Dan Gigler of the P-G put together this quaint mulitmedia report at yesterday's Steelers-Seahawks game... It is fun to watch some of the fans reminisce and predict 'r Stillers return to the big dance...
The good looking dude at approx. 3:36 into the video just happens to be Fred, my brother-in-law, extolling the mantra of every Steeler fan "the goal stays the same." Meaning, Steeler fanatics expect nothing less than a Super Bowl. Way to go Fred... the guy shoving the chunk of steak into his mouth and the brothers talking about "2nd mortgaging the house for Bob Eucker seats" are some of Fred's closest, lifelong friends. I'm glad Gigler gives them some exposure here. They are true black & gold Steelers fans, and the force behind some of the biggest and best organized Steeler and Pirate tailgate parties one will ever witness.
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Monday, October 8, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Random Notes
Steelers' injuries not as bad as thought (Troy expected to be back this week, but I sure hope they don't rush him!)
Santonio Holmes getting press to match his performance... Sign of good things to come?
Random thoughts over at SteelCityInsider.com ... sample: It's a little eerie how many connections this Cardinals team has to Pittsburgh. It's not just Whisenhunt and Grimm, or the Pittburgh players who followed them to Phoenix like Morey, Mike Barr, and Chukky Okobi. They've got Pittsburgh's best college player from the past several decades in Fitzgerald, and another prominent alumnus in Hayes. No wideout in the league plays so similar a game to Ward than his injured Arizona counterpart, Boldin, and as unique a player as is Polamalu, Adrian Wilson probably mimics his versatility as closely as any safety.
Santonio Holmes getting press to match his performance... Sign of good things to come?
Random thoughts over at SteelCityInsider.com ... sample: It's a little eerie how many connections this Cardinals team has to Pittsburgh. It's not just Whisenhunt and Grimm, or the Pittburgh players who followed them to Phoenix like Morey, Mike Barr, and Chukky Okobi. They've got Pittsburgh's best college player from the past several decades in Fitzgerald, and another prominent alumnus in Hayes. No wideout in the league plays so similar a game to Ward than his injured Arizona counterpart, Boldin, and as unique a player as is Polamalu, Adrian Wilson probably mimics his versatility as closely as any safety.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Whiz, Bang, Loss
Cards 21 - Stillers 14. But, hey, still in first place...
'R Stillers ran into a team of giant woodpeckers in the climate-controlled stadium in otherwise hot and dusty Glendale, AZ. Not to mention, running into their former O-Coordinator and O-line coaches who happen to be pretty good studies on the Steelers' run blocking schemes and pass blocking tendencies. Hell, who needs clandestine video when you know the playbook and the personnel as well as the coaches on the other side of the field calling the plays? (If not better? Bruce Arians' play-calling was questionable all game long... Whether Ben was checking out of plays or not, the Steelers looked too predictable and too cautious for much of the first 3 quarters.)
Not to mention, it seems like Big Ben let his ol' coach get into his head with some off-season comments (from both sides)? Who really knows? Ben? Man-up. Whiz helped you win a lot of games and a ring. Give him his due, and yours will come too.
Ben actually had one of his better pocket-passing games in recent memory. He stepped out of trouble several times, although he got caught way too often too... And then there was the unforgivable INT from the 2 after the Steelers had been given a gift of 1st and goal at the Cardinals 4. Surely, we all thought, Fast Willie would take it around a corner or find a crease and make a quick conversion? Not to be. Willie had one of his least memorable games and seemed to be running into a lot of backs (instead of holes) all day long.
Key injuries to key players also became a factor. With Hines Ward out, Ben was one tool short in this new-fangled ball control O. Then the D imploded. It was devastating to see DeShea leave the game with a nasty stinger... and watching Troy mysteriously standing on the sideline instead of wreaking his usual havoc was more than just unsettling - it was an eery reminder of how quickly a season can turn. Next, the loss of Casey Hampton then Chris Hoke, and, oh no. Still, the Steelers were able to keep it interesting.
All they had to do was keep the game close... No mistakes, keep grinding... Then Pittsburgh's own Steve Breaston worked his magic. Given a second chance after a booming Sepulveda punt was called back on pick-em dueling penalties, the former Woodland Hills H.S. (and U. of Michigan) star Breaston danced and sprinted 73 yards to stick a dagger in our hearts.
Ben led a pretty dramatic length-of-the-field scramble to cut the lead to one TD... But the onside kick attempt landed in Breaston's hands... Still, the D was able to force a punt and before we knew it, Ben was directing one more rushed foray. The inevitable INT ended the fun, and the Steelers absorbed their first loss of the new Coach Tomlin Era.
Losses are going to happen, I know. It just seemed like things were going so well. Next up is Seattle at home and then a possibly well timed Bye week... Polamalu's abdominal injury is the most disturbing... I expect him to sit this week if he isn't absolutely 100% ... those kind of injuries can linger if not handled properly, so give him some rest. With all of the carnage throughout the AFC North Division, the Steelers are definitely contenders, and Troy IS a difference maker.
A little bit of adversity is to be expected for any and every new coach. Losses are bound to happen. Now we start to find out more about the Tomlin regime. I, for one, still have high expectations and even higher hopes for the Steelers this season.
'R Stillers ran into a team of giant woodpeckers in the climate-controlled stadium in otherwise hot and dusty Glendale, AZ. Not to mention, running into their former O-Coordinator and O-line coaches who happen to be pretty good studies on the Steelers' run blocking schemes and pass blocking tendencies. Hell, who needs clandestine video when you know the playbook and the personnel as well as the coaches on the other side of the field calling the plays? (If not better? Bruce Arians' play-calling was questionable all game long... Whether Ben was checking out of plays or not, the Steelers looked too predictable and too cautious for much of the first 3 quarters.)
Not to mention, it seems like Big Ben let his ol' coach get into his head with some off-season comments (from both sides)? Who really knows? Ben? Man-up. Whiz helped you win a lot of games and a ring. Give him his due, and yours will come too.
Ben actually had one of his better pocket-passing games in recent memory. He stepped out of trouble several times, although he got caught way too often too... And then there was the unforgivable INT from the 2 after the Steelers had been given a gift of 1st and goal at the Cardinals 4. Surely, we all thought, Fast Willie would take it around a corner or find a crease and make a quick conversion? Not to be. Willie had one of his least memorable games and seemed to be running into a lot of backs (instead of holes) all day long.
Key injuries to key players also became a factor. With Hines Ward out, Ben was one tool short in this new-fangled ball control O. Then the D imploded. It was devastating to see DeShea leave the game with a nasty stinger... and watching Troy mysteriously standing on the sideline instead of wreaking his usual havoc was more than just unsettling - it was an eery reminder of how quickly a season can turn. Next, the loss of Casey Hampton then Chris Hoke, and, oh no. Still, the Steelers were able to keep it interesting.
All they had to do was keep the game close... No mistakes, keep grinding... Then Pittsburgh's own Steve Breaston worked his magic. Given a second chance after a booming Sepulveda punt was called back on pick-em dueling penalties, the former Woodland Hills H.S. (and U. of Michigan) star Breaston danced and sprinted 73 yards to stick a dagger in our hearts.
Ben led a pretty dramatic length-of-the-field scramble to cut the lead to one TD... But the onside kick attempt landed in Breaston's hands... Still, the D was able to force a punt and before we knew it, Ben was directing one more rushed foray. The inevitable INT ended the fun, and the Steelers absorbed their first loss of the new Coach Tomlin Era.
Losses are going to happen, I know. It just seemed like things were going so well. Next up is Seattle at home and then a possibly well timed Bye week... Polamalu's abdominal injury is the most disturbing... I expect him to sit this week if he isn't absolutely 100% ... those kind of injuries can linger if not handled properly, so give him some rest. With all of the carnage throughout the AFC North Division, the Steelers are definitely contenders, and Troy IS a difference maker.
A little bit of adversity is to be expected for any and every new coach. Losses are bound to happen. Now we start to find out more about the Tomlin regime. I, for one, still have high expectations and even higher hopes for the Steelers this season.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Troy Polamalu = A quiet throwback
If you haven't had a chance to read this at Yahoo! Sports, you should make the time... It shows a side of Troy we all know is there, but rarely get to see. Excellent article. Even better role model. Are there any other reasons why Troy is so beloved in Pittsburgh?
One reason why I hold the Super Bowl Steelers of the 70s in such high esteem is because the team was largely made up of quality individuals. Strong faith. Unmeasureable determination. Fearless teamwork in pursuit of a common goal. Troy is a throwback to that generation, and it is in the still waters of his quiet approach that we see the true strength of character that makes him one of the elite players of all time.
May your God bless you Troy, and your wife. (And your three English bulldogs!)
One reason why I hold the Super Bowl Steelers of the 70s in such high esteem is because the team was largely made up of quality individuals. Strong faith. Unmeasureable determination. Fearless teamwork in pursuit of a common goal. Troy is a throwback to that generation, and it is in the still waters of his quiet approach that we see the true strength of character that makes him one of the elite players of all time.
May your God bless you Troy, and your wife. (And your three English bulldogs!)
Monday, September 24, 2007
3-0... Feels so good, looks even better
37-16... and to tell the truth, not even that close.
Yes, the Niners had a few sustained drives, but the Steelers were in complete bend not break mode. Led by the combination of the powerful legs of Fast Willie, the sure hands of Heath Miller and the (perhaps too) careful guidance of Big Ben, the O did a great job playing ball control, efficient offense to rule the day. Throw in some excellent return work from Allen Rossum and a game-busting Defensive TD, and you spell success.
Maybe, just maybe, the team will start getting some national recognition? Oh wait, Green Bay is 3-0 too? OK, let them continue to spread the spotlight on the non-story of the year (Brett Favre) and the overblown media-made controversy that is Donovan McNabb in Philly... The Steelers will earn their due come the important Division games about a month away. And if not then, they will surely get plenty of exposure come playoffs, because this team is going there.
Ben has certainly exorcized the demons of last year's 8-8 disappointment. He is showing true leadership on the field, and while you can see he still thinks he can make a big play on every play, he is doing a great job of constraining that belief and keeping his cool.
The O-line played very well, especially in the running game... there were a few breakdowns in pass protection, but no glaring examples come to mind. The Niners show excellent team speed, and I think they will upset a few NFC teams along the way (if not Steeler divisional opponents?).
Perhaps the biggest stars of the game for the Steelers - well, McFadden's INT and 50-yard TD return was certainly a thing of beauty... but to me, it was the line domination of the unsung D-Line. Casey Hampton, Hoke, Smith, Eason... I remember seeing each of them busting up plays before they had a chance to launch.
This week brings a reunion with the Steelers' former O braintrust (Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and his Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm). I was pulling for either or both to take over the reins when Cowher decided to step down. I think the team might have responded to either or both in the same manner they are taking the lead of Coach Tomlin.
But you know what? I think the Rooney's made the best decision going with Tomlin (the unkown entity). And I think this week's match-up in the desert heat will show how cool Tomlin will remain as he leads this team into a new era of excellence.
Yes, the Niners had a few sustained drives, but the Steelers were in complete bend not break mode. Led by the combination of the powerful legs of Fast Willie, the sure hands of Heath Miller and the (perhaps too) careful guidance of Big Ben, the O did a great job playing ball control, efficient offense to rule the day. Throw in some excellent return work from Allen Rossum and a game-busting Defensive TD, and you spell success.
Maybe, just maybe, the team will start getting some national recognition? Oh wait, Green Bay is 3-0 too? OK, let them continue to spread the spotlight on the non-story of the year (Brett Favre) and the overblown media-made controversy that is Donovan McNabb in Philly... The Steelers will earn their due come the important Division games about a month away. And if not then, they will surely get plenty of exposure come playoffs, because this team is going there.
Ben has certainly exorcized the demons of last year's 8-8 disappointment. He is showing true leadership on the field, and while you can see he still thinks he can make a big play on every play, he is doing a great job of constraining that belief and keeping his cool.
The O-line played very well, especially in the running game... there were a few breakdowns in pass protection, but no glaring examples come to mind. The Niners show excellent team speed, and I think they will upset a few NFC teams along the way (if not Steeler divisional opponents?).
Perhaps the biggest stars of the game for the Steelers - well, McFadden's INT and 50-yard TD return was certainly a thing of beauty... but to me, it was the line domination of the unsung D-Line. Casey Hampton, Hoke, Smith, Eason... I remember seeing each of them busting up plays before they had a chance to launch.
This week brings a reunion with the Steelers' former O braintrust (Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and his Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm). I was pulling for either or both to take over the reins when Cowher decided to step down. I think the team might have responded to either or both in the same manner they are taking the lead of Coach Tomlin.
But you know what? I think the Rooney's made the best decision going with Tomlin (the unkown entity). And I think this week's match-up in the desert heat will show how cool Tomlin will remain as he leads this team into a new era of excellence.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
#500, 75 years in the making
26-3, good guys win again!
Whatever one thought about the throw-back uniforms (in my case, not much), the performance on the field was pretty enjoyable to watch. This team really does seem to be taking on the demeanor of Coach Tomlin, which is a very good thing. They seem driven, focused and very well prepared.
Fast Willie had 126 yards (3rd 100-yard game in a row going back to last year) with a nice 9-yard TD. Ben threw for 242 yards and a TD. The D had 4 sacks... about the only bad break was an injury to OLB James Harrison (shoulder), who actually returned to the field after being carted off thinking they would put him back in the game. Down boy, down... We have a couple hungry LBs who need some game experience, and Rookie phenom in the making LaMarr Woodley came through with one of the sacks... (There is no secret among my friends that I really wanted the Steelers to draft PSU stand-out and Hopewell native Paul Posluszny... Paul played well for the Bills, and I see a very bright future for the guy Jack Ham called "the best PSU LB of all-time.")
All in all, this was the team's 500th all-time victory... they are 500-479-20 all-time, and have become the fifth NFL franchise to reach that milestone... It only took 75 years to get there! That works out to a mere 6.67 wins per year... which reminds longtime fans of the many mediocre seasons before the 70s dynasty and the real fun began.
Now, let the good times continue -- but give us back our classic black & gold uni's, please?
Whatever one thought about the throw-back uniforms (in my case, not much), the performance on the field was pretty enjoyable to watch. This team really does seem to be taking on the demeanor of Coach Tomlin, which is a very good thing. They seem driven, focused and very well prepared.
Fast Willie had 126 yards (3rd 100-yard game in a row going back to last year) with a nice 9-yard TD. Ben threw for 242 yards and a TD. The D had 4 sacks... about the only bad break was an injury to OLB James Harrison (shoulder), who actually returned to the field after being carted off thinking they would put him back in the game. Down boy, down... We have a couple hungry LBs who need some game experience, and Rookie phenom in the making LaMarr Woodley came through with one of the sacks... (There is no secret among my friends that I really wanted the Steelers to draft PSU stand-out and Hopewell native Paul Posluszny... Paul played well for the Bills, and I see a very bright future for the guy Jack Ham called "the best PSU LB of all-time.")
All in all, this was the team's 500th all-time victory... they are 500-479-20 all-time, and have become the fifth NFL franchise to reach that milestone... It only took 75 years to get there! That works out to a mere 6.67 wins per year... which reminds longtime fans of the many mediocre seasons before the 70s dynasty and the real fun began.
Now, let the good times continue -- but give us back our classic black & gold uni's, please?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Steelers 16th in Value?
Forbes came out with its annual list of NFL team values and somehow came up with a estimated worth of $929,000,000 for 'r Stillers... er, uh, the Rooney's Steelers. That value places the franchise #16 of the 32 NFL cities. Dallas Cryboys jumped into first at a cool $1.5 bil.
The $929 mil shows a jump of $49 mil over last year's estimated $880 mil value... nice return on an 8-8 season if you ask me!
Pretty amazing... Looks like ol' Art's investment 75 years ago was well worth it in more ways than one can count.
Now, maybe the team can shake out a few more bucks to keep Faneca happy for the next 4 or 5 years?
The $929 mil shows a jump of $49 mil over last year's estimated $880 mil value... nice return on an 8-8 season if you ask me!
Pretty amazing... Looks like ol' Art's investment 75 years ago was well worth it in more ways than one can count.
Now, maybe the team can shake out a few more bucks to keep Faneca happy for the next 4 or 5 years?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Reasons to Hate Steeler Fans
I've been thinking about some of the nasty events I've witnessed in the parking lots around Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field through the years. I think it has something to do with the constant barrage of barbs spewed at local Steeler fans by ESPN-Pittsburgh radio bloviator Mark Madden, too. (I never liked Madden, never will, probably.) Anyway, it reminded me: Steeler fans really can be cruel, crude, lewd, rude, violent, overbearing, ignorant, mean and foolish.
I realize the same can be said for the core fans of every pro football team -- especially the sad folks in Cleveland and Cinncinnati. But I digress.
It's not that there aren't a bevy of knowledgeable and fun-loving fans, too. It's just, when I look back, I remember being embarrassed by things I've witnessed a hell of a lot more than proud of the "classiness" I've seen being shown by the fans here in my hometown. (What I've witnessed and experienced on the road is fodder for another post some day.)
What always comes to my mind first was the occasion when a Cleveland fan was accosted in the parking lots outside of 3RS before the final visit of the old-era Browns. It was already kind of sad for Brahwnie fans -- they knew they were about to lose their team to Baltimore. But what happened to that dude still makes me shiver.
It was a bitter cold morning, and one group of Stiller "fans" had a fire going in one of those big, heavy gauge oil barrels. You know the kind of visual movies use to portray street bums trying to stay warm against a biting freeze? That's the scene. Except these bums were all wearing black & gold, with many bearing bold numbers like "12," "58," "75" and "95" on their jerseys. Not unusual, right? Except it dawned on me even then that it had been nearly 20 years since those numbers represented any of the players actually playing the game that day. (Well, except for #95 -- Greg Lloyd's Llunatics were still in full force that day, if memory serves me correctly?)
Most of the gang seemed to be in their 20s or early 30s at most. So, they had probably not "lived" through the Super Bowls. They were the next generation, much like the team was generations apart from the teams with those names on their jerseys.
We had been observing the antics of this particular set of lunatic bums from across the way. Our tailgate set-up was separated by a cyclone fence and a well traveled artery that was used to usher buses and parking traffic to the sea of parking spaces that surrounded the old park. (Thank goodness most of those "convenient spaces" are now a thing of the past, although I do miss some of the great tailgating we used to do there.) We saw orange hats being snatched out of unsuspecting buses only to be fed to the fire. At another point, someone delivered a Browns banner that gave the feeling of a third-world flag-burning protest of an imperial invader when it was set ablaze and paraded about. Somehow, a Christmas tree with brown and orange garland even made it onto the pyre at one point.
We had arrived at about 9 am to tailgate before the 1 pm kickoff. We watched the shenanigans from a distance for a few hours. At first, it seemed like some good, rowdy fun was being had. Still, I remember asking about the lack of security, and the amazement with how it seemed to be truly unchecked rowdy behavior, when something really disgusting happened.
Along the thoroughfare came an unfortunate guy wearing an orange tossle cap and a genuine NFL Properties "Browns Edition" nylon winter bomber coat. I don't remember if he had a beer can in his hands, but I know that most of the rowdy group he was about to encounter had one in theirs. The guy was getting catcalls all along the way, and since he was walking with someone wearing black and waving a terrible towel, it seemed to be mostly good-natured invective being shared between rival fans.
Someone from our party yelled out that the guy better watch his hat. And wouldn't you know it, the thing was snatched from his head within nanoseconds. He tried to follow the perpetrator thinking it was just a little monkey-in-the-middle business. He stopped running when he saw his cap being fed to the fire amid a crazed throng of loonies. Too late to save that bit o' memorabilia. He -- and we -- didn't realize that he was also displaying something the unruly band o' thugs would demand. Something that would make things suddenly get uglier, and colder, for him and us witnesses as well. That's right, his official Browns pelt, er, jacket.
I'm not sure if there was anything the guy could've done to save his "skin" at that point... But actively arguing with the mob around the fire was not atop anyone's list of bright ideas. By now, the thugs were happily "sharing" cans of beer with the Brahwnie fan. And with every splash sent his way, the situation worsened. Finally, a big oaf in a black #95 shirt grabbed Brahwnie by his collar. In pure hockey fight fashion, he had the bottom pulled up over the flailing dude's head in a single jerk. The next jerk had the coat completely off just as quickly. Fun and games among rivals, right? Surely he'd hand him back the coat with a warning and a playful kick in the ass?
Umm. No.
As the towel-toting companion held his friend back from a possible ugly mob beating, his coat was fed to the flames. Nylon mostly melts. But it does burn, too. And it seems to do so quickly in a high flame.
Somehow, any joviality surrounding the pregame tailgating ritual melted away in those moments as well. Loud profanities were shared in all directions, including a few choice words for the thugs from appalled Steeler supporters. The line had been crossed.
Finally, other more peaceful (less drunk?) Steeler fans were moving toward the drunken thug fans with enough outrage to let the gang know they had gone too far. A few minutes later, a single cop showed up on a motorcycle, and then some other parking lot security guys appeared and they turned the barrel over and spread the embers and ashes with their feet to douse the flames. The #95 thug had long disappeared into the crowds heading into the stadium for the kickoff.
The Brahwnie fan was ushered in the direction of the stadium, too. Whether he actually went into the stadium that day, or to a police station, is something I do not know.
It sure was cold, even for those of us prepared for the weather. Colder still, I'm sure, when your coat has been ripped from your body in a noontime, open view mugging.
The Steelers won. But what I witnessed that day still gnaws at me whenever I revisit the scene in my mind's eye. There is a degree of guilt for not doing something -- anything -- about what I could tell was developing trouble. But it is more the rage I feel against such boorish behavior in the guise of being a "fan."
I don't think I'd sit back and watch the events transpire the way I did that day. At least, I hope I wouldn't. And I hope any true Steeler fan would do the right thing if such ugliness threatens to rear its head this or any season. Enjoy the game. Cheer for your team. May the better team win, and if the Steelers aren't the better team, let's hope they find a way to win anyways. There shouldn't be reasons to hate any team's fans.
I realize the same can be said for the core fans of every pro football team -- especially the sad folks in Cleveland and Cinncinnati. But I digress.
It's not that there aren't a bevy of knowledgeable and fun-loving fans, too. It's just, when I look back, I remember being embarrassed by things I've witnessed a hell of a lot more than proud of the "classiness" I've seen being shown by the fans here in my hometown. (What I've witnessed and experienced on the road is fodder for another post some day.)
What always comes to my mind first was the occasion when a Cleveland fan was accosted in the parking lots outside of 3RS before the final visit of the old-era Browns. It was already kind of sad for Brahwnie fans -- they knew they were about to lose their team to Baltimore. But what happened to that dude still makes me shiver.
It was a bitter cold morning, and one group of Stiller "fans" had a fire going in one of those big, heavy gauge oil barrels. You know the kind of visual movies use to portray street bums trying to stay warm against a biting freeze? That's the scene. Except these bums were all wearing black & gold, with many bearing bold numbers like "12," "58," "75" and "95" on their jerseys. Not unusual, right? Except it dawned on me even then that it had been nearly 20 years since those numbers represented any of the players actually playing the game that day. (Well, except for #95 -- Greg Lloyd's Llunatics were still in full force that day, if memory serves me correctly?)
Most of the gang seemed to be in their 20s or early 30s at most. So, they had probably not "lived" through the Super Bowls. They were the next generation, much like the team was generations apart from the teams with those names on their jerseys.
We had been observing the antics of this particular set of lunatic bums from across the way. Our tailgate set-up was separated by a cyclone fence and a well traveled artery that was used to usher buses and parking traffic to the sea of parking spaces that surrounded the old park. (Thank goodness most of those "convenient spaces" are now a thing of the past, although I do miss some of the great tailgating we used to do there.) We saw orange hats being snatched out of unsuspecting buses only to be fed to the fire. At another point, someone delivered a Browns banner that gave the feeling of a third-world flag-burning protest of an imperial invader when it was set ablaze and paraded about. Somehow, a Christmas tree with brown and orange garland even made it onto the pyre at one point.
We had arrived at about 9 am to tailgate before the 1 pm kickoff. We watched the shenanigans from a distance for a few hours. At first, it seemed like some good, rowdy fun was being had. Still, I remember asking about the lack of security, and the amazement with how it seemed to be truly unchecked rowdy behavior, when something really disgusting happened.
Along the thoroughfare came an unfortunate guy wearing an orange tossle cap and a genuine NFL Properties "Browns Edition" nylon winter bomber coat. I don't remember if he had a beer can in his hands, but I know that most of the rowdy group he was about to encounter had one in theirs. The guy was getting catcalls all along the way, and since he was walking with someone wearing black and waving a terrible towel, it seemed to be mostly good-natured invective being shared between rival fans.
Someone from our party yelled out that the guy better watch his hat. And wouldn't you know it, the thing was snatched from his head within nanoseconds. He tried to follow the perpetrator thinking it was just a little monkey-in-the-middle business. He stopped running when he saw his cap being fed to the fire amid a crazed throng of loonies. Too late to save that bit o' memorabilia. He -- and we -- didn't realize that he was also displaying something the unruly band o' thugs would demand. Something that would make things suddenly get uglier, and colder, for him and us witnesses as well. That's right, his official Browns pelt, er, jacket.
I'm not sure if there was anything the guy could've done to save his "skin" at that point... But actively arguing with the mob around the fire was not atop anyone's list of bright ideas. By now, the thugs were happily "sharing" cans of beer with the Brahwnie fan. And with every splash sent his way, the situation worsened. Finally, a big oaf in a black #95 shirt grabbed Brahwnie by his collar. In pure hockey fight fashion, he had the bottom pulled up over the flailing dude's head in a single jerk. The next jerk had the coat completely off just as quickly. Fun and games among rivals, right? Surely he'd hand him back the coat with a warning and a playful kick in the ass?
Umm. No.
As the towel-toting companion held his friend back from a possible ugly mob beating, his coat was fed to the flames. Nylon mostly melts. But it does burn, too. And it seems to do so quickly in a high flame.
Somehow, any joviality surrounding the pregame tailgating ritual melted away in those moments as well. Loud profanities were shared in all directions, including a few choice words for the thugs from appalled Steeler supporters. The line had been crossed.
Finally, other more peaceful (less drunk?) Steeler fans were moving toward the drunken thug fans with enough outrage to let the gang know they had gone too far. A few minutes later, a single cop showed up on a motorcycle, and then some other parking lot security guys appeared and they turned the barrel over and spread the embers and ashes with their feet to douse the flames. The #95 thug had long disappeared into the crowds heading into the stadium for the kickoff.
The Brahwnie fan was ushered in the direction of the stadium, too. Whether he actually went into the stadium that day, or to a police station, is something I do not know.
It sure was cold, even for those of us prepared for the weather. Colder still, I'm sure, when your coat has been ripped from your body in a noontime, open view mugging.
The Steelers won. But what I witnessed that day still gnaws at me whenever I revisit the scene in my mind's eye. There is a degree of guilt for not doing something -- anything -- about what I could tell was developing trouble. But it is more the rage I feel against such boorish behavior in the guise of being a "fan."
I don't think I'd sit back and watch the events transpire the way I did that day. At least, I hope I wouldn't. And I hope any true Steeler fan would do the right thing if such ugliness threatens to rear its head this or any season. Enjoy the game. Cheer for your team. May the better team win, and if the Steelers aren't the better team, let's hope they find a way to win anyways. There shouldn't be reasons to hate any team's fans.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Hard-Working Verron is Gone
The most interesting cut to me is the cutting of Verron Haynes, the 6-year veteran out of Georgia.
Haynes has gone from being a Pittsburgh Magazine "Most Eligible" Bachelor to a possible smart pick-up for any team seeking a hard-runner with explosiveness (but not breakaway speed).
Haynes was in a tough position, having been dropped in the off-season due to salary dealings. When he finally came to terms, his years of service paled against the youth and speed -- and especially, special teams skills -- of his primary competitors Carey Davis and Gary Russell.
Haynes was featured in the team's last preseason tussle, and while he showed good instincts and hard running, the young guns simply showed more value...
The Steelers also made a last-minute deal with the Falcons, offering a conditional 2008 draft pick for the services of Return Man extraordinaire Allen ROssum... the diminutive Rossum was ST player of the Year a few years ago... He was brought in to either replace the troubled Willie Reid, or to give the Steelers options in their punt return unit.
Haynes has gone from being a Pittsburgh Magazine "Most Eligible" Bachelor to a possible smart pick-up for any team seeking a hard-runner with explosiveness (but not breakaway speed).
Haynes was in a tough position, having been dropped in the off-season due to salary dealings. When he finally came to terms, his years of service paled against the youth and speed -- and especially, special teams skills -- of his primary competitors Carey Davis and Gary Russell.
Haynes was featured in the team's last preseason tussle, and while he showed good instincts and hard running, the young guns simply showed more value...
The Steelers also made a last-minute deal with the Falcons, offering a conditional 2008 draft pick for the services of Return Man extraordinaire Allen ROssum... the diminutive Rossum was ST player of the Year a few years ago... He was brought in to either replace the troubled Willie Reid, or to give the Steelers options in their punt return unit.
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