Beer We Go Steelers

Today would have been Chuck Noll’s 85^th birthday. In June of 2014, Charles Henry Noll, passed away and Steelers Nation mourned. But his legacy and the standard of excellence he established in Pittsburgh will live on forever. For 36 years the Pittsburgh Steelers wandered the NFL desert of mediocrity and were downright awful. That all changed on January 27, 1969 the Steelers hired Coach Noll and the standard in Pittsburgh would be changed forever.

To say he was a “Great Coach” would be like saying Picasso was a great painter, a dramatic understatement, the record should speak for itself. He was a man of great humility and never believed in ‘hyping” himself. He believed in treating football as a business and the lessons that can be learned translate much further than the playing field.

He taught men to not only be better football players, he taught men to prepare themselves for their life’s work and most of all be better people.

I can write about a hundred of his best philosophies, but here are the five that I have always tried to live by:

1. Be Yourself: Bill Austin was the coach prior to Noll. He came with a great pedigree, having learned at the right hand of NFL legend Vince Lombardi. He basically tried to emulate Lombardi in every way…the issue was, he wasn’t Lombardi. The Steelers remained terrible and eventually had to part ways with Austin to hire Noll. Coach Noll believed in being yourself, he amalgamated his coaching influences, which included football royalty, such as Paul Brown, Sid Gillman and Don Shula into his philosophies, but he never once tried to be anyone but who he was. He was a teacher at heart, never demonstrative and always well prepared. 

   When he finally left the Steelers after two plus decades of success, his advice to his successor Bill Cowher, “Be Yourself, do your best, and I am sure you are going to be fine.”

    

2. Servant Leadership: Coach Noll believed his job was to prepare everyone for their “Life’s Work” and he lived that principal every day. He was very secure in who he was and what he could do for his team and players. At the heart of who he was, was a teacher. He believed in making the people around him better. It wasn’t with false bravado; it was with strong fundamental instruction. He didn’t feel it was his job to motivate people, he felt it was his job to take motivated people and make them better! 
3. Establish a standard and hold people accountable: The Steelers standard quite frankly was losing. Chuck Noll established a change in philosophy and believed in developing his own players. He didn’t want someone else’s headache. There was a process to success and that process while needing adjustment had a core to it, that had to be maintained. There was also a factor of accountability to maintain the standard and “do your job”.  That is a philosophy and a strategy that the Steelers still employ to this day.

1. Surround yourself with the right people: The story has been told many times and in varying degrees, I will borrow Rocky Bleier’s version of the story.: 

   “I’ve been your head coach for the past five months, and I’ve watched every film of every practice of every game that you’ve played in over the past three years, and I can tell you why you’ve been losing—you’re just not any good. You have no talent, you have no authority, and you can’t cover, and you have no discipline. By the time this training camp is over, most of you will not be here.”

    

   By the way he did, the majority of the players on that team were gone by the Steelers first Super Bowl victory. He had a habit of being blunt, but he knew what type of players he wanted, he drafted them accordingly and built not only the Steelers Dynasty, but he left a foundation for Coach Cowher to lead the Steelers to an AFC Championship.

    

2. The Thrill is in the Doing: For Chuck Noll, winning the Super Bowl a record four times should have been the penultimate moment of his professional life. But somehow it wasn’t. For Coach Noll it was always about the journey. His passion was taking a group of players and molding them into a team, that is what he thrived on. Victories were a byproduct of hard work, preparation and determination. He wanted to build a winner and toil in the football laboratory of his mind. “I think we’re going to enjoy it for just a short time, and then get on to next year,” said Noll. He was passionate about his job and when he realized he couldn’t do it anymore, he walked away, with his head held high!

Chuck Noll probably summed up his career better than anyone at his farewell press conference, quoting Emerson;

“Your actions speak so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying,’ and I’d like to keep it that way.”

We could hear you Coach!

Sources: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-12-27/sports/1991361079_1_chuck-noll-ralph-waldo-emerson-rooney

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19911227&slug=1325342

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/06/17/chuck-noll-pittsburgh-steelers-coach-the-teacher

MacCambridge, Michael. Chuck Noll: His Life’s Work. Pittsburgh, PA: U of Pittsburgh, 2016. Print.

Five “Business “Quotes by Chuck Noll:

1. “Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.”
2. “Good things come to those who hustle”
3. “Pressure is something you feel when you do not know what you are doing.”
4. “If you want to win, do the ordinary things better than anyone else does them day in and day out.”
5. “The thrill isn’t in the winning, it’s in the doing.”

Quotes about Chuck Noll:

1.  “Coach (Chuck) Noll was tremendous in regards to talking about your life. Not just football. We had to accomplish things, but you had to get ready for life, you had to figure out what you were going to be all about as a person..’ – Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy
2. “Chuck was just the ultimate leader. He had truth and belief in what he was saying, and over time all of those things he said were validated, the things about winning football games and being a solid citizen.” — Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene.
3. “He made me mentally strong, which I wasn’t. And he instilled in me a great work ethic.” — Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
4. “Chuck Noll is building one hell of a football team up in Pittsburgh.” – NFL Legend Vince Lombardi
5. “He was the greatest man I ever knew.” – BWG Hall of Famer Merrill Hoge

Sources: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/06/14/quotes-about-former-steelers-coach-chuck-noll/10524575/

http://stillcurtain.com/2011/04/20/say-what-top-ten-steelers-quotes-of-all-time/

Happy New Year! The Steelers came out flat and once again had to rally from 14 points down, to beat a game but outmanned Cleveland Browns team. While the game meant nothing for the standings or the playoff picture, it was a nice effort coming back and the Steelers overcame several mistakes.

The game plan was to run the ball and the Brown were ready for it, stacking as many as nine men in the box and completely shutting down the running game. DeAngelo Williams struggled in his return but still managed three great plays, two of which saved the Steelers from a safety. He also bounced outside on a 14-yard touchdown catch and plowed into the End Zone.

In the second half the handcuffs came off and Landry Jones put together a solid effort, rallying the Steelers twice. He brought the offense back from a 14-0 deficit and then orchestrated the game winning drive in overtime to keep the win streak going, including a fourth down conversion. He threw for 215 of his 277 yards and two of his three touchdowns, including the winning 26-yarder, in the second half and overtime, respectively.

Jones’s main weapon was Eli Rogers who pulled in six catches, chipping in also was Demarcus Ayers who had an 11-yard touchdown and Cobi Hamilton who had the winning 26-yarder. Veteran, Darrius Heyward-Bey had only one catch, but it went for 46 yards and setup the go ahead TD, he stretched out the field all day. But more importantly, he produced the biggest play of the game, forcing a fumble and a touchback on Briean Boddy-Calhoun.

The defense struggled most of the day, but made the plays when needed. The Browns had little troubled running the football and torched the Steelers on the ground with 231 yards rushing. The Steelers responded forcing an Isiah Crowell fumble, and holding the Browns out of the end zone on the first overtime drive, forcing the field goal.

The linebackers played well, Ryan Shazier had a huge game changing interception and Jarvis Jones made a play to stay with a team putting together a terrific effort that included a batted ball, a sack and a big forced fumble. Bud Dupree was all over Robert Griffin III and had a sack. Mt. McCullers, came across at the goal line and absolutely crushed RGIII on a big sack.

Despite, a mediocre effort, the Steelers once again came back and were able to beat the Browns, extending their win streak to seven, in a game they didn’t need. They also converted on a huge fourth down to drive for the win!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Landry Jones, he put together a terrific second half performance once the handcuffs came off! Also considered: Jarvis Jones, who had a terrific performance after sitting out the last few weeks. Demarcus Ayers and Cobi Hamilton for excellent fill in performances.

 Where I watched the game: At the house, KGB and I watched again with the Tailgate Kids. She made the dinner this week, Rigatoni Ala Vodka with garlic bread, it was outstanding! Since this was a “rest” week, I drank Iron City and a Sam Adams beer called “Session Ale”. Sam Adams continues to make outstanding and complex beers, I truly enjoyed it.

Anyone, who feel’s this isn’t a rivalry anymore, needed to watch that game. It was amazing how the mood changed from no one caring if we won, to almost a resolute attitude that we HAD to win! I texted with my buddy Bill all day and the Janick, again with a definite mood change from no pressure to WE MUST WIN! KGB had the quote of the day, “Are we really going to lose to the Browns?” The Steelers answered no!

My Stat of the week: 103.1 – Landry Jones QB rating for Sundays game, yes it was against the Browns, yes he made some mistakes, but he had a nice accounting of himself and finished the season with an 86.3 rating. Keep in mind he played without the Steeler two best playmakers! He certainly was the best QB on the field Sunday and he will get some looks in the offseason.

My Thoughts on next week: REVENGE, I prayed for another shot at Miami and here it is! I would like to see some of their jag-off fans again too, especially the drunks who were heckling us in the parking lot.  The Steelers were ill prepared for their first meeting and put a damper on my trip with KGB. That won’t happen twice and look for the Steelers to run these guys over and win convincingly!

This week’s Jersey: Franco Harris, #32 Salute to Service, I was supposed to wear it on “Immaculate Reception Day”, but happy to have it as my last week of “Teams for Troops”!

In one of the most exciting games of the season, trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter the Steelers rallied with 21 points and 240 yards of offense and vaulted into the playoffs! The victory resulted in a North Title for the Steelers and sent the Ravens home for the season.

Despite two costly interceptions, Ben Roethlisberger rallied the Steelers in the fourth and capped a game winning final drive culminating in an Antonio Brown touchdown with NINE seconds left on the clock. Roethlisberger finished with 279 yards, three touchdowns and completions to seven different receivers. He went from Goat to Hero in 12 minutes.

Le’Veon Bell crushed the Ravens with 122 yards on only 20 carries, it was Bell’s fifth 100-yard game in his last six. He was nearly unstoppable as the offensive line absolutely annihilated the Ravens stout front seven. Bell rushed for one touchdown bouncing a nifty run outside. The protection was outstanding as Roethlisberger was never touched and rarely pressured. Terrell Suggs was shutout, recording not one sack or tackle.

Antonio Brown, after having only one catch in the first half, exploded in the fourth quarter including the game winning touchdown on an outstanding second effort stretch. Brown finished with 10 catches for 96 yards. He was clearly a difference maker. Jesse James and Xavier Grimble did a great job combining for five catches and 69 yards, with Grimble scoring the first TD of the game. Rookies Cobi Hamilton and Demarcus Ayers each contributed.

Playing without Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward, finally caught up with the defensive front seven. The Ravens ran the ball effectively and were able to get to the second level, controlling the clock for most of the game. The defense had several miscues and missed tackles. James Harrison led the team in tackles and Bud Dupree had the only sack of the game. The secondary statistically played well but allowed way to many third down conversions in the second half.

Despite producing his seventh double digit win season in his ten seasons as the Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin’s success was once again called into question this time by Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw. The Steelers have put together a terrific winnings streak after losing four in a row, including a heartbreaker against Dallas. Yesterday, they claimed Tomlin’s fifth division title and he now has 102 career wins. He is without question one of the best coaches in the NFL and Bradshaw continues to be a self serving, phony jerk.

The Steelers sent home the Bengals last week and now the Ravens this week, leaving them undisputed rulers of the North! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Mike Tomlin, because I am tired of having to defend him. Seriously, what more could you want from a coach. He has done an amazing job and NEVER gets the credit he deserves! Also Considered: Le’Veon Bell and A.B. who willed the Steelers to victory.

 Where I watched the game: At the house, with a house full of relatives. KGB took mercy on me and served dinner early as well as championed the dish cleaning, so I could watch the game. I watched with all five of the kids. (After they were done cleaning up) and KGB entertained the relatives. Only had one wayward relative walk in front of the TV during the game…Beer of choice was still IC Light.

My Stat of the week: SEVEN OUT OF TEN seasons, that is an astounding 70% of the seasons Mike Tomlin has posted double digit wins in his coaching career. He also is one of the fastest coaches in history to win 100 games, but somehow he isn’t a great coach. Yeah right!

My Thoughts on next week: Use the Browns game as the bye week. Let’s find the next RJ Bowers, rest our veterans and get ready for round one of the playoffs! The game means nothing to us and the Browns would love to do something stupid to hurt the Steelers.

This week’s Jersey: NO Jersey this week, we had to switch out “Teams for Troops” for a retiring colleague and I rocked the Steelers cardigan sweater for Christmas day.

One of the most important days in Steelers History!

The day that it all changed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuUBZ_DAeM

GOD BLESS THE STEELERS!!!

In one of the best victories of the season, the Steelers overcame two 14-Point deficits and sent the Bengals home for a second straight year. They battled through, terrible officiating, several injuries and in the end stuck with a solid game plan, that delivered a hard fought victory.

Chris Boswell provided the majority of the offense, booting a Steelers record tying SIX field goals, with five of them being over 40+ yards. It was a great effort and they were all no doubters. He also made a shoestring tackle on a kick return by Alex Erickson, that saved four points, the Steelers margin of victory.

Ben Roethlisberger bounced back from his horrible weekend in Buffalo, he never panicked and never turned the ball over as he drove the Steelers down the field and led the eventual comeback. Roethlisberger passed for 286 yards and led the offense to scores on seven of the first eight possessions. He spread the ball around and kept the Steelers in the game. Ladarius Green and Eli Rogers led the team with five catches, each made big plays including Roger’s game winner.

The game plan was to run the ball and the Steelers never got away from that. Le’Veon Bell rushed for 93 yards and closed out the game in the fourth quarter with precision running. The offensive line grinded out the yardage and provided excellent protection. Watching Dave DeCastro destroy Vontaze Burfict on a pull was outstanding.

The defense started slow, but eventually made the proper adjustments and shutout the Bengals in the second half. The secondary held Andy Dalton to 146 yards total passing and the linebackers harassed him all day. After getting crunched up front in the first half the Defensive line, playing without Stephon Tuitt, made the adjustments in the second half and completely shut down the Bengals running game. The Bengals finished with 76 yards. It was a complete effort and a great comeback.

The officiating was horrible. Hard to describe a worse array of refs, they missed several calls, made several non-calls and were too much a part of the game. It was obvious that they were worried about the nonsense that happens in a Steelers -Bengals game. Once again the Bengals showed a complete lack of discipline.

The Bengals totally lack any poise. Vontaze Burfict makes so many mistakes, it discounts any plays that he actually makes. Mike Tomlin clearly out coached Marvin Lewis…Again!

BTW I don’t think it was a coincidence that the Bengals basically were shutout after Jeremy Hill disrespected the Terrible Towel.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: “Little Bos” Chris Boswell, who banged out SIX long kicks on a cold day. He was automatic and he tied Gary Anderson and “Skippy” Reed for the Steelers record. The Janick texted that to me after the game. Also Considered: Myron Cope, who somewhere was smiling, about the power of the Terrible Towel! Eli Rogers and Ladarius Green both contributed and Green had to go out on his shield.

 Where I watched the game: At the house, the plan was to watch at Buckley’s but when the game was flexed we stayed at the house with the Tailgate Kids, Dante had a Root Beer, he got for his Birthday and KGB did Christmas stuff and cooked fried eggplant during the game. The beer of choice for me was IC Light that we are rationing since we bought it in the Burgh! Everyone was very tense until Hill jumped on the Terrible Towel, at that point you can see the Steelers on the verge of the comeback.

My Stat of the week: Well you already read the Six for Little Bos, so I am going to go with 3 Points as a stat, that is the number of points the Bengals scored after disrespecting the Terrible Towel.

My Thoughts on next week: This IS IT! Win and we are in the playoffs; we could use the Browns game as a bye week. Look for a classic Steelers Ravens Battle with the Steelers winning late.

This week’s Jersey: Went with Joey Porter #55 Away White for “Teams for Troops”, also wore it to church on Saturday. BTW this isn’t a throwback either, this is my actual jersey from when Porter first made the team!

The Steelers behind a record setting performance by Le’Veon Bell ran all over the Buffalo Bills Sunday. It was their fourth straight victory and gave them sole possession of first place. The score didn’t tell the story, as the Steelers dominated from the opening kickoff.

Le’Veon Bell dominated the day and set a franchise record with 236 rushing yards on a career-high 38 carries for his fourth 100-yard game in a row. He banged in three touchdowns and on 42 touches gained 298 yards from scrimmage. He was nearly unstoppable as the Steelers stayed in the jumbo package and pushed the Bills all over the field.

Roosevelt Nix open several holes as did a dominant offensive line. The numbers rang out how badly the line wore down the Bills front seven, Bell averaged 5.9 yards per carry in the opening 30 minutes and 6.36 yards in the second half when he had 159 yards on 25 carries.

Despite excellent protection, Ben Roethlisberger had a horrible day. He was off target most of the day and he is the only reason the Steelers didn’t win by 50 points. He did convert several third downs and hit seven different receivers, keeping the the heat on the Bills, however in the end he finished with one of his worst games of the year.  The whole team did a great job picking Big Ben up.

The defense put on another vintage show. The Bills intended to run the ball and they didn’t even come close. They had only 67 yards and the majority of that was during ‘garbage time. The defensive line never let McCoy get off and he was bottle up on every play. Ryan Shazier Led the teams in tackles and tee’d off on the Bills.

James Harrison played almost every snap of the game and teamed up nicely with Bud Dupree. They chased Tyrod Taylor from the pocket and he looked completely lost at times. The secondary made some great plays and Artie Burns had an uneven but successful performance. He had another pick and should have had a second but gambled and lost on one of the Bills touchdowns. Sean Davis continues to show improvement as he dropped Taylor for a sack and a half. The Bills passing attack was stifled.

Once again Mike Tomlin and company had the right game plan. They beat the Bills at their own game. The defense shut down the Bills’ No. 1 rushing game and crushed their passing game. The rumor in Buffalo is the Rex Ryan show is about to close. Great work and great preparation.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Le’Veon Bell, for putting together nearly 300 yards of total offense. He absolutely put on a show. Also Considered: The offensive line, Bell didn’t get there on his own. The Line absolutely wrecked the Bills up front. Ryan Shazier who blew up Sean McCoy. Rosey Nix, who reminded us all how dominant a good Fullback can be.

 Where I watched the game: At Ralph Wilson Stadium, The Steelers were well represented, KGB surprised me and we flew out early Sunday morning and met up with our dear friends Jen (lifelong Steelers fan) and Art (Cowboys fan, BUT repping BWG on Sunday). We had Sausage and Peppers at the tailgate as well as Beef on Weck. The beer of choice was PBR and a Hyde Park Beer called Fireside Chat. We had a horrible polish liquor Krupnick, (SP?) The Bills fans are very nice but all crazy. Seriously, setting yourself on fire, breaking your leg on a table, slamming a woman through a table and doing …ahem …body shots off strange parts of the body, are all part of the Buffalo experience. Seriously, Beer sales cutoff at the end of the half time break…and it is probably a good idea. This is a blog about drinking beer and football and I am endorsing it, so you know it’s nuts.

My Stat of the week: 236 Yards the new Steelers record for Le’Veon Bell, an amazing day the Steelers three the ball five time the entire second half. It was my kind of football. On a side note I was at the game when Willie Parker broke Frenchy Fuqua’s record. HONORABLE Mention: 3 the number of 100 win Coaches the Steelers have, congratulations to Mike Tomlin.

My Thoughts on next week: This is a must win and this will basically step on the Bengals neck. Look for a rough start and the Steelers to pull away.

This week’s Jersey: Went with Merril Hoge #33 Away White for “Teams for Troops”, also wore it to church on Saturday. Hoge as nice enough to comment on Twitter! Sunday wore my gamer #75 Joe Greene for the game.

The Steelers put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball, dominating the NY Giants and winning their third in a row. A heavy dose of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown proved too much for the Giants, rather than try to overwhelm opponents with firepower they used Bell and went up top to AB when needed. The Steelers victory keeps them on pace with the Ravens.

Le’Veon Bell put together his third 100-yard game in a row.  Bell had 184 total yards, including 118 rushing on a season-high 29 carries, grinding out every yard. Bell touched the ball on more than half of the offensive plays for the second time in the past three games. Antonio Brown made several big plays when needed and finished with six catches, none bigger than his 22 yard touchdown.

The Ladarius Green signing is finally paying dividends. After a slow start he is emerging as the middle of the field big play threat. He finished with six catches and 110 yards for the back breaking score. Ben Roethlisberger continued his hot streak, passing for 289 yards and two more touchdowns and spread the ball to six receivers. He clearly outdueled Eli Manning.

The Steelers defense is starting to find a rhythm, led by the linebackers. James Harrison absolutely dominated Erick Flowers, drawing a holding penalty in the end zone, recording a sack and forcing another. Lawrence Timmons intercepted a Manning pass and recorded seven tackles and dropped Manning on a blitz.

Artie Burns and Sean Davis continue to develop. Burns along with Ross Cockrell kept Odell Beckham Jr. in check and Davis had an interception on an errant Manning pass on fourth down. Mike Mitchell had two big third down pass breakups.

It was a nice effort by Randy Bullock who the Steelers signed 24 hours before the game, he nailed three field goals and was automatic on extra points. He was playing golf when he got the call!

Once again the Steelers had a solid game plan and executed it perfectly.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Ladarius Green, for his first big game as a Steeler! Also Considered: Le’Veon Bell, if he didn’t fumble we would have chosen him. SILVERBACK, for his outstanding performance. Randy Bullock who came off the course to make this work.

 Where I watched the game: At the house with KGB and the tailgate kids, we had Sausage and Peppers for dinner and IC light was the beer of choice for me. KGB had wine, nobody is perfect. J We had to uninvited our best friends because they are Giants fans. The game was chippy so that proved a wise choice.

My Stat of the week: CHECK BACK LATER.

My Thoughts on next week: We will be in attendance as KGB and I head to the frozen north of NY to watch the game! Pictures will come!

This week’s Jersey: Went with Jack Lambert #58 home. Did it for Teams for Troops and wore it to mass!

Happy Thanksgiving! The Steelers marched into Indianapolis and dominated an injury riddled Colts team 28-7. Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell put together solid efforts in beating a game but completely undermanned Colts team. The Steelers have now won back to back games on the road for the first time this season.

The Colts plan was to match up Vontae Davis against Antonio Brown. It was a mismatch and Davis left the game with and injury as Brown raked in three touchdowns on five catches for 91 yards! Ben Roethlisberger had all day and easily picked apart the 32nd ranked pass defense. He wasn’t intercepted and was never touched.

Le’Veon Bell ran with ease having over 100 yards for the second game in a row, finishing with 120 yards on 23 carries and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The Offensive Line opened huge holes and pushed the Colts all over the field. They had no answer for the Steelers offense.

The Steelers defense struggled on third down, but made several big plays when needed, including two goal line stands. James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons pressured backup Scott Tolzien, each recording a sack. Sean Davis and Mike Mitchell both turned in great games. Davis saved a touchdown, catching Tolzien on a QB keeper. Mitchell’s Fourth Quarter interception sealed the Steelers win!

The Special Teams struggled again, they allowed a 43-yard kick return by former Steeler Jordan Todman and 35-yard pass from Pat McAfee on a fake punt on the same possession that set up the Colts’ first TD. It was a tough outing and needs to improve.

It was great work by the coaching staff, who had to prepare on a short week against a Quarterback they had never seen. They were the only team that played on the road Sunday before the short week. The game plan was apparent and they executed it perfectly. The defense stepped up when needed.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown whose numbers didn’t tell the story. He was held on nearly every play and absolutely torched Vontae Davis. Also Considered: Ladarius Green, who is starting to emerge. Sean Davis who had a huge bounce back game.

 Where I watched the game: Tricky question this week. We listened to the game in the car on Westwood one radio, fun but the announcers are boring. Got to the house and watched the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters, then listened to the Steelers broadcast on the way to “moonlight madness”. I forgotten how much I enjoy listening to the radio with, Bill Hillgrove, Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley. BTW still miss Myron! NO BEERS THIS WEEK, although had Miller Lite after the Turkey Bowl

My Stat of the week: TWO…games in a row in which Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t sacked or intercepted. The Steelers roll as Ben rolls.

My Thoughts on next week: The game is a big one, between NFL Royalty, the Giants and the Steelers. They have TEN Super Bowl wins between them and the family ownership history are completely intertwined. Tim Mara was one of the driving factors in Art Rooney buying the Pittsburgh Football team! It is always a great game and I am trapped behind enemy lines in NY.

This week’s Jersey: Went with Rod Woodson #26 home for the Turkey Bowl and BTW it wasn’t a Throwback, it is my jersey for 20+ years!!!

The Steelers four game losing streak is over, Jason Gildon’s reign as Steeler’s Sack leader is over…as the Steelers dominated the Cleveland Browns 24-9. It was a vintage performance for the Black and Gold, as they pounded the football and turned the defense loose on the hapless Browns.

The Steelers were determined to pound the football, and they did just that, Le’Veon Bell rushed for 16 of his 28 carries in the first half for 85 yards. He rack up seven catches for 50 yards before half, giving him 23 touches for 135 in the first half. Bell finished with 201 scrimmage yards on 36 touches, including a season-high 146 yards rushing. The Offensive line absolutely dominated the Browns up front, suffocating the Browns defense, putting together drives of 8:02, 9:18 and 9:28 – the three longest of the season. Ben Roethlisberger was never sacked and had all day to pass the ball.

Roethlisberger, put in a vintage Steelers QB performance, he controlled the game, only passed when needed and kept the Browns on their heels the whole game. He was never sacked and never turned the ball over. The offense only had one touchdown, but again they slowed the game’s tempo down to an almost crawl and kept the Browns offense on the sideline most of the day.

Whatever your opinion is of Mike Tomlin, he coaches to win. Not everyone likes it and he is “unconventional”,  but he coaches without fear. Going for it THREE times on the Goal Line once with 10 seconds then NO Seconds TWO times takes nerve and it shows faith in the players. Of course going for two afterwards was completely demoralizing to the Browns. The team had a game plan and they executed it exactly how they drew it up.

While the day belonged to Le’Veon Bell, James Harrison stole the show! Harrison delivered in his start and battled Joe Thomas all day and eventually recorded his record sack. He is now the Steelers all time sack leader. He set the tone for a defense who was absolutely eviscerated last week against Dallas.

Lawrence Timmons had a monster game, eight tackles a sack and he sent Cody Kessler to the locker room on a clean hit! Stephon Tuitt, was dominant getting 2½ sacks, four quarterback hurries and delivering several hits including a bone jarring shot on Josh McCown. Ryan Shazier had a strip sack, that led to a TD and blew up ever single screen attempt.

The secondary is still a work in progress with Artie Burns making some nice plays and struggling on others. Sean Davis made some key mistakes again, but is showing signs of development. Mike Mitchell, continues to cream opponents and struggle in coverage.

While beating the Browns is not exactly a badge of honor, it is one of the Steelers arch rivals and in the end they are playing for their lives, a victory of a dominant fashion is exactly what was needed and in the end was achieved!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Have to give out two: Le’Veon Bell for what he did Sunday and James Harrison “SILVERBACK” for what he has done throughout his career. Also Considered: All the linebackers for their route and Stephon Tuitt for nearly killing Josh McCown.

Where I watched the game: In front of a great fire, with KGB cuddled up to me and the Tailgate Kids, I had IC Light which I brought back from the ‘Burgh, this plays into how dominant the Steelers were, I didn’t finish my first beer until end of the first half. The half moved so fast! We had an amazing Buffalo Chicken and Chipolte Chicken Bread that KGB made. Absolutely awesome and might be the best snack of the year!

My Stat of the week: EIGHT sacks…registered by the defense, the most in 4 1/2 years.

My Thoughts on this week: The game is in three days! Look for the Steelers to follow the same game plan vs. the Browns, dominate the Colts up front and keep Andrew Luck on the sideline. The Colts will be looking for a measure of revenge as the Steelers have “lumped” them up two years in a row.

This week’s Jersey: Went with Le’Veon Bell 26, Color Rush for “Teams for Troops” and went with Vanity Jersey Steelers home #14

Our backs are against the wall, so we can only come forward now! Let’s get it done!

If you are interested in this years shirt, please drop us a line.