Brooks edges Big Tuna to take the cake

After the Pittsburgh Steelers made it their mission to upend the two undefeated teams in back to back weeks, the 1972 Dolphins doffed their caps to the Steel City and uncorked the bubbly. Yet again, the teams that looked as though they might maneuver through the season without a scratch have fallen, thus preserving the pristine season of ’72 no-names.

While this is not the first time that teams with perfect records have lost in consecutive weeks, it is the first time that they were knocked off by the same opponent. In doing so, the Pittsburgh Steelers have put their own stamp in the history books of the National Football League.

What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the Steelers are doing damage to all of the teams that stand in their way with a rookie quarterback. Few mentioned the name of Ben Roethlisberger in the same breath as Eli Manning and Philip Rivers on draft day, but someone in Pittsburgh was quietly smiling when he slipped further and further into the draft.

The defense isn’t loafing around either, as they have been punishing opposing offenses with the same type of intensity that brings back memories of the days when their “D” was referred to as the Steel Curtain. Tom Jackson of ESPN and Denver Broncos fame recently dubbed them the toughest team in football, and after the way that they have been playing, it’s not difficult to understand why.

While the Steelers have been on a tear since the rookie has taken the reins, there are a couple of other teams in the league that have begun to turn things around with the help of new faces. Take the Buffalo Bills and rookie running back Willis McGahee. There is no coincidence that the thundering herd has gone 3-0 in the last three weeks when he has started. McGahee has churned out over 100 yards in each of the last three games, and is averaging 115 yards per game.

It is possible that the offensive line has started to block like professional unit instead of a bunch of Pop Warner newbies, but it’s hard to fathom that the newfound success of the team that “ Makes me wanna Shout!” has anything other to do with No. 21.

While the pro’s don’t have all of the answers, our local prognosticators William Hunter, John Blanco, Richard Brooks, Jennifer Lee, and Jimmy “Big Tuna” Sablan have returned to explain the world of football.

Will finished off Week 9 with a solid 8-6 to improve his overall record to 71-43. He is now all alone in first place due to Jennifer’s first sub-par week. After last week’s abysmal 5-9, Jennifer dropped into second place overall at 69-47. The season’s race to the top place is now anybody’s game, as Big Tuna improved to 68-46, followed by John at 67-47. Even Rich has a shot at the title thanks to his 10-4 finish that led the pack. “Big Daddy” Brooks is now within striking distance of the leader at 60-47, and there is a long way to go.

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Will- My pick of the week has to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers. What an amazing drive of win they have had knocking out two undefeated teams in the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles—and with rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. I think Cleveland will have to be hoping for a miracle to get by the Steelers.

John-My pick of the week is the New England Patriots over the Buffalo Bills. I’ve got to go with the Pats over the Bills again because Buffalo is just not having a good year. It’s sorry to say because Drew Bledsoe is a fellow alumnus, but he should just hang it up and retire already.

Rich- My “Big Daddy” sure-shot of the week it that Pittsburgh will do a job on Cleveland. The way the Black and Gold have been “Knocking out” the top undefeated teams over the past weeks is a sure sign that the “Steel Curtain” of years past is back. The Steelers are a team that comes to play, and they can put a hurtin’ on you if your not ready—and the Browns are not ready!

Jenn- My best bet is that the Baltimore defense is going to Ravenize Jets’ quarterback Quincy Carter, and send the Cowboy castaway back to the sidelines. Curtis Martin and Jamal Lewis will be providing much of the offense for their respective teams, but Ray Lewis will be the difference maker in this low scoring affair.

Tuna- My guarantee is that the Eagles will trounce the Cowboys to redeem themselves after the last week’s fiasco with the men of steel. They need a win right away to stay focused on their quest as Superbowl contenders.