have been and will continue to be a legitimate threat in the conference. Plus, their remaining schedule includes pushovers Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit, and Kansas City. They're not going away anytime soon.
4. Hines Ward was virtually erased by the Bengal defense, targeted on 10 passes but connecting on only four, for 26 yards. The only time he was really noticed was when he got in a Bengal's face.
5. Big Ben looked Santonio Holmes' way a whopping 14 times, and connected on just half of those. Holmes had two catches in the second half after grabbing five in the first.
6. While Sunday's result was a major letdown, the season is not over. Yes, it just got a whole lot more difficult, but it is not over. To be honest, I think the injury to Troy Polamalu could be an ever bigger concern than this loss.
7. Wow - a Willie Parker sighting! One carry and one ball thrown in his vicinity now passes as a lot of work for a two-time Pro Bowler who's rushed for 125 yards or more against the Bengals four times in eight games.
8. I don't have an entire list of celebrity sightings at the game on Sunday, but at the very least I can tell you that Mean Joe Greene and Russell Crowe were both on hand to watch the Steelers lose. Greene was accepting his Clio Award 29 years late, and Crowe took in the game while in town filming The Next Three Days.
9. I thought I heard Dan Marino swear during the CBS halftime show and it turns out that he did. Hope the FCC watchdogs aren't football fans.
10. Don't get too down, Steeler Nation: next on the schedule would be Matt Cassel, Mike Vrabel and the Kansas City Chiefs, now 100% Larry Johnson-free. Sounds to me like the perfect elixir for a tough loss.
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9/27/2009
THEME OF THE WEEKEND: BLOWN LEADS
BENGALS (2-1) 23
STEELERS (1-2) 20
STEELERS (1-2) 20
ROETHLISBERGER 22/31, 276 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT PARKER 25-93
WALLACE 7-102
There was something contagious going on in the local football scene this weekend, and it was not good. First, Pitt blew separate 10 and 14-point leads in a defense-optional 38-31 loss at NC State on Saturday. Then, the nation watched as Penn State let a 10-0 first-quarter lead evaporate following five Iowa scores, resulting in a humbling 21-10 loss in front of 109,316 at a very un-Happy Valley on Saturday night. But Sunday's Steeler-Bengal game in Cincinnati would serve to be perhaps the toughest of all to swallow, with a 13-0 Steeler first-half lead disappearing before our very eyes. A few thoughts:
1. If you want to pick a drive where the offense lost the game, look no further than the third quarter, when Limas Sweed dropped a sure touchdown (surprise, surprise) and Jeff Reed followed that with a missed field goal. Skippy might be regretting the decision to pass on that contract extension offered on the eve of the regular season, because his value has definitely dipped the past two weeks.
2. You could also look to the Ben Roethlisberger pick-six in the third as a momentum-changer, cutting the Steeler lead from 10 to four in a matter of seconds. Is it me, or does it seem like the big guy has a lot of these on his watch?
3. Last week's winning points came with 20 seconds left in the game. This week's go-ahead touchdown came with 14 ticks on the clock. Talk them up all you'd like, but so far, this defense is not quite closing on a Mariano Rivera level. And yes, I'm aware that Troy Polamalu has been absent for both games. I'll then remind you that the opponents were Chicago and Cincinnati, never to be confused with Indianapolis and New England.
4. The line between winning and losing in the NFL is razor-thin. Need proof? If Rob Bironas makes two field goals in the opener, the Steelers are 0-3. If Denver doesn't pull off a miracle touchdown days later, Cincinnati is 3-0. The truth is, either of these teams could easily be 3-0, 2-1, 1-2, or 0-3 at this point. The Steelers' final scores have been decided by three, three, and....three. The difference is that the best teams are not constantly in a position to have the game go either way. So far, the Steelers have proven that they are not one of the league's best teams.
5. Was Santonio Holmes hurt or just invisible on Sunday? One catch on five throws? I expected more, Mr. MVP. Oh well, at least Mike Wallace proved that Steeler rookie receivers are capable of 100-yard games. I thought after last season that was impossible. And on that note, if anyone is still wearing a Sweed jersey on Monday, I give you credit for standing by your man, if nothing else.
6. At least Hines Ward was able to cross the 10,000 yard barrier with his four-catch, 82-yard performance on Sunday. And nice block on the Willie Parker touchdown, by the way.
7. Despite Parker's 93 yards on the ground, I'm not proclaiming the Steelers' rushing game "back" by any means. And how about the lack of action for Rashard Mendenhall? I expected much, much more out of the #1 pick at this point in his career.
8. Be prepared for someone in the media to "throw out Willie Parker's 24-yard carry" and point out that he had 69 yards on his other 24 carries. Sorry, you can't have it that way. They all count, good and bad. Get over it.
9. Also expect to hear these words uttered by the media over and over again: "Super Bowl hangover". I can't wait.
10. On the plus side, at least we got to see some Stefan Logan magic yesterday on that 56-yard kickoff return, although he has yet to make an impact on his punt returns thus far this season.
11. With any close loss, the coaching staff will be called out, so expect that in mass quantities this week. Mike Tomlin made some questionable decisions that came back to bite the team, and Bruce Arians will also have the bullseye on his back for play-calling, as he usually does. I think you can definitely see a lack of confidence in certain aspects of this team from the coach's point of view.
12. Through three games, the Steelers as a team have five sacks. To put that in perspective, Cincy's Antwan Odom has seven all by himself, and the Bengals have 10 as a team. Something is definitely missing beyond #43 on that Steeler defense. The ferocity is not there.
13. At it stands right now, the 2008 Steeler draft class could go down as one of their worst ever. Mendenhall has done nothing. Sweed has done less than nothing. Bruce Davis is already cut. Tony Hills is buried on the depth chart. Dennis Dixon will probably be a lifelong backup. Mike Humpal is gone. And Ryan Mundy was squarely on the bubble at camp this year. I hope I'm just being an impatient fan, but with each passing week it's looking more and more like "it is what it is".
14. The Steelers are now in third place in the AFC North, already two games back of Baltimore. It's not yet time to hit the panic button, but with a tricky San Diego team next on the schedule, things need to get straightened out - and fast.
1. If you want to pick a drive where the offense lost the game, look no further than the third quarter, when Limas Sweed dropped a sure touchdown (surprise, surprise) and Jeff Reed followed that with a missed field goal. Skippy might be regretting the decision to pass on that contract extension offered on the eve of the regular season, because his value has definitely dipped the past two weeks.
2. You could also look to the Ben Roethlisberger pick-six in the third as a momentum-changer, cutting the Steeler lead from 10 to four in a matter of seconds. Is it me, or does it seem like the big guy has a lot of these on his watch?
3. Last week's winning points came with 20 seconds left in the game. This week's go-ahead touchdown came with 14 ticks on the clock. Talk them up all you'd like, but so far, this defense is not quite closing on a Mariano Rivera level. And yes, I'm aware that Troy Polamalu has been absent for both games. I'll then remind you that the opponents were Chicago and Cincinnati, never to be confused with Indianapolis and New England.
4. The line between winning and losing in the NFL is razor-thin. Need proof? If Rob Bironas makes two field goals in the opener, the Steelers are 0-3. If Denver doesn't pull off a miracle touchdown days later, Cincinnati is 3-0. The truth is, either of these teams could easily be 3-0, 2-1, 1-2, or 0-3 at this point. The Steelers' final scores have been decided by three, three, and....three. The difference is that the best teams are not constantly in a position to have the game go either way. So far, the Steelers have proven that they are not one of the league's best teams.
5. Was Santonio Holmes hurt or just invisible on Sunday? One catch on five throws? I expected more, Mr. MVP. Oh well, at least Mike Wallace proved that Steeler rookie receivers are capable of 100-yard games. I thought after last season that was impossible. And on that note, if anyone is still wearing a Sweed jersey on Monday, I give you credit for standing by your man, if nothing else.
6. At least Hines Ward was able to cross the 10,000 yard barrier with his four-catch, 82-yard performance on Sunday. And nice block on the Willie Parker touchdown, by the way.
7. Despite Parker's 93 yards on the ground, I'm not proclaiming the Steelers' rushing game "back" by any means. And how about the lack of action for Rashard Mendenhall? I expected much, much more out of the #1 pick at this point in his career.
8. Be prepared for someone in the media to "throw out Willie Parker's 24-yard carry" and point out that he had 69 yards on his other 24 carries. Sorry, you can't have it that way. They all count, good and bad. Get over it.
9. Also expect to hear these words uttered by the media over and over again: "Super Bowl hangover". I can't wait.
10. On the plus side, at least we got to see some Stefan Logan magic yesterday on that 56-yard kickoff return, although he has yet to make an impact on his punt returns thus far this season.
11. With any close loss, the coaching staff will be called out, so expect that in mass quantities this week. Mike Tomlin made some questionable decisions that came back to bite the team, and Bruce Arians will also have the bullseye on his back for play-calling, as he usually does. I think you can definitely see a lack of confidence in certain aspects of this team from the coach's point of view.
12. Through three games, the Steelers as a team have five sacks. To put that in perspective, Cincy's Antwan Odom has seven all by himself, and the Bengals have 10 as a team. Something is definitely missing beyond #43 on that Steeler defense. The ferocity is not there.
13. At it stands right now, the 2008 Steeler draft class could go down as one of their worst ever. Mendenhall has done nothing. Sweed has done less than nothing. Bruce Davis is already cut. Tony Hills is buried on the depth chart. Dennis Dixon will probably be a lifelong backup. Mike Humpal is gone. And Ryan Mundy was squarely on the bubble at camp this year. I hope I'm just being an impatient fan, but with each passing week it's looking more and more like "it is what it is".
14. The Steelers are now in third place in the AFC North, already two games back of Baltimore. It's not yet time to hit the panic button, but with a tricky San Diego team next on the schedule, things need to get straightened out - and fast.
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5/08/2009
GARY RUSSELL NOW A RAIDER
The intriguing offseason of former Steeler RB Gary Russell has taken yet another turn. Following a strangely-timed release in April by the Super Bowl Champs, Russell was promptly signed and just-as-promptly released by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Today, he was signed by the NFL's Last Chance Saloon, the Oakland Raiders.
Russell will be fifth on a talented yet crowded Raider depth chart that includes Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Louis Rankin. The Raiders also have four fullbacks, including four-time Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal.
I'd say this was a surprising move by the Raiders, if for no other reason than the fact that Russell ran a 4.84 40 at the combine in 2007.
Gary Russell Resurfaces With Raiders [PFT]
Today, he was signed by the NFL's Last Chance Saloon, the Oakland Raiders.
Russell will be fifth on a talented yet crowded Raider depth chart that includes Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Louis Rankin. The Raiders also have four fullbacks, including four-time Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal.
I'd say this was a surprising move by the Raiders, if for no other reason than the fact that Russell ran a 4.84 40 at the combine in 2007.
Gary Russell Resurfaces With Raiders [PFT]
4/27/2009
BENGALS CUT GARY RUSSELL
After roughly a week as a Cincinnati Bengal, Russell has been released for the second time this month, according to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli. The Bengals did a minor housecleaning, also ridding themselves of former first-round pick RB Chris Perry, safety Mike Doss, TE Nate Lawrie, and DE Eric Henderson. And with the addition of Manzier spokesman Andre Smith in the draft, they're also planning to dump OT Levi Jones, he of the Joey Porter Vegas fight a few years back.
The Bengals picked up two running backs in the draft: 6th rounder Bernard Scott, from Abilene Christian, and seventh-rounder Taufui Vakapuna from BYU, which apparently made Perry and Russell expendable in the eyes of the always-competent Bengal management.
So who's up next in line for a week of Gary Russell? Can we interest you, Mr. Mangini?
Bengals cut former first-rounder Perry [ESPN]
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4/24/2009
STEELERS SIGN KEIWAN RATLIFF
Ratliff, who goes 5'11", 188 and is 28 years old, was a 2004 2nd-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals out of the University of Florida. He has since moved on to play for both Tampa Bay and Indianapolis in 2007 before spending all of 2008 with the Colts. He had 32 tackles and two interceptions in four starts for Indy last season. One of those picks occurred in a 24-20 Colts win over the Steelers on November 8, so you can be fairly sure that Big Ben is somewhat familiar with Ratliff.
Born in nearby Youngstown, Ohio, Ratliff was a 2003 First-Team All-American and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award while at Florida.
Ratliff to Steelers [PFT]
Send your news, tips, and links to Mondesishouse@gmail.com.
4/20/2009
BENGALS SIGN GARY RUSSELL
That didn't take long.
Running back Gary Russell, the man who went down in history for scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl 43 before being unceremoniously dumped by the Steelers on Thursday, was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.
It looks as if Russell will inherit kick return duties as well as the primary backup role to incumbent Cedric Benson, putting Chris Perry, Kenny Watson, and James Johnson in a three-way battle for the third running back spot. That's certainly more of a role than he expected to have this year in Pittsburgh, where he looked to be no more than a fourth option behind Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore.
I still haven't heard a definitive answer as to why the Steelers would let him go in April, as it certainly wasn't for roster or financial reasons. But whatever that reason may be was apparently not enough to keep him out of the hands of the Bengals.
Bengals claim Russell; Jeanty signs [Bengals.com]
Running back Gary Russell, the man who went down in history for scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl 43 before being unceremoniously dumped by the Steelers on Thursday, was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.
It looks as if Russell will inherit kick return duties as well as the primary backup role to incumbent Cedric Benson, putting Chris Perry, Kenny Watson, and James Johnson in a three-way battle for the third running back spot. That's certainly more of a role than he expected to have this year in Pittsburgh, where he looked to be no more than a fourth option behind Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore.
I still haven't heard a definitive answer as to why the Steelers would let him go in April, as it certainly wasn't for roster or financial reasons. But whatever that reason may be was apparently not enough to keep him out of the hands of the Bengals.
Bengals claim Russell; Jeanty signs [Bengals.com]
Send your news, tips, and links to Mondesishouse@gmail.com.
11/20/2008
CLOSER THAN IT SHOULD'VE BEEN
STEELERS (8-3) 27
BENGALS (1-9-1) 10
ROETHLISBERGER 17-30, 243 YARDS, 1 TD, 1 RUSH TD
MOORE 15-56
HOLMES 5-84, 1 CONCUSSION
BENGALS (1-9-1) 10
ROETHLISBERGER 17-30, 243 YARDS, 1 TD, 1 RUSH TD
MOORE 15-56
HOLMES 5-84, 1 CONCUSSION
Let me start by getting this off my chest: I don't like Thursday night football. At all. It seems like a major inconvenience for fans and it just doesn't feel right. There's no vibe. I can deal with Sunday night football, I can deal with Monday night football, but Thursday...I'll pass, thanks.
But if anything can get me out of a foul mood, it's seeing a former member of N'Sync sing the national anthem. So hats off to you, Chris Kirkpatrick. You saved my Thursday night football viewing experience. Too bad that Gone Country 2 thing went to Sebastian Bach.
Tomfoolery aside, it's time to get to the serious points from last night's game (with tomfoolery eventually creeping back in heavy doses):
1. That was, without a doubt, the worst performance by a punter [Paul Ernster] I've ever seen in my entire life, at any level. Even Mike Tomlin called it "horrible". For those of you scoring at home, he averaged 28 yards on five punts. Is it too late to see if Josh Miller is still out there?
2. I haven't checked the NFL online shop lately, but you can sign me up for one of those nifty, Gore-Tex-looking Steeler coats that Coach Tomlin was wearing last night. George Costanza would be proud.
3. Great defensive performance by the Steelers on Dick Lebeau night, but the team simply let the Bengals hang around waaaay too long. As Cris Collinsworth pointed out once or 12 times, the Bengals were only one botched Steeler play away from taking the lead well into the second half, although that's more on the offense.
But back to the much-praised defense: how is it possible to allow a team "featuring" Ryan Fitzpatrick and Cedric Benson, and 11-play, 62-yard drive on their second possession?
4. If the playoffs started today, the Steelers would be a #2 seed and have a first-round bye. But the last time I checked, the playoffs don't start for at least another month, so I guess this is just a pointless link.
5. "Saved by Zero" was officially replaced by the roughly eight million spots for the iPhone in the "Repetitive, Annoying Commercials" category last night. Do we really need that many features on a phone?
6. That was the first time I've seen Big Ben run in a while. Usually he's, I don't know...on his back, being jammed into the turf by a 350-pound lineman. But hopefully the mobility means he's feeling better. Of course, it helped that the Bengals have no pass rush. But last year, Roethlisberger ran for 204 yards. This year? 43, which puts him on pace for 63.
7. I'm telling you, those screen passes work. My Main Mewelde had 41 yards through the air and another 56 on the ground. What a great signing of an under-the-radar free agent. The Steelers must have consulted with Ray Shero on that one.
8. Hats off to Gary Russell for his first NFL touchdown, to go along with a 28-yard average on kick returns. Well done.
9. I can't speak for you, but I'm counting down the minutes till that Deion - TO interview on the NFLN. That should be some hard-hitting journalism. What, was Michael Irvin unavailable?
10. It was like a Bengal reunion last night. Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, and Solomon Wilcots were all there as broadcasters, and Ken Anderson was there as a Steeler coach. And just like the old days, the Bengals lost.
11. Tough night for injuries. Willie Parker went down again, this time "with a knee", as did Brett Keisel. Santonio Holmes got hit so hard, he didn't get knocked into next week, he got knocked into the Dallas game. No word yet on the severity of the injuries from the team, which is always tripping over itself to tell the entire league how hurt their guys are.
12. Speaking of the Dallas game, is anyone in Pittsburgh worried for their safety knowing that PacMan Jones and Tank Johnson will be coming to town? That being said, the local strip clubs should do very well during the Cowboys' visit.
13. Referring to point 12, the Bengals came through (with Chris Henry) and left the city unscathed. Maybe my faith in criminals is not lost.
14. OK, Limas Sweeders, here's something to talk about: 2 catches, 25 yards, 1 fumble (lost, of course). Still not enough to justify a jersey purchase that wasn't even my own.
15. There are few things better or more enjoyable as a sports fan than watching Troy Polamalu run after he gets the football. Period.
16. Great performance by the Steeler fans planted near the NFLN's broadcast booth after the game. Nothing like watching Deion Sanders and his candy cane-colored scarf trying to yell over fans to make a point to Marshall Faulk in his finest cab driver hat, while Warren Sapp slouches at the end of the booth and says very little.
17. Even better performance by whoever the people were that were behind Hines Ward in his postgame interview, which looked like it was held in a tunnel. Now that's a colorful bunch.
18. Seeing that snow last night made me realize something: if the Steelers had a team snowball fight before, during, or after the game, and sides were chosen playground-style, the first pick has to be Byron Leftwich, right?
19. You've gotta admit, if I told you 8-3 after 11 weeks at the beginning of the season, you'd take it. Or did we all forget our 9-7 predictions (which, I might add, are still possible, although unlikely).
20. I picked a winner in yesterday's Chad Johnson-related comment contest, and it is Scott, who said:
"Guys, it's right there in the official NFL injury report ...
CINCINNATI BENGALS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS — BENGALS: OUT: WR Antonio Chatman (neck), DE Eric Henderson (neck), LB Abdul Hodge (elbow), T Levi Jones (back), G Scott Kooistra (knee), S Chinedum Ndukwe (foot), WR Chad Ocho Cinco (douchebaggery), DE Antwan Odom (shoulder), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow), G Andrew Whitworth (ankle). DOUBTFUL: WR Jerome Simpson (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: CB Johnathan Joseph (foot). PROBABLE: WR Andre Caldwell (foot), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), TE Reggie Kelly (ankle), RB Kenny Watson (shoulder). STEELERS: OUT: CB Bryant McFadden (forearm), T Marvel Smith (back), CB Deshea Townsend (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: TE Matt Spaeth (wrist)."
Scott's going to get a free gold hoodie compliments of Champion for his contribution (SRP $65). So Scott, if you're out there, send me an email with your address. And if any of you other sly foxes pretend to be Real Scott, I'm going to be very disappointed.
21. Obviously, I now see what must motivate people to leave comments: free stuff. Luckily, I've got plenty of other things to give out in the newly-thought-of Mondesi's House Mystery Prize Box, so who knows what you'll get. Will it be the Baltimore Ravens winter cap? The Donovan McNabb Bobblehead (unfortunately, it doesn't talk with ignorance about NFL rules)? Or something even better than Scott's prize? The suspense will surely get the best of you.
22. I think my remote officially broke while trying to watch this game and the Pens game (although it wasn't as bad as December 20, 2007: the night the Steelers played the Rams, Pitt played Duke at MSG, and the Pens beat the Bruins in a shootout, with Sid's first fight). The post was titled, "Three Wins, Two Losses", because that was also the night that Willie Parker and Mike Cook went down for the season.
23. Speaking of the Pens, I hear that they played against Colby Armstrong's new team last night. Actually, I heard that roughly 30,000 times last night. But a win is a win is a win, even if it's in front of a crowd smaller than your average WPIAL football game (there were 13,000 in attendance last night? Really?)
Sid had the highlight of the evening, scoring a goal as he was falling down, and Petr Sykora added the game winner with 2:40 left in regulation, sparing the Penguins yet another, and at times, seemingly inevitable, overtime.
24. Come to think of it, I might like this Thursday night thing after all. I'm never in this chatty of a mood on a Monday morning.
25. Patriots next week. Might be a good game to tape.
Send your news, tips, and links to Mondesishouse@gmail.com.
But back to the much-praised defense: how is it possible to allow a team "featuring" Ryan Fitzpatrick and Cedric Benson, and 11-play, 62-yard drive on their second possession?
4. If the playoffs started today, the Steelers would be a #2 seed and have a first-round bye. But the last time I checked, the playoffs don't start for at least another month, so I guess this is just a pointless link.
5. "Saved by Zero" was officially replaced by the roughly eight million spots for the iPhone in the "Repetitive, Annoying Commercials" category last night. Do we really need that many features on a phone?
6. That was the first time I've seen Big Ben run in a while. Usually he's, I don't know...on his back, being jammed into the turf by a 350-pound lineman. But hopefully the mobility means he's feeling better. Of course, it helped that the Bengals have no pass rush. But last year, Roethlisberger ran for 204 yards. This year? 43, which puts him on pace for 63.
7. I'm telling you, those screen passes work. My Main Mewelde had 41 yards through the air and another 56 on the ground. What a great signing of an under-the-radar free agent. The Steelers must have consulted with Ray Shero on that one.
8. Hats off to Gary Russell for his first NFL touchdown, to go along with a 28-yard average on kick returns. Well done.
9. I can't speak for you, but I'm counting down the minutes till that Deion - TO interview on the NFLN. That should be some hard-hitting journalism. What, was Michael Irvin unavailable?
10. It was like a Bengal reunion last night. Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, and Solomon Wilcots were all there as broadcasters, and Ken Anderson was there as a Steeler coach. And just like the old days, the Bengals lost.
11. Tough night for injuries. Willie Parker went down again, this time "with a knee", as did Brett Keisel. Santonio Holmes got hit so hard, he didn't get knocked into next week, he got knocked into the Dallas game. No word yet on the severity of the injuries from the team, which is always tripping over itself to tell the entire league how hurt their guys are.
12. Speaking of the Dallas game, is anyone in Pittsburgh worried for their safety knowing that PacMan Jones and Tank Johnson will be coming to town? That being said, the local strip clubs should do very well during the Cowboys' visit.
13. Referring to point 12, the Bengals came through (with Chris Henry) and left the city unscathed. Maybe my faith in criminals is not lost.
14. OK, Limas Sweeders, here's something to talk about: 2 catches, 25 yards, 1 fumble (lost, of course). Still not enough to justify a jersey purchase that wasn't even my own.
15. There are few things better or more enjoyable as a sports fan than watching Troy Polamalu run after he gets the football. Period.
16. Great performance by the Steeler fans planted near the NFLN's broadcast booth after the game. Nothing like watching Deion Sanders and his candy cane-colored scarf trying to yell over fans to make a point to Marshall Faulk in his finest cab driver hat, while Warren Sapp slouches at the end of the booth and says very little.
17. Even better performance by whoever the people were that were behind Hines Ward in his postgame interview, which looked like it was held in a tunnel. Now that's a colorful bunch.
18. Seeing that snow last night made me realize something: if the Steelers had a team snowball fight before, during, or after the game, and sides were chosen playground-style, the first pick has to be Byron Leftwich, right?
19. You've gotta admit, if I told you 8-3 after 11 weeks at the beginning of the season, you'd take it. Or did we all forget our 9-7 predictions (which, I might add, are still possible, although unlikely).
20. I picked a winner in yesterday's Chad Johnson-related comment contest, and it is Scott, who said:
"Guys, it's right there in the official NFL injury report ...
CINCINNATI BENGALS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS — BENGALS: OUT: WR Antonio Chatman (neck), DE Eric Henderson (neck), LB Abdul Hodge (elbow), T Levi Jones (back), G Scott Kooistra (knee), S Chinedum Ndukwe (foot), WR Chad Ocho Cinco (douchebaggery), DE Antwan Odom (shoulder), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow), G Andrew Whitworth (ankle). DOUBTFUL: WR Jerome Simpson (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: CB Johnathan Joseph (foot). PROBABLE: WR Andre Caldwell (foot), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), TE Reggie Kelly (ankle), RB Kenny Watson (shoulder). STEELERS: OUT: CB Bryant McFadden (forearm), T Marvel Smith (back), CB Deshea Townsend (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: TE Matt Spaeth (wrist)."
Scott's going to get a free gold hoodie compliments of Champion for his contribution (SRP $65). So Scott, if you're out there, send me an email with your address. And if any of you other sly foxes pretend to be Real Scott, I'm going to be very disappointed.
21. Obviously, I now see what must motivate people to leave comments: free stuff. Luckily, I've got plenty of other things to give out in the newly-thought-of Mondesi's House Mystery Prize Box, so who knows what you'll get. Will it be the Baltimore Ravens winter cap? The Donovan McNabb Bobblehead (unfortunately, it doesn't talk with ignorance about NFL rules)? Or something even better than Scott's prize? The suspense will surely get the best of you.
22. I think my remote officially broke while trying to watch this game and the Pens game (although it wasn't as bad as December 20, 2007: the night the Steelers played the Rams, Pitt played Duke at MSG, and the Pens beat the Bruins in a shootout, with Sid's first fight). The post was titled, "Three Wins, Two Losses", because that was also the night that Willie Parker and Mike Cook went down for the season.
23. Speaking of the Pens, I hear that they played against Colby Armstrong's new team last night. Actually, I heard that roughly 30,000 times last night. But a win is a win is a win, even if it's in front of a crowd smaller than your average WPIAL football game (there were 13,000 in attendance last night? Really?)
Sid had the highlight of the evening, scoring a goal as he was falling down, and Petr Sykora added the game winner with 2:40 left in regulation, sparing the Penguins yet another, and at times, seemingly inevitable, overtime.
24. Come to think of it, I might like this Thursday night thing after all. I'm never in this chatty of a mood on a Monday morning.
25. Patriots next week. Might be a good game to tape.
Send your news, tips, and links to Mondesishouse@gmail.com.
BREAKING: OCHO CINCO WILL NOT PLAY TONIGHT
That's right...Chad Javon Johnson Ocho Cinco Abdul-Jabbar will not be playing tonight against the Steelers, as per a statement just released from the team:
"Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco will be deactivated for tonight's game at Pittsburgh, for violation of a team rule," the statement says. "The Bengals will have no further comment until after the game."
OK, let's turn this into a contest. Whoever comments with the best (and by best, I mean funniest) guess as to what the violation was gets a nice prize from the newly-created Mondesi's House Mystery Prize Box. Seriously.
MANY thanks to reader Josh Marotti, a Steeler fan stranded in Cincinnati, for the tip.
Send your news, tips, and links to Mondesishouse@gmail.com.
10/19/2008
STEELERS WIN HOME GAME IN CINCINNATI
STEELERS (5-1) 38
BENGALS (0-7) 10
ROETHLISBERGER 17-28, 216 YARDS, 2 TD
MOORE 20-120, 3 TD
HOLMES 5-89
When the Steelers signed Mewelde Moore in the offseason, it registered barely a blip on the radar, probably because of the little $102 million contract signed by a certain franchise QB around the same time. In fact, on the day of Moore's signing, I made as big a deal out of his standing outside of a Barnes and Noble in full Vikings garb as his offensive output. To say Steeler Nation was not exactly enthused by the signing was an understatement. But that's OK...we can leave the glitzy, big-name signings to Jerry Jones. And he clearly knows what he's doing.
But Mr. Moore is quickly making a name for himself in a Steeler uniform - and he didn't even have to pose in front of Barnes & Noble. 134 yards and three touchdowns on a given Sunday in October will do that for you. When combining such an effort with another dominant defensive performance, which included seven sacks of Ryan Fitzpatrick, you get a 28-point margin of victory. Steelers 38, Bengals 10. Or as we could say yet again, Hammer 38, Nail 10.
After three quarters, the score was 17-10, which was unsettling for a variety of reasons. But the Steelers would widen the lead thrice in the final 15 minutes, with touchdowns from Nate Washington, Moore, and Hines Ward, allowing the team to arrive home with a 5-1 record and a two-game lead in the AFC North. The loss dropped the Bengals to 0-7, just a defeat away from starting the season 0 and ocho. Or should I say cero and ocho. I don't know, I took Latin in school, not Spanish.
The Steeler defense had another good day at the office, allowing the Bengals a total of 212 yards while somehow holding the Fitzpatrick and Cedric Benson-led offense in check. Let's just say the Steelers' opponent conjured up no memories of the Greatest Show on Turf Rams; but you play who you are scheduled to play, and the Steelers had a strong performance.
James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, and Lamarr Woodley each sacked Fitzpatrick twice, and James Farrior finished with 11 tackles. The defense also forced two Fitzpatrick fumbles, recovering one. I'm guessing Harvard doesn't have a class in holding onto the football.
As you've probably heard, all this defensive mayhem helped Large Ben raise his career record in Ohio to 11-0. Of course, it helps that the only two teams in Ohio are the Bengals and Browns, which have as many Super Bowl rings as you or I (and yes, Cleveland fans, I know you dominated the league pre-merger in the '50s; spare me your emails; I'm sure you get great satisfaction from those wins). But 11-0 is 11-0.
Game Notes:
--Hines Ward probably won't be getting a Christmas card from Bengal LB Keith Rivers, whose jaw Ward broke on Sunday. The play was not penalized, which means Ward should probably expect a fine of $10-$15,000 from Roger Goodell this week.
--Uninformed Bengal LB Brandon Johnson saw a double-standard at work on the unflagged play, because Rivers is not a quarterback. Are you implying that the league protects the quarterback position unlike any other position? Surely you jest, Mr. Johnson.
--Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe hinted that retribution will be forthcoming for Ward when the team meets again. If I've learned one thing over the years, it's that when Chindeum Ndukwe says he'll get you, he'll get you.
--Limas Sweed sighting! One catch, 11 yards. Hey, you've gotta start somewhere. By the way, I was at Wal-Mart on Saturday and I saw a guy wearing a Limas Sweed jersey. I'd love to see the line of thinking behind that purchase.
--Heath Miller had two catches, bringing his season total through six games to...18. That's on pace for 48, which would actually be one more than his 2007 total of 47. That statistical analysis was dedicated to the people who keep saying Miller doesn't get the ball as much as he did last year.
--How do you spell big play? N-A-T-E W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N.
That's a 48 and a 50-yard catch in consecutive weeks for #85. Maybe that's why the Steelers gave him nearly a million and a half in 2008.
--Cincinnati is 0-7 for the fifth time since Mike Brown and Kevin McClatchy bought the team in 1991. OK, it was just Mike Brown, not Kevin McClatchy. Let's just say they have similar results.
--The Bengals achieved their initial first-down of the game with 4:57 left in the first half. Thankfully, the Steelers had built up an insurmountable three-point lead with all the Bengal ineptitude in the first 30 minutes.
--For those wondering, here's Chad Ochocinco's game-by-game stats against the Steelers:
2001: 5-52 and 2-25
2002: 7-71 and 7-152
2003: 4-77 and 6-117-1 TD
2004: 4-54 and 5-80-1 TD
2005: 4-94 and 5-54 (4-55 in playoff game)
2006: 1-11 and 4-53
2007: 5-51 and 6-86
Average: 4.6 catches for 69.8 yards
--Family Guy had a parody of the Mean Joe Greene Coke commercial on their new episode last night. Hopefully I'll get a video clip of that sometime soon.
--It's late October. The Steelers are 5-1 and first in the AFC North. Pitt is 5-1, first in the Big East, and 17th in the country. Penn State is first in the Big Tenleven and third in the BCS. I'd think the demanding football fans of Western Pennsylvania would have little to complain about, although I'm sure they'll find something.
--Next-up for the Steelers: Plaxico Burress and the 5-1, Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.
Seeing Tom Coughlin coach against the Steelers without Mark Brunell, Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith at his disposal will be odd. It should be a tough matchup for the Steelers. Hopefully some of their wounded warriors will be back in the saddle by then, as long as they don't step in any holes before 4:15 on Sunday. Expect roughly 1,852 mentions of the 2004 quarterback draft class, which included Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Phil Rivers, and of course, JP Losman.
3/17/2008
Steelers = Bengals?
Here's a real think piece from ESPN 1250/Beaver County Times sports personality Mark Madden: are the Steelers no different from the Bengals?
As Mr. Madden points out, the number of current Steelers involved in domestic abuse cases has risen to an alarming four: Najeh Davenport, Santonio Holmes, James Harrison, and Cedrick Wilson.
But why do the Steelers' incidents mostly fly under the radar, while the Bengals are a national punchline?
Looks like a misbehaving Brady Bunch
Says the Super Genius:
Make no mistake, this is epidemic. Steelers fans glory in knocking the Cincinnati Bengals for all their legal peccadilloes, but eight percent of the Steelers’ roster has been involved in domestic abuse. Yet few seem to care. There is zero public rancor.
Making the situation more ironic is the club-fueled myth that the Steelers don’t employ bad apples, they strive for a better class of people. There is no lower class of person than a domestic abuser.
He brings up some interesting discussion points. Any thoughts, Steeler fans?
Madden Monday: Steelers no different than Bengals [Beaver County Times]
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