December 8, 2009 News Clippings - National Football...

December 8, 2009 News Clippings

Pittsburgh Steelers

SPORTS / STEELERS

Steelers, Pitt fans suffer two stunning defeatsTuesday, December 08, 2009 By Robert Dvorchak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Pitt fans watch as Cincinnati players and fans celebrate the Big East championship Saturday at Heinz Field.

When sorrows come, William Shakespeare once wrote, they come not as single spies, but in battalions.

Those, of course, are not the words of the Bill Shakespeare who was the Steelers' first-round draft choice in 1936, but The Bard, whose Hamlet once uttered the catch phrase of losers everywhere, "O, woe is me."

In the form of relentless gray clouds that blotted out yesterday's sun, melancholy hung like a shroud over the city. Such is theemotional hangover of Pitt and the Steelers suffering two last-minute defeats on the same patch of North Side sod, both on the first full weekend of a foreboding December, no less. It was like finding a lump of coal under the Christmas tree.

Anton Chekhov could not have conjured up a bleaker landscape than the one that greeted morning commuters going back to work. Where champions paraded under happier circumstances along a major Downtown artery, an occasional snowflake fluttered down what had all the ambiance of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

Playwright Oscar Wilde never twirled a Terrible Towel, but he once wrote: "Misery wakes us in the morning and Shame sits with us at night."

Coach Mike Tomlin, picking up the pieces and getting ready for the next battle, admitted that his defending champion Steelers suffered emotional and physical bruises after giving up three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to the Oakland Raiders. To that end, some lineup changes are in the offing.

"You got to acknowledge the potential that this could be a shaken group. We swallowed a lot here of late," he said. "We're going to have to become one with ourselves individually and collectively."

It was a Zen-like moment at his weekly meeting with the media. But unlike a week earlier, he did not promise to "unleash hell" - a line taken from the movie Gladiator, which was gleefully thrown back at him by the Raiders.

Discussions were a bit less philosophical in the blogosphere and on the talk shows - both from the hand-wringers wailing about the Steelers being unable to protect a lead in five of the team's six losses, and from Steeler-haters eager to dance on the grave of a teetering king.

The writer A.L. Prusick lived before the age of twittering, but he could have texted this observation to local football fans: "It may be that we have all lived before and died, and this is Hell."

At the risk of going to hell and back, it is necessary to revisit the gridiron disappointments that have kidnapped joy like the Grinch who stole Christmas.

On Saturday, Cincinnati scored with 33 seconds left and converted an extra point to topple the Panthers, 45-44. The razor-thin margin was enough to put Pitt in the Meineke Car Care Bowl Dec. 26 against North Carolina rather than having a New Year's Day marquee matchup against Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

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Then on Sunday, Louis Murphy - remember Murphy's Law, what can go wrong will go wrong? - caught the winning touchdown against the Steelers with nine seconds to play. The score came on the same end of the field as a botched extra point by Pitt that was the margin of difference in its loss.

The Panthers have three weeks to lick their wounds before getting back on the field. The Steelers, with the dying embers of their playoff hopes vulnerable to wintry blasts, have a short week. They play again Thursday in Cleveland.

The comedian Woody Allen once observed that life is full of misery, loneliness and suffering - and it's over much too soon. He could have been talking about this football season.

For the second time in four years, the Steelers may not even make the playoffs to defend a Super Bowl crown. How such a fate could befall this team is a subject that had been talked to death over recent weeks, but such chatter includes the prolonged absence of Troy Polamalu, who injured a knee in the opening game and has largely been unavailable.

The loss of one of the best defensive players in the NFL surely has an impact, but the Steelers refuse to make an issue of it.

"You can waste a lot of time worrying about players that aren't available," Tomlin said, "and I chose not to waste that time."

Even the recent solace of having Cleveland on the schedule seems illusory. The Steelers have beaten the Browns 12 times in a row and 18 times in the past 19 meetings. That would indicate that the Browns would stand a snowball's chance in hell of beating the Steelers, but Kansas City and Oakland were double-digit underdogs too.

Although Winston Churchill was never involved in a must-win NFL game in Cleveland on a Thursday night, he faced his share of adversity in leading Great Britain through World War II.

Perhaps it is wise to remember this bit of Churchillian advice: "If you are going through hell, keep going."

As in football and life, there really isn't any other choice.

Robert Dvorchak can be reached [email protected].

Robert Dvorchak can be reached at [email protected].

Ed Bouchette's blog on the Steelers and Gerry Dulac's Steelers chats are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.

First published on December 8, 2009 at 12:00 am

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SPORTS / STEELERS

Cook: Pitt, Steelers losses tough to handleTuesday, December 08, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Steelers running back Mewelde Moore walks off the field as the Raiders celebrated a 27-24 win at Heinz Field Sunday.

In the past 18 months, the Penguins made it to the Stanley Cup final before losing, the Pitt football team won nine games in the regular season for the first time since 1982, the Steelers were champions of Super Bowl XLIII, the Pitt men's basketball team came within three points of going to the Final Four and the Penguins won the Cup by winning Game 7 of the final in Detroit.

Really, we have no right to complain about the worst weekend in Heinz Field history.

No right at all.

Of course, that won't stop us.

I thought it was just about impossible for any loss to be worse than Pitt's 45-44 loss Saturday to Cincinnati. Somehow, almost unbelievably, the Panthers found a way to lose at home despite leading 31-10 in the second quarter and 38-24 in the fourth quarter. It was one of the most hurtful defeats in school history and, along with the 19-16 loss at West Virginia eight days earlier, assured that a second consecutive nine-win regular season will be remembered as nothing more than a monumental disappointment. The defeat didn't just cost Pitt a share of the Big East Conference title. It means the Panthers will play a nothing opponent in a nothing bowl instead of playing Florida in the Sugar Bowl. On the day after Christmas, no less!

That's as bad as it gets.

Or maybe not.

The Steelers' brutal 27-24 loss Sunday to the Oakland Raiders was worse. Much worse, actually. At least Pitt lost to an undefeated Cincinnati team that would be playing Alabama for the national championship if the Texas-Nebraska game Saturday night had been one second shorter. The Steelers, who virtually were fighting for their playoff lives after three consecutive defeats, lost at home to the inept Raiders, 14-point underdogs who came in with a 3-8 record and were begging to be put out of their misery. They were so shocked by their win that at least one player mentioned it in the same sentence with The Miracle On Ice and Buster Douglas' knockout of Mike Tyson.

Oh, brother.

I knew it was bad watching the Steelers blow three fourth-quarter leads to a Raiders offense led by journeyman quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who, during his previous visit to Heinz Field, had a 1.0 passer rating. But I had no idea just how bad it was until I watched Mike Tomlin's Day After Disaster news conference. The coach talked in an appropriately somber tone about his potentially "shaken group" of players. He described them as "a very average football team as we sit here today," and admitted that assessment might be kind. He all but promised major changes -- especially in the team's lame secondary -- and indicated he will look at rookie cornerbacks Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis in place of injured William Gay (concussion)

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and Ike Taylor (burned almost beyond recognition).

It's hard to believe these Steelers won the Super Bowl last season. It's even harder to believe they went into Denver for a Monday night game Nov. 9 and left with a 28-10 win and a 6-2 record and appeared to be an absolute lock to win the AFC North Division. Now, it looks as if they won't make the playoffs. The way they're playing -- with losses to the Raiders and the miserable Kansas City Chiefs during that four-game collapse -- it's fair to think they'll struggle to beat the 1-11 Browns Thursday night in Cleveland.

I repeat:

Oh, brother.

Tomlin said something else interesting yesterday. He said he will take an even greater role in the game-planning this week and the strategic decision-making Thursday night. His background is on the defensive side of the ball. It's enough to make you think he will take some of the clout from revered defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. The defense couldn't possibly be any worse than it has been in the fourth quarter all season, could it?

That isn't to say I'm blaming LeBeau for the Steelers' mess. It's pretty hard for me to finger him for Burnett dropping that last-minute interception Sunday or Taylor having one of the worse days of his career. What's amusing is no one else seems to be blaming LeBeau, either. The same people who are quick to rip offensive coordinator Bruce Arians when the Steelers lose don't say a word about LeBeau when his defense plays like a sieve. That just goes to show how much more they think they know about calling offensive plays when, in reality, most know very little. It also shows how selective and irrational some people can be with their criticism.

Not to be cynical.

But, hey, this week has to be better, right?

Somehow, it seems appropriate the Steelers are playing the Browns. Cleveland is the perfect reminder that things always can be worse. It's not so much that the Browns have that horrendous record and are the laughingstocks of the NFL. It's that Cleveland hasn't celebrated a major sports championship since 1964.

We really have no right to complain.

Ron Cook can be reached at [email protected].



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SPORTS / STEELERS

On the Steelers: Tomlin promises changes to lineupTuesday, December 08, 2009 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Andrew Rush/Post-Gazette

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: "Moving forward this week and beyond, we can't continue to do what we've been doing and assume that that pattern of behavior is going to change and those outcomes are going to change."

Since his players did not respond to "Redemption Sunday" in Baltimore and "unleash hell" against Oakland in Heinz Field, coach Mike Tomlin has decided to take things into his own hands.

He stuck no catchy name on this one but implied he will make changes in his lineup for Thursday night's game in Cleveland.

"It's appropriate at this point to acknowledge we have an undesirable pattern of behavior, which produces a series of outcomes that are not what we're looking for," Tomlin said a day after his Super Bowl champs lost their fourth consecutive game to slip to 6-6.

"Moving forward this week and beyond, we can't continue to do what we've been doing and assume that that pattern of behavior is going to change and those outcomes are going to change. So we're analyzing all aspects of what we're doing here,specifically this week, and are going to be aggressive in terms of looking at potential changes in not only what we do schematically, but who we have do it in all three phases."

Tomlin quickly mentioned his two rookie cornerbacks as most likely to benefit from a change in lineup. Joe Burnett, who dropped an interception that would have staved off Oakland's comeback victory drive with 40 seconds left Sunday, probably will start at left cornerback, whether William Gay (concussion) can play or not.

"It's going to be Joe Burnett," Tomlin said. "Keenan Lewis is going to get an opportunity to play. We want to see both of those guys. They're young guys; they've been working. We want to see both of those guys play."

He indicated that veteran starting cornerback Ike Taylor might be affected in a shake-up.

"Certainly," Tomlin responded. "I think that's appropriate that we look at giving guys some opportunities to see if they can play. What that means or to what extent that means changes will be made I think is a little premature, but I acknowledge that that's taken place."

Taylor's string of starting 45 consecutive games at cornerback is in jeopardy. He has been their most consistent cornerback and often has been assigned to guard the opposition's best receiver. But former coach Bill Cowher demoted Taylor during the 2006 season, not starting him for five games because of poor play.

Other possibilities as new starters are rookie defensive end Ziggy Hood, safety Ryan Mundy, guard Ramon Foster and possibly even linebacker Keyaron Fox.

"We can't stay status quo in terms of how we're approaching this thing and expect the pattern of behavior or outcome to change," Tomlin explained. "That's unrealistic. That's hoping. This is not a hope business. I'm not a hope-mentality person. I think our guys are of the same mindset, so I don't expect any surprise or discontent in regards to this approach, to be quite

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honest with you."

Tomlin said his changes could come on offense, defense and special teams -- he added Hood, their top draft pick, to the kickoff team Sunday.

"When you're squandering scoring opportunities offensively, you're giving up plays and not making plays at critical moments defensively, you have a pattern of behavior that's unacceptable that's going to produce losses, which is what has happened," Tomlin said. "We acknowledge and accept responsibility for that. We're going to take appropriate action.

"At this time I think appropriate action is looking at doing some things differently and potentially with different combinations of people."

Ward likely out

One necessary change will come because of a hamstring injury to Hines Ward that occurred on the next-to-last play of their 27-24 loss Sunday to the Raiders.

Limas Sweed would join the three wide receiver formation and either he or Mike Wallace would start. Tomlin said the team would sign another receiver if Ward cannot play. They released veteran receiver Shaun McDonald Nov. 28 and carry only four on the roster.

Veteran defensive end Travis Kirsche will return to play after missing his fourth game in the past five with a calf injury. Troy Polamalu almost surely will miss his fourth consecutive game and eighth overall this season with a sprained knee.

"His availability is based on his health and we're not going to let circumstance change that approach," Tomlin said. "That's not the right thing to do, so when he is ready to play we'll play him."

Quarterback Charlie Batch will change into a soft cast on his broken left wrist because "we're going to get some participation out of him at practice, or at least attempt to," Tomlin said.

Halfback Rashard Mendenhall has a sprained ankle but Tomlin expects him to play Thursday night.

For more on the Steelers, read Ed Bouchette on the Steelers at www.post-gazette.com/plus. Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].



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Ward likely out for Browns game

By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, December 8, 2009

• Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward appears to be a longshot to play in the Steelers' 8:20 p.m. game Thursday at Cleveland.

Ward sustained a mild hamstring pull near the end of Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The short week for the Steelers does not bode well for the 12th-year veteran playing against the Browns.

"Not favorable for him," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

Strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) will almost certainly miss his fourth consecutive game.

Polamalu has missed the past three games with a strained posterior collateral ligament (PCL) in his left knee.

Tomlin said, "I don't think he's going to be able to play in this football game."

• Rookie Mike Wallace is expected to start at wide receiver opposite Santonio Holmes if Ward is unable to play. Tomlin said Limas Sweed could also see his first significant action since late September at wideout. "We may need Limas Sweed in some of the big-bodied things that Hines Ward does because Hines Ward is a unique guy," Tomlin said. The Steelers may also add a wide receiver to their 53-man roster before Thursday since they would only have three wideouts against the Browns if Ward is held out. Shaun McDonald, who was released Nov. 28 to make room for quarterback Tyler Palko, is the most likely candidate to be signed.

• Defensive end Travis Kirschke, who didn't play against the Raiders because of a calf injury, is expected to suit up against the Browns, Tomlin said.

• Running back Rashard Mendenhall will be limited in practice today because of swelling in his ankle but he will play in Cleveland, Tomlin said.

• Quarterback Charlie Batch will try to practice today for the first time since undergoing surgery in late November to repair a broken bone in his left wrist. Tomlin said Batch will wear a soft cast on his injured wrist.

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from Trib Total Media

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Browns bent, not broken

By The Associated Press Tuesday, December 8, 2009

BEREA, Ohio -- Beaten up and beaten down, the Cleveland Browns haven't quit.

Their embattled coach isn't surprised.

Despite a 1-11 record, mounting injuries and minimal progress in coach Eric Mangini's first season, the Browns showed some grit in Sunday's 30-23 loss to San Diego. Down by 20 to one of the NFL's better teams, Cleveland scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, recovered an onside kick and put a genuine scare into the AFC West-leading Chargers.

Mangini, whose future could hinge on his team's performance over the final five weeks, was proud of his squad's resolve.

"At 27-7, it would have been very easy to kind of let the rest of the game play out," Mangini said Monday. "I never felt that for a second from the guys."

Mangini said Chargers coach Norv Turner approached him on the field and complimented the Browns' gutsy effort. Although San Diego appeared to ease up with a 30-14 lead, Mangini believes the final score had more to do with Cleveland's determination.

"The first thing he (Turner) said was how impressed he was with the way the guys fought, and he wanted me to tell the group that," Mangini said. "He said that we have a tough group of guys, which I agree with, and that was his feedback, so I don't think that when you're a team in San Diego's position and you got a lot of things depending on every single game, you don't let down."

Mangini managed to extract some positives from Cleveland's seventh straight loss and 10th consecutive defeat at home, witnessed by one of the smallest crowds at Browns Stadium in the past 10 years.

He praised rookie receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, who combined for 12 catches. He liked quarterback Brady Quinn's decision-making and third straight game without an interception. He noted running back Jerome Harrison's improved blocking and felt tight end Evan Moore, signed from the practice squad on Saturday, gave Cleveland's offense a spark.

Mostly, though, Mangini applauded the Browns' fight and willingness to band together in what could wind up as Cleveland's worst season.

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"It's a good group of guys that care about what they're doing," he said. "They work hard. I haven't sat back and questioned their work ethic at any point. I don't think it's the way that any of us had wanted it to go. I think they appreciated the progress that they have made in different areas. They care about each other. They care about the team, and I can't imagine them playing any other way."

Mangini has preached unity since taking over in Cleveland. He believes cohesion breeds championships.

The Browns may be a long way from a title, but there is togetherness.

"We all look at each other as brothers," fullback Lawrence Vickers said. "It's a big family-oriented team, and nothing is going to break that up regardless how much people try. That's what players in our position have to do, put our backs against the wall, and let's hold each other's hand and let's get through it. That's how families overcome things. You gotta stick together through whatever."

The Associated Press can be reached at or .



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Tomlin says change is coming

By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Coach Mike Tomlin skipped the part of his weekly news conference where he heaps praise on the Steelers' upcoming opponent.

He instead focused on his own players Monday, and there was a good reason for that.

With the Steelers stuck in their first four-game losing since 2003 and their chances of making the playoffs in danger of flat lining, Tomlin said significant changes could be coming for the defending Super Bowl champions.

"Certainly, I think it's appropriate we give some guys an opportunity and see if they can play," Tomlin said yesterday at the Steelers' South Side facility. "To what extent changes will be made, I think it's premature, but obviously that's taking place. We're going to be aggressive in terms of looking at potential changes in not only what we do schematically, but who we have do it in all three phases because it is appropriate."

The secondary could be most affected by a late-season shakeup.

Fourth-quarter follyThe Steelers are yielding 297.3 yards per game, but 105.1 of those have come in the fourth quarter. Here is a breakdown of the yards and points the Steelers have allowed in the fourth quarter this season:

Yards Points ResultTitans 51 3 W, 13-10 (OT)Bears 113 10 L, 17-14Bengals 139 14 L, 23-20*Chargers 81 21 W, 38-28Lions 95 7 W, 28-20Browns 51 0 W, 27-14**Vikings 210 7 W, 27-17Broncos 20 0 W, 28-10Bengals 80 6 L, 18-12Chiefs 96 7 L, 27-24 (OT)

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Tomlin's background is as a defensive backs coach, and the back line of the Steelers' defense faltered badly in a 27-24 loss Sunday to the Oakland Raiders.

Bruce Gradkowski burned the Steelers for three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, and the Seton-La Salle High graduate rallied the Raiders from three deficits in the final 15 minutes at Heinz Field.

The loss continued a disturbing trend in which a unit that ranks fifth in the NFL in total defense (297.3 yards per game) has been unable to close out games. The Steelers already have allowed more points through 12 games this season (231) than during the entire 2008 regular season (223).

In five of their six losses, the Steelers (6-6) had the lead in the fourth quarter.

They will almost certainly have one new defensive starter Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns, as cornerback Joe Burnett will play in place of William Gay, who may be unavailable after sustaining a concussion Sunday.

Even if Gay is cleared to play -- he will take a battery of neurological tests this week -- he may not start. Tomlin said veteran cornerback Ike Taylor also could be benched, with the Steelers wanting to take a long look at Burnett and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis.

Asked how a veteran-laden team would react to changes made to the starting lineup, Tomlin said, "I think they understand it, and I think to a degree, they will agree with me. That's the nature of this thing. We can't stay status quo in terms of how we approach everything and expect that pattern of behavior and outcomes to change.

"That's unrealistic. That's hopeful. I'm not a hope mentality person. I think our guys are of the same mindset, so I don't expect any surprise or discontent in regards to this approach."

Ravens 102 3 L, 20-17 (OT)Raiders 223 21 L, 27-24*Fumble recovery returned for a touchdown**Kickoff returned for a touchdown

Points paradeHere is a look at the points the Steelers have allowed per quarter this season, compared to 2008, when they allowed 223 points through 16 games:Year Quarters Total2009 32-48-46-99-6 2312008 54-65-29-75-0 223



Tomlin could be limited in the number of changes he makes because of the 53-man rosters in the NFL.

If he feels compelled to shake things up, that is because the Steelers' fourth-quarter struggles, particularly on defense, could keep them from getting a chance to defend their Super Bowl title.

The Steelers are yielding 105.1 yards per game in the fourth quarter, and 43 percent of the points they have allowed this season have come in the fourth quarter.

Everyone seems to be at a loss to explain why a vaunted defense has been so vulnerable in the fourth quarter. And, as defensive end Brett Keisel said when asked if he could pinpoint the reason for the late struggles, "I wish I could, or I would have addressed it after the first game."

Half of the turnovers the Steelers have forced have come in the fourth quarter, but they only have 16 takeaways. Of their eight interceptions, none have been made by a cornerback.

"Obviously, we're a very average football team as we sit here today. And our recent record indicates that that might be a kind assessment of it," Tomlin said. "I'm just being very realistic of where we are. I think we all need to do that because that's going to give us the necessary clarity to change it."

TOMLIN'S TAKES

On whether the extended absence of strong safety Troy Polamalu can be attributed to the defense's struggles:

"I think we're capable of playing winning football with or without Troy. Are we different? Yes, because Troy's a unique individual. He brings a unique skill set. Maybe the ceiling's different, but the floor, the standard of expectation, is the same that we're capable of playing winning football without him. I don't worry about that. I tend to focus my energies on the guys that do play and their level of preparation and their level of play as opposed to guys who aren't available."

On the psyche of the Steelers after they have lost four consecutive games:

"You've got to acknowledge the potential that this is a shaken group, which has swallowed a lot here of late. We're going to have to become one with ourselves, if you will, individually and collectively."

On the week that lies ahead:

"It's going to provide information to me as far as who is legitimately mentally tough and who can stand the test of some adversity because we have some, who's going to lead the charge in terms of getting us out of this and winning a football game. I'm going to be very interested to see who those people are."



On whether he is satisfied with the leadership he has gotten:

"We've got quality leaders, we've got quality guys. It's not about the type of people that we have or the type of football character we display. It's about making plays, it's about the performance. Who we are and what we do are two different things. I'm going to call on that leadership and really look for others outside of those known leaders to provide quality leadership."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.





Tuesday December 8, 2009

Bires: 'Big Play' never quite fit Gay By: Mike Bires Beaver County Times

It appears that an injury will do what Mike Tomlin should have done weeks ago: Get William Gay out of the starting lineup.

Easily the weakest link in a struggling Steelers defense, Gay became a starter after cornerback Bryant McFadden bolted to Arizona via free agency. But Gay’s days as a starter may soon be numbered.

After suffering a concussion late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s stunning loss to Oakland, Gay probably won’t play Thursday in Cleveland.

Instead, Joe Burnett will likely start. And if the rookie holds his own, he may keep the starting job for the rest of the season.

Though his nickname might be “Big Play, but neither Gay nor any other of the Steelers’ cornerbacks have made many big plays. In one of the great mysteries in the NFL this season, none of the Steelers corners have yet to intercept a pass.

What Gay is proficient at is making tackles. He leads the team with 78 solos. But it is not usually a good thing when a cornerback has that many tackles.

In Gay’s case, it’s because he’s tackling so many wide receivers who have beaten him to the ball on pass plays.

In recent weeks, it’s been obvious that teams are picking on the third-year pro. Even though Ike Taylor played poorly against the Raiders, he’s still a solid cover corner. So it only makes sense that teams would throw more in Gay’s direction.

Hopefully, Gay will recover fast from his concussion.

But time will tell if he gets back his starting job.

l Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher used to stay it over and over: “There’s a fine line in this league between winning and losing.”

Proof of that premise is the 2009 Steelers.

In five of their six losses, the Steelers have lost by three points.

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Two of those losses were in overtime.

In three other losses, the winning teams scored with 15, 14 and 9 seconds left, respectively.

In each of their losses, a play here or a play there separated the Steelers from victory.

How close they are to being something like 10-2 or 9-3.

l How coincidental was it that on the Hail Mary pass that Ben Roethlisberger threw on the last play of Sunday’s game, Limas Sweed had a good chance to catch it.

At 6-foot-4, Sweed was the tallest player in the group of wide receivers and Raiders defensive backs fighting for the ball. Then again, he’s also a guy who’s struggled catching even catchable passes.

But just when it seemed Sweed might make the miracle catch and salvage some respect among his teammates, the play was broken up by safety Hiram Eugene, who’s 6-2.

“Given the circumstances, that’s about as reasonable an opportunity as you’re going to have to make that play,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “When you talk about Hail Marys, if you will, a bunch of bodies coming to a point in the end zone, we had a 6-4 guy at the point with a pretty clean look at it. You like your chances under the circumstances, but let’s face it, those aren’t very good circumstances when you’re doing that.”

l Tomlin will never give in to the temptation of saying the Steelers miss injured safety Troy Polamalu.

But who’s kidding who?

In the seven games Polamalu hasn’t started, the Steelers are 2-5.

In games he’s started, they’re 4-1. And in that one start of his that the Steelers lost — 18-12 against the Bengals on Nov. 15 — Polamalu missed the second half after the Steelers led 9-6 at the break.

There’s no doubt Polamalu is the MVP of the defense.

Mike Bires can be reached at [email protected]

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Tuesday December 8, 2009

Tomlin vows change to 'average' Steelers By: Mike Bires Beaver County Times

Times photo by LUCY SCHALY Casey Hampton and LaMarr Woodley tackle Justin Fargas.

PITTSBURGH — In all likelihood, at least two rookies will make their first career starts Thursday night when the Steelers play at Cleveland.

Wide receiver Hines Ward is questionable at best after pulling a hamstring muscle late in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to Oakland. That means Mike Wallace, a third-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, will probably start in place of Ward.

“Hines is going to be very questionable,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “The hamstring is mild, but we are working on a very short week. (It’s) not favorable for him.”

The other rookie expected to start is cornerback Joe Burnett, a fifth-round pick.

Burnett will probably start in place of William Gay, who suffered a concussion during the Raiders’ game-winning touchdown drive. Gay was hurt when hit by his own man, safety Ryan Mundy.

“We’ll take (Gay) through the procedure we take guys through coming off a concussion,” Tomlin said. “He will get a battery of tests, which will determine whether or not he is able to practice. If he is able to practice, we’ll check him for levels of discomfort and see where it takes us.”

Even though veteran cornerback Deshea Townsend is a former starter, Tomlin said Burnett will start if

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Gay can’t play.

Tomlin also said there may be other personnel changes in a move to shake up the struggling Steelers (6-6), who’ve lost four straight.

There’s a chance rookie Keenan Lewis, a third-round pick, may replace veteran cornerback Ike Taylor, who struggled in pass coverage in the fourth quarter Sunday.

There’s also a chance that rookie Ramon Foster, an undrafted free agent, may start at right guard in place of Trai Essex.

“We’re analyzing all aspects of what we’re doing here, and we’re going to be aggressive in terms of looking at potential changes in not only what we do schematically, but who we have doing it in all three phases,” Tomlin said.

The Steelers’ defense, which has come under fire for allowing late scores in five of the team’s six losses, has been playing most of the season without two injured starters.

Defensive end Aaron Smith only played five games this year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

Strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his fourth straight game Thursday against the 1-11 Browns and his eighth overall with his second sprained knee injury of the season.

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Tomlin: Changes are coming 12/8/2009 3:31 AM Following Sunday's shocking 27-24 loss to Oakland at Heinz Field, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he would consider lineup changes in an attempt to halt a four-game losing streak.

On Monday, Tomlin announced some of those changes, though they are because of injuries rather than performance.

The Steelers will likely be without wide receiver Hines Ward and cornerback William Gay when they travel to Cleveland for Thursday night's game. Both suffered injuries in the fourth quarter during the loss to the Raiders.

Ward, the Steelers' leading receiver, suffered a hamstring injury on the next-to-last play of the game. Gay, who has started all 12 games, was knocked out with a concussion from a hit by teammate Ryan Mundy. Tomlin said rookie Mike Wallace and second-year pro Limas Sweed would share time at Ward's spot if he is unable to play. Rookie Joe Burnett will start in place of Gay.

Those might not be the only changes for the Steelers (6-6), whose playoff hopes are on life support because of the losing streak.

Tomlin guaranteed there would be more, some with the lineup, others in scheme and perhaps philosophy.

"Whatever we think is appropriate in terms of giving ourselves a chance to win based on the matchup with the Cleveland Browns, so subtle in some areas, maybe not so subtle in others," said Tomlin. "But I am acknowledging that I am very open to that."

With only three days to prepare for the Browns (1-11), time is not on Tomlin's side.

"We can't stay status quo in terms of how we're approaching this thing and expect the pattern of behavior or outcome to change," Tomlin said. "That's unrealistic. That's hoping. This is not a hope business."

While Ward's injury necessitates a change, Gay might have seen his playing time cut even without an injury.

He and fellow starting cornerback Ike Taylor are the only duo in the NFL that has started all 12 games without recording an interception. Deshea Townsend, the No. 3 cornerback, also has no interceptions.

With playoff hopes fading, Tomlin said he's interested in seeing how Burnett, a fifth-round pick, and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis, a third-rounder, have progressed.

"I think that's appropriate that we look at giving guys some opportunities to see if they can play," Tomlin said. "What that means or to what extent that means changes will be made, I think is a little premature. But I acknowledge that that's taken place."

After watching the Steelers give up the lead three times in the fourth quarter Sunday - the fifth fourth-

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quarter lead they lost this season - Tomlin admitted few veterans have job security.

"Nothing stays the same in this game," Tomlin said. "Players are ascending, players are descending. People catch up with schemes, schemes evolve. Playing and coaching, this thing is ever-changing."

Odds and end zones

Gay will undergo the same tests quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did two weeks ago following a concussion. Those tests will determine Gay's ability to practice this week. ... Running back Rashard Mendenhall suffered a minor ankle injury and could be limited in practice. ... Strong safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed the past three games with a knee injury, is likely out again this week. ... Backup quarterback Charlie Batch, out the past two weeks with a fractured left wrist, could return to practice today. ... Defensive end Travis Kirschke, who has missed three of the past four games with a calf injury, could also return.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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Changes being made after latest debacle By: HERALD STANDARD STAFF Herald Standard

PITTSBURGH (AP) - No more motivational slogans from coach Mike Tomlin. No more talk of his Pittsburgh Steelers redeeming themselves for past mistakes. No more grandiose promises to unleash havoc on the NFL for the rest of the season.

Tomlin's response to the Super Bowl champions' latest improbable loss and the franchise's longest losing streak since a five-game slide in 2003? He's taking out an eraser and wiping away names.

A starter gone here, a backup moving up there. A rookie starts, a veteran goes to the bench.

The Steelers traditionally don't make panicky personnel moves or bench a player because of a bad game or two. But what Tomlin calls "a pattern of behavior that's unacceptable" during a four-game slump will result in lineup changes Thursday in Cleveland.

"I assure you there are going to be some," Tomlin said Monday, calling the Steelers "a very average team ... and our recent record might indicate that's a kind assessment."

Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett is expected to start for the oft-beaten William Gay, who sustained a concussion late in the Steelers' can-you-believe-it 27-24 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. Gay might not play in Cleveland.

Another rookie cornerback, Keenan Lewis, plus defensive end Ziggy Hood and wide receiver Mike Wallace, also might earn elevated status for the Browns (1-11). Wallace is expected to start if Hines Ward (hamstring) can't go, which seems likely given the short week.

"We can't stay status quo in terms of how we're approaching this and expect the pattern of behavior or outcome to change," Tomlin said. "That's unrealistic. That's hoping. This is not a hope business."

Tomlin, who hasn't been tested like this previously during his three seasons in Pittsburgh, stayed patient during an 18-12 loss to Cincinnati and twin overtime defeats to the Chiefs and Ravens. Losing three leads in the fourth quarter against the lowly Raiders (4-8) made him lose that, and a lot more.

Tomlin was as close to agitated as he gets in public on Monday, suggesting longevity and loyalty don't count for nearly as much when a team is losing like the Steelers are.

"Nothing stays the same in this game," Tomlin said. "Players are ascending, players are descending. People catch up with schemes, schemes evolve. Playing and coaching, this thing is ever-changing."

A defense that was easily the NFL's best a year ago squandered three leads in the final eight-plus minutes Sunday as Bruce Gradkowski became the first Raiders quarterback in 30 years to throw three TD passes in the fourth quarter. It was the fifth time in six losses the Steelers' defense couldn't hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes said "the party was getting ready to get started" when Ward caught an 11-yard TD pass in the final two minutes that put Pittsburgh ahead 24-20, but the defense didn't hold up.

"That's how we felt, knowing that the offense went down and did our job," Holmes said. "We left everything to the defense. A couple of mishaps here and there, and they (the Raiders) won the ballgame."

A couple of mishaps against the Chiefs and Raiders, two teams that figured to give them little trouble, and the Steelers are 6-6 instead of being at least 8-4. No wonder Tomlin is concerned about his team's confidence, which was shaken when the special teams recently gave up four kickoff return touchdowns in five games.

"You've got to acknowledge the potential this can be kind of a shaken group," Tomlin said. "We've swallowed a lot. I'm going to be looking very closely at these men ... in terms of who legitimately is mentally tough and who can stand the test of adversity."

No matter what happens down the stretch, the Steelers are expected to undergo more changes than usual during the offseason. There could be coaching staff moves - none was made following the Super Bowl win - and more departing veterans than usual, particularly from a defense loaded with starters in their 30s.

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It hasn't helped that star safety Tory Polamalu has missed seven games and most of two others with a pair of left knee injuries. The Steelers are 2-5 when he doesn't start, and he's unlikely to play in Cleveland.

"I'm, not going to make excuses," Tomlin said. "I think we're capable of playing winning football with or without Troy. Are we different? Yes, because Troy's a unique individual. Maybe the ceiling is different but the floor, the level of expectation, is the same."

December 08, 2009

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Cleveland Browns offense finds optimism in the performance of youngsters vs. Chargers

By Mary Kay Cabot December 07, 2009, 8:07PM

BEREA, Ohio -- They didn't have established NFL reputations like Antonio Gates or LaDainian Tomlinson, but the young players who stepped up and made plays for the Browns during Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Chargers gave the team new hope for the offense.

"As an offense, we're feeling a little bit better about things," said fullback Lawrence Vickers. "We're not feeling great because we still didn't get the victory, but it felt good to be clicking for a change, and it was exciting.

"The fans that didn't come missed a really good game. It's always good to see people catching and running and the fans cheering. The fans were really into it, so I was really happy about that."

The Browns didn't have Gates leaping and dashing for a career-high 167 yards, but they had new tight end Evan Moore coming off the practice squad on Saturday, playing in his first NFL game and leading the team with 80 yards on six catches. Moore energized

With four receptions Sunday against Paul Oliver and San Diego, Brian Robiskie finally demonstrated some of the skills that made him a second-round pick in the draft. • Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, 8 p.m., Cleveland Browns Stadium, TV: NFL Network, WKYC Ch. 3

Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer

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the offense right from the start, catching all three passes thrown his way on the opening drive for 42 yards -- to set up an 11-yard touchdown pass from Brady Quinn to Mohamed Massaquoi.

"I think anytime you can insert someone who has six catches for 80 yards, it helps," said coach Eric Mangini. "It was a function of the way he had practiced the past few weeks."

The Browns didn't have veteran Vincent Jackson plucking balls out of the stratosphere, but they had rookie Brian Robiskie coming in after two games in street clothes, and catching four of the five passes thrown his way for 69 yards, including a 43-yarder in the first quarter. Up to that point, Robiskie had one catch for 23 yards in his rookie season and had been inactive for four of 11 games.

"I was very happy for Robiskie because he works hard in practice and catches a lot of balls," said running back Jerome Harrison. "The whole time he was [waiting] he was very positive and didn't say one word. He just kept working hard."

The Browns didn't have Tomlinson smashing records and reaching milestones, but they had Harrison stepping in for Jamal Lewis and touching the ball 17 times -- gaining 35 yards on 10 carries and catching seven passes for 62 yards -- including two fourth-quarter TD catches. It marked the first time that a Browns back caught two TD passes in the same game since Leroy Hoard did it 18 years ago.

"Everyone's starting to jell," said Harrison. "We're starting to get into a good groove. A lot of young guys are stepping up and growing up and getting good experience. There's nothing like being out there with the live bullets."

As much as Mangini liked Harrison's running and catching, he liked his blocking even better. On Brady Quinn's 43-yarder to Robiskie, Harrison blew up a blitzing defender.

"It's something we talked about," said Mangini. "Brady sprinted out to his right, and [Harrison] had an outstanding block on the edge pressure guy. He really sealed the edge on the backside and allowed for that long completion to take place. He's capable of doing that at all times and I thought he made some strides there."

Of the Browns' 25 receptions, 13 were by rookies: Moore had six, Robiskie four, Massaquoi two, and Chris Jennings had one.

"That's really good progress from that group," said Mangini. "I was really pleased to see some of the performances by guys who got their initial opportunity or another opportunity and really took advantage of it."

The Browns didn't have Philip Rivers flinging the ball around for almost 400 yards, but Quinn did throw for 271 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Over the past three games, Quinn has thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

"It was good to see Brady get a good feel for the game and do his thing like he wanted to," said Vickers. "It was good that some of the thing that were drawn up came out how we wanted them to be."

Mangini attributed Quinn's improved production to the players around him.

"I think it's collective," he said. "I thought the protection against San Diego was for the most part outstanding. Very few times was he pressured – not just the offensive line, but the tight ends that were

Jerome Harrison scored twice with touchdown receptions and left Sunday's game with optimism for a youth-infused offense. "A lot of young guys are stepping up and growing up and getting good experience," he said. "There’s nothing like being out there with the live bullets.”

Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer



involved and the backs that were involved.

"There were some good throws but also some really good catches. We've come in here enough times talking about balls that were dropped that were easily catchable. Yesterday there were some balls caught that were difficult catches. That helps, too. His awareness of what the defense is giving us, I think he's made good decisions there. Overall offensively, we've improved significantly in turnovers, in the red area and on third down."

Now, Mangini needs the youngsters to be more than one-hit wonders.

"You want to see Brian and Evan come back and have the same level of production," he said. "Mohamed's had some 100-yard games and Chris Jennings has flashed at certain points. Can we maintain that improvement and then improve in those areas? That's what you have to see."

But at least it was something for them to build on.

"We saw a lot of young players emerge and it's evident that we have weapons on offense now," said Josh Cribbs. "Now we just have to put it together and get a win."

© 2009 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.



December 8, 2009

PACKERS 27, RAVENS 14

Rodgers Throws 3 TDs as Packers Beat Ravens

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 6:22 a.m. ET

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The standings say the Green Bay Packers are in good shape for the playoffs. But

Monday night's victory over the Baltimore Ravens showed they still have some work to do to be taken

seriously once they get there.

Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Jermichael Finley, and the Packers

beat the Ravens 27-14 in a penalty-filled game Monday night.

It was the fourth straight win for the Packers (8-4), solidifying their spot in the NFC wild-card race. But it

certainly wasn't pretty.

The teams committed 23 penalties for 310 yards, tying for the second-highest yardage total in an NFL game.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy called the penalties ''unbelievable for both sides'' but said he was happy with

the way his team responded to trying circumstances -- something they hadn't done well early in the season.

''I'll say this about our football team: I was very proud and excited the way they overcame the adversity,''

McCarthy said.

The Ravens (6-6) struggled in coverage without star safety Ed Reed, who sat out with hip and ankle injuries.

But Ravens coach John Harbaugh insisted his team still can save its season.

''We are still breathing,'' Harbaugh said. ''We are still alive.''

Baltimore was called for five pass interference penalties, the most by a team in a single game since the New

York Giants in 2001. The Packers were flagged four times for pass interference.

Rodgers was 26 of 40 for 263 yards with two interceptions, only his sixth and seventh of the season.

While Reed's replacement, Tom Zbikowski, came up with one of the interceptions, the Ravens struggled in

coverage.

Baltimore's Joe Flacco was 15 of 36 for 137 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. The Packers

sacked him three times.

The win is a continuation of a significant momentum swing for the Packers, who were 4-4 after looking bad

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in back-to-back losses to Minnesota and Tampa Bay in early November but haven't lost since.

They've worked out some of their pass protection problems -- Rodgers was sacked only once Monday night --

and their defense appears to be getting more comfortable in the 3-4 scheme installed by defensive

coordinator Dom Capers in the offseason.

''If our defense plays like it did tonight, we're going to be tough to beat,'' Rodgers said.

Leading 17-0 at halftime and seemingly cruising, the Packers suddenly found themselves scrambling after a

pair of turnovers, both involving Donald Driver, allowed Baltimore to get back in the game.

The Packers were driving on their first possession of the second half when Driver caught a pass in Ravens

territory and fumbled as he turned to run upfield. Former Packers defensive back Frank Walker recovered,

giving the ball back to the Ravens at their own 29.

Flacco drove the Ravens to the Green Bay 12, where he faced third-and-7. Given a free play after defensive

lineman Johnny Jolly jumped offside, Flacco found Kelley Washington in the corner of the end zone for a

touchdown. Washington tried to do a ''Lambeau leap,'' but fans pushed him out of the stands.

The play was upheld on a replay review, cutting the Packers' lead to 17-7.

After the Packers nearly fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Rodgers watched as his first pass of the next possession

bounced off Driver's leg and into the arms of linebacker Jarret Johnson, giving the ball back to Baltimore at

the Green Bay 42.

Flacco went deep, drawing pass interference on Packers cornerback Tramon Williams. Willis McGahee

scored on a 1-yard touchdown run two plays later, cutting the lead to 17-14 in the third quarter.

The Packers drove to the Baltimore 17 thanks in large part to a 15-yard face mask penalty by Ray Lewis on

Greg Jennings, but the Packers were pushed back by a holding penalty on right tackle Mark Tauscher and the

Packers had to settle for a field goal -- but Mason Crosby missed from 38 yards.

Flacco then threw deep downfield to Derrick Mason, who caught the ball but was called for offensive pass

interference against Charles Woodson. Mason compounded the problem by drawing an unsportsmanlike

conduct penalty afterward, and the Ravens had to punt from their own 9-yard line.

The Packers got the ball back at the Baltimore 49, and Rodgers threw to Korey Hall and Driver for first

downs before finding Finley for a 19-yard touchdown pass and a 24-14 lead with 10:31 remaining.

But Lardarius Webb ran the ensuing kickoff 68 yards -- another special-teams meltdown for a Packers team

prone to giving up big returns -- and Tramon Williams was called for pass interference.

But Williams recovered two plays later, picking off Flacco in the end zone to give the ball back to the Packers

and preserve the lead.

A.J. Hawk then picked off another Flacco pass, and the Packers drove for a 32-yard field goal by Crosby to

seal the victory.



Copyright 2009 The Associated Press

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The Huddle: The latest word on NFL news, notes and buzz

DeSean Jackson says he will play for Eagles vs. Giants this week

Dec 08, 2009

Woman alleges Ravens' Terrell Suggs assaulted her, poured bleach on her 02:59 AM

Comment Recommend

A woman in Baltimore has obtained a restraining order against Ravens LB Terrell Suggs and accused him of harassment in an altercation last month, the

National Football Post reported.

Candace Williams alleged that Suggs struck her and poured bleach on her in a November altercation, according to court documents the NFP cited.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the site the league is looking into the allegations.

No charges have been filed against Suggs, who hasn't played since Nov. 16 as he recovers from a knee injury.

The court documents allege that Suggs hit Williams, threw a soap dispenser at her and poured a bleach bottle on her and her son.

Suggs didn't offer a comment on the allegations to the NFL. Ravens spokesmen Kevin Byrne told the site the team has discussed the situation with Suggs.

"He will have his opportunity to tell his side of the story at a later date," Byrne told the site. -- Sean Leahy

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The Huddle: The latest word on NFL news, notes and buzz

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen to enter NFL draft

Jerry Jones: December is not the Cowboys' problem

Dec 07, 2009

Raiders: Mike Tomlin's 'unleash hell' comment motivated their win vs. Steelers 12:44 PM

Comment Recommend

The only hell unleashed in Pittsburgh on Sunday was done by the Oakland Raiders.

And the underdog victors relished doling out a loss that was painful to the 6-6 Steelers' playoff hopes.

Following the Steelers' loss in Week 12 against Baltimore, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin vowed to "unleash hell in December."

And the Raiders, their first opponent in December, took noticed -- and were offended.

"It helped motivate us," Oakland center Samson Satele told thePittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Receiver Todd Watkins told the paper he hopes someone from the Redskins (the Raiders' next opponent) makes a similar comment.

"Oh, yeah. We had his comments up on the board," Watkins said. "That kind of drove us all week, when you make a statement like that." -- Sean Leahy

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NextJerry Jones: December is not the Cowboys' problem

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Observations on the Ravens

By James Walker ESPN.com Here are six observations of the Baltimore Ravens following their 27-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers: Little urgency: With the Ravens (6-6) in desperate need of a win, they were expected to play with more urgency on Monday night. But that wasn't the case as Baltimore came out extremely flat in the first half. The Ravens have been a slow-starting team all season. Penalties and a pair of turnovers (one fumble, one interception) quickly put the Ravens behind 17-0 at intermission, and that was too much to overcome at Lambeau Field. Rodgers too comfortable: We mentioned earlier in the AFC North blog that pass pressure would be key for Baltimore. The Ravens didn’t get nearly enough pressure on Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Baltimore registered just one sack on Rodgers, who entered the game having been sacked 44 times. The Ravens were unable to exploit Green Bay's biggest weakness and it's a major reason the Packers were victorious. Flacco struggled: Baltimore's coaching staff loved the strides quarterback Joe Flacco made this offseason. But it may be time to tighten the reins a little and reconsider that Flacco is still a second-year quarterback. The Ravens put a lot of pressure on Flacco Monday to air it out and make big plays against the NFL's top-rated defense. As a result, Flacco threw for 137 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. His passer rating was just 27.2. Falling behind caused Flacco to force a lot of throws, including one interception in the end zone that he threw across his body. Too sloppy: The Ravens are one of the most penalized teams in the NFL, and that trend stayed true to form against the Packers, who were also heavily penalized. It made for a very ugly game. But the difference is the Ravens are not a good enough team to overcome 12 penalties for 135 yards on the road. The biggest infractions were Baltimore's five pass interference calls -- one on offense and four on defense. The secondary has struggled to cover all season and too often Baltimore's defensive backs resort to holding receivers. Pass protection: As Rodgers was protected well, it was surprising to see how dominant Green Bay's front seven was against Baltimore's versatile offensive line. Flacco was sacked three times and hit by the Packers eight additional times. The Packers kept Flacco scrambling when passing and stuffed Baltimore's running game. One of the Ravens' strengths is their offensive line, and this unit needs to play better down the stretch. Playoff hopes dim: Baltimore is now in the same position as the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6). Both AFC North rivals likely have to run the table to get into the postseason. That can't happen for the Ravens and

ESPN.com: AFC North [Print without images]

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw for just 137 yards and 3 INTs.

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Steelers as both teams will meet in a possible elimination game in Week 16. As I mentioned last week, neither team looks playoff-worthy right now and it's hard to imagine either team suddenly winning four in a row. So don't be surprised if the Cincinnati Bengals (9-3) are the only playoff representative from the AFC North.

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Monday, December 7, 2009

What are the Steelers' changes?

By James Walker ESPN.com PITTSBURGH -- To break a four-game losing streak, Steelers (6-6) head coach Mike Tomlin promised to make changes in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns (1-11). Tomlin added that he will be looking at all three phases up until game time. So what are the potential lineup changes? After giving up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders, I anticipate most of them coming on defense. Here are some possibilities: CB William Gay replaced by Joe Burnett Why: This is the easiest to predict because Gay (concussion) is injured and unlikely to play on a short week. Tomlin said Burnett likely will be the starter if Gay cannot play. Keenan Lewis also is in the mix. But even if Gay is available, I think he’s skating on thin ice. He has struggled in recent weeks in coverage. S Ryan Clark/Tyrone Carter replaced by Ryan Mundy Why: Tomlin could have an interesting decision at safety with Mundy waiting in the wings. He’s a young player the coaching staff has liked since training camp. And with Clark playing poorly and Carter limited as a playmaker, Mundy could start in place of either player. It’s really a matter of who Tomlin feels needs to be replaced. LB Lawrence Timmons replaced by Keyaron Fox Why: Fox replaced Timmons earlier this season when he was hurt, and Pittsburgh played some of its best defense of the season. Tomlin likely remembers and could look to Fox again. Timmons has been at his best as a specialty player who can come off the bench and cover a tight end or rush the passer. But, whether it’s injuries or performances, he has struggled at times as an every down player. CB Ike Taylor replaced by Keenan Lewis Why: Could Tomlin really go with two rookie cornerbacks against Cleveland? I don’t think so. Taylor has allowed some big plays and struggled to hold on to potential interceptions. But he’s still the team’s best cover cornerback, and it would be a huge risk to pull Taylor from the starting lineup. Also on the injury front, receiver Hines Ward injured his hamstring late against the Oakland Raiders and is “very questionable.” Rookie receiver Mike Wallace likely would start if Ward cannot go. Safety Troy Polamalu (knee) also is not expected to play Thursday.

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Posted: Monday December 7, 2009 1:42PM; Updated: Monday December 7, 2009 1:42PM

Steelers' Ward may miss Browns game PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Wide receiver Hines Ward strained a hamstring near the end of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders and is expected to miss Thursday night's game in Cleveland.

Coach Mike Tomlin says that with a short week of preparation, Ward is "very questionable." Ward leads the Steelers (6-6) with 72 catches and six touchdowns and is 78 yards away from his sixth career 1,000-yard season.

Safety Troy Polamalu hasn't resumed practicing and is expected to miss a fourth consecutive game -- and his eighth this season -- with a left knee injury. Cornerback William Gay also may not play because of a concussion.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Find this article at: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/12/07/ward.ap/index.html

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