Oh, Canada...

Toronto, Canada. Home to universal health care, legalized marijuana, some of the world's finest strip clubs, and of course, tonight's second preseason game between our Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. Given that intro, I think you can guess what my biggest fear is...that's right, Jeff Reed missing the game. That's just way too much temptation.

I kid. I kid.

But let's talk about tonight a little bit. Normally on gameday during the regular season, I'd give you a full rundown of the "Llaves a Victoria" (or "Keys to Victory" for you non-Japanese speakers). But I'm not going to do that today. Why would I? The starters may take more snaps than they did last week, but I don't expect them to take significantly more.

So really the spotlight is only shining brightly on three men...well, one man, two "battles"...

1. Byron Leftwich
2. Justin Hartwig vs. Sean Mahan
3. Mitch Berger vs. Paul Ernster

Leftwich is the most obvious of the three. Having just signed a former 1st round pick and three year starter in Jacksonville, it'd be pretty hard for us fans to pretend like we weren't looking for a good first audition. Maybe I'm wrong, but tonight I'd like to see that Leftwich has gained at least a serviceable understanding of the offense, that he can hit his throws accurately, with just enough touch so that Nate Washington can catch them, and that he's in good shape (important given his history). Beyond that, he could be sitting on the sidelines drinking a Diet Coke or drawing up some schematics for his treehouse out in the North Hills. I don't even care.

The Hartwig/Mahan battle has always been, and will continue to be, the most important training camp battle. While Mahan had been taking the bulk of the snaps thus far in camp, and started last Friday night against the Eagles, Hartwig has taken over this week - both practicing with the first team and starting in this evening's exhibition. I personally hate to follow the angry mob, but Sean Mahan definitely blew goats last year. And not mini goats, either. Like, full sized, adult male goats. So I'm really hoping Hartwig can show some promise. Maybe even hint at the possibility of being the next long term Pittsburgh Center. Yes, it's probably just a tad early to start talking about him following in the footsteps of Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and Jeff Hartings (though not exactly "long" term, long enough for me). But traditionally, this position has been the least of our concerns. And I'd really like to get back to that. Show me something besides that sick mohawk, Justin. Pancake someone. I recommend Steely McBeam.

Then of course, there's the ever-exciting and oh-so-important battle for starting Punter. Apparently, even though we signed Paul Ernster and let him punt/kick off in last week's preseason game, the front office/coaching staff felt it was necessary to give him a little friendly competition. Enter Mitch Berger. What's the difference between the two? Damned if I know. Well, ok, it may be a yard or two in punt average. Excuse me if I haven't extensively researched the kicking prowess of our two potential consolation prizes. But I've been doing important stuff...like researching current 4th string QB, Mikey Potts. Anyways, I tend to like Ernster here. As I read somewhere this week, the difference in punting averages for most punters around the league really is only a yard or two. So having the added bonus of being able to kick off (and kick off well...9 yards deep in the end zone well, ahem ahem) is a roster-worthy asset. Not like we've got a whole lot better lined up.

And that just about does it, folks. What else to watch for tonight? I'll probably be watching to make sure Steely McBeam isn't exposing himself to unaccompanied minors. There's also probably some injury concerns I should be talking about. But frankly, I'm not even going to go there right now. It's still only August 14.

So who are you guys watching tonight? Any thoughts on the individuals/battles I mentioned above? What do you think about the ultimate score? Tomlin - 47, Jauron - 6? Sound fair?

Someone Owes Sean Mahan A Big Thank You...

Nothing special here - just a couple signings to report. Both new Center Justin Hartwig and legacy Longsnapper Greg Warren to be exact.

Like I said, nothing really spectacular here.

However I do think, as the title of this post suggests, that Hartwig should probably send Sean Mahan a Thank You card. Do you think Hallmark makes one that says "Thank You for Sucking At Your Job?" I mean they do have a card for every occasion and recipient...

Anybody out there? Bueller?

UPDATE: The Steelers also announced this morning that they have agreed to terms with former Tampa and Indy DE Anthony "Booger" McFarland. Still no word on whether or not they're paying him in McDonald's Big Macs...cause I believe that's about all we have left in terms of compensation.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Offensive Line Shuffle Continues As Hartwig Signs [Associated Press]
Steelers Sign One of Their Own [Post-Gazette]
McFarland Agrees to Deal [Post-Gazette]

Chicks Kevin Colbert Digs The Mohawk...

HEEEEYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOO...Guess who's back, bitches?

Yep, and just in time for Terelle Pryor Announcement Day too...as if that were the biggest news this morning...ok, maybe to many it will be.

But for me, and I'm guessing many of you all, the biggest news this morning is the fact that the Steelers made ANOTHER free agent signing yesterday. This time, netting a much needed Center/Guard - Justin Hartwig, formerly of the Carolina Panthers.

First, I'd just like to warn Jeff Reed - dude, you're not the only crazy head of hair in Pittsburgh anymore.

Second, I'd like to say - thank god. This means a number of things to me...Most importantly, that the Steelers probably didn't sign Hartwig to sit the bench behind Sean Mahan. Rather, I'd imagine they're expecting him to assume the position (and by that I mean have Big Ben stick his hands in Hartwig's ass every game) and become the starter at Center (although he can also play Guard) in 2008.

Aside from that, this of course also signals that the Steelers have one less need to address in the impending NFL draft, at least in the first few rounds...Which of course in turn means that maybe now we can draft that 6th tight end we desperately need...

Anyways, in other Offensive Line news - we can all now breathe a collective sigh of relief that the Steelers re-signed Kemoeatu and Essex. If not for this, Cedrick Wilson might've been relegated to starting on the Offensive Line...and I don't think anyone wants that...anyone.

PS - Kemoeatu and Essex got one year deals for $1,417,000 and $927,000 respectively, and Hartwig gets $4,000,000 over two years. Ummm...weren't we like dangerously close to the salary cap well before this week? Sounds like the Steelers better start a "we don't have enough money to pay for Max Starks" fund. I've got 35 cents and some pocket lint I'd be happy to contribute. Actually, make that 32 cents...

Ok, but seriously...where's Terelle Pryor gonna go? I've got 32 cents that says Michigan (sorry Max).

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Sign New Center [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Agree to Contract With Ex-Panther, Justin Hartwig [ESPN]
Steelers Sign Hartwig [SteelCityInsider]
Steelers May Have New Starting Center [Beaver County Times]
Steelers Keep Kemoeatu, Essex [Associated Press]