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Tag: Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Justin Bieber: Bible Study With Pittsburgh Steelers?

    Justin Bieber showed up at a Bible study held by members of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. ESPN confirms the visit, but lends very little in the way of why the ‘As Long As You Love Me’ crooner was there.

    MTV reports that Justin is known for kind of casually showing up in a variety of highly unlikely spots, so this Bible study session probably isn’t as strange a place for him to visit as some might think.

    Pittsburgh Steelers defense end Cam Heyward seemed pleased with the impromptu visit. He tweeted a photo of himself and the Biebs to share with his followers.

    Linebacker Arthur Moats didn’t want to be left out of the fun, so he followed suit–posting a photo of himself with Justin Bieber on Twitter.

    And of course Steelers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski needed his five seconds of fame with the pop singer, so he posted on Twitter, too.

    It’s no secret that Justin Bieber is a fairly devout Christian. He is known for attending Hillsong Church when in New York and L.A.

    Maybe the Biebs simply wanted to pray with the guys before they played the the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon. At the very least, they all got photo ops. Hopefully some have daughters who think Justin Bieber is cool–otherwise they might get ribbed by the rest of their team mates.

  • Ben Roethlisberger’s Unlikely Namesake is … a Cow? See Why

    Ben Roethlisberger’s Unlikely Namesake is … a Cow? See Why

    Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has an unlikely newborn namesake.

    And no, it’s not a strapping baby boy born to a die-hard Steelers fan.

    Instead, a cow born with an interesting pattern on its head, which reminded the calf’s owners of their favorite team’s quarterback, was named “Baby Ben.”

    “Hey Steelers fans — does our new little addition remind you of anyone?” Vale Wood Farms in Loretto, Penn., wrote on its Facebook page. “Say hello to Baby Ben! We know which team he’ll be rooting for on Sunday.”

    So here’s the deal. Roethlisberger wears No. 7 on his jersey and “Baby Ben” has a very obvious No. 7 marked on its forehead.

    At least it’s an udderly original name instead of a something more obvious like “Lucky.”

    Post by Vale Wood Farms.

    Carissa Itle-Westrick, director of business development for the family-owned farm, said she hopes Roethlisberger won’t mind.

    “Baby Ben is awfully cute, so hopefully Big Ben won’t mind sharing his namesake,” said Itle-Westrick.

    The farm says it plans to display the calf when it opens its pumpkin patch for business next month.

    That cow is so stinkin’ cute.

  • Cleveland Browns Go Down: Late Winner For Pittsburgh Steelers

    What is the perfect start to an NFL season?

    Well let’s just say that if I wanted to know, I would probably not ask the Cleveland Browns.

    Not after today.

    When your punter gets his face kicked in by a guy with the last name “Brown”, you kind of have to wonder if the universe is trying to tell you something.

    Perhaps that’s too harsh on the Browns, but one can’t help but wonder.

    Speaking of kicks to the head, it’s amazing that Antonio Brown was not ejected for what almost appeared to be a blatant jump-kick to the face of punter Spencer Lanning. Some believe he was trying to jump over Lanning, but failed in spectacular fashion.

    He earned a penalty for unnecessary roughness (possibly the understatement of the entire season), but there will probably be a fine tacked onto the end of that “Karate Kid” kick.

    Here’s hoping Lanning suffered no brain damage after that. Good Lord.

    This much talked about play was the only exciting thing to emerge from the first half. The Steelers completely dominated the Browns, leading 27 to 3 as the half ended.

    Someone must have given an epic halftime speech because the Browns emerged a more determined team, earning 24 points and bringing the game level.

    With two other games headed to extra time, it looked like the Browns were on the verge of one Hell of a comeback.

    But the Steelers were not having it.

    A late field goal attempt by Shaun Suisham (41 yards) would prove successful, resulting in a 30 to 27 victory for the home team.

    It’s hard to tell what’s worse for Browns fans: Suffering through the embarrassment that was the first half or swallowing bitter disappointment after a brilliant display of football in the second half.

    If the Browns can dig deeper in future games, they may have it in them to win ugly. There are glimpses of promise, but glimpses don’t win games!

    The Browns must put this game behind them and move forward.

  • Terry Bradshaw to Sing in Concert Performance

    Terry Bradshaw is, perhaps, one of the most famous quarterbacks to ever play football. During his 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers Bradshaw led the team to eight AFC Central championships and four Super Bowl wins.

    Following his stellar NFL career, Bradshaw demonstrated a talent for talking sports. He has now become one of the most recognized NFL analysts and broadcasters in the history of televised football.

    These accomplishments are more than most people will see during their lifetime, but Bradshaw isn’t stopping there. The famed quarterback will soon be taking the stage to entertain crowds in a new concert appearance.

    Bradshaw will be the first performer to appear in The Meadows Casino’s Concert Series 2014 in Washington, Pennsylvania. Titled “Terry Bradshaw: America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde…A Life in Four Quarters,” the appearance was announced this week by both the casino and Bradshaw through social media:

    Post by Official Terry Bradshaw.

    According to Bradshaw’s Facebook page, the former quarterback will be sharing anecdotes from his long and varied career. The hall-of-famer will also be singing, backed by a live band.

    Though Bradshaw-as-a-singer might surprise some, this isn’t the first time Bradshaw has entertained using his vocal talents. Bradshaw has recorded six separate country and gospel albums over the years, and has even charted a few singles. His most famous hit is a cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” which hit 17 on the U.S. Country charts in 1976.

    Tickets are on sale now for Bradshaw’s Meadows Casino appearance. Other headliners during this year’s summer concert series include the Oak Ridge Boys, Smokey Robinson, and 38 Special.

    In addition to that appearance, Bradshaw’s show is currently on tour throughout the U.S. with appearances scheduled for Cleveland, Ohio; Springfield, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska.

    Image via Facebook

  • Pittsburgh Steelers Start To Get More Active In Free Agency

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fairly quiet in the first week of the NFL’s free agency, and have not made moves to pick up any stars like other teams have. After failing to make the playoffs last year, one would think they would have been more active by now.

    Pittsburgh’s latest move has been to show interest in running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and their former star linebacker James Harrison. The Steelers are beginning to increase their efforts, and have set up some visits with other free agents as well.

    James Harrison has always been a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and was one of the best players on their defensive squad until they were forced to let him go last years as a salary cap disaster. He would certainly be welcome back in Pittsburgh, and their former star recently showed interest in returning.

    Maurice Jones-Drew could be a nice addition to the offense, and a change of pace for a team that mostly relied on Le’Veon Bell as a rookie last year. He rushed for 803 yards on 234 carries with five touchdowns last season.

    Bell is a great back, but it could help to have the veteran on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, giving them a sense of leadership, and he may still have a few good seasons in him. The official offensive move that they have made already was securing that veteran Heath Miller would return, along with Troy Polamalu in the same move.

    As a team, they started the 2013 with a horrible record, but managed to salvage it enough to almost make the playoffs, and were left out after a missed call in the game between the Chiefs and Chargers.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for the power of their defense, with the famous “Steel Curtain,” and the few moves that they have made already have been focused on defense.

    They had released a couple of veterans in Larry Foote and Lamarr Woodley, but of course needed to re-sign Troy Polamalu, who is set on finishing his career with the Steelers.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed a bit in the past few years, and due to some injuries to players like Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, and Troy Polamalu, they had some troubles in 2013. It is hard to know what they will do in the draft since, when healthy, the Steelers could still be a top team.

    Perhaps they could use another receiver after losing Emmanuel Sanders to the Broncos, and Mike Wallace to the Dolphins in the previous year. Where could they use the most help?

    Image via Twitter

  • Rashard Mendenhall Retires from NFL at Age 26

    As a culture writ-large, Americans are obsessed with sports, with the NFL being perhaps the most obsessed sport of all. Our fixation on football, and especially the athletes which play the game, has increased so much over the years that we have developed 24/7 media outlets to cover not only the games themselves, but also potential Fantasy Football lineups and also the stars’ personal lives. All of this intense coverage can become overwhelming and all-consuming. And if you’re Rashard Mendenhall, the entertainment aspect of the game has simply become too overbearing to handle.

    That is why the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals running back is calling it quits after 6 years in the NFL.

    Mendenhall was the 23rd overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008. Coming out of the University of Illinois following his junior year, NFL executives were high on the big, powerful running back: “As a running back he’s the total package. He’s a big, strong, every-down back with speed who can pass block and also catch the ball. I’ve said before: he’s a big man with little-people feet, meaning he can run like he’s 180 [pounds] but also pound the ball like he’s 230,” stated current Arizona Cardinals head coach and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

    If Mendenhall was the total package as a running back, then why did he decide to retire? The answer is two-fold.

    First and foremost, Mendenhall found himself on the outside looking in on the elite running backs in the league following an ACL injury in 2011. Last year, Mendenhall’s numbers were somewhat paltry – 687 yards and 8 touchdowns, with an average of 3.2 yards per carry. Arizona’s other running back, Andre Ellington, nearly doubled Mendenhall’s output, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Going into the 2014, all signs pointed to the fact that Mendenhall would be riding the pine hard for most of the season.

    While that fact alone would have discouraged many players, Mendenhall’s decision to retire hinges upon ideas much bigger than the scope of football itself:

    “I feel like I’ve done it all. I’ve been to two Super Bowls; made a bunch of money; had a lot of success; traveled all over the country and overseas; met some really cool people; made lasting relationships; had the opportunity to give back to causes close to my heart; and have been able to share my experiences and wisdom with friends, family and people all over the world. Not to mention all the fun I had goofing around at work day after day with my teammates… Along with the joyful experiences I had, came many trials… Imagine having a job where you’re always on duty, and can never fully relax or you just may drown. Having to fight through waves and currents of praise and criticism, but mostly hate. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been called a ‘dumb nigger’.

    Today, game-day cameras follow the most popular players on teams; guys who dance after touchdowns are extolled on Dancing With the Starters; games are analyzed and brought to fans without any use of coaches tape; practice non-participants are reported throughout the week for predicted fantasy value; and success and failure for skill players is measured solely in stats and fantasy points. This is a very different model of football than the one I grew up with.

    So when they ask me why I want to leave the NFL at the age of 26, I tell them that I’ve greatly enjoyed my time, but I no longer wish to put my body at risk for the sake of entertainment. I think about the rest of my life and I want to live it with much quality. And physically, I am grateful that I can walk away feeling as good as I did when I stepped into it.”

    Of course, Mendenhall’s decision has been met with its own fair bit of criticism. However, that criticism will now no longer be of any concern to Mendenhall. Instead of spending his days worrying about having to constantly perform 24/7 for not only his team but also fans and critics, Mendenhall will now be able to pursue his more introverted dreams of writing and travelling – dreams worthwhile for any 26-year-old multimillionaire retiree from the NFL.

    Image via Arizona Cardinals | Twitter

  • Troy Polamalu Agrees To Contract Extension With Pittsburgh Steelers

    For many years now, Troy Polamalu has been a strong force in the tough Steelers defense, and the veteran safety will be sticking around for at least a few more years.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers had a bit of a rough season in 2013 that prevented them from making the playoffs, but one thing that has remained constant with their team for several years is the strong play from their star safety.

    They were able to make the playoffs with some last second help from other teams, which did not work out in their favor, and the Chargers got in instead. Perhaps next year will be the year for Pittsburgh, and some young talent from the draft may help them win more games in 2014.

    During the NFL’s off-season, many teams continue to take a closer look at their rosters, and while some players are being cut, others also get contract extensions. On Wednesday, Polamalu signed a three-year contract extension that will secure him a spot on the team until 2016.

    The deal is for $20 million total, and saves Pittsburgh $4.5 million against the cap this year, according to ESPN.

    Throughout his career, Troy Polamalu has been responsible for a large amount of tackles, interceptions, and even sacks, racking up stats in a variety of areas, unlike some safeties. He has played in three Super Bowls for the team, two of which they won.

    In the 2013 season, he had another outstanding performance, and was voted to his eighth Pro Bowl. Over the course of the season, he had 85 tackles, intercepting two passes and forcing five fumbles.

    In addition to Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller was also given a contract extension until 2016. Miller is a veteran tight end for the Steelers, and like Polamalu, he has spent several seasons, and multiple Super Bowls with the team. He holds the franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.

    Both players experienced injuries in 2012, and were forced to sit out for multiple games. However, they are important parts of the franchise, and Steelers President Art Rooney II even told ticket holders in January that he wanted Polamalu to play his entire career in Pittsburgh.

    While the others are not making as big of headlines as Troy Polamalu, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy reworking their roster. Their Wednesday transactions also included releasing linebacker Larry Foote, cornerback Curtis Brown and offensive tackle Levi Brown and agreeing to a one-year deal with safety Will Allen.

    Image via Facebook

  • Mike Tomlin Reacts To Call In Chargers Game, Talks About NFL Officiating

    Mike Tomlin, the coach of Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to have a strong opinion on the way the end of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers played out.

    The game between the Chiefs and Chargers was the last piece of the puzzle in getting the Steelers into the playoffs, and unfortunately, things did not happen the way they wanted it to.

    As a result, there will be no post-season for Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers, and their season is over with a record of 8-8.

    The game ended on a very controversial note in which the San Diego Chargers lined up incorrectly on a field goal, but the penalty was not called.

    The NFL later corrected themselves, and in a statement made today, it was said that the Chargers should have been penalized for an illegal formation.

    The result of the field goal was a miss from 41 yards by Ryan Succop of the Chiefs, and the game was tied at the time. The missed field goal sent the game to overtime, where the Chargers would eventually win.

    The odds of making the playoffs were not likely for the Steelers coming into week 17, but after getting in the position to make the playoffs, fans were crushed after the result of the Chargers game.

    After the game, Mike Tomlin said “Obviously, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done from an officiating standpoint.” He also refused to make an official statement about how he felt about the field goal, saying that was between him, his kids, and his basement.

    Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers around the country were clearly upset about the call, and Mike Tomlin, who made sure that his team got the win, expressed his frustration as well. He has had great success with the Steelers, and after starting out the season 0-4, he was able to turn the team around, and almost make the playoffs.

    As someone who is on the NFL Competition Committee, Mike Tomlin will actually have a say in the process to change officiating practices. He wants to be able to make a difference, not simply someone who is complaining, saying “I always want to be someone that’s part of the solution as opposed to someone that’s complaining and moaning about the problem. I intend to roll my sleeves up and offer any insight I can in making [the league] the very best it can be moving forward.”

    In order for the Steelers to make the playoffs, they needed to win, and have the Dolphins, Chargers and Ravens all lose. Well, they beat the Browns, and had help from the Dolphins and Ravens, but unfortunately the Chargers were not willing to let them sneak into the playoffs.

    After finishing the season with a record of 8-8, Mike Tomlin will look to improve with his team in 2014.

    Image via Facebook

  • Pittsburgh Steelers Win, Miss Playoffs Thanks To The Result Of Another Game

    The Pittsburgh Steelers had all of the odds against them to make the playoffs coming into week 17. However, they did win their game, and almost everything else happened in order for them to make the playoffs.

    In order to make the playoffs, the Steelers needed to win their game, and they also needed the Ravens, Dolphins and Chargers to all lose. The Steelers got their part done when beating the Cleveland Browns 20-7, and watched as the remaining results came in.

    As unlikely as a scenario as that may sound, everything went their way in the first three match-ups, although the Chiefs were unable to put away the Chargers, and the final piece of the puzzle was not able to be completed.

    Realistically, with the way the Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2013 season, there was no reason that they should have been in the post-season.

    However, teams are capable of turning a season around, and after starting the year out 0-4, unlike some other teams, the Steelers were able to have a positive season and at least get to 8-8 after week 17 concluded.

    The Cowboys also suffered another crushing loss last night, which sent the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs instead.

    Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, attempts to stay positive about a disappointing season when saying “We are going to build on this. I think we have put together a good foundation.”

    Fans and everyone involved with the Pittsburgh Steelers team were rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Chargers in order to give them a spot in the NFL playoffs this year. However, things did not go their way, and the Chargers ended up going to overtime to beat the Chiefs.

    The result of the game between the Chiefs and Chargers has also created a great amount of controversy for fans, as it was stated by the NFL in a statement today that the Chargers should have been penalized for an illegal formation on a missed 41-yard field goal attempt by Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop with four seconds left in regulation.

    If Succop would have been able to make that kick, then the Chiefs would have won the game, giving the Chargers a record of 8-8, and sending the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs. Instead, the Chargers were able to win in overtime, and prevented the Steelers from playing in the post-season, clinching a playoff berth for themselves instead.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of the teams in the AFC left out of the playoffs again, and will be forced to watch from home as the other teams fight for a spot in the Super Bowl. The Steelers had gone 6-2 in their last 8 games, but after starting the season 2-6, they did not do enough to make the playoffs this year.

    Image via Facebook

  • Green Bay Packers Are Without Aaron Rodgers Again

    For a Green Bay Packers team that has been struggling since his departure several weeks ago, the news that Aaron Rodgers will be out of the lineup in this week’s game is not good for the Packers, and their fans.

    As they are still attempting to make the playoffs, the inclusion of Aaron Rodgers in the lineup would certainly help, but without him, they will be hoping for a miracle in order to make the playoffs.

    This Sunday, they will play against a Steelers team in a similar situation, although with the Packers playing in the NFC North, they have an easier time of making the playoffs than the Steelers, who trail both the Bengals and the Ravens.

    The Green Bay Packers currently have a record of 7-6-1, and have struggled greatly since the loss of their star quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, being one of the best quarterbacks to play football, was surely going to be missed on the team, but they had no idea how much.

    There has been plenty of speculation about the return of Aaron Rodgers recently, and he is continually not being cleared to play.

    The latest report came from coach Mike McCarthy when he said “As an organization we do not feel like we are ready for him to play. He’s not medically cleared, that’s still the case today. As an organization, we don’t think this is the right time for him to play.”

    After going down during a Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears on November 4th, Rodgers has not returned to the field, and they were not able to win a game during the month of November. They finally got their second win since his departure during a late comeback in their last game, with some help from Tony Romo’s interceptions, beating the Cowboys.

    They have won their last two games, and in the remaining games of the season, they will play the Steelers and their division rivals, the Chicago Bears. The Bears currently lead the NFC North with a record of 8-6. The Lions led the division for much of the season, but after recent losses, they no longer control their own destiny, and may not make the playoffs.

    After the Packers lost Aaaron Rodgers to injury, the Packers tried out a few different quarterbacks including Seneca Wallace and Scott Tolzien, but finally turned to someone they were familiar with, and re-signed Matt Flynn, who has started ever since.

    With two remaining games, Matt Flynn and the Green Bay Packers will have to step up their game if they hope to continue playing in January.

    Image via Facebook

  • Terrence Garvin Fined For Hit On Bengals Punter

    Does everyone remember that terrifying hit that the punter for the Bengals suffered on Sunday? Terrence Garvin delivered a brutal hit to Kevin Huber, the Bengals’ punter, and as a result, he is receiving a hefty fine from the NFL, a total of $25,000.

    The hit that Terrence Garvin delivered to Kevin Huber of the Bengals resulted in very serious injures including a broken jaw, and he will note be returning to the field this season.

    As an athlete of any type, it had to be hard to witness the play that left Huber in such a condition, as well as one of the most vicious scenes witnessed by fans on television.

    Huber suffered a broken jaw on the hit from Garvin, in addition to a cracked vertebrae. It was also a play which resulted in a 67-yard touchdown return from Antonio Brown, and the hit was not considered a penalty during the game.

    Upon further review, Dean Blandino, the head of officials, said that the hit was illegal, and that he should have been handed a personal foul penalty.

    When he left game, the Bengals’ punter had a bloody face, and due to the seriousness of his injury, he will be immediately placed on Cincinnati IR list. The video and story of the Bengals punter went viral immediately, and people have continued to talk about it.

    For those that did not get to see the brutal hit yet, take a look.

    (image)

    As all players tend to do when they are fined for hits such as this one, Terrence Garvin pleads his innocence when saying “”I wasn’t out there trying to be vicious. When you’re in the game you’re really just trying to make a play and help your team out.”

    The brutal hits that have been delivered from defensive players have gotten a bit out of hand this year, and Terrence Garvin is just the latest one to receive such a punishment. Several other players including Ndamukong Suh of the Lions, who is known as one of the most aggressive players in the league, continue to rack up fines in a league that is getting to be more dangerous every year.

    Both Terrence Garvin and the Pittsburgh Steelers expected the fine to be issued. However, Garvin is planning to appeal it, and meant no harm to Huber when he leveled him on the play.

    Image via Youtube

  • Bengals Punter Fractures Jaw During Sunday’s Game [Video]

    In one of the ugliest plays most people have been witness to as sports fans, the Bengals punter was severely injured after being hit during a punt.

    The game last night between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers became witness to an awful looking play, in an incident when Kevin Huber suffered a broken jaw and cracked vertebrae.

    Kevin Huber, the punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, had his punt blocked, and later in the play was leveled by Terence Garvin of the Steelers, causing him to leave the game.

    Garvin’s helment hit Huber in the chin, and while there was no flag thrown during the play, it is likely that a hit such as this one will get him fined.

    The injury came late on a 67-yard return of a punt by the Steelers’ Antonio Brown. The play eventually resulted in a touchdown for Brown, and the Steelers went on to win the game with a final score of 30-20.

    When he left game, the Bengals’ punter had a bloody face, and due to the seriousness of his injury, he will be immediately placed on Cincinnati IR list. Huber’s jaw was wired shut after the game, and during kicks, he will be replaced by Andy Dalton as the holder.

    (image)

    Upon seeing his teammate down on the ground, kicker Mike Nugent said “Seeing the way he was laying down there you are automatically thinking the worst.” It has become the worst, as the Bengals’ punter will be forced to sit out for the rest of the season, and miss the final two games.

    Kevin Huber will be replaced by Nugent as the new Bengals punter. Huber played less than a quarter during their loss, and experienced a painful night on the field, literally. The Bengals were already down 14-0 when Huber attempted the punt that forced him to leave the game.

    He remained on the ground for several minutes, and was finally able to walk to the locker room on his own, although he was not in good shape and was very bloody. The veteran Bengals punter had been in the league for five years, and certainly never experienced a hit like that before.

    Tough luck for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers; when it rains it pours– and after today’s game it looks like it’ll snow too. Let’s hope that the Steelers can regain their footing (and watch their feet) and get back on the winning track soon.

    [image: twitter]

  • Le’Veon Bell Suffered Concussion Against Ravens, Hopes To Play Sunday

    Le’Veon Bell has been one of the top players on a struggling Pittsburgh Steelers team throughout the season. He is a rookie for the Steelers, and formerly the star running back for the Michigan State Spartans.

    The young player is hoping to play against the Miami Dolphins in their next game on Sunday, but after suffering a concussion in their previous game, there are certainly doubts that he will be able to. He had an ugly goal-line collision with Jimmy Smith, a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, and forced him to leave the game.

    Le’Veon Bell collided with Smith at the goal-line, while attempting to score a touchdown on a 1-yard run. The two players rammed helmets, and forced Bell to lose his helmet. While the play was initially ruled a touchdown, the call was reversed due to the fact that Bell lost his helmet before entering the end-zone. Any time that a player loses their helmet, the play is automatically called, in order to protect the safety of the players.

    He did not know much about what was going on at the time, and following the hit, he mentioned “I didn’t remember it when it first happened. Once I came off the field I didn’t really know I had scored. Then they told me I did; then they told me it wasn’t a touchdown. I wasn’t aware of what was going on at the time because I got hit. I can’t really remember what happened.”

    He left the game, and upon seeing a replay, Bell says he is lucky that the injury is not worse. After he left, the Thursday night game ended with a final score of 22-20 in favor of the Baltimore Ravens. The injury looks to be fairly serious, but it could certainly be worse.

    Bell is hoping to be able to play on Sunday, but knows that there is a chance that he will not be able to. He is taking it one step at a time, and he said “I’m going to take it day by day and see where we’re at. I’m going to take it day by day and see where we’re at.”

    After the big hit, Le’Veon Bell has said that he does not remember it happening, which is always scary to hear from any player. He is team’s best runner by far, and leads the team with 528 yards rushing and five touchdowns. If he is able to return, it would be a big boost for the Steelers, who are desperately trying to make the playoffs after a terrible start to the season.

    Image via Facebook

  • Oakland Raiders Give Steelers “The Bird”

    For the first time in many years (Their last winning season was in 2002), the Oakland Raiders made news for reasons other than being the worst team in the NFL. Unfortunately, their success came at the hands of one of the league’s worst teams currently – the Pittsburgh Steelers (We all know the worst team is Jacksonville.) With Sunday’s 21-18 victory over the Steelers, the Raiders are now 3-4 on the season and have a better record than 11 other teams.

    Sunday was a great day for the Raiders, starting with the first play from scrimmage. Terrelle Pryor, a quarterback known for his running ability, ran a zone-read option fake to his running-back, Darren McFadden, going left. As the play suggests, Pryor read that the linebacker was biting left on the play, so he pulled the ball down and ran right…for a total of 93 yards. Thanks to sealing right-end blocks by right tackle Matt McCants and wide receiver Rod Streater, Pryor was able to set an NFL-quarterback record run with his 93 yard touchdown. Not only was it the longest run ever by an NFL quarterback, it was also the longest play from scrimmage in Raiders’s history, surpassing a 92 yard run by Bo Jackson against Cincinnati in 1989.

    Aided by Pryor’s amazing run, the Raiders were able to push themselves to a 21-3 lead over the Steelers at the half. However, in true Raiders fashion, the team would squander the lead in the second half. Perhaps the rally from Pittsburgh was due to bad karma flowing to the Raiders due to the actions of their defensive coordinator, Jason Tarver.

    While still leading 21-3 with 8+ minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the referees threw a flag against Raiders cornerback, Mike Jenkins, for his hit against the Steelers’s runningback, Le’Veon Bell. As everyone at O.co Stadium could see, there should have been no penalty against Jenkins for an illegal hit to the head – something the referees agreed to when they rescinded the call. Before the officials could fix their mistake, though, Tarver expressed his own opinions regarding the call by giving the refs not one, but two middle fingers:

    (image)

    Tarver was ratted out after the game by former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX analyst, Mike Pereira. After seeing Tarver use “the bird” so flippantly, Pereira decided to give the league office a call: “Seriously, though, a play took place in the Pittsburgh-Oakland game that was absolutely unacceptable and unprofessional. It actually happened on the sideline and it wasn’t by a player, but rather by a coach. And I was so angry, I called the league office about it,” stated Pereira in his FoxSports.com post.

    The last time the league saw such an incident came in 2010, when Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator, Chuck Cecil, was fined $40,000 for a similar gesture. Following Sunday’s incident, Tarver released the following statement: ”I apologize for my action on the sideline of yesterday’s game. It was in the heat of the moment, and I regret drawing attention away from the Raiders players and what they accomplished.”

    With the way the Raiders’s luck has been going over the past 10+ years, the organization should view any attention as positive for the continued success of the franchise. While many of us would love for the Raiders to be gaining positive attention, one cannot blame Tarver for his genuine reaction to the blatantly atrocious call during Sunday’s game. As Tarver himself stated, it was in the heat of the moment; He couldn’t have possibly expected the cameras to be on him at that precise instant. Which leads one to question the role of the media in the exposure of this incident. It has become more and more frequent that coaches and players are caught shouting expletives or making obscene gestures. Doesn’t some of the onus have to be placed upon the network, the camera operators, and editors? The media should know what to expect when it cuts to coaches and players following emotionally-laden plays and calls. Tarver had great cause to be upset at the call, especially since his Raiders were winning…for once.

    Football is a testosterone-driven, highly competitive sport. As such, do coaches and players have the responsibility to answer for any actions deemed inappropriate by certain moral codes? Let us know in the comment section below.

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