Good Thursday to you Steelers’ Fans!
I suppose this will read a bit like a travel brochure but what the heck… The Steelers don’t play in New Orleans very often so I take my chance to talk about the Big Easy whenever I can. My father worked in Louisiana for three years when I was in college so I was able to spend a lot of time down on the bayou. I can’t say enough about some of the people I met whether near Baton Rouge or in New Orleans. Tremendously welcoming and just damn glad to have a “northerner” in their midst. Having been to New Orleans numerous times I always came away amazed at just how big the Superdome was. I don’t think TV does it justice especially from the inside. From the outside though? It’s ridiculously large. The Steelers are fully aware of the environment in which they are heading. Despite all of the draws to social opportunities from the French Quarter to the history of the city, the Black and Gold (Our black and gold that is) know this is a business trip. The Superdome will be loud and frenzied so 100% focus will be needed to get past the best team in football.
Tweet of the Day… Labs doesn’t get paid enough for some of the questions he has to answer.
At least one #Steelers fan thinks the team's coaches are to blame for bad calls from NFL officials during games. Huh? https://t.co/COvGVjWdAK
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) December 20, 2018
Injury News courtesy steelers.com
STEELERS
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coach’s Decision) – DNP
RB James Conner (Ankle) – DNP
S Terrell Edmunds (Concussion) – Limited
LB Bud Dupree (Knee) – DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coach’s Decision) – DNP
DE Cameron Heyward (Knee) – Full
SAINTS
Not Available
I’m very concerned about James Conner for this week. He said during an interview today that he typically feels fine walking on his bum ankle right now. The problem he said is that he just isn’t himself yet on the practice field. That tells me he is dealing with both pain and probably a lack of flexibility and/or movement in that ankle. It’s easy to suggest after his big performance that Jaylen Samuels will be fine. Perhaps he will be, but the secret is out and the Saints will be prepared. Also, say what you will about Bud Dupree but the guy is playing through two different injuries. If he goes this week, he’ll be far less than 100%.
Recent numbers reveal that NFL viewership this year is up about 9%. Remember when this was a major concern of the league? Remember when the ‘anti-football’ folks were getting ready to bury the NFL? Remember when fans said they would stop watching because of Colin Kaepernick or poor officiating? The bottom line is that the NFL is going to REALLY have to screw up in order to truly stop being the number one sport in America.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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