Showing posts with label Steelers 2005-06. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers 2005-06. Show all posts
Saturday, August 08, 2015
Saturday, June 03, 2006
President Opens the Door of His House to Steelers
Saturday, June 03, 2006
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
More Coverage:
Full text of President Bush's remarks at Super Bowl XL champions ceremony
Steelers' Day at the Whitehouse Photo Journal
Mission accomplished for 2 Steelers
WASHINGTON -- President Bush, according to some polls, has only a 35 percent approval rate, something even the Steelers might appreciate after they pulled into the final four games of the 2005 regular season with a 7-5 record.
"Halfway through the season, a lot of people counted the Pittsburgh Steelers out, said you don't have a chance,'' Mr. Bush said during a 14-minute ceremony yesterday afternoon at the White House to honor the Super Bowl champions.
"I kind of know the feeling."
Mr. Bush lauded the Steelers for being "champions on the field and off the field,'' joked around with several of them and even threw a short pass to Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward in the East Room of the White House. The ceremony had been moved indoors because of thunderstorms around the nation's capital.
"You had a ring for every finger,'' Mr. Bush said, "and now you got one for the thumb.
"It's a tough brand of football. It wasn't always flashy, but you learned how to win and you're the kind of team that Pittsburgh Steelers fans like to watch -- hard-nosed football.''
Team President Art Rooney presented Mr. Bush with a black Steelers jersey with his name and the number 43 on the back to honor him as the 43rd president of the United States. Mr. Ward presented Mr. Bush with a Super Bowl XL football autographed by the team.
Sens. Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter, both R-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St.
Clair, attended, as did Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and former Pennsylvania Gov. Richard Thornburgh, a former U.S. attorney general
Also attending along with his family was the new CIA chief, Gen. Michael Hayden, a native of Pittsburgh's North Side. Gen. Hayden was once coached in youth football by Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney.
"You have no greater fan than the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency," Mr. Bush said.
The president alluded to the Steelers going after a second straight championship next year when he commented, "I'll be around here next year to see you come back."
As the ceremony ended, Mr. Bush threw a short pass back to Mr. Ward with the football.
"One hundred percent very accurate," Mr. Ward said afterward with a big smile. "It had a nice spiral to it."
Mr. Bush shook hands with many of the Steelers standing behind him, and singled out linebacker Joey Porter and nose tackle Casey Hampton, who threw his arm around the president as their photos were taken.
Mr. Porter, who joked two weeks ago that he would walk into the White House with a swagger, wore big dark sunglasses during the entire ceremony.
"You got a man known for his swagger," Mr. Bush said. "I've been looking forward to Joey Porter's new dance." Mr. Porter smiled, and the two shook hands.
Mr. Hampton, who played football at the University of Texas, used to lift weights at the school with Mr. Bush when he was Texas governor.
"You got a Longhorn -- we used to pump iron together," Mr. Bush said, prompting a round of laughter from the room. "His took, mine didn't."
The president did commit a faux pas, if you will, when he said he was a fan of the "Texas Cowboys." He quickly amended that to the Dallas Cowboys. Mr. Bush was once a part owner of baseball's Texas Rangers.
The Steelers filed into the East Room with chants from the crowd of "Here we go, Steelers, here we go.'' After hearing that, Mr. Bush remarked, "Sounds like some people have been drinking some Iron City Beer here."
The president praised Jerome Bettis for his charity work and Mr. Ward for his attempts to help fight racism in his native Korea, calling his trip to Seoul with his mother "an act of a champion."
Mr. Bush also poked fun at coach Bill Cowher's history of angry sideline displays.
"He has the most unusual expressions on the sideline,'' he said. "So I told the vice president I was going to be able to congratulate Coach Cowher in person. And he said get him to give me some tips on his scowl."
After the ceremony, Mr. Cowher said the visit, which included a tour of the White House for the team, will be "a day we will always remember."
Earlier, six players headed by Mr. Bettis visited wounded U.S. soldiers from Iraq at the Walter Reed Army Hospital.
Several players who left the Steelers as free agents, such as Antwaan Randle El, Kimo von Oelhoffen and Chris Hope rejoined their old teammates for the White House visit as did Willie Williams, who was released. Quarterback Tommy Maddox, also released, did not attend.
"It was an honor to be here,'' Mr. Cowher said. "It was a special year with a special group of guys and a chance to reflect on all of it."
(Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878. )
Memorable quotes from President Bush at Super Bowl XL champions ceremony
"Thank you all for coming. Please be seated. It sounds like some people have been drinking some Iron City beer here. It's such an honor to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers here to the White House. Congratulations on being the champs. You had a ring for every finger; now you've got one for the thumb."
"I want to -- look, I was a Texas Cowboy fan, you know. Dallas Cowboy fan -- and -- yes, I know, I know. It's kind of hard for me to admit, but the Steeler franchise is one of the really great franchises in football history. And one of the reasons why is because of the Rooney family."
"[Cowher] is a -- he's an amazing coach. He's got the most unusual expressions on the sideline. So I told the vice president I was going to be able to congratulate coach Cowher in person, and he said, 'Well, get him to give me some tips on his scowl.'"
"About halfway through the season a lot of people were counting the Steelers out. They said you didn't have a chance. I kind of know the feeling. (Laughter.) But you won eight games in a row, including three on the road in the playoffs, and of course, Super Bowl XL in Detroit. You had some amazing unexpected players step up to help you play. You had the quarterback make an important tackle, and you had yourself a receiver make an important pass."
"Super Bowl XL included other entries in the record book -- Fast Willy Parker, 75-yard touchdown, the longest run in Super Bowl history. Looking sharp, too. Your quarterback was the youngest quarterback in history to win an NFL title. But the most amazing thing about the victory, it seemed like to me, and for a lot of other fans, was you had a fine man, a man you call "The Bus," retire in his home city of Detroit, with the Lombardi Trophy in his arms. It was a touching moment for football fans."
Friday, June 02, 2006
Steelers Set For Presidential Treatment
By Joe Bendel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, June 2, 2006
Casey Hampton was going about his business in the University of Texas weight room one afternoon when the future president of the United States approached.
"He asked about an article that was written about me and my mom," Hampton said. "He was interested."
Hampton's conversation with George W. Bush -- governor of the Lone Star State while Hampton was starring at UT -- was no different from the many previous chats they'd had.
Bush was a big UT fan. Hampton was a big-time UT performer.
"He was cool, down to earth," Hampton said. "It was funny, because we always used to say, 'One day, that man's gonna be our president -- and we know him.' It's pretty wild."
At about 1:45 today, Hampton, along with the rest of the Steelers, will join Bush on the White House lawn to celebrate the team's Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks last February.
Former Steelers Antwaan Randle El, Kimo von Oelhoffen and Chris Hope, all of whom signed elsewhere after the season, are expected to be on hand, along with scouts, coaches and front-office personnel.
This marks the franchise's second White House visit, 27 years after the 1978 squad was honored by President Carter. The '74, '75 and '79 teams did not make the trek.
"The White House ..." backup center Chukky Okobi said, shaking his head. "This is when you start to realize how special winning the Super Bowl is."
Asked what he would say to the president, Okobi revealed a huge smile.
"What's up, George? How's it going?" he said, laughing. "Where are your daughters?"
Okobi paused.
"Just kidding," he said.
Okobi probably didn't want to stir up controversy, like the Northwestern women's lacrosse team did last summer when several players wore flip-flop sandals with their dresses and skirts. Critics believed the look was too casual for the White House.
A few weeks ago, Steelers linebacker Joey Porter elicited some reaction when he jokingly told media members that he had "something to say" to Bush. He didn't like the way the quotes came across in print and sent out a statement clarifying them.
The usually loquacious Porter has barely spoken with the media since.
"Joey was talking all crazy, just having fun," fellow outside linebacker Clark Haggans said. "That's all."
The Steelers were scheduled to touch down in Washington late this morning, tour the White House, then congregate on the lawn to be honored by the president. Most team members were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to celebrate their Super Bowl win with the commander in chief.
"I'll have my camcorder, so I can always remember it and show it to my kids," left tackle Marvel Smith said. "Just to be able to be a part of this, to be a part of a place with so much history, is an honor."
Indeed, Mr. Smith is going to Washington.
"I'm really looking forward to this," the big lineman said.
In recent years, Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel watched as other championship teams -- the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Pistons -- celebrated on the White House lawn for all the world to see.
Now, it's his turn.
"When you see those other guys there, you think, 'Hey, they go there and get their picture taken, that's all it is,'" Keisel said. "But that's not right. It's one of the things that comes with being a champion, one of the things that make it special. I've been on the other side of the fence a few times, just checking things out. But to actually be in there, and being honored, it's going to be awesome. It really is."
Veteran center Jeff Hartings has experienced plenty during his 10 NFL seasons, and a trip to the White House will add one more powerful memory.
"I think it's a great privilege," Hartings said. "Politics aside, I think the opportunity to go to the White House is special. No. 1, we're going there because we're world champs. And whether you agree or disagree with the politics of the White House right now, I would hope everybody goes there with the feeling that it's a great privilege and honor that few get to experience."
As for Hampton, somebody asked if he expected Bush to single him out because of their history together.
"Probably not," Hampton said. "We'll see."
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, June 2, 2006
Casey Hampton was going about his business in the University of Texas weight room one afternoon when the future president of the United States approached.
"He asked about an article that was written about me and my mom," Hampton said. "He was interested."
Hampton's conversation with George W. Bush -- governor of the Lone Star State while Hampton was starring at UT -- was no different from the many previous chats they'd had.
Bush was a big UT fan. Hampton was a big-time UT performer.
"He was cool, down to earth," Hampton said. "It was funny, because we always used to say, 'One day, that man's gonna be our president -- and we know him.' It's pretty wild."
At about 1:45 today, Hampton, along with the rest of the Steelers, will join Bush on the White House lawn to celebrate the team's Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks last February.
Former Steelers Antwaan Randle El, Kimo von Oelhoffen and Chris Hope, all of whom signed elsewhere after the season, are expected to be on hand, along with scouts, coaches and front-office personnel.
This marks the franchise's second White House visit, 27 years after the 1978 squad was honored by President Carter. The '74, '75 and '79 teams did not make the trek.
"The White House ..." backup center Chukky Okobi said, shaking his head. "This is when you start to realize how special winning the Super Bowl is."
Asked what he would say to the president, Okobi revealed a huge smile.
"What's up, George? How's it going?" he said, laughing. "Where are your daughters?"
Okobi paused.
"Just kidding," he said.
Okobi probably didn't want to stir up controversy, like the Northwestern women's lacrosse team did last summer when several players wore flip-flop sandals with their dresses and skirts. Critics believed the look was too casual for the White House.
A few weeks ago, Steelers linebacker Joey Porter elicited some reaction when he jokingly told media members that he had "something to say" to Bush. He didn't like the way the quotes came across in print and sent out a statement clarifying them.
The usually loquacious Porter has barely spoken with the media since.
"Joey was talking all crazy, just having fun," fellow outside linebacker Clark Haggans said. "That's all."
The Steelers were scheduled to touch down in Washington late this morning, tour the White House, then congregate on the lawn to be honored by the president. Most team members were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to celebrate their Super Bowl win with the commander in chief.
"I'll have my camcorder, so I can always remember it and show it to my kids," left tackle Marvel Smith said. "Just to be able to be a part of this, to be a part of a place with so much history, is an honor."
Indeed, Mr. Smith is going to Washington.
"I'm really looking forward to this," the big lineman said.
In recent years, Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel watched as other championship teams -- the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Pistons -- celebrated on the White House lawn for all the world to see.
Now, it's his turn.
"When you see those other guys there, you think, 'Hey, they go there and get their picture taken, that's all it is,'" Keisel said. "But that's not right. It's one of the things that comes with being a champion, one of the things that make it special. I've been on the other side of the fence a few times, just checking things out. But to actually be in there, and being honored, it's going to be awesome. It really is."
Veteran center Jeff Hartings has experienced plenty during his 10 NFL seasons, and a trip to the White House will add one more powerful memory.
"I think it's a great privilege," Hartings said. "Politics aside, I think the opportunity to go to the White House is special. No. 1, we're going there because we're world champs. And whether you agree or disagree with the politics of the White House right now, I would hope everybody goes there with the feeling that it's a great privilege and honor that few get to experience."
As for Hampton, somebody asked if he expected Bush to single him out because of their history together.
"Probably not," Hampton said. "We'll see."
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
Steelers to Visit the White House Today
Friday, June 02, 2006
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Alan Faneca has one goal this afternoon when he meets the President in the Rose Garden at the White House.
"Shake his hand, hopefully," Faneca said.
Two days later, Faneca and the rest of the Steelers might have to think twice before they shake anyone's hand. Sunday, they will receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony in a lounge at Heinz Field. Big, tough football players have been brought to their knees by their reaction to wearing a Super Bowl ring, not because of the emotion it brings, but the pain.
Chuck Noll once said that he discontinued wearing any of his four Super Bowl rings because of the pain it caused when he shook someone's hand. And those rings were small by comparison to the gold and diamond hubcaps Super Bowl teams receive today.
The Steelers will issue at least 150 rings to players, coaches and members of the organization Sunday and, yes, they will be gaudy. They still have a reputation as a mom-and-pop franchise as far as NFL teams go, but the size of their Super Bowl ring will keep up with the Joneses.
Dan Rooney, with help from Jerome Bettis and Ben Roethlisberger, came up with the idea for the ring. Rooney's initial plan was to design a ring that separated this championship from the franchise's first four. But Bettis convinced him otherwise. The retired halfback told him that the modern Steelers played in the shadows of the 1970s teams for so long that they finally believed they belonged with them now. Bettis wanted a ring that would display that.
So the design team of Rooney, Bettis and Roethlisberger came up with a ring that will display five Vince Lombardi Trophies on its face, all in diamonds. Rooney, though, did reject one of the players' requests, that the ring be constructed of white gold. Perhaps that might have represented their four postseason victories on the road in their white shirts, but, as Rooney said, "We're the black and gold." Yellow, not white.
"It really looks good in gold," Rooney said. "I'm pleased with it, and they're pleased with it, too."
For Rooney and a handful of others in the organization, this will be one for the thumb, a fifth Super Bowl ring after a 26-year quest.
"It's been a long time since we won that fourth one," said Dick Hoak, who will receive his fifth ring in the same job that he earned his first, as the Steelers' running backs coach.
Unlike many who store their rings in safe-deposit boxes, Hoak wears his, not daily, but on many occasions. During the season, he would wear the third or fourth ring on the day before the game.
"I don't know why people win them and don't wear them," Hoak said. "What's the sense of winning one?
"What I'll do now is put one of those away and wear this one. I just have to decide which one to put away. I just may wear this one now. Those other two are from so far back."
Receiving the ring not only represents the culmination of a pursuit for a generation, but also the beginning of the next one.
"Once we get it, we can kind of really put this year behind us," Hines Ward said. "It's really been a memorable year, and this ring is kind of the icing on the cake, something we worked hard for.
"Once you get it you look at it, reflect back on the year and all the people who supported you along the way. Then, after the ring ceremony, it's time to focus on starting a new chapter in the upcoming season. We really can't live off the past."
NOTES -- Retired Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope was released from UPMC-Presbyterian after nearly a two-week stay for pneumonia.
(Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878. )
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Alan Faneca has one goal this afternoon when he meets the President in the Rose Garden at the White House.
"Shake his hand, hopefully," Faneca said.
Two days later, Faneca and the rest of the Steelers might have to think twice before they shake anyone's hand. Sunday, they will receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony in a lounge at Heinz Field. Big, tough football players have been brought to their knees by their reaction to wearing a Super Bowl ring, not because of the emotion it brings, but the pain.
Chuck Noll once said that he discontinued wearing any of his four Super Bowl rings because of the pain it caused when he shook someone's hand. And those rings were small by comparison to the gold and diamond hubcaps Super Bowl teams receive today.
The Steelers will issue at least 150 rings to players, coaches and members of the organization Sunday and, yes, they will be gaudy. They still have a reputation as a mom-and-pop franchise as far as NFL teams go, but the size of their Super Bowl ring will keep up with the Joneses.
Dan Rooney, with help from Jerome Bettis and Ben Roethlisberger, came up with the idea for the ring. Rooney's initial plan was to design a ring that separated this championship from the franchise's first four. But Bettis convinced him otherwise. The retired halfback told him that the modern Steelers played in the shadows of the 1970s teams for so long that they finally believed they belonged with them now. Bettis wanted a ring that would display that.
So the design team of Rooney, Bettis and Roethlisberger came up with a ring that will display five Vince Lombardi Trophies on its face, all in diamonds. Rooney, though, did reject one of the players' requests, that the ring be constructed of white gold. Perhaps that might have represented their four postseason victories on the road in their white shirts, but, as Rooney said, "We're the black and gold." Yellow, not white.
"It really looks good in gold," Rooney said. "I'm pleased with it, and they're pleased with it, too."
For Rooney and a handful of others in the organization, this will be one for the thumb, a fifth Super Bowl ring after a 26-year quest.
"It's been a long time since we won that fourth one," said Dick Hoak, who will receive his fifth ring in the same job that he earned his first, as the Steelers' running backs coach.
Unlike many who store their rings in safe-deposit boxes, Hoak wears his, not daily, but on many occasions. During the season, he would wear the third or fourth ring on the day before the game.
"I don't know why people win them and don't wear them," Hoak said. "What's the sense of winning one?
"What I'll do now is put one of those away and wear this one. I just have to decide which one to put away. I just may wear this one now. Those other two are from so far back."
Receiving the ring not only represents the culmination of a pursuit for a generation, but also the beginning of the next one.
"Once we get it, we can kind of really put this year behind us," Hines Ward said. "It's really been a memorable year, and this ring is kind of the icing on the cake, something we worked hard for.
"Once you get it you look at it, reflect back on the year and all the people who supported you along the way. Then, after the ring ceremony, it's time to focus on starting a new chapter in the upcoming season. We really can't live off the past."
NOTES -- Retired Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope was released from UPMC-Presbyterian after nearly a two-week stay for pneumonia.
(Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878. )
Monday, March 27, 2006
Joe Bendel: Ike Likes Disney World
Joe BendelPITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, March 27, 2006
ORLANDO -- Ike Taylor did not win the MVP of Super Bowl XL, but he still went to Disney World.
And he hasn't left.
The Steelers cornerback arrived here four days after the Steelers' 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks to train with renowned conditioning guru Tom Shaw at the palatial Wide World of Sports at Disney World.
"I could have taken a break, but I didn't want to let myself do that," Taylor said Sunday, his lone day off here. "The way I look at it is -- there's a draft every year, and in that draft, there's a guy who wants to take my job. I want to be the best. I don't want anybody taking my job."
Taylor trains a minimum of five hours a day, six days a week with Shaw, who's developed 77 first-round draft picks and is working with Steelers linebacker James Farrior, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shawn Barber and safety Darren Sharper of the Minnesota Vikings, among others.
Taylor's grueling regimen consists of speed and conditioning drills, lifting weights, training in state-of-the-art swimming pools and working on football-specific movements. The sparkling training facility is used by the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Taylor has not missed a workout since completing a 2005 season that saw him tie for the NFL lead in pass breakups with 25, while also contributing 95 tackles (the most by a Steelers cornerback since Rod Woodson in 1992). He also held 18 of the 20 wide receivers he faced without a touchdown, and two of his three interceptions (counting the postseason) occurred in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl.
One of Taylor's missions this offseason is to improve on his interception numbers. He estimates he dropped up to 12 last season, which is why he catches 100 or more passes a day out of a JUGS gun.
"There are days that I'd rather not do this, just like I'm sure there are days for people in the business world when they'd rather not get up and go to work," said Taylor, who was clocked at 4.34 seconds immediately after the season. "But you have to be focused; you have to be hungry. That's where my thoughts about the draft come in. I know I need to keep getting better."
Taylor, 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, signed a one-year, $1.55 million tender as a restricted free agent with the Steelers earlier this month. That assured the Steelers that they would receive a first-round draft pick as compensation if another team signs Taylor to an offer sheet and the Steelers decide not to match it.
There is interest in Taylor around the league. Kansas City and New England are two franchises that would like to fortify their cornerback position and could risk a first-round draft pick -- they select 20 and 21, respectively -- for a player of Taylor's skills.
No team, however, has made an offer. And history suggests that it could remain that way. The most recent time a team signed a restricted free agent with a high tender such as Taylor's was in 2003, when the Washington Redskins signed wideout Laveranues Coles from the New York Jets.
The deadline for Taylor to sign an offer sheet from another team is April 21.
Taylor would like to receive a long-term deal from the Steelers at some point, but he appreciates the business side of the NFL.
"It's a great feeling to know that I'm in a position that another team, maybe, would be willing to give up something to try to get me, but I'm not worried about that," Taylor said. "I want to be a consistent football player and known as a great cornerback.
"I love the coaching staff in Pittsburgh. I love the Rooney family and coach (Bill) Cowher, and his staff has been great to me. I have no reason to leave. But it's definitely a business, and that's how you have to look at things."
Taylor's agent, Scott Smith of X-A-M Sports, said Taylor has set his sights on staying with the Steelers, but he added that "we have received inquiries from several teams about Ike as a free agent."
"I don't like to deal in speculation, but we are hopeful and optimistic that Ike can reach a long-term agreement with the Steelers this year," Smith said.
Shaw, who works around the clock here, began working with Taylor when the latter was a middle-school student in New Orleans. Shaw said Taylor is one of the more unique players he's trained, not only because of his on-field skills, but how he conducts himself away from the game.
"He wants to win another Super Bowl; he has that drive in him," Shaw said yesterday from the Wide World of Sports facilities. "I was with the Patriots the last six years, and players from other teams would see those guys coming in right after the Super Bowl and say, 'They're starting already?'
"Well, the players on the Patriots learned what it takes to come back and (repeat). After they won that first Super Bowl, there were guys saying, 'We were just here; now, we have to do it again?' But after they went 9-7 following that first Super Bowl, they learned they had to work harder and sooner. That's when they won another one, and that's when we had no problems getting back to work.
"That's the way Ike and James Farrior are approaching this. They want to get right back to the Super Bowl."
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Review: Steelers DVD is a must see
Saturday, March 11, 2006By Bob Smizik, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It is not surprising that some stores in the region have sold out of copies of the NFL Films-produced DVD of the Steelers' Super Bowl championship season. What is surprising is that every store in the region hasn't sold out.
This is an absolute gem, a must-have souvenir of the recently completed season that takes you behind the scenes of the Steelers' success. It's a 72-minute feel-good ride filled with all of the highs and some of the lows.
What's more, the wise shopper can purchase this DVD for well below the advertised price. Some of the low-budget chains were selling it for as little as $12.
The DVD is more than a tribute to the Steelers' season. It's also a tribute to Jerome Bettis, the team's inspirational leader who was playing his final season. The Bus is heavily featured, and understandably so.
The masterful Harry Kalas narrates, but the live play-by-play calls of Bill Hillgrove on the Steelers Radio Network are heard almost as much as Kalas, and Hillgrove rarely disappoints. His calls of all the big plays were invariably on the mark and ringing with the kind of enthusiasm that helps make this product special.
The DVD opens with Willie Parker's 75-yard touchdown run in the Super Bowl and Bill Cowher exulting in victory.
But it quickly goes back in time to memorable disappointments that cost the Steelers a trip to the Super Bowl. We see the key plays in the Steelers' AFC title game losses to San Diego, Denver and New England. We see Kordell Stewart being mocked by a Denver defender. We see Hines Ward, weeping unashamedly after the loss to New England in January 2005, and saying of Bettis, "It hurts ... because he deserves to be a champion."
But we mind none of these sad remembrances because we know what's coming, and it comes with all the flourish and music and cleverness that we've learned to expect from NFL Films.
Their cameras capture inside stuff that gives a hint of who are the leaders of this team and what Cowher means to it. Some of it is totally candid, but other times the players know the cameras are there and make use of them.
After the AFC title game win against Denver, backup center Chukky Okobi approaches Bettis -- because he knows that's where the cameras are aimed -- and says, "It's only a 40-minute flight [to Detroit], but we're taking The Bus."
After moving briskly through the first 12 games of the season, spending a minute or two on each, the DVD slows down to capture the 7-5 Steelers' memorable run when every remaining game was virtually sudden-death football.
The cameras take full advantage of the snowy afternoon at Heinz Field when the Steelers began their comeback against the Chicago Bears, with the power running of Bettis taking control of the game. "Ride The Bus," yells Ward. "He's got his snow tires on."
The playoff games are covered in detail with none of the big plays missing.
With the Steelers facing a third down on the Seahawks' 1 in the Super Bowl, Cowher gets a most unexpected request. The camera catches Troy Polamalu approaching Cowher and saying, "Give it [the ball] to me. I'll take it over the top, coach."
There are lots more like that. If you're a Steelers fan -- and who isn't? -- this is must viewing.
(Bob Smizik can be reached at bsmizik@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1468.)
Monday, February 13, 2006
AP: Hampton sounds off on refs
Posted: February 9, 2006Associated Press
KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Joey Porter passed on the chance to pile on Jerramy Stevens or weigh-in on the Super Bowl officiating after taking part in his first Pro Bowl practice.
Casey Hampton filled in nicely for his usually outspoken teammate.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, Porter called Stevens soft in response to Stevens saying he didn't think Steelers running back Jerome Bettis would be leaving Detroit with the championship trophy.
Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl 21-10 and Stevens dropped several passes, though he did score Seattle's only touchdown.
"It's hard to harp on a situation that's over with," Porter said Thursday. "It's tough enough for him to lose. I'm not going to dog him in the paper."
Porter also said he had no reaction to ongoing criticism of the officiating.
"It really doesn't matter to me," Porter said. "The game is over."
Hampton, a 28-year-old defensive tackle playing in his second Pro Bowl, had a much different take, expressing disgust with anyone who's complaining about the officiating.
Several calls were questioned during and after the game, mostly by the Seahawks and their fans.
"I don't care anything about that," Hampton said. "People crying about what happened, that's crazy. It doesn't matter. You can't talk about what might have happened. Two or three years from now, people won't remember who we beat in the Super Bowl, just that we won.
"We went in feeling like we were going to win. We got that ring. Believe me, nobody on our team is worried about that. What is crying going to do? Whoever is supposed to win is going to win. That's how it feels."
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren expressed dismay over the officiating since the Super Bowl last Sunday, but neither he nor his players have publicly denigrated Pittsburgh's victory.
Porter, Hampton, center Jeff Hartings, guard Alan Faneca and safety Troy Polamalu are Pittsburgh's Pro Bowl representatives.
Several high-profile Steelers, including Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker and Antwaan Randle El, weren't selected.
"There were no real stars on our team," Polamalu said. "I think that's been the key to our success."
Said Faneca: "We're a team-team. It's not one person, it's not one group. It takes all of us to get the job done."
And that's what the Steelers did, capitalizing on big plays to win the franchises fifth Super Bowl title and first in 26 years.
Hartings said he wondered whether he was destined not to be part of a championship team, especially considering the Steelers had a 15-1 record in 2004 but didn't reach the Super Bowl.
They were 11-5 this year and the sixth and last seed in the AFC playoffs. But they beat Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver on the road on their way to the Super Bowl.
"To play nine years falling short, you almost stop thinking about it," Hartings said. "I was really able to enjoy the (Super Bowl) week, have a lot of fun. If we can go into next year with the same focus and attention to detail we had the last eight weeks, that will give us a chance again."
Hartings said he felt bad about the officiating controversy for the officials themselves.
"It's just like a player whenever a player makes a mistake, the fans and media want to single someone out for being a goat," he said. "I think that's a shame.
"My comment on the whole thing is these guys are men, they have families, they have wives, they have kids. They've been negatively affected by this. The game is being affected by this."
Polamalu, a three-year pro, graduated from Southern California a year before the Trojans won the first of two straight national championships.
And then, the Steelers had their great season in 2004 only to fall short.
"I'd never experienced anything like what we've done this past year," he said. "The thing about the playoff system is you don't have to be the best team during the regular season, you have to be the best team in the playoffs.
"We were the best team in the regular season last year and the best team in the playoffs this year."
Porter, a seven-year veteran playing in his third Pro Bowl, is buying 28 tickets for Sunday's game at Aloha Stadium, giving him a total of 30 since each player gets two comps.
The tickets cost $90, meaning he'll shell out $2,520.
"That fee is small compared to how much fun I'm going to have," Porter said. "My family's coming out. When I get a chance to do something like this, I want to enjoy it with my family."
Len Pasquarelli: Ward a fitting MVP
Updated: Feb. 7, 2006, 2:30 PM ETWard a perfect symbol of selfless Steelers
ESPN.com
Archive
DETROIT -- Next to future Pro Football Hall of Fame tailback Jerome Bettis, wide receiver Hines Ward is inarguably the player who is most often cited as personifying what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.
As confetti rains around him, Steelers receiver Hines Ward describes what it feels like to be named Super Bowl MVP.And so it was only fitting that, on an evening in which the retiring Bettis was finally able to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy as confetti rained down on him, Ward was chosen as the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XL. Fitting because Ward, an eight-year veteran, has played for one franchise, one owner and one head coach his entire career, and figures to retire in a black-and-gold uniform.
Fitting, too, because Ward is often noted by teammates as a great team leader, a veteran who exemplifies what the selfless Steelers are all about.
"You know, with the [franchise] records I've been setting the last year or two, people like to keep comparing me to Lynn Swann and John Stallworth," said Ward, conjuring up the names of the Steelers' two Hall of Fame wideouts from Pittsburgh's halcyon days of the 1970s, when the club won four titles in six seasons. "Until tonight, I never really thought I should even be mentioned in the same breath as those two. But you know what? Winning a Super Bowl, being the Most Valuable Player, now I feel like I belong in that club with those two."
This was a season -- and a Sunday -- that began unevenly for Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl performer who's known almost as much for his down-field blocking as his receiving. Ward missed the first week of training camp in a contract dispute. On Saturday, Ward was so anxious about his first Super Bowl appearance, he missed a good night's sleep.
Ward awoke at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, ready then to play the game. Ironically, once Super Bowl XL kicked off, he felt like he was sleepwalking through the action.
In the second quarter, he missed a touchdown catch when he was wide open in the right corner of the end zone. His feet seemed to get tangled on the play, set up by a nifty pump fake by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and he misjudged the ball. At best, it would have been a difficult catch, but it was a catch Ward has made many times before, and felt he should have made on Sunday night, too.
"I don't know, for as anxious as I was to play this game, it took me a long time to really get into it," Ward said. "I think it was maybe the second quarter when I woke up and thought to myself, 'Hey, man, you're playing in a Super Bowl. Snap out of it.' Once I got through that, I think I was fine."
Finer than fine, in fact, was Ward, who finished with five catches for 123 yards, and a 43-yard touchdown grab from fellow wide receiver Antwaan Randle El on a well-executed reverse in the fourth quarter. Ward also added 18 yards on a second-quarter reverse.
On the touchdown pass, Ward and Randle El switched positions, with the latter moving into the "X" receiver spot. Ward sold the reverse well, and when backup safety Etric Pruitt bit and moved up into the intermediate zone area, Ward burst past both he and cornerback Marcus Trufant and into the open. The touchdown was critical, given that the Steelers had squandered some promising scoring opportunities, and it boosted Pittsburgh into an insurmountable 21-10 advantage.
"At times like that," wide receiver Cedrick Wilson said, "you want your premier guys to step up for you. You want athletes to do athletic things to win the game. And we put the game into the hands of two of our best athletes. And you see what happened, right?"
Ward, 29, hasn't always been recognized by those outside the game as one of the NFL's great wide receivers, but don't try telling that to his teammates or to most opponents who appreciate the diversity of his skills. The former University of Georgia standout, who played five positions during his Bulldogs' career and wasn't selected until the third round of the 1998 draft, catches, runs and blocks.
He has posted a 112-catch season, four 1,000-yard campaigns, and once again led the Steelers in receptions (69), receiving yards (975) and touchdown catches (11) in 2005. But he also, characteristically, subjugated elements of his game for the common good. Talk to opponents and they generally rave about him.
Said Seahawks cornerback Kelly Herndon late Sunday night: "I don't know anyone in the league who ever underrates the guy. He's a player's player, you know? He does all the little stuff well. Guys around the league respect the heck out of him. I know we tried to pay a lot of attention to him."
In becoming the fifth wide receiver to garner MVP honors -- Swann, Fred Biletnikoff (Oakland), Jerry Rice (San Francisco) and Deion Branch (New England) are the others -- Ward won't have to worry about a lack of attention now. Then again, he never really fretted very much about individual accomplishments, which is why he is so respected by his teammates.
"Doing this with this team, man, it means so much," Ward said. "Honestly, this is what my holdout last summer was all about. I wanted to be with these guys, finish my career with this organization, and be an important part of this franchise's great legacy. Hey, a lot of great players never got this opportunity. Believe me, it's humbling, and it's something I will never forget."
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here .
Joe Bendel: Steelers took the scenic route
Joe BendelPITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, February 13, 2006
Casey Hampton wrapped himself in a luxurious bathrobe and puffed on a pricey Cuban cigar in the Super Steelers' locker room. The image of the hulking nose tackle was one for the ages.
So, too, were the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Led by a never-say-die coach and a keep-the-faith owner, these Steelers took the road less traveled en route to capturing that "One for the Thumb" Super Bowl title with a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit.
The ever-smiling Hines Ward was their MVP.
The ever-engaging Jerome Bettis was their heart and soul.
The ever-confident Bill Cowher was their bedrock.
And the ever-patient Dan Rooney was their motivation.
Loudly and proudly, they finally got to proclaim, after a 26-year wait, "We are the champions!"
Again.
"It is ... the greatest feeling ... IN THE WORLD," boisterous linebacker Joey Porter announced.
These Steelers took the scenic route to NFL immortality, doing the near impossible by winning three road playoff games as the sixth-seeded team out of the AFC. They toppled No. 3 Cincinnati, No. 1 Indianapolis and No. 2 Denver before knocking off top-seed Seattle from the NFC at Ford Field in Detroit.
Not only was it an unprecedented run, but it was a run that might never be duplicated. Indeed, these Steelers were history makers. Super-sized history makers.
"Nobody believed, except us," Ward said.
Even the Steelers might have been questioning themselves after a Week 12 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals extended their losing streak to three games and dropped their record to 7-5. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery and the defense was giving up uncharacteristic point totals, notably the 38 piled on them by the Bengals at Heinz Field.
This is where Cowher could have hit the panic button. But he did no such thing.
He simply put his team back in full pads at practice -- "We're going back to the basics," safety Chris Hope said. -- and wiped the slate clean. All he asked was that his players play one game at a time.The response was overwhelming. The Steelers won their final four regular-season games, knocking off the streaking Chicago Bears at snowy Heinz Field, the streaking Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis and the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.
The running game averaged 185 yards in those victories. Roethlisberger was nearly flawless. And the defense was back to playing Steelers defense.
The rest of the league didn't stand a chance.
Eight wins later, the Steelers were celebrating the fifth Super Bowl in franchise history, with Cowher proving he could win the big game, Bettis proving dreams can come true (he got to announce his retirement in his hometown of Detroit), Roethlisberger proving he's a franchise quarterback and Hampton proving how Super sweet a championship-game victory can be.
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
Mike Prisuta: Decisions, decisions
Mike Prisuta
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Jerome Bettis' grand finale couldn't have been any better.
For others, only their Steelers careers have ended.
Free agency dictates roster changes, especially for Super Bowl champions.
The Steelers aren't immune.
They'll try to keep as many of their 11 unrestricted free agents as possible, but they won't be able to keep them all.
That means difficult decisions will have to be made on the likes of:
QB Charlie Batch -- He's a quality backup to Ben Roethlisberger: Keeper.
RB Verron Haynes -- Getting benched Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, Cincinnati emphasized, in retrospect, the invaluable role Haynes plays as the Steelers' third-down back: Keeper.
TE Jerame Tuman -- He's a starting tight end in the NFL and he can't be that with Heath Miller ahead of him in Pittsburgh. Now that he has a Super Bowl ring, Tuman can move on sans regrets: C-ya.
WR Quincy Morgan -- He has a track record of achievement in the league, he'll be relatively affordable, and at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds he adds an element of size Antwaan Randle El and Cedric Wilson can't match at wide receiver: Keeper.
Randle El -- As much as the Steelers would love to keep him, they'll get priced out of the market. And they can't afford to overpay for a guy who's greatest contributions come on punt returns and gadget plays (Morgan can pick up the special-teams slack on kickoff returns and Hines Ward or Wilson can throw the subsequent reverse-passes): C-ya.
OT Barrett Brooks -- Good guy to have around, and the price is right: Keeper.
DE Brett Keisel -- It's time to allow Keisel to evolve from special teams demon and valuable reserve into the Steelers' next Aaron Smith. Keisel should be priority No. 1 this offseason: Keeper.
DE Kimo von Oelhoffen -- As heroic as von Oelhoffen was this season, in general, and during Super Bowl XL, in particular, Keisel's presence and von Oelhoffen's age (35) make Kimo expendable: C-ya.
LB Clint Kriewaldt -- He isn't looking for a monster payday or an upgrade in responsibility. And it's unlikely the Steelers would find a guy as valuable on special teams or as reliable on defense if needed: Keeper.
CB Deshea Townsend -- Another guy who had a solid season and a spectacular Super Bowl, but also another guy who's being pushed out by a young player (Bryant McFadden): C-ya.
FS Chris Hope -- Having to replace half the secondary would put an unnecessary strain on the Steelers' title defense. That makes Hope's return critical: Keeper.
Also falling into the "Keeper" category are CB Ike Taylor, WR Sean Morey (restricted free agents), and RB Willie Parker and LB James Harrison (exclusive rights FAs).
All of that ought to make the offseason as challenging for the Steelers as the postseason was unforgettable for Bettis.
Mike Prisuta is a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Jerome Bettis' grand finale couldn't have been any better.
For others, only their Steelers careers have ended.
Free agency dictates roster changes, especially for Super Bowl champions.
The Steelers aren't immune.
They'll try to keep as many of their 11 unrestricted free agents as possible, but they won't be able to keep them all.
That means difficult decisions will have to be made on the likes of:
QB Charlie Batch -- He's a quality backup to Ben Roethlisberger: Keeper.
RB Verron Haynes -- Getting benched Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, Cincinnati emphasized, in retrospect, the invaluable role Haynes plays as the Steelers' third-down back: Keeper.
TE Jerame Tuman -- He's a starting tight end in the NFL and he can't be that with Heath Miller ahead of him in Pittsburgh. Now that he has a Super Bowl ring, Tuman can move on sans regrets: C-ya.
WR Quincy Morgan -- He has a track record of achievement in the league, he'll be relatively affordable, and at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds he adds an element of size Antwaan Randle El and Cedric Wilson can't match at wide receiver: Keeper.
Randle El -- As much as the Steelers would love to keep him, they'll get priced out of the market. And they can't afford to overpay for a guy who's greatest contributions come on punt returns and gadget plays (Morgan can pick up the special-teams slack on kickoff returns and Hines Ward or Wilson can throw the subsequent reverse-passes): C-ya.
OT Barrett Brooks -- Good guy to have around, and the price is right: Keeper.
DE Brett Keisel -- It's time to allow Keisel to evolve from special teams demon and valuable reserve into the Steelers' next Aaron Smith. Keisel should be priority No. 1 this offseason: Keeper.
DE Kimo von Oelhoffen -- As heroic as von Oelhoffen was this season, in general, and during Super Bowl XL, in particular, Keisel's presence and von Oelhoffen's age (35) make Kimo expendable: C-ya.
LB Clint Kriewaldt -- He isn't looking for a monster payday or an upgrade in responsibility. And it's unlikely the Steelers would find a guy as valuable on special teams or as reliable on defense if needed: Keeper.
CB Deshea Townsend -- Another guy who had a solid season and a spectacular Super Bowl, but also another guy who's being pushed out by a young player (Bryant McFadden): C-ya.
FS Chris Hope -- Having to replace half the secondary would put an unnecessary strain on the Steelers' title defense. That makes Hope's return critical: Keeper.
Also falling into the "Keeper" category are CB Ike Taylor, WR Sean Morey (restricted free agents), and RB Willie Parker and LB James Harrison (exclusive rights FAs).
All of that ought to make the offseason as challenging for the Steelers as the postseason was unforgettable for Bettis.
Mike Prisuta is a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Joe Bendel: Steelers believed from Day 1
Joe BendelPITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Underneath a baking August sun, eager men in black helmets moved in unison at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. Beads of sweat trickled down their faces and across their necks as they attempted to defy the enervating heat.
"We're loving it," Steelers linebacker Larry Foote said, seemingly in a state of euphoria. "This is what it's all about. We're out here trying to win a championship."
Foote's words were powerful, but hardly unique. Most football players enter training camp with unbridled enthusiasm, with hopes of winning the game's ultimate prize: The Super Bowl.
Turns out, Foote got it right. The Steelers ended 26 years of franchise frustration last Sunday with a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in Detroit.
So, why was Foote so sure of himself?
"I just have a good feeling about these guys," he said then. "We have the right type of mix."
The Steelers had a clean slate on that sweltering day when Foote was doing his prognosticating -- no wins, no losses, no AFC Championship game letdown. The preseason magazines were delivering mixed reviews, with some listing them as legitimate contenders and others as pretenders.
In one publication, the author wrote: "While the Steelers will make a pass at being less predictable by opening the playbook, don't expect too much to change, including the team's postseason frustrations."
Another scribe put it this way: "The Steelers are favorites to repeat as AFC North champions. If (quarterback Ben) Roethlisberger takes a step forward in his development and if the defense remains a force, something could come of those AFC title aspirations."
In the midst of these "pretender/contender" debates, the Steelers were dealing with the holdout of Pro Bowl wide receiver Hines Ward and the less-than-stellar play of Roethlisberger.
Ward eventually returned to the team, 15 days after the start of camp, but some wondered if the chemistry would be affected by his extended absence.
Roethlisberger, who had two substandard games in the '04 playoffs after going 13-0 in the regular season as a rookie starter, looked like he might be in postseason form -- which was not good.
His passer rating in the preseason was 32.8 and some wondered if he could come close to duplicating his rookie season, during which the Steelers were 15-1 and reached the AFC final for the second time in four years.
Might these Steelers be in big trouble?
You never would have guessed it in observing the demeanor of the man in charge -- 14-year veteran coach Bill Cowher.
He was their rock.
"We feed off of him," Foote said. "He's our leader."
And while it's true that Cowher once said the passing game was becoming a "concern" late in the preseason, his typical response to questions about Roethlisberger was, "Ben will be fine."
He also refrained from saying a derisive word about Ward's holdout, even though his star wide receiver still had a year remaining on his contract. And he was not shaken when expected starting tailback Duce Staley required athroscopic knee surgery at training camp or when Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter required arthroscopic knee surgery for stomping his foot after beating a free-agent offensive lineman in a pass-blocking drill.
He was already without two starting offensive linemen and a former first-round wideout in Plaxico Burress from the previous season, but Cowher was the picture of stability, no matter how bad things might have looked from the outside.
His team kept sweating, kept plugging away.
Bearing down
Underneath a frigid December sky, self-assured men in black helmets walked with a purpose. Snow and rain fell in front of them and their home field looked like a mosh pit.
They were undaunted.
"This is our kind of weather, Pittsburgh Steelers weather," running back Jerome Bettis proclaimed.
Bettis and his teammates went out and played Pittsburgh Steelers football on this day. He ran for 101 yards, with 100 coming in the second half, and the Steelers ended the Chicago Bears' eight-game winning streak with a 21-9 victory.
More importantly, the Steelers set the tone for the rest of the season. They had been staring at a 7-5 record following three consecutive losses, but they stayed the course against the up-and-coming Bears.
"We had to win, so we went out and did it," safety Chris Hope said. "But it has to be about one game at a time from here on in."
It was.
The Steelers never lost again. They beat Minnesota, a team riding a six-game winning streak, 18-3. They beat Cleveland, 41-0. And they beat Detroit, 35-21, to secure a playoff berth in the regular-season finale.
It wasn't one particular player who got them to the postseason, it was a group effort.
"Coach Cowher kept us focused," center Jeff Hartings said. "He preached one game at a time. We believed in what he was saying."
After a 38-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4 at Heinz Field -- the third straight defeat for the Steelers -- Cowher wiped the slate clean. He put his team back in full pads for practice, spoke to them about overcoming adversity and, most important, never let them see him sweat.
"We basically took on his personality," Hartings said.
The Steelers entered the postseason as a No. 6 seed -- with the knowledge that no sixth-seed had made it past the divisional round -- but they played like champions. They went on the road and plowed through Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver -- the top three seeds in the AFC -- and became just the second team in history to win three road games en route to the Super Bowl.
The next stop was Detroit, site of Super Bowl XL and the home of Bettis.
"I promised him I would get him there," Roethlisberger said.
Promise delivered.
Big Ben Strikes Two
Underneath a dimming August sky, a young quarterback holding a black helmet showed his fiery side when an inquisitor asked him if he expected to be haunted by the sophomore jinx.
"Well, all you guys say I'm going to have it, so I'm not going to," Roethlisberger told media members, defiantly.
Roethlisberger's words, like Foote's, were powerful, but hardly unique. What competitive athlete is going to agree with a theory that puts him or her in a negative light? Roethlisberger said what he needed to say, but was he going to be able to back it up?
Was he capable of working his magic for another year?
There were rumblings that he might have lost some of his humility in the offseason -- he even taped a commercial for Fat Head products -- and that he was becoming too rebellious, evidenced by riding a motorcycle without a helmet even though Cowher publicly said he did not "condone" such behavior from his quarterback.
Then there was that awful preseason, during which Roethlisberger badly underthrew and overthrew targets. He went 16 of 36 for 145 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
"I told you 100 times, I'm not concerned yet," Roethlisberger said after the Steelers' final preseason game in Carolina. "I'll let you know when I am concerned -- and I don't think it's going to happen."
Teammates tried to support their franchise quarterback during this precarious time.
"I'm not worried about Ben," wide receiver Hines Ward said prior to the sseason opener Sept. 11 against the Tennessee Titans. "I'm not worried at all."
Ward didn't have a crystal ball in his hands when he uttered these words, but he might as well have. Roethlisberger went out in the opener and posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3, becoming the first quarterback to accomplish the feat in two years. The Steelers won, 34-7.
Question marks about the running game, sans Staley, were answered when second-year free-agent Willie Parker raced for 161 yards against the Titans en route to 1,202 on the season. Roethlisberger had what he needed -- a good back, a solid offensive line and a coach who believed in him.
He went on to lead the Steelers to nine of their 11 wins -- he missed four games with knee injuries, including a torn meniscus that turned the Steelers practice facilities into a media zoo -- before posting the fourth-best passer rating in NFL playoff history.
What sophomore jinx?
"The best way I can describe him is that he's Elway-esque," offensive guard Kendall Simmons said after Roethlisberger masterfully picked apart the Denver Broncos in the AFC final. "He's our leader."
A leader who became the youngest quarterback in history to carry his team to a Super Bowl title.
One For The Thumb
Underneath a cozy roof in February, grown men in black helmets -- and coaching hats -- cried.
They had just completed a journey that saw them overcome the holdout of their star wideout, the training camp struggles of their franchise quarterback, the effects of a three-game losing streak, the stigma of being a No. 6 postseason seed and the ghosts of AFC Championship games past to emerge as Super Bowl XL champions.
Steelers 21, Seahawks 10.
Their Terrible-Towel waving fans came to Ford Field in droves. Upwards of 50,000 revelers waved those yellow pieces of cloth as Parker tore off a Super Bowl-record 75-yard touchdown run, as Ward became the Super Bowl MVP, as Casey Hampton, Deshea Townsend, Troy Polamalu and Clark Haggans played Steelers-style defense and, as Bettis won his final NFL game in his backyard.
Team chairman Dan Rooney embraced the Lombardi Trophy, which had eluded him for 26 years, just as he did the previous four trophies in the Super 70s.
Cowher raced down the sideline and hugged his wife and three children, ending all talk about his inability to win the big game.
"He deserves this," Ward said, holding back tears. "Coach Cowher's been at it a long time, and he's an unbelievable coach. He got us all to believe that we could do this. Nobody else believed it, but he did -- and he made us believe it. This team made history."
Books will be written about these Steelers. Photos will adorn the team offices for a lifetime. Things will never be the same for them.
And to think, these great moments were born six months earlier, on that opening day of training camp in the Westmoreland County heat.
"We did it," Foote said, in a locker room filled with cigar smoke, celebrating what he so strongly believed in early August. "I knew we could do it all along. I just knew it."
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Joe Starkey: Time to reflect on magical season
Joe StarkeyTRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
DETROIT -- Dick LeBeau had spent 47 of his 68 earthly years working in professional football and had never experienced a championship, so his post-game reaction seemed perfectly logical.
"As soon as the game was over, and I realized it was over, I just kind of walked around and kept looking at the scoreboard," LeBeau said Sunday night in the Steelers' locker room, long after their victory over the Seattle Seahawks. "And guess what? It didn't change. It kept saying 'Pittsburgh 21, The Other Guy 10.' "
As LeBeau spoke, the last of the coaches and players were filtering out of a suddenly tranquil room. The champagne shower had long since ceased. The cigar smoke had dissipated. This particular group of men, as comprised on Feb. 5, 2006, never again would share the same locker-room space.
Bill Cowher called it "the closest team we've ever had."
Bad-boy linebacker Joey Porter made his late exit dressed, fittingly, in all-black, sporting sunglasses and a hat I won't even begin to describe.
Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt was talking to a Sports Illustrated writer as he left. It might have been his final interview as a Steelers employee. Whisenhunt is expected to meet with the Oakland Raiders about their head coaching vacancy, and if Raiders owner Al Davis has a brain in his head, he'll offer Whisenhunt the job.
One of the last players to dress was veteran defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, who was surrounded by his three beautiful young daughters.
"Daddy," said the smallest of the three, waving a piece of colored ticker tape, "are you going to keep this?"
Oh, he'll keep it, all right. He'll keep it forever tucked inside that fiercely beating heart of his.
Von Oelhoffen didn't have to wait 47 years to win a championship, but he was stuck in the NFL hinterlands of Cincinnati for the first six years of his career and went two more before he even experienced a playoff game. At 35, this was extra sweet, but von Oelhoffen knew his coaches had waited longer.
Cowher waited until his 14th year as a head coach, longer than any winning coach in Super Bowl history. LeBeau had spent nearly four times as many years as a player, an assistant and, briefly, a head coach without winning it all, though he'd been to the three Super Bowls as an assistant.
One of those times was Super Bowl XXX, when the Steelers stood toe-to-toe with the mighty Dallas Cowboys before losing on a split decision (as in, Andre Hastings split one way, and Neil O'Donnell went the other). Another was Super XXIII, when, as the Bengals' defensive coordinator, LeBeau saw Joe Montana carve him up with an 11-play, 92-yard drive as time ticked away.
"Win or lose, coach LeBeau has always given his heart to this game, to his players," Von Oelhoffen said. "So has coach Cowher. They deserve this, man. They deserve this so much."
His voice grew louder: "They have fought and fought for years!"
Cowher's calling card always was defense. LeBeau is nothing less than a defensive guru -- and it was on that side of the ball that the Steelers won Super XL. They held NFL's highest-scoring team to its lowest output of the season and NFL MVP Shaun Alexander without a touchdown for only the fourth time all season.
Matt Hasselbeck experienced his first three-sack game since November and was picked off for the first time in 23 quarters.
One key, ironically, was that LeBeau -- inventor of the zone blitz -- called off the dogs in the second half. He dropped people into coverage and invited Hasselbeck to play the patient game. Hasselbeck refused the invitation, tossing a game-changing interception to Ike Taylor on third-and-long in Steelers territory. Seattle should have played it safe and settled for a field goal there. It would have cut the Steelers' lead to 14-13.
Yesterday morning, Cowher and Hines Ward arrived at The Renaissance Center downtown for a news conference. Ward picked up his Cadillac Escalade as the game's MVP. Cowher spoke of how it all still felt "surreal."
Neither was of a mind to talk about the future. Cowher said he was going to take a week to reflect on this magical season, and that seems like the right thing to do.
One guy, however, was thinking about next year even before he left the locker room.
"Honestly? I can't wait to get back in April," said Von Oelhoffen, an unrestricted free agent who sounds as if he's not going anywhere. "We will contend for the Super Bowl for a long time, bro."
That remains to be seen, but nobody can change what happened Sunday. The score is etched in NFL lore.
Steelers 21, The Other Guy 10.
Joe Starkey is a sports writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He can be reached at jstarkey@tribweb.com
Mike Prisuta: One for the humble
Mike PrisutaTRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
DETROIT -- It was finally time for Bill Cowher to reflect on Monday, but in doing so, the winning coach in Super Bowl XL couldn't resist a brief look ahead.
"You don't just pick up where you left off," Cowher said. "We've got some work ahead of us."
The first stumbling block toward a potential repeat next February in Miami will be free agency, where the Steelers will once again have some difficult decisions to make.
Among those are what to do about the impending unrestricted status of wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, quarterback Charlie Batch, tight end Jerame Tuman, running back Verron Haynes, defensive ends Brett Keisel and Kimo von Oelhoffen, cornerback Deshea Townsend and free safety Chris Hope.
Randle El, von Oelhoffen, Townsend and Hope are starters.
All played integral roles in the Steelers' unprecedented climb to the top of the NFL's mountain.
Not all of them will be back.
Then there's the matter of whether the Steelers can afford to pay center Jeff Hartings $4 million in 2006 and allow him to cost $8.129 million against the salary cap.
And the question of how much more starting running back and budding star Willie Parker deserves than the $305,000 base salary he earned in 2005.
Yet the inevitable economic fluctuations this offseason will constitute just half the battle in the Steelers' upcoming title defense.
There's a chemistry that must be formed again among the players and coaches, a work ethic that must be established, a commitment that must be invested individually and collectively before a team can begin to even contemplate accomplishing what the Steelers achieved this season.
"We'll have to start over," Cowher allowed.
They'll do so with a championship-caliber nucleus of rising stars and core veterans on both sides of the ball.
So if anything, the organization's window of opportunity remains wide open.
Still, as Cowher is painfully aware, there are no guarantees.
In speaking to the media one final time when wide receiver Hines Ward received the Super Bowl XL MVP trophy and a new Cadillac, Cowher also personified what it means to be a true champion.
In what could have been an in-your-face declaration to his detractors, Cowher instead spoke with humility and respect for the game and his players.
He offered keen insight into the NFL's sometimes cruel championship quest, not having forgotten hours after finally winning one that sometimes no matter what you do, it just isn't enough.
In as eloquent an address as he's delivered in 14 years with the Steelers, Cowher quickly praised the Seahawks and head coach Mike Holmgren.
Cowher also credited his relentless staff of assistants for comprising "the best coaching staff, I think, in the National Football League."
And Cowher reminded the media lingering in the Motor City to see whether Ward would select a white or black Escalade that while the Steelers might have beaten the Broncos and Colts on their way to Ford Field, all that established was that the Steelers had been the better team "on that day.
"There's a fine line," Cowher insisted yet again.
Finally seeing it from the other side hasn't dampened Cowher's appreciation of that.
Joe Bendel: Steelers face a number of tough decisions
Joe Bendel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Bucking tradition, Bill Cowher did not hold his annual "exit meeting" with his players this week. He let them scatter after celebrating their Super Bowl XL victory in the streets of Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon.
This should come as no surprise, given the postseason with a Super Bowl victory for the first time in Cowher's 14 seasons.
The Steelers coach, however, will meet with his player-personnel staff in the coming days to discuss the Scouting Combine, player performances and free agency.
The combine, featuring the top college prospects, runs from Feb. 22-28 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Free agency begins March 3.
Eleven Steelers players become unrestricted free agents on that date, including wideout Antwaan Randle El, free safety Chris Hope, cornerback Deshea Townsend, tight end Jerame Tuman, defensive end Brett Keisel, running back Verron Haynes, defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, quarterback Charlie Batch, wide receiver Quincy Morgan, offensive tackle Barrett Brooks and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt.
These players are entitled to sign with any NFL team if the Steelers don't sign them before the March 3 deadline.
Also, two Steelers players are restricted free agents -- cornerback Ike Taylor and wide receiver Sean Morey -- meaning those players would receive a qualifying offer (as predetermined by the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement) and could negotiate with any other team until April 15. If either of those players would receive an offer sheet from a different team, the Steelers would have "first right of refusal" and be able to match the offer.
If the Steelers choose not to match the offer, they could receive draft-pick compensation.
There is also the issue of re-working the contract of Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings, who will count $8.12 million against the salary cap under his current deal, and, potentially re-working a deal with backup tailback Duce Staley, who is scheduled to make $2.5 million next season and count $4.37 million against the cap. Staley is signed for three more seasons.
If the Steelers can strike a deal with Hartings and possibly Staley, coupled with the $5.35 million they won't have to pay retired tailback Jerome Bettis, they'll have room to maneuver.
But how they maneuver is yet to be determined.
Randle El, who is reportedly coveted by his hometown Chicago Bears, had an MVP-like performance in the Super Bowl, passing for the game-clinching, 43-yard touchdown to MVP Hines Ward, making a big third-down catch in the second quarter and tackling the Seahawks' Kelly Herndon 20 yards short of the end zone on his interception return midway through the third quarter.
If the Steelers lose Randle El, who returned two punts for touchdowns and averaged 15.9 yards on 35 catches last season, they could target other wideouts in free agency, look to re-sign Morgan or take one in the draft the weekend of April 29-30.
Hope and Townsend, both of whom were instrumental members of a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL, should draw interest around the league, particularly Hope, 25, who played well on Super Bowl Sunday.
Townsend, who will be 31 at the start of next season, does not fall under the "expendable" list, but the Steelers have young cornerbacks ready to play in Bryant McFadden, and, to a lesser extent, Ricardo Colclough.
Von Oelhoffen, who will be 35 next season, said after Sunday's game that he wanted to return to the Steelers, but the team likely will have to throw some money at Keisel, a special-teams demon who appears to be ready to step into a starting role.
Haynes, 26, a third-down back, played well this season and showed no ill-effects of previous knee problems. And, with the running back situation somewhat precarious, he could be a good option for the Steelers.
Earlier this week, Cowher said that the Steeelers wouldn't look exactly the same next season. His job, along with his staff, is to try to make it look exactly as super.
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Bucking tradition, Bill Cowher did not hold his annual "exit meeting" with his players this week. He let them scatter after celebrating their Super Bowl XL victory in the streets of Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon.
This should come as no surprise, given the postseason with a Super Bowl victory for the first time in Cowher's 14 seasons.
The Steelers coach, however, will meet with his player-personnel staff in the coming days to discuss the Scouting Combine, player performances and free agency.
The combine, featuring the top college prospects, runs from Feb. 22-28 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Free agency begins March 3.
Eleven Steelers players become unrestricted free agents on that date, including wideout Antwaan Randle El, free safety Chris Hope, cornerback Deshea Townsend, tight end Jerame Tuman, defensive end Brett Keisel, running back Verron Haynes, defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, quarterback Charlie Batch, wide receiver Quincy Morgan, offensive tackle Barrett Brooks and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt.
These players are entitled to sign with any NFL team if the Steelers don't sign them before the March 3 deadline.
Also, two Steelers players are restricted free agents -- cornerback Ike Taylor and wide receiver Sean Morey -- meaning those players would receive a qualifying offer (as predetermined by the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement) and could negotiate with any other team until April 15. If either of those players would receive an offer sheet from a different team, the Steelers would have "first right of refusal" and be able to match the offer.
If the Steelers choose not to match the offer, they could receive draft-pick compensation.
There is also the issue of re-working the contract of Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings, who will count $8.12 million against the salary cap under his current deal, and, potentially re-working a deal with backup tailback Duce Staley, who is scheduled to make $2.5 million next season and count $4.37 million against the cap. Staley is signed for three more seasons.
If the Steelers can strike a deal with Hartings and possibly Staley, coupled with the $5.35 million they won't have to pay retired tailback Jerome Bettis, they'll have room to maneuver.
But how they maneuver is yet to be determined.
Randle El, who is reportedly coveted by his hometown Chicago Bears, had an MVP-like performance in the Super Bowl, passing for the game-clinching, 43-yard touchdown to MVP Hines Ward, making a big third-down catch in the second quarter and tackling the Seahawks' Kelly Herndon 20 yards short of the end zone on his interception return midway through the third quarter.
If the Steelers lose Randle El, who returned two punts for touchdowns and averaged 15.9 yards on 35 catches last season, they could target other wideouts in free agency, look to re-sign Morgan or take one in the draft the weekend of April 29-30.
Hope and Townsend, both of whom were instrumental members of a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL, should draw interest around the league, particularly Hope, 25, who played well on Super Bowl Sunday.
Townsend, who will be 31 at the start of next season, does not fall under the "expendable" list, but the Steelers have young cornerbacks ready to play in Bryant McFadden, and, to a lesser extent, Ricardo Colclough.
Von Oelhoffen, who will be 35 next season, said after Sunday's game that he wanted to return to the Steelers, but the team likely will have to throw some money at Keisel, a special-teams demon who appears to be ready to step into a starting role.
Haynes, 26, a third-down back, played well this season and showed no ill-effects of previous knee problems. And, with the running back situation somewhat precarious, he could be a good option for the Steelers.
Earlier this week, Cowher said that the Steeelers wouldn't look exactly the same next season. His job, along with his staff, is to try to make it look exactly as super.
Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.
Gene Collier: Steelers' defense gets little attention
In Super Bowl wake, Steelers' defense gets little attention -- an injustice for allThursday, February 09, 2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As this essay's deadline approached, Jerome Bettis was due in Leno's green room.
Ben Roethlisberger had been on Letterman; Hines Ward had been to Disney World; Willie Parker had gone live with the cast of The Stupidest Damn Sports Show Period.
But where was Ike Taylor?
Ben was on QVC, hawking helmets dipped in pewter for roughly $2,300. Plus shipping.
But where was Kimo von Oelhoffen?
For all I know, Antwaan Randle El was ready to anchor the weekend edition of the "CBS Evening News," Heath Miller was co-hosting "Regis and Kelly Lee", and Alan Faneca was readying for a bit part as a strip-club bouncer on the next "Law & Order."
But where was James Farrior?
All the national face time in the wake of the Steelers' first Super Bowl championship in 26 years appears to have gone to offensive players, but Chris Hope, Troy Polamalu, Deshea Townsend, Larry Foote, Clark Haggans, Joey Porter, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, and the other regal Knights of the LeBeau Order, what were they, the cast of "Lost"?
Not that it so much matters or that anyone should be hacked off about it, not even the players themselves, but it would be different if the Steelers had beaten the Seattle Seahawks, 42-38, the other night, if Roethlisberger had thrown five touchdown passes, Parker had run for 171 yards, and Ward and Randle El and Bettis had scored two touchdowns apiece. If all of that had somehow enabled victory on a night when Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck had thrown five touchdown passes and Shaun Alexander had rumbled for 209 yards, you could easily understand the national glamour machine's interest in the Steelers' offensive weaponry.
But wasn't it very much the opposite?
Two days after Bill Cowher had warned his last formal news conference that the Steelers would have to bring their 'A' game in all three phrases (you'd hope as much, what with the NFL charging A+ prices), the Steelers' offense brought its C- game, misled by No. 7, Captain Jitters.
Mick Jagger was prying open his ancient voice box and preparing to wake up Keith Richards for the halftime show before the Steelers even managed a first down.
Despite opulent offensive flashes of the previously demonstrated brilliance, the Steelers' defense won Super Bowl XL, and it's just a little irritating that even the national football press pretty much failed to notice it, making Ward the game's MVP instead of Taylor. Taylor's virtually seamless play on the left corner unplugged Seattle's game plan, and his fourth-quarter interception at the Steelers' 5 effectively ended Seattle's first Super Bowl season.
"Everyone played well," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau virtually whispered in a subterranean corridor of Detroit's Ford Field. "They went after both corners, but didn't have much success on either side."
Townsend, the opposite corner, made a jarring tackle on Seattle fullback Mack Strong to shut down the Seahawks' possession that preceded the Steelers' first touchdown, then sacked Hasselbeck to end another Seattle possession in the fourth quarter.
Safety Chris Hope drew the offensive interference penalty from Darrell Jackson that negated a Seattle touchdown, and separated tight end Jerramy Stevens from a third-down pass that might have sent the Seahawks winging toward a 10-0 lead."I believe we deserved it because we were a team; there were no individuals -- we were a team and we played that way," said Troy Polamalu. "I wish everybody could experience this truly. It's great to be the best team in the world. We are so blessed."
To be the best, you have to beat the best, but despite two full weeks of Super Bowl hype, it remains somehow lost on people what a ferocious Seattle offense these Steelers dismantled Sunday.
The Seahawks scored 57 touchdowns in the regular season, more than any team in the NFL. They scored 40 points three times. They scored on drives of 80 yards or more a league-high 24 times. They had become the fifth team since 1948 to win by 38 points in back-to-back weeks (42-0 at Philadelphia Dec. 5 and 41-3 against San Francisco Dec. 12).
Sunday night, thanks mostly to a Steelers offense that couldn't stay on the field, they ran a staggering 77 plays and possessed the ball for more than 33 minutes.
For all that, they scored one touchdown, and that only because the long return of a Ben Roethlisberger interception set them up at the Steelers' 20.
"I'm just proud of all of these guys," said von Oelhoffen, whose trench work helped keep Alexander from attaining any rhythm for the Seattle ground game. "They are the best in the world right now. They gave it everything they had since April. They deserve it."
Kimo was speaking broadly, from one end of this championship roster to the other, and he was certainly right. They all deserved this.
When it was all over though, some just got a lot less coast-to-coast love than they should have.
Can't we even have Joey Porter screaming at Larry King?
Oh, I would tape that.
(Gene Collier can be reached at gcollier@post-gazette or 412-263-1283.)
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Gregg Easterbrook: Pittsburgh Resplendent
[Believe it or not this post has indeed been edited...that's code for shortened. - jtf]Pittsburgh resplendent, and read this column at 64 million times the speed of light!
Special to NFL.com
(Feb. 7, 2006) -- So what did the Super Bowl prove -- that defense trumps offense? That roughneck football trumps finesse? That a team that loses three defensive starters during a game will fade in the fourth quarter? Yours truly thinks the larger lesson of this Super Bowl is that the team that starts the most originally drafted players usually wins. Pittsburgh started 17 players that it drafted and Seattle started 10.
Sports fanatics obsess over the top of the draft -- should No. 1 be Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart or Vince Young? -- yet it is the sum of a team's drafted players that matters. Being winners, Super Bowl teams normally start a high number of originally drafted players. On Sunday, 27 of 44 starters were originally drafted by Pittsburgh or Seattle. Last February when New England beat Philadelphia in the Super Bowl, 26 of 44 starters were originally draftees of the Pats or Eagles. Pick a game between weak teams and the equation is often different. This season when Oakland played Cleveland, 15 of 44 starters were original draftees.
At first blush, starting originally drafted players may seem only to mean that a team is not wasting its draft picks -- no small consideration. But other factors are at work, including time commitments and salary-cap management. Most draftees sign for at least three years, and a three-year rookie contract is really a four-year commitment owing to the "restricted free agent" rule governing the fourth year. Restricted freedom -- what a postmodern concept! Four-year commitments mean a drafted player will be with his team a substantial chunk of time, long enough to learn the coach's system and worldview. Established veterans who move as true free agents often sign agreements that are announced as long-term deals but actually last a couple years at most. Coaches strongly prefer players committed to the team for a long period, and such commitments correlate with winning. In turn, the fact that the player knows he is committed to the team for four years gives him incentive to be team-spirited and get along with others, unlike mercenaries of the Terrell Owens ilk. And through the four years of an NFL rookie commitment, the player knows he is building up to the day he becomes a true free agent and can sign with whoever offers the largest bonus. Players working their way toward their first chance at true free agency are highly motivated.
The next reason it's important to have lots of originally drafted players is the cap. First-round choices cost a bundle, but other draftees are quite affordable in cap terms. Let me offer examples from last year's Super Bowl, because the 2005 season is not yet in the USA Today sports pay database. Last year's Super Bowl starting center for New England, Dan Koppen, a fifth-round choice, earned $340,000, well below the Patriots' median of $660,000. Having low-drafted, moderately paid but successful players such as Koppen enabled the Patriots to free up salary cap space for the $2.1 million earned by Rosevelt Colvin or the $1.7 million paid to Corey Dillon, two stars. Today the fourth- or fifth-round draft choice who starts is worth his weight in gold, because his relatively modest pay keeps the salary cap under control.
This leads to the next point, that it's successful choices from any round, not necessarily the glamorous first round, that matter. The Steelers started six originally drafted first-rounders -- plus two second-round choices, four three-round picks, four fourth-round choices and a fifth-round choice. Strong drafting below the first round was essential to Pittsburgh's success, including a Super Bowl MVP, Hines Wards, who went in the third round. But then, only three of the last 11 Super Bowl MVPs have been first-round draftees.
In other football news, the Super Bowl was broadcast on five-second delay as a stopgap against the Rolling Stones' colorful language or malfunction of cheerleaders' tops. The Redford-Newman movie The Sting was premised on exploiting a slight delay between when horseracing finishes were known at the track and the results went out over teletype. All week, yours truly kept trying to think of some way cell-phone broadcasts from Ford Field, going out real time, could be exploited to trick the billion people watching the five-second-delayed broadcast. Alas, I didn't succeed. Today's column was, however, written on five-adjective delay.
Stats of the Week: In succession Pittsburgh held the league's fourth-highest scoring team, Cincinnati, averaging 26.3 points, to 17 points; the league's second-highest scoring team, Indianapolis, averaging 27.4 points, to 18 points; the league's seventh-highest scoring team, Denver, averaging 24.7 points, to 17 points; the league's highest-scoring team, Seattle, averaging 28.2 points, to 10 points.Stats of the Week No. 2: Seattle dropped as many passes (five) as Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward caught.
Stats of the Week No. 3: Franchises making their first Super Bowl appearance are 4-14 against franchises that already have a Super Bowl appearance.
Stats of the Week No. 4: Pittsburgh won despite Ben Roethlisberger finishing with a 22.6 rating. If every pass a quarterback throws falls to the ground incomplete, his rating is 39.6.
Stats of the Week No. 5: At one juncture Seattle had run 43 plays and committed no turnovers, yet scored just three points.
Stats of the Week No. 6: Pittsburgh has the league's longest-serving coach (Bill Cowher, 14 seasons) and also the most regular-season victories in the period (141). Noted by Judy Battista of the New York Times.
Stats of the Week No. 7: At 7:16 Eastern, in the second quarter, Pittsburgh recorded its initial first down.
Stats of the Week No. 8: Ben Roethlisberger is 27-4 as a starter.
Stats of the Week No. 9: Pittsburgh and Seattle finished on a combined 21-2 run.
Stats of the Week No. 10: Pittsburgh finished on an 8-0 run, winning by an average of 28-12.
Rumsfeld to Joint Chiefs: There's Been Some Mistake, We Missed 15 Countries: Just before Super Bowl kickoff, Al Michaels welcomed U.S. armed forces members "serving overseas in 175 countries." Yours truly thinks grateful thoughts about the men and women defending our liberty, and the concept of liberty, by serving overseas. Yet there are 191 nations in the world. We have troops stationed in 175 of them? Make that 176, including here. We have soldiers in 92 percent of the world's nations?
Pittsburgh Analysis: You're going to watch a lot of football before you see a team have a better streak on defense: eight straight wins allowing an average of 12 points, culminating in a Super Bowl triumph allowing 10 points to the league's highest-scoring team. Throughout the playoffs Pittsburgh had great front-seven play, superb tackling -- tackling is overlooked as essential to good defense -- and nary a coverage breakdown. Despite the Blitzburgh hype, the Steelers blitzed less as the pressure cranked up. During the regular season Pittsburgh blitzed on 32 percent of opposition downs, highest figure in the league. But against Cincinnati in the first round of the playoffs blitzed on 18 percent of Bengals' downs; in the second round, blitzed on 25 percent of Colts' downs; in the AFC championship, on 16 percent of Broncos' downs; in the Super Bowl blitzed 10 times on 77 Seattle downs, 13 percent. Thirteen percent is actually a little lower than the league-wide average for blitzing. One of the most effective defense tactics is to build up a reputation for blitzing like mad, then in pressure games, show the blitz but back off. New England used this approach in its three Super Bowl runs. Pittsburgh just used the tactic in four straight playoff contests, and each time, the opposition quarterback seemed to expect more blitzing than he got, then be surprised when the "hot" read receiver wasn't open immediately after the snap.
On offense, the Steelers began the game by passing just as in their previous two playoffs wins, Pittsburgh coaches calling six passes and three runs in the first quarter. When these plays didn't work, Pittsburgh staging three consecutive three-and-outs to start the contest, Seattle avoided a Steelers fast start and seemed to have an excellent chance to win. But Ben Roethlisberger did not become discouraged or tentative. Steelers' coaches kept calling plays and formations with wrinkles: once a double tight end on second and long, once a Texas Tech look with wide splits and standup stances on the offensive line, and of course the reverse pass by Antwaan Randle El. Note that earlier, Pittsburgh ran an end-around to Hines Ward; that the first receiver taking the ball sideways ran with it set Seattle defensive backs up for biting the second time a Pittsburgh receiver took the ball sideways. Another clever action: leading 21-10 with 4:45 remaining, the Steelers faced third-and-6. They lined up in the shotgun; Roethlisberger faked a sweep to Willie Parker; Randle El faked a backslide block, then spun around and took a low-risk shovel pass seven yards for the first down. Roethlisberger's fabulous play on third-and-28 in the second quarter, Steelers trailing 3-0, was fabulous for two reasons. First, he knew Seattle defensive end Grant Wistrom, like many D-ends who play for sack stats, tends to charge straight up the field, ignoring his "underneath" responsibility. When Roethlisberger saw Wistrom charge straight up the field, he quickly scooted to the underneath area, buying time. Then Roethlisberger stopped on a dime at the line of scrimmage and waited till the last conceivable instant before throwing a 37-yard strike to Hines Ward, placing the ball at first-and-goal on the Seattle 3 and leading to Pittsburgh's first touchdown. What is Roethlisberger, a 10-year veteran?
Well as Pittsburgh played and well as Steelers' coaches coached, there were multiple calls that made me cover my eyes. Leading 14-3 midway through the third quarter, Pittsburgh faced third-and-6 on the Seattle 7. If the Steelers run here, maybe they get a first down or touchdown; anyway the field goal makes it a 17-3 lead and Seattle trails by two touchdowns against a strong defense. Tis better to have rushed and lost than never to have rushed at all! Instead pass, interception returned to the Steelers' 20, the Hawks make it 14-10 three snaps later. Plus the call was a slant-corner to Cedrick Wilson -- Wilson scored a touchdown on this pattern in the AFC championship, and from about the same point on the field. Surely Seattle had scouted Pittsburgh's previous game! Indeed, the Blue Men Group seemed to know what was coming.Now it's Pittsburgh 14, Seattle 10, Steelers facing third-and-2 at the end of the third. Neither Jerome Bettis nor Willie Parker were on the field; shotgun formation, pass incomplete, punt. To that point Pittsburgh was averaging 7.1 yards per rush: Tis better to have rushed and lost than never to have rushed at all! After the Pittsburgh punt, Seattle marched to the Steelers' 1 before the questionable holding penalty -- see below -- stopped the Blue Men. It's amazing to think that for all the second half power-rush prowess of the Steelers, they came perilously close to blowing the Super Bowl by going pass-wacky on third-and-short late. But that's the only criticism I can think of about the Pittsburgh performance, and it's not much, is it? (On its next possession Pittsburgh again faced third-and-2, ran, converted, and scored the icing touchdown the following snap. Pittsburgh also ran and converted on a third-and-3 with 3:51 remaining, rendering the clock situation hopeless for Seattle).
Mystery Explained: Pittsburgh leading 7-3 with 13 seconds remaining in the first half, the Steelers called timeout even as Seattle, facing third-and-6 on the Hypocycloids' 36, was close to letting the play clock run out. Al Michaels and John Madden evinced disbelief that Pittsburgh would call time in that situation. Here's why. The Steelers lined up with only five in the tackle box; Matt Hasselbeck noticed and was shifting the Hawks from the spread to an 'I' formation for a run up the middle; Bill Cowher realized what Hasselbeck was doing and called time. Given the clock, Seattle took too long to change sets. But Cowher's reaction was smart -- a run up the middle might have produced a significant gain. As it was Seattle threw incomplete, then missed a long field-goal attempt.
Hall of Fame Update: The voters took six, most since 2001, though Tuesday Morning Quarterback still thinks they should have elected all 15. Anyway, a large group is a good start.
Now the next problem: six of the last 10 Hall of Fame inductees were quarterbacks. My experience is that on the field, quarterbacks do not outnumber all other players combined. Casual fans may only care about quarterback. But shouldn't the Canton electors, all of whom earn their livings as football commentators, know enough about the sport to pay as much attention to linemen as to quarterbacks?
Rookies Sit in the Back: In 2004 Boeing ended production of its venerable 757 jetliner; the 757 has been relegated to retired status on the company's product list, along with the DC-8. But the plane bows out in glory as the aircraft of the new Airlines New York-to-London Eos, which employs 757s designed for 200 passengers reconfigured for 48 with lay-flat sleeper seats, and as the team plane of the Seattle Seahawks. Several NBA clubs have their own jetliner, a trend that began about a decade ago. For sports teams that travel constantly, this indulgence might even result in an extra victory here and there. By contrast NFL clubs travel 10 or 12 times annually, so a charter flight would seem to be all that's required. The Seahawks are the first NFL franchise to have a large jetliner, and needless to say the fact that owner Paul Allen is one of the world's richest people is a factor. Will this trigger an airborne arms race in which other NFL owners buy jetliners to prevent the Seahawks from having a travel-comfort advantage?
Seattle Analysis : My, the Seattle clock management was weird at the end of both halves, culminating with the score 21-10, the Hawks facing third-and-10 on the Steelers 27 with 27 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and throwing a rinky-dinky flat pass to Jerramy Stevens, who was tackled in bounds, all but officially ending the game. A flat pass to the tight end with 27 seconds remaining? This was the last of many mental errors by Seattle coaches and players on a day when the Seahawks mostly played well, but sure didn't think well.
Seattle did not have anything distinctive in its game plan. Through the playoffs, Pittsburgh had run different looks on offense and defense each week -- New England also varies tremendously from week to week -- while having at least a few special plays for each game. The Seahawks seemed to run their usual stuff, and though they run their usual stuff well, deprived themselves of the extra edge of game planning. The Hawks attempted no reverses or end-arounds on offense (coaches did call a punt-return reverse that could not be executed, owing to a high Pittsburgh punt) and called no flea flicker or other gadget play: Pittsburgh ran three plays in this category, resulting in two first downs and one touchdown. Seneca Wallace made only a brief appearance -- because what, coaches were saving him for next week? Lack of forethought was shown on defense, too. The Hawks defense played well, considering losing three defensive starters: Seattle held Roethlisberger to a net of 123 yards passing on 21 attempts, picking him off twice. Reader Jim Hickey of Andover, Mass., notes Roethlisberger's 22.6 passer rating was lower than his age of 23. But on the game-icing touchdown, Randle El to Ward, the Seattle secondary was fooled, though during the regular season Randle El threw off that action three times. And it wasn't just the backups who were fooled; megabucks corner Marcus Trufant is the one who let Ward go. The five dropped passes? Any team can drop one in a game -- Ward had a bad drop, but went onto to become MVP. Five drops shows lack of concentration; one of the drops would have put Seattle in a goal-to-go. Consider Matt Hasselbeck finished 29 for 46 for 273 and had five dropped. If those five were caught, Monday morning people might have been talking about Hasselbeck's MVP award.
The game's two critical moments for Seattle were coaching mistakes. The Blue Men lead 3-0 midway through the second quarter, faced fourth and the length of a football on their own 26. Aaaaaiiiiiiiyyyyyyeeeee! I cried aloud to the football gods as Mike Holmgren sent in the punter. Sure it's your own territory in a close contest. But you have the league's leading rusher; he averages 5.1 yards a carry. Shaun Alexander has been stopped on a third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 only once all season. And it's the Super Bowl, don't mince around, go win the game! I scarcely need tell you the Steelers soon passed the point where the ball would have been had the Seahawks gone for it and missed. Holmgren's fraidy-cat punt brought Pittsburgh to life. To the moment of the punt, the Steelers had 44 net yards and one first down; on the possession following the punt they gained 69 yards and scored a touchdown. Endlessly, Tuesday Morning Quarterback reiterates that when a coach goes for it in a situation like this, he sends his players the message he is challenging them to win the game. When a coach punts in a situation like this, he sends his players the message he is afraid of losing. Seeing this punt boom, Pittsburgh sensed fear and immediately pounced.Now it's Steelers 21, Seahawks 10 with 6:28 remaining in the game, Seattle facing fourth-and-13 at midfield. I could not believe my peepers when Holmgren again sent in the punter. Sure fourth-and-13 is a long down, but this is the Super Bowl, there is no tomorrow! Down by two scores late in the fourth quarter you must, absolutely must, go for it. Punt and even if you force a three-and-out the clock situation is nearly impossible. Plus, at that point, three of Seattle's defensive starters were sidelined with injuries, greatly reducing the chance of a three-and-out.
Pittsburgh converted two first downs and held the ball until the two-minute warning, at which point Seattle's goose was cooked. As the punt boomed, you know what words I wrote in my notebook: GAME OVER. Bad enough when coaches quit on a regular-season game; with 6:28 remaining, Mike Holmgren quit on the Super Bowl! It's hard not to suspect he was more concerned with holding down the margin of defeat than going all-out to try for victory.
Cross-Generation Message to NFL: TMQ's 15-year old, Mara Rose, watched the Stones' halftime show slack-jawed. "These guys should be in some house in Florida that has wind chimes," she said. "They should be listening to the radio and saying to each other, 'Oh look, a boat is going by.'" There's a cross-generational message there, NFL. McCartney, the Stones -- next year how 'bout a halftime act that will appeal to viewers not yet eligible for Social Security? Meanwhile kids, have at look at the Stones' faces and Mick's wasted physique. Kids, this is what happens when you do drugs, okay?
Best Blocks: The Super Bowl matched the league's best offensive lines, and this is as it should be, offensive line play being the first element in football success. Alan Faneca of the Steelers would have been my choice for MVP: His perfect pull-trap block created the Willie Parker touchdown run that was the game's biggest play. All the Steelers' offensive linemen performed well, so let's name them: Faneca, Jeff Hartings, Kendall Simmons, Marvel Smith and Max Starks. Simmons had a perfect pull-seal block on the Hines Ward end-around. Seattle blockers did reasonably well, clearing the way for the first 100-yards-plus rushing day against Pittsburgh in the postseason. But on what turned out to be the game's deciding snap -- Seattle facing third-and-8 on the Pittsburgh 47 with 6:36 remaining, trailing 21-10 -- no Seahawks offensive lineman even attempted to block Deshea Townsend, who got the sack that preceded the fatal punt. Center Robbie Tobeck turned the wrong way and ended up blocking air. Why are the Pittsburgh and Seattle offensive lines so good? One reason is seven of the 10 were originally drafted by their teams. Four of five players on both offensive lines have been starting together for four years, meaning they know each other's moves. Offensive line moves are more important than spectators realize: think of Tobeck turning the wrong way. Teams seeking success ought to follow the Pittsburgh and Seattle offensive line model -- invest draft choices in blockers, then keep them together as a unit for an extended period.
Zebra Critique: Four of the six big officiating decisions went against Seattle. Does this mean a pro-Steelers bias, as some in the sports yak world are saying, or perhaps a slap at Mike Holmgren by the officiating guild? (Holmgren ripped the officials after the Giants-Seahawks contest; conspiracy theory says the zebras were seeking vengeance.) The two decisions that favored the Hawks were the fourth-quarter replay reversal that gave possession, initially awarded to Pittsburgh, back to Seattle; and the no-call of a block in the back by Seattle during Kelly Herndon's record interception return. Of the four big decisions that favored the Steelers, two seemed correct to me. On the offensive pass interference nullifying Seattle's first touchdown, Darrell Jackson pushed off with the ball in the air and gained advantage by doing so. Had the physics of the play been exactly the same, except Jackson a defender, television announcers would have been screaming, "Interference!" It's true, as some said, that Michael Irvin often got away with push-offs -- but he shouldn't have. And when Roethlisberger dove for Pittsburgh's first touchdown, at game speed I thought, "He didn't make it." But replays showed the tip of the ball above the goal line, and Rule 3, Section 38 reads, "A touchdown is the situation is which any part of the ball, legally in possession of a player inbounds, in on, above, or behind an opponent's goal line."
On the flip side, the holding penalty against Sean Locklear, nullifying what would have been a Seahawks' first-and-goal on the Pittsburgh 1 in the fourth quarter, seemed a bad call. On almost every Pittsburgh offensive play, a Steelers blocker grabbed as briefly as Locklear grabbed on the down in question; if it was illegal for one team, it should have been illegal for both teams.
Owing to the dubious penalty, instead of first-and-goal, Seattle ended up throwing an interception on third-and-long. That interception undid the Seahawks, as they staged a 13-play, 81-yard drive that ended in no points, and undid the Super Bowl itself, converting what might have been a fabulous ending into a lackluster fourth quarter. Seattle faithful also have a legitimate complaint that the fourth-quarter 15-yard penalty on Hasselbeck for "low block" was inexplicable. The rulebook states that during a turnover, neither team may block below the waist. But Hasselbeck wasn't blocking -- he was making the tackle. Check the official Game Book, at 10:54 of the fourth quarter. The league's own Game Book credits Hasselbeck with the tackle on a play where the penalty could be valid only if Hasselbeck was not making a tackle!
Patriots Announce Stadium to be Renamed: Next One Will Have 11 Trans-Dimensional Nanoprobe-Embedded Force-Field-Projecting Blades Field: Reader Josh Byrne of Philadelphia relates the news that Gillette's six-blade razor has already been trumped -- Hitachi just released a 10-bladed razor, which "plays at invariable speed, ensuring the overall effectiveness." As noted last week, TMQ's Law of Razors holds that each century will see a razor with blades equal to the factorial of the highest number of blades on a razor of the previous century. This means that in the 22nd century, someone will market razor with 3,628,800 blades (10x9x8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1).
Hidden Plays: Hidden plays are ones that never make highlight reels, but stop or sustain drives. Pittsburgh leading 14-10 early in the fourth quarter, Seattle faced first-and-20 on the Steelers 29. Hypocycloids tackle Casey Hampton, who rarely pressures the passer, got a sack that made it second-and-25. Hasselbeck ended up throwing his interception on third-and-long; Pittsburgh came back the other way to score the icing touchdown. Hampton's 5-yard sack does not look like much in the stats, but altered the dynamic of what might have been Seattle's go-ahead possession.
Super Bowl Ad Watch: The Stunt City ad was the only memorably clever commercial; it was so funny viewers might have missed the product being promoted. That was Degree antiperspirant; click the extra-silly "director's cut." Blockbuster ran ads for a service that promises "free movies every month" for $9.99 a month. Let's review what the word "free" means, please.
I'd Like to Know the Story Behind the Story of This Story: During the week before the Super Bowl, thousands of reporters are in one place chasing zero news. Pressure for a scoop is immense, if only to justify the eye-popping expense account. ("Umm, Clint, you spent $3,000 on sushi for an unnamed source?") Last Thursday, the Washington Post ran a story in which Redskins officials denied a report by Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com, who had reported that Adam Schefter of NFL Network was reporting that Peter King of Sports Illustrated was about to report that Terrell Owens might be traded to Washington. Quadruple-tiered reports of something that only might happen! Edward R. Murrow, eat your heart out.
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