Fast Talking from Fast Willie

Fast Willie Parker began stirring the cauldron of controversy as he eulogized the death of "Steeler Football" yesterday, drawing ire from head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin politely suggested that Parker keep his stiff arms to the playing field and not direct them at embattled offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians. Most fans should know by now that some towel twirlers will always clamor for the illusive "Steeler Football" regardless of how well the team is performing. I guess 130 yards of inside running trumps a victory any day. Go figure.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, brings out the Steeler Football montra and the old #36 jerseys faster than a game in which the black shirted fellas get stopped on a short 4th down conversion. Ask a Steeler fan which is more important: repairing the economy or repairing the goal line offense, and well...you know how the polls will read.

The last thing this team needs three days prior to the biggest game of the year is in house bickering over the offensive philosophy. With all that being said, it remains clear that the running game (with or without a fullback) needs to be stepped up. The more accurate reality is that it was two injuries (FWP's knee and Rashard Mendenhall's shoulder) that have hurt the running game far more than any play calling or roster moves.

Without falling into regression, let's focus on the outstanding victory on Sunday against the hated Cowboys. Here are a few pics from the "luxury" area of Club East.

Steve Matthews and his Montana whiskey get the picture of the day

question: which tight end didn't score a touchdown and help his team to victory?

QUICK HITTERS:

• Game balls to Deshea Townsend, San Holmes, and MP for winning "least hospitable fan" for like the 6th straight year.
• What was the actual temperature at the final buzzer? I could no longer feel my face.
• Kudos again to all Bethel Park grads as their team continues their improbable and historic run. Good luck on Saturday night. A Dawg says to watch out for hard running tailback Lyle Marsh.

My Quick Pre-Tahoe Post

Ok, I'm going to Tahoe with some dudes for Thanksgiving, and no, I'm not gay. It's 9:50 pm, my flight leaves at 7:35 am tomorrow, and I haven't packed. See, I'm too disorganized to be gay.

For tonight, no links, no grand story, just a simple pick and some quick hitters:

• so it looks like the Steelers front office reads my blog, as they listened to me and re-signed Mitch Berger. Yes, the Paul Ernster 27 ypp average was too much to tolerate.


• my jersey jinx is at it again, as I've sent Keisel the Diesel to the training room again.


• how will the Pats air attack look with Ryan Clark, and not A Smith, in as FS?


• props to all Bethel Park grads for their stunning victory.

And finally...a pic I leave you with.

Drink beer, wave a towel, and buy a Chevy

Can Dan Now Write that Check?

Just as most of us are finally coming to grips with how financially screwed we really are, it's always re-assuring to know that our favorite sports soap opera family have decided on the value of the family nest egg. Just as you and your siblings will one day squabble over the value of your parents' china and Perry Como vinyls, the First Family of Pittsburgh have determined that the team that they have been pettily fighting over is now worth $800 million (give or take a few million). Not too shabby for an investment of what, $2,500, some 75 years ago? Not sure about the math on this, but I think that is almost equivalent to averaging a yearly rate of return of around 21% for a span of 75 years. Not a bad pick. One can only think that stadium beer prices will now escalate to $11.50 per cup, in support of Chairman Dan's latest fundraising scheme. My goal is to live to see the day where a single beer inside the Great Ketchup Bottle will be more expensive than a 12 pack down the street...but I digress.

Some Quick Hitters:

• Congrats to all Bethel Park grads as their alma mater runs their pristine mark to 12-0, setting up a showdown with a title on the line.
• With the rash of CB signings this week, I have this sick feeling that Philip Rivers will net some air yardage tomorrow.
• A belated thanks to the Flyers for being so shitty. After watching the City of Brotherly Shove party non-stop for the past three weeks in celebration of the Phils' title, Thursday night's Pens' victory was just what the doctor ordered.