Biggest Surprises Robert Griffin III and the Redskins offense was deadly, especially with Pierre Garcon as the number one receiver. Garcon showed great speed and hands on a 88 yard TD reception in the first half. The Saints D has never been known for being stingy, but RG3 would have done that to anyone yesterday. Look for them to hang in the division race longer than most expected. The New York Jets surprised the Buffalo Bills yesterday. After the starting offense did not score a touchdown ... Read More
Steelers fall short in season opening loss to the Broncos
Week one has thus far been riddled with sub-par and inconsistent officiating, and tonight’s matchup against the Denver Broncos was no exception. However, the officials didn’t force quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to toss a mind-blowing, late-game interception that all but hammered the nail into the coffin for the Steel City. Between Big Ben’s errant fourth quarter pick, pitched neatly into the hands of Bronco cornerback Tracy Porter, and a pair of last minute Denver sacks ensured the Steelers’ ... Read More
Former Pitt Panther and native Baldwin is poised for breakout season
When the Kansas City Chiefs selected Pitt receiver Jonathan Baldwin with the 26th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, they were hoping he would quickly become a key part of their offense and a dangerous red zone weapon. Along with Dwayne Bowe, they hoped the two would form one of the top receiving tandems in football. Baldwin’s rookie season fell far short of these expectations, however. Baldwin didn’t exactly start out on the right foot with the Chiefs. A wrist injury resulting from a preseason ... Read More
Time for Big Ben; Offense to Lead the Charge
When people think of the elite quarterbacks in the league, they think of names like Rodgers, Brady, Brees and Stafford. They see 5000 yard seasons and 40+ touchdowns leading explosive offensives with impressive arm strength and pinpoint accuracy. What often gets overlooked is how poor their own defenses are in the rankings. What do Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford all have in common? Their team defenses are ranked 32nd, 31st, 24th, and 23rd in total defense, ... Read More
James Harrison listed as doubtful
Reluctantly, I am once again the bearer of bad news; according to cbssports.com, Pro-Bowl linebacker James Harrison is officially listed as a “game-time decision” come Sunday night’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Harrison has missed two practices already this week, and while the Steeler’s official categorization of his injury seems optimistic, it seems doubtful that Harrison will be prepared for Sunday night’s game after missing a practice so late in the week. The Steelers' LB has ... Read More
Pittsburgh vs. Denver – 7 reasons to go with the Broncos
It’s a gorgeous September Friday morning in the City of Champions with the buzz of a road opener putting a spring in the collective step of the “Steeler Nation”. Our beloved “Stillers” venture to Denver in an effort to get a little payback from that Tebow foolishness last January. Coach Lebeau, you are a great man, a great coach and a great Hall of Fame member, but you owe us one for calling all of the zero coverage that got us beat. (Sorry, I had to get that out) However, it is interesting ... Read More
Is Rashard Mendenhall on Track to Start vs. Broncos?
It wasn't too long ago that Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall was an afterthought for coach Mike Tomlin's plans for the first four or five games of the season. But remarkably that may not the be case as Mendenhall has been practicing with the Steelers' first team unit and according to several Steelers' players, including captain Brett Keisel, who told Jim Wexell of Scout.com, "He looked incredible." Linebacker Lawrence Timmons also chimed in on Mendenhall by saying “I ... Read More
Week one preview: Steelers at Broncos
If you feel as if the 2012-2013 NFL regular season has snuck up upon you faster than Troy Polamalu in hot pursuit, you are not alone. Here we, Steeler Nation, stand at the precipice of week one, going up face-to-face with none other than the very same team that ensured our untimely exit from the 2011-2012 playoffs; the Denver Broncos. And while the jerseys and the location remain the same as yesteryear, gone is one of the key public figures from the 2011 spotlight; Tim Tebow. Replacing him, ... Read More
NFL power rankings and predictions
Wow. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that Mario Manningham made the sideline grab to help the Giants defeat the Patriots for the Super Bowl. Now, in just two days, the NFL season officially kicks off when the aforementioned Giants will take on the Cowboys to kick off the season. How will your favorite team do? How will your favorites teams offseason moves or draft moves help your team? Here are my NFL power rankings and predictions for the upcoming NFL season. 1. ... Read More
Spence Becomes Second Rookie to Serious Knee Injury
A mere week into my new job as Steeler’s beat writer for Pittsburgh Sporting News, and here I am, writing a second piece detailing an injury to a Steeler rookie. Steeler nation grimaced a familiar scowl Thursday night as rookie linebacker Sean Spence’s knee all but pulled a 360 degree spin toward the end of the third quarter. Spence immediately fell to the turf and remained there while play was stopped and a team of trainers and concerned teammates flocked to his side. Spence was carted off ... Read More