My Thoughts on Russell, And His Replacment

I didn't write anything about this yesterday because, quite frankly, I wanted to sleep on it. The Pirates firing of Russell came as no surprise to anyone who follows the team. Someone has to go down after three seasons like we have seen, and Russell really gave no indication he was a big league manager.

His ingame decisions were often baffling (pulling Duke up a ton with 2 out in the 9th), the constant bunting over of guys on second base with no outs, relying too heavily on veterans who have proven they aren't worth the time (Ryan Church, Tyler Yates), and really not understanding how to properly platoon players. These are just a few examples, I know everyone has their favorite JR moment but really this isn't about that.

Russell was a fall guy and, while he deserved to take the fall, the light shouldn't be taken off the FO. After all they gave him this team, and tasked him with doing the impossible. It's very hard to keep good bench coaches like Perry Hill when you are constantly blowing up his work, and I think it showed in the defense this year. Some of the defensive woes come from guys like Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker learning the game, but some of it is just stupidity and a lack of concentration, see Lastings Milledge.

The Pirates relied on a lot of things to go perfect this season and for the most part they all went wrong. Is that the fault of JR? I doubt it. Was it realistic for us to expect Charlie Morton to become a one or two pitcher? I doubt it. At the same time I don't think it was realistic to expect him to be as bad as he was. And that's where I think Russell's firing is also justified, these guys didn't really correct their mistakes, and when they failed to meet expectation it wasn't just by a little bit. I think you can put that on the manager.

What do I want from a new manager? I want fire, they don't have to be Lloyd Mclendon, but I want to see them stand up for their players. I want new ideas, while batting the pitcher 8th was a bit different JR seemed to only go half way with his "innovations", in the end he was still playing small ball on a team that couldn't win by a run or two.

So what names have been kicked around early?

Bob Walk - I can't believe people are seriously considering Walk for this role. He is a small ball guy too, and really seems pretty much in tuned with the old way of doing things.

John Wehner - Wehner seems like a good guy and he, like Walk, is knowledgeable about the game. Sadly it's much easier to make calls like they do in the booth with even that little amount of hindsight they have. John Wehner has shown nothing to suggest he could handle running a major league team.

Eric Wedge - This guy is probably the favorite at this point in time. If for nothing else than the fact that he managed an Indians Organization that Neil Huntington was part of. We are following largely a model that the Indians do, so he would be comfortable with the young players, and deadline deals. He has been pretty successful with the Indians, although he only had one postseason appearance. A former manager of the year he brings instant credibility and a ton of experience into the young locker room.

He is also a great community guy, and would fit nicely with the large focus the organization puts on it's Pirates charities wing.

Ken Macha - Macha really interests me. First he has had a ton of success at the ML-Level. Second a lot of that success was with the A's organization. The A's do things a lot different and Macha's time there coincided with their changing of the game. He also has interviewed with the Pirates before so I'd have to assume he has at least been open to coming here.

His problem, for me at least, was his time with the Brewers. His staff was horrible, and the clubhouse was a mess. The Brewers became one of the most underachieving and immature teams in the league on his watch. I'm not sure how I feel about a guy coming in and basically letting the players act like the Brewers did.

Bobby Valentine - Valentine has been named as a possible manager for about every team needing one thus far. I want nothing to do with him. This team doesn't need a celebrity type manager, they need someone to teach fundamentals and deal with rebuilding. Don't know if that's the type of gig Valentine wants anyway.

Wally Backman - Backman is one of my favorite candidates. He is a guy chomping at the bit for a second shot at the big leagues. He has a Pittsburgh connection (which really shouldn't matter), and has been very successful in the minors. He has shown an ability to teach young players, and had a short lived job with the D'backs.

The problems with Backman are all personal ones. He was accused of assault, was arrested for DUI, and failed to pay his taxes. All of these problems occurred ten years ago, but it's very hard to put a guy with those sort of skeletons in charge of a big league team. That said the guy has apparently been on the straight and narrow for ten years and deserves another chance.

From that list I would hire either Wedge or Backman. There will be plenty more names over the next few weeks, so this is just a very small one for now.

Yinz Luv 'Da Stillers!, PIT vs. BAL (Week #4)

John Russell Fired; Walker Wins Clemente Award

The Pirates have officially fired John Russell. Names already being thrown around for the next Pirates manager are Eric Wedge, Ken Macha, and more hilariously, Bob Walk. No, no and no. They should hire my choice.

Also today, Neil Walker won the Roberto Clemente award from members of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Oct 3 vs Red Wings

Lookin good...
Penguins- 5
Mike Comrie (Michalek, Malkin) 1-4:19
Chris Kunitz (Malkin, Letestu) 1-7:40
Mike Comrie (Goligoski, Kunitz) 1-19:46
Alex Goligoski (Michalek, Malkin) 2-4:35
Evgeni Malkin (unassisted) 3-2:43
W- Fleury
Red Wings-2
Pavel Datsyuk (Zetterberg, Lidstrom) 1-10:24
Mike Modano (Datsyuk) 3-3:22
L- Osgood
RECAP
It was a very good tune-up Sunday afternoon at Joe Louis Arena as the Pens took home yet another win (finished pre-season at 5-1) and looked very cohesive. They started "most" of their NHL line-up, with notable exceptions being Sid (hip), Orpik (groin), and Asham ("upper body"). Detroit started pretty much their entire NHL line-up, or at least the major players. Mike Comrie and new line-mate Evgeni Malkin lead the way offensively for the Pens, with Comrie scoring two markers in the 1st period and Geno adding a goal and 2 assists of his own. Chris Kunitz and Alex Goligoski got the other two tallies for the Pens, while Pavel Datsyuk and Mike Modano scored for the Wings. The Pens limited their mistakes, and looked like they were in regular-season form. Fleury also looked better, seeing the puck well and quick in the crease. (22-24)

3 Big Points

-Anyone else getting a bit concerned about this "hip flexor" thing? I know it's probably just a precaution, but still...

-The Pens just shellacked the full Red Wings squad without Sid. Yeah, I think they're ready for the regular season.

-I think Disco just found Geno his new partner. He and Comrie looked really good together, and the score sheet reflects it. Comrie is solid down the middle, and allows Geno to be a bit more free and creative on the ice.

Steelers vs. Ravens Inactives (Game 1)

Steelers Inactives

DT Chris Hoke
CB Crezdon Butler
RB Jonathan Dwyer
OG Trai Essex
WR Emmanuel Sanders
LB Thaddeus Gibson
OT Tony Hills
CB Keenan Lewis

Ravens Inactives

OT Jared Gaither
CB Josh Wilson
DE Corey Redding
CB Prince Miller
LB Tavares Gooden
LB Edgar Jones
DT Arthur Jones
WR Donte Stallworth

Dennis Dixon is going on IR, that will end his season. Neither Hoke or Essex being inactive is a surprise. In fact there are really no surprises on the Steelers list and, like usual, most of these guys are depth.

The Ravens will be without Starting DE Corey Redding, but other than that it is depth guys for them as well.

PSU @ Iowa Gameday

Penn State Gameday

TV: ESPN, 8
Series: Tied 11-11, last meeting Sept. 26, 09 ... Iowa 21 PSU 10
Line: Iowa by 7

Ricky Stanzi is still the QB at Iowa??? It seems like he's been there for 10 years. Conference play starts with a bang in Iowa City. It should look cool on TV anyway. I am a fan of the Black and Gold but don't mess that up Iowa fans.

The Hawkeyes are 3-1 with their only loss at Arizona, which was a great game. I think Iowa will end up giving OSU a run for their money in the B10 this year.

Evan Royster had a career high 187 yards last week vs Temple. If he does it again, PSU may pull the upset. Iowa has a great D-Line and Penn State's Offense isn't that good so he needs to.

Prediction: Iowa 24 Penn State 10

October 1 vs Blackhawks

Can't win em all...
Blackhawks- 5
Fernando Pisani (Bolland, Bickell) 2-4:20
Patrick Sharp (unassisted) 2-13:47
Marian Hossa (unassisted) 3-:18
Patrick Kane (Sharp, Keith) 3-5:56
Marian Hossa (Seabrook, Scott) 3-18:59
W-Crawford
Penguins- 2
Alex Goligoski (Rupp, Hutchinson) 3-10:40
Craig Adams (Dupuis, Goligoski) 3-18:42
L-Fleury
RECAP
Ok, so the Pens pretty much got romped by Hossa and the Hawks but just remember that it's just pre-season and that they were without stars like Crosby, Malkin, Orpik, and Michalek. Fleury played 2 periods and didn't look too bad, and the Johnson came in for the last period. The Pens made a lot of mistakes with the puck today, and this lead to scoring chances for the Hawks. The real news from this game for both teams were the injuries. Arron Asham left the game in the first period and would not return due to an upper-body injury. Hawks defenseman Brian Campbell had a similar fate, and also left the game with an undisclosed injury.

3 Big Points

-Upper body injury? That could mean anything from a minor bruise to broken ribs to a season ending injury. Asham is to be re-evaluated tomorrow so we have to wait until then to really know how serious.

-If you looked at the lineup card, it would be an utter shock if the Hawks didn't win. They started almost their full team (Kane, Toews, Hossa) while the Pens elected to bench Crosby and Malkin.

-Engelland saw a lot of TOI tonight though Despres and Hutchinson also saw their fair share. I think Deryk has 7th Dman locked up but never underestimate young talent.

Next Game
The Pens wrap up their pre-season Sunday at the Joe vs Detroit.

*note- WBS won 4-3 in a shootout over Hershey today

This Week In Real Pirateball - Week 25

Greg Mercer makes funny Pirates videos on the Internet. Check them out and follow him on Twitter. Here is his latest one. Week 25 and now we start to post them. TiGO sucks.

Sept 28 vs Blackhawks

Roster taking shape.
Penguins- 4
Evgeni Malkin (Tangradi, Comrie) 1-12:21
Dustin Jeffrey (Adams, Rupp) 2-3:46
Nick Johnson (Talbot, Martin) 3-8:25
Mark Letestu (Kunitz, Martin) 3-11:13
Blackhawks- 1
Kyle Beach (Bickell, Seabrook) 2-8:53
RECAP
Evgeni Malkin lead the way for the Pens on Tuesday's preseason game against the Blackhawks, scoring the games first goal and looking to be in solid form for the rest of the game. He and the rest of the Pens rolled to a 4-1 win vs the Hawks, though they did receive some help from Brent Seabrook. Seabrook seemed to be at the wrong place at the wrong time throughout the final period, with both of the Pens' goals going in off of him. The lineup tonight for the Pens featured mainly NHL starters and some AHL guys fighting for a spot. (like Letestu, Jeffrey, Johnson, Sterling, Tangradi). Sid, Fleury, Orpik and others were scratched while Simon Despres saw some TOI tonight. Perhaps this is something to consider because the organization must be serious if they are still playing him.

3 Big Points

-Mark Letestu is really close to an NHL spot. He seems like the top choice to fill in while Staal recovers.

-I guess Disco gave them all a little talk about why it isn't prudent for star-caliber players to be throwing down in the pre-season. Much cleaner game.

-Ok, the Pens are 4-0, but it's the pre-season. Take a few steps back and realize what the pre-season is really about...rosters.

Next Game
Friday the Pens return the favor and face the Hawks at United Center. It is the all important next-to-last pre-season game, and should be crucial in determining the lineups for the opener.

*note: I will also try my best this year to keep up to date with the happenings of the WBS Penguins, who opened their pre-season schedule tonight with a 7-6 shootout loss to the Syracuse Crunch. I find it pointless to write any seperate post about it today, though, because most of their team is still in Pittsburgh.

Yinz Luv 'Da Stillers!, PIT vs. TB (Week #3)

Windows

While recently leafing through ESPN the Magazine's NHL preview issue, I came across an article that just struck me as fascinating. It seems the folks over at ESPN (who aren't always on the up and up when it comes to hockey) had devised a system to rank a team's chances not only this year but on the overall picture. It's called the window theory and it goes something like this:
There are three categories of teams. There is the group before the window that are teams that are building towards the goal but not quite there yet. As you advance through this category closer to the window, the teams get a little bit better and become greater immediate threats. Then you hit the second category of teams (this year's main cup favorites) that are in the window. Now, within this window there is also a ranking because the teams closer to the beginning of the window have a greater chance of staying there while those further down the list are at risk of falling out of the window. They would join the third class of teams, who either had been in the window and simply are waiting for some prospects to reload or just completely skipped over the window entirely after a group of prospects just didn't work out and are waiting to start over. If that was too much for you to read at once, here is a simpler version.
The goal of the teams before the window is to gradually work their way into the window. The goal of the teams in the window is to contend for cups and stay there as long as possible. The goal of the teams past the window (though some of the teams that are just past the window still have a chance this year) is to get some prospects and work their way back into the group waiting to reach the window.

Here is how ESPN had them ranked. (window teams bold)
Panthers
Islanders
Blue Jackets
Lightning
Hurricanes
Thrashers
Rangers
Sabres
Avalanche
Blues
Canadiens
Coyotes
Predators
Bruins
Kings
PENS
Blackhawks
Capitals
Canucks
Flyers
Sharks
Red Wings
Devils
Ducks
Flames
Senators
Maple Leafs
Stars
Wild
Oilers

So, according to their model the teams with the best shot this year are the Canucks, Flyers, and Caps while the Kings, Pens, and Hawks are better off in the long run. They think Oilers and Wild fans are going to have to wait longest for a winner while Boston, Nashville, and Phoenix are right on the brink of success.

So now that you get the idea here is my model:

Thrashers: I'm putting this team on the right side of the window, but just barely. They do have a bit of promise with guys like Bogosian and Kane but they still have some work to do.

Oilers: With two potential superstars in the system, the Oilers certainly are moving in the right direction but what they need to do now is to find them a supporting cast.

Panthers: They are here not because of who they have on their team but who they have behind the front desk. Tallon has shown that he wants to steer this team in the right direction, and he is already off to a good start drafting Gudbranson.

Islanders: John Tavares is a superstar coming into his own, and though the rest of the team is not yet up to par, he may keep them afloat (or at least from totally going under) until they get things together.

Sabres: I like what I saw from this team in the regular season last year. Playoffs, not so much... That's ok though, as it shows there is lots of talent there and they just need to work out some kinks.

Maple Leafs: Surprise. Some key offseason additions like Versteeg and Armstrong as well as the maturing of young guys like Luca Caputi will supplement "window players" (players who have reached peak of their career) like Phaneuf to make Toronto at least competitive this year.

Predators: This team is actually moving a bit in the wrong direction, but I still think their future is still ahead of them. They better be careful they don't jump the window though.

Blues: It's almost your time St Louis. This is a team that has obviously committed themselves to success in the near future (as seen by Halak trade) that believes that it's time is coming.

Lightning: Silently building an offensive juggernaut behind Stamkos. This team can be good way sooner than anyone expects them to be.

Coyotes: Phoenix is a team that found success not through superstar talent and blockbuster trades but rather through acquiring solid players and surrounding them with solid leadership. If they keep this up, they could find themselves in/near the window for a long time.

Avalanche: Most people would say that I am putting them too high, but I really loved what I saw from this team in the playoffs last year and they were not too far away. If they could put it together this year, they have the potential to stay in the window for at least 3-5 years.

PENGUINS: I'm sure I'm not the only Pens fan that is already starting to get nervous for those ominous years when Sid/Geno/etc contracts expire, but the truth is that that day is still quite a long way off. Until then, let's try to win a few cups.

Capitals: Basically the same situation as the Pens, and (as much as it kills me to say it) it is only a matter of time before they figure it out in May.

Bruins: Guys like Savard and Bergeron to lead the way now. Guys like Seguin and Lucic to lead the way later. What more can you ask?

Kings: I guess even I am going to have to jump on the "Kings are a legitimate contender" bandwagon. They look to be primed for a deep run for the next few years.

Canucks: I know we've all heard this one before, but I'm willing to give Vancouver one more year to impress me before I move them to the back of the window. Just a glance at the roster is all that one will need to automatically pick these guys to win the West. (or at least get #1 seed)

Red Wings: They have been about this place on the "window scale" for the last 5 years. They keep getting older, yet never show any signs of age. Why should this year be any different?

Flyers: Didn't lose that much from last year (although they still don't have a goalie) so you can't count them out. Young talent like Van Riemsdyke and Leino should keep the rest of those hooligans on the map for a couple more years.

Blackhawks: They got absolutely ripped apart after their cup last year, and almost need to start rebuilding again to find a supporting cast for Kane and Toews. Both of those guys currently at the top of their game should be enough to make this team a contender for at least a little while longer.

Sharks: They are right on the borderline of the back of the window, so I will be generous and include them. The talent is still there, just getting older.

Kovalchuks: Yeah, he's very good but it's nice to have a few other guys out there. It seems like guys like Parise are going to waste in that new system, and the loss of draft picks and cap space adds further to the chaos. Also, Marty isn't going to be around forever. Even though I have them outside, I'd say its now or never for this team.

Senators: Veteran leadership is a very good thing. But is there such a concept as too much of a good thing? Yikes, they may need to start distributing HoverRounds as contract incentives.

Canadiens: Was last year's playoff run a fluke? I guess we'll find out.

Rangers: They seem like they are starting to get the right idea, but I wouldn't say they are "rebuilding" just yet. I would expect maybe one more down year before they start to slowly work their way back up to the top. It is there, but it will take time.

Hurricanes: This team is tricky. I put them here really not so much because of their chances this year but their chances of being able to work their way into that "window." It won't take that long once they start rebuilding, it's just that they havn't really started yet.

Blue Jackets: Well, at least Nash will put up monster stats again.

Ducks: I'm with ESPNMag on this one. They need a D before they could really get back to business.

Flames: Bad trade after bad trade. They had their window a few years ago but were just unable to jump on it. Now it's time to take a step back and get back to building some pillars for a team.

Stars: Ok, they have a couple good young guys but the rest of the team really is pretty average. It's not like they will be the worst team in the league anytime soon, its just that they seem like they are destined for mediocrity for quite a while.

Wild: They had their window a few years ago and they totally skipped right over it. Whoops, back to the drawing board.

So there you have it. It's not often that I really get inspired by an NHL piece done by ESPN, so I felt the need to post it.

Steelers/Bucs Inactives

Steelers

QB Dennis Dixon
CB Crezdon Butler
RB Jonathan Dwyer
G Trai Essex
WR Emmanuel Sanders
LB Thaddeus Gibson
T Tony Hills
CB Keenan Lewis

Buccaneers

QB Rudy Carpenter
LB Niko Koutouvides
RB Kareem Huggins
CB Myron Lewis
DE Michael Bennett
C Ted Larsen
WR Maurice Stovall

No shockers on this front. Antonio Brown will dress today and be fielding kickoffs once again and ARE is expected to handle punt return duties.

Sept 25 vs Blue Jackets

I went to a fight and a hockey game didn't break out.
Penguins- 3
Pascal Dupuis (Asham) 2-16:48
Evgeni Malkin (Hutchinson, Tangradi) 3-2:47
Arron Asham (Jeffrey, Kennedy) 3-17:17
Blue Jackets- 1
Michael Ratchuk (Brassard) 1-12:03
RECAP
WWE isn't scheduled to come to Pittsburgh until December, but if you watched tonight's game it would be hard to tell the difference. The Pens and CBJ racked up a total of of 74 PIMs, with 5 fights breaking out throughout the game. Kris Letang lead the way in that category, first dropping the gloves with Matt Calvert and then later in the game with Jakub Voracek.
Letang was not the only one engaging in fisticuffs, as pro-enforcer Eric Godard and scrappy WBS forward Tim Wallace also dropped the gloves.

This all lead up to the final and most interesting fight of the night, which featured Malkin dropping the gloves with Columbus star forward Rick Nash near the end of the third period. As for the whole "hockey game" thing, Asham lead the way with a goal and an assist, now really showing that he may have some offensive upside. Malkin and Dupuis also found the twine for the Pens, while Michael Ratchuk scored the lone tally for the Jackets. Fleury had a good game as well, allowing just 1 goal in 33 shots.

3 Big Points

-Yes Letang had 2 fights, but he also had 2 minors as well. Add these to the other 6 committed by the team and you have the math for a potential recurring problem. I sure hope either the Pens settle it down a bit once the reg season starts or the PK is up to the task.

-Why is Malkin fighting in the preseason? Can anybody answer that? ANYBODY?

-Fleury looks to be in mid-April form, so I wouldn't expect to see much of him until the opener. Very impressive tonight.

Next Game

The Blackhawks come into town for the last game at CEC before the opener vs the Flyers.

Is Bill Cosby Dead?

Bill Cosby is not dead and he doesn't like the rumors so stop it. We can't confirm if Sabrina Le Beauf is still alive. Hey Hey Hey.



Penn State Gameday

TV: Big Ten Network, 3:30 PM
Series: Penn State leads 35-3-1, last meeting Sept. 19, 2009 ... PSU 31- Temple 6
Line: Penn State by 14

The line on this game dropped three full points, and for good reason. This Temple team is good, coming off an impressive win over UConn. Something about this game has me a bit worried. Penn State hasn't looked bad but could look much better, espically the Offense. Temple DE Adrian Robinson is a stud and could easily suit up for any big conference team. Keep an eye out for Bernard Pierce. The Owls tailback will give the Penn State defense fits all day.

The last time Temple beat the Lions was in 1941. That's pre-Paterno. That won't happen today but this is going to be one hell of a football game.

Prediction: Penn State 28 Temple 21

Sept 24 vs Blue Jackets

Young talent and new faces emerge.
Penguins- 5
Arron Asham (Goligoski) 1-0.34
Mike Rupp (Conner, Wagner) 1-9:31
Chris Kunitz (Letestu, Goligoski) 2-16:46
Nick Johnson (Wagner, Jeffrey) 3-8-13
Mike Comrie (Letestu, Kunitz) 3-12:08
Blue Jackets- 4
Tomas Kubalik (Vermette, Huselius) 1-12:27
Tomas Kubalik (Vermette, Huselius) 2-2:35
Kyle Wilson (none) 2-3:01
Tomas Kubalik (Klesla, Huselius) 3-19:16

RECAP
This was nothing more than another regular old preseason game, especially considering the number of scratches. Clearly Disco wanted this one to be reserved for the younger and tougher guys and he has to be playing around with some line combos. Sid and Brooks sat this one out, likely for precautionary measures. This probably means nothing though, as Malkin, Letang, Michalek, Fleury, Kennedy, and Dupuis were also scratched. (and HOPEFULLY there's nothing wrong with them) The grinders really did their share of work today for the Pens today, and this should all be accounted for in Dan's lineup decision for Game 1. Meanwhile, Tomas Kubalik was running absolutely wild today for CBJ, totalling up 3 goals and definitely gave HC Scott Arniel something to think about as well.

3 Big Points
- I love how the tough guys are finding the twine. If they could add a few supplementary goals to what the scorers will produce, then we just may have quite the nice formula here.

-Mark Letestu is lucky that he gets to wear his #1o in Pittsburgh, because he will be needing it when the season starts. He is looking more and more solid to make the NHL roster.

-I know this is only the preseason and the Pens only started about half of their team, but you still gotta love the fact that they fought for the W, and didn't get involved in another slugfest like the opener.

Next Game
We get to do it all over again on Saturday. Columbus makes their first trip to the Consol Energy Center for the second game of the preseason home and home.

100

Pens vs Red Wings

I thought this was pre-season?
Penguins- 5
Mike Comrie (Sterling Michalek) 1-1:21
Sidney Crosby (Boulerice, Letang) 1-7:29
Ryan Craig (Letestu, Orpik) 1-11:45
Brett Sterling (Crosby, Dupuis) 2-13:28
Ryan Craig (Kennedy, Letestu) 2-15:06
Red Wings- 1
Ruslan Salei (Ritola, Filppula) 2-9:29
RECAP
Obviously when you have two rival teams trying to send a message to each other in their preseason opener, things may get a bit rowdy but this was just out of hand. Both teams came out with intensity, which is usually a very good thing, but in the preseason it can become dangerous. The Pens were able to translate their intensity into goals, routing the visiting Wings 5-1 with Ryan Craig having 2 goals along with one from Sterling, Comrie, and Sid. But since the score matters very little, that's all I'll say about it.
The real fireworks happened all night long, with an occasional series of skirmishes that usually lead to minor penalties. There were a few less minor occurrences, though, that may lead to seriously negative consequences on both sides. Johan Franzen and Brooks Orpik collided at center ice, and Franzen injured his knee in the process and had to be assisted off the ice. (I saw the replay a few times, and I say that nobody is at fault.) Likewise for the Pens, Crosby left the ice and did not return after the 2nd period. The official word at the moment was a sore hip flexor.

3 Big Points

-As a WBS fan, I love what I saw from Sterling and Craig. Noted that they won't have Sid to feed them down in the minors, but I can see both (especially Sterling) putting up some pretty good stats.

-Settle down people. Its only the preseason! I'd like to have a team left by the time the season starts.

-Wow, the Consol Energy Center is nice. Absolutely beautiful.

Next Game

Friday Sept 25 at Columbus

Hopefully Sid will be playing and Disco would have settled the boys down by then. All NHL teams are in the same category at this time of the year, so there's not much more to say about this one.

Yinz Luv 'Da Stillers!, PIT vs. TEN (Week #2)

Steelers vs. Titans Inactives

Steelers

DT Casey Hampton
RB Jonathan Dwyer
LB Thaddeus Gibson
OT Max Starks
OL Ramon Foster
CB Crezdon Butler
LB Jason Worilds
WR Emmanuel Sanders

Titans

QB Rusty Smith
S Robert Johnson
S Nick Schommer
LB Rennie Curran
T Mike Otto
G Ryan Durand
WR Lavelle Hawkins
DE William Hayes

No huge surprises for the Steelers. Both Hampton and Starks are injured and were not expected to play, and Sanders did not practice yesterday with a quadriceps injury.

No real big loses for the Titans either. Mostly just depth guys out as well.

Crash of the Titans

Well here it is, the first major hurdle of the season. Some story lines in this game, Chris Johnson's 100 yard rushing streak, Vince Young hasn't threatened to kill himself (yet), Nate Washington playing his old team, and of course Dennis Dixon getting his second start of the seasons.

First off you must read this, it's the Gospel written by FC at Steelerfury. It's the best pre-game writeup you'll see bar none. I'm thinking we will link to that every week, because it puts an analysis I could do myself to shame.

The Steelers are the solid 5 point dog in this road game, and really I would expect no less. How couldn't the Steelers, with Dennis Dixon starting be the underdogs on the road against the "mighty" Titans?

After all the Titans had an impressive win last week against the perennial powerhouse Oakland Raiders.

Chris Johnson again rushed for over 100 yards, in fact he rushed for 100 more yards than the Steelers rush defense allowed total last week. I guess Michael Turner just isn't very good.

The big reason the Steelers must lose though is history. Nevermind that the Steelers are 42-30 in the series, they haven't won at LP Field since 2001.

I just don't understand the love for this Titans team. The only thing they do really well is run the ball, and we have one of the best rushing defenses in the league, maybe in history over the last 5 years.

Vince Young is far from a proven commodity and, let's face it, he's probably a few IQ points higher than a plate of leftover Macaroni and Cheese. Our pass rush should be able to get to him, even though he is good with his feet and rattle him.

Their receivers as a group are pretty uninspiring. Nate Washington is a glorified number 3 who has hands just a step above Braylon Edwards, Justin Gage is a marginal possession receiver who averages about 22 catches per season, and Kenny Britt has been a headcase and a distraction for the Titans this year.

I see no reason why the Steelers can't or shouldn't win this game. The key is obviously the defense, and limiting the mistakes to give Dixon every chance to succeed.

Steelers win 13-10.