Good Friday to you Steelers’ Fans!
The unfortunate part about the fact that NFL Training Camps are opening is that all of the other issues go from being ‘back page fodder’ to once again headlines. This is the case with the National Anthem. Yesterday was a busy day in this regard. After an offseason in which the league established new rules, reports out of Miami suggested that the Dolphins’ Front Office instituted their own policy. In a nine-page ‘conduct’ policy, they deem any Anthem protest as “conduct detrimental to the team” and could suspend players up to four weeks. The last thing I want to do is put you in a foul mood heading into the weekend and the season in general so I’m moving on. Unfortunately, it is clear that the NFL and the Players’ Association are heading for more consternation which irritates me. I just want to talk about football.
Really good episode of the Steel City Blitz Steelers Podcast presented by 26shirts.com/Pittsburgh last night. We had special guest @joeybagovdonuts join us. If you don’t follow him on Twitter you need to be doing so. In my mind, Joey is “Mr. Pittsburgh” and offered insight on the Steelers and local reaction to Le’Veon Bell’s situation and much more.
Did you see Cam Heyward’s Twitter question yesterday? The responses were fantastic.
What would be the most outrageous mode of transportation to go to camp in?
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) July 19, 2018
Tweet of the Day… Someone is definitely making the rounds this season.
A cover model who can't be covered! ? #AntonioBrown @AB84 @Steelers #Madden19 pic.twitter.com/K52eyeiRwa
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) July 20, 2018
While I recognize that Stephon Tuitt played hurt last year we know his season was not up to the standards of his contract. What was often lost in that discussion was the fact that Tyson Alualu played pretty darn well. For a guy that was supposed to be just a depth player, Alualu recorded four sacks and was in on 39 tackles. If he can repeat that kind of success in 2018 then he will plant himself as one of the better free agent signings in recent years.
I’m not going to lose sleep over James Harrison’s comments on Skip Bayless’ terrible TV program. He was asked about the difference between Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick and said “Tomlin could be a bit more disciplined.” This is nothing new. Tomlin has always been perceived as a ‘players’ coach’ and that can have both positives and negatives. If you think Belichick’s style is perfect you haven’t been paying attention recently.
The Steelers are now well represented at local amusement park “Kennywood.” This is their new roller coaster the “Steel Curtain.”
I saw a report on Pro Football Talk that said “Ravens’ Fans Will Return Once the Team Starts Winning Again.” OK… Every fan base “loses fans” during losing periods, it comes with the territory. This title however suggests that Ravens’ fans are pretty petty and that isn’t a good look. If you’re a fan of a team then that means you are with them through thick and thin. Not just when they are winning.
Next week we FINALLY get to start talking about our Steelers being on the field. I could not be happier.
Have a great weekend Steeler Nation!
