SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Dropping Ten” Edition

July 21, 2020

Good Wednesday to you Steelers’ fans.

The wheeling and dealing between the National Football League Owners and the National Football League Players Association continues. With the entire preseason likely scrapped and every day testing through the first two weeks adopted, the NFL is now mandating that rosters move from 90 to 80 prior to the start of Training Camp. 30 teams are currently scheduled to report on July 28th while the Chiefs and Texans will report three days earlier as those two kick off the season on the Thursday Night Opener. The dropping of ten roster spots is due to the need to keep players socially distanced. If you’re asking, yes I see the irony here. These guys will be on the practice field together for several hours in close proximity yet must keep six feet apart when in the locker room. Whatever… The ramifications of this are huge. We are talking about 320 players who are going to be out on the street. Some may get picked up by other teams but that means a player has to get cut to make room for them so either way a lot of players are seeing their one, true shot at the NFL go by the wayside. This is yet another aspect of how this camp will be different. Not only are young guys and veterans losing those preseason games to show what they can do but now some won’t even given the opportunity to practice. Again, things seem to be full steam ahead for the season so keep those fingers crossed.

The No-Fan Opener

The State of New Jersey said yesterday that fans will NOT be allowed into stadiums. The New York Jets and New York Giants of course actually play their games in New Jersey across the river from New York City. The point here is that the Steelers open the season on Monday night in MetLife Stadium against the Giants. I guess there won’t be anyone there to see a Steelers’ victory!

Tweet of the Day… Please let this remain true.

NFL season scheduled to kick off in 50 days.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2020

Decals

The NFL has told players they will be allowed to wear a decal on the back of their helmet that has the name or initials of a victim of racism. Much like the anthem controversy, this will likely stir emotions and talking points. Can you imagine what happens if any player chooses not to have such a decal? I’m not crazy about these issues being involved in sports but I’ve accepted it. We must respect those who choose to display a decal and those who don’t. Sounds like it’s a personal choice.

Just Stop It

In the Pittsburgh World of Sports Media, there are some who live to agitate and trigger readers and listeners. Yesterday was apparently Andrew Fillipponi’s turn.

Hines Ward had a better Steelers career than Antonio Brown.

Hines has more receiving yards, receptions, touchdowns, Super Bowls, and Super Bowl MVPs. Than AB.

Hines Steelers accomplishments are greater. That's indisputable. Beyond debate.

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) July 21, 2020

All of the stats he lists are true. But the most important thing he says here is “better STEELERS career than Antonio Brown.” That my friends is true. Hines Ward was a more accomplished wide receiver in Pittsburgh than was AB in terms of everything Fillipponi points out. What many are taking this as though is that he’s saying Ward was a better wide receiver which just isn’t true. Ward is one of my top 5 Steelers of all-time and I even I admit AB was better at the position. Let’s just stop these types of comparisons.