The Steelers looked like a real contender in manhandling the Miami Dolphins at home. Hard to believe, but it was the first time that Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Bell had all played together in a postseason game. Those three players put on quite a show. I think Brown is the most dynamic receiver in football, and he proved it with his two spectacular catch and runs for touchdown. Kudos also to the hard hitting defense. This was a really good performance for the Steelers. Three more to go.
* Le’Veon Bell is the best back in football, hands down. His record setting performance against the Dolphins was one of the best I’ve ever seen from an NFL running back. We’ve gotten used to watching Bell take his time before ripping off one big run after another. Suddenly the football world has noticed too. The CBS announcers couldn’t say enough about Bell. Now there is speculation that other backs may try to copy Bell’s deliberate style of running. We’ll see about that. All I can say is Le’Veon Bell is one of the best backs in Steelers’ history. No other back has ever run the way he does. The Steelers will make him a priority in the offseason, no doubt. Hopefully he will be wearing black and gold for many years to come.
* Mike Tomlin deserves all the criticism that has come his way after leaving Big Ben in at the end of the game. Roethlisberger got hurt, and that falls on the coaches. He never should have been in the game. Nor should he have even attempted a pass play. Stupid on the part of Tomlin!
* The Steelers clobbered the Chiefs earlier in the season. The game was over early. It won’t be that way this time around. Kansas City has really come on under Andy Reid. They’re a tough out at Arrowhead Stadium. I like the Steelers.
* I would be shocked if Joey Porter is coaching in the playoff game this weekend following his arrest after the Steelers’ playoff win against Miami. Porter has no one else to blame for his actions. And this isn’t the first time he’s been in trouble with the law. I think Joey Porter has been a nice addition to the Steelers’ coaching staff, and has done a really good job with his young linebackers. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t last with the Steelers after this latest episode, and that’s a shame.
* The television ratings will be through the roof when the red hot Green Bay Packers go to Dallas to face the Cowboys. I would not want to face the Pack right now. Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind. If anyone can beat the Cowboys it’s the Green Bay quarterback. Dallas still has to be the favorite since they’re at home, and own the NFL’s best record. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pack finds a way to win.
* Even though it took forever to play, the college football national championship game was one for the ages. I thought Clemson had a chance to win, but picked Alabama.
Afterall, Nick Saban was 5-0 in championship games. When it counted Clemson was better. They dominated the fourth quarter and made the drive they had to make in the final two minutes. It was a very entertaining game, and great for college football.
* Congratulations to Indiana’s Riley Stapleton, who was part of James Madison’s national championship in football last weekend. I got to know Riley during his days at Indiana High. He’s a fine young man. And now he’s part of a national championship team.
* The Pens are hot, and they are rested. They showed no signs of rust when they came off their week long break after the holidays. January is when hockey season starts for me. I’m anxious to see how the Pens play from here on out. They certainly have the parts in place to win another Stanley Cup. Game On!
