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Don't ask Tomlin about SundayWednesday, December 24, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Coach Mike Tomlin's Steelers will do everything they can to beat the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field Sunday, and don't dare question him about it.

Tomlin laid out his plans for the "meaningless" season finale yesterday at his news conference and did not take kindly to anyone who asked him why or how.

"It is a football game, and we are playing the Cleveland Browns. They are a division opponent," he declared. "We have an opportunity to sweep our division, and that hasn't been done around here since 2002. We have an opportunity to play in front of our fans and put an exclamation point on what has been a solid season."

Tomlin said all of his healthy starters will play, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who has a sprained ankle, and Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison, who has a hip pointer.

The only starter he ruled out is free safety Ryan Clark, whose right shoulder was dislocated Sunday in Tennessee for the second time this season. Tyrone Carter will start in his place and rotate with Anthony Smith.

The Steelers, 11-4, will be the No. 2 playoff seed in the AFC no matter what happens against the Browns, who are 4-11. The Steelers have a bye during the first weekend of the playoffs, Jan. 3-4, and will open play at Heinz Field Jan. 10 or 11.

Tomlin was so determined to get his point across that his team would go all out to win that he brushed off any questions regarding who, what, where and when.

He was asked, for example, how much Roethlisberger might play.

"We are playing, we are playing," was his complete answer.

Or, might he take a longer look at young running back Gary Russell in this game?

"We are playing," he answered.

One more? Will you have a quicker hook for some starters Sunday?

"Wow," was his only reaction to that question.

The Steelers have found themselves in this position many times through the years, including last season when they traveled to Baltimore with the AFC North Division clinched and no chance to gain either of the top two playoff seeds. Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu did not play in that game; all started in the playoff the following week.

"Last year really doesn't [compare] in terms of our mentality, of where our team is right now," Tomlin said.

"They are two different football teams, two different circumstances. The variables are many and different. We are just addressing what we need to in terms of putting ourselves in position to be effective in January football this year."

On one hand, Tomlin said "we're not going to ride the emotional roller coaster, win or lose" when asked about the 31-14 loss at Tennessee Sunday. Yet on the other, he said the game against Cleveland can help build momentum for the playoffs, which begin two weeks later.

"Absolutely. There will be 12 teams in the playoff field, and there can only be one [left]. I guarantee you that one will be one that is on the rise heading into January football. That always appears to be the case. We have been a team on the rise up until last weekend. Hopefully, we can put that behind us with a solid performance this week and then go into January with the

Next Game Steelers vs. Browns When: 1 p.m. Sunday. Where: Heinz Field. TV: KDKA.

The running game

Willie Parker ranks 29th in the NFL in rushing entering Week 17. Unusual? It would be the lowest any Steelers back has finished since 2002. Steelers best rankings this decade:

Year Player Rk.

2007 Parker 4

2006 Parker 6

2005 Parker 12

2004 Bettis 20

2003 Bettis 23

2002 Zereoue 29

2001 Bettis 14

2000 Bettis 9

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right frame of mind as we chase our goals."

So, in case anyone got the wrong impression, Tomlin set them straight yesterday.

"We are playing the game and we are playing to win. That is what the National Football League is all about. You rebound from negative performances; we have had a few this year. Thankfully, we have always bounced back and found a way to win the following week. Everything we do on Sunday will be with that in mind."

Ed Bouchette can be reached at [email protected].

First published on December 24, 2008 at 12:00 am

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Steelers Notebook: Marvel Smith is placed on injured-reserve list Wednesday, December 24, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Marvel Smith, middle, pulls out to block for Willie Parker in the Steelers' first game against the Browns this season. It may prove to be one of his final games in a Steelers uniform.

Tackle Marvel Smith may have played his last game for the Steelers, and it occurred long before Halloween.

The Steelers finally placed Smith, who has not dressed for the past 10 games, on injured reserve yesterday. They signed offensive tackle Jason Capizzi from the St. Louis Rams' practice squad to replace him on the roster.

Smith left the Oct. 5 game in Jacksonville in the fourth quarter for what was then described as cramps. It turned out to be another lower back issue that coach Mike Tomlin said did not pertain to his lower back surgery last December. He has not played nor practiced since.

Smith, 30, is in the last year of his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers drafted him in the second round from Arizona State in 2000, and he made the Pro Bowl in the 2004 season. He ranks 13th among all potential free agents, according to scout.com. Max Starks has started the past 10 games for Smith.

"Max has done a solid job," Tomlin said. "You know what goes with playing left tackle in this league. The challenges are many week in and week out. He stood up well for us and gave us the kind of production that we need to win games."

Capizzi, signed as an undrafted rookie from IUP by the Steelers in 2007, was on a handful of NFL practice squads last season, including theirs. The Steelers signed him to their 53-man roster for the playoff game against Jacksonville, then released him before this season began. He has been on the Rams' practice squad since Oct. 28.

Locker-room blood drive

The Steelers will hold their annual locker-room blood drive from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Heinz Field. Current and former players will be on hand to meet donors. Those who call 412-209-7080 for an appointment will be eligible for a drawing for two tickets to the Steelers-Cleveland Browns game Sunday at Heinz Field.

Not all Parker's fault

Willie Parker has averaged only 2.3 yards per carry over the past three games, gaining 101 yards on 44 carries. Tomlin put the fault on everyone.

"I think that anybody that you talk about on our football team, in terms of what they are doing, it is a function of all of us collectively; players and coaches. His production is among the examples. Would we like him to be having more success? Absolutely. But we all take ownership of that; players and coaches."

The running game

Willie Parker ranks 29th in the NFL in rushing entering Week 17. Unusual? It would be the lowest any Steelers back has finished since 2002. Steelers best rankings this decade:

Year Player Rk.

2007 Parker 4

2006 Parker 6

2005 Parker 12

2004 Bettis 20

2003 Bettis 23

2002 Zereoue 29

2001 Bettis 14

2000 Bettis 9

Page 1 of 2Steelers Notebook: Marvel Smith is placed on injured-reserve list


Gradkowski's turn again

Bruce Gradkowski has started 11 games in the NFL. Sunday, the Pittsburgh native will start his second in Heinz Field.

He won't want to remember his first. Gradkowski, a Seton-LaSalle High School graduate, will become Cleveland's fourth starter at quarterback when the Browns play the Steelers in the regular-season finale. Two years ago, he started for Tampa Bay in Heinz Field as a rookie and threw three interceptions and was sacked five times.

The Steelers won, 20-3.

It could be rougher this time for Gradkowski because the Steelers have a better team than they did two years ago and the 4-11 Browns have not scored an offensive touchdown in five games.

"I think that when you are playing with your third and fourth quarterback it is significant," Tomlin said. "Significant enough to be a difference in the outcome of a football game? Maybe not. We better be solid in all areas to get the kind of performance that we are looking for."

Some fun, some work

Tomlin, who gave his team the day off last Christmas, will make them come to work today and tomorrow, with only a slightly altered schedule. They will report at 11 a.m. tomorrow and work through the end of practice, 3:30.

"What we are doing is we are providing everybody the opportunity to spend their mornings at home. We realize that is a special part of the day, especially for those who have children. Then we intend to have everyone home in time for dinner. But between that we are going to get ourselves a normal Thursday's work day in. I think our fans would appreciate that and I know that is what we need to do."


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Page 2 of 2Steelers Notebook: Marvel Smith is placed on injured-reserve list



NFL Notebook: Towel stomping raises ire of coachWednesday, December 24, 2008 The Associated Press

Jeff Fisher didn't see any of his Titans stomping their feet on Terrible Towels Sunday after beating the Steelers.

Seeing the footage Monday didn't make him happy.

"This was just a couple guys playing around with a towel. It was unnecessary in my opinion," Fisher said.

Linebacker Keith Bulluck dropped a towel, then swiped his foot across it celebrating the Titans' 31-14 win. He wasn't alone. Running back LenDale White stomped on a towel, and defensive end Jevon Kearse used one as he pretended to blow his nose in actions replayed in video highlights over and over.

Fisher defended his players, saying the Terrible Towel is just a towel to the Titans.

"They don't understand the significance or the meaning of the towel itself to the organization, the Steelers history or the Steelers fans," he said. "On one hand, I think they were having fun and just playing with a towel. It was certainly not a shot at the organization or the players or the staff or the fans."

Jets

New York defensive end Shaun Ellis was fined $10,000 by the NFL for throwing snow at fans after the team's loss at Seattle. Several fans threw snowballs at New York players and staff as they walked off the field after the Seahawks' 13-3 victory. As he approached the walkway leading to the locker room, Ellis reached into a pile of snow, picked up a large chunk and tossed it into the stands at Qwest Field, appearing to hit at least a few fans.

Jaguars

Jacksonville personnel chief James "Shack" Harris resigned, taking the fall for a franchise that flopped this season. Team owner Wayne Weaver promoted Gene Smith to the position. Smith previously served as the team's executive director of college and pro personnel.

Browns

Versatile running back Jason Wright was placed on injured reserve by injury-riddled Cleveland. Wright hurt his ankle in a 14-0 loss to Cincinnati, the Browns' fifth in a row and the fifth consecutive game they failed to score an offensive touchdown. Wright played in every game this season on offense and special teams. He rushed for 85 yards on 23 carries and caught 22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown.

Elsewhere

Referee Ed Hochuli won't be working the Denver-San Diego game, this one with the AFC West title on the line. Hochuli, whose blunder helped decide the first game between the Broncos and Chargers -- in favor of Denver -- will be working the Green Bay-Detroit game Sunday. The Broncos (8-7) and Chargers (7-8) play in the AFC West showdown that concludes the regular-season schedule. The officiating schedule is drawn up before the season, but it is league policy that officiating crews do not do two games between the same teams in any season. John Parry will be the referee for the Broncos-Chargers game.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.



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Page 1 of 1NFL Notebook: Towel stomping raises ire of coach


Tomlin: 'We're playing to win' By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 24, 2008

He didn't provide as memorable a sound bite as Herm Edwards did a couple of years back when the then-New York Jets coach said, "You play to win the game!"

But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was just as emphatic Tuesday at his weekly news conference.

Four different times, Tomlin said: "We're playing" - even though the Steelers (11-4), who have already clinched a division title and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, could use Sunday's game against the Browns as an opportunity to rest key players and protect them from injury.

Only one starter, Ryan Clark, has been ruled out for the 1 p.m. game at Heinz Field. The veteran free safety re-injured his right shoulder in the Steelers' 31-14 loss last Sunday at Tennessee.

Barring a setback this week in practice, Tomlin is planning on playing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (sprained ankle) and outside linebacker James Harrison (hip pointer), even though both are nursing injuries.

The two will be limited in practice this week, Tomlin said, but each is expected to start Sunday.

"We're playing to win," Tomlin said. "That's what the NFL is all about. A winning performance puts an exclamation point on what's been a solid regular season and moves us into the playoffs in a good frame of mind."

The Steelers have earned a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs and won't play again after Sunday until the second weekend in January. One of sports' age-old questions is what is best for a team that does not have to win its regular-season finale but has significant time off before its first playoff game.

"You look at it like, OK, you want to rest guys, but you don't want to get out of sync," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "I want to play. I don't want to get two, three weeks off before you actually get hit again. I think we need to go in on a good note as far as going out and executing our game plan."

When asked if he will pull some of his starters during Sunday's game because the Steelers cannot improve their playoff position, Tomlin simply said, "Wow" and did not answer the question.

Page 1 of 2Coach Tomlin: 'We're playing to win' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

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Last year, Tomlin rested several key starters, including Roethlisberger, in the Steelers' final regular-season game. The Steelers, who had already wrapped up the division title and the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs, lost to the Ravens in Baltimore and then in an AFC wild-card game the following week.

Tomlin said he did not take what happened last year into account when deciding how he plans to approach Sunday's game.

The Steelers want to accomplish some of the goals they set before the season. One of those goals, Tomlin said, was to sweep every team in the AFC North. The Steelers can do that with a 10th consecutive victory over the Browns, who are 4-11 and have been one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season.

"When you want to be the kind of team that we aspire to be," Tomlin said, "it starts with dominating our division."

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

Images and text copyright © 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

Page 2 of 2Coach Tomlin: 'We're playing to win' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review


Starkey: Do Steelers need to run? By Joe Starkey TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Sure, the Steelers' running game could miraculously spring to life in the playoffs, the way the Indianapolis Colts' pathetic run defense did two years ago.

Remember?

The Colts spent 16 games establishing themselves as the NFL's worst rush defense in 45 years. They were giving up 173 yards per game and 5.3 yards per carry.

Even this year's Steelers could have run wild on that group.

But something totally unforeseen happened in the playoffs.

The Colts started stuffing people. They didn't allow 100 yards rushing in any of their three AFC playoff games. They buried Kansas City's Larry Johnson and Baltimore's Jamal Lewis.

So, yeah, the Steelers could blow our minds. They could keep the ball for 37 minutes and run for 200 yards -- especially if Willie Parker finds his burst and the right opponent winds up at Heinz Field in the divisional round.

I just wouldn't bet what's left of your 401(k) on it.

Assume the Steelers still won't be able to free Willie (or anyone else) against a good defense, and the question becomes: Can this team win the Super Bowl without a prolific running game?

The answer, unequivocally, is yes.

The New England Patriots, in their three championship seasons, had two 100-yard rushers in nine playoff games.

Last year's New York Giants averaged 103.8 yards rushing and 3.5 yards per carry in four playoff games, failing twice to reach 100 yards.

The Steelers are averaging 100.8 yards rushing and 3.6 yards per carry.

So, let's not push the myth that a big-time running game is a prerequisite to winning it all. Even the Steelers of 2005 were a pass-first, run-later team in the

Page 1 of 3Do Steelers need to run? - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review


playoffs.

Do you need to be able to gain a yard when you need one? Absolutely. The Steelers must rectify that problem.

But the top priority is to put the superb defense in position to win the game, or least keep it close until the fourth quarter, when Ben Roethlisberger normally does his best work.

And that means protecting the football as if it were a block of gold.

Last season's Giants turned it over twice all postseason. They relied on a stout defense, solid special teams and a quarterback who made sound decisions and clutch throws.

Roethlisberger needs to remember what he said after the most impressive victory of the Bill Cowher era -- the 21-18 playoff victory three years ago at Indianapolis.

"I got some good advice the other day from (TV analyst) Dan Dierdorf," Roethlisberger said. "He said, 'Every drive that ends in a kick is a good drive.' "

Amen, and peace be to Dan Dierdorf.

If a possession ends with a punt, fine.

If it ends with a field goal, great.

Field goals get a bad name.

The Colts, during the aforementioned 2006 playoffs, won in Baltimore without scoring a touchdown. The Steelers recently had a five-game winning streak in which 11 points would have been enough to win four of the five games.

Not that Roethlisberger has to be silly safe -- just smart.

If the Steelers meet Tennessee again, for example, the Titans clearly are vulnerable to the pass. The Jets and Texans shredded them, and Roethlisberger threw for 303 yards.

Pass, then.

Just don't pass it to the other team and cover the ball in critical areas of the field (like the goal line).

Roethlisberger is more than capable of playing this type of football. He attempted 177 passes during the five-game winning streak -- at least 30 in each game -- and threw only one interception.



Big Ben remains the Steelers' best bet on a flawed offense.

I agree wholeheartedly with Baltimore's Samari Rolle, who said, after Roethlisberger drove his team 92 yards to victory, "Ben moving around is their best play."

It's not exactly The Year of the Prolific Offense in the AFC. Playoff games can and likely will be won ugly.

The Steelers, if they protect the football, have as good a chance as anyone. Maybe better, with that defense.

Joe Starkey can be reached at [email protected] or 412-320-7810.





Santa's antics perplex Tomlin By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 24, 2008

What was supposed to be a light moment during Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference Tuesday turned out to be an uncomfortable one for the Steelers' coach.

Tomlin grudgingly played along as local sports announcer Bill DiFabio, dressed as Santa Claus, passed out gifts and cracked jokes, including ones about other media members who were at the news conference. Among the gifts he presented to Tomlin was a five-pound package of ground beef for nose tackle Casey Hampton.

Tomlin had banished Hampton to the physically unable to perform list in late July for arriving at training camp grossly out of shape.

When DiFabio, who has dressed up as Santa Claus for pre-Christmas Steelers news conferences in past years, asked Tomlin if he would catch a pass from him, the second-year coach said, "If that will get you out of here."

DiFabio's skit, which took on the feel of a roast, lasted more than five minutes. It aired live on Fox Sports News in Pittsburgh, which televises Tomlin's weekly news conference.

The Steelers said that the tradition will be discontinued.




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Steelers place Smith on injured reserve By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 24, 2008

• The Steelers placed Marvel Smith on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the left tackle's season and possibly his career in Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed former Pine-Richland and Indiana (Pa.) University standout Jason Capizzi to take Smith's spot on the 53-man roster.

Smith hasn't played since the Oct. 5 game in Jacksonville because of a bad back. The ninth-year veteran, who missed the end of the 2007 season because of back problems, is in the final year of his contract. Max Starks has started the past 10 games at left tackle. Capizzi, a Gibsonia native, was on the Steelers' roster for one game last season. The 6-foot-9, 330-pound tackle had surgery in August to correct a stress fracture in his left foot. The Steelers released Capizzi during training camp after they reached an injury settlement with him.

• One benefit of the Steelers getting a first-round bye in the playoffs is it will give starting free safety Ryan Clark an extra week to get healthy. Clark re-injured his right shoulder while making a tackle in the Steelers' 31-14 loss to the Titans on Sunday. Clark, who missed a game earlier this season because of a separated shoulder, won't play Sunday against the Browns. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Clark probably would not have been able to play the following week if the Steelers were in one of the AFC wild-card games. Tyrone Carter will start in Clark's place Sunday, Tomlin said, and the ninth-year veteran will rotate with Anthony Smith.

• The Steelers will have a standard practice week -- for the most part. Tomlin did make a minor adjustment to the schedule for Christmas. The Steelers will practice from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. -- they normally practice from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays -- and they won't have to report to the team's South Side training facility until the afternoon. "We're providing everybody with an opportunity to spend morning at home, and then we intend to have everyone home in time for dinner," said Tomlin, who is married and has three children. "Between that, we're going to get us a normal Thursday work day in. I know that's what we need to do."

• ESPN will re-air its segment on Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's holiday tradition today during the 9 a.m. "SportsCenter." For nearly two decades, LeBeau has gathered his players to read "The Night Before Christmas." ESPN Countdown originally aired the segment, which shows how LeBeau's tradition has created a bond between him and his players, last Sunday morning.

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Digits

1 -- Steelers' rank in total defense (244.7 yards per game).

31 -- Browns' NFL rank in total offense (257.3 yards per game).

66.5 -- Rushing yards the Steelers surrendered in their first 11 games.

111.5 -- Rushing yards the Steelers have yielded in their past four games.




Page 2 of 2Steelers place Smith on injured reserve - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review


Steelers, Big Ben must adjust in potential Tennessee rematch By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Blitzburgh? Not in this part of Tennessee.

The Titans flummoxed the Steelers this past Sunday while blitzing a grand total of five times in their No. 1 seed-clinching, 31-14 victory in Nashville.

The approach was nothing new for Tennessee, which prefers to rush four and keep seven defenders in coverage. The Titans, No. 5 in total defense, still get pressure that way, as evidenced by their 43 sacks, including five of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

But where the Titans really clean up is in the turnover department. Tennessee was tied for No. 5 league-wide with 27 takeaways before collecting four more against the Steelers.

The approach couldn't be more basic -- four linemen with their hand on the ground coming after the passer up front, safeties guarding against the big play deep and everyone else ball-hawking.

Tennessee rarely even stunted, although one such maneuver freed Jason Jones for an unblocked assault on Roethlisberger that resulted in a fumble.

The Titans forced four of those from Big Ben and recovered two.

Imagine the damage they might have inflicted had defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch been playing.

Tennessee ran back-to-back blitzes once and got burned on completions that went for 21 yards, and then, for 21 yards and a touchdown to receiver Hines Ward.

All five sacks resulted from four-man pressures.

In the event they're fortunate enough to get a rematch in the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers can expect more of the same. If they're ready for it and adjust accordingly, they'll have a chance at a different outcome.

Roethlisberger needs to take care of the ball and can do so by becoming less determined to stay in the pocket and less reluctant to get out on the edge and wing it.

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The sacks resulted mostly from the pocket gradually collapsing around Roethlisberger, as the Titans no doubt intended.

It wasn't the dreaded "A" gap, as was the case in Philadelphia. And it wasn't the edges breaking down, as they had against the New York Giants.

This was contain, constrict and suffocate. And it worked.

But in implementing their rush, the Titans left gaps that could have been exploited more often had Roethlisberger been more determined to take advantage of them.

He rolled left on the Steelers' first drive and wound up with a shot at receiver Santonio Holmes deep behind two defenders, but overthrew him.

A subsequent dash for the goal line resulted in a fumble at the Tennessee 1 (hold the ball there and the Steelers at least get an early three).

Later, he found a lane and ran 9 yards for a first down.

Later still, Roethlisberger vacated the pocket to his left and had Ward behind the defense deep before launching a ball that wound up glancing off Ward's outstretched hand.

Roethlisberger had some success staying in the pocket, as well, but that occurred mostly when the ball came out quickly. If he sees Tennessee again, he needs to adopt a read-and-let-rip or take-off-and-improvise approach.

The Steelers have a better chance hurting the Titans by breaking their defense down with a moving quarterback than they do by picking them apart from the pocket.

That's a concession that has to be made the next time, if there is one.

FOUR ON THE FLOOR

Tennessee's pass rush by the numbers against the Steelers:

Three-man 1

Four-man 39

Five-man 2

Six-man 3

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN

The Cowboys had two late chances to steal Saturday night's Texas Stadium



finale against the Ravens. On both occasions their defense collapsed in remarkably similar fashion.

Trailing 19-17 with 3:42 left and with all three time outs, the Cowboys coughed up a 77-yard touchdown run to RB Willis McGahee.

Undaunted, Dallas scored again to make it 26-24. But with 1:33 left and Dallas still with all three time outs, Baltimore RB Le'Ron McClain bolted 82 yards for another score.

You can't blame that on Tony Romo.

PROSPECT WATCH

Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College: If you've seen BC play lately, you may have caught a glimpse of Herzlich (6-foot-4, 238 pounds) on the sidelines. He's the guy with the Mohawk haircut and so much eye-black on his face he would fit next to Mel Gibson in the event of a "Braveheart." remake.

On the field, Herzlich is impossible to miss. He'll lead No. 24 Boston College into the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31 in Nashville against Vanderbilt with a team-leading 105 tackles; he's tied for the team lead in interceptions with six, two of which he's returned for scores. Herzlich also has three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The linebacker is just a junior, but if he enters the NFL draft, he could go in the first round and almost certainly no lower than the second, scouts say. Herzlich is a tackling machine, and he can cover slot receivers. And, as his look suggests, he's intense.

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





WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24, 2008 :: Last modified: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:24 PM EST

Send in the Browns By Alan Robinson AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH — There’s one word Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is all but banning from the locker room before Sunday’s meaningless game against Cleveland. It’s that very word: meaningless.

Tomlin doesn’t want to hear how the Steelers (11-4) have nothing to gain by beating the rival Browns (4-11), whose own season all but ended weeks ago. How the Steelers should rest some starters to get them healthy for their first playoff game Jan. 10 or 11. How nobody cares about this game. Tomlin cares, as he emphasized several times Tuesday, and to him that means his players should care, too. He plans to make sure they do. “It is Cleveland, that makes it easier,” Tomlin said. “We know the history of this rivalry and we respect that. We expect those guys to come in here and play big-time and play to win. We expect to do the same.” Tomlin rattled off a long list of reasons why the game means something, beginning with the opportunity to regain momentum for the postseason. A year ago, the Steelers lost three of their final four games, then carried that slump into a home-field loss to Jacksonville in a wild-card playoff game. The Steelers’ five-game winning streak ended with their 31-14 loss to Tennessee on Sunday, and Tomlin doesn’t want that to become a two-game losing slide as the playoffs begin. “It is a big week for us,” Tomlin said. Tomlin’s reasoning: The Steelers can sweep their division by going 6-0 against Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore for the first time since 2002. They can go 6-2 in the second half of the season, just as they did in the first. They can win 12 games for only the fourth time since 1979. They can match their 6-2 road record by going 6-2 at home. They can go 3-1 in each quarter of the regular season. Still, Tomlin gave the same answer when asked about whether specific players would play: “We’re playing, we’re playing.” Not playing are safety Ryan Clark, who reinjured a shoulder, and left tackle Marvel Smith (back), whose season ended when he was placed on the injured reserve list Tuesday. The status of linebacker James Harrison (hip pointer) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (sprained ankle) isn’t as clear. Roethlisberger sat out the final regular-season game a year ago when the

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Steelers’ playoff status was all but completed, but the Steelers knew then they would play the following weekend. Smith’s nine-year career with Pittsburgh is apparently over because of a back problem that sidelined him for the final month of last season. He hasn’t played in nearly three months, with Max Starks taking over at left tackle, and Smith is unsigned for next season. To replace Smith, the Steelers signed second-year tackle Jason Capizzi off the Rams’ practice squad. Capizzi was cut by Pittsburgh during training camp. While Tomlin doesn’t want his team relaxing this week, he apparently wasn’t stomping mad after losing to Tennessee. Asked about several Titans players tromping on a Terrible Towel as the game wound down, Tomlin said, “I have no reaction — unless we see those guys again. Then that will be probably a question that is worthy to be answered.”


12/24/2008http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/12/24/sports/steelers/doc4951b7c7a880238453...

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24, 2008 :: Last modified: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:24 PM EST

Tomlin goes Grinch on Santa The Associated Press PITTSBURGH — Santa Claus’ visit to Mike Tomlin’s weekly news conference Tuesday didn’t elicit a “ho, ho, ho” from the less-than-amused Steelers coach.

Bill DiFabio, a sports announcer from Washington County, traditionally dresses up as Santa for the pre-Christmas press gathering and often pokes fun at the Steelers coach for a few moments. Former coach Bill Cowher often went along with the gag. Tomlin also played along initially, asking, “What have you got for me, Santa?” and inviting DiFabio to join him at his desk in front of the room. But when DiFabio commandeered the news conference for more than five minutes, passing out gifts and cracking jokes about fellow sportscasters, the Browns and Cowboys, nose tackle Casey Hampton’s weight and the woebegone Pirates, Tomlin became impatient. To end the unrehearsed skit, Tomlin — who could be heard sighing several times throughout the comedy bit — grudgingly agreed to toss a football to the fake Santa. “If that will get you out of here,” Tomlin said. Tomlin repeatedly emphasized the Steelers (11-4) would not treat Sunday’s meaningless game against the Browns (4-11) like an exhibition, and he apparently did not appreciate a comedy skit interfering with his message. Later, the Steelers said there would be no future appearances from Santa at any of their news conferences.

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Browns game matters to Steelers By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH - It will be business as usual Sunday for the Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that despite the Steelers being locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, they will approach the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field as if it were any other game.

In other words, if starters are healthy enough to play, they'll play.

The Steelers (11-4) want to their 31-14 loss Sunday to the Tennessee Titans linger.

"It is our next game. We are playing the game and we are playing to win," Tomlin said. "That is what the National Football League is all about. You rebound from negative performances; we have had a few this year. Thankfully, we have always bounced back and found a way to win the following week. Everything we do on Sunday will be with that in mind."

Tomlin would only discount safety Ryan Clark playing. Clark suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter against Tennessee.

"If we had to play the following week, he probably wouldn't make that either," Tomlin said. "We don't, so that's a good thing."

Clark will be replaced at free safety by Tyrone Carter, with Anthony Smith also seeing some playing time.

Arians under fire

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has come under fire for the Steelers' sometimes woeful offensive performance.

After scoring 393 points in 2007, the Steelers have scored 316 this season and rank 25th in the NFL in total offense - the lowest of any team that has clinched a playoff spot.

Tomlin was asked if he stands by Arians.

"It is so not the time to talk about that," Tomlin said. "We are so focused on the men that we have in our circle, and winning, that I won't even dignify that with an answer. We are going to play the Cleveland Browns this week. After that we have a bye, and then we are getting ready for playoff football."

Smith placed on IR

The Steelers felt they could wait no longer on Marvel Smith's sore back to heal so they placed the left tackle on the Reserve/Injured List.

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A starter since Pittsburgh selected him in the second round of the 2000 draft, Smith has not played in the last 10 games. A similar back injury ended his season early last year.

A nine-year veteran, Smith has played in 110 games and made 107 starts. He made the Pro Bowl in 2004.

Smith might have played his final game with the Steelers. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

The Steelers signed second-year offensive tackle Jason Capizzi from the St. Louis Rams' practice squad to replace Smith.

An IUP product, Capizzi has been released twice by the Steelers. In 2007, Capizzi spent time on the practice squads of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs before the Steelers signed him to their active roster for the AFC Wild Card Game against Jacksonville.

Odds and end zones

Tomlin said defensive end Brett Keisel, who missed three games with a sprained MCL in his right knee, came out of his first action in nearly a month against Tennessee with no problems. ... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) and outside linebacker James Harrison (hip pointer) might miss practice early in the week but are expected to play aginst the Browns.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

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12/24/2008

Tomlin taking Browns seriously

PITTSBURGH (AP) - There's one word Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is all but banning from the locker room before Sunday's meaningless game against Cleveland. It's that very word: meaningless. Tomlin doesn't want to hear how the Steelers (11-4) have nothing to gain by beating the rival Browns (4-11), whose own season all but ended weeks ago. How the Steelers should rest some starters to get them healthy for their first playoff game Jan. 10 or 11. How nobody cares about this game. Tomlin cares, as he emphasized several times Tuesday, and to him that means his players should care, too. He plans to make sure they do. "It is Cleveland, that makes it easier," Tomlin said. "We know the history of this rivalry and we respect that. We expect those guys to come in here and play big-time and play to win. We expect to do the same." Tomlin rattled off a long list of reasons why the game means something, beginning with the opportunity to regain momentum for the postseason. A year ago, the Steelers lost three of their final four games during the season, then carried that slump into a home-field loss to Jacksonville in a wild-card playoff game. The Steelers' five-game winning streak ended with their 31-14 loss to Tennessee on Sunday, and Tomlin doesn't want that to become a two-game losing slide as the playoffs begin. "It is a big week for us," Tomlin said. Tomlin's reasoning: The Steelers can sweep their division by going 6-0 against Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore for the first time since 2002. They can go 6-2 in the second half of the season, just as they did in the first. They can win 12 games for only the fourth time since 1979. They can match their 6-2 road record by going 6-2 at home. They can go 3-1 in each quarter of the regular season. Still, Tomlin gave the same answer when asked about whether specific players would play: "We're playing, we're playing." Not playing are safety Ryan Clark, who reinjured a shoulder, and left tackle Marvel Smith (back), whose season ended when he was placed on the injured reserve list Tuesday. The status of linebacker James Harrison (hip pointer) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (sprained ankle) isn't as clear. Roethlisberger sat out the final regular-season game a year ago when the Steelers' playoff status was all but completed, but the Steelers knew then they would play the following weekend. Smith's nine-year career with Pittsburgh is apparently over because of a back problem that sidelined him for the final month of last season. He hasn't played in nearly three months, with Max Starks taking over at left tackle, and Smith is unsigned for next season. "He has stood up well for us and given us the kind of production we need to win games," Tomlin said of Starks. "Of course, he has some big challenges that lie ahead." To replace Smith, the Steelers signed second-year tackle Jason Capizzi off the Rams' practice squad. Capizzi was cut by Pittsburgh during training camp. While Tomlin doesn't want his team relaxing this week, he apparently wasn't stomping mad after losing to Tennessee. Asked about several Titans players tromping on a Terrible Towel as the game wound down, Tomlin said, "I have no reaction - unless we see those guys again. Then that will be probably a question that is worthy to be answered." Copyright Associated Press 2008

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Steelers' Rooney: Cowher can take any job, but 'he's very happy' with CBS position

Posted by jturner December 23, 2008 18:37PM

Associated Press photoSteelers chairman Dan Rooney doesn't expect Bill Cowher to coach any NFL team next season. "It would not surprise me if he said he wasn't going to coach. It would surprise me the other way because he tells me that every time I talk to him and the subject comes up."

Grossi's Scouting Report: Steelers CLEVELAND --- There is no agreement between the Pittsburgh Steelers and former coach Bill Cowher that would preclude Cowher from becoming coach of the Browns, Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney said on Tuesday.

But Rooney believes that Cowher will not return to coaching in 2009, with the Browns or any team.

"We got along and continue to get along, but I have never taken the position that he shouldn't coach," Rooney said in a telephone conversation on Tuesday.

"I will say to you that every time I talk to him and this subject comes up -- and the subject does come up almost every year at this time -- he says that he's very, very happy with what he's doing, where he is.

"It would not surprise me if he said he wasn't going to coach. It would surprise me the other way because he tells me that every time I talk to him and the subject comes up."

Cowher is regarded as the Browns' No. 1 candidate to replace Romeo Crennel if Crennel is released after the season.

Owner Randy Lerner said a month ago that Crennel's job will be reviewed after the season. The Browns conclude their disappointing season in Pittsburgh on Sunday in what many believe will be Crennel's last game as Browns coach.

Crennel is the only full-time coach in Browns history never to win a game against the Steelers. The

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Browns are 0-7 against their rivals in Crennel's four seasons, and have lost 10 in a row to Pittsburgh.

The Browns do not expect to contact Cowher until their head coaching job officially becomes open.

Gene J. Puskar/Associated PressBill Cowher traded in his Pittsburgh cap for a CBS blazer, and is enjoying working on the weekly pre-game show. "I called to tell him I though he was doing a good job," said Dan Rooney, "and he said, 'I'm really liking it. We're having fun.'" "They've got to do what they think is right for them," Rooney said.

Cowher, 51, stepped down as Steelers coach after his 15th season in 2006. At the time, he termed the departure a resignation, not a retirement.

Cowher, a Pittsburgh native, relocated to Raleigh, N.C., and said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He has three daughters, ages 22, 20 and 17. The oldest is a teacher in New York City, the middle one a junior at Princeton and the youngest attends high school in Raleigh.

For the past two years Cowher has remained in touch with the NFL by serving as a studio analyst for CBS. He recently re-upped with the network, according to a source, for multiple years and a seven-figure income.

"I think he does a very good job on the broadcast end," Rooney said. "He's a very talented guy. I had a chance to see him [recently on the air] because we weren't playing until later in the day. I called to tell him I though he was doing a good job. And he said, 'I'm really liking it. We're having fun.'

"I believe him."

Cowher's record with the Steelers was 161-99-1. Under him, the Steelers earned 10 post-season appearances, eight division titles, advanced to six AFC championship games and made two trips to the Super Bowl. They won the Super Bowl following the 2006 season, their first championship in 26 years.

Cowher was 21-5 against the Browns, including two postseason wins, his best record against any NFL team.

In addition to the now-debunked belief that Cowher would not coach in Cleveland out of loyalty to Rooney, there is a widespread opinion that Cowher would not accept a job with the Browns so as to



protect his legacy in Pittsburgh.

On this matter, Rooney declined to speculate.

"I'm not the poll of Pittsburgh," Rooney said. "I don't know what [fans] would think. They all liked him. I'm not saying they'd be angry. It's never been [an issue]."

Cowher's playing career as a backup linebacker ended with the Browns in 1984. His coaching career began the following season when former Browns coach Marty Schottenheimer hired him as special teams coach. Two of his three daughters were born in Cleveland.

Cowher eventually was named Browns defensive backs coach and then followed Schottenheimer to Kansas City in 1989.

Cowher was formally interviewed by the Browns for their head coach vacancies in 1989 and 1991. The job went to Bud Carson in '89 and Bill Belichick in '91.

Rooney refused to speculate on the odds of Cowher coaching in 2009.

"I have no idea. I have never done that and I'm not going to start now," he said.

Roster note: The Browns placed running back Jason Wright (ankle) on injured reserve on Tuesday and signed tight end Brad Cieslak to the active roster. Cieslak was cut by the Browns in training camp.

Categories: Browns, Sports Impact

Comments

iloveyuh says...

It'll be a big waste of Tony's time and energy if Cleveland gets nowhere with Chin.

Posted on 12/23/08 at 6:55PM

TheLifer says...

Martyball. Why take the sequel when you can have the original?


orngcntydawg says...

Now that we know what that fossil thinks...

Just say NO to Cowher!


tdprog12 says...



December 24, 2008

N.F.L. ROUNDUP

Jacksonville’s Chief of Personnel Steps Down

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

James Harris resigned as personnel chief of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday, taking the fall for a

disappointing year. The Jaguars (5-10) have lost seven of their past nine.

Jaguars defensive end Paul Spicer said: “With the way we played last year and then coming back this year

and having a below-average season, I didn’t think it was going to go as far as Shack, but it has. A lot of

people’s lives have been changed.”

Coach Jack Del Rio had already fired the strength and conditioning coach, Mark Asanovich. Other changes

could come after the season finale at Baltimore.

Harris’s final strike might have been the signing of receiver Jerry Porter and cornerback Drayton Florence.

Porter missed all of training camp and the preseason after surgery to repair a torn hamstring. He started six

games but finished the season on injured reserve with a groin injury. He had 11 catches for 181 yards and a

touchdown — nearly $1 million a reception. Florence struggled all season in zone coverage and was relegated

mostly to playing in nickel and dime situations.

BRONCOS SIGN TWO TAILBACKS The Denver Broncos signed two running backs, Cory Boyd and Alex

Haynes, they had recently cut after losing Selvin Young (back) and P. J. Pope (hamstring) to season-ending

injuries Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. They are the sixth and seventh running backs the Broncos have had

to place on injured reserve this season.

NO REPEAT REFEREE The referee Ed Hochuli, whose blunder in Week 2 helped decide the first game

between the Broncos and Chargers — in favor of Denver — will be a couple of thousand miles away when the

Broncos visit the Chargers on Sunday.

Policy prevents crews from working games between the same teams in any season. In any case, the schedule

for officials was drawn up before the season. Hochuli will be in Green Bay on Sunday for the Lions-Packers

game. The referee at the Broncos-Chargers game, which concludes the regular-season schedule, will be John

Parry.

Hochuli ruled that a fumble by Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was an incomplete pass. Denver kept

possession and eventually won, 39-38. If the Chargers (7-8) had won that game, they would already have

clinched the division title over the Broncos (8-7).

AROUND THE LEAGUE The Carolina Panthers placed defensive tackle Gary Gibson on injured reserve with

a hand injury. ... Cleveland Browns running back Jason Wright, who hurt his ankle on Sunday, was placed on

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injured reserve.

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By Jim Corbett, USA TODAY

Mirroring the rise and fall of playoff contenders and pretenders over the last month, the league MVP race has shifted with one-time candidates such as Drew Brees and Kurt Warner fading with their teams.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning appears the leader in the clubhouse with arguably his most impressive virtuoso performance since hosting Saturday Night Live after leading the Colts' Super Bowl XLI triumph.

The nine-time Pro Bowler has built a compelling case for a third league MVP honor by leading the 11-4 Colts to eight consecutive victories since a 3-4 start when the 32-year-old was shucking off rust from two July knee surgeries.

MVP CANDIDATES: Who's challenging Peyton?

In directing four road wins from 10 or more points behind, Manning has overcome a 31st-ranked run game, resembling an over-caffeinated third-base coach as he melded an offensive line that at times started three rookies and one first-year starter.

Manning has 16 of 26 touchdowns and just three of 12 interceptions, completing 71.4% of his passes during the eight-game win streak that prevented the Colts from imploding the way their former home, the RCA Dome did when it was demolished last week.

But MVP balloting conducted by the Associated Press among 50 media members and broadcasters due Dec. 29 may come down to the regular season's final week.

Some other candidates being considered include Miami quarterback Chad Pennington; New England quarterback Matt Cassel; Atlanta running back Michael Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan; Manning's brother Eli, the Giants quarterback; Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson; Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison; Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware; Baltimore safety Ed Reed and San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

Could a defensive player win for the first time since New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986?

"I love Peyton in light of what he's overcome and leading his team to 10 or more wins seven straight seasons," CBS analyst Solomon Wilcots says.

"But we have to recognize that defense wins championships. We have to get out of that Heisman Trophy voter mindset that it's always a quarterback or running back. My MVP is James Harrison."

Harrison has 16 sacks, seven forced fumbles and is third in special teams tackles.

Ron Jaworski is keeping an eye on the season's most improbable quarterback ascension after last year's league MVP Tom Brady suffered a season-ending, Week 1 knee injury and some counted the Patriots out.

"Don't forget Matt Cassell as an MVP," the ESPN Monday Night Football analyst says.

Advertisement NFL Insider: Colts charge has Manning in

center of MVP race

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QB draft effect?

Draft guru Mike Mayock doesn't have a first-round grade on a senior quarterback, running back or receiver. The strength of the 2009 draft class will be determined by which skill-position underclassmen come out, especially in what Mayock expects will be "an unprecedented underclass draft with a perceived rookie salary cap (in 2010) coming."

Asked if the uncommon success of rookie quarterbacks Ryan and Baltimore's Joe Flacco may influence more underclass quarterbacks to declare for the draft, the NFL Network analyst advises caution.

"You have to be careful because you're talking about two exceptional kids coming out in the same year," Mayock says. "I anticipated Matt Ryan playing at this level. Joe Flacco got forced in because of injury and illness. But he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Here's where I would say, 'Be careful.' Both Flacco and Ryan were fifth-year seniors.

"When you start asking me does this open the door for other rookie quarterbacks to play right away? I would say, 'no.'

"(Oklahoma's) Sam Bradford is a third-year sophomore. Stafford is a third-year junior. Kansas State's Josh Freeman is a third-year junior. Ryan and Flacco are more physically and emotionally mature."

Though Mayock hasn't done comprehensive evaluations of underclassmen, he says, "Stafford can make every throw. Freeman, Bradford and throw Mark Sanchez from USC in. Those are four guys who are potential franchise quarterbacks."

What about Florida's Tim Tebow?

"I embrace him as a football player, but I don't see taking two, three, four years trying to develop him as a quarterback," Mayock says. "Maybe the kid gets stubborn like Rich Gannon, who the New England Patriots wanted to make a cornerback.

"Rich made himself into an MVP quarterback.

"Ultimately, I see Tebow as either a tight end or H-back." Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-12-23-nfl-insider_N.htm

Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article.

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Guns, clothes found at Burress' home

Buzz up! Like this story? Share it with Yahoo! Buzz

Fox 5 News and the New York Post are reporting that police officers, searching the home of Giants wide receiver Plaxico Buress, found a 9-millimeter handgun, a loaded rifle and the clothing he was wearing the night he shot himself in the leg.

Burress was suspended for four games and put on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Cerrato: Zorn to return in 2009

ESPN.com news services Jim Zorn will return as coach of the Washington Redskins in 2009, team executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said Monday, according to The Washington Post.

Zorn, in his first season as a head coach, has been criticized as the Redskins stumbled down the stretch following a promising start. But Cerrato, who previously has said the team has not discussed replacing Zorn, said Monday that Zorn would return, according to the report.

The Post reported that Cerrato characterized a question about Zorn's standing as "crazy. Why wouldn't he be back?"

According to the report, Cerrato said he is confident Zorn is "learning and he's improving. Just how rookie players learn and improve, same type of steps. He's making progress."

The Redskins started the season 6-2, but went 1-5 afterward, including a three-game losing streak that ended with Sunday's 10-3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The offense -- for which Zorn calls the plays -- has struggled in particular, scoring only 241 points. Only the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals have scored fewer points.

While the win against the Eagles won't salvage the Redskins' season, it does guarantee that they will finish at least .500 or better. They can clinch a winning season if they beat San Francisco on Sunday.

"It's still not satisfying from the standpoint of the overall picture of having that spell where we lost so many," Zorn said of the win against the Eagles -- the team's first victory over a team with a winning record since October. "My spirits were lifted because our players didn't give up on the season. They didn't give up by just playing a couple more games halfheartedly and then getting to the offseason."

Cerrato said that when the season is over, the team will try to determine how it can do better, according to the Post.

"Even if you're a Super Bowl-contending team, even if you're the Super Bowl champions, there are areas you need to improve," Cerrato said, according to the report. "Nobody's perfect. With that said, we will look, evaluate and try to fix as many holes as we can fix. Once the final game is played, we'll evaluate every area and look to see where we need to improve."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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