Pittsburgh - The Inside Scoop

[duus]

Pittsburgh's Tim Benz radio snippet about relevance of this weekend's game, and comparing Bengals to the "real surprise of 2005", the Denver Broncos:

* "The Bengals are 0-1 against teams with records above .500, and 5-0 with teams below .500. The Broncos are just the opposite. The Bengals have a chance of slipping back to 'just the Bengals' again."

(oh yeah ... and now I'm a bit spooked by the 'can I have your children' talk)

[Jet23]

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

Roger that! He fell into a perfect situation. I bet every qb would love to pass, when the defense is stacking against the run. How do you think he would fare against what defenses are doing against the Colts (overplaying the pass). Big Ben is making the most of his situation, but his high rating is more indicative of their great running game, rather than his passing prowess. That is why the Bengals will do whatever is necessary to take away the run.

[duus]

* 'Big story' on the airways this morning is the fact that Tommy Maddox's yard apparently has gotten trashed big time recently. Nice move guys ... fans can be so absolutely stupid some times.

Off-field Abuse

* And the latest on the injury front:

Ward, and other injuries

[duus]

From local Pittsburgh paper:

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Roethlisberger enters Sunday's game in Cincinnati knowing the Steelers (3-2) need to beat the Bengals (5-1) or face the possiblility of Cincinnati running away with the AFC North.

Cincinnati is 1-0 record in the division; Sunday's game against the Bengals will be the Steelers' first within the AFC North.

"It's an AFC game in our division," Roethlisberger said. "It's a must-win for us."

Roethlisberger added he doesn't mind the Steelers entering Sunday's game as an underdog.

"I like being the hunter rather than the hunted," he said.

Roethlisberger is the NFL's highest rated passes and has yet to toss an interception, but he believes Palmer is having a better season.

"Carson is doing a great job," Roethlisberger said. "He's the MVP, right now, of the league."

Roethlisberger was sacked seven times the last time the Steelers played the Bengals, and he said the performance was not one of his better games.

Still, Roethlisberger doesn't believe his hyperextended/bruised left knee will render him a sitting duck against the Bengals' improved pass rush.

"I have a lot of confidence in my offensive line," Roethlisberger said. "I think (it) will do a great job of protecting me."

Roethlisberger said Cincinnati's defensive line will provide a stern challenge for the Steelers.

"Their defense is very fast, athletic," he said of the Bengals. "It seems like every play there's nine guys around the ball, and when a ball gets tipped, it gets tipped nine, 10 times. And they always seem to come with it.

"We're going to go out and try to play smart football."

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Hines Ward interview with local reporter:

"I feel better. I did a little today in warmups. I'll do a little more tomorrow. I don't want to hop right into it and aggravate it."

Ward predicted that all three wide receivers listed as questionable this week will play. Antwaan Randle El has a foot injury, and Cedrick Wilson a wrist injury. None practiced yesterday.

"We just have to overcome and find a way through it. I think Antwaan will be all right, Ced will be fine, he'll have to wear a brace probably. I plan on coming back. We'll be ready to go this week."

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On a personal note, this confuses me more and more each day. Some media types here say that El and Wilson will not play, others say Ward won't either. Then Ward himself predicts all 3 will play. In the end ... I don't care ... bring it on guys!

[Jet23]

* 'Big story' on the airways this morning is the fact that Tommy Maddox's yard apparently has gotten trashed big time recently. Nice move guys ... fans can be so absolutely stupid some times.

Off-field Abuse

* And the latest on the injury front:

Ward, and other injuries

That is just unbelievable. Why in the world would you want to play for a city like that? He wasn't even suppose to play that game, but sucked it up, because the team needed him. I'm sure he will think twice next time. 'Sorry Coach, can't go today. I just had new landscaping put in'. What kind of an idiot would trash somebody's yard like that. Wait a minute. Does anyone know where Tom Cruise was that night?

[derekshank]

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

Roger that! He fell into a perfect situation. I bet every qb would love to pass, when the defense is stacking against the run. How do you think he would fare against what defenses are doing against the Colts (overplaying the pass). Big Ben is making the most of his situation, but his high rating is more indicative of their great running game, rather than his passing prowess. That is why the Bengals will do whatever is necessary to take away the run.

Gotta disagree here. I agree that all QB's would love to be playing against a defense focusing primarily on the run, but that doesn't explain last week. The Jags had one of the worst rushing D's in the league, so when they found out Roethlisberger wasn't playing, they went all out on the run. They shut down the run... and Maddox sucked!

Roethlisberger might be in a perfect situation, but he is playing much better in that situation that many QB's would be. He's the real deal. Let's not be like Pittsburgh fans and irrationally explain away their success, like they do with us.

By the way... I'm beginning to get the feeling this is a must win for us. Roethlisberger isn't 100%... even if their receivers play, none of them are completely healthy... and I think I've even heard they have some O-line problems. If all this is true, we MUST beat them. If we can't beat them when they are struggling with injuries, and it's at our house, we will have no shot at beating them in Pittsburgh later in the year... and that will probably determine who wins the division.

I am getting so pumped up, and nervous waiting for the game. I'm trying to think about other things, hoping that it will make the time go by faster... but baseball has just annoyed me.

[OrangeStripes]

Gotta disagree here. I agree that all QB's would love to be playing against a defense focusing primarily on the run, but that doesn't explain last week. The Jags had one of the worst rushing D's in the league, so when they found out Roethlisberger wasn't playing, they went all out on the run. They shut down the run... and Maddox sucked!

I wouldnt say that Tommy Maddox sucks because he hasnt started in a game for a while now. Even though the one that he started before the jags game he lost, he still hasn't had enough playing time to recently show what hes all about. I agree he's had more downs then ups, thrown 2 picks at the end of the game when they could have just kicked the field goal, and also went 5 wide in overtime on 3rd down... ok nevermind he sucks. Since now Rottenburger will be playing the sqeelers wont have an excuse when they lose... o and also, i hope we make Rottenburger play like Maddox did.

[jjakq27]

* 'Big story' on the airways this morning is the fact that Tommy Maddox's yard apparently has gotten trashed big time recently. Nice move guys ... fans can be so absolutely stupid some times.

Off-field Abuse

* And the latest on the injury front:

Ward, and other injuries

That is just unbelievable. Why in the world would you want to play for a city like that? He wasn't even suppose to play that game, but sucked it up, because the team needed him. I'm sure he will think twice next time. 'Sorry Coach, can't go today. I just had new landscaping put in'. What kind of an idiot would trash somebody's yard like that. Wait a minute. Does anyone know where Tom Cruise was that night?

You sure it wasn't Kellen Winslow driving around.....

[Jet23]

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

Roger that! He fell into a perfect situation. I bet every qb would love to pass, when the defense is stacking against the run. How do you think he would fare against what defenses are doing against the Colts (overplaying the pass). Big Ben is making the most of his situation, but his high rating is more indicative of their great running game, rather than his passing prowess. That is why the Bengals will do whatever is necessary to take away the run.

Gotta disagree here. I agree that all QB's would love to be playing against a defense focusing primarily on the run, but that doesn't explain last week. The Jags had one of the worst rushing D's in the league, so when they found out Roethlisberger wasn't playing, they went all out on the run. They shut down the run... and Maddox sucked!

Roethlisberger might be in a perfect situation, but he is playing much better in that situation that many QB's would be. He's the real deal. Let's not be like Pittsburgh fans and irrationally explain away their success, like they do with us.

By the way... I'm beginning to get the feeling this is a must win for us. Roethlisberger isn't 100%... even if their receivers play, none of them are completely healthy... and I think I've even heard they have some O-line problems. If all this is true, we MUST beat them. If we can't beat them when they are struggling with injuries, and it's at our house, we will have no shot at beating them in Pittsburgh later in the year... and that will probably determine who wins the division.

I am getting so pumped up, and nervous waiting for the game. I'm trying to think about other things, hoping that it will make the time go by faster... but baseball has just annoyed me.

I'm not slamming Big Ben. He is doing the most with what he has and that is all you can ask for. He is a very good qb, but if you put him on Houston, he would be getting killed just like Carr. O.K., so would every other qb in the league. I am just not sold that he is an elite qb yet, although he very well could be. Take Tom Brady for example. When they were healthy, his job was a lot like Ben's. He threw a lot of high percentage stuff. Now that New England is behind a lot, he had to become a gun slinger. I just don't know if Ben could make that transition.

[duus]

No direct quotes this time as I was driving the last hour or so ... but generally what I heard was this as 3 local sports figures had dialogue a few minutes:

"Ike (Taylor) has been playing really good."

"Do you think he can cover Chad?" Answer - "I think he can."

"I think it will take some gratuitous holding to help cover him." (meaning, he expects them to grab Chad, and hope they don't call as many penalties)

"Just when you think Willie Williams is going to get burned in a game, he comes up real big. I expect him to come up big in this game."

"Ike and McFadden will be more physical with Johnson."

"This is not a must win for the team, but Steeler fans always expect them to win against the Bengals."

"I would love to see Troy (Polamalu) cover Chad." Reply ... "I would love to see that too!"

[Reimersfan88]

No direct quotes this time as I was driving the last hour or so ... but generally what I heard was this as 3 local sports figures had dialogue a few minutes:

"Ike (Taylor) has been playing really good."

"Do you think he can cover Chad?" Answer - "I think he can."

"I think it will take some gratuitous holding to help cover him." (meaning, he expects them to grab Chad, and hope they don't call as many penalties)

"Just when you think Willie Williams is going to get burned in a game, he comes up real big. I expect him to come up big in this game."

"Ike and McFadden will be more physical with Johnson."

"This is not a must win for the team, but Steeler fans always expect them to win against the Bengals."

"I would love to see Troy (Polamalu) cover Chad." Reply ... "I would love to see that too!"

The Bears were going to be physical with Chad, too. Worked out Really well for them.

[smith288]

You know what? Im not with you folks when you say "i hope they are full strength to shut their fans/media up"....

I want them depleted and weak...I want to build a huge lead that will allow the Bengals to afford a loss along the way rather than a chance to break my heart later on.

I couldnt care less what the media or a bunch of whiny steeler fans say as long as the Bengals are succeeding.

If that means beating an injury plagued team, so be it. Im not too proud, I a friggin Bengals fan.

Beat them to a pulp while theyre down and deal with them later....f'em.

[duus]

You know what? Im not with you folks when you say "i hope they are full strength to shut their fans/media up"....

I want them depleted and weak...I want to build a huge lead that will allow the Bengals to afford a loss along the way rather than a chance to break my heart later on.

I couldnt care less what the media or a bunch of whiny steeler fans say as long as the Bengals are succeeding.

If that means beating an injury plagued team, so be it. Im not too proud, I a friggin Bengals fan.

Beat them to a pulp while theyre down and deal with them later....f'em.

Smith ... I could not agree more! Just win it baby! Nobody is going to give us more for losing a close game to a 'healthy Steeler team'. Get the W ... even if it means they have half their players. Just win! I can easily ignore the comments when we get a W ... it's much harder to ignore them when they hand us an L.

[Columbusbengal]

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

* "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."

Wow! I'll take that 12-4 if someone wants to offer it today! He basically is claiming the Bengals will beat the Steelers this week and only lose the two road games against playoff teams and the one home game against the probably Super Bowl champs! I can't believe he's giving us that much respect!

[duus]

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

* "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."

Wow! I'll take that 12-4 if someone wants to offer it today! He basically is claiming the Bengals will beat the Steelers this week and only lose the two road games against playoff teams and the one home game against the probably Super Bowl champs! I can't believe he's giving us that much respect!

Well, trust me, he surely said this in such a way that he was clearly implying that, even with a Bengal victory this Sunday, the Steelers would 'likely' finish 13-3 ... 12-4 at the worst. Further, he was saying that the Bengals, even with the victory this Sunday, would be AT BEST 12-4 (meaning that they still wouldn't be better than the Steelers in the end), and likely another loss or two. I didn't have the exact quote to get all that across, so I left it out (I like to be as accurate as possible). But that was very clearly the implication.

[Columbusbengal]

Roethlisberger might be in a perfect situation, but he is playing much better in that situation that many QB's would be. He's the real deal. Let's not be like Pittsburgh fans and irrationally explain away their success, like they do with us.

I totally agree with this! It's not like Ben's success detracts from Carson's in any way, but it's silly to deny that Ben is going to be an awesome QB (and already is pretty darn good).

If we can't beat them when they are struggling with injuries, and it's at our house, we will have no shot at beating them in Pittsburgh later in the year... and that will probably determine who wins the division.

I disagree with this. Last year we lost to the Ravens at home and had that incredible come from behind win in Baltimore. The truth is that it very hard to beat a division rival twice in the same year. Obviousy, it's better to win your home game, but I wouldn't count the Bengals out if they lost this week.

No direct quotes this time as I was driving the last hour or so ... but generally what I heard was this as 3 local sports figures had dialogue a few minutes:

I'm jealous that there appears to be someone talking about the Steelers on Pittsburgh radio stations 24 hours per day. Unless you live within the fifty mile range of 1360-Homer, you only have Andy Furman during the week and we're lucky if he can discuss the team instead of whining about something (last night it was Mike Brown getting a good deal from the Cincy taxpayers - thank goodness or the Bengals might have become the Ravens )

[membengal]

ya know...the bengals winning is the worst thing that can happen to furman, truly an a**h***'s a**h***. his whole shtik is kicking things while they are down. period. true sportstalk and analysis? way beyond him. what an ass.

the last thing people want to listen to is him rehash old s**t. god forbid he should bring on a guest to help analyze the upcoming game, take some calls, and, you know, talk sports.

the only good thing that came of having to leave cincinnati back in 1996 was no longer hearing him on a regular basis.

putz.

[duus]

Article about Taylor covering Chad

"Ike is a great corner," said Townsend, part of a secondary that might also be without cornerback Ricardo Colclough (shoulder, doubtful) against the Bengals. "He can watch anybody."

This should be fun.

[Stripes]

I didn't realize it, but Ike Taylor is having a pretty solid season so far. He may be relatively unknown, but if he has been on fire, then maybe he will be able to pose a problem for Chad. I'm sure he hasn't faced a receiver of this caliber yet, so we'll see what happens. In that article he seemed very humble, and respectful to Chad's abilities. I don't think we should expect him to leave the game as burnt toast, but I hope he does.

[duus]

Just in ...

... Townsend practiced today and was upgraded to Questionable.

... Ward and Wilson also practiced, but Randle El did not.

Also, Townsend himself called one the writers and said that Ike Taylor "will literally be shadowing Chad Johnson" ... that's the game plan right now ... came directly and clearly from Townsend. Interesting.

[derekshank]

If we can't beat them when they are struggling with injuries, and it's at our house, we will have no shot at beating them in Pittsburgh later in the year... and that will probably determine who wins the division.

I disagree with this. Last year we lost to the Ravens at home and had that incredible come from behind win in Baltimore. The truth is that it very hard to beat a division rival twice in the same year. Obviousy, it's better to win your home game, but I wouldn't count the Bengals out if they lost this week.

Point taken... my only point is that if they still manage to beat us when we are hot, and it's in our house, and they are struggling with so many important players being hurt... it is likely that they are the better team, and will beat us in their house after their players get healthy.

You're right... I shouldn't say we would have no shot, but if we lose this game, I still say we don't win the division. It would show how mentally tough the Steelers are, and would probably say a lot about the Bengals not being able to take advantage of a great situation.

[bengalindian]

Is it Sunday yet?

And I agree with Smith, who gives a crap who's injured and who's not? It's the NFL, and you need depth to be good. Just because someone's hurt is no excuse not to perform.

[duus]

Latest injury update just received -

* Ward and Wilson both practiced today.

* Randle El did not practice today, but expects to practice tomorrow.

* Townsend practiced and was upgraded to Questionable.

* Colclough started to practice today, but left after just one hit.

* They repeated the quote that they are told "the game plan absolutely is":

"Taylor will matchup against Johnson and will follow him where-ever he goes throughout the game."

Jack Hamm - "Taylor will take this as a challenge. He has done a very good job at tackling people. He has elevated his game and he can't wait for Sunday to come."

MM - "Ike has that athleticism and speed to stay with Chad Johnson step for step."

Jack Hamm - "Taylor is the logical choice. This is one more challenge for him. You want to measure yourself against the best."

Jack Hamm - "This guy Chris Perry can cause alot of problems. Key is how well the outside linebackers handle Chris Perry."

[bengalindian]

Good point about Perry. I think he could be a gamebreaker. Last year, both of these teams were about the same, but the Bengals did not have Perry, and I think that complicates the gameplan for the Steelers. The Bengals have only improved since last year, and the way it seems, the Steelers are about the same or less. Advantage Bengals.

[duus]

Tonight's nightly sports tv show ... a clean sweep ... all 3 writers say the Steelers 'bounce back' and win in PBS.

Can you imagine the talk in the town when they come back into town 3-3? Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than another day of depression in Steeler land. I've seen this occur in recent years at the hands of the Patriots. It's like a bunch of children wandering around all week long. I sense another piece of the Steeler heart is cracking again ... this time at the hands of a new opponent.

Go Bengals!