http://www.sportsnipe.com Pittsburgh Steelers, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048110/pittsburgh-steelers-missing-troy-polamalu-travis-kirschke-on-sunday-canadian-press.html Pittsburgh Steelers missing Troy Polamalu, Travis Kirschke on SundayThe Canadian PressPITTSBURGH ? Steelers safety Troy Polamalu did not practice all week because of a left knee injury and will not play Sunday in Kansas City. ... Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048109/polamalu-among-steelers-who-wont-play-at-chiefs.html Steelers safety Troy Polamalu did not practice all week because of a left knee injury and will not play Sunday in Kansas City. He may miss the Nov. 29 game at Baltimore as well. Polamalu sat out the Steelers' second through fifth games with a ligament tear, only to injure the same knee during an 18-12 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. Polamalu's latest injury is to a different ligament. He wore a heavy brace as he watched practice this week. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047247/suggs-sets-sights-on-steelers-annapolis-capital.html MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network)Suggs sets sights on SteelersAnnapolis Capital... right knee isn't going to end his season, and he's targeting the Baltimore Ravens' game next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers for his return. ...Suggs: 'No doubt in my mind that I should be back'Baltimore SunWilson: Suggs expects to play again this seasonNational Football Postall 21 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047246/chiefs-owner-hunt-coach-haley-admire-steelers-arrowhead-pride-blog.html SportsBlogs Nation (blog)Chiefs Owner Hunt, Coach Haley Admire the SteelersArrowhead Pride (blog)More photos » by Charles Dharapak - AP 6 months ago: From left, Pittsburgh Steelers ...Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2-7) - Getting To Know ...Behind the Steel Curtain (blog)Can KC Survive Steelers?Warpaint Illustrated (subscription)Steelers S Polamalu Will Not Play Against the ChiefsArrowhead Pride (blog)Arrowhead Pride (blog) -Arrowhead Pride (blog) -Arrowhead Pride (blog)all 19 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047245/fantasy-football-week-11-picks.html You don't need me advising you to start Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson, or to bench Bruce Gradkowski and Mike Furrey. So I'll leave the obvious recommendations to the network bozos and focus instead on players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 11. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046479/mens-fitness-wpxicom.html Men's FitnessWPXI.comPITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is set to appear on the cover of the December/January issue of Men's Fitness magazine. ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046478/feds-seek-631k-verdict-against-exsteeler-blount-associated-press.html Feds seek $631K verdict against ex-Steeler BlountThe Associated PressPITTSBURGH ? Federal attorneys want a judge to declare that Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Mel Blount owes more than $631000 in back taxes, interest and ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045360/pittsburgh-steelers-63-kansas-city-chiefs-27-getting-to-know-pittsburghs-10.html It's been a few weeks since we had a little Q&A with the SBN blog of the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming opponent. Let's get back to it with a few questions from me for Arrowhead Pride, an immensely fast paced and popular blog. Considering just how sorry the Chiefs have been the past two years, it's remarkable just how vibrant and heavily populated a site Chris Thorman and his brother Joel (who I exchanged these questions with) have built. My questions to Joel's answers should be up on AP at some point soon. - Blitz -  ***************** BTSC: Matt Cassell hasn't quite played like a quarterback worthy of the big free agent contract he got this offseason. Tell us a bit about how he's played and what Chiefs fans think his potential is as the rest of the roster on offense improves moving forward. Arrowhead Pride: Cassel's hasn't played the best season in '09 but I think to a degree that was expected.  There was no way he was going to match the numbers he put up in New England so I think that was an unrealistic expectation.  The fact that he hasn't imploded in a situation with so many things going against him is impressive. He's not putting up the numbers yet but when the rest of the offense catches up to him he should play well.  BTSC: The Chiefs are 1-0 without Larry Johnson. Granted it was a win over the Raiders, but sometime the old adage 'addition by subtraction' is oh so true. Are the Chiefs better off without LJ from a 'chemistry' standpoint. Perhaps more importantly, might the Chiefs be better offensively without LJ? I wrote recently that I thought the Redskins would be better without Clinton Portis - the reasoning being that their offense is designed aournd him to be a workhorse; and he's just not capable of shouldering that load anymore. My initial hunch is that the Chiefs might be the same way. Thoughts? Arrowhead Pride:  I think you're onto something.  While I'm not sure how much the chemistry is or isn't affected, I do think the Chiefs are a better offense without LJ.His biggest strength was wearing down defenses by running the ball between the tackles for 20+ times a game. The Chiefs simply do not have the personnel to do that. His absence is making the Chiefs look elsewhere for ball carriers.  Last week Jamaal Charles went for over 100 yards for the second time in his career so I'd say they're off to a good start.  BTSC: Talk to us about your new head coach Todd Haley. Multiple national writers have commented on his propensity to lose his cool on the sidelines during games. We learned about Haley and his father during the lead up to the Super Bowl last year and how he's been a temperamental guy dating all the way back to his youth.  What are your thoughts on Haley as a leader of men? We know he's had ample success designing and coordinating offenses, but obviously being a head coach in the NFL requires more than just scheming.  Arrowhead Pride:  Personally, this topic is a little overblown to me.  His personality doesn't bother me a whole lot one way or the other. If we're losing, then Todd Haley is a jerk who screams a lot.  If we're winning, he's Bill Cowher.   BTSC: How is Kansas City's rush defense? Have their first round draft picks from the past two years - Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson - shown anything this year that gives fans reason to believe their defense will be improved moving forward?  Arrowhead Pride: Statistically the Chiefs rush defense is about the same as last year but if you've watched them you can tell they're better.  Glenn Dorsey is coming along.  He's probably not the multiple Pro Bowler many of us thought he would be when he was drafted into a 4-3 scheme, but I'm content with his progress.  Tyson Jackson is haven't a huge season but defensive linemen take a little while to develop and I trust Scott Pioli's drafting prowess when it comes to 3-4 defensive ends.  I think both ends will turn out just fine.    BTSC: The Steelers have been atrocious covering kick returns this year. Who is the Chiefs KR and how has he fared this year?  Arrowhead Pride: You're terrible at covering kick returns? Consider this game a confidence booster. The Chiefs have really struggled in the return game this year. It seems like every week another combination of guys is trotted out there and the results are the same. The Chiefs return game isn't something you should be worrying about.  Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045358/feds-want-631k-verdict-against-exsteeler-blount-philadelphia-inquirer.html Feds want $631K verdict against ex-Steeler BlountPhiladelphia InquirerAP PITTSBURGH - Federal attorneys want a judge to declare that Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Mel Blount owes more than $631000 in back taxes, ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044065/former-central-qb-reilly-packer-kndokndu.html CBC.caFormer Central QB Reilly: a PackerKNDO/KNDUThe former GNAC Male Athlete of the Year was let go by the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year. ...Notebook: With Brian Brohm gone, Green Bay Packers sign former Steelers ...Green Bay Press GazettePackers sign Reilly to practice squadFox11online.comGet To Know QB Mike ReillyPacker Report (subscription)Milwaukee Journal Sentinelall 142 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042896/west-coast-challenge-next-for-bengals-wcpo.html West Coast Challenge is Next For BengalsWCPOCincinnati Bengals' Bobbie Williams (63) leaves Heinz Field after a 18-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042895/chiefs-notes-steelers-are-what-haley-hopes-his-team-be-kansas-city-star.html MiamiHerald.comChiefs notes: Steelers are what Haley hopes his team can beKansas City StarChiefs coach Todd Haley has mastered the art of praising the opponent, but it's not hype when he says this week's foes, the Pittsburgh Steelers, ...Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs OddsGambling911.comNFL Preview - Pittsburgh (6-3) at Kansas City (2-7)MiamiHerald.comKansas City vs. Pittsburgh Game PreviewKSN-TVBleacher Report -The Associated Press -WPXI.comall 267 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042894/exsteelers-player-blount-faces-back-taxes-charge.html The federal government yesterday asked for former Steelers Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount to be held in default on more than $600,000 in back taxes that he owes. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042893/roethliberger-hopes-to-redeem-himself.html It is bounce-back time for Big Ben, his coach says, and that often means trouble for an opposing defense. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042892/nfl-notebook-bullucks-words-stir-texanstitans-rivalry.html The fans in Houston always have hated the Titans, identifying them as the team that left town without looking back. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042156/notebook-brian-brohm-gone-green-bay-packers-sign-former-steelers-press-gazette.html ESPNMilwaukee.comNotebook: With Brian Brohm gone, Green Bay Packers sign former Steelers ...Green Bay Press Gazette... rookie quarterback who spent training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers and combines size with throwing accuracy but questionable arm strength. ...Packers sign Reilly to practice squadFox11online.comGet To Know QB Mike ReillyLionsfans.com (subscription)all 128 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042155/ben-i-had-bad-day.html Ben Roethlisberger hinted that he may not be at full strength, but he's expected to bounce back strong Sunday. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041344/early-indications-are-that-injured-chiefs-lb-vrabel-will-sit-studebaker-arrowhead-pride-blog.html Warpaint Illustrated (subscription)Early Indications Are That Injured Chiefs LB Vrabel Will Sit, Studebaker Will ...Arrowhead Pride (blog)... on this but from many accounts it's looking like LB Mike Vrabel will not play for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. ...Can KC Survive Steelers?Warpaint Illustrated (subscription)all 7 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040781/new-page-in-playbook.html Next time the Steelers are deep in the opposing team's territory and they are looking for a play that will surely take the opponent by surprise perhaps they should give this one, used by Bethel College in their game versus Sterling College, a try: Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040780/new-page-in-playbook.html Next time the Steelers are deep in the opposing team's territory and they are looking for a play that will surely take the opponent by surprise perhaps they should give this one, used by Bethel College in their game versus Sterling College, a try: Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040778/big-ben-accepts-blame-must-move-on.html He didn't blame the wide receivers for running incorrect pass routes, even if one of them seemed to be singling him out. He didn't blame the special teams for allowing a third costly kickoff return touchdown in four games. He didn't argue with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' decision to take over the play-calling during a hurry-up situation late in the game, when Ben Roethlisberger often is most effective while calling his own plays. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040777/big-ben-accepts-blame-must-move-on.html He didn't blame the wide receivers for running incorrect pass routes, even if one of them seemed to be singling him out. He didn't blame the special teams for allowing a third costly kickoff return touchdown in four games. He didn't argue with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' decision to take over the play-calling during a hurry-up situation late in the game, when Ben Roethlisberger often is most effective while calling his own plays. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040776/big-ben-accepts-blame-must-move-on-ap.html He didn't blame the wide receivers for running incorrect pass routes, even if one of them seemed to be singling him out. He didn't blame the special teams for allowing a third costly kickoff return touchdown in four games. He didn't argue with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' decision to take over the play-calling during a hurry-up situation late in the game, when Ben... Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040101/i-had-bad-day-big-ben-takes-blame-for-steelers-loss-thepittsburghchannelcom.html MiamiHerald.com'I Had A Bad Day': Big Ben Takes Blame For Steelers' LossThePittsburghChannel.comPITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger felt out of sync all day in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense -- "something was missing," he says -- and he took the blame ...Pittsburgh Steelers' Keys to Success and VictoryBleacher ReportHolmes disputes Big Ben: Steelers were in syncThe Associated PressNFL Football Picks - Steelers vs Chiefs Week 11 NFL Betting OddsSports Picks AdvisorsCBSSports.com -Behind the Steel Curtain (blog) -Locksmith Sports Picksall 228 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040100/steelers-harrison-fined-5000-for-punch.html Steelers linebacker James Harrison told the Post-Gazette today he was fined $5,000 by the NFL for punching Cincinnati offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth Sunday. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039161/soccer-world-in-uproar-ireland-demands-rematch-france-npr.html Soccer World In Uproar: Ireland Demands Rematch With FranceNPRImagine if the Pittsburgh Steelers' Franco Harris had admitted the ball really did touch the ground on his "immaculate reception. ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038324/coming-to-tv-near-you-troy-polamalu-barack-obama.html Troy Polamalu has really taken his crossover appeal to another level since winning a second Super Bowl (unless you've missed the endless Head and Shoulders ads, Madden cover or Jimmy Fallon appearance), and as the latest example, he was chosen to appear in a public service ad alongside President Barack Obama.The 90-second PSA promotes the league's "Play 60" campaign, which encourages physical activity to combat childhood obesity, as well as the president's community service initiative, "United We Serve". Also appearing in the spot will be New Orleans' Drew Brees and Dallas Cowboys Demarcus Ware. The ad, which shows Obama and the players on the White House lawn playing touch football with local kids, will debut during the Thanksgiving day games and will run in an abbreviated version throughout the remainder of the season.Steelers' Polamalu to Appear in PSA with President Obama [WPXI]Email: Mondesishouse@gmail.com Twitter: twitter.com/mondesishouse Facebook: Facebook Group Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038323/steelers-fan-claims-bears-poisoned-him-at-bar-cbs2-chicago.html ESPNSteelers Fan Claims Bears Fan Poisoned Him At BarCBS2 ChicagoRead more in our Privacy Policy Pittsburgh Steelers fan Zack Heddinger claims he was poisoned by some Bears fans at Kitty O'Shea's in Chicago. ...Opposing fans need to use certain decorum when wearing enemy colorsESPNSteelers fan says he was poisoned, left blind in Chicago barChicago TribuneSteelers Fan Claims He Was Poisoned, Blinded in Chicago BarFanHouse (blog)Examiner.com -Chicagoistall 39 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037492/sid-carries-torch.html King Crosby is having a pretty good year. On the same day that he carried the Olympic torch in his native Canada, he was nominated for Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.Given the Penguins' recent luck, I was fully prepared to hear that Sid dropped the torch, burning his lower body and keeping him out of the lineup 2-3 weeks. But there was no such news to report, making this event even more special.WPXI went with the "saturation coverage" angle, sending Gordon Loesch to Nova Scotia and even visiting Sid's elementary school [video]. It was a big event, and all just a day before an appointment tonight with the Ottawa Senators. Although for some reason, I don't expect to hear the "unnecessary distraction" talk like we did when another group of athletes in town traveled out-of-town on their day off.Sidney Crosby Talks About Carrying Olympic Torch In Hometown [WPXI]Sidney Crosby proud, humbled to carry Olympic torch [Canada.com]My Sportsman: Sidney Crosby [SI]Email: Mondesishouse@gmail.com Twitter: twitter.com/mondesishouse Facebook: Facebook Group Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037491/run-ball.html Pittsburgh continues not to strike the balance on offense it professes, and some believe it has cost them some in their passing game as well. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037490/holmes-disputes-big-ben-steelers-were-in-sync-pa-sportsticker.html By ALAN ROBINSON AP Sports Writer Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036979/pittsburgh-steelers-keys-to-success-victory-bleacher-report.html Pittsburgh Steelers' Keys to Success and VictoryBleacher ReportKey topics are discussed in the article below including the Pittsburgh Steelers victory run and information on the latest Pittsburgh Steelers merchandise ...and more » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035932/reason-for-every-super-bowl-championship-steelers-fans-should-relax.html More photos » by Gene Puskar - AP Big Ben and the Steelers were tripped up by the Bengals, but don't give up hope just yet. Plenty of football left to be played. Browse more photos » This isn't really a state of the union type post, just several reasons why I feel pretty darn good about the Pittsburgh Steelers and their chances at at least returning to the AFC Championship game this year. Do I believe this year's team is as good as last year's? I think they can be. They're just not there yet. And of course, a rash of injuries in the next 6 weeks could derail the team's chances of even making the playoffs, let alone making a return trip to the Super Bowl. Assuming though that the Steelers don't lose multiple players of Harrison, Ward, Big Ben or Polamalu's caliber, I like their chances just fine of playing playoff football games in January. Here's six reasons, one for every Lombardi Trophy resting in the organization's trophy case. 1) The defense is rounding in to form and should continue to do so. The Steelers shot themselves in the foot at the end of last Sunday's loss against the Bengals - James Harrison's penalty immediately comes to mind; the inability to bring down Bernard Scott on first contact hurt too. We're not used to seeing the Steelers have opposing teams close out games against them with the running game. Cincinnati didn't exactly do that like we did to Denver the previous Monday, but they certainly increased their chances of holding on to the slim lead by gobbling up some clock and forcing the Steelers to score a TD to win rather than just get a FG to tie.  Anyway, the defense still played very, very well for much of the game.  Now if the special teams wouldn't stop handing away points, and if the offense would just get back to executing in the red zone like they were to start the year.  Here's the defense's number through 10 games (league rankings in parenthesis) Points per game (team total): 17.4 (6th)  Points per game (defense only): 12.7 (1st) Yards per game: 277.4 (2nd) Rushing Yards/G: 69.3 (1st) Passing Yards/G: 208.1 (12th) 3rd Down %:  41 % (24th) Sacks: 25 (t-4th) Interceptions: 8 (t-16th) Forced Fumbles: 8 (t-18th) Fumbles Recovered: 5 (t-20th) Those passing numbers aren't too shabby when you consider how infrequently teams try to run the ball against Pittsburgh. There's also the undeniable fact that the Steelers have only trailed for a very small block of time in any game this season. Re-read that sentence again by the way if you count yourself in the camp that thinks this team is fatally flawed. The Steelers have yet to look outclassed once this season and really have only themselves to blame for any of their losses except arguably this past Sunday's game against the Bengals. William Gay had his best game as a professional last week too, which for me, was an unbelievably important development for this secondary if that trend continues. I was hesitant to claim that I thought this defense could be championship caliber earlier in the season. The primary reason was I thought William Gay's weakness (compared to the rest of the defense) would allow teams to systematically break down the defense as a whole by picking on him early and often. Since halftime of the Denver game, William Gay hasn't looked like a weak link or the type of player that opposing offenses will be able to go after time and again. Let's hope at least.  The bottom line to me is that I can not think of any other defense in the AFC that I believe is better than the Steelers. The Bengals? No. I give immense credit to Mike Zimmer and the job he has done with that defense in two short years. I just think the Bengals matchup extremely well with the Steelers. I'm not so sure I feel the same way about them lined up against New England, San Diego or Indianapolis. We'll see. Other than that, who else scares you defensively amongst the AFC contenders? Baltimore? We'll see in two weeks. Indy? Not really, though they can be tough when healthy. New England? Meh, not really. I like Pittsburgh's chances over any team in the conference in a defensive slugfest. And if we can avoid the injury bug and get Polamalu back healthy sooner rather than later, get better play out of Lawrence Timmons and Deshea Townsend, and I think we'll continue to see them round in to form at just the right time.  2) Special Teams play is really hurting the team. They're dead last in kickoff return coverage by Football Outsiders metrics and it's scary by how much. I do not at all think it's unrealistic to say that this can and will improve for the rest of the season. We're not talking about expecting a team like the Raiders to suddenly develop a potent passing attack. We're merely talking about paid professionals being more disciplined, more determined and more willing to bang heads in a very straight forward, uncomplicated way If you read Malcolm Gladwell's recent New Yorker article about football and dogfighting, you may have picked up on the commentary about special teams being the most violent and dangerous aspect of football. A disproportionate number of injuries occur on special teams - and on kickoffs in particular. There's technique involved in consistently covering kickoffs, but there's not that much. It's more about pride, mental discipline, and perhaps most importantly, a willingness to maniacly fly down the field at full speed, eager to put a hat on somebody at any cost.  As Mike Tomlin has said on more than one occasion, the most violent team will win. Right now, we're the least violent and physical team in the most violent department in football. We can and will change that, and I think datruth hit the nail on the head by pinpointing Donovan Woods as the guy who could help change all that beginning Sunday. Improvement in this one small aspect of the game could subtly take pressure off both the offense and the defense. Frankly, I think it would help Bruce Arians call more coherent game plans if the team wasn't giving away points on special teams and keeping games closer than they might otherwise be. Translation - leads = more running, more opportunistic play-action passing, (hopefully) more cautious decision making from Big Ben with the football.  3) Ben Roethlisberger is our quarterback. I know he's coming off a subpar game last Sunday, but let's not let one game taint our view of his season to date. He's made very nice strides this year and is every bit the franchise quarterback he's paid to be. There's only a handful of those types of signal callers in this league. We have one of them. Don't underestimate the importance of that come December and January when the stakes are raised. Big Ben helped pull victory from the jaws of defeat numerous times last year after playing poorly for much of the game prior to his heroics. It didn't work out for him and the offense in the final drive last week, but Big Ben's resume in the clutch more than speaks for itself.  4) Turnovers. We're due for more than we've created through 9 games. Credit opposing teams for protecting the football, but a defense this physical and talented is going to force more turnovers than they have to start the year. We all know Ike Taylor doesn't possess the best set of hands in the league. But other guys are missing out on picks as well. Ryan Clark missed an easy pick last Sunday. William Gay missed out on one two weeks ago because Troy Polamalu crashed in to him unnecessarily.  Let's make a few of those plays and have a forced fumble or two bounce our way (last year we recovered 75% of our forced fumbles; this year only 62.5%). A few more turnovers could lead to some cheaper offensive points throughout ball games, which in turn might actually lead to Bruce Arians utilizing our promising but underutilized running game.  5) The schedule is lining up fairly nicely. Now, the Steelers are the defending champs. It's about them executing to their fullest potential. If they do, they're going to win lots of games, regardless of who they're playing. But let's take a look at how the schedule lines up. You know the games by now - all games are very winnable. That's not the point - instead take a look at how the days of the week their remaining games fall on.  Week 11 @ KC (Sunday) Week 12 @ Baltimore (Sunday night) Week 13  vs. Oakland (Sunday) Week 14 @ Cleveland (Thursday night) Week 15 vs. Green Bay (Sunday night) Week 16 vs. Baltimore (Sunday) Week 17 @ Miami (Sunday) What's the big deal you say? Well, that 10 day break in between Week 14 and Week 15 will be huge. It's never easy to prepare for a Thursday game following a game the previous Sunday, but look at our opponents. First, the Raiders at home, followed by a trip to Cleveland to take on the Browns. I hate to get ahead of myself, but let's be real - the Steelers should and will win those games. After that tough stretch, they get 10 days to heal up while the rest of the league plays on each week.  Don't think it matters? Last year, the Steelers had a similar situation when they traveled to Cincinnati for a Thursday night game following the important victory over San Diego. They looked only so-so against the Bengals, but won, then had 10 days off before traveling to New England. They looked outstanding against the Patriots - fresher and more physical than they had looked in weeks. Their play then carried over the following two weeks when they survived defensive slugfests with Dallas and Baltimore.  My hope is the Steelers survive these next four games with no worse than three wins, then close out the schedule with victories in their final three games following a week and a half of rest.  So just remember Steelers fans, even if Pittsburgh loses in two weeks to Baltimore, stay way, way way away from the ledge. At least until the two teams meet again in Week 16. 12-4 is a very distinct possibility, even if they were to trip up on the road two Sundays from now.  I'm not one to put too much emphasis on these kinds of things, but it definitely matters in this league. Ideally, you don't want the toughest, most physical games on your schedule to be piled up together. It matters. And our remaining games are certainly spread out nicely in terms of travel, opponents and the brand of football that each opponent brings to the table.  6) To conclude, I honestly believe that the loss to the Bengals came at just the right time for this year's team. It's neither too late in the year to panic nor too early for the coaching staff to feel a sense of urgency to get some of the more glaring problems resolved immediately. We already saw Mike Tomlin make a personnel move this week for special teams purposes; now we need to see Bruce Arians and Ben Roethlisberger make some slight adjustments. Big Ben is really hurting this team with his sacks. The easy retort is: 'but that's what he does, you have to live with the bad so that Ben can be Ben.' Hogwash. That's not what great quarterbacks do. To be clear, that's not what great quarterbacks rely on. It's a luxury that he has at his disposal for certain situations. But lately, Big Ben is expecting to break every would be sack. He knows that's his M.O. and he thinks he's capable of pulling it off each and every time he's under pressure. Not smart. Is it just me, or has Ben really not made that many guys miss this year after first contact. The Vikings in particular did a fantastic job bringing him down. He's had some nice plays, but he's hurting the team with his unwillingness to throw the ball away more frequently.   Arians meanwhile needs to assume that the offensive line isn't going to give Ben all day like they have during many of our games this year. The result of our early success was franchise records by Ben and the offense for passing yardage and points scored. I think it's also led to a false sense of security about how good the line really is. I think all that early success throwing the football has made Bruce and Ben a  bit greedy as well. It's good to be confident. Now it's time to be a bit smarter. More quick-hitting passes, more creative screens, more utilizing Rashard Mendenhall's abilities as a pass catcher. Arians should watch New Orleans to see how those swing passes to Reggie Bush make it dangerous and tough to blitz too recklessly against the Saints.  Anyway, the margin for error is now smaller for the offense than it was last year. The defense is not quite as dominant; special teams are now a liability rather than strong suit; and we're playing from behind in the standings rather than as front runners. With the loss to the Bengals on Sunday - a game in which the offensive line looked legitimately overwhelmed for the first time all season - the offense needs to take a step back and rethink its strategy and identity for the remainder of the season.  Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035931/reason-for-every-super-bowl-championship-steelers-fans-should-relax-behind-steel-curtain-blog.html AthlonSports.comA Reason For Every Super Bowl Championship Why Steelers Fans Should RelaxBehind the Steel Curtain (blog)This isn't really a state of the union type post, just several reasons why I feel pretty darn good about the Pittsburgh Steelers and their chances at at ...Hey, did you know I hate the SteelersU WeeklyBengals Fourth in Power Rankings?and I Don't Get ItThe Stripe Hype (blog)NFL 2008-09 recap ? A season full of surprisesBest SyndicationThe Virginian-Pilot -Brenham Banner Press -AthlonSports.comall 52 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034891/westbrook-update-phanatic-blog.html TSN.caWestbrook updateThe Phanatic (blog)Dr. Maroon is a UPMC neurosurgeon and long-time team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dr. Collins is a UPMC neuropsychologist at the UPMC Sports ...Westbrook at center of concussion controversyPhiladelphia InquirerWith Westbrook out, Eagles focus on LeSean McCoyTrading Markets (press release)Westbrook seeking expert advicephillyBurbs.comall 662 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034890/bengals-fourth-in-power-rankingsand-i-dont-get-stripe-hype-blog.html AthlonSports.comBengals Fourth in Power Rankings?and I Don't Get ItThe Stripe Hype (blog)Score big with Super Bowl odds for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl XLIII. View live Superbowl odds, matchups and stats ...Hey, did you know I hate the SteelersU WeeklyNFL 2008-09 recap ? A season full of surprisesBest SyndicationDeep Creek grad putting bite in Bengals' defenseThe Virginian-PilotBrenham Banner Press -AthlonSports.com -kypost.comall 48 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034889/pittsburgh-steelers-path-to-playoffs-bleacher-report.html Globe and MailPittsburgh Steelers: Path To The PlayoffsBleacher ReportI'll just say this: should the stars align for a third Bengals-Steelers game in the first round of the playoffs, the smart money is on Pittsburgh. ...Steelers safety Polamalu limping, all but certain to miss Chiefs gameThe Canadian PressPittsburgh Steelers will miss Troy Polamalu's impact even if only for one gameJOCKlife SportsSteelers' Polamalu could be out three gamesYahoo! SportsThe Associated Press -Covers -ProFootballTalkall 265 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034888/steelers-sign-donovan-woods-to-improve-special-teams.html ? Looking to improve a kickoff coverage unit that has allowed three touchdowns in a span of four games, the Steelers signed linebacker Donovan Woods from the practice squad Tuesday and released veteran outside linebacker Arnold Harrison. Woods played in five games last season and made five tackles on special teams. His addition to the Steelers' 53-man roster and kickoff coverage team could be only the first change coach Mike Tomlin makes to the maligned unit. "When you're experiencing the kind of difficulty we are in that area, you better turn over every stone," said Tomlin, who has not ruled out putting starters on the kickoff coverage team. The Steelers are giving up 25.9 yards per kickoff return. Last year, they led the NFL with 19.1 yards allowed per kickoff return. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034887/troubled-browns-open-to-king.html If LeBron James truly believes he can help the Cleveland Browns, coach Eric Mangini has an orange helmet waiting for him. "I think he should come on down," Mangini said, smiling. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034886/on-steelers-look-for-improved-running-game.html Guard Chris Kemoeatu likes nothing better than to block for the run. It remains his forte, a big reason Sports Illustrated chose him to its midseason All-Pro team. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034885/this-rooney-spends-time-on-different-carpet.html Bumping into a Rooney at a film festival probably should never be considered surprising, and now that Hollywood producer Thomas Tull owns a chunk of the Steelers, the incidence of Rooney sightings Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034051/opposing-fans-need-to-use-certain-decorum-when-wearing-enemy-colors-espn.html Chicago TribuneOpposing fans need to use certain decorum when wearing enemy colorsESPNSurely, it can only be someone we do not know and would never associate with who would be capable of the act that Pittsburgh Steelers fan Zack Heddinger ...Steelers Fan Claims He Was Poisoned, Blinded in Chicago BarFanHouse (blog)Steelers fan says he was poisoned, left blind in Chicago barChicago Tribune(Video link) Chicago police investgate report Steelers fan blinded after ...Examiner.comChicagoist -ChicagoNow (blog)all 26 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034050/holmes-roethlisberger-may-have-been-out-sync-but-steelers-werent-canadian-press.html PITTSBURGH - Ben Roethlisberger felt out of sync all day in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offence. Santonio Holmes felt just fine. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033224/dont-come-around-here-no-more-phil-simms.html I know I'm not alone on this one, but it dawned on me that the Pittsburgh Steelers never seem to play well when CBS sends its top commentating team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms to call Pittsburgh's games.  So just for kicks, I went about checking the NFL TV Distribution Maps from the past three years to see just how well or poorly the Steelers have fared with Simms on the call during the Mike Tomlin era. It's not pretty (playoffs not included). Week 3, 2009: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - Loss Week 11, 2009: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - Loss Week 10, 2008: Indianapolis at Pittsburgh - Loss  Week 11, 2008: San Diego at Pittsburgh - Win Week 15, 2008: Pittsburgh at Baltimore - Win Week 16, 2008: Pittsburgh at Tennessee - Loss  Week 10, 2007: Cleveland at Pittsburgh - Win Week 1, 2007: Pittsburgh at New York Jets - Loss Week 14, 2007: Pittsburgh at New England - Loss Week 17, 2007: Pittsburgh at Baltimore - Loss 3-7! No good. Heck, they've only lost 13 games in the past three season. Go away Mr. Simms! And Jim, stick to the Masters and March Madness and we'll have no issues. Capiche? Cool.  Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033223/record-setting-performance.html The folks at Pro Football Outsiders have a special take on the Steelers' special teamsPittsburgh has had problems on special teams for years, but this year things have hit rock bottom. The Steelers have given up three touchdowns on kick returns in just the last four games. How bad is it? Pittsburgh is threatening what I thought was an untouchable record: Worst net kickoff value in DVOA history.Read the entire article, if you dare, by clicking here. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033222/todays-headlines.html Arnold Harrison has a new gig - The special teams sacrificial lamb is now a Cleveland Brown. It's the second bit of horrible news he's received this week. [PFT]The Penguins lose another player to injury. Jay McKee, who blocks shots like a hockey version of Shaq, is out two to four weeks with an infected finger. Honestly, I feel like a broken record at this point. [Empty Netters]Sidney Crosby is carrying the Olympic torch. Captain Crosby is carrying the Olympic torch in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, around 6:30 PM tonight. How many people have carried the Cup and the Torch in the same year? [WPXI]Kickoff time set for Pitt-Cincinnati. The virtual Big East Championship game will have a noon start on December 5, and will be televised nationally by ABC. Hopefully this one turns out better than the last big Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati game held at Heinz Field. [KDKA]Your Big East Conspiracy Theory of the Day: Joe Starkey wisely draws comparisons between last Friday's Cincy-WVU game and 2007's Backyard Brawl on the topic of very shaky officiating. Translation: be prepared for some obviously slanted calls in Cincinnati's favor on December 5. [Trib]Email: Mondesishouse@gmail.com Twitter: twitter.com/mondesishouse Facebook: Facebook Group Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033221/holmes-disputes-big-ben-steelers-were-in-sync-associated-press.html Holmes disputes Big Ben: Steelers were in syncThe Associated PressPITTSBURGH ? Ben Roethlisberger felt out of sync all day in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. Santonio Holmes felt just fine. ...Grant From Steelers QB Helps Purchase New KCMO Police Dogfox4kc.comRoethlisberger to KCPD: I got your dog right herePitch Weeklyall 20 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033220/steelers-safety-polamalu-limping-all-but-certain-to-miss-chiefs-game-canadian-press.html Globe and MailSteelers safety Polamalu limping, all but certain to miss Chiefs gameThe Canadian PressPITTSBURGH ? Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu wore a heavy brace on his reinjured left knee while watching practice Wednesday and did not take part ...Pittsburgh Steelers will miss Troy Polamalu's impact even if only for one gameJOCKlife SportsSteelers' Polamalu could be out three gamesYahoo! SportsPolamalu questionable 'at best' for ChiefsThe Associated PressBleacher Report -Covers -ProFootballTalkall 261 news articles » Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033219/steelers-polamalu-wearing-heavy-brace.html EDs: APNewsNow. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu wore a heavy brace on his reinjured left knee while watching practice Wednesday and did not take part in any drills. Polamalu limped off the field about 30 minutes before practice ended and did not answer questions. He is all but certain to miss Sunday's game at Kansas City, and he might not be ready for Baltimore on Nov. 29. Polamalu injured a knee ligament while tackling Cincinnati's Cedric Benson on Sunday. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033218/holmes-disputes-big-ben-steelers-were-in-sync.html Ben Roethlisberger felt out of sync all day in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. Santonio Holmes felt just fine. Holmes disputed the quarterback's notion that the Steelers had "something missing" during a 18-12 loss to Cincinnati that moved the Bengals (7-2) ahead of the Steelers (6-3) in the AFC North race. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates