Inspiration: Heather and Troy

Watching the Steelers-Titans opening NFL game of the year and saw this on twitter at the 1/2. Very inspirational. A reminder to all of us to enjoy each day we are given and to try to make our lives here together the best we can.

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Steelers Win

Super Bowl XLIII

Who's gonna win? Well that's easy. Black 'n Gold. But, how will it shake down?

In the most offense-filled season since 1965 — teams averaged 22 points a game this season; in 1976, it was 19.2 — the Steelers allowed just 13.9 points a game. They also did not allow a rusher to go over 100 yards or a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards. And that was playing the hardest schedule in the N.F.L.

Defense wins championships. Will Warner throw for over 300 yards. It's possible. Because that's all Arizona is going to do - throw. I do not believe they will be able to run the ball against the new Steel Curtain. So Warner may pick up enough yardage.
Look for these two things to happen, first I think the Cardinals will get off to a fast start. They have all playoff season long. But, also look for the Steelers to go ahead just before half time and to DOMINATE the third quarter. They have been AMAZING just after the half all year.
The key to the game is absolutely - the Steelers running game. I think the Cards will get their yards and points against the Steelers defense because they are just that good. But, the Steelers offense must be able to control the football with the run, not turn it over and get their points. Tight End Heath Miller is a huge part of the game (especially if Hines Ward is not his usual self - which would be hard to believe). Miller is a massive plus in the run game and often is the most responsible blocker for big outside runs when he cuts down the corner of the opposing defenses. But, Miller may be clutch around the goal line and during short yardage situations.
Look for Warner to have a fantastic first half and then slip up as the sun goes down and day turns to night. It won't be all his fault. With turnover machine Troy Palamalu back there... #43 will make his big plays. Just like in the AFC Championship Game, that defense will have it's say before it's all over. Steeler defensive co-ordinator Dick LeBeau is the master and this will be his most impressive moment in a long and storied career.
Final score:
Pittsburgh Steelers 31
Arizona Cardinals 23

MVP: Ben Roethlisberger
Why Big Ben? I don't think there will be a clear MVP. This will be a team effort. But, Big Ben will not turn the ball over. He won't have a ton of completions, but the ones he does get may just go long distance. So I think he'll throw for 280+ yards and get the job done. But, in the end people will be arguing for a number of defensive players that could easily have won the award. Turnovers will be a huge key. So will sacks. Who goes down more? Big Ben or "Thank You Jesus" Kurt? It is my opinion that Ben is tougher in the pocket and has be elusiveness. Plus, Kurt Warner has to play against one of the best defenses this league has ever seen. After the season they have had... they should go down in history as one of the best units ever. Facing the schedule that they did, they still were #1 overall in just about every single defensive category. Amazing.

Steelers Renegade

Steel City Pizzeria

Tonight we decided to check out "Steel City Pizzeria" in Spring, Tx. It's about a 45 minute drive to Spring (just south of The Woodlands). We were already heading over to Target about a 1/4 of the way, so we said, "What the heck." The Steelers are all set for the Super Bowl tomorrow, so we wanted to get some good karma going.

The place was great. Black and Gold everywhere. Lots of flat screens with the Penguins game on and lots of Super Bowl coverage. As we looked around the place, it was pretty obvious that there were a lot of displaced Pittsburghers in there. They had that hardened Western Pa look. Norma said, "I feel like we are in Pittsburgh."

The food was excellent. We got a large Deluxe Pizza (it said, "Look Out Loretta!" under the title in the menu - a nod to Pens announcer Mike Lange.) The pizza was loaded with tons of toppings. Aidan ate a few of the cheesey bread sticks and then a couple of pieces of pizza, too. He was real hungry.

The best part for me was all of the memorabilia throughout the place. The posters, signs (the best were the "You are in Steelers Country" ones just like the ones I grew up seeing at Three Rivers Stadium.), and hats that lined the walls. I had to ask the waitress at the end of the meal how long this place had been open. She said this was their second year. I was relieved because I used to work like 5 miles away from the place five years ago in The Woodlands. I don't think I would have been able to live with myself if she would have said, "Oh we have been here for like 10 years." :)

They were erecting a huge tent in the parking lot for the Super Bowl tomorrow. I'm sure it'll be packed with people. There is no doubt that we'll go back again sometime for a baked hoagie and some pop. (Only people from Pittsburgh would understand that's a heated sub and soda) Now we just have to hope a little bit of good karma rubbed off and it helps the Steelers beat the Cardinals tomorrow. :)

Teaching (Steelers) History

All week long I have been giving my kids 5 minutes of "Steelers History" in World History class. Tomorrow I'm going to kick it up a notch with a few video clips about these very important topics:

The Terrible Towel, from the perspective of Steelers Fans:


Food - Primanti Bros. Sandwiches:


I've also given them the lowdown on why the Steelers are the only NFL team with only one logo on their helmets. 1956 the logo was introduced and they wanted to "try it out" to see how it went over with the fans. So they used it on one side only. They went 9-5 and made the playoffs. It's stayed ever since. (Although the helmets changed colors to primary black)

You have to educate the youth! :) I'm just doing my job. Otherwise I'd be negligent in my duties as a history teacher.

Coke Polamalu

This is going to be great!



For those of you too young to remember the original...


Mean Joe is the man!

Here We Go Steelers - 2009

P-O-L-A-M-A-L-U

The Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Defense is the reason. Wow, what a job today. #43.

My team is the Texans - 1a. The Steelers are 1b. So I always root for my hometown Pittsburgh roots (unless they are playing Houston - my current and permanent hometown). I just hope the Texans were paying close attention today. Each team in the conference finals had a pro bowl safety. Polamalu - Steelers. Wilson - Cards. Reed - Ravens. Dawkins - Eagles. The Texans need a big time safety in the draft. It makes a huge difference. It was the difference for the Steelers today.

When the third quarter started getting tight and the Steelers lost their momentum, I turned to Norma and said, "The team that scores a defensive touchdown is going to win." Troy took care of business.

It did have a bitter sweet end after that massive hit on McGahee. Let's hope Willis is ok. That was an incredible hit. It was an incredibly tough and physical game.

I played this video for Norma and Aidan before the game. It pretty much says it all for this game...

Careful. It'll get stuck in your head.

Cowher Powers Down

This isn't very surprising after what has been rumored all year long, but it still does sting. I remember when they hired him and I said, "Bill Who?" Boy did he take Steelers fans for a great ride.

I am sure that after winning the Super Bowl last season things were different for him. He had reached the top of the mountain and things look differently from up there sometimes.

I wish him the best of luck, but I can not see him roaming the sidelines for another team. It WILL happen in a couple of years, but it is just hard to even imagine. Could he possibly come back with a team like the hated rival Cleveland Browns? I just can't see it. But that is rumored as well. He played in Cleveland.

Thanks for the ride Bill. 15 great years. I sure won't feel as close to the Steelers now that you are gone.

Bill Cowher to step down as Steelers Coach on Friday Afternoon
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