So, the Pro Bowl. Intentional grounding is not only not illegal, it's encouraged. And it was nice to see Ben get some great passes in when he wasn't too worried about getting sacked.
It was the highest scoring Pro Bowl ever. Yea.
A friend noticed that Bill Belichick actually wore a suit to a Super Bowl promotion event. Is it a sign of the coming apocalypse?
How much of the "Ben demands answers from Rooney Family" is media drama and how much of it is real? Certainly there could have been better communication about Arians' "retirement" to the Colts. More to come as we catch up on the story (Max has been very busy at work this week).
I don't blame the Colts for luring whoever they can - they've suffered since Tony Dungy retired. ESPN now reports that Arians has signed, but Keith Butler is staying with the Steelers. Obviously, teams not going to the Super Bowl need something to take their minds of their losses this week.
Who's having a Super Bowl party? Best menu suggestions? Leave a comment . . .
Go Giants! (can't believe I'm saying that . . .)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Big Ben's Starting, So . . .
So am I . . . Plus, given the thunder snow Yankee Clipper we're having in da 'burgh, seeing sun is a good thing . . . The introduction made it seem like it might be a game that matters, but really, not so much. And the NBC announcers' shirts do NOT look Hawaiian . . .
Other than that, enjoy the game, folks . . .
Meanwhile, Arians' "retirement" was pretty short lived - he's reportedly going to Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Ben is still angry with the Rooneys . . .
Stay tuned - the off season might have as much drama as the season did - or, if we're lucky, even more!
Peace out, peeps - catch you at the Super Bowl (if not before)
Max
Other than that, enjoy the game, folks . . .
Meanwhile, Arians' "retirement" was pretty short lived - he's reportedly going to Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Ben is still angry with the Rooneys . . .
Stay tuned - the off season might have as much drama as the season did - or, if we're lucky, even more!
Peace out, peeps - catch you at the Super Bowl (if not before)
Max
Friday, January 27, 2012
zzzzzz Pro Bowzzzzzl zzzzzzz
Could there be a bigger snoozefest?
Last week, as ESPN introduced the early game, an announcer said, "There's no football next week. It's the Pro Bowl."
Truer words were never spoken.
When the Pro Bowl was held after the Super Bowl it was at best anticlimactic. But now? Anticlimactic would be about a hundred huge steps up. What's the point of what is basically an all-star game when the all-stars - those players in the big game - aren't playing?
Has it always been an excuse for good football players to go to Hawaii? But why would people earning that much money need an excuse? Just go, already - have a great vacation. Enjoy.
But don't pretend it has anything to do with football.
Last week, as ESPN introduced the early game, an announcer said, "There's no football next week. It's the Pro Bowl."
Truer words were never spoken.
When the Pro Bowl was held after the Super Bowl it was at best anticlimactic. But now? Anticlimactic would be about a hundred huge steps up. What's the point of what is basically an all-star game when the all-stars - those players in the big game - aren't playing?
Has it always been an excuse for good football players to go to Hawaii? But why would people earning that much money need an excuse? Just go, already - have a great vacation. Enjoy.
But don't pretend it has anything to do with football.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Style on the Sidelines? Not So Much.
All I have to say is that Bill Belichick doesn't have it. Although someone persuaded Tom Brady to get a much-needed haircut before the big game Sunday, no one dares suggest that Belichick ditch the sweatshirt with the ragged sleeves.
Given that I've never seen him coach in anything else, I imagine he imagines it's his lucky shirt. But I remember the good old days when Tom Landry sported a suit and hat on the sidelines. Chuck Noll, although more casual, always looked pulled together in a crew neck sweater or a golf shirt. Bum Phillips was a little over the top with his cowboy hats and shearling jackets, but at least they were appropriate for Houston.
There is no location for which Belichick's sloppy, slobbish attire is appropriate.
Other coaches manage to look decent, at least, in their team gear. Mike Tomlin always looks very sharp at the games - of course, his wife is a fashion designer and probably wouldn't let him out of the house in slashed sweats.
I'm not defending the league's use of coaches as mannequins to model official team apparel. It seems eerily coincidental when several coaches are wearing their team's version of the same jacket on the same Sunday. And if Belichick's sweatshirt is in protest of that program, I don't blame him.
But couldn't he do it in a sportcoat and fedora, a la Landry?
Given that I've never seen him coach in anything else, I imagine he imagines it's his lucky shirt. But I remember the good old days when Tom Landry sported a suit and hat on the sidelines. Chuck Noll, although more casual, always looked pulled together in a crew neck sweater or a golf shirt. Bum Phillips was a little over the top with his cowboy hats and shearling jackets, but at least they were appropriate for Houston.
There is no location for which Belichick's sloppy, slobbish attire is appropriate.
Other coaches manage to look decent, at least, in their team gear. Mike Tomlin always looks very sharp at the games - of course, his wife is a fashion designer and probably wouldn't let him out of the house in slashed sweats.
I'm not defending the league's use of coaches as mannequins to model official team apparel. It seems eerily coincidental when several coaches are wearing their team's version of the same jacket on the same Sunday. And if Belichick's sweatshirt is in protest of that program, I don't blame him.
But couldn't he do it in a sportcoat and fedora, a la Landry?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Offensive News: Arians "Retires;" Big Ben Settles
So the sort-of retirement of Offensive Coordinator is all over the news, and I think it's good news. Mike Tomlin gets to make his first major coaching appointment rather than working with inherited staff (many of whom are fabulous. Many, but not all.). And the notorious Arians-Rothlesberger love affair must now come to an end (after a second honeymoon at the Pro Bowl). I'm guessing that when Ben wanted to play on his bad ankle, Arians supported him, to the detriment of the team. Maybe with a coach who will be tough on him, Rothlesberger can finally grow up and grow into his talent.
Meanwhile, Big Ben's attorneys came to a settlement with the attorneys of the woman who claimed Rothlesberger raped her in Nevada. I'm suspicious of all parties in this incident, but it should have taught Ben a little common sense. The follow-up event in Georgia shows it didn't. And getting married in a mega-church isn't a magic potion. Keep your zipper and your ankle elevated, Ben.
Gearing up for tomorrow's big games: stay tuned to Max Stewart Steeler Gurl!
Meanwhile, Big Ben's attorneys came to a settlement with the attorneys of the woman who claimed Rothlesberger raped her in Nevada. I'm suspicious of all parties in this incident, but it should have taught Ben a little common sense. The follow-up event in Georgia shows it didn't. And getting married in a mega-church isn't a magic potion. Keep your zipper and your ankle elevated, Ben.
Gearing up for tomorrow's big games: stay tuned to Max Stewart Steeler Gurl!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Punt Pass and Kick Gurls
Really? Really. Punt Pass and Kick competitions now include girls. They probably have for years, maybe even decades, but it was news to me when the national winners were honored in Baltimore this weekend.
This gives you an idea of how old Max is . . . I graduated from high school the year Title IX was passed (go ahead, look it up - I'm not telling). While some larger school districts and most private schools had athletics for girls, mine had only intramurals - mostly volleyball, as I remember. A girl in my high school class could outrun every boy on the track team, but oh well. Too bad. No running for girls.
When I meet young women new to my running club, they often ask, Did you run in high school? When I explain to them why I didn't, they're amazed. About as amazed as I was when I saw girls in Punt Pass and Kick. (Yes, that title needs at least one comma, but it's the official name. Who am I to argue with the NFL? Oh, yeah, Steeler Gurl!)
So I'm thrilled to see girls competing in this and all other athletic events. I'm glad I suffer from what John "The Penguin" Bingham calls Adult Onset Athleticism. And I'm glad I learned about football from my mother, and am able to talk to Steeler Gurls across Steeler Nation.
And, of course, I welcome the guys to a brave new world of football. If the gurls hang in there, eventually there will be beer commercials that don't feature idiotic men and girls in bikinis - beer commercials that actually talk about the beer.
This gives you an idea of how old Max is . . . I graduated from high school the year Title IX was passed (go ahead, look it up - I'm not telling). While some larger school districts and most private schools had athletics for girls, mine had only intramurals - mostly volleyball, as I remember. A girl in my high school class could outrun every boy on the track team, but oh well. Too bad. No running for girls.
When I meet young women new to my running club, they often ask, Did you run in high school? When I explain to them why I didn't, they're amazed. About as amazed as I was when I saw girls in Punt Pass and Kick. (Yes, that title needs at least one comma, but it's the official name. Who am I to argue with the NFL? Oh, yeah, Steeler Gurl!)
So I'm thrilled to see girls competing in this and all other athletic events. I'm glad I suffer from what John "The Penguin" Bingham calls Adult Onset Athleticism. And I'm glad I learned about football from my mother, and am able to talk to Steeler Gurls across Steeler Nation.
And, of course, I welcome the guys to a brave new world of football. If the gurls hang in there, eventually there will be beer commercials that don't feature idiotic men and girls in bikinis - beer commercials that actually talk about the beer.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Number One Lesson from the Playoffs (So Far)
Hold on to the ball.
Why is that so hard? All right, I get it - if five 300-pound guys were hitting me, I might get a little flustered too . . . but I didn't get to training camp this season; I didn't play on a winning team for the last five months; and I've always been a little clumsy anyway.
These guys are getting the big bucks to hold on to a ball. Granted, it's an oddly shaped ball that isn't all that easy to deal with. But it seems to me that the crook of the arm is designed perfectly for a football - why aren't more players taking advantage of that?
To generalize, winners are winning by holding on to the ball; losers are losing by turning it over to winners. Teams who hope to continue winning need to continue holding on to the ball and taking it away from their opponents.
In the meantime, I'm becoming reconciled to the fact that none of the teams I'm rooting for are going to win. Oh, well - and here coms a cliche - there's always next year.
Why is that so hard? All right, I get it - if five 300-pound guys were hitting me, I might get a little flustered too . . . but I didn't get to training camp this season; I didn't play on a winning team for the last five months; and I've always been a little clumsy anyway.
These guys are getting the big bucks to hold on to a ball. Granted, it's an oddly shaped ball that isn't all that easy to deal with. But it seems to me that the crook of the arm is designed perfectly for a football - why aren't more players taking advantage of that?
To generalize, winners are winning by holding on to the ball; losers are losing by turning it over to winners. Teams who hope to continue winning need to continue holding on to the ball and taking it away from their opponents.
In the meantime, I'm becoming reconciled to the fact that none of the teams I'm rooting for are going to win. Oh, well - and here coms a cliche - there's always next year.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Steeler Gear Revisited
So, shortly after I posted that I wouldn't be buying any new Steeler gear this year, I had a lovely surprise. I came home from work one evening and Vaughn (my long-suffering husband) said, Try this on. It was a fabulous custom jersey (picture below) that he had ordered for Christmas. He warned me a day or two before Christmas Eve that it was back ordered and would be a week or so. In the meantime, I started this blog. Here's the shirt (how amazing is that!):
Meanwhile, Steeler Nation is still proudly wearing the colors. At the Iggle (Giant Eagle, a grocery store chain, for non-Pittsburghers), I saw all sorts of jackets, hats, scarves, and even pajama pants. True Steeler fans never die. (And they never quit rooting against the Ravens - Go Texans!)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Steelers, Lifestyle, and Heredity
No, I'm not talking about Steeler fandom as either a lifestyle or a hereditary condition, although both are true in my case.
I'm talking about cardiovascular disease.
I blame the Steelers of the 70s - yes, the dream team, the foundation of the dynasty - for my mother's cardiovascular disease. During the run that lead to four Superbowl trophies and the on-going search for One for the Thumb, she had a minor stroke, long-term restrictions to her activity, open heart surgery, and a reaming out of her carotid artery.
When we look back on those glory days, we say things like, Wow. Bradshaw certainly can make the big plays.
We forget that he had no choice - there were a lot of third-and-gazillion situations, close calls, games that required Immaculate Receptions and other miracles to win.
And Beryl and I bit our fingernails through them all.
This season felt a lot like that. But don't worry - I run, don't smoke, and take my blood pressure medication.
But please, Steelers, let's win by blowout next season!
I'm talking about cardiovascular disease.
I blame the Steelers of the 70s - yes, the dream team, the foundation of the dynasty - for my mother's cardiovascular disease. During the run that lead to four Superbowl trophies and the on-going search for One for the Thumb, she had a minor stroke, long-term restrictions to her activity, open heart surgery, and a reaming out of her carotid artery.
When we look back on those glory days, we say things like, Wow. Bradshaw certainly can make the big plays.
We forget that he had no choice - there were a lot of third-and-gazillion situations, close calls, games that required Immaculate Receptions and other miracles to win.
And Beryl and I bit our fingernails through them all.
This season felt a lot like that. But don't worry - I run, don't smoke, and take my blood pressure medication.
But please, Steelers, let's win by blowout next season!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Who's Left?
There's a lot of talk about retirements and free agents in the Steeler Nation. Who knows who is going to be a part of the team in 2012, who will retire (in some cases, to lucrative media contracts), and who will move on to other teams offering more opportunities to play and more money.
In my day job, my employees are college students. They inevitably graduate. Sometimes they get better jobs and quit (you know who you are). Once in a long while, they drop out of school. In any case, I can't expect to keep a student worker longer than three years. The most frustrating aspect of running a Writers' Center is that I am always in the hire-and-train cycle. When tutors get really, good they leave.
So I feel Mike Tomlin's pain. It's hard to plan ahead when you don't know who you'll be working with. I know some players I'd work very hard to keep around (regular readers know I mean Dennis Dixon) and some I would cheerfully show the door.
Maybe this weekend I'll be more specific. But the Steeler management never takes my advice anyway . . .
In my day job, my employees are college students. They inevitably graduate. Sometimes they get better jobs and quit (you know who you are). Once in a long while, they drop out of school. In any case, I can't expect to keep a student worker longer than three years. The most frustrating aspect of running a Writers' Center is that I am always in the hire-and-train cycle. When tutors get really, good they leave.
So I feel Mike Tomlin's pain. It's hard to plan ahead when you don't know who you'll be working with. I know some players I'd work very hard to keep around (regular readers know I mean Dennis Dixon) and some I would cheerfully show the door.
Maybe this weekend I'll be more specific. But the Steeler management never takes my advice anyway . . .
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Trouble with Tebow
All right, I hadn't planned to get involved in the whole football-and-religion thing. I personally believe that God is not a Republican (or a Democrat), and God is not a Bronco fan (or even a Steeler fan).
But I do have a God-and-Football story. Years ago, probably in the early 1980s, the rector of my mother's church was invited to be the chaplain for the visiting team at Three Rivers Stadium: the Denver Broncos. His staff teased him, saying that if Denver won, they would know he had prayed for them to. He replied that he planned to pray that they played well and without injury, which is exactly what happened.
Nobody seriously believed that the prayers of the visiting team's chaplain would or did change the outcome of the game. So why do so many people believe that Tebow's Tebowing affects his success on the field? After all, there are many players who acknowledge God on the gridiron - how can God possibly make all publicly-praying athletes equally successful? The very human system insists that some win and many more lose.
I also wonder if we've all forgotten Matthew 6:6, which says:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
It may not be as well-known as John 3:16, and it might not have the same coincidental statistices related to it, but it is the complete opposite of Tebowing.
And while I'm on the 316 thing, check out The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's hilarious editorial on the subject. (At least I think it's hilarious, but I'll bet some irony-challenged readers are offended!)
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5656385274285599167
But I do have a God-and-Football story. Years ago, probably in the early 1980s, the rector of my mother's church was invited to be the chaplain for the visiting team at Three Rivers Stadium: the Denver Broncos. His staff teased him, saying that if Denver won, they would know he had prayed for them to. He replied that he planned to pray that they played well and without injury, which is exactly what happened.
Nobody seriously believed that the prayers of the visiting team's chaplain would or did change the outcome of the game. So why do so many people believe that Tebow's Tebowing affects his success on the field? After all, there are many players who acknowledge God on the gridiron - how can God possibly make all publicly-praying athletes equally successful? The very human system insists that some win and many more lose.
I also wonder if we've all forgotten Matthew 6:6, which says:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)
It may not be as well-known as John 3:16, and it might not have the same coincidental statistices related to it, but it is the complete opposite of Tebowing.
And while I'm on the 316 thing, check out The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's hilarious editorial on the subject. (At least I think it's hilarious, but I'll bet some irony-challenged readers are offended!)
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5656385274285599167
Monday, January 9, 2012
Now What?
What's a Steeler Gurl to do with her team out of the playoffs?
Well, for one thing, send good wishes for speedy healing for the poor, battered boys of black and gold. An early exit from the playoffs means more time to recover before training camp - which, incidentally, is only a little over six months away. And I hate to see them struggle so in front of increasingly larger audiences. Rest up, team. We're proud of you and your season.
But who to root for? It's easier to decide who not to root for. Obviously, not Baltimore. I shouldn't have to say anything more about that.
And I can't bring myself to root for Denver, even though I vaguely remember a high school teacher telling us that it was good sportsmanship to root for the team that beat you. Ha.
And obviously, not New England. There's an operation totally lacking class.
And I've never liked the Giants, either.
So. A colleague asked me this morning if I'd root for the Saints. Maybe. And I still like Green Bay, in spite of last year.
Let's see what happens in the next round, folks. Steeler Gurl ain't goin' nowhere 'til it's over.
Well, for one thing, send good wishes for speedy healing for the poor, battered boys of black and gold. An early exit from the playoffs means more time to recover before training camp - which, incidentally, is only a little over six months away. And I hate to see them struggle so in front of increasingly larger audiences. Rest up, team. We're proud of you and your season.
But who to root for? It's easier to decide who not to root for. Obviously, not Baltimore. I shouldn't have to say anything more about that.
And I can't bring myself to root for Denver, even though I vaguely remember a high school teacher telling us that it was good sportsmanship to root for the team that beat you. Ha.
And obviously, not New England. There's an operation totally lacking class.
And I've never liked the Giants, either.
So. A colleague asked me this morning if I'd root for the Saints. Maybe. And I still like Green Bay, in spite of last year.
Let's see what happens in the next round, folks. Steeler Gurl ain't goin' nowhere 'til it's over.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Loss to be Proud Of?
So many of us wrote the Steelers off in the outrageously horrendous second quarter. I advocated pulling Big Ben.All of that was justified.
But at half time, the team made adjustments.The offense played smarter so Ben could just pass - except for the times he ran, and god bless him for that. It made my ankle hurt.
The defense had some moments.
And I'm not making excuses, but we played without a lot of our best players, and lost more as the night wore on.
I'm a proud Steeler Gurl. They looked bad at times, but they stayed in the game. The final score isn't an embarrassment. I hope all the injured players heal quickly and thoroughly. And I'm looking forward to next season.
Go Stillers 'n at!
But Steeler Gurl isn't done yet! Stay tuned to Radio Free Max for commentary throughout the playoffs, and even the off-season!
Nice run, guys!
But at half time, the team made adjustments.The offense played smarter so Ben could just pass - except for the times he ran, and god bless him for that. It made my ankle hurt.
The defense had some moments.
And I'm not making excuses, but we played without a lot of our best players, and lost more as the night wore on.
I'm a proud Steeler Gurl. They looked bad at times, but they stayed in the game. The final score isn't an embarrassment. I hope all the injured players heal quickly and thoroughly. And I'm looking forward to next season.
Go Stillers 'n at!
But Steeler Gurl isn't done yet! Stay tuned to Radio Free Max for commentary throughout the playoffs, and even the off-season!
Nice run, guys!
Mike Tomlin's Jaw
It's starting to look a little bit like Cowher's. Large and looming. Angry. And rightly so. I would not want to be the Steelers in the locker room with him right now. If this is how we're playing, let's Tebow for a loss: I don't want any more national coverage of us sucking out loud.
But if Tomlin puts Charlie Batch in and reminds the defense (or what's left of it) how to play, there's a chance. It's not that big a deficit - it just looks like it because the Steelers haven't been able to do anything for the entire second quarter. Doesn't mean we can't come back.
But we'd better do it right, and we'd better get our act together if we do win: New England is threatening in a way Denver never should have been.
Meanwhile, if Ben continues to play, and the announcers continue to say he's immobile (duh), I'm going to switch to reruns of American Pickers.
Oh, and interesting: as I write this, Coach Cowher is saying Ben shouldn't have played in San Francisco or Cleveland. You heard it here first. Or at least before now.
Can the Steelers pull a New Orleans and beat a team that never should have gotten ahead in the first place? Stay tuned . . .
But if Tomlin puts Charlie Batch in and reminds the defense (or what's left of it) how to play, there's a chance. It's not that big a deficit - it just looks like it because the Steelers haven't been able to do anything for the entire second quarter. Doesn't mean we can't come back.
But we'd better do it right, and we'd better get our act together if we do win: New England is threatening in a way Denver never should have been.
Meanwhile, if Ben continues to play, and the announcers continue to say he's immobile (duh), I'm going to switch to reruns of American Pickers.
Oh, and interesting: as I write this, Coach Cowher is saying Ben shouldn't have played in San Francisco or Cleveland. You heard it here first. Or at least before now.
Can the Steelers pull a New Orleans and beat a team that never should have gotten ahead in the first place? Stay tuned . . .
No Country for Doubters
I saw a story on the news yesterday about Steeler merchandise sales in the strip. Apparently, sales are slow before the first round of the playoffs, then pick up when (yes, when, not if) the Steelers win and move on. The reporter and the interviewed shop owners seemed to suggest that Steeler Country is a Nation of Doubters, reluctant to part with their money until they've been shown it's a sound investment.
Nonsense.
We don't doubt. We're superstitious.
I know I'm wearing the same shirt I've worn all season: it got us here didn't it?
We have the same Steeler flag flying.
We have the same Terrible Towel ready to wave.
And I'm not going to buy any shirts that come out as the team moves forward. I'm waiting for that seventh Superbowl shirt.
I wish the merchants in the Strip well. But they won't see me until February.
Stay strong, Steeler Nation. Stay superstitious.
Nonsense.
We don't doubt. We're superstitious.
I know I'm wearing the same shirt I've worn all season: it got us here didn't it?
We have the same Steeler flag flying.
We have the same Terrible Towel ready to wave.
And I'm not going to buy any shirts that come out as the team moves forward. I'm waiting for that seventh Superbowl shirt.
I wish the merchants in the Strip well. But they won't see me until February.
Stay strong, Steeler Nation. Stay superstitious.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Great Video
sent by my good friend bev pollock . .http://youtu.be/eJNh2PqbSec
meanwhile, if detroit and new orleans are this close, anything can happen! what a playoff season!
meanwhile, if detroit and new orleans are this close, anything can happen! what a playoff season!
Dippy Dresses Up
Nothing says Pittsburgh like Steelers and Dinosaurs! Thanks to The Carnegie for this picture.
Watch Out for the Quiet Ones
Steelers' tight end Heath Miller passed Lynn Swann and now ranks fourth on the list of Steeler all-time receptions. And he did it, to the best of my knowledge, without ballet lessons. So I expected more fanfare. I expected more press coverage. I expected at least some water cooler conversations.
Not that Miller would create, expect, or even desire hoopla. Even his unofficial fan page hasn't been updated with the news yet, a week after the Cleveland game. Mr. Reliable is also Mr. Unassuming. He always acts like he's been there before. This may be why we can add Mr. Underrated to the list.
I wonder if Pittsburghers are so used to thinking of the Steelers of the 1970s as gods that we don't want to admit that sometime, somewhere, their records will be broken and, even worse, that those magnificent players will be forgotten. In some parts of the world, they already have been (not in Steeler Nation, of course). Dallas continues to believe they're America's Team; Green Bay won the title of most popular team in a poll earlier this year; and New England . . . Oh, never mind. We'll deal with New England another time.
The interesting thing about Miller's achievement is that once he passed tight end Elbie Nickel earlier this season, there were only wide receivers ahead of him. He's likely to catch Louis Lipps next season, and will likely end up third on the list - Stalworth's 537 seems like a stretch, and Ward's 100 would require Miller to triple his current number (more or less - there's a reason I teach English).
And that's probably just fine with Miller. Maybe being underrated isn't so bad - after all, anyone who listens to any of the national announcers during Steeler games knows that it's who we are. If being underrated gets Miller to his current position, let's hope it gets the Steelers through the playoffs.
Not that Miller would create, expect, or even desire hoopla. Even his unofficial fan page hasn't been updated with the news yet, a week after the Cleveland game. Mr. Reliable is also Mr. Unassuming. He always acts like he's been there before. This may be why we can add Mr. Underrated to the list.
I wonder if Pittsburghers are so used to thinking of the Steelers of the 1970s as gods that we don't want to admit that sometime, somewhere, their records will be broken and, even worse, that those magnificent players will be forgotten. In some parts of the world, they already have been (not in Steeler Nation, of course). Dallas continues to believe they're America's Team; Green Bay won the title of most popular team in a poll earlier this year; and New England . . . Oh, never mind. We'll deal with New England another time.
The interesting thing about Miller's achievement is that once he passed tight end Elbie Nickel earlier this season, there were only wide receivers ahead of him. He's likely to catch Louis Lipps next season, and will likely end up third on the list - Stalworth's 537 seems like a stretch, and Ward's 100 would require Miller to triple his current number (more or less - there's a reason I teach English).
And that's probably just fine with Miller. Maybe being underrated isn't so bad - after all, anyone who listens to any of the national announcers during Steeler games knows that it's who we are. If being underrated gets Miller to his current position, let's hope it gets the Steelers through the playoffs.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Big Ben's Ankle Hurts? Dog Bites Man.
The Post Gazette reports today that Ben Rothlisberger's sprained ankle suffered a "setback" after Sunday's game in Cleveland. This is what journalists call a "Dog Bites Man" story - in other words, not a story at all. If "Man Bites Dog," or, in this case, Ben's ankle improves as a result of playing on it, that's news. That's a story. The routine, the logical, the predictable - not news. Not a story.
Stop me if you've heard this before, but if Mike Tomlin had chosen to err on the side of caution with Ben on Sunday, he'd be in much better shape for Denver.
Erring on the side of caution is how Tomlin explained keeping Ryan Clark out of the Denver game. Clark just can't afford to lose any more organs, and it's a sound decision to safeguard his health. When Tomlin announced that decision, he said, "This is an important game. But it's just a game." When was the last time we heard that idea in the NFL?
I just wish we'd heard it when Ben decided to play in San Francisco and Cleveland.
Stop me if you've heard this before, but if Mike Tomlin had chosen to err on the side of caution with Ben on Sunday, he'd be in much better shape for Denver.
Erring on the side of caution is how Tomlin explained keeping Ryan Clark out of the Denver game. Clark just can't afford to lose any more organs, and it's a sound decision to safeguard his health. When Tomlin announced that decision, he said, "This is an important game. But it's just a game." When was the last time we heard that idea in the NFL?
I just wish we'd heard it when Ben decided to play in San Francisco and Cleveland.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Football Hangover
It's not the kind of hangover many of you may have suffered yesterday morning. I woke up thinking, really? It was that tough to beat the Browns? That's when the headache and nausea started.
Now I'm not a Browns hater - the real Cleveland Browns are now the Purple Browns of Baltimore. That's the team to hate, folks. I think that Cleveland is better than the 4-12 record suggests, and eventually they will be worth reckoning with. In the meantime, we need to take them seriously as potential spoilers if nothing more. That didn't seem to occur to the Steelers in either of the games this season.
The highlights of the game: Hines Ward reaches 1000 catches, Heath Miller passes Lynn Swann's record, and Troy Polamalu's interception - we've had far too few of those this season.
The lowlights: No room to list them all, but the lowest light is probably Mendenhall's injury - now possibly a torn ACL. No Mendenhall in Denver and probably not through the playoffs. That's gonna hurt.
Gene Collier called last night's match "a brutal Russian novel of a football game." I'm not going to try to top that one.
Happy new year - tune in next Sunday for Steelers vs. Broncos in Denver. In the meantime, let's all get acclimated to the altitude.
Now I'm not a Browns hater - the real Cleveland Browns are now the Purple Browns of Baltimore. That's the team to hate, folks. I think that Cleveland is better than the 4-12 record suggests, and eventually they will be worth reckoning with. In the meantime, we need to take them seriously as potential spoilers if nothing more. That didn't seem to occur to the Steelers in either of the games this season.
The highlights of the game: Hines Ward reaches 1000 catches, Heath Miller passes Lynn Swann's record, and Troy Polamalu's interception - we've had far too few of those this season.
The lowlights: No room to list them all, but the lowest light is probably Mendenhall's injury - now possibly a torn ACL. No Mendenhall in Denver and probably not through the playoffs. That's gonna hurt.
Gene Collier called last night's match "a brutal Russian novel of a football game." I'm not going to try to top that one.
Happy new year - tune in next Sunday for Steelers vs. Broncos in Denver. In the meantime, let's all get acclimated to the altitude.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Cleveland Game, Act II
Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
And I don't mean the weather or the field, although both of those were getting pretty sloppy too.
Steelers didn't win. They just didn't lose. To Cleveland, with an inexperienced quarterback.
Oh. I said that before.
I think both Colt McCoy and Senaca Wallace are talented quarterbacks with a great future in the NFL. Don't know where Cleveland finds guys with names like that, but they have great potential.
They shouldn't be using it against a team like the Steelers. Or a team like we like to think the Steelers are.
I'm glad Hines got his 1000th catch. But did we have to lose yards on some of those plays so he could?
And I'm glad Mr. Reliable, Heath Miller, beat Lynn Swann's record. I would trust him to catch my grandson if someone threw him.
But it's not all about records and statistics. And talking of statistics, did Ben's take a hit from that outrageously bad first half? I bet.
And you just can't count on Cincinnati to help us out - why should they?
So, Steelers. Love you like brothers. Can you pull it together so we don't look like total idiots in the playoffs? Because there's nothing the national announcers like more than slamming you. And as much as that pisses me off, it pisses me off a lot more when they're right.
Go Stillers! Really!
And if that snow is heading here, I'd better run to the Iggle for bread, milk, and toilet paper . . .
Peace Out, Peeps . . .
And I don't mean the weather or the field, although both of those were getting pretty sloppy too.
Steelers didn't win. They just didn't lose. To Cleveland, with an inexperienced quarterback.
Oh. I said that before.
I think both Colt McCoy and Senaca Wallace are talented quarterbacks with a great future in the NFL. Don't know where Cleveland finds guys with names like that, but they have great potential.
They shouldn't be using it against a team like the Steelers. Or a team like we like to think the Steelers are.
I'm glad Hines got his 1000th catch. But did we have to lose yards on some of those plays so he could?
And I'm glad Mr. Reliable, Heath Miller, beat Lynn Swann's record. I would trust him to catch my grandson if someone threw him.
But it's not all about records and statistics. And talking of statistics, did Ben's take a hit from that outrageously bad first half? I bet.
And you just can't count on Cincinnati to help us out - why should they?
So, Steelers. Love you like brothers. Can you pull it together so we don't look like total idiots in the playoffs? Because there's nothing the national announcers like more than slamming you. And as much as that pisses me off, it pisses me off a lot more when they're right.
Go Stillers! Really!
And if that snow is heading here, I'd better run to the Iggle for bread, milk, and toilet paper . . .
Peace Out, Peeps . . .
Cleveland Game, January 1, 2012
So. Happy new year?
As usual, I was posting my comments on the game on my Facebook page, and someone commented that she always enjoyed my posts. Friends who no longer live in Pittsburgh often rely on me for scores and updates during the game - I post more often and somewhat more critically than the official Steelers posts. So. I decided to blog.
And the most important thing I have to say about this game is:
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is Ben doing in this game? He said he was 60%, he's obviously limping, and we're down by three points in the third quarter. Because Ben is struggling with the pass (read: he isn't passing well. Oh, wait: he isn't passing at all.), Mendenhall got hurt.
We lost two weeks ago because Ben insisted on playing when he was 40%. We won last week with Charlie Batch.
And the announcers. Yoi, the announcers. They keep saying it's smart to play Ben because he would get rusty with three games off. How many games - how many years - had Charlie Batch been off when he stepped in and won beautifully last week?
I think we'll win this (but I owe a friend two lunches if we don't), but it sure ain't pretty. And we're going to be mincemeat for the playoffs.
Thanks, Ben.
As usual, I was posting my comments on the game on my Facebook page, and someone commented that she always enjoyed my posts. Friends who no longer live in Pittsburgh often rely on me for scores and updates during the game - I post more often and somewhat more critically than the official Steelers posts. So. I decided to blog.
And the most important thing I have to say about this game is:
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is Ben doing in this game? He said he was 60%, he's obviously limping, and we're down by three points in the third quarter. Because Ben is struggling with the pass (read: he isn't passing well. Oh, wait: he isn't passing at all.), Mendenhall got hurt.
We lost two weeks ago because Ben insisted on playing when he was 40%. We won last week with Charlie Batch.
And the announcers. Yoi, the announcers. They keep saying it's smart to play Ben because he would get rusty with three games off. How many games - how many years - had Charlie Batch been off when he stepped in and won beautifully last week?
I think we'll win this (but I owe a friend two lunches if we don't), but it sure ain't pretty. And we're going to be mincemeat for the playoffs.
Thanks, Ben.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)