The Crystal Ball 2007 The Divisionals

One and done. Such a sad tale those three words describe. Sure the season was decent, but you always want more. You want the tough wins, you want the scrabbling for the next game, you want the euphoria that drips from the trophy captured from a heated battle to whet your lips and quench your thirst. You want that overwhelming feeling of joy at being the victor, king of the mountain, top dog. You want that. But this year, alas, it was not to be for my beloved Steelers.

I could what if until August, and I have what ifed quite a bit since Saturday night as have more than a few others. What if that first kick off was not run back, what if the team just kicked extra points instead of attempting 2 point conversions, what if Holmes catch called correctly instead of being overturned and ruled incomplete, what if Taylor didn’t get that facemask penalty, what if Big Ben scored to close the first half instead of throwing another interception, what if someone tackled Mathis on his interception before he made it to the end zone, what if we kept up the offensive pressure on our second to last possession to grab a much needed first down instead of a goofy bootleg run, what if the offensive holding on Jacksonville’s 4th and 2 was actually called instead of conveniently ignored? But none of those things happened, so there is no point in asking what if.

"I will always be disappointed when I don't win the World Championship. I'm not big into moral victories. We did some good things. We won 10 games. We won our division. It starts there, but it wasn't as well as I would have liked. The goals I set for myself, I am not bashful about. One of the things that has bugged me the most since Saturday night are people with great intentions saying, 'Great start' and 'Great year.' I appreciate that, but there is something we are chasing here and we never will cease that chase." – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

Well, you can color me one of those good intentioned people, because I have taken solace in the fact that it was a pretty good season overall. The team did win the division, overcame lots of injuries, played tough no matter the situation, and the rookie head coach did stellar in keeping the team together despite adversary. Who could complain about any of that? Sure it would be blissful to see them go deeper in the playoffs and hoist that trophy again, but such things are not always possible. If I and other fans can take one thing from the season, it’s that we have a resilient team that always fights back and the future looks very bright. It was difficult to imagine that at the conclusion of last season. No one ever gave up, no matter how tough things got. I loved that.

Tomlin made a few errors throughout the season, but there’s the key, a few. For a rookie head coach, he did phenomenal. And you can take away that rookie moniker and still he had a great season. A 10-6 regular season record with a division title and a home playoff appearance helming his first team bodes well for the team’s future. He dealt deftly with players upset that Grimm and Whisenhunt left, and he never lost them. Plus, even when they got behind in games, he never let the team give up. If Tomlin can make any improvements, I’d say it’s when to challenge a play and getting the team to have a killer instinct on those close out games. They came back often when down big, which is stellar, but most of the time they could not hold on at the very end. They need that extra push to make it happen. Overall, not too shabby. Not the ultimate goal, as Tomlin so succinctly put it, but a great building block to work with in the coming seasons.

Now the changes come. I have been touting for weeks that the biggest problems with the team are mainly the offensive and defensive lines. In my humble, and poorly educated, opinion, Tomlin and crew should, and hopefully will, be focusing on the following areas.

Improvement in the offensive and defensive lines: More than any other item, this is the key. The offensive unit had trouble plowing lanes for Parker and keeping defenders off Roethlisberger’s back. The defensive unit showed its thinness when Aaron Smith went down for the season. Without him, they got torn apart by opposing running games and the secondary had to carry the weight of passing attacks when the front three could generate no pressure on the quarterback. And do not worry about Alan Faneca. If he wants to return, he will. If he wants a mondo payday, he’ll get it. Focus on who is there, who can be had, and who can be trained better.

A 1000% improvement on special teams: This seems to be a no duh. The coverage units need to pursue better and make stops. The return teams need to block better and help the returner garner more yardage. Daniel Sepulveda needs to improve greatly, especially with his range and consistency. And we need a reliable, fast and tough return man who can consistently hold onto the ball.

A better back to complement Willie Parker: The team needs someone to be able to spell Parker from time to time and amply handle the load. Najeh is good, but lacks explosive speed on the corners, which many of their runs are directed. Perhaps Gary Russell and Cary Davis need more time in games, or need to show a spark. Or perhaps we need to look to the draft.

Upgrade the linebacking corps: Still an effective unit, but a few are starting to get long in the tooth and show their age. But with Woodley and Timmons coming along nicely they should help reinforce the group and may be ready to challenge for starting positions.

A good draft: Everybody needs that, no matter the team.

As I have stated several times already, my biggest concerns lie in the effectiveness and depth of the lines, and Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette feels the same way. He had some ideas recently regarding how to rework the offensive line, which I found enlightening and quite spot on, especially the part about Mahan, whom I felt was lacking at center all season. Take a look.

There were two changes in the starting offensive line last season and there will be more in 2008. First, All-Pro guard Alan Faneca will leave as a free agent and perhaps tackle Max Starks will join him. The Steelers won't make Faneca the kind of offer that will bring him back. They should make one to Starks before free agency begins in March, sign him and return him to his old job as the starting right tackle.

Next, move right guard Kendall Simmons to center. Sean Mahan, in his first season as the Steelers' center, was overpowered by nose tackles and that had a domino effect on the line. Mahan can compete to start at one of the guard spots and, at the least, serve as the top backup at center and guard.

Right tackle Willie Colon had his ups and downs because he has shorter arms than most tackles, which often prevents him from keeping the big pass rushers off him. He belongs at guard, so put him at Simmons' old spot.

That leaves left guard, where Mahan, Chris Kemoeatu and either a draft pick or free agent can compete.

Excellent analysis, I think.

But, all of this is merely work for another day. Today, I want to sit back, relax, and just say thank you. Thank you to the team for another entertaining, exciting and fun filled season. Thank you to the Rooney’s for once again fielding those boys in Black and Gold and giving the good people of Pittsburgh, and those of us far away, a team to be proud of and cheer for each week. And a big thank you to Mike Tomlin, for coming into a new situation and a new job, grabbing both by the horns and running with them. You reinvigorated the team and brought back the focus all of us fans love the most, play to win and play to win a championship. After watching you for a year on the job, I’m even more excited for next season.


Recap

Giants 24 – Buccaneers 14

Did that New England game flip a switch in Manning’s head? Eli was just too much for Tampa Bay. Who would have thunked that? Wait, I did! But let’s be honest, didn’t Eli looks so cute with his little playoff beard? He tries so hard sometimes. Hee hee.

The Giants had a solid complete game, utilizing their strong running game, tenacious pass rush and Eli making smart decisions and minimizing mistakes.

The best move by the Giants? No turnovers. Win that battle and you give yourself a huge edge.

On the other side of the field, well, not so good. Gruden had too much to overcome with a banged up quarterback, a shaky running game due to injuries and a weak offensive line. That’s a tough row to hoe. But I wonder if he made it harder on himself, since many starters had not seen meaningful action in a few weeks leading up to the game. Players need to play to stay sharp. Tony Dungy learned that lesson one year; he has not made the same mistake since. Perhaps you should note that lesson too Johnny boy.

Oh, and a side note for Michael Spurlock: Michael, if you are going to fumble a kick return, never do it right in front of the coach!


Chargers 17 – Titans 6

The tale of two halves. Titans won the first half, but the Chargers won the second half. Guess which is more important?

Boy, Tomlinson sure can get up there. Great air time and excellent second effort to score the touchdown on 4th and 2 inches.

I said last week that even Norv Turner couldn’t lose this game. Until well into the third quarter, I kept thinking I might be wrong. He got away from what the team does best all through the first half. Sure the Titans were playing stout against Tomlinson, but still, you need your workhorse to do what he does best for the team to do their best. And turning to Rivers is not what’s going to get the job done, especially next week.

Give the Titans credit, they hung tough, going into halftime with a slim lead. Unfortunately, their offense could not make any big plays, and their defense wore down in the second half.

Vince Young did look good early on, but could not create anything later in the game. He now has lots of time to think of where things went wrong.

Charger fans are so lucky; they got Ed Hochuli for their game! Why couldn’t we have had Ed? I bet that holding on 4th and 2 would have been called if Ed was laying down the law!


Seahawks 35 – Redskins 14

I’m just gonna say it. The NFL needs more players like Antwaan Randle El. Suffering through yet another batch of dour player self introductions, we come across Antwaan, who kicks in with “I’m Antwaan Randle El, Indiana University” said with a gleam in his eye and a flair for the theatrical. Just made me laugh and kept a smile on my face for most of the first quarter. Now why cannot they all be that fun?

Skins played too soft on coverage in first half, but they never gave up. They kept fighting back, even down 13 at one point.

The missed Suisham field goal hurt big time. It would have forced Seattle to score a touchdown and kept momentum on the side of Washington. The miss stole their momentum and was the turning point of the game.

Seattle fought back as well, though. They weathered the potential field goal, came right back with a defensive stand and a scoring drive.

Al Saunders is an idiot. Calling long passes into the wind with Todd Collins running the offense? Have you seen his career track record? His arm strength? Come on Al, we’re trying to win a playoff game here.

The interception run back was a beauty, with a great block on the last guy who had a chance at Trufant.

And then things got out of hand really fast for the Washington gentlemen.

I give kudos to the Skins for playing tough with their hearts on their sleeves. I know they had tons of supporters, after going through the loss of Sean Taylor, me included. In the end thanks to overwrought emotions and killer injuries, they did not have enough for the stout Seahawks defense and their efficient offensive counterparts.


Jaguars 31 – Steelers 29

Well, I suppose Mike Dempsey is one happy camper this week.

The team fought tooth and nail, even climbing back from an 18 point deficit at one point, but in the end, the Jaguars were just a little bit better.

Not to make excuses, but when Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker, left tackles Marvel Smith and Max Starks, defensive lineman Aaron Smith, special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt and return specialist Allen Rossum are all missing due to injuries, you have a tough mountain to climb long before the game ever starts.

Pittsburgh started out great, taking the kickoff and marching down the field for a 7-0 advantage. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this before. They look stellar to begin the game, then suddenly seize up and can do nothing right. And it happened again.

After that, Jacksonville scored 21 unanswered points, much to every Steeler fans chagrin.

The breakdown started with the kickoff, which allowed Maurice Jones-Drew to return the ball 96 yards to the Steeler 1 yard line. Shortly after that, the Jaguar offense punched the ball in the end zone to tie the game.

The teams played to a draw until the second quarter, when the Jaguars began to assert themselves.

First came the Mathis interception of Roethlisberger that was returned for a 63 yard touchdown.

That was followed on the next series by a second Roethlisberger interception. The subsequent drive revealed a terrible breakdown in coverage as Jones-Drew scampered for a touchdown reception and allowed the Jaguars to build a 14 point lead and begin to control the game with their running backs.

This also allowed the Jacksonville defense to begin teeing off on the offense at will, and the punishment came in the form of several sacks. All told, the Jaguars would amass six total sacks on the day, boosting Roethlisberger’s season total to a mind boggling 53.

The defense began to stiffen though. Ike Taylor got away with horrible pass interference in the end zone, but he would make up for that later.

Things finally looked as though they might turn, when Jacksonville missed a field goal attempt.

The offense took over and began to move the ball again, something they had not done well since the first drive. However, problems kept showing themselves.

On a scramble out of the pocket, Ben slid to a stop before reaching the first down marker. He must have taken one too many shots this season, how often do you see Big Ben sliding?

Santonio Holmes had a big catch for a first down, but then inexplicably the officials decided to review the play. This peeved me since obviously he had the catch. It seemed more like an opportunity for the officials to dictate the game by busting Pittsburgh’s rhythm and providing Jacksonville an opportunity to rest their defense, which had been showing signs of bending. But no, it was more annoying. Despite Holmes having control, despite his hands being under the ball, and despite the catch was as obvious as the tattoo on Tyson’s face, the officials unbelievably overturned the call and ruled it incomplete.

The Steelers managed to continue the drive until Roethlisberger threw a third interception, this one to a defensive lineman. This killed the first half, and brought things to a merciful end.

The second half, well, it was a slight bit better.

The defense came out pumped, and Farrior intercepted Garrard on their opening drive. Pittsburgh capitalized by grabbing 3 points off the turnover.

But then the demons began to show themselves, most notably stupid mistakes, mental errors and that pesky third down. The defense showed their biggest problem all day, containment of Garrard, by allowing him to scramble for 12 yards on a crucial 3rd down and 2. This was followed by a great sack on 2nd down, and then a 15 yard facemask penalty on Ike Taylor that kept their drive alive which resulted in a touchdown.

We score a field goal, they score a touchdown.

But we still have Hines Ward, who had yet another monster game. If I were building a team from scratch, I’d pick Hines Ward first and then find 52 guys who played as hard, and with as much heart and determination, as he does to fill out the rest of the roster. I mean what a monster grab he had in the first half off of a deflected pass! And as long is Hines is still smiling, we have hope. And he was still smiling.

The fourth quarter began with a terrible Jacksonville call, big blitz on 4th and 12. What happened? Roethlisberger hit Holmes for a huge touchdown. And suddenly, we’re right back in the game.

The defense kicks in with a spectacular 3 and out, making Garrard look panicky under pressure.

Ben and the boys take over, march right down the field and bring the team within 5 points. A two point conversion attempt unfortunately fails, and 5 behind we remain.

The defense steps up yet again, another great stand, and the offense goes to work. This time, they complete the comeback with another touchdown. A second attempt at 2 points fails again, and the lead remains a tenuous 1 point.

The defense stands tall a third time for the quarter, and forces Jacksonville to give us the ball back. 3:43 remains and we have the ball and the lead. A few first downs and this game is ours. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Two runs by Najeh Davenport and a planned bootleg by Roethlisberger on third and six result in a punt. Jacksonville makes it to fourth down and 2 just inside Steeler territory after the punt, but a breakdown in containment, our Achilles heel, allows Garrard to scramble to the 11. Three short plays to drain clock and the remaining Steeler time outs precede a 25 yard Jacksonville field goal. By the time Pittsburgh got the ball back, there were less than 30 seconds remaining for a hope and a prayer at making field goal range. That died, as did the playoff dream, with a Roethlisberger fumble caused by a Jacksonville jail break.

"Yes, I'd do it again. I throw caution to the wind. I play to win." – Steelers coach Mike Tomlin referring to his decisions to go for 2 point conversions rather than extra points.

Many have questioned Tomlin going for two on two separate occasions, especially when a penalty negated the first attempt, forcing a 12 yard attempt at 2 points. But I would rather have a coach who plays to win and comes up short than one who plays it safe and still comes up short. Sure, if we had kicked the two extra points, all Jacksonville could have done with that final field goal was tie the game. But if they were down by three with less than two minutes left and on our 11 yard line, you think they would have just killed clock, or went for the throat? Yeah, me too, and that makes the extra point/2 point conversion argument rather moot.

"We didn't keep our containment. We had guys chasing him, but we couldn't get him." – James Farrior

The defense did a decent job for the most part. Their biggest problem as pointed out by Farrior was containment of the mobile Garrard. When the secondary had receivers blanketed and front was getting pressure, no one was able to keep Garrard contained. When this happened, Garrard turned on the speed and motored for a first down. And never did it hurt more than the very end of the game, when Garrard’s wheels took him into chip shot field goal territory and the win.
Roethlisberger made more than a few bad decisions in the game, but managed to have a very short memory come the second half and step up when it mattered most.

Santonio Holmes has shown great improvement this year, but he needs to learn a few additional lessons from Hines Ward. Mainly, just put your head down and bowl forward. He did a few too many dance steps on a few catches that allowed the Jaguar defense to close in. This is not a problem held by only Holmes, as it affects quite a few NFL receivers. But I expect more from a group that includes Hines “lay the smack down” Ward.

I know Tomlin wanted to wick time from the clock on our second to last drive, but the team should have stayed with no huddle offense. It had the Jaguars on their heels and allowed us to move the ball at will. And the team definitely should have had a play called that included either Hines or Heath on that crucial third and six.

What I Liked from Pittsburgh – the spectacular rally from 18 points down, never giving up despite the obstacles, Essex performing admirably, Hines Ward, Ben’s second half, Heath Miller’s game, the defense standing up for large chunks of the second half.

What I Did Not Like from Pittsburgh – 3 interceptions, 6 sacks, Ben’s first half, another comeback thwarted in the waning moments, the defense wilting when it mattered most, the offense digging a hole they needed to climb out of, one and done, no more Steeler football until August.


NFL, the alternative Universe

"Poor build, very skinny and narrow, lacks mobility and the ability to avoid the rush, lacks a really strong arm"

You know what that is? That is the scouting report on Tom Brady. Now, if that does not prove the draft can be nothing more than a crap shoot, nothing will. Now, do we really need to have the draft broadcasted in prime time on a Friday night? Oh what am I yammering about, I’ll watch it just like every other nut.

Speaking of the superior human being, Tom Brady not only earned league MVP honors, but was also lauded as the Offensive Player of the Year. Fitting, as I find him pretty offensive.

Eli Manning posted his first playoff win since being drafted in 2004, making his post season record now 1-2. Well done Eli. In comparison, Ben Roethlisberger posted his second playoff loss since being drafted the same year, dropping his post season record to 5-2. Good call, Giants!

At halftime of the Skins/Hawks game, NBC did a cut in to John and Al, who were preparing to call the Steelers/Jaguars game. Al and John did their remote from inside the Steelers locker room. When did you ever think you’d see John Madden sitting so comfortably inside the den of his most vexing enemy? I’m surprised he did not spontaneously combust.

Warren Sapp called it a career this week, hanging up the cleats after a stellar run at defensive tackle that included 96 ½ sacks, great for a defensive tackle, a Super Bowl victory with Tampa Bay in 2002, seven Pro Bowl appearances and the 1999 Defensive Player of the Year award. Warren also leaves a huge void as a quote machine. The trash talking Sapp was always good for a sound bite on the field, and even better off of it. Sapp cited declining skills as his reasoning for strolling off into the sunset. I think he just realized he’s been playing in the career limbo known as Oakland for the last four years and felt this was his only means of escape.

Florida authorities took O.J. Simpson into custody for violating terms of his release on bail. Apparently, the Juice called one of his co-defendants in his armed robbery case, which is a no-no. O.J. called co-defendant Clarence Stewart two days after a Las Vegas justice of the peace declared the group stand trial. O.J, identifying himself as “Miguel”, called to express his frustration over Stewart’s testimony at a preliminary hearing. Wait, he called himself Miguel? He should have said his name was Ron Mexico, it might have helped. And Clarence, look out! O.J. can be quite unpleasant when he expresses his frustrations. I wonder if O.J. will call A.C. soon.


Upon Further Review

I love the NFL Network, even despite the fact that no one has yet to call me regarding my stellar ideas for new shows. The Lady K keeps wishing out loud that Football Feast with John Madden already existed. I think she just wants to hear John give a restaurant 5 BOOMS.

Regardless, what I do love about the NFLN is their propensity to re-air old games. Obviously, this month they will trot out all the previous Super Bowl contests, which is fabulous. But they also air other classic games, or noteworthy contests for their entertainment value or football significance.

Last week, I had the distinct thrill of rewatching the 1993 Wild Card game between the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills. The game featured Bills back up quarterback Frank Reich engineering the greatest comeback in NFL history when Buffalo overcame a 35-3 third quarter deficit to defeat Houston 41-38 in overtime.

No doubt about it, this game still holds up. The frenzied excitement of the crowd, watching the confidence of the Bills grow exponentially as they begin to believe they could do it, the total and catastrophic collapse of the Oilers, who found they could do nothing to stop the freight train that was the Bills offense. A great drama, great plays and a great comeback, just fantastic television to view even 15 years later.

But one particular item of the broadcast stood out to me above everything else while watching the contest. During the game, there was nothing on the screen at all. No score, no quarter indicator, no time remaining, no play clock or down and distance to go. Nada, nothing, zilch. It’s amazing how quickly and stealthily those things crept into a football broadcast, and how much we have not only gotten used to them, but how much we depend on them and crave them when they’re missing. By the end of the third quarter, I felt like a junkie craving his fix. I have no idea how I would live without them now, and watching that game hammered that point home to me fast and hard. I had trouble believing I watched games without that information constantly at hand all the time! While the game itself stands the test of time, I would never want to go back to those days without the constant flow of game time and real time information.

However, I also noticed during the game that the broadcast did not break for commercial on EVERY time out. Now that aspect of past broadcasts I would be more than happy to have back. I mean really, how many times to I have to hear this is ooooouuuuur country, find out that Eli is unstoppable or know if I choose Wendy’s, that’s right?


Coaching update

Miami – After cleaning house, the Dolphin brain trust began their interview process and talked with newly available defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. He might be good, as long as they keep him for more than a year.

Atlanta - No news is good news for Falcons fans. Whenever news hits regarding Atlanta, typically it’s bad. At least it’s been that way over the past year. They have spoken to a few candidates; most notably Jim Caldwell and USC coach Pete Carroll. Seems Arthur never learns his lesson.

Ravens - Their search committee is still identifying candidates, and has had a few interviews thus far. One rumored potential candidate is Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis, who made his name as a defensive coordinator for the Ravens. This could be good for both; since it’s obvious Marvin misses his time with the Ravens by the way he stocks the Bengals roster with criminals and trouble makers.

Broncos – Another year, another defensive coordinator gone. Perhaps we should begin to wonder if it’s the oft fired DC or perhaps Shanahan himself that’s the problem.

Redskins – Joe Gibbs retired from coaching. Not surprising, but still sad to see the legend go. Gibbs wished to put family first and I applaud that. I think this season was probably his most difficult and probably hastened his exit. The search for his replacement has begun, with Bill Cowher being on their list. But Cowher has maintained he wishes to stay out of coaching for 2008. Or of course if the Carolina job opens up but he never says that out loud. Gibbs assistant Gregg Williams is a top candidate, and the team has interviewed Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz

Browns – In some positive coaching news, the Browns will extend Romeo Crennel’s contract after the successful season the Browns posted. The Browns seem to understand the key to success, coaching consistency. They could, and have, done worse. Good on them and Romeo. Although due to a poor defensive showing, the Browns are letting go of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

Steelers – Not really a big deal that it needs to be noted, but word is they are keeping the entire coaching staff intact. A smart move overall, since the staff did do a bang up job with the players on hand after a slew of key injuries depleted the ranks. Although it would not be a bad idea to perhaps identify a few special teams and line coaches, just in case.

Colts – Tony Dungy will consider his options once the season ends and contemplate a possible retirement. Dungy has flirted with retirement in the past, debating the possibility each of the last two seasons. Dungy’s top assistant, Jim Caldwell, has met with the Falcons and Ravens regarding their openings, and if he does not land one of those positions, could be a top choice if Tony decides to call it a career.


Wild Card Review

As promised, we’ll take a gander back at last weekend and see how the teams did in Wild Card weekend and compare that to their Week 17 records. Here are the results.

Chargers – won week 17, won wild card
Steelers – lost week 17, lost wild card
Jaguars – lost week 17, won wild card
Titans – won week 17, lost wild card

Seahawks – lost week 17, won wild card
Buccaneers – lost week 17, lost wild card
Giants – lost week 17, won wild card
Redskins – won week 17, lost wild card

Wild Card Winner results in week 17: 1-3

Wild Card loser results in week 17: 2-2

What does this teach us? One, football is unpredictable and exciting. Two, it may actually be in a team’s best interest to lose their last game after all. Three, perhaps the teams that won wild card weekend lost in week 17 because they were resting starters, while the teams that lost in the wildcards were not as strong as their opponents because they were still struggling to make the playoffs in the first place and needed the week 17 win just to make the tournament. This would be the most obvious answer. And four, as usual I have no idea what I’m talking about most of the time. Although I maintain teams should still play to win no matter what.


Idiot of the Week

This week, the mantle of Idiot is not so much awarded as it was grabbed, cradled and held aloft by the winners. The winners this week are a certain number of “fans” at the Steelers/Jaguars game. I should say that giving this award to Steeler fans would be shameful and embarrassing, but what was truly shameful and embarrassing was the display put on by these fair weathered bozos when they booed the team during the second quarter and when the teams went to the locker room at halftime.

First, we are not Philly fans, who boo at kickoff, we are Pittsburgh fans, and we pick the team up when their down and cheer wildly when they win. Second, you chuckleheads showed very little faith in the team you so profess to love and gave up far easily than the team itself. Why were you booing? It was only halftime, and the team was down only two scores. There were still two full quarters of football left for which the team to catch up. Third, despite what might happen in the second half, the team gave us to that point a pretty damn good season and was quite successful despite a regime change, numerous key injuries and some tough competition. And fourth, how did this display help the team in the second half? When the boys are down, they need our support as fans most of all. They had a chance to step back and regroup, and that’s when they needed to hear from us, the fans, that we believe in them and know they’ll find a way to right the ship and kick some butt.

I was appalled by these so called fans and their terrible display. You jokers turned so fast on the team merely because they were facing some adversity. You know what? If any of you jerks have season tickets, give them up. Sell them to others who want to support the team. I could use a few season tickets starting next season, I’ll be happy to take them off your hands. You would NEVER catch me booing the team, no matter how bad they play. The team, and the rest of us real true blue fans, do not need nor want you Johnny-come-latelies in or around our stadium. You have given a black eye and a bad name to the greatest fans in the world. And for that, all of you are idiots.

And as a side note, I found this little snippet in the Post-Gazette:

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has been composed along the sideline all season and even has drawn criticism for his calm demeanor from fans who believe he should be more emotional.

Are you kidding me? This probably comes from the same people who complained that Bill Cowher was too emotional in his first season and should be calm and composed like his predecessor Chuck Noll. Hey morons, The Jaw is gone. We have a different coach now, with a different style. Get used to it or get out. I’m sure there’s probably some room left on the Patriot bandwagon.

Yeesh, whatever happened to team loyalty? My dad lived through some atrocious years of Steeler football, and he never once booed or turned on the team or questioned how the coach goes about their business or behaves on the sidelines. Me thinks we have a few fans that have been way too spoiled and need a touch of perspective and to be reminded of exactly what it takes, and what it means, to be a Steelers fan. Well, that and a good swift kick in the pants.

An honorable mention goes out to Charger fans who booed their team for grabbing a field goal in a very close game as well as booing them at halftime while down only 6-0. Why do these fans have no faith or confidence in their team? They must be pretty decent just to make it this far in the season? Sure they’re down, and a field goal may not be the decision you want, but what kind of a fan are you to boo your own team????


On Tap This Week

Last week Saturday I picked who I wanted to win. Went 0-2. Sunday picked who I thought would win. Went 2-0. Objective wins the day.

Last week 2-2
Playoffs to date 2-2
Season to date 169-91

Of course, now one team that does not allow objective feelings enters the fray. Will I be able to resist what I want to happen and pick who I think will win? Only one way to find out; the suspense is killing me! Hint I’m playing the well known percentages of divisional round weekend, which heavily favor the well rested home team.


Saturday

Seahawks (11-6) at Green Bay (13-3)

Welcome to overplayed story lines of the week. Be prepared to hear ad nausea about Holmgren returning to Green Bay where he won it all with Brett. How Hasselbeck was once the understudy to Favre, and now its student versus teacher. A constant rehash of their 2003 playoff match up, in which Hasselbeck made his goofy guarantee to score at the overtime coin flip. Actually, I wouldn’t mind a repeat of that. It made Matt look oh so dumb when he threw that fateful interception, and was a great day for Packer fans. Plus the unintentional comedy of watching Hasselbeck slink of the field was priceless. Ok, maybe some overplayed stories are ok.

But one very important story is not being played to death. And that would be the one regarding Seahawks kicker Josh Brown stating he’ll wear heated pants during the game. Yep, you read that right. Brown stated he equipped a pair of warm up pants with battery powered heaters that will keep his legs at a comfortable 75 degrees, no matter the outside temperature. Despite the fact that it will be a balmy 28 degrees outside, well balmy for Green Bay in January, Brown feels he’ll need the extra help to keep loose because of the difficulty kickers face in keeping warmed up due to long periods of inactivity.

And some wonder why kickers never get any respect.

In a semblance of seriousness, the Seahawks defense looked stellar last week, especially with the interception returns. But there is a world of difference between Todd Collins and Brett Favre. Brett makes the championship round.

Packers over Seahawks


Jacksonville (12-5) at New England (16-0)

Anyone read Tuesday Morning Quarterback at ESPN’s Page 2? We’ve mentioned Gregg Easterbrook’s stellar column a few times here. I bring up Mr. Easterbrook because I found a really fascinating little nugget tucked into one of his recent offerings.

The NFL's passing yardage leader has never gone on to win the Super Bowl in the same season. For 42 consecutive years, the passing yardage leader has not been the quarterback to hoist the trophy as the Super Bowl concludes. Never. Maybe this year's Patriots will be the exception. But with passing-yardage leaders 0-for-42 at winning the Super Bowl, the odds seem to be against Brady.

As Artie Johnson once said veeeeery iiiinnnteresting.

Ok, let’s get right to it. Tons of Patriot haters wanted Jacksonville to win last week because they match up well against New England. Their strengths lie in the areas in which New England is their most vulnerable. They could be THE team to slay Goliath. There is but one, teensy, tiny problem. The Steelers gave the Patriots all they needed to know in how to beat Jacksonville. Pass pass and pass some more. Roethlisberger shredded the Jaguar defense in the fourth quarter last week, while under heavy pressure. If Big Ben can do serious damage to the Jags, and erase an 18 point deficit in the mean time, what exactly do you think Tom Brady will do when he has all day in a perfect pocket and sips on tea while scanning the field for All World Wes Welker and Randy Moss?

Plus, watching Del Rio as the Steelers took the lead told me he does not have the cajones to make anything happen. He looked confused and helpless. You think a man who has that look against a depleted Steeler offense has any hope against the Patriot juggernaut? Me neither. Hopefully, the above factoid proves prophetic, but I have trouble seeing it proven this week.

Patriots over Jaguars


Sunday

San Diego at Indianapolis (13-3)

Let’s see, the healthy and well rested bunch from Indianapolis are facing the crew from San Diego who just toughed one out against the Titans, have a gimpy Antonio Gates and are leaning heavily on Phillip Rivers. Plus, Peyton has some serious payback to deliver from their loss to the Bolts earlier in the season. I wonder, I wonder just who will win…..

Colts over Chargers


New York Giants (11-6) at Dallas (13-3)

Can Eli even up his playoff record? Can he snag another win on the road? Will Jessica Simpson distract Tony Romo? Will T.O. self destruct and kill his team when it matters most? Will it come down to a field goal that only Romo can hold for? Will it be potentially the last playoff game played in Texas Stadium? Oh what will happen in Big D? Wait, I know.

Cowboys over Giants