After the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Houston Texans on Sunday, their quarterback was in a walking boot. Nothing like losing a winnable game and seeing your Super Bowl-winning QB banged up as well.

Well, there is some good news for Steelers fans. It’s not broken.

Sources tell Chris Mortensen of ESPN that an MRI revealed that his screwed up left foot is just a sprain and there is no break in the bones. Still, no one knows right now if he’ll be available to play against the Tennessee Titans, who are surprisingly good so far this year.

Pittsburgh is 2-2 and could be looking at 2-3 regardless of whether or not Big Ben plays.

We mentioned previously that Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison ripped into his QB over his Super Bowl performance, but we apparently missed the real show. He absolutely lays into Commissioner Roger Goodell in the same interview with Men’s Journal.

“If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn’t do it,” Harrison said. “I hate him and will never respect him.”

Nice.

But, he wasn’t done. He used a few other choice words to describe Goodell, including “stupid,” “puppet,” “dictator” and he even threw in an anti-gay slur.

That should cure a little lockout boredom, huh? The NFL has already said that they won’t be responding to his statement. We would LOVE to be in the room the first time Goodell and Harrison run into each other.

-”Hey James, how are the kids?”

-”Good, good.”

-”Hey, not to change the subject, but remember when you called me a faggot?”

How do you respond to that? And let’s not forget that Harrison pretty much has a-hole written all over him. Forget all the illegal hits and inflammatory comments, remember he was arrested in 2008 and charged with assaulting his girlfriend.

We actually thank him for giving us some entertainment during this football-less period.

Leave it to James Harrison. The Pittsburgh Steelers outside LB was interviewed recently for an article in Men’s Journal. He was asked about a ton of things, including the 2004 season when they lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game and he said that they stole their signals.

“They got busted for it later, but, hey, they’re Goodell’s boys, so he slapped ‘em $500,000 and burned the tapes,” Harrison said. “Was he going to rescind their Super Bowls? Man, hell no!”

But the quote that is going to stand out from this interview is the one he gave when asked about Ben Roethlisberger’s performance in this past Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. Big Ben threw two costly interceptions early, and Harrison isn’t thrilled about it.

“Hey, at least throw a pick on their side of the field instead of asking the D to bail you out again,” he said. “Or hand the ball off and stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain’t that and you know it, man; you just get paid like he does.”

Wow.

Mike Tomlin won’t be thrilled about this and we have a feeling that Big Ben won’t love it either. And we’re sorry, but…what did Harrison do in that game? Yeah, we don’t remember either because Chad Clifton basically had his way with him.

According to TMZ, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward had a little too much to drink last night before deciding to get behind the wheel of a car. The “Dancing with the Stars” champion was busted down in Georgia early Saturday morning on DUI charges.

There really aren’t too many details available right now.

Although, we do know that he posted $1,000 bond in Dekalb County and was released shortly thereafter.

At some point, the Steelers need to be likened to the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s not just this arrest with Ward either. It’s been rumored the Big Ben likes to dabble in the rape game. Their former kicker Jeff Reed liked to beat stuff up in convenience store bathrooms. Plaxico Burress? Enough said. They had to trade Santonio Holmes for his litany of issues with the law whether it be pot or women. Matt Spaeth turned a bar’s parking lot into his own personal restroom and the police didn’t appreciate it.

There’s probably more, but you get the point.

This past December, Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Roethlisberger asked 26-year-old Ashley Harlan for her hand in marriage.  Since that day, the NFL world hasn’t gotten a chance to know Ashley, their relationship, and why her father has worn a Haloti Ngata jersey for 104 days straight.  These questions are starting to be answered.

In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger confirmed that he’s engaged to 26-year-old Ashley Harlan, whom he met during training camp in 2005.  Furthermore, a wedding date of July 23rd, one week before the Steelers are scheduled for training camp, has been set.

Ashely, who is a physician’s assistant in the cardiac surgery department of a Pittsburgh hospital, still lives at home with her parents.  This decision has everything to do with her family’s religious beliefs and has nothing to do with Big Ben’s previous allegations.

“We were kind of on and off for five years, almost six years now (you know, in between rapes),”  Roethlisberger explained to the Post-Gazette.  “So I’ve known her for a while. It’s not like a random new person.  We dated awhile ago; we have been friends ever since.”

Hey, if Ben Roethlisberger is allowed to have a wife, why isn’t Michael Vick allowed to have a dog?

Prior to Sunday’s Super Bowl, Steeler Nation was quick to point out their six rings and the “Stairway to 7.”  Since then?  I’ve heard nothing but excuses.  Granted, this doesn’t speak for everyone out there, as I have a few buddies who know when they’ve been beaten.  But the overwhelming majority of the loudmouths have quieted all the dynasty talk in place of nothing short of childish pouting.

Photo Caption:  Apparently naming rights to Douchey McDouche weren’t available.

Majority of the Pittsburgh fans that I’ve heard from this week are constantly reverting the idea that the game was “served up” to Green Bay and practically given away by turnovers.  Yes, I understand the importance of turnovers and to be on the wrong side of a 3-0 differential is huge in football.  But get a grip Steeler Nation.  You crying to the wrong person.

First of all, two of the three turnovers weren’t “given away”… they were forced.  Yes, Big Ben floated his first pick into no man’s land, but that wasn’t where he was aiming.  Chris Kemoeatu was driven off the line, pushed back into Ben’s face and altered his throwing motion.  To me, it was an example of the Packers line being more physical and out-playing the offensive line.  THAT is what caused the turnover.  The Packers line out-played the Steelers offensive line.  Period.

For the purpose of this article, we’ll ignore the fact that Collins still found his way in the end zone and nobody was able to keep him out… no credit to him is deserved on that, right?

How about the 2^nd pick?  Can you really blame that one on Ben as well?  Mr. Steely McBeam Pittsburgh fan says that Ben threw into double coverage.  Wrong. 

Jarrett Bush simply made a hell of a play on the ball.  In that one play, two great plays were made.  First of all, Bush wasn’t even designed to be in the area, let alone Ben’s read.  He had a deeper coverage responsibility, but took a gamble, broke off his route and jumped Ben’s passing lane.  Secondly, he made a hell of a catch.  This was literally a bang-bang interception where he jumped it, made the grab and held on after colliding with Mike Wallace.  I give credit to the Packers secondary for outplaying the Steelers wide receivers.  Which they did… so accept it.  Period.

The only real turnover that was “served up” was the fumble by Rashard Mendenhall.  It came at a crucial time in the game when the momentum was clearly in the favor of  the Steelers.  They were moving the ball on the ground and, at times, at will.  Trailing 21-17, I remember thinking to myself, “here they come!”  But on the first play of the 4^th quarter, Mendenhall coughs it up, Packers recover and then made them pay for it…turning that into seven. 

To be fair, we’ll ignore the fact that the vaunted Pittsburgh defense wasn’t able to keep the Packers out of the end zone, because that would just be another example of how Green Bay simply beat Pittsburgh as opposed to being handed the Lombardi Trophy.  Period.

Finally, at the end of the day, the Steelers had exactly what they wanted:  Two minutes, the ball and a chance to win the game.  With all the talk, myself included, about how Ben flat out wins, Pittsburgh had the opportunity to nullify every turnover, every mistake, every penalty and win number seven. 

They didn’t.  Instead, Green Bay’s defense stood up to the challenge and outplayed Pittsburgh’s offense on that series.  Game over. 

So while six rings is impressive and in a class of its own, seven was apparently too steep to climb.  I urge Steeler fans to take your terrible tissues, wipe your eyes and admit defeat.  On that day, Green Bay was simply the better team.  They EARNED the Lombardi trophy.  Period.

So own your defeat and realize that while six rings set your team apart from the rest, on this occasion you are no different than the fans of the other 31 losers in the NFL…No matter what you say.

Mike Jurecki of XTRA 910 out in Arizona looks to have been right all along. He has been saying that the Cardinals will hire Pittsburgh Steelers DB coach Ray Horton to be the next defensive coordinator. And now, Kent Somers from the Arizona Republic has confirmed what Jurecki has been saying.

“Source says Horton coming to AZ Wed to sign a contract. Worked with Whiz for three years so no need for lengthy interview,” Somers tweets.

Horton will supposedly be bringing Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 to Phoenix. Joey Porter already knows it pretty well, so that can’t hurt. And like Somers said, Horton worked for a while with Ken Whisenhunt, so it seems like all of this is a natural fit.

Look for the Cardinals to go 5-11 this year regardless.

Ok, first of all, you’re a pervert.  Half of you only clicked on this because of the sexy little number to my left… not that I’m blaming you, but just sayin’.  Boy, what I would give to find myself at the bottom of that pile!  Ok… wet dream over, now it’s down to business…

Not that you would know it, but the Super Bowl is set to be played this weekend between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.  For all we know, we’re merely watching a glorified weather channel celebration based out of Arlington, Texas. 

Photo Caption:  Maybe cold weather with these two would have it’s advantages after all..

Every other minute is a mention of the weather and how it is affecting the team’s preparation.  Granted it’s Texas and you would expect it to be much warmer than it is, but the overwhelming reality is that leading up to game day all the attention has been placed on the climate conditions and not the two teams playing. 

The NFL has an “out” in this case because Cowboy Stadium has a retractable roof that will nullify the elements and put the focus back on Pittsburgh and Green Bay.  But what happens in 2014?

In case you forgot, New York won the bid to host the 2014 Super Bowl…in February.  Take a look outside your window and tell me you want a Super Bowl played in this weather.  I have always been a proponent of warm weather Super Bowls because it allows two teams to do what they do best and whoever does it better…wins.  Moving it outdoors will completely sway the 2014 Super Bowl based on style of offense and nothing more.

For example, let’s say this game was to be played right now in New York.  With all the talk about how Rodgers will have to have a nice game in order to win, do any of us really think he would be able to pass for 300 yards in snow and ice?  It nullifies what they are great at… spreading the defense and allowing Rodgers and his weapons to pass his way down the field.

To give it more perspective, let’s say during the snow storm hell freezes over and the Eagles make it to the big dance in 2014.  Mike Vick leads an explosive passing attack that racks up yards and points in the air.  Their opponent is the run first New York Jets who lead the league in rushing and are built on physical, run-first offensive line play.  It is set to be a showdown of two completely different offenses and whoever executes their game plan will hoist the Lombardi Trophy. 

Now factor in the two feet of snow in New York and the freezing rain leading up to game day.  Think that will dramatically affect the game plan, style and outcome of the game?  You bet.  The Super Bowl is about execution of the best talent on the field for one day and one game, not whether it snows or not and how cold it is. 

Granted, teams have to contend with the weather during the playoffs, but that is why home field advantage becomes a factor.  Handle your business during the regular season and teams will have to come to your house, deal with your elements and beat you at it.  But this is the Super Bowl where there is no home field advantage.  Let’s not create an inherent one.

With all the attention leading up to this year’s Super Bowl, you would hope it would open some people’s eyes to the reality of it all.  Sure, it sounds nice to get a Super Bowl in the largest media market, but not when it detracts from the validity of the game itself.  Let this week be your warning of things to come.

As Super Bowl Sunday gets closer, the possibility of Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkic Pouncey playing gets slimmer.  The rookie Pro Bowler severely sprained and broke his snapping ankle during the first quarter in the AFC Championship game.  Currently, he is listed as ’highly doubtful.’

In steps Doug Legursky, who replaced Pouncey for the remainder of the game.  His play was very shaky, causing two fumbles (one of them for a safety) on botched snaps that weren’t even close to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s hands.  And now Steelers fans are worrying if the back-up center can cut it on the big stage.  OTR believes he will.

The Monday after the game, teammate and veteran leader Hines Ward noticed something very strange with Legursky.  While eating dinner at The Melting Pot on West Station Square Drive, it seemed about every one-out-of-six times Legursky used his spoon to eat, he would hit the side of his mouth, burning himself with the hot cheese.  Hines pretended he didn’t notice, in hopes of not embarrassing the 24-year old German.

The next day Hines was again hanging with Legursky.  This time they were attending an autograph session at the Omni William Penn Hotel.  Hines, keeping one eye on Legursky, noticed the second-year player would completely miss one-out-of-six handshakes and then sign the table next to the photo of himself.  What was happening?  First he couldn’t feed himself and now he’s inking up a table top?  Could this be connected to why he botches one-out-of-six snaps?

Indeed it was.  After the autograph session, Hines took Legursky to his yoga instructer where she had Legursky go through some stretching and balancing activities.  She noticed that Doug’s equilibrium was off and has been working with him ever since to correct the issue.

“Doug is a unique individual,”  Rainbow Sunshine the Yoga instructor told OTR with a huge smile.  “He just needs to focus.  His mind tends to drift off every once in awhile, throwing his equilibrium out of whack.  This is definitely why we see him snapping the football off his calf muscle every one-out-of-six times.  It’s nothing I can’t fix.  He’ll be ready to go come next Sunday.”

PHOTO CAPTION:  “Hut, hut, yoga!”

So, Steelers fans.  There’s nothing to worry about.  Legursky will not be snapping the football all over the place, killing drives or turning the ball over.  Look forward to the shotgun formation.  His snaps will be accurate and won’t go 10 yards over Big Ben’s head or smack running back Rashard Mendenhall in the face mask.  You can thank Hines Ward.  You can thank Yoga.  And you can especially thank Rainbow Sunshine.

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is not only dealing with a sprained ankle with ligament damage, but the rookie Pro Bowler is also suffering from a broken ankle.  Early reports show Pouncey as “highly doubtful,” “privately skeptical,” and “severely obese” for February sixth’s Super Bowl.

Pouncey suffered the injuries during the first quarter of the AFC Championship game against the New York Jets.  Jets coach Rex Ryan was working on his foot during the whole first half and wasn’t able to actually coach his team until the last 30 minutes.

The overwhelming possibility of Pouncey not playing leaves many Steelers fans worried that back-up center Doug Legursky could be the reason why the team loses to the Green Bay Packers.  Legursky seems to be an alright blocker, but tends to forget how to snap the ball which is a very important duty at the center position.

“[Legursky] sometimes thinks Ben’s [Roethlisberger's] ankles are his hands,” a Steelers player told OTR.  “He just gets confused.  Other times he forgets he’s the center and just shoves the ball through his legs thinking he might step on it.”

Good luck Pittsburgh!

How ironic. At the beginning of the year, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for four games because the NFL didn’t appreciate it when he forced himself on young coeds.

And to finish up the year and their run to the Super Bowl, it looks like Rashard Mendenhall is giving Big Ben the same treatment.

Or maybe that’s his new celebration dance that’s in honor of his quarterback’s past. Kind of like a tribute celebration. Maybe it’s called “Rape it like it’s hot” or something. Or maybe not.

Ask me to chose?  I’ll take Philadelphia.  While Pittsburgh has the rings and the cups, I’ll take Philadelphia.  The truth is, it has nothing to do with the teams!  Albeit, I never was and never will be a fan of Sidney Crosby, I think the Pens are a tough team.  The Pirates are an absolute joke, but the city makes up for it with one of, if not, THE class organization of the NFL:  The Pittsburgh Steelers.  The problem is the “my shit don’t stink” Steeler fans who ruin any big win or any big moment with a comment that makes you want to feed them a few drinks and lock them in a bathroom with Big Ben.

That said, being a Philadelphia guy and always backing the 2nd chance given to Michael Vick… I’m not one to bash Roethlisberger and act like he isn’t a great QB because of off the field poor judgment calls.  The fact is, I don’t care.  In a vacuum, I’m judging you on the player your are, not the person you are.  Ben Roethlisberger is a hell of QB and needs to be in more of the “elite” conversations.

Ben Wins.  Period.  He wins in the regular season.  He wins in the post season.  Ben Wins.  He can beat you with his arm strength and accuracy.  He can pick up tough yards when needed.  Hell, he’ll even pick up a game-saving tackle on the Colt’s Nick Harper to lock up a win.  Everyone forgets that in 2005, had Big Ben not made that game-saving tackle with about 1:00 to go in the 4th… there is no title and perhaps we aren’t even having this conversation.  But we are…because he did… and they won.

Among quarterbacks with at least 10 playoff games starts, he is 2nd in win percentage only behind Bart Starr.  In terms of playoff wins, only current or virtual lock Hall of Famers are ahead of him… such as Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and John Elway. He is already ahead of guys like Steve Young, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino.  For all the talk about Tom Brady, he has eight more post season starts than Big Ben, and only five more wins.  Could be four after this weekend.  Could be three after this season.

Compare that to his counterparts in the 2004 draft and it becomes even more impressive.  Eli Manning has compiled a 4-3 record in his seven playoff starts and one Super Bowl win.  Phillip Rivers is only 3-4 in his seven starts.  Ben is 9-2 with two rings.

 Just think about that.  If Roethlisberger is able to get the Steelers back to the Superbowl, he’ll have three rings in seven years under center.  If that happens he’ll have a post season record of 11-2!  Granted, a lot still needs to take place for that to come true, but it is certainly attainable.

Let’s be honest, neither Roethlisberger nor ANY QB in NFL history has ever won a preseason, regular season or playoff game on his own.  Say what you want, you’re wrong.  But through the history books, plenty of great QB’s were surrounded by great teams.  Roethlisberger is no different.  Lucky for him, he gets to rape the benefits.  Freudian slip.  Lucky for him, he gets to REAP the benefits. 

My point is, regardless of what happens this Sunday, Ben deserves his props.  When you talk about top-tier QB’s, Big Ben better be mentioned.  I honestly thought he was the best QB coming out of the 2004 draft (much in part because I hated Eli and wasn’t sure about Rivers) and he has proven that to date.  Now I look forward to every one of my Pittsburgh pals making me regret everything I just wrote….

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the few teams that no one wants to face right now. Their defense is filthy and they will find a way to knock the piss out of you. It’s their thing.

However, that could all change if Troy Polamalu is out for any period of time. And a source tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, that the safety could miss the rest of the year after re-aggravating his strained right Achilles tendon.

Photo Caption: Didn’t you?

However, the source thinks that he could still return for the playoffs. After all, he injured himself during the loss to the New England Patriots and has kept playing through it. The problem is that he tweaked it after his INT return for a touchdown last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

If Polamalu is out, drastically change your thinking on the Pittsburgh Steelers. While they have a bunch of studs on the defensive side, it’s just not the same without him in there. Their secondary becomes incredibly ordinary.

I don’t think anyone with half a brain couldn’t reasonably assume that at some point during a two-win season, that Cincinnati Bengals WR Terrell Owens would eventually pop off. That’s probably too many negatives in one sentence. And while he hasn’t gone into full-blown, “I want out of here right now” mode, he is starting to sprout some leaks.

After Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers where Carson Palmer threw three picks, Owens was clearly frustrated.

“Sometimes, I just feel like I’m out there running,” he said when asked about the team’s play-calling. “In the beginning of the game, I got some good looks. But after that, that was it. We had no adjustments.”

But, Owens wasn’t just frustrated with play-calling. He definitely isn’t thrilled (along with all of Cincinnati) with Carson Palmer’s play.

“I can’t throw the ball to myself,” he said. “I can’t do anything else. All I can do is go with the plays that are called and just hope I get some opportunities.”

For those of you who pay attention to such things, the Bengals haven’t won a game since the Clinton administration.

“It’s embarrassing,” Owens said. “For myself, I don’t get any pleasure of personally having a decent season. What is that going to do for me? That’s not why I came here.”

Yes, Terrell, they were a playoff team last year. But yes, these are still the Bengals.

According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will wear a plastic protective mask over his face on Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. You may or may not remember that Big Ben was handed a broken nose by the Ravens last Sunday night.

Roethlisberger had surgery this week to repair the nose, but will still need the added protection obviously.

Photo Caption: Big Ben wants to keep a protective eye on your wife and children.

“I’m sure there’s going to be some level of discomfort,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I don’t think it’s going to keep him out of football in any form or fashion.

“You know, he’s a competitor. I think I even said it after the game we expect that from him. Not that it goes unappreciated; we just expect that from him. He expects that from himself. He’s our quarterback. AFC North football is competitive. The series against the Ravens is a competitive one. No one’s going to leave that stadium extremely comfortable, on either side. We understand what playing those guys is about. He delivered for us.”

And don’t forget the guy also has a broken foot. He’ll be wearing a special shoe with metal plates in it to help him with that. Say what you want about Roethlisberger (rapist, etc), but he’s nobody’s Nancy.

Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs had a conference call with Pittsburgh reports recently and he had some great quotes. We want to hang out with this guy. T-Sizzle said that the NFL favors the likes of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, while not caring too much about anyone else.

“The league has their favorites,” Suggs said. “One being in Indy and one being with that other team up north. Besides those two, everybody is fair game. Some quarterbacks are getting the calls right away. Some quarterbacks they don’t care.

“Like I always said, Carson Palmer got hit in his knee in 2005 but there was no rule made. Then Tom Brady got hit in his knee and all of a sudden there is a rule and possible suspensions, excessive fines — it’s just getting ridiculous.”

Not exactly true. They did change a rule so you couldn’t hit a QB at or below the knee.

He was then asked about Ed Reed. “When you’ve got a guy like that, he’s like American Express,” Suggs replied. “He’s everywhere you want to be.”

When asked about his improved play this year, he said “I quit doing cocaine.”

Then there was this gem. Perhaps our favorite of all of them. He was asked about the fight between Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan. “Maybe [if] I throw some punches at a quarterback with a bad hairdo, I’d get thrown out of the league,” he said.

T-Sizzle is great.

The Buffalo Bills aren’t a particularly good team. But, they aren’t a bunch of dogs either. They fight it out every week and are nobody’s pushover.

Still, it was a bit of a surprise when they took the Pittsburgh Steelers to the brink on Sunday, forcing overtime at home. Not only did they take the game to extra time, but they were ever-so close to delivering the kill shot in sudden death.

But, Stevie Johnson dropped the ball. Johnson is no bum, this guy is having a hell of a year. He’s very talented and made a lot of big plays for the Bills. So, when he dropped the potential game-winner, anyone with half a brain could only get so upset. He’s earned a little breathing room.

However, he took to Twitter after the game and went on a rant that most/many interpreted as him blaming the drop on god.

“I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO…,” Johnson tweeted.

Our problem with that isn’t him blaming god. It’s him blaming anyone other than himself. This stuff happens. You have to know that. The odds that god even cares about a football game (let alone a late-season matchup of the Bills and Steelers) aren’t good. If anything, he was in Chicago screwing DeSean Jackson up. That’s much more likely.

But, Johnson defended his tweet today, saying that he wasn’t blaming the lord.

“And No I Did Not Blame God People! Seriously??!? CMon! I Simply Cried Out And Asked Why? Jus Like yal did wen sumthin went wrong n ur life!,” he tweeted.

If Johnson should be asking god for anything, it shouldn’t be about football. He’s already very good at that. As for his grammar and usage of Twitter? He could get some tips from god on that.

“You only have 140 characters, Stevie. The less exclamation points and question marks, the better. As for the grammar…that’s going to take some work” – @GodMakin’$$$

Here is the play that god may or may not have screwed him out of:

Last night in a brutal loss to the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed shanked what should have been an easy 26-yard chip shot. It ended up not mattering, but it was just the latest example of Reed stinking up the joint. He’s missed seven of 22 attempts this year, and that’s just not going to cut it.

Speaking of cutting, however, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Steelers are considering releasing Reed.

“Pittsburgh contemplating cutting K Jeff Reed, whom Steelers franchised last off-season. Steelers bringing in kickers for workouts Tuesday,” Schefter tweets.

After the game last night, Reed had some comments for Steelers fans.

“They started (mocking me) before the game even started,” Reed said. “They buy tickets just to bash me and P Dan (Sepulveda) and LS Greg (Warren). It’s more me because points come off my foot.”

Good news, Jeff. The fans might not be bothering you soon.

Seattle Seahawks (+6.5) over Chicago Bears

Two teams have never controlled their own destiny this early in a season more than the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. If either team wins out, they will win their respective divisions, which makes this Week Six match-up OTR’s Featured Game Of The Week. Unfortunately, for the Seahawks, Sunday’s game won’t be featuring Todd Collins, who completed six passes to his own team and four passes to the Carolina Panthers last week. His performance most resembled Damon Wayans’ 2006 stand-up routine Still Standing, entertaining and humorous. There was one play where Collins actually threw an incomplete hand-off, also known as a fumble, but I like my wording better.  Let me explain. Instead of gently laying the ball in the stomach of his running back, Collins flinged the ball to his gut with a weird front-handed wrist toss. There was no need for him to do that. However, nobody can question his toughness and fortitude. He was still standing at the end of the game with a win and 32 more passing yards added to his career totals. Bears fans can’t wait to see Jay Cutler back.  Chicago Bears 24 Seattle Seahwaks 20

Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) over New England Patriots

What happens when two teams square off on the same field they battled nine months before in the 2009 Wild Card playoff round?  It becomes, OTR’s Featured Game Of The Week.  However, two key components from last years 33-14 beat down will not be suiting up, Randy Moss and Ed Reed.  Randy Moss (five catches for 48 yards on Jan. 10th) was traded to the Minnesota Vikings less than two weeks ago and Ed Reed (four tackles and one interception on Jan. 10th) is still on the PUP list recovering from off-season hip surgery.  So, let’s turn our focus on their replacements, Baltimore safety Tom Zbikowski and New England wide receiver Brandon Tate.  Actually, let’s not.  Let’s discuss what’s going to happen in the game.  Tom Brady will get pummeled by never-ending blitz packages.  They will come from the right.  They will come from the left.  And some will actually come through the middle.  Who is New England’s threat anymore?  BenJarvus?  Aaron Hernandez?  Little Julian Edelman?  The Pied Piper of Hamelin?  Jack Bauer?  I’ll give you Wes Welker, but Baltimore will keep him in check.  Tom Brady is a great quarterback, but I just don’t see the weapons that can pick apart this Ravens defense.  Furthermore, the Ravens are not as sloppy as the Miami Dolphins, so you won’t see punt blocks, kick returns for touchdowns or any other special teams disasters.  It’s quite possible we might see a repeat of January’s playoff game.  Baltimore Ravens 33 New England Patriots 14

Pittsburgh Steelers (-14) over Cleveland Browns

In this super-exciting, lopsided rivalry, two quarterbacks will be getting their first start of the season.  Ben Roethlisberger is coming off his four-game suspension for doing steroids and smoking endless amounts of pot.  And rookie Colt McCoy will be under center for the Browns after the dramatic deaths of Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.  You know the phrase ‘Any given Sunday’?  Well, the phrase doesn’t have anything to do with this game, which just so happens to be OTR’s Featured Game Of The Week.  Cleveland has zero shot to win this game, or to even cover.  There’s a better chance that the Philadelphia 76ers will play the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals this season.  There’s a better chance that Lindsey Lohan will stop snorting Red Bull and coke up her nose.  There’s a better chance that I won’t watch anymore episodes of River Monsters.  All I want to know is what’s on the end of his line and I’ll watch one full hour to see.  I’m hooked, no pun intended.  I’m lying.  That pun was most certainly intended.  I had ‘addicted’ but changed it to hooked.  There’s a better chance that the…..alright, we get the picture.  Cleveland is getting smoked like Santonio Holmes’ bong.  Pittsburgh Steelers 31 Cleveland Browns 10

Oakland Raiders (+7) over San Francisco 49ers

What?  The 49ers have proved week after week that they stink worse than a dirty hippie on a curry diet.  So, Vegas makes them a seven point favorite?  Granted, they are playing the Raiders, but a seven point favorite?  What this line tells me is that as bad as the 49ers are, the Raiders are that much worse, but I’m not buying it.  Did 49ers owner Jed York’s speech about them winning the division inspire the gambling nation?  Has everyone been taking the Niners, pushing the spread to minus seven?  Or are the Raiders this bad?  I’m confused with this game.  I also feel bad for the state of California.  All three of their NFL football teams stink.  They are a combined 4-11.  That’s how short Snookie from the Jersey Shore is…4’11”.  And that’s how tall Alex Smith plays at quarterback…4’11”.  You know what?  Oakland isn’t this bad.  This line is an insult to the Raiders and their fans.  And they will take their frustrations out on the miserable 0-5 49ers in OTR’s Featured Game Of The Week.  Alex Smith can kiss his starting job away.  Oakland Raiders 27 San Francisco 49ers 13

Season Record (5-3)

Odds based on Saturday’s NFL lines on Vegasinsider, MGM Mirage.

This isn’t surprising, but it is nice to get official confirmation. That is, if you consider someone reporting what someone else said – who refuses to put their name to it – is officially confirmation.

But, two sources tell ESPN.com‘s James Walker that Colt McCoy will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns this week as they attempt to keep it close against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is of course, barring “something unforeseen,” according to the source.

Photo Caption: McCoy’s favorite audible is The Shocker.

Yeah, we had a feeling that they might not go with him as the starter if he were to be mistaken for a college girl (seen it happen) in a Western Pennsylvania bar, raped by Ben Roethlisberger, beaten up by some local bikers to within an inch of his life, and then dumped in the Cuyahoga River and left for death. In that case, he wouldn’t be the starter. Maybe the backup or emergency QB. Still not sure if that falls into the completely “unforeseen” category though.

But anyway, Browns head coach Eric Mangini had said that he was “leaning” in McCoy’s direction, but wouldn’t go ahead and name him as the starter. That tells you how truly excited he is to have such an elite talent finally playing the QB position.

Go Browns?

Adam Schefter mentioned this last night on Monday Night Countdown or whatever the hell that six-hour show is leading up to Monday Night Football. But here is another person saying that Colt McCoy is going to start for the Cleveland Browns this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chip Brown of OrangeBloods.com tells us that his sources say McCoy will be the guy this week with injuries to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

“My sources confirm former #Longhorns QB Colt McCoy has been told his first NFL start will come this week for Cleveland against Pittsburgh,” Brown tweets.

McCoy has been absolutely awful in just about every appearance he’s made this year. While he hasn’t really gotten into any real games, we can’t imagine that regular season games against the Steelers are easier than garbage time of preseason games. But that’s just a guess.

This one could be downright ugly.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be getting a quarterback soon. That’s a good thing because they just lost one for the entire season.

The team placed Dennis Dixon on injured reserve with a torn left lateral meniscus. This obviously ends his season.

This means that Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch will remain on the team’s roster when Ben Roethlisberger returns.

In case you hadn’t heard, Big Ben was suspended for the first four games of this season after he was accused by a couple women of forcing himself on them when they didn’t want him to. This is called “rape” in some states.

We expect Dixon to return next year as Big Ben’s primary backup.

It feels like the NFL just started, but after this week 25 percent of the season will be done.  In a blink of an eye we’ll be a quarter of the way through.  So, before anything else flashes by, let’s get right into this weeks picks.

Houston Texans (-3) over Oakland Raiders

What a disappointing loss last week for the Houston Texans.  They were denied a 3-0 start against the Dallas Cowboys, a team they have always been second fiddle to in the state of Texas.  But playing second fiddle is better than not being able to play a fiddle at all.  Ladies and gentlemen, the Oakland Raiders.  After losing against the Arizona Cardinals last week in Glendale, the Raiders now face off against 13-straight teams they are supposed to lose to.  Some would say that’s a tough road ahead.  The stretch starts this Sunday against the Texans in the Raiders backyard.  A backyard that used to be so intimidating, but now resembles Chicago’s comedy club The Second City more than anything.  They have a great cast this year.  Tom Cable returned for his third season as the token, funny, fat guy.  Is he going to punch someone?  How many ex-wives does he have?  Man o man, he’s crazy!  Here comes Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski.  Which one is going to throw an interception this week?  Who was that pass thrown to?  Stop, my stomach hurts, you guys are killing me!  Oh no…here comes big bad Richard Seymour.  Why is he always so mean?  No worries, Sebastian Janikowski just teed up the ball.  He’ll loosen everyone up with a wide left kick.  Oh, it was wide right.  Who saw that coming?  What a funny twist!  If you have a chance, buy some tickets for the show.  It’s full of laughs and very entertaining.  I believe this week might be a replay of Week One.  The cast forgets to block, commits many penalties, and turns the ball over.  Darren McFadden might guest star in an ‘oops, I’m running the wrong way’ skit.  That always gets’em.  Houston Texans 38 Oakland Raiders 13

San Francisco 49ers (+7) over Atlanta Falcons

What?  The San Francisco 49ers?  Don’t worry, I still have them losing by 6.9 points, I’m just taking the seven.  But if we can keep things real for a moment or two.  The Falcons are coming off a huge win in New Orleans, so a little set back might occur this week against the 49ers, a team that is more desperate for a win than Heidi Montag is for another week of plastic surgery.  And remember, I’m keeping it real.  What was the deal with everyone hyping up Alex Smith after the second half against New Orleans a couple Monday Nights ago?  Was everyone waiting for him to have one good game, so we could talk about how he has arrived?  And it wasn’t even one good game.  It was one good half.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden wouldn’t shut up about how impressed they were with his play.  And it had the trickle down effect with other analysts during the week following on ESPN.  We’re talking about the 28th ranked quarterback in the NFL.  Smith has thrown two touchdowns and five interceptions this year for an 0-3 team.  David Garrard has a better passing rating.  Yes, I said David Garrard.  I’m sorry Jaws and Chuckie, but your boy isn’t an NFL quarterback and Coach Singletary might get fired because of it.  I almost just talked myself out of San Fran covering, but I’m going with my gut.  My gut tells me to take the Niners and the points.  Kristy Alley’s gut tells her to eat.  Go with what works.  Atlanta Falcons 20.9 San Francisco 49ers 14

New York Jets (-5.5) over Buffalo Bills

The New York Jets have a simple bus ride up to Buffalo and guess who’s driving?  Braylon Edwards…and he’s two red bull and vodkas deep.  Northbound with the hammer down.  That’s how loose things are under Coach Rex Ryan.  Speaking of Edwards, what’s up with his new endzone dance where he pretends he’s slicking back his hair from front to back, right in the face of the defender?  Is that going to be his thing all season long?  I sure hope so.  I guess it’s good he’s acting like John Travolta, cause it means he’s getting into the endzone.  Two scores this year already after only passing the pylons seven times in the past two seasons.  It seems like such a long time ago when he caught 16 touchdowns in 2007.  Will Santonio Holmes coming back from suspension help him or hurt him?  Too bad there isn’t anyone coming back from suspension for the Bills to help them get better.  Man, what a mess up there.  At what point do the fans just give their team to Toronto?  “We’ve had enough, you take’em.”  Buffalo is off to an 0-3 start, including two losses within the division.  There can’t be anything more depressing than finding out the NFL team you root for every year is already done in September…AGAIN.  However, there is one bright spot.  C. J. Spiller, the Bills 9th overall pick this past April.  Last weekend he got into the endzone twice against the Patriots, including a 95-yard kick off return in the third quarter.  He’ll need plenty of them this weekend if the Bills want to upset the Jets, but it’s not happening.  The Bills’ offense is so cold right now you can see the blue mountains of the Colorado Rockies visible on their uniforms.  Yes, Bills fans, time to drink.  New York Jets 23 Buffalo Bills 17

Baltimore Ravens (+1.5) over Pittsburgh Steelers

One looks at this game and they think, ‘this is going to be one defensive battle.’  Nope!  This has the potential to be one of the most highest scoring games in NFL history.  Quick question, what was the highest scoring game in NFL history?  Answer is…Washington Redskins 72 New York Giants 41, November 27th, 1966.  And just like that game, this game is also a division rivalry.  One of the best division rivalries in all of football.  A close second to the infamous Houston Texans-Jacksonville Jaguars rivalry that has football fans across America sitting at the edge of their seats everytime they play each other.  While everyone is prematurely yelling out Michael Vick and Jay Cutler for NFL MVP considerations, the Steelers have a player that is more important to his team than anyone else in the league.  Troy Polamalu.  For real.  I mean, how spectacular of a player is this guy?  He’s Head and Shoulders above the rest.  Unfortunately, the Ravens don’t have their Troy Polamalu (Ed Reed) in their lineup yet, but they do have 35-year old middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who still is the scariest player in the NFL to play against.  Despite the defensive names I’m throwing out there, I’m still thinking this will be a high-scoring affair.  Take the over, whatever it is.  It’s probably around 15 or 20 or something like that.  Baltimore Ravens 61 Pittsburgh Steelers 60

Season record (1-3)

Odds based on Thursday’s NFL lines on Vegasinsider, MGM Mirage.

Gold Rushers vs Old Indians (-3)

What are you buying? The Kansas City Chiefs as a 2-0 team or the San Francisco 49ers as an 0-2 team? I said in the preseason that I thought the Chiefs had a shot to win the AFC West. Over the last eight years, seven teams have gone from worst to first in their division…so why not the Chiefs? If “Over Dwayne Bowe” can get his act together and develop an ounce of chemistry with Matt Cassel then KC has a shot to make some noise. That said, I don’t believe this team will be as dangerous as they can be until they stop the Thomas Jones experiment and put the ball in the hands of their most dangerous player… Jamaal Charles.

As Alex Smith goes…so go the Niners. Following a disappointing week one, something clicked in the 2nd half against New Orleans. The question now is whether or not Vernon Davis’ hairline will continue to recede. And can Smith keep it up? Look for Michael Crabtree to get more involved this week as the Chiefs will work to stop Davis and RB Frank Gore.

Chiefs are a three-point dawg at home…and for good reason. San Francisco wins easily in a hostile environment. If the Chiefs win, simply revert to what I said in the preseason!

Genus Falco (-4) vs Boondock

They are calling for thunderstorms in New Orleans come Sunday, but I hear the leaks in the Superdome should be patched up by now… so don’t expect it to affect the game too much.

When Drew Sunday Brees is spreading the ball around two things happen: 1. The Saints move the ball with ease 2. Fantasy football owners consider trading Marques Colston. That said, with Reggie Bush sidelined with a fractured leg and broken heart (thanks Kim!), Brees will likely look to get the ball back to his #1 target with frequency.

The Falcons are a much better team then I think people are giving them credit for. Their one loss came in overtime and at the hands of a great (to this point) defense in Pittsburgh. Despite a huge game last week, Jason Snelling still has a terrible last name. He also won’t push the Falcons to a win. Atlanta will need production from Michael Turner to keep Brees and Co. off the field. I like their chances and think this is a game that will come down to the last few possessions.

If it were in ATL, the Falcons might win outright…but I simply don’t think they can keep N.O. out of the endzone. I’ll take the Saints by seven.

Stuffers vs Paul Bryants (-3)

Green Bay is one of the favorites to come out of the NFC this season. They have one of the best QB’s in the game, a great receiving corp and a running back… oh wait… HAD a running back to complete the trio. I really think people are underestimating the loss of Ryan Grant. Do I think he is a stud? No… but I do think he is a big upgrade over Brandon Jackson. The Pack have the defense to apply pressure on opposing QB’s, but if they can’t sustain long drives and pick up first downs via the run game, they will quickly become one dimensional.

The Bears on the other hand are quietly surprising a few folks. Mike Martz finally (so far) has his guy that can make the throws in his offense. Built on speed, the Bears wide receivers are just good enough to make some plays down field and Matt Forte seems to have gotten over his sophomore slump. Dare I say the first two weeks have been a Marshall Faulk sighting? Provided Jay Cutler doesn’t come out and play like Jay Cutler the Bears will seriously challenge the Pack.

All for not. The Packers will have enough on D to slow down the big plays by the Bears, but Chi-town will struggle to keep Aaron Rodgers in check. Look for the ageless Donald Driver on a hovearound down the sideline!

Pack by 6.

Thieves vs Dolla’ Dolla’ Bills Ya’ll (-3)

What is more impressive? The fact that the Steelers have all but won two games on defense alone or that the Bucs have won two games… period? Josh Freeman has been a very productive QB thus far and has minimized his mistakes. Simply put, beating the Browns and Panthers doesn’t impress me much and this Buc stops here.

Photo Caption: Micah once carried this guy’s bags at a celebrity golf tournament.

The Steelers shut down an underrated Falcons offense and made Chris Johnson look like he belongs on the couch at home writing for OTR. I’m pretty confident Troy Polamalu’s hair could be taking snaps and the Steelers would find a way to win this one. Unfortunately, Head and Shoulders isn’t that lucky and it will most likely be Byron Leftwich. Getting off to a 3-0 start with Ben “its too easy to make a joke here” Roethlisberger is beyond what anyone would have/could have expected. In a low scoring affair, the Steelers still take this one by 10.

Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young was pulled from today’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers while they were down 13 points. For the game, he 7-of-10 for 66 yards, with two interceptions and one lost fumble until getting yanked in favor of Kerry Collins.

However, Jeff Fisher said after the game that Young is still his starting QB. He didn’t say he was all geeked about it, he just said that’s his guy.

He’s probably sticking with Young because he saw enough from Collins. He came into the game and promptly threw a pick. He actually turned the ball over a hearty two times in three possessions.

Guess the decision to stick with VY next week isn’t all that difficult.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network that the suspension for Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been reduced from six game to four. Apparently, Roger Goodell was sufficiently pleased by Ben’s progress as a human being and doesn’t think he’s going to rape anyone any time soon.

“Roethlisberger’s suspension is 4 games. He has left the NY area and is en route back to Pittsburgh. Full story ahead on NFL Network,” La Canfora tweets.

The Steelers look like they’ll have more than a few guys chipping in at starting QB this year. Byron Leftwich is most likely going to miss the first month or so after he suffered a torn MCL on Thursday night.

That means they’ll be relying on Dennis Dixon for a bit until either Leftwich or Big Ben comes back. Or just Big Ben, there is always the possibility that Dixon plays well enough that they won’t pull him for Byron.

Friday is a big day for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their fans, and fantasy owners who selected Ben Roethlisberger in the 12th round of their fantasy drafts to back-up Brett Favre.  Roethlisberger, his attorney David Cornwell, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and team president Arthur J. Rooney will be meeting in New York to determine how many games, if any, they will cut from Roethlisberger’s original six-game suspenion.  Brett Favre was giving an informal invitation, but will not be attending.

Roethlisberger was suspended the six games under the “The Personal Conduct Policy” for being accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student in a Georgia nightclub in March.  It was the second such allegation against Big Ben who has two Super Bowl victories underneath his belt.  A belt that seems to come off a little too often when Jaeger Bombs and Miller Lite are mixed with college bars and young women.

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reports that ‘most observers believe Goodell has had in his mind all along to reduce the suspension by two games to four’ if ‘Roethlisberger complied with a number of league-imposed conditions, including a comprehensive behavioral evaluation, and stayed clear of any other off-field problems.’  Fortunately for Big Ben, he hasn’t been accused of sexually assaulting any women lately (the longest stretch of his career), so he should be rewarded with a reduction in his suspension.

Details on the behavioral evaluation:

• Roethlisberger will be shown pictures of young women, booze, teammates, and football and he has to respond “good” or “bad.”  He must score 75% or higher to pass and has 30 minutes to complete.  Pictures of young women wearing Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys will be mixed in to try to trick him.  These are called ‘roadblocks.’
• Roethlisberger will be given a taste test.  Unmarked plastic cups will be filled with Vodka-Redbull, Budweiser, Gatorade, and water and he has to respond “good” or “bad.”  He must score 75% or higher to pass and has 30 minutes to complete.  A young woman will be giving him the taste test, so if at any time he tries to sexually assault her, Roethlisberger automatically fails the test and the behavioral evaluation.
• Roethlisberger must score 75% or higher on both evaluations to pass.

Paolantonio is also reporting that ‘Roethlisberger’s representatives plan to ask the commissioner to reduce the suspension by at least three games.  Therefore, he will miss the Atlanta, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay games and return Week Four to play the rival Baltimore Ravens at home.  If Roethlisberger only gets a two game reduction, he will miss the Ravens game and then have two weeks to prepare (Bye Week) and return to play the Cleveland Browns (Week Six) at home.

In his absence at the start of the season, Byron Leftwich is supposed to start with Dennis Dixon backing him up.

In Super Bowl XL, the Pittsburgh Steelers knocked off the Seattle Seahawks in what was one of the worst Super Bowls of all time. The game was relatively close at 21-10, but in general, it stunk. It was awful because the Steelers weren’t all that great and their QB Ben Roethlisberger had a horrific, rape-like day throwing the ball. It was the worst game by a winning quarterback in Super Bowl history.

It also stunk because Seattle wasn’t that great either, but they should have had a better chance to win the game if it wasn’t for the referees. And recently, the games referee Bill Leavy admitted as much.

“It was a tough thing for me,” Leavy said on Friday. “I kicked two calls in the fourth quarter, and I impacted the game, and as an official you never want to do that.”

He didn’t say exactly what the two calls were, but it’s not difficult to guess. Sean Locklear was called for a holding penalty that no one else saw, that negated a pass play that would have had Seattle in business at the Steelers’ one-yard line. That’s kind of a big deal.

Especially since Matt Hasselbeck threw a pick right after that. On top of that, he was called for an illegal low block while making the tackle on the play. Yeah, read that again. We still don’t understand how that can happen, and apparently Leavy doesn’t either.

“It left me with a lot of sleepless nights, and I think about it constantly,” he said. “I’ll go to my grave wishing that I’d been better. I know that I did my best at that time, but it wasn’t good enough.

“When we make mistakes, you got to step up and own them. It’s something that all officials have to deal with, but unfortunately when you have to deal with it in the Super Bowl, it’s difficult.”

Fair enough. You have to give the guy credit for owning the mistakes. But while we’re at it, what about the phantom pass interference call on Darrell Jackson in the first half that wipe out a Seattle TD? They had to settle for a FG.

And how about Big Ben’s TD that he didn’t really score? At least they had replay for that one.

We aren’t ones to blame the refs for much and there is no guarantee that the Seahawks would have won the game if it was called differently. But yeah, the refs really Schruted that one.

This really wouldn’t be a big deal at all if Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t already in so much hot water with the NFL. There was a report that Big Ben was accused of urinating on a golf course, but it seems now that he was falsely identified by the woman who called to complain.

Apparently, it was a member of his foursome, but not Ben. This is a good thing for him, because that would probably be just enough reason for Roger Goodell to keep his suspension at six games.

No chargers were filed, and no citations were issued.

Photo Caption: This photo says so much, doesn’t it?

“We received a call that said a member of the party urinated on private property,” Dublin, OH police spokesman David Ball said. “We spoke to the golf course and they agreed to discuss this issue internally with their members.”

This seems like a non-issue at this point. But OTR is always very diligent when it comes to reporting non-issues.

We admit it. We love Chad Johnson. Or Chad OchoCinco or whatever the hell he wants to be known as. We think he’s hysterical and he got another laugh out of us after his recent appearance on Good Day New York on Fox 5.

Ocho was on the show to promote his new reality show in which 85 girls compete for his love. We can’t wait (actually we can. Despite our love for #85, we equally despise dating competition shows).

So they start showing clips on the talk show of Chad’s show, and it shows a football field with 85 girls lined up all over. The host asks Chad when was the last time he saw so many girls on the field.

Ocho’s answer?

“When we played the Steelers,” he said.

That’s great. Of course he laughing, but we think he was just half kidding.