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!)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Niners' Clements a Challenge for Ward
One interesting matchup to keep track of this Sunday is Niners' DB Nate Clements against Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and the WR gang... Clements is physical and makes the smart plays that can change games in a flash...
NFL.com holds a fan vote for player of the week. Clements was last week's winner.
I don't think Clements alone can make the difference, it just makes it more interesting to watch when you know the guy lining up opposite Hines likes to plays just as physical a game. Let's hope that Hines' smile rules the day.
NFL.com holds a fan vote for player of the week. Clements was last week's winner.
I don't think Clements alone can make the difference, it just makes it more interesting to watch when you know the guy lining up opposite Hines likes to plays just as physical a game. Let's hope that Hines' smile rules the day.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tomlin Era - Early Success = Old Questions
As fun as it has been to watch the first two games this year, it has been equally interesting to watch the developments off the field as the new Tomlin Era Steelers team approaches its third game...
The early success (face it, any time you start off 2-0 with a 60-10 scoring ratio, it is a successful start), has talk show hosts and beat reporters in a frenzy. Are the Steelers that good or have their first two opponents been that bad?
Today, I see shots being taken at former Coach Bill Cowher's over-dominating tactics vs. his conservative restraint. According to Ed Bouchette in today's P-G, Defensive Coordinator - the Wizard - Dick LeBeau has been unleashed to do what he wants with the D.
Personally, I haven't noticed much of a change in the Steeler D's approach... I have always expected to see them play aggressively, with Polamalu playing everywhere at the same time, and defensive ends dropping into coverage as Farrior or Foote roll into a blitz.
Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right. And, whomever you want to give the credit to - be it Tomlin, LeBeau or the players - please go ahead and do so... The true differences between Cowher and Tomlin will play out over time. I think this team was prime for the kind of level-headed change Tomlin seems to be bringing... the core of the team is still the guys who reached the pinnacle. They expect to be there (deep into the playoffs) if they execute the game plan prepared by the coaches week in and week out. I guess I expect the same!
The early success (face it, any time you start off 2-0 with a 60-10 scoring ratio, it is a successful start), has talk show hosts and beat reporters in a frenzy. Are the Steelers that good or have their first two opponents been that bad?
Today, I see shots being taken at former Coach Bill Cowher's over-dominating tactics vs. his conservative restraint. According to Ed Bouchette in today's P-G, Defensive Coordinator - the Wizard - Dick LeBeau has been unleashed to do what he wants with the D.
"Players and coaches, on and off the record, say LeBeau has the freedom to call
what he wants, when he wants under Tomlin, a freedom he did not previously have under Cowher."
Personally, I haven't noticed much of a change in the Steeler D's approach... I have always expected to see them play aggressively, with Polamalu playing everywhere at the same time, and defensive ends dropping into coverage as Farrior or Foote roll into a blitz.
Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right. And, whomever you want to give the credit to - be it Tomlin, LeBeau or the players - please go ahead and do so... The true differences between Cowher and Tomlin will play out over time. I think this team was prime for the kind of level-headed change Tomlin seems to be bringing... the core of the team is still the guys who reached the pinnacle. They expect to be there (deep into the playoffs) if they execute the game plan prepared by the coaches week in and week out. I guess I expect the same!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Belichek: Cheater or just evil genius?
Without a doubt, Bill Belichick is a good football coach. Great even. But he will now and forever be known as a cheater. Bring on the asterisks, some are saying.
Jimmy Johnson pretty much indicted himself today, too, trying to defend his colleague, which actually did worse to save face for the genius than anything else I observed.
At first glance, the $500 K + $250 K plus the loss of draft pick(s) in 2008 penalties seemed to be a pretty fair response from the NFL... Now, after a weekend watching the games, and listening to the players and broadcasters, I don't think it went far enough and I think Roger Goodell needs to look further into the evidence and the history.
As I type this, the Pats are leading the Chargers 24-zip... They seem to be dominating all facets of the game, and the addition of Randy Moss gives Brady a weapon like he has never had before. The team has always seemed to be the 'thing' in New England, which was an enviable position, even for a Steeler fan.
But from now on, I will always question how good those second half adjustments and on field check-offs by Brady really were over the past years... One reporter today (I haven't located a link yet. when/if I do, I'll post it here) said that Belicheat has a library of tapes of opposing defensive coaches on the sideline, and that the matter is NOT closed as far as the NFL is concerned. For the good of the game, I hope so.
Jimmy Johnson pretty much indicted himself today, too, trying to defend his colleague, which actually did worse to save face for the genius than anything else I observed.
At first glance, the $500 K + $250 K plus the loss of draft pick(s) in 2008 penalties seemed to be a pretty fair response from the NFL... Now, after a weekend watching the games, and listening to the players and broadcasters, I don't think it went far enough and I think Roger Goodell needs to look further into the evidence and the history.
As I type this, the Pats are leading the Chargers 24-zip... They seem to be dominating all facets of the game, and the addition of Randy Moss gives Brady a weapon like he has never had before. The team has always seemed to be the 'thing' in New England, which was an enviable position, even for a Steeler fan.
But from now on, I will always question how good those second half adjustments and on field check-offs by Brady really were over the past years... One reporter today (I haven't located a link yet. when/if I do, I'll post it here) said that Belicheat has a library of tapes of opposing defensive coaches on the sideline, and that the matter is NOT closed as far as the NFL is concerned. For the good of the game, I hope so.
#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?
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