The Blitzburgh Report

James Harrison Voted Team MVP

James Harrison was voted team MVP by the Steelers players. My first reaction wass I am very happy for Harrison. He’s come a long way and has had a great season- one that is worthy of team MVP. But my second thought is, was it really worthy over Ben Roethlisberger’s season?

I know there are mixed feelings out there about profootballtalk.com, but they raised an interesting point today:

In 2005, we heard plenty of rumors that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn’t one of the most popular guys among Steelers players. A Super Bowl win diluted such talk, and his popularity took a back seat last season to his near-death experience after driving a motorcycle into a car.

This year, we’d assumed that everything had changed. Apparently, it hasn’t.

Though Roethlisberger wasn’t named a team captain at the start of the season, the fact that Hines Ward received the nod for the offense didn’t raise eyebrows. More recently, after having one of the better passing seasons of any quarterback in franchise history, Roethlisberger wasn’t named the MVP of the team.

But Harrison still is worthy none the less and both players have had remarkable seasons and deserve congratulations. The team has done co-MVP’s in the past, so it is even surprising that they didn’t share the honors. It really does make you wonder, but I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions just yet. Aside from this incident, all indications this season have been that Ben has won over a lot of people with his gutty performances and leadership on the field. We really don’t know what went on with the voting and why the players voted as they did. So file it away, but don’t necessarily get worried that everyone hates Ben or anything.

Ben Will Likely Sit Out Ravens Game

Speaking of Big Ben, the Post-Gazette is reporting that he is expected to sit out the game against the Ravens.

I think it is a good move by coach Tomlin. They mention that his ankle is still a bit sore from the Rams game, but I am sure he is hurting all over as well. The Steelers do have a bit to play for with trying to get the 3rd seed in the AFC, but not enough to risk having their star quarterback out or even more injured for the playoffs, especially with how physical Baltimore is and Ben’s history of getting knocked around by them.

It will be interesting to see how long Tomlin plays a lot of the starters. Will he also take other players out as the game goes on? You would have to think that if the Steelers jump out to an early lead they would. I just wish Charlie Batch luck with that offensive line as I am not sure that he is quite the Houdini that Big Ben is.

Marvel Has Back Surgery

The Post-Gazette is also reporting that Marvel Smith had back surgery and will miss at least the Ravens game and the first game of the playoffs.

Max Starks will take his place at left tackle. Starks has actually played quite well recently while filling in and Smith’s absence makes it the decision easy to sit him for Starks. He started the season as the line’s scapegoat, but after riding the bench for a bit he seems to be playing with a new sense of purpose.

On the eve of the 2007 NFL draft, rumors are swirling about possible Steelers trades. Director of Football Operations, Kevin Colbert, has said a distinct possibility is for the team to trade down. They feel they can still get a good player a few spots back and get a pick or two extra in return. The team really seems to think that there are some quality players to be had in the 2nd and third rounds.

There is also the possibility of player for pick trades. Guard Alan Faneca reportedly wants out and the Steelers appear open to trading him. With the threat of a hold out and this being the last year of Faneca’s contract, we don’t blame the team for entertaining the thought. They might as well get something in return for Faneca instead of just losing him next year via free agency with no compensation. For more on trading Faneca, check this out.

Another trade to keep an eye out for is Max Starks. Starks signed a one year deal yesterday, which actually makes him easier to trade since teams no longer have to offer the Steelers a huge compensation to sign him (as they would have when he was a restricted free agent). At this point the trade would be a long shot, and the team would obviously not trade both Faneca and Starks. But if a deal can’t be done for Faneca, one for Starks may be a possibility.

It should be an exciting day for the Steelers. They have lots of possibilities and lots of players to chose from. Hopefully Colbert and company can do a better job with rounds 2-7 then they have in recent drafts.