Anyone remember Cedrick Wilson? There’s a guy who got into just a little bit of trouble, and boom, he’s gone. Can you imagine Dan Rooney, or Art Rooney taking on Vick?

There’s only one scenario where I can see the Steelers taking a chance on Vick, and that’s if Charlie Batch goes down for the season again.

Whether it’s right or wrong, Vick will be a target for negative backlash, no matter who signs him. While it’s not like Steelers past and present haven’t had their legal troubles past and present, I just don’t see the Steelers inviting that media circus. Coach Tomlin has a disdain for distractions, and Vick would be a constant distraction.

Some team will eventually bring Vick into the fold I believe, but it’s got to be a team desperate for a quarterback, and the Steelers aren’t there. I wish Vick the best, but not in Pittsburgh. He’s not the right fit.

The playoffs had just expanded to 6 teams in 1978, and some found it absurd that a 9-7 team made it to the Super Bowl. The Rams had to upset the Dallas Cowboys to make it to Pasadena, to face a Steelers team that was looking for a record 4th Super Bowl victory.

Nobody gave the Rams a chance. Nobody. Except the Rams. The leads changed six times that day. The Rams threw on the Steelers, and they ran on the Steelers. They intercepted Terry Bradshaw three times. Then they made a fatal mistake.

At the end of the third quarter, the Rams were actually leading, 19-17, and my 10-year-old heart couldn’t take it. The mighty Steelers were actually LOSING to this 9-7 team. But the Rams, a little too excited, ran down to the opposite end of the field when the quarters switched. They ran out of steam at that moment, and Terry Bradshaw and John Stallworth made Super Bowl highlight history.

Don’t think for a minute that Larry Fitzgerald can’t torch Ike Taylor.

Don’t think for a minute that Kurt Warner can’t get rid of the ball before Harrison or Woodley gets to him.

Don’t think for a minute that the Cardinals can’t pick off Big Ben three times.

As long as the Steelers don’t underestimate the Cardinals, they SHOULD win. This is a team that New England beat by 40. The Steelers beat New England by double digits. So should the Steelers win by 60? No.

Fortunately, I believe they have a coach that will keep their heads in the game. And barring a special teams nightmare, I look for an easy Steelers victory, 38-7. My 40-year-old heart can’t take much more than that.

The first year I started watching the black and gold was 1978, at the age of 9. I remember spending the divisional game at my “girlfriend’s” house on her birthday, trying to “break away” from the party to catch part of the Denver game with her dad. So after missing that, I did NOT want to miss the Steelers-Oilers title matchup. The Oilers were one of just two teams to beat the Steelers that season, and one of the teams in the NFC game, the Rams, was the other. I remember hoping the Cowboys would get in.

As fate would have it…we had a huge storm, and the power was knocked out for the entire day. I listened to my first AFC Championship game on a battery powered radio. But I was thrilled to listen to the Steelers crush the Oilers and Earl Campbell, 34-5.

The Steelers went back to the AFC Championship in the 1979 season. In the divisional round, if the Chargers would beat the Oilers, San Diego would host the AFC title game. They had blown out the Steelers that season, and even though Houston had their backup QB in, they upset the Chargers.

So at my young age, I was making posters, hanging them all over the house, decked out in my Steelers outfit…and Terry Bradshaw throws a pick six to Vernon Perry…and my heart was crushed. Fortunately, the Steelers game back, won 27-13, and kept my childhood Super Bowl record clean.

The 1980s were pretty thin. The Steelers played in just one championship game. That was in the 1985/86 season. I was 15 at the time, and I remember having no expectations for that game. The Steelers were lucky to have beaten Denver on the road in the playoffs, and had to take on the high-powered Miami Dolphins and Dan Marino. I wasn’t surprised, or really that disappointed when the Dolphins won 45-28.

By the 1994 season, three years out of college, I was ready for some football championship action. The Steelers had it all. They beat Cleveland for the 3rd straight time to get to the title game. They were playing a weak Chargers team, and a trip to Super Bowl 29 seemed inevitable.

This was the most crushing loss of my life as a fan. The 10 point lead..the two long touchdowns, the failure on 4th and 3. This was more devastating than the loss in Super Bowl XXX.

The next season was the Super Bowl season. I lived in Dayton, Ohio now which is really Bengals country. But a buddy of mine from work and I got together at my apartment to watch the game. When the Colts completed a long pass to take the lead, it looked bleak. The Steelers had a 4th and 3..just like the year before…but this time they converted and scored…

Then there was that last hail mary play from Jim Harbaugh. That ball hung in the air forever..and for 10 seconds after the play, my buddy and I still didn’t know if it was safe to celebrate a win, or live through an even more difficult loss. But moments later, we celebrated.

2001 was a lot like 1994. The Patriots weren’t supposed to beat the Steelers. But when Tom Brady went down and Drew Bledsoe came in, I just had “that feeling”. It was that “Francisco Cabrera” Braves feeling…and it all came to pass. The Steelers would not win that day.

2004 was the 15-1 campaign. But I had some low expectations going into this championship game. Ben looked really bad against the Jets, and the Steelers should not have won that game. I knew it might be a rough day again, so I was not shocked or all that crushed when the Patriots beat Pittsburgh again 41-27.

2005 was amazing. I didn’t know what to expect going into the Broncos championship game. I didn’t like the fact that this game was on the road and that the Steelers came off of such an incredibly emotional win over the Colts. But I did like that the Steelers were facing Jake Plummer. Once the Steelers pulled ahead, confidence was high…and rewarded.

2008…what are my expectations? It’s something closer to the ’70s Steelers-Oilers matchups. Those were hate-filled contests…the teams just did not like each other, but they respected each other because they were so similar.

I wouldn’t be surprised if neither team scored a touchdown this game. My disappointment level if they lose? Probably medium range, because I can’t say in this game that they -should- win. Baltimore had a great team that has refused to give up, and they do belong in this game with the Steelers.

I do think the Steelers will find a way, because in the end, Cinderella Flacco’s clock will strike midnight…finally.

But I’ll say this…I’ll be surprised if this is the last time these two teams face off in the playoffs.

AFC
Division Winners: Jets, Steelers, Titans, Broncos
Wildcards: Ravens, Patriots

NFC
Division Winners: Giants, Packers, Panthers, Cardinals
Wildcards: Redskins, Buccaneers

Shows how much I know…6/10…..

But what of the REAL playoffs?
Wildcard weekend kicks off Saturday, with a matchup you thought you’d never see in the playoffs, and one you might have picked for the AFC Championships game before the season.

The Cardinals and Falcons are both playoff pretenders. The Cards, while improved, are benefitting from a bad division. The Falcons are in the best division in football, the NFC South (with everyone over .500)… But with a rookie quarterback, they will fall.

The Colts and Chargers…are both contenders, as is everyone in the AFC except Miami. The Chargers may be 8-8, but don’t forget they lost to the Refs against Denver, and to the Panthers on the last play of a game early in the season. They’ve won four in a row and have hit their stride.
But the Colts..they’re scary..9 in a row, and that includes wins over the Steelers and Titans.

The Dolphins don’t have much left in the tank I think. If they survive Baltimore, a big if, they’ll run into a Steelers defensive buzzsaw. But Baltimore…that’s the real scary team…I definitely don’t want to see them in the AFC title game.

The Titans…I’m labeling pretender…They’re overrated, and a good defense will shut them down, be it the Steelers or Ravens.

For the NFC, you’ve still got the Eagles and Vikings. The Vikings don’t stand a chance. And the Eagles….Ugh.

I heard it again today…Eagles being picked as a FAVORITE to go to the Super Bowl.

Let me say this loud and clear…..or in black and white……

THE EAGLES ARE THE MOST OVERRATED NFL TEAM FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS…….THEY WILL NOT WIN THE SUPER BOWL…WON’T GET THERE…WILL CHOKE….REALLY….GET OVER IT.

There…I feel better.

That really leaves the Giants and Panthers…both contenders.

So…..here’s how I see it all shaping up:

Colts over Chargers
Cardinals over Falcons

Eagles over Vikings
Ravens over Dolphins

Divisional Round:
Giants over Eagles
Panthers over Cardinals

Steelers over Colts
Ravens over Titans

AFC/NFC Titles:
Panthers over Giants
Steelers over Ravens

Super Bowl:
Steelers over Panthers

Disagree???? Let me hear it

St. Louis at Atlanta
Atlanta has a playoff spot clinched, but could still win the division. They’ll do their part.
Atlanta 23 – St. Louis 0

New England at Buffalo
New England needs help to win the AFC East. They’ll do their part in beating Buffalo
New England 34 – Buffalo 3

Kansas City at Cincinnati
So NOW the Bengals come on.
Cincinnati 23 – Kansas City 20

Detroit at Green Bay
Detroit will try desperately to not be the first 0-16 team. And like every other time…
Green Bay 28 – Detroit 27

Chicago at Houston
Chicago still has something to play for. Houston is looking to be a spoiler.
Houston 23 – Chicago 12

Tennessee at Indianapolis
Neither team really has anything to play for at this point. But the Colts will send a message.
Indianapolis 27 – Tennessee 17

New York Giants at Minnesota
Minnesota needs this to win the NFC Norris Division.
Minnesota 17 – New York Giants 13

Carolina at New Orleans
Carolina needs to win to hold off Atlanta and win the NFC South.
Carolina 30 – New Orleans 28

Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Game means nothing to nobody.
Pittsburgh 17 – Cleveland 3

Oakland at Tampa Bay
Tampa was looking good just three weeks ago until they turned into the New York Mets of football.
Tampa Bay 20 – Oakland 17

Jacksonville at Baltimore
Baltimore is still on a roll, unless they’re playing Pittsburgh
Baltimore 38 – Jacksonville 17

Miami at New York Jets
This is the game of the week. And who would’ve thought Miami could turn its fortunes around like this.
Miami 17 – New York Jets 14

Dallas at Philadelphia
Another big showdown with playoff implications.
Dallas 23 – Philadephia 7

Seattle at Arizona
Arizona better turn it on or it’ll be one and done in the playoffs.
Arizona 24 – Seattle 14

Washington at San Francisco
Washington will come on a little too late.
Washington 34 – San Francisco 7

Denver at San Diego
This is for all the marbles in the AFC West. I never believed San Diego had a chance…until now.
San Diego 20 – Denver 17

Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Too bad this game means nothing for Jacksonville. But it means everything for the Colts who are trying to get in the argument over which team is the best in the AFC. They make their case tonight.
Indianapolis 33-Jacksonville 14

Baltimore at Dallas
Both teams are fighting for wildcard positions. Baltimore’s defense is tough but Dallas is a bit tougher at home.
Dallas 13 – Baltimore 7

Cincinnati at Cleveland
It’s the O bowl. O is not for “Ohio”. O is for Oh are they bad!
Cincinnati 22 – Cleveland 14

New Orleans at Detroit
I’m actually pulling for Detroit to go 0-16. Don’t hate them, just want to see some history.
New Orleans 33 – Detroit 7

Arizona at New England
Arizona is faltering a bit while New England is struggling to survive and make it to the playoffs. Give the edge to the Pats at home.
New England 24 – Arizona 10

Pittsburgh at Tennessee
For the third week in a row, the Steelers are supposed to be in a defensive showdown with a tough team. This will be the shock of the week, when the Steelers offense finally shows up.
Pittsburgh 34 – Tennessee 10

San Francisco at St. Louis
Yeah.
St. Louis 45 – San Francisco 44

Miami at Kansas City
Miami gets primed for its AFC East title showdown with the Jets next week.
Miami 22 – Kansas City 3

San Diego at Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay needs a win to keep pace with the Falcons
Tampa Bay 20 – San Diego 19

Buffalo at Denver
Denver needs to finally close the door on the Chargers with a win.
Denver 20 – Buffalo 10

New York Jets at Seattle
Brett Favre takes out Holmgren, one last time.
New York 35 – Seattle 14

Houston at Oakland
Texans fans need to hope their team will start showing up in the first half of a season.
Houston 40 – Oakland 14

Atlanta at Minnesota
Preview of the NFC Championship?
Atlanta 22 – Minnesota 21

Philadelphia at Washington
I’m tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired tired of people STILL picking the Eagles to go to the Super Bowl. They’re not even going to make the playoffs folks.
Washington 38 – Philadelphia 7

Carolina at New York Giants
The Giants are headed in the wrong direction as the playoffs approach.
Carolina 21 – New York 20

Green Bay at Chicago
Chicago is the only team with something to play for. So they’ll choke.
Green Bay 29 – Chicago 18

New Orleans at Chicago
The loser of this Thursday night matchup is out of the running for the playoffs.
New Orleans 23 – Chicago 17

Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Tampa’s second straight huge game on the road. They lost the first one at Carolina, but their defense will tighten up for this one.
Tampa Bay 22 – Atlanta 10

Washington at Cincinnati
When you’re season’s faltering, just order up a helping of Bengals football.
Washington 33 – Cincinnati 14

Tennessee at Houston
Tennessee might be looking ahead to the Steelers game. Houston is on a roll lately. The upset special.
Houston 28 – Tennessee 17

Green Bay at Jacksonville
This should’ve been a Super Bowl preview. Now it’s just for a better draft pick.
Jacksonville 17 – Green Bay 10

San Francisco at Miami
Who knew this game would count for so much for the Dolphins this late in the season.
Miami 34 – San Francisco 17

Seattle at St. Louis
And the loser still isn’t the worst team in football as long as the Lions are around.
St. Louis 44 – Seattle 40

Buffalo at New York Jets
Another NFC East game with major playoff implications. The Jets will stop their slide.
New York Jets 33 – Buffalo 21

San Diego at Kansas City
Neither team has anything meaningful to play for.
Kansas City 20 – San Diego 14

Detroit at Indianapolis
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Indianpolis 45 – Detroit 0

Minnesota at Arizona
Arizona wrapped up the division, so the Vikings have more to play for.
Minnesota 13 – Arizona 10

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Defense defense defense. You thought the Cowboys game was ugly? Wait till you see this game.
Baltimore 16 – Pittsburgh 12

Denver at Carolina
Carolina is still riding high after beating the Bucs.
Carolina 23 – Denver 21

New England at Oakland
New England is fighting for first, and that will be enough.
New England 30 – Oakland 17

New York Giants at Dallas
Dallas is fighting for its survival, but the Giants don’t want to lose two in a row, especially in the NFC East.
New York Giants 27 – Dallas 26

Cleveland at Philadelphia
Yeah, right.
Philadelphia 24 – Cleveland 3

The biggest benefit he really gave the Steelers was that with all the double-teaming the opponent did on him, that helped boost Hines Ward’s production. Still, right after he left, the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Hmmmmm.

Now I remember, as does every who hates the Patriots, that Burress was the “hero” of the Super Bowl win for the Giants. Many in Pittsburgh were happy for Plax.

Now he joins the list along with TO, Pacman, etc… of being the example for what you should NOT be in sports.

He’s carrying a gun with him into a nightclub. A gun. Really. How big of a moron do you have to be to not only carry the gun in, but then shoot yourself in the leg. So Plax, what were you doing with the gun? What would’ve happened if you ever had to pull that gun? Self defense? With an unregistered weapon? Yeah, that’d fly. Hines Ward said it best…No good would ever come of it.

Hire a bodyguard. Don’t put yourself in positions where you’re going to a club where you would even need the gun. Use your brain, or do you even have one Plax?

There are many reasons I’m glad I’m a Steelers fan. Now the guys on that team aren’t and haven’t been perfect over the years. There have been legal issues that have been unacceptable. However, more often than not, the Rooneys have the common sense to get rid of a bad apple. So, sorry Ben, that may be the REAL reason they let Plax go when they did.

As far as his career with the Giants, it deserves to be over. But don’t worry Plax. I’m sure the Raiders or Cowboys would be glad to take you.

.500…ick.

Oakland at San Diego
Oakland is so bad, they lost to Kansas City. San Diego’s collapse is complete, but this IS Oakland.
San Diego 43 – Oakland 14

Jacksonville at Chicago
This game should’ve meant so much more. But to Chicago, it still matters in the NFC North race. Chicago 23 – Jacksonville 17

Minnesota at Detroit
Detroit…the first 0-16 team..ever.
Minnesota 24 – Detroit 7

Cincinnati at Indianapolis
Indianapolis could make a case to be considered the best team in the AFC right now.
Indianapolis 35 – Cincinnati 3

Philadelphia at New York Giants
The Giants can put a nail in the coffin of the Eagles with a victory. I look for them to get past the Burress distraction.
New York Giants 20 – Philadelphia 16

Cleveland at Tennessee
Ken Dorsey. Are you kidding?
Tennessee 28 – Cleveland 0

Atlanta at New Orleans
The upstart Falcons continue their rise from the cellar, and their march toward a wildcard. It’s actually possible two NFC South teams could be in the wildcard, with no NFC East teams.
Atlanta 30 – New Orleans 28

Houston at Green Bay
Green Bay needs this one to have any hope of contending.
Green Bay 16 – Houston 12

Miami at Buffalo
I like what I’m seeing this season from the Falcons and the Dolphins. Buffalo, not so much.
Miami 24 – Buffalo 3

New York Jets at San Francisco
The Jets will win the AFC East.
New York Jets 37 – San Francisco 7

New England at Seattle
New England was embarrassed at the hands of the Steelers last week. The Seahawks will pay the price.
New England 38 – Seattle 12

Kansas City at Denver
Denver is coming off of a big win over the Jets. The Chiefs just figured out how to win against the Raiders. The upset special because of Denver’s inconsistency.
Kansas City 21 – Denver 17

St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona has faltered a little bit lately, but at least they’re in a weak division.
Arizona 27 – St. Louis 13

Dallas at Pittsburgh
Dallas is going to come into this game too confident about its offense. Defense wins championships.
Pittsburgh 23 – Dallas 10

Washington at Baltimore
Baltimore needs to win to keep up with the Steelers. Washington needs to win to fight for a wildcard.
Defense wins championships.
Baltimore 13 – Washington 10

Tampa Bay at Carolina
A huge matchup to determine first place in the AFC South. I like the Panthers on their home turf.
Carolina 28 – Tampa Bay 27

* The Safety-conscious NFL, the entity that will fine you for breezing by someone too fast because it might hurt them, doesn’t suspend Matt Light for repeatedly punching a guy in the head (without a helmet on)??? Yeah…real consistent NFL.

* Willie Parker may play despite his injuries against New England. This is a case where Willie might do more harm than good by trying to gut it out. If New England knows he’s slower, they’ll capitalize. Better to just run Moore from the outset, and not to give Bill Belichick that advantage.

* The jumbled mess of the AFC will continue to stay that way right through the end of the season. Everyone’s schedule is tough it seems.

* Keep repeating this to yourself…Joe Flacco wasn’t good enough to start at Pitt.

* There was a lot of turkey at thanksgiving…or was that Lions, Seahawks and Cardinals?

* The New York Giants will be tested this week without Plaxico Burress. And while I think they might lose this week, they are clearly the team to beat in the entire NFL.

* I think it would be really really fun if Bill Cowher ended up as Browns coach. Talk about reigniting a stale rivalry!

* Can you believe that there are THREE divisions in footbal where all the teams have a winning record? All three of those LAST PLACE teams would be at the top of the NFC South and AFC West.

* In the 1990s, the Steelers needed to beat the Buffalo Bills to take the step of becoming an elite team. Now they have to beat the New England Patriots…and I mean THIS Sunday.

* I’ve been waiting for the Titans and Ravens to collapse all season long. I’m still waiting. Still.

* The AFC West is so bad, that Oakland is just 3 games out of first place.