Atlanta Unveils Ugliest Unis Ever

YUCK!

http://www.uniwatchblog.com/

… or does it just seem that way? Definitely a disaster for the ages — the wordmark is pathetic, the chest number belongs in the NBA, the shoulder logos look like they’re lifted from the San Diego Chargers, and the socks are embarrassing-and-a-half. Lots more photos here, if you dare.

Roethlisberger named AFC player of week

The NFL today named Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the AFC offensive player of the week.

Roethlisberger completed 26 of 41 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-21 victory at Jacksonville Sunday. He threw one interception when receiver Santonio Holmes fell down.

Roethlisberger threw the winning touchdown pass of eight yards to Hines Ward with 1:53 left.

After the game, Roethlisberger signed a lucrative endorsement deal with extra-strength Tylenol.

Steeler Fans Continue Domination of NFL

Today it's the unheard of before today Ross Tucker. Somehow he has a column on si.com (apparently he is a former player). But who am I to argue with Ross' latest topic: the passion of Steeler fans.

At this point, it is more surprising if anyone tries making an argument that any fandom other than Steeler fans (I do not like the term 'Steeler Nation'. Too similar to the original 'Raider Nation' and to the despised 'Red Sox Nation'. It's a Steeler Universe in any event, and we're all just living in it). The next writer who claims the Cryboys or Packers or Bears or whoever have fans that are more enthusiastic than the Stillers should, in all seriousness, be forced to watch games in Atlanta or Jacksonville or some other site where the fans are as apathetic as they come.

What is interesting about Ross's argument is that he focuses solely on the impact Steeler fans have when their team is on the road, not at home. Which is interesting in that I don't believe Heinz Field provides a great home field advantage, certainly not as great as Three Rivers did. Maybe the advantages the Steelers enjoy from their fans are greater on the road than at home? Sounds strange but based on how much it can deflate a home team to see black and gold towels overruning their stadium, it just may be true.

In any event, here's some of what Ross thinks of the Black n' Gold universe:

The news out of Jacksonville Monday morning that approximately 25 percent of the fans for Sunday night's Steelers-Jags contest were waving yellow Terrible Towels came as no surprise to me. The Steelers have the most dominant fan base in the National Football League and their ability to consistently travel, en masse, and infest other team's stadiums gives the Steelers a competitive advantage that no other franchise can claim.

And though there are thousands of die-hard fans in Green Bay, Washington, Dallas, Buffalo, Cleveland, New England, and every other NFL city, the simple truth is very evident to every player in the NFL: Steelers fans are the best in the business.

...the fact remains there is nothing quite as powerful in the NFL as Steeler Nation [c'mon Ross, get with the program!].

Secondly, I am well aware that the Packers, Raiders, Cowboys and Redskins, just to name a few, have great fans who pop up in away stadiums every time their team is on the road. Trust me, it does not compare to Steelers fans. I have played for some of those teams and it is not even close. The Steelers have the best fans in the NFL.

Scouts Inc. Says Troy is Back

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-0-466/Scouts-Inc--on-Troy-Polamalu.html

Here is comprehensive film analysis from Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd:

"Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's 3-4 defense is built to pressure the quarterback from the outside edges while confusing him with coverage designs on the backend. Simply put, strong safety Troy Polamalu is a perfect fit in the Steelers attacking 3-4 defenses and continues to perform at a Pro Bowl-level. One of the main reasons that the Steelers have their swagger back this season is due to a healthy Polamalu. When planning offensively against the Steelers, you must know were No. 43 is aligned. LeBeau loves to incorporate a lot of different looks by moving Polamalu around within his alignment to confuse opposing teams. He has a great knack for being around the ball and has been a difference-maker near the line of scrimmage this season. He is one of the more explosive players in the league and has a rare understanding of the game. His ability to attack downhill run alleys with his deceptive speed is rare for a strong safety. He has also shown tremendous ball skills. Without a doubt, he is still among the elite safeties and defensive players in the NFL."

Steelers Jump Jags; Fans Continue Domination

From today's Florida Times-Union comes an article that really could be reprinted the day after a Steeler road game in any city from Phoenix to St. Louis to San Diego to Detroit and definitely Jacksonville:

The phenomenon happened again on Sunday, the first time the Steelers have played in Jacksonville since the second game of the 2006 season. On a cool night with only a few sprinkles of rain, an  estimated 15,000 Steelers fans mixed in with the Jaguars fans to create almost a college bowl atmosphere.

"You really wish the Jaguars fans would hold on to their own tickets," said Robert Seferian of Hilton Head, S.C., a Jaguars season-ticket holder. "We'd like to have as many as we can on our side."

The high-water mark for Steelers fans in Jacksonville is thought to be Dec. 5, 2004, when some estimates had about 25,000 Steelers fans in the stadium.

The travel habits of Steeler fans shouldn't be news any longer. Since the 70's Steeler fans have traveled far and wide and collectively in larger numbers than any other NFL team. Cities like the above must be accustomed to the black and gold invasion and should appreciate the economic boon to their towns for a weekend.

New York Thinks All other MLB Teams are in their Farm System

Why would the Bucs trade a player who isn't even arbitration eligible yet and who has the potential of McLouth is beyond me. But of course, the Yankees consider everyone to be theirs for the taking. But we have seen from first hand experience this summer that the Yankee farm system does not hold a wealth of top prospects, the kind the Bucs would need to get in return for McLouth.

Clearly, the Yankees feel they can underpay for McLouth, like they did for Nady and Marte this summer. Huntington can't trade McLouth this offseason and let's hope they don't make any efforts for Jeremy Hermida, another move that has been whispered.

NO TALK ON MCLOUTH TRADE, YET

Decision makers in The Bronx and Pittsburgh said yesterday there was nothing to the Yankees acquiring outfielder Nate McLouth from the Pirates - yet.

"We haven't talked about it, it's premature," a Yankees source said.

"Haven't heard a word about that," a Pirates source said.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington has declared nobody is untouchable, and the Pirates are looking to upgrade a poor minor league system and major league talent base, so McLouth's name has been tossed around. The Yankees are in the market for a center fielder.

Though some believe the left-handed hitting McLouth isn't a true center fielder. The first-time All-Star batted .276 this year with 26 homers and 94 RBIs. McLouth, 27 later this month, was 23-for-26 in stolen base attempts and had a .356 on-base percentage.

After trading outfielders Jason Bay to Boston and Xavier Nady to the Yankees, respectively, the Pirates would want a lot for McLouth, who isn't yet eligible for arbitration and made $450,000 this past season.

Another option in center for the Yankees - who haven't ruled out Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera - is Milwaukee's Mike Cameron, a former Met.

The Brewers have a $10 million option on Cameron, who will be 36 in January and had the Yankees interested last offseason. There is a $750,000 buyout. It's not likely the Brewers will pay that after losing pitchers Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia via free agency.

Cameron, a three-time Gold Glove winner who made $7 million this year, batted .243 with 25 homers and 70 RBIs after being suspended for the first 25 games for violating MLB's stimulant policy.