MOS' Steeler Franchise

[MenOfSteel]

In a rather unsanctamonious move, I've grown bored with NCAA and have gone back to Madden. Vanderbilt Head Coach Judge Smails has left his position to become the majority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His first act was to fire offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. He was replaced by former 49er Tom Rathman.

Bill Cowher was given the ultimatum of win the SB or he's out.

The 2003 season was simmed and the Steelers finished 8-8 leaving them with the 15th overall pick.

All-Pro, 6 min quarters, adjusted sliders

[Edge32]

looks good looking forward to reading it

[MenOfSteel]

2004 NFL Draft

The Steelers main needs were to upgrade at RB, improve the secondary, and add depth to the O-Line. The other major issue was QB. Would the Steelers be able to find a QB with the 15th pick?

As their time approached, they had some very interesting possibilites. The Steelers traded down one spot with Dallas while giving up RB Amos Zeroue and their #15 pick. The Steelers picked up the #16 as well as Dallas' 2nd round pick.

1st round: RB Darren Sproles, KSU
2nd Round QB Eli Manning, Ole Miss
2nd Round FS Glenn Earl, Notre Dame
3rd Round WR Mark Clayton, LSU
4th Round OLB Carlos Dansby, Auburn
5th Round G Adrien Clark

[DenverFan]

good draft

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS OPEN 2004 WITH WIN

Rookie RB Darren Sproles rushed 23 times for 143 yards and 3 TD's to lead the Steelers to a 45-35 victory over the NY Jets. Tommy Maddox had a nice game throwing for 2 TD's and managing the offense quite well.

The defense was another story. Jet QB Chad Pennington threw for 4 TD's and over 380 yards in the loss. "We couldn't catch a cold today," said LB Jason Gildon. He was refering to the many missed tackles and horrible play by the secondary. "We have to look at our personnel and possibly shake some things up," said Head Coach Bill Cowher. More brilliant insights from "The Chin."

In another story, fans at the game were pleased to receive a bottle Heinz Ketchup at the gate.

[wolverine318]

that draft was pretty good. nice win also. what were your drafted players ratings overall?

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS PULL OFF AMAZING WIN, 42-38.

The Steelers offense was again very good, while the Steeler defense was again very bad. It took a 35 yard TD pass with 12 seconds left from Tommy Maddox to Plaxico Burress to earn the win. RB Darren Sproles started his day with an 80 yard TD run and finished the day with 17 carries for 153 yards and 3 TD's.

The defense was again pourous, allowing over 150 yards on the ground to Buffalo RB Travis Henry. "We just are not playing really well," said LB Kendrell Bell with the understatement of the century.

Plaxico Burress had 6 catches for 123 yards and 2 TD's for the Steelers.

[Its_Joey_Baby]

I had a steelers franchise, and i tried to really upgrade the defense. In the first year, i traded tommy maddox, hines ward and jerome bettis, not to mention many offensive guards and tackles. I tried to rely on Amos Zereoue as a running back, but he just got worse, so I traded him away. In the 3rd year, I got Leftwich at QB, Burress and Randle-El at WR and Edgerrin James at HB. Although the offense is lacking, the defense is sick, the average linebacker rating is 95 or 96, and the D line is also pretty ridiculous, having an average rating of 85, just because one DE is only a 75 or so. I love playing with the team, because you just get a lead in the first half through a strong running game up the gut, and then run as much time off the clock as possible through short play action passes and off tackle runs.

[MenOfSteel]

I had a steelers franchise, and i tried to really upgrade the defense. In the first year, i traded tommy maddox, hines ward and jerome bettis, not to mention many offensive guards and tackles. I tried to rely on Amos Zereoue as a running back, but he just got worse, so I traded him away. In the 3rd year, I got Leftwich at QB, Burress and Randle-El at WR and Edgerrin James at HB. Although the offense is lacking, the defense is sick, the average linebacker rating is 95 or 96, and the D line is also pretty ridiculous, having an average rating of 85, just because one DE is only a 75 or so. I love playing with the team, because you just get a lead in the first half through a strong running game up the gut, and then run as much time off the clock as possible through short play action passes and off tackle runs.

Funny how being a huge Steeler fan like I am, keeps me from pulling the trigger on too many trades, but as you'll see in my update, I did.

I defintely need to upgrade my defense, they suck right now.

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS HANG ON TO DEFEAT EAGLES. 27-20

The Steeler D finally played up to its' potential holding the Eagles and Donovan McNabb to 13 points. Turnover Tommy Maddox had a pick returned for the other Eagle score. "It's about time we shut somebody down," said Joey Porter. "I guess it took a real shot in the arm to get us going," he said. Or buttocks for that matter.

The Steelers used a punishing running game to take time off of the clock. RB's Darren Sproles and Jerome Bettis combined for over 130 yards rushing and each had a TD.

Pittsburgh is 3-0

[MenOfSteel]

STEELER COMEBACK STUNS PATS, 33-31

The 2 teams traded field goals in the final minute, but it was Jeff Reed's 4th of the day that finished New England as time expired.

While the Steelers led 17-0 at one point, the Pats actually led twice in the 4th before giving up to long strikes from Tommy Maddox to WR Mark Clayton that set up the winner.

[MenOfSteel]

Steelers Trade DB Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers, playing as poorly on defense as anyone in the league, shook up the roster today. The Steelers sent CB Dwayne Washington and a 2nd and 4th pick to the Carolina Panthers for Rookie DB Marcell Almond and the Panthers 1st and 4th round picks.

"We felt Toast, I mean Dwayne, was not giving us a big play threat from the corner position and was giving up way too many big plays," said Bill Cowher. "This deal creates cap room, makes us younger, and gives us another high draft pick."

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS WIN ANOTHER SHOOTOUT, 48-37

Although new DB Marcell Almond made an immediate impact, the Steeler D still looked like barrel full of holes as they give up 37 points to the Baltimore Ravens, but still won.

Tommy Maddox had another solid day for Pittsburgh as he was 18 for 26 for 253 yards and a TD. RB Darren Sproles rushed for 156 yards and 4 TD's as he continues to be a shoo-in for rookie of the year honors.

Newcomer Marcell Allmond had 2 INT's and a sack in his Steeler debut.

The 'Burgh is now 5-0.

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS REMAIN UNBEATEN AFTER WILD SHOOTOUT IN CINCY

The Steelers fell behind the Cincinnati Bengals 24-7 just before the half and most people in the press room figured this was finally the game where the defense was going to lose it. While the defense was horrible, it was great when it had to be and allowed the Steelers to escape with a 52-45 win over the Bengals. Pittsburgh trailed 45-31 with 2:13 to go, but QB Eli Manning, subbing for an injured Tommy Maddox, threw 4 consecutive completions and an eventual TD to WR Mark Clayton to pull the team within 7 with 1:48 to play.

The defense then held and forced Cincy to punt. Mark Clayton took it 83 yards to tie the score at 45. With about a minute to go, the Bengals seemed to confused as to try for a win or play for OT. Their indecisiveness cost them as they were forced to punt with :32 seconds remaining. Manning again rallied the team following a great return from Clayton as he nailed 3 straight passes and the game winner to Hines Ward with one second left.

"I can't keep coaching in games like this. My heart can't take it," said Bill Cowher. "How about Manning though? What a performance for a rookie!"

Defensive Coordinator Tim Lewis is still scratching his head however. "All of this talent, and we can't stop anyone," he said.

KEY NUMBERS

Manning 22/33 389yds 4 TD/3 INT
Clayton 8 Rec 166yds 2 TDs
Randle-El 10 Rec 163yds 2 TDs
Ward 6 Rec 83yds 2 TDs

Sproles 22car 53yds 2 TDs

Maddox out 3 weeks

[MenOfSteel]

An Update on the Last 5 Games

Pitt 38
Dallas 24

Darren Sproles 21/113yds. 2TD's
E. Manning 19/32 178yds. 1/1

STEELERS SUFFER FIRST LOSS


The fears that everyone had concerning the Steeler defense were finally validated as they gave up a 17 point lead and lost to Cleveland 49-42. The Steelers had no answer for QB Philip Rivers who tossed 7 TD passes.

"We lost Porter and Bell to injury, but that's no excuse," said CB Chad Scott "We got smoked in evry phase of the game on defense, I couldn't have covered a child with a blanket," he said.

Key Stats

Rivers 21/36 469yds. 7/0

E. Manning 15/22 170 1/1
Darren Sproles 24/160yds. 3 TD's


STEELERS BLOW BIG LEAD AGAIN, LOSE TO BRONCOS 38-31

For the 2nd straight week, the Steelers defense blew a 17 point lead as the Broncos defeated Pittsburgh in Denver 38-31.

Perhaps a bigger loss was WR Antwaan Randle El going down for 11 weeks with a broken arm. He is replaced in the lineup by Lee Mays.

Key Stats

E. Manning 21/33 308yds. 2/2



STEELERS BACK ON THE WINNING TRACK

The Steelers went back to an old friend rushing for almost 300 yards in a 30-21 win over the Washington Redskins. The Steelers only threw the ball 15 times and basically dominated the game.

The defense actually played respectably forcing a couple of turnovers and getting pressure on the QB.

QB Eli Manning was less than than spectacular throwing 3 INT's.

Key Stats

Darren Sproles 31/197 2 TD's
Jerome Bettis 12/58 1 TD
Verron Hayes 7/ 27 1 TD


STEELER 'D' LOOKING BETTER AS THEY HANG ON TO BEAT RAVENS.

The Steelers ran to a 27-7 lead in the 4th quarter and had to hang on for a 37-24 win. The Ravens closed to within 27-24, but the Steeler running game took control for the win.

Tommy Maddox got the start at QB and had an excellent game.

Key Stats

Maddox 18/22 211yds. 2/1
D. Sproles 25/17 1 TD
J. Reed 3 FG's

The Steelers are 9-2 and trail the 10-1 Dolphins in the race for homefiled.

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS BLOW CHANCE TO WRAP UP DIVISION

The Steelers entered their Monday nighter with the Bengals knowing they could clinch the AFC North with a win. Instead, they looked liked a team trying to clinch the 1st pick in the draft, falling behind early and eventually losing 38-24 in Pittsburgh.

While the Steelers had an advantage in total yards and TOP, they also had 4 turnovers, 2 of which were fumbles by Darren Sproles who clearly had his worst game of the year.

The loss leaves Pittsburgh 9-3.

Key Stats

Maddox 28/51 343yds, 0/1
D. Sproles 15/47 1 TD

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS CRUSH BROWNS IN C-TOWN, 45-29

Tommy Maddox had an awesome day as did super rookie RB Darren Sproles as the Steelers beat the Browns 45-29. The Steeler 'D' showed some signs of improvement, but still gave up too many points according to coordinator Tim Lewis. "We seem to be making some more plays, but our defense on 3rd down continues to be horendous."

The Steelers had hoped to clinch the AFC North with the win, but Cincinnati's win kept that from happening.

Key Stats

Maddox 22/25 256yds. 1/0
Sproles 25/160yds. 4TD's


STEELERS HUMILIATE G-MEN, CLINCH AFC NORTH

The Steelers went into New York knowing Cincy had lost earlier in the day to Baltimore meaning a win would give them the AFC North division title. The Steelers wasted little time getting the message across as they scored early and often in a 60-6 win over the Giants.

"As pleased as I was that the offense was clicking, I was thrilled with our defense today, Said Bill Cowher who knows a trip to the Super Bowl is the only thing that will allow him to keep his job.

The Steelers hit on their first 5 possessions leading 31-3 at the half.

Key Stats

Maddox 20/26 207yds. 4/0
Sproles 22/171 2TD, 4 rec. 54yds. 2TD
M. Clayton 10 rec. 121yds. 1 TD
C. Scott 3 INT's 1TD

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS LAND 10 ON PRO BOWL ROSTER

*denotes starter

Tommy Maddox
Darren Sproles*
Mark Clayton
Verron Hayes*
Marvel Smith*
Alan Faneca*
Jeff Hartings*
Todd Fordham
Chad Scott
Aaron Smith*

[MenOfSteel]

STEELERS TOP DOLPHINS IN BATTLE FOR HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE

Miami, FL- The Steelers and Dolphins entered the game with identical 12-3 records but but it was the Steelers who will be home for the playoffs following a 31-21 victory.

The Pittsburgh defense, maligned much of the year, seems to be picking it up a bit as they head into the playoffs. Although Ricky Williams broke the 100yd barrier, the Steelers gave up few big runs and forced Williams to earn his yards.

Meanwhile, the Steeler O was efficient and effective in plowing through the #3 ranked defense in the league.

Key Stats

Maddox 16/24 173yds. 1/0
Sproles 29/110yds. 2TD's
M. Clayton 8/114yds. 1 TD


STEELERS CRUSH TITANS IN AFC DIVISIONAL SHOOTOUT

It was 21-17 midway through the 3rd when the Steeler offense started to click as they scored on successive drives to put the game away.

Steve McNair threw 3 INT's including one to CB Marcell Allmond that he returned for a TD. Aaron Smith also had 3 sacks on the day as McNair really was never able to get comfortable.

Pittsburgh will play San Diego in the AFC Title game next week.

Key Stats

Maddox 11/18 129yds. 1/1
Sproles 23/141 2 TD's

A. Smith 3 sacks
M. Allmond 1 INT/1 TD

[MenOfSteel]

AFC TITLE GAME

STEELERS EARN TRIP TO 6TH SUPER BOWL BY TROUNCING 'BOLTS, 60-31

The Steeler's defense which has been under the gun all year, came up big again in leading the Steelers to a 60-31 win over San Diego.

They picked off Drew Brees 3 times and recovered 2 fumbles in the victory.

The offense meanwhile, clicked on nearly every opportunity despite 2 INT's by Tommy Maddox that were returned for TD's.

"It's a great feeling," said Jerome Bettis making his first trip to the Super Bowl.
Rookie Darren Sproles was equally as joyous, "To be the MVP of the league and go to the Super Bowl in my first year is simply amazing."

The Steelers will face San Francisco in the Super Bowl.

Key Stats

Maddox 13/25 296yds. 4/2
Sproles 20/155yds. 3 TD's
Ward 6/103 2 TD's
Burress 4/99 2 TD's

C. Scott 2 INT/1 TD

[MenOfSteel]

The Super Bowl

STEELERS CRUISE TO FIFTH SUPER BOWL TITLE

Jacksonville, FL-- The Steelers were finally able to get "one for the thumb" after a second half explosion led to a 52-28 victory over San Francisco in Super Bowl XXXIX. The Steelers trailed most of the 1st half, but scored twice in the final 2 minutes to take a 28-21 lead into halftime. The 49ers never seemed to recover as they could not contain the Steeler offense or seem to break the Steeler defense.

"I'm going to Disney World!" said MVP CB Marcell Allmond, who had 2 INT's and returned one for a TD. "Our offense carried all season, but throughout the playoffs the defense seemed to step up when it had to," said Bill Cowher, whose job was saved by winning the Super Bowl.

The game was interrupted briefly when Rush Limbaugh ran onto the field to expose his left breast.

Key Stats

Maddox 20/25 267yds. 2/0
Sproles 24/105 3 TD's
Ward 6/109
Clayton 5/65 2TD

Allmond 2 INT's 1 TD MVP

[MenOfSteel]

Steelers fire DC Tim Lewis and ST Coach Kevin Spencer

Steelers hire Defensive guru Monte Kiffin and ST Coach Chuck Cecil

Steelers release Pro Bowler Chad Scott in cost cutting move

Draft Day

Steelers' 2004 picks

TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. Miami, FL
CB Matt Ware UCLA
CB Antonio Perkins Oklahoma
DE Jeb Huckaba Arkansas
MLB Rich Bedesem UVA

Major Trade Announced

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded OLB Clark Haggans, MLB Clint Kriewaldt and their 2nd round pick (2005) to the Bills for Rb Willis McGahee, WR Eddie Berlin, and a 5th round pick (2005)

McGahee's signing fills a void left by the retirement of Jerome Bettis