The Blitzburgh Report

Ben Roethlisberger Suspension Reduced to Four Games

Jay — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:57:48 +0000

We know Steelers fans were hoping for even less, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has officially reduced Ben Roethlisberger's suspension to four games. The move wasn't unexpected considering Goodell has made it a point to comment over the last month how Big Ben has been meeting all expectations of improved behavior. In a letter to Big Ben, Goodell also made it clear that Ben still needs to keep it up for the suspension to remain at only four games, ""You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions," Goodell wrote. "Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment." - Source: ESPN.com

James Harrison Kyle Orton Hit Video

Jay — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:26:56 +0000

Many out there have requested a video link to the infamous running over of Kyle Orton by James Harrison yesterday. You can see the video replay here:

Mike Tomlin to Keenan Lewis: “Watch your Step”

Jay — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:04:53 +0000

Not only did Steelers' second year cornerback Keenan Lewis have a terrible game on the field last night against the Broncos, he apparently smashed a glass encased sign in the locker room after it. That prompted Mike Tomlin to say to reporters after the game, "Watch your step. No. (23) is playing bad and doing stupid stuff as well." Lewis had two costly personal foul penalties and gave up some big passing plays. On the penalties, Lewis said, "The first I didn't know he was out of bounds. The second one, that was my fault." He also added that he didn't mean to punch the sign but was instead trying to just punch the wall. Source: Tribune-Review

Josh McDaniels Hints Steelers James Harrison Took Cheap Shot At Kyle Orton

Jay — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:29:13 +0000

For Steelers fans, one of the more exciting plays from last night's preseason game against the Broncos was James Harrision's fumble return (later ruled not a fumble). If you're like us, you were left thinking maybe the Steelers need to consider using Harrison to run the ball in short yardage situations after the hit he laid on Broncos' QB Kyle Orton. Bronco's head coach Josh McDaniels said of the hit, "It kind of looked like Harrison knew he was going to go low and then he took the liberty to go ahead and go after the quarterback. Whether or not it was a cheap thing, I'm not sure. I'll have to see it on film, but it didn't look right." As for Harrison's assessment of the play: "I was being aggressive on the play," Harrison said. "I play aggressively. I was going to the ground and wanted to get as many yards as I could." That's why we love you, James. But Ike has since apologized for his actions, saying "I should know better. I apologize to my teammates, apologize to my fans. I lost my cool, but it won't happen again." For now we'll take Ike's word for it because he hasn't had a huge issue with fighting in the past.

Pouncey Running With First Team at Steelers Training Camp

Jay — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:18:43 +0000

Rookie center Maurkice Pouncey was so impressive in the Steelers' first preseason game last Saturday that he is currently practicing with the Steelers' first team offense during training camp, according to Dale Lolley. It was considered likely that Pouncey could eventually challenge for a starting spot at guard later this season, but if he keeps up the good play he may end up starting at center from day one.

Steelers 2010 Training Camp So Far

Jay — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:36:14 +0000

The Steelers 2010 training camp started over the weekend and things are in full swing. Even though he will be suspended for at least the first four games this season, Ben Roethlisberger has gotten most of the snaps with the first team offense. Speaking of Roethlisberger, he was greeted warmly by fans upon his arrival to the first practice. On the defensive side of things, rookie Thaddeus Gibson has been the most impressive so far as he was nearly unblockable in the famed backs on backers drill. Lastly, early injuries include G Ramon Foster (Concussion), C Maurkice Pouncey, DL Casey Hampton, and RB Jonathan Dwyer (all three with hamstring injuries).

Bill Cowher’s Wife Passes Away at the Age of 54

Jay — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:03:04 +0000

Some sad news to pass along this morning- Kaye Cowher, wife of former Steelers’ head coach Bill Cowher died yesterday at the age of 54 after losing a battle with skin cancer. Anyone who has followed the Steelers through the Cowher years has likely heard about or seen Kaye in many interviews done with Bill Cowher. Our thoughts are with the Cowher family today. Read more on the Post-Gazette.com

It is Official: Mike Tomlin Signs Two Year Contract Extension with Steelers

Jay — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:07:02 +0000

The Steelers announced today that they have signed Mike Tomlin to a two year contract extension. Included is an option for a third year that would extend the deal through the 2013 season. The exact financial terms have not been released. It doesn't sound too bad overall, not a huge commitment by the team- but now they need to work on getting LaMarr Woodley an extension. - Souce Steelers.com

Willie Gay and Bryant McFadden Battling for Steelers Starting Left Cornerback

Jay — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Willie Gay and Bryant McFadden are pretty good friends off the field and are even currently training together in Florida. But once training camp starts, they will be competing against each other for the starting left cornerback spot on the Steelers' defense. Because of Gay's poor play last season McFadden decent play for the Steelers last time he played for them, you would think McFadden would automatically get the start. But that is not the case in the NFL according to McFadden, "Every year is a proving point, regardless if you're a 10-year veteran or a rookie," McFadden said. "You've always got to prove yourself over and over again in this league because nothing's guaranteed." Read the story on Tribune-Review.com