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?

Are You SERIOUS???

"All I remember is that the first play was a disaster."

- Paul Ernster (new Steelers Punter)

So, let me be the first to say - I have the utmost confidence in Paul Ernster. I mean, it seems like he's pretty much the next Steelers Pro Bowler. And certainly the quote above just confirmed that for me, as it should have for you.

What? Not convinced?

Not surprising. Because in case you couldn't tell, sarcasm was pretty thick...

So let me get this straight, first Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoeatu. Then, Daniel Sepulveda. Now Limas Speed Sweed?

Come ON.

Just to update you all - it's day three of training camp. All of the aforementioned parties are not practicing (though Sweed may be today, we shall see). And right now I'm sharpening the knives to slit my wrists...but at least there must be some Doctor in Latrobe getting quite rich right now...

Really though, I AM slightly serious about this injury thing. I mean, I know the only real concern right now is Sepulveda's leg (really, it's more like Sepulveda's replacement's leg, but who's counting). And after only three days of training camp, I guess it could be worse. We could be the Redskins. But still, let's just keep ourselves conscious of the reality. Certainly doesn't bode well for a team that wasn't exactly the picture of health last season.

Does it really worry me though? Well, no. Not particularly. For as much as I make light of things here at OFTOT, I don't actually think any of the injuries are going to prevent us from achieving success this season. But then again, when you play teams like Indy, San Diego, and of course, New England, good field position is key. Not to beat a dead horse, but you get the idea.

In other news...
1. Can you believe it's Ben's FIFTH season??? Our boy is growing up...I think I'm gonna cry...talk amongst yourselves. Here, I'll give you a topic - Brett Favre wants to come out of retirement...OK, discuss.

2. Willie Colon "set" at RT? Then what the hell was that transition tag for? Jesus. I just don't get it. Oh, also, LeCharles Bentley? What?

3. Ryan Clark appears to be "back." While Clark definitely doesn't seem like a permanent complement to Troy, I have to think it's going to help us to have a consistently serviceable yin to Troy's yang.

4. The Browns still think Shaun Rodgers is the answer. No further comment necessary.

5. Keisel may see some action on "Special" Teams this season. I might actually advocate this if our alternatives, should he get injured, didn't include 33-year-old Travis Kirschke, 28 year-old Nick Eason, and 24 year-old Ryan McBean.

Anything you guys particularly want to discuss? Any of this strike you as alarming? Interesting? Anything you're not hearing about that you're wondering about? And are any of you going to be in Latrobe next Saturday?

Two words - Beer. Bong.