What the NFL calls ‘news’
Got your attention, didn’t I? I was home watching a replay of an exhibition game yesterday between the Lions and Jets on the NFL network (why I’ll never know) when “breaking news” interrupted things. My first thought was a story related to the situation in Egypt, or that something major happened in this country. Turned out the breaking news was Tom Brady’s knee ‘injury’ that required him to leave the field. Holy Moly Batman is that ever breaking news!!!
C’mon already NFL network, that may be your idea of breaking news, but as usual you treat every little morsel as if it is some major, world shaking item. So he got bumped on his little knee and walked off the field. So what? He was back on the field today practicing. So much for that major news story.
In Pittsburgh, the ‘major’ news is that our top two backs, rookie Le’veon Bell and Isaac Redman were taken off the field with injuries, which were described as ‘not serious’. For those fans looking to Bell to revive the non-existent running game, this isn’t good to hear. I don’t see Mike Tomlin putting Bell in this weekend, and I even see him giving Redman the night off too. This is good news for Jonathan Dwyer and his fans, he will now get a greater opportunity to showcase his skills and make his case to be the lead back. With uncertainties across the offense, Bell’s back to back injuries is not good news.
Before I progress further, let me state that Ben is not injured and Troy is still a Steeler. However, according to the NFL network’s crack reporter Jason LaCanfora, Jerricho Cotchery may be on the block. Please, where does he get his news? Has anyone ever delivered more nonsense than LaCanfora?
Some non-Steeler thoughts now:
Call me crazy, but there is no way anyone other than Mark Sanchez lines up under center for the Jets when the season starts. Rex Ryan roasted rookie QB Geno Smith after his 4 int. performance in scrimmage today, which only reinforces his love for Sanchez. Ryan and Sanchez are like a Shakespearean tragedy, they will most certainly both be gone after this season. At least I get to travel to Met Life stadium on October 13th and watch our Steelers demolish gang green.
The Rams may be the next team to make a huge leap towards the playoffs, following in the footsteps of fellow NFC West rivals San Francisco and Seattle. While I still don’t have a huge amount of faith that Sam Bradford will ever play an entire season, their defense will be quite good this year.
Watch out for the Cleveland Browns guys. They’re building something slowly but steadily over there and if we’re not careful, the Steelers may find themselves the bottom feeders in the AFC North.
I am starting to prepare myself for return of Mike Mayock to Thursday night football. I’m sorry, I know many think he’s a rising star, to me he’s just plain irritating.
Now back to the Steelers
When all is said and done, this could be one of the better draft classes the Steelers have had in a while. I love Vince Williams, I like Landry Jones and Justin Brown, I think Markus Wheaton will make a major impact at some point, and when he finally takes the field, Le’veon Bell will struggle slightly until the midway point when he’ll really take off. And I still think Jarvis Jones will be in the starting lineup on opening day.
Oh! Breaking news…Tom Brady is fine.
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