What Would You Do?

Congrats to you, puckheads, hockey is back!  I know you're expecting that long awaited hockey post...well, it ain't happening here today.  Considering that the players and owners made us wait for three months while they debated over how unprofitable NHL hockey truly is, you all can wait for another week for me to drop puck on a center ice posting.

I'm thinking NFL mock draft today.  It's my normal custom to google up mock drafts the day following the Steelers' final game (beginning somewhat and disturbingly early this year), and I found some interesting and confusing predictions.  Five mock drafts visited, five different predictions for the Steelers in 2013.  I've seen ILB, OLB, DE, NT, and T.  Five drafts, five guys, so no clear direction here.  After more research, I've noticed a big name guy who seems to be lurking as available when the Steelers select with the #17 pick.

So, repeating the title of this post: what would you do?  Let's role play a bit.  Consider yourself Mike Tomlin, or even better, Kevin Colbert, and it's your turn to draft at #17.  You look up on the big board, and you see the slightly downgraded USC phenom quarterback Matt Barkley still undrafted.  You began noticing Barkley, the once projected top three pick, still hanging around at 15, and now he's there, yours for the taking.  Ok, I know you all must be thinking that I've gone down to the basement and broke into the wedding booze a bit early, right? I know, I know, the Steelers have an abundance of needs, and QB isn't one of them.  I know, I know, Big Ben Roethlisberger is still in his prime at 31 years old, and should be the Steelers' starting signal caller for four to six more seasons.  Yeah, I get all that.  Now think about the question some more.  Would it be wasteful or visionary to drop a first round pick on a guy like Barkley?  Is it too early to be grooming Ben's heir apparent?

Let's look at some other models.  The Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 knowing that Brett Favre wasn't going anywhere for a least a few more seasons.  Some cheddar heads actually prophesized that Rodgers would never start as a Packer. The Colts parted ways with Peyton Manning in favor of rookie Andrew Luck.  I believe that the Canton, Ohio sculptors have already molded the Manning and Favre busts years ago.  Both Indy and Green Bay knew it was smart money to work on the succession plans early. 

The Steelers of long ago made one feeble attempt to draft a Bradshaw replacement in the person of the much maligned Mark Malone, whose forgettable career was probably more notable as a wideout than as a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins are still hunting for the next Dan Marino.  Is it coincidence that both Pittsburgh and Miami endured decade long droughts of late January football while they auditioned endless marginal QBs?  Is it coincidence that the Packers and Colts have quickly rebuilt their programs under their new guns?  Would it be coincidence if Manning becomes the first Bronco QB to sniff a Superbowl since John Elway?

Big Ben is now 31, and sure, some great QBs have maintained championship caliber play into their mid 30's, but that list is much smaller than you might think it is. The reality is that Ben may have just a few strong seasons left in the tank before age and injuries start to run their course. With his style of play, coupled with the fact that he has started since his rookie year, it's not a stretch to consider Ben a high mileage vehicle these days. The Steelers waited until too late into Bradshaw's career to make a serious investment into finding his successor. I'd hate to see that happen again.

I'm sure a few of you have already concluded that today's post was a waste of our time, and that considering the next Ben is not on the things to do list for this offseason.  Me, I'm still intrigued.  I have said for years that Ben is the greatest Steeler since the Chuck Noll crafted dynasty teams of the 1970's.  I also think that a guy like Barkley doesn't fall into too many #17 carts that often.  I would consider it quite the luxury to have Barkley in the stable for three seasons, ready to take the reigns in 2016.  If the last two decades of football has shown me anything, it's that a lot of teams can be good with a strong defense and a solid quarterback.  To be great, you must have a great quarterback.  We often ask ourselves just how many more Lombardis would be on display in the Great Hall if the Steelers hadn't passed up on a young, skilled quarterback who slid almost to the bottom of the first round in the 1983 draft.  You know, that Marino guy.

I'll answer my own question with a yes, I'm drafting Barkley at #17 knowing that I now have one great QB and one potentially great QB.  Perhaps I work a trade in a few years, possibly bringing in some much needed replacement parts.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  And no, I didn't break into the wedding hooch...yet.

2013 Steelers: Who's In and Who's Out

Happy New Year, PF readers.  I'd like to ring in the new year by continuing MP's discussion of "The 2013 Steelers: The Reconstruction".  Let me weigh in with my two cents worth on who stays, and who goes.

RETURNING FOR 2013:

1. Keenan Lewis.  Although nickel back Cortez Allen showed us a lot in late December, I still think the Steelers' brass will make every attempt to bring Lewis back.  Considering that he led the NFL in passes defended per game, Lewis will be an extremely attractive figure to both the Steelers and other NFL teams looking for a starting corner.  Should the deal not get done, look for the Steelers to pencil in Allen opposite Ike Taylor and potentially snare a corner in the early rounds of the draft, or possibly a veteran in free agency.
2. Larry Foote.  The Steelers want to get younger on defense, but Foote can still contribute and isn't looking to leave Pittsburgh for a second time.  I look for Foote to take a considerable pay cut and split time on the field with youngster Sean Spence.
3. James Harrison.  I'm stuck on the fence with this one.  The Steelers must soon make critical decisions on both Harrison and his primary backup, Jason Worilds.  Clearly, Worilds on his best day will never perform at the level of Harrison in his prime years,...but those prime years are behind us now, and it may be time to jettison the silverback.  I think the team would be selling themselves short if Worilds was not given a full season as a true evaluation period.  Harrison's rebirth in December is probably weighing on the minds of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert, as they may wonder what one last hurrah with a healthy 92 could mean.
4. Ramon Foster.  Although starting guard Foster will never be mistaken for Alan Faneca, he did manage to play all of 2012 injury free, a nearly impossible feat for a Steeler offensive lineman.  Considering that converted guard Willie Colon has finished the last three seasons on the IR, I like Foster as a returnee to provide stability to a corps that seems to be forever locked in flux mode.
5. Casey Hampton, Charlie Batch, Max Starks.  I lumped these three together.  See #2 - Foote, Larry.  These guys have no desire to go elsewhere.  Restructures, less money, etc.  2013 should be the last season for Hampton, with much less playing time as inside guy Steve McClendon is more than capable.  For Starks, you might as well keep riding the pony until it ends up at the glue factory.  One can argue that Mad Max was the most solid lineman in 2012.  For Batch, another season at the league minimum as the #3 won't be hurting anyone.

SO LONG, FAREWELL, SEE YA AT THE REUNION PICNIC:

1. Rashard Mendenhall.  Is it just me, or does Tomlin waffle back and forth on the value of the marquis runner?  At mid-season after the big victory in NYC, the team seemed content with the tailback by committee idea.  By season's end, as the offense stunk and the team limped to an 8-8 finish, we then heard Tomlin pining for a go-to guy.  Mendenhall was that go-to guy, the franchise runner like Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker before him.  Unlike Bettis and Parker, Mendenhall never truly entrenched himself as that game changer kind of guy.  His off the field tweets, comments, and shenanigans didn't help his cause either.  The Steelers could use a featured back once again, but #34 ain't that guy.
2. Mike Wallace.  What?  Give up on the fleet of foot, Larry Fitzgerald-East guy?  This entry is the most troubling of all, as Mike Wallace is clearly the best player listed in today's post, but also the most unrealistic in terms of his actual worth.  I've said it ad nauseum, Mike Wallace isn't worth $11 million a season.  In fact, after watching his drops and gaffes during the 2012 campaign, I will now suggest that Wallace isn't worth what he could have signed for last summer.  Setting all this aside, Wallace has blazing, scary, downfield speed, and he will shape any offense that he lines up in. The Steelers know that, and worse, he knows that.  Someone will overpay for Wallace in 2013, but it probably won't be a Rooney.
3. Byron Leftwich.  Despite his hulking frame, Leftwich has once again displayed an inability to remain healthy when called upon.  The fact that he broke his own ribs falling down, untouched, in the end zone, should sum it all up.  With Big Ben Roethlisberger now north of 30, the Steelers need a 2nd string QB who can make two to four starts a year and keep the team competitive in the process.  Look for the Steelers to snare a former starter in free agency.  Considering that a Ben replacement will most likely be pursued with a high draft pick in the 2016-2018 time frame, I don't think that supplanting Leftwich with a mid or late round rookie makes a lot of sense here.

SYNOPSIS: I only show two starters leaving, but factor in the reduced roles of guys like Foote and Hampton, and I think you'll see that 2013 will be a much different team.  2012 was a season of frustration for Steeler Nation.  With the veteran leadership that was jettisoned a year ago, coupled with the Wallace contract drama, as well as the pre-training camp health status of Mendenhall, Hampton, Harrison, and Brett Keisel, one can make a serious argument that the season was doomed from the get go. In the end, a handful of close games swung the Steelers' season from good to mediocre.  This is not a team in decline, but it will need better performances from it's stars if 2013 is to be any different.  One note of promise: the last three Steeler teams to not make the playoffs were followed by teams that won the AFC North the next year!

Suspendenhall

With the benefit of more time and clarity, I'm offering this second part to the Rashard Mendenhall supsension piece I threw into cybersports last night.  As the news and opinions continues to trickle in, the facts are clear:

1. Coach Mike Tomlin wasn't too happy about Mendenhall's fumblings and bumblings against the Brownies in the humiliating loss on November 25th, thus leading to Mendenhall's exile into street clothes.
2. Mendenhall is equally displeased by the benching and counter punches by hitting the snooze button about three dozen times last Sunday, missing the Chargers game entirely.
3. Tomlin, with heightened indignation, opts for the trump card and suspends Mendenhall for at least one game.

If you follow the logic path on this escalation, you will see that this will most likely end with either: 1) Mendenhall's complete knee buckling and a slew of submissive (and fake) personal apologies.  OR  2) Mendenhall's permanent removal from the team.  Any parent with teens understands this standoff all too well. 

The writing on the locker room wall is crystal clear on this one.  The Steelers' patience with Mendenhall is waning as rapidly as their number of opportunities to resurrect this soon-to-be lost season.  Don't think these issues are independent of each other.  As we've learned through the past years, story lines surrounding an NFL team often have some form of relevant interaction with each other.  Coach Tomlin, and even some of his players, have stepped forward and admitted to certain focus issues as of late.  Some of these admissions were shrouded, some were straightforward and in plain English. 

The team is now officially mired in a leadership quandary, with must-win situations looming on the horizon.  Tomlin has no room for a clubhouse cancer at this juncture, nor does he have any time for another distraction.  Mendenhall's reformation opportunities are long gone.  It's clear that the team is not considering any contract extension for him. The current running stable is adequately stocked with Jon Dwyer and Isaac Redman, even if the past few games have been questionable.  Speedster Chris Rainey could also become a bigger factor, and the team could always look for another big play type guy in the draft. If the Steelers were willing to dump former Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes for a fifth round draft pick in return, they would be happy to watch Mendenhall stutter step his way out the door.

Nothing would surprise me after watching the drama of the 2012 Steelers' season, but I suspect that we have seen our last spin move from #34. 

Ravens Can Cam

With special thanks to the Baltimore Ravens, and head coach John Harbaugh, Steeler Nation has just been given notice that their team is not the only AFC North squad experiencing a messy December, as Ravens' offensive coordinator, Cam Cameron, was fired today.  Perhaps Cam's shafting was a response to consecutive losses or the erratic play of so-called superstar quarterback Joe Flacco.  Maybe Harbaugh and Cameron had an awkward handshake that left a bad taste in the exuberant coach's mouth. 

Regardless of the circumstances, the Ravens continue their backward flight into the playoffs, looking much like a team in total disarray.

Miller Time

Perhaps you like local sports journalist, Ron Cook, perhaps you don't.  Me, I'm somewhat indifferent.  Sometimes he gets it right, sometimes he's the master of the obvious, and sometimes he's the ultimate contrarian, dedicated to disagreeing with every colleague or fan that he encounters. 

Nonetheless, this post isn't about Cook, it's about the subject of his most recent article, tight end extraordinaire, Heath Miller.  In what has been a season reading like a dramatic saga regarding the individual athlete, whether it be injury, resistance to change, or contractual issues, one man has stood above the pack as standard bearer and teammate.  Yes, his name is Heath, or Heeeeeeeeeeeath, as you hear echoing from practically every stadium he performs in. The appreciation for Miller's excellence is so profound, Steeler Nation is often caught Heeeeathing even when Miller's backup David Paulson makes a snare.  Dr. Evil be damned, understudy Paulson is assuredly Mini-Miller.  Who better to imitate?

Miller's contributions this season must not be understated.  Gathering in 56 receptions through 12 games is no small feat considering the amount of time Miller is asked to play the role of third tackle/nanny to youthful linemen.  Look at the performances of rookie tackles Mike Adams and Kelvin Beachum, as both were thrust into duty, and you will understand just why Miller is regarded as the most complete football player on the team.  Unselfish? This guy makes Gandhi look like the rich guy who tosses a gum wrapper into the Salvation Army bucket.

Despite Miller's ability to disrupt a blitz or knock any opposing linebacker on his fanny, his involvement in the vertical game is where the big money lies. What Charlie Batch learned on Sunday is that Miller can simply own the middle of the field.  What John Harbaugh learned is that to beat the Steelers, you should consider defending #83, at least a little.  Take nothing away from Miller's big time performance on Sunday, but seriously, shame on the Ravens for just letting him ramble freely between the hashes, like a crazed wildebeest cruising up the Serengeti. 

Miller was not to be denied that victory, displaying yet another attribute of a great teammate, ...refusing to let his or her team fail.

Let's just hope that we can keep Heeeeathing for several more weeks, and a few more years to come.

All together now:  HEEEEEEEATH!

Unleash Hell, Volume 2 ???

Let's just start by saying that it ain't a good day to be an agent for former Steeler offensive starters Mike Wallace or Rashard Mendenall.  Yes, I did say former as head coach Mike Tomlin demoted both highly skilled players in a new found level of testiness yesterday. Tomlin evoked memories of 2009 when he delivered the ill fated Unleash Hell promise along with his 'some heads are gonna roll/the standard is the standard' type jargon.  In '09, the only unleashing was that of the fury of Steeler Nation as the team staggered to a 6 win, 7 loss mark before finally finding it's pulse.  Along the way, practically no heads rolled, or even turned for that matter, as Tomlin's benchings were notional at best.

2012 may smack a bit differently, as Tomlin has reasonably proven commodities, such as Emmanuel Sanders and Jon Dwyer, to help him his hold line.  One take home message that can be derived from Tomlin's newly sculpted depth chart as that time is now officially running out on Mendenhall, a former first round pick.  His demotion to third string, his questionable health, his renewed willingness to put the ball on the ground, coupled with his zany and inexplicable social media gaffes, all work together to build a reasonably sound case that #34 ain't in the Steeler for Life category. 

As far as Wallace, well, as this blog delights in pointing out, that fat contract is on the Atkins Diet right now, and shrinking with each game.  I have to believe that Wallace would have to muster up an epic December/January for the Steelers to even consider either:  1) offering a contract that he finds remotely suitable, or 2)  ponying up the $10 mill + for the franchise tag.  Both scenarios seem far off at this point.  The cold reality for Wallace fans is that the game of musical quarterbacks that the Steelers are playing at the moment has been dramatized by the absence of Antonio Brown, the true #1 receiver, the true go-to guy.  Wallace could have stepped up over the last few weeks to help carry the load, the fact is that he didn't.  Don't think for a moment that the Steeler top brass will forget these past few games when negotiation time draws near.

We were assured in the summer that Wallace's holdout was strictly NFL business, and that since he was such a true professional, it would never be a distraction to the team or even to him personally.  Perhaps it's a focus issue,or perhaps Wallace simply doesn't want to risk injury on the eve of big money, but the man is playing at a level beneath him and the proverbial standard.  Time will tell on this one, as well as with Mendenhall, but methinks that some #17 and #34 jerseys will be available on the discount racks very soon.

Ike Figures it Out

Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau already had enough on their respective plates this week, trying desperately to yank the emergency brakes on a train that is careening out of control, both on the field and off, as panic continues to mount throughout Steeler Nation.  Starting corner Ike Taylor provided a little relief at least, as he shed a bit of rather astute light on what could be the root under his own seemingly overnight regression.  The media.  Yep, the Sultan of Swagger defied any resemblance of logic by suggesting that his string of poor performances, dating back to the Teboning he received last January, is simply a smear campaign stirred up by a local media community that doesn't want to play nice.

Ike went on to state (or ramble) that the numbers don't lie, a most intriguing statement coming from a guy who has gotten beaten and/or flagged with regularity through his last six games.  Taylor's conspiracy theory was leaked to the press just days after fellow motor mouth Rashard Mendenhall inexplicably chose to return from Tweeter purgatory to call out the commitment of various Steeler fans.  Unfortunately, Mendenhall's reign as moron of the week was cut short abruptly after rookie Alameda Ta'amu auditioned for Spike TV's Deadliest Chases on Saturday after downing a dozen or so Jager bombs out on the Southside.

It's high time for some of Tomlin's so-called men to behave as such, and stop blaming the critics and fans for their shortcomings.  If you or I screw up at our jobs on a consistent basis, we should expect criticism at a minimum, firing as the worst case.  The time for accountability is now, from the front office straight down to the locker room.  Steeler Nation is expecting results, not more excuses, theories, high speed chases, and if all else fails, apologies.

The Definition of Solid

A sad note has been struck on an otherwise joyous sports week, as the Steelers have announced the impending parting of ways with standout inside linebacker, Larry Foote. Foote, a favorite of mine, and of many of my readers, has expedited the severance process by asking for an unconditional release. Bottom line here is that Foote wants to play every down, or at least more than he played in 2008, when he split duty with the emerging Lawrence Timmons. The Steelers' top brass offered no protestations to Foote's request, as the financial writing was on the wall that he needed either a pay cut or a bus ticket. Such is life in the world of player personnel management in Steeltown.

Steeler Nation not only loses a great runner stopper, but an all out gamer. Not many played with more dedication and intensity than #50. As MP stated, "the definition of solid". Here are some quick hitters to summarize just what type of asset will be exiting the North Shore complex:

• 80 starts in 80 games since 2004, serving as co-anchor to the NFL's #1 rush defense over that period.


• Hasn't missed a game since rookie year of 2002.


• 406 tackles and 14.5 sacks since becoming starter.


• Logged key interception of Jake Plummer in 2005 AFC Championship Game.


• Funded the funeral of a Detroit youth that he had never even met.


• 2 Superbowl rings.

More Free Agency News

Well, so much for hoping that Nate Washington would be our only key defector. As announced this morning, Bryant McFadden is now officially a Cardinal.

The day is not so bleak as the team also announced a recent visit from aging speedster, Joey Galloway. Just the other day, JD and I had a small discussion about bringing in an affordable, vet wide out, similar to our signing of Terrence Mathis in 2002. A guy like Galloway might be a great addition in terms of depth.

will Galloway be flexing this bicep in Heinz Field?

Unguarded

Just when it was all starting to make a little sense, the suits up in the North Shore front offices confounded us all once again this afternoon with the termination of Mr. Kendall Simmons. Simmons, although often plagued by various ailments, has been a mainstay at offensive guard for the last seven seasons.

Simmons' career in Steeltown was steady, yet unremarkable. As a first round pick, one could say that he underachieved, given the history of other recent Steeler first rounders. I will point out that during his rookie year, in a Wild Card game against the Browns, Simmons did throw a key block on a crucial touchdown run. In the defense of the Auburn product, the affliction with adult diabetes in 2003 more than likely tied a hefty anchor around his ankle, preventing him from ever attaining greatness.


Our last memory of Simmons

With Simmons' departure, the team is now left with just the overachieving yet underqualified Darnell Stapleton as the only experienced guard under contract. At this point we must make a few assumptions: 1) the James Harrison contract is coming along, yet at a steep price 2) the team is actually working hard towards retaining big man, Chris Kemoeatu 3) the Jeff Saturday rumors may be legit 4) Kevin Colbert fully intends upon drafting a guard in the first round 5) plans are being made to convert a current roster tackle to guard (Willie Colon ??) 6) Bruce Arians plans on fielding lots of death threats this year as the run game manages to actually get worse.

I'm guessing a combination of #1, 2, and #4...and maybe a bit of #6.

One last note on Simmons before we let him vanish into the mist of Steeler history...let's never, ever forget that he made the all dumbass team for suffering from frostbite after falling asleep with an ice pack on his foot. Hopefully, wherever Kendall and his sore feet re-surface, the ice packs will all have timers and alarms.

MVP Gets His Day in Court

For the first time in the last three weeks, Superbowl XLIII hero Santonio Holmes will be answering questions about grass that's not found in a Tampa endzone. Courtroom precedings will now begin for Holmes' fabled October marijuana possession incident.

For those of you that have already taken a hit from Mr. Holmes' bowl this morning, perhaps you'd like to entertain the "Jeff Saturday as a Steeler" rumor mill. Once again, nice work by JD to break the news, but I think we need to exhale a bit before we start buying the black and gold Saturday jersies on eBay. It appears that this may be no more than some positioning by Mr. Saturday's agent, as most online reports are relegated to the blogosphere. Regardless, Saturday is more than capable of helping any offensive line, although he may be in the twilight of his career. Something tells me that the dollars just won't make sense in the 'Burgh.

QUICK HITTERS:

• Before all the corrections Nazis come out of the woodwork, I know that I've been mispelling Kemoeatu. Just too many vowels for my spell checker.


• So, does anyone really buy into Leftwich returning as a backup?

On Empire Building

It appears that it's down to brass tacks now for the Steelers front office in terms of contract negotiations. Numbero uno on every radar is the goal of extending the contract of resident superhero linebacker, James Harrison. Given the variables of Harrison's potential worth, his age, the CBA murkiness and the tightness under the cap, these negotiations will prove to be very taxing for gurus Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan.

With Bryant McFadden and Nate Washington almost surely out the door, it's evident that the team is focused on finding enough loot for Harrison and guard Chris Keomatu. Here are some of the events that seem to be essential over the next few weeks if the Steelers are to get their way:

• Work out a long term deal for "franchise" guy Max Starks. This will reduce Starks' cap hit from around $8 million for 2009 to about $3 million.
• Re-structure Hines Ward's 2005 deal. This will lower the 2009 cap figures and ensure that #86 stays under contract thru 2011.
• Re-work or cut Larry Foote. (hate saying this, since he's one of my favorites)...He's become expendable with Timmons surging.

Skippy "kicks off" post-Superbowl Misconduct Frenzy

In his newest effort to become the NFL's most outrageous kicker, Jeff Reed was cited for a recent meltdown in a Westmorland County Sheetz. After pummeling a defenseless paper towel dispenser, Reed then directed his aggression (and his potty mouth) to the $8 per hour cashier. Reed did, however, pay for (and consume) three Sheetz Dogz with extra chili and relish while waiting for the local police to arrive. Rumor has it that the store owners have already listed the towel dispenser that Reed battered on eBay as sports memorabilia.

Despite his immense popularity amongst Steeler Nation, Mr. Reed forgot one of the 10 Commandments of Western PA..."thou shalt not disrespect the M.T.O."

allegedly, Reed was still angry about being rejected as the Sheetz new "4 Dollar Foot Long" model.

Take These Broken Ribs

Greetings! For the few of you that actually noticed my absence last week, I will simply say that there was nothing I could write that you hadn't already read.

Since I will quietly ignore A Dawg's advice to move on to the Penguins, I will continue to harp on about a team that actually wins. Let's face it, I can only bitch about one frustrating Pittsburgh team every spring, and the Buccos have that niche locked up.

So anyway, what are your thoughts on Big Ben's broken belly bones? I know that a certain reader is continually confounded when the Large One issues his own medical reports. I want your feedback and your answers in my newest poll.

It's Getting Hotter

Here's one for all the guys....Steelers, boobs, and Motley Crue...oh yeah!!!

More Quotes

No particular theme with these quotes. Just some stuff I've heard (or read) and jotted down over the last three days:

"...I love playing for the Steelers. Ten teams passed me up, and I'm glad it happened..." - Ben Roethlisberger

"...we're going to beat you. You can take this ass whipping any way you like, but you are going to take it..." - Dwight White, on discussing playing the Steelers.

"...I could talk to a kid all day over you guys..." - Ben Roethlisberger, when being interviewed on Media Day by a youth reporter.

"...if you let these guys take the game over, they will..." - Kurt Warner, on the Steelers defense

"...no matter how you play us, you're not going to take away his escapability..." - Bruce Arians, on defensing Big Ben

A Lazy Post

Just a few more Youtube clips to break the tension.

Canton Talk

Now before all you anonymous geniuses jump all over me and declare me an idiot, I want you to know that the following article is inspired by something I just read by CBS writer Clark Judge...

This year, I've probably spent about 70 hours in a vehicle with our resident swami, JD McNugent, going to and from Heinz Field. Despite my continued attempts to drown out my portly pal with XM radio, we actually spent numerous hours deep in Steeler discussions,...discussions raging from banter to all out arguments. One of our favorite topics this year was the NFL Hall of Fame, and whom off of this current Northshore roster is Canton bound.

With only 247 actual enshrinees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is clearly the most exclusive of all sports meccas. Check out the list of members, and you may be surprised at how many good players just aren't hall of famers. Getting into Canton is less probable than A Dawg fitting into his circa 1991 All American Rathskeller staff t-shirt.

In my personal opinion, this current roster contains no true HOF locks, although there are three players somewhere along the road to Canton, in different stages of their journey:

1) Hines Ward. With career numbers that will eventually close in on 1,000 receptions and 100 touchdowns, an accomplished post season resume, a highlight reel of bone crushing blocks and clutch plays, and the media visibility of being the "complete" player and leader makes him a more likely choice every season. In the era of the "diva receiva", Ward will be remembered as a guy who unified his team, not divided it. A big game and another Lombardi trophy on Sunday would start curing the cement.

2) Troy Polamalu. Only in his sixth year, but clearly one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL and basically regarded as the icon of a tremendous Steeler defense. Without pissing off some of the old 49er die hards, I'd say #43 is like our Ronnie Lott, just a lot better. A few more All Pro years and five or so more solid seasons with some more post season heroics and I think you'll be seeing a few thousand of those $11 Troy wigs on the Hall of Fame grounds some Sunday, circa, let's say 2021. Like Ward, his chances are only aided by the fact that the Steelers are constantly on national TV and one of the most identifial sports teams in America.

3) Ben Roethlisberger. "WTF??!!" you're all screaming. Well, ok, so the Large One is only in his fifth season, but the numbers don't lie. A Lombardi on Sunday would put Ben in some extremely rare company, all at the ripe age of 26. Consider the list of multiple Superbowl winning (as starters) QB's: Starr, Bradshaw, Staubach, Aikman, Montana, Elway, and Brady. All Hall of Famers except Brady, who is a virtual lock. Add in the .720 + career win percentage, and the 18 fourth quarter or overtime game winning drives, and start prorating that over a 15+ year season, and yeah, it makes sense. Consider that on Sunday, Ben will have made more Superbowl starts than Dan Marino, Warren Moon, Dan Fouts, Donovan McNabb, every QB named Manning, Drew Brees, Joe Namath, and Steve Young. Now, hold on to your cheeseheads on this comment: in a game where excellence is judged by quantity of championships, Big Ben has already accomplished as much as the ALMIGHTY BRETT FAVRE, while taking a lot less snaps and a lot less vicodin.

Once again, don't take my word for it, read the words of Clark Judge, who wrote a nice piece about the Large One's future HOF bust.

Suggesting any other Steeler is a future hall member would be far too speculative at this point. The intriguing factor about the three candidates I mentioned is the impact that this Sunday plays on their legacy. Winning a second Superbowl in four years, and some folks will start to regard this as a great Steeler team. Being remembered as key leaders on great teams is what helps guys into the Hall. Let's face it, guys like Rodney Harrison and Richard Seymour are going to get a lot more votes due to their role in the Patriots mini-dynasty.

With a quarterback as young and proven as Ben, it's safe to think that this team could make a few more trips back to the big game over the next several years. Time will only tell how this Steeler team will be regarded, but on Sunday it could take a huge step forward, and three men could take some additional steps towards Canton.

Steelers Superbowl Trivia

With six days to go until the big dance, I know we are getting inundated with beaucoup quantities of Steeler programming via ESPN, NFL Network, and HBO Sports. If you haven't seen at least seven or eight replays of a Superbowl game in the last week, you're probably: 1) not a big fan 2) a little stingy when it comes to expanded cable channels.

With all this being said, most of us have had enough opportunities to take in some serious Steelers Superbowl programming. Let's see how well we've followed along with a little trivia challenge. Try to avoid using reference material as much as possible.

1. Name the city and stadium in which the Steelers won their first Superbowl trophy.
2. What 1977 action movie depicted terrorism at a Steelers/Cowboys Superbowl?
3. Who shook off pneumonia to record the NFL's first safety in Superbowl history?
4. What action caused Jack Lambert to deck Cliff Harris during Superbowl X, serving to ignite the Black and Gold?
5. Whose fateful drop in Superbowl XIII served as a pivotable point in the contest?
6. What Steeler linebacker was held on a controversial 4th quarter call in Superbowl XL?
7. What call nullified a would-be first quarter touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks in Superbowl XL?
8. Who was the leading receiver in Superbowl XXX?
9. Who is the all time Superbowl leader in rushing attempts and rushing yards?
10. Who did Terry Bradshaw once say should have been a two time Superbowl MVP (overlooked both times)?

BONUS: (this will count for three points) According to NFL.Com, who is the only former Steeler to play in at least five Superbowls?

Answers on Friday.

Grading:

0-3 points: Worse than a Bobby Walden shanked punt.

4-6 points: You may qualify to throw an interception to Larry Brown.

7-8 points: Like a Gerry Mullins block.

9-10 points: Bradshaw caliber.

11-13 points: Move over, Chaz Noll!

Word on the Street

As we approach the halfway point of the 14 Days of Steeler Superness, I though we all would like to hear the buzz on the street about America's Team.

QUOTES:

"...sure, the Yankees get all the good players, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best run franchise in American Sports..." - Colin Cowherd, ESPN Radio

"...we are who we are, partially because of the Ravens. Iron sharpens iron..." - Mike Tomlin, head coach of the 5 time Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers

"...now I feel like a different quarterback, a different man. Different team..." - Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, when likening his Superbowl XL performance to now

"...they (the Ravens) wanted us, and they got us, and now they are going home..." - Hines Ward, future Hall of Fame wide out and resident Ravens instigator

"...a Steeler Superbowl is better than unlimited beer and porn..." - Brian Watterson, Editor in Chief of the 3 time Pulitzer Prize Winning blog, PittsburghFan

"...sure, the Eagles lost in a controversial finish, but Governor Rendell fully intends upon following through on his idea to change the name of Philadelphia to Titletown..." - Girard McKensington, top spokesman for Governor Edward Rendell

"...can I get three Hawaiian shirts, all XXXXXXL..." - Andy Reid, coach of the NFC Runner Up Philadelpia Eagles

"...Slaughtering the Ravens is more refreshing than the arrival of a new born baby..." A-Dawg

"...thank God for the Steelers, no one is noticing that we are sitting in 10th place..." - Mario Lemieux, owner of the underachieving Pittsburgh Penguins.