Pittsburgh - The Inside Scoop, Part II

[Jet23]

Not only will Steelers rookie Trai Essex start for injured left tackle Marvel Smith against Cincinnati on Sunday, but fellow rookie Chris Kemoeatu could see playing time at right guard, Essex said Wednesday.

"Chris got a few reps today with the one's (the first team)," Essex said after practice. "He could dress; he's ready. And he's something special. When he finally gets to play, Chris is going to shock the world."

Could 2 rookies actually start on the line this Sunday for the Steelers? Nice.

I just heard a replay of an Ed Bouchette conversation with Chad Johnson. It went way too quickly for me to get it typed down, but it was quite good. I hope to hear it again. It was just more of the local sports guys complaining to Chad about him using the Terrible Towel. The funniest exchange was EB saying to Chad,

"That takes alot of balls to do something like that here."

Chad replied with something like 'yeah'. Too funny.

I hope to get the complete text later. Good stuff. Makes me want to go get a towel myself, rip it in half, and use it as a bib at the local restaurants. Hmmm ... the more I think of that, the more I like it! I think I'll do this, and get a picture and post it. Man, this is getting fun!

I hope they exploit those young guys to put some heat on Ben. Hopefully he is not moving around any better than he was on Monday. My guess is that Pitt will run a lot to their right side trying to catch Cincy blitzing from their left.

[NYBengalfan]

Id love one of those Terrible Towels............ I gotta go to the bathroom

[duus]

Found the text of some of the exchange between Chad and the Pittsburgh sports writers. Note that in the text they use the word 'guts', when in fact the actual audio of the exchange uses 'balls'. Censorship.

Chad and Pittsburgh Reporters

[duus]

Morning sports talk radio show:

Guy Junker and Eddie Crow - Interview with Merrill Hoge

MH - "Dan Kreider had as bad a game as I have ever seen him have."

MH - "If you want to stay a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers you will come out and play VERY WELL on Sunday."

MH - "The next 2 games are the defining moments for the Steelers."

[HairOnFire]

Marvel Smith has been ruled out for the game. Trai 'Jumpy' Essex will be taking his place on Sunday. Something tells me Benji won't be rolling to his left much on Sunday. If it's me, I'm putting an extra guy on the right side, thus keeping Ben in the pocket. Stack the line, and watch him throw picks. I see 4 sacks and 2 picks ... minimal.

They are considering other changes in the o-line as well.

Batch and Bettis did not practice today. Rottenburger was limited in practice (ankle and thumb ... yeah, thumb ... apparently he hurt his thumb somehow).

If I were a Steeler fan I doubt my blunted skull would be filled with many thoughts of the Bengals, and instead would be consumed with worries about my own teams offensive line. Trai Essex has been horrible and the usually steady interior has seen more than a few breakdowns by Faneca. Besides the sacks that have resulted the poor line play has just killed the running game. And without that weapon operating at a high level it will be increasing difficult for the Steelers to impose their will and physically dominate....let alone keep pace with the Bengals offense.

Not only will Steelers rookie Trai Essex start for injured left tackle Marvel Smith against Cincinnati on Sunday, but fellow rookie Chris Kemoeatu could see playing time at right guard, Essex said Wednesday.

"Chris got a few reps today with the one's (the first team)," Essex said after practice. "He could dress; he's ready. And he's something special. When he finally gets to play, Chris is going to shock the world."

Could 2 rookies actually start on the line this Sunday for the Steelers? Nice.

It's more than nice. It's the real story of the game to be played. The Bengals have to take advantage of the Steelers O-line woes while minimizing the damage caused by their own mistakes. Do that much and this game won't be close.

[jjakq27]

I just heard a replay of an Ed Bouchette conversation with Chad Johnson. It went way too quickly for me to get it typed down, but it was quite good. I hope to hear it again. It was just more of the local sports guys complaining to Chad about him using the Terrible Towel. The funniest exchange was EB saying to Chad,

"That takes alot of balls to do something like that here."

Chad replied with something like 'yeah'. Too funny.

I think Chad told him that it took alot of balls for Ward to do an imitation of the Riverdance at PBS too. But Chad also said he knew it as all in good fun.

[duus]

Mark Madden with Brad Johansen

MM - "I love Chad Johnson."

BJ - "There is something hanging over these guys. The Steelers are where the Bengals want to be."

MM - "I think right now the Bengals are better than Pittsburgh. Not a lot better. But the Bengals always lose this game."

BJ - "Until it gets done, this is a hurdle they still have to cross."

MM - "Marvin Lewis seems a bit looser in this game."

BJ - "I think he is still guarded with some people. He seemed very focused. I do know that there are a lot of guys very confident."

MM - "Do the Bengals understand they are catching the Steelers at the best time possible?"

BJ - "I think they are happy Ben Roethlisberger is back. I think both kind of feel like no matter what is happening, throw it out the window."

MM - "I thought the Bengals thought they should have run the ball more the first time."

BJ - "You and a lot of people. I got the feeling from a lot of coaches that they learned a lot from Monday Night."

MM - "Ben Roethlisberger says that the Steelers can win a shoot-out. Can they?"

BJ - "I don't think so. This is a team that is going to score points, and I don't think Pittsburgh can win a shoot-out. I think this team would love for Pittsburgh to come in and say we are going to throw it around the yard."

MM - "I think the Bengals front 7 is a bit undersized and a bit weak."

BJ - "I think that is a glaring weakness on this team so far. That's a problem. And I think that the Bengals will try to load the box with 8, and even 9, and sometimes 10." (he said with a bit of a chuckle)

MM - "Carson Palmer is incredible."

BJ - "He is John Elway special. If he is supposed to get a lot better, I have no idea how he is going to do it."

[Stripes]

MM - "Ben Roethlisberger says that the Steelers can win a shoot-out. Can they?"

BJ - "I don't think so. This is a team that is going to score points, and I don't think Pittsburgh can win a shoot-out. I think this team would love for Pittsburgh to come in and say we are going to throw it around the yard."

Makes me wonder if Big Ben is expecting a shootout, or just said in response to some pundit's question.

Either way, Johansen's response sounds just like what all the Steeler analysts are saying... "The Bengals cannot win a physical football game" blah blah. Gotta love a homer.

[Ox]

See if you can forward this on to the morning sports talk show for me Duus. See if they think Chad should go this route with the "Terrible Towel".

Cannot WAIT till Sunday.

[duus]

Roethlisburger wore a splint on his right thumb (throwing hand) during practice today.

Other than that, several guys are listed as probable, but nothing significant. Only Marvel Smith is out, and Batch is likely doubtful or out.

Seems to me they will be healthy ... so no excuses. And they wouldn't dare blame their own crowd for being too loud, would they?

Mark Madden interview with Jack Hamm:

Much dialogue between the two of them concerning Chad Johnson. Through-out it all, they seemed very much ok with everything Chad is about.

JH - "If you are going to be top, you are going to have to win tough games on the road."

MM - "The Bengals dominated the early play in the last game. Had they gone up 10-0, they may have won that game."

JH - "Pittsburgh ran for 221 yards, but I don't think they would have had they gone up early."

JH - "The loser of this game will be struggling for a wildcard. This is a playoff game situation."

MM - "Are there many changes the Steelers can make this late in the season?"

JH - "No. It's too late in the day. I don't think they all of a sudden got old since they ran for 221 against Cincinnati."

[duus]

Man, I just wish I could type fast enough to capture all the nonsense going on on the radio show regarding 'disgracing the Terrible Towel'. Words cannot explain how ridiculous this town has become in anticipation of Chad 'disrespecting the Towel'. Amazing. Just when I expect them to talk about what is working and what isn't, matchups, injuries, playoff positioning, etc. ... but no ... it's hour after hour concerning 'The Towel'. PLEASE!!! GET ME OUT OF THIS TOWN!!! (ugh)

Can you believe the VERY FIRST OPENING segment of the local nightly tv news is concerning Ben's thumb (and a mention of the 'cheating' the Colts did by amplifying the fan noise)? Forget wars or anything like that. Benji and excuses for a football loss are more important. I suspect there will be a good amount of time dedicated to this whole Towel Disrespecting Thing as well.

[bengalboomer7]

You guys didn't know that the NFL implemented an Applause-o meter for Peyton Manning

That is I think the SORRIEST excuse I've ever heard

[NYBengalfan]

Hey Duus,

You are absolutely right. Tonight I was watching my Rangers whoop the Penguins tonight, so I figured I would turn on FSN Pittsburgh for the post game, and Pittsburgh Sports Tonight Preview came on and they had a Chad Johnson watch, and they interviewed players on the Steelers about it.

Willie Parker: "Chad is entertaining, he is great for the fans and for the game."

it is pathetic, talk about the damn game not Chad eating over your stupid towel.... I mean our Bengal Bib

But they did eventually talk about the game. They interviewed Kimo and he said, "It is not going to be easy this time. They are much more improved and they are #1 in the AFC in total offense."

[jjakq27]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=4870

Here is Bengals.com transcript of Chad's interview.

[NYBengalfan]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=4870

Here is Bengals.com transcript of Chad's interview.

Chad is right, Hines is a terrible dancer.

[duus]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=4870

Here is Bengals.com transcript of Chad's interview.

Fantastic read! Thanks!

(and, yes, his dance stunk ... I know Chad had fun with it, but I am VERY tired of watching Steelers players rip off other players ... cheap)

[Columbusbengal]

Can you believe the VERY FIRST OPENING segment of the local nightly tv news is concerning Ben's thumb (and a mention of the 'cheating' the Colts did by amplifying the fan noise)? Forget wars or anything like that. Benji and excuses for a football loss are more important. I

This same type attitude is even worse in Columbus. The nightly news has to talk about Ohio State football all the time. Everyone who lives in Columbus is expected to root for and have an intereset in the Buckeyes as if they were a pro team (well, it probably is, but they masquerade as a group of college students

People who never went to college or went to another university are expected to eschew their alma mater to listen to Buckeye news. When the national news talks about hurricanes, half the population here thinks they are talking about the Miami/OSU national championship game.

[Stripes]

Do you think it might have been a different ball game if they wouldn’t have overturned the early touchdown?

I don’t know. I always told my mother that if I had that second pork chop, I would be 6-3 or 6-4 and we would even be having this conversation.

Chad's genius will someday be unveiled to all the world.

[duus]

Ben wouldn't mind a shoot-out,

Shoot-out

and a few other notes of importance (Ben to wear the glove again? Sweet),

Steeler Notes

[duus]

Quote from one of the Steelers (didn't catch who) went something like this:

"We lost 2 games in overtime, one game to New England, and another to the Colts. Why is everyone in a panic?"

(A loss to our Bengals on Sunday, and, trust me, they will surely panic. That would be just plain sweet!)

[duus]

Tim Benz on how the Steelers should approach this game (run or pass):

"Since the Bengals are prone to turnovers, and their defense cannot stop the run, it's better the Steelers do the same old thing and just run."

Bengals prone to turnovers? Did I miss something there?

[jjakq27]

Quote from one of the Steelers (didn't catch who) went something like this:

"We lost 2 games in overtime, one game to New England, and another to the Colts. Why is everyone in a panic?"

(A loss to our Bengals on Sunday, and, trust me, they will surely panic. That would be just plain sweet!)

They beat San Diego (24-22) on a last second field goal after blowing a 14-0 lead.

They beat Baltimore (20-19) on a field goal with less than two minutes to go. Anthony Wright was their QB and he can't even beat out Kyle Boller, who sucks.

They should be worried. They are not that good. They are lucky to still be in it.

[duus]

Caller --> "Let me tell you why the Steelers will win. The Bengals aren't tough enough. Remember the Colts the last two years up in New England? They weren't tough enough. The Bengals aren't tough enough."

Boy, I hope the Bengals take this junk the same way that the Colts reacted to similar talk.

(oh, and btw, locally they are now spending nearly equal time on the Michael Irvin thing. This town simply jumps at opportunities to make fun of any player that beat that at any point in history. I guess it's the best method of revenge they can dig up, since actually winning the big playoff game is never the option.)

[NYBengalfan]

I think that whoppin we took earlier this year toughened us up plenty. We manhandled the Colts D for almost 500 yards. We will see who is tough enough on Sunday

[duus]

Guy Junker and Eddie Crow Radio Show

Adam (from www.adamwins.com ... sports betting) --> "Steelers win by 7. Biggest game of the year was last time and they couldn't get it done then. Nothing has changed since then."

GJ --> "I'm taking Cincinnati with the points. They will at least cover, and may win."

EC --> "Steelers. If the Steelers do lose this, this is an all-time monkey off your back type of win for them. I like the Steelers to say, 'You're good, but not that good. Thanks for coming.'"