Updated Playoff Picture: Steelers live to fight another day
AFC Standings 1. Indianapolis (14-0) 2. San Diego (11-3) 3. New England (9-5) 4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) Current Wild Card Teams 5. *Baltimore Ravens (9-6): Conference Record (6-4) Latest Buzz: Baltimore is doing what Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to do; Dominate inferior teams. Remaining Schedule: at Pittsburgh (7-7), at Oakland (5-9). 6. *Denver Broncos (9-6): Conference Record (6-5) Latest buzz: The Broncos suffered a devastating loss in week 15 as the Oakland Raiders scored a late touchdown to upend the Broncos 20-19. However the Broncos still control their playoff destiny but they have a tough week 16 matchup at Philadelphia. Remaining Schedule: at Philadelphia (10-4), Kansas City (3-11). In the Hunt 7. *Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7): Conference Record (6-4) Latest Buzz:
Matchup to Watch: DT Jason Jones vs C Justin Hartwig
Matchup to Watch
Steelers begin quest for 7th Super Bowl Title
The road to Miami kicks off Thursday night as the six time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers begin their title defense at home against the Tennessee Titans. Trying to repeat as champions is the hardest thing to do in sports. The Steelers found that out in 2006. The focus for the Steelers has been on the upcoming season not what they accomplished in 2008. Some believe the Steelers are deeper and more talented than last year. Opening up the season with the 4th easiest schedule in the NFL, expectations are high and it all starts Thursday night at 8:30 p.m.
Collins looks to have a repeat performance against the Steelers
Collins went 20-of-29 for 215 yards & a touchdown against PIT The Tennessee Titans were the last team to beat the Super Bowl Champion Steelers. With the two teams kicking off the 2009 season on Thursday, the Titans will be a challenge for the Champs. In a pivotal game for a shot at home-field advantage, the Titans routed the Steelers 31-14 on December 21, 2008. 36 year old quarterback Kerry Collins was a difference maker in the game. The Titans were built on a dominating defense and a strong running game in 2008. It led them to a 13-3 record in the regular season. Collins threw for 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions last season but as he showed against Pittsburgh
Steelers Notebook: News and Notes
The Latest Steelers Buzz A numbers of talent evaluators around the league believe the 09 Steelers will be the best Steelers team of the decade. That is saying a lot, considering the Steelers have won two Super Bowls this decade but it is a strong argument. Holmes motivated to have a big year * Santonio Holmes appears primed to have a breakout season in 09. The buzz around Holmes is that he has matured as a person since the Super Bowl and entering year four, he has the chance to set his price on his next contract. His value is extremely high right now and if he reaches his potential statistically and has a 75-80 catch season, with 1,000+ receiving
Steelers to host Tennessee in 2009 season opener
As we mentioned in February, all signs pointed towards the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Tennessee Titans in their season opener. At the NFL owner meetings today, Ed Bouchette reports the league will announce that the Steelers and Titans will kick off the NFL season on Thursday, September 10th. The Titans were the AFC’s #1 seed posting a 13-3 record in the regular season.
Titans showing interest in Trai Essex
The Nashville Tennessean Reports, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle/guard Trai Essex is visiting with the Tennessee Titans today. Essex, a third-round pick in 2005, has started four games in his four year career with the Steelers. The Steelers have expressed an interest in bringing Essex back. Essex has also drawin interest from Oakland, Detroit and Baltimore.
Source: Titans, Nate Washington could finalize deal on Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Nate Washington met with the Tennessee Titans tonight and the two sides will meet again in the morning. A source tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports, the Detroit Lions balked at Washington’s asking price¬†but are waiting for the Titans to make a offer before putting another re-vised offer on the table. Washington visited Detroit on Friday. Washington had a scheduled visit to Tampa Bay on Monday but¬†the Bucs re-signed Michael Clayton and they are now out. A source says the Titans and Washington are hopeful to get a deal done tomorrow that will likely be a four – five year deal in the range $7-$8 million guaranteed. Washington has also drawn interest from the Bengals and Ravens. Washington’s
Steelers hoping to lure Chris Carr to Pittsburgh; Other FA Rumors
The Pittsburgh Steelers top target has been Titans kick returner/CB Chris Carr for the past few weeks since Carr’s agent announced his client was going to test free agency. The team reached out to Carr as soon as free agency began and the team has scheduled a visit with Carr on Tuesday according to sources. Improving the kick return game has been the Steelers top priority in FA Carr averaged 28.1 yard per kick return in 08 and would be a great addition to the Steelers. The issue the Steelers are going to have is Carr wants to have the opportunity to be a starter on defense. He visited the Lions today and is also being pursued by the Minnesota
NFL Free Agency; Live Updates appear at the bottom of the page
Live Updates 9:02 a.m. – Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth reached agreement Friday on a seven-year, $100 million with the Washington Redskins according to reports. 9:38 a.m. – Reports indicate the Ravens will lose Ray Lewis. Linebacker Bart Scott signed with the Jets. 10:23 a.m. – It’s believed Anthony Smith has received calls from atleast 6 teams. Cardinals and Falcons showing significant interest. 10: 25 a.m. – Steelers remain in discussions Chris Kemoeatu and have a offer on the table. Kemoeatu has a received a 4 year-offer from the New York Jets. Kemoeatu is still considering the Steelers but the Steelers offer is around $3.8 million per season. 10:29 a.m. – Steelers have made a two year deal to Trai Essex.