Negative Booger or Positive Booger?

You've heard it time and time again, "football games are won or lost in the trenches." Personally, I believe wholeheartedly in this philosophy, especially after watching the Giants defensive line take apart the vaunted Patriots offensive line.

The Steelers are now stacked like this at the linebacker position, but failed to seriously inject some young talent into their aging defensive line. The Trib's John Harris feels Anthony "Booger" McFarland could fill this need.

Now, I wouldn't throw a temper tantrum if the Steelers signed Booger, but would it be worth it?

Negative Booger....

• 30 years old
• already failed a physical (Colts last year, Steelers this year)
• only played in 4-3 defensive schemes (Tampa and Indy)
  
• has had weight issues over his career
• little or no productivity in the past two seasons

Positive Booger....

• could add depth (we all saw how good the Steelers d-line was without Aaron Smith...)
• has two super bowl rings
• thats it

My vote is no Booger. Did I miss any positives or negatives? What do you think about this Booger stuff?

In other NFL news..........

• I've completely lost respect for Flavor Flav.
• Tony Romo can't even sing better than Big Ben.
• These two stories coupled with the signing of Pacman Jones, furthering the media attention by inviting HBO films to training camp, and the endless Jessica Simpson/Tony Romo media whore-age will only spell doom for the Cowboys 2008 season.
• Reggie Bush is mad about these pictures.
• O.J. Simpson takes a bong rip and shocks the world by announcing he is a murderer.
• Hines Ward quits drinking.

And also, for your enjoyment....

• Howard Stern takes bowling to the next level.
• Someone please tell Meagan Fox to get up off my nuts.

Making The Monday Rounds...

Another Monday means one week closer to opening day.

Step links for Steelers news....

Over the weekend Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was the commencement speaker for this year's graduating class at St. Vincent College. This makes me so jealous not only because terrible towels were twirling during a commencement ceremony, but my commencement speaker was the Senator of Delaware, Joe Biden. Biden was so terrible that he was booed at various points during his speech. I will forever hate that guy.

Woodley and Timmons must have been reading One For The Other Thumb. Its time to step up big time this year gentlemen.

The Sporting News' power rankings have the Steelers at #7 and the Browns at #9. Obviously they didn't hear that the Browns signed Shaun Rogers and Donte' Stallworth......CHAMPIONSHIP!

Santonio Holmes is ranked number five for wide receivers under the age of 25 by Sporting News. My homeboy Santonio is about to break out big time in 2008, don't forget that Santonio has been known to choke a bitch.

Brian Baldinger and his extremely freaky pinky finger reports from Steelers mini-camp. The video features Hines Ward (wearing one of those leather throw back helmets) as well as Fast Willie, Rashard Mendenhall, Limas Sweed, and a look through the Steelers trophy collection.

James Farrior will wear the new radio communication receiver in his helmet, which means he will be the only one on the defense with that silly green dot on his helmet.

Willie McGinest will not be there to see Brady Quinn take over the NFL.

$10,000 Big Ben bobblehead...not kidding

Ravens are fighting each other.

Bowen, this link is for you.

Bury me in this!

We Are Waiting...

Another year, another badass linebacking corps. But with the seemingly exciting additions of linebackers Lawrence Timmons, Lamarr Woodley, and Bruce Davis comes a lot of pressure on Larry Foote and James Farrior's starting jobs. Everyone can pencil in James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley as the starting outside linebackers, but the real question is - who will be the starting inside linebackers?

James Farrior is the current captain of the Steelers defense, but he certainly isn't getting any younger. I have complete confidence in his football I.Q, but I have to start questioning his physical abilities as he gets along in years. Larry Foote has been a tackling machine, but his weakness lies in is his ability to rush the passer (only 3 sacks last year). And it seems like I'm not the only one who has noticed. In fact, word around mini-camp is that Timmons (aka "The Groin") has the greatest chance of cracking the starting lineup, replacing Foote.

Game after game the Steelers use a linebacker blitz, which involves both inside linebackers cris-crossing in hopes of either sacking the opponent's quarterback or disrupting a running play in the backfield. To me it makes sense that if this blitzing style is to continue and be effective, the Steelers will need someone who can wreak more havoc on opposing Offensive Lines than Foote/Farrior have over the past two seasons.

How does everyone feel about Lawrence Timmons? Are the linebackers to blame for our uncharacteristically ineffective pass rush last season? Or is the problem the Defensive Line's inability to eat up blockers? Where will Bruce Davis fit into the Steelers defensive equation?

In other Steelers news...
OFTOT will not be advertising in the 2009 super bowl.
There has been a Cedric Wilson sighting!!!

Mistake By The Lake??

What a rollercoaster ride for Rashard Mendenhall over the past few weeks! From being the Steelers first round draft pick (chosen later than he or anyone expected), to injuring his hamstring, to getting robbed at gunpoint in Chicago. Hopefully the old saying that things happen in threes means that this is the end of Rashard's troubles for awhile. (Knock on wood...LITERALLY! I recommend Jeff Reed's head)

Because I know he reads this blog...here's my open letter to Rashard Mendenhall...

Dear Rashard,
As a dignitary of Steelers Nation, I would like to welcome you to the best franchise in the NFL. I would also like to express how very sorry we all were to hear about your hamstring and the loss of your cell phone and wallet. It was nice of the robbers to give you back your car keys though.

There's just one thing troubling me - Why exactly were you walking around the Chicago lakefront at 2 a.m. with your lady friend? Don't get me wrong, Steelers nation is very excited about the addition of your running skills to compliment Fast Willie Parker. But let's try to stay away from these early morning strolls by the lake, or any other suspicious place for that matter. Even though you are only 20, you have to understand that as of draft day, your status in life has completely changed.

Please be safe and take some time to let that hammy heal. We have great expectations for you, young man.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,

Domski

In other Steelers news....

• Luckily, James Harrison didn't take Rashard Mendenhall's lunch at mini-camp.
• Willie Parker keeps his word to Jerome Bettis.
• Cotter, maybe you should fold your arms.

Who Says Ike Can't Catch!?!

A year ago Ike Taylor was Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's "special project." This year, Ike is the clear cut #1 cornerback on the roster.

Over the past few years I've been very critical of Taylor's catching ability, but I continue to remind myself that this is why he is a cornerback and not a wide receiver.

Either way, his numbers speak for themselves....

• Led the Steelers with 3 interceptions and 17 passes defended in 2007.
• He finished second on the team with 90 tackles last year.
• Only gave up two touchdown passes while in man coverage.
• Set a team record against Jacksonville with his 3rd consecutive interception in a playoff game.
• Intercepted Matt Hasselbeck late in Super Bowl XL to seal the deal for "the one for the thumb."
• Face-Me-Ike
  

The Trib's John Harris reports that Taylor is being switched from the left side of the defense to the right side because of versatility reasons, to evolve with NFL wide receiver formations, and recent rushing trends.

Makes sense.....what do you think?

In other Steelers news...

Big Ben wears sombrero, Tomlin decides that special teams need to rest, Lawrence Timmons is practicing "Practice!?!...Are we talking about PRACTICE!?!"

Rashard Mendenhall continues Steelers rookie trend.

I want to train with Polamalu.

Add some new words to your vocabulary.....Cotter has been FRENCHIFIED!

Keep it real in the City of Steel!

Steelers' Nation!!!!!

Monday huh? Sucks, but here are a few articles from around the interweb to get you caught up on the happenings of Pittsburgh Steelers football.

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com senior writer and co-host of Sirius NFL Radio's "Movin' the Chains," knows a bargain when he sees one.

ESPN's Todd McShay loves the Steelers' draft.
I guess the only free-agency moves that count happen in Cleveland.

Hines Ward (a.k.a "Whines Hard"), finds incentive in the Steelers drafting Limas Sweed. Its good to see Ward has the right attitude in teaching Santonio and Limas, while improving himself. I've been holding my breath to see what reaction Ward would have to Big Ben's wishes coming true in the drafting of Sweed.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has the inside scoop on how the Steelers' will use Rashard Mendenhall. Willie Parker and Mendenhall in the same backfield sounds awesome!

I would officially like to thank the Bears for passing on Rashard Mendenhall.

Cotter, you should defend R. Kelly.

Please feel free to vent your spleen, no pun towards Sean Avery intended.

If A Tree Falls In The Woods...

It's Wednesday...which begs the question, is it still appropriate to be talking about a game that happened this past Sunday? But more importantly, do I care whether it is or not? Nope, definitely don't!

So yeah, I've read in a couple of places that, you know, that was just like, a preseason game or something. Sure it was, but just because it was a preseason game, that doesn't mean we wanted to lose, or worse, lose in the fashion the Saints lost in. Let's face it, preseason or not, those few downs Ben played preliminarily addressed some questions we've all had since last season. Plus, we won in dominating fashion. Sure, the starters didn't play too much, but even when they did, we showed everyone that we're for real.

However, the flip side of that is that it was a PRESEASON game and that you can't extrapolate the results of one meaningless game to try and apply them in projecting regular season success. So Steeler fans, temper your enthusiasm, but definitely get AMPED!

A few notes/observations - Domski, you know, that asshole who comments on my blog from time to time (and is also a lifelong friend), recently went to training camp to check out the Steelers as they continue to prepare for what we all hope will be an uber-successful 2007 season and he had the following to tell me -

- William Gay is the real deal. Domski said on one play, he slipped and got beat, but instead of giving up, kind of "crawled" after the receiver (who also slipped) and then when the ball was thrown, jumped about 4 ft in the air in front of the receiver for the interception. This kid is BALLS. Kudos to the Steelers for potentially finding a gem.

- Casey Hampton is a big dude. Domski said he looked like a turtle...kind of waddled. Guess they don't call him "Big Snack" for nothing. I'll bet he eats at least 15 Snickers bar when hunger strikes...

- Woodley is also a big dude. Domski said the jersey they got him in just doesn't fit (and that's not because it's a practice jersey). The man really is a beast...and looks like it on every play. Which raises the question - even if James Harrison is healthy, do we try him in the starting role? My inclination is still no, that he needs time, but his play is definitely showing he has the potential.

- Big Ben seems to have lost some weight. Domski said he looks healthy, athletic and poised. Plus, he seems to be relishing his role as leader of the team this year. Not like any of that surprises me, but still good to note.

- The solid play of Anthony Smith and Ryan Clark has allowed/will allow us to utilize Troy Polamalu even more effectively in his role as the omni-present threat. They've really stepped up and instilled confidence that they are ready to wreak havoc on opponents. Glad to hear it, now the million dollar question - which one starts?

That's it on meaningful thoughts for today, but here's some random news of note for yinz, cause I'm handy like that:

• Timmons seeking second opinion on groin injury - I got the Dr.'s orders for you Lawrence - Vagisil (Joking)...but seriously, he probably shouldn't go to a Dr. in Philadelphia unless he wants to be prescribed Brian Westbrook, they really love that guy I hear...


• "No Shortage of Steelers 'Stuff'" ~ When do you suppose I can expect them to make me a Steelers Onesie?


• Faneca being counted among the injured ~ Stated complication = "Shoulder difficulties." Real cause = Bruised ego...Also, notice in that article that the Steelers will soon be revealing their much-anticipated "no-huddle" offense...


• That Bill Cowher looking mascot thing finally has a name...besides "That Bill Cowher looking mascot" - It's Steelly McBeam, an equally stupid name for a stupid mascot. I'm sorry but this is not what I'd call a cool mascot...maybe we should try cheerleaders.


• I guess it's true, you learn something new everyday, just ask Brady Quinn...


• Carey Davis makes "The News"...


• I'd pretty much say this question (#8) has been answered...and the answer is MIKE TOMLIN.


• Eric Steinbach injured...It's a good day to be Brady Quinn, huh?

Hi...I'm in Delaware...

Yep, Wilmington, Delaware -- well, that's not entirely true...I WAS in Delaware this past extended weekend for my good friend Domski's swan song, aka wedding. That, along with the July 4 holiday and being absolutely swimming in real work(not that blogging doesn't count or anything), is the reason behind my recent posting hiatus.

But after many beers, a lot of laughs, reverse chili rainbows (not important), napping (hangover recovery time), beers, posing for pictures, breaking it down on the dancefloor, and did I mention beers? I'm back...hopefully. That is if work doesn't get in the way.

For now, I figured this video below is universally laughable. This is Rob Turcol, aka Turc God bustin' out the worm at Domski's wedding. NOTE - yes, most days he requires a helmet...