April 2008 - Pittsburgh Steelers Wiretap
Polamalu: Bye Isn't A Mental Advantage
Steelers' defender Troy Polamalu doesn't believe that having a week off provides teams with a mental advantage but says that it helps physically.
"I think people may think there may be an advantage in a bye week, mentally," Polamalu said. "I don't think there is at all. I think physically there is."
Steelers May Rest Big Ben After Concussion
The Steelers may rest quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after he suffered a concussion against the Browns on Sunday.
The team isn't certain if Roethlisberger will practice this week. Pittsburgh has a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will not play until Jan. 11.
Tomlin: Tests On Big Ben Are 'Negative'
Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left Sunday's game against the Browns on a cart after suffering a concussion.
However, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin claimed after the game that all tests looked good.
"To this point, all the tests are negative, which, of course, is positive," Tomlin said during his postgame press conference. "We're optimistic about where he's going to be capable of being. Again, the bye is going to be helpful in regards to that. ... [Tests] are negative, which is encouraging."
Roethlisberger Taken Off On Stretcher
Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lay on the turf for nearly 15 minutes before being taken off on a stretcher in the second quarter of Sunday's against the Browns.
As Roethlisberger delivered a 4-yard pass to tight end Heath Miller, he was leveled by two Browns' defenders, Willie McGinest at about shoulder level and D'Qwell Jackson at the quarterback's knees.
Roethlisberger moved his arms and legs and was talking before being placed onto a stretcher.
As he was being driven off the field, Roethlisberger lifted his left arm and raised his thumb to the fans.
Source: Browns 'Odds-On' Choice To Land Cowher
NFL sources claims that the Browns remain the "odds-on" favorite to land former Steeler's coach Bill Cowher.
Cowher played in Cleveland and began his coaching career there under Marty Schottenheimer.
There have been rumors in New York that the Jets could be interested in Cowher if Eric Mangini is relieved of his duties this offseason.
Steelers' Tomlin Angry At Santa Claus?
Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin was reportedly not amused during a visit by Santa Claus to his weekly news conference on Tuesday.
Bill DiFabio, a sports announcer from Pennsylvania, often dresses up as Santa for the pre-Christmas media gathering and often jokes with the Steelers' coach for a few moments, something former coach Bill Cowher often went along with.
After playing along initially, Tomlin was heard sighing numerous times during DiFabio's bit. He finally agreed to toss a football to the fake Santa.
"If that will get you out of here," Tomlin said.
Afterward, the Steelers said there would be no future appearances from Santa at any of their news conferences.
Fisher OK With White's Terrible Towel Stomp
Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher is okay with LenDale White and Keith Bulluck stomping on the Steelers' signature symbol, the Terrible Towel on Sunday.
"Why would it be a big deal? That if we play [the Steelers] again, they'll play harder? I don't think so," Fisher said. "They always play hard.
"I mean, I know we weren't happy to have 10,000 people in our stadium waving those yellow towels. It's a tremendous commentary on the great fan base the Steelers have, but I'm sure our guys didn't like it. They're a good football team. They have our respect, and I'm sure we have their respect. But this isn't a big deal to me."
Tennessee Locks Up AFC's Top Seed
The Titans clinched the top seed in the AFC on Sunday with a 31-14 win over the Steelers.
In the process, Tennessee became the first team to accumulate 300 yards of offense against Pittsburgh this season.
The Steelers turned the ball over four times while the Titans had zero miscues.
Titans' White Doesn't Fear Steelers
Titans running back LenDale White claims that he doesn't fear the Steelers, who his team will do battle against on Sunday for supremacy in the AFC.
ESPN's Bob Holtzman has reported that White fears two people: his mother and God.
NFL Agrees With Officials Call On Holmes' TD
The NFL is backing referee Walt Coleman's decision to overturn a call on the field and rule Santonio Holmes' catch a touchdown that gave the Steelers a 13-9 victory against the Ravens on Sunday.
"Walt Coleman determined via high-def video review that the receiver had possession and two feet down with the ball in the goal line, meaning it broke the plane," an NFL spokesman said via e-mail.
Report: Harbaugh Denies Punter's Spit Charge
Ravens' coach John Harbaugh reportedly doesn't believe Steelers punter Mitch Berger when he says Baltimore cornerback Frank Walker spit in his face during Sunday's game.
Steelers' Berger: A Raven Spit On Me
Steelers' punter Mitch Berger has accused Ravens' cornerback Frank Walker of spitting on him after Pittsburgh kicked the extra point following their game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter on S
Ravens 1st In Last Four Weeks, 2nd In RealGM's Team Rankings
While the Giants are still the top-ranked team in the NFL, no team has been hotter over the past four weeks than the Ravens.
Christopher Reina/RealGM
RGM Week 14 Rundown: Eagles Stun Giants
The Eagles handed the Giants just their second loss of the year while the Titans and Cardinals clinched division titles and locked up the first playoff berths of the season.
Rooney's Near Deal To Keep Steelers
The Rooney family has reportedly reached an agreement that would satisfy the NFL's ownership rules while maintaining family control of the Steelers.
Welker Doesn't Expect Apology From Clark For Hard Hit
Pats' WR Wes Welker said Steelers' S Ryan Clark made a good play on him last Sunday, and doesn't expect an apology.
Pacman Set To Play Against Steelers
Cowboys quarterback Adam "Pacman" Jones will return from a six-game suspension on Sunday against the Steelers.