Yes, I spelled Chiefs incorrectly on purpose. If it's good enough for the Bungles. . . . A few pregame notes: * Expect Willie Parker to play more today. Of course, Bruce Arians planned to play his -- dare we say this now -- No. 2 halfback more often, on every third series, the past two games. Situations...
Minnesota -- how could a team with horns on its helmet call "tails?" -- won the toss and elected to receive. The temp is up to 55, and the sun makes it feel warmer. Game on. FIRST QUARTER 1:03 p.m.: The Vikings gave the defense three very different looks, including a little no-huddle. And you...
By Bob Smizik | Monday, 12:15 a.m. I haven’t done the research, but it’s entirely possible that in the era of NFL free agency no team has been better equipped to repeat as Super Bowl champion than the Steelers. It’s an NFL tradition that lesser teams regularly pick off the best talent...
8:07 p.m.: Meanwhile, back at the ranch. . . . One-hundred ninety-three days later -- and, man, did those pass quickly -- the Super Bowl Polamalu finalists returned to kick-start their 2009 preseasons. A touchback, a nowhere run from a one-back, and the defending champYinz weren't exactly off to...
By Bob Smizik | Monday, 12:45 a.m. It would be an exaggeration to say everyone and his brother has a mock draft posted on the Internet. But not by all that much. Hundreds, if not thousands, feel the need to go public with a prediction on what will happen when the NFL sits down to the ultra-serious business...
By Bob Smizik | Thursday, 12:30 a.m. Is it possible that with the winning of two more Super Bowls in the past four years and with the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to a nine-figure contract and the signing of linebacker James Harrison this week to a contract that could pay him as much as $51 million...
By Bob Smizik | Posted at 10:05 a.m. Mike Tomlin says he wants no talk of repeat, but with all due respect to the coach that’s the subject today. Under any circumstances it is difficult to repeat as Super Bowl champion. One injury, one off-year by a key player or a couple of bad bounces can turn...
12:55 p.m.: "What a demanding schedule," Phil Simms reminded. Yeah, the most difficult in decades. And that was before Tennessee started 10-0. That remains a pointed question: Could the wear and tear of such a difficult schedule, especially a New England-Dallas-Baltimore flourish, catch up...