Thank You Santa Marvin...

Guess we can't say Marvin Lewis never did anything for us.

Yep, with the Bengals win over the Browns this afternoon, the Steelers have now clinched the AFC North and either the #3 or the #4 seed in the AFC playoffs pending the outcome of the final two Charger games.

In my mind, the ideal scenario here is for the Chargers to lose Monday, then with a win at Baltimore, the Steelers can secure the #3 seed, and hopefully play the #6 seed Browns/Titans in the 1st round of the playoffs (at Heinz Field).

Either way, thank you Marvin Lewis for taking down the Browns.

Merry Christmas Cincinnati. As for your collective New Years Resolution - I'd strongly consider NOT eating chili with cinnamon in it. That shit just ain't right, man.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Win AFC North [Behind The Steel Curtain]
Steelers Clintch AFC North... [Blitzburgh Report]
Ladies and Gentlemen, Your 2007 AFC North Champs [Die Hard Steel]
AFC North Champs, Baby!!! [Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies]
Steelers Wrap Up AFC North [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Clinch Division [Post-Gazette]
Early Christmas Present [SteelCityInsider]

Well...I've Got Good News and Bad News...

"I took it upon myself to put the offense on my back and carry it...He's our guy, he's our breadwinner. Not having him, everyone has to pick it up a level."
- Najeh Davenport

"Our heart goes out to him because he's a competitor, he's a warrior...As a team, we're not going to throw a pity party. It's part of the game, people get hurt, we'll adapt and improvise and move forward."
- Mike Tomlin

I probably don't need to tell you the bad news, but yes, Willie Parker is DONE for the season with a fractured fibula...[insert crickets]...

Other than that, a pretty solid effort from the Steelers Offense tonight (at the risk of downplaying the injury). They posted the most points of any game this season - 41. Big Ben padded his season TD total, adding 3 more for a grand total of 32 on the year, Santonio Holmes had 4 catches for 133 yards and a score, Najeh Davenport stepped in capably and contributed 123 yards on 24 carries with 1 TD, and good ol' Hines Ward got 59 yards on 6 catches, finally passing John Stallworth as the team's all time leader in receiving yards. So in honor of that, I'd like to take a short moment and recognize Hines' achievement...

There, now then. Big Ben was nearly perfect tonight. If you don't believe me, just check his passer rating (although this stat is highly over rated) - 158.3. 16/20, 261 yards, 3 TDs, ZERO INTs. Willie went down early, but Ben didn't get rattled. He simply continued to execute and made a great game out of it. Yes he holds onto the ball too long more often than we'd all like. But you can't really ask for too much better play by your Offensive leader and signal caller.

Now, the other side of the ball? Mixed results. They did hold Steven Jackson to just 85 yards. However, they also let Marc Bulger throw for 208 yards including 3 TDs. And let's not even mention how they let a team that's one of the lowest scoring in the NFL this season put up 24 points. Oops, too late.

So overall, this was an encouraging win. We once again go one up on the Browns, at least until Sunday. And although we lost our stud RB, the #1 rusher in the league by the way, there were a lot of positive things to take from this game. Checklist goes as follows:

Before I get into any specifics, I just want to say this - There are some times when a man just has to get emotional. Coach Tomlin preaches not getting caught up in the emotional roller coaster that is the NFL regular season, but listen, when your Defense (of all things) is under performing and you think they need a little motivation - get your ass over there and light a fire under them. Sometimes it's ok to show some emotion - positive or negative. Just let it all out Mike...we can handle it.

Anywho - like I said - many positives to take from this game, not the least of which were:

1. My Man Najeh ~ He's still not our #1 back. But with the spotlight on and no one to back him up except Carey Davis (guess Russell didn't dress?), Najeh came through big time. 123 yards was more than I think any of us might have expected, no matter what we might say. North-South looked real good last night. Almost makes you nostalgic for the days of Jerome Bettis stiff arming the likes of Brian Urlacher. I'm still not sold on Najeh's ability to carry us into the playoffs, but for at least this night, he was king. And he didn't even have to choke a bitch...


2. The Hotrod Cashes In AGAIN ~ Two weeks in a row, Nate Washington makes a TD grab. I mean, he caught the ball! AND he caught the ball twice. For TWO TDs! 2 total catches, both for scores, 50 yards receiving. Someone test this man for illegal substances, I couldn't believe my eyes...


3. Old In Body, Young In Play ~ Hats off to Deshea Townsend for some solid play tonight. 4 tackles, and more importantly, 2 passes defended. Deshea was pretty much there everytime the Rams chose to take to the air. And although I like to give him shit for being one of the shorter guys on the team at 5'10", he played the game of a giant (metaphorically speaking) tonight. 10 points my lilliputian friend, you did good.


4. Triumphant Return Part Deux ~ Troy came up pretty big yet again. Led the team with 6 tackles, and had 1 pass defended and of course the forced fumble. I did see him miss a few tackles tonight, but I'm gonna let that slide on account of the fact that the man is a monster. No matter where the play is on the field, he's in it. Perhaps it was an injustice that he got voted into the pro bowl this year having not played like himself for the better part of the first 3/4 of the season, but he's certainly showing us all now, that he deserves it. Plus, 15 points for the sick beard. Wish I could grow facial hair...


5. Pressure? Nah, Not Really, But... ~ A sack!!! Finally, after at least two weeks without one, Big Snack came through and put Bulger on the ground. It's pretty hard to stomach that the Steelers Defense has not been able to manage but one sack in three weeks. However, we're just playing the hand that has been dealt to us I suppose. Let's hope there's a lot more where that came from...I like watching sacks...and Casey Hampton. Hook 'em Horns.

But listen guys, not to take anything away from the team, but this was the RAMS! They were 3-11 coming into this game, and while they do have an omnipresent Offensive force, had we not won this game decisively, I don't think any of us would have had much hope for the playoffs left. As it is hope is at a premium.

Finally, I just want to say - for the 1st time all season, I actually 100% wholeheartedly agreed with Tobiathan on the Ref BS. We got screwed not once, not twice, but at least three times in this game, by my count. First off - I'll be awaiting an apology from the league on the Steven Jackson fumble - how you can turn upfield, take three steps but not have possession is beyond me. Second - pass interference on Ike Taylor during the play with Isaac Bruce - Come on, just because Isaac Bruce is ancient, I don't wanna hear it. There was NO interference on that play. Ike just played it well. I hate to have to highlight shit like this, but sometimes you gotta call 'em like you see 'em...errr not, if you're reffing the Pittsburgh-St. Louis game...it would seem.

So now that you've read all I've got to write (not all, but look, it's late and I'm tired) - What did you guys think? How do you feel about losing Willie? What are your thoughts on the playoffs now? Will the Steelers invest in a solid Offensive lineman in the first three rounds this April? [INSERT WITTY QUESTION HERE...sorry, too tired right now].

PS - Man, if I'm not the biggest Bengals fan this weekend, you have no idea...
PPS - If this post made little to no sense and was not humorous in the slightest, please accept my sincerest apologies. I wrote it quite late, after I spent approximately an hour and half trying to photoshop this nice collage you see above. Yep, I suck at photoshop.

GAME RECAPS (N'AT):
Steelers-Rams Initial Thoughts [Behind The Steel Curtain]
Parker Lost But Offense Finds Its Way [DC Steeler Nation]
Steelers Dominate Without Parker [Die Hard Steel]
Tonight, Pitt Was America's #1 Town [Doubt About It]
Monday Morning Chrylser New Yorker [Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies]

Steelers RB Parker Fractures Leg [Associated Press]
Steelers Prevail, Stay Atop AFC North [Associated Press]
Steelers Beat Rams, Lose Parker [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Urgency Produces Clutch Win [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Win 41-24 [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Notebook [Post-Gazette]
The Big Plays Make a Big Difference [Post-Gazette]

Ahr Yinz Gahn Dahntahn 'a Watcha Stillers?

Calling all Jagoffs...it's game time. Have atit...

Grab The Bull Ram By The Horns...

"We play 16 games. They’re all important. We’ve got to be where we are, live in the moment, prepare to be the very best that we can be in the opportunity in front of us. That’s the nature of it...I want to dig hard all the time, whether we see the light or no. That’s what good, hardened, top-caliber football teams do."
- Mike Tomlin

Here we are, Thursday morning and it must be gameday again, because The Prophet is gracing the upfront of today's post. Doesn't quite seem like it's been long enough, does it? Well, unfortunately, that ain't for us to decide. So today it is. The Steelers head into the Edward James Dome tonight to do battle with the 3-11 St. Louis Rams, and hopefully come out the other side with a win and the accompanying playoff berth...hopefully...

Injuries? Yep, we got some of those. Looks like Face Me Ike's still got some Face Me pain in his knee - and while Dr. Coach Tomlin seems to think he'll be fine, there's a chance McFadden will start at Corner in his place. Also, Marvell Smith is a little less than 100% with that back thing he's had going on this season. Hence, the suddenly capable Max Starks will likely be starting at Left Tackle for Smith. And finally, both odd man out LB Clark Haggans and replacement End Travis Kirschke are "limited" and "may or may not" be able to take the field. In the event neither does, we shall most likely see LaMarr Woodley and Nick Eason respectively in their place(s). What impact will this have? God only knows. After the last couple of weeks I'm not trying to predict anything (these don't get any funnier folks...sorry).

Moving on, as has been the case in recent past - we've also got a few records that could be broken this week. Of course we shouldn't be focused on breaking records so much as we should be focused on breaking Rams faces, but I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention these potential milestones. They are (in no particular order):

1. A victory secures the Steelers 1st road win against the Rams in team history. Oh, and it also secures us a playoff spot. No pressure.
2. With 103 yards passing, Big Ben can break the 3,000 yard mark for the 2nd straight season, tying a team record and generally making Neil O'Donnell jealous. Bonus.
3. 42 more receiving yards and Hines Ward moves into sole possession of the Steelers all time lead in the category. Consequently, 50 more receiving yards and we'll all see that patented Hines Ward shit eating grin.
4. Fast William Everette Parker needs 177 more rushing yards to surpass his season high mark of 1,494, set last year. You think he can get it all in one game? Let's hope so...that'd be pretty awesome.
5. 1 measly point and Jeff Reed has 100 on the year, which would make it 5 straight seasons with 100 points or more for our resident party boy place kicker extraordinaire. Also, 3 more beers funneled and __________ (you fill in the blank).

But like I say, none of these matter to us Steeler fans if the team can't eke out a win tonight and solidify our playoff hopes.

So the real question is, as it is every week - what SHOULD the Steelers do in order to win this game. As far as I'm concerned, the answer(s) is as follows:

OFFENSE

• What Do You Think I'm Going To Say? ~ RUN. THE. FOOTBALL. Willie Parker gets at least 22 carries, we win. That's all I'm saying. Last week we dug ourselves a 15 point hole, which to an extent, limited the number of times we could give the ball to our hot hand. Even still, FWP had 14 carries for 100 yards. Like I said earlier this week - 4 or 5 more carries and you better bet Willie's breaking one of those for just a bit more than 20 yards. Get the Memo Arians, you dick.


• Play Action Pass...Beuller? Beuller? ~ What's the complement to a good running game? A little play action maybe? By my count, we haven't seen nearly enough of it this season. So tonight, once Willie gets going, which hopefully will happen, let's see a few play action passes to, I don't know, Heath Miller maybe? Hines Ward? Santonio, deep? Any and all. Mix it up. Use some deception. Just because it's a logical way to do things doesn't mean we can't do it. Dial it up Arians, you dick.


• Cut That Play Clock Shit Out ~ Ben - you are not a Colt. Nor a Patriot. Hence, you do not have the protection from your Offensive Line that would allow you to run the play clock down to :01 before snapping the ball and expect to escape harm every time. When you do that, they know when you're snapping the ball and can get a better jump. O-line - I'd say protect Ben, but we all know that's a pipe dream at this point. I don't mind the no huddle. In fact, I kind of like it for us. But the whole idea of it is to catch the other team off guard. Don't get predictable when you're trying to be unpredictable. Got it Arians, you dick?

DEFENSE

• Show Me Something ~ Really, I'll take anything promising. But particularly, I'd like to see some sacks and some turnovers. Last week, no sacks. The week before, no sacks. Pressure Marc Bulger and hit him when you get the chance! Further, if/when you get sufficient pressure on him such that he makes bad decisions, capitalize. If a ball comes your way, catch it. Simple stuff. Sort it out Troy, I know we can count on you.


• Quit Jaggin' Around ~ For god's sake, please get off the field on 3rd down. It'll only be better for you in the end to play a little harder then, get some rest and be fresh for the next set of downs. Also, consistency would be nice. Play hard for 60 minutes, not just 58. I know it's not likely that you'll have the same problem you had last week or in Denver. But you never know. Bottom Line - you're still arguably the top Defense in the league, play like it. It's damn near playoff time.


• Stop. Steven. Jackson. ~ I think it's sort of been implied already, and it's certainly the most obvious of the bunch. But just in case you didn't read it between the lines, our best Defensive bet to secure victory is to shut Steven Jackson down. Now, this ain't gonna be easy. The guy just ripped through Green Bay's Defense (which isn't exactly terrible) for 143 yards four days ago, while the entire Rams passing game only managed 219 yards. Sure, the Rams still have some great weapons on the outside. But as we know all too well, it's much harder for a team to beat you when you force them to be one dimensional (unless that team is the 2007 New England Patriots). Get it done. Step up Nick Eason. Show us what you're made of...

And that's it - it's just that easy...er...yeah. Honestly, I don't want to say my expectations are lowered, because I still expect this team to play like it's playoff caliber, but what I really want to see tonight is a commitment from both sides of the ball that they can beat this team (or any team) decisively. Play solid Defense, don't give up points. Be efficient on Offense, get 7 points. An over-simplificiation, yes. But it's late, I'm tired, and this post is already too long...what do you want from me?

So how about you all? What do you want to see tonight? Steven Jackson on his back? Marc Bulger on his back? Big Ben standing up? The back of Willie Parker's jersey? Have at it...

PS - Don't forget - solid Gameday Discussion here tonight, 8:15, be there or be a Browns fan.

And oh yes, and the Rams have cheerleaders. Boy are they festive...Hooray for Domes!


REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Key Matchups: Steelers-Rams [SteelCityInsider]
Slumping Steelers Try to Rebound in St. Louis [Associated Press]
Large Steelers Showing Expected in St. Louis [SteelCityInsider]
Steelers Notebook [Post-Gazette]
Steven Jackson vs. #3 Rush Defense [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Trying to Forget Unpleasant Memories [Post-Gazette]
Arians Rethinks Calls Against Patriots [Tribune-Review]
Steelers-Rams What to Watch For [WPXI]
Steelers Seek to Gird 'Selves vs. Rams [USA Today]
Steelers Stumbling Stretch Run [Yahoo! Sports]

Gentlemen, Please Sack This Man...

"We've got punched two weeks in a row and, hopefully, we can respond...This will be a great challenge for us. Short week, and our backs are kind of against the wall. We need to get our 10th win and seal up this thing."
- Brett Keisel

Thursday games - can't live with 'em, the NFL can't live without 'em. In an attempt to extort our money, under the guise of "bringing us more action," the NFL has so graciously scheduled our Steelers to do battle with the St. Louis Rams just a mere four days after we were run over by the Jaguars for 224 yards.

For what it's worth - my feeling on this is that both teams are in the same boat. The Steelers may have gotten trounced this past Sunday (physically, but not on the scoreboard) and the one before, but the 3-11 Rams have been trounced all season long. And we may have some guys nursing injuries, but at least 8-10 of the Rams key players have not been their normal, healthy selves for much of the 2007 season. So short week or not, I don't really want to hear excuses...

But I digress. The Rams. 3-11. I want to say that's kind of deceiving, but I'm really not so sure. The thing is - they have some great talent. Their biggest challenge this season, as previously mentioned, has been injuries. Franchise QB Marc Bulger has missed 4 games, stud RB Steven Jackson has missed 4 games, the X-Factor Dante Hall is done for the year after missing some games, their O-line is down 3 starters, and not to mention some Defensive injuries (Tinoisamoa principally) have kind of held them back. It seems like it's just been one of those seasons for the Rams. But the reason I think 3-11 might actually be kind of deceiving is the Rams Offense really hasn't gotten going like we all know it can. So I guess my concern is - have the Rams been sleeping, just waiting for a game like this to awaken?

Answer that question however you like. Either way, the reality is here's how this matchup looks for us:

OFFENSE:
Passing Yards: StL - 3146 (#15) | Pit - 2911 (#24)
Rushing Yards: StL - 1362 (#21) | Pit - 1952 (#3)
Total Yards: StL - 4508 (#22) | Pit - 4863 (#15)
Points Scored: StL - 220 (#29) | Pit - 331 (#8)

DEFENSE:
Pass Yards Allowed: StL - 3256 (#19) | Pit - 2661 (#4)
Rush Yards Allowed: StL - 1556 (#19) | Pit - 1168 (#3)
Total Yards Allowed: StL - 4812 (#18) | Pit - 3829 (#1)[God knows how...]
Points Allowed: StL - StL - 349 (#27) | Pit - 218 (#1)

Having said that, here's the deal. Nothing surprising about the Rams. They have top tier Offensive talent (albeit a depleted line) that hasn't had a chance to get any steam yet this year, and a middle of the pack Defense (at best) that sports a solid secondary and a Middle Linebacker that's bound to be in our backfield a good amount. None of that changes the fact that no matter who the opponent, the Steelers need to show some balls. Hit somebody. Get a pass rush. Run the football (well). Pass efficiently. Utilize play action and the TEs. Maybe a gadget play or two if the game so permits. Ain't nothing revolutionary about it. Just be careful not to turn the ball over, give up too many 3rd down conversions, big kick returns (fingers crossed), or sacks (not holding my breath though). Am I wrong?

But honestly, as of 5 weeks ago, who thought we'd be afraid of the Rams right now? Yep, me neither...

PS - We'll be doing the weekly Gameday bitch Discussion Session tomorrow night. So come join our merry band of assholes and share our joy...hopefully not our pain. Plus we'll no doubt have a lenghty discussion about how Britney Spears' 16-year old sister has been impregnated.

PPS - For the first time in my life, I'm a Bungles fan this weekend...beat the Browns to a pulp...please...

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Not Excited to Play Again Soon [Associated Press]
Steelers May Find Home Away from Home [Associated Press]
Steelers vs. Rams - Early Look [Behind The Steel Curtain]
2007 Rams Stats [Pro-Football-Reference]
More Rams Stats [ESPN]
Smith is Dropped As Starter at Safety [Post-Gazette]
Rams Rush to Get Ready for Steelers [St. Louis Post Dispatch]

Attention Steeler Defense...

"Looking forward to the St. Louis Rams...Steven Jackson is a very, very talented runner. We’ve got our hands full there....We better be sound in terms of what we’re doing. We better be on our Ps and Qs in terms of executing our assignments and you can’t lose the physical element of the game in doing that. We’ve got to be physical, we’ve got to turn him around, we’ve got to tackle him. If we don’t, he’ll fall forward, he’ll bounce off tackles and he’ll make us pay the way Fred [Taylor] did."
- Mike Tomlin

Morning friends. You may have noticed the lack of presence on my part yesterday. It was a long day, but nothing's in my way now. So expect a full side by side comparison later on.

Until then, enjoy this photoshop goodness...

Word.

Mike Tomlin's Wild Ride...

"That is the mental toughness element of this game...Every team faces trials and tribulations, ups and downs...The reality is that we are what we are. We’re 9-5. We’ve stumbled of late. So be it. We’ve got to go to St. Louis and seek our 10th win."
- Mike Tomlin

Well Steeler fans, here we are at 9-5 with two games to go and just a slight leg up on the Browns in the division. Facing the reality that we have to win both of our final games to insure a playoff berth. The season has essentially been reduced to this - Two games, on the road, against two teams that will be vastly under rated by most, including NFL odds makers.

It's been an interesting season thus far. We've seen the Offense look good. We've seen the Offense look bad. We've seen the Defense look good. We've seen the Defense look bad. We've seen Special Teams look...well, bad. The point is - over the last month or so we haven't really seen the Steelers play 60 minutes of solid football on both sides of the ball. And it's been well documented on these here interwebs.

So looking ahead to Thursday, the Steelers have a date with a team we don't see very often. The St. Louis Rams. And I have to admit - since it's been a while, I couldn't really remember the last time we saw the likes of the team formerly known as The Greatest Show on Turf. After having my memory jogged, I'm kind of sorry I did.

The year was 2003. 'Twas the 2nd year of the failed Tommy Gun experiment, in which the Steelers finished with an overall 6-10 record, and consequently were able to secure a fine young man out of Miami University of Ohio in the 1st round of the 2004 draft. In this game, Pittsburgh native and field general Marc Bulger ripped apart the Steelers secondary for a Brett Favre-esque 375 yards passing. Plus, the Rams 3rd string running back Arlen Harris (who I'm pretty sure isn't even in the league anymore) added 81 yards and 3 TDs, en route to a 33-21 Rams victory. On the receiving end of the majority of Bulger's 22 completions was the always lethal Torry Holt - who hauled in 7 catches for 174(!!!) yards and the only passing TD.

For the Steelers, Tommy Maddox threw 2 touchdowns...and 3 interceptions. Jerome Bettis ran for 42 yards...and graciously contributed a lost fumble. And Hines Ward was the only one with any kind of Offensive success, catching 5 Tommy Maddox "bullets" (get it, Tommy Gun...bad one) for 90 yards and 2 scores. Plaxico sucked as usual.

Needless to say, with the passing of almost half a decade, a lot has changed for both the Rams and Steelers. The Rams now have the inhuman monster Steven Jackson responsible for the ground game, Marc Bulger is a few years more seasoned (albeit also worn), and the Rams have traded Mike Martz for Scott Linehan, who is 3-10 in his 2nd season at the helm.

The Steelers, on the other hand, have gone on to play in the AFC Championship game in '04, win Super Bowl XL in '05, and traded legendary Coach Bill Cowher early in '07 for the young Mike Tomlin, bringing us full circle to that 9-5 we talked about earlier. Willie Parker is now the main man on the ground, leading the NFL in rushing yards. And while Hines Ward is still a big deal in the Pittsburgh passing game, he's been joined by 2nd year stud Santonio Holmes and 3rd year TE Heath Miller, who've both contributed solid play in their relatively short time as Steelers.

We'll get to the side by side comparisons...tomorrow I guess (F these Thursday games). But for now, envision these guys walking into that St. Louis dome, beating the absolute shit out of the Rams, and reaffirming our faith in their ability to dominate, offensively and defensively, for 60 god damn minutes.

That all said, who scares you more - Fred Taylor, Thomas Jones or Steven Jackson? Yep. Me too...