Do any of y'all longtime readers remember when I held a Pick 'Em Challenge and tallied the results each week by hand? Haha. That was ok back then, but I'm hoping enough people get involved in this contest that the mere thought of tracking it myself would make me cringe. BTSC is partnering with Fun Office Pools to see which BTSC reader is the best (and luckiest) at handicapping games.

League Details: Go to the league's sign up page here. You will need to register for an account. It is of course free, and like BTSC, only takes a second to do. There is NO password required to join the league.

Picks: I haven't spent enough time looking at this to see how the scoring works, but I can say for sure that Fun Office Pools rewards underdog picks more heavily than picking the Pats to beat the Jets, or the Steelers over the Browns. So, there will be more strategy involved than in your typical straight pick the winners type of league. That's a good thing.

Prizes:  The overall winnner of the BTSC Pick 'Em Challnege will receive $50 cash, from yours truly. Because my money's on the line, you better believe I'm playing. Punks. Just kidding. About you being punks. Certainly not kidding about me defending my coin.

Also, there will be 4-6 random weeks (not sure just yet) where the weekly winner receives a prize. I'm not sure yet what the prizes will be, but something like a copy of Jim Wexell's new book, an Amazon gift certificate, or, perhaps even a BTSC T-Shirt, if we ever get around to finding a designer amongst our ranks and getting some made. Hint hint. If you want to work with me on designing a BTSC shirt, email me at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com

So, for those of you who entered your name in the hat of the fantasy football league, but didn't get selected, this is your chance to participate in some fun, friendly, and FREE action. I don't know what it's like to go into something knowing that you're playing for second, but please report back to me and fill me in :) Hey, there's the occassional weekly prizes, no?

Hehe, let's go.

Ok guys and gals, we're getting closer and closer to Opening Day 2008 in the NFL. Last year, it took us until Week 16 against the Rams to implement our own 'Adopt-A-Steeler' idea. This year, let's have things rolling by Week 1.

So, even though we're not quite sure who will occupy the last slots in the 53-man roster when it's trimmed this coming Saturday, I think we should 'adopt' our players right now. If you select Tyrone Carter and he's cut, that'd be too bad. Depending on the participation levels (last year, we didn't 'adopt' every last player, there just werent the same number of readers), you may want to hold off on selecting some of the fringe guys. That said, if there's a youngster you think highly of - say Darnell Stapleton or Roy Lewis - that you think will make the team and have an unexpected impact, by all means 'adopt' him. It will make you look that much more smart.

So, what does 'adopting' a Steelers player entail? No, no diapers, and no endless beurocratic hurdles to clear. You simply select a player in the comments section of this thread. Quick note: PLEASE check the comments section to see who's been selected, so that we avoid any confusion. At the end of the day, or after a couple of days, I will post a complete list with readers and their assigned adopted player.

What's the point of this you may be asking? Well, for one, it's fun for us all to take ownership in the site. We all have good insights, observations, opinions. Why not give us all a chance to share them with the group in an organized way?

But, perhaps more importantly, this will allow us to get a better feel for how each player is doing each week. Unless you have the time to re-watch the games two or three times, it's impossible to keep your eye on how Kendall Simmons looks when Big Ben is set to throw a deep bomb to Santonio Holmes. And even if your eye is on Simmons, it's then missing what Justin Hartwig is doing.

So, each week, I will ask us all to report on our 'adopted' players. In addition to providing the basics, my hope is that you really try to hone in on your guy  as much as possible. Now I don't expect you to compromise your football viewing experience with a pen and paper and a dilligent eye on your guy the entire game, but if possible, try to give us something that we couldn't find out in the box score, or something that wouldn't neecssarily be picked up by a fan casually watching the game. For those of you with DVR or TiVo, utilize it. Rewind and fast forward to see how your 'adopted' player is doing. If you don't have DVR, it may be wise/helpful to jot a few things down as you enjoy the games. Again, this won't/shouldn't intrude on your enjoyment of the games, but if you'd like to participate, please only do so if you can commit to doing it the whole season.

There's a Steeler player who needs a new home and some TLC.  Make your selections in the comment thread.

UPDATE: Couple quick things. First, this is going to be fun. Be a part of it. Secondly, be sure to pick just one player for the time being. If very few of y'all are interested, than those that are can take more than one. But, for now, let's leave it to one per person at least for a day or so. Finally, as much as I love the politeness of you guys when you say things like, 'If nobody objects, I'll take ____.'  If you want a particular player and he's not yet been snagged, 'adopt' him and don't think twice about it. Again, I appreciate the demonstrative desire amongst us to not step on each other's toes. I really do. But if you want someone, snag him. The only way we should feel bad about selecting a player is if we know deep down that we're not really going to follow through and follow said player throughout the year. Of course we all might miss a few games, but you know what I'm saying. If you are committed, don't feel bad or think twice!

Of all the projections that we've done and will continue to do before the opener in two Sundays, none are, or will be, as intriguing as the ones for Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. Let's start with Willie Parker, the incumbent starter.

Ever since we received confirmation this preseason that Parker's leg was healed, there has been very little conversation about our RB who was in contention last year for a rushing title.  Part of that is our understandable excitement to see our new rookies Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed. It's also partly because we were so consumed with the offensive line situation this offseason. Not that any of that really matters, but I would actually guess that Parker is more than happy flying under the radar. He's done it his whole career, and risen up every time to force people to notice.

This past Saturday, Parker again demonstrated his difficulties running against superior rush defenses. He was limited to just 18 yards on 10 carries. Fortunately, our offense is so versatile that we'll no longer need to pound the ball with Parker futilely, which, if nothing else, might keep him fresh deep into the season.

The real question though, is how Coach Tomlin and Coach Arians plan on dividing up the carries between him and Mendenhall. Will there be some sort of quota that they try to fill for both backs each game? Or will they wait to see who's feeling it and running well that week and adjust the game plan accordingly. I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.

One thing we can do that might be useful is to see how some other teams have managed the dual RB situation. Of course we all know that most teams have adopted this philosophy in recent years, so I thought about which tandem might be somewhat congrous to our situation. I ultimately decided the Jaguars were a worthwhile comparison.

In 2007, Maurice Jones Drew had 167 carries, while Fred Taylor had 223.  Combined, they accumulated 1790 yards (1202 for Taylor).  I think we might see a very similar split between Parker and Mendenhall, with FWP receiving the larger share, and Mendy perhaps getting a few extra touches in the passing and return game. If I had to guess though, I think Parker

2007 stats: 321 carries, 1316 yards, 4.1 avg., 2 TDs, 4 Fumbles

2008 Projection:  234 carries, 985 yards, 4.4 avg.,  5 TDs

What do you think?

How about some reading material to start your Monday?

* Starting on a light hearted note: Cotter, from One For The Other Thumb, has mapped out our season in the way he knows best - with some humor and Photoshop. Check out the comical breakdown in Parts 1 and Parts 2.

* Gotta have it. Have what? Aaron Smith playing at a high level if we want to accomplish our goals in 2008.  Saturday night sure was a positive indication that Aaron Smith is healthy and ready to go in 2008. The article is not amazingly interesting, but there is a quote from Chris Hoke that made me pause and think:

"He's the guy that gets us all fired up," nose tackle Chris Hoke said when asked about Smith's five-tackle, one-sack performance in the first half. "He's the leader of our defensive line."

Interesting. I know that Hines is probably our unquestioned overall leader, and that Big Ben is coming into his own as a leader on and off the field. But, I was wondering who exactly assumed some of the leadership responsibilities on the defensive end? Makes sense I suppose that Aaron Smith factors in. All he does is show up to work, perform, and quietly watch the bulk of the credit go to someone other than him.

* Dale Lolley makes an interesting observation in his most recent blog post. He touches on the absence of several players from action on Saturday night. In his mind, that signals the end of the road for them here in the Steel City. Dough Legursky and Ryan McBean are included in the list. Check it out.

* The lack of an Open Thread for Saturday's game was an indication of my absence this weekend. Consequently, I'm not going to pretend to do a meaninful recap.  Thankfully, maryrose did just that in the post found below this one. Although some of you addressed the subject in the comments section, I don't feel like I have a complete grasp on Mendenhall's two fumbles. The situations? Whether or not the Vikings' forced said fumbles, etc. Between him running a touch upright and the fumbling issues, there's plenty to be concerned about, despite his flashes of occasional brillaince and work-horse like qualities this preseason.

* I can't say I agree with maryrose about Byron Leftwich. I know, I know. Byron Leftwich is a QB who has led a team to the playoffs, has seen just about every defensive wrinkle out there, etc.  But, did you know Byron Leftwich is 1-6 in his last 7 starts? Yikes. He's also never thrown more than 15 TD passes in a seaon, despite have started 15, 13, and 11 games in 2003-2005 respectively. I just don't quite get it. He's not a 'winner' really in any sense of the word. And yes, his arm strength is a thing of beauty, but the last time I checked, the top 3 QBs in the league imo (Manning, Brady, Brees) mostly make their living with accuracy and touch. I feel Leftiwch too often throws the 2-seam fastball when he needs to throw the offspeed stuff. Furthermore, I suppose I am having a hard time getting used to the notion of us hitching our wagons to the former Jaguars' starting QB. Hopeffuly, it's all irrelevant, and Big Ben will play a complete season. Well, at least 15 games, minus Week 17 when we rest against the Browns with the divison in hand :)

* Your random Monday reading material: the rise of the infectious superbug. Totally random, I know. But, if you have a few minutes, check it out. A great read and frankly, very scary stuff. To keep it NFL relevant...remember this story about the St. Louis Rams a few years ago? They haven't been the last team either to deal with such an issue. Lesson: don't take antiobiotics unless you need to. And definitely don't give them to kids unless you have to.

* Oh, be sure to catch TheMostViolentTeam's second installment on How the Steelers Defense Works. His latest entry covers the play of the linebackers. If you missed the first one about the secondary, you can find it here. 

It's a possibility. At least so says Micah Rucker. Or maybe that's just Rucker's wishful thinking, knowing that if only five receivers are kept, then he's probably relegated to the practice squad.

“They may keep anywhere from six to seven (receivers),” Rucker said. “I believe I’m in that six or seven. They may look at me as a developmental (squad) guy. That’s all right with me as long as I can keep working and learning.”

I agree with you Micah. You are in the top six or seven of our corps. What I'm a little less sure of is the assertion that the team might have six or seven wide receivers active during any given week. MAYBE six if Eddie Drummond just seems so absoultely invaluable as a return man that the team has to keep him on board. But that's not overly likely either, no?

Anyway, I mentioned in my latest 53-man roster prognosis that I thought Rucker probably missed his chance to secure the inside track over Dallas Baker for a roster spot. Two missed opportunities in the clutch to make plays. Tough tough plays, but plays that guys on the fringe need to make. 

Not necessarily though. Despite missing a few chances and regressing a touch since the middle of the offseason, Rucker leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that he's at least willing to work hard and compete. There's no doubt he at least has the fighter's spirit and panache you want to see out of players. He seems in the moment on the field, he will mouth off a bit when lost in the heat of the battle (as evidenced by his questioning of the sideline ref's call that he bobbled the ball during a crucial play in the Steelers final drive with less than two minutes), and perhaps most importantly, he has the physical attributes that make scouts and general managers wet their pants. Ok fine, maybe they don't wet their pants, but it at least sends them into a fantasy land where 60 inch flat panel TVs are on a conitnuous loop of impressive displays of measurables sans football pads.

Granted, Rucker's measurables aren't elite across the board. He's definitely not the fastest cat out there. Not by a longshot. His 40 times prior to the draft were fairly unimpressive. But from what I can surmise based on the limited action I've seen from him, he has little trouble creating necessary space from his man. What he may lack in sheer speed, it seems he makes up in long, long strides and surprisingly decent routes for a rookie out of Eastern Illinois.

As I mentioned in my most recent 53-man roster prognostication, I thought Rucker lost any shot he had at getting an upper hand over Dallas Baker for one of the coveted final roster spots that us fans can presume is still up for grabs. He didn't bomb or anything. In fact, he played fine and I was kind of impressed by him, despite his inability to make the clutch play down the stretch.  Dixon was looking his way because he got open. Unfortunately for Rucker, both his bobble on the sideline, and his inability to snag the Hail Mary as time expired, were plays that could have been made. Yes, they were tough. But, they're the types of plays that unheralded prospects need to make if they're to stick with a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Anyway, this post was not meant to be an indictment of Micah Rucker. Instead, it was more geared towards the initial quote I included about the possibility of the Steelers carrying 6 of 7 WRs.

Is this wishful thinking on Rucker's part? Or is it not out of the realm of possibility that the team keeps more than 5 WRs active, knowing that Eddie Drummond is likely to contribute little in the pass receiving department? And what the hey, if you have any thoughts about Rucker, now may be the best time to air them. I, for one, am hoping he might make it. But the odds aren't looking good at the moment, and frankly, time may be running out for him and other guys on the outside looking in.

Thoughts?

It's been awhile since we took a stab at the Stelers 53 man roster heading into the 2008 season. You can see our first installment, as well as the second and the third, to see what has changed since the middle of the summer.

OFFENSE:

Quarterbacks (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon

Running Backs (5): Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Gary Russell, Carey Davis

Wide Receivers (5): Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed, Nate Wasington, Eddie Drummond

Tight Ends (3): Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Lee Vickers

Offensive Linemen (9): Marvel Smith, Kendall Simmons, Justin Hartwig, Chris Kemoeatu, Willie Colon, Max Starks, Darnell Stapleton, Trai Essex, Sean Mahan

DEFENSE:

Defensive Linemen (7): Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Orpheus Roye, Chris Hoke, Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason

Linebackers (8): James Harrison, Larry Foote, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Bruce Davis

Defensive Backs (10): Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, DeShea Townsend, William Gay, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Ryan Mundy, Anthony Smith, Tyrone Carter, Roy Lewis

Specialists (3): Greg Warren, Jeff Reed, Mitch Berger

Say Hello To:

Eddie Drummond - Has looked pretty good so far. Not sure I really like the acquisition, as he isn't much of a WR threat. But unless we want to roll the dice with Mendenhall's health by having him return kicks, we'll need a return guy back there, and Drummond's skills would make him more valuable than Dallas Baker, I believe.

Nick Eason - I'd guess that Eason and McBean are vying for one of the final roster spots. I'll give Eason the nod for now, though McBean could certainly overtake him with a nice couple weeks here.

Roy Lewis- Made the most of his opportunities so far, looking solid at both the CB and Safety position.

Orpheus Roye - Will make this team if he stays injury free. We need beef to spell Hampton at times. Hoke's solid, but an extra set of legs will help at some point this season. Trust me.

Trai Essex - With Jason Capizzi injured and Tony Hills looking confused and overmatched out there at this point in his career, Essex will make this team. He may not be a world beater, but he's done his job when called upon, including in last year's playoffs against Jacksonville, when he more than held his own.

Sean Mahan - Mahan is making this team. Last year was last year. Let's hope.

Lee Vickers - It really shouldnt take much for someone to beat out the duo of Jonathan Dekker and Cody Boyd. Vickers is an impressive physical specimen that the Steelers might be interested in hanging out to, just in case.

Byron Leftwich - Leftwich is on the team for now, but I wouldn't expect him to be a Steeler for more than a few months, if that. I always liked watching him sling the ball, but I really, REALLY do not want our prospects too closely tied to him this year. Even if he did throw a ball 80 yards in the air to Nate Washington for a TD the other day.

Say Goodbye To:

Dallas Baker - As I mentioned in the blurb about Drummond, Baker may just be unlucky that we don't have a DB on our roster who's adept at returning kicks. If we did, Drummond wouldn't have been brought in, and Baker probably would have snagged that relatively meaningless 5th WR spot. Because Baker can't return kicks or punts, he's the odd man out. That's unfortunate for him, because he has done everything he's supposed to have done this offseason. It's just tough to survive in the National Football League.

Tony Hills - I think he can still make this team, but he better get his act together quickly. Just about every report recounts his enormous struggles thus far.

Mike Humpal - Tough break for the kid. He's not healthy, and 5th round rookie LBs simply have to be out there learning and impressing if theyre going to make the squad their first year.

Jonathan Dekker - Could still very well be our 3rd TE. As could Boyd for that matter though.

Charlie Batch -  Get well Charlie. See you soon out there.

Kyle Clement - Injured, then cut.  I wouldn't bet on him not making a professional team in the future just yet. He's a raw talent with plenty of future left ahead of him if he works hard and catches some breaks health wise.

Jason Capizzi - More misfortune for Capizzi. I'm still pulling for him in the future, but it's not looking good for the kid.

Ryan McBean - Could still make this team. We know what we get from Eason -nothing much meaningful, so the job's there for the taking if Ryan can play consistent, athletic football for the next two weeks. 

Travis Williams - Lewis's potential versatility to play both CB and safety is too valuable. With Polamalu's recent injury problems, Ryan Clark's missing spleen, and An Smith and Tyrone Carter's sometimes erratic play, Lewis could be an emergency option at safety. That means no room for T Williams. I think he'll be on our practice squad though. He's had a nice camp and preseason. The roster configuration just doesn't bode well for him this year. Maybe next when B-Mac walks and Townsend gets even one more year older.

Last Three Out:

Ryan McBean, Travis Williams, Tony Hills 

For those of you who have read my writing for 6 months, a year, two years, or even two and a half years in some cases, you know that I tend to shy away from A) discussing other teams incessantly B) making bold predictions about outcomes and C) spending too much time on 'moral' issues, unless they pertain to Art or Dan Rooney and the incredibly high bar they've set when it comes to class, dignity, and doing things the right way in the National Football League.

But, I just can't help. The Browns Monday Night Football Game, while sure, still inconsequential, provided all the right ingredients for what I've been talking about as a potential calamity for the Browns come the regular season. And in the case of the Bengals, well, in case you hadn't already heard, they re-signed Chris Henry! Yes, the guy who was suspended 8 games last year, got in trouble once again this past April, and will find himself suspended again for 4 games to start the 2008 season. This, of course, comes after Marvin Lewis wagged his finger and said that Henry would be nothing more than a headache to a team that's trying to become more cohesive, more consistent, and more importantly, more competitive year in and year out in the AFC North.

Let's start with the Bengals, though I basically summed it all up in the preceeding paragraph. But let's at least rehash what Marvin Lewis had to say late in July about Chris Henry:

"I'm not interested," Lewis told reporters Tuesday, before the team's annual preseason luncheon. "I don't think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there's responsibilities to being an NFL player. It's a privilege, it's not a right. There's a lot that comes with being an NFL football player."

Really Marvin? Because last time I checked, theBengals recently acquired Henry, despite the fact that'd he miss the first quarter of the season serving a 4-game suspension, handed down by the NFL for violating the Leagu'es 'Conduct' Policy.

Anyway, not surprisingly, as you can see in the link above, Bengals fans are disappointed in the move. It signals to them, or at least so it seems to me upon first cursory glance at their reaction, that there's no hope. The Bengals are, and will continue to be, dysfunctional. That's too bad considering that Carson Palmer, TJ Houshmanzadeh, and a few others are truly unique talents, and actually fairly good consistent competitors and team players.

But they can't pull it all together, and I see no reason why anybody would fear that Cincinatti wins more than 8 games. At the first sight of adversitity. Ocho Cinco et. al will mouth off and that will be that. Unless they come out of the right side of the close games theyre' in, things are going to unravel quickly, and I can't see any way that the Marvin Lewis regime does not come to a close after 2008 if they in fact finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.

As for the Browns? Well, I don't want to recap what happened on Monday NIght Football too extensivel. And for several reason. 1) It's preaseason, as some of you have so adeptly mentioned when reading my pontifications about the bigger picture. Y'all have a point. 2) You guys have covered the happenings of said  MNF game between Cleveland and the depfeding Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in several comments secions on the main page.

So, without wasting anybody's time, let me just say that what I hinted at as a possible problem is coming to frution right before their Brown Eyes.  I wrote:

As I said when the schedule came out, I'll be fascinated watching the Browns' early season unfold. Their schedule is packed with tough games in September and October, and I can't wait to see if they hit the panic button and bench Derek Anderson uncessarily if they're off to a rocky start.

Well, here we are three weeks into the preseason schedule and Derek Anderson has a mild conussion. And from the looks of the box score Mr. Brady Quinn played just fine. To the tune of 7-12, 100+ yards, 1 TD, 0 INT fine.

 Let the media circus begin with the so-called challenger Cleveland  Browns. Does Derek Anderson sell magazines and newspapers? Didn't think so. Brady Quinn does though, and it's my humble opinion that we will see the media do their best to disrupt/bump their way into the thought process of the front brass in Cleveland.

Is that absurd to assume? Maybe, maybe not. But one things' bugging me, despite my wholehearted willingness to admire Browns GM Phil Savage and the commendable job he's done rolling the dice and finding ways to acquire the pieces that he thinks are necessary to win now, I'm just not convinced that the Browns wont make an impetous decision here with Anderson and Quinn,

You never know. Quinn could be that guy who takes them over the top. But I don't think so, at least not in 2008, and likely in 2009 either. The Browns window might slip a bit while Quinn's adjusting. Again, never know.

But what that Monday NIght Football game told me, and what the Chris Henry re-signing incident told me, is that our chief competitors (we'll leave the Ravens out of it for now)  are structuarally flawed franchises. It's entirely possible that either, or both, I suppose, puts together magical season, and all is well. But more likely than not, both teams will have some setbacks that require collective mental fortitude. Good teams, teams that go places, teams that are able to stay on course for 16 games, not just rely on talent for one game: these are the teams I'd be afraid of in our division. Read: Jacksonville, Tennessee.

Is it just me, or are the teams we compete for automatic playoff berths against just not that type of team that can consistently be relied upon to deliver, stay togther, and work hard regardless of small setbacks and bumps in the road.

Discuss.

In the past, I've typically done this highly subjective and just-for-fun exercise with offensive players. Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward - all are players I have done projections for in year's past, mainly because they're the focal point of the offense.

With all the excitement surrounding Lawrence Timmons right now, I thought it might be interesting to see how well some of you guys and gals see him doing this year.

In 2007, Timmons had 11 tackles, and two fumble recoveries. Obviously, he saw very little of the field on defense. For comparison's sake, you can take a look at James Farrior's best years, and see that his top two tackle seasons (only solo tackles counted) were 96 and 85 tackles.

A couple of things about how Timmons' 2008 season might play out. First of all, I think he can wow us and have a major impact on the team without necessarily putting up huge numbers week in and week out. His sheer athleticism in the passing game might make us a better team defense without him intercepting a bunch of passes or cleaning up a gazillion tackles.

I do, however, think there will be a couple of games where Timmons goes off. Maybe a 7 tackle, 2 sack performance on several occasions for example. He just looks that explosive out there running around, and it's entirely evident that he's much, much stronger both in his upper body and his legs this year than last.

2008 Projection:

15 games, 78 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 INT, 3 Forced Fumbles

Yours?

Last week, maryrose wrote a tribute piece to the Rooney family. As usual, it was a thoughtful piece of commentary about what the family has meant to the game, the fans, the players and their families who played for him, and for the city of Pittsburgh itself.

Turns out, one of the folks who stumbled across the story was Mr. Lowell Perry Junior, the son of Lowell Perry, the first African American assistant coach in the NFL. Perry, who injured himself early on in his career with the Steelers, was told by Mr. Rooney that he had a job with the organization so long as he owned the franchise. In true Rooney fashion, he stuck to his word. You can read more about Lowell Perry Senior's life in this 2001 article written shortly after his passing.

Perry Jr. has had a remarkable career himself. After graduating from Yale, he went on to a successful and very diverse professional career in sports, business, entertainment, and now leadership. He held a front office job in the Seattle Seahawks organization, had a role in the blockbuster hit, Dejavu, starring Denzel Washington, and now, most impressively, he serves as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Last year, he was named the CEO of the year by BBSA. Very impressive.

Anyway, it is a treat to see the son of such an important member of our franchise's history drop in to comment on a story. It's also a blessing that maryrose is able to write the kind of historical pieces that bring folks to the discussion table to help keep the important memories alive and fresh in the minds of all of us Steelers fans.

To the Lowell family and to the Rooneys,

Thank you!

-Blitzburgh-

Once again, pardon my absence since last Thursday evening, following the conclusion of the Bills-Steelers entertaining preseason contest that myself and others watched live online and discussed live on the blog. Those gameday open threads are pretty entertaining by the way, and I suspect (and hope) we'll have more and more join the fun as the season progresses. Anyway, I would have liked to recap the game, but time did not permit. Thanks to you guys for (as usual) keeping things going with your thoughts on the game.

Moving on. Some thoughts and comments as we get set for a new week. The Steelers return back to their South Side facility following two hectic and productive weeks of work at St. Vincent's in Latrobe. Hopefully we read about a great week of work, with all the inconveniences and distractions of being at training camp in a dorm room out of the way. As we all know, there's plenty of work to be done.

* As was mentioned in the 'Fanposts' section, the Steelers acquired veteran DT Orpheus Roye. Roye, who began his career in Pittsbrugh in 1996, returns to Pittsburgh after having spent the previous 8 years in Cleveland. With the Browns acquiring Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams, I suppose Phil Savage & Co. thought that Roye was expendable. So, before you just say, 'the Browns cut him, how good can he be?', remember that the Vikings did the same with a perfectly acceptable and gifted player in Mewelde Moore. Sometimes there's just too much supply and not enough demand at certain positions.

That said, Orpheus Roye is 35 years old. He is not a long-term solution to our problems of depth and youth along the defensive line. But, he is still a capable (and big) body to rotate with Hampton and Hoke in the interior. In my opinion, this is a worthwhile pickup that needed to be made.

* In other news, Troy Polamalu is scheduled to return to practice on Tuesday. If so, he would come off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and participate in his full-fledged practice with the team. There's even banter that Troy could see a little action this weekend when the Steelers face Mike Tomlin's former team, the Minnesota Vikings.

There's no need for me to share my thoughts on his return, because S Ryan Clark has done so for me:

"He's pretty much the catalyst of what we do," said Clark. "The reason we are able to do the things we do so well is his ability to disguise and be athletic enough to get where he has to be.

"I think also from a psyche standpoint and preparation standpoint for offenses, he's a guy you have to prepare for. There are probably only a few guys in the league on defense you have to scheme for, and I think Troy's one of those guys, and that helps us out a lot."

Very true. It's hard for me to be overly concerned by our defense's shoddy performance last Thursday night simply because Troy P wasn't out there. That may be foolish, since he's missed significant time the past two years, making it entirely plausible that our defense will have to adjust to not having him out there at certain points in the 2008 season. Anyway, for now, let's be happy he's back and see if we notice any difference in his play following his altered work-out routine this offseason.

* A few random thoughts about last Thursday's game:

1) James Harrison is still playing at a high level. 4 tackles and a sack in limited time. Him and Woodley are going to make a great pair on the outside, especially if they spend ample focus and energy on their run stuffing. If anything concerns me about those two, it might be occasionally spotty tackling in the run game.

2) I thought Micah Rucker missed a big opportunity to move a bit closer to making this team. His drop off a Dennis Dixon pass (it was a tough catch, but one that had to be made) late in the game, was a big missed opportunity.  Oh, and I guess I didn't mention that he had his hands on that last second Hail Mary in the end zone. I think he's more physically imposing threat than Dallas Baker, but I'd guess that Baker is ahead of Rucker right now on the depth chart, meaning Rucker might be running out of time to make any significant progress catching him. We'll see.

3) Anybody think Mitch Berger has the upper hand in the punting duel between him and Paul Ersnter? I was impressed with Berger, and I suspect he'll ultimately win the job if it's a marginal difference between the two.

4) Big Ben and Santonio are really clicking. Another impressive TD connection between the two of them. I also noticed that Ben and Mewelde Moore seem to have a good rapport on the field. Roethlisberger gave him an enthused high-five when Moore helped keep a scoring drive alive with a tough run after the catch on 3rd and long. I think Ben is going to become very comfortable checking down to him in the future.

5) Everyone else has said it before, but Lawrence Timmons is going to be special. It's funny that the word 'bust' was even mentioned regarding Timmons prior to the start of this training camp and preseason. Yes, he needs to show it when the lights are on and the games actually count, but it's pretty much crystal clear that we we're going to see out of the kid if he can stay healthy: explosive, jaw-dropping plays all over the field.

6) I'm glad that Dennis Dixon was able to show Steelers fans what kind of competitor he is. It's very clear that this kid is a student of the game and a quick learner. That's a great combination, especially when you have some of the physical gifts Dixon has. I suppose the knee injury made everyone forget that Dixon has the long strides of a gazelle out there. He just blew by people and turned the corner on that long 47 yard TD run. His knee's fine, and as I've said before, I really hope he's our #2 in the event of a catastrophic emergency at the quarterback position.