The Morning Cup of Black & Gold: Steelers News and Notes

I hope ESPN is done ranking ‘things of the NFL’ real soon.  Our latest ranking done by the 8 Wonders of the Football Blogging World focuses on the toughest venue to play in.  The inconsistencies are many, and I think this ranking system is bogus.  Granted, Heinz Field finished in the 2nd spot behind Lambeau.  Once you get past the top 3 it goes down hill from there, and you can even see in the top 3 there are very biased opinions.  9th place vote for Lambeau from the NFC East blogger????  Seriously?  How did Oakland even get a vote when they haven’t filled that stadium in years?!  I find it hard to believe that Arrowhead is up there.  And the Metrodome is 6th?  That place is the loudest indoor stadium in the league.  At any rate, Heinz is certainly a difficult venue no matter when in the season.  But, as the season wears on that field gets more and more difficult.  Remember that Miami Dolphins game a few years back when there were high school football games, a Pitt football game and then torrential downpours the same weekend?  Coaches and players consistently complain about field conditions.  Belichick, when coaching for the Ravens still, said at one point the field wasn’t fit to play on and spoke to officials about delaying the game.  So aside from judging fans – the filed conditions and how a team plays there needs to be considered – including field goals (Jeff Reed anyone?).

The lockout could be nearing it’s end.  Another

secret

not so secret meeting took place yesterday.  This is the second straight week that the former NFLPA and owners have met.  The secret part is what is being discussed behind closed doors.  The lawsuit?  The rules?  The money?  The books?  All of the above?  I’d hate to look back and see how many times NPC has mentioned or talked about the lockout… but I’ll be glad when it’s done.

These are the strides the NFL needs to be making if they really want to be making the game safer.  Concussion legislation for young players is huge.  I still say the NFL needs to really get into these football programs and put forth sessions, drills, programs, whatever to teach these kids how to tackle the way the league wants them to when they become big grown up football players.  Then and only then will the risk factor be at its lowest potential.