Back In Action

After a summer long hiatus it is great to be back in the game. I would have loved to continue writing after spring semester, but it is very difficult to stay focused during such a busy season. I have missed so much, and I feel as if I should cover everything that happened this past summer, but I'd like to start fresh. Fall semester has begun and new courses are in action. I am continuing on to the second level Journalism/New Media class, and I am very excited. This class gives me a chance to stay more disciplined in my writing. It will help me build my writing techniques and skills, and will hopefully encourage me to take the next step in the Mass Communication field. I hope for this class to provide me with more advanced knowledge of audio/video softwares, along with a better understanding of the journalistic world.

Football season is 2 weeks away, and no one does it better than Baltimore. Last season, the Baltimore Ravens shocked the football world with an 11-5 season thanks to a little help from a rookie Quarterback and rookie Head Coach. This season, hopes are the highest they have ever been as our surprising rookies from 2008 are now more dangerous, more versatile, and more aggressive. I honestly believe our remarkable 2008 season is just a stepping stone of more amazing years to come. This is the perfect time to begin blogging once again. Nothing is more exciting than football, and no team is more electrifying than the Baltimore Ravens.

My main focus this semester is to blog strictly about the 2009 Baltimore Ravens. However, if anything interesting or odd comes along, then I will most certainly throw in a random blog not concerning the purple and black. "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?????!!!!!"

New Home, New Problems

Balls continue to fly out of the New Yankee Stadium this year. The new park has seen a recorded 26 homeruns in six home games. That is one more than the previous record for the first six games at a major league venue. It didn't seem too odd at first, but when you look at the number of homeruns hit at the old Yankee stadium then it is certainly cause for concern.

General Manager, Brian Cashman, even said that the organization will have to start monitoring the number of balls flying into the stands. There is no doubt that the new Yankee Stadium is a home run ball park, but it doesn't seem possible that 26 can be hit in six games.

Well, there is an actual reason to this homerun problem. It has been reported that the new stadium was built into a different wind pattern direction as the old stadium. The old Yankee stadium had more stacked tiers and a large upper deck. The higher deck acted like a solid wall which would cause the wind to swirl and be less concentrated. The new stadium is less stacked. This allows the wind to blow entirely across the field with less restriction. Balls are given a much more forceful lift, causing more homeruns, especially towards right field. If this is the case, then games will only be effected with more homeruns on days that winds are higher than 10mph.

If I'm not mistaken, September and October have higher winds than the summer. Just another advantage for the Yankees. Not only do they pay for three players at prices higher than it took to even build the stadium, but they could possibly score more runs than already projected. We'll see how the season will progress, and whether the Yankees are forced make a change to their new home.

Nick Adenhart 1986-2009

The biggest story to hit the news this week was the tragic, unexpected death of Angel's rookie, Nick Adenhart. The 22-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland was in a deadly car accident in Fullerton, California only 3 hours after he made his Major League Debut on the mound.

Adenhart and two other friends went out late Wednesday night to celebrate the most impressive game of his short career. The three were victims of an alleged drunk driver as their Mitsubishi Eclipse was slammed into at 50mph while sitting at a red light. The cowardly driver in the Toyota minivan thought he could flee the scence on foot, but was eventually caught and charged with three counts of murder. Adenhart's dad was waiting for Nick and his friends at the nightclub where they were to celebrate, but Nick never made it.

When I heard the news, my heart sank. I had literally just watched Nick play that same evening when he pitched 6 scoreless innings, gave up 7 hits, and struck out 5. I thought it was some sort of sick joke. Untimely deaths occur in Major League Sports every so often, but none of them had a bigger effect on me than Nick Adenhart. The young age made his death more heart-breaking...and after he just pitched his greatest game of his life makes everything seem unfathomable.

It's disgusting that a drunk driver is always able to walk away from an accident without a scratch. It just puts things into perspective. Some of these big time baseball players take for granted the money they make. They should just be happy for the blessed opportunity to even play in the Majors. They should thank God every single day to be lucky enough to step foot onto a baseball field, that they are fortunate enough even to be alive. Players like Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez wait until their chump-change offers get turned into $180 million, and quite frankly, I have to pop a few TUMS in my stomach because it makes me want to puke. Nick Adenhart was just a kid who had a simple dream to play in the Majors. He didn't have to make millions. He was happy enough to get the chance to do what he loved, play baseball.

Nick Adenhart was able to fulfill his dream of one day playing in the majors. His career was shortlived, but his legacy will last forever. Maybe it was a coincidence that he played for the Angels......

An Opening Day To Remember

Opening Day brings a sense of optimism. There is nothing like the feeling of beginning a fresh year tied for 1st place. Despite 11 straight losing seasons, hopes were high, and the enthusiasm was greater than I've ever seen it at Camden Yards. Even the terrential rain that hit Baltimore on Monday didn't seem to touch the bright attitudes of Oriole fans. Everyone has in their hearts that this is the season we break our losing-record streak, and who better to start off strong than against the most hated team in sports, The New York Yankees.

The Baltimore Orioles hold one of the best Opening Day records in the history of Major League Baseball. The last time the Yankees and Orioles met on Opening Day was back in 2002. Tony Batista hit a Grandslam as the Orioles roughed up "Future Hall of Famer", Roger Clemens, for 8 Earned Runs. Final Score: Orioles 10 Yankees 3. A similar situation occurred Monday as the Orioles once again slaughtered one of the best pitchers in the league. C.C. Sabathia was the Yanks starting pitcher. He went 11-2 last season with 7 complete games and an extremely impressive ERA of 1.65. Those poor Birds never stood a chance against the 6'7'' 290 pound power lefty. But I guess the big man C.C. was thinking more about what sort of deli spread there would be in the locker room after the game. The O's beat up on Sabathia pretty badly. They put up 6 Earned Runs, and never looked back. It's almost as if the Orioles thrive off of embarrasing not only the best pitchers in the league, but the New York Yankees, on Opening Day. If only they knew how to play this well in September. My blood pressure would be lower, and I would probably have more hair because I hadn't pulled all of it out by All-Star Break. I guess the $161 million contract for Sabathia is really paying off, Steinbrenner!

The highlight of the game was not Sabathia's poor performance. It was the opportunity that Baltimore fans got to boo hometown kid, Mark Teixeira. For those of you who are not following, Teixeira grew up in Baltimore and always watched the Orioles when he was younger. It would've been a great chance to have a hometown hero born and bred play in his backyard. Fans were excited for this possibility. He eventually landed a deal with his own Baltimore rival, The New York Yankees. We understand that the Yankees are able to dish out hundreds of millions. No harm, no foul. Although the press conference in New York was a slap in the face to the entire city of Baltimore. When Teixeira officially became a Yankee, he gave his speech about how he always looked up to Yankee Hall of Famer, Don Mattingly. He continued to jabber about how he would go to Oriole games as a kid and wear his Yankee hat, and support the Yankees. Not exactly the safest thing to do in Baltimore. Teixeira says, "It was worth it." It wasn't the fact that he signed with the Yankees that made Baltimore feel betrayed, it was the extremely positive statements about New York that was the twist of the dagger. When Teixeira took the field for the first time as a Yankee, he wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms.

A Special Treat For Baltimore

In midst of the NCAA Tourney, NFL Draft talk, and MLB's upcoming season, there is the forgotten sport of Soccer that is hitting the news. It is important to follow what is going on around your hometown from time to time. But, I guess when the Ravens are in the their off-season, and The Orioles have not quite started their own season, then it could be difficult to keep up with Baltimore sports. However, this summer, our hometown of Baltimore will be receiving quite a treat.

It has been announced that two of the largest, most successful soccer clubs in Europe, AC Milan and Chelsea FC, will play a match in July at M&T Bank Stadium. The match will be Friday, July 24, at 8 p.m. The European soccer clubs will be in the midst of their pre-season preparations, so it is highly likely that the team's greatest players will be on the field in Baltimore.

Even if you are not a soccer fan, nor have you ever touched a soccer ball, this event is actually very special. Our own hometown of Baltimore will get a rare opportunity to see some of the greatest, most important athletes from around the world. People do not realize that Soccer in Europe is way larger than the NFL or MLB in America. For those of you who know nothing about AC Milan and Chelsea, they are two of the most prestigious, historic soccer clubs in Europe. AC Milan (Italy) has won the most international competitions in the world. Chelsea has been known to be the "New York Yankees" in the European League. They stack their team with the best players and pay them money even A-Rod has never seen.

Enjoy soccer, or not, this match will be one of the largest, most talked about events around Maryland this year. You can bet that the AC Milan/Chelsea match will be the most prevalent game Baltimore has seen in quite a while, and it will definitely be worth watching. I suggest everyone mark their calendars for July 24, and witness hometown history.

1st and 2nd Round Wrap-Up

Forget Christmas. MARCH is the most wonderful time of the year....at least for sports fans. It's the time of year when everyone can come together, share predictions, yell at the television, and win/lose money. Hearts are crushed and dreams are made as 64 college teams from around the country battle to become #1. Brackets are handed in, and the first 2 rounds are completed. The sweet 16 is set. Although, nothing too unusual in the first weekend of play.

The only big back breakers were courtesy of #12 seed Arizona, #13 seed Cleveland State, and #12 Wisconsin, all in the first round. Both Cleveland State and Wisconsin were huge shockers. Cleveland State could have played their bench, and still beat their opponent, # 4 Wake Forest, who might as well not even have showed up. Same goes for Arizona. They whooped up on # 5 Utah whose defense did not live up to reputation. This does not come as a huge surprise considering everyone thought Arizona deserved a better seed to begin with. Wisconsin, however, won an overtime nail-biter against Florida State who actually made it to the ACC Championship this year against Duke. Many thought Florida State would have no problem beating a #12 seed such as Wisconsin, but it's called March Madness for a reason.

Despite 3 big upsets in the first round, nothing too crazy happened in the second round of play. Arizona did wind up playing Cleveland State, and winning. Duke, a #2 seed this year, managed to narrowly escape Texas towards the final minutes of the the second round. Also, #4 Gonzaga, a team that roughed up Akron in the first round, barely squeezed out a 2 point win with .9 second left on the clock against a possible Cinderella in Western Kentucky.

What really concerned everyone is the intensity of the higher seeded teams. Pittsburgh, a #1 seeded favorite to possibly win the tournament has trailed late in both games they have played. Pittsburgh came together in the final minutes, but it is really scary seeing a #1 seed scratching and clawing to beat a lower seeded team. DeJuan Blair is able to dominate the glass, but I'm not sure if that will be enough for the Panthers against a tough #4 Xavier.

Preview of Sweet 16

Some very hard match-ups are coming up, and can make or break anyone's bracket. An aggressive #3 Villanova will take on #2 Duke. It's Coach K's opportunity to prove President Obama wrong. North Carolina will have to prove that they are the nation's best team with Tyler Hansborough and Ty Lawson against #4 Gonzaga. Syracuse looks like they are barreling through everyone in their sight, especially after their 6OT win late in the season. That seems like trouble for one of the best athletes this year in Blake Griffin, who averages 22.5 points per game for #2 Oklahoma.

Other games include #1 Louisville who has been looking like Pittsburgh, but it should not be anything to worry about considering they are playing #12 seed, Arizona. Michigan State vs. Kansas is another battle between a #2 and #3. Kansas won the national championship last year, and they are looking to defend their title, and are looking to play a seriously aggressive game against State. The last two match-ups between UCONN/Purdue, and Missouri/Memphis will most likely be overlooked this weekend, but I think they will be something to talk about.

Who will be this years hero? Which teams will crumble and fall? How many buzzer-beaters, or Overtime wins will there be? When will the next bracket buster come? Anything is possible in College Basketball. Welcome to the Sweet 16!

FREE TICKETS IN 2009!!

It's already March, which means another baseball season is around the corner. I know it is a little early to be talking about how many games under .500 the Orioles will be, but lets face it, nothing else interesting is happening. I could talk about how Lebron once again put up 35 points, an effortless 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. BORING!

It's always new and exciting to think how well your home team will be this season. With high hopes, young players, and a better pitching staff the Orioles actually have a shot of reaching a winning record. However, as long as we are in the same division with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays then we will never make the playoffs. Eleven straight losing seasons can really crush your soul and dignity as a baseball fan. But, every April is the start of a brand new season and anything can happen. It's up to the fans to really bring enthusiasm and excitement into a fresh, new team.

Fans are already raving about how the organization changed the away jersey's to read: Baltimore. This is the first time since the 1970's that the Orioles have represented Baltimore on their uniforms. The fans have been wanting this for over 30 years, and they finally got it. It says, "We are from Baltimore, don't forget it." We are not just the Orioles, we are The Baltimore Orioles. It is little changes like this that really make the fans feel as though this will be a great season, and the beginning of something great. If the Rays can take the Devil out of their name, and then reach the World Series, then we can add Baltimore and do the same thing.

Lately it has all been about the fans. The Baltimore Orioles public relations field have finally been coming up with new ways to get the fans more involved in their home team. They want to draw larger crowds and put Baltimore back on the map as one of the greatest sports cities in America. This season they are trying something new. The Baltimore Orioles invite all fans to attend a game in 2009 FOR FREE!!! They are inviting all baseball fans to celebrate their birthdays at Orioles Park and attend a game for free in 2009. All additional information is listed on the Baltimore Orioles Press Release.

I am so glad the Orioles are finally doing something to bring Baltimore back. With the growing problems of the economy it is hard for fans to attend sporting events because the ticket prices are sky high. I think this is a brilliant idea on the Oriole's part. This will bring in more fans, more enthusiasm, and more excitement to a fresh, new team. I have a feeling this is the start of something great for the city, and the organization. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

The past 3 weeks in sports have not been the most impressive, to say the least. First, the Steelers win the Superbowl, then our "hometown hero" Michael Phelps was in deep water for his bong shenanigans, and Alex Rodriguez completely ruined the face of baseball. Just another mediocre month on the world of sports if you ask me. However, February isn't over.

It has been heard that our own Baltimore Raven's free-agent linebacker, Ray Lewis has been trying to convince the Dallas Cowboys the entire off season that it has always been his dream to wear that star on his helmet. Just when I thought things might make a turn for the best, Baltimore's most lovable man, our bread and butter, our glue that holds the city together now wants out.

It has really disappointed me that the NFL has just become a big business to players. Hey, as long as they get their 15 million a year, they don't care if they get shipped to Japan. Ray Lewis is the last player I ever expected to deceive his home team. After all we have been through Ray!!

I guess it really doesn't matter if he left. Ray has given us memories to last a lifetime, and I am forever grateful for that. He will always be the most outstanding linebacker of my generation, and I am thankful he was able to play in my home city. I figured that all the best football players never ended their career with their long-relationship teams. Emmitt Smith left for Arizona, Favre left for the Jets, and even Johnny U never finished with the Colts. Maybe it really is the end of the Ray Lewis era.

But, it's just the principle of the fact that it has always been Ray's dream to be a Cowboy. It makes me feel like he was just wasting his time here in Baltimore. As if he was just here for the money, and then when free agency came along he was going to bolt. It feels like a slap in the face to everyone Baltimore, even to the organization, and by him trying to CONVINCE the Cowboys to sign him is just the twist of the dagger. Just like a long-term relationship with your boyfriend/girlfriend, this one is definitely going to hurt for a while.

We'll see how things go down next week when Ray officially becomes a free-agent on Friday. We'll also see if the Cowboys even have enough money to give away because right now they're trying to make Demarcus Ware one of the richest men in football. It should be interesting. Even is he stays here, I honestly do not know how I will take it. As I said before, it's unfortunately all about the money.

Coming Clean

Is it just me, or is everyone else tired of hearing about Alex Rodriguez? We get it, he took steroids. So did every other Major League Baseball player in America. Well, maybe not every player, but they all have taken some sort of substance or formula to help them perform better, or heal an injury.

About two weeks ago, Alex Rodriguez was found to have allegedly taken steroids from 2001-2003. It was not until last week that he confessed to the allegations of using performance enhancing substances. In an ESPN interview, Alex owned up to what he did, when he did it, and why he did it. He said he used steroids between 2001-2003 when he was with the Texas Rangers because he felt the pressure of being the highest paid player in the league, and he wanted to live up to those expectations. Alex went on to say that he was young and stupid, and that the culture at that time "very loose." (Whatever that means). When asked what kind of substances he was taking, Alex answered by repeating what he had just said, "Peter that's the thing, it was such a loosey goosey era that I'm guilty for a lot of things. I'm guilty for being neglagent, naive, not asking all the right questions, and to be quite honest, I don't know exactly what substances I am guilty of using." It sounded like an intelligent answer. Very well thought out as if rehearsed. I'm not buying the bull that you're feeding, Alex. We all see right through you. You're already confessing to using banned substances, don't pretend like you don't know what it is that you used.

I really do want to believe Alex Rodriguez. He was always, and still is very fun to watch. But, after watching the interview, I'm not sure what to believe. Who is to say that he only took steroids between 2001-2003? I just feel that, all these players who are now finally coming clean are still not telling the complete truth. If they can lie once, then they can lie again. Players like Rodriguez are forever tarnished with the image of steroids. Everyone will always see him play, and think, "Oh, he's still on steroids."

Alex still was not completely honest with Peter Gammons in his interview about what substance he used, and where he got it. A few days ago, he came clean again and confessed that a relative introduced him to a drug that was banned in the United States, but anyone could get legally in the Domincan Republic. Another lie being told. When will this stop? He obviously knew the substance he used was illegal, it came from a different country for crying out loud! But I guess it was just that "loosey goosey" culture again.

As I said before, I really want to believe A-Rod, but I really don't know anymore. I don't know if I can believe anything these players say. It deeply saddens me that players as great as Alex Rodriguez, or Andy Pettite, and Rafael Palmeiro even have to take a drug to enhance their performance. They were good even before using them. The only thing these players got out of using steroids is a bad name, and will forever be looked down on throughout Baseball history. It shows disrespect to the game, and oh yeah, its cheating! Whether A-Rod deserves the Hall of Fame or not is a completely different discussion.

Gone 4 Good...?

This week I was planning on blogging about the Alex Rodriguez fiasco that everyone could not stop talking about. I wanted to stay away from another football topic as last week's blog was about the Steelers. However, I woke up today and found out that Jets QB Brett Favre announced his retirement......again. This was the perfect opportunity to finally share how I truly feel about one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Brett Favre announced this morning that he will be stepping away from the game of football once again, telling the New York Jets that he will not be returning for a second year. This is coming only 11 months after he announced his retirement from the Green Bay Packers.

Brett Favre used to be my absolute favorite quarterback that ever stepped onto the field. I always thought that he was a class act. He never got into trouble, or created drama. Favre went out every single Sunday, 276 consecutive times to be exact, and played 110%. He never let anything get him down, and always had a positive attitude toward himself, his players, and the NFL. His poise and presence on the field along with his great athletic ability, and his rocket arm caused him to have an amazing career. Every snap Brett took was more memorable than the last. He is one of those players that can create moments that last a lifetime, simply because he's Brett Favre, and he has gained the credibility and respect from anyone that has seen him play.

Favre ended his career with the Green Bay Packers by coming one game short of the Superbowl. Everyone expected that the NFC Championship was Favre's last game in uniform. His gallant effort in his last season left everyone in awe. To see a man his age turn a losing team around and take them to the playoffs, while having one of the best years of his career, is absolutely admirable. In my eyes, he will be forever thanked for showing us what football is all about.

There is just one problem. His so called, "Last Season", was not his last season. As soon as I came to acceptance that I would never see him play again, he comes out of retirement. I did not want to see him come back because I felt that his time had come and he should have left while he was on top, while he still had the respect of everyone that loved football. Instead, he, like every former athlete, got the itch to play football for a second time. I still cannot understand why he couldn't just stay retired, and leave his legacy alone. He caused such a stir about wanting to come back that it annoyed anyone that turned on ESPN. "Favre" this, and "Favre" that. He even caused trouble with his own Green Bay Packers who felt it was time to move on from the Favre era, and finally start a new beginning with Aaron Rodgers. Favre eventually landed a job for the Jets, kick out out their franchise quarterback, Chad Pennington. This disgusted me to no end. I hated Favre for causing so much drama, only to play for a year at the least.

There comes a time when you just have to realize that enough is enough, and Favre never saw that. Instead, he left a grudge with his former team, and pretty much ruined the Jets chances of ever finding another quarterback because Favre had to kick the last one out. Now, one season later, he is retiring again. I cannot say I didn't see this coming. At age 39, he is definitely not what he used to be, and had a below mediocre year with the Jets. I despise the Jets for even taking a chance on a man almost over the hill, thinking he would be the one to reach them to the Superbowl, while not even reaching the playoffs.

Brett Favre may be one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but he definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.

Steelers/Ravens Rivalry

February 1, 2009 was yet another holiday for football fans across the United States. It was the NFL's 43rd Superbowl, and for the 2nd time in 4 years, and 6th time overall the Pittsburgh Steelers hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy proudly, as they beat the Arizona Cardinals in an epic battle. Tampa Bay, Florida was the site of the most depressing Superbowl ever watched by a Baltimore fan.

For Ravens fans, this is the last team that you want to see popping the champagne in the locker room of where we won our first Superbowl. The Steelers/Ravens rivalry began in 1996, and ever since then, the fans have grown strong hatred for each other. A few things come to mind when thinking about a Steelers/Ravens matchup: Close games, bad calls, hard hits, and pure hatred. Growing up in Baltimore it is considered a sin too even remotely like Pittsburgh. Both teams have never gotten along. Players and coaches absolutely despise each other, and neither of them like the way they play the game.

I never really had a huge problem with Steeler fans until this year. Sure, I couldn't even bare to look at a Terrible Towel, or even wear black and yellow at the same time. And maybe I DID see Steeler fans as arrogant, cocky, and classless. But, as a Ravens fan, I knew the bad mouthing was all in fun because we can sometimes get the same way. The little respect that I did have for Pittsburgh was flushed completely down the toilet when I went to Heinz Field for this year's AFC Championship game. The Ravens were trying to avoid a 3 game sweep in one season by the Steelers. This might have been the most crucial, hard-nosed, blood and sweat game anyone had ever witnessed. It felt like I was enlisting into World War III. The battlegrounds were brutal, and the victory was worth more than just a trip to the Superbowl, it was about dignity and pride.

Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought about sitting in a bright yellow chair in Heinz Field. For some strange reason, it felt pretty good. It felt as if I was part of the rivalry, as if I was suited up and ready for war. I felt like I belonged, and maybe I was right about never really having a problem with the Steelers. I figured, both teams made it this far, the least we could do is congratulate each other, and wish them the best. WRONG. To put this lightly, I have never met a bigger group of classless, disrespectful degenerates in my life. Everyone told me I was crazy for wanting to go to Pittsburgh, and get hounded. Well, I took that with a grain of salt and never really thought my experience would be as bad as it was. My comfortability level completely collapsed, and I felt like the smallest person in the world.

I will admit that in Baltimore we are not the most welcoming fans. Up until now, I really did feel as though the ridicule was just for laughs. NOT in Pittsburgh. The fans genuinely hate everything about Baltimore and the people that live there. Let's just say the time I spent there wasn't exactly like a trip to Disneyworld. I have never felt so low in my entire life. The verbal abuse that I took was more psychologically harmful than a physical beating I could, and almost received. I really did fear for my life at one point during the game.

Of course, the Steelers came out winners, and we once again felt like complete losers. Our walk of shame out of the stadium consisted of trash thrown at us, gloating, and still more bad-mouthing. The torture we were going through did not strike me until a Steeler fan bragged about the near death hit one of his players put on Willis McGahee. From that moment, I 100% lost all respect for anyone who supported the Steelers. How could any human being be so rude as to say stuff about a player that was almost killed? A human being with no respect. I expected a little more from everyone at Heinz Field. I promised myself I would never go back to Pittsburgh.

Two weeks later, Superbowl XLIII rolled around. The Cardinals were clear underdogs in the matchup, but that did not stop me from wearing red and rooting against the Steelers. After the heart wrenching loss, I never wanted to watch football again. Baltimore fans can not catch a break with the team that steamrolled past them 3 times this season.

No matter how badly I hated the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh, I was absolutely impressed with the way they played this season. They truly are the greatest team, and deserved every bit of their 6th Superbowl victory. It breaks a piece of my heart to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers are extremely talented, and that Big Ben is possibly one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. I have to commend every player on the squad for an amazing season. Everyone says how lucky they get, and I disagree. If teams do not cash in on big scoring opportunities, then they do not deserve to beat the Steelers. After sulking for 2 days, I was given a new found respect for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They really are a great team. I still will never forget how badly I was treated, but the experience might be worth remembering.