Pittsburgh - The Inside Scoop

[membengal]

Ready for another day of inside info from Pittsburgh.

[San Antonio Bengal]

Saw this at the end of an ESPN article today:

The Steelers aren't certain whether Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) will play Sunday after sitting out a game for the first time in his eight-year career. He is listed as questionable, as are left guard Alan Faneca (toe), defensive end Aaron Smith (back), wide receivers Cedrick Wilson (wrist) and Antwaan Randle El (foot) and Maddox. Cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring) is doubtful.

[duus]

Today's show is starting off in a very useless manor for us Bengal fans. All we have is dialogue about Cowher's 'apology' yesterday. One of the radio voices, whom I have disagreed with almost entirely over the years, correctly points out that "this may be the first Bill Cowher owned up to a mistake."

They are still going on and on about Maddox not 'owning up to his mistakes'.

Boring.

I do wonder when this town might actually get back to the game coming up. What about that? Strange. Trust me, if this was a Patriot or Ravens or Browns game on the horizon, they would have surely moved on by this point in the week. Again ... strange.

[NYBengalfan]

Dont worry maybe they'll be focusing on us sunday morning, or when we're up by 10 at halftime.

[Stripes]

Saw this at the end of an ESPN article today:

The Steelers aren't certain whether Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) will play Sunday after sitting out a game for the first time in his eight-year career. He is listed as questionable, as are left guard Alan Faneca (toe), defensive end Aaron Smith (back), wide receivers Cedrick Wilson (wrist) and Antwaan Randle El (foot) and Maddox. Cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring) is doubtful.

That's a lot of big names to all be "questionable." They could really struggle offensively if Big Ben's top three receivers are playing under 100%, and his Pro Bowl guard is out. If we could ever get any boost in stopping the run, this is it. They will have to be rather one dimensional if any high number of these players are kept out.

[duus]

(just sent an e-mail to the show pleading that they get back to the game coming up!)

:-)

[duus]

Just received the following back from them ... 'Guy' is Guy Junker, a well-known and long-standing sports reporter in Pittsburgh:

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Frankly i think the steelers are in trouble...too many injuries in the secondary for that cincy passing game.

Guy

[Stripes]

Just received the following back from them ... 'Guy' is Guy Junker, a well-known and long-standing sports reporter in Pittsburgh:

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Frankly i think the steelers are in trouble...too many injuries in the secondary for that cincy passing game.

Guy

Damn straight, Guy!

[rizzy]

Today's show is starting off in a very useless manor for us Bengal fans. All we have is dialogue about Cowher's 'apology' yesterday. One of the radio voices, whom I have disagreed with almost entirely over the years, correctly points out that "this may be the first Bill Cowher owned up to a mistake."

They are still going on and on about Maddox not 'owning up to his mistakes'.

Boring.

I do wonder when this town might actually get back to the game coming up. What about that? Strange. Trust me, if this was a Patriot or Ravens or Browns game on the horizon, they would have surely moved on by this point in the week. Again ... strange.

Here is an espn article up about cowher apoligizing and not looking ahead to the bengals.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2196479

PITTSBURGH -- According to Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, the blame starts with him.

While quarterback Tommy Maddox wasn't willing to accept much responsibility for a 23-17 overtime loss Sunday to Jacksonville, Cowher spent an unusual amount of time at his weekly news conference Tuesday doing exactly that.

Cowher second-guessed himself for not pulling the error-prone Maddox and inserting No. 3 quarterback Charlie Batch, and also said he should have played running back Jerome Bettis more during the second half.

Normally, Cowher quickly shifts the focus of his news conference to the next opponent -- one reason why he holds his media sessions Tuesday, not on Monday like most NFL coaches. But it was obvious he wasn't happy with his team's play or his own coaching against Jacksonville.

"It was probably one of the most frustrating losses I've experienced in my 14 years here," Cowher said. "When you walk away from that game, as all coaches do, you sit back and you reflect. A lot of the decisions that were made and the choices that you had, ultimately you are responsible for all of it.

"Certainly I accept that responsibility, and I am responsible."

In contrast to Cowher's remarks, Maddox blamed the wind, the booing fans and, in so many words, his own teammates. Making his first meaningful start in 13 months, Maddox was intercepted three times and fumbled once, with two turnovers in overtime. The game ended when cornerback Rashean Mathis intercepted a poorly thrown pass and returned it for a game-winning touchdown.

Afterward, Maddox seemed bothered more by the booing than his own play, saying the jeering wasn't deserved because "I've got a track record here."

What Maddox isn't likely to have anytime soon is playing time. Batch is expected to be the backup Sunday at Cincinnati when Ben Roethlisberger returns after sitting out against the Jaguars with a hyperextended left knee.

Roethlisberger lobbied Cowher from midweek to let him play, but Cowher didn't want to risk playing him only six days after he avoided what could have been a season-ending knee injury. However, it turns out Maddox may have played not only with a calf injury but with an injured shoulder.

Cowher was clearly irritated he didn't know about the injury until Monday, and seemed so agitated with Maddox's performance he wouldn't disclose which shoulder was injured.

"Nobody was made aware of anything during the course of the game," Cowher said.

The only touchdown Maddox generated -- other than for the Jaguars -- came on a 65-yard drive in the second quarter in which all but 21 yards came on Jacksonville penalties. Still, Cowher chose to stay with the former starter, partly because Batch has thrown only eight passes in four seasons.

"Two of the first three series did end in interceptions, but I did feel as though he settled down," Cowher said of Maddox. "As the game went on, he did a good job with the no-huddle aspect of it."

Cowher also stayed with Willie Parker at running back, rather than switching to Bettis as he did during a 24-22 victory in San Diego the previous Monday. Parker was ineffective in the second half, gaining only 37 yards on 15 carries and finishing with 21 carries for 55 yards. Bettis had 4 yards on four carries, all in the first half.

"Unfortunately, we did not have Jerome in the game, and I wish we would've gotten him into the game in the second half," Cowher said. "That's a decision I am responsible for, and I'm not going to dwell on it any more."

The Steelers aren't certain whether Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) will play Sunday after sitting out a game for the first time in his eight-year career. He is listed as questionable, as are left guard Alan Faneca (toe), defensive end Aaron Smith (back), wide receivers Cedrick Wilson (wrist) and Antwaan Randle El (foot) and Maddox. Cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring) is doubtful.

[duus]

* They are saying that Bettis is 'the guy' to get them to victory against the Bengals.

* One of the guys on this show just picked Palmer as his 'fantasy player of the week'. He was ridiculed for being a 'traitor' on the show, but he defended himself with the fact that Palmer's rating has been so good for so long, and the injuries to the Steeler's secondary.

[Sox]

One of the biggest 'fan complaints' getting plenty of radio airtime locally is the fact that the Bengals require Steeler fans who want to purchase tickets for the 10/23 game to also purchase tickets for a second home game in Cincinnati.

Obviously, this is not unlike what many cities and sporting events do, but folks calling in are pretty upset by the whole thing. Honestly, my suspicion is that they are getting a bit frustrated not just because they are forced to buy a second set of tickets, but because tickets are so much harder to come by this year ... at least that is my sense in listening to these callers one after the other.

I'm guessing this is indicative of the fact that The Jungle will be rockin' with plenty of Orange and Black this weekend.

Jesus H...they're still whining about our two game package deals?They're nothing new.First season tickets go on sale,then the two game package deals,and finally single game tickets.Again,this is nothing new,and ALL OF THE GAMES are part of the packages.Even Curnutte seems to think it's aimed at Steeler fans now,and he's wrong as well.

For Steeler fans to think this was aimed at them is the ultimate in arrogance.It's about selling tickets early,no more,no less.It's not part of some evil Oliver Stone conspiracy.

[duus]

* Can you believe these folks have now focused so much on Maddox and his bad decisions on Sunday, that many callers and emailers are now focusing on Kordell Stewart? What? Kordell? Wow, and I thought I was obsessed.

* Just finished 3 hours of the show. There was less than 2 minutes of total time dedicated to this weekend's game. Basically, nothing. Useless morning for a Bengal fan. I expect a better quality show in the evening, as well as tomorrow and Friday.

[duus]

Reported - Ben Rottenburger and Hines Ward both practiced today. Townsend did not practice, and is very unlikely to play at all.

Afternoon radio show topics (Mark Madden's show):

* If you could make one lineup change for the Steelers, who would you pull and who would you put in his place?

MM - Barrett Brooks for Max Starks at RT

caller - Simmons for Max Starks at RT

caller - Staley for Parker at RB ... because these next few games should be easier against the run.

caller - Bettis for Parker at RB ... because of track record against the Bengals.

You can see that folks are getting pretty down on Starks ... he's coming off knee surgery.

Also, the consensus is to start Parker, and bring Bettis in the second half and 'wear down' the Bengals.

MM - "If the Steelers do not make the playoffs this season, it will be due to this Cincinnati game."

* Who starts opposite Ike Taylor at CB?

MM - "Willie Williams, but then Taylor will have to get the job done every down against Chad Johnson."

I think you are going to see Ike Taylor matched against Johnson this weekend ... that's what I'm gathering the more I hear.

[duus]

More Madden Show nuggets:

* John Clayton call-in interview (quotes are as accurate as I can type so quickly)

MM - "How important is this Sunday for the Steelers?"

JC - "Huge. I think the Bengals are a playoff team. If this team falls 3 games behind Cincinnati ... it's going to be hard to make up. Now you are an 11 or 12 win team, but a wildcard team and have to play 2-3 playoff games on the road."

MM - "Does Taylor have a chance against Chad Johnson?"

JC - "Remember, so much is going to be zone. There will be extra coverage over there to help out Taylor. They will try to play that mental game with Chad. They will try to force 2-3 big plays into turnovers."

MM - "Are the Bengals for real?"

JC - "This game will determine if they are legitimate playoff division winning team. They got off to the easy start because of the easy schedule. If you are Cincinnati, you have to prove that you are division winning type of team. ... The Steelers need to wear down Cincinnati's defense, and they need to get Jerome and Staley in there."

[Stripes]

From all these posts it sounds like Pittsburgh is just as nutty about this game as we are. Everytime I think of this game and how important it could end up being, I get more excited than before. Bring on Sunday!!!

[duus]

The 'not worried about this game' comments have begun by the callers. They are stating that they the SD game was much harder than this will be. MM did not necessarily agree/disagree with this, but just added that this game surely 'has more importance'. Let it be known however, the calls are now coming in questioning 'how real the Bengals are'.

Gotta run ... but my car ride should be filled with more humor!

[duus]

Nightly sports talk tv show

* Biggest topic is concern about secondary injuries. Based upon what I am hearing, my guess is Townsend and Colclough are going to be out, so it will be Taylor (3rd year) and Williams (89th year ... give or take) helping at the corners, with McFadden (rookie from FSU) spelling them from time to time.

* More Maddox talk ... blah, blah, blah.

* One caller said with a snicker in his voice, "I cannot believe I am actually worried about a game with the Cincinnati Bengals." Hey, I say get used to it, buddy!

* Steelers writer Ed Buechette said on the show about the Bengals, "They are the future of the AFC North." Again, I say get used to it, buddy! :-)

[walshfan]

great stuff man..keep it coming!!!

[duus]

Fedko Fone Zone (late night tv sports show with long-time Pittsburgh sports figure John Fedko)

* "This is not a must win for the Steelers."

* "The Bungles have a much tougher schedule than the Steelers." Yes, he DID use the word Bungles.

* "I see the Steelers winning out after the Bengals game, losing only possibly to the Colts at the end of November."

* "The Bengals will be at best 12-4. They will lose to the Colts, at the Steelers, and at Kansas City to close out the season."

* "Remember, when the Steelers went to the SuperBowl in 1995, they started 3-4 that year."

Come on Bengals! Bring us a victory Sunday! I am getting so very tired of this Burgh nonsense.

[duus]

To close The Fedko Fone Zone show ...

* "They will be using the TE (Miller) much more against the Bengals in the red zone."

* "Hines Ward did not sound like he will be playing this weekend. He did practice, but didn't finish, and said he doesn't want to push it now and end up mising 5 games like Plax did last year. He knows that the important stretch of the season is later and this is not a must win game." (I still expect he will play this weekend ... especially if El and/or Wilson cannot go)

* "The offensive line (of the Steelers) has struggled the last two games."

* "If they are going to beat the Bengals, they are going to do it on the ground. They need to grind it out like that they did against San Diego ... and that's how I see the Steelers winning."

[cincyhokie]

To close The Fedko Fone Zone show ...

* "They will be using the TE (Miller) much more against the Bengals in the red zone."

* "Hines Ward did not sound like he will be playing this weekend. He did practice, but didn't finish, and said he doesn't want to push it now and end up mising 5 games like Plax did last year. He knows that the important stretch of the season is later and this is not a must win game." (I still expect he will play this weekend ... especially if El and/or Wilson cannot go)

* "The offensive line (of the Steelers) has struggled the last two games."

* "If they are going to beat the Bengals, they are going to do it on the ground. They need to grind it out like that they did against San Diego ... and that's how I see the Steelers winning."

I think we all know what's coming on Monday......

"The Bengals still have not proved anything as the Steelers were banged up and not at %100."- Pittsburgh fans and national media

[Stripes]

"The Bengals still have not proved anything as the Steelers were banged up and not at %100."- Pittsburgh fans and national media

6-1.... Complaining Steelers fans... I'll take it!

* "They will be using the TE (Miller) much more against the Bengals in the red zone."

It is statements like this that media people use freuquently that just sound lke BS. Miller will be their starting tight end, and with so many banged up receivers, he will see a lot of the field, red zone or not.

[Kazkal]

there is a reason why hes so accu....because steeler run game is what opens the pass I know hes a good QB but I think he gets way to much credit

[cincyhokie]

there is a reason why hes so accu....because steeler run game is what opens the pass I know hes a good QB but I think he gets way to much credit

Exactly. Which is why his QB rating is not nearly as good on 3rd downs this year and in the past. The run opens up the pass. That may well happen again this week but with their 3 WRs injured, I'd say that aspect of the game falls in our favor....Rothelisburger or not.

I think that we will win, but I do wish that the Steelers were not as banged up, JMHO.

[bengalindian]

duus, can I have your children?