March 2011 - Pittsburgh Steelers Wiretap
Aaron Smith 'Holding Out Hope' For Super Bowl Return
Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith may have to watch Super Bowl XLV from the sidelines.
Smith, out since Oct. 24 because of a torn triceps, has been limited in practice over the past three weeks and remains a long shot to play Sunday against the Packers.
"I've come to grips with it," Smith told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I'm holding out hope, but that's a reality I've had to deal with (for) months. I've tried optimism, I've tried pessimism. I've tried being happy. I'm just day to day. If I get an opportunity to (play), it will be a blessing.
"Why suit me up and not play when someone else can suit up and help the team win? I think it has to be, 'Can I be productive? Can I contribute?' "
Pouncey Ruled Out For Super Bowl
Steelers rookie center Maurkice Pouncey will not play in Super Bowl XLV due to a fracture in his ankle and a high ankle sprain, according to a league source.
Doug Legursky replaced Pouncey in the first quarter of last Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Jets.
Pouncey said after Sunday's game that he intended on playing in the Super Bowl.
Packers Focused On Tackling Roethlisberger Properly
The Packers are preparing to face Ben Roethlisberger in the Super Bowl by watching video on how not to tackle the Steelers quarterback.
The package put together by Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers featured other teams making poor tackles, but the Packers are aware of their own short-comings.
"I'm sure it could have lasted longer," linebacker Desmond Bishop said of the video. "A lot of guys are going for his pump fakes or not wrapping up fully when they have him.
"It's just a mental or a subliminal note that when you get your opportunity to get him, you got to hit, you got to wrap up and bring all your technique and all your weight with you, because he's definitely a big guy to bring down."
Green Bay sacked Roethlisberger five times in 2009, but missed several other opportunities as Big Ben threw for a career-best 503 yards and three touchdowns in a wild 37-36 regular-season victory.
"We had five sacks, but, man, we could have had him down 10 times. He's tough to tackle," defensive end Ryan Pickett said.
"He's a good quarterback. And he breaks more tackles than any running back I've seen."
Polamalu, McFadden Practice With Steelers
The Steelers had safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Bryant McFadden in practice on Friday for the first time since Sunday's AFC Championship victory.
McFadden strained his abdomen during a win over Baltimore in the divisional round, but played Sunday in a diminished role.
Polamalu has been bothered by an Achilles' tendon injury, but it is not unusual for the All-Pro to sit out midweek practices.
Pouncey Has Broken Ankle, But Not Ruled Out Yet For Super Bowl
Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has a broken bone in his left ankle along with the previously announced high ankle sprain.
He remains doubtful, but sources say that the Steelers haven't ruled him out of the Super Bowl.
Ward Remains Elusive About Possible Retirement
Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward remains elusive about the possibility of retirement following Super Bowl XLV.
Ward told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Wednesday that he hasn't given it much thought since telling a group of high school students in April he would retire if he won a third Super Bowl with the Steelers.
"My mom asked me that the other day. I really haven't thought about it, to be honest," Ward said. "I don't want to make an emotional decision based off that."
Linemates: Pouncey Out For Super Bowl
Maurkice Pouncey's teammates on Pittsburgh's offensive line say the rookie center will miss the Super Bowl because of a high-ankle sprain.
"It's definitely a huge loss," left guard Chris Kemoeatu said. "We all know what Maurkice brings to the table. He's everything you'd want a center to be, he's everywhere on the field. We've just got to let that be motivation and go out there and ball out."
Pouncey, a Pro Bowl pick in his first NFL season, sprained the ankle during Sunday's AFC title game victory over the Jets, coming out in the first half and watching the second half while on crutches.
LeBeau Will Be With Steelers If He Coaches Next Season
Dick LeBeau denied Wednesday that he will leave the Steelers after the season, telling NFL Network, "With this defense, with this group of men, they'll have to run me out of here."
ESPN reported over the weekend that LeBeau's contract expires after the season and he would strongly consider joining the Cardinals.
"I promise you, if I'm coaching, it will be the Pittsburgh Steelers," LeBeau, 73,said as the team prepared for the Feb. 6 Super Bowl against the Packers.
Maker Of Terrible Towel Is Packers Fan
A Wisconsin towel maker is stuck in the middle of the Packers-Steelers Super Bowl matchup.
McArthur Towel and Sports, a WinCraft company, has been producing officially licensed sports towels for years, including Pittsburgh's beloved Terrible Towel.
The company is currently working on a special edition towel for the Super Bowl, but president, Gregg McArthur, says he loves the Packers.
Green Bay will have a special edition towel as well.
Aguilera To Sing National Anthem
Christina Aguilera will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Texas on Feb. 6.
The five-time Grammy award winning singer was part of the halftime show during the 2000 Super Bowl.
The previously announced halftime show will feature The Black Eyed Peas.
Ten Players To Replace Packers, Steelers In Pro Bowl
Eric Berry and Tamba Hali will replace members of the Packers and Steelers in the Pro Bowl.
Vegas: Packers Slight Super Bowl Favorite
The Packers are early favorites to beat the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, according to Las Vegas sports books.
Pouncey Has High-Ankle Sprain
A high-ankle sprain typically takes four-to-six weeks to heal.
Steelers Headed To Dallas
The Steelers beat the Jets 24-19 on Sunday for the AFC championship.
LeBeau's Contract Expires After Season
Dick LeBeau has been a mainstay in Pittsburgh.
Jets Hold Rally Before Flight To Pittsburgh
Some 7,500 fans turned out to wish the Jets well before they left for Pittsburgh.
Jets Call Out Ward As 'Dirty'
Some of the Jets called Hines Ward "dirty" and "cheap" on Friday.
Football Meteorology For Championship Weekend
Even though most of the country expects the Packers to go to the Super Bowl, here is why the Bears will pull off the home upset.
Revis To Play Man On Ward, Cromartie To Cover Wallace
The Jets will put Antonio Cromartie on the speedy Mike Wallace.
Sanchez Can Set QB Record For Road Playoff Wins
Mark Sanchez already has four playoff road wins in his two seasons.
Ike Taylor Will Try To Lay Out Holmes
Ike Taylor and Santonio Holmes were teammates in Pittsburgh.
Tomlin Takes Issue With ESPN's Holtzman
ESPN's Bob Holtzman reported the Steelers might use a gadget play in Saturday's game against Baltimore.
Tomlin: Steelers, Jets Aren't Opposites
Mike Tomlin heaped praise on Rex Ryan.
Steelers Beat Turnover-Prone Ravens
The Ravens committed three turnovers in the third quarter of their playoff loss to the Steelers.
Keisel Replaces Freeney On Pro Bowl Roster
Brett Keisel has been named to his first Pro Bowl.
Cowher Drops By Steelers Practice
Bill Cowher returned to the sidelines in Pittsburgh for the first time in four years.
Roethlisberger: 'I Hate Playing The Ravens'
Ben Roethlisberger suffered a broken nose the last time the Steelers and Ravens played.
Suggs: Ravens Vs. Steelers Is 'Armageddon'
Terrell Suggs has spent a lot of time hyping this weekend's matchup between the Ravens and Steelers.
NHL Footing Bill To Re-Sod Heinz Field
The Winter Classic caused damage to Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger Won't Discuss Engagement Rumors
Rumor has it that Ben Roethlisberger became engaged to a Pittsburgh-area woman over the holidays.