Although I grew up in a little Ohio River town, we got all the Pittsburgh stations, and I came of age in the glory days of Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Lynn Swann, etc. I wish the Steelers well this year - I think they have a definite shot at another Super Bowl appearance, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
And tell Ben to wear his damn motorcycle helmet.
Here’s a crazy Roethlisberger idea – maybe he can psych out other teams by playing football without a helmet.
Well, I’m glad I already locked in my Miami pick for the opener:
I am seriously displeased with their first month’s schedule. Two night games and a bye.
I know it is a sign of old-age, but I can no longer stay up to watch a game and still get up at 5:30 to get to work on time. So I’ll only get to see them one during the first month of the season. :mad: 
Damn, but my prophecy held already!
Anyway, as someone who has had a laparoscopic appendectomy, I’m predicting Roethlisberger will miss the first two games. On the other hand, his powers of recuperation seem somewhat remarkable, so I suppose it’s possible he’ll only miss one.
Thank Og for Batch!
This is good news in my Fantasy league, yo.
Here’s hoping that Batch can hold down the fort for a few weeks…
Regardless, it should go without saying that I’m ready for Thursday. This preseason buildup seems to get longer every year.
I thought Batch did well last year when he was called on - until he too was injured. (or was that two years ago? geeze I guess I’m getting senile.)
I think that was a mispelling of “Ben Watson”.
The Patriots do have a much easier schedule than they did last year. This Deion Branch situation is a mess, though, there is no way to sugarcoat it. Personally I think his abscence is going to hurt more than Vinatieri’s.
My memory on this is a bit hazy, and I’m too lazy to look it up – he had two starts, and won them both, correct?
It was last year where he saw action. Most of it came against the Packers and the first Browns game.
In the second Browns game, he only threw one pass, but it was a doozy.
Ahhh, this isn’t in the Pit this year?
I can’t say anything I’d planned to say…
Oh, I don’t know. As long as you’re not trashing another poster and whot not…
IANAM
Can I just note that we’re now less than eight hours away from the beginning of the 2006 season?
Can I also note that I feel like I’m going to fricking pop from pent-up adrenaline?
Hal, we have to wait until late Sunday for the Giants. It’s still preseason until Barber is handed the ball.
Well, it begins in earnest Sunday evening, but at our house, the season still begins tonight.
I stand by my statement (but out of range of Mrs. Briston). Preseason until Barber is handed the ball.
While y’all all look intently to the East and North, I’ll be earnestly watching the AFC West.
O, the antics of Shanahan! O, that committee of no name running backs! O, that defense that makes it seem that they really are putting 12 men on for every play! O, the wholesome manlove I have for Elam!
Biased? SURE! But I really do see the cheating Broncos as having one hell of a good chance to invoke the Great and Mighty Name of Elway come February 4th. 
Is it a personal attack if I attack the city of pittsburgh and all who associate themselves with it?
