NFL Week 14: Jim Harbaugh's first number

So much for the big lift the Steelers would get from Batch leading them to victory, then Roethlisberger returning. Pittsburgh has come out playing like complete crap at home against San Diego.

Edit: And just as I say that, Plaxico Burress of all people makes a fantastic catch to covert a third down. That covered up a very bad decision by Roethlisberger, who threw into triple coverage.

 

Probably for the first time since Kosar-Byner-Slaughter, the Browns have competent players at the three major offensive skill positions in Richardson, Gordon and Weeden. Weeden isn't great, but he's competent. Which is a major upgrade when Vinnie Testaverde, Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb vie for the title of the franchises's best quarterback since 1994.

 

Testaverde played for the franchise now in Baltimore, not the one currently in Cleveland. Just sayin.

 

I like the group the Browns are assembling. They've been frisky this season, even if they haven't won many games. They might be one more good draft away from turning the corner.

 

You're trying too hard. Be more subtle when egging on a fake internet fight.

 

Adrian Peterson is in "Bo Jackson Tecmo Bowl/Emmitt Smith '94 Madden" mode.

 

First time in ages they don't have a million holes to fill. They're stocked at DT, their young LBs look good. Their OL has been much-improved. Gordon's a study WR. Richardson rocks. Still not completely sold on Weeden (he air-mails too many throws right now). But really, their biggest hole is at the second CB spot - which is much better than the "everywhere" of the past couple seasons.

 

Marvin Lewis won a challenge. Someone go check to see if Hell just froze over.

 

So maybe the Shanahans aren't racist ? And maybe they can coach a black QB? And they can design a game plan that fits the existing personnel? And maybe Donovan McNabb was bloated weak armed malingerer?

 

The next tough catch Mike Wallace makes will be his first all season. I know that deep ball from Roethlisberger just now wasn't perfect, but damn, Wallace had his hands on it.

 

Pittsburgh's defense finally cracks after the offense gives San Diego chance after chance by playing like absolute crap this entire half. Just a truly awful play by Curtis Brown, who move up to nickel corner with Ike Taylor out, to give up a 39-yard touchdown.

Willie Colon also just left the game again, forcing a shuffle on an offensive line that was already getting its ass kicked by the Chargers. I haven't seen the Chargers this year. Is that defense actually good or are the Steelers just playing that badly?

Down 10-0 near midfield, their best run blocker out with a knee injury and the entire offense playing like crap and Tomlin wants to go for it on fourth down? Just awful.

 

Actually both. Cleveland in 1994-96.