Saturday was a sad day in Steel Town.  The beauty of football is that every Fall you’re entitled to dream about what future glories might lie ahead for your favorite team.  Of course, those of us in Pittsburgh are entitled to dream a little longer and a little harder than say the unfortunate souls living in Cleveland.  But we all dream, at least until the harsh cold hand of reality smacks us upside the head.
Reality was the word of the day around the ‘Burgh on Saturday as the dream of pigskin glory ended for a great number of people, both fans and players [...]

After last Saturday’s debacle in Minnesota, where the Pittsburgh Steelers vaunted offense couldn’t manage a touchdown, the new look offensive line played downright offensive, and supposed superstar rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall couldn’t keep his hands on the ball, I suppose for our collective sanity we should move on to happier subjects.
With that in mind, NPC continues its 2008 Steeler team preview by focusing on the one aspect of the team that did look pretty good last Saturday, the defense. 
2008 BLITZBURGH DEFENSE

The Steelers still use the 3-4, although everybody keeps waiting for them to go to the Tampa 2 scheme coach Mike Tomlin allegedly prefers.   That won’t happen as long as grizzled defensive [...]

Despite making the transition from long time head coach Bill Cowher to first time head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers had a solid freshman campaign in 2007 led by a stingy, attacking defense, a good running game, and quality QB play from Ben Roethlisberger.
However, the team went 3-5 down the stretch and repeatedly played poorly when matched against other quality teams.  Those three wins came against the Dolphins, Bengals, and the Rams, who combined for a 13-35 record last season.  The loss of superstar RB Willie Parker can’t be entirely to blame as he wasn’t lost until week16.  Facts are, the Steelers played like one of the [...]

I’m a Kordell Stewart fan.
There, I said it. And I am not ashamed to admit that publicly. I like Kordell Stewart. Not in a “Brokeback Quarterback” kind of way, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But my admiration for Kordell is the simple, innocent, pure kind of fandom which teenagers all around Pittsburgh feel toward current Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steel Dynasty of the 1970’s won their last Super Bowl the same year I began kindergarten. The next decade was an era of mediocrity for the Black and Gold. Sure, we made one minor run with Mark Malone and [...]

It looks like Byron Leftwich not only is going to be a good fit for the Steelers, but he also will likely play Thursday. From TCP:
Byron Leftwich waited nine months to get back on the practice field. Now that he’s done that, his first NFL action is likely only days away.
Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the quarterback brought in to replace injured backup Charlie Batch impressed during his first two practices with the team on Monday, so much that coach Mike Tomlin said “it looks like he’ll be able to play” Thursday when the team plays the Buffalo [...]

Last night featured one of the most important events in the world of sports.
Oh, and the Olympics held their opening ceremonies.
The event I am referring to is the annual Battle of Pennsylvania between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philthydelphia Eagles. The reason it’s important is most years, that game signifies the start of the preseason, which, by extension, means the start of the football season. And truly, what event is more important than football season?
Actually, please don’t take away my Terrible Towel but I confess to flipping between the game and the ceremonies. If anybody can appreciate a [...]

Steelers beat writer/loveable curmudgeon Ed Bouchette appeared on ESPN last Friday to discuss the upcoming season.
As you watch the video, I’m sure you’re thinking the same thing I am. Who’s the chick interviewing Uncle Ed? Where’s that sexy Dana Jacobson? She may be a Michigan girl but seeing as the Detroit Red Wings crushed the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup, I see no reason for her to hold a grudge against Pittsburgh. What’s the point of employing a woman who could easily be Kim Cattrall’s cuter (but far easier) younger sister if you’re not going [...]