Alternate Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles

Hello everyone and welcome to Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.  For the rest of America its just another Super Bowl, but for the state of Pennsylvania its a dream come true.  Despite both teams playing in a number of conference championships over the past 15 years neither has met in the Super Bowl until today.  Its been a rocky road for the Eagles. The season appeared to be spiraling out of control after a 36-7 loss at Baltimore, but since then the Eagles have caught fire winning 7 of their last 8 on their way to their 3rd Super Bowl appearance.  The Steelers are making their 7th Super Bowl appearance and are looking to do something that no other NFL franchise has ever done... win 6 Lombardi Trophies. 

Steelers key to victory - Protect Ben.  When these two played each other in Week 3, Ben was sacked eight times in a 15-6 loss.  They need to do what they did against Baltimore in the AFC championship and that's throw short passes, stick with the running game, keep the defense guessing.  Don't become one dimensional and let the Eagles defense tee off on your quarterback.

Eagles key to victory - Get the receivers involved.  Whenever anyone plays the Eagles, their opponents focus heavily on Brian Westbrook.  The Steelers will be no different.  McNabb needs to get the ball in the hands of his other receivers like Brent Celek and DeSean Jackson to get some of that focus off Westbrook and help him become a factor again.

Weather:  67 degrees, 5 mph wind

1st Half: 

The Steelers have won the toss and elect to receive.  Moore returns the kickoff to his own 11.  The Eagles crowd the line of scrimmage and stuff Moore on first down.  The Steelers attempt a screen to counter the blitz on second down, but its broken up.  On 3rd down, the Eagles bring on the full blitz.  Roethlisberger side steps a man and scrambles out of the pocket he pump fakes, motions to a receiver downfield and throws a pass downfield to Santonio Holmes.  With most Eagle defenders chasing Ben, Holmes sprints down the field and picks up 54 yards before getting knocked out of bounds by Brian Dawkins at the PHI 33.  The Steeler Nation is on their feet waving the Terrible Towels.  On the next play, Roethlisberger fires a pass to Nate Washington for 6 yards.  With the Eagles backing off the line now, they get to work on the ground.  Parker fires off the right side for 14 yards to the PHI 13.  A couple plays later Pittsburgh is flagged for a false start.  On 3rd and 10 from the PHI 13, Roethlisberger throws a slant to Holmes is wrapped up at the 1, but his arms reach over the goal line for the Steelers touchdown!  8 plays, 94 yards, 4:26 drive

Steelers 7 - Eagles 0

Looking to respond, the Eagles start out on their own 15.  The drive starts out slow as the Steelers pounce on Brian Westbrook.  On 3rd down though, McNabb hooks up with DeSean Jackson for a 12 yard gain and a first down.  The Eagles are on their way.  They run a draw play to Westbrook who picks his way through the middle for 11 yards and another first down.  McNabb throws a couple short passes to setup a 3rd and 3.  McNabb lines up in the shotgun and the Steelers show blitz.  McNabb fakes a long pass then shovels it to Westbrook but its a little too high, it bounces off Westbrook's hands and is intercepted by Troy Polamalu at the PIT 46.

Despite getting a big break, they are not able to capitalize and go three and out and the Eagles get the ball back at their own 19. 

Still keying on Westbrook he gets stuffed on two running plays and LJ Smith drops a pass on third down forcing them to punt.

The Steelers take over on their own 41 and they get to work on the ground.  Parker picks up 15 off the left side on a sweep.   Two plays later, Parker runs off the left side and again and speeds down the sidelines and dives into the end zone for the Steelers touchdown!  5 plays, 54 yards, 2:48 drive

Steelers 14 - Eagles 0

The Eagles take over on their own 23.  They need to get something or this could turn into a super blowout.  Buckhalter is in the game as trainers look at Westbrook.  He's not able to do any better and the Eagles do another three and out as the Steelers top ranked defense continues its domination.

Starting on their own 38, the Steelers continue with the ground assault.  On 2nd down, Parker bursts up the middle for 21 yards into Eagles territory.  They run a couple plays with Gary Russell for a first down, but after a holding call, the drive stalls and the Steelers are forced to punt.

The Eagles continue to have problems running with either Buckhalter or Westbrook.  On 3rd down, McNabb drops back to pass, but he's sacked by James Harrison for an 8 yard loss.  Once again, the Eagles are forced to punt.

The Steelers start their next possession on their own 43, but are unable to do anything with the good field position and punt back to the Eagles, but pinning them down at their own 12.

The Eagles continue to struggle on offense.  Westbrook loses a yard, then McNabb is sacked by Aaron Smith for a 7 yard loss.  Finally on 3rd and 18, McNabb airs it out deep and connects with DeSean Jackson for a big 47 yard gain to the PIT 49.  The spark in the offense is quickly extinguished as Westbrook gets hit behind the line by Harrison and fumbles the ball.  Everyone piles on top of it, but James Farrior comes away with the football.

The Steelers try to run, but Moore is stopped for a 4 yard loss.  On the next play, Roethlisberger tries for Hines Ward, but Lito Shepard jumps the route and picks it off.  Shepard is sprints down the field before getting tackled at the PIT 29 with 2:06 left in the half. 

After a couple short passes to the sidelines, McNabb hooks up with DeSean Jackson at the corner of the end zone for the Eagles touchdown!  3 plays, 24 yards, 0:30 drive

Steelers 14 - Eagles 7

The Eagles finally get on the board, but have left a lot of time on the clock (1:21).    The Steelers run a couple draw plays, then pick up a first down on an 8 yard completion to Heath Miller.  On the next set of downs, Roethlisberger completes a pass to Ward near the sidelines, who drags his feet to stay in bounds and picks up 15 yards to the PHI 36.  The Steelers don't drive much further and with 3 seconds left, send out Jeff Reed for the 50 yard attempt.  Reed's kick is up, its hooking right and it just slips inside the goalposts!  9 plays, 34 yards, 1:18 drive

Steelers 17 - Eagles 7

2nd Half: 

The Eagles get the ball first in the second half and they need to make something happen.  However, when it starts off, it looks just like the first half as McNabb is sacked by LaMarr Woodley for a 9 yard loss.  The Eagles appear to be headed for another three and out, but on 3rd and 18, McNabb completes a pass to Jason Avant for a 26 yard gain and a first down.  The Eagles are not able to gain another yard after that and punt.

Starting at their own 17, the Steelers hand off to Parker and he sweeps to the left side, but looses the football and its recovered by Stewart Bradley at the PIT 19.  The Eagles are in business.

The Eagles run a draw to Westbrook and he goes up the middle, breaks a tackle and is into the end zone for the touchdown!  Once again, the Eagles capitalize on the Steelers turnovers.  1 play, 19 yards, 0:07 drive

Steelers 17 - Eagles 14

The momentum is with the Eagles now.  The Steelers try to re-establish the run, but go three and out and punt back to the Eagles. 

Starting on their own 32, the Eagles are looking to take their first lead of the game.  They hand off to Lorenzo Booker for 4 yards.  They try to get tricky with screen to Jackson, but he's stuffed for nothing.  On 3rd down, they pitch it to Westbrook and he picks up 3 yards, before its slapped loose by Polamalu and recovered by Larry Foote at the PHI 38.

The Steelers are in business now.  On 3rd down, Roethlisberger goes down field and finds Washington for a 31 yard gain to the PHI 4.  After failing to run the ball in, Roethlisberger throws for the corner of the end zone to Holmes and its caught for the touchdown!  Andy Reid throws the challenge flag, contesting that he didn't get both feet in bounds.  After further review, the play stands and the Steelers increase their lead to 10.  6 plays, 38 yards, 2:48 drive

Steelers 24 - Eagles 14

With time running out in the third quarter, the Eagles offense needed to get back into the game, but the Steelers defense was in top form.  The Eagles get little yardage and go three and out again.

With the ball on the PIT 28, the Steelers are looking for one more big score, before trying to run out the clock.  Roethlisberger fires for Miller and picks up 11.  Two plays later Ben rifles one to Hines Ward for an 8 yard gain and another to Ward for 10 yards.  Ben is really locked onto his receivers for this drive.  The Eagles blitz is being nullified by these short slants.  Roethlisberger finds Miller again for another 11 yards.  On the next play he goes for it all with Holmes, but its broken up in the end zone by Samuel.  Two plays later, Roethlisberger looks to the end zone again and its caught by Nate Washington for the Steelers touchdown!  9 plays, 77 yards, 5:07 drive

Steelers 31 - Eagles 14

With 12:25 left in the game and down by 17, the Eagles don't get away from their gameplan and run the ball on first and second down for a modest 6 yards.  On 3rd down, McNabb's pass is batted down by Timmons.  McNabb shows some frustration and walks off the field as the Eagles will punt once more.

The Steelers appear to be content to just run the ball and eat up as much clock as possible on the first two plays, but on 3rd and 8, Roethlisberger fakes to Parker and goes deep to Holmes and its caught for a 35 yard gain to the PHI 40.  The Steelers drive to the Eagles 28, but go backwards with a false start and then a sack that puts them out of field goal range.  The Steelers are content to just pin the Eagles deep into their own end.

Starting out on their own 19 with 5:04 left and the Steelers in their prevent defense, McNabb comes out firing.  A 13 yard pass to Kevin Curtis.  Another 13 yarder to Jackson.  The drive begins to stall as McNabb has trouble finding his targets and is under extreme pressure on each play.   On 4th and 13, McNabb connects with Hank Baskett but he's quickly tackled after an 8 yard gain and the Eagles turn the ball over on downs at the 50.

Once again, the Steelers appear to be just trying to run the clock down, but on 3rd down, Roethlisberger runs another play action and goes deep for Holmes in the end zone... TOUCHDOWN!  But there's a flag on the play... Stapleton is flagged for holding and the play is coming back.  The Steelers run it down to the 2 minute warning before punting back to Philadelphia.

On the Eagles next possession, they're playing for just pride at this point, but the drive is blown up after an Aaron Smith sack.  On 4th and 10, McNabb goes deep for Jackson, but its picked off by Ryan Clark. 

Roethlisberger takes a couple kneel downs and the Steelers are the Super Bowl XLIII champions!

Final:  Steelers 31 - Eagles 14

The Steelers defense was just too much for the Eagles today.  They punted 6 times and turned the ball over 4 times.  If it wasn't for the Steelers mistakes, this probably would have been a shutout.  Despite sacking Ben eight times back in Week 3, they only came away with one today.  This Steelers offense was really clicking and had an answer for every Eagles blitz.  Ward made some nice grabs, but he didn't look 100%.  However, it didn't really matter as Santonio Holmes had a monster game with 5 catches for 106 yards and 2 TDs and he is the MVP for tonight.  Congratulations to the Super Bowl XLIII champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers!

So for those of you that wondered what would have happened had the Eagles been able to hold on against the Cardinals, wonder no more. The Pennsylvania Super Bowl would have been won by... who else... the Pittsburgh Steelers!  But we don't need a computer simulation to tell us that, we already knew.

Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals

Steelers:  If you've taken my advice and stuck with all Steelers, you're in pretty good shape for the Super Bowl, fantasy wise.  I mean, let's face it, if you come out of the regular season 12-4 when you had the toughest schedule in the league, its pretty doubtful that whoever you meet in the playoffs is going to be able to knock you off.  What's even more impressive is that the Steelers look even better now than they did during their great regular season run.  Parker looked great against San Diego, Holmes has re-emerged as a great receiver once again and Ben looks as good as he did during the 2005 playoff run.  If it wasn't for the infamous Sweed drop, Roethlisberger would have thrown for over 300 yards and 2 TD's against the 2nd best defense in football in the Ravens.  Defense wins championships and the Steelers have, by far, the best defense in the league. 

Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin do pose a serious threat but they can be stopped.  The Cardinals won the NFC West title.  That's like winning an election without opposition.  The NFC West is dreadful, to say the least.  The second place team was the 49ers at 7-9.  The NFC champion Cardinals were only two wins better at 9-7.  As for the unstoppable Fitzgerald, the Niners shut him down both times they played each other.  If the 49ers can do it, so can the Steelers.

Cardinals:  The red hot Cardinals streak into Tampa with a chance to shock the world... sorta.  Most of the media appears to be focusing on the Steelers deficiencies and not the fact that the Cards are a 9-7 team that blew a big lead at home to the 6th seeded Eagles.  So it may not be much of a shock to some people to see the Cardinals come out on top.  To me, it just doesn't add up.  The Cardinals have a great offense and I rode it for much of the year in fantasy football, but if I had seen the Steelers on their schedule, I wouldn't hopped off for a week.  The defense has gotten better in the post season, but this team lives and dies with their offense.  They're not going to win the Super Bowl with their defense.  Their offense needs to win it and going up against the number one ranked defense in football, doesn't bode well.  Warner and Fitzgerald will make plays, but not enough to help his team to victory.

Fantasy Factors:  Ben Roethlisberger (9), Anquan Boldin (8)

Fantasy Hockey: 2009 Midseason Awards

As we approach the NHL All Star Break, lets take a look back at the first half at some of the stars, surprises and disappointments in the NHL.

Best Forward - Alexander Ovechkin - Washington Capitals
Before the season started I had ranked Sidney Crosby just ahead of Ovechkin.  Crosby racks up so many assists and I was counting on him getting that scoring winger that he so desperately needs, but it hasn't happened and at this point, I would have to rank Ovechkin just a little bit higher than Sid.  With the emergence of Alexander Semin, Ovechkin isn't the only weapon in the Caps arsenal and its keeping defenses honest.  Ovechkin already has 31 goals on the season, plus he also leads the league in shots on goal but a huge margin.  With a good plus/minus rating and a high number of power play goals, Ovechkin is the best forward in the NHL right now.

(Photo by Nick Wass / AP)

Best Defenseman - Mike Green - Washington Capitals
Yeah, I know, its like a Capitals love fest on this blog today.  Nicklas Lidstrom hasn't played like his usual self, Brian Campbell has somewhat disappointed and Dion Phaneuf has just started to rediscover his game.  But even if all of those players had played up to their usual standards, it would be still be difficult to say they had a better first half than Mike Green.  Green has been plagued by injuries in the first half and has only played in 35 games, but even with injuries he's still 5th in scoring for defensemen with 33 points in 35 games.  I still the Capitals, as a team, having a big second half and as long as Ovechkin and Semin stay healthy, I can easily see Green leading the league in defenseman scoring.

Best Goalie - Niklas Backstrom - Minnesota Wild
Its a contract year for Backstrom and he's playing like it.  Not that his performance in the first half is unusual, he's always been one of the elite goalies in the league, but the big knock against him was that he would typically only play around 40-60 games per season.  This year, he's on pace to play in 70.  Assuming he doesn't burn out in the final months, I don't see any reason as to why Backstrom won't be the best goalie at the end either.  He has a good goals against, good save percentage, and is second in the league in shutouts.  The wins are the only category he could suffer in, but currently he's 4th with 22.

Best Rookie - Steve Mason - Columbus Blue Jackets
I said it last year and I said it again this year, the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to be a force in this league in the very near future.  If you don't believe me, take a look at what their rookie goaltender is doing to the league this year.  He leads in goals against (2.05) and shutouts (6).  Rookie goalies are a weird breed, but Mason nobody plays this well for this long by accident.  Mason is here to stay and I doubt he'll be available on the waiver wire in next years fantasy drafts.

Biggest Good Surprise - Jeff Carter - Philadelphia Flyers
This may not hold true for Pens fans, but for anyone that took a chance on Carter this season, you're reaping big rewards.  Over the years, he's steadily gotten better and better and now he's on pace for a 53 goal season. I think at this point he would have to rank right up there with Mike Richards, which gives Philly a deadly one-two combo and a lot of depth to go along with it.

Biggest Bad Surprise - Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
Odds are when you picked Marty in the first round of your draft, you felt that was the safest draft pick you could make.  He's been consistently good for his entire career and he's played 70+ games, ten years in a row.  The last thing you expected was for him to get injured, let alone suffer an injury that knocks him out for 4 months!  Its very tough to win in any fantasy sport when your number one draft pick gets injured or doesn't play up to par for whatever reason.  Those of you that drafted Marty this year get a Mulligan in my book.

Best Off Season Acquisition - Marian Hossa - Detroit Red Wings
I know this is a risky thing to post in Pittsburgh, but its the truth.  Hossa has had a very good first half and although his numbers aren't through the roof like they would be if he stayed with the Pens, his numbers are still good enough to get him a big contract when he leaves Detroit this summer.  He's currently on pace to score only 39 goals, but I see Hossa having an even bigger second half and he should finish with that elusive 50 goal mark, which he has yet to hit. 

Worst Off Season Acquisition - Miroslav Satan - Pittsburgh Penguins
It was a toss up between him and Ryan Malone and I really wanted to put Malone here, but Malone actually had to work with a coach worse than Therrien.  Plus, he wasn't glued to a line with the greatest playmaker in the NHL.  Despite only scoring 16 goals last year, the Pens felt that, former 40 goal scorer, Miro Satan could gel with Crosby and put together a solid season.  If a 6 goal improvement is a solid season... mission accomplished.  That's right, despite playing with Crosby, Satan is only on pace for 22 goals this year.  If you drafted him thinking this duo was going to light it up this year, I'm hoping for your sake that he's be disposed to the trash pile aka waiver wire, long ago.

NHL Fantasy All Star Teams -  I think the actual NHL all star rosters are a joke.  Mike Modano?  Keith Tkachuk?  Milan Hejduk?  What year is this?  1998?  Here is what the real starting lineups should be based on their first half performances.

Eastern Conference Fantasy All Stars

F - Alexander Ovechkin - Washington Capitals
F - Evgeni Malkin - Pittsburgh Penguins
F - Alexander Semin - Washington Capitals
D - Mike Green - Washington Capitals
D - Zdeno Chara - Boston Bruins
G - Henrik Lundqvist - New York Rangers

Western Conference Fantasy All Stars

F - Patrick Marleau - San Jose Sharks
F - Pavel Datsyuk - Detroit Red Wings
F - Ryan Getzlaf - Anaheim Ducks
D - Dan Boyle - San Jose Sharks
D - Sheldon Souray - Edmonton Oilers
G - Niklas Backstrom - Minnesota Wild

Did I leave anyone off? If you think so, let me know who would be on YOUR fantasy all star team?

NHL Stock Market 1/21/2009

Stock Rising - This is where you'll find players that you may find on your waiver wire or sitting on your bench.  These are players that could bring in big returns if traded now.  Ultimately, its up to you whether you believe they'll stay valuable or if you should try to cash in on them now.  I wouldn't recommend dropping an established player to acquire these players.  These are guys that ideally, would round out the bottom half of your roster.

Buy Low - Players in this section don't mean you should try to sell them or just flat out waive them.  All of the players in this section are players that are in a slump and you should try to trade for.  These are guys that are talented and will come around eventually.

Sell - If these players are on your team, you're much better off checking the waiver wire or trading them.

Stock Rising

David Booth (51%) - He was on my sleeper picks and he's been on the stock market report before, yet he's still available in half the fantasy leagues out there.  Booth has 11 points in 8 games this month and is on pace for 37 goals.  I'd be willing to bet he'll hit that 40 goal mark before its all said and done.  Not bad for a guy that could be filling out the bottom half of your forwards.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Matthew Lombardi (2%) - In the game of musical chairs that is the Calgary Flames lineup, Lombardi has found himself in a good spot centering the top line with Jarome Iginla and Michael Cammalleri.  Since moving to the top line he has 7 points in his those 6 games.  I would keep an eye on him though.  If he falls to a different line, his value will take a dramatic hit.  Before moving to the top line he had 12 points in 25 games.

Manny Malhotra (1%) - Another player getting a boost after a move to the top line is Malhotra.  Typically he wouldn't be worth the cardboard that his hockey card is printed on, but since moving to the top line with Nash and Huselius, he has 7 points in 6 games and is currently riding a 6 game point streak.

Rich Peverley (1%) - Since being picked up off waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers on January 10th, Peverley has been on fire.  He has 6 points in his last 2 games and has ignited the play of superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk.  It might be a bit early to pick him up, but he may not be a bad rental player until his hot streak cools off.

Brian Elliott (9%) - The newest Senators goaltender that is getting thrown to the wolves is rookie Brian Elliott.  After just 5 games with the Sens, Elliott looks pretty sharp with a 3-1-1 record and a 2.18 GAA.  Elliott will be the man between the pipes for the foreseeable future in Ottawa.

Pekka Rinne (10%) - He's been on the stock market report before and here he is again.  Rinne is now out playing his teammate Dan Ellis and should see more action down the road.  Rinne's playing has been spectacular with a 2.04 GAA and a .927 save percentage.  The only spot he's hurting is wins which has a lot more to do with the Predators than him.

Buy Low

Carey Price - This is probably the last time you'll be able to buy him this low this year.  Price is finally back in the Habs lineup and should be a force to be reckon with in the final months of the season.  Price has a 16-4-5 record with a 2.28 GAA.  You may be able to steal him from an owner that is frustrated with his absence.

Teemu Selanne - The Finnish Flash is scheduled to make his return sometime next week or early the next week.  He hasn't played his best hockey, but the Ducks have always been a great second half team and with the emergence of Bobby Ryan, that means there will be less focus on Selanne which could help him put up bigger numbers.  Be careful not to overpay though, he still is 38 years old.

Kristian Huselius - When Huselius was signed this past off season, he was expected to play on the top line with Nash and take off some of the pressure.  That didn't really happen in the first half of the season.  However, it appears as though that's changing.  Hus has 7 points in his last 5 and has great chemistry with Nash right now.  This is a duo to watch in the second half.

Sell

Philippe Boucher - Sorry Pens fans, but trading one stiff for another didn't help out the Pens or Bouchers' fantasy value.  The "offensive" defenseman has 3 points in the last two months.  I know playing with Crosby and Malkin gives him a lot of potential, but I don't see it happening at all.  If this hockey thing doesn't work out for Boucher though, he has a bright future playing the Janitors' (Scrubs) long lost twin brother.

Wade Redden - When Redden joined the Rangers, I expected a career year out of him.  Well, its not happening.  Only 2 goals and 15 assists with a minus 8 rating, with just one assist in his last 9 games.  Not exactly what the Rangers were hoping for and its not exactly what you were hoping for. 

Rod Brind'Amour - Apparently not enough people heard me the first time, but its time to sell Brind'Amour.  I can accept a player with a bad plus/minus rating if they can rack up big points, but Brind'Amour has 8 goals and 19 assists to go along with his league worst -29 rating.  How in the world does a player with a plus/minus that bad even get on the ice?

Rick DiPietro - Its official now.  DiPietro is done for the season.  Time to look elsewhere for goaltending assuming you haven't already.

Mathieu Garon - He was battling with Dwayne Roloson for the starting job in Edmonton, but now he'll serve primarily as a backup for Marc-Andre Fleury.  Unless Fleury really falls apart in the second half and/or Michael Therrien decides Garon is better for some reason, Garon has little to no value now.

Jaroslav Halak - Carey Price is back and once again, Halak will have himself a spot on the bench.

Camp Conference Championship: 89 San Francisco 49ers vs 78 Pittsburgh Steelers

89 San Francisco 49ers at 78 Pittsburgh Steelers

Welcome to Three Rivers Stadium where the 1989 San Francisco 49ers will take on the 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers.  We have a great matchup here tonight.  The great Joe Montana, who grew up here in Pittsburgh, will lead one of the greatest offenses in the history of the NFL against one of the greatest defenses, the Steel Curtain.  Some are saying that this is the real Fantasy Bowl and that could very well be the case.  Meanwhile, earlier today, the 94 49ers held on to beat the 76 Steelers, 20-19.  Meaning that if Bill Walsh's 49ers can win this game, he will go head to head with his under study in the Fantasy Bowl. 

49ers key to victory - Get Montana in a rhythm.  The 49ers need to protect Joe and make sure he has time to get into his rhythm and make good throws.  If Montana gets time, it won't matter what defense is out there, he'll make big plays.

Steelers key to victory - Control the clock.  Play Steelers football and control the clock.  Pound the ball between the tackles, pick up yardage and keep the Niners offense off the field.

Weather:  28 degrees, light snow, 5-10 mph wind

1st Half: 

The 49ers win the toss and elect to receive.  They start on their own 37.  The crowd is deafening as the 49ers are shutdown on their opening possession and forced to punt after three plays.

The Steelers take over on their own 26.  Bradshaw starts the drive with a short pass to Swann for 5 yards.  Two plays later, Harris blasts up the middle for a 16 yard gain and the fans are into it.  Bleier takes a hand off and runs off tackle and he busts it open for a big 30 yard gain down to the SF 22.  The Steelers are driving right down the field.  Bradshaw throws down to the goaline and its caught by John Stallworth who fights, but can't get into the end zone.  On the next play, Franco takes the ball and he jogs into the end zone untouched for the Steeler touchdown!  9 plays, 74 yards, 4:44 drive

49ers 0 - Steelers 7

The Niners start out on their own 26.  The offense starts to roll a bit with a 13 yard slant to Rice. Roger Craig picks up a 5 yard gain on the outside, followed up with a 15 yard reception.  The ball is driven to the PIT 37 before stalling.  The 49ers punt and down it on the PIT 6.

Standing near his own end zone, Bradshaw comes out firing.  He hooks up with Swann for a 10 yard gain.  Bleier takes a hand off for another 9 and the Steelers are rolling on offense again.  Harris runs it up the middle for a 14 yard gain and another first down.  They are simply dominating the line of scrimmage, staying in bounds and really chewing up clock.  The 49ers defense gets tougher, but still give up chunks of yardage.  After a couple short passes to Swann, Bradshaw goes for Stallworth again near the end zone and he hauls it in at the SF 4.  On the 16th play of the drive, Harris runs wide and slides just inside the pylon for another touchdown!  16 plays, 94 yards, 9:46 drive

49ers 0 - Steelers 14

After that long time consuming drive, the 49ers need to at least pick up a couple first downs.  The kick coverage is good and they only return it to their own 16.  Craig rushes for a 12 yard gain on first down, but on the next set of downs fail to get 10 yards and have to punt.  However the Steelers jump offsides and the 5 yards is enough to give the 49ers a first down.  Their drive continues, but they are only able to move it three more yards before having to punt.

On their own 23, the Steelers once again go back to the ground and have success.  Harris runs off tackle for a 5 yard gain.  Bradshaw throws a quick swing pass to Harris who catches it and runs for 11 yards.  The 49ers clamp down on the run on the next set of downs and on 3rd and 7, Bradshaw is sacked for a loss by Daniel Stubbs just inside the two minute warning. 

The Steelers are forced to punt for the first time in the game to the dangerous John Taylor.  He returned one last week against the Dolphins.  He fields the punt and makes a couple quick moves and he breaks it loose into the open field.  Colquitt is the last man left and Taylor blows him away and he gets into the end zone for the touchdown.  A 75 yard punt return by John Taylor has given 49ers a much needed boost with 53 seconds left in the half!  The point after attempt though is blocked by Mean Joe Greene and the 49ers only have six.

49ers 6 - Steelers 14

The Steelers get the ball and try to run out the clock, but the 49ers call timeout after each run play and they'll get the ball one more time before the half and more importantly, John Taylor will get another punt return.  Taylor doesn't get as far this time and only makes it to the SF 41 with 21 seconds left and no timeouts.  On first down, Montana is blitzed and sacked by Donnie Shell for a 10 yard loss.  Montana gets them up to the line and runs one last play, which is a 19 yard pass to Brent Jones.

2nd Half: 

The Steelers get the ball first in the second half on their own 24.  They pick up right where they left off.  Harris runs off tackle for a big 18 yard gain.  Sidney Thornton runs for 4 yards.  Bradshaw hits Swann for a quick 8 yard gain. The Steelers get flagged for holding on the next play.  On 1st and 20, Bradshaw looks to get it all back at once, but is picked off by Eric Wright, who is tackled at the 50.

Despite the Steeler domination to this point, the 49ers are making strides and mounting a comeback.  Craig picks up 4 yards on a run play.  The Steelers jump off sides and they pick up another 5.  Montana flings a pass out to Brent Jones for 8 yards.  On a 2nd and 14, the Niners catch the Steelers in a blitz and Montana throws a screen to Rice who picks up 14 yards and a first down down to the PIT 19.  They move it to the PIT 17 before stalling.  Cofer comes on for the field goal and he boots it through.  9 plays, 33 yards, 5:31 drive

49ers 9 - Steelers 14

Pittsburgh takes the kickoff and returns it to their own 27.  On a 3rd and 6, Bradshaw goes downfield and finds Stallworth for a 29 yard gain to the SF 40.  The crowd is now back into the game.  On the next play, Bradshaw pitches it to Harris and he's off to the races, sprinting down the sidelines before getting knocked out of bounds at the SF 7 by Ronnie Lott.  The 49ers defense though is able to hold and keep the Steelers out of the end zone.  Gerela comes in and knocks through the chip shot field goal.  7 plays, 69 yards, 4:45 drive

49ers 9 - Steelers 17

On their next possession the Niners look for a quick strike.  Montana goes deep downfield for Rice, but its broken up by Blount.  The next long pass play is too far for John Taylor.  On 3rd down, Montana finally connects and its with Brent Jones for a 24 yard gain.  On the next play, Montana finds Jerry Rice near the sidelines for another 24 yard gain.  Montana is starting to find his rhythm.  A short 5 yard pass to Rathman and then another to Roger Craig for 13 yards has the 49ers down to the PIT 7.  Montana fires for the back of the end zone and its caught by John Taylor for the touchdown!  They will now go for the tie with the two point conversion.  Montana tries for Craig in the end zone, but its knocked away by Jack Ham.  9 plays, 72 yards, 3:14 drive

49ers 15 - Steelers 17

Despite not tying it up, all of the momentum is with the 49ers now.  On the Steelers next possession, they fail to move the ball and go three and out.

With 11:49 left to play, there's still plenty of time.  On the first play of the 49ers next possession, Craig fumbles and there's a mad scramble for the football, but San Francisco retains possession.  Craig makes up for it and picks up 15 yards on the next play.  The Steelers are having a very tough time with Craig in this half.  Montana continues to slice up the secondary with a 21 yard pass to Taylor to the PIT 37.  Montana finds Rice for 6 and Craig runs up the middle for 4 and another first down.  The drive nearly stalls on the PIT 31, but on 3rd and 14, Montana finds Rice for a 23 yard gain down to the PIT 8.  A big 3rd down conversion for San Francisco. On 1st and Goal, Montana is sacked by Tony Dungy for a 6 yard loss.  On 2nd and Goal, Terrence Flagler is buried for a 1 yard loss, but Lambert gets flagged for grabbing the facemask and the ball is moved to the PIT 10 and they re-do the down.  Craig picks up 6 yards to the PIT 4.  On 3rd and goal, Montana throws a strike to a diving John Taylor for the 49ers touchdown with 3:39 left in the game!  Wow, does this seem familiar?  The 49ers scoring a TD late in the fourth quarter to gain their first lead of the game.  Montana has silenced this raucous crowd.  Interestingly enough, coach Walsh doesn't go for two and kicks the extra point.  13 plays, 69 yards, 8:10 drive

49ers 22 - Steelers 17

The Steelers return the kickoff to their own 19.  On the first play, Bradshaw throws a pass to Swann but its dropped.  Bradshaw regroups the troops and on 2nd down, the run it with Harris and he picks up 8 yards off tackle.  On 3rd and 2, Bradshaw completes a pass to Harris for 6 yards and first down.  The crowd is slowly getting back into it.  Harris pounds straight ahead for another 6 yards.  Bleier is then caught behind the line for a 1 yard loss and as we head into the two minute warning, the Steelers have a critical 3rd and 5 from their own 38.

On 3rd and 5, Bradshaw tries for Stallworth but its overthrown.  Now its fourth down.  On 4th and 5, connects with Swann for a 10 yard gain and a first down as he steps out of bounds.  On the next play Bradshaw finds Stallworth open, but he drops it.  The cold weather must be getting to the receivers.  On 2nd down, Bradshaw underthrows Cunningham, bringing up another big 3rd down.  On 3rd and 10 from the PIT 48, Bradshaw rifles one to Stallworth who makes a nice catch and run down to the SF 29 with 1:27 left.  Timeout Steelers

Bradshaw throws a pass for Bleier but its overthrown.  On 2nd and 10, they hand off to Bleier and he just makes it back to the line.  On 3rd and 10, Bradshaw tries for the end zone but the pass is broken up.  Once again, its fourth down.  On 4th and 10, Bradshaw fires a pass to Randy Grossman and he turns around and rumbles to the SF 11 with 53 seconds left.  Timeout Steelers

The fans are on their feet and terrible towels are waving!  Chants of "HEAR WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!" echo through Three Rivers.  On 1st down, Bradshaw looks for Bleier, but it deflects off his fingers and falls incomplete.  On 2nd down, they pitch it to Harris who sweeps left, follows his blockers and gets into the end zone for his third touchdown of the game!  With a 23-22 lead the Steelers go for two.  They hand off to Bleier and he pushes his way through the middle and into the end zone for the two points!  16 plays, 81 yards, 2:54 drive

49ers 22 - Steelers 25

With 36 seconds and all three timeouts available, the 49ers aren't done yet.  They start out on their own 24.  Montana looks for Craig but the pass is broken up.  On the next play, Montana goes right back to Craig and he picks up 8 yards and gets out of bounds.  Montana finds Rathman for 6 yards and he gets out of bounds with 19 seconds left.  If the Niners want to try to get into field goal range they have to throw a little deeper than this.  Montana looks for Rice downfield, but the pass falls incomplete.  They try another short pass with Craig and hope he can do something, but Jack Ham is there to snuff it out after just 2 yards.  Timeout 49ers

With 9 seconds left and the ball on their own 40 the Niners throw a Hail Mary pass to the corner of the end zone and the pass is.... incomplete!  And the 78 Steelers are headed to the Fantasy Bowl!

Final:  49ers 22 - Steelers 25

Another great, hard fought game between these two franchises, but this time it goes in the Steelers favor.  The 49ers made some big plays at key moments of the game, but the Steelers were simply the better team today.  They dominated the line of scrimmage and moved the ball at will when they needed to.  Now they'll move on and play the 94 49ers in Fantasy Bowl I.

Rooney Conference Championship: 76 Pittsburgh Steelers vs 94 San Francisco 49ers

76 Pittsburgh Steelers vs 94 San Francisco 49ers

Welcome to the Rooney Conference championship game between the 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 1994 San Francisco 49ers.  This afternoon it will be the battle of the giant killers.  The 49ers defeated the second seeded 72 Dolphins, dealing them their first ever loss.  While the 76 Steelers marched into Soldier Field and knocked off the top seeded 85 Bears on a dramatic last second touchdown pass.  One of these two teams Cinderella runs will come to an end today, while the other will play for the ultimate title in the first ever Fantasy Bowl.

Steelers key to victory - Run the football.  Last week, the Niners shutdown the Dolphins two headed monster of Csonka and Morris and came away with the win.  The Steelers can't fall into that same trap and need to be able to move the ball on the ground.

49ers key to victory - Keep things simple.  Don't look for the big play because its not going to happen against this defense.  Throw short passes, get everyone involved and try to keep the Steelers defense off balance.

Weather:  65 degrees, sunny, 5 mph wind

1st Half: 

The 49ers win the toss and elect to receive and return the opening kickoff to the SF 19.  Steve Young comes out firing, but misses his targets on three straight plays and the Niners go three and out.

The Steelers take over on their own 49 and get to work with their running game.  The Niners snuff it out on the first two plays, but Bradshaw completes a third down pass to Stallworth and moves the ball into 49ers territory.  The running game continues to struggle to find room.  Bradshaw bombs one downfield in an attempt to back the 49ers off the line, but its broken up in the end zone by Deion Sanders.  Bradshaw completes a 3rd down pass to Swann for 7 yards down to the SF 32, but its a yard short.  Noll considers going for it, but with how ineffective the running game has been so far, he sends out the field goal unit.  Gerela boots it through and the Steelers draw first blood.  6 plays, 19 yards, 3:34 drive

Steelers 3 - 49ers 0

The 49ers take kickoff to their own 30.  The Niners almost go three and out again, but Young scrambles around and finds Ricky Watters for a 14 yard gain to get them going.  The crowd is energized and the offense has some confidence now.  A quick hand off to Williams Floyd and he pushes ahead for 15 yards.  Young finds Watters for an 8 yard gain and the 49ers are now moving the ball with ease.  The Steelers defense tightens up, but Young is able to convert a couple 3rd downs to keep it going.  The Niners drive down to the PIT 11 before getting stopped.   As the 49ers lineup for the field goal, the Steelers jump offsides.  Its not enough for a first down, but its enough to make coach Seifert change his mind and go for it.  Its a gutsy call because you would hate to drive all this way and eat up that much clock and not come away with points.  Young hands off to Watters who finds a seam and dives ahead for a 5 yard gain.  The fans are on their feet!  Its first and goal from the PIT 1.  They try with Watters again and he's stuffed for a 2 yard loss.  On 2nd and goal, Young is back to pass but can't scramble away from Ernie Holmes and loses another 6 yards.  They lose another yard on a running play and the field goal unit comes out to tie it up.  Big win for the defense, but they were on the field for a very long time.  Doug Brien kick in the 27 yarder to tie it up.  16 plays, 55 yards, 10:53 drive

Steelers 3 - 49ers 3

Pittsburgh gets the ball and starts off on their own 33.  After a sack and another stuffed running play, Bradshaw fires a slant to Theo Bell and he flies down the field for a 42 yard gain before being brought down at the SF 27.  Another Bradshaw pass brings the Steelers down to the SF 17.  The drive stalls at the 13 and Gerela comes out for another field goal.  8 plays, 53 yards, 5:28 drive

Steelers 6 - 49ers 3

It wasn't a touchdown, but the Steelers responded quickly.  The 49ers return the kick to their own 39.  The defense needs a three and out and they get one.  The 49ers get a great punt though and pin the Steelers down to their own 19.

The big play to Theo Bell has backed the 49ers off the line and the Steelers start picking up bigger chunks of yards on the ground.  Bleier runs for 6, Harris for 5.  The Niners start to creep up again and stuff Harris on a 2nd and 5, setting up a 3rd and 4.  With the 49ers close to the line, Bradshaw fires deep and hits John Stallworth, he breaks a Merton Hanks tackle and runs into the end zone for the Steelers touchdown!  A 61 yards touchdown pass to Stallworth!  5 plays, 81 yards, 2:59 drive

Steelers 13 - 49ers 3

San Francisco gets a great run back on the kickoff and returns it to the SF 46.  With 3:14 left in the half, the Niners get the sense that this game is starting to slip away and start to get desperate.  Young throws a couple short passes, but gain little yardage or lose yards.  At the two minute warning, Young finds John Taylor for a 14 yard gain and a first down.  On the next play, Young can't find anyone open, but shows off his great running ability and picks up 15 yards before sliding down at the PIT 22.  Young fires a slant pass to Rice for 15 yards and is brought down at the PIT 7.  On 2nd and goal, they hand off to Watters who pound ahead to the goaline.  They unpile the bodies and the official raises his arms to signal touchdown!  The 49ers get a much needed TD right before halftime.  7 plays, 54 yards, 1:42 drive.

Steelers 13 - 49ers 10

The Steelers start their next drive on their own 26 with 1:28 left and three timeouts.  Bradshaw completes a few short passes for a first down, but isn't able to get beyond the 50 and punt the 49ers deep into their own end.

With 32 seconds left, the 49ers get aggressive and want to try to tie it up before the half.  Young finds Ricky Watters for a 14 yard gain and call timeout.  With only 20 seconds left, they continue their drive and Young is picked off by Glen Edwards and he's sprinting for the end zone.  He dives into the air, but is knocked out of bounds by Watters.  The official gets knocked into and misses it.  The referee on the other side of the end zone calls TD.  The Steelers start to celebrate, but the play is reviewed and its determined that Edwards did not break the plane of the goal before landing out of bounds.  The ball is marked at the SF 1 with 3 seconds.  Noll plays it close to the vest and kicks the field goal.  Gerela bangs in the 18 yarder and the Steelers tack on the extra three right before the half. 

Steelers 16 - 49ers 10

2nd Half: 

The Steelers get the ball first and start on their own 31.  On first down Harris runs for 5 yards and then fumbles, but its quickly recovered by the Steelers.  Harris runs straight forward for another 5.  The Steelers continue to pound the football and try to establish their running game, but eventually the drive is stopped at the SF 49.

The 49ers start on their own 11.  Young makes a couple nice passes to Rice and Jones before the drive stops at their own 35 and are forced to punt.

Once again the Steelers try to establish their running game and appear to be breaking down the 49er defense.  Bleier blasts through for 16 yards and then again run for 4.  Harris takes a hand off and slashes up the right side for 11 yards.  The Steelers get a little tricky and run a reverse with Swann who has a ton of blocking ahead, but gets tripped up by Ken Norton Jr and only comes away with 7 yards.  The 49ers finally get a big play on defense when Dana Stubblefield sacks Bradshaw for a big loss, but the play is nullified after a defensive holding penalty. The continue to run and run well as they pound their way down to the SF 9.  Another short yardage situation for Noll, but he decides to make it a two score game and sends out Gerela.  He boots in a 26 yard field goal.  9 plays, 55 yards, 6:10 drive

Steelers 19 - 49ers 10

The 49ers take over on their own 35 with just over a minute left in the quarter.  Like the Steelers they begin to experience some success on the ground with a couple of nice gains by Floyd.  Young mixes in a few short passes and the Niners are on the move again.  On a 3rd and 3, Young fires downfield and finds Jerry Rice for a big 26 yard pickup down to the PIT 21.  On the next set of down, Young misfires for Rice who was open on 3rd and 5 and they send out Brien for the 33 yard field goal and make it a one score game again.  9 plays, 49 yards, 5:01 drive

Steelers 19 - 49ers 13

With the crowd back in the game, the Steelers try to move the ball on the ground again and grind down the clock, but 49er defense is up to the task this time and force a three and out.

With the ball on their own 37, Young comes out throwing but can't come up with a first down either and the 49ers go three and out.

On the Steelers next possession, Harris runs for 10 yards, but aside from that the Steelers fail to move the ball.  With 6:32 left in the game, the Steelers appear to be content to run the ball, run off as much clock as possible and punt the 49ers in their own end.

San Francisco knows that if they're going to make a move its going to have to be soon.  On a 3rd and 6, Young completes a slant to John Taylor who breaks a tackle and takes off for a 23 yard gain to the PIT 35.  Young throws another strike to Rice for 13 yards.  Marc Logan takes a draw play and runs for 13 yards off the left side down to the PIT 9 with 2:51 remaining.  The crowd is on their feet.  On 1st and Goal, they hand off to Watters and he's tripped up for a 1 yard loss.  2nd and Goal, Young goes to the end zone for Brent Jones, but its batted away by Donnie Shell.  On 3rd and Goal, Young lobs a pass to the back corner of the end zone for Rice and its caught for the touchdown!  Noll throws out the challenge flag contesting that Rice didn't have possession of the ball with both feet down in bounds.  The call is upheld and with the extra point, the 49ers have their first lead of the game!  8 plays, 62 yards, 4:15 drive

Steelers 19 - 49ers 20

The Steelers take over at their own 39 with 1:57 left and only two timeouts.  They did it just last week against the Bears and this time they only need a field goal.  With the crowd on their field and chanting "DEE-FENSE", it feels like deja vu.  Bradshaw drops back to pass, but he's taken down by Stubblefield for a 6 yard loss.  The Steelers call timeout.

With the 49ers defense in prevent, they run a draw play to Harris, but he's stopped after 3 yards.  Bradshaw gets everyone lined up quickly and drops back to pass, he can't find anyone and scrambles out of bounds after a 5 yard gain.  From their own 41, it comes down to this.... 4th and 8.  Bradshaw back to pass and he throws a laser to Lynn Swann for 11 yards and the first down.  Another quick draw play, this time to Bleier picks up 5 yards to the SF 43.  On 2nd and 5, Bradshaw looks for Swann again, but its knocked away by Deion Sanders.  On 3rd and 5, Bradshaw completes a pass to Cunningham, but he's brought down 2 yards shy for the first.  The Steelers wait for the clock to roll down to 3 seconds and then use their final timeout.

Bradshaw shakes his head as he comes off the field, wishing he could have gotten closer as the field goal unit comes onto the field and lines up for the 57 yard attempt.  Gerela already has 4 field goals in this game.  With the crowd going crazy, Gerela lines up, kicks it, its right down the middle, but falls short.  NO GOOD!  Deion Sanders runs down, picks up the ball and celebrates in front of the Steelers sidelines as "Primetime" and the 94 49ers are headed to the Fantasy Bowl!  Jack Lambert makes his way towards Sanders, but the two are broken up.  Several Steelers and 49ers are jawing back and forth and the ending handshake is short.

Final:  Steelers 19 - 49ers 20

Another wild ending for the 76 Steelers, but unfortunately they fall short this time.  The 49ers once again do a great job against the run and hold the Steelers to under 4 yards per carry as a team.  The defense came up big when it needed to once again.  The Young to Rice connection had a lot of success and came up big in the final minutes of the game.  The tension at the end was interesting.  Sanders should probably be careful, he could end up going against a lot of these same players in two weeks.  Speaking of which later today, the 89 49ers will have a chance to make the very first Fantasy Bowl an all Niners championship as they take on the 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers.

Fantasy Bowl I Playoffs: Conference Championships

76 Pittsburgh Steelers at 94 San Francisco 49ers - This contest will be the a battle between two giant killers.  Last week, the 76 Steelers pulled up an enormous upset over the top seeded 85 Chicago Bears with a last second touchdown pass.  Meanwhile, the 94 49ers shocked the world by becoming the first team to ever defeat the 72 Miami Dolphins.  Which team's Cinderella ride will continue?  Gametime: Sunday, January 18th, 12pm 

89 San Francisco 49ers at 78 Pittsburgh Steelers - Despite the best efforts of the other 4 teams in the Camp Conference, nothing could stop these two juggernauts from meeting up in the conference championship.    The 18-1 Patriots didn't stand a chance and were outgunned by Montana and company at Candlestick last week, 37-13.  This week, they'll meet up with the defensive minded 78 Steelers that beat the 2000 Ravens, 15-3, in a very tough, physical, defensive battle.  Gametime: Sunday, January 18th, 5pm

NFL Conference Championships

Philadelphia Eagles vs Arizona Cardinals

Eagles:  They may appear to be flying high after knocking off the defending champs last week, but the Eagles star back, Brian Westbrook is still having problems with his knee.  No, he hasn't looked like himself in the past couple weeks, but its not like he played against cupcakes defenses either in Minnesota and New York.  Whatever the problem is, I'm sure that B-West will be out there even he's on crutches.  Let's not forget last time these two played, Westbrook annihilated the Cardinals and that was after four straight bad weeks and it was speculated that his injuries were catching up to him.  The Eagles are playing their best football right now and will be very tough to beat.

Cardinals:  The Cardinals may not have had an answer for Westbrook in their last encounter, but that was coming off a short week in which they had to travel across the country and play in Philly.  This offense has never looked as dangerous as it does right now.  Edgerrin James has come to life at just the right time and gives Arizona some respectability on the ground.  They'll need him to have a good game in order for them to win.  If the Cardinals are forced to pass all day, the Eagles will tee off on Warner with their blitzes.  Edge will be the X-Factor on who goes to the Super Bowl for the NFC.

Fantasy Factors:  Donovan McNabb (8), Edgerrin James (7)

Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Ravens:  Third times a charm or three strikes and you're out?  That will be the question this Sunday in Pittsburgh.  Despite making it this far, the offense really hasn't improved all that much and faces an even tougher challenge this week against the number one ranked defense.  The Ravens defense remains the only fantasy option for the Ravens, but even that looks a little iffy this week as they have a lot of injury concerns going into this game, most notably, Terrell Suggs who is questionable. 

Steelers:  With a trip to the SB XLIII on the line, the Steelers need to do two things that sound easy enough, but in reality are actually quite difficult.  Win at home and beat a team that you've already beaten twice this year.  Sounds simple enough.  Too bad that team you have to beat owns the second best defense in football.  And too bad you're the Pittsburgh Steelers who have lost so many AFC championships at home just hearing the words "Lamar Hunt Trophy" brings chills to your spine because you're used to seeing the other team raise it on your field.  All history aside, the Steelers should come away with the win.  Its not a fluke that the Steelers have beaten the Ravens in 3 of their last 4 meetings.  They have a better offense, a better defense and better coaching.  The Steelers and Ravens are mirror images of each other, but the Steelers, right now, are just a little bit better at each position.

Fantasy Factors:  Ravens defense (7), Steelers defense (9)

Fantasy Hockey Notes 1/15/2009

Roberto Luongo - Don't look now, but one of the most feared masked men in hockey is about to return.  He has returned to practice as a full participant and is expected to play tonight at home against the Coyotes.  This should be a nice little warm up shutout for Luongo as he gets back into the swing of things.  Its been a tough couple of months for Luongo owners, but your luck is about to change for the better in a big way.

(Photo by Reuters Photos)

Mats Sundin - For those of you that thought Sundin would come back and light the world on fire, you really need to read this blog more.  Sundin is slow out of the gate recording just a goal and a assist in 4 games with a minus 3 rating.  Thirty seven, going on thirty eight, year old players can't miss half the season and come back and play the way they used to... well unless they're named Mario Lemieux.  Sundin will be a solid contributor for sure by fantasy hockey playoff time.

Rick Nash - After going through a rough patch in early December, Nash re-discovered his scoring touch and was posting some impressive numbers.  However on January 6th, his point streak ended with a left knee injury and the Jackets recently moved him to the IR.   There is officially no word how long he'll be out, but I read that its possible he could be back as soon as tomorrow.

Andy McDonald - Even though he was skating earlier in the month, McDonald said he is still feeling a great deal of pain in his ankle and probably won't return until after the All Star break now.  So those you that jumped on him early will have wait another 10 days or so.

Bobby Ryan - The second overall pick in the year Sidney Crosby was drafted, is making a big name for himself over the past couple months.  Since Selanne went down with an injury last month Ryan has picked up a ton more ice time and he's cashing in big for the Ducks and his owners.  Ryan has 6 goals and 2 assists in his last 7 games.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with Ryan, here's a little highlight that will stick with you.

Marty Turco - Recently Coach Tippett of the Stars said that he plans on playing Marty Turco in every game for the remainder of the season.  I don't expect that to happen, but that doesn't mean he won't try to do it.  The fact that Turco may play around 75-76 games this year, makes him value to own, even if he isn't playing at his best. 

Patrick Marleau - It was a short experiment and a scary one for Marleau owners, but after one game of not playing on the top line with Joe Thornton, this duo has been reunited.  Fortunately, in the game they were not together, they lost and this line was quickly put back together.  Apparently Todd McClellan never heard of the saying, "If its not broke, don't fix it".

Brendan Shanahan - Shanny is going back to where it all began.  He signed a deal with the Devils this past weekend and will join the team this weekend.  Its unsure how soon he'll be in game shape however.  Once again, older player missing half the season isn't a good short term solution and at age 40, I don't think he'll make a good long term one either.

Rick DiPietro - With the season spiraling away from the playoffs (and here I was thinking the Isles were going make it this year) and DiPietro's knee still giving him problems, they will most likely decide to shut him down for the season.

Daniel Briere - Once again Mighty Might may be playing with the Flyers again and hopefully is fully healed from his groin problems.  He's currently on a rehab assignment with the Philly Phantoms of the AHL and picked up a goal and a assist last night.  I expect him to be back with the team and at full strength by this time next week.

Phil Kessel - Can someone please give this poor guy a break?  After fighting and beating cancer a couple years ago, Kessel now has mono and is expected to miss a month.  Its a big loss to the Bruins and his owners as he was on a pace for almost a 50 goal season.

Carey Price - The "next great Canadiens goaltender" has yet to play a game in 2009 and will in all likelihood not play in front of his home crowd in the All Star game.  This has to be frustrating for his owners.  When he's in there, he's great, but he's only played in 7 games in the last two months.

Martin Gerber - Darth BabyFood's days in Ottawa may be numbered.  This past weekend he was a healthy scratch and there is speculation that he will be waived in the very near future.

Vincent Lecavalier - Over the past week, there has been a lot of noise about the possibility of Lecavalier getting traded to the Habs.  Both teams have denied it, but the rumors still persist.  For Vinny owners, this could be a big shot in the arm, as they've had to put up with a pretty mediocre season from him thus far, although his play has picked up a bit over the past few weeks.

Fantasy Bowl Playoffs: 76 Pittsburgh Steelers vs 85 Chicago Bears

 
76 Pittsburgh Steelers vs 85 Chicago Bears

Hello everyone and welcome to Soldier Field where the 76 Pittsburgh Steelers will try to complete the circle and make the final four an all Steelers / 49ers championship round.  Standing in their way, the champions of Super Bowl XX, the 15-1 Chicago Bears.  Its been argued for a long time, which franchise owns the better defense.  Well here today, in the cold and snow, we have the Steel Curtain going head to head with that vaunted 85 Bears defense.  Today, we get to see which one is better.  If the Steelers win they'll head to San Francisco to play the 94 49ers.  If the Bears win, they'll host the Rooney Conference championship.

Steelers key to victory - Stop Payton.  Walter Payton is the whole Bears offense.  If the Steelers can shut him down, the Bears will have trouble moving the football with just Jim McMahon.

Bears key to victory - Force turnovers.  This Bears defense can make a lot of big plays.  Force fumbles, rush the passer, pick off passes, this defense loves to force turnovers and they need to do more of the same today to give their offense a short field.

Weather:  25 degrees, light snow, 10 mpg wind

1st Half: 

The Steelers start out on their own 22.  The Chicago crowd is extremely loud and the Steelers commit a false start, backing them up to their own 17 now.  The Steelers try to run, but the Bears bottle it up.  On 3rd and 13, Bradshaw hits Theo Bell for a 21 yard gain and a first down, quieting the crowd a little.  The running game gets going a little with a 13 yard gain by Harris followed up with a 10 yarder.  The Bears defense gets tougher against the run, shuts it down and the Steelers are forced to punt inside Bears territory.

The Bears return the punt to their own 33 and start there.  McMahon tries for a couple passes, but neither find their mark and the Bears end up going three and out. 

The Steelers next drive, they continue to try to establish the run with Harris and Bleier picking up 3 and 4 yards here and there.  Bradshaw finds Stallworth for a 6 yard gain on a 3rd and 5.  Bradshaw continues the short passes to counter the Bears blitzing and pick up good yardage down the field.  The Steelers however get a holding penalty and it sets them back a bit. They reach the CHI 23, but are inches short for a first down.  Noll sends out Gerela for the 40 yard attempt and its good.  12 plays, 59 yards, 8:08 drive

Steelers 3 - Bears 0

The Bears return the kickoff to the CHI 44.  Great starting field position, but the Bears go backwards with a busted running play and a false start penalty.  On 3rd and 14 McMahon throws a screen pass to Payton and he breaks it upfield for a huge 18 yard gain and first down.  Mike Wagner made a potentially TD saving tackle on the play.  The play riles up the crowd, but the Bears drive ends with a sack by Andy Russell.  The Bears punt the Steelers down to their own 16.

Bradshaw comes out again with a couple short passes to get them out of their own end.  The Bears spread out their defense to counter the short passes and Bleier pounds up the middle for 12 yards.  The Bears are simply being out coached right now.  The Bears tighten up and come up with the stop.  The Bears get punted to their own 27.

The Bears realizing its not going to come easy start to pound away with their own running game.  Payton flies up the middle for 18.  Shuey for 4 and Payton for another 5.  The Bears are dominating the line of scrimmage right now and are simply out muscling the Steelers.  McMahon can't scrambles for a 15 yard gain to the PIT 17.  McMahon completes a pass to Willie Gault and he's tackled at the PIT 2.  They hand off to Payton on 1st and goal and he gets into the end zone for the touchdown!  9 plays, 68 yards, 5:33 drive

Steelers 3 - Bears 7

The Steelers start out on their own 31 with just over 2 minutes left in the half.  The Steelers try to run their two minute offense, but the Bears defense is all over them.  Pittsburgh gets one first down before punting the Bears to their own 11.

The Bears try their two minutes offense and try to get at least into field goal range, but can only make it to the CHI 33 before time expires.

2nd Half: 

The Bears get the ball first in the second half and return it to the CHI 39, but the offense goes backwards on three plays and punts.

On their first possession of the half, the Steelers get back to mixing short passes with running plays.  Bleier picks up 16 yards on two running plays.  Bradshaw runs a play action and finds John Stallworth downfield for a 16 yard gain to the CHI 36.  After a false start penalty, Bradshaw connects with Lynn Swann for a 9 yard gain, but its not enough for a first down and the Steelers will attempt a 46 yard field goal.  The kick is up and its no good!  The Steelers come up empty.

The Bears get the ball in pretty good field position now and run the ball for a first down, but are stopped on their second set of downs after a sack by LC Greenwood on 3rd and 9.

The Steelers start out on their own 31 and try to run the ball, but the Bears aren't having any of it and stuff them on three straight plays to force a punt. 

Starting out on their own 36, the Bears get a big play on another screen pass to Payton on a 3rd and 12.  Payton flies up field for a 22 yard gain to end the 3rd quarter.  The Bears are moving the football well now, but just when things were looking so good McMahon is picked off by Glen Edwards who dives in front of Willie Gault for the big interception. 

Momentum is on the Steelers side now.  The Steelers get a holding penalty on 1st down, but a Bleier 10 yard run and a 13 yard scramble by Bradshaw gets them the first down to the 50 yard line.  The Bears start to crowd the line and Bradshaw audibles into shorter passes as the Steelers move into field goal range again.  Bradshaw lobs a pass to Cunningham for a 16 yard gain on a play action.  He then fires an 11 yard slant to Theo Bell to the CHI 5.  Noll decides to stick with the hot hand and Bradshaw lobs one to the corner of the end zone for Swann and he comes down with it for the Steelers touchdown!  11 plays, 77 yards, 6:34 drive

Steelers 10 - Bears 7

The Bears start off on their own 15 after a holding penalty on the kickoff.  With only 6:45 left, the Bears know they may not get many more chances.  A quick hand off to Matt Suhey picks up 16 yards and gets the Bears going.  McMahon finds Ken Margerum for 18 yards on a big 3rd and 10.  McMahon is then sacked by Mike Wagner for a 7 yard loss and the Bears fail to convert on 3rd and 4th down.  They turn it over on downs at their own 42 with just 1:53 left.

The Steelers run the ball on three straight plays, with the Bears calling timeout after each.  It brings up a 4th and 2 at the CHI 34 with 1:38 left.  Instead of punting the Bears deep, Coach Noll decides to go for the win right here and now.  He runs up the middle with Harris, but comes up short and the Bears take over on downs!  The crowd is going insane!  A gutsy, aggressive call, but the Bears get the ball back at the CHI 33 instead of deeper in their own end.

The Bears have second life now McMahon hits Willie Gault downfield for a 24 yard gain to the PIT 46.  The Bears hurry up the line and catch the Steelers off sides, McMahon has a free play and he goes deep down field for Emery Moorehead who is all alone.  No one is going to catch him and he rumbles into the end zone for the touchdown!  The crowd is deafening and Soldier Field is rocking!  4 plays, 67 yards, 0:45 drive

Steelers 10 - Bears 14

Kevin Butler boots the kickoff threw the end zone and the Steelers start off on their own 20 with 47 seconds and three timeouts.  Bradshaw throws a short out pass to Randy Grossman for 14 yards, but he fails to get out of bounds and the Steelers burn a timeout. 

Bradshaw finds Bleier downfield, he picks up a big block from Stallworth and runs for a 29 yard gain to the CHI 37 with just 33 seconds left.  Bradshaw works the sidelines and gets them down to the CHI 21 with 16 seconds left.  The fans are on their feet and noise is incredible with chants of "DEE-FENSE".  The Steelers try to catch the Bears off guard and run a draw play to Harris who picks up 5 yards before being brought down at the CHI 16 with 11 seconds left.  Steelers use their second timeout. 

The Steelers need to get a touchdown and the Bears know it.  Theo Bell runs an out pattern and turns upfield, but steps out of bounds before reaching the defender at the CHI 6. 

With 5 seconds left, this could be the last play of the game.  Bradshaw takes the snap, pump fakes to Bleier standing at the 1, then scrambles to his right.  Richard Dent has broken through and is in hot pursuit.  Bradshaw fires to the end zone and its CAUGHT by Bennie Cunningham for the TOUCHDOWN!!  Unbelievable!!  There is no time left on the clock and the Steelers are headed to the semifinals!  The Bears fans are in shock.  Some are throwing snow balls onto the field.  The only noise that can be heard is the Steelers celebrating in the end zone.  8 plays, 80 yards, 0:47 drive

Steelers 17 - Bears 14

All I can say is, WOW, what an ending!  John Elway eat your heart out.  Bradshaw drives the Steelers 80 yards in the final 47 seconds for the winning touchdown to upset the top seeded Bears.  Bradshaw may not have the most impressive stats, but he comes up big in the big games.  Chuck Noll owes him a big thanks after going for it on 4th down and basically energizing the Bears who then drove down the field and scored the late go ahead TD.  It was a defensive battle till the 4th quarter, then all hell broke loose.  So it will be an all Steelers vs 49ers final four.  The 94 49ers will host the 76 Steelers, while the 78 Steelers will host the 89 49ers.