Though much of the talk related to the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation has understandably revolved around Ben Roethlisberger and his upcoming contract extension, there are other questions the Steelers will have to answer as their offseason begins. One of the biggest is determining what to do in terms of not only the backup situation, but finding a young quarterback to groom for the future. These will be tough questions for the cash-strapped Steelers. Heading into the offseason, ... Read More
Can Brad Wing handle punting duties for Steelers?
Among the myriad of questions the Steelers face in the wake of their playoff exit at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, there's one question that might not get a lot of attention, but will be key as the Steelers make an array of off-season decisions; Can the Steelers rely on Brad Wing to be their punter in 2015? When training camp began this past July, the hope was that Wing, an Australian punter who starred at LSU, would compete with veteran Adam Podlesh for the job. That plan did not ... Read More
Pitt the bed: There’s silver lining in bowl collapse
With the Pitt Panthers holding a commanding 31-6 fourth-quarter lead in the Armed Forces Bowl against the Houston Cougars, incoming head coach Pat Narduzzi certainly had to be pleased with what he saw from the team he was set to take over. After all, the Panthers had charged out to that seemingly insurmountable lead by dominating the Cougars for three quarters, and looked assured of a win that would not only give the Panthers their second consecutive bowl win, but positive momentum to start ... Read More
Getting to the quarterback will be key to Steelers-Ravens grudge match
Heading into Saturday night's playoff contest, it would be easy to look at a number of factors that will determine the outcome in the latest edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens playoff grudge match. Much of the talk has understandably revolved around the availability of Le'Veon Bell, who is nursing a knee injury that is likely to keep him from playing Saturday night. After all, we are talking about an All-Pro running back and Steelers’ MVP, and it's fair to assume that Josh ... Read More
Are Steelers better without Taylor and Polamalu?
When the Steelers defensive starters were introduced last night in the electric playoff-like atmosphere of Heinz Field, it was hard not to notice two names missing as the starters were announced. After a decade of getting used to, and maybe a little spoiled by hearing the names of Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu in big time games like the one last night against the Bengals, nagging injuries kept both on the sidelines. For Taylor, it's been a career with little fanfare or recognition beyond ... Read More
Don’t blame Reggie Nelson for Bell injury
Don't blame Reggie Nelson for the injury to Le'Veon Bell. Though it would be easy to do, and when you look at the low hit on arguably the best running back in the NFL, it gets even easier. After all, the third quarter hit to Bell's knee by the Bengals safety left Bell limping off the field with a hyperextension, and the injury has Bell's status for the Steelers playoff contest against the Baltimore Ravens very much in doubt. Beyond the fact that Bell has been dominant in 2014, and is even ... Read More
Steelers look to extend Chiefs WR futility streak
The Kansas City Chiefs come to Heinz Field Sunday in a match up with serious playoff implications. By now, you probably know a Pittsburgh Steelers victory will ensure their first trip to the postseason in three seasons and put them in position for a winner take all divisional showdown next weekend at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs on the other hand, face a must-win scenario, as a loss would almost certainly eliminate them from the crazy AFC Wild Card race. If the Chiefs are ... Read More
NHL must consider unprecedented response to Mumps outbreak
The NHL has an unprecedented problem, and it needs to be dealt with in an unprecedented way. It's not fighting, it's not concussions, and it has nothing to do with protecting star players; allowing them to thrive with stricter enforcement of the rules. This is about protecting the NHL from the Mumps, a contagious disease that is spreading like wildfire in locker rooms from coast to coast. The disease, which symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain and swelling of the salivary ... Read More
Steelers “power trio” of Roethlisberger, Brown, and Bell are making NFL history
When you consider the incredible performances this season of the Pittsburgh Steelers trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le'Veon Bell, it's simply impossible to argue there is a better combination of quarterback, wide receiver, and running back in the NFL today. In fact, when you consider the seasons each player is having in 2014, it's hard to come up with many combinations that have been better in NFL history. Don't get me wrong, there's been some great trios over the years, ... Read More
Julian Howsare ready for NFL opportunity after career at Clarion
When you consider the path many players take to get to the NFL, it often follows a similar course. Normally this starts at the prep level, where the player gets labeled a "can't miss" prospect. The number of "stars" beside their names from the most reputable recruiting services then validates these players and guarantees they will be courted by the top programs in the nation. Scholarship offers flow in, sometimes before the player has even played a snap at the high school level. These ... Read More