Cleveland Rocks?

The only sign of life in Cleveland? A sign that reads: Pittsburgh: 124 miles. The Turnpike Rivalry is swept again by the Steelers! And for the first time since 2002, the Steelers are perfect in the AFC North. Romeo has been let go, becoming the first coach in Cleveland's history not ot beat the Steelers. And Big Ben will be back. This demonstrates the importance of wins. By beating Baltimore twice, the Steelers maintained the number two seed, gaining what is now a much needed first round bye. Pittsburgh had a difficult schedule coming into this year. They faced 8 opponents that made the play-offs last year, including both Superbowl teams. a 12-4 record is definately a respectable effort. And all four of their loses are to teams that made the play-offs this year.

ALL APOLOGIES

OK. So moving this past week has been tough. But I am finally back on line. Sorry to all those who came here looking for a new update. So last week was bad, but not impacting. #2 seed is not a bad place to be. Besides, losing takes the Steelers out of the spotlight. And that is when they are the best. Cleveland? A chance to heal up a bit, and end the season on a high note.

Titlefight.

Did I tell you this would be Ali-Frazier? Blow by blow these teams pounded each other. In a contest like this only one mistake is made. The one that makes it loses. Period. The Steelers have beaten the Ravens both games for the first time since 2002. A total of 7 points. And both on game-winning drives led by BIG BEN! When Pittsburgh got the ball back I told my wife'It's going to be a TD drive and then the game will end with Pittsburgh getting the interception.' Yep. I called that.

There Will Be Blood!

Games like these are why my company doesn't insure athletes.   I am anxious about the potential for injury here. What happens when the #1 defense meets the #2 defense? I guess we will find out. The Ravens also play that physical smashmouth football that has become the Steelers' trademark. This is the game of the week.  The fight for the AFC North.  It's Ali-Frazier all over again. It will be nice to get a win in Baltimore. 

Messing With Texas!

If you are going to play against the Steelers, you have to play all 60 minutes. And leave your popcorn at home, T.O. A spade is a spade, and the Steelers' offense was lackluster at best for three quarters. But the Steelers' defense never rests. The Steelers overcame all matters of adversity. When Dallas shut down Russel's 4th down TD try, the Cowboys had thought it was in the bag. And then it was 13-13. One final stand is all Pittsburgh needed. And when Dashea Townsend pointed at Romo across the line, we braced. INTERCEPTION & TOUCHDOWN. Pittsburgh managed one more defensive series, and took over on downs. The A&L was ROCKING!!!! Pittsburgh snatches victory from the jaws of defeat!! 60 minutes of football!
And my condolences to Tiffany.

Practice?

A few weeks ago, Willie Parker re-injured his knee during practice by stepping in a hole on the practice field. This past week, Big Ben tweaked his knee after 'slipping on an irregularity' on the practice field.  Do we need to have a fund-raiser to make a donation to up-keep the practice field? One would think that it would be well-maintained. At least I would think. In my best John Madden Voice..."So here's this guy, and he's standing there on the sideline watching the game, and you get a Brett Favre-like player whose played every game for the last 15 years who comes over to him and he says 'what happened to you?' And this guy has to say 'I got hurt on Thursday by the practice field.'"  So a shout out to Larry and Tiffany!  Larry is a Steelers fan, and Tiff is a Cowboys fan.  Sunday dinner could be a little tense at their house tonight. 

Missing The Dr.

I was a bit puzzled when I couldn't find Dr. Z's article last week.  He does the power rankings for SI.com and is one of the most knowledgeable, and entertaining writers of football. Period. Yesterday, Peter King's article revealed that Paul had suffered a pair of strokes last week. You could have pushed me over with a feather. So my prayers go out to you, Doc, for a speedy and thorough recovery. Football is not complete without you. 

Steelers Pummel Pats

This is what Steeler football is all about. The stingiest defense in the league held the Patriots to 10 points and robbed them of every opportunity in the second half. Matt Cassle. Matt Cassle. Matt Cassle. So much about Matt Cassle. Matt Cassle hadn't faced a REAL defense until yesterday.  I'm sure it will be a night he won't soon forget.  The Steelers get their first win in Gillette Stadium. And of course my condolences to Heather and Steve, my Patriot fans friends.