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.

I Believe Cowher, Do You? (& Does anyone care?)

Bill Cowher sounded pretty convincing to me when he said he has "no interest" in coaching again -- but especially next year -- in the NFL.

In the interviews I've seen, he tried his darndest to come across as sincere in his statements. On Jim Rome's show yesterday, he said there was no way he was going to walk out of his daughter's life again, especially when she will be in her senior year, to coach an NFL team. I believe him. But you know what, I don't care. Nor should you or any other Steeler fan.

He made his decision to exit the Steeler organization on his terms. They (the Rooneys) were satisfied and have moved on. He is satisfied -- and is taking piano lessons, no less -- and has moved on as well.

Whether Cowher is eventually wooed back, well, good luck. It is an enticing challenge, I'm sure, for someone as young and driven as ol' Chin appears to be. Hope he wins a few big games -- none against the Steelers, of course -- and hope he gets the compensation he desires.

The Cowher Era is over. Let the Tomlin Era begin!

The Mike Tomlin Era

September 9, 2007 kicks-off the official beginning of the Mike Tomlin era with the Steelers. Of course, we got a glimpse of the new head coach's style and temperament during the preseason -- and I for one have liked pretty much everything I've read and seen about the team's new leader.

Tomlin seems to be the kind of guy who will remain in control of his emotions, if not his entire staff and team, as the games proceed. DeShea Townsend remarked that Tomlin is a "cool cat," when the coach showed up wearing long sleeves and long pants for the first day of camp in Latrobe's overbearing late-Summer heat. And Tomlin's own comments about preparation and competence, and the remarks by Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney have hit home over the course of the four preseason skirmishes (I hate calling them games when they don't count!) conducted so far.

"For Pittsburgh's Tomlin, It's All About The Details," USA Today: With the Rooneys, it was all about competence; that Tomlin was then 34 didn't bother them.

"We don't have a prohibition against hiring young coaches," Rooney says. "Chuck Noll was 35, Bill was 34. Mike fell into the same age bracket they did. But that's not why you hire somebody, because they can relate to younger players. You hire them because they can do the job regardless of age."

Then Rooney adds, "If we didn't hire him this year, somebody else would soon."

Tomorrow (Thursday, 8/30) is the final preseason game. Coach Tomlin is telling everybody that the goal is to focus on this game, now, and then to turn their attention to the opener after this final exhibition is over. It's supposedly a new strategy, since Cowher in past years had used one practice per week to prepare for the opening game opponent. But if there were any team that was ready for a break from tradition and a fresh perspective on doing things, it just may be the newly mascoted (? is that a word?) Steelers.

Is it kick-off time in Cleveland yet? This fan is ready for the new era to begin.