Category — Pittsburgh Steelers

After some heartening news that Ward was practicing Friday, it’s a bit disappointing to hear that he won’t be playing Sunday. The idea behind sitting him, however, makes a lot of sense. It just wouldn’t be smart to play Ward this early after he’s missed two weeks of practice. His greatest strength is his fearless attitude of running across the middle of the field. If he’s still uncertain how his knee will hold up, he’ll hold back and he’ll be a more ineffective receiver. Not to mention he might get hurt.

After missing nearly two full weeks of practice Hines Ward is returning, today, and if all goes well, he’ll see playing time on Sunday against the Seahawks. His knee reportedly is healing and it is surrounded by less fluid, little enough that he might be able to make hard enough cuts on the field to run crisp routes.

If the wide receiver isn’t okay to play Sunday, he’ll be replaced by Nate Washington (again). But apparently he’s in control.

“All the coaches say, ‘Hey, it’s up to you,’ ” Ward said.

While everyone praises the Patriots for their weekly dominations, let’s take a look at a team that is being a little bit overlooked right now. They’ve dominated as much, but without the passing heroics of Tom Brady and Randy Moss. They’ve shut offenses down, allowing a mere 8.7 points per game, all while scoring an average of 32 points per game.

The team I’m referring to, of course, is the Steelers. (Picture gave it away, eh?)

Consider: they have the NFL’s best defense. Maybe it’s just because we’re accustomed to it being dominant — we’ve labeled it Blitzburgh and the Steel Curtain in the past — but I don’t think enough fans appreciate the Big D. They’ve forced 12 sacks this season — 2nd only to Philadelphia’s 14 — and they’re currently ranked first by Football Outsiders. Those of you who don’t know about these geniuses, head over to the site and start checking out stats. They’re both innovative and useful.

Yes, it’s early. But we might as well start ranking teams now, right? The Patriots and Colts are (once again) among the tops in the league, but surprises do abound: the Rams and Chargers haven’t hit their stride yet and the Packers and Lions are both 2-0. And how ’bout those Texans?

The point is, 2007 is shaping up to be a great ride. Surprise teams are already taking form and teams we expected to do well just haven’t done so — yet. Remember, it’s still early. Chances are, it’s a fluke Derek Anderson beat Carson Palmer in a shootout. But that’s why we play the games. Any team looks good on paper, but until they’re on the field, we don’t really know much.

Bill Cowher is retired — for now.

“He’ll be coaching next year, and I really think he’ll be coaching in New York,” Bettis told the NFL Network. “That’s just my take on it and thinking about the type of teams that he fits in good with, I think the Giants is definitely one.”

Interesting theory, especially considering the strong odds Tom Coughlin will be finished coaching in New York in 2008. Save a strong playoff appearance and (probably) victory, it’s a safe bet the G-men will be looking for someone else to steer the ship for 2008 and beyond.

But will that person be Bill Cowher?

There may be a reason behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disagreements over a contract extension with Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca: Ben Roethlisberger.

Alan Faneca, disgruntled with his contract situation, was a no-show Tuesday at the first of 14 voluntary workouts. On record saying he is unhappy with the organization, Faneca has drawn only criticisms from fans and those with a say, including agents.

After asking to be traded, Faneca reported that he will not return to workouts until July 23, assuming he’s still a Steeler at that time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been struck a serious blow: guard Alan Faneca has predicted 2007 is his last season. Though

The longest first round in NFL history is finally over — incidentally, this is the site’s longest blog — after a little more than 6 hours of draft and analysis. And now it’s your time to read about who teams drafted, who was passed on. This is your quick guide with links to the original reported story (top 10 picks only).

The Tribune-Review reports that Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin plans to reach out to Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca