Hines Ward - Forever a Steeler

Today is March, 20 2012. Today is also the day that Hines Ward called it a career. 

“Today I came back to Pittsburgh to grant Steelers Nation its one last request. Today, I am officially retiring as a Pittsburgh Steeler.” - Hines Ward

Just a few short weeks ago, Hines Ward was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said that he got some interest from other teams, but never seriously spoke with any because it just would not be the same as playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And I agree, it wouldn't be the same to see him wearing #86 in different colors that the Steelers' Black & Gold.

In the back of the room were former teammates James Harrison, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, and Jerome Bettis. In 2005, after the Steelers lost the AFC Championship Game, a teary eyed Ward spoke to the media expressing his hopes that Jerome Bettis would not retire but come back for one final go-around for a chance to win that elusive Super Bowl ring. Bettis indeed came back, and the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. Hines Ward won Super Bowl MVP.

Hines Ward was the 14th wide receiver taken in the 1998 NFL Rookie Draft. The Steelers chose Georgia's jack-of-all-trades wide receiver in the third round, the 98th overall pick. He ended his career as the Steelers leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), and receiving touchdowns (85). Not bad for a third round pick that played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver in college.

He was also a vicious blocker he laid out other team's players if given the chance. The NFL instituted a rule on blindside blocks that was nicknamed the "Hines Ward Rule" because of a blindside block he laid on Bengal's linebacker Keith Rivers that left him with a broken jaw. In a 2008 game against the Ravens, there was supposedly a bounty on his head by Baltimore players to take him out of the game. This was due to the blocks Ward had laid on their players in the past. It's safe to say that if you're head wasn't on a swivel, Ward would make sure to try to knock your head off.

He also wasn't what has become your typical diva wide receiver. He came to work every day to play hard and tough. He played with the mentality of a linebacker. I don't ever remember him complaining about not getting enough touches like some other receivers. Ward also played most of his career in a run-oriented offense.

In the end, Hines Ward was the epitome of what it meant to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. And now, he can say he will always be remembered as one. It can be said that he played for just one team his entire career, and that's something that is rarely said about players these days. Steelers Nation loves Hines Ward, and he loves us back. It's a unique bond that Steelers players have with the fans. And now we can say that the relationship was never broken.

I can't wait to be sitting on the field in Canton, OH in a few years as Hines Ward is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wearing my black #86 jersey and waving my yellow Terrible Towel.

Hines Ward, forever a Steeler.

With the receiver signings in FA, what about Mike Wallace?

There has been a lot of movement with contracts for wide receivers the past couple of days since the league year opened.

• Desean Jackson, Eagles: 5-years, $48.5M
• Pierre Garcon, Redskins: 5 years, $42.5M
• Josh Morgan, Redskins: 2-years, $12M approx.
• Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers: 5-years, $56M ($26M guaranteed)
• Calvin Johnson, Lions: 8-years, $130.5M ($53M guaranteed)

That is a lot of money for players that don't touch the football every single play. Calvin Johnson received franchise quarterback money, but in my opinion, he has earned it with his play and professionalism.

So this is going to set the market for biggest Steelers' Restricted Free Agent, Mike Wallace.

Wallace is better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan. He's not quite at Vincent Jackson's level and the only other receiver in the league near Calvin Johnson's level would be Larry Fitzgerald. He is much better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan.

So I would say that he's going to want more money than what Desean Jackson received, but he's going to get less than Vincent Jackson. I would say he's looking for a contract in the range of 5-years and $52-54M.

Right now, the only offer Mike Wallace has received is the Steelers' first round tender. Any team can offer him a contract tender, and the Steelers would have five days to match it. If they do, he stays a Steeler. If the Steelers choose to not match the offer, they would receive the first round pick of the team that signs him as compensation because they gave him the highest tender possible. Also, he is only on the market for two weeks and if nobody offers him a tender in those two weeks he goes back to the Steelers on the one-year tender he received from them.

For another team's tender to mean anything, Wallace must sign it. If he doesn't, the Steelers don't have to match it. He could take the numbers to the Steelers and they could use those numbers to work out a long-term deal with Wallace. This is one thing I feel the Steelers have asked him to do before signing any tender from another team, this way they can load the money in a way that cap friendly to them instead of possibly letting him walk on a front-loaded deal that they can't match due to the salary cap.

At the moment, no news is good news on the Wallace front. With all this action, the price might be too high for other team's to give up. A big money contract and giving up their first round draft pick? That's a lot to give up for one player, especially a guy that was a third round draft pick a few years ago. Why give up the boatload of cash and first rounder when we can find our own Mike Wallace in the draft? Or possibly even better, our own Antonio Brown even later?

The longer teams wait to give him a tendered offer, the longer the Steelers can negotiate with him and sign him long-term without another team being in the mix. But the second another team does offer him something, if anyone does, all bets are off.

Either way, the Steelers are in a win-win situation. They either keep Mike Wallace for at least one more season with exclusive negotiation rights to keep him long-term....or they lose Wallace and get a first round pick in this year's draft to use for any player they want, upgrade anywhere that they want.

Here we go Steelers, here we go!

New Mock Draft- Trade Up Edition

The Washington Redskins gave up a king's ransom to trade up to the #2 overall pick to select whichever quarterback the Indianapolis Colts do not take. So with this move, it shakes up the draft a whole lot. Not to mention teams have been making cuts to get under the salary cap and player rankings have changed since the combine. So here is my latest prediction on the 2012 NFL Rookie Draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - With all that's been talked about Robert Griffin III, some people have forgotten about the Stanford quarterback. I still think the Colts are going to go with Luck because most thing he is the most impressive quarterback prospect since another Stanford signal caller, John Elway. The Colts just let go of future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, I think they are going to take Luck who's game is a lot like Manning's. He's the traditional pocket quarterback, but he can move around too and pick up a first down with his feet if he needs to. 
2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor - The Redskins gave up their 2012 first and second round picks, 2013 first round pick, and 2014 first round pick to the Rams to obtain the second overall pick in this draft. You don't give up a haul like that to select a running back or wide receiver. With Luck off the board, the only option here for the Redskins is RGIII. He can run, he's very accurate (in the pocket and on the run), and he has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder instead of an arm. He is the player Mike Shannahan needs the most to turn the Redskins around from NFC East cellar dweller into a playoff and hopefully Super Bowl team.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT Southern California - The Vikings took Christian Ponder in the first round last year. He needs to be protected, and the only smart pick for them to make is the offensive tackle out of Southern Cal. He will not only protect Ponder's blind side, he will be a good run blocker for Adrian Peterson (when he returns from his knee injury) and Toby Gerhart.
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - Yes, I had the Browns taking Trent Richardson in my last mock draft, but I have since changed my mind on that. The Browns defense is further along than their offense, but it seems that the Pat Shurmer version of the West Coast Offense isn't big on running the football more than 14 times a game very often, so taking a RB here doesn't fit. Yes they could take Justin Blackmon, but I don't think he fits the version of wideout that they want. Claiborne is the best pick here, giving the Browns potentially two shut down cornerbacks if Claiborne works out. With the NFL becoming more and more of a passing league, the need for top defensive backs is going to be high. 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - I had the Redskins taking Morris Claiborne with this pick in my first mock draft, but in this version he's gone to the Browns. If the Browns end up not taking him, then I still have the Pewter Pirates taking him. However, for this mock draft I have them taking Richardson. Yes, LeGarrete Blount is a very powerful runner...but he doesn't understand blocking schemes and he has a high fumble rate. Richardson is a weapon that can be used in run and pass situations because he understands blocking schemes and can catch the ball out of the backfield. While running back isn't their biggest need, there really isn't a player here that fits at this pick for the Buccaneers.
6. St. Louis Rams (from the Redskins): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - The Rams got a ton from the Redskins to move back and likely still get the player that they covet the most. Blackmon is by far the best receiving prospect in the draft, but wasn't worthy of the #2 overall pick and the Rams didn't need a quarterback. Now their big money franchise quarterback finally has a real weapon at wide receiver. A guy that can go up and fight for the football, a guy who can get open underneath and then take the ball to the house. Sam Bradford to Justin Blackmon is going to be just about as exciting for Rams fans as Kurt Warner to Torry Holt was. Plus all the extra picks from the Redskins...as long as they draft right the Rams should be a playoff team in a season or two.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa - Last year the Jaguars took Blaine Gabbert in the first round, but very little protection in front of him. Right tackle Guy Whimper (horrible name for a football player, perfect for a male synchronized swimmer) played much like his namesake....he just wasn't good. He is a free agent and his current immediate backup is a guy who was an undrafted free agent last year, Cameron Bradfield. If they want Gabbert to be a success, they need to protect him. Reiff should be the only option as long as he is still on the board. 
8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Brockers, DT LSU - I still have the Dolphins taking Brockers. Their new head coach wants to take the Dolphins to a 4-3 defense and he needs more bodies along the defensive line. Him and Paul Soliai should be a formidable DT tandem to help stuff the run. If they don't take Brockers, they may opt for Stanford's Jonathon Martin to bookend the line at RT and protect whoever ends up being the Miami quarterback. A lot of people are mocking Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill here in case the 'Phins don't get Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn. Even if they don't get either of those quarterbacks, I don't think they take Tannehill out of desperation/
9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis - I have him as the second best defensive tackle in the draft, and the Panthers need a defensive tackle. They took two in the third round last year, Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. Fua played well for a rookie, but McClain was horrible against the run. With Poe dominating his blocker, you can rotate the two players they took in the third round beside him depending on the situation. Another choice here could be the player I put here in my first mock draft, Penn State DT Devon Still if they feel he is a better fit for what they want to do on defense. They do need a CB, but I don't think they take Janoris Jenkins this high, but could trade back and target him if they get a good offer.
10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina - Some sites have him pegged as an outside linebacker, but I think he can play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. The Bills have telegraphed their picks in the past with this current staff, and they have been complaining about the lack of a pass rush. They play in a division with former NFL MVP Tom Brady of the Patriots, former first round pick Mark Sanchez of the Jets, and they might possibly be getting Peyton Manning in the division if the Dolphins can convince him to bring his talents to South Beach. They need to get to the quarterback. If they don't take Ingram or another DE prospect with this pick, I think they go with a wide receiver to help out Ryan Fitzpatrick who they gave a big contract to last season.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathon Martin, OT Stanford - Todd Hailey waived Jared Gaither last season and now the Chiefs don't have a right tackle. They also need protection in case they are unable to resign LT Brandon Albert. If the Chiefs are going to come anywhere close to winning the AFC West in 2012, they need to protect Matt Cassel and open holes for Jamaal Charles. I really don't see another option for the Chiefs if Martin falls to them. If he is not there, then I see them taking his college teammate David DeCastro to play guard. 
12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Couples, DE North Carolina - Another team that had a very weak pass rush last season, the Seahawks need to get to the quarterback. They play two first overall picks in Sam Bradford (Rams) and Alex Smith (49ers) twice a season each, and then could meet them again in the playoffs if the 'Hawks get there. This is the best available option for the Seahawks if they are looking for a pass rush defensive end. Another option would be Boston College middle linebacker Luke Keuechly because their middle linebacker is a free agent who was nothing special and Keuechly would be a run stopper at MLB, and the defending NFC West Champions San Francisco 49ers like to run the ball with Frank Gore.
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG Stanford - The Cardinals are in the running for Peyton Manning, and even if they don't get him they still need to upgrade their offensive line. They have a good run game with Beanie Wells pounding the rock, and DeCastro would help him out along with protecting either Manning or Kevin Kolb. If he's on the board, there is no question in my mind that DeCastro is their pick.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama- Jenkins has seemed to clean up his act, but he was still kicked out of school by Florida. Jerry Jones doesn't care about character concerns and if it wasn't for the character concerns involved with Jenkins, he would likely be a top ten pick. The Cowboys have a bad defensive secondary and Jenkins would help sure that up some. Another option is Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Keuechly, MLB Boston College - One big problem the Eagles defense had last season was at linebacker, specifically middle linebacker. Teams ran at will on them. I know that Andy Reid doesn't like drafting linebackers high, but after last season he doesn't have much choice but to do so. If the Eagles want to become a playoff team again, they need to fix the middle of their defense.
16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama - The Jets have to blitz if they want to get a pass rush, and that leaves them vulnerable. Upshaw can help the situation by being for the Jets what James Harrison is to the Steelers. Also, Upshaw is also strong against the run so he can play all downs, he won't just be a pass rush specialist. I think he will be their pick since Rex Ryan is a defensive coach and will urge the Jets to make him their selection. Other options are Like Keuechly if he's there since they will likely be without Bart Scott next season if they can unload him in a trade (and if they can't trade him, they'll likely just cut him). They could also take a wide receiver here since they Plaxico Burress is going to be playing elsewhere and they don't have anyone across from Santonio Holmes. Also they can go with Alabama's SS Mark Barron with Jim Leonhard a free agent and coming off of a season ending injury.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders) - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - The Bengals do not care very much about character concerns, if at all. Kirkpatrick's marijuana possession charges have been dropped and if anything that would be what scares off the Bengals. Nate Clements is 32 years old and while he played okay last season, is in decline. The Bengals know they made a mistake when they let Johnathon Joseph walk away last offseason to the Texans. Top corner Leon Hall is coming off of an Achillies tendon injury and may not be ready to start the season on time. They need a corner if they want to stay a playoff contender, especially in the rough and tumble AFC North.
18. San Diego Chargers - Mark Barron, SS Alabama - The Chargers have a few needs including the offensive line. However they need a safety too. They signed Bob Sanders last offseason and to nobody's surprise he ended up on injured reserve and is now a free agent. I think they go defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they took Georgia's guard/tackle Cordy Glenn to help the line.
19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - The Bears have been trying to find a legitimate wide receiver for Jay Cutler. They have yet to find him, with last year's attempt being Roy Williams. Floyd is a big body much like Brandon Marshall was for Cutler in Denver. Getting Cutler a true #1 receiver would open up their offense a lot, which is needed if the Bears want to compete with the Packers and Lions for the NFC North. 
20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois - The Titans need to upgrade their pass rush. Derrick Morgan tore his ACL ending his rookie season in early October 2010 and then just looked bad last season. Their division is going to have Andrew Luck on the Colts, Matt Schaub on the Texans, and first round pick last year Blaine Gabbert at quarterback in the division, getting to the quarterback is important to win games. 
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT Georgia - I hate making this pick for the Bengals because I want him to fall to the Steelers. However, I think the Bengals snatch him up at this pick to help fortify the inside of their offensive line as they let their current LG, Nate Livings, walk away in free agency. Not only do they get younger on the line with Glenn, they also upgrade the talent at that position. Another option here for the Bengals would be Miami RB Lamar Miller, who I have them taking in my first mock draft. 
22. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - They didn't get the quarterback they wanted to possibly pair with his college teammate if they could have kept this pick in a trade with the Rams....but they still fix this huge hole on the offense. Now Colt McCoy (or Matt Flynn if they sign him, or Kevin Kolb if they make a trade for him) will have a true #1 receiver to throw to. Getting him would help with making the Browns receivers better as a whole with Greg Little having a legit guy across from him so he can be a #2 receiver and then Josh Cribbs in the slot.
23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina - Offense is not the problem for the Lions, they have an explosive offense. If they needed anything on offense, it's possibly a running back due to the fact that Jahvid Best is very injury prone, specifically with concussions. But they need help on defense, the side of the ball head coach Jim Schwartz coordinated in Tennessee with the Titans. Gilmore plays with very good awareness which make him dangerous to challenge. The offensive line is built to get after the quarterback in a division with Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler...now they need defensive backs that can cover the wide receivers and take advantage of balls thrown under distress.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - With the Steelers cutting James Farrior, they have a big hole next to Lawrence Timmons and Hightower looks like a guy who's destiny is to be a Pittsburgh Steelers. Hightower would likely start as a rookie in Pittsburgh's complex 3-4 defense, and he would likely excel. He played the same position in Alabama's 3-4 defense which finished as the top defense in every category last season. He would be another in  along lineage of linebackers, a strong Pittsburgh tradition.
25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State - Brodrick Bunkley was good as a run stuffer last season, but he is a free agent. Even if the Broncos resign him, they need another tackle alongside him. Cox would be that guy, giving the Broncos a side interior defensive line to help stop the run in a division with Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), Darren McFadden (Raiders), and Ryan Matthews (Chargers). 
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech - The Texans might resign linebacker Mario Williams since they have signed RB Arian Foster to a long term deal. If they do this, then I think they'll want to get a receiver to team with Andre Johnson. When Johnson got hurt, they were left with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter as their two starting wide receivers. Drafting Hill brings some insurance if Andre Johnson goes down with another injury, and brings a second big receiver to the starting offense for Schaub to target in the passing game.
27. New England Patriots (from Saints): Devon Still, DT Penn State - The New England Patriots offense isn't the problem, it's the defense that was the worst ranked in the AFC last season. The Patriots transitioned to a 4-3 base defense last season and had lined Albert Haynesworth up next to Vince Wilfork. Haynesworth was released by New England in November and claimed off of waivers by the Buccaneers who then released him after the season, he is currently a free agent. If the Patriots draft Still, they get another piece to fixing their defense and he can also move to DE when the Patriots use 3-4 fronts as the sometimes do.
28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin - The Packers starting center, Scott Wells, is a free agent and in his early thirties and is also a free agent. They may want to draft Konz and just let Wells walk in free agency, replacing him with a player that's going to be there for another decade plus, instead of having to worry about when  age catches up to Wells and having to find a replacement for him then. Even if they resign Wells, Konz can play guard and then take over at center when the times comes later on. 
29. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Adams, OT Ohio State - The Ravens signed Bryant McKinnie last offseason after he was cut by the Vikings. While McKinnie played very well for Baltimore, he's on the wrong side of thirty and has had problems maintaining his weight. Drafting Adams gives the Ravens insurance if McKinnie gets hurt or comes into camp out of shape, or if his play just falls off due to age. Adams would also be able to learn behind one of the best tackles of the past decade.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Rueben Randle, WR LSU - The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game based a lot on their defense and running game. However, the divisional round game against the Saints ended up being his coming out party. Many people think he needs one more target in the passing game, and then the 49ers will be ready for a Super Bowl, seeing how they lost the NFC Championship Game by a field goal. Randle is a big body who had an eye popping average of 18.1 yards per reception last season. This would put him opposite of former first round pick Michael Crabtree, who has been rather disappointing after being the tenth overall pick of the 2009 draft.
31. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE Southern California - The Patriots, as mentioned before, was one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Perry would improve their pass rush, which will be needed if Peyton Manning ends up playing in Miami. Not only can he rush with his hand in the dirt at defensive end, he could also play some outside linebacker when they Patriots transition into a 3-4 look at times during games. 
32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson - He is likely the best player available, which fits the Giants drafting philosophy. Jake Ballard tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and nobody knows when he will be available to play this year. Allen is an upgrade over Ballard who is a fine second tight end and a serviceable starter. Allen is also a good blocker. The Giants are likely to lose Mario Manningham in free agenct and Dwayne Allen would bring a dimension to the offense that they haven't had since Jeremy Shockey was lining up at the position. Allen can also move out to the slot if needed. 

Bounty Hunters

First, let me say that I do not agree with any bounty program on any team in the National Football League. I feel that they encourage the intent to injure a player instead of simply putting the hurt on a player. And let me explain what I mean.

"I don't want to injure anybody, but I am not opposed to hurting someone." - James Harrison

Hurting someone it hitting them hard enough to cause them physical pain. Make them sore. Make a running back think twice about hitting that hole hard, a wide receiver think twice about going across the middle, or a quarterback holding onto the ball a bit longer than he would want to. I do not mean breaking a guy's leg, giving a guy a concussion, tearing up someone's knee, or intentionally causing injury worse than bruises and bumps that come naturally with playing the sport of tackle football.

Being a Steelers fan, I am a big fan of the defensive side of the ball. I personally prefer a game that ends 17-14 than a game that ends 52-47. I like defense, I like seeing big hits. I love seeing a goal line stand. To me, that's football. And I feel that most real fans feel the same way.

Now, playing such a violent sport, there are going to be serious injuries. Just last season, the Steelers had two players tear their ACL (NT Casey Hampton & RB Rashard Mendenhall). Ben Roethlisberger played on a badly sprained ankle (and has played with a broken thumb and separated shoulder in the past). Does it suck when star players get hurt? Yes, especially when they play for your team. But they happen, and there's no way to stop it.

The problem is when these types of injuries happen because there was a bounty out to do so. And it has come out that the New Orleans Saints had a bounty program that was basically instituted and ran by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams; and that he had similar programs in place while coaching the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. Specifically $1500 for a player being knocked out of a game and $1000 if the player was carted off of the football field.

It is believed that there was a bounty on Brett Favre's head in the 2009 NFC Championship Game with the way he was just bludgeoned in that game. It is also believed that there was a bounty on Kurt Warner in their 2010 playoff game against the Cardinals due to the hit that he received when trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception.

One argument that is being made is that there are bounty programs all around the league. However, I believe most of those aren't instituted by coaches but instead players getting together and pooling money together in private for big hits, interceptions, sacks, and defensive touchdowns. This could be entire defenses or just linebackers, or linemen, or defensive backs...and are likely done without the knowledge of coaching staffs or front offices.

There are going to be big penalties for the Saints and the front office personnel, coaches, and players involved in this bounty program. The forfeiture of draft picks & large fines. And suspensions of GM Mickey Loomis, Head Coach Sean Payton, former Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, and players implicated in the program...and the suspensions will be for half a season if not more. Players that are not even on the team anymore will be affected by this, meaning that this is going to affect other teams in the NFL.

The NFL did an investigation of the Saints for this same thing in 2009 after the playoffs and found no evidence, and told GM Mickey Loomis to stop whatever bounty program there may be in New Orleans. It obviously didn't stop and continued business as usual through last season. For that, I believe that anyone who knew this was still going on should be severely punished for this. Not for the bounties themselves, but for going on with the program after being told to stop it after what was simply a verbal warning.

Also, this is going to affect more than just the Saints. It is going to affect other teams that have coaches or players from these Saints teams if it's proven that the players participated in the program. The St. Louis Rams are going to be without Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator, and I feel they will likely fire him after learning the length of his suspension, if he isn't banned from the NFL outright by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

And now, people are looking at other teams that play defense proudly like the Pittsburgh Steelers and saying that maybe these teams put bounties out on players and that's why they play defense so well. I don't believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers put bounties out on anyone. I don't believe that the coaching staff tells any player that they will be paid x-amount of money to put a player out of the game.

I believe the defense is coached to play hard, to play tough, and to play violent. I believe that this has been the case since back when Chuck Noll came into coach the Steelers in 1969.

"I am very aggressive and very physical. On the field I guess I am just plain mean." - Jack Lambert.

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert.

"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." - Levon Kirkland

 These quotes I feel say all that needs to be said about playing defense. You play it for your own personal pride and team pride. You shouldn't need the possibility of a bounty payment to go out there and play a tough and physical style of defense. I believe that the Steelers play defense the way they do because it's a pride thing. The Steelers history is built very much on defense, and they won't stop playing physical and violent defense because that is Steelers defense.

"...the most violent team is going to win." - Mike Tomlin

The Steelers defense is simply trying to play to the standard that was set by all the great Steelers defenses that played before them. Defenses from the 1970's Steel Curtain, to the Blitzburgh defenses of the 1990's, to the 2008 defense that was one of the greatest single season defenses of all time.

"The standard is the standard." - Mike Tomlin 

These days, I believe that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to do away with as much defense as possible to appease the casual fan that might not want to see hits like these. And this bounty program that was run by the Saints will allow him to handcuff defenses even more than he already has.

The Steelers have become the poster team for "illegal" defense in the National Football League. From hits made by James Harrison, the Steelers rough & tumble outside linebacker who is the poster boy for Goodell's anti-defense stance. I live in Cleveland, OH and I have heard many Browns fans say that they know "for a fact" that the Steelers pay out bounties for big hits. Now of course they don't have any facts, but there is now the perception that the Steelers and any other team that plays tough and violent defense do this too.

This is a black eye to the National Football League. It's being compared to Spygate, and I feel Spygate was a worse black eye because it was blatant cheating that did nothing but attempt to give the New England Patriots an unfair advantage over the team they were playing that week. It was also a worse black eye because of the way it was handled by Roger Goodell who really swept it under the rug. The Patriots were warned against the practice of videotaping another team's offensive and/or defensive signals in a league wide memo and then continued to do so. They also used injured reserve players in practice so their starters could have more time to rest during the week. There was a fine for the team, a fine of Head Coach Bill Bellichick, and the forfeiture of the first round draft pick (31st overall) but were allowed to keep the better pick (#10 overall) where they selected one of their best defensive players, Jerod Mayo. They practiced the cheating through the time that they won three Super Bowls in four seasons. No coaches or front office personnel were suspended over this, even though they were told to stop the practice.

This is going to be a very large black eye, and Roger Goodell is going to do what he feels that he must do to "protect the shield."