Gene Desrochers's Pittsburgh Steelers fan blog

Here's the issue:  strength of schedule.  Most teams that make the playoffs and do well generally in the NFL have weaker strength of schedule.  Next season ('08-'09) the Steelers have a ridiculously difficult schedule.  While the Steelers are well-coached, have the third best quarterback in the league according to rating, and boast a strong running game, the week in and weak out grind will take it's toll. 

The AFC is unforgiving about the overall record of teams.  Anything below 10-6 and you are either playing a very formidable first round in the playoffs (should your division fall out that way) or you are going home after week 17 to eat pretzels and wash your pitbull. 

Here's a brief gander at some of the Steelers' season in '08:  Patriots, Titans, Browns, Redskins, Jaguars (all away).  Browns, Colts, Cowboys, Chargers, Giants (all home). 

Continue reading "The Pittsburgh Steelers are in for a tough 2008-09 season!"

The Greatest Open Era Men's Tennis Player
By Gene Desrochers


Since we have the 2008 Australian Open coming up in January, I've decided to ask, who's the greatest male tennis player of the Open Era (1968-Present)?  I ask this question of an individual sport that I know a little something about.  Although I will not be very scientific, I will begin the debate and hopefully the rest of you will continue it.  Let's get started.

Let’s start with the obvious stat of who's won the most majors in his career.  Here is a list of contenders.  By my standards, if you are not on this short list, you get no consideration.  Sure, there are guys who were immensely talented, who only won one, or two, or zero titles, but we are not discussing talent.  We are discussing the actualization of work ethic plus talent plus mental fortitude, and career achievements.  To that end, I offer in order, with the number of grand slam singles titles to their name the following:

Continue reading "Who's the Greatest Men's Player of the Open Era?"