Tiger Woods Dead

Tiger Woods is dead, not physically but professionally. After another weekend of throwing his clubs and making excuses for why he lost to the 110^th ranked player in the world, it’s very clear that Tiger is done. Sure, maybe he can win the Buick Invitational or various WGC events, but Tiger is no longer winning the tournaments he lives for; major championships. I don’t know what’s happening with the so called “best golfer in the world” but maybe his talent is being sucked out of him Space Jam style by various formerly low ranked golfers. At the U.S. Open, with Tiger already in the clubhouse watching the likes of Lucas Glover, Ricky Barnes, David Duval and Tiger’s rival, Phil Mickelson battled it out. When Lucas Glover won, more of the talk was centered on who he didn’t beat as opposed to who he beat. Then at the British, Tiger was home watching when Stewart Cink ended Tom Watson’s storybook weekend. So this past weekend, after Paddy Harrington made a quintuple bogey eight on the eighth hole, it was all but sealed for Tiger right? With the world’s 10^th ranked player and three time major champion Harrington out of the picture, all Tiger had to do was beat a diminutive named Korean Y.E. Yang, owner of one career PGA title. Tiger has been near the top of a major leader board a few times, but for Yang this was a new experience; Yang’s best finish in a major was a 30^th place at the 2007 Masters. Tiger and Yang were alone on an island, one Tiger doesn’t own, five shots clear of a group at three under. After Harrington’s eight, I as well as many others though, “Damn Tiger won another one.” Except for one thing, Tiger didn’t win this one.

Tiger choked. After Yang made the eagle at 14, Tiger had four holes to make up that one stroke. When you are widely considered the best in the world, this is a situation where you need to win. This was an upset for the ages. This was Boise State over Oklahoma, George Mason over UNC, and Douglas over Tyson, actually this was greater than all of those put together. Did Korean fans celebrate like this? Probably not. This changes golf for Asian fans, since it’s been a while since someone from ethnically diverse won a major tournament. Vijay Singh was the last to do it. Yang will bring in more fans from his native Korea and expand the game globally. Where Yang goes from his new found success remains to be seen, but chances are he won’t win another major again. The better question is where does Tiger go? Tiger needs five more major championships to pass Jack and cement his name as the winningest golfer in major championship history. Will this happen eventually? It probably will, but I hope it doesn’t. Eventually, if this does happen, I hope that between now and then Tiger learns to win with class and dignity. Act like you’ve been there before, Tiger, and maybe you’ll be there again.

Fantasy Football Preview 2009

I haven't made any contributions lately, not because i haven't wanted to, but because I don't feel there has been anything worth writing about. Sure I could write about what I see on the baseball diamond every day, but there's really no point in writing about baseball games that everyone sees in one way or another. Not that I don't love baseball a ton, but i'm also glad football season is upon us. Of course with football season comes the even more important fantasy season. So what i'd like to do is pick some players I like, some I don't like and some really deep sleepers who will burn the waiver wires up come week 6 or 7. Now I've debated doing this for a week or so because the last thing I want is to someone seeing this and using it against me (they know who they are).

Guys I Like

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints-Some people would tell me this is obvious. If you have a mid first round pick and you get a stud running back and the next time your pick comes around and Brees is still there, how many people would take someone like Ryan Grant or Brandon Jacobs and let the best QB in the league go to someone else. The point is, Brees still plays on a team with no defense, and a team with tons of weapons. If he's sitting there, i'm taking him.

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons-The addition of Tony Gonzalez makes Ryan a top 10 QB. As a rookie, this guy threw a TD on his 1st NFL pass. The Falcons have a great running game with Turner the Burner as well as a bunch of solid pass catchers. I think he could put of the type of numbers Aaron Rodgers did last year.

Sage Rosenfels, QB, Minnesota Vikings-With a strong running game, a solid defense and a deep the two deeps threats he has, I could see Rosenfels as a good part time option, especially against weaker teams. From 15 down it's a crap shoot anyway. I'd take Sage before other back-up QB's/

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina-I don't get why people have him in the 8-10 range. This guy is still a top 5 running back. Jonathon Stewart is still an injury waiting to happen and the Panthers will still run the ball. After this guy won me a championship last year, I can't turn the other way and ignore a 20 TD performance. Oh and outside of Turner and All Day, every other running back has questions.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys-I believe Dallas is going to return to their days of a dominant running game where they had a starter (Julius Jones) and a closer (Marion Barber). Handling the full workload was a tough task for Barber so I believe with a healthy Jones they'll return to that. Oh and has anyone seen Julius Jones play? If he can start and put up 1,000 yards, there's absolutely no reason Felix can't.

Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona Cardinals-Chris Wells is more fragile than a glass plate in the greased up hands of a three year old. Hightower is also a touchdown machine. There's another guy in the Arizona running game that i'd look for, he will be addressed later.

Shady McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles-If Wellls is the glass plate then Westbrook is a ceramic cup in that same senario. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Westbrook goes downhill this year and Shady takes full advantage of that. For a later draft pick, 1,000 yards is very possible.

Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills-We already know he'll be starting at least 3 games. In my opinion Marshawn Lynch isn't all that great to begin with. Jackson saw quite a few carries last year when Lynch was on the field, so this year I think it could be more. I'd flip the workload from last year the other way in favor of Jackson. You could do worse in the later rounds.

Percy Harvin, Wildcat Extrodinaire, Minnesota Vikings-The thing about Percy Harvin is that he can score from basically anywhere on the field. So if your league awards points for return TD's that makes Harvin more valuble. Obviously, he is a rookie wide receiver, but if you need a 5th or 6th WR then he's worth the gamble.

Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans-The former Steelers home run hitter is now a Titan. While Washington was with the Steelers, he was mainly just a guy that would strike from 74 yards or 65 yards then disappear for a month. It seems like Washington is going to be a guy in Tennessee that starts and gets tons of looks with screens, slants and his specialty, the deep ball.

Laverneous Coles, WR, Cincinnati Bengals-Coles is a guy who's been very productive in recent years and someone who i think will continue to be productive with the Bengals. As long as Carson Palmer is healthy, there is no reason Coles doesn't top 80 catches and 1,000 yards. For where he's going, those numbers would be very nice.

Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago Bears- I know your reaction. Who? Sort or like last year when Lance Moore was just a guy with a funny name. Bennett was a college teammate with Jay Cutler and is in perfect position to start opposite Devin Hester. Bennett is fairly similar to Cutler's primary option in Denver, a guy named Brandon Marshall. Cutler is going to put up some numbers, and Devin Hester won't turn into a 1,500 yard WR over night, so I expect Bennett to put up numbers.

Guys I Don't like

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints-Bush is a third down back that gets way too much attention. I don't care what round it is, i'm not taking him. Even when he was healthy last year he managed to get benched for not playing hard. I expect another typical Reggie Bush year where he lands on the bench and makes fantasy owners wonder why they drafted him. STAY AWAY.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles-While experts may rate McNabb in their top 15 quarterbacks, he's not in my top 25. Last year, his four best games came against the stoudt defenses of Cleveland, Seattle, St. Louis and Arizona. Oh and it's shocking, but Donovan played 16 games last year, which means he won't this year. He's slow, out of shape and bound to come up with some bogus injury. He may even tear his ACL again because he can't take a hit. Maybe as a back-up, but there's no way he's starting on my team.

Baby Ladainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers-Last year he was "injured" for parts of the regular season and all of the playoffs. He's 30 and going downhill. I wouldn't take BLT until the 3rd round, and chances are by then, someone has stupidly taken him. I expect him to be watching Darren Sproles for most of this season.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles-Same reasons as BLT. He's had a history of injuries and is getting to the magic age when running backs fall apart. He also has ankle surgery in the off-season. If you draft him before the 3rd, get use to the term "Game time decision." Grab Shady McCoy as well. I expect him to be carrying more of the load for the Eagles.

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers-Just as the two guys above, Parker is getting near 30 and has spent much of the last two years in the trainers room. With Mendenhall and Moore back for the Super Bowl Champs, Parker will get less carries even if he can manage to stay on the field. I wouldn't touch him.

Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals-I think the fact that he hasn't seen pre-season action and he's already hurt says enough. Even if he does start, he won't be that effective. If you want a Cardinals rusher, you don't want Wells.

All Giants WR's-You don't want any of them, until someone has distinguished themself. Of course unless you want to shoot your team in the hip.

Benard Berrian/Lee Evans/Ted Ginn Jr., Wr's- Unless you really like playing Wide Receiver roulette, you don't want either of these guys. Last year Berrian would look like a top 10 receiver then get shutout (that actually happened). Give me Lav Coles or Torry Holt; someone consistant.

Any Jets WR-I don't trust anyone if Kellen Clemens is starting. There's a reason he's been a career back-up.

Deep Sleepers

Anyone could have seen Vincent Jackson or Roddy White last year. Here's some guys that you're going to get very very late that can help you.

Greg Jones, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars-The former Florida State junk food gobbler could be taking a bite out of MJD's carries. Del Rio supposedly likes Jones as a grinder. If you're taking MJD top 5, then you want to grab Greg late in the draft as insurence.

LaRod Stephens Howling, RB, Arizona Cardinals-No this is not a homer pick. I believe LSH can actually be a viable option in Arizona. Lets go through the options ahead of him (currently 4th on the depth chart). Tim Hightower averaged 2.8 yards per carry last season which as far as i know, won't keep you on the field very long. Chris Wells just bumped his head getting out of his car and looks like he'll miss 6-8 weeks with "concussion-like symptoms" or maybe stepped awkwardly going down some steps and suffered an "ankle sprain." Then you have Jason Wright. Let me tell you something, Jason Wright sucks. If you don't believe me, maybe 588 yards in 5 years will change your mind. All it takes is an opportunity.

Mike Walker, Wr, Jacksonville- Aside from Torry Holt, what do the Jags have in terms of Wideouts? Nothing? That's what i though. Walker's also a major red-zone threat.

Lawrence Maroney, RB, New England-Watch and see. You're taking him in the last round, what is there to lose?

Ian Johnson, RB, Minnesota Vikings-If anything happens to All Day, considering Johnson's build this may be a guy you want.

Tatum Bell, RB, Eventually in Denver- You know it's going to happen.

Pat White, QB/WR, Miami Dolphins-He's a Pennington headshot away from being the 2006 version of Vick.

Mike Vick, QB, TBD- There is no way I could not include him. The wildcat is made for him.

Ball on the one, Game on the line

Sunday - Steelers Training Camp Report

It's the day of practice that everybody loves. It's what everyone travels to Latrobe to see. It holds a certain mystique, a certain aura, and a definite place in the heart of all football fans.

Goal Line.

Charged with adrenaline, the offense and defense go toe to toe and may the best man win. Put the ball on the one-yard line, and let's see who can control the trenches.

In the beginning of the drill, the defense dominated. The line stuffed Rashard Mendenhall on three straight tries (Willie Parker was held out of practice again as a precautionary measure.) This wasn't surprising because this match up pitted the best defense in the league against an injury-plagued offensive line. But the amount of intensity pulsing through this drill matched that of a playoff game. After each stop, Willie Gay stormed the d-line yelling and screaming with Ryan Clark joining in. Eventually, Hines Ward was asking for a flag due to excessive celebration.

The second team defense did allow two touchdowns to rookie running back Isaac Redman. I talked to him after the drill. Though he's had a questionable camp up until this point, he looked impressive in the full contact drill. He says he's grateful to have this opportunity with the Steelers because no other team was interested, just glad it happened to be the "best team in the league." He is also excited for the preseason to start on Thursday against the Cardinals. Redman said he feels a strength of his is being able to break tackles and without much contact at camp, the game provides the perfect arena for showing his skill.

When Mike Tomlin was asked about Isaac's performance, he said it was too early to evaluate. Even though he looked good during the drill, Tomlin refuses to make a snap judgement about the rookie runner. "You know that's not my style," he said.

Today was also without question the hottest day at camp so far. At the beginning of practice, another media member informed me the temperature was 85 degrees, but on the field the thermometer read 92. Tomlin liked the weather to be hotter, but maintained weather is not a concern because they can't control it.

The Steelers will be back at it again tomorrow with another double day, still driving toward the Thursday night Super Bowl rematch.

A Renaissance Man from Washington

Saturday - Steelers Training Camp Report

To be honest, there's not that much to report today. As the team moves into the second week of training camp, the practices are going to get easier for the players, and coaches are going to get more cautious with injuries. Coach Tomlin showed this by holding a number of players out of practice, including rookie wideout Mike Wallace. Even with some guys being held out, both Troy Polamolu and Hines Ward were in pads this afternoon.

Coming off their night practice at Latrobe High School on Friday night, Tomlin wanted to make sure Saturday morning was not wasted by sharing so choice words with the team before the practice got under way. According to some who heard the speech, the words weren't very flattering. But he was adamant that he felt the morning practice was good, giving a lot of the younger guys some reps.

One interesting story from the morning is the story of Roy Lewis. Lewis, a second year man out of Washington, is listed as a right cornerback. But today he played strong safety, and he maintains the versatility to play the other safety and cornerback position. Talk about being able to do it all, we have football's renaissance man. Even though he admitted that he is just now getting a full understanding of Dick Lebeau's defense, Lewis has the ability to play all four positions in the defense. When I asked him if it's frustrating not being able to concentrate on one single position, he said it's not because through his versatility he's able to gain a perspective from every position in the secondary. On the human side, Lewis is a very upstanding guy, nice, well-spoken, and definitely has a chance to possibly make a name for himself on this team.

The afternoon held nothing out of the ordinary. It does seem like the team is itching to play Thursday. With practice after practice of no contact, you can tell in the stands that the guys are ready to hit somebody. And for the guys who are on the bubble for a roster spot, it's a chance to show the coaches what they can do.

Other than that, nothing earth shattering. With only one practice tomorrow, it seems the trend will continue, but regardless, I'll be there.

This is what a role model should be

It's 4:25 p.m. I'm standing in the visiting locker room of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The St. Louis Cardinals are in town for a 3-game stand, while in the midst of an NL Central race with the Chicago Cubs. Not to sound creepy, but I'm watching the best baseball player on this earth do his job. Albert Pujols is sitting at a computer, studying film. He's re-watching previous at-bats of his from the previous serious. He goes over the film, frame by frame, over and over again, studying the smallest parts of his swing in an attempt to make his perfect. I've never seen someone so focused.

He gets up from the chair, and I approach him for an interview. He says, "Not right now, man." Understandable. Pujols is one of the most intense people I've ever met, and he might have a system or something like that. Either way, I'm basically resigned to finding Matt Holliday to get the interview I need. After waiting for five minutes for Holliday to no avail, I feel a pat on my back. I turn to see Albert.

"Are you ready for me?" Absolutely.

Pujols spent some time with me, giving me some great sound bytes, and just an all-around nice guy. But that's not even the reason why Albert Pujols is a grade A class act. Keep reading.

We're in the bottom of the 7th. Game tied 2-2. With runners on first and second, Garrett Jones steps to the plate and rockets a 1-0 pitch foul down the first base line. An older fan attempts to reach over the barricade to grab the foul ball for his son, who has Down syndrome and is celebrating his 21st birthday. Unfortunately for the guy, he missed the ball and landed awkwardly on his neck, leaving him stunned and temporarily unable to move.

Enter Pujols. The second the man took the tumble, Pujols not just went to his aid, but ran. He ran straight to the man's side, had him lay down and made sure he remained still while the team doctors checked the man out. All the while Pujols is talking this guy through what's going on, while also comforting his son. Even Matt Holliday ran across the diamond from over in left field to talk to the man's son for a while. As the fan lay on his back for a good 15 minutes, Pujols never left the guy's side. He even helped to lift the man on the stretcher as he left the field.

Yes, the guy did have a St. Louis Cardinals shirt on, but you have to believe, he would have done that for any fan. And you know that after the game, he took care of that family in any way he could. I mean, regardless of the injury, it was the kid's birthday.

But my point is while everyone else on the field stood as a baseball player, Albert Pujols stood on the field as a man, as a human, helping one person to another. Had Pujols not done what he did, I wouldn't have held it against him. No one else on the field - with the exception of Holliday - did anything. But that's not Pujols. That's not Albert.

It takes a class act to do the right thing in that situation. Scratch that. It takes an Albert Pujols to do the right thing in that situation.

Those Poor Hog Mollies Up Front

Wednesday - Steelers training camp report

At some point you have to feel bad for the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line. Last year, there were a lot of question marks, but overcoming the adversity, this unit won the Super Bowl. Coming into camp, still seen as a weak link, at least the same five starters would be coming back. But so far, 40% of the line is down with injuries, only leaving young guys to fill the place. Justin Hartwig's toe and Darnell Stapleton's knee have given young guys like Trai Essex, Doug Legursky, A. Q. Shipley, and Kraig Urbik an opportunity for some playing time, but the injuries have also raised more questions about a line that ranked 23rd in rushing offense last season.

The afternoon practice (as the morning practice before it) ended up very light today. Still a lot of intensity, but not the same pulse that has paced the last couple of practices. Hines Ward, Troy Polamolu, Darnell Stapleton, and Justin Hartwig - even though Hartwig did play center during the 7-on-7 drills - all did not participate in practice today. Even Ben Roethlisberger was not in pads and not throwing during the afternoon session.

Coach Mike Tomlin has downplayed leaving the guys out of practice. He says he's going to evaluate each guy day to day. But his reasoning is that with guys like Hines and Troy, you know what they are capable of. Not necessarily that they don't need to get reps in camp, but he did say it's more beneficial to get younger guys the reps. With a number of young receivers in camp - Martin Nance, Dallas Baker, and Mike Wallace, who is among the throng of rookies - Tomlin feels it's only fair to get them more reps, allowing the coaching staff to more fully evaluate the talent at camp. Not to mention, it gives Limas Sweed a chance to also learn the outside receiver on top of the slot receiver, just in case an injury would strike Hines or Santonio.

Still the big issue currently is the injuries to the offensive line. Tomlin gave no indication as to the status of Darnell Stapleton other than that more tests are coming. It was encouraging to see him on the field with the team with not brace, wrap, or ice. However, it seems to me that coach knows the situation with Stapleton, but he doesn't want to tip his hand until they know how they are going to handle it, which would seem to spell bad news for the Steelers. However, we'll know more simply as time passes.

I'll be in Pittsburgh the next two days covering our beloved Buccos, but I'll be back in Latrobe this weekend when the Steelers only have one practice both Saturday and Sunday. Still counting down to the preseason opener in the Burgh on August 13, I'll be here for the rest of camp. Until next time, try not to drop a weight on your toe because it might cost you your starting center job.

Daily Super Bowls, Coach Ward, and Ordinary People

Tuesday - Steelers Training Camp Report

Tuesday morning's abbreviated practice saw the special teams get their first work of the camp. Most of the older veterans, not playing on special teams, were out there in the morning, but only to break a sweat. The three rotating on kickoff return are former CFL player Stefan Logan - recently activated from the PUP list - and two rookies, wideout Mike Wallace and corner Joe Burnett. Wallace started with the first team. The sun caused some balls to be dropped, but for the most part these guys were solid. These guys are also being looked at to take some or possibly all of the punt returning duties away from Santonio Holmes.

After the practice I talked with Joe Burnett, who was a 5th round draft pick this year out of Central Florida. He has really impressed coaches by being a quick study, and constantly being in the correct position as part of Dick Lebeau's difficult to grasp defense. His only problem so far is that he has trouble catching the ball (which is probably why he's a corner and not a wideout). However, the thing I like most about Joe is his approach to playing for the Steelers. Coming onto the reigning Super Bowl champions, who only lost two starters from last year's club, it's hard to guarantee yourself a job. But Joe told me he looks at himself as an "undrafted free agent" because of being picked in the 5th round, and "everyday is like the Super Bowl." And he's played like it. He just hasn't been able to mimic James Harrison's return, but holding onto the ball will come with time.

The major storyline in camp right now is the injury to Darnell Stapleton. No matter how many times he gets his knee drained, it continues to swell up and be a bother. He hobbled around the cafeteria during lunch, and didn't practice in the afternoon. He had an MRI, but they are doing more tests. So hold your breath fans. The only good news is that on the entire line, Stapleton is the guy most expendable. Also with injuries to him and Justin Hartwig, it's given opportunites for guys like Trai Essex, Kraig Urbik, and A. Q. Shipley to possibly crack at least the rotation, if not the starting lineup if the injuries continue into the season.

The Steelers are taking a very cautious approach with all of their players. Troy Polamolu and Willie Parker both sat out the afternoon, and Hines Ward could now be called Coach Ward. After practicing the first day, Hines hasn't practiced since. Now he's not injured. Both he and Coach Tomlin confirmed after practice that he is not injured whatsoever. Tomlin's explanation was that Hines has "a lot of money in my emotional bank...I take care of Hines." Ward has even enjoyed his time off, allowing him to coach some of the younger receivers like Limas Sweed, Martin Nance, Dallas Baker, and rookie Mike Wallace. There's no timeline on when he'll be back in practice, but Hines said "Hopefully, this week."

One final note of interest, Grammy award winning artist John Legend was in attendance of the camp today. He was with his nephew, who got to throw the ball around with Hines Ward and even Ben Roethlisberger and got pictures. Some of the Steelers staff was at his show in Greensburg the night before and invited him to take in his first camp. John was a cool guy to talk to. He said he doesn't have a favorite NFL team. He was just there as a fan of football. Being from Ohio, the only team he has a loyalty to is the Ohio State Buckeyes. When I first asked what he was doing there, he joked that he was "scouting for the Bengals." We both had a laugh at that. But he really enjoyed being at practice and even though he still doesn't have a team, being at Steelers camp has definitely given him more of an interest in the black and gold.

More updates tomorrow when the team will have their third full double day of the camp.

Steelers Training Camp Report

For the next 3 weeks, I'll be covering Steelers training camp off and on. So I'll be blogging as much as I can about some of the sights and sounds from around camp.

Friday

The players show up for camp. Everybody is in as good of a mood as they possibly can. Rookies Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis brought enough honey buns for the entire season. Chris Hoke has a big ol' bag of M&M's. But James Harrison takes the cake. After signing a 6-year, $51 million contract, the man rolled up to camp in a smart car. It was so shocking that coach Mike Tomlin came out of the dorms to test drive the car.

The only other piece of news is that everyone - including Casey Hampton - passed the running test, even coach Tomlin was curious to see how the big man would do. Even though big Hamp walked the last leg of the test, he passed.

Saturday

Even though it was the first day of practice, the team practiced like Super Bowl champions. A lot of hustle and physicality came from the Steelers. After practice, Ben Roethlisberger answered questions from the media for the first time since the civil suit. Granted, the media asked for this because every question was about how to avoid distractions. But Ben at one point threatened to walk away from the scrum of reporters. However, you have to give Roethlisberger credit because he barely ever talks to the media, but on Saturday he knew that he had to.

In the afternoon practice Lawrence Timmons was unable to finish after cramping up. No word on how long he would be out. One final note, former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan attended both morning and afternoon practice. During the A.M. practice, which was closed to the public, Shanahan studied Dick Lebeau's defense like a hawk. I talked to him for a minute, asking how it felt to be there as a fan. He said it was different because this is the first time in 35 years he hasn't been coaching during a camp.

Sunday

A pretty laid back day for the defending champs, but it did provide a few fireworks. Hines Ward got the afternoon off to rest. Troy Polamolu is technically still in limited capacity, but he did record an interception from an errant Big Ben throw. Lawrence Timmons also didn't practice after leaving yesterday with cramps. Toward the end of practice, Frank Summers got his "Welcome to the NFL" moment by getting rocked on the last play.

Talked to Limas Sweed after practice, he said from last year to this year is like "Night and day." He even admitted last year he didn't know where Latrobe was. But now he feels more comfortable with the offense, and his approach to practice. He's back to playing football, treating every night like "Friday night" because back in high school was the most fun he had playing football. He's back to having fun.

3 guys who have impressed so far

1. Limas Sweed - Sweed definitely has the inside track on the slot receiver job. Even though he's facing competition from veteran Shaun MacDonald and rookie Mike Wallace, Sweed continues to show not only the physical tools that made him a second round pick, but also the mental approach I mentioned above.

2. James Harrison - Usually after a big season and a big contract, players will get complacent. Not Harrison. Harrison has not only shown up to camp in better shape with more muscle, but shows the same intensity that made him last year's defensive player of the year. When he steps on that practice field whether he's in a drill or coaching the younger guys, Harrison shows the same intensity he showed all last season. (Side note: When I talked to him on Friday, I learned on the 100-yard interception return during the Super Bowl Harrion was supposed to blitz. Instead of blitzing, he dropped back, and needless to say, it worked out.)

3. Ziggy Hood - Impressive for a rookie to have an approach to training camp like Ziggy. First, he stayed in Pittsburgh all summer keeping in shape, getting acclimated with the city, and readying himself for camp. Second, he signed his contract before camp started allowing him to be there for the beginning, which is crucial when learning the Dick Lebeau defense. Finally, he already shows the intensity of Harrison even in his first training. It looks like Pittsburgh drafted themselves a first round steal at pick 32.

I have Monday off, but I'll be back at camp on Tuesday and Wednesday with more updates.