AFC North Headline Of The Day...

Really, Giants? Really? Joe Flacco?

I mean, I guess I have to give the guy credit. He actually has been managing games for the Ravens rather well. And by that I mean, not turning the ball over and handing off to Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and La'ron McClain 35+ times a game. But hey, listen, they're winning. So who am I to criticize?

I do like how the Daily News qualified him as "Above Average," though. I think that's kind of their way of saying, "yeah, he's ok."

And here's a fun quote from Antonio Pierce...

"I think in the first four games this season he was a rookie still. He is maybe still a rookie..."

Uh...well, yeah. I mean, this is still his first season. So yeah, that would make him a rookie, dude.

Of course, I believe Pierce was speaking in the metaphorical sense, saying that Flacco has matured rather quickly by NFL QB standards. Although, I gotta say, he's only played six games since those 1st four, Antonio. Are you saying that six games can show that a guy has matured? I think I could probably find six games last season in which Eli Manning still looked like a Rook, but I doubt you'd call HIM one.

Either way, go Fighting Blue Hens! Division I-AA powerhouse!

Now, here are some "Above Average" links for you...

Matt[iculous] DJ'ing tonight at Huckleberry Bar in Brooklyn. If you happen to be in the area, come by and hang out with us [Maticulous Music]

Read my asinine answer to a completely straightforward question [MVN Outsider]

Big Buck Hunter is the best bar game ever. My words, not necessarily Tec's [PSaMP]

The title of this one alone makes it worthwhile - "Bruce Arians must protect this house." Well played, Jim Wexell [SteelCityInsider]

The Chief speaks on the state of the Steelers [The Chief's Forum]

McFadden trying to come back for next week against the Bangles [Trib]

Harvey Bars bids adieu to Drew Henson. We can relate, man. We felt similar about the departure of Mikey Potts [Tirico Suave]

Whitlocks 10 Worst NFL Coaches...wait 'til you see the top 3 [Fox Sports]

Say What???

"After the play, I wasn't screaming 'he's hurt.' I was screaming 'he's done.'"

- Ray Lewis

This was taken from last week's issue of Sports Illustrated, which for some reason unbeknownst to me I still subscribe to.

So um, Ray...uh, what the shit is that?

Sounds pretty dick to me.

What do you guys think?

Also, see here for Terrell Suggs' shit talk on the matter.

Secured!

Not pictured: Snipers Silverback and The Wood.

As they say, a win is a win.

Things that were awesome...
1. Silverback and LaMarr Woodley combining for four of five total sacks
2. Santonio's catch and run on the play that sparked all our momentum
3. Jeff Reed
4. Mewelde Moore and Carey Davis stepping up
5. Winning and being 1st in the division with a leg up on Bawlmore and Cleveland

Things that were not awesome...
1. Joe Flacco marching the Ratbirds down the field to tie it up
2. Multiple false start penalties on same drive
3. Mitch Berger's stat line - Average Punt = 40 yards
4. Listening to Jaws whisper sweet nothings about Joe Flacco all night
5. The game ending at 12:15 or some such ungodly hour for a blogger with a real job

Things that sucked...
1. The 1st half
2. Big Ben IN the 1st half
3. Bruce Arians' PLAY CALLING in the 1st half
4. Mendenhall and Simmons to IR?
5. Ray Lewis comparing himself to Michael Strahan

"Full" game recap post may follow later this morning. Until then...what say you, Steeler brethren?

Oh, and while I'm getting my act together, witness the celebratory idiocy...

Ever since I was a lower case c
But now I'm a big C
The girls see I got the money
$100 $5 bills y'all...

Quoth The Wood, Nevermore...

Yes, you're right. I did use that post title on Friday. But since no one read it then, I'm re-using it now. My blog, my rules. 'Tis a beautiful thing.

T-minus just under four hours 'til kickoff and my stomach's been in knots since before lunch.

Who's with me?

Quoth The Wood, Nevermore...

Alright, dudes et dudettes, we're three days away from our Monday Night Melee with the Bawlmore Ratbirds. And as is to be expected, I've been anxious since at least Wednesday. Over the last few years we've had some good battles with the dirty birds, and I expect nothing less from this one.

The Ravens are going to come correct (I don't really know what this means, I'm just using it because I hear it's some hot new slang), rushing Ben from all angles. So it could easily be a long evening for us Steelers fans. Nevertheless, anytime Silverback and Hines Ward are involved, we'll likely be hitting them just as hard as they hit us.

Anyways, in anticipation of Monday, here are a few things I'll be watching...

#1 - Wreckingball
Yes, I'm leading with the obvious one. So sue me. But obvious or not, this is what I think many of us have been waiting for. We'll finally get a real chance to see what our first round "steal" can do. I fully expect him to run his ass off, but I'd be lying to you if I said I think he's going to eclipse the century mark. If he does, great, and I'll gladly sing his praises soulfully. If he does not, well, he's fired. No, just kidding. Moving on...

#2 - Big Ben's Arm
Accordingly, if the Ravens manage to contain the Wreckingball force, it'll be up to Big Ben. Which actually, worries me slightly, only because he's clearly banged up and I just don't know if he'll have his normal cannon equipped (wow, that sounded very WOW). But really, I think I'll be watching the following group of massive human beings more...

#3 - [Connect The Dots]
The Offensive line. Drawing the ire of Steelers fans from Pittsburgh to Hong Kong this week, the maligned group of hefty gentleman will have a tall order in the face of Baltimore's blitz. Need I remind you of this hit from two years ago? Yeah. Wear your big boy pants, Willie Colon. I don't wanna see The Mad Backer anywhere near Big Ben if you can help it. Impress me, dick face.

And that about wraps it up. Nothing mind blowing, I'm sure. But who am I to waste your time writing shit you could read about in 25 other places?

So, what do we think?

Oh, and if you're looking for another reason to hate Baltimore (who isn't?), here's one - Michael Phelps. I'm over this guy. Can we just move on? 8 gold medals or whatever. Great. That's just friggin' great. I still don't understand how this makes him attractive to the ladies...of course, I clearly don't understand how anything makes one attractive to the ladies, or I'd probably have a girlfriend. Oh, well. Maybe if I spent less time blogging...

Lastly, as per Friday custom, check out TSW's Friday Football Foodie. This week, she's got Hot Pizza Dip for you, which actually looks amazing. I will fully be attempting domestication for this one. Bryan is a lucky man.

Let the discussion commence.

We're Running A Little Hot Around Here...

Ok, I'll admit, I may have fueled some of this "sky is falling...everyone should be fired...the Steelers might as well pack it in for '08" conversation when I wrote a tongue-in-cheek plea to Russ Grimm. Fact is, that was a joke. I wanted an outlet for my creative energy, and I thought that'd be funny. Not a source of contention.

But listen, we've got a good discussion going in the comments of yesterday afternoon's post. And hidden in there (not really though) is the basis for this post - "it's only Week 4."

So in case anyone is interested, here are 10 reasons to relax...

1. The Eagles have a nasty blitz and we knew they'd be hitting Big Ben.
2. We have one division win already under our belts.
3. At least Ben was wearing his helmet on Sunday.
4. Losses can make you stronger - they expose things you might not otherwise see.
5. There will always be beer.
6. Big Daddy Drew still gives our game Four Throwgasms.
7. The [Unnamed] Steelers Pregame Show (like my heart) will go on.
8. Random Asshole is still random and still an asshole.
9. The chick on the left in that image there looks pretty good. Hey, baby.
10. Life's too short. And from what I hear, a coronary is no fun.

That all said, Bodog has the over/under on Ben getting sacked on Monday night at 2.5 times. Honestly, I'm surprised it's not higher but hey, that's cool with me. I wouldn't mind 2.5 sacks. Better than EIGHT!

Oh yeah, and not that it has anything to do with this post, but they've also got the over/under on Wreckingball's rushing yards at 51.5. I'd certainly like a 1 inserted before that 5, but whatever.

UPDATE: According to MJD (via Ravens Insider), apparently Bart Scott threatened to kill Hines Ward at some point last year? And they said Ray Lewis didn't have an impact anymore...But you know, it's like I commented over at MJD's place (see Comment 22) - I find it painfully ironic that Bart Scotts initials are BS. Amateurs, dude.

Anyways...thoughts?

Purple Makes Domski Look Fat...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

This Ain't Good At All...

Ruh - roh, I just caught wind of something fierce (and no, it's not John Clayton's ass)...

Ready for this?

Both WILLIE PARKER AND CASEY HAMPTON ARE GOING TO MISS MONDAY'S GAME AGAINST THE RAVENS!!!

Guess we have no choice but to run Wreckingball now. Oh, and the defensive configuration ought to be interesting as well.

That's it, I'm officially an Eagles fan.

Let's discuss.

AFC North Headline of the Day...

You know, seeing as how it is Browns week, I'd really like to keep these all confined to the Browns. And that would be pretty easily accomplished. But when I read headlines like the above, I just can't help myself.

Ok, so there could be a "long-term love affair" between Baltimore and QB by default (and Blue Hen) Joe Flacco? Umm, wouldn't you hope there'd be a love affair between your team/city and it's 1st round QB selection? I mean it's not like he's Matt Cassell. You picked the guy #18 overall. Pucker up Baltimore, you better love him.

Just goes to show you, Blue Hens = CHAMPIONSHIP!

AFC North Headlines of the Day...

This was a toss up. I've got two Ravens headlines today. The one above, which of course is pretty self-explanatory.

And then there's this...

Apparently Demetrius Williams is Spiderman. So, who's Demetrius Williams again? Kidding...ish.

Oh, and in departed Ravens news, Brian Billick is allegedly about to take the blogosphere by storm. Yeah, because he was so interesting and fun when he was a Coach. Why not make him a blogger? This sounds like it has FAIL written all over it.

Flacco starting + Spiderman catching + Billick blogging = CHAMPIONSHIP!

AFC North Headline of the Day...

"The Ravens quarterback competition may be decided by default."

That about says it all now, doesn't it?

No Willis McGahee, Todd Heap is approximately three days away from tearing something (pick a ligament, any ligament), only five of their 11 defensive starters will be under 30 after 9/11 (when Silverback's bitch, Ed Reed, turns) and their best receiver is still Derrick Mason (approximate age unknown).

CHAMPIONSHIP!

You're A Good Man Charlie Batch...

"I felt good about this football team, and the more I got to work with them I started to feel better and better. I am not surprised by any stretch. I am not satisfied, either. We have more work to do."
- Mike Tomlin

Alright ladies (that's right, you heard me), here's the deal - Cotter had to get a haircut and drink a couple of well deserved beers last night, so he had less time for things like, oh, you know, editing this post and shit. So bear with me if this thing ends up making little to no sense. It's been a long season, I'm trying to make time for the important things in life. Like scoring severe style points, and well, drinking beer.

Moving on...

First things first - if you're a serious Steeler fan, you may already know this, but...guess who just signed Chidi Iwuoma? No, not the Steelers...The Tennessee Titans. Interesting that they sign a former Steeler on the eve of the playoffs in which they just might be playing the Steelers. Ok, let's face it, we know they really signed him because he's a solid Special Teams performer and you can never have enough of those (ahem ahem, Bob Ligashesky...). But I guess this means he's probably not coming back to Pittsburgh anytime soon...damn.

Next, by now you should be aware that it was all but made official yesterday - Big Ben shall not play this Sunday, nor shall Marvell Smith. Ben is still a little less than 100%. However, the move to sit him is more a precautionary measure than anything else. Marvell's exclusion, on the other hand, is just a bit more serious. Marvell underwent surgery yesterday to repair a disc problem in his back. And while the team is saying they're "cautiously optimistic" that he could return by the AFC Divisional Round, I wouldn't put any money on it.

Now here's where normally on a Friday I would talk about what the Steelers SHOULD do to win Sunday's game. However, being that this game is effectively meaningless, I strongly considered not doing that this week...and then after about 5 seconds I reconsidered. So without further ado, here are some things the Steelers SHOULD do this weekend. And keep in mind, we're seriously compromising the integrity of the exercise here...so lower your expectations...

OFFENSE

• Show Us Some Future Potential ~ And by this I mean show ME what #3 RB Gary Russell can do. In case you missed it in the comments section of yesterday's post - I'm pretty interested in seeing how Russell can perform in a regular season game. At Minnesota, he was poised to become the starter after an 1100 yard, 18 TD season (12 games at least) in which he shared ball carrying duties with Laurence Maroney. Then he failed out or some dumb shit like that, thus never getting a chance to prove what he was fully capable of as the undisputed #1. All I'm saying is he looked good in preseason and I like his college record (playing, not studying), so he could just inject some added interest into this otherwise marginal game. Hear that Tomlin - Gary. Russell. Sort it out...


• Try and Find a Rhythm ~ As of late, the Steelers Offense has really come together. Last week, albeit against the Rams, the Steelers only punted twice. That's two times out of 10 drives. And of our 41 points, 35 were off touchdowns. That's what I call being effective, and that's the kind of rhythm I'd like to see going into the post season. Of course this is probably a moot point since the majority of our starters will be spending a significant portion of this game on the bench. But I gotta write something...I guess...


• That's All I Got... ~ No, just kidding. Um, last point -- Offensive Line, I know this is a lot to ask and there's little to no chance of it happening, but could you please try and maybe pass block, like even a little bit. Especially you Sean Mahan and Willie Colon, we'll all be watching. Larry Zierling, put Shiteaters.com away and do some coaching. Tell these assholes to use that size for something other than making dents in the turf with their backs. Sort it out.

DEFENSE

• Show Us Some Future Potential ~ Remember Lawrence Timmons? LaMarr Woodley? They were our top 2 picks in last years draft. But while other 1st and 2nd round picks like Patrick Willis are out making the pro bowl and creating nightmares for opposing offenses, these guys have been gathering splinters from riding the bench. No, it's not their fault they haven't been starting or getting large chunks of playing time (nor should they be with Silverback, Foote and Farrior around). But so far, Timmons' claim to fame has been the infamous Ricky Williams stomp and Woodley has been promising yet restrained. I'd like to see one or both of these guys get some decent time Sunday and maybe see if they can generate a pass rush. Because we all know Clark Haggans ain't taking care of business.


• Calling All Pass Rushers ~ Jonathan Ogden or not, the Ravens O-line ain't exactly awful. They're at least half decent, I'd say. So this just might be some good practice for the likes of Silverback, Farrior and Foote (maybe even los Rookies, see above). IF the aforementioned, any of them, see decent playing time, I'd like to see them spend it in the Ravens backfield, chasing down and tackling Troy Smith. Smith is neither fast like Vince Young, nor strong like Big Ben. So this shouldn't be quite the tall order it might normally be. Bottom line - we got ONE sack last week. This week let's try and build on that. Let's go for...uh, two sacks. Hey, lack of success = modest goals.


• Stop. The. Run. ~ I'm not trying to mask this with any clever language, just, stop the god damned run. The Ravens are starting their #3, Musa Smith. He's no slouch, but he's certainly no Fred Taylor or MJD. The Steelers ought to be able to shut him down. OUGHT TO be able to...This is the last chance Kirschke, and Eason will get to exhibit their best Aaron Smith impressions before the playoffs. So I expect them to use it accordingly. Or Ryan McBean, whoever. Hey, maybe McBean might even do the job well. Maybe we SHOULD give him a shot. Anyways, the run - stop it. Thanks.

Well that was borderline painful. Hopefully you're still with me and not cursing me for wasting your valuable time.

Look, if we can gain anything from this game - I say it's that we take Bart Scott up on his offer to give Larry Foote the key to beating the Patriots. We all might know what that key is, but judging by what we saw three weeks ago in Foxborough, the Steelers don't.

Let's face it, we just have to get through this game, hope for a win, try not to get anyone hurt, maybe try and establish a little rhythm and generally make sure our team is in good shape for next week's Wild Card game against either the Jags, Brownies or Titans. That's all.

So guys, what do you think we SHOULD be looking for Sunday? Who will you be watching? Are any of you planning on going to this game? And of course, the real question - Will the Browns put Brady Quinn in for the season finale? I, for one, will be waiting on the edge of my seat to find out...

PS - We WILL be doing the weekly gameday discussion session this Sunday, despite the fact that this game is pretty lackluster. Come join us as we discuss the game, the playoffs and maybe even Mini Ponies...if Tec shows up that is.

PPS - Just because I can, here's a picture of Brian Billick as Robocop...


REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Arians Won't Change Plan for New Players [SteelCityInsider]
Big Ben Expected to Sit Sunday [Post-Gazette]
Smith Has Back Surgery - Return Unknown [Post-Gazette]
Ravens' Scott Changes Tune [Tribune-Review]
Some Ravens Fans Throwing In Towel [Baltimore Sun]
Buy Ravens Tix [Craigslist - Baltimore]
Troy Smith: Bring on The 3-4 [Baltimore Sun]
Davenport Focused On Chance As Starter [Post-Gazette]

Brian Billick Has A Whole Bag of "Sh" With Your Name On It...

"Looking at the Ravens, they are a rival of ours. I know they have fallen on some tough times, but you can throw records out of the window when we play Baltimore. They’re going to play to win, we’re going to play to win."
- Mike Tomlin

Yep, there's no better division, full of heated rivalries, than the AFC North. Whether it's Bengals-Browns, Ravens-Bengals, Steelers-Ravens, etc., you pretty much know it will be a hard fought game. Normally that is...

However, as far as this Sunday's matchup goes - the Steelers have already won the division, and since the only way to clinch a #3 seed is for the Chargers to lose against the Raiders while we beat the Ravens, this game does not really mean much more than division bragging rights. That's enough for the Ravens no doubt, but for the Steelers, some of whom are literally limping into the post season, it might be hard to justify throwing them out there against a physical team like the Ravens, who will be on a manhunt. I guess what I'm saying is - I'd like to win this game, but I'd prefer to try and do it without Big Ben, Troy Polamalu, Marvell Smith and anyone else who is still nursing a shoulder or an ankle or a back, etc. etc.

And honestly, it wouldn't exactly be an unfair fight to put our #2s out there against the Ravens. Mostly because, just like many of the teams with losing records in 2007, the Ravens come into this weekend's game with a laundry list of injuries. In actuality we'll be facing a lot of their #2s and in some cases, #3s. The full Ravens injury report looks like this:

Steve McNair - Out (IR)
Kyle Boller - Out
Willis McGahee - Out
Mike Anderson - Out (Maybe - Limited in practice)
Demetrious Williams - Out (Though I hear he's "intent" on playing)
Michael Clayton - Out (Maybe - Did not practice)
Todd Heap - Out
Quinn Sypniewski - Out
Daniel Wilcox (#3 TE) - Out (Maybe - Did not practice)
Jonathan Ogden - Out (Maybe - Limited in practice)
Kelly Gregg - Out
Trevor Pryce - Out (IR)
Ray Lewis - Out
Chris McAllister - Out (IR)
Samari Rolle - Out (IR)

And the list may go on, I don't even know. Maybe even Brian Billick is injured...errrr, nevermind, I forgot - Brian Billick is impervious to all conventional weapons.

Injuries aside, the Ravens are pretty much who we think they are - anemic offense and bruising defense. After starting the season as the defending AFC North champs and amassing a 4-2 record through their 1st six games, the Ravens have dropped EVERY LAST ONE of their last NINE games, which brings them home to BMore this Sunday a disappointing 4-11.

It's hard to compare us to them given the troubles they have had this season, but I'll do it anyway, because (a) I'm a dick, and (b) This is just what I do on Thursdays and god forbid I break routine. Check out the numbers below and we'll talk a little more after.

OFFENSE
Rushing Yards: BMore ~ 1617 (#18) | Pit ~ 2122 (#3)
Passing Yards: BMore ~ 3137 (#23) | Pit ~ 3200 (#20)
Total Yards: BMore ~ 4754 (#23) | Pit ~ 5322 (#10)
Points Scored: BMore ~ 248 (#25) | Pit ~ 372 (#8)


DEFENSE
Rushing Yds. Allowed: BMore ~ 1222 (#2) | Pit ~ 1258 (#3)
Passing Yds. Allowed: BMore ~ 3522 (#18) | Pit ~ 2896 (#4)
Total Yards Allowed: BMore ~ 4744 (#6) | Pit ~ 4154 (#1)
Points Against: BMore ~ 363 (#24) | Pit ~ 242 (#3)

So...the Ravens Offense...uh, what Offense? Previously, this is where I would have mentioned Willis McGahee, the threats he presents and maybe even Steve McNair or Kyle Boller and the treats they present, but none of those guys are playing on Sunday. In their respective places will be a tandem of Smiths - Musa at RB and Troy at QB. On top of that, without Todd Heap and Demetrious Williams to throw to, or Jonathon Ogden to block, things might be pretty tough for the Smiths and the rest of the Ravens Offense. Still, Todd Collins has the Redskins on a roll so I guess anything's possible...and plus, we know that even the Ravens 3rd stringers would love to beat the Steelers and contribute to keeping them from securing a #3 seed for the playoffs. So I'm not counting the Ravens O out by any means.

Anyways, the Ravens Defense...well, it's the Ravens Defense. Ray Lewis or not, these guys are going to be hungry and looking for any opportunity to HIT us HARD. Bart Scott (the Mad Backer) and Terrell Suggs (T-Sizzle) are probably already salivating at the idea. Fittingly, those two, along with Safety Ed Reed are going to be our biggest "worries" on Sunday. But beyond them, the Ravens D Line is down 2 of 3 starters and the secondary is down 2 of 4. Bottom line - no point risking Big Ben's health putting him out there against guys who have nothing more to play for than spilling blood.

Overall, like I've already said - really, this game means nothing. Even if we were to win and San Diego was upset by Oakland, giving us the 3 seed, we'd still have to play against the best (you know who I'm talking about) if we have any hopes of winning the ultimate prize. So I personally am fine with the #4 spot. Bring on the Jags.

What do you guys think? Does it make sense to rest the starters? Are you worried about what's left of BMore's defense? Do you think Troy Smith does a good mini-me impression?

Oh, and speaking of - in case you're wondering where Mini Me is in the image above...see below.


REFERENCE MATERIAL:
2007 Ravens Stats [Pro-football-reference]
More Ravens Stats [ESPN]
2007 Steelers Stats [Pro-football-reference]
Ravens Injuries [ESPN]
Steelers Will Go For #3 Seed [Steelers.com]
Tomlin Outlines Injuries, Baltimore Game Plan [KDKA]
Motivated? For Ravens? Steelers Say No Problem [Associated Press]