The Blitzburgh Report

I believe I caught someone on ESPN saying yesterday that the Steelers have won 12 Monday night games in a row at home, their last loss being in 1991. I am glad that trend seems to be continuing under the new head coach. That said, last night was a game that the Steelers could not lose. Monday Night Football is big enough, and the AFC North implications aside–how could you go out and lay an egg in front of all those great former Steelers? Fortunately they did the direct opposite.

Here are some thoughts from a thoroughly enjoyable Monday night:

• When is the last time you have seen a worse offensive performance than what the Ravens put up last night? It really looked like Steve McNair wasn’t even trying. On the flip side, when is the last time you have seen a performance like the one James Harrison put up…

• …With all due respect to the night Ben Roethlisberger had, James Harrison was flat out amazing. Nine tackles, three and a half sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and an interception. I think we as Steelers fans saw a game like this in James Harrison, but hopefully now the rest of the league takes notice. Check out a very humble Harrison after the game:

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There is no denying that the Steelers are pretty hot right now (at least against teams that don’t bring more intensity then they do) and after the Ravens’ games last year, they have to be looking to be the ones doing the beating this time around. It should be a tough game, as they always are no matter the standings of the two teams. But, the Steelers look like they have a real good shot at going 2-0 so far in their three game tour of the AFC North. Here are some things to look for in the game Monday night:

• Which offensive line will show up? If the “run for your life, Ben!” version shows up, the Steelers could be in serious trouble. Just look at their losses so far this year and, of course, the two Ravens’ games last year. The offensive line really dictates how this offense plays and they need to have a good game against a strong defensive team like the Ravens.

• Steve “The Steelers Killer” McNair looks like he will be starting the game. For whatever reason, this guy has always played well against the Steelers, to the tune of an 11-4 record. But at the same time, McNair is not quite the same player that he was back in the Titans (update: apologizes for an earlier reference to his celebration; should have researched it better). Still, you have to be nervous any time this guy goes against the Steelers.

• James Harrison says that the Steelers’ lessened sack production over the last few games has been more by design, especially against the Bengals. It will be interesting to see if the team brings more pressure this week, especially against a Raven’s line that is a little banged up. Some have suggested that the lack of consistent pass rush has been because of Aarron Smith’s absence, but he could be back this week so keep an eye on that.

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Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News took a shot at ranking the top 32 Steelers of all time. Why the top 32? Why from a Dallas sports writer? Who knows, but it is an intersting take regardless.

His top five:

1. Joe Greene, DT
The best player ever to come out of North Texas State University – and not a bad player in the NFL, either. Greene, the first selection of the 1969 draft, went on to play in 10 Pro Bowls.

2. Terry Bradshaw, QB

3. Ernie Stautner, DT
A great player on some very bad teams in the 1950s. How great a player? Stautner is the only player in franchise history to have his jersey number (70) retired. Toughness personified, Stautner went to nine Pro Bowls.

4. Franco Harris, RB

5. Jack Ham, OLB

Click here to read the rest of Gosselin’s list.

It is good to see that Gosselin provides a good mix of new and old players. A lot of times these lists are more nostalgia for the 70’s teams then a true list of all time greats.

In case you didn’t know, this season marks the 75th anniversary for the Pittsburgh Steelers from when it all started with Art Rooney back in 1933. The Steelers have put together a throwback jersey that the team will wear for two games this season- September 16th vs. Buffalo and November 5th vs. Baltimore.

Here are the jerseys and the team mascot’s new look:

The front and back of the jerseys

The helmet

The new mascot. Doesn’t he look a bit like Bill Cowher?

They also have a bunch of other festivities planned throughout the season, check out the team’s page for details.

All images from Steelers.com.