Pittsburgh Steelers

1. It was great to see some familiar faces. RB Kevin Faulk, DT Brandon Deaderick, LB Jerod Mayo, and OT Sebastian Vollmer all returned to action. Faulk, in his first game since being activated off of the physically unable to perform list, started the game in place of BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 8"

There are dozens of reasons why a draft prospect’s stock drops. Slow 40 time, out of shape, lack of ideal size, character problems.

Diagnosed with a form of cancer.

Marcus Cannon was an imposing offensive tackle for TCU projected as an NFL guard. He was agile for a big man and had great strength. Cannon was rated as a second round pick.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 8"

“Hello? Miiiiike…What’s goin’ on? I know, I know! Long time no speak, man. How you doin’?

“Yeah, I heard. Retired. I didn’t see that coming. But good for you.

Continue reading "Don't Be a Stranger, Mike Vrabel"

The Patriots haven’t lost to the New York Jets in the playoffs. I did not know that. N.E. is 2-0 thanks to a 26-14 win back in 1985 and a 37-16 blasting in 2007. Naturally these results have no bearing on what happens on Sunday, but I find these facts interesting.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Divisionals"

Last week the Patriots offense rolled up over 450 yards and scored 33 of 39 points. It’s the kind of offense fans have been waiting for all season long. The sweetest part was New England carved up the best defense in the league in the process. The fans can get used to this, but will it last? 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11"

Are the Patriots the best team in the league? 

Depends on who you ask. Some shout out yes from the highest mountaintop. Others say no, it’s the Atlanta Falcons. Power rankings might suggest. Bottom line is these opinions and polls are subjective. 

Continue reading "Best In the League?"

kicking in bad weather, and he performed well in Heinz Field, home of Sunday’s opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

That means a new kicker for Mesko to adjust to. Certainly they spent extra time working out the kinks for this upcoming game. Maybe Graham likes the ball held at a certain angle, a different angle than Gostkowski. Working on timing is critical too, but that can’t be done with just these two players. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 10"

They kick off the season with Cincinnati and Cedric Benson. The Pittsburgh Steelers want to run more with Rashard Mendenhall. Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson is arguably the best running back in the league. And the footprints left behind from Baltimore’s 234-yard Wild Card trampling are still fresh on the players’ chest. 

Continue reading "A Running Concern"

If your jaw dropped five feet from the amount of Jahri Evans’ new contract, understand a smile of equal distance stretched across the face of Logan Mankins’ agent Frank Bauer. 

In case you missed it, before the Lawrence Taylor arrest and JaMarcus Russell’s release (talk about polar opposite stories – Taylor goes to a New York prison while Russell gets out of Oakland, which replicates the depressing hopelessness found behind bars), the Saints agreed to pay Evans $56.7 million over seven years, the biggest contract in NFL history for a guard. 

Continue reading "Market Value Set for Mankins"

It’s the kind of injury that believers in playing it safe use as an example. WR Wes Welker injured his knee when he planted his left foot to change direction, but the knee gave away. People believe he tore his ACL and MCL, ending Welker’s season just before the playoffs. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 17"

Two second place teams, the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, will be watched closely. But if neither wins their respective division, the Patriots will have the edge as long as they remain atop the AFC East. 

Continue reading "Looking Ahead"

Pro Bowl balloting is open to the public. Choose wisely. 

This year New England fans will have a tough time rationalizing Patriot players worthy of being selected. The offense’s big three of QB Tom Brady and WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker will get their share of votes. Beyond them…good luck. 

Continue reading "Pro Bowl Ben?"

         Ah, summer's end. The kids are getting ready for school, the Pirates are firmly ensconced in last place, and hurricane season is in full effect. Time for some pre-season football!

Continue reading "Preseason: Vick, Stallworth, and ..."

As OTA's and minicamps progress while training camp begin to roll over the horizon, America's favorite sport nears its regular season.  While nobody knows how well teams will do in a season with the randomness of injuries and several other factors, it's always interesting to look ahead at the schedule and prognosticate.  Unlike most people, I'm not going to give just a win or loss for each game, rather I'm going to predict how many times the Steelers would win if they played a team 10 times.  For instance if the Steelers were playing a very crappy team, I would say 9/10 or 10/10.  At the end i will add up the wins and divide by 10, giving us how many wins they will have this season.

Continue reading "Steelers Game By Game Preview of ..."

During the 2008-2009 season, an encouraging pattern appeared.  The Steelers would start the game well, at some point fall behind, and in the 4th quarter, Big Ben would engineer a game winning drive.  This phenomena reared its head during the regular season, but in the biggest game of the year, Super Bowl XLIII.  Why is the leader of such a sub par offense (22nd in the league during the regular season) the engineer of so many come from behind wins? When examined, two major reasons can be found.

Continue reading "Why Ben Roethlisberger Will be the ..."

Coming off a super bowl victory last season, hopes couldn't be higher for the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers, as they should be.  While the team is returning 20 out of 22 starters from that super bowl run (only losing Larry Foote and Bryant Mcfadden), things begin to look bleak as we look at the possible roster a year from now.  In 2010, the Steelers will have an alarming number of key players that will be free agents if these players do not re-sign.

Continue reading "Trouble Ahead for the Steelers"

In the world of journalism, it's the greatest compliment when an article you wrote inspires others to express their own opinion on the same subject.

Back in February, I wrote an article asking the question should teams draft tight ends in the first round. It was a relevant question because Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew could be the only TE selected within the first 32 picks.

Continue reading "Great Minds Think Alike"

As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part III in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2004 vs 2003"

Well, we got a coach--Todd Haley. Did you know that he is the son of Dick Haley, long-time Pittsburgh Steelers personnel director? Dick Haley was personnel director from 1975 to 1990, I think. Now, that is some impressive pedigree...Todd also worked as receivers coach and passing coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys when Bill Parcells was head coach. He was also receivers coach for the New York Jets in the late 90s when they went from 1-15 in 1996 to 12-4 two years later. In other words, this guy is a winner, and he has impressive credentials. He was not hired just because of his success the last 2 years with the Arizona Cardinals. I am encouraged by the hiring.

Continue reading "Excellent Choice - Todd Haley Named ..."

Congratulations Pittsburgh Steelers for your Super Bowl XLIII win, you earned it, you clearly are the best team in '08, yadda, yadda, yadda.

*breathe*

Now that I got that out of my system, let me get to the point: The Patriots have two years to win one more championship within the 2001-2010 seasons to earn the designation Team of the Decade. If the time period was up, then no one could question the title. But because there are two years left and the Steelers as presently composed is built to challenge for another championship over the next few years, the Pats need one more ring to make it four and give them a lead the Steelers can't tie.

Continue reading "Team of the Decade"

It's been seven years since Pats fans have faced a January without playoff football and 2008 has finally come to an end.

Congratulations to Steelers, I don't think anyone could argue that they were an undeserving Super Bowl champion. They faced adversity toward the end of the game but came through on the biggest stage and for that they have to be respected. Of course I could point out that they didn't have to face Tom Brady but let's just put 2008 to bed once and for all.

Continue reading "Good News Patriots Fans, it's the Off-Season!"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!   

Continue reading "Predictions Super Bowl XLIII"

the fact that I would kind of like to see the Arizona Cardinals pull off an upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, I think that the Yellow and Black will prevail in this one.  The way I see it, the Cardinals are good enough to score two TDs, but not more than one field goal.  The Steelers, on the other hand, will also get two TD scores against an Arizona defense that really isn't that great (unless they can force turnovers, which the Steelers don't give up), plus kick a few more field goals to pull out the win.

Continue reading "Super Bowl Prediction: Steelers 23, Cardinals 17"

stage is set: The flashy Arizona Cardinals (yes the Arizona Cardinals!) take on the tough and rigid Pittsburgh Steelers defense (ranked first in the National Football League). They say 'Defense Wins Championships' which has proven correct a lot in the past, but I have a little hunch. The best defense or the best team doesn't always win the big game. Just check last year's Super Bowl. The undefeated New England Patriots were upset by the New York Giants. How? By one VERY lucky catch by Giants' receiver David Tyree. The whole Patriots season without a single loss faded without any gold due to a single catch. You can't script that. You also can't script a 8-7 Arizona Cardinals team looking putrid losing 47-7 in the ice and snow in Foxboro and then winning every week after that (including the post season) to get to the grandest stage in the NFL (maybe in all of sports). I've said it before on this blog and I'll probably say it again next season, you just can't predict what will happen in the NFL nowadays from week to week.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLIII Prediction"

The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers both jumped over their last hurdles to go to the big dance. But don't ask either coach if they'll be satisfied with just making it. They want to win it! I'll bring you a in-depth 7 part preview of the big game as I'll give my prediction on the game on the 7th and final post. So let's get to it! This is the 'intro' post to the 7 part series.

Continue reading "Setting the Stage: Arizona Cardinals"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Conference Championships"

not for all the New York mistakes.  Prediction: Cardinals 21, Eagles 14

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers: I'm going with the upset pick (Ravens) in this matchup.  Sure, the

Continue reading "The Birds and the "D's""

 

The crystal ball had a dreadful performance this past week, posting a woeful 1-3 record.  This is playoff time, so that is totally unacceptable!  The crystal ball started off 1-0, but then dropped its last three for the weekend!  Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 3-5 for the post-season, and 36-31-1 overall.  That’s five games over .500 (.537 to be exact).  Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in the Championship games!  Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Divisional Round Review"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Divisional Round"

  

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 01/08/09"

When I was a sophomore in high school playing on the JV basketball team, we went into our Christmas break undefeated and feeling pretty good about ourselves. Over the break we were scheduled to play one game against a team from the division below us. We practiced a few times, nothing too serious, and went into the game feeling good. But the week and a half layoff killed us and we lost by four, our only loss of the season.

Continue reading "Picks for the NFL weekend"

Prediction: Ravens 24, Titans 19

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: As much as I want to root for the underdog Chargers in this game, I think the Steelers will take care of business quite handily.  The Bolts are hurting (Tomlinson, Gates) on offense against a defense that can shut down teams at their peak.  Prediction: Steelers 31, Chargers 17

Continue reading "Quick Picks For The NFL Divisional Playoffs"

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, this was a successful season. I really want a birth in the playoffs, but if the chips don't fall in New England's favor and they are on the outside looking in, then that's just how it is. It wasn't meant to be.

Continue reading "Hats Off"

in the last game played at Texas Stadium.

Winners - Dallas Cowboys

3) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans

With a win in this game, the Pittsburgh Steelers

Continue reading "NFL Week 16 Predictions"

About a couple of weeks ago, I was talking with a co-worker about the current state of the Patriots. He suggested that maybe the team would be better off tanking for better draft position as opposed to trying to get into the playoffs because they'd probably get bounced out early.

Continue reading "Playoffs or Draft?"

Next Tuesday the NFL Network will announce the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams. Unlike last year, there won't be as many Patriot players sprinkled throughout the roster, but that doesn't mean there are no deserving players on the team. Of course I'm a homer, but I'll try to exercise a bit of common sense and select players who should be on the AFC team:

Continue reading "Pro Bowl Pats"

Dear Santa,

I know it's been a while since I've written to you, and I'm sorry about forgetting to put out milk and cookies the couple Christmases, but this year I really need your help. As you're probably aware due to all the New England Patriots schwag you've delivered to my house over the years, I'm quite a big fan of the team.

Continue reading "All I Want for Christmas is the Patriots ..."

 

The crystal ball was brought back down to Earth this past week by going 2-2.  That puts the crystal ball at 25-22-1 for the season.  That’s three games over .500 (.531 to be exact).  The Cowboys and the Jets let the crystal ball down this past week.  The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this coming weekend.  Let’s review and see what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Week 14 Review"

;       This past Sunday, the Cowboys had a 10-point lead against the Pittsburgh Steelers, late in the 4th quarter.  Then disaster struck, as the Cowboys were not able to finish off the Steelers.  All the Cowboys needed were a couple of first downs and the game would be over.  Nope…didn’t happen!  The Cowboys let the Steelers tie the game with about 2 minutes left in regulation.  Then, Romo gave the entire Steeler Nation an early Christmas present by throwing a pick-6…game over! 

Continue reading "Chokers"

Another week is in the books in the National Football League as we head to Week 15. But first let's take a look back at the week that was...Week 14! (my tongue is getting twisted) Several surprising outcomes this past Sunday including a few of the games I picked. I went a disappointing 1-3 in my picks. Very poor performance on my part. I'm finally realizing I'll never have a grip on the NFL. It's the most inconsistent professional sport out there. Any team can lose on any given week. But enough sulking, let's get on to this week's Fallout Report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Fallout"

I immediately feared it was the 1997 Divisional loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers all over again.

In that game LB Ted Johnson had a chance to blast a running Kordell Stewart along the sideline, but he let up. Stewart ran right by Johnson and scored a touchdown on a 40-yard run. Offensively New England kicked two field goals and lost by one.

Continue reading "Learning From Experience"

1-for-13.

That was the number of third down conversions out of the number of chances last week for the Patriots. Just once when facing third down did New England get a first down. Even more frustrating was the only first down conversion was the final offensive play, when the outcome was not in doubt.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 14"

Ring it up.

Winners - New York Jets

3) Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the marquee games on the slate this week. The Dallas Cowboys need to win this game to stay alive in the NFC Playoff picture. It won't be easy though as they'll play the Steelers in cold Pittsburgh without lead RB Marion Barber due to injury. On paper, the Steelers have the advantage in this game, but I'm going to go with the Cowboys in this one. This game is a must for Tony Romo and company. Every game is huge for the Cowboys from here on out and I think they'll have something to say when the season ends.

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Predictions"

     What I am about to say here may sounds strange, or maybe not, but think about this solution to our BCS predicament.  This could clarify and validate the BCS selections, the National Title Game, provide some great excitement, set a precedent for that kind of excitement, and get the ball rolling toward a college football playoff.    

Continue reading "BCS- The Perfect Way To Fix it and ..."

 

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I wont be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 12/04/08"

ny times.  Well, it’s a week past Turkey Day, and the ‘Boys will face a formidable Pittsburgh Steelers team on the road.  Come Sunday, we will all know…what they are!  

Continue reading "What They Are"

As bad as that loss to the Steelers was, I hope for a rematch. 

Yes, Pittsburgh out-everythinged the Patriots on Sunday. It was a completely convincing win. The Steelers showed why they rank first in a handful of defensive categories. We saw first hand why they are the best team in the AFC. 

Continue reading "Another Shot at the Steelers for the Patriots"

     So here we are. One week before the end of the NCAA Football regular season the BCS has already claimed a victim. As Oklahoma leapfrogged the University of Texas to claim the number 2 spot in the BCS, Longhorn fans have gone looking for a nice padded room.

Continue reading "I told you it was nonsense-the BCS"

It's put up or shut up time.

Yeah, that's a direct stab at Pittsburgh Steelers reserve safety Anthony Smith. I repeat: Reservesafety Anthony Smith. He esentially guaranteed a win over the Patriots, the second year in a row he's made that promise.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13"

Hey there and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from me and mine. Just a little list I threw together to celebrate the holiday...I had more time on my hands today than Kerry Collins did against Detroit. And that's saying something. 

Continue reading "Top Ten Reasons Every Steeler Fan ..."

A team whose defense precedes them. A team that ended the Patriots' 21-game win streak. The Pittsburgh Steelers.

The black and gold enter Foxboro Sunday with the best defense in the NFL, providing the biggest test of Cassel's young career. The Steelers are ranked in the top five of most power rankings and are the highest ranked opponent the Pats have faced in 2008.

Continue reading "Patriots Must Beat The Steelers If ..."

Check it. A quick review. About two weeks ago against the Jets, Matt Cassel becomes the first player to pass for 400 yards and run for 60-plus. The following week he throws for 415 yards, becoming the first Patriot to throw two consecutive 400-yard games.

Continue reading "Getting the Most Out of Cassel"

     As we do each week, we are providing fantasy football players with the best information in the most interesting format possible. So, enjoy your viewing of this video that is sure to bring you what you need and remind you of things that you want.

Continue reading "Videos of the Week-Fantasy Sportsgirl ..."

Week 11 was one of the more interesting weeks in the NFL this season. A game ended in a 11-10 score for the first time in NFL history, a game ended in a tie and we also saw 'America's Team' get back on track with their star quarterback at the helm. I'll get to that and more as this week's Fallout report kicks off.......riiiiight now!

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Fallout"

         As the NFL reaches week 12, fantasy owners are positioning themselves for the playoffs. With only a few weeks before the fantasy playoffs begin, mid-season trades and quality free agent pick-ups could be the boost that your team needs to climb to the top of the mountain. So, as we do each week, we are providing fantasy football players with the best information in the most interesting format possible. So, enjoy your viewing of this video that is sure to bring you what you need and remind you of things that you want.

Continue reading "Watch Fantasy Sportsgirl Video for ..."

It’s been a weird year, especially for sports. The Boston Celtics finally picked themselves up from the bootstraps to win a championship. Neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees amounted to anything more than a bunch of overpaid whiners. They are even tearing down Yankee Stadium.  

Continue reading "All Good Soldiers"

nts Tennessee.

Winners - Jacksonville Jaguars

3) San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Did you know the San Diego Chargers are 0-12 all time in the regular season against the Steelers in Pittsburgh? They have defeated the Steel Crew in the post-season, but never the regular season. That was an interesting tidbit I heard on talk radio this past week. Regarding this game, I just don't have a good feeling for picking the Chargers. Their 25th in 2008 in rushing this year and their going against a good Steelers defense. West coast teams tend to have trouble when they travel across country. I know Big Ben is banged up, etc...but I'll go with my gut here and pick the

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Predictions"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 10"

All in all an ugly-dominating performance by the Pittsburgh Steelers. On a side note: Redskins QB Jason Campbell threw his first 2 interceptions of the season.


That will

Continue reading "NFL Week 9 Fallout"

 

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Giants the Cowboys find themselves in a must-win game that they have no chance of winning.  The Cowboys are struggling, no doubt because of their many injuries…but that’s too easy of a cop-out.  Let’s take a look at why the ‘Boys are struggling even before the injuries started piling up:  

Continue reading "Why The Cowboys Are Struggling"

We fly on our broomsticks to Week 9 in the NFL. Happy Halloween everyone as another week of predictions are here and I for one am feeling a little...confident this week. Why? Because the crystal ball is no longer with us and debuting this week is none other then the infamous Crypt Keeper. He'll pick one game each week as I take care of the rest. Last week I went 2-2, but rest assure my Crypt Keeper and I plan to do better than 2-2 this week. So get out your candy, put your costume on, howl in the wind and maestro hit ze music!

Continue reading "NFL Week 9 Predictions"

MID-SEASON NFL AWARDS & RECOGNITION

MOST OVER-PUBLICIZED
5. Jeremy Shockey (NO)—When he was acquired in the off-season from the Giants, many lauded the move. On paper, it truly seemed like a “win-win” scenario for both teams. One expert even went so far as to say that the outspoken tight end would have the same type of impact on the Saints as Randy Moss had on the Patriots in 2007 (sorry, Mr. Jaworski). Thus far, having played in 5 of 8 games, Shockey has 200 receiving yards, zero touchdowns, and two lost fumbles. Recently, he lashed out at his new organization for rushing him back on the playing field after he suffered a sports hernia earlier in the season. Even with crucial injuries at skill positions, the 4-4 Saints have had little trouble moving the ball on offense. If Shockey doesn’t score a touchdown shut up soon, he might find out the hard way just how expendable he actually is.

Continue reading "THE ULTIMATE MID-SEASON NFL BREAKDOWN ..."

It's better than a suspension.

NT Vince Wilfork had a reluctant visit with commish Roger Goodell about his elbow to the helmet of Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler. While a suspension was an option, Goodell showed some leniency and just fined Wilfork, but it is a hefty fine.

Continue reading "Vince Will Fork Over the Dough"

MID-SEASON NFL ALL-PRO TEAMS

2nd TEAM

QB = Drew Brees (NO): 2563 YDS 15 TD 7 INT 69% CMP 101.6 RTG

RB = Michael Turner (ATL): 655 YDS 6 TD 4.5 YPC, 3 CTH 11 YDS
         Marion Barber (DAL): 611 YDS 5 TD 4.0 YPC, 32 CTH 276 YDS 2 TD

Continue reading "MID-SEASON NFL ALL-PRO TEAMS"

Well, in retrospect, maybe Rashard Mendenhall wasn't the best choice for the Steelers number one pick. After the horrible performance put on by the offensive line against the New York Giants, do you think that head coach Mike Tomlin is second guessing himself? Should they have spent a portion of their picks on shoring up the only glaring weakness on a Super Bowl caliber teeam?

Continue reading "Steelers troubles begin with offensive ..."

  

           The Cowboys are sitting at 4-3, having lost three out of their last four games after a 3-0 start.  This is not how Jerry Jones had envisioned this season unfolding.  The Cowboys had 13 Pro-Bowlers last year.  They had 22 of 24 starters returning (Marion Barber replaced Julius Jones and Zach Thomas replaced Akin Ayodele).  Jerry had good reason for optimism.  The Cowboys had a decent draft by selecting Felix Jones and bolstering their cornerback depth. They also acquired Adam Jones on a draft day trade.  The Cowboys were 13-3 last year; a Super Bowl would surely be in their grasp this year? 

Continue reading "Super Bowl Or Bust"

Sun, Oct 26StadiumTime (ET)TicketsNetworkDIRECTV (HD)SIRIUSWestwood OneOAK @ BAL M&T Bank Stadium1:00 PM TicketsCBS705 (705) 144 (OAK)   119 (BAL)  ARI @ CAR Bank of America Stadium1:00 PM TicketsFOX708 (708) 155 (ARI)   91 (CAR)  ATL @ PHI Lincoln Financial Field1:00 PM TicketsFOX712 (712) 154 (ATL)   127 (PHI)  KC @ NYJ Giants Stadium1:00 PM TicketsCBS707 (707) 107 (KC)   123 (NYJ)  SD @ NO Wembley Stadium1:00 PM TicketsCBS704 (704) 110 (SD)   126 (NO)  STL @ NE Gillette Stadium1:00 PM TicketsFOX711 (711) 90 (STL)   121 (NE)  TB @ DAL Texas Stadium1:00 PM TicketsFOX709 (709) 118 (TB)   122 (DAL)  WAS @ DET Ford Field1:00 PM TicketsFOX710 (710) 152 (WAS)   129 (DET)  BUF @ MIA Dolphin Stadium1:00 PM TicketsCBS706 (706) 130 (BUF)   125 (MIA)  CLE @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium4:05 PM TicketsCBS714 (714) 125 (CLE)   122 (JAC)  CIN @ HOU Reliant Stadium4:05 PM TicketsCBS713 (713) 119 (CIN)   126 (HOU)  NYG @ PIT Heinz Field4:15 PM TicketsFOX716 (716) 91 (NYG)   127 (PIT)  SEA @ SF Candlestick Park4:15 PM TicketsFOX715 (715) 123 (SEA)   121 (SF)  Mon, Oct 27StadiumTime (ET)TicketsNetworkDIRECTV (HD)SIRIUSWestwood OneIND @ TEN LP Field8:30 PM TicketsESPN206 (73) 126 (IND)   Radio Byes: Bears, Broncos, Packers, Vikings

Continue reading "Fantasy Sportsgirl-New Today and ..."

Week six is nearly in the books, and the Black and Gold look more black and blue. The scheduling gods finally got one right, and Pittsburgh gets its bye week at the best possible time. After going through a meat grinder against Jacksonville and Baltimore, the Steelers needed this week to heal up, with the running back and D-line positions being hardest hit. Willie Parker looks set to return, which will take some of the load off of Big Ben. He’s partnered up with Najeh Davenport, who made his return last week after first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season.

Continue reading "The State of the (Steeler) Nation: Week 6"

NFC East

Week 6

Hello East Fans,

Well after a week of Hiatus to curse the football gods for my team’s embarrassing losses. I felt a preview of the Best division in Football was the only way to quench the thirst. Every team in the division except for Washington is on the road, let’s start with the leaders of the pack.

Continue reading "The East!"

THE YEAR OF THE RUNNING BACK

    In every NFL draft there is at least one position that is laden with talent. More often than not, this fresh crop of virtuosos wastes very little time in announcing its presence to the rest of the NFL. The hype swells over the course of training camp and preseason, but it all counts for nothing until the promise actually manifests itself on the playing field during the regular season. We’ve seen years (like the class of 2006) that were so diverse they defied designation. We’ve also had years (like the class of 2005) that were a little more singular in positional depth. This year, I believe, we can officially label as “The Year of the Running Back.”

Continue reading "The Year of the Running Back"

       Sean Salisbury offers his fantasy football preview for week 6 of the NFL. Check this out every week at my blog.

Continue reading "Sean Salisbury's Fantasy Preview for Week 6"

          The crystal ball was two up and two down for the week.  Even though that is an improvement, it still doesn’t cut it!  Good thing this is for entertainment purposes only…or I would be in the poor house!  Let’s take a look back and see what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 5 Review"

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

Chalk it up.

Winners - Dallas Cowboys


3) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

A battle of two teams that met twice last season (one in the regular season/one in the post season) with Jaguars taking both in Pittsburgh. I still remember the regular season game last season between these two with the snow falling, what a game. Fast forward to now and you have a Steelers team banged up. Willie Parker is still out and back-up Rashard Mendenhall is done for the season with a fractured shoulder received against the Ravens. Gary Russell and Najeh Davenport were re-signed by the Steel men to pick up the scraps in the running game with Mewelde Moore starting this Sunday against the Jags. These two teams know each other, that's no secret. I have a gut feeling however that the Steelers will come out on top in this one. I have four reasons. (Yes four!) 1) Just like the Ravens, I think the adrenaline will carry over from Monday Night. 2) Good teams find ways to win with injuries. Steelers are a Super Bowl caliber team by many, this will be a good test. 3) The Houston Texans horrible defense were able to stop Taylor/Jones pretty nicely last week. I think the Steelers review what the Texans did and try to copy it. 4) Three out of the last 4 Sunday Night Games the upset has won. That's right. Every Sunday Night game besides the Packers/Cowboys, the upset team has won. And I have a little superstition in me. I'm picking the Steelers in this one.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

          

           Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, was accused by Al Davis of “tampering” with Randy Moss prior to their trade a year ago.  The Raiders received a 4th round pick as compensation in the deal.  Davis alleges that the Patriots had a secret workout with Moss prior to the negotiations, which would violate NFL rules.  Bill (here’s a surprise) denies the accusation. 

Continue reading "...Then It's Probably A Duck!"

           This week two head coaches were relieved of their duties…fired!  First, Scott Linehan of the St. Louis Rams, and now, Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, why?  Jim Haslet replaced Linehan.  What’s the difference, the Rams are horrific!  Kiffin is being replaced with O-line coach, Tom Cable…who?  Yeah, that’s right, I never heard of him either! 

Continue reading "Instant Gratification"

The Crying Game

The Terrell Owens story

Hello NFL fans,

Well here we are, week four of the third year with his last team. This will be his last team, I truly believe that. If I were an owner I would rather get a letter full of anthrax and then imprisoned IN Cuba to spend the rest of my days. The continuous onslaught of reporters and fans condemning my name and wanting my head on a stick would be too much for me to bare.

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           Once again, my crystal ball failed me.  I don’t understand what happened…I shined it up last week.  I even purchased a stand for it…so now it sits on top of the mantel.  I’ve treated it with the utmost respect.  For who?  For what?  (Yes…that was a shot at Ricky Watters!)  Once again, I was one up and three down last week…not good…awful…embarrassing even!  I have to do something different for next week…maybe I will punish it…have it stand in the corner…or give it a time-out!  Something has to give…and I’m not backing down!  Let’s take a closer look and see what went wrong: 

Continue reading "Week 4 Review"

bsp;        The other day, Rashard Mendenhall (Rookie RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers) sent his buddy, Ray Rice (Rookie RB for the Baltimore Ravens) a text message.  So why is that football news?  Because LB Bart Scott of the Ravens made it so!  Mendenhall’s text was only intended for his buddy Ray.  It claimed how great of a day Rashard was going to have against the vaunted Raven’s Defense.  Ray Rice took it upon himself to let his defense know about the text message…Bart Scoot took offense.

Continue reading "Bulletin Board Material"

              The economic “crisis" is not that complicated. The stock market always wants positive press to continue its trading

Continue reading "Economic Crisis"

Before the Patriots became the league's model franchise, how did you define what a Patriot was? An over-achiever. Played all-out and with heart. Never gives up. A clutch player in big games. Willing to do anything to help the team win.

Continue reading "Troy Brown Comes Home"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  I missed a few during Hurricane Ike and could use your help. Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes"

Your favorite method of getting your football returns this week . The popular video series can be found at my blog.

Continue reading "Fantasy girl returns"

First on a personal note:
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words and concern during the last ten days. Hurricane Ike has certainly had a devastating impact on the region (and the country for that matter), but it is so encouraging to see how much compassion can be found here in America. From me and my family -Thank you.

Continue reading "Fourth Down"

   I just wanted to let you know that I may be unable to post for a few days. I live south of Houston, near Galveston, Texas. As hurricane Ike approaches there may be power outages and loss of internet access. If that is the case, I will be unable to write my column. Remember though, there are things much more important than sports. If you need Ike information, you can go to:

Continue reading "Hurricane information"

Houston Texans injury update:

Megan Manfull of the Houston Chronicle has reported these injuries -

               Running back Ahman Green - It wasn't a cramp that limited his play Sunday. He has a sprained ankle.

Continue reading "Injury Update"

Here is the great Jack Buck's poem that was given on September 17, 2001."Since this nation was founded ... under God
More than 200 years ago
We have been the bastion of freedom
The light that keeps the free world aglow

Continue reading "Jack Buck's Poem remembering 9-11"

Throw into that category the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears, and even the Atlanta Falcons - the Falcons?  Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Houston Texans looked like they forgot that the preseason was over -the Colts - our beloved Texans? Maybe, they just didn’t get the memo.

Continue reading "Believe!"

NFL Week 1 Results
NY Giants 16 Wahington 7
Pittsburgh 38 Houston 17
Atlanta 34 Detroit 21
Tennessee 17 Jacksonville 10
Baltimore 17 Cincinnati 10
Philadelphia 38 St. Louis 3

Continue reading "NFL SCOREBOARD"

You can get your fantasy football updates here as well as columns, funny sports quotes, injury updates and anything else sports related. If your not already seeing this video just hit the sportspoet link and you will get everything that you need to keep up with your favorite sports teams. Thank you for visiting this site.

Continue reading "Fantasy Football Video by Sportsgirl"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes-September 10"

Bring in Drew Bledsoe!" That was a good memory because the Patriots still beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship and Brady returned to play in Super Bowl XXXVI.

It's not the same script this week as it looks like Brady won't be back next week, in two weeks, or this year. Granted, the team hasn't said it yet. That comes just before noon. But I just want the Patriots to hurry up and get it over with.

Continue reading "It Becomes Official Today"

 Houston Texans vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers on opening Sunday. Matt Schaub. Andre Johnson. This was going to be good.

      The feelings of excitement that I felt at 11:59am this morning quickly vanished. I don’t know about you, but within an hour, a string of events ruined this Sunday. Most of this was due to the Texans performance against the

Continue reading "Willie bleepin Parker"

ladelphia's loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIV and now the two AFC Championship losses by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately because New England head coach Bill Belichick lied about misunderstanding the rules leaves him and his accomplishments open to be doubted until the end of time. But Specter needs to give this a rest.

Continue reading "F.P.A."

99 wins. That's the total number of wins in 2007 of the Patriots' opponents for the upcoming season. It is the easiest schedule for any team in the NFL and it already has ESPN analyst Chris Carter saying the Patriots can go undefeated in '08.

Continue reading "Schedule redux"