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2. I never expected JJames to be a #1 TE. Some Steeler fans did. I honestly would like a better blocking tight end for my number 2. But I wouldn’t be mad if we went out and got OJ Howard from alabama in the draft. Would it push JJ to the #3 spot, sure but at the same time having two tightends on the field that can stretch the field, Ie what the patriots like to do, to go along with Brown, Bryant, Coates, and Rogers, next year would be devasting. I’m happy with JJ’s progression as it is and if the Steelers want to keep him as the #2 he’ll be fine in that role, I’m just greedy. 🙂

3. You know how good Bell is? It can seem like the defense is stopping him all game and then you look up in the 4th quarter and he has 95 yards and then he breaks 20 yard run and you realize, the guy rarely loses yardage, he falls forward and find those cracks in the line and the yards just pile up. He wears the defense out and breaks them down piece by piece. I think you franchise tag him and then get a done late in the year once he proves he can at least go through one offseason without getting suspended.

5. I have no idea what to expect from the game. I would hope that we try to establish the run we are able to have some semblance of a passing attack, although I think the weather may play as the 12th defender in that regard, making the game more even than I feel comfortable it being. I expect a really tight game, with the Steelers needing a score or a stop at the end of the 4th quarter to pull out the win. Will they get it? We’ll have to find out.

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2. I echo Homer’s sentiments—James was never expected to be a No. 1 TE, and he’s coming along just fine for a No. 2.

3. Bell is amazing. But Homer is right as usual—you don’t reward stupidity with a long-term contract. Besides, I get the definite impression Tomlin is determined to get the team’s money’s worth out of Bell. I believe the term is “run the wheels off him.” If he continues to show that his wheels are just fine, and stays clean, I expect the Steelers will at least attempt to pony up…

5. I wish I knew what to expect. What I expect to find out is who has the better offensive line.

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2. The Outlaw has been a pleasant surprise and far better than expected. Remember his youth and lack of experience. And remember what our fears were coming into this season regarding TE. He’s been fine, and will get better.

3. You don’t become an enabler and reward a guy who has just screwed up his drug testing for a second time. Period. You handle Bell exactly like the Steelers did. This is about much, much more than dollars and cents and salary caps.

4. The thing that stood out to me was Noll’s unceasing loyalty to family and family obligations in the face of everything – from the time he was a boy. And how whole and complete was his love of Marianne, and how she loved and cared for him till the day he died. This, like Pride of the Yankees, was essentially a love story. Chuck Noll was one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, but he was an even better human being. The Football Life documentary and Michael MacCambridge’s exceptional biography will result in more people getting to know the real Chuck Noll.

5.I expect the Steelers to come in on an even plane, and I expect the game to be decided in the trenches. Ryan will try to out-physical the Steelers up front, and will win or lose based on the success of his running game. If the Steelers can stop the Bills in the wintry mix of a Buffalo December Sunday afternoon, it will end well. A lot depends on J-Wobble. And the weather – whether it’s rain, snow, or sleet.

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2. Green has had a lot more experience under his belt than James. I am happy with what JJ has provided the team so far, and is a real asset as the number 2 tight end.

3. To be blunt, I think that is a dumb assessment. Yes, the Steelers had the leverage to get Bell to sign low, but if I am Le’Veon and his representatives then I would lobby for an adjustment or else. If you want quality, you pay for it. The dividends, and there are many to a thinking person, will be worth it. But, if you want to cheap and wanna be slick, then cut him and give Toussaint a raise. See where that gets you.

4. Unfortunately, no. Those who should be pushing the issue, and all too many fans have been dumbed down to the point where they can’t get past the flavor of the week.

5. The jury is still out as to whether this group is over the roller coaster phase. I think they are, but with so many young players you can’t be completely sure.

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