Steelers lose DE Smith for rest of seasonprod.static.steelers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/...Dec 12, 2007 · Kirschke, 33, has been with the Steelers since 2004 when he signed as

Steelers lose DE Smith for rest of seasonVeteran put on injured reserve with torn bicep Wednesday, December 12, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith, listed as 6-5, 298, went head-to-head against tackles who outweighed him by 50 pounds. (vs. Raiders 10/29/2006)

The Steelers might have a more difficult time overcoming the loss of Aaron Smith in New England than they do the Patriots' 34-13 victory Sunday.

Smith, placed on injured reserve yesterday with a torn biceps, was among their best two or three defensive players, if not No. 1.

Even coach Mike Tomlin admitted yesterday that Smith's absence might affect how they play schematically without their tower of strength at left end in their 3-4 defense.

"I'm sure it will, but more subtle [than] sweeping changes," Tomlin said. "We will put that together as the week moves forward."

Rookie Ryan McBean, a fourth-round draft choice who has spent the season on the practice squad, was signed to the 53-man roster yesterday. But no one can replace what Smith has meant to the NFL's top-ranked defense.

Sunday

Game: Jaguars (9-4)

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Playing on the strong side in a 3-4 is not conducive to producing the kind of statistics that put players in the Pro Bowl. It's a job that requires brute strength to play the run on the inside or the outside, taking on the blocks so the linebackers can swoop in to make the play, and often being double-teamed by the tackle and tight end.

Yet Smith made the Pro Bowl after the 2004 season when he had a career-high eight sacks, and he was second on the team last season with 21 quarterback hurries/pressures, two behind leader Brett Keisel.

Smith had started 116 consecutive regular-season games, beginning in his second season in 2000 before he missed games seven and eight this season with a sprained knee.

He was scheduled to have surgery on his biceps, and he should be fine for next season, which will be his 10th with the Steelers after they drafted him in the fourth round in 1999 from Northern Colorado.

"That's a big loss for him and for our football team," Tomlin said.

"But again, like I always say, it is the nature of this game. It's an attrition game. People get injured, other people have an opportunity to step up and that's the way we will approach it.

"But I am sorry for Aaron because that guy loves to play football. He is an extremely tough worker and a good leader for our football team."

Smith, listed as 6-5, 298, went head-to-head against tackles who outweighed him by 50 pounds and is an iron man in the way he plays, in addition to his longevity. Keisel told Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook in October that he considers Smith the team's best defensive lineman.

"He's what all of us want to be, the guy we all try to emulate. He's our leader and we all follow him," Keisel said.

The Steelers now must find a way to replace him, and Tomlin said he will try it with two veteran players.

"We play Travis Kirschke, we play Nick Eason," Tomlin said.

"It is going to require more than one man to man-down Aaron's spot, which is what we dealt with when he missed a couple games earlier in the season."

Kirschke (6-3, 298) and Eason (6-3, 305) both play extensively as substitutes for Smith and Keisel.

Kirschke, 33, has been with the Steelers since 2004 when he signed as an unrestricted free agent from San Francisco. He also has played for the Detroit Lions, who first signed him as an undrafted rookie in 1997.

Eason, 27, signed with the Steelers this year as an unrestricted free agent from the Cleveland Browns. Denver drafted him in the fourth round in 2003 and waived him in '04. He signed with the Browns in '04 and played for them mostly as a backup the next three seasons.

"The standard of expectation is not going to change," Tomlin said. "Those guys are quality

vs. Steelers (9-4) When: 1 p.m. Where: Heinz Field. TV: KDKA.



players. Travis has played a long time in this league at a high level and he has starting experience. Nick is a guy that has been an emotional spark plug for us. He is a guy that comes to work every day.

"I am excited about seeing what those guys are capable of doing for us, but at the same time saddened for Aaron on a personal note, because he is a quality person, a quality player and he loves to play the game. It is something we will have to deal with."

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].

First published on December 12, 2007 at 12:00 am



Steelers Notebook: Parker leads league in rushing Wednesday, December 12, 2007 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Willie Parker's 124 yards rushing Sunday against the Patriots boosted him ahead of the Vikings' Adrian Peterson as the top rusher in the NFL. (at Patriots 12/9/2007)

It garnered little attention because of the fallout to the Steelers' loss in New England and then their loss of Aaron Smith, but Willie Parker leads the National Football League in rushing.

Parker's 124 yards against the Patriots boosted him to 1,217 yards, 17 more than Minnesota rookie Adrian Peterson, who missed two games with an injury.

No Steelers player has led the NFL in rushing in 60 years. The last to do it was Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bill Dudley in 1946, when he gained 604 yards. Dudley also led the NFL with 696 yards as a rookie in 1942.

The only other Steelers player to lead the NFL in rushing was Byron "Whizzer" White with 567 yards in 1938, also as a rookie.

Barry Foster is the only player to lead the AFC in rushing with the Steelers when he set the team record of 1,690 in 1992.

Also making a run at the NFL rushing title is San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, who has 1,195 yards.

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Only two other players have topped 1,000 yards: Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook with 1,110 and Baltimore's Willis McGahee with 1,093. The Steelers play at Baltimore in the season finale.

Parker has gone over 1,200 yards three consecutive seasons and is on pace for 1,498 yards at an average of 93.6 per game. He had 1,494 yards last season.

Polamalu's return unclear

Free safety Troy Polamalu, who missed the past three games with a sprained knee, is scheduled to practice today and could return to the starting lineup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Polamalu practiced last Wednesday, too, but his knee was re-injured in practice and he did not suit up again.

Ben Roethlisberger has a sore right shoulder, which would be cause for concern if coach Mike Tomlin did not throw ice on it when he cautioned that "I don't want to make more out of it than what it is; it is just sore."

Starting right tackle Willie Colon has a calf strain that Tomlin said could limit him somewhat in early practices starting today. And while Santonio Holmes returned to start in New England after missing two games with a high ankle sprain, Tomlin said he might limit Holmes' practice time as well, although he should be available to play.

Other injuries, all minor according to the coach, involve linebacker Andre Frazier (groin) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (ankle).

LaMarr Woodley, who has missed two of the past three weeks with a hamstring injury, also will practice today.

Cornerback Deshea Townsend left the game Sunday briefly but returned. "Deshea got hit by James Harrison. Friendly fire if you will. He is going to be fine," Tomlin said.

Riposte against Belichick

Tomlin responded to Patriots coach Bill Belichick's criticism of the Steelers' safeties. Belichick said about Anthony Smith: "We've played against a lot better safeties than him, I'll tell you." And about the team's safeties in particular: "Well, again, the safety play at that position was pretty inviting."

"I don't care what Coach Belichick has to say after the games regarding our performance," Tomlin said. "I compliment them for a great game and we move forward. His opinions are irrelevant to us, because we focus on what it is we do and how we prepare in moving forward. Do we need to get better play? Absolutely, but it won't be because he said it."

Quick hits

Tomlin on kicker Jeff Reed, whose 2-for-2 performance in New England made him 21 of 23 on field goals this season: "He's having a great year, but we prefer him to kick extra points." Reed's only misses came from 65 yards in Denver and from 44 in the muck against Miami in Heinz Field. ... The Steelers picked up linebacker Marquis Cooper off waivers from Jacksonville to play special teams, Tomlin said. The Steelers released Cooper Sept. 19.

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Steelers run-stopper Smith out for season By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Sunday's game against Jacksonville, a 9-4 team with the second-ranked running attack in the NFL, got a lot tougher for the Steelers after they placed defensive end Aaron Smith on injured reserve.

Smith sustained a season-ending biceps injury in the Steelers' 34-13 loss to the Patriots, and his loss is a significant blow to the No. 1 defense in the NFL.

Smith has been a linchpin of the Steelers' run defense, which is perennially one of the stingiest in the league.

Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason will fill in for Smith at left defensive end, while the Steelers signed rookie Ryan McBean from the practice squad to take Smith's spot on the 53-man roster.

Kirschke and Eason each started a game in place of Smith earlier this season when he was sidelined by a sprained knee.

"It's going to require more than one man to (hold) down Aaron's spot," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "I'm excited to see what those guys are capable of doing for us, but at the same time you're saddened by this for Aaron on a personal level because he's a quality person, a quality player."

Smith, who signed a five-year contract extension in February, had recorded 42 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in 11 games this season.

Tomlin said Smith may have hurt his biceps prior to Sunday's game against New England. He played with the injury.

"He came out (of the game) a couple of times," Tomlin said, "and that was worrisome because you know that this guy doesn't come out of football games."

Smith's loss couldn't have come at a worse time for the Steelers.

The Jaguars are a physical team, and they love to pound opponents with the run.

Jacksonville has one of the better running back tandems in the league, as Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew have combined for 1,599 rushing yards and 11

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rushing touchdowns this season.

The good news for the Steelers is they could get strong safety Troy Polamalu back for the 1 p.m. game.

Polamalu has missed the last three games because of a sprained knee, but he is expected to practice today.

The bad news for the Steelers is they don't have many options at defensive end this late in the season.

One option that Tomlin ruled out, at least for now, is rookie outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

Woodley excelled as a defensive end at University of Michigan, but he has not been able to do much of anything lately for the Steelers.

He has been battling a nagging hamstring injury that has caused the second-round draft pick to miss three of the last four games, though Woodley is expected to practice today.

"The possibility of exploring position changes (with Woodley) and stuff is really a moot point until we get him back on the field playing outside linebacker," Tomlin said.

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2007 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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Steelers Q&A: Scott Brown answers your questions By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Tribune-Review Steelers writer Scott Brown answers your questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What are the chances and probability of Cleveland winning the division and Steelers not making the playoffs? Take a look at the Cleveland, Jacksonville schedule vs. ours.

Dennis Grasso, Los Angeles

Dennis,

The Steelers are still in really good position to both win the division and make the playoffs as a wild-card. They essentially have a two-game lead on Cleveland with three games left in the season since they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Browns.

Even if the Browns happen to overtake the Steelers in the AFC North, the Steelers will get one of the wild-card spots in the playoffs unless they lose their remaining three games. In fact, if the Steelers win Sunday against the Jaguars they clinch a playoff berth.

If they lose they still clinch a wild-card berth if the Bills, Broncos and Titans all lose as well.

Check out Scott's View from the Press Box blog entry for his latest take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With Nate Washinton's drops again an issue and (Willie) Colon's struggles against (Mike) Vrabel and on Hines Ward's goal-line run, is there a chance that we will see more of Ced Wilson and Max Starks (especially with the way they have played when given the opportunity)?

Mike McCorkle, York, Pa.

I have to believe the Steelers are getting fed up with Nate Washington. He doesn't give them any consistency at wide receiver, and the he's-a-young-player line just doesn't fly any more. He's been given enough opportunities to show that he can play wide receiver in this league, and he just hasn't gotten it done in my opinion. I'd play Wilson more over him because at least you know Cedrick will catch the ball if he gets his hands on it.

I don't think you'll see Max Starks getting playing time at right tackle unless

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS:

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Colon gets hurt. Continuity is so important for an offensive line, and Starks will be the first person to say that. He'd probably also say that benching Colon would be counterproductive for the Steelers.

The Steelers made a decision to go with Colon over Starks and, right or wrong, they will stick with it. Remember Mike Tomlin is not a reactionary coach as it is and the last place you want to start tinkering with personnel this late in the season is along the offensive line.

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Notebook: Steelers' Tomlin lets Belichick's remarks slide By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Mike Tomlin said New England coach Bill Belichick's postgame comments Sunday regarding free safety Anthony Smith didn't bother him. After the Patriots beat the Steelers, 34-13, Belichick said New England had played against a lot of safeties that were better than Smith.

"I don't care what Coach Belichick has to say after the game regarding our performance," Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "I compliment them on a great game and we move forward. His opinions are irrelevant to us because we focus on what we do and how we prepare."

Prior to the game, Smith had guaranteed the Steelers would beat the undefeated Patriots. The second-year safety got beat on a couple of long pass plays that loomed large in the outcome of the game.

"Do we need to get better (at free safety)? Absolutely," Tomlin said. "But it won't be because (Belichick) said it."

• A handful of Steelers players, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, have minor injuries that could limit them in practice today or keep them out of it. Roethlisberger has a sore (throwing) shoulder, Tomlin said, but it is nothing serious. Right tackle Willie Colon (calf strain), wide receiver Santonio Holmes (sprained ankle) and outside linebacker Andre Frazier (groin) are also expected to play Sunday, Tomlin said.

• The Steelers signed Marquis Cooper on Monday to address spotty special teams play. Cooper, who was claimed off waivers from the Jaguars, made the Steelers coming out of preseason practice but was slowed by a hamstring injury. The Steelers released him Sept. 19.

"Really, this is our first opportunity to get him back in the fold and put him back in the mix and see if he can be a help to us in (special teams)," Tomlin said.

Digits

2.5 - Yards per carry Willie Parker has averaged in three career games against Jacksonville.

4 - Jacksonville's AFC rank in turnover margin (the Jags have eight more takeaways than giveaways).

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.



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Tomlin's Take: Press conference quotes By The Tribune-Review Wednesday, December 12, 2007

On the decision to give wide receiver Hines Ward the ball on a handoff from the Patriots' 1 on Sunday: "If you had to do it over you'd put the ball in Hines' arms again. Sometimes you've got to give (opponents) credit for what it is that they do."

On the likelihood that the Jaguars won't have defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (sprained ankle) Sunday when they visit Heinz Field: "The standard of expectation doesn't change with those guys, either. They missed Stroud for a significant period of time, and they're a 9-4 team. But we all know that Stroud is a special player and they're probably better with him than without him."

On whether Willie Colon still has a strong grip on the starting job at right tackle: "None of us are solidly entrenched in anything. That's the nature of this business. You've got to prove it every day. That's just the nature of the National Football League. Anybody that takes the approach that they're solidly entrenched in anything won't be solidly entrenched. (Colon) doesn't take it for granted."

On whether the positives the Steelers can take from the Patriots game are overshadowed by how soundly they were beaten: "We don't feel like we need to pat ourselves on the back. We play games to win and we play them to compete and we fell short. Our performance is our performance. There were some positive aspects of that performance but not enough to earn a victory."



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Steelers' Ward, partners seek to 86 problems with bar By Bobby Kerlik TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 12, 2007

A South Side bar partially owned by Hines Ward filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday.

An attorney for the Locker Room Bar & Grille, which has been embroiled in legal disputes since September, filed for bankruptcy protection just days before co-owners Korry and Kimberly Pitts were to face a contempt hearing in Allegheny County court for failing to repay the business $122,000.

"The timing for this is highly unusual," said David Rudov, an independent third-party appointed by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward to run the business and manage its finances until a civil lawsuit is resolved.

At that time, Hines Ward, who is not related to the judge, was ordered to pay $48,438 to the business and Korry Pitts was ordered to pay $122,000.

The order stemmed from a lawsuit filed in September by co-owner Nicholas Lettieri over the bar's finances and allegations of insurance fraud. Lettieri has accused Ward and Pitts of illegally diverting the business' money to personal bank accounts. The lawsuit is pending.

Rudov said that Hines Ward paid the money the day after being ordered to do so, while Pitts has not yet paid. A contempt hearing was scheduled for Thursday to enforce the judge's order, but the bankruptcy filing likely complicates matters further, Rudov said.

"I'll be filing a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy filing," he said. "I don't believe the bankruptcy filing has any impact on the judge's order."

Hines Ward's attorney, Joseph Luvara, said the bankruptcy filing will help the bar succeed long-term.

"In talking with the bankruptcy attorney, he felt the best thing was to reorganize," Luvara said.

David Slomski, Pitts' attorney, and Thomas Castello, who represents the business, did not return calls.

Bruce Fox, who represents Lettieri in his civil lawsuit, called the filing outrageous.

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"It's a blatant ploy to stave off the inevitable -- that Korry Pitts repay the money to the Locker Room," Fox said.

Bobby Kerlik can be reached at [email protected] or 412-391-0927.



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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2007 :: Last modified: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 12:26 AM EST

A Broken Line By Mike Bires

PITTSBURGH — If the Steelers want to keep up their ranking as the NFL’s No. 1 defense, they’ll have to do it without defensive end Aaron Smith. A ninth-year pro who the Steelers consider one of the league’s best 3-4 defensive linemen, Smith was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list Tuesday.

Smith suffered a torn biceps muscle in Sunday’s 34-13 loss to the New England Patriots. He’ll likely need surgery to repair the tear in his biceps, a muscle located in the upper arm. “That’s a big loss for him and for our football team,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I (feel) sorry for Aaron because that guy loves to play football. He is an extremely tough worker and a good leader for our football team.” Smith, who played NCAA Division II football at Northern Colorado, has been a starter since his second season with the Steelers. His best season was in 2004 when he earned Pro Bowl honors although the Steelers believe Smith should have been picked for the NFL’s annual all-star game in Hawaii on several other occasions. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Smith has registered 36.5 sacks during his career. But his strength over the years is that as a determined run stopper. Only three current Steelers — guard Alan Faneca, wide receiver Hines Ward and cornerback Deshea Townsend, each 10-year veterans — have longer tenures in Pittsburgh than Smith. In all likelihood, backup Travis Kirschke will move into the starting lineup at Smith’s left defensive end position. Nick Eason, another backup, will also be part of the rotation at defensive end. By placing Smith on the injured reserve list, the Steelers promoted rookie defensive end Ryan McBean from their practice squad. McBean, who played at Oklahoma State, was a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft. “It’s going to require more than one man to man-down Aaron’s spot, which is what we dealt with when he missed a couple games earlier in the season (with a knee injury),” Tomlin said. “The standard of expectation is not going to change. Like I always say, it’s the nature of this game. It’s an attrition game. People get injured, other people have an opportunity to step up and that’s the way we will approach it. “Those guys are quality players,” Tomlin added of Kirschke and Eason. “Travis has played a long time in this league at a high level and he has starting experience. Nick is a guy that has been an emotional

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sparkplug for us. He is a guy that comes to work every day. I am excited about seeing what those guys are capable of doing for us.” The Steelers, 9-4 after the loss in New England, have three more games left in the regular season. On Sunday, they host the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), and if they win, the Steelers will clinch a playoff berth. The Steelers can also clinch the AFC North Division title if they win and Cleveland (8-5) loses at home against Buffalo (7-6).


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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2007 :: Last modified: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 10:45 PM EST

Steelers DL Smith likely out for the year By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith suffered a torn biceps muscle in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots that could end his season. Smith, a valuable member of the Steelers' top-ranked defense, will likely need surgery to repair the tear in his biceps, a muscle located in the upper arm.

When asked if Smith's injury will require surgery and end his season, coach Mike Tomlin said, "It's a strong possibility to both those questions." It all likelihood, backup Travis Kirschke will move into the starting lineup at Smith's left defensive end position. The Steelers, 9-4 after a 34-13 loss to the Patriots, have three more games left in the regular season. On Sunday, they host the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), and if they win, the Steelers will clinch a playoff berth.

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Steelers' Smith has biceps injury, out for season By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH - As if being dominated Sunday by the New England Patriots wasn't enough, the Steelers got more bad news as former Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Smith suffered a biceps tear that will end his season.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Smith, a key member of the NFL's top-rated defense, will surgery to repair the injury. The Steelers placed Smith on injured reserve and activated fifth-round pick Ryan McBean from the practice squad.

"You're saddened for Aaron because he's a quality person and a quality player, and he loves playing the game," Tomlin said.

The loss of Smith is a huge blow for the Steelers (9-4) as they head into a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), one of the most physical teams in the NFL.

Jacksonville's rushing attack featuring Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew is second-best in the NFL - just ahead of the Steelers - averaging 143.8 yards per game.

Taylor, who has three consecutive 100-yard games, has rushed for 944 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Jones-Drew, meanwhile, has 655 yards and averages 4.3 per carry.

"They're very different runners, but great in their own right," said Tomlin. "They both have a dimension of running a fresh runner at you."

Without Smith, who has 39 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles, the Steelers will use veterans Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason at defensive end. Kirschke and Eason filled in for Smith earlier this season when the latter missed two games with a sprained knee. Pittsburgh won both of those games, but will certainly miss Smith's production, particularly against the run.

Tomlin admitted the Steelers will have to make adjustments in their defense with Smith out for the year.

"It will be more subtle than sweeping changes," Tomlin said.

Smith is the second defensive starter the Steelers have lost for the season. Free safety Ryan Clark was placed on injured reserve after having his spleen removed.

Like Clark, who finished a game in Denver despite the spleen problem, Smith played through his injury in the 34-13 loss at New England.

But Tomlin knew something was wrong.

"Being the guy he is, he continued on," Tomlin said. "He came out a few times, and that was worrisome because this guy doesn't come out of games."

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Prior to missing the two games earlier this season, Smith had played in 121 consecutive games.

Odds and end zones

The Steelers expect to get strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) back in the lineup this week. Polamalu has missed the last three games. ... Rookie linebacker LaMarr Woodley also is expected back. ... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a sore right shoulder that might limit him in practice today, but Tomlin said it won't be a long-term problem. ... Right tackle Willie Colon (calf), wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle), linebacker Andre Frazier (groin) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (ankle) will be limited in practice this week. All are expected to play Sunday. ... The Steelers released center Marvin Philip and signed linebacker Marquis Cooper, a special teams standout. Cooper spent time on Jacksonville's roster after being released by the Steelers a week into the season.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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Jim Wexell | 10 steps to beating the Pats By JIM WEXELL For The Tribune-Democrat

— It’s a bleak week for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, bleaker than the days following losses to the Cardinals, Broncos and Jets. Those were games with built-in excuses, natural stumbling blocks in any regular season. Sunday’s game was against the best, on a national stage, and the loss was complete. And it stings. The New England Patriots were supposed to be the measuring stick for the fully prepared Steelers. But, as Mike Tomlin said, “If that was the measuring stick, we’re not close.” So it appears the Steelers’ path to the Super Bowl – the only expectation for their fans – is blocked by a team they wouldn’t be able to beat if the game went on for a week. Of course, the same hopelessness existed two years and two weeks ago. That was a time when the seemingly invincible Indianapolis Colts made fools of the Steelers on the national stage, and they did it in similar fashion: A precise quarterback made a young defensive back bite early in the game to hit his Superman wide receiver for a long touchdown pass that opened the gates to a three-touchdown margin of victory. The Steelers bounced back from that loss in a big way of course. Their left tackle got healthy, they came up with a new role – “closer” – for their big, back-up running back, and they changed their offensive play-callingphilosophy to one of passing on run downs and running on pass downs by the time they next met the Colts in the playoffs. The rest is history. Can the Steelers again make such strides? The hopelessness inside says no way. But never doubt the resiliency of anyone, anything, that’s hit rock bottom. That’s the positive side of being beaten up, embarrassed, and exposed. So, along with human nature, there are potential changes to be made. Some of these might cut the gap between the Steelers and Patriots: 1. A healthy Troy Polamalu. No, Polamalu’s not having his best season, but don’t tell Dick LeBeau that. If there’s anyone on the team he wants on the field for the next play, it’s Troy. Perhaps the Steelers could use him at free safety, or perhaps he’s the one guy with enough quickness to get to Tom Brady off the corner. That’s the least of what he’ll add: Needed quickness. 2. An emerging Lawrence Timmons. The rookie linebacker may not be able to cover Wes Welker, but he’d do a better job of it than Clark Haggans. To be serious, though, Timmons, together with Polamalu, would give the Steelers two more quick-twitch athletes against the five who catch Brady’s passes. And even though Timmons is more coverage backer than pass-rusher, he’d get to Brady quicker than Haggans or Larry Foote or Tyrone Carter or Anthony Smith, to name a few. 3. Special teams. This one just hangs on the wish list from year-to-year, week-to-week, but the bust known as Chad Jackson can’t be returning kickoffs to midfield for Brady. It just can’t happen. Joshua Cribbs? Sure. Chad Jackson? No stinkin’ way. 4. A healthy Santonio Holmes. Without him, the Steelers don’t stand a chance against the Patriots. The Bengals, yes, but not the Pats. Aside from his ability to stretch the field, Holmes is another red-zone threat. The Pats have the worst red-zone defense in the NFL, but they tied up Hines Ward and Heath Miller on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger had Holmes isolated on Randall Gay in the end zone – and Holmes is certainly tough enough to catch and hold onto any fastball – but Roethlisberger overthrew him on third down. 5. Get physical. Not after plays, or during extra-points, but at the line of scrimmage with receivers. Giving a cushion to Brady has never worked. Coaches use soft coverage because they don’t think a quarterback can execute all the way down the field without making a mistake. But Brady can. Does. Will. 6. Get a blocking tight end. The Pats were smart enough to pick Kyle Brady up off the scrap heap. Isn’t Matt Cushing available? Mark Bruener?

Page 1 of 2Jim Wexell | 10 steps to beating the Pats

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7. Enough of the play-action. The Steelers cut it out of the game plan against the Bengals and Roethlisberger wasn’t sacked at all. Were they trying to set up Bill Belichick? The Steelers called three play-action passes against the Pats and the result was two sacks that killed drives and a pressure-induced incompletion. The linemen just can’t hold their blocks that long. 8. Don’t play their run. It’s the flip-side of No. 7. Let them run. Play Cover 2 and don’t bite on play-action or laterals. In fact, let your safeties jam the receivers at the line and let the corners play the receivers deep. Invert your secondary because, remember, we’re not worrying about the Patriots’ run game. Deshea Townsend could come up to make the tackle if needed, but his priority should be the deep receiver. 9. Stop being so nice. The Steelers don’t have to make like Arnold Harrison and splatter someone in the back after the whistle, but enough of the I-respect-the-heck-out-of-you hugs and butt slaps after plays. Let James Harrison take the coin flip by himself in the rematch. 10. And, of course, everyone, altogether now: Keep your mouths shut. Let that be the last word. Jim Wexell covers the Steelers for The Tribune-Democrat.

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Finally, fans will get live NFL TV action in the clouds.

DirecTV, a satellite TV provider, will announce Wednesday the most imaginative tactic in the hubbub over how viewers might get NFL games that air on the NFL Network. DirecTV will show them on the giant video screen on its blimp as it flies above towns whose cable operators don't carry the league's channel.

Don't laugh. TV sports on a blimp probably will be as good as other platforms for TV sports — such as the tiny screens on cellphones — that have emerged through the miracle of technology. The appeal of DirecTV's idea could blossom, eventually, if viewers would be able to shadow its blimp on giant inflatable couches.

But for now the blimp is just trying to exploit the hubbub over most U.S. households not having access to the NFL Network's games. DirecTV, which carries the network, is trying to tout the appeal of its games — including the New England Patriots potentially going for a perfect season against the New York Giants in the regular-season finale — to try to win over cable TV subscribers who can't get the channel from their cable operators. (Only about one-third of U.S. households get the NFL Network.)

So, for the network's prime-time Denver Broncos-Houston Texans game Thursday and Cincinnati Bengals-San Francisco 49ers game Saturday, the DirecTV blimp will air the games — its first live video — on its 70x30-foot screen, which is billed as "the largest aerial digital screen."

The blimp, which can fly as low as 1,000 feet, will sail over the Tampa-St. Petersburg area showing those games and next week will show NFL Network games while floating above Orlando. Those locales, DirecTV senior vice president Jon Gieselman says, were picked partly because the blimp was slated to be in Florida anyway — and also because cable operators in those areas don't carry the NFL Network.

The blimp won't offer game audio because it doesn't have any speakers to blast out sounds. And fans in the Northeast who don't get the NFL Network and will miss the Patriots-Giants game shouldn't expect to look to the sky for help. Says Gieselman, "This time of year with blimps, you want to stay south."

NFL TV, P.S. Plenty of ideas have popped up about what the NFL Network might do to let more households get the Dec. 29 Patriots-Giants game, such as offering it free to all cable operators or giving it to NBC in exchange for its final regular-season game.

But network spokesman Seth Palansky says there's "zero chance" of anything happening. He also paraphrases lyrics from singer Carrie Underwood, saying there's as much chance of anything being changed as there is of "raindrops going back into clouds."

Not savvy

Arthur Blank, the Atlanta Falcons owner, dropped by ESPN's Monday Night Football booth during the New Orleans Saints-Falcons game Monday to discuss Michael Vick. In talking about whether Vick might return to the team, Blank noted potential complications, including whether the jailed Vick might get out of shape in prison by eating too much "fried chicken and fries." Although linking fried chicken and African-Americans can be seen as stereotypical thinking, the MNF announcers didn't mention that.

ESPN's Mike Soltys said Tuesday, "We understand why the question could be raised. But the person to address the substance is Arthur Blank, and he has."

Blank addressed it in a statement from spokesman Reggie Roberts, who says Blank "does not need defending," has an "impeccable" record and was just saying Vick "wouldn't be the same" player if he eats "bad foods" — and "for anyone to make this a racial issue is misguided, shortsighted and preposterous."

Spice rack :

The all-time ratings low for the NFL prime-time broadcast network TV package was set by ABC in 2005 — whose MNF games averaged 10.8% of U.S. TV households. But after drawing 8.1% for its Indianapolis Colts-Baltimore Ravens matchup, NBC's Sunday night games are averaging 10.2 — down 9% from last year — and putting NBC on track for a new low. ESPN's MNF, averaging 7.4%, is off 10%. … Off-air since having an emergency appendectomy in Pittsburgh on Nov. 26, ESPN's Stuart Scott will be out for at least another week. … On the Denver-Houston game Thursday, the NFL Network will measure quarterback pass release time, comparing current passers in side-by-side shots with famed ex-quarterbacks.

NFL Network games will get air time in the sky

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

NFL updates disability plan to try to get benefits out more quickly

Associated Press NEW YORK -- The NFL and its players' association are updating their disability plan for retired players in the hopes that it will make it easier for them and for disabled players to get their benefits more efficiently and quickly.

It includes a medical director to advise the claims committee; medical panels in metropolitan areas; specialists who can help players apply for benefits by phone; and other updated procedures, including a prescription drug card for all retired players vested in the pension plan.

The plan, first reported by The New York Times on its Web site, comes in response to repeated complaints by retired players about the current system.

It was confirmed Tuesday evening by union spokesman Carl Francis.

The change comes a day after the league and union announced that 14 hospitals around the country had been designated to treat retired players who need joint replacements.

It also comes on a day when Mike Ditka, the most outspoken critic of the union's handling of retirees, announced in Minneapolis that he would dissolve his Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund following a report that it had given only a small amount of money to former players in need.

USA Today reported last week that Ditka's fund had collected $1.3 million since it was formed in 2004 but netted only about $315,000 after expenses and distributed just $57,000 to former players.

Ditka disputed part of the report, saying the trust has actually given away $159,000.

Ditka said Tuesday the fund's balance of more than $600,000 would be divided equally between Misericordia, a residential facility for developmentally disabled youth, and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, another fund that helps former professional football players in need.

"Terrific," The Times quoted Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and former coach of the Bears and Saints, as saying of the new plan. "That's the greatest thing in the world. Get rid of the red tape. If they do that, that's the greatest thing in the world."

Ditka was joined by several former Vikings in Minnesota as well as current players Kyle Turley of Kansas City and Matt Birk of the Vikings. Turley has pledged a game check of $25,000 to the fund.

"As players today, we definitely stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us," Birk said. "We're reaping a lot of the benefits of the price that was paid by those players. We can't forget that."

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Ditka giving portion of donations to Gridiron Greats fund

Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Ditka said Tuesday he would dissolve his Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund in the wake of a report that the charity had given only a small amount of money to needy former NFL players.

USA Today reported last week that Ditka's fund had collected $1.3 million since it was formed in 2004, but netted only about $315,000 after expenses and distributed just $57,000 to former players.

Ditka disputed part of the report, saying the trust has actually given away $159,000.

"This is not about me, and I didn't ask for this, really," Ditka said. "I've become a sitting duck for a lot of people who really don't understand what the problems are."

He said the fund's balance of more than $600,000 would be divided equally between Misericordia, a residential facility for developmentally disabled youth, and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, another fund that helps former professional football players in need.

Gridiron Greats hosted Tuesday's news conference, which included several former Vikings stars and some current NFL players. Jennifer Smith, a spokeswoman, said the infusion from Ditka's fund would "make a major impact" on her group's efforts.

Ditka, who donated an additional $25,000 of his own money to the fund, is among retired players who have feuded with the NFL Players Association over what they say is the union's refusal to award disability benefits to former players.

"I used to support the union because they were trying to take care of a majority of the players," Ditka said. "That has ceased to be the case. Until you take care of all the players, you're taking care of none of the players."

Spokesman Carl Francis said the system for awarding disability benefits "has never been a perfect system" and the union is working on improving it. He said the union is proud of new $17 million effort launched with the league and others to provide free or low-cost joint replacement surgeries to some former players.

Several people shared stories of former players who ended up physically disabled and often homeless, and said they weren't able to get the help they needed.

Several former Vikings joined Ditka, including Chuck Foreman, Jim Marshall, Ed Marinaro and Paul Krause. Also on hand were current pros Kyle Turley of the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk, who hosted the news conference at his downtown restaurant.

Turley has been the most outspoken active player on the issue, and has pledged a single-game paycheck of $25,000 to the fund, which Birk matched. Two other Chiefs, Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez, the

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Houston Texans' Ephraim Salaam and the New York Giants' Kawika Mitchell also plan to donate to the fund, the organizers announced.

"As players today, we definitely stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us," Birk said. "We're reaping a lot of the benefits of the price that was paid by those players. We can't forget that."

Ditka is a studio football analyst at ESPN.

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Steelers lose DE Smith for rest of seasonprod.static.steelers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/...Dec 12, 2007 · Kirschke, 33, has been with the Steelers since 2004 when he signed as