But first, let's talk about the latest breaking news out of Philadelphia. If you missed it, Michael Vick is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Millions of football fans across the nation collectively are holding their breath, wondering exactly when and how Donovan McNabb is going to make an ass of himself over this. Can't wait.
In other news, Donte Stallworth will miss the entire 2009 season without pay, the ruling coming down from Commissioner Goodell after the Browns' star wide receiver was found responsible for vehicular manslaughter. I have a hard time feeling sorry for Stallworth, but I beleive he has acted as professionally and responsibly as possible since the accident. Unlike other NFL troublemakers, Stallworth has followed policy to the letter, taking full responsibility for his actions. I firmly beleive that the remorse he shows is genuine, and whether he plays again or not, he will always regret the loss of another life at his hands. I hope other sports stars learn a lesson from him . . . not only about driving under the influence, but also about accepting responsiblity for your actions. Could have been worse.
He could have been signed to the Eagles, too. (Rimshot.)
Tonight, the Steelers and the Cardinals squared off in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII, giving both organizations a first look at key players in a game situation. For Pittsburgh, second year guys Rashard Mendenhall and Lymas Sweed are among the most anticipated returns on offense. Mendenhall, returning from a season ending shoulder injury suffered against the Ravens last September, looked good on the opening drives. Lymas Sweed, looking to drop into the slot receiver position vacated by Nate Washington, made a couple of big time catches, hooking up with both Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch. Overall, the starting offense looked good, if a little sluggish. The offensive line, which came together so well towards the end of last year, seemed to get pushed around a little by the Arizona D-line. At one point, Ben dropped back from the eight into the end zone, and had to put on some very nifty moves to turn a possible safety into a gain. Tonight also heralded the return of Dan Sepulveda, the punter with the booming leg who missed all of last season due to injury.
On the flip side of the ball, Arizona looked confused at times, having to spend two first-half timeouts to avoid penalties. The Steelers D looked good in spurts tonight, winning the battle of turnovers, and getting to each of the Cardinal QB's at one time or another. Even Steelers first round draft pick Evander 'Ziggy' Hood got in on the action, hammering former Steeler backup Brian St. Pierre like a 16 penny nail. The sack itself was almost as impressive as the dance that followed. What are we in the Steeler nation going to call the Ziggy Hood sack dance? I vote for 'The Ziggle', a fiendishly clever play on 'The Ziggy Wiggle'.
Other individuals stood out on both sides of the football. Dennis Dixon threw several long, deep balls that would have been over the ivy in Wrigley. Keyaron Fox looks like an able replacement for the departing Larry Foote, and Shaun McDonald caught several good throws.
It was a typical preseason game, with the 20 to 10 victory meaning far less than the experience for the rookies, and the gelling of the team. Of course, we'll take the win, even a preseason one.
Keywords: Arizona Cardinals, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers
