Is there life out there? No, I’m not talking about the Hubble telescope or Voyager or any other space or astronomy project set to answer the age old question of life beyond earth. I’m just wondering if there’s any beyond my doors.
Lately I’ve come to realize that my computer has become a major part of my life, wittingly or unwittingly, and I fear that if I continue on the path that I’m taking, that I will become like one of the “higher beings” that you find in Dean Koontz’s “Midnight” (though, I do admit it could be worse and be a storyline from the “Demon Seed ”, so it’s not a complete nightmare). Realizing this, (as well as trying to calm the growing dissatisfaction), I’ve decided to try to answer the question that Reba McEntire asks in her song “Is There Life out There?”. Of course, to do this, I have to first wean my addiction from the internet (I say this as I sit listening to Jimmy Buffett on the headphones and typing this up).
Actually I know there’s life out there. I had one at one time, of course it was before I had to be responsible (in other words, before the baby). It was a life that included taking off for road trips or a weekend of horseback riding and dancing. It included many things, to include travel. I ate fresh crab and warm sour dough bread in the marina in San Francisco, wrote poetry on the lawn of the Summer Palace in Norway, bought silver and gold in the markets of Riyadh and drank german beer on the sidewalks of Frankfurt with students from Czechoslavaki (and later sat for an hour in an OSI office recounting my encounter with the citizens of communist country). Of course, that all came before I had to be responsible (in other words…when I had money to burn).
Now, some twenty years later, I’m ready for a life again. Although my husband and daughter are content to spend hours on the Xbox and the computer, I’m finding myself not so content just to sit around the house and do nothing. Okay, I’ll admit, through the past ten years, we had a life. We went places, visited people, took trips. I’ve seen Maui and the Bahama’s, but lately, it hasn’t even been close. If you were to ask what I do…go to work, come home, maybe go to the grocery store once a week. Last time I did anything significant was to fly home for a funeral, so needless to say, I’m a bit antsy.
So this morning I woke my husband up and told him we were heading to Gilbert for some ice cream. This was my way of telling him that I wanted to go to the annual Peach Festival that is held on the Fourth of July. We went once, many years ago and I remember getting some very good peach ice cream. Of course, he was confused and, after ten years together, I should know better then expect him to be able to read my mind when he’s first waking up. Well, needless to say a little contention came to play and eventually we compromised. He decided he would take me for ice cream after we picked up a couple of games for the 360. Eh, at least it got us out of the house and I opted for gyro’s instead of ice cream.
Now it’s not like I couldn’t go to the Peach Festival, but then I’d be going alone, what fun was that? However, while looking for something to do that wouldn’t cost much money and that I wouldn’t mind doing alone, I came across a news article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that tend to put things in a bit of perspective for me.
Today, on the day we celebrate our nations birthday with cookouts and fireworks and festivals, thousands of our servicemen and women will be spending it away from home, many living in tents and makeshift huts in the desert, wishing they were at home with their families. These are individuals who voluntarily put their lives on “hold” to serve their country.
As an attempt to help make their time and stay a little more tolerable, the USO regularly plans visits from celebrities and sports personalities. This fourth of July weekend, the troops in Iraq received a visit from many of the coaches in the NFL. Tennessee Titans coach, Jeff Fisher, Ravens coach John Harbaugh and retired Steelers coach Bill Cowher were among several other NFL coaches that participated in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq. Troops in Baghdad, as well as other bases, were able to spend time with and talk with these celebrated coaches, making their fourth a little bit brighter.
Although I’ve never been in a war zone, as a former member of the military, I understand the importance that the USO and their respective tours to the morale of the men and women who are thousands of miles away from their loved ones. The USO has been an instrumental part of and away from the military from the time of the “Donut Dolly’s” during WWII till now. And in the NFL, it is not uncommon to find many a player taking time out of their schedules to visit our troops away from home.
Okay, so I’m bored and discontent, at least I have an air conditioned house and am out of harms way to be bored in. I know that one day I’ll have a life again…probably when the electric bill isn’t so high and the daughter is earning her own money after graduating from college. Maybe being connected to the computer is not necessarily a bad thing, I have to pay the cable bill anyway. And of course, I could go downtown to one of the theaters where a local radio station is trying to break the worlds record for doing the “Time Warp” and participate in that, though, now at 47, I doubt you’d get me to dress up like Columbia.
Note: Coaches and former coaches participating in the NFL-USO coaches tour include Jeff Fischer, John Harbaugh, John Gruden, Tom Coughlin and Bill Cowher.
Source: "NFL Coaches, Cowher in Iraq" , Pittsburgh Post Gazette, July 4, 2009
Category: NFL
Happy Fathers Day
If you ever wonder which one would win in a game of chicken, a bicycle or a ball…let me tell you folks, 9 times out of 10, the ball will win, and for the loser, well, it’s not so pretty. I’m sure you’re asking yourself, what does this and the price of beans have to do with Fathers Day. Sitting here and looking back on the memories, I can say this is one lesson that my father and I learned together.
It was in the summer of my seventh year. Then, there wasn’t much to worry about but to just be a kid. The summers back then were wonderful. Games of kick the can, hiking and playing in the woods, catching lightening bugs, the obligatory daily bike races you had with your friends. Well, it was during one of these bicycle races that we both learned the hard way.
My mother and the neighbors went shopping, leaving the men at home to watch the children. That evening, my father and the guy who lived beside us, was playing ball in the yard with my sisters. Not softball, but one of those brightly colored large plastic balls that were easy for little hands to catch. It just so happened that about the same time my sister missed the ball and it started rolling towards the road, a bunch of us had just started racing down the road, towards my house on our bikes.
You can say it happened in the blink of an eye, but there was a little more time then that. I saw the ball and knew I had to make a decision. I was going to fast to stop without spilling the bike. I could go to the right, but then I’d go over the embankment and get hurt. I could have swerved to the left but that meant running into the rider beside me and getting hurt. So I weighed my options. After all, the bike was bigger then the ball, if I ran over it, it would deflate, right? Yep, I still remember making that fateful decision and then, the next thing I remember was waking up on the couch. Needless to say, the ball didn’t deflate.
I’m not sure how my father handled it. I did think he blamed himself for a little bit in letting the ball roll to the road. I’m sure there were things in life he would have done over, if he could. I don’t know, I’ve never asked. My relationship with my father has been good, but not the idea, storybook father and daughter relationship. So when we talk, it’s nothing too in depth or too personal. It’s not all my fathers fault, a lot of it was mine. Understand that I’m a product of a divorce.
My parents divorced when I was 13, old enough to realize what was going on, too young not to let any resentment grow from it. So our relationship, as I became an adult, was something one might expect from a situation that grew out of a every other weekend and holidays situation. Add a stepfather and stepmother to the mix, and you end up learning to find a way to cope without feeling that you’re betraying anyone else by accepting the other.
And with the resentment, there had came a time when I said “I wish my father would have been there for me”. Now, so many years later, how wrong I was to say that. After all, he was the one to take me on my first sled ride. I don’t remember it, but I have the black and white photo’s to show it. He taught me how to ride my bike and he helped me build makeshift “tree houses” in our yard. He was the one who came looking for me every time I “ran away” (which actually was quite a few times). He helped make “sled routes” in the yard at winter and on every New Years Eve would pretend not to be able to get the car up the “hill”, just because we enjoyed the “battle” of trying to urge the car up the hill, only to end up at the bottom of town and having to walk home, in the snow.
He made sure that he was home each Halloween, to take us trick or treating, and would traipse around with us, not just around the block but the town. And even after the divorce, I knew he tried. As an adult, he was there for me when I was in dire straits. Selfishly, I took this for granted. And when I asked, my father rarely said no.
Now, at 4 am, I sit here writing this, wondering if it’s too early to call and wish him a Happy Fathers Day. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate the humor in it, so I’ll wait. And perhaps, I’ll let him know that there’s nothing he has to make up for. He did the best he could. But even if I don’t let him know that, I will make sure to tell him, “I love you Dad”.
Today and every day, make time with your children and give them memories that will bring a smile further down the road. And one day, when you dance with your daughter at her wedding, or hold your grandchild in your arms, you’ll have no regrets.
Happy Fathers Day.
It was in the summer of my seventh year. Then, there wasn’t much to worry about but to just be a kid. The summers back then were wonderful. Games of kick the can, hiking and playing in the woods, catching lightening bugs, the obligatory daily bike races you had with your friends. Well, it was during one of these bicycle races that we both learned the hard way.
My mother and the neighbors went shopping, leaving the men at home to watch the children. That evening, my father and the guy who lived beside us, was playing ball in the yard with my sisters. Not softball, but one of those brightly colored large plastic balls that were easy for little hands to catch. It just so happened that about the same time my sister missed the ball and it started rolling towards the road, a bunch of us had just started racing down the road, towards my house on our bikes.
You can say it happened in the blink of an eye, but there was a little more time then that. I saw the ball and knew I had to make a decision. I was going to fast to stop without spilling the bike. I could go to the right, but then I’d go over the embankment and get hurt. I could have swerved to the left but that meant running into the rider beside me and getting hurt. So I weighed my options. After all, the bike was bigger then the ball, if I ran over it, it would deflate, right? Yep, I still remember making that fateful decision and then, the next thing I remember was waking up on the couch. Needless to say, the ball didn’t deflate.
I’m not sure how my father handled it. I did think he blamed himself for a little bit in letting the ball roll to the road. I’m sure there were things in life he would have done over, if he could. I don’t know, I’ve never asked. My relationship with my father has been good, but not the idea, storybook father and daughter relationship. So when we talk, it’s nothing too in depth or too personal. It’s not all my fathers fault, a lot of it was mine. Understand that I’m a product of a divorce.
My parents divorced when I was 13, old enough to realize what was going on, too young not to let any resentment grow from it. So our relationship, as I became an adult, was something one might expect from a situation that grew out of a every other weekend and holidays situation. Add a stepfather and stepmother to the mix, and you end up learning to find a way to cope without feeling that you’re betraying anyone else by accepting the other.
And with the resentment, there had came a time when I said “I wish my father would have been there for me”. Now, so many years later, how wrong I was to say that. After all, he was the one to take me on my first sled ride. I don’t remember it, but I have the black and white photo’s to show it. He taught me how to ride my bike and he helped me build makeshift “tree houses” in our yard. He was the one who came looking for me every time I “ran away” (which actually was quite a few times). He helped make “sled routes” in the yard at winter and on every New Years Eve would pretend not to be able to get the car up the “hill”, just because we enjoyed the “battle” of trying to urge the car up the hill, only to end up at the bottom of town and having to walk home, in the snow.
He made sure that he was home each Halloween, to take us trick or treating, and would traipse around with us, not just around the block but the town. And even after the divorce, I knew he tried. As an adult, he was there for me when I was in dire straits. Selfishly, I took this for granted. And when I asked, my father rarely said no.
Now, at 4 am, I sit here writing this, wondering if it’s too early to call and wish him a Happy Fathers Day. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate the humor in it, so I’ll wait. And perhaps, I’ll let him know that there’s nothing he has to make up for. He did the best he could. But even if I don’t let him know that, I will make sure to tell him, “I love you Dad”.
Today and every day, make time with your children and give them memories that will bring a smile further down the road. And one day, when you dance with your daughter at her wedding, or hold your grandchild in your arms, you’ll have no regrets.
Happy Fathers Day.
Category: General
Tags: Happy Fathers Day
City of Champions...once again...
Originally I had no intentions of turning the television to that channel, last time I did, well, it didn’t end the way I would have liked it. So last night I didn’t want to jinx them…but couldn’t resist the pull, the urge and here it was on NBC. A little after 10:30 pm, I was on the edge of the couch, with six seconds to go, listening to the announcers discussing about the game maybe coming down to a face off.
Then, there it was. A great save by Marc-Andre Fleury and the Penguins would soon be hoisting the cup. Through the game, they were giving credit to Crosby and Malkin but in the end, it was a team sport with a goal tender who struggled the last time he was in Detroit, shining through.
So at the end, I found myself doing the same thing I did when the Steelers won the Superbowl in February. Jumping up and down and screaming with excitement and crying…literally, tears streaming down my face. This astounded my husband…he already knew I cried during football season, now I’m crying at hockey.
While they were still showing the Cup being passed around, my daughter comes out and asks if we won the Powerball. I told her no, almost as good though. She knew I got excited at football, but she never saw me watch a hockey game. She asked why I cared…I said, because they’re from Pittsburgh and I cheer on Pittsburgh teams. “But you don’t live in Pittsburgh anymore”…to which I responded, I’ll always be a Pittsburgh girl at heart.
So when it comes to hockey, don’t get me wrong, I know a little bit about it, but this is one sport that if someone would call me a homer, I’d agree whole heartedly that I was. Ask me throughout the years, who I pull for, it would be the Penguins, win or lose. No, they don’t inspire the same passion in me that the Steelers do, but I would never denounce them, either.
It’s not that I’m clueless about the game, I would watch time from time before the strike, but somehow, when that happened it was a shrug of the shoulders and went on with my life. Yep, I know what a power play is, I know what checking, high sticking and even what a face off is. I kind of have an idea what icing is, but to be honest, the hat trick still baffles me.
Last night what I knew about hockey didn’t matter. I was watching a game, in hopes that a repeat of last year wouldn’t occur. After all, this time last year, it was the Penguins skating off the ice in Pittsburgh while the Redwings were hoisting the Cup. And for six seconds, a game that I watched with some interest, but little passion, had me on the edge of my seat. It would not be Crosby or Malkin that would shine that night, but Talbot and Fleury.
So my daughter looked at me as I tried to explain with this look of “so?” on her face. She didn’t understand the feeling of pride that went through Pittsburgh when not only the Steelers won the Superbowl, but the Pirates won the pennant the same year. She wouldn’t, she wasn’t even a gleam in her fathers eye at that time. What it was like to hear the city that you love was referred nationwide as the City of Champions. Nor would she understand the excitement when the Penguins, with Lemieux and Jaggr at the helm when they tried for a three-peat in the 90s.
She wouldn’t understand how storied this Penguins franchise will become in the future. That a team, which was on the verge of being uprooted was purchased by a former Penguins Stanley Cup winner and other fans who did it to keep the team in Pittsburgh. Or how that former player, battled his own adversities with cancer, to comeback and be considered one of the greatest NHL players in recent history, would turn the team around through his ownership and help them win the cup, despite a shake up in the team this year.
Guess if she did understand, she wouldn’t have shaken her head in bewilderment, when, towards the end of the celebration, the arena erupted into cheers and the cameras showed Mario Lemieux hoisting the Cup over his head and there I was, tears flowing freely, clapping at the television because the moment I was waiting for finally arrived.
Last night, and for a little while, the City of Pittsburgh will be celebrating. The second time they'll be welcoming sports champions home. Make no mistake, Pittsburgh is the city of Champions. The Steelers Superbowl win, being the first franchise to win six rings in the Superbowl era NFL...and now, welcoming back the 2009 Stanley Cup winners, with a two time former Cup winner coming back with them, very much a part of that team even though he's hung up his skates.
For me, again, I might not be a part of the celebrations, but my spirit will be with them. And my heart...well, you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of her heart...nor can you take out the teams that represents...the City of Champions.
Congratulations to the Penguins, 2009 Stanley Cup Winners.
Then, there it was. A great save by Marc-Andre Fleury and the Penguins would soon be hoisting the cup. Through the game, they were giving credit to Crosby and Malkin but in the end, it was a team sport with a goal tender who struggled the last time he was in Detroit, shining through.
So at the end, I found myself doing the same thing I did when the Steelers won the Superbowl in February. Jumping up and down and screaming with excitement and crying…literally, tears streaming down my face. This astounded my husband…he already knew I cried during football season, now I’m crying at hockey.
While they were still showing the Cup being passed around, my daughter comes out and asks if we won the Powerball. I told her no, almost as good though. She knew I got excited at football, but she never saw me watch a hockey game. She asked why I cared…I said, because they’re from Pittsburgh and I cheer on Pittsburgh teams. “But you don’t live in Pittsburgh anymore”…to which I responded, I’ll always be a Pittsburgh girl at heart.
So when it comes to hockey, don’t get me wrong, I know a little bit about it, but this is one sport that if someone would call me a homer, I’d agree whole heartedly that I was. Ask me throughout the years, who I pull for, it would be the Penguins, win or lose. No, they don’t inspire the same passion in me that the Steelers do, but I would never denounce them, either.
It’s not that I’m clueless about the game, I would watch time from time before the strike, but somehow, when that happened it was a shrug of the shoulders and went on with my life. Yep, I know what a power play is, I know what checking, high sticking and even what a face off is. I kind of have an idea what icing is, but to be honest, the hat trick still baffles me.
Last night what I knew about hockey didn’t matter. I was watching a game, in hopes that a repeat of last year wouldn’t occur. After all, this time last year, it was the Penguins skating off the ice in Pittsburgh while the Redwings were hoisting the Cup. And for six seconds, a game that I watched with some interest, but little passion, had me on the edge of my seat. It would not be Crosby or Malkin that would shine that night, but Talbot and Fleury.
So my daughter looked at me as I tried to explain with this look of “so?” on her face. She didn’t understand the feeling of pride that went through Pittsburgh when not only the Steelers won the Superbowl, but the Pirates won the pennant the same year. She wouldn’t, she wasn’t even a gleam in her fathers eye at that time. What it was like to hear the city that you love was referred nationwide as the City of Champions. Nor would she understand the excitement when the Penguins, with Lemieux and Jaggr at the helm when they tried for a three-peat in the 90s.
She wouldn’t understand how storied this Penguins franchise will become in the future. That a team, which was on the verge of being uprooted was purchased by a former Penguins Stanley Cup winner and other fans who did it to keep the team in Pittsburgh. Or how that former player, battled his own adversities with cancer, to comeback and be considered one of the greatest NHL players in recent history, would turn the team around through his ownership and help them win the cup, despite a shake up in the team this year.
Guess if she did understand, she wouldn’t have shaken her head in bewilderment, when, towards the end of the celebration, the arena erupted into cheers and the cameras showed Mario Lemieux hoisting the Cup over his head and there I was, tears flowing freely, clapping at the television because the moment I was waiting for finally arrived.
Last night, and for a little while, the City of Pittsburgh will be celebrating. The second time they'll be welcoming sports champions home. Make no mistake, Pittsburgh is the city of Champions. The Steelers Superbowl win, being the first franchise to win six rings in the Superbowl era NFL...and now, welcoming back the 2009 Stanley Cup winners, with a two time former Cup winner coming back with them, very much a part of that team even though he's hung up his skates.
For me, again, I might not be a part of the celebrations, but my spirit will be with them. And my heart...well, you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of her heart...nor can you take out the teams that represents...the City of Champions.
Congratulations to the Penguins, 2009 Stanley Cup Winners.
Category: NHL
Loyalty Still Exists - Just Ask Mean Joe
Mention one name…Mean Joe Greene and some will tell you about how he would play on the field, recounting times they saw him play. Others may only know him through the coca cola commercial where an angry and hurt football player returned a kind gesture of a small boy who offered up a coke, by throwing him his jersey. For those of us, who were old enough to see him play, we would argue he is probably one of the best defensive linemen in the history of the NFL. For others, well, his is a name of legend and lore.
Greene, drafted from the North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), in 1969 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, went on to be a dominant force on a defense that had earned the name “the Steel Curtain”, one of the best defenses in NFL history. During his career, exclusively with the Steelers, he would play 181 games, accumulate 78.5 sacks and one interception. He would also accumulate four Superbowl rings and be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.
After retirement as a player, Greene would go on to being a coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolpins and the Cardinals, returning back to the Steelers organization as a special assistant for player personnel.
This past Thursday, on the South Lawn of the White House, the Steelers players and management met with the President of the United States for the second time in the past five years. Mean Joe Greene was among the individuals who was there when Steelers President Art Rooney III presented the President of the United States with a Steelers jersey, the number 44 on his back. It would be his second meeting with a sitting president if the past decade.
Come the beginning of the season, when the Steelers who were members of the 2008-09 team, are presented with their rings from SB XLIII, the former defensive tackle for the Steelers will be on hand to receive his, making him the only player in the NFL to have accumulated six super bowl rings.
This season, when many players, to include Hines Ward, Ike Taylor, James Harrison and Heath Miller, are looking to cement deals that would allow them to retire as a Steelers player, Greene’s sixth super bowl ring, represents, not only a great history of a franchise, but also the loyalty that the team and management inspires with it’s players and their fans.
For those who argue that there is no loyalty anymore, I just have to argue, you’re not looking deep enough.
News source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sunday, May 31
Greene, drafted from the North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), in 1969 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, went on to be a dominant force on a defense that had earned the name “the Steel Curtain”, one of the best defenses in NFL history. During his career, exclusively with the Steelers, he would play 181 games, accumulate 78.5 sacks and one interception. He would also accumulate four Superbowl rings and be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.
After retirement as a player, Greene would go on to being a coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolpins and the Cardinals, returning back to the Steelers organization as a special assistant for player personnel.
This past Thursday, on the South Lawn of the White House, the Steelers players and management met with the President of the United States for the second time in the past five years. Mean Joe Greene was among the individuals who was there when Steelers President Art Rooney III presented the President of the United States with a Steelers jersey, the number 44 on his back. It would be his second meeting with a sitting president if the past decade.
Come the beginning of the season, when the Steelers who were members of the 2008-09 team, are presented with their rings from SB XLIII, the former defensive tackle for the Steelers will be on hand to receive his, making him the only player in the NFL to have accumulated six super bowl rings.
This season, when many players, to include Hines Ward, Ike Taylor, James Harrison and Heath Miller, are looking to cement deals that would allow them to retire as a Steelers player, Greene’s sixth super bowl ring, represents, not only a great history of a franchise, but also the loyalty that the team and management inspires with it’s players and their fans.
For those who argue that there is no loyalty anymore, I just have to argue, you’re not looking deep enough.
News source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sunday, May 31
Category: NFL
Down the Rabbit Hole
Sunday morning found me staring out the window intensely gazing at the beginnings of the first bloom on my magnolia tree. There were tiny little birds dancing around the bottom, hopefully eating some of the red ants that infested the yard. Don’t ask me why I was staring out at a tree that was only 5 foot high, I couldn’t tell you, I just know I was watching the blossom.
Spring normally comes early to the south, at least here in South Carolina. It’s arrival rarely spectacular, but often ushered in with the scent of the Carolina Jessamine and the blooms of the azaleas, and then, a series of bloom, one variety offsetting another when the previous blooms fade. What is not deniable is what the blooms of the magnolia’s signify, the cusp that teeters between spring and the always early arrival of summer, despite the calendar referencing otherwise.
Sunday, it was as if I had been awakened from a dream or slipped into one, it’s still too early to determine which it was. For perhaps I had been in hibernation mode and was slowly pulling myself from it when a major jolt of reality hit, or it could have been, I had slipped into a coma where I was living a Dali-esque nightmare, equivalent to melting clocks. Which ever it is, just as I was about to comment about the big, beautiful bloom that was about to burst forth, one name sent cold chills of sheer terror down my spine … Darlington.
Guess that explained the drive home on Friday.
I had to wrap my mind around this. When exactly did NASCAR season begin and did I dream somewhere that there was a time, not too many years ago that they held their last Nextel race at the legendary racetrack? But this was beside the point. I wasn’t ready. I failed to practice my passive/aggressive driving that was needed to survive the season. Nor did I have my supply of various driver bumper stickers to paste on the cars of those who chose to cut me off and give me the “I’m number one sign”. My therapist will not be happy, not to mention my cardiologist.
Then I started to ponder and grew concerned. Was I experiencing symptoms of early onset of Alzheimers? I missed spring training. They held spring training for baseball right? After all, the Pirates were on a seven game losing streak (eight after this writing). How can you have a losing streak if you’re in spring training?
I wish I could blame all this confusion on the overlapping of the sports seasons. After all, we’re still following the Stanley Cup playoffs. You know, a game played in the winter, on ice, and yet, I’m hearing speculation on who will win the Nextel Cup this year and of course, there’s the pennant race. Yes, I need someone to blame, otherwise I have to admit that my age is catching up to me.
Of course there’s still the chance that it’s a dream. After all, Prisco and Clark didn’t replace Siskel and Eibert as movie critics, right (be nice here)? But what happened to Gregg Doyel lambasting low talent athletes for posing in SI’s swimsuit edition, did I miss this? Surely he did this, right? Otherwise, the world shifted on it’s axis.
Sadly though, the onus for this is on me. My mind is not what it use to be, otherwise, how can one explain confusing at second day rookie running back drafted, with a nickname “The Tank” with a harpsichord musician? I’m still trying to figure out why I confused Summers with Hubbard (was there a Hubbard in the NFL draft?). And there must be more that I’m phasing out on, as those around me pat me on the head and smile politely, while whispering “poor thing, she’s not really all there, is she?”.
Oh well, I’ll adjust, I hope. I’m still a little too young for my daughter to be wiping drool from my chin, which is a good thing. I just wonder, does Mark Martin happen to have days like this also? Oh…and has anyone seen my keys?
Category: General
A Tradition of Building Success
When the Steelers organization hired Chuck Noll to be their head coach in 1969, a tradition was started. Noll, along with the Rooney’s had chosen to build the team up in the draft instead of focusing on acquisitions through free agency. The new head coach for the Steelers would use his very first draft pick in the NFL to acquire defensive tackle, Joe Greene. In the years to follow, he’d use his first round draft picks for quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris.
Through his tenure as coach, Chuck Noll would continue to pull in high caliber talent utilizing the draft. His most memorable draft, considered the best draft not only in franchise history, but also in the history of the NFL would be in 1974, when four of his picks that year would go on to be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. In that draft class, were the likes of Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth and Mike Webster. No other team in the history of the NFL had a draft that netted four HOF players before or after that 74 draft.
The Steelers would go on to win four Superbowls with this philosophy with Noll, becoming the first dynasty in a Superbowl era NFL. After Noll retired, the Steelers organization would continue on with the mindset of build their team through the draft. The teams under Bill Cowher would go on to win 8 division titles, two AFC Championship titles and one Superbowl ring.
Once Bill Cowher retired, enter former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Mike Tomlin. Tomlin would take over the slot of Steelers, after an .500 season. His position would be any head coaches dream. An organization that provided stability for it’s head coaches, and a team that was not hanging together by chicken wire and glue, but that had a solid veteran leadership and lots of young talent in the wings waiting to step in, thanks to the draft.
Tomlin, in his first year as the Steelers head coach would advance into the first round of the playoffs, in his second year, have a Superbowl ring and going into his third year, poised to do a repeat, due to the low number of turnover through free agency, and the backfill available through previous drafts.
Come this weekend, eyes will be on New York City and the NFL draft. Most fans will be hoping for this person or that to drop to their team to fill immediate needs. If you’ve been a long time Steelers fan, like many of us, you know that you’re not going to end up with what you believe the Steelers should pick, and we may end up cursing Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert as to why he felt he had to pickup ANOTHER tight end in the draft, or why go so high for a punter, or why not use the first round to shore up the offensive line. Somehow though the picks seem to work out for the best.
Don’t expect an exciting draft for the Black and Gold. Steelers will more then likely draft for the future and not “immediate” needs. But then, that’s how the Steelers have had such success since bringing in Chuck Noll, by building a team to be winners, not bringing in winners to build a team.
Category: NFL
Off-Season Blues...almost over
Well if you’re like me, you’ve probably looked over the potential draft picks, watched as many replays and NFL Films as you could, just to try to sedate your hunger for professional football. Yep, there were some things that we could sink our teeth into and chew over a bit, like Jay Cutlers trade to the Chicago Bears, or the new rules instituted by the NFL for player safety.
Still you have to admit, even with free agency, there’s that “dead” period between the end of the season and the NFL draft. And yes, come Saturday, you’ll find me watching the draft. No, I didn’t make up a mock draft, I leave that up to my husband. He’s pretty good at spotting talent, but he usually does so only for trying to address the Indianapolis’s Colts needs. Me, I groaned when the Steelers picked up a quarterback in the first round in the 2004 draft. Then again when they picked up a punter in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. So, hint, never listen to me about draft choices.
So we’re now three days away from the draft and not only are they gearing up for their picks, teams are starting to hold their voluntary training camps, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. We now actually have activities that we can actually start watching and contemplating for next season.
So there’s still a lot of the year to go before kickoff of the regular season, but hey, it’s promising. Last years first round draft pick for the Steelers worked out with the team this week. Running back Rashard Mendenhall had missed most of the season with a broken shoulder, so we really weren’t able to tell if the Steelers picking him up in the first round was a bust or not. His ability is still promising…now if he remembers to lower his shoulder when he runs into Ray Lewis this season, which he will.
With the departure of Nate Washington, this could be Wide Receiver Limas Sweed’s year to shine. If he doesn’t try to watch himself on the jumbotron, he should be fine and could have a year like WR Santonio Holmes had in his sophomore year.
The veterans who remained after the 2005 Superbowl win are looking to avoid the hangover that they experienced in 2006. Okay, so it’s still the same old, same old, but hey, at least I get to see current pictures of players working out and don’t have to resort to watching repeat of cold weather games.
It hasn’t been that bad though. I did manage to plant a butterfly bush which will probably bloom right about the time pre-season hits. Sports wise, it’s exciting to see the Penguins in the hunt for the Stanley Cup and leading the current series 3-1. Ya know, if the Pen’s do win the cup…wonder if there’s hope for the Pirates this season.
Okay…just three more days to go…can it get here soon enough?
Category: NFL
Thanks for the Memories Mr. Rooney
I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at this weeks NFL owners meeting. Not because of the discussions on rule changes or discussion about the CBA. Had I been there, I’m sure that I’d have witnessed a bittersweet moment.
According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning, Dan Rooney, current President and one of the owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepped down from all committees and said goodbye to the NFL ownership. Rooney, in anticipation for his upcoming appointment as Ambassador to Ireland, handed the reigns of the Steelers organization over to his son, Art Rooney, II.
It’s the end of an era for the Steelers, and for the NFL. Rooney had been “influential and involved in league matters for half a century” (1) . The “Rooney Rule” opened the door for minorities to become head coaches within the NFL. For the Steelers organization, Mr. Rooney carried on the tradition that was started by his father, Art Rooney, Sr, in such that made the players feel like family. As a testament to that, when asked in an online chat session at NFL.com, on his induction to the Hall of Fame, former Steelers CB, Rod Woodson sited Dan Rooney as the primary reason that, if he had to choose a team to get inducted under, it would be the Steelers. There has always been an air of mutual respect between players, coaches and ownership.
There’s no doubt that the tradition of the Steelers franchise will continue on with Art Rooney II, and I have no doubt that upon a trip to Ireland in the next few years, we’ll see black and gold being worn there. Still, Mr. Rooney’s presence and influence in the NFL will be missed by players, coaches and fans alike.
Personally, I’d like to thank Mr. Rooney for his dedication and would like to ask, should he find a four leaf clover or capture a leprechaun, to send him my way. Thank you Mr. Rooney, go raibh mile maith agat (2).
1- "Dan Rooney Bids NFL Owners Fairwell" , Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post Gazettte, March 25, 2009
2- go rabh mile maith agat is gaelic for thank you,
Category: NFL
Tags: Dan Rooney, NFL Owners
Incoherent Ramblings from a Feverish State
Shoot me now, seriously, just pull the trigger and put me out of my misery. I had taken the shot dangit, I wasn’t suppose to get it, right? My doctor won’t see me, he tells me stay home, lots of clear liquids, oh and yeah, he’ll charge me for that advice. Yeah, I know, it’s the flu, I’m on day two and am completely miserable.
Of course my family won’t give me comfort. My husband doesn’t want to catch it so when I just want to curl up and be miserable and cry out for comfort, I get a poor baby, a few strokes of the hair and off he goes. I go through those periods where I just want to be held and coddled. Unfortunately I also go through periods where it’s just leave me alone darnit. Why is it, that’s when the family wants to make me feel better? Huh?
Then there’s dinner. My daughter asks, what’s for dinner? My response…there’s the fridge and there’s the microwave. You’re twenty, you figure it out. Of course no one offers to make me soup (which I had to go out and buy btw).
And why, oh why, can’t I get out of “mom mode”? You know the mode. Mom’s aren’t allowed to get sick. Comes from years of conditioning, trying to get the kids out the door while you have one foot in the grave already. Dragging your weary bones to the cabinets to pull out a can of spaghetti-o’s because the kids have to eat, right? Of course, when the kid gets old enough, I’ve trusted her to fend for herself, my husband on the other hand.
Yep, his coffee is on and his clothes are laid out and while I’m tempted to throw water on him just to wake him up because he keeps hitting the snooze button, I just try to wake him up gently. I know I won’t have peace of mind until he’s out the door. So what’s the point of going back to bed when I know I’m just going to fret until I know he’s out the door with every thing he needs. And why should it really matter since I don’t do any of this when I’m on my way to work myself, why do I think being home makes him helpless and incapable of doing these things himself? And since I’m sick, why should I care?
Okay, don’t mind my ranting, I’m still a bit feverish. I’m like most mom’s, selfless, uh huh, yeah, I’m selfless. Just wondering though…should I put the roast in the slow cooker before I crawl back to bed?
Quiet in the Land of Steel - Kind of, Sort of
There’s a reason the Cardinals have the nickname “Steelers West”. Okay, not only is Whisenhunt taking the mentality he had as the Steelers OC (not to mention some of the former Steeler coaching staff) but he also has been slowly acquiring former Steeler players, most recently, cornerback Bryant McFadden. It was no secret that Whisenhunt is looking at reshaping the Cardinals defense into a 3-4 defense and it was also no secret that he wanted McFadden, and he got them.
Of course, in the land of the black and gold, the city of Steel, the original Steelers, we’re watching them leave. Well, not really. Only two major losses through free agency. Wide receiver Nate Washington and cornerback Bryant McFadden. Can’t blame them for taking the money, both have two superbowl rings. But for the most part, while other teams were trying to bring in players to help their chances, the Steelers were trying to shore up the contracts of the one’s they currently have.
There were some quiet acquisitions, mostly to the practice squad. Of course, with Washington’s leaving, it now opens up the opportunity for Dallas Baker to contend for the 3d receiver slot.
Now with the majority of contracts being laid out and at least in negotiation stage, there is some movement inside the Steelers camp. No, not signings, but at least interviews. This week the Steelers will have interviewed former Buccaneers Wide Receiver Joey Galloway and Titans FA cornerback Chris Carr. Of course the interesting of the two is Chris Carr.
Two glaring and immediate needs for the Steelers lay with the offensive line and the return for Special Teams. The acquisition of Chris Carr could become a viable weapon when it comes to punt and kick returns. Of course, there is the added benefit of adding depth to the position at cornerback.
Last season, special teams had improved immensely in it’s kickoff and punt return coverage, but was still glaringly weak when it came to actually returning the ball. It was inconsistent at best and at worse, well, being ranked 29th in the league for punt and kickoff returns kind of explains it all. Should the Steelers acquire Carr, then this could possibly address the need in this area.
Of course, don’t look for the Steelers to use FA to build on their strengths, but more to address their immediate weaknesses. The acquisition in FA last preseason of running back Mewelde Moore was to address a need that was glaringly apparent when Willie Parker went out for the season with a broken ankle in the St. Louis Rams game. Moore proved to be invaluable in this past season when he became the starting running back when both Parker and rookie draft choice, Rashaad Mendenhall went out with injuries.
Despite, the interview process, no matter how many come through the gates to talk to Steelers management, those of us who have followed the black and gold know that, as with every FA period, this one will be another without excitement or major splash. Is it time for the draft yet?
Category: NFL
And They're Off
James Harrison wants to retire a Pittsburgh Steeler. Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu could have been a Jet but decided to stay where he was at. Whispers and rumors that Colts center Jeff Saturday was willing to switch to position at guard to play for the black and gold all were naught when he resigned for three years to remain Peyton Mannings MVP. Byron Leftwich said not to count him out as the Steelers backup quarterback, then there’s also Charlie Batch. So what about Dennis Dixon?
This past week, free agency began in earnest and Steelers personnel management, like the other 31 teams have been busy adjusting their roster and making offers. Faced with having thirteen players as unrestricted free agents, including two viable backup quarterbacks, Kevin Colbert and the rest of the Steelers front office are working to retain as many of the Steelers current players as possible. Of course, it’s probably not going to be feasible.
One of the top priorities, according to Colbert, is getting the NFL’s DPOY’s contract extended so that he can finish his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler. It will happen, it’s just symantics. Biggest problem is the terms, especially due to the situation with the CBA and the “uncapped year”.
Of course we’ve seen the Steelers place a franchise tag on OT Max Starks, again. There was a tender to restricted free agent Willie Colon. One wonders if the idea was to actually keep Colon, or use that tender in lieu for a first round draft pick, something that the Steelers could use, seeing that they’re 32nd in the draft this year. Chris Kemoeatu could have taken the same route, the exact same route, that former Steelers guard Alan Faneca took and become a player for the J.E.T.S. but he declined the offer and decided to stay with the black and gold. Okay, the Steelers did offer him good money, but the Jets did offer Kemo a little more. Fullback/tight end Sean McHugh will be staying. McHugh actually made a difference in the Steelers running game when they put him in at the FB position, rather then the TE position.
What was surprising is the release of OT Kendell Simmons. Simmons went out for the year in the first Ravens/Steelers game with a torn Achilles tendon. What’s not surprising, they probably will not be resigning punter Mitch Berger. Okay, so Berger wasn’t the best, but I believe the reality is that punter Daniel Sepulveda will more then likely be returning after sitting the season out with a torn ACL.
There’s still a lot of time left in the off-season for contracts to be signed and players cut. WR Nate Washington will probably end up being a starting WR somewhere else and CB Bryant McFadden is testing his value on the open market and it is doubtful that he’ll return. Restricted free-agent SS Anthony Smith did not receive a contract tender and it’s questionable if Marvel Smith will return.
Of course we’re all wondering just who will be the Steelers backup quarterback with both Batch and Leftwich in the FA market. Makes it even more interesting that Leftwich hinted that he might prefer being a backup in Pittsburgh to a starting QB somewhere else.
Category: NFL
Oh the Joy
Want a good stock tip, aspirin, invest early, invest now. I’ll make you rich, trust me. Here in the south, for the most part spring has arrived, and so has my tax return. With that, my husband and I have decided we were going to put it back into our house.
It’s an older house and like a lot of the houses in our development, the trim has started to rot out on it. So this weekend looks like it’ll be a weekend filled with trips to Lowe’s for wood and paint and him yelling at me because I’m painting against the grain and not with it. Yep, going to be a fun weekend for me. If it were only up to me, I’d hire someone to do it, but it’s not, so I pick and choose my battles.
Sometimes being a homeowner sucks, because there’s no landlord to yell at when things start breaking down or need work. Let’s not forget the arguments that ensue between husband and wife on changes and how to do something. We’ve been discussing redoing our ceilings, getting rid of the god awful stucco and popcorn on them. I’m thinking good old elbow grease in scraping all that garbage off, he’s thinking belt sander. I know, any excuse for a man to buy a new power tool.
He’d rather not redo the bathroom until we can replace everything, but for now, all it really needs is some plaster and caulk. Of course, we’ll have the argument over what color to paint it. I want to go a nice sand color, he doesn’t.
We have the cost for what we’ve already planned to do with the house pretty well budgeted out. The extra, well, he wants a fireplace blower. Okay, I can see that, but with the blower comes a new screen for the fireplace, and lets face it, we never once used the fireplace this year. He’s thinking it would be great to have if we have an ice storm come through, like we did a few years ago, that knocked out the power. At least we’ll be warm. I’m thinking backup generator instead. Seriously, I hate cooking on a buddy burner.
Of course, he’s not getting the hint from all the gardening magazines that I’ve left laying around that I want to work on the yard. Instead, he wants an HDTV. His rationalization is that the daughter needs a new tv and if we got ourselves an HDTV, she could have one of our old ones (which is larger then the one she has already). Of course, I pointed out that it would probably be cheaper and easier for us if we just bought her a new tv, preferably smaller…after all, we’re the one’s who have to move her up three stories each year when she heads back to college.
Now I’m not going to deny that I’m actually looking forward to working on the house over the course of the spring and summer. And I’m actually happy that we’re actually discussing and planning the housing improvements, but to say he and I have different tastes and ideas on what we’d like to see done to the house is rather an understatement. Unfortunately for me, my husband is immune to the fluttering of eyelashes, the pitiful eyes and pouting. Of course the other extreme doesn’t work with him either.
We tend to make compromises, often to my dismay. He’s happy that I don’t want to destroy his cave, I’m glad he doesn’t gripe about all my collectibles. It’s just getting to those compromises that create the headaches. While it was football season, we both had excuses not to do the work, and avoided the inevitable pain that is sure to occur. Unfortunately, now that there is no football on tv, neither of us have that excuse anymore and have to focus on our honey-do lists.
Oh well, I’m sure we’re not the only couple facing this. At least he’ll have his meds and I’ll have my wine and we both can be thankful that it’s not next year yet. Our marriage will probably survive this round, but hard to say how it will end when we look at replacing our windows and doors next year. Wonder if Roger Goodell would look to extend the football season to 52 weekends next year? My marriage may depend on it.
Category: General
Keeping it In the Family
Prior to Superbowl XLIII, there were rumors that Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau was going to retire after 50 years in the NFL. The rumors of his retirement, were premature and rather exaggerated.
After the year the Steelers defense had, it wasn’t a surprise to find out that one of their defensives coaches would look to be tapped for a position with another team. What is a surprise is that Keith Butler had the chance to make a name for himself and become as well known as Dick LeBeau, and turned it down.
Who is Keith Butler, you ask? Butler has been the linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2003 and is responsible for coaching the likes of Steelers James Farrior, Larry Foote, LaMarr Woodley and this years Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison.
Butler, under contract with the Steelers, was given permission to by the Steelers organization to interview with Ken Whisenhunt for the position of Cardinals defensive coordinator, but according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette , turned down the offer. It wasn’t the first time that the Cardinals head coach would try to get Butler on his staff. Whisenhunt tried to interview Butler in 2007, but was denied by the Steelers organization due to Butlers contract.
Going into 2009, Mike Tomlin will retain his complete coaching staff, since taking the position of the Steelers head coach.
Category: NFL
The Year of the Six Pack
A day has passed and the dust has settled. All that’s left now is the celebration and the memories, yes the memories. As the Steelers now join the other 31 teams, their season is over. No doubt there will be the parades and other events rejoicing in their obtaining the their 6th Lombardi Trophy and while plans are made, I reminisce.
It was called the “year of the six-pack”, the road to “Sixburgh”, a run to their sixth ring, the most in the history of the Super bowl era. It was a season that started out with low expectations by some, progressed into a season quest to become try to be the best in all categories on defense. It would be a season that would show the Steelers offense as vulnerable or mediocre. It would be a season that showed an improved specials team coverage unit and a mediocre punt and kickoff return unit, yet they seemed to have improved a little from last season.
Through the season the Steelers found ways to win, if not with their offense, then with their defense. It would be rocky for the offense, often seeming to struggle without the run, struggle getting into the end zone, yet somehow be brought back in the clutch. We would question Bruce Arians play calling and call for his head after a loss. We would buy stock in Maalox for one of Mike Tomlins “faith” plays. Sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn’t. Through it all was one constant, a defense that was consistent. No, they weren’t perfect, 12-4 would be their best, but it got them on the road to their final destination.
I’ll admit that I was cautiously confident going into Sundays game against the Arizona Cardinals. Not only because of the defense, but also because of the offense. There was a consensus that if needed, the Steelers offense would not be able to keep up. No, I didn’t buy into the hype about Whisenhunt and LeBeau knowing each other. Anything that Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt knew about the Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense had become inspiration for defensive coordinators around the league after last years matchup.
Sunday’s game somehow was a replay of how the Steelers got to where they were. We would see the defense on a big play, an interception, that first ever in Superbowl history returned for 100 yards. The play, now dubbed the “Immaculate Interception”, will join the Steelers sports lore along side of the “Immaculate Reception”, the “Immaculate Deflection” and the “Immaculate Redemption”. Linebacker James Harrison interception and runback for a touchdown, not only stopped the Cardinals from going up, or at least tying going into the half, but also put the Steelers up by two scores before going into the locker room.
We know the results of the game, so there is no need to recap. Once again, Roethlisberger had shown why the comparisons with John Elway when talking about clutch quarterbacks are valid arguments. With driving the field for the come from behind touchdown in a Superbowl. Bruce Arians had come out earlier on Sunday saying that the Steelers wide receivers deserved respect also. Santonio Holmes proved that yes they did.
Make no mistake, any team in the Superbowl, deserved to be there, because they were the one’s in the NFC who actually got it done when it counted. The Arizona Cardinals offense did it’s own spectacular come from behind and made the Steelers pass coverage look average. Kurt Warner showed why he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, despite not getting the ring, Larry Fitzgerald still is unstoppable and knowing Whisenhunt and company to build up that defense in the draft, I don’t foresee the Cardinals returning to oblivion. What Whisenhunt and the Cardinals team have done in the two years there, has been the best story in the NFL this season.
For now it’s the celebration of “Sixburgh”, tomorrow, it’s 0-0 again, and just one of 32 teams. As a fan who has seen the Steelers in seven Superbowl, I cannot help but rejoice in the win, especially since the Steelers weren’t given much hope going into the season.
Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals and their fans. They’ve faced those who’ve doubted them and deserved to have played the game Sunday, because, despite their record, they beat who they were suppose to beat to get there, and came within a breath of winning the trophy. Ken Whisenhunt and company went in to a team that seemed to have been perennial laughing stocks and within two years, had coached and motivated the players to get to where they’re at today.
Thank you to CBS Sportsline for allowing me the privilege to be called the official Steelers team blogger. Hopefully I have not done a disservice to the Steelers organization, the Steeler fans or CBS in my writing.
Category: NFL
Superbowl Ponderings
Lot’s of rumors going around about the Steelers personnel lately. Okay, only two. First there was speculation that Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau would retire after SB XLIII and now Ben Roethlisberger’s x-rays show a rib injury?
The rumor of LeBeau’s retirement may have many of the leagues offensive coordinators breathing a little bit easier, but it took me by surprise, since reports earlier in the season had it that the Steelers DC planned on returning next year. The day after the rumor came out, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and other media sources reported LeBeau telling his players he would return next year. With LeBeau’s history and bond with his players, I don’t see LeBeau pulling a Herm Edwards.
Now with Ben’s ribs. In today’s edition of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette , the rumors of Ben’s xray’s was squashed by Steelers headcoach Mike Tomlin and pretty much confirmed by Peter King who stated in his report that Ben looked sharp in practice. Okay, with Ben not talking about the xrays, I know it could lead to a lot of speculation, but consider this…it’s a major HIPAA violation to release medical information about a person without their consent. I’ll take Peter Kings word that Ben looks healthy.
I’ve heard a lot about the advantage that the Cardinals have against the Steelers because of the Whisenhunt and Grimm connection. After two years, there is no longer a “special advantage” that no other coach facing the Steelers has. Ben’s strength and weaknesses, as well as the strength and weaknesses of the offense is readily known via game tape.
As far as Whisenhunt having practice against LeBeau’s defense while he was with the Steelers. Okay, first of all, not this squad. Chris Hoke is no longer on the team, and Dick LeBeau’s secondary was always suspect and didn't lead the league in passing defense. Plus, ummm, didn’t Whisenhunt actually practice against the practice and scouting squads, whose job it was to imitate their opponents defense? Just saying.
Okay, I know we say some silly things as fans as to why we believe the team we’re cheering for is going to win. The silliest that I’ve seen is that the Steelers are going to win because “I got new clothes”. Yep, my reasoning so far has been the silliest. The second silliest would be “the Cardinals beat the Steelers last year and they’re not the same team”.
Let’s talk about last years Cardinal/Steelers match up. Last years match up had the Cardinals swapping out quarterbacks each quarter. There were two turnovers, Ben had two touchdowns and Warner had one. Let’s add the 77 yards to James who also had a touchdown. Steelers controlled the time of possession by 5 minutes. The difference, Steve Breaston’s punt return.
No doubt that the Cardinals run through the playoffs are impressive. Let’s keep something in mind though, the Cardinals had met two of their opponents, in regular season and lost to them. One thing about Whisenhunt, he rarely loses to a team twice.
On an off-season note, the Chiefs hadn’t hired a new headcoach yet, have they? Wouldn’t it be great to see Russ Grimm finally get a team of his very own?
Speculate all you want about Hines Ward. If he’s on the field and even if he’s not 100%, you don’t think he’ll be a factor? Anytime Ward is on the field, you have to game plan for him.
Some other things I’ve heard going into this game:
“They’re going to be hard to stop, they’re hot right now” . They said this about the Chargers and the Ravens before they met the Steelers. They also said this about the Colts before they met the Chargers in the playoffs.
“They’ve never seen an offense like this before” . Ummm, okay. Phillip Rivers had one of the best quarterback ratings in the league going into their games in Pittsburgh the first times. Statistics would show that he had better numbers the second time, but let’s face it, Rivers ended up trying to come from behind in the last few minutes of the game and the defense backed off because, for the most part, the Steelers had the game. Tony Romo and the Cowboys thought they’d show the Steelers defense another offense they hadn’t seen before. Okay, I know, Romo became Romo again, but then, you have to allow the possibility that we’ll see the old Kurt Warner who doesn’t do well when his oline doesn’t get him enough time. The Colts? Well let’s give the Colts defense credit. Due to interceptions, the Steelers gave Manning short fields and you don’t give Manning short fields. Besides, Eric Kay in his blog showed some of the best that had “issues” against this Steelers total defense .
“Kurt Warner is unstoppable” . Ummm, okay. Funny, how myopic we can be as fans. Kurt Warner has been playing great in the post season, but if he’s truly unstoppable why were they 9-7 and not 13-3. The funny thing is, the same people who are looking only at the playoff run for the Cardinals are looking at the regular season games for the Steelers offense. Can’t have it both ways folks. It’s either all or only the post season and if you want to use the post season…well Ben’s been perfect, with no interceptions, compared to Warners two. Besides, look what happened to the last quarterback who went into the Superbowl unstoppable.
“The Eagles defense is just like the Steelers defense” . Huh, how much football do you watch. No doubt Jimmy Johnson’s defense is a very good, if not great defense, but to say they play the same type of defense is well, ummm, WRONG. Sheesh, I’m a girl and even I know that the Eagles are a 4-3 and not a 3-4 and their blitzing schemes are different.
On a final note to my ponderings, I’m debating as to whether or not to do an unbiased analysis of the game on Sunday (I really didn’t do one on the Ravens for fear of jinxing the Steelers). As much as I respect the opponent that the Steelers are facing, any “love” that comes from me regarding the Cardinals will come after the game now, win or lose. So feel free to jump me if you want for not showing your Cardinals love just yet. Better yet, get your butts on a blog and write why you believe your Cardinals are going to win.
Category: NFL
