Steelers proving to be more than a one-dimesional team

Just four weeks ago, the sky was falling.

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't do anything right. They couldn't play defense. Their offense was inconsistent. They had no discipline, and because of it, they were 4-5. It looked as if Pittsburgh would be lucky to make the playoffs, and even then, accomplishing that would be a testament to how pathetic the AFC North is, not how good the Pittsburgh Steelers are. In short, the Steelers, who were sexy Super Bowl picks before the season started, were a colossal disappointment. Then, the switch flipped.

Just like that, the Steelers have won four in a row, and have looked damn good doing it, allowing just 40 points over that four-game stretch, and scoring 93. Granted, one of those wins was against the Browns, and another one against an Andrew Luck-less Colts team. However, the past two W's over the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, have been particularly eye-opening, especially from a defensive perspective.

The Steelers offense is supposed to put up a lot of points, so no amount of success that they have is all that shocking. On the contrary, their defense is supposed to allow a lot of points, and much to our delight, Keith Butler's unit has been stingy over the past four weeks. Although I must say that none of the offensive unites that Pittsburgh has encountered over the past month is particulary impressive, we are still seeing a lot of progress from Butler's troops. The Steelers defensive success may come as either a complete shock, or a product of the competition, but honestly, I'm not sure it's either. My theory is: maybe the Steelers defense is actually pretty good?

Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert  have received criticism over the years for not drafting quality defensive talent, and that is sighted as a big reason for Pittsburgh's defensive struggles over the past few years. We've seen guys like Ziggy Hood not accomplish much of anything, guys like Ryan Shazier be injured too damn much, and guys like Jarvis Jones take awhile to develop. Well, it looks like it all may be coming together.

Let's look at the Steelers prized defensive draft choices and see what they have been doing through this current hot streak

Jarvis Jones- 1st round, 2013
Jones has been heavily scrutinized for his play over the first two seasons in the Steel City, and rightfully so. But he's been pretty solid in this his third year. The outside linebacker from Georiga has made several big plays, and he looks like he's improving by the week. If Jones continues to get better, than he could help fill the void left at outside linebacker when James Harrison decides to hang up the cleats.

Ryan Shazier- 1st round 2014
Self-explanatory. The Ohio State grad is one of the best in football at his position when healthy, and the Steelers hit a home run when they drafted him two years ago. If Shazier can stay on the field and out of UPMC, the sky is the limit.

Bud Dupree: 1st round, 2015
Dupree missed a lot of time due to injury this season, but he gets the job done when he is on the field. Dupree's performance in Buffalo last Sunday earned him a 74.2 rating according to Pro Football Focus. If he keeps up with those types of performances, then him and Jones will both help give the Steelers linebacking group a stable future.

Stephan Tuitt- Second Round, 2014
Beast. Tuitt has come on in the second half of the season, and he will be a Pro Bowler very soon. When Cam Heyward gets back from injury, these two will define the Steelers pass rush for years to come.

Artie Burns: 1st Round, 2016
Many people, including yours truly, did not approve of Burns selection in the first round of this past April's draft. Well, there is a reason that we are not in the Steelers front office. Burns keeps getting better by the week, as he leads the Steelers in INT's with 3, and is worlds ahead of the travesty that was Antwon Blake at cornerback. Burns is a player, and he will be an asset in this league for years to come.

Sean Davis: 2nd round, 2016
Yes, his dumb penalty against Dallas likely cost the Steelers that game. But he has grown since then. Davis hits hard, is among the Steelers leading tacklers with 48, and like Artie Burns, this rookie from Maryland is getting better as the weeks go on.

Javon Hargrave: 3rd round, 2016
6'1, 309 lbs. Hargrave is big, he is quick, and he can play defensive end as well as nose tackle. This man is a monster. Stay the hell out of his way. Davis, Burns and Hargrave are three rookies. These men are the future, and the future is looking pretty bright from where I am sitting.



Yes, the Steelers young talent is impressive, and hopefully, the past four games are a sign of things to come. But this recent surge of defensive success as well as the greatness of Le'Veon Bell  shows how quick things can change in sports, as well as how ready sports fans are to jump the gun.

Just four weeks ago, Mike Tomlin was a bum, the Steelers were a trainwreck, and the whole organization was just one big fraud. Many people were talking about Tomlin's job being on the line, and although I have never for a day in my life envisioned Tomlin getting the ax, I did raise the question in this post. Fast forward, and such claims and issues and speculations seem silly. The Steelers are 8-5, arguably the most dangerous team in the AFC outside of Foxborough, Mass, and a lot of it has to do with the defensive talent that Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert have gotten some flack over the years for drafting.

In short, not one part of the Steelers turnaround should be surprising. The offense dominates, and the defensive has a lot of talent that is just now starting to blossom. Pittsburgh is a good football team that is only getting better. So as fans, all we can do is buckle up, and hope that the season doesn't sway again

Steelers-Bills: 3 keys to victory

Hello, all. It's December, and every game is a must-win for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today at Buffalo is no exception. Here are three things that the Steelers can do to ensure a fourth straight victory.

Key #1: Contain the running game
The Buffalo Bills offense goes through the ground. LeSean McCoy is one of the leagues best runningbacks, and the Steelers run defense is not steller. However, for whatever reason, I don't see McCoy getting anymore than 75 yards today. I can't explain it; it's just a gut feeling. Mark it down.

Odds of execution: Decent 

Key #2: O-Line: Step up
The Buffalo Bills have a talented defensive line. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a talented offensive line. Something has to give. It all depends on what version of the Steelers O-Line shows up. If the line plays as they have been during this three-game win streak, they will be okay. If they play as they did during their four-game losing streak, then it could be trouble. I trust that the big bois up front have found themselves, and they will be just fine.

Odds of execution: Solid

Key #3: Ring the Bell
It feels like I am recycling, but next to Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell is the most important player on this football team. No disrespect to Antiono Brown, but Bell is the one who makes this offense go. He is able to help this team with both running and catching, and he is the most complete back in football. If Bell lights up Buffalo for 150+ all purpose yards, the Steelers will win this football game.

Odds of execution: Fantastic 

Final prediction
The Bills have a decent football team. But the Steelers are boomin in ever facet of the game. This is a runaway train that won't be stopped. At least not today. Normally, this is the type of road game that the Steelers would lose. However, this team is playing to well for me to see that happening.

Steelers 28, Bills 17

NFL Week 14 Picks

Graphic creds to Bradley W. Stewart

Hello, all. Due to Penn State's Big 10 title win, I was not able to post an NFL Preview article last week. However, we all got are picks in, and they all count. Week 14 is here. Let's get into it. Also, I will talk about the Steelers-Bills game in a seperate preview.
1:00
Close, but no cigar
Broncos (8-4) at Titans (6-6) 

Tennesse has been one of the surprises of this season, as they are in a three-way tie with Houston and Indianapolis for first in the AFC South (for whatever that is worth). I expect the Titans to give Denver all they can handle. However, Denver's defense will make a big play late to preserve a win, and that's the bottom line because Smeltzer said so.
Denver 17, Tennesse 13

The Eagles are a joke, but... Redskins (6-5-1) at Eagles (5-7)

Philly has fallen off a cliff, which is why I expect them to win this game. They are at home, playing against a mediocre and one-dimensional Redskins team. If Fletcher Cox and the Eagles defensive line can get pressure on Kirk Cousins and force some bad passes, Philly will win the football game. If Washington doesn't score a lot, they won't win. That's what the difference will be. 

Eagles 28, Redskins 21

Fins to the left, fins to the right Cardinals (5-6-1) at Dolphins (7-5)

Here we have one of the league's most surprising teams going against perhaps its most disappointing. Miami took a step back in Baltimore last week, but I still trust Ryan Tannehill, DeVante Parker, and the Dolphins offense to get back on track. Miami is very much alive in the AFC Playoff race, and they will play like it on Sunday. However, Arizona will come to play, and they will be just a little better. I just gots a feeling
Cardinals 32, Dolphins 29


"Who the hell cares" part I
Chargers (5-7) at Panthers (4-8) 

Carolina is garbage in every sense of the word. But they are at home against a bad Chargers team, so I guess Cammy Cam can feel good about himself for a few hours.
Panthers 33, Chargers 24

It's Gonna Happen Bengals (4-7-1) at Browns (0-12)

This game is the Browns best chance to get a win, and I just can't see them going 0-16. Can't do it. Go crazy, lands of Cleves.
Browns 24, Bengals 20

Look at the records Bears (3-9) at Lions (8-4) 
Look at the records and tell me who should win this one.
Lions 38, Bears 23

Somehow an important game Texans (6-6) at Colts (6-6) 

There is a good chance that whoever wins this game ends up taking the AFC South crown (again, no saying very much). I think that Indy is starting to figure things out. Andrew Luck is healthy again and playing good football, while Brock Osweiler might well be the worst QB in the game. Luck will pick apart the Texans secondary, and Indy will avenge that woeful Sunday Night loss at Houston in Week 6.
Colts 31, Texans 17

"Who the hell cares?" Part II Vikings (6-6) at Jags (2-10)
Jacksonville is awful. Minnesota has lost six of seven. But other than that, great matchup we have here.

4:05
"Who the hell cares?" Part III
Jets (3-9) at 49ers (1-11)
I want Colin Kaepernick to lose every game he starts, and I  believe Bryce Petty will keep that dream alive. A San Fran victory may frustrate the fanbase, because with the Browns being as bad as they are, a 9er victory would all but destroy their chances of getting the #1 draft pick. So, I say, root for the 49ers to lose along with me.

49ers Something, Jets Something less

4:25
Passing of the torch
Saints (5-7) at Bucs (7-5)

Brees vs. Winston. The established vs. The up-and-comer. On Sunday, I'm taking the young bull. Jameis Winston is the real deal, and he will have a field day with the putrid Saints defense. Drew Brees will play well like he always does, but his team just does not do him justice. Tampa, meanwhile, is on the rise, and they will inch one step closer to an NFC South title.
Bucs 35, Saints 27

Fire Jeff Fisher Falcons (7-5) at Rams (4-8)
Fire. Jeff. Fisher.
Falcons 28, Rams 13

A-Rod is back Seahawks (8-3-1) at Packers (6-6)

Aaron Rodgers is finding his groove, and the Packers are playing in the tundra. That's a dangerous combination for the Earl Thomes-less Seahawks. Seattle may be the best team in the NFC, but it's hard to win at Lambeau Field, and Green Bay will remind us all of that fact on Sunday. However, Seattle is going to prove to be too tough for the putrid Packers defense to handle. Russell Wilson will come to play, and the Seahawks will grind it out for a big victory.
Seahawks 27, Packers 24

8:30
Turn out the lights
Cowboys (11-1) at Giants (6-4) 
The Giants were exposed last Sunday against my Steelers, and the Cowboys cannot lose. That's a dangerous thing. But all good streaks must come to an end, and I feel that the Giants will come to play in their home stadium. Dallas will be fine, but on Sunday night, the fun is over.

Giants 24, Cowboys 21

Will the Patriots lose?
The Dirty Birds are going down. Let's go, Brady!

Lion Pride, Baby

By: Joe Smeltzer

Criticize him all you want, but James Franklin is a champion (Photo creds to indystar.com

Well, after much debate and speculation, we now know the four teams competing for College Footballs biggest prize. Unfortunately, my beloved Penn State Nittany Lions are not one of those teams, and many people are upset about that.

Penn State did have a solid case to be in the College Football Playoff. As we all know, they were the champions of the Big Ten, which was far and away the best conference in America. Penn State also defeated #3 Ohio State, who did make it to the College Football Playoff, head to head, which many people are quick to point out. Another thing that may not be as obvious in Penn State's case, but is equally valid, is their non-conference schedule compared to that of the fourth team that got in; the Washington Huskies.

Penn State's nonconference resume includes a close loss at hated Pitt, and a victory at home against Temple, who finished the regular season at 10-3, while Washington's includes wins over powerhouses Idaho and Portland State. So the argument that Penn State fans have is that the NCAA should not punish their immortal beloved for losing a tough non-conference game when the team that got the #4 spot instead of them played the definition of a "cupcake" non-conference schedule.

Although I am disappointed that Washington got in and Penn State did not, I understand the decision. The Huskies are one of the top football teams in the land, and their only loss was to a USC team that is as hot as any in college football. At the end of the day, Penn State did not take care of business against Pitt and Michigan, and for that, they have nobody to blame but themselves.

The Ohio State case is what is on the minds of most of Nittany Nation. Yes, the Nittany Lions did defeat the Buckeyes by a score of 24-21. Yes, The Nittany Lions won the Big Ten and the Buckeyes did not. However, as much as I dislike the Ohio State and as much as I love my Lions, I understand that Ohio State is one of College Footballs best teams, and I can't say that OSU does not deserve to be competing for the national championship.

Penn State worked their butts off to get to where they are. In my opinion, their exclusion from the College Football Playoff shows how important to it is to play quality football from bell to bell. If the Lions defeated Pitt, they'd be in the college football playoff. But they didn't beat Pitt. They got obliterated by Michigan and got off to a 2-2 start. It's essential to finish hot, but starting hot is pretty damn important as well. Unfourtanly, the Lions only did the former.

Penn State fans have a right to be disappointed about their team not being in the college football playoff. But in my opinion, we Penn State fans should be feeling pretty damn good at the moment.

This team was the best story in college football in 2016. I don't think there is a close second. It is beyond remarkable that a school coming off two straight 7-6 seasons,  started this season at a pedestrian 2-2, was the second youngest team in America, had mimumal stability on the offensive line, and oh yeah, was five years removed from the most damaging college sanctions since SMU's death penalty could come within a gnat's eyelash of playing for birth in the national title game. Regardless of how you feel about Penn State, a fair fan must admire this football team and respect that they played as well as any team not coached by Nick Saban in the second half of the season.

Nonetheless, the naysayers will keep on dismissing. "Well, the Ohio State game was a fluke!" As if to say that Penn State did not beat the Buckeyes and that no team should dare try to block a field goal. "Well, Penn State was the 3rd best team in the Big Ten East!" As if to say that Penn State did not win the Big Ten championship, did not get to the title game fair and square, and that Michigan's slip up at Iowa was irrelevant because "they beat Penn State by 39!"  The system is simple; Team A had two conference losses, Team B had one conference loss, and Team C had one conference loss to Team B. Therefore, it is only fair that team B gets the tiebreaker.

But according to the naysayers, the system sucks, and Penn State did not deserve to be Big Ten champions because Michigan and Ohio State "were just better, man." I don't care if Penn State's win over Ohio State was a fluke or not. It doesn't upset me that much that Michigan demolished the Nittany Lions the way they did. I do, however, care very much about 42-39.

As all Penn State fans know and have been reminded of every day for the past two months, that was the score of that game at Pitt. While Penn State unquestionably had a better year than Pitt did, the Panthers still have the bragging rights. At the end of the day, they defeated Penn State, and worse yet, they kept Penn State out of the college football playoff. It's true. It's damn true.

But while I am still bothered about the Pitt loss, I am comforted by the fact that Pitt went 8-4 and is playing a very average Northwestern team in the prestigious Pinstripe Bowl, while Penn State is playing a hot USC team in the grandaddy of them all. Gee, I wonder what program has it better? Pitt has the bragging rights, sure, but Penn State has the better team, and that is something Nittany Nation can take pride in.

Penn State won 11 games and the Big Ten championship and did so with a team that plays exciting, high scoring football that is a product of the genius of Offensive Coordinator Joe Moorehead. Moorehead is a fruit of the brilliant coaching staff that James Franklin has assembled in Happy Valley. The Lions were the best "second half team" in America, and were never out of a game.

So, my request to Penn State fans everywhere is not to be angry with the Playoff Selection Committee. The Lions had a case to be in the Final Four, but they also lost two early games, and that is what did them in. I ask instead that Nittany Nation is filled with pride. Things look even better for 2017, as the Nittany Lions lose just four starters total on offense and defense. But with the Big Ten being as strong as it is, we don't know when Penn State will be in this position again. So enjoy it, and don't think too much about what could have been, because the reality is pretty damn good for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Which Players Should the Penguins Protect when the Vegas Expansion Draft Comes Along?

   Which Players Should the Penguins Protect when the Vegas Expansion Draft Comes Along?

By: Jeff Stewart

              It was an excellent summer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Fresh off their Stanley Cup Championship, there was much to celebrate.   However, just ten days after the Penguins lifted the Stanley Cup; the NHL announced their plans to create an expansion team in Las Vegas. This came along at the worst possible time for the newly crowned Penguins.  Each team can choose to protect either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie. Or 8 skaters(forwards and defensemen) and one goalie.  This may seem like it will come as a big blow to the young Penguins team which looked like it was built for success in the coming years.  However, it will all be ok Penguins fans!  Let's go through who the Penguins should keep.

            I believe the first choice is the best for the Penguins, seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie.

FORWARDS:
 Guaranteed Protected: 
 Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Patric Hornqvist 

Those choices were pretty obvious. Now, we only have three openings left and things get a lot more interesting.

Carl Hagelin-  We have yet to pick a left-winger, and he was a part of the dominant HBK line this past postseason. Adding his young age into the mix, he can become a star for Pittsburgh in the coming years.

Nick Bonino- I'd  like to keep all three players from the HBK line.  They are all very explosive and work well together.  If you keep all three Coach Sullivan will have to make one less line.

Conor Sheary-  We only have one left winger, and I don't know how much longer the 37-year-old Chris Kunitz can go.  Sheary played pretty solidly with Sid last year.  He's 24 and has shown glimpses of greatness.

DEFENSEMEN- 
We will be able to keep only three defensemen, so we need to choose wisely!
Guaranteed Protected:
Kris Letang, Oli Matta

There is only one slot left, with six players to choose from this position will leave Jim Rutherford in a pickle.

Ian Cole- I  like Ian Cole more than Daley, Dumoulin, and Pouliot. He is 27 years of age, so he still has lots of hockey left in him.  He played well last year, and I expect him to get better.  I also believe we can get two if not all 3 of the players I chose Cole over in the expansion draft.

GOALIES:
This decision will be the biggest decision for the Penguins before this draft.  Do we keep the 32-year-old Marc-Andre Fleury, who has had lots of experience and success, or do we take the 2nd year goaltender who leads the Penguins to the Stanley Cup, Matt Murray?   The Penguins may be able to keep both because if a player is in his first or second professional years, the player can't be sent to the expansion draft no matter what.  However, there is still confusion as to whether or not the rule refers to 2 NHL years or 2 years playing professional hockey.  I see the rule as two professional years, in which case Murray would not be safe from the draft.  This is a tough decision that even I am still flip-flopping from.

Matt Murray-  If I made a decision right now, I would choose Murray.  He is so young and has a lot of potentials.  I would hope that the Pens would somehow be able to get Fleury in the expansion draft.  I am a little cautious with Murray with his limited experience. Fleury still has solid years left as well.

If the Penguins can keep Fleury and Murray together, I think it will be a great team and the Penguins will be able to rest their goalies comfortably knowing they have another that can do just as well.

                 In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in great shape to retain a championship contending team after the expansion draft. Hopefully, we can get more than just the 10 I mentioned. Until then it will be interesting to keep an eye on. Go Pens!

College Football Playoff: Final predictions

By: Joe Smeltzer 
Today is the day. In about an hour, we will know who is in and who is out. So, here is what we think will go down at noon today.

#1: Alabama
Joe/Jeff/Brad/Ryan
No explanation needed. The Tide are a semi-pro team that is playing college football. They have been the most dominant team in America all year, and are clear favorites to win yet another national title.

#2: Clemson (Joe/Jeff) Ohio State (Brad/Ryan)
The Tigers are a lock for the playoffs. They did lose to Pitt, but nonetheless, they have been dominant far more often than not. Clemson is as good as any non-Saban coached team in America, and they deserve this #2 spot.

My cousins Brad and Ryan believe that Ohio State deserves to stay at #2. Yes, the Buckeyes have one of the most impressive resumes in the country, but they did not win their conference, and because of that, I believe they need to drop a few spots if they still are to make the playoff.

#3: Washington (Joe, Brad) Clemson (Ryan) Ohio State (Jeff)
Yes, the Huskies didn't have the toughest schedule in the world. But I feel that they have proven themselves to be a playoff worthy football team. They beat Utah on the road. They dominated a good Washington State team on the road in a rivalry game, and they beat a  good Colorodo team in the PAC 12 title game on Friday. The Huskies came into that PAC 12 title game ranked #4, and I think after that performance, it would be unjust to knock them out of the playoff.

#4: Ohio State (Joe) Clemson (Brad) Washington (Jeff/Ryan)
Regardless of weather or not my Nittany Lions deserve to be in the playoff, I sadly think that Penn State will be left out. Ohio State won a lot of big games, only has 1 loss, and draws a lot of money. Therefore, I don't see the Buckeyes dropping all the way from #2 to #5. I understand that Penn State is the champion of the nations toughest conference. I understand that they beat Ohio State head to head. However, I don't see the committe shutting the Buckeyes out. They have one of the nations sexiest track records, and that is what will get them in.

#5: Penn State
What I said above. I hope to write more about Penn State's situtation in a later post.

#6: Michigan
Michigan is as a good as any team in the country that isn't Alabama. However, they lost to Iowa, and the lost to Ohio State. They did not make the Big 10 title game, and unlike Ohio State, they have as many losses overall as the team that did. So sorry, Michigan. No playoff for you.

Penn State- Wisconsin: 3 Keys to a Big 10 Title

Hello all. In case any of you are wondering, I will not be going into detail about Penn State and the College Football Playoff. I have decided to be like James Franklin and only focus on what is straight ahead, which is the Wisconsin Badgers. Here are 3 things Penn State can do to beat the Badgers and go to the playoff or Rose Bowl

Key #1: Stop the run
The Wisconsin Badgers are not a good passing team. I think the fact that they have juggled between two quarterbacks (Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston) proves that. However, the Badgers do have a decent running game. Corey Clement is a workhoarse, and he is the leader of the Badgers offense, with 1,140 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Another thing the Badgers do very well are jet sweeps, as receiver Jazz Peavy is one of the biggest weapons in the Big 10. Dare Ogunbowale and Bradrick Shaw are also weapons that Paul Chryst will use on Saturday night.

Penn State's defensive line has, for the most part, done a solid job at stopping the run, and although I expect the Badgers to get their fair share of yards, I also expect the Nittany Lions to hold their own.

Odds of Execution: Fair

Key #2: Contain T.J. Watt
He'll probably always be the second best player in his family, but T.J., brother of J.J., is a beast in his right. The Junior linebacker is one of the best defensive players in the country, and he can change the game with one play. The Nittany Lions must keep Watt from wrecking the whole damn night, because he is capable of doing just that.

Odds of Exeuction: Solid 

Key #3: Trace McSorley
Just Trace Mcsorley. While many see Saquon Barkley as the most important man in the Penn State offense, nobody has more pressure on them than the quarterback. McSorley has played in some big games, in this his first season as a colligiate starter, but nothing close to what will go down in Indy on Saturday Night.

The two questions that I have about McSorley are;
1. Can he handle the moment?
2. Can he throw the football?
I have no doubts that McSorley can handle the moment, as he is not the type of kid to get rattled. However, I am concerned about the strength of Wisconsin's defense. The Badgers have one of the best units in college football, and it's probably the biggest challange Penn State's offense has faced since the Michigan game.

Although there is reason for doubt, this team knows how to find a way, and I believe Trace McSorley will find a way.

Final Prediction
It will be a tough, low-scoring game, but I believe that Penn State is the more balanced team. The Nittany Lion offense is a machine, and I think if they can score 21 points against this tough Badger defense, they will win the game. I just don't think Wisconsin's offense will be productive enough to get them over the hump, which is so rare to say about a Paul Chryst coached team.

Penn State will win. This is our moment. This is for Nittany Nation. These will be the Big 10 Champs. Get ready to smell to roses (or face Alabama).

Penn State 21, Wisconsin 17.