Game Ball to Coach Tomlin

"...I wanted to let my team know that I didn't want them to play scared..."

-Head Coach Mike Tomlin following the route over the San Diego Chargers

During the morning PF idea brainstorming, A Dawg correctly pointed out that the current head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers conducted some playoff business a bit differently than he did last year, and much differently than his predecessor has in playoff games past. The notion here is that on Sunday, Coach Tomlin showed the confidence in his team to play like men for a full 60 minutes. The payback to Coach (and to all of Steeler Nation) for this confidence was a complete display of domination in all phases of the game.

Don't be fooled by the final score of 35-24. The San Diego Lightening Bolts were as far from victory on this night then I am from fitting in those 32" jeans balled up on my closet floor. Taking away a big pass play that happened before I blew the suds off of my first beer, and a meaningless 62 run after catch by Darren Sproles in the waning moments, everything sandwiched in between was complete Pittsburgh ass kicking.

Enough about the old...let's move forward and listen to what Coach Tomlin has to say about this week's matchup with the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Year End Awards

Happy New Year to all PF faithful readers. Let's hope that your day is filled with feasting, libations, and another PSU Jan 1 romp. For those that were befuddled at Pitt's lackluster outing last night, well, let's hope it was one of those "out with the old..." things.

Anyway, I'm well overdue for some partying of my own, so I want to get rolling on my first 2009 post. Today's article is the 2008 Year End Steeler Team Awards. Once again, I realize that opinions are like assholes, and everyone has one. Feel free to offer comments, but these awards are strictly my opinions, with careful consideration taken from the numerous knowledgeable voices around me.

TEAM MVP: This award has numerous candidates, but after eliminating Paul Ernster, Max Starks, and Limas Sweed, the field got a lot tighter. Ultimately, I'm a big #7 fan, as I've been since week #2 of 2004. His leadership and big game poise helped carry this team through that difficult stretch of the 2nd half of the season and now has it postured for a big January run. Moreover, Big Ben's presence regularly injects his team with the confidence that any comeback can happen at any moment, and as Mike Tomlin always says, this is a mental game. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can be taken away from the efforts of the great James Harrison. Lastly, lest we forget that this defense had it's epic season largely due to the rejuvenated health of Troy Polamalu. Hmmm...

WINNER: Roethlisberger/Harrison/Polamalu (co-winners)

BEST NEWCOMER: Take nothing away from the acquisition of Justin Hartwig, who was a major improvement over Sean "Open Door" Mahan, but this award is a clean sweep. The unflappable Mewelde Moore was the typical minor free agency acquisition that Kevin Colbert loves to execute, one designated as a depth move. Despite a very sluggish start, the ex-Viking amassed almost 1,000 of total offense, scored 6 touchdowns, and anchored the backfield when every other Pittsburgh running back, sans Franco Harris, was sipping cocktails in the trainer's whirlpool. The very fact that the team called Najeh Davenport back from his Chik-Fil-A fryer station - not once, not twice, but thrice, - should tell you just how desperate they were for a runner. Frankly, if Moore doesn't step up in October, this team very well may have a few less wins in the left hand column in January.

WINNER: Mewelde Moore
HONERABLE MENTION: Hartwig, Keyaron Fox

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Clearly there should be no mystery on this one. The presence of Ryan Clark this year was yet another major reason for the defensive stiffness. Speaking of stiffness, I'm sure a few Wes Welker types out there are still nursing stiff necks related to Clark's big frigging hits. Clark returned from the loss of a spleen only to install a toughness in the free safety position not seen since the likes of Donnie Shell. Along those lines, #43 doesn't get as many MVP votes without the savvy Clark watching his back. This award leads us to ask the ridiculous questions: so what exactly does a spleen do anyway?

WINNER: Ryan Clark

BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME, SPACE, AND MONEY (The Alonzo Jackson Award): Even a solid roster like the Steelers has it's fair share of clunkers. This particular squad has an oddly excessive number despite garnering 12 wins. To qualify for the Zo Jackson Biggest Waste Award, one must simply demonstrate that the team is spending way too much money for his meager contributions, and his useless presence only helps justify why beer costs $11 a cup in Heinz Field. (detect any bitterness?) Ok, here are my candidates: Jeremy Parquet for his whopping 7 total offensive plays all year; Max Starks for his $7 million worth of slightly below average blocking; Bruce Arians for replacing the full back with that three yards for a loss play that causes us all to experience piercing chest pains; Marvelous Marvel Smith and the only lower back that's more fucked up than Mario Lemieux's; Limas Sweed, yeah, he's a rookie, but come on, you can do a little more; Ernster, he didn't really cost much, but man was he terrible! How many 19 yard punts can one man deliver?; Willie Colon, yes a starter, and somewhat developing, but also the man that has yielded some huge sacks, and two COSTLY holdings that eliminated big Nate Washington touchdowns. (NOTE: if you held Washington in a fantasy league, and you wish to send Colon a "special" holiday gift, just email me for his home address...)

WINNER: Parquet
HONORABLE MENTION: Arians, Starks, Ernster

UNSUNG HERO AWARD: Formerly known as the Larry Foote Award, given to the player who consistently does his job, and does it well, enabling others around him to play the superstar role. This year, we had our fair share of candidates. After long thought, we cast our ballots towards Deshea Townsend, the guy who consistently plays a solid CB position while staying under the radar. One exception to Townsend's silent existence: his pick off return for a TD against Tony Romosexual and the Cowboys was clearly the biggest play of the year, thus far.

WINNER: Townsend
HONORABLE MENTION: Chris Hoke, Ike Taylor, Chris Keomatu, William Gay

A Baker's Dozen

Kudos to all the North Shore boys for notching win #12 as another NFL season draws to a close. Despite the ringing of Big Ben's bell, the team executed well in a 'meaningless' game, and now stride towards January on a high note.

Some quick hitters:

• Sadly, we will no longer be able to mock Romeo Crennel in his sub-Arctic parka. Farewell, Romeo, you leave Heinz Field for the last time knowing that you were truly a shitty coach.
• Game ball to FWP for cutting through another Cleve Brownie defense like a hot knife through MP's hair gel.
• A quick shout to J-Cerv, Houtzdale's greatest tailgater. Looking forward to seeing his bootleg # 43 jersey on Jan 11th.
• All apologies to Jets fans for inaccurately reporting that Brett Favre would end their season with a big January interception. It was actually a series of December interceptions. As Packers fans would say, karma can be a real bitch.
• Kudos to A Dawg, as he was voted PittsburghFan reader of the year. (the ticket scalping helped his cause.) Russ's ban is lifted.
• Another shout to J.D. McNugent, Lot Green 22's most incredible underage party dog.
• Bring on the Playoffs!!!

A Black and Gold Christmas

As we open our gifts, drink our egg nog, and endure our insufferable in-laws and extended families, our beloved Men of Steel gear up for the "meaningless" season finale. Although this should be a week of love, peace, happiness, and joy, I realize that a few of us towel twirlers have some residual saltiness towards all things black and gold after the Titan-ic debacle last Sunday.

I thought I'd focus this article on reminding us all of what a true gift this season has been (thus far), and what true blessings our teams have bestowed upon us (usually).

• By notching win # 11 in Baltimore, the Steelers have ensured themselves of their 5th division title in the last 8 years, and a record of 10-5-1 or better for an astonishing 9th time in the last 17 seasons.
• 10 wins or better in 11 of those same 17 seasons, 14 seasons .500 or better.
• 12 post season appearances during those 17 years.
• 6 AFC championship berths from 1992-2005, with this season as a potential 7th.

Although it seemed like a slight when the team only garnered three Pro Bowl nods, I think it speaks volumes of the depth of this roster. Nothing should underscore the stellar seasons of Harrison, Polamalu, and Farrior, but the subtitle on this story was "Depth". The continual yeoman effort of veterans Taylor, Smith, Hampton, Ward, Miller, Clark, and Keisel, the emergence of Woodley, and the development of Gay, Holmes, and Timmons are the stories behind the story. Maybe the true MVPs on this team are suit and tie guys Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan.

The Ben for MVP clamor by A Dawg and MP will unfortunately fall upon death ears,...but it carries serious credence. In short, the Rooney family gave His Largeness the keys to the city with a bag full of monopoly moolah, and he embraced his obligations the way a champion and a captain should. To play hurt (and win), behind an average line, with an underachieving corps of receivers, and a stable of runners that is anything but stable, tells you about the leadership and skills of #7 and the unity of his team behind him.

Last, and certainly not least, we must consider the impact of second year head coach, Michael Tomlin. Despite being the youngest head coach of any team found in the four major American sports leagues, Mr. Tomlin has displayed aged savvy while serving as the solidifying force worthy of comparisons to his great predecessors, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. Although Bernie Mac won't be bringing home a Coach of the Year trophy in February, he has now run his mark to 21-10 in regular season play, tops amongst active coaches. His efforts while skippering his vessel through choppy waters this year should not go unnoticed...but they will.

Perhaps I should have posted this article on Thanksgiving, as a composition of how much Steeler Nation should truly be thankful for. This weekend, a good fifteen or so NFL cities can worry about anything other than football, while another dozen cities can desperately cling to their mathematical chances. The Black and Golders are once again in that small fraternity of fans that can enjoy their holiday without any worries as they look ahead to January with high hopes. Thank you Santa for giving us such an incredible and durable present...The Pittsburgh Steelers.

New Poll

Good morning! Allow me to offer a quick apology for the lack of recent posts. In short, way too much focus on my company Christmas party. I will have a new post to cover the Titan-ic shipwreck later tonight.

I have added a new poll, and I want to congratulate you all for the correct voting in Poll #1. The Steelers have continued their AFC North dominance in 2008, as the team won it's fifth division title in eight years.

More from me later...

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.

The Immigrant Song

-this post is dedicated to my good friends Tony and A Dawg, two men who equate Zeppelin and Steeler dominance to life staples, such as oxygen and beer .

"...we come from the land of the ice and the snow..."

As a fan of an NFL franchise, life is fairly simple from September to January. The goals are clear and uncomplicated. The tangled web of life is circumvented every Sunday, as your focus and priorities are defined. You want your team to play well. By playing well, they win games. By winning enough games, they win their division. By winning even more game, they earn home field slots for the playoffs. So, as our beloved Black and Gold move towards yet another divisional title, and yet another home playoff berth, they do so while becoming one of the NFL's elite invasionary forces.



no caption necessary

The Steelers rolled their road record to a lofty 5-1 yesterday with the 33-10 pasting of the resident AFC boogeymen, the New England Patriots. Although the Minneapolis franchise wears the Viking horns, it's the vessel from the Allegheny that rows ashore, steals your possessions, burns your fields, and yes, has their way with your women without extending the courtesy of foreplay or even cuddling. While the Tennesee Titans wield the NFL's best road record, nobody comes a-marauding with more blatant defiance and irreverence than Mike Tomlin's battalion of bastard butchers.

When Bill Beli-cheat gazes into his crystal ball of illegal Sony video footage, he will see James Harrison's extended middle finger waving in his smug face. Last night's crushing was as big a win as any under Mike Tomlin, as the Steelers gather more confidence by slugging the biggest bully on the block right in his choppers. My brother Wayne would call this a Scott Farkus moment. (editor's note: Wayne has now seen "A Christmas Story" 389 times and shows no visible signs of slowing down any time soon.)

Farkus would later mentor Belichick on the art of being an asshole

The Steelers enter the final quarter of the regular season with a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, alone atop the AFC North, much like their circumstances from exactly one year ago. These would be the only similarities between the two teams. The 2007 Steelers entered the final quarter sliding faster than the value of your 401K, with critical injuries on both sides of the ball, a special teams best described as comical, and a rookie coach who was still learning on the job. The 2008 version is riding into the final turn with a stellar defense, a solid special teams, an offense that is slowly finding it's rhythm, and a coach that is gaining confidence and poise by the week. Most importantly, the team is finally finding it's swagger as it comes out of New England playing a complete game in all phases. This final quarter is going to show just how dominant this team could be.

Quick Hitters:

• The Large One was a few drops away from what could have been a big day statistically. The Nate Washington dropped TD was inexcusable.


• 11 years ago, Tony, his cousin Jake, and I discussed this young stud linebacker named Vrabel while watching a game against the Patriots. Oh, that young stud wore a black jersey that day.


• Game balls to Silver Back, Polamalu, Hampton, Ben, FWP/M. Moore, and of course, Mitch Berger for punting longer than 21 yards.


• Another shout to all Bethel Park grads, as their team prepares to now do battle with the Hoth Ice Raiders to decide the Inter Planetary Championships!