Parker's joy generates positive vibes for...

SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL

Parker's joy generates positive vibes for SteelersSaturday, January 17, 2009 By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Willie Parker jokes with Hines Ward during a game against the Eagles at Heinz Field earlier this season.

Maybe it's just Willie Parker's personality, which is so infectious his coach said it energizes the rest of his teammates. Maybe it's the enjoyment he gets from making a big play, breaking a long run or, perhaps more important, feeling better than he has since the opening game of the season.

Who else could find a sense of pride in being trash-talked by Ray Lewis the first time he was tackled by the Baltimore Ravens' middle linebacker?

"I got up, and he was like, 'Not today, Parker, not today,'" Parker said. "That made me feel good because he knew my name. And I hadn't really done anything yet in the league."

Two Pro Bowl selections later, Parker's name is known by every member of the Ravens' defense, a unit that ranks No. 2 overall in the NFL and treats running backs the way a dog treats a chew toy. They have come to know him so well they have never allowed Parker to rush for more than 63 yards in six games against them -- and that was in the first meeting in October 2005.

What's more, the Ravens have allowed him to score just one touchdown in six games, and that was an 11-yard catch in the second meeting in 2005.

The Ravens' ability to contain Parker will be imperative for their success in the AFC championship game tomorrow against the Steelers at Heinz Field, especially because Parker is back to full health after being nagged by knee and shoulder injuries most of the season. And he has back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances as proof.

"He's definitely got his groove back at the right time," said right tackle Willie Colon. "That's a definite plus for us."

Parker is coming off a performance in which he rushed for 146 yards on 27 carries in a 35-24 playoff victory against the San Diego Chargers, a game in which he showed his trademark burst with runs of 27 and 16 yards, the latter a touchdown.

That came on the heels of a 116-yard rushing performance in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns, a game in which he scored on a similar type of run -- a season-long 34-yard touchdown down the right sideline in which he outraced safety Brodney Pool to the pylon.

Those are the types of run that have been missing from Parker since he missed four games earlier this season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee. The injury dogged Parker for most of the season, one of the reasons he had only two

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runs of 20 yards or longer heading into the season finale -- second fewest among players with as many rushing yards as Parker (791).

"I definitely feel real good," Parker said. "I'm back full speed, that's really all that counts.

"I just wasn't all the way healthy. I wasn't all the way back. I wasn't full speed. When I'm struggling, I'm just struggling. I'm definitely feeling all right now."

Those are also the kinds of runs that have been missing against the Ravens.

Parker has 262 yards rushing on 92 carries in six games against the Ravens, a per-carry average of 2.85 yards. His longest run in any of those games was 16 yards.

"Who's to say he can't have success this time?" receiver Hines Ward said. "They've done a great job of containing Willie, a lot of teams have, but it just takes one game. We're going to try to establish our running game and, hopefully, we can bust a couple open."

Coach Mike Tomlin said Parker's long runs have a measurable effect on the team's psyche.

"Willie has that type of personality that, when he feels good, he has a bounce in his step and it permeates throughout a football team," Tomlin said. "Him feeling good, physically and mentally, is maybe rubbing off on a lot of people. Hopefully, it is. It's something that's really not tangible, but it's something that, if you're a part of, you appreciate."

"There is no doubt," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "The energy that Willie brings as a person we missed. When he can take a 2- or 3-yard run and turn it into 7, 9, 30, that excitement builds in the huddle. It gives those big guys, who might not have blocked that well, a great feeling that they knocked some guys around. And they will start knocking some guys around. That's what your back has to do for you."

Backup quarterback Byron Leftwich agreed. He said he saw his former teammate, running back Fred Taylor, create that same type of effect in Jacksonville.

"He reminds me of Fred a lot," Leftwich said. "They don't say a lot, it's what they do. He had that same kind of aura about him. When you give him the ball and he gets 13 yards, he'd throw his arms up and guys would feed off that because they love to see him have success.

"You know linemen aren't going to do that, a lot of people don't do that. But, when they see Willie do that, they get their joy through Willie. I've seen it before and I know what it does to a football team."

Gerry Dulac can be reached at [email protected].

First published on January 17, 2009 at 12:00 am

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AFC Championship: Presence of top 2 defenses creates perfect recipe Saturday, January 17, 2009 By Robert Dvorchak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

They're football analysts now, sharing their insights with TV audiences, but they talk like fans when someone asks them about the Baltimore Ravens and Steelers.

"There might not be any touchdowns," said Rod Woodson, the former Steeler who works for the NFL Network and is on the doorstep to the Hall of Fame.

"If you love defense, if you love old-fashioned, smashmouth defensive football, you'll love this game. I think it's going to be an instant classic," he added.

Tony Siragusa, a former defensive lineman at Pitt, will be working the sideline for the Fox broadcast of the Philadelphia Eagles-Arizona Cardinals game in Arizona, but he's looking forward to the AFC title game. And he's glad he won't have to brave frigid temperatures so low that ice formed on the rivers during the week.

"I'm excited," he said by telephone. "Both teams play great defense. Both attack the ball. When you see someone make a tackle, there's ateammate right there trying to rip the ball out."

Woodson and Siragusa, defensive teammates on the Ravens' Super Bowl title team, have an insightful understanding of the importance of this game in the respective cities. Before playing in Baltimore, Woodson played defensive back for the Steelers with such accomplishment that, as an active player, he was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team. And before he played in Baltimore, Siragusa played for Pitt and learned how much the city appreciated defense.

For them, and for football fans across the country, this is the game they wanted to see.

"I think you'll get what you've seen all year long from these teams. The best two defenses in the NFL, who both play in the AFC North, slugging it out for the AFC championship," Woodson said.

"These two teams are mirror images of each other. Someone on the Ravens can look out on the field as say, 'That's us, but in a different uniform.' The Pittsburgh Steelers can say the same thing," he added. "Baltimore has a rookie quarterback in Joe Flacco, and Ben Roethlisberger has been through this before. But Flacco is in the same situation that Ben was in as a rookie, playing in an AFC championship game in Heinz Field."

But similarities don't stop with the teams. Woodson thinks the fan bases are close in their appreciation of their teams. "If their team is winning 6-3, they're still cheering. In other cities, fans will boo an offense that's not scoring points. Pittsburgh fans have always cheered their defense, and Baltimore fans have appreciated their defense," Woodson said. "I really believe this game will make such an impression on Steeler fans and Ravens fans, they'll be talking it about it for years."

The Steelers' defensive philosophy, as expressed by coach Mike Tomlin, is to defend every blade of grass. Baltimore's attitude on defense is "make sure you make them pay for everything they get," Siragusa said. "It's not a finesse team. Both teams want to punish you on defense and create havoc."

While bad blood exists between the two, as evidenced by some well publicized incidents and statements, Siragusa sees a classic rivalry based on something else.

"I think it's respect," he said.

The Steelers will need to beat the Ravens for the third time to advance to the Super Bowl. And the two wins during the regular season were decided by a total of seven points.

"This one will come down to turnovers and protecting the ball," Siragusa said. "You'll get to experience what playoff football is all about."

Robert Dvorchak can be reached at [email protected].


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Page 1 of 1AFC Championship: Presence of top 2 defenses creates perfect recipe


BUSINESS

Eagles are NFL's dream teamLeague would profit less with Steelers since they've won title recently Saturday, January 17, 2009 By Teresa F. Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The best-case scenario for the National Football League plays out like this: Pittsburgh Steelers meet Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl and -- wait for it -- the Eagles win.

That unemotional assessment comes from Matt Powell, an analyst with SportsOneSource, a company that tracks the sportinggoods industry and sales of NFL licensed merchandise. He crunches numbers, factoring in the impact of things such as each team's sales history, time since the last Super Bowl win and so on.

The Steelers are a powerful sales-generating team and sales of their licensed merchandise have surged in the last few weeks of the season. Still, said Mr. Powell, "If we end up with a Steelers-Eagles Super Bowl and frankly, if the Eagles win, it's a huge deal for the NFL."

Seems the longer it's been since a team won the Super Bowl, the more pent-up demand for jerseys and flags. The Steelers last won in 2006; the Eagles have never won. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens rank a bit lower in sales even though they last won the big game in 2001.

Even as fans crank up the fight tunes and stock up on beer, the people whose jobs involve selling things -- even city reputations -- are cheering on the economic engines that are the NFL playoffs.

The longer the engine runs through a particular city, the better for that market, of course.

Last week, Allegheny County's official tourism agency, VisitPittsburgh, calculated the playoff game held at Heinz Field generated $18.2 million in direct spending to the local economy. That includes tickets, foods, hotels and so on, and the organization claims it's a conservative figure.

This week's AFC Championship game will produce $20.3 million in direct spending, according to group's estimates. Not only do the game tickets cost more but the excitement level picks up as the championship gets closer.

"This weekend is a lot busier than last weekend for the hotels," said Craig Davis, vice president of sales and marketing for the group.

He's a fan, even has access to Steelers tickets through his relatives' longtime support of the team, but there's also a business interest involved in his cheers for the playoffs to come to town.

"Every year, we just prayed we would get into the playoffs," Mr. Davis admitted, with a laugh. "It's just found money." This time of year tends to be pretty quiet for restaurants and hotels, so they're thrilled to welcome football fans.

Even those from places that we're supposed to feel antipathy toward. "Welcome, Baltimore Ravens Fans!" was the message on the VisitPittsburgh Web site this week. A friendly face is more likely to win over wallets, Mr. Davis explained.

The marketing staff at the H.J. Heinz Co. is cheering on the added advertising boost for the big food company as the Steelers bring another playoff game home to Heinz Field.

"Heinz having the naming rights for a championship game is priceless from both a marketing and brand awareness perspective," said spokesman Michael Mullen, in an e-mail message.

Anyone who has seen the Shop 'n Save ads and noticed Eat 'n Park restaurants offering to cover shipping costs for those sending Smiley Cookies to Maryland can't doubt that food retailers love a championship game.

Giant Eagle separates its most popular gameday items list by things that people run in and grab vs. those that require advanced planning. Chicken wings can be picked up on the fly, as can sub sandwiches and baked goods in appropriate colors. People need to call ahead for the sandwich rings and the personalized cakes.

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Giant Eagle has stores in enemy territory, such as Ohio and Maryland. How far can a customer go and still expect to grab black-and-gold cupcakes?

"It seems the Steelers' demarcation is Youngstown, Ohio," said spokesman Dick Roberts. Technically, he said, such decisions are made on a store-by-store basis but shoppers past Youngstown seem beyond the Steel Curtain.

Findlay retailer Dick's Sporting Goods has its own business interests in the markets of all four teams in this year's NFL playoffs. Dick's has stores in Arizona, Maryland and, of course, Pennsylvania.

"The fans have come out in force this week," said Jeff Hennion, executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

He wasn't inclined to offer an opinion on which team might drive the best sales, but Dick's stands ready to reopen stores for happy shoppers in markets such as Baltimore and Pittsburgh where this weekend's game will likely end after closing time. The Arizona-Philadelphia game is being played earlier.

Overall, sales of licensed NFL merchandise are down about 15 percent from last year, said Mr. Powell, at SportsOneSource. Just how much of that is driven by the nation's economic slowdown and how much is driven by other variables isn't clear, he said.

In terms of licensed-merchandise sales potential, he ranks the contenders this way: 1. Philadelphia; 2. Pittsburgh; 3. Baltimore and 4. Arizona.

Why so low for the Cardinals? After all, they haven't ever been to the Super Bowl. In terms of merchandise sales, Mr. Powell said, "It's not a particularly hot market for football."

Teresa F. Lindeman can be reached at [email protected] or 412-263-2018.


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Steelers Notebook: Disagreement on issue of pressureSaturday, January 17, 2009

Backup quarterback Byron Leftwichnever has experienced the pressure of an AFC championship game in his four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and last season with the Atlanta Falcons.

But he said he couldn't imagine any game having more pressure than a Super Bowl.

"I couldn't possibly see any situation putting more pressure on you than the Super Bowl," Leftwich said. "That's all you ever dreamed of, everybody in this league -- when they were 5 or 6 years old, they dreamed of being in the Super Bowl. They didn't dream of being in the AFC championship game. Nothing even comes close to having the opportunity to be world champions.'

Some of Leftwich's teammates who are playing in their third AFC championship game in the past five years disagree.

"Unless you win this one, you're not going anywhere," said defensive end Brett Keisel. "The Super Bowl, there's a lot of pressure, but you're excited you're there and it's the last game. There's not a game after that, so you can just go play. Unless you win this one, all is for naught."

"It's more pressure to get into the Super Bowl, no doubt about it," said inside linebacker Larry Foote. "Look at the year we lost, when we were 15-1 (2004); it's so hard to get to this point right here. It's 60 minutes to get to a Super Bowl.

"When we played in the Super Bowl, we weren't that nervous. [Linebackers] coach [Keith] Butler, he played 10 years in thisleague and was in only one AFC championship game. This is three for me. It's hard to get there, but you got to take advantage of this opportunity."

Ch-ch-change of mind

Coach Mike Tomlin decided not to have the Steelers practice outside yesterday, as planned, and it wasn't because of the near-zero temperature.

The outdoor practice field was frozen, forcing the Steelers to practice inside for the third time this week. To make it as cold as possible, Tomlin had the doors to the indoor facility opened during practice, making the temperature close to 32 degrees.

"Generally, at the end of each week, we like to put the finishing touches on the week in a game-like atmosphere," Tomlin said. "I didn't feel like the fields were very safe because of a sheet of ice and I didn't want to get anyone injured."

Injury updates

As expected, center Justin Hartwig (knee) returned to practice and worked with the first-team offense for the first time this week. He will start against the Ravens tomorrow.

Also, All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu (calf) practiced for the second day in a row and will start against the Ravens. Polamalu said his injury, which occurred in pregame warm-ups against the Chargers, did not prevent him running as normal, though it was apparent he did not, or could not, accelerate to chase Darren Sproles on a 62-yard catch-and-run for touchdown.

"I am sure that he went through some discomfort, but it is that time of year where, if a guy can go, they are going to go," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "The same thing would be true with Baltimore. If Troy is on the field, we are not limited at all. If he is not, that changes what we do a little bit because he is a very special guy."

Tomlin said he is not concerned about the health of either player because Hartwig and Polamalu each finished the game against the Chargers despite their injuries.

"This is as healthy as we've been all year," Tomlin said. "I'm not concerned with either one of those guys."

Big Ben much healthier

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Willie Parker isn't the only member of the offense who is as healthy as he has been since the season opener.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who separated his shoulder in the season opener against the Houston Texans, has regainedthe strength in his throwing arm and is able to cut loose with deep passes again.

"I had the receivers tell me the same thing," Roethlisberger said, referring to the game against the Chargers. "[My arm] just felt good out there. We missed a couple of deep balls. We probably left about 150 yards of passing out there. We are close and, hopefully, it stays alive."

New experience

Tomlin and Baltimore's John Harbaugh have coached 48 regular-season games, the second-fewest combined total for coaches in a conference championship game in the Super Bowl era. The fewest is 42 by Oakland's John Madden and Baltimore's Don McCafferty in 1970.


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Parker's return to form opens up game for Steelers By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, January 17, 2009

Running backs, like cartons of milk, have limited shelf lives.

And it looked like the hits Willie Parker absorbed while averaging 329 carries in 2006-07, coupled with injuries, had taken their toll on the Steelers running back.

But in less than a month, the two-time Pro Bowler has gone from looking like an old Willie Parker to the Willie Parker of old. And a return to health by Parker -- he battled knee and shoulder problems during the regular season -- could not have come at a better time for the Steelers, who are two wins away from a sixth Super Bowl title.

"I'm back at full speed," said Parker, who showed as much last Sunday by rushing for the third-highest total (146 yards) in Steelers postseason history. "I'm definitely encouraged, but you know how Baltimore is. They're definitely going to be stingy."

Parker knows from firsthand experience how tough the Steelers' opponent in Sunday's AFC Championship Game is against the run.

In six games against the Ravens, Parker has averaged just 2.8 yards per carry and has not scored a touchdown. He has rushed for 262 yards during his career against the Ravens, which is the same number of rushing yards he has posted in the Steelers' past two games.

Parker gashed the Chargers for 5.4 yards per carry last Sunday, and his big game came a day after the Ravens looked vulnerable against the run.

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson rushed for 72 yards on 11 carries before leaving the AFC divisional playoff game against the Ravens with a high ankle sprain.

Whatever advantage the Steelers coaches gained by watching Johnson run the ball successfully against the Ravens may have been negated by Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan showing the same film to his players as a way to motivate them.

"I read all the experts say we would have given up 150 yards to the running back from Tennessee," Ryan said. "But remember, he never finished the game for some reason. Whatever that reason is, they can cry all they want. Who cares? We're here."

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The same may be true of a Steelers running game that lacked consistency during the regular season and finished 29th in the NFL in yards per carry (3.6) and 23rd in yards per game (105.6).

The burst Parker has shown recently has energized the offense and opened up things for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the passing game.

"Willie has that type of personality that when he feels good he has a bounce in his step, and it permeates throughout the whole football team," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "It's something that's really not tangible, but it's something that if you're a part of you appreciate."

Parker appreciates as well as anybody how hard running room is to find against the Ravens. Baltimore yielded just 81.4 rushing yards per game during the regular season.

The key for Parker and the Steelers may be staying patient even if they don't have success on the ground early.

"You always have to have the threat of the run being there," Steelers left tackle Max Starks said. "You can't get into the situation where they're saying, 'OK, it's going to be another pass here.' The run keeps defenses on its heels, and it keeps them having to think about all of the options that are available to us out of any given formation and not to get pegged into one style of offense."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

Staying groundedHow the Steelers have ranked in rushing per game over the past five seasons:Year Rank Steelers NFL2008 23 105.6 116.02007 3 135.5 110.92006 10 124.5 117.32005 5 138.9 109.62004 2 154.0 116.6

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Harris: Steelers' Harrison has Ravens' attention By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Baltimore Ravens added an extra offensive tackle on Steelers linebacker James Harrison's side when the teams played in December.

That's a heck of a compliment for an opponent whom Baltimore defensive lineman Trevor Pryce claimed wouldn't be heard from. This after Harrison had racked up nine tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception against the Ravens on Monday Night Football last season.

Pryce was wrong. Boy, was he wrong.

Harrison became the star attraction on the Steelers' top-ranked defense this season. He had a franchise-record 16 sacks during the regular season despite double- and triple-teams and the more-than-occasional hold.

He wasn't drafted out of Kent State. He was cut four times, including once by the Ravens. He's been disrespected by opponents such as Pryce. Yet, he's now the reigning NFL defensive player of the year.

That's Harrison telling his critics to stick their doubts where the sun doesn't shine?

"Actually, stuff like that motivates me. It makes me want to prove somebody wrong," said Harrison, who starts in the biggest game of his life against the Ravens on Sunday night in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field. "When I hear what somebody tells me I can't do, it drives me to want to do it even more to prove them wrong."

Harrison's numbers in two home games against Baltimore since becoming a starter in 2007 are staggering: 19 tackles, six sacks for 55 yards in losses, one interception, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Harrison's big plays in those two home games have directly led to five touchdowns.

In the Steelers' 23-20 overtime win against Baltimore on Sept. 29, Harrison's sack of quarterback Joe Flacco resulted in a fumble and LaMarr Woodley's 7-yard touchdown return for a 17-13 lead in the third quarter.

Harrison's presence makes his teammmates better, if only because of the extra blocking attention tilted his way. He was held somewhat in check with four

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tackles and a sack last week against San Diego in the divisional playoffs. So what was the result? Woodley crashes in from the left side for two big sacks, three tackles for losses and three quarterback hurries.

Baltimore's players have since come to their senses regarding Harrison's playing ability. Ravens tackle Willie Anderson, a 13-year veteran, compared Harrison's forceful playing style to former Steelers linebacker Greg Lloyd, whom Anderson faced while with the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I don't really pattern myself after anybody," Harrison said. "I go out there and try things that I may have seen somebody else do and see how it fits into my game. If I feel like I can do it, well, then I'll keep it. If not, then I'll throw it away."

Given how Harrison has taken the league by storm, more linebackers have been patterning their games after him, rather than the other way around.

John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.



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Ravens relying on turnovers for survival By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, January 17, 2009

Ravens free safety Ed Reed returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown in Baltimore's playoff opener, but it's his other interception on Jan. 4 in Miami that still has the Steelers talking.

"You watch some of the games they've played, especially in the postseason; there's one time he's a 'Cover 2' safety on the right side and he picks off an 'under' route to the left," Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "He's just always all over the field."

The play to which Roethlisberger refers happened late in the third quarter of the Ravens' wild-card victory in Miami.

The Dolphins trailed 20-3 but were threatening, facing a second-and-12 from the Ravens' 15-yard line.

Miami quarterback Chad Pennington tried to hit running back Patrick Cobbs on the opposite side of the field where Reed had lined up, just as Roethlisberger observed in his video review.

But Reed read the play, bolted into position by taking the perfect angle, jumped the route and came away with his second interception of the day at the Ravens' 8.

The play is typical of the way the Ravens have played defense this season. Baltimore led the NFL in takeaways with 34, in large part thanks to a league-leading nine interceptions by Reed.

In the postseason, the Ravens' defense has eight turnovers, leading to a plus-7 turnover differential.

Reed returned two interceptions and one fumble for touchdowns in the regular season. His postseason score against the Dolphins was the 12th touchdown of his career. He's the only player in NFL history to score return TDs on a punt, a blocked punt, an interception and a fumble.

The Ravens' ability to disguise defenses, particularly blitzes, often puts Reed and the other Baltimore "ballhawks" in perfect position to change games, if not scoreboards.

"Coach (defensive coordinator Rex) Ryan and the rest of that defensive staff

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are so good at making you make the mistake of throwing it where you don't think a guy is, but he's there," Roethlisberger said.

And the Ravens do it to the most ball-secure teams in the league.

Miami finished tied for best in the NFL in fewest turnovers (13), having just one multiple-turnover game this season before watching the Ravens take it away five times.

And Tennessee, Baltimore's divisional round victim, finished tied for third in fewest giveaways (17) but suffered three turnovers in being eliminated.

The Steelers' defense isn't in Baltimore's class in that department, but it isn't bad. Their 29 takeaways finished tied for ninth during the regular season. Strong safety Troy Polamalu, who had seven interceptions during the regular season (tied for second-best in the league), is comparable to Reed in terms of the impact he has on his defense and opposing offenses.

"He and Troy are very similar," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "Troy has the same ability to play half the field on one side and pick it off on the other.

"He and Troy are the only guys I know you have to account for every play."

Mike Prisuta can be reached at [email protected] or 412-320-7923.



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Super Bowl berth could come down to ... kickers? By Bill Beckner Jr. VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH Saturday, January 17, 2009

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- If the NFL's top two defenses play with the violence and mayhem expected this week with the brick-wall mentality that they're accustomed to, then surely the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens offenses will struggle to move the ball Sunday.

Third-down conversions could become be key, field position crucial and touchdowns about as easy to come by as a parking spot near Heinz Field.

On a frozen day, dependable placekickers Jeff Reed and Matt Stover had better be thawed and ready. The kickers, not the linebackers, could decide whether the Steelers or Ravens go to the Super Bowl.

"You have to think that way," the Ravens' Stover said. "If it does (come down to a field goal), I am ready for it because that's how I continue to prepare myself throughout the practice week, and in my mental preparation."

The Steelers and Ravens have traded field goals along with the cheap shots and trash-talk over the years. Their third meeting this season in Sunday's AFC Championship Game might see more 3-pointers than Pitt-Louisville; in their previous two meetings, 65 total points have been scored. Stover and Reed have combined for 32.

For the season, the kickers have made 27 field goals and are a combined 40-of-42 from inside 40 yards.

Neither has missed a kick against one another this year. The Steelers' Reed kicked a 46-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 23-20 overtime victory in late September.

Kicker comparisonThe starting kickers for Sunday's AFC Championship Game with this season's statistics:Jeff Reed

XP/XPA FG/FGA PointsSeason 36/37 27/31 117Postseason 5/5 0-0 5

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"I feel like, in my seven years here, it's always come down to a field goal, either myself or Matt Stover out there on the field," said Reed, who did not attempt a field goal last week against San Diego.

In the September Monday night game, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger converted two short third-down passes to get Reed in better range. Setting up high-percentage field goals could be critical Sunday.

Stover, 40, isn't letting the oddities of Heinz Field - the wind-whipped open end or the sometimes-rutty sod - bother him. At least not before the game.

"You never think like that," he said. "That's why I have my funny little stance, the way I approach the ball, kick the ball. Everything's been dictated by bad field conditions, by wind, weather, whatever I have to deal with.

"I have tried to shrink my world down enough to where if I am in an environment like that, it won't matter."

Reed, 29, said there are pros and cons when it comes to home-field advantage.

"Yes, because it's my home field and usually I can figure out the wind. Usually but not always," Reed said. "I do realize there's a wind tunnel up there somewhere in the middle of the field. If you catch it on kickoffs -- or even on a deep field goal -- you can get it. If you don't catch it, it will knock it right down.

"No, because Matt's played on the field a lot of times. He knows it's not the best field in the world, but it is a better surface than it has been in the past. Also, we're both playing in the same conditions and sometimes, I can't figure out the wind. I can, but it's kick to kick. It's not 'This game, it's going to do this, this game it's going to do that.'"

In the Steelers' 13-9 win in Week 15, Stover scored all of the Ravens' points. The game's only touchdown was the controversial, 4-yard scoring pass from Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes with 43 seconds to play.

Stover, who is 50-of-59 lifetime against the Steelers and will make his 21st appearance at Heinz Field, likens good form in bad conditions to golf. Like many NFL kickers, he is a good golfer; he trusts his golf spikes just as much as his football cleats when it comes to establishing footing in bad conditions.

vs. Ravens 3/3 5/5 18Matt Stover

XP/XPA FG/FGA PointsSeason 41/41 27/33 122Postseason 4/4 4/4 16vs. Steelers 2/2 5/5 17



Considering Heinz Field doesn't have wide-open fairways, Stover may have to hit an iron off the tee.

"Your form needs to be solid enough to be able to handle it," he said. "Any golfer will tell you the same thing - narrow your stance and shorten your backswing. It's the same kind of thing you do as a kicker."

But with the potential pressure of a 3-foot putt to win the U.S. Open.

Bill Beckner Jr. can be reached at [email protected] or 724-224-2696.





Ward replies to Mason's statement By Scott Brown and John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, January 17, 2009

• Wide receiver Hines Ward showed again Friday why he is the Steeler the Ravens and their fans love to hate. During a news conference, Ward was told that Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason had said the Steelers better be ready for tomorrow's AFC Championship game because the Ravens are coming. When asked his reaction, Ward feigned fright and said, "Ooooh. I don't know if I'm supposed to be scared or laugh at that."

• Ward wasn't the only Steeler who drew laughs from reporters. Linebacker James Farrior talked about playing against Steelers coach Mike Tomlin in college when the former was at Virginia and the latter was at William & Mary. "I told him a long time ago, if I would have known he was going to be the coach, I would have really been going after him," Farrior said.

• Tomlin said yesterday that "this is as healthy as we've been all year." He took steps to make sure things stayed that way. Tomlin moved practice inside because of safety concerns. The fields where the Steelers practice when weather permits were a "sheet of ice," Tomlin said. Not that the players got a break from the bone-chilling temperatures that hovered around zero degrees without the wind-chill factor. The Steelers like to simulate game conditions on Fridays, and they compensated for not practicing outside by opening the doors to the indoor facility. "That's something we're used to," outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley said, shrugging off the cold conditions in which the Steelers practiced. "We've been playing in it since November."

• Steelers center Justin Hartwig (knee) practiced yesterday for the first time this week and is probable for tomorrow's game. Strong safety Troy Polamalu (calf) is also listed as probable. Both are expected to play in the 6:30 p.m. game at Heinz Field. They are the only two players listed on the Steelers' injury report. Hartwig hurt his right knee last Sunday when a pile fell on it. He played the second half of the Steelers' 35-24 win over the Chargers with a knee brace and will wear the brace again tomorrow. He said it won't hinder him against the Ravens. "The brace will be extra support for me," Hartwig said, "but I'll definitely be able to go Sunday."

• Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder) is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game, and starting cornerback Samari Rolle (thigh) is doubtful. Neither player practiced yesterday. Suggs has said he won't know until tomorrow if he will be able to play. Linebacker Antwan Barnes (shoulder) has been ruled out for the game. Along with Suggs, outside linebacker Jarrett Johnson (calf), wide receiver Mark Clayton (thigh), tight end Todd Heap (back) and defensive tackle Justin Brannan (foot) are questionable.



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Bires: Defenses built on linebackers By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH — Quarterback may be the glamour position in the NFL. But when it comes to defense, there’s nothing more enjoyable than watching linebackers do their job. That’s especially true for 3-4 schemes like the ones playing Sunday in the AFC Championship Game.

The Steelers boast the league’s No. 1 defense. The Ravens are No. 2. And the men most vital to the success of those defensive units are the linebackers. The Steelers like to think they have the league’s best set of ‘backers. So do the Ravens. “You can make that argument that these two teams do have the best linebackers,” said Ray Lewis, the future Hall of Fame inside backer who’s the inspirational leader of the Baltimore defense. “The group we have is one of the special ones. They have great linebackers, too.” The Steelers’ long tradition of linebacker excellence began in the “Steel Curtain” era of the 1970s. It reached its peak after the ’75 season when all three starters from the 4-3 defense the Steelers played at the time — Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Andy Russell — went to the Pro Bowl. Ham and Lambert are now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Growing up, you know a little about that tradition of the Pittsburgh defense and definitely the linebackers,” said current Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley. “That’s what their defense has always been built on … the linebackers.” In Baltimore, it was Lewis who started the tradition. In 10 of his 13 seasons, he’s made the Pro Bowl. He’s a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and easily one of the five best linebackers in NFL history. “People say Ray may have lost a step, but he’s still got it,” said Steelers inside linebacker James Farrior. Two years ago, the Ravens sent all four of their starting linebackers to the Pro Bowl. Three of them still play for the Ravens: Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. In this year’s Pro Bowl, four of the five AFC linebackers will be playing Sunday: Lewis and Suggs for the Ravens and Farrior and James Harrison, the ’08 Defensive Player of the Year, for the Steelers. “You hear it all the time,” Woodley said. “You hear different guys around the locker room talking about the linebackers. You hear the coaches talk about the linebackers. You can see fans in the street and they tell you about the tradition of the linebackers.”

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Ward honored to be 'most hated' Steeler By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH — Hines Ward has no problem being the Most Hated Steeler in Baltimore. “I guess that’s a big honor,” said Ward. “I don’t know why Baltimore dislikes me so much. I love the crab cakes there. I love the (harbor) view in Baltimore.

“I don’t know. I’m a likable guy. I don’t know what there is not to like about me. I smile all the time. I give 110 percent every time I step on the field.” This week in an Internet poll, The Baltimore Sun has asked its readers: Which of the following Steelers do you hate most? The options were James Farrior, James Harrison, Santonio Holmes, Willie Parker, Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin and Ward. As of early Friday evening, close to 7,000 readers cast their votes. Ward got 3,743 votes (54.1 percent). In a distant second was Roethlisberger with 547 votes (7.9 percent). Meanwhile, Ward just laughed when told of a comment made by Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason earlier this week. “(The Steelers) are going to realize what’s coming quickly. The Ravens are coming, so prepare yourself,” Mason said. “Woooo!” Ward said, pretending for a moment that he was scared. “That doesn’t scare anybody. That doesn’t scare me … talk is cheap to me. We line up Sunday, we’re going to go out and play, and the better team is going to win. “For what Derrick said, I don’t know if I’m supposed to be scared or laugh.”

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CB Rolle, LB Suggs likely out for Ravens By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH - Thanks to hurricane damage to Reliant Field in Houston, the Baltimore Ravens have not had a bye week since early September.

Because of damage to Houston's home field, the Ravens' scheduled game Sept. 14 was shifted to Nov. 9, with the Ravens and Texans taking the originally scheduled date as their bye.

Now, playing 17 consecutive weeks might be catching up to Baltimore.

Cornerback Samari Rolle and linebacker Terrell Suggs, two key players for Baltimore's defense, missed their third consecutive practice for the Ravens Friday, putting their status very much in doubt for Sunday's AFC Championship game at Heinz Field against the Steelers.

Rolle, who has a groin injury, is listed as doubtful, while Suggs is questionable with a shoulder injury. Both were injured in Baltimore's 13-10 win last week over Tennessee.

Suggs, who led the Ravens with eight sacks, didn't sound optimistic he would be able to play.

"I don't know. I'm not a doctor," said Suggs, who's status will be a game-time decision. "If they've got something that can magically stop me from using my shoulder to tackle somebody then... But up until then, I don't know."

If Suggs is unable to play, Edgar Jones and Jameel McClain would likely replace him.

Rolle's injury could be even more troublesome for the Ravens, who already placed their other starting cornerback, Chris McAlister, on injured reserve earlier this season. Frank Walker would start opposite Fabian Washington in Rolle's place.

"From experience, to knowing the gameplan, to making plays, we definitely will miss Samari," said Baltimore safety Ed Reed. "That's also one thing that's been huge this year, that guys step up. We expect (the Steelers) to attack guys that haven't been in there. I would if I was playing against it. It happens, but that's why other guys get paid."

The Steelers got a relatively clean bill of health heading into the game, as safety Troy Polamalu and center Justin Hartwig completed practice Friday and are probable to play.

Polamalu has a calf strain, while Hartwig injured his knee in last Sunday's 35-24 win over San Diego.

"This is as healthy as we have been all year," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I am not overly concerned with either guy.

"We are into the (point of) the season where physical reps aren't as big of an issue as they are at the beginning of the year, especially considering they are both veteran players. We got them the critical work that they needed at the latter part of the week, particularly (Friday) in some of the specialty areas."

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Odds and end zones

Reserve linebacker Antwaan Barnes is out for Baltimore. ... Wide receiver Mark Clayton (thigh), tight end Todd Heap (back) and linebacker Jarret Johnson (calf) are also questionable. ... Linebacker Ray Lewis (shoulder) and wide receiver Derrick Mason (knee) are probable.

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Steelers hope to rekindle home tradition in AFC title game By ALAN ROBINSON Associated Press

PITTSBURGH January 16, 2009 11:26 pm — Winning the Super Bowl three years ago didn’t erase one of the lingering questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why can’t they win a championship game at home? The Steelers of the 1970s thrived on playing title games in now-demolished Three Rivers Stadium, losing to the unbeaten Miami Dolphins in 1972 before winning three AFC championships in three tries during the 1975-79 seasons. If there was any sight that brought a chill to an opponent back then, it was the thump-thump-thump of all those twirling Terrible Towels during a Pittsburgh playoff game. Thump, the towels whirled when Terry Bradshaw went deep to John Stallworth. Thump, the towels whirled when Franco Harris ran off-tackle. Thump, the towels whirled when Joe Greene leveled a quarterback. The Raiders complained of intentionally iced playing fields, and of calls gone wrong – see Immaculate Reception, circa 1972�– but trying to beat the Steelers in an elimination game in Pittsburgh during those days was the quickest route to any opposing player’s offseason. Then, during the 15 years in which the Steelers didn’t play host to an AFC championship game, the magic disappeared. When the Steelers began playing home title games again, home field proved no advantage at all. The Steelers own the NFL’s best home-field record since the 1970 merger, yet they are only 1-4 in AFC championship games there since the 1994 season, all under former coach Bill Cowher. The one conference championship they won at home in the last 29 seasons was something of an underachieving performance, a tight 20-16 win over Indianapolis in January 1996. Those Colts went 9-7 and weren’t expected to advance past the �wild-card round, much less play for the AFC championship. Pittsburgh went on to lose to Dallas 27-17 in the Super Bowl. Five of these Steelers were around for the twin AFC title game losses to the Patriots, during the 2001 (24-17) and 2004 (41-27) seasons. “I’ve lost two of these at home. It’s not much fun,” defensive end Aaron Smith said. “They’re going to stay with me the rest of my life. I don’t care how many Super Bowls you win, you’re not going to forget those championships you lose.” After losing to New England four seasons ago despite having a 16-1 record, the Steelers came back the following season to win three road games in three weeks and the Super Bowl against Seattle. Being on the road, removed from the repeated failures at home, almost seemed like an advantage. The Steelers, despite being 13-4, would have been on the road for Sunday night’s AFC championship game against the Ravens, too, if sixth-seeded Baltimore hadn’t upset top-seeded Tennessee 13-10 last weekend. Smith tried explaining to some younger teammates how much different championship games are. “I think everybody understands the magnitude of the game, but the young guys might have a hard time understanding what the game’s going to be like,” Smith said. “It’s going to be the most physical game you’ve ever played. You’re going to be spent, that’s what the young guys don’t understand.” This will be the Steelers’ 14th AFC championship game, matching the record held by the Raiders. Oakland was 1-2 against Pittsburgh when the teams met in AFC title games during the 1974, ’75 and ’76 seasons. “You take pride in that,” wide receiver Hines Ward said. “No disrespect to the Pirates or Penguins, but peoplearound here look forward to winning a Super Bowl every year — that’s what the expectations are. Anything

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less than a Super Bowl is not acceptable. Thanks to the teams of the 1970s, they want to win a Super Bowl every year.” Beating Baltimore for the third time this season, and the first time in an AFC championship game, would allow Ward to partly put aside the bad memories of those twin losses to the Patriots. “It’s my fourth (AFC) championship game and I’m (1-2), so I would love to get to .500 and get to the Super Bowl,” he said. Defensive end Brett Keisel agrees. “So it’s about time,” Keisel said. “Sounds about time to me.” Despite a projected high of 6 degrees, coach Mike Tomlin wanted to practice outdoors Friday, only to discover the two practice fields frozen following overnight readings of below zero. He moved practice indoors, but kept all doors open so the temperature quickly dropped into the 30s. Temperatures in the low 20s and a chance of snow flurries are predicted for Sunday night’s game, or nearly the identical weather as during the Chargers-Steelers divisional game last Sunday.

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baltimoresun.com Tomlin's meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing

Like Harbaugh, Pittsburgh coach, 36, has had immediate success

By Bill Ordine | [email protected]

January 17, 2009

PITTSBURGH

When Mike Tomlin was hired two years ago as Steelers head coach, Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior had the type of prior acquaintance that's rare for a player and his new boss. "I actually played against the guy," Farrior said. Farrior, now 34 and in his 12th NFL season, was a star defender at the University of Virginia. Tomlin, now 36, caught 101 passes as a wide receiver at William and Mary. "I told him a long time ago that if I had known he was going to be the coach, I would have really been going after him," Farrior joked yesterday as the Steelers put the final touches on their practice week in anticipation of tomorrow's AFC championship game against the Ravens at Heinz Field. Tomlin, much like the Ravens' John Harbaugh, is one the NFL's young coaching lions. However, Tomlin's star rose even faster than Harbaugh's, and he's 10years younger than the Ravens' rookie coach. In another departure from Harbaugh's situation, Tomlin inherited a winning program that already had its star quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, in place. The Steelers went 10-6 in Tomlin's first season before losing in the wild-card round to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Still, Tomlin was following in the large and imposing footsteps of the only two coaches who had led the Steelers in nearly four decades, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, both Super Bowl winners. "The tradition is awesome," Tomlin said this week. "You can't put a price tag on it. It's inspiring not only to me, but I think everybody that's a part of our football team and in this organization. ... Those that have come before us set the standards for us. We understand that when we come in the building." Tomlin's quick ascension to leading one of the most storied teams in American sports took him through the University of Cincinnati as an assistant coach in 1999 and 2000, where, coincidentally, Harbaugh had been an assistant several years earlier. Both worked for then-Bearcats head coach Rick Minter.

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"Whenever someone meets John Harbaugh for the first time, they like him," said Minter, now defensive coordinator at Marshall University. "He's good-looking, pleasant, well spoken, but he listens more than he talks and takes things in before responding. He's transformed [the Ravens], and he's transformed that locker room." Minter's recollection of Tomlin when he first met the young assistant was vivid. "He lights up the room, beaming smile, extroverted person without being brash," Minter said. "He was great with young players." While Minter's description of Tomlin comports with others who know the Steelers coach well, Tomlin's public persona is quite different - polite and straightforward but no-nonsense. That might be because Tomlin believes he needs to harness his emotions, even his tendency to be outgoing. "Personally, I am a pretty cerebral guy when it comes to work," Tomlin said. "When I am emotional, it is emotional by choice. I don't want to miss anything. I try to be what my team needs me to be at that particular moment. I have learned that from the great coaches that I have been fortunate to be around." One of those was recently retired Tony Dungy, for whom Tomlin was a defensive assistant in Tampa Bay. Tomlin said he noted how Dungy stayed outwardly placid even at the most hectic times. Farrior and veteran wide receiver Hines Ward said Tomlin, perhaps because of his age, relates well to this generation of players. And, Ward said, the second-year head coach adjusts quickly when it's for the good of the team "Last year, he had to come in and really set the laws down," Ward said. "A lot of guys were in Coach Cowher ways. He was very strict on his rules." This season, Tomlin knows which players he needs to push and who he needs to nurse through the season, Ward said. "Veteran guys, we don't practice on Wednesday," the wide receiver said. "We've been in this league long enough, and we know we're not going to win ballgames on Wednesday. He wants guys to be as fresh as possible on Sunday. ... He's done a lot for me personally because I feel a lot fresher on Sundays and able to go out to do it week in and week out." A similarity between Tomlin and Harbaugh is that when each became a head coach, he retained a highlysuccessful defensive coordinator. In the Ravens' case, Harbaugh held on to Rex Ryan, and in Pittsburgh, Tomlin kept Dick LeBeau. Minter called it a "defining moment" because Tomlin had come from the very successful "Tampa2" defense and was allowing LeBeau to run his own highly stylized version of a 3-4. The decision has paid off - the Steelers had the No. 1 defense in the NFL in the regular season, the only one ranked ahead of the Ravens' formidable unit. Tomlin shrugged off what some might call a particularly wise decision for a young leader. "I came into a situation where it wasn't broken," he said. "Dick LeBeau's reputation and resume speaks



for itself. It would have been foolish for me to fix something that wasn't broken. It would have been ego-driven. My ego doesn't drive me; seeking victory does."

Copyright © 2009, The Baltimore Sun

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baltimoresun.com Healthier Rice gives Ravens another rushing weapon

With rookie 'ready to go full speed,' 3-man attack could be back

By Edward Lee | [email protected]

January 17, 2009

The Ravens' three-headed monster at running back could get some of its bite back tomorrow with the full return of rookie Ray Rice. Rice had missed four consecutive games because of a bruised left shin and played sparingly in the Ravens' 13-10 win over the Tennessee Titans last Saturday. He could get a greater workload in the AFC championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm ready to go full speed," Rice said. "I was ready to play against Jacksonville. I suited up for Miami. Tennessee, I was ready to go, and I played a couple plays in the third quarter. I feel brand new again." Rice's return could revitalize a running attack that seems to have lost a little steam. Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain sprained his right ankle against the Titans, and backup running back Willis McGahee has been battling eye, rib and ankle injuries. Ranked fourth in the NFL with 148.5 rushing yards a game at the end of the regular season, the Ravens have slowed to a 100.5-yard average in two playoff games. The Titans limited the Ravens to 50 yards on 30carries last week. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron half-joked that coaches have forgotten about Rice, who last played a significant number of snaps against the Washington Redskins on Dec.7. "But we think he's an outstanding football player," Cameron said. "He's smart. He's tough. … [He has] a little more quickness in some areas than some guys. We're going to need him in this game. There's no doubt about it. He's probably the healthiest guy we have." Rice hasn't been the offense's featured tailback since gaining 154yards on 21carries against the Cleveland Browns on Nov.2, but his value lies in a multitude of areas. As a third-down back, the 5-foot-8, 205-pound Rice can hide behind the massive offensive line and catch opposing defenses napping on draw plays. Blessed with soft hands, Rice has more catches and yards off receptions than McClain or McGahee. Rice has drawn comparisons to the Philadelphia Eagles' Brian Westbrook, the Jacksonville Jaguars'

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Maurice Jones-Drew and the San Diego Chargers' Darren Sproles for his versatility and pass-catching skills. Rice could be a weapon against a Steelers defense that finished the regular season ranked first in the NFL in fewest average yards allowed. If the offense ends up in third-and-long situations, Rice's hands give rookie quarterback Joe Flacco another an additional option next to Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Todd Heap in the passing attack. "We've missed him a lot," McClain said. "He can get into a little flash and run the quick hitters when we're in our three-wides [formations], and run the screens. I think we're missing that part." Rice likened his left shin bruise to a high ankle sprain, adding that the injury made it difficult for him to plant his left foot and make the cuts necessary to avoid tacklers. "The straight-ahead stuff was there," he said. "But if you can't cut as a running back, you can't play. That's your livelihood. But now, it's better. I can cut and make plants." Though he said he was frustrated by the slow healing process, Rice said the layoff has been beneficial. "My legs haven't felt this fresh since I came into camp," he said. "Been rehabbing, my legs feel great. Definitely feel like I got my step back."

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Powered by

By Mike Lopresti, Gannett News Service

PITTSBURGH — This rivalry is for people who like their coffee black and their ice cream vanilla.

It is for those who still make their calls on landline phones, still mail postcards, still listen to music on CDs.

It is black and white television, and the milkman coming to the door. As straightforward as a fight on the playground.

This rivalry is about today, but smacks of yesterday.

"When you get two bullies going up against each other," Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior said Friday of the AFC Championship Game, "who's the strongest bully?"

It will be snowy and cold and brutal and bare-knuckles when the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers meet here Sunday. Hit and be hit. Trash talk given and received. No quarter asked for or granted.

Not many points, either.

"It's going to be ... a 3 hour-and-30-minute fight," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said.

They have met twice this season. In 126 minutes of football — the first game went overtime — the offenses managed four touchdowns between them. The Steelers won both, by a combined seven points. Not that it matters now.

What is more clear-cut than ruthless defense? Than smash-mouth football? Than, as Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward described the relationship, "genuine dislike?"

This rivalry means the losers will endure their worst nightmare Sunday. Not only will be they miss the Super Bowl, but they will have to watch the other team go. They'd rather jump head first into the nearby Monongahela River in January.

"If we win this game, Baltimore can beat us 10 straight times, but they will remember this game, and vice versa. That's what is at stake," Ward said. "The winner of this game is going to stick with you a very, very long time."

This rivalry is not the Red Sox against the Yankees, who have tried to outspend one another into oblivion. The NFL regulates a level payroll playing field. The Steelers and Ravens must attack not with cashier checks, but pure emotion, pure brawn, pure malice.

"Hate is a strong word," Ravens' safety Ed Reed said this week. "I think it is more a respect thing. They know we play hard and we know they play hard.

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"It would be something if one of those guys or one of us said we didn't respect (the other side), because it would be a lie."

OK. But consider this verbal blitz on Ward by Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott, quoted Friday in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"His time will come. He'll get his."

(Note how it's always "he" and "his." Scott will not even mention Ward's name).

"He'll come across the middle one day and someone will him or take out his knee. The guy will be fined and (Ward) will be gone. No one will care. No one will even care. No one will send him any cards saying they're sorry. Not to that guy.

"You reap what you sow."

Over to you, Hines:

"I'm a likable guy, I don't know what's not to like about me ... I could care less if they dislike me.

"I kind of get a big smile on my face, because they're more worried about me than trying to stop (Steelers running back) Willie Parker ... I take pride in trying to get up under their skins. I guess they're trying to knock the smile off my face."

Also, a television man read to Ward something Baltimore receiver Derrick Mason said earlier this week.

Mason: "They're going to realize we're coming at them quickly. The Ravens are coming, so prepare yourself."

Ward, trying to sound like a teenager at a horror movie: "Whooooo.

"I don't know if I'm supposed to be scared, or laugh."

This rivalry is for fans of the Jerry Springer Show ... and soap operas ... and football.

Because the most compelling thing about Sunday is that beneath all the chatter are teams filled with ferociously competitive athletes.

"All of them play the game the same," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "They put every ounce of their fiber into it.

"We both play football in a similar matter. We're a fundamentalist outfit. As are they. We win by attrition. We force our will on our opponent. As do they."

What better drama than a reviled enemy blocking the last curve to the Super Bowl?

"We wouldn't really want it any other way," Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said.

Neither would we.

***

Contact Mike Lopresti at [email protected] Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/lopresti/2009-01-16-steelers-ravens-rivalry_N.htm



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Friday, January 16, 2009

May the bitter team win

By Gene Wojciechowski ESPN.com PITTSBURGH -- This Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry has everything but a conscience. There's name calling. Angry accusations. Felony indictments.

And that's just the Baltimore mayor. Pittsburgh's mayor is into name changing. But more on that later.

Meanwhile, you should see what the actual Ravens and Steelers are saying and doing as Sunday night's AFC Championship Game approaches. It's nastier than one of those weekly catfights on "The View."

"When you get two bullies going against each other," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said, "it's who's the strongest bully."

Everybody is chirping this week. A few days ago, Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason warned the No. 2-seeded Steelers, "The Ravens are coming, so prepare yourself."

Told Friday of Mason's comments, Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward feigned terror and, in a mocking tone, said, "Whooooo."

So much for the Mason intimidation factor.

"That doesn't scare anybody," said Ward, the former Super Bowl MVP who broke Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers' jaw earlier this season with a block. "That doesn't scare me. Whatever it takes to motivate yourself to go out. Talk is cheap to me. We line up Sunday and we're gonna go out and play and the better team's going to win. But for what Derrick said, I don't know if I'm supposed to be scared or laugh at that."

Ward, by the way, is the runaway leader of a Baltimore Sun online poll that asks readers, "Which of the following Steelers do you hate the most?"

Hate, not dislike.

The last time I looked, Ward had earned nearly 54.1 percent of the vote (quarterback Ben Roethlisbergerwas next at 7.9 percent). In a weird football way, it's a compliment. Ward prides himself in getting under your skin. Except Ward gets under it not like a splinter but like a two-by-four.

"I don't know why Baltimore dislikes me too much," Ward said. "I love the crabcakes there. I love the view in Baltimore. I don't know -- I'm a likable guy. I don't know what's not to like about me."

Here's a guess: Some of the Ravens think he's a cheap-shot artist. Ravens linebacker Bart Scott told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook: "His time will come. He'll get his. He'll come across the middle one day and someone will hit him or take out his knee. The guy will be fined and [Ward] will be gone. No one will care. No one will even care. No one will send him any cards saying they're sorry. Not

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to that guy. … You reap what you sow."

See what I mean? The Ravens-Steelers matchup makes the NFC Championship Game look like a Tupperware party. The only thing missing is a bounty on players. Oh, wait, the Ravens supposedly did that with Ward and Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Anyway, this will be the third time Baltimore and Pittsburgh have played each other this season. The Steelers won the Sept. 30 game on a 46-yard field goal in overtime and won the Dec. 14 game on a disputed, last-minute touchdown catch. The combined margin of victory: seven points.

"We thought we put dirt on them a couple of times," Farrior said. "The first couple games, we thought we had them out of there. But they're a great team and they fought back hard to get themselves in this position."

Now the Steelers go for the Ravens three-peat, a feat that is easier to accomplish than you might think. According to the numbers, teams that win the two regular-season games against a division opponent are 11-7 in third-game meetings in the postseason.

Thing is, this is Ravens-Steelers. This is a rivalry with enough subplots to give Shakespeare an aneurysm.

First of all, they can't stand each other. Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon has accused the sixth-seeded Ravens of having an undeserved arrogance about them, of not showing the Steelers the proper respect. But Colon doesn't get it. Without arrogance, the Ravens are home for the playoffs. It's who they are.

Example: The Ravens were rooting for another Steelers rematch. That way, Scott told The Sun, they could "really build up the level of hatred."

Example: "If you need bulletin-board material to motivate you for this game," Ward said, "you don't even need to show up. … There's nothing more [Ravens linebacker] Ray Lewis or any of those guys can say. We've heard it all. I've heard for 11 years now. You still got to go out there and line up and play."

Is any of this healthy? No. Is this a gas to watch? Absolutely.

The Ravens and Steelers are in the same division. They're separated by 250 miles. Their rosters are filled with what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin calls "dominant personalities."

The result is a rivalry that's deliciously and deliriously over the top. It's like asking the waiter to put a piece of key lime pie on top of your double fudge sundae. Dig in.

Remember Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs' putting a bounty on Mendenhall after the rookie predicted a big game against the Ravens? Mendenhall did indeed get knocked out for the year in the Sept. 29 game. Injured shoulder.

But what goes around comes around. Suggs is questionable this Sunday with … you guessed it: a shoulder injury.

Then there's this whole so-called "slobber moment" involving Ravens cornerback Frank Walker and Steelers punter Mitch Berger. It happened in the Dec. 14 game. In short, Walker sort of spat in the



mouth of Berger.

Walker said it was an accident. Berger isn't buying it. Whatever happened, it was gross. So don't be surprised if Walker is the subject of some Steeler retaliation.

In fact, don't be surprised by anything in this game. The only four constants are: a close score, a chopped-up field (the Heinz Field turf hasn't been resodded since November), cold weather and lots of chippiness. Everything else is in play.

"We win by attrition," Tomlin said. "We force our will on an opponent, as do they."

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl forced his will on the AFC championship news by temporarily changing his last name to Steelerstahl. Even if the Allegheny County Department of Court Records accidentally changes his name to, say, Toiletstahl, he'll still have had a better week than Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Dixon was indicted Jan. 9 on charges of theft, perjury, misconduct and fraudulent misappropriation.

Never a dull nanosecond here at the AFC championship.

"The winner of this game, it don't matter what you do in the series after this," Ward said. "You're always going to remember this. If we win this game, Baltimore can beat us 10 straight times, but they will remember this game."

By the pregame sound of it, we all will.

Gene Wojciechowski is the senior national columnist for ESPN.com. You can contact him at [email protected].

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chicagotribune.com Humbling start sparks Steelers' James Harrison

Steelers LB pays his dues, emerges as best in business

By Omar Kelly

Tribune Newspapers

January 17, 2009

There are times when James Harrison, the Pittsburgh Steelers' destructive outside linebacker, will get stopped — stood up by an offensive linemen or flushed outside by double teams. And there are times Harrison stops himself, like when he was arrested his senior season in high school for shooting a BB gun inside a locker room, ending his college recruitment and forcing him to walk on at Kent State. Or when the undrafted rookie would talk back to his NFL coaches, and he got cut for exhibiting the same stubborn nature that allows him to relentlessly pursue quarterbacks today. "When he knew what he was doing he was a very powerful guy with a great first step. But like a lot of players we brought in, there was a period of transition that you have to go through, and James went through it," said former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who cut Harrison three times in 13 months. Cowher said there were times during those early days Harrison would be so lost he'd "stop in the middle of the play." "He's come a long way to say the least," Cowher said with a chuckle. All the way from college walk-on to the NFL's 2008 Defensive Player of the Year, and one win over the Ravens away from leading his team to the Super Bowl. "[Winning] the Super Bowl would mean everything," said Harrison, who led the Steelers his first year as a starter with 81/2 sacks, then set a team record this season with 16 sacks to go with seven forced fumbles and 101 tackles. His ability to disrupt Baltimore's passing game will be critical to the Steelers advancing to the big game. Harrison is the fifth Steeler to have won the Defensive Player of the Year honor, and three — Joe Greene (1972, 1974), Mel Blount (1975) and Jack Lambert (1976) — are in the Hall of Fame. Rod

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Woodson (1993), the fourth, should join the others at the end of the month when Hall of Fame voting is completed. Although he's only been a two-year starter, Harrison, who replaced Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter in Pittsburgh, knows he's in good company. But this man of few words isn't ready to say he belongs among the Pittsburgh elite. Not until he leads his team to a win in the big game. His teammates believe their 6-foot, 255-pound battering ram will do just that. Harrison's two nicknames in the Steelers locker room are Deebo, a character from the movie "Friday" who is an intimidating bare-knuckles brawler, and Silverback, an adult male gorilla that serves as the strong, dominant troop leader. Both stem from the way Harrison, who was also cut by the Ravens early in his career, carries himself on the field. "He's an animal, a straight beast. Unstoppable," Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden said. "My rookie year when he wasn't playing a lot you could see what type of guy he was because he was doing things on the practice field that you wouldn't expect from someone of his stature. He waited his time and when the opportunity came he made the most of it." South Florida Sun Sentinel Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

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January 17, 2009

Smaller Than Expected Class of Underclassmen for Draft

By BILLY WITZ

As the window closed Thursday on when underclassmen could submit their names for this year’s N.F.L.

draft, the story was mostly about who chose to stay rather than go.

Forty-one players said they would forgo their final seasons of eligibility to enter the draft. Quarterbacks Sam

Bradford of Oklahoma, Tim Tebow of Florida and Colt McCoy of Texas were not among them.

Also choosing to put off professional football — and multimillion-dollar signing bonuses — were Southern

California safety Taylor Mays, Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes, Mississippi defensive end Greg Hardy,

Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Each was widely

considered a first-round pick, and many draft analysts had Mays, Gerald McCoy and Gresham listed as the

top prospects at their positions.

Players have through Sunday to remove their names from the draft list if they have not hired an agent. If the

number holds at 41, it will be the second-fewest underclassmen available for the draft in the last eight years.

In 2007, there were 40.

It was far from the flood that was expected last month, when concerns about the N.F.L. labor agreement were

expected to prompt a record number of early applicants. There had been talk that a rookie wage scale, similar

to what the N.B.A. has instituted, would be in place for next year’s draft to keep rookie salaries down. And if

the owners opt out of their agreement with the players without a new one being negotiated, the requirement

for reaching free agency would extend to six years from four.

But in late December, Commissioner Roger Goodell said a rookie wage scale would not be instituted until at

least 2011.

“There were definitely underclassmen who were thinking about these issues,” said Don Yee, a Los Angeles-

based agent. “They were worried about one of two things: a wage scale in which they’d have a fixed salary for

a certain amount of time, and there was fear that in a new collective-bargaining agreement, it would take

longer to reach free agency. If that’s the case, why not get the clock ticking now?”

Although it had been reported that a record number of underclassmen had asked the N.F.L. for an evaluation

before deciding whether to declare for the draft, Greg Aiello, a league spokesman, said such requests were

down 25 percent, to about 150.

U.S.C. quarterback Mark Sanchez was among those who asked for an evaluation. His departure is probably

the most surprising, given that he was the starting quarterback for only one season.

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In Los Angeles, Sanchez’s decision to leave generated plenty of controversy, though much of it was created by

his coach, Pete Carroll. Clearly miffed, Carroll did not take a seat at Thursday’s news conference, preferring

to stand alongside Sanchez, a fourth-year junior. Carroll said he did not agree with Sanchez’s decision,

primarily because he had started just 16 games in his career — not enough to prepare him fully for the N.F.L.

“Mark is going against the grain in this decision,” said Carroll, who left the room when it was Sanchez’s turn

to speak. “We know that. He knows that.”

Two of Sanchez’s U.S.C. predecessors returned as fifth-year seniors, but their circumstances were different.

Carson Palmer was more suspect than prospect until his senior season catapulted him from the middle

rounds to the top pick. Matt Leinart, who returned after winning the Heisman Trophy, required arm surgery

that spring, which certainly would have hurt his draft stock.

Perhaps what bothered Carroll most was that Sanchez was not his only loss. He must replace the offensive

coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who became the head coach at Washington, taking the defensive coordinator

Nick Holt and several members of U.S.C.’s support staff with him. Carl Smith, newly hired as quarterbacks

coach, interviewed Thursday for the same position with the Cleveland Browns.

Even though nine starters will return on offense for the Trojans, they will have to break in a new quarterback

from among the sophomore Aaron Corp, the junior Mitch Mustain, the senior Garrett Green and the

incoming freshman Matt Barkley, who will enroll in the spring. Corp, Barkley and Mustain were high school

all-Americans, but only Mustain, a transfer from Arkansas, has ever started.

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TAMPA — Hours after firing Jon Gruden in a surprise move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers settled on defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new coach.

The move to promote the 32-year-old Morris was confirmed Friday night by a person familiar with the decision who requested anonymity because the team had not yet scheduled an official announcement.

Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen were dismissed earlier in the day, three weeks after the team completed one of the biggest collapses in NFL history, losing four straight games following a 9-3 start to miss the playoffs.

WHY WAS GRUDEN FIRED? Ex-players aren't supportive NFL COACHING CAROUSEL: Who's coming, going on the sideline

Director of pro personnel Mark Dominik, who has been with the Bucs for 14 seasons, will replace Allen.

Gruden won a Super Bowl that bought him some time with the Buccaneers, but ultimately it couldn't save his job.

Gruden was a rising star when he was hired seven years ago to get a team built by Tony Dungy to the Super Bowl. But Gruden only guided the Bucs to the postseason twice after becoming the youngest coach to win the NFL title in January 2003.

Morris has been a fast climber, too. He was the Bucs' defensive back coach the past two seasons, and was promoted to defensive coordinator on Christmas Day, filling a vacancy that opened for next season when Monte Kiffin decided to join his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee.

The former Hofstra player and assistant coach, who recently interviewed for the opening to replace Mike Shanahan with the Denver Broncos, has been with Tampa Bay for six seasons over two stints.

Morris initially joined Gruden's staff as a defensive quality assistant in 2002, was a defensive assistant in 2003 and assistant defensive backs coach for the next two seasons before spending one year as defensive coordinator at Kansas State.

Dominik joined the Bucs in 1995 and served in a number of personnel and scouting positions before being named director of pro personnel eight years ago.

Gruden's Super Bowl win after the 2002 season wasn't nearly enough for the sons of owner Malcolm Glazer, who took their time before deciding they had seen enough of aging quarterbacks, mediocre drafts and a coach and general manager who often pinned the blame for poor finishes on injuries.

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Gruden went 60-57 in seven seasons, including a 3-2 mark in the playoffs. Allen was general manager for the last five seasons in a reunion of a relationship that began when both were with the Raiders.

"These decisions are never easy. This is the toughest decision you can make for an NFL franchise. ... Jon and Bruce are consummate professionals. They've poured their heart and soul into this franchise," Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer said. "It's really been an honor to work with them. They gave their all."

Gruden's dismissal came on a day when they were seemingly conducting offseason business as susual. The team annoucned just two hours before the firing that it had fired former Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry to be its linebackers coach.

The Bucs were tied for first place in the NFC South heading into December, but finished with losses to Carolina and Atlanta on the road and San Diego and Oakland at home, where they had been 6-0. One more win would have landed a NFC wild-card berth.

The 9-7 record this season gave Gruden consecutive winning records for the first time since arriving in Tampa Bay, yet still left the Bucs out of the playoffs for the fourth time in six years and prompted the Glazer family to reevaluate the direction of the franchise.

"Any time a season ends, especially the way our season ended, it's a very, very emotional time. And one thing we always like to do is not act on emotion, let things simmer down, think through things carefully and not make any quick, rash decisions," Glazer said.

"After taking a lot of time to look at our franchise, look where it's been, look where it is, look where we want to go, we just felt this was the time for a change."

Gruden was the second head coach who had won a Super Bowl dismissed this offseason. The Denver Broncos fired Mike Shananan last month. Also, Mike Holmgren (Seattle Seahawks) and Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts), also Super Bowl-winning coaches, stepped down.

Of the head coaches active in the NFL right now, only Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants have Super Bowl wins on their resumes.

The Glazers fired Dungy after consecutive first-round playoff losses in Philadelphia and used four high draft picks — two No. 1s and two No. 2s — and $8 million cash to pry Gruden away from the Raiders following the 2001 season.

He was an instant hit, retooling an inept offense and riding a defense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL to the Super Bowl.

Interestingly, his firing came four days after Dungy announced his retirement after a successful seven-year run that included one NFL title with the Indianapolis Colts.

Gruden, who had three years remaining on a contract extension he received after winning the NFC South in 2007, leaves as the winningest coach in franchise history.

But since going 15-4, including the Super Bowl, in his first season with the Bucs, Gruden went 45-53 and made quick exits from the playoffs at home after winning division titles in 2005 and 2007.

This season's collapse continued a trend of playing poorly late in the year. Since winning the Super Bowl, Tampa Bay is 9-17 in the month of December.

"This isn't a decision that's made on one play or one game or one week or one thing," Glazer said. "You look at the totality of the situation, evaluate it, look at where your franchise is. For us, the goal is to build a championship team that can compete year in and year out."

Gruden and Allen both received contract extensions last winter after the Bucs went 9-7 and won the NFC South for the second time in three seasons, however Glazer said that was not a consideration in Friday's decision.



Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

"At the end of every season we sit back and look at everything. We did that last year and went forward with the extensions," Glazer said.

"But at the end of the day, every year we feel we owe it to this football team and this community to do a good honest assessment of our franchise. If at any point, we feel that change is in our best interest, we feel we have to make that change. That's where we got to in this situation. You can't let decisions you made a year ago affect a decision today."

The team co-chairman said there's no timetable for naming a successor. When Dungy was fired, the Glazers conducted a meandering search that lasted more than a month after a deal they had to lure Bill Parcells out of retirement fell apart.

They settled on Gruden, who had one year left on his contract in Oakland, after also considering Marvin Lewis and Steve Mariucci for the opening.

Glazer declined to answer questions about possible successors.

"In our mind, there's a plan of where we want to go," he said. "We've thought it through very carefully. It will become apparent as we move along."

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