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	<title>GnomeGirl &#187; Nick Signorelli</title>
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		<title>Chad Ochocinco Forbidden to Send Gifts to Steelers Secondary.</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/chad-ochocinco-forbidden-to-send-gifts-to-steelers-secondary/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/chad-ochocinco-forbidden-to-send-gifts-to-steelers-secondary/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:51:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/288585-chad-ochocinco-forbidden-to-send-gifts-to-steelers-secondary</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Steeler Nation, don't get me wrong, but I find Chad Ochocinco absolutely hilarious! Known for his theatrics as much as for his play on the field any more, Ochocinco is at it again.</p>
<p>Last week, Ocho sent the Baltimore Ravens deodorant, because they "would work up a sweat trying to cover him". Turns out, he was right!  Ocho didn't exactly light up the Ravens, catching five passes for 66 yards.</p>
<p>This week, via his Twitter account, Ocho said he has something to send the Steelers secondary.</p>
<p>"I got a nice present for the Steelers---sending them some mustard since they'll never ketchup when we play Sunday,"</p>
<p>Most people would say this is bulletin board material. This would certainly fire the Steelers up, right?</p>
<p>"He'd better send us something," safety <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4301">Ryan Clark</a> said Wednesday in Pittsburgh. "He sent something to the Ravens, so that shows he respects them. So he'd better send something to us.</p>
<p>Sorry about your luck Ryan, no mustard is going to be sent this week. Marvin Lewis has put an end to Ochos actions, forbidding him to.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to send anything this week, thanks to Marvin Lewis," Ochocinco said. "That's the way to spoil the fun, boss man. I guess I have to talk trash to motivate myself this week."</p>
<p>Come Sunday, Ocho better be motivated. Playing for sole position of first place in the AFC North, Ocho is going to have to have his best game of the year is Cincinnati is going to come out on top.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL news</a> on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Steeler Nation, don't get me wrong, but I find Chad Ochocinco absolutely hilarious! Known for his theatrics as much as for his play on the field any more, Ochocinco is at it again.</p>
<p>Last week, Ocho sent the Baltimore Ravens deodorant, because they "would work up a sweat trying to cover him". Turns out, he was right!  Ocho didn't exactly light up the Ravens, catching five passes for 66 yards.</p>
<p>This week, via his Twitter account, Ocho said he has something to send the Steelers secondary.</p>
<p>"I got a nice present for the Steelers---sending them some mustard since they'll never ketchup when we play Sunday,"</p>
<p>Most people would say this is bulletin board material. This would certainly fire the Steelers up, right?</p>
<p>"He'd better send us something," safety <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4301">Ryan Clark</a> said Wednesday in Pittsburgh. "He sent something to the Ravens, so that shows he respects them. So he'd better send something to us.</p>
<p>Sorry about your luck Ryan, no mustard is going to be sent this week. Marvin Lewis has put an end to Ochos actions, forbidding him to.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to send anything this week, thanks to Marvin Lewis," Ochocinco said. "That's the way to spoil the fun, boss man. I guess I have to talk trash to motivate myself this week."</p>
<p>Come Sunday, Ocho better be motivated. Playing for sole position of first place in the AFC North, Ocho is going to have to have his best game of the year is Cincinnati is going to come out on top.</p><p>Read more <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL news</a> on BleacherReport.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Pittsburgh Steelers Secondary: Who Is the Odd Man Out?</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-pittsburgh-steelers-secondary-who-is-the-odd-man-out/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-pittsburgh-steelers-secondary-who-is-the-odd-man-out/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:17:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/199688-the-pittsburgh-steelers-secondary-who-is-the-odd-man-out</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>When talking about who could be the odd man out in Pittsburgh, there are some people that can be left out of the conversation from the beginning.&#160;</p>
<p>Troy Polamalu is one player that has no fear of getting a pink slip anytime soon.&#160; He has revolutionized the way the Safety position is played, and will be a fixture in the Steelers secondary for years to come.</p>
<p>Starting corner Ike Taylor is also cemented in at starter on one side of the ball.&#160; Taylor always covers the other team's best receiver, and does a great job at doing it.</p>
<p>After replacing Bryant McFadden during his injuries, William Gay is penciled in to start opposite of Ike Taylor.</p>
<p>Gay did a good enough job for the Steelers to allow McFadden to leave for the Arizona Cardinals.&#160; Barring a training camp let down, Gay will be starting.</p>
<p>This is where the questions start coming into play.</p>
<p>The Steelers used a third and fifth round pick&#160;upgrading the position, one free agent was brought in, and Deshea Townsend returns.&#160; It looks to be an open competition for these players.</p>
<p>Keenan Lewis, the Steelers third round pick, is expected to compete for the&#160;Nickel and Dime corner positions.</p>
<p>Lewis stands at 6 foot, weighs 208lbs, and&#160;has a similar skill set as Ike Taylor.&#160; Lewis&#160;is the most likely to win playing time this year of the rookies.</p>
<p>Joe Burnett comes to the Steelers&#160;in the fifth round out of the&#160;University of Central Florida.&#160;&#160;Though smaller than Lewis, at 5'9, 194,&#160;Burnett could better be described as BURN-ett&#160;due to his blazing speed.</p>
<p>Mike Tomlin is hoping that Burnett can become a kick returner and is hoping that he&#160;will eventually be able to win the Nickel position.</p>
<p>Deshea Townsend is a Steeler through and through.&#160; He has played his entire career with the Steelers, being drafted in&#160;1997.</p>
<p>He started behind Dewayne Washington and Chad Scott, only taking over when both were released.</p>
<p>Townsend, now nearing the end of his career, will probably be moved to back-up&#160;Safety behind Troy and Ryan Clark.</p>
<p>Keiwan Ratliff is the biggest question mark in this equation.&#160; He was obviously brought in because of depth, but can he be good enough to take playing time away from one of the above mentioned players?<!-- my page break --></p>
<p>If the Steelers hold true to form, and that is allowing rookies to sit for a year before being thrown into the fire, you can expect the secondary to look something like this:</p>
<p>RCB - Ike Taylor</p>
<p>FS - Ryan Clark</p>
<p>SS - Troy Polamalu</p>
<p>LCB - William Gay</p>
<p>Nickel Back - Keiwan Ratliff</p>
<p>Dime Back - Keenan&#160;Lewis</p>
<p>Deshea Townsend would probably be the back-up at every position at Safety, while also being the next corner used in the dime if anyone is injured.</p>
<p>Either way, the Steelers are looking like a team that&#160;is building for the future while not losing the present to do&#160;so.</p>
<p>It&#160;is looking like the Steelers secondary is going to be one of the strongest for years to come.&#160;&#160;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When talking about who could be the odd man out in Pittsburgh, there are some people that can be left out of the conversation from the beginning.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Troy Polamalu is one player that has no fear of getting a pink slip anytime soon.&nbsp; He has revolutionized the way the Safety position is played, and will be a fixture in the Steelers secondary for years to come.</p>
<p>Starting corner Ike Taylor is also cemented in at starter on one side of the ball.&nbsp; Taylor always covers the other team's best receiver, and does a great job at doing it.</p>
<p>After replacing Bryant McFadden during his injuries, William Gay is penciled in to start opposite of Ike Taylor.</p>
<p>Gay did a good enough job for the Steelers to allow McFadden to leave for the Arizona Cardinals.&nbsp; Barring a training camp let down, Gay will be starting.</p>
<p>This is where the questions start coming into play.</p>
<p>The Steelers used a third and fifth round pick&nbsp;upgrading the position, one free agent was brought in, and Deshea Townsend returns.&nbsp; It looks to be an open competition for these players.</p>
<p>Keenan Lewis, the Steelers third round pick, is expected to compete for the&nbsp;Nickel and Dime corner positions.</p>
<p>Lewis stands at 6 foot, weighs 208lbs, and&nbsp;has a similar skill set as Ike Taylor.&nbsp; Lewis&nbsp;is the most likely to win playing time this year of the rookies.</p>
<p>Joe Burnett comes to the Steelers&nbsp;in the fifth round out of the&nbsp;University of Central Florida.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though smaller than Lewis, at 5'9, 194,&nbsp;Burnett could better be described as BURN-ett&nbsp;due to his blazing speed.</p>
<p>Mike Tomlin is hoping that Burnett can become a kick returner and is hoping that he&nbsp;will eventually be able to win the Nickel position.</p>
<p>Deshea Townsend is a Steeler through and through.&nbsp; He has played his entire career with the Steelers, being drafted in&nbsp;1997.</p>
<p>He started behind Dewayne Washington and Chad Scott, only taking over when both were released.</p>
<p>Townsend, now nearing the end of his career, will probably be moved to back-up&nbsp;Safety behind Troy and Ryan Clark.</p>
<p>Keiwan Ratliff is the biggest question mark in this equation.&nbsp; He was obviously brought in because of depth, but can he be good enough to take playing time away from one of the above mentioned players?<!-- my page break --></p>
<p>If the Steelers hold true to form, and that is allowing rookies to sit for a year before being thrown into the fire, you can expect the secondary to look something like this:</p>
<p>RCB - Ike Taylor</p>
<p>FS - Ryan Clark</p>
<p>SS - Troy Polamalu</p>
<p>LCB - William Gay</p>
<p>Nickel Back - Keiwan Ratliff</p>
<p>Dime Back - Keenan&nbsp;Lewis</p>
<p>Deshea Townsend would probably be the back-up at every position at Safety, while also being the next corner used in the dime if anyone is injured.</p>
<p>Either way, the Steelers are looking like a team that&nbsp;is building for the future while not losing the present to do&nbsp;so.</p>
<p>It&nbsp;is looking like the Steelers secondary is going to be one of the strongest for years to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How Offensive Is the Pittsburgh Steelers&#8217; Offensive Line?</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/how-offensive-is-the-pittsburgh-steelers-offensive-line/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/how-offensive-is-the-pittsburgh-steelers-offensive-line/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:32:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/199622-how-offensive-is-the-steelers-offensive-line</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers return every member of the offensive line that started, and won, Super Bowl XLIII.&#160; Normally, returning a unit that was successful at that feat, would be considered a great start.</p>
<p>Not in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>There is no question that the line needs to improve dramatically this season, especially if dreams of a seventh Super Bowl are to be met.</p>
<p>But, even though every starter is returning this year, there is a big difference between this years unit, and last.</p>
<p>In the week one match up against the Houston Texans last season, our starting line looked like this;</p>
<p>LT - Marvell Smith, Round Two - 2000</p>
<p>LG - Chris Kemoteau, Round Six - 2005</p>
<p>C - Justin Hartwig, Free Agent.</p>
<p>RG - Kendall Simmons, Round One - 2002</p>
<p>RT - Willie Colon, Round Four - 2006</p>
<p>In the set, you have two early first round picks, a free agent from another team, and two project players that have been brought along.</p>
<p>In addition, Chris Kemoteau replaced former All-Pro Alan Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets last offseason.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p>In their week one game against the Texans, the Steelers allowed two sacks, both by Mario Williams.&#160; Pittsburgh also rushed for&#160;183 yards, with 138 from Willie Parker.</p>
<p>In a rain soaked week two matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh allowed three sacks, while rushing for 117 yards.</p>
<p>In week three against the Philadelphia Eagles, the wheels came off, as the offensive line suffered it's first injury.&#160; Marvel Smith was lost due to another back injury, helping the Eagles record nine sacks against Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.</p>
<p>Replacing Smith was franchised player Max Starks.</p>
<p>In week four, Pittsburgh lost their second starter for the season due to injury, when Kendall Simmons was lost for the year with a leg injury.</p>
<p>Against the Ravens, the Steelers allowed only (only?) three sacks.&#160; But what the Steelers really lost was the base of the offensive line.</p>
<p>The Line now looks like this.</p>
<p>LT - Max Starks, Round Three - 2004</p>
<p>LG - Chris Kemoteau, Round Six - 2005</p>
<p>C - Justin Hartwig, Free Agent.</p>
<p>RG - Darnell Stapleton, Undrafted - 2007</p>
<p>RT - Willie Colon, Round Four - 2006</p>
<p>Now, some people may not believe that it is a big deal to lose two offensive linemen, but when they are the anchors, it hurts worse than most teams can overcome.</p>
<p>Losing second round pick Marvel Smith, with his eight years of experience blocking the blind side to a person that could not beat out Wilie Colon for the starting job on the right side was bad enough.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh then had to replace former first round pick Kendal Simmons with an undrafted free agent.</p>
<p>In addition to that, Chris Kemoteau was in his fifth game replacing former All-Pro, Alan Faneca, and Justin Hartwig was in only his fifth game with the team.</p>
<p>Right tackle Willie Colon was the only player on the line that was held over from the prior year.&#160; And the team suffered for it.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p>The teams that the Steelers struggled the most against were the teams from the NFC East.</p>
<p>Here is how the Steelers offensive line did against the NFC East.</p>
<p>Philadelphia Eagles - Nine, 2.5 by Juqua Parker.</p>
<p>New York Giants - Five, three by DE Mathias Kiwanuka.</p>
<p>Washington Redskins - Four, 2.5 by Demetric Evans.</p>
<p>Dallas Cowboys - Five, by five different players</p>
<p>This totals 23 sacks in these four games, three of them after the line lost both Smith and Simmons.</p>
<p>In the AFC, only Tennessee produced five sacks against the Steelers.&#160; And only Baltimore and Jacksonville recorded three each.</p>
<p>In an interesting note, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns recorded zero sacks in their&#160;final three&#160;games against the Steelers.</p>
<p>When you look at the teams that recorded three sacks or more against the Steelers, four of them are from the NFC, Tennessee and Baltimore who were both in the top-five defenses, and three to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Jacksonville on Sunday night.</p>
<p>Even though there are no excuses for giving up the kind of sacks to those teams, Pittsburgh does see the importance of the line coming together as a unit.</p>
<p>The Steelers used their third round pick on Guard Kraig Urbik, acknowledging that there needs to be improvement on the line.&#160; If a team isn't getting better, they are getting worse.</p>
<p>As Pittsburgh prepares for the 2009 season, the line has been addressed as the Steelers see fit.&#160; Hopefully, they are right, and all of those skeptics are wrong.&#160; We will find out as the season unfolds.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers return every member of the offensive line that started, and won, Super Bowl XLIII.&nbsp; Normally, returning a unit that was successful at that feat, would be considered a great start.</p>
<p>Not in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>There is no question that the line needs to improve dramatically this season, especially if dreams of a seventh Super Bowl are to be met.</p>
<p>But, even though every starter is returning this year, there is a big difference between this years unit, and last.</p>
<p>In the week one match up against the Houston Texans last season, our starting line looked like this;</p>
<p>LT - Marvell Smith, Round Two - 2000</p>
<p>LG - Chris Kemoteau, Round Six - 2005</p>
<p>C - Justin Hartwig, Free Agent.</p>
<p>RG - Kendall Simmons, Round One - 2002</p>
<p>RT - Willie Colon, Round Four - 2006</p>
<p>In the set, you have two early first round picks, a free agent from another team, and two project players that have been brought along.</p>
<p>In addition, Chris Kemoteau replaced former All-Pro Alan Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets last offseason.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p>In their week one game against the Texans, the Steelers allowed two sacks, both by Mario Williams.&nbsp; Pittsburgh also rushed for&nbsp;183 yards, with 138 from Willie Parker.</p>
<p>In a rain soaked week two matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh allowed three sacks, while rushing for 117 yards.</p>
<p>In week three against the Philadelphia Eagles, the wheels came off, as the offensive line suffered it's first injury.&nbsp; Marvel Smith was lost due to another back injury, helping the Eagles record nine sacks against Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.</p>
<p>Replacing Smith was franchised player Max Starks.</p>
<p>In week four, Pittsburgh lost their second starter for the season due to injury, when Kendall Simmons was lost for the year with a leg injury.</p>
<p>Against the Ravens, the Steelers allowed only (only?) three sacks.&nbsp; But what the Steelers really lost was the base of the offensive line.</p>
<p>The Line now looks like this.</p>
<p>LT - Max Starks, Round Three - 2004</p>
<p>LG - Chris Kemoteau, Round Six - 2005</p>
<p>C - Justin Hartwig, Free Agent.</p>
<p>RG - Darnell Stapleton, Undrafted - 2007</p>
<p>RT - Willie Colon, Round Four - 2006</p>
<p>Now, some people may not believe that it is a big deal to lose two offensive linemen, but when they are the anchors, it hurts worse than most teams can overcome.</p>
<p>Losing second round pick Marvel Smith, with his eight years of experience blocking the blind side to a person that could not beat out Wilie Colon for the starting job on the right side was bad enough.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh then had to replace former first round pick Kendal Simmons with an undrafted free agent.</p>
<p>In addition to that, Chris Kemoteau was in his fifth game replacing former All-Pro, Alan Faneca, and Justin Hartwig was in only his fifth game with the team.</p>
<p>Right tackle Willie Colon was the only player on the line that was held over from the prior year.&nbsp; And the team suffered for it.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p>The teams that the Steelers struggled the most against were the teams from the NFC East.</p>
<p>Here is how the Steelers offensive line did against the NFC East.</p>
<p>Philadelphia Eagles - Nine, 2.5 by Juqua Parker.</p>
<p>New York Giants - Five, three by DE Mathias Kiwanuka.</p>
<p>Washington Redskins - Four, 2.5 by Demetric Evans.</p>
<p>Dallas Cowboys - Five, by five different players</p>
<p>This totals 23 sacks in these four games, three of them after the line lost both Smith and Simmons.</p>
<p>In the AFC, only Tennessee produced five sacks against the Steelers.&nbsp; And only Baltimore and Jacksonville recorded three each.</p>
<p>In an interesting note, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns recorded zero sacks in their&nbsp;final three&nbsp;games against the Steelers.</p>
<p>When you look at the teams that recorded three sacks or more against the Steelers, four of them are from the NFC, Tennessee and Baltimore who were both in the top-five defenses, and three to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Jacksonville on Sunday night.</p>
<p>Even though there are no excuses for giving up the kind of sacks to those teams, Pittsburgh does see the importance of the line coming together as a unit.</p>
<p>The Steelers used their third round pick on Guard Kraig Urbik, acknowledging that there needs to be improvement on the line.&nbsp; If a team isn't getting better, they are getting worse.</p>
<p>As Pittsburgh prepares for the 2009 season, the line has been addressed as the Steelers see fit.&nbsp; Hopefully, they are right, and all of those skeptics are wrong.&nbsp; We will find out as the season unfolds.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Top 10 Football Teams of All Time</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/top-10-football-teams-of-all-time/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/top-10-football-teams-of-all-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/197921-top-10-football-teams-of-all-time</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting in the year 1966, the AFL and NFL decided to put an end to all speculation on what team was truly the best of the year with the Super Bowl.
There are many arguments on who statistically the best player at each position, and why each team was the best.
But, as I have said many times in the past, every team starts out with one single goal for the season.  To be the team at the end of the year standing on the podium, holding the Lombardi trophy.
Here is my list of the top 10 teams of all time in relation to the Super Bowl.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Starting in the year 1966, the AFL and NFL decided to put an end to all speculation on what team was truly the best of the year with the Super Bowl.
There are many arguments on who statistically the best player at each position, and why each team was the best.
But, as I have said many times in the past, every team starts out with one single goal for the season.  To be the team at the end of the year standing on the podium, holding the Lombardi trophy.
Here is my list of the top 10 teams of all time in relation to the Super Bowl.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Creating the Pittsburgh Steelers&#8217; Top Ranked Defense</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/creating-the-pittsburgh-steelers-top-ranked-defense/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/creating-the-pittsburgh-steelers-top-ranked-defense/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:46:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/197820-creating-the-top-ranked-steelers-defense</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Prior to the 2008 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had the second toughest schedule in the NFL.&#160; With games against the NFC East, and the AFC South, along with contests against the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers, it was supposed to be a hard season for the black and gold.</p>
<p>Somebody forgot to tell Dick LeBeau.</p>
<p>The 2008 Steelers were dominating to say the very least.&#160; They led the NFL in total yards against and passing yards against.&#160; They also came in second against the rush, trailing the Minnesota Vikings by a total of 54 yards, which is less than four per game.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh also led the league only allowing 13.9 points per game.</p>
<p>The Steelers had the toughest schedule for any Super Bowl winner since the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.</p>
<p>With one of the toughest schedules in the league, and still managing to be the best on defense, the 2009 season is looking like another year in which Pittsburgh can again lead the league in most, if not all defensive categories.</p>
<p>So, how was this amazing defense constructed?&#160; How did the Steelers once again put a product on the field that struck fear into the hearts of offensive coordinators across the league?</p>
<p>Here is a breakdown of how the 2009 Steelers defense became Steelers.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Defensive Line</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Casey Hampton, DT</strong>.&#160; The mountain in the middle.&#160; Hampton came to the Steelers with their first round pick in 2001.&#160; At 6'1", 325 lbs (yeah, right), Hampton can clog the middle of the field on every play.</p>
<p>His size and strength command at least a double team on every play, allowing the line backers to make the plays.&#160; Entering the last year of his contract, if Hampton can show up to Latrobe in shape, look for Casey to be the top priority to re-sign.</p>
<p><strong>Aaron Smith, DE.</strong>&#160; At 6'5", 298lbs, Aaron Smith is the prototypical end for the 3-4 defensive alignment.&#160; Not only does Smith stop the run, he also commands double teams.</p>
<p>The Steelers selected Smith in the fourth round of the 1999 draft, becoming a starter in only his second year on the team.</p>
<p><strong>Brett Keisel, DE.</strong>&#160; Keisel was drafted by the Steelers as a project more than as a starter.&#160; He was selected in the seventh round of the 2002 draft.&#160; Unlike Smith, it took Keisel until the 2006 before he became a full time starter.</p>
<p>Keisel was a special teams beast in his time before becoming a starter, and his passion carried over to the line when he became a starter.</p>
<p>Turning 31 shortly after the season starts, more than likely, first round pick Ziggy Hood will be taking Keisels place at the end of the 2009 season, as Keisel is set to become a free agent.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Line Backers.</span></strong></p>
<p>Pittsburgh Steelers Line Backers are known league wide as one of the best units in all of the NFL.&#160; In the 3-4, there are four on the field every time they employ their base defense.&#160; And those four are usually the best.</p>
<p><strong>James Farrior, ILB</strong>.&#160; Farrior was selected with the eighth pick in the 1997 draft by the New York Jets.&#160; James played his first five seasons with the Jets, joining the Steelers in 2002 as one of the few free agents the Steelers ever sign.</p>
<p>To call Farrior the leader of the defense would be an understatement.&#160; He has led the Steelers in tackles in four of the seven years he has been with the team.</p>
<p>The Steelers also broke one of their own rules with Farrior, signing him to a four year contract extension last off season, instead of letting the older player walk like normal.</p>
<p><strong>Lawrence Timmons, ILB</strong>.&#160; Timmons was the Steelers first round pick in 2007, and the first pick of the Mike Tomlin regime.</p>
<p>Out of Florida State University, Timmons was brought in to eventually replace Farrior.&#160; But with Farrior not slowing down, and Larry Foote no longer to hold off Timmons, Foote was released so Timmons could take his place as the rightful starter.</p>
<p>Dick LeBeau has stated Timmons has "Troy Polamalu" type of ability.&#160; If he is even close to that, he will be preparing to make a few trips to the Pro Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>James Harrison, OLB.</strong>&#160; The reigning Defensive MVP, Harrison had an interesting path to greatness.</p>
<p>Harrison was an un drafted player out of Kent State.&#160; There was another famous Steeler that came from there, Jack Lambert.</p>
<p>Harrison was cut by the Steelers three times, landing once with the Baltimore Ravens, who allocated him to NFL Europe.</p>
<p>Even though he was a member of the Steelers Super Bowl XL team, he only played on special teams.&#160;</p>
<p>Harrison was prepared to walk away from football prior to the 2007 season, when a freak injury to Clark Haggans that sidelined him for all of training camp forced the Steelers to give Harrison another shot.</p>
<p>This time, he made the most of it.&#160; Harrison had a great year in 2007, but nothing compared to 2008.</p>
<p>Harrison and LaMarr Woodley set a Steelers record for most sacks by linebackers with 27.5.&#160; He also set a Super Bowl record for the longest play from scrimmage with a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.</p>
<p>Harrison was rewarded for all of his hard work this off season with a contract extension for six years and almost $52 million.</p>
<p><strong>LaMarr Woodley, OLB.</strong>&#160; The second pick of the Mike Tomlin era, drafting Woodley out of Michigan in the second round of the 2007 draft.&#160; Woodley was brought in to replace the legendary Joey Porter.</p>
<p>Unlike Timmons, Woodley saw&#160;a lot of playing time in his rookie season in passing situations.&#160; Teaming up on the ends with James Harrison, Woodley has become the second of the one-two punch that offensive coordinators fear.</p>
<p>In his four playoff games, including the Super Bowl, Woodley has recorded two sacks in each of those four games, setting a record for most consecutive playoff games with at least two sacks.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Secondary</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Ike Taylor, CB.</strong>&#160; At 6'2", 195 lbs, and blazing speed, Ike Taylor has become a true shut down corner in the NFL.&#160; If he were to find a way to learn how to catch a football, Ike would be the best corner in the league.</p>
<p>In Weeks 7-14 of the 2008 season, Ike Taylor went up against TJ Houshmandzadeh, Plaxico Burress, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Vincent Jackson, TJ (again), Randy Moss and Terrell Owens.</p>
<p>In those&#160;eight games, Taylor only allowed Reggie Wayne over 50 reception yards and held all seven receivers to&#160;only&#160;three touchdowns combined!</p>
<p>Taylor came to the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.&#160; Coming from a small school, Louisiana - Lafayette, it took until 2005 to become the full time starter.</p>
<p>In 2006, Taylor fell out of favor with Bill Cowher after having a couple bad games, but when Mike Tomlin came in, Taylor has progressed to being the best corner on the team.</p>
<p><strong>William Gay, CB.</strong>&#160; A player most people do not know much about, but they will.</p>
<p>Gay came to the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 draft out of Louisville.&#160; Standing at 5'10, 190 lbs, Gay is not as big as Ike Taylor, but always seems to be in the correct position.</p>
<p>Last season when Bryant McFadden was lost for four games due to an arm injury, Gay replaced him, and played well enough to show Tomlin that he was more than capable at taking his place permanently.</p>
<p>After returning from injury, McFadden had to split playing time with Gay for the remainder of the season, and thru the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Gay was the biggest reason the Steelers decided not to re-sign McFadden.</p>
<p>The biggest play that William Gay made during the season was in week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens.&#160; After Ben Roethlisberger connected with Santonio Holmes to take the lead in the fourth quarter, the Ravens had one chance to win.</p>
<p>Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a long pass to Derick Mason in the end zone which was intercepted by Gay to secure the Steeler victory and the AFC North divisional championship.</p>
<p><strong>Troy Polamalu, SS.</strong>&#160; Not only one of the best players on the Steelers, but also one of the best in the league.</p>
<p>Polamalu is a game changer.&#160; On every play the other teams QB must know where Polamalu is at all times, or bad things will happen to him.</p>
<p>The 2003 draft also saw the Steelers trade up for the first time in their history to select Polamalu with the 16th pick of the first round out of USC.</p>
<p>After showing he had talent in his rookie season, Polamalu became a starter, and a force in 2004.</p>
<p>With his blazing speed and uncanny ability to know where the ball is going to be, Polamalu roams the field like a cartoon character, TAZ.</p>
<p>Whether it is making a diving interception like against the Chargers, or splitting two blockers to make a tackle, Polamalu has changed the way the safety position is played.&#160; Of all the players currently on the Steelers roster, none are more likely to be enshrined in Canton, OH, than Mr. Polamalu.</p>
<p><strong>Ryan Clark, FS</strong>.&#160; Clark was signed in 2006 after being released by the Washington Redskins.&#160; Clark has become the perfect fit playing next to Troy Polamalu.</p>
<p>Although he does average against the pass, his run support has made him one of the hardest hitting  safeties in the league.</p>
<p>Against the Patriots last year, Clark knocked out receiver Wes Welker on&#160;a play that was flagged, but later the NFL stated that the hit was clean.</p>
<p>Clark also helped finish off the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game by not only forcing a Willis McGahee fumble, but knocking him out with another vicious, clean hit.</p>
<p>There are only two players on the 2009 Steelers defense that were not starters there in 2008.&#160; Both are positioned to be as good if not better than the men they are replacing.</p>
<p>The schedule for the 2009 Steelers is nowhere near as hard as it was last year.&#160; If this team can play with the intensity and toughness that they had in 2008, this team could not only be the best in the NFL, but could be the best the NFL has ever had.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Prior to the 2008 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had the second toughest schedule in the NFL.&nbsp; With games against the NFC East, and the AFC South, along with contests against the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers, it was supposed to be a hard season for the black and gold.</p>
<p>Somebody forgot to tell Dick LeBeau.</p>
<p>The 2008 Steelers were dominating to say the very least.&nbsp; They led the NFL in total yards against and passing yards against.&nbsp; They also came in second against the rush, trailing the Minnesota Vikings by a total of 54 yards, which is less than four per game.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh also led the league only allowing 13.9 points per game.</p>
<p>The Steelers had the toughest schedule for any Super Bowl winner since the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.</p>
<p>With one of the toughest schedules in the league, and still managing to be the best on defense, the 2009 season is looking like another year in which Pittsburgh can again lead the league in most, if not all defensive categories.</p>
<p>So, how was this amazing defense constructed?&nbsp; How did the Steelers once again put a product on the field that struck fear into the hearts of offensive coordinators across the league?</p>
<p>Here is a breakdown of how the 2009 Steelers defense became Steelers.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span >Defensive Line</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Casey Hampton, DT</strong>.&nbsp; The mountain in the middle.&nbsp; Hampton came to the Steelers with their first round pick in 2001.&nbsp; At 6'1", 325 lbs (yeah, right), Hampton can clog the middle of the field on every play.</p>
<p>His size and strength command at least a double team on every play, allowing the line backers to make the plays.&nbsp; Entering the last year of his contract, if Hampton can show up to Latrobe in shape, look for Casey to be the top priority to re-sign.</p>
<p><strong>Aaron Smith, DE.</strong>&nbsp; At 6'5", 298lbs, Aaron Smith is the prototypical end for the 3-4 defensive alignment.&nbsp; Not only does Smith stop the run, he also commands double teams.</p>
<p>The Steelers selected Smith in the fourth round of the 1999 draft, becoming a starter in only his second year on the team.</p>
<p><strong>Brett Keisel, DE.</strong>&nbsp; Keisel was drafted by the Steelers as a project more than as a starter.&nbsp; He was selected in the seventh round of the 2002 draft.&nbsp; Unlike Smith, it took Keisel until the 2006 before he became a full time starter.</p>
<p>Keisel was a special teams beast in his time before becoming a starter, and his passion carried over to the line when he became a starter.</p>
<p>Turning 31 shortly after the season starts, more than likely, first round pick Ziggy Hood will be taking Keisels place at the end of the 2009 season, as Keisel is set to become a free agent.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span >Line Backers.</span></strong></p>
<p>Pittsburgh Steelers Line Backers are known league wide as one of the best units in all of the NFL.&nbsp; In the 3-4, there are four on the field every time they employ their base defense.&nbsp; And those four are usually the best.</p>
<p><strong>James Farrior, ILB</strong>.&nbsp; Farrior was selected with the eighth pick in the 1997 draft by the New York Jets.&nbsp; James played his first five seasons with the Jets, joining the Steelers in 2002 as one of the few free agents the Steelers ever sign.</p>
<p>To call Farrior the leader of the defense would be an understatement.&nbsp; He has led the Steelers in tackles in four of the seven years he has been with the team.</p>
<p>The Steelers also broke one of their own rules with Farrior, signing him to a four year contract extension last off season, instead of letting the older player walk like normal.</p>
<p><strong>Lawrence Timmons, ILB</strong>.&nbsp; Timmons was the Steelers first round pick in 2007, and the first pick of the Mike Tomlin regime.</p>
<p>Out of Florida State University, Timmons was brought in to eventually replace Farrior.&nbsp; But with Farrior not slowing down, and Larry Foote no longer to hold off Timmons, Foote was released so Timmons could take his place as the rightful starter.</p>
<p>Dick LeBeau has stated Timmons has "Troy Polamalu" type of ability.&nbsp; If he is even close to that, he will be preparing to make a few trips to the Pro Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>James Harrison, OLB.</strong>&nbsp; The reigning Defensive MVP, Harrison had an interesting path to greatness.</p>
<p>Harrison was an un drafted player out of Kent State.&nbsp; There was another famous Steeler that came from there, Jack Lambert.</p>
<p>Harrison was cut by the Steelers three times, landing once with the Baltimore Ravens, who allocated him to NFL Europe.</p>
<p>Even though he was a member of the Steelers Super Bowl XL team, he only played on special teams.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Harrison was prepared to walk away from football prior to the 2007 season, when a freak injury to Clark Haggans that sidelined him for all of training camp forced the Steelers to give Harrison another shot.</p>
<p>This time, he made the most of it.&nbsp; Harrison had a great year in 2007, but nothing compared to 2008.</p>
<p>Harrison and LaMarr Woodley set a Steelers record for most sacks by linebackers with 27.5.&nbsp; He also set a Super Bowl record for the longest play from scrimmage with a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.</p>
<p>Harrison was rewarded for all of his hard work this off season with a contract extension for six years and almost $52 million.</p>
<p><strong>LaMarr Woodley, OLB.</strong>&nbsp; The second pick of the Mike Tomlin era, drafting Woodley out of Michigan in the second round of the 2007 draft.&nbsp; Woodley was brought in to replace the legendary Joey Porter.</p>
<p>Unlike Timmons, Woodley saw&nbsp;a lot of playing time in his rookie season in passing situations.&nbsp; Teaming up on the ends with James Harrison, Woodley has become the second of the one-two punch that offensive coordinators fear.</p>
<p>In his four playoff games, including the Super Bowl, Woodley has recorded two sacks in each of those four games, setting a record for most consecutive playoff games with at least two sacks.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong><span >Secondary</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Ike Taylor, CB.</strong>&nbsp; At 6'2", 195 lbs, and blazing speed, Ike Taylor has become a true shut down corner in the NFL.&nbsp; If he were to find a way to learn how to catch a football, Ike would be the best corner in the league.</p>
<p>In Weeks 7-14 of the 2008 season, Ike Taylor went up against TJ Houshmandzadeh, Plaxico Burress, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Vincent Jackson, TJ (again), Randy Moss and Terrell Owens.</p>
<p>In those&nbsp;eight games, Taylor only allowed Reggie Wayne over 50 reception yards and held all seven receivers to&nbsp;only&nbsp;three touchdowns combined!</p>
<p>Taylor came to the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.&nbsp; Coming from a small school, Louisiana - Lafayette, it took until 2005 to become the full time starter.</p>
<p>In 2006, Taylor fell out of favor with Bill Cowher after having a couple bad games, but when Mike Tomlin came in, Taylor has progressed to being the best corner on the team.</p>
<p><strong>William Gay, CB.</strong>&nbsp; A player most people do not know much about, but they will.</p>
<p>Gay came to the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 draft out of Louisville.&nbsp; Standing at 5'10, 190 lbs, Gay is not as big as Ike Taylor, but always seems to be in the correct position.</p>
<p>Last season when Bryant McFadden was lost for four games due to an arm injury, Gay replaced him, and played well enough to show Tomlin that he was more than capable at taking his place permanently.</p>
<p>After returning from injury, McFadden had to split playing time with Gay for the remainder of the season, and thru the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Gay was the biggest reason the Steelers decided not to re-sign McFadden.</p>
<p>The biggest play that William Gay made during the season was in week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens.&nbsp; After Ben Roethlisberger connected with Santonio Holmes to take the lead in the fourth quarter, the Ravens had one chance to win.</p>
<p>Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a long pass to Derick Mason in the end zone which was intercepted by Gay to secure the Steeler victory and the AFC North divisional championship.</p>
<p><strong>Troy Polamalu, SS.</strong>&nbsp; Not only one of the best players on the Steelers, but also one of the best in the league.</p>
<p>Polamalu is a game changer.&nbsp; On every play the other teams QB must know where Polamalu is at all times, or bad things will happen to him.</p>
<p>The 2003 draft also saw the Steelers trade up for the first time in their history to select Polamalu with the 16th pick of the first round out of USC.</p>
<p>After showing he had talent in his rookie season, Polamalu became a starter, and a force in 2004.</p>
<p>With his blazing speed and uncanny ability to know where the ball is going to be, Polamalu roams the field like a cartoon character, TAZ.</p>
<p>Whether it is making a diving interception like against the Chargers, or splitting two blockers to make a tackle, Polamalu has changed the way the safety position is played.&nbsp; Of all the players currently on the Steelers roster, none are more likely to be enshrined in Canton, OH, than Mr. Polamalu.</p>
<p><strong>Ryan Clark, FS</strong>.&nbsp; Clark was signed in 2006 after being released by the Washington Redskins.&nbsp; Clark has become the perfect fit playing next to Troy Polamalu.</p>
<p>Although he does average against the pass, his run support has made him one of the hardest hitting  safeties in the league.</p>
<p>Against the Patriots last year, Clark knocked out receiver Wes Welker on&nbsp;a play that was flagged, but later the NFL stated that the hit was clean.</p>
<p>Clark also helped finish off the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game by not only forcing a Willis McGahee fumble, but knocking him out with another vicious, clean hit.</p>
<p>There are only two players on the 2009 Steelers defense that were not starters there in 2008.&nbsp; Both are positioned to be as good if not better than the men they are replacing.</p>
<p>The schedule for the 2009 Steelers is nowhere near as hard as it was last year.&nbsp; If this team can play with the intensity and toughness that they had in 2008, this team could not only be the best in the NFL, but could be the best the NFL has ever had.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Imagine, If You Will, the Trade That Would Never Happen!</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/imagine-if-you-will-the-trade-that-would-never-happen/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/imagine-if-you-will-the-trade-that-would-never-happen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:55:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/197029-imagine-if-you-will-the-trade-that-would-never-happen</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I was watching an episode of the <em>Twilight Zone</em> last night, and it got me thinking about football. All I can say is that the offseason is WAY too long!</p>
<p>In an alternate universe, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and New England Patriots all sat down and decided that it was time to make a change. There came about a blockbuster deal with a three team trade.</p>
<p>Tom Brady was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ben Roethlisberger was traded to the New England Patriots.</p>
<p>How would each team do in this situation?</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></p>
<p>Colts fans, after being stunned at the fact that their beloved Peyton Manning is no longer on the roster, have to come to terms that Tom Brady is now their signal caller.</p>
<p>Brady would fit perfectly into his new system. Brady now has an offensive line comparable to the one that he had in New England; his receivers are not as great as he had with Randy Moss, but the rest of his weapons are better than what he had.</p>
<p>Brady also knows that he is going to be counted on much more heavily than he was before, knowing that his defense is not championship caliber. Brady is up to the challenge, and will easily lead his team to the playoffs.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>New England Patriots&#160;</strong></p>
<p>New England fans are the most upset of the group. Losing future Hall of Famer Brady is something that the Pats don't want. But after not having him last year, they at least know they can be successful without him.</p>
<p>The Pats get the much younger "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. For the first time since his rookie season, Ben has a strong line to work behind, an elite receiver in Randy Moss that can catch almost anything thrown his way, a speedy slot man in Wes Welker, and a running game with Lawrence Maroney, who can grind out the yards on the ground.</p>
<p>Having a better than average defense, Ben Roethlisberger, even though a step down from Tom Brady, is more than capable to lead this team into the postseason.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers&#160;</strong></p>
<p>None of the three QBs that have been mentioned have more change to their team than Peyton Manning. The pluses and minuses are a lot greater than they ever were.</p>
<p>The pluses: Peyton Manning is no longer going to have to win games on his own. He has the top rated defense in the league, the speedy receiver in Santonio Holmes, the sure handed Hines Ward, and a terrific TE in Heath Miller.</p>
<p>The minuses: Manning is no longer playing at least half of his games in a dome,  meaning that his numbers are going to go down when the weather gets cold. He also is no longer going to have the team focused  around him.</p>
<p>Manning is going to have to do a lot more handing off of the ball. He is also going to have to accept that he is going to be throwing the ball 10-15 times less per game.</p>
<p>The biggest issue is that he is going to have to make sure that he does not hold the ball too long, because he is no longer behind an offensive line that is going to protect him the way they did in Indianapolis.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong>The Results</strong></p>
<p>Indianapolis Colts: Tom Brady leads the Colts to the AFC Championship game. With the ability to control the clock, and the weapons he has, Brady leads the league in passing, breaking most records.</p>
<p>New England Patriots: After preseason, Ben Roethlisberger is comfortable with the role he has been placed in. Ben and Randy Moss built a foundation that pushes Ben's numbers into the top five in the league. With his ability to scramble, and make plays on the run, New England hosts the Colts in the AFC Championship game.</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Peyton Manning, are no longer the top rated defense in football, because Peyton Manning has tried to turn the Steelers into a pass first offense, calling audibles away from the run most of the time.</p>
<p>Manning's numbers are down all-time, giving him one of the statistically worst years of his career.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Point</strong></p>
<p>The point of this article was to show that every team is molded to the way that teams want to play. The Indianapolis Colts are a team that believes that passing the ball is the way to championships. They are great with Peyton Manning, but other great QBs, such as Tom Brady, could step in and be just as successful as Peyton Manning.</p>
<p>The New England Patriots are a team that has a great QB, and great weapons to work with. Matt Cassel did a great job last season, and he is nowhere near the QB that Ben Roethlisberger is. Big Ben could thrive in New England.</p>
<p>In Pittsburgh, the Steelers would fail with this situation. Pittsburgh is built to pound you with defense and control the clock. If they do not have someone that can scramble and buy time in and out of the pocket, then the defense would be asked to do considerably more.</p>
<p>There is no team in the NFL that is built the way the Steelers are. People say that the Steelers win in spite of Ben Roethlisberger, when in fact, without Big Ben, the Steelers would be a completely different team.</p>
<p>They would not be able to have the top rated defense, because they need a QB that can be "clutch" and make plays on third down, either with his arm, or his feet. They need a QB that can throw the ball a mile, but one that is able to hit the short routes as well.&#160;</p>
<p>They need one that can lead the two minute offense, but one that can also hand the ball off 25-30 times a game.</p>
<p>Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are both excellent quarterbacks. Both are all pro, and both will one day be in the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>Just because they work in the systems they are in does not mean they would work in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>As Kordell Stewart once said, it takes someone special to be the quarterback for the Steelers. There aren't too many that fit that mold. Peyton Manning doesen't. Neither does Tom Brady.</p>
<p>Big Ben Roethlisberger does. That is the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are as successful as they are, regardless of the stats.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was watching an episode of the <em>Twilight Zone</em> last night, and it got me thinking about football. All I can say is that the offseason is WAY too long!</p>
<p>In an alternate universe, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and New England Patriots all sat down and decided that it was time to make a change. There came about a blockbuster deal with a three team trade.</p>
<p>Tom Brady was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ben Roethlisberger was traded to the New England Patriots.</p>
<p>How would each team do in this situation?</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></p>
<p>Colts fans, after being stunned at the fact that their beloved Peyton Manning is no longer on the roster, have to come to terms that Tom Brady is now their signal caller.</p>
<p>Brady would fit perfectly into his new system. Brady now has an offensive line comparable to the one that he had in New England; his receivers are not as great as he had with Randy Moss, but the rest of his weapons are better than what he had.</p>
<p>Brady also knows that he is going to be counted on much more heavily than he was before, knowing that his defense is not championship caliber. Brady is up to the challenge, and will easily lead his team to the playoffs.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>New England Patriots&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>New England fans are the most upset of the group. Losing future Hall of Famer Brady is something that the Pats don't want. But after not having him last year, they at least know they can be successful without him.</p>
<p>The Pats get the much younger "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. For the first time since his rookie season, Ben has a strong line to work behind, an elite receiver in Randy Moss that can catch almost anything thrown his way, a speedy slot man in Wes Welker, and a running game with Lawrence Maroney, who can grind out the yards on the ground.</p>
<p>Having a better than average defense, Ben Roethlisberger, even though a step down from Tom Brady, is more than capable to lead this team into the postseason.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>None of the three QBs that have been mentioned have more change to their team than Peyton Manning. The pluses and minuses are a lot greater than they ever were.</p>
<p>The pluses: Peyton Manning is no longer going to have to win games on his own. He has the top rated defense in the league, the speedy receiver in Santonio Holmes, the sure handed Hines Ward, and a terrific TE in Heath Miller.</p>
<p>The minuses: Manning is no longer playing at least half of his games in a dome,  meaning that his numbers are going to go down when the weather gets cold. He also is no longer going to have the team focused  around him.</p>
<p>Manning is going to have to do a lot more handing off of the ball. He is also going to have to accept that he is going to be throwing the ball 10-15 times less per game.</p>
<p>The biggest issue is that he is going to have to make sure that he does not hold the ball too long, because he is no longer behind an offensive line that is going to protect him the way they did in Indianapolis.</p>
<p><!-- my page break --></p>
<p><strong>The Results</strong></p>
<p>Indianapolis Colts: Tom Brady leads the Colts to the AFC Championship game. With the ability to control the clock, and the weapons he has, Brady leads the league in passing, breaking most records.</p>
<p>New England Patriots: After preseason, Ben Roethlisberger is comfortable with the role he has been placed in. Ben and Randy Moss built a foundation that pushes Ben's numbers into the top five in the league. With his ability to scramble, and make plays on the run, New England hosts the Colts in the AFC Championship game.</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Peyton Manning, are no longer the top rated defense in football, because Peyton Manning has tried to turn the Steelers into a pass first offense, calling audibles away from the run most of the time.</p>
<p>Manning's numbers are down all-time, giving him one of the statistically worst years of his career.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Point</strong></p>
<p>The point of this article was to show that every team is molded to the way that teams want to play. The Indianapolis Colts are a team that believes that passing the ball is the way to championships. They are great with Peyton Manning, but other great QBs, such as Tom Brady, could step in and be just as successful as Peyton Manning.</p>
<p>The New England Patriots are a team that has a great QB, and great weapons to work with. Matt Cassel did a great job last season, and he is nowhere near the QB that Ben Roethlisberger is. Big Ben could thrive in New England.</p>
<p>In Pittsburgh, the Steelers would fail with this situation. Pittsburgh is built to pound you with defense and control the clock. If they do not have someone that can scramble and buy time in and out of the pocket, then the defense would be asked to do considerably more.</p>
<p>There is no team in the NFL that is built the way the Steelers are. People say that the Steelers win in spite of Ben Roethlisberger, when in fact, without Big Ben, the Steelers would be a completely different team.</p>
<p>They would not be able to have the top rated defense, because they need a QB that can be "clutch" and make plays on third down, either with his arm, or his feet. They need a QB that can throw the ball a mile, but one that is able to hit the short routes as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They need one that can lead the two minute offense, but one that can also hand the ball off 25-30 times a game.</p>
<p>Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are both excellent quarterbacks. Both are all pro, and both will one day be in the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>Just because they work in the systems they are in does not mean they would work in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>As Kordell Stewart once said, it takes someone special to be the quarterback for the Steelers. There aren't too many that fit that mold. Peyton Manning doesen't. Neither does Tom Brady.</p>
<p>Big Ben Roethlisberger does. That is the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are as successful as they are, regardless of the stats.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Steelers 2009 Offseason</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-2009-offseason/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-2009-offseason/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:49:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/194810-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-off-2009-offseason</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>As amazing as it is winning the Super Bowl, the next day the offseason starts.&#160; Everything that happens prior to that means nothing for the next season.</p>
<p>It is no different for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.&#160; Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 offseason.&#160; The good, the bad, and the ugly.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Good</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh returns 20 of the 22 starters.</strong></p>
<p>Bryant McFadden departs to join the Super Bowl loser Arizona Cardinals, Larry Foote has left to join his home town Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>In the case of Larry Foote, the team may actually be improved by his leaving, making way for Lawrence Timmons, the 2007 first round draft pick.</p>
<p>William Gay will probably get the call to replace McFadden.&#160; During a four week injury to McFadden, Gay stepped in nicely replacing him.&#160; Even after McFadden returned from the injury, Gay still alternated series with him, even&#160;in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>Hines Ward re-signed.</strong></p>
<p>OK, Ward is not a spring chicken anymore.&#160; He is still the emotional leader of this team.&#160; Not only is he sure to catch the ball every time, but every player on the opposing teams D has to be aware of him on every play.</p>
<p>Ward plays with the passion that every player should play with.&#160; If there is anyone that has earned the right to retire a Steeler, it is Ward.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Bad</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contract years!</strong></p>
<p>Because Pittsburgh is returning so many starters this year, there is a down fall as well.&#160;&#160;There is&#160;a laundry list of players that are entering the last year of their contract.&#160; Casey Hampton, Max Starks, Fast Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reid to name a few.</p>
<p>It is the Steelers policy to not negotiate with players once the season starts, so unless negotiations with these players start soon, many of them will be gone at the end of the season.</p>
<p><strong>Dan Rooney gets a job.</strong></p>
<p>There is no doubt in my mind that Art Rooney II, will be able to handle the team in the exact way it was with the generations before him.&#160; I think it is something in their blood.</p>
<p>But anytime someone like Dan Rooney leaves your team, it is a sad day.</p>
<p>Rooney has been appointed as the Ambassador to Ireland by President Obama.&#160; Without question this is a  terrific opportunity, and in no way bad for him.</p>
<p>But it is bad for Steeler Nation to be losing someone they love.&#160; Mr. Rooney, you will be missed!</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Ugly</strong></p>
<p><strong>James Harrison skipping the White House ceremony.</strong></p>
<p>The is America.&#160; If James Harrison does not want to go to meet the President, he has every right as an American to not go.</p>
<p>But James, come on.&#160; You have to give a better excuse than they didn't invite you last year.</p>
<p>There is a common stance you need to take when you are asked a question you are not comfortable answering.&#160; The sooner you learn it, the better off you will be.</p>
<p>"No comment."</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As amazing as it is winning the Super Bowl, the next day the offseason starts.&nbsp; Everything that happens prior to that means nothing for the next season.</p>
<p>It is no different for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.&nbsp; Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 offseason.&nbsp; The good, the bad, and the ugly.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Good</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh returns 20 of the 22 starters.</strong></p>
<p>Bryant McFadden departs to join the Super Bowl loser Arizona Cardinals, Larry Foote has left to join his home town Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>In the case of Larry Foote, the team may actually be improved by his leaving, making way for Lawrence Timmons, the 2007 first round draft pick.</p>
<p>William Gay will probably get the call to replace McFadden.&nbsp; During a four week injury to McFadden, Gay stepped in nicely replacing him.&nbsp; Even after McFadden returned from the injury, Gay still alternated series with him, even&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>Hines Ward re-signed.</strong></p>
<p>OK, Ward is not a spring chicken anymore.&nbsp; He is still the emotional leader of this team.&nbsp; Not only is he sure to catch the ball every time, but every player on the opposing teams D has to be aware of him on every play.</p>
<p>Ward plays with the passion that every player should play with.&nbsp; If there is anyone that has earned the right to retire a Steeler, it is Ward.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Bad</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contract years!</strong></p>
<p>Because Pittsburgh is returning so many starters this year, there is a down fall as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is&nbsp;a laundry list of players that are entering the last year of their contract.&nbsp; Casey Hampton, Max Starks, Fast Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reid to name a few.</p>
<p>It is the Steelers policy to not negotiate with players once the season starts, so unless negotiations with these players start soon, many of them will be gone at the end of the season.</p>
<p><strong>Dan Rooney gets a job.</strong></p>
<p>There is no doubt in my mind that Art Rooney II, will be able to handle the team in the exact way it was with the generations before him.&nbsp; I think it is something in their blood.</p>
<p>But anytime someone like Dan Rooney leaves your team, it is a sad day.</p>
<p>Rooney has been appointed as the Ambassador to Ireland by President Obama.&nbsp; Without question this is a  terrific opportunity, and in no way bad for him.</p>
<p>But it is bad for Steeler Nation to be losing someone they love.&nbsp; Mr. Rooney, you will be missed!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Ugly</strong></p>
<p><strong>James Harrison skipping the White House ceremony.</strong></p>
<p>The is America.&nbsp; If James Harrison does not want to go to meet the President, he has every right as an American to not go.</p>
<p>But James, come on.&nbsp; You have to give a better excuse than they didn't invite you last year.</p>
<p>There is a common stance you need to take when you are asked a question you are not comfortable answering.&nbsp; The sooner you learn it, the better off you will be.</p>
<p>"No comment."</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Steelers 2009 Offseason</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-2009-offseason/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-2009-offseason/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:49:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/194810-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-steelers-off-2009-offseason</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>As amazing as it is winning the Super Bowl, the next day the offseason starts.&#160; Everything that happens prior to that means nothing for the next season.</p>
<p>It is no different for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.&#160; Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 offseason.&#160; The good, the bad, and the ugly.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Good</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh returns 20 of the 22 starters.</strong></p>
<p>Bryant McFadden departs to join the Super Bowl loser Arizona Cardinals, Larry Foote has left to join his home town Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>In the case of Larry Foote, the team may actually be improved by his leaving, making way for Lawrence Timmons, the 2007 first round draft pick.</p>
<p>William Gay will probably get the call to replace McFadden.&#160; During a four week injury to McFadden, Gay stepped in nicely replacing him.&#160; Even after McFadden returned from the injury, Gay still alternated series with him, even&#160;in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>Hines Ward re-signed.</strong></p>
<p>OK, Ward is not a spring chicken anymore.&#160; He is still the emotional leader of this team.&#160; Not only is he sure to catch the ball every time, but every player on the opposing teams D has to be aware of him on every play.</p>
<p>Ward plays with the passion that every player should play with.&#160; If there is anyone that has earned the right to retire a Steeler, it is Ward.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Bad</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contract years!</strong></p>
<p>Because Pittsburgh is returning so many starters this year, there is a down fall as well.&#160;&#160;There is&#160;a laundry list of players that are entering the last year of their contract.&#160; Casey Hampton, Max Starks, Fast Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reid to name a few.</p>
<p>It is the Steelers policy to not negotiate with players once the season starts, so unless negotiations with these players start soon, many of them will be gone at the end of the season.</p>
<p><strong>Dan Rooney gets a job.</strong></p>
<p>There is no doubt in my mind that Art Rooney II, will be able to handle the team in the exact way it was with the generations before him.&#160; I think it is something in their blood.</p>
<p>But anytime someone like Dan Rooney leaves your team, it is a sad day.</p>
<p>Rooney has been appointed as the Ambassador to Ireland by President Obama.&#160; Without question this is a  terrific opportunity, and in no way bad for him.</p>
<p>But it is bad for Steeler Nation to be losing someone they love.&#160; Mr. Rooney, you will be missed!</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong>The Ugly</strong></p>
<p><strong>James Harrison skipping the White House ceremony.</strong></p>
<p>The is America.&#160; If James Harrison does not want to go to meet the President, he has every right as an American to not go.</p>
<p>But James, come on.&#160; You have to give a better excuse than they didn't invite you last year.</p>
<p>There is a common stance you need to take when you are asked a question you are not comfortable answering.&#160; The sooner you learn it, the better off you will be.</p>
<p>"No comment."</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As amazing as it is winning the Super Bowl, the next day the offseason starts.&nbsp; Everything that happens prior to that means nothing for the next season.</p>
<p>It is no different for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.&nbsp; Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 offseason.&nbsp; The good, the bad, and the ugly.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Good</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pittsburgh returns 20 of the 22 starters.</strong></p>
<p>Bryant McFadden departs to join the Super Bowl loser Arizona Cardinals, Larry Foote has left to join his home town Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>In the case of Larry Foote, the team may actually be improved by his leaving, making way for Lawrence Timmons, the 2007 first round draft pick.</p>
<p>William Gay will probably get the call to replace McFadden.&nbsp; During a four week injury to McFadden, Gay stepped in nicely replacing him.&nbsp; Even after McFadden returned from the injury, Gay still alternated series with him, even&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p><strong>Hines Ward re-signed.</strong></p>
<p>OK, Ward is not a spring chicken anymore.&nbsp; He is still the emotional leader of this team.&nbsp; Not only is he sure to catch the ball every time, but every player on the opposing teams D has to be aware of him on every play.</p>
<p>Ward plays with the passion that every player should play with.&nbsp; If there is anyone that has earned the right to retire a Steeler, it is Ward.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Bad</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contract years!</strong></p>
<p>Because Pittsburgh is returning so many starters this year, there is a down fall as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is&nbsp;a laundry list of players that are entering the last year of their contract.&nbsp; Casey Hampton, Max Starks, Fast Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reid to name a few.</p>
<p>It is the Steelers policy to not negotiate with players once the season starts, so unless negotiations with these players start soon, many of them will be gone at the end of the season.</p>
<p><strong>Dan Rooney gets a job.</strong></p>
<p>There is no doubt in my mind that Art Rooney II, will be able to handle the team in the exact way it was with the generations before him.&nbsp; I think it is something in their blood.</p>
<p>But anytime someone like Dan Rooney leaves your team, it is a sad day.</p>
<p>Rooney has been appointed as the Ambassador to Ireland by President Obama.&nbsp; Without question this is a  terrific opportunity, and in no way bad for him.</p>
<p>But it is bad for Steeler Nation to be losing someone they love.&nbsp; Mr. Rooney, you will be missed!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Ugly</strong></p>
<p><strong>James Harrison skipping the White House ceremony.</strong></p>
<p>The is America.&nbsp; If James Harrison does not want to go to meet the President, he has every right as an American to not go.</p>
<p>But James, come on.&nbsp; You have to give a better excuse than they didn't invite you last year.</p>
<p>There is a common stance you need to take when you are asked a question you are not comfortable answering.&nbsp; The sooner you learn it, the better off you will be.</p>
<p>"No comment."</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The NFL&#8217;s Top 10 Quarterbacks of All Time: By the Numbers</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-nfls-top-10-quarterbacks-of-all-time-by-the-numbers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/the-nfls-top-10-quarterbacks-of-all-time-by-the-numbers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:05:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/193047-top-10-quarterbacks-of-all-time-by-the-numbers</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There has been a lot of talk the last few days about who really is the best Quarterback, not only playing today, but of all time.
This slideshow, I am going to give you the top 10 of all time, based on nothing but stats.
Super Bowls will not count, and playoff success will not count.  The only thing that really counts is the numbers.
Now, I know that STILL isn't going to solve the argument because some people will say I should count scores more, or I should take off more for interceptions.
I have come up with a system to score these men.
They get one point for every yard they have thrown.  They get 10 points for every TD they throw or run in.  They lose 10 points for every Interception.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[There has been a lot of talk the last few days about who really is the best Quarterback, not only playing today, but of all time.
This slideshow, I am going to give you the top 10 of all time, based on nothing but stats.
Super Bowls will not count, and playoff success will not count.  The only thing that really counts is the numbers.
Now, I know that STILL isn't going to solve the argument because some people will say I should count scores more, or I should take off more for interceptions.
I have come up with a system to score these men.
They get one point for every yard they have thrown.  They get 10 points for every TD they throw or run in.  They lose 10 points for every Interception.
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Peyton Manning-Ben Roethlisberger: Who Would You Rather Have?</title>
		<link>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/peyton-manning-ben-roethlisberger-who-would-you-rather-have/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/peyton-manning-ben-roethlisberger-who-would-you-rather-have/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:29:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nick Signorelli</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/192223-nfl-fans-who-would-you-rather-have</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>There is much debate right now concerning Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.</p>
<p>I am not saying that Peyton Manning has not put up Hall of Fame numbers. He has truly had a Hall of Fame career. He has won multiple league MVP awards, and also a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP.</p>
<p>This article is in no way to say that Ben Roethlisberger to this point has had the career that Manning has had. Or will I say that Roethlisberger will ever put up the numbers that Manning has so far.</p>
<p>That is not what this article is about.&#160;</p>
<p>This article is about, if your team were to sign a free agent QB, and the two that you had to choose from were Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, who would you sign?</p>
<p>Take into account that Manning is 33-years-old and in his 12th season. Roethlisberger is 27 and in his sixth season.</p>
<p>When answering this question, please take into account everything that is important to you. What I would like is for everyone to comment and tell me why you would or wouldn't take either one.</p>
<p>If you already have an established QB on your team, imagine he suffered a career ending injury and you have no choice but to sign one of these men.</p>
<p>To make it fair, your team would have to sign one of them to the contract they are both playing under.</p>
<p>Manning&#8212;Seven years, $99.2 million, $34 million signing bonus. 7-8 playoff record.</p>
<p>Roethlisberger&#8212;Eight years, $102 million, $36 million guaranteed. 8-2 playoff record.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Please give your comments and send to any other reader that you think would like to speak their mind.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is much debate right now concerning Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.</p>
<p>I am not saying that Peyton Manning has not put up Hall of Fame numbers. He has truly had a Hall of Fame career. He has won multiple league MVP awards, and also a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP.</p>
<p>This article is in no way to say that Ben Roethlisberger to this point has had the career that Manning has had. Or will I say that Roethlisberger will ever put up the numbers that Manning has so far.</p>
<p>That is not what this article is about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This article is about, if your team were to sign a free agent QB, and the two that you had to choose from were Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, who would you sign?</p>
<p>Take into account that Manning is 33-years-old and in his 12th season. Roethlisberger is 27 and in his sixth season.</p>
<p>When answering this question, please take into account everything that is important to you. What I would like is for everyone to comment and tell me why you would or wouldn't take either one.</p>
<p>If you already have an established QB on your team, imagine he suffered a career ending injury and you have no choice but to sign one of these men.</p>
<p>To make it fair, your team would have to sign one of them to the contract they are both playing under.</p>
<p>Manning&mdash;Seven years, $99.2 million, $34 million signing bonus. 7-8 playoff record.</p>
<p>Roethlisberger&mdash;Eight years, $102 million, $36 million guaranteed. 8-2 playoff record.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please give your comments and send to any other reader that you think would like to speak their mind.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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