AFC North Champs

So the Steelers defeated the St Louis Rams this past Thursday and not without issues. I wish I had the answers for what is not going right for this team right now. A couple of years ago, the same things happened and they went all the way to the Super Bowl. The difference? the Steelers had a goal-get Bettis to Detroit and they pulled it out when it counted most, the last quarter of the regular season. So much is questionable now and this die-hard is dying hard. I had a premonition of what could be against Jacksonville and my ardent fears came to fruition. So the Steelers beat a team they were suppose to beat in the Rams, what is going to happen against the Ravens.

The Jags have always been the team I feared the most against the Steelers. No matter what; they always manage to have the Steelers number. First it was Del Rio's defense against Cowher's defense-all physical. With Aaron Smith injured the whole complexion of the game changes. Aaron Smith is underrated as a defense end and is one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. Travis Kirshke and Nick Eason don’t even compare putting both together. All I saw were arms flying around trying to catch Jags RB Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and they taking off doing what they do best-pounding the field. 2007 has been the best year in Fred Taylor's career. Historically, this running back hadn't finished a season without injury. And if you look at his numbers in the past, he always eclipse 1000 yards before he falls. He is an incredible running back who has lacked durability until now. This will be a concern if the Steelers have to play the Jags in the playoffs.

Playoffs-Playoffs I say. At this point, do we want to see the Steelers in the playoffs? Of course we do, and playing better than they have up to this point. Understand, Ben is playing a new offense where the responsibility is square on his shoulders. Ben says he is up for the task. But, and there is a but, look at the offensive line. It has its weak link-center (Sean Mahan). Yes, I said it. This is a new position of him, so it is understandably he must get comfortable with the position. He as a Guard coming from Tampa Bay. Former center Jeff Hartings was a guard from Detroit before taking the center position in place of retired center Dermontti Dawson. Question: Was it the best decision for the Steelers to release C Chukky Okobi this season?. Although he was no more than a journeyman and was definitely not the answer to a permanent center, he had veteran experience. He has been a starter due to Hartings knees and Okobi helped paved the way to the 2005 Super Bowl. So what was the reason why the Steelers could not extend Okobi one more year for Mahan to get acclimated to the position?. Of course the answer is money. It is apparent that Mahan is a weak link considering the number times Big Ben has been hurried and sacked. (sigh).

I am beginning to see age in the defense. So much has been spoken about the age of the New England Patriot defense and yet they seem to perform. In fact, Belicheat (I refuse to call him by his current name anymore) gave his players an additional day off before playing the Steelers and they came to on the field and killed the Steelers. The blame does not solely go to Anthony Smith either. There is age affecting the team-Farrior, Haggans, Hampton, and Townsend are getting old and the rest play too green. For a Number One Defense, they are not showing the passion that is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tackling is a huge issue. Fundamentals are what Tomlin preaches-fundamentals. Well with the fundamentals comes time. So if it doesn’t click now-it should in 2008.

Special teams have been a issue for years and with all the work that was done during the off-season and training camp, there seems to be no improvement. Most are young players and they play like they have been in the league 12-15 years. Older players on other teams play better.

The last game of the regular season is in Baltimore and this die-hard wants a win. Cleveland lost today, and the Steelers are AFC North champs. Beaten and demoralized-the Ravens are more than a wounded animal and they want a piece of the Steelers. What would be a better way of getting back after a loss in Pittsburgh but to reciprocate at home. They will have to do it with their rookie quarterback. Are you scared? To be quite honest, I have issues. The Steeler D has not done well against rookie QBs this year and it’s away. Out of 7 away games thus far, the Steelers won 3 and amongst the losses were to poor teams such as Denver and the Jets. Sports writers are writing off the Steelers now that Willie Parker and Aaron Smith are down for the season. I believe Najeh Davenport is the answer for the running game, but I have no answer for the run stuffing game. The Steelers have to contend with Willis McGahee. We need our team to wake up and smell the coffee. The Division title is hanging in the balance and we want the playoffs.

I want more. Let’s get it done! Let’s Go Steelers

DUSTING OFF DETERMINATION

By Edwina L. Kaikai

Thanksgiving was only one day. And it’s over.

No sense in wallowing in self pity over the extras you ate. Those mashed potatoes and mounds of stuffing have already found a home on your hips.

If you haven’t been moving. Chasing after kids or running from store to store searching for holiday bargains doesn’t count.

All those good eats we indulged in on that one day have settled on our bodies for sure if real exercise hasn’t been part of the days that followed. Exercise without a continuation of the extra eating, that is.

I know it’s not easy. Those good dishes we only seem to get at holiday time taste extra special, reminding us of all the other foods we’ve avoided in our effort to be more healthful. We want those fried or sweet or butter-based foods that provided so much comfort and joy in the past.

Foods that also piled on the pounds.

No one plans to start the New Year unable to wear the past year’s favorites. And we won’t if we take action now.

Step One – Face the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah are just two days out of the 365 that make up a year. Our jeans don’t become snug because of any two days of indulgent eating. Not unless we use those two days as excuses to chuck the discipline healthy living demands.

Step Two – Get moving. As busy as the remainder of the year will be, make that to-do list and schedule time to exercise. That’s right, schedule it; don’t leave it to chance. At least 30 minutes of brisk walking or aerobics. Doing something positive for body and soul reduces the likelihood that we’ll yield to the temptation of eating too much or the wrong stuff.

Step Three – Beware of alcoholic beverages. They pour on the pounds with virtually no redeeming health value. A Kahlua and cream or glass of eggnog is not found on the food pyramid as a milk serving any more than a strawberry daiquiri or Peach Schnapps shows up as a fruit. If you want a drink, opt for a 4 ounce glass of wine or a light beer. Having more than one glass of your favorite drink? Then alternate it with a zero-calorie diet soda, club soda or Seltzer water. Or a glass of ice water garnished with a twist of lemon or lime (real fruits).

Granted, I haven’t followed my own advice much the latter part of the year. That’s why we’re on this journey together. It’s the first time in five years I’m not able to reach into the closet and put on any outfit I want confident it will only cling where it’s supposed to.

But I’m determined to exercise the discipline needed to make sure this what-to-wear, what-will-fit dilemma isn’t repeated again next year.

And the bonus payoff will be feeling fit and looking fabulous for the swimsuit season that’s right around the corner.

MOTIVATING MORSEL: Failure isn’t final. Failure is feedback. Realize what didn’t work and make adjustments accordingly.

Edwina L. Kaikai is author of “Stomach In My Lap: 25 Lesson Learned Confronting the Doubts, Fears and Excuses That Piled On The Pounds” and a contributor to “Chicken Soup for the Dieter’s Soul.” She strives to live a life of good health as an example to others. Contact her about the books or to share your tips, slips and triumphs at emptylap450@msn.com.

Words From Coach Tomlin

As coach Mike Tomlin said in Tuesday’s press conference, the Steelers did not put together 2 halves of football. Special teams regress back to their usual form committing 3 penalties. A turnover when the ball from a kickoff return hit the foot of CB William Gay and was recovered by the Patriots on the Steeler 34 and Chad Jackson returning a kickoff for 39 yards giving the ball to the Pats on their 48 yard line. It was just giving them points.

(Do you think I can get away with it by calling special teams ,the Kindler, gentler, special teams’. Always willing to help the OTHER team win).

Red Zone opportunities: Why is the offense having trouble getting into the end zone: and against an old defense. Belicheat gave his team Tuesday and Wednesday off because they were so tired from Sundays game, they needed to rest…the defense was banged up. Well, do ya think maybe Tomlin should have done the same, because it wasn’t the Patriots that looked old-it was the Steelers.

Finally, the biggest disappointment of all was the defense. FS Anthony Smith had to open his big mouth and give a guarantee of a win. Yeah right. The only guarantee out there Sunday was Anthony Smith getting beat out there. 2 Big plays for a total of 120 yards and NO SACKS. The only thing good out of Sunday’s game is the 7 points I got from Wes Welker for my fantasy squad and now I am in the PLAYOFFS.

Sunday, the Steelers meet with their old nemesis, the Jacksonville Jaguars and this can’t be good. The Jags managed to have the Steelers number whenever they play. The Steelers are undefeated at home this season and I would hate to loss two in a row-when the Steelers are still leading the division.

Oct 16, 2005 was the last time the Jags visited Heinz Field when Jags CB Rashean Mathis stepped in front of Tommy Maddox's pass and scored on a 41-yard return in overtime to upset the Steelers 23-17. At 9-4, the Jags have come from behind with a full head of steam coming off a 37-6 win over the Carolina Panthers. They are a physical ball club like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Jack Del Rio and ex-Steeler coach Bill Cowher used to play against each other defensively and knew each other well. Tomlin has not had that luxury and it will be interesting as well as nerve racking to experience the outcome of this match up. The Jags need a win to secure a Wild Card berth and they have the weapons to do it. Running back tandem Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew could put a hurting on our front line especially since DE Aaron Smith is out the season with a bicep tear. He is the best run stuffer on the team. The good news is we able to see “Troy Boy” Polamalu back and linebacker LaMarr Woodley. He is so needed in special teams.

QB David Garrard has been efficient. He plays smart and has one INT this season. One folks. Garrard has some weapons in receivers with Dennis Northcutt (formerly of the Cleveland Browns) and Reggie Williams. Northcutt and Jones-Drew can hurt us on special teams as they are reliable return men. Jones-Drew has one return for a TD. (Well, Steeler Allen Rossum has one return for a TD too).

It’s the same old story, the Steelers must establish the running game, which they managed to do last week against the Patriots (and that was about it.) They must capitalize on red zone opportunities. They can’t depend on “Skippy’s foot” to do the job, that’s 3 not 6. Finally the line has to do a better job in protecting Big Ben. He has been put in too many hurried situations which have resulted in incomplete passes, overthrown passes, dropped passes or interceptions. Need I say more? Come on Steelers. Let’s guarantee some Steeler football. Get it done. Beat the Jags. Let’s Go Steelers

Third Time Could Be a Charm

Opening day, September 9^th, 2002 was the last time the Steelers played at Foxboro. As 2001 Super Bowl champs, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30-16. December 30, 2001, QB Jon Kitna and the Cincinnati Bengals exposed the Steeler secondary and defeating the Steelers 26-23 and left a gaping hole for attack by not only New England but the Oakland Raiders as well. That was then…this is now.

With 6 turnovers, 2 INTs for Big Ben and 4 fumbles by Willie Parker (although he was charged with 2), the Steelers defeated the Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10. Being plagued with penalties all season and the last thing the Steelers need is to give this very important game to New England.

Dec 13, 1997, was the last time the Steelers defeated the Patriots in their home field. Oct 31, 2004, the Steelers snuffed out the Patriots hopes of a perfect season and 21game winning streak with a crushing defeat 31-20 at Heinz Field. It has been two years since these teams have met and everything is on the line for Sunday afternoon’s game in Foxboro. It took 10 years for the Steelers to get to another Super Bowl, will this be a sign that it takes 10 years to defeat the Patriots in their home field. The 12-0 Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 in a fist- clinging game Monday night. It is the second time in a row the Patriots got a win by the skin of their teeth. Could a third time be the charm?

The Steeler D who slept during the Bengals opening drive on Sunday afternoon, stepped up their game to hold the Bengals to 3 points the rest of the game. The offensive line stepped up their game to keep Ben clean and provided a patent pocket for him to work his magic with Hines Ward (franchise leading receiver). On the downside - the running game and the fumbles. SNF Commentator John Madden did bring up a good point about Willie wearing those rubber arm bands in the rain. I question that too. Rubber is slick in the rain and snow- why wear them?

(Remember the controversy over Big Ben and the gloves in bad weather.)

RB Najeh Davenport has a bad foot. It seems he hurt it over the weekend on the elliptical machine putting the running back situation in a precarious position. Currently Carey Davis is subbing for injured fullback Dan Kreider who is on injured reserves and out for the season, leaving Gary Russell who has not had much playing time.

The Steelers have not done well on the road this season. Two of the three losses were to AFC teams that they should have won (Denver and the Jets). Could this also mean that a third attempt is a charm?

A win against New England and a Titan loss will help the Steelers clinch a playoff berth. Let’s get it done Steelers. There is no love loss between these two teams. Let’s Go Steelers.