Super Bowl Bye Weekend Links

Two weeks, that's what Coach Tomlin and Cheese-whiz get to implement their plans as it's the Steelers vs. Pittsburgh-West a week from Sunday, and here's some links to get you through a slower sports weekend, since I don't think the NHL All Star Game will be all that exciting without Sid the Kid...


-Well, Kurt Warner's wife finally looks like the wife of a quarterback...

-Are the Steelers the greatest franchise ever??? I say yes, but let's hear what ESPN"s Flem File has to say about it.

-Does 43=75? Find out during the Super Bowl 43 commericals.


For those of you headed to Tampa for the completion of the 6-pack...

-The St. Pete Times newspaper provides a calendar of events for the upcoming week, including the necessities for the guys. (2nd link NSFW)

-A list of Steelers bars in Tampa and the surrounding area, and more discussion on things to do during Super Bowl week. (courtesy Steelernation.com blog)


I could go on and on about the Steelers but let's give love to another Black and Gold team (one that Mr. Bice loves like they're his own child), the Pittsburgh Pirates...

-They teased us with talks of Pedro.

-And also, believe that Sleeves=Championships.

-Thanks to Pat that runs the Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? blog, we can cruelly be reminded of all the Buccos losing seasons since 1992, in his intermittent recaps.
(1993-1999 here) (2000-present here).

MONEY WELL SPENT - AFC CHAMP TICKET

I recently attended the AFC Champ. game in Pittsburgh to watch the Steelers take on the Ravens. Before this game even kicked off, I was already anticipating a war so to speak. I can say this much, I was not let down on that and from what I have been reading I don't think others were either. This was one of the hardest hitting, most physical games I have ever witness ever in sports history. I know Bones wrote about this earlier and I want to say i agree with him about people talking about the game was to physical and this superbowl match up is terrible.

Let me start by saying the game of football was meant to be physical. Scoop, Skip and the rest of you emo clowns I got some questions for you. Why do they were pads in the NFL? I also thought you were suppose to tackle the opposing player in order to stop them from scoring. Why do they where helmets on the field? Oh wait, I have one more for you, why are these atheletes always in the weight room constantly lifting and staying in tip -top shape? Don't worry you overpaid ESPN shitty reporters, I'll answer them for you. The game of football if we have forgotten is a contact sport. A game that involves hitting your opponent to the point where they either want to run out of bounds or avoid you. The sport has instilled this into players since midget football to run over your opponent and hit them as hard as you can LEGALLY. So if you want no contact Skip, Scoop, and the rest of you emo clowns, then pick up a a golf club and go suck Tiger Woods off some more about his come back to his sport.

I think you can ask either one of those teams that played this weekend if they think the game of football is to physical and if it needs to be addressed. I am sure your going to get the same answer or maybe you won't get an answer maybe they give your dumbass a chuckle and pull a Drew Rosenhouse and say ," Next question!"

Moving on to what I think will be a high rated superbowl due to the fact that the Steelers have such a large following and everyone seems to be interested in this new found identity that the Cardinals have found in the payoffs. There are tons of PA connections, storylines and a spider web of stories that tangle these two teams together. I haven't even got into the storylines of the game. Like how do the Steelers plan to stop Fitz and Co.? Will they be able to get pressure on Warner. How will the Steelers offense react to what seems to be a defense flying to the ball all of a sudden? Big Ben hasn't made any mistakes in the playoffs yet. I don't know about you,but that makes me nervous, just little bit, we all know Ben is good for a few of those. Will it happen in the superbowl or has Ben turned over a new leaf?

I could really go on and on, but no need to because if you watch football and follow it just a little bit then you will see this match up is one that was not even thought of in the beginning of the year and carries many interesting storylines. I also am tired of hearing about the Romo's , Manning's, and Brady's of the NFL. Who cares they aren't going to the Superbowl unless it s for some new sweat your balls of gatorade commercial. It 's gets annoying seeing these big headline teams always facing off in the Superbowl. So congrats Arizona and Pittsburgh or throwing a big fuck you to the NFL and the rest of the media who wants to see Dallas. Indy, New England, and New York's in the Superbowl.

I have to thank Bones and his latest blog post with that emo clowns article for my motivation to write this. Good points by you Bones.

GO STEELERS!!

What I liked/didn't like: AFC Title Game

Well, after a day of celebrating the Steeler's seventh trip to the Super Bowl, I'm here with some musings about yesterday's bloodbath (yes, that's being generous).

WHAT I LIKED

1. The physicality of the game. In my 15-20 years of tangible football memories, I haven't seen a game as physical. Right from the opening kickoff, when Carey Davis blew up that guy from the Ravens, I knew this was going to be ugly.

Unfortunately, some emo/whiny people that make a lot more money than I do don't see it that way. Check out this crap heap. This is Scoop Jackson/Jemele Hill/Skip Bayless/any other hack level of crap. I'm betting this diaphragm gets paid to stir shit up because no one could possibly be that stupid.

The comments are equally as funny because it was discovered that he was a hardcore Philly fan (sounds like some sour grapes to me) and there's like 300 posts telling him how much he sucks.

Boo-hoo, if you don't like the physicality of football, go watch curling or soccer. Nice emo/hipster glasses too dude, go cry yourself to sleep while listening to that shit-sucker Dave Matthews.

2. Ben Roethlisberger. What else can you say? The running game was neutralized, against a vicious defense and constantly under pressure he kept making plays. His most important statistic: ZERO turnovers.

I'm just waiting for Ben to get his due. One Super Bowl won and he just took his team to another. I don't know how many quarterbacks teams would rather have right now. Brady, Peyton Manning and maybe Drew Brees.

And for the love of God, could we quit with all the Tony Romo hype. Hell, he even fails getting into the shower as well as on the field.

3. Troy Polamalu. Again, what else can you say about this guy that hasn't already been said? Came up with big tackles and made the big interception return to seal up the game.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

1. Limas Sweed. This guy could have gone down as one of the biggest goats in franchise history. Dropping a sure touchdown pass, then a mystery injury that took away the last time out. I know rookie receivers usually struggle and by no means am I giving up. But it just seems that his head is so far up his ass, he can look out his mouth. However, his hit on Corey Ivy sort of made up for it.

LINUS or LIMAS. Which one would you rather have?

(sorry the pics are fucked up, what we use to write these isn't conducive to pictures, hence why I don't use that many)

2. Clock management. With the ball in field goal range and no timeouts, why in the blue hell would you throw it across the middle? Why the hell didn't Moore try to get out of bounds? Those three points could have been real critical.

3. Shotgun formation and passing on third and 1. Before the San Diego game, I listed this as one of my concerns. Still can't/don't have the faith to convert third and shorts with the ground games. It hasn't bit them in the ass yet, so can't really say much else.

4. The offensive line. I know this is whipping a dead horse but still. If you see yellow on the field pre-snap you can assume nine times out of ten that #74 is responsible. Starks getting caught flat-footed and letting Terrell "Bounty Hunter" Suggs have a nice shot on Ben.

5. The announcing. For god's sake, Nantz and Simms bring nothing to the broadcast. They are boring, dry and don't give any insight. Joe Buck is horrible as well. He's about as excited calling game as I was when Bice bought me the Friends gift pack the one year for Christmas. His cohort Troy "State the Obvious" Aikman doesn't help either. Can you tell he's had about 15 concussions? Me either (being facetious).

Christ, I'd rather listen to the Communist Manifesto read by Keith Olbermann.

Could go on a rant about how much McCarver sucks but this isn't the time nor the place. Deadspin dug up this handy dandy little invention that can solve all your shitty announcing problems.

6. The officiating. I was under the assumption that the playoff crews were the best. But when you assume you make an ass out of you and me. To start, the Santonio Holmes catch and touchdown that was reversed. It looked like he caught it, had his hand under the ball and it came out when it hit the ground. Last time I checked, I didn't think the ground could cause a fumble....guess not.

The pass interference call on McFadden that practically handed the Ravens their first touchdown was particularly sketchy. I could've sworn I saw Jared Gaither hold James Harrison god knows how many times and Ben took some late hits. I guess since he's big he can take them and the flags don't need to be thrown.

The pass interference call on Taylor was legitimate. If you have your back to the ball and touch the receiver, they will call it every time. Hell, that roughing the punter call on Baltimore was terrible. Mitch Berger did an acting job that Hollywood Hogan would be proud of....while I'm on the topic....

7. Mitch Berger. Could that punt have possibly been any worse? I could have kicked the ball better after downing a 12 pack. Seriously, between him and Ernster earlier in the season, I haven't seen such terrible punting. At least Sepulveda will be back next season.

On a final note, my take on the hit on McGahee.


One of the most vicious hits I have ever seen. This hit will be picked apart by everyone, was it dirty or was it clean. I, for one, think it was clean. I'm pretty sure there's no rule against helmet to helmet hits on a downfield receiver and Clark led with his shoulder anyways. Now if he was defenseless that would be a different story, he turned and was advancing up field.

I hope McGahee makes a full recovery. He's a Hurricane/Raven (perhaps the lowest form of scum there is) but you wish that on no one. From what I've heard, he's going to make a full recovery. Ray-Ray looked surprisingly perturbed, I didn't expect this because he's seen some dead bodies before.

Well that's enough for now, I'm sure we'll bring you a whole hell of a lot more stuff in the coming weeks leading up to Superbowl 43.

My brother, Jacob, loves the Eagles

Hopefully McNabb gets traded to a team where fans will appreciate him

My brother Jacob loves the Philadelphia Eagles but he often poses as a Steelers fan when they are doing well, which is always. Anyways, he wrote up his take on yesterday's NFC Championship and its not one-sided or biased at all. Enjoy....

I think the philly-zona game was awful. The refs did a terrible game. Donny Mcnabb played terrible. Brian Westbrook played terrible like all postseason. The defense was terrible. But the worst thing of all was when the refs blew the game for philly. It was 4th down and mcnabb threw to kevin curtis and a zona playa pushed curtis and he missed the catch. Turnover. and the refs ignored it. if you look back to the week before during the baltimore tennessee game the play clock went down to zero for like 2 secs and the refs dint call it. during the regular season jay cutler threw a pass and it went behind him but the refs dint call a shouldve been fumble. i think the refs or umps in all sports are terrible. i say fire all of em and rehire some better ones. but thats not up to me. i say philly needs to gett rid of andy reid and donny mcnabb. trade philly and carolinas ( u got them last yr in a trade on draft day ) 1st round draft picks for a top ten draft pick and draft michael crabtree or jeremy maclin. then sign a qb or trade donny mcnabb and kevin kolb for a above average qb. Then make john gruden your head coach. i would say thts just about how my off season would go.

A Tale Of Two Cities

This is one of the most exciting things that can happen to any team or city. That the team you follow, the team you live and die with, has a chance to play for a world championship. It's a great feeling. In Pittsburgh we are very lucky as fans to watch our Steelers head to another Super Bowl. It will be Arizona and Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII.

There is somthing that I want to examine however. Everyone that follows football knows about the history of these two teams. Arizona has had to wait practically their entire lifetime to accomplish anything of this magnitude. Pittsburgh on the other hand was in this exact same boat during the 1974 season when they were pretty much losers their entire existence and headed to their first Super Bowl.

But yesterday somthing just seemed very different about these two teams. Yeah, one is going to their 7th Super Bowl and the other is going to their 1st. But it was just the way these two teams handled themselves. In Arizona confetti was raining down on the Cardinals as they celebrated their first trip to the Super Bowl. I am glad for Arizona. I couldn't imagine not feeling excited if my team was going to it's first championship game ever. I am also glad for Larry Fitzgerald, a former Pitt star and Reggie Wells, who is a former Clarion University player. But the way people were acting and the way they were celebrating kind of made me laugh. In Pittsburgh, it seemed like business as usual. No confetti. Celebration, but not overdoing it. We were acting like we have been there before. Simply put, Arizona was acting like they had won the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh was acting like they were going to the Super Bowl.

I'm not saying that Arizona is destined to lose. Anything can happen in games like these. Think back to last year. Think back to 2001 when New England beat a favored St. Louis team. That's why I don't like to get too cocky. I don't like to jinx things. But i definately looked to me like Pittsburgh realized that they had one more step. Arizona looked like they had already completed it. The two teams are opposites in that sense. Pittsburgh is pretty much the same from their last Super Bowl. Arizona is being lead by Kurt Warner a former MVP of the big game. Arizona just looks a little bit inexperienced I guess.

But regardless it's still exciting. It's special. Arizona will be looking for their 1st championship in their history. Pittsburgh will be looking for their record 6th Super Bowl.

This is gonna be fun. HERE WE GO BABY!!!!

Is it just me....

Kurty wears his mittens in the cold.

Or did some the Eagles, ie: Asante Samuel, look way too happy for having just lost the championship game? Whatever happened to sore losers? Instead I see Eagles laughing and smiling like they just won the fucking thing. I guess that explains while they'll never win a Super Bowl. They're perfectly content coming in 2nd.

Now time for the real game.......

AFC Championship Game Moment of Zen

Just watching this video will give any TRUE member of the Steeler Nation CHILLS...

AFC Championship Weekend Links

The ring for the Super Bowl 6-pack is within sight, and the Steelers will need to knock 2 of those 3 teams off to attain that goal.

Ah yes, another AFC Championship Weekend here in the Steeler Nation. Believe. That is the feeling that all fans of the Steelers share as the Ravens come to town Sunday night. Here's some linkage to get you pumped up for the game (Kickoff 6:40 PM, CBS).

Sign that you know that the fans of dem Baltimore Birdies being scared



This is the mayor of San Diego making good on the bet that he made with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke STEELER-Stahl.
Details here

Now, the Mayoress of Baltimore is unfortunately not able to make a bet, or nothing's been made public (leave a comment if there is a bet though), but, umm yeah, she's got more pressing matters??? on her hands.

The fans of the two teams are into the betting spirit, though.



Even the Pittsburgh Zoo's animals are a part of the Steeler Nation.

Kevin Cowherd, more like Coward, of the Balt Sun??? Yeah, Steelers fans probably hate you.

A few months ago, there was possibility of a Jets-Giants Super Bowl, well there's now this possibility. Suck on that New Jersey!

Did you know the Steelers had actually merged with each of the participants of the NFC Championship game in the 1940s? I did, but that's owed to the fact I like history.

You know already that the Cardinals have a connection with Pittsburgh with Coaches Cheese-whiz and Russ Grimm. How about a Pittsburgh connection with some of the players.
Bice and I were both at Clarion long enough ago that we could have seen Reggie Wells play.


Those are your links for the weekend, enjoy those, and on a final thought, besides
GO STEELERS BEAT THE RAVENS' BUTTS!!!

This week one of my favorite TV shows came back, and if you had followed my afternoon radio show in Clarion the past 3+ years, you know I'm talking about American Idol. It's the first few weeks of the season that I enjoy most, in addition to the final to see who's crowned the American Idol each May. Now, I had read from various sources that the auditions were going to be somewhat different from past seasons (for example, more focus on the better singers, and not as many of the William Hung types). Tuning in Tuesday and Wednesday night, I was pleasantly surprised to see a healthy amount of both packed into the 2 hours both nights. You definitely saw the crazy characters (bikini girl, who surprising moved on to Hollywood, but it helps when you have 2 straight guys on the judges panel), the great singers, the terrible singers (the black guy with the really deep voice that no one actually believed was his real voice, and countless others), and the feel-good stories (the birthday girl who lived with her hard-of-hearing 93-year-old grandmother, and God knows I thought she was going to interrupt the sit-down with that girl at her house when she was telling her story; the oil worker with a voice of gold). It looks like a good season, and it's definitely hotter with that new judge, Kara DioGuardi as well, adding her hotness and great personality to an already strong stable of 3 judges. (By the way, I wanna know what happens if there's a 2-2 tie, so think of some possible solutions in the comments.

Thanks for reading and see ya next week!

Commercials I Hate: Kay's Jewelry

This commercial has bothered me for a while now. Mainly because deaf people should only date other deaf people. JK JK. What really pisses me off about this commercial is that this dude gets his deaf girlfriend a God Damned watch. There have been hundred upon hundreds of jewelry commercials where able-hearing girls gets a ring, necklace, or earrings but to give Donna Deaf a watch? Isn't she deserving of a ring. I mean it would have at least been comical if she was blind and he gave her a watch. If that were the case, he could have gotten her a really cheap ring and said it was really expensive and she'd have to believe it. How's she going to know? She's blind!

Football Falls in Erie

There are four types of NFL fans in Erie, Steelers, Bills, Browns and Cowboys. Lets go through the types of fans that live in Erie:
Bills: People in Erie are Bills fans mainly because we live in a Bills television market.
Browns: People in Erie that are Browns fans are all mentally challenged. Mainly because of the pollution that once was trapped in Lake Erie these fans do not have the intelectual brain power to know the difference.
Cowboys: People in Erie are Cowboy fans because of one person Mark Stepnowski.
Mark Stepnowski is a local pot smoker that played for the Dallas Cowgirls in the late 90’s. His career was short lived like his memory due to the excessive pot smoking this Erie native has done.
Steelers: People in Erie that are Steelers fans are usually people that have once lived south of I-90. These fans are loyal to the Steeler Nation due to 3 Reasons:
1). Steeler fans wear their Black and Gold to church on Sundays.
2). Steeler fans fly the black and gold flags everyday of the week for 20 straight weeks.
3).Steeler fans know that if you aren’t a Steeler Fan you not Shit!.

BALTIMORE FANS ALREADY BITTER AND TALKING TRASH

I don't know if you have been paying any attention to the Pittsburgh new as of late, but Baltimore seems to want to take on more then just the Steelers this weekend. It seems to me like that want to take on the city of Pittsburgh and it's upstanding citizens. I recently was watching the news and rather then the Ravens talking shit, the fans and writers are doing it for them. They were making comments about how weird Pittsburghers or whatever we call ourselves talk. Making fun of our Pittsburghese language. The most recent story came from the Baltimore Sun, as if they get that much Sun down their to add that to the title of their shitty publication that they claim to be a "news"paper. The reporters name was Coward and he was making fun of our beloved incline system on Mt. Washington. He was saying who the heck would want to ride a 400 foot incline ride up a mountain and hear the whistling wind and creaking of wood. I just happen to live on Mt. Washington, so I can defend this one myself. There has never been a day that I have driven by when their wasn't a tourist or a person admiring the incline system whether it be riding it or standing on the over look to check on its unique style. I happen to like it Mr. Coward because it is easy, cheap transportation to get to downtown, station sq. and to football games like the one I will be attending on Sunday. You know, the one that if and when we win and beat yourawesome Baltimore Ravens that will take us to the Superbowl. Baltimore is such a crime free, clean city. Not to mention the only thing you got going for you, which is the inner harbor, but dont you dare step outside those boundaries because you just may get shot or jumped. If I am correct wasn't their a HBO series that was created and based on your glorious city?? Ya, iI believe their was, it was called "The Wire". It was pretty much about the gangs and scum of your city and how terrible drug, crime, std rates were.



Well I am just glad I didn't have to talk any trash on the city of Baltimore, HBO did a pretty good job doing that. Just a little advice to you Mr. Coward, you may want to keep your comments to yourself, you do realize Steeler Nation does not just live in Pittsburgh. You being a newspaper reporter should already know this by now, seeing when we play you guys at home, the stadium is flooding with black and gold and terrible towels being waved around like its a home game for US, THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!

To cold for school or just want a 3 day weekend for the steelers game??

So after a long day at work I come home and get relaxed and ready to sit to wacth tv. I turn on the TV and I see that a plane take a crash landing into the Hudson river in NYC. Thank God that everyone survived and the plane stayed in tacked. I have to give kudos to the pilot and the NY rescue crews who were there on first reponse, even the ferry and pleasure boats who aborted their schedules to help out deserve thanks. This however isn't what I wanted to discuss. As I was watching this story develop and the national news switching over to the local news I was reading the bottom lines for cancellations for Friday. I can't help to remember when I was in school we didn't have many cancellations or even 2 hr. delays. I don't think I can even name a school district in the surrounding area of the city of Pittsburgh that hasn't cancelled already. What the hell is going on ?? I remember when I was in school it was like get your ass to school no matter what. They didn't give a shit how much snow was on the ground or how cold it was outside. Instead, once we got to school we use to all hear the horror stories well when I was your age school buses never got back to where we lived and we didn't have a car for the kids. We had to walk to school to and fro up hill in snow up to our knees...blah blah blah...you know how the rest of the story goes.

So what the hell is really going on ? I don't know if you heard this yet, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have a pretty big game this weekend. The game is known as the AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. My thinking on this is people meaning teachers, school advisors, and principals found their way out to enjoy a 3 day weekend. This way they can get another day of stuff done and enjoy their Sunday of watching the Steelers beat the shit out of the Ravens and do nothing more with their day then just that. I am actually waiting to watch the news tommorrow or Sunday night and see them start the cancellations or atleast 2 hr delays for Monday already..lol..

The bottom line is (I apologize for my Stone Cold Steve Austin reference) if your really cancelling school because of the weather thats fine or maybe it is not because I am rather bitter I never got to expierence days like that. Maybe you should bundle up and not be a bitch and get your ass to school. I have to go to work Friday. The Steelers aren"t cancelling work tommorrow nor are they cancelling the game. I am also betting that people are planning on going to the game whether it be 0 degrees outside and snowing or 75 degrees out and sunny. If your going to cancel school this far ahead of time, why dont we just declare this fucking weekend a holiday for western PA and give everyone off. This way we can all start our pregame tailgate to take on the shit talking Baltimore Ravens and their shit talking fans.

Go Steelers!!

I Almost Got Killed Today

I almost died today. And it wasn't because I swollowed somthing with a Mr. Yuck sticker on it.

This is actually somthing that all of us except Bice can relate too, since we all still live in the Western Pennsylvania region. As most of you know, we've gotten a shit load of snow recently. I actually enjoyed watching it snow until my dad made me shovel it all. Then I hated it. But regardless, it has snowed a ton lately. And today I almost died because of it.

It should first be noted that I think Penn DOT (PA Dept. of Transportation) has been really lazy lately. I don't see what is so hard about keeping the roads safe. I would like to make note on this blog that when I would be driving to work around 4am, I would see Penn DOT trucks parked along side the road doing nothing. It's nice to see that our tax dollars are being spent on a couple of lazy guys that like to sleep.

Now, I was drving along one of our beautiful roadways in the great state of Pennsylvania (by the way, it should also be noted that I used to love the slogan "You've Got a Friend In Pennsylvania" that used to be on license plates) when I noticed on a particular section it appeared to be snow covered. It was snowing so I assumed that it was just a section they hadn't got to. But it wasn't snowing bad or anything. As I was driving I slowed down to a safe speed so that I could avoid a crash. The lanes were mostly clear except right down the middle, so I was driving over a coating of snow that was about a half inch or more. All of a sudden, as I was negoitating a turn, my car began to slide out of control. I was lucky to manage a save, as I began sliding into another lane when a car was coming. I managed to stay in my lane but then I almost slid over the side of a hill. Luckily my tires got away from the snow and I got slowed down. It was a close call for sure. Then when I told my dear mother of the incident, she just laughed at me like I exaggerate every thing that goes on in my life. Whatev. The point is Penn DOT should take better care of the roadways, otherwise a somewhat famous individual could have died today. That is all of my story. I hope you all learned a valuable lesson today. Godspeed.

Before I go here are a couple things you should know. On ESPN.com, Rick Reilly, the guy who used to write for Sports Illustrated, wrote a great piece on Beer Pong. I am sure Bones will leave a post sometime in the next day or two either endorsing it, or calling it jibberish. And the picture of the chick in this post is my new girlfriend. Not really, but she probably wants me anyway.

Fat Gorzo loses weight!

Tom and his trainer during a break in their off season workout.

Good news Pirate fans. Your season is saved. Old Gorzelanny will be showing up to camp 15 pounds lighter, according to an article in today's Post-Gazette. The losing ends now!

Is it just me or do we get an article like this every year? Some player, who underperformed the last season, shows up to camp 15 pounds skinnier yet still ends up playing like garbage. I specifically remember such articles for Fat Ronny Paulino and Craig Wilson but I'm sure there have been more. However, there was one about Ryan Doumit last year, but I think he put on muscle so who knows.

My question is "Why are these guys out of shape in the first place?" Sure, they play baseball, which is the laziest sport in the world, but come on, it shouldn't be that hard to take care of yourself. And why did management let him get to this point? Wouldn't it be in their best interest to keep tabs on someone who was their best pitcher just one year prior?

Maybe this is why Jeff Andrews was fired. Hopefully the new pitching coach will make sure Tom stops having hamburger eating contests with Matt Capps.

Never Stomp On A Dead Guy's Towel

I think people will laugh at me after I say this. Hell, I'll probably get made fun of. But I just knew that back in week 16 after Tennessee Titans players Lendell White and Keith Bulluck stomped on the Terrible Towel, they wouldn't make it to the Super Bowl. Many people may think that the Terrible Towel is just a stupid yellow towel that a bunch of crazy Steeler fans wave like lunatics during games. Well I've got news for ya.....It's not.

Myron Cope was the one person that created the enitre towel waving craze.

He was a genius. The best part is that the proceeds go towards a good cause.

"THE TERRIBLE TOWEL is not an instrument of witchcraft...It is not a hex upon the enemy. THE TOWEL is a positive force that lifts the Steelers to magnificent heights-and poses mysterious difficulties for the Steelers' opponents only if need be. Many have told me that THE TERRIBLE TOWEL brought them good fortune, but I can't guarentee that sort of thing because the Steelers, after all, are THE TOWELS primary concern. Still, at least, the symbol of THE TERRIBLE TOWEL will serve as a momento to your having been a part of the Steelers Dynasty and if it causes good things to happen to you, so much the better." - Myron Cope

Say what you want, but I think that disgracing THE TOWEL is a big mistake. Think about it. Back when the Steelers won their last Super Bowl the Cincinnatti Bengals Wide Reciever TJ Who's Yo Mama wiped his feet with THE TOWEL. They lost and haven't been the same since. Although we didn't play them, I sure would have liked to because I think we would have beat them. But thats just my opinon.

Holy Hockey Hell

The Penguins could very well have their season on the line tonight when they play the Flyers. Regardless, I don't think they are out of it yet. An entire half of hockey has yet to be played and whoever is in the top 8 of each conference after that makes the playoffs. Anything can happen. Which is why I want to make this point. One of three things will happen with the Penguins. 1) the Pens will stay the course with the way things are and hope it all turns around, 2) Fire Head Coach Michael Therrien or 3) Make a trade for a scoring winger to play with Sidney Crosby.

Whatever happens keep this in mind. Trades dont solve your problems. Think back to last year at the deadline and what we gave up (Colby, Esposito, Christianson and 1st round pick) and what we still have (Dupuis...no Hossa). Firing a coach won't solve problems either. This slump is the players fault. The Pens are hurt and it isn't fair to judge them until they are healthy. Who know's maybe Gonchar will help the team's struggeling power play. But keep this in mind too. Firing a coach may throw this enitre season off, yet help them next season. Chemistry is a huge part of wining hockey and right now the Pens don't have it. Don't fire Therrien.

Predictions

I'll make this short and sweet...

NFC Championship Game

Philadelphia @ Arizona (FOX Sun. 3pm)

Arizona looked good the other night against Carolina, although I didn't watch the game, forcing 6 turnovers is very impressive. But that is the point. They don't do it all the time and clearly even the best defenses don't force that many turnovers all the time. It was a fluke. But the Cards looked dangerous. But I think Philly may be tougher and better. But I don't like their history in NFC Championships.

Arizona 28-17

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (CBS Sun. 6:30pm)

I love this matchup. But I'll be honest I don't think it will be the game people think it is going to be. The Ravens are banged up. Flacco is a rookie QB. Steelers are pretty much healthy. This is the third game of the season these two teams will play and the first two were close. I doubt this one is. The Ravens may be able to get some decent gains, but the Steelers will shut down the run and force Flacco to throw and he will finally make a mistake or two.

Pittsburgh 24-9