National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
On the surface, Super Bowl XLIII has been touted as the Cardinals offense vs. the Steelers defense. The Cards had the NFL’s 4th best offense (in total yards) and the Steelers had the NFL’s top defense (fewest yards allowed). But there are so many other storylines and, of course, sports writers and fans have spent the past two weeks dissecting all the possibilities.
Certainly, I believe strength against strength is the most intriguing of tonight’s matchups. But, a few others quickly come to mind. I think the Cardinals are a completely different football team when …read more

Steelers Prepare for Super Bowl XLIII
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Steelers practiced sans pads for about two hours at the University of South Florida this afternoon. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Willie Parker looked sharp. Ben threw several long, tight spirals, including one bullet to receiver Santonio Holmes through the wind. And Willie ran fast and confidently. Head coach Mike Tomlin was pleased but not satisfied:
“It was a good start to our week. We practiced fast, and I thought we practiced aggressively. But it’s like I say to the team after every Wednesday practice: It’s a good start, …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker is kind of prophetic. Last week, he stated the obvious. And in the process he gave a glimpse at the Steelers’ game plan for today’s AFC Divisional Playoff game against the San Diego Chargers — run the football. It sounded pretty simple, especially considering the source, but things haven’t been that cut and dry for the Steelers’ ground game this season. They finished 23rd in the league with just over 100 ypg:
“If I was on the defensive side of the ball, I wouldn’t respect the running game because we …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
I guess Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t want to answer any questions about his “separated” shoulder last night after the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 10-6 in a Sunday Night Football wind storm. According to the Steelers, the injury is actually a sprain. According to me, I don’t think reporters should be allowed to talk to players and coaches on the field. Bugging their helmet is one thing. Asking dumb questions is another. Oh, check out running back Willie Parker in the still frame. Classic.

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Jacksonville Jags RB Fred Taylor has been added to the 2008 Pro Bowl roster for the first time, replacing Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will mark Fred’s first Pro Bowl appearance in his 10-year career. He is the first Jags offensive player to make the Pro Bowl since Jimmy Smith was named a starter in 2001. Fred is the club’s career, single-season and single-game rushing leader. He ranked fifth in the AFC in rushing in 2007 with 1,202 yards on 223 carries and led the AFC with a 5.4 average per …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.