The Steelers handed a game to the Denver Broncos and may have given away their hopes for a first-round playoff bye in the process.
It was painful to watch the parade of mistakes, which included four turnovers. The Steelers could have overcome that number with some takeaways, but they created exactly zero.
So that made it important that backup tight end Xavier Grimble gave away a touchdown when he needlessly tried to run over a tackler.
It hurt even more when James Conner had an unforced fumble during a good run.
And it was positively deadly when Ben Roethlisberger tried to thread a regrettable pass through two defenders at the end of the game. The Broncos intercepted and sealed the game.
Thus the Steelers lost a game they couldn't afford to lose, in a season where they still have to face the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots at home with a trip to New Orleans for a game against the Saints pending as well.
Those three teams are a combined 26-7. If the Steelers win two of the three games, they'll be doing something impressive.
It doesn't seem likely the Baltimore Ravens can overtake the Steelers for the divisional title, but playoff seeding is important. The Steelers had the bye week last year and still lost to Jacksonville. Still, a team would rather have that week off.
The chances of getting that break took a big hit with Sunday's loss in Denver.
Other Steelers matters:.
--Since Le'Veon Bell's absence became official, it looks like the Steelers are consciously trying to limit Conner's workload. Do they sense some fatigue, or are they just being protective because the depth behind Conner is so stionable?
--Ben Roethlisberger was especially candid on Tuesday's radio show. He said rookie James Washington "has to make" the catch on a potential touchdown pass he missed. He also called out Antonio Brown for running the wrong route and questioned the goal line play calling that led to the last interception.
--Vance McDonald is on the injury list again. The style he plays comes with a price.
---
The Pirates potentially plugged another hole in their lineup by signing free agent outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall.
When he's healthy, he's an acceptable major league player. But that's the issue: Will he be healthy? He was limited to 29 games last season with calf injuries.
That's why he was available at the reasonable cost of $2.75 million with a chance to double that amount in incentives.
Teams don't sign a player without putting him a thorough physical and examining his medical records, so there's that. Doesn't mean the injury can't happen again, of course.
Chisenhall indicated he was anxious to sign. No doubt he noticed the problems non-stars had in getting contracts last off-season. So the match was made.
Chisenhall will presumably fill right field for as long as Gregory Polanco is out following shouder surgery. At 30, he's not a long-term answer, but that's OK. The Pirates need a legitimate player to start in right field for as long as Polanco is out in 2019. This also allows them to leave Adam Frazier at second base and not spot him in right.
Funny thing about personnel decisions: The Cleveland Indians didn't mind letting Chisenhall leave. They recently acquired Jordan Luplow from the Pirates. The Pirates were willing to sign Chisenhall because they believed he's a better option than playing Luplow in right field, even as a temporary starter.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 25, 2018
Sunday? This is Sunday? it's been one of those weeks where three or four days have seemed like Sunday, so that accounts for the confusion.
OK, if this is really Sunday, the Steelers are in Denver and in a potentially troublesome game against the Broncos.
The first problem is Denver. The altitude always makes it a challenge to play there. In the past, the Steelers have gone west early to adjust to the different atmosphere.
The Broncos aren't overwhelming anybody at 4-6, but they're coming off a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They have a pretty good defense that gets after quarterbacks effectively. The Steelers have an offensive line that might be ready to spring a leak since they may be down to their third option at right tackle.
Marcus Gilbert is out, replacement Matt Feilers is questionable and that leaves 21-year-old Chukwuma Okorafor, who has never started an NFL game. The Broncos have Von Miller with 10 quarterback sacks and Bradley Chubb, who has nine.
That could be a problem, no matter how solid the rest of the line is. This kicks off an especially challenging stretch of schedule, which includes games against the Chargers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, who are currently a combined 24-7.
The AFC North is, as usual, there for the taking, but the path isn't easy.
It could be almost as difficult as figuring out what day this is.
---
MLB's Winter Meetings are coming up, and they're usually a swap meet for teams looking to make additions.
The Pirates' offseason shopping list includes a shortstop to replace Jordy Mercer. They may have found him already.
The Pirates will settle for a part-time player who can share the position with rookie Kevin Newman in 2019. The long-range plan is to hope that former No 1 draft pick Cole Tucker can take over, probably in 2020.
Erik Gonzalez was acquired from Cleveland in a five-player trade that sent Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff to the Indians. Gonzalez has been billed as a possible utility player for the Pirates. He may be capable of holding down at least part of the shortstop job.
The priority there is being solid enough defensively to help a pretty good starting pitching staff. Mercer was sure-handed and accurate with his throws, but his limited range was a liability.
Gonzalez has the potential to be a significant defensive upgrade and at least match Mercer's modest offensive numbers while sharing time with Newman.
---
Golf's first foray into pay per view flopped because of technical difficulties.
The one-on-one showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson was beset with transmission problems, and that led some providers to refund the full $19.95 fee that buyers paid.
That should serve as a reminder that PPV technology isn't always perfect and it's possible -- maybe even easy -- to lose a program the promoter has spent mullions to organize and promote.
Not only do buyers lose a program they wanted, they're left with bad feelings about purchasing PPV programming in the future.
---
Is it possible to have brush fires on ice?
If so, the Penguins do. They discovered Patric Hornqvist has a concussion, news that came a day or so after the team placed goalie Matt Murray on injured reserve with a mysterious lower body injury.
So with Murray out, goaltending is in the inexperienced hands of Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry, which won't make a lot of people feel another championship is imminent.
It's been a mess of a season so far. Usually this kind of crisis leads to a coaching change, if only as a distraction. In this case, though, there's no logical reason to think Mike Sullivan is in trouble.
If there's one thing working in the Penguins' favor, it's the ridiculous length of the NHL season.
November's problems may be distant memories by the time April rolls around.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com).
OK, if this is really Sunday, the Steelers are in Denver and in a potentially troublesome game against the Broncos.
The first problem is Denver. The altitude always makes it a challenge to play there. In the past, the Steelers have gone west early to adjust to the different atmosphere.
The Broncos aren't overwhelming anybody at 4-6, but they're coming off a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They have a pretty good defense that gets after quarterbacks effectively. The Steelers have an offensive line that might be ready to spring a leak since they may be down to their third option at right tackle.
Marcus Gilbert is out, replacement Matt Feilers is questionable and that leaves 21-year-old Chukwuma Okorafor, who has never started an NFL game. The Broncos have Von Miller with 10 quarterback sacks and Bradley Chubb, who has nine.
That could be a problem, no matter how solid the rest of the line is. This kicks off an especially challenging stretch of schedule, which includes games against the Chargers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, who are currently a combined 24-7.
The AFC North is, as usual, there for the taking, but the path isn't easy.
It could be almost as difficult as figuring out what day this is.
---
MLB's Winter Meetings are coming up, and they're usually a swap meet for teams looking to make additions.
The Pirates' offseason shopping list includes a shortstop to replace Jordy Mercer. They may have found him already.
The Pirates will settle for a part-time player who can share the position with rookie Kevin Newman in 2019. The long-range plan is to hope that former No 1 draft pick Cole Tucker can take over, probably in 2020.
Erik Gonzalez was acquired from Cleveland in a five-player trade that sent Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff to the Indians. Gonzalez has been billed as a possible utility player for the Pirates. He may be capable of holding down at least part of the shortstop job.
The priority there is being solid enough defensively to help a pretty good starting pitching staff. Mercer was sure-handed and accurate with his throws, but his limited range was a liability.
Gonzalez has the potential to be a significant defensive upgrade and at least match Mercer's modest offensive numbers while sharing time with Newman.
---
Golf's first foray into pay per view flopped because of technical difficulties.
The one-on-one showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson was beset with transmission problems, and that led some providers to refund the full $19.95 fee that buyers paid.
That should serve as a reminder that PPV technology isn't always perfect and it's possible -- maybe even easy -- to lose a program the promoter has spent mullions to organize and promote.
Not only do buyers lose a program they wanted, they're left with bad feelings about purchasing PPV programming in the future.
---
Is it possible to have brush fires on ice?
If so, the Penguins do. They discovered Patric Hornqvist has a concussion, news that came a day or so after the team placed goalie Matt Murray on injured reserve with a mysterious lower body injury.
So with Murray out, goaltending is in the inexperienced hands of Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry, which won't make a lot of people feel another championship is imminent.
It's been a mess of a season so far. Usually this kind of crisis leads to a coaching change, if only as a distraction. In this case, though, there's no logical reason to think Mike Sullivan is in trouble.
If there's one thing working in the Penguins' favor, it's the ridiculous length of the NHL season.
November's problems may be distant memories by the time April rolls around.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com).
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 21, 2018
The Steelers' victory Sunday in Jacksonville was one of their most impressive games of the season, for all the wrong reasons.
The defense yielded too many rushing yards (179) to a team that doesn't pass the ball well. Ben Roethlisberger's three interceptions helped the Steelers lose the takeaway/giveaway game.
The Steelers were lousy converting third downs (3-for-11) and even worse (0-for-2) on fourth down attempts. One game after posting a perfect passer rating, Roethlisberger's number on Sunday was 65.4, lower than his counterpart, Blake Bortels.
Yet when the messy game was over, they'd won it 20-16. They won on the last play and by an inch, but they won.
When you can do so many things poorly and still win, it's a good sign.
Nobody wants to make a habit of that, but it's ultimately a positive to take into a tough environment in Denver this Sunday.
---
The statisticians who worked Monday night's Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Rams should have been packed in ice afterwards.
There was no chance to take a breath. It seemed like each team scored every time it had the ball, and there were enough spectacular plays to fill a one-hour highlights show.
Those who appreciate defensive football didn't find much to like, but the NFL believes that most fans like a game with plenty of offense.
This fit that bill.
So many of the Monday night games are clunkers (the NFL believes Sunday night is its showcase), but this one was genuine prime time entertainment.
---
No surprises on the players the Pirates added to the 40-man roster.
Mitch Keller is their No. 1 pitching prospect and could get to the major leagues this season. Cole Tucker is their shortstop of the future despite his so-so season with the Curve.
J.T. Brubaker was the organization's minor league pitcher of the year. Jason Martin was acquired in the Gerrit Cole trade, so they're not going to take the risk that he might get away as a Rule 5 pick.
The Pirates painlessly cleared roster spots with the recent trades of Jordan Luplow, Max Moroff and Tanner Anderson.
---
This might be as corny as the family size bag of Green Giant niblets, but it's time for the best holiday on the calendar.
Gluttony and football are a tough combination to beat, and it's even better if you somehow get along with your family and/or like pumpkin pie.
(By the way, my advice is to have a McRib or two on Friday to break up the cycle of holiday turkey, leftover hot turkey with gravy, turkey sandwiches and turkey salad).
Between the games and the crazed TV commercials for potential gifts (People get cars for Christmas?), take a moment or two to reflect on the gratitude we should all feel. As crazy as things are, we have a lot of reasons to be thankful.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have space in the Mirror on a regular basis, and to have readers who actually pay attention to the things I type.
To those who read, those who e-mail and those who fight the long odds to enter the Guess How Many Games The Pirates Will Win contest, thank you.
I literally couldn't do it without you.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
The defense yielded too many rushing yards (179) to a team that doesn't pass the ball well. Ben Roethlisberger's three interceptions helped the Steelers lose the takeaway/giveaway game.
The Steelers were lousy converting third downs (3-for-11) and even worse (0-for-2) on fourth down attempts. One game after posting a perfect passer rating, Roethlisberger's number on Sunday was 65.4, lower than his counterpart, Blake Bortels.
Yet when the messy game was over, they'd won it 20-16. They won on the last play and by an inch, but they won.
When you can do so many things poorly and still win, it's a good sign.
Nobody wants to make a habit of that, but it's ultimately a positive to take into a tough environment in Denver this Sunday.
---
The statisticians who worked Monday night's Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Rams should have been packed in ice afterwards.
There was no chance to take a breath. It seemed like each team scored every time it had the ball, and there were enough spectacular plays to fill a one-hour highlights show.
Those who appreciate defensive football didn't find much to like, but the NFL believes that most fans like a game with plenty of offense.
This fit that bill.
So many of the Monday night games are clunkers (the NFL believes Sunday night is its showcase), but this one was genuine prime time entertainment.
---
No surprises on the players the Pirates added to the 40-man roster.
Mitch Keller is their No. 1 pitching prospect and could get to the major leagues this season. Cole Tucker is their shortstop of the future despite his so-so season with the Curve.
J.T. Brubaker was the organization's minor league pitcher of the year. Jason Martin was acquired in the Gerrit Cole trade, so they're not going to take the risk that he might get away as a Rule 5 pick.
The Pirates painlessly cleared roster spots with the recent trades of Jordan Luplow, Max Moroff and Tanner Anderson.
---
This might be as corny as the family size bag of Green Giant niblets, but it's time for the best holiday on the calendar.
Gluttony and football are a tough combination to beat, and it's even better if you somehow get along with your family and/or like pumpkin pie.
(By the way, my advice is to have a McRib or two on Friday to break up the cycle of holiday turkey, leftover hot turkey with gravy, turkey sandwiches and turkey salad).
Between the games and the crazed TV commercials for potential gifts (People get cars for Christmas?), take a moment or two to reflect on the gratitude we should all feel. As crazy as things are, we have a lot of reasons to be thankful.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have space in the Mirror on a regular basis, and to have readers who actually pay attention to the things I type.
To those who read, those who e-mail and those who fight the long odds to enter the Guess How Many Games The Pirates Will Win contest, thank you.
I literally couldn't do it without you.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 18, 2018
When the deadline had at last passed and Le'Veon Bell was nowhere to be found, some of his former (?) teammates had some fun.
They looted his locker, taking the shoes and other gear he'd left behind at the Steelers' training facility.
Some people concluded that was their way of showing contempt for Bell and his holdout strategy.
Maybe, but not likely. They were putting on a show for the media, showing their contempt for more than three months of Bell-related questions.
The players all get plenty of free swag. They don't need to pick through anyone's leftovers.
SUBHEAD: On the move
The Penguins made a peculiar trade last week, sending Carl Hagelin to the Los Angeles Kings for left wing Tanner Pearson.
The odd thing about it is the motivation. General manager Jim Rutherford freely admitted one of his prime reasons for making the deal was to wake up his team, which had been slumbering through a 1-6 stretch.
Hagelin was one of the most popular personalities in the Penguins' locker room and his departure did indeed shake things up.
Rutherford still believes he's assembled a good team, one that hasn't been playing to its potential.
By his accounting, the Penguins went through the first 16 games, playing five that were "good, a few that were average and seven or eight really bad ones."
With a quarter of the season almost passed, Rutherford decided to disable the snooze button before it was too late.
The Penguins' main problems have been a lack of secondary scoring, and average or worse goaltending from Matt Murray. When backup Casey DeSmith starts three straight games without an injury issue dictating the choice, something has gone off the rails.
Murray was said to be seething about his temporary demotion, and maybe that's a good thing. Complacency seems to be the Penguins' enemy this season.
So in the end, Hagelin for Pearson is one disappointing winger for another. Hagelin had one goal and three points in 16 games, despite playing on Evgeni Malkin's line. Pearson was worse, managing just one assist with the Kings.
But the hockey aspect really wasn't this deal was about. This was intended as a jolt for the teammates Hagelin left behind.
---
It must be a thrill for high school kids to play in an NFL stadium.
That's the thinking behind having the WPIAL championship games at Heinz Field.
But is it necessary? The stands are mostly empty and it's not really practical to stage a high school football marathon in a 68,000-seat venue.
---
If you've paid attention to ESPN's Monday Night Football, you know that analyst Booger McFarland isn't in the booth.
He's near field level, elevated in a cherry picker that moves up and down the sideline as the line of scrimmage moves. You're not sure if he's there to contribute to the commentary or to change some light bulbs.
And if ESPN has any games in cold weather places, he faces the risk of being a handy moving target for snowballs. But it's ESPN, and that's the way they roll. Doesn't matter if it's ridiculous.
By the way, Phil Mushnick of the New York Post refers to the vehicle as the "Rubber Booger Buggy."
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
They looted his locker, taking the shoes and other gear he'd left behind at the Steelers' training facility.
Some people concluded that was their way of showing contempt for Bell and his holdout strategy.
Maybe, but not likely. They were putting on a show for the media, showing their contempt for more than three months of Bell-related questions.
The players all get plenty of free swag. They don't need to pick through anyone's leftovers.
SUBHEAD: On the move
The Penguins made a peculiar trade last week, sending Carl Hagelin to the Los Angeles Kings for left wing Tanner Pearson.
The odd thing about it is the motivation. General manager Jim Rutherford freely admitted one of his prime reasons for making the deal was to wake up his team, which had been slumbering through a 1-6 stretch.
Hagelin was one of the most popular personalities in the Penguins' locker room and his departure did indeed shake things up.
Rutherford still believes he's assembled a good team, one that hasn't been playing to its potential.
By his accounting, the Penguins went through the first 16 games, playing five that were "good, a few that were average and seven or eight really bad ones."
With a quarter of the season almost passed, Rutherford decided to disable the snooze button before it was too late.
The Penguins' main problems have been a lack of secondary scoring, and average or worse goaltending from Matt Murray. When backup Casey DeSmith starts three straight games without an injury issue dictating the choice, something has gone off the rails.
Murray was said to be seething about his temporary demotion, and maybe that's a good thing. Complacency seems to be the Penguins' enemy this season.
So in the end, Hagelin for Pearson is one disappointing winger for another. Hagelin had one goal and three points in 16 games, despite playing on Evgeni Malkin's line. Pearson was worse, managing just one assist with the Kings.
But the hockey aspect really wasn't this deal was about. This was intended as a jolt for the teammates Hagelin left behind.
---
It must be a thrill for high school kids to play in an NFL stadium.
That's the thinking behind having the WPIAL championship games at Heinz Field.
But is it necessary? The stands are mostly empty and it's not really practical to stage a high school football marathon in a 68,000-seat venue.
---
If you've paid attention to ESPN's Monday Night Football, you know that analyst Booger McFarland isn't in the booth.
He's near field level, elevated in a cherry picker that moves up and down the sideline as the line of scrimmage moves. You're not sure if he's there to contribute to the commentary or to change some light bulbs.
And if ESPN has any games in cold weather places, he faces the risk of being a handy moving target for snowballs. But it's ESPN, and that's the way they roll. Doesn't matter if it's ridiculous.
By the way, Phil Mushnick of the New York Post refers to the vehicle as the "Rubber Booger Buggy."
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 14, 2018
Santa Claus is still coming to town. Le'Veon Bell isn't.
His long holdout officially ended just past 4 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon when he didn't show up to sign the contract tender the Steelers offered him months ago.
That means Bell won't play in the NFL anywhere this season and will probably not wear a Steelers uniform again.
You know what that means -- James Conner is the starting running back, and he's backed up by well-traveled Stevan Ridley and rookie Jaylen Samuels. The $14.5 million the Steelers agreed to pay Bell stays in the bank.
So far all the rumors and false reports and wild guesses, it ends with Bell taking a year off from football and forfeiting his income. The Steelers are dangerously thin at running back for the second half of the season and the playoffs.
Nobody won. Maybe someday Bell will explain how this makes any sense from his perspective. The Steelers played it by the rules of the system, which should have been obvious to Bell and his agent from the start.
Maybe there's a master plan that will reveal itself in the future. At the moment, it looks like Bell threw away a lot of money in the kind of volatile career that offers only a brief opportunity to make a lot.
The Steelers have been fine without Bell. But there's no guarantee Conner will continue his current level of production as the season winds down. There's also no guarantee Conner will stay healthy for the rest of the season running a style that doesn't shy away from collisions.
Speaking of guarantees, we don't really know what to expect from Ridley and Samuels. Ridley has averaged more than four yards per carry in four of his pro seasons (in limited work). He's also played for four teams in the last five seasons, which is an indication his employers determined they could get along fine without him.
Samuels was chosen on the fifth round of this year's draft. He has experience at both running back and fullback and has also played tight end and receiver.
It would probably be smart for Mike Tomlin and Randy Fichtner to work in the other two backs. Give Conner an occasional break, and give the other backs a chance to get a feel for game speed.
In the meantime, there was a purpose in mentioning Santa at the start of this column. He probably has a warehouse full of Steelers jerseys with "Bell 26" on the back.
He may still deliver them, but now they'll take the place of the lump of coal.
---
Hue Jackson, recently fired as Cleveland Browns' head coach, didn't need a lot of time to find a new job.
Marvin Lewis hired him as a special assistant on his Cincinnati Bengals staff. That's the same Marvin Lewis who has not won a playoff game in his 15 seasons with the Bengals.
Hard to see how adding Jackson to the staff is going to make things better.
---
Former pro wrestling champion Bruno Sammartino died on April 18 at age 82 after a year or two of failing health.
The family's tragic year took another sad turn last week when Daniel Sammartino, one of Bruno and Carol Sammartino's twin sons, died at 50.
Daniel once had ambitions to follow his father into wrestling. When Bruno found out about that, he put his foot down and strongly suggested his son pursue another career.
Daniel Sammartino was the owner of a hair salon at the time of his death.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
His long holdout officially ended just past 4 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon when he didn't show up to sign the contract tender the Steelers offered him months ago.
That means Bell won't play in the NFL anywhere this season and will probably not wear a Steelers uniform again.
You know what that means -- James Conner is the starting running back, and he's backed up by well-traveled Stevan Ridley and rookie Jaylen Samuels. The $14.5 million the Steelers agreed to pay Bell stays in the bank.
So far all the rumors and false reports and wild guesses, it ends with Bell taking a year off from football and forfeiting his income. The Steelers are dangerously thin at running back for the second half of the season and the playoffs.
Nobody won. Maybe someday Bell will explain how this makes any sense from his perspective. The Steelers played it by the rules of the system, which should have been obvious to Bell and his agent from the start.
Maybe there's a master plan that will reveal itself in the future. At the moment, it looks like Bell threw away a lot of money in the kind of volatile career that offers only a brief opportunity to make a lot.
The Steelers have been fine without Bell. But there's no guarantee Conner will continue his current level of production as the season winds down. There's also no guarantee Conner will stay healthy for the rest of the season running a style that doesn't shy away from collisions.
Speaking of guarantees, we don't really know what to expect from Ridley and Samuels. Ridley has averaged more than four yards per carry in four of his pro seasons (in limited work). He's also played for four teams in the last five seasons, which is an indication his employers determined they could get along fine without him.
Samuels was chosen on the fifth round of this year's draft. He has experience at both running back and fullback and has also played tight end and receiver.
It would probably be smart for Mike Tomlin and Randy Fichtner to work in the other two backs. Give Conner an occasional break, and give the other backs a chance to get a feel for game speed.
In the meantime, there was a purpose in mentioning Santa at the start of this column. He probably has a warehouse full of Steelers jerseys with "Bell 26" on the back.
He may still deliver them, but now they'll take the place of the lump of coal.
---
Hue Jackson, recently fired as Cleveland Browns' head coach, didn't need a lot of time to find a new job.
Marvin Lewis hired him as a special assistant on his Cincinnati Bengals staff. That's the same Marvin Lewis who has not won a playoff game in his 15 seasons with the Bengals.
Hard to see how adding Jackson to the staff is going to make things better.
---
Former pro wrestling champion Bruno Sammartino died on April 18 at age 82 after a year or two of failing health.
The family's tragic year took another sad turn last week when Daniel Sammartino, one of Bruno and Carol Sammartino's twin sons, died at 50.
Daniel once had ambitions to follow his father into wrestling. When Bruno found out about that, he put his foot down and strongly suggested his son pursue another career.
Daniel Sammartino was the owner of a hair salon at the time of his death.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 11, 2018
If Antonio Brown actually was driving over 100 miles per hour on a suburban highway last week, it begs this question:
Why?
Was he late for an appointment? Was his Porsche fresh from a tune-up and he was anxious to test it? Did a soccer mom in a mini-van challenge him to a race when they were both stopped for a light? Was he upset that Le'Veon Bell was stealing his headlines? Did he want to make sure the police radar was functioning properly? Was it another Facebook Live production?
If your speedometer is hitting triple digits in broad daylight, there must be a reason.
At the moment these questions remain unanswered. Bell refused to speak after Thursday night's lopsided win over Carolina. When TV cameras caught him entering Heinz Field, he flipped them off three different times.
All of this might be more understandable if Brown were an irresponsible teenager. But he's not. He's 30 years old and the father of four children.
Maybe some of those kids ride a school bus every day. Wonder how their father would feel about someone racing down the highway at 100 miles per hour when his kids are in traffic?
---
Jim Rutherford served notice last week that he isn't much of a Penguins fan these days.
A five-game losing streak put the general manager in a foul mood, and he spoke his mind on his radio show.
Rutherford said changes are a definite possibility, but what could he do that would make a significant difference?
The Penguins' stars are fine. Rutherford insists he and coach Mike Sullivan are on the same page, even though they seem to openly disagree on the potential of former No. 1 draft pick Daniel Sprong.
It's hard to make in-season trades because of the salary cap. The Penguins customarily spend to the limit. That means if they want to add a player with a $5 million contract, they have to eliminate a similar amount from the payroll. That makes it difficult to find trading partners.
The most likely move would be to deal Derick Brassard, who has yet to find a way to fit comfortably into the Penguins' forward rotation. Otherwise, Rutherford will probably be looking to make moves with the fringes of the roster. Will that have an impact? Doubtful.
There is still a considerable amount of talent on the roster. A sharper focus would help, and that may be coming. This group has proven it knows how to win.
It's a very long season, and mid-November is too soon to panic.
---
After 15 seasons of playing for his hometown Minnesota Twins, Joe Mauer announced his retirement from baseball.
He said he was departing with a "full and grateful heart." His wallet was pretty well-stuffed, too.
The Twins paid Mauer $218 million over the course of his career.
Consider that the franchise only kicked in $195 million for their share of Target Field, which opened in 2019. There was $353.5 million that came from public funds, which included a county sales tax that took money from just about every citizen.
---
Chuck Noll coached the Steelers for 23 years, and his teams won four Super Bowls. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is one of the legendary coaches in NFL history.
Yet Fox spelled his name "Knoll" in a graphic outlining the Steelers' coaching lineage during Thursday's broadcast.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Why?
Was he late for an appointment? Was his Porsche fresh from a tune-up and he was anxious to test it? Did a soccer mom in a mini-van challenge him to a race when they were both stopped for a light? Was he upset that Le'Veon Bell was stealing his headlines? Did he want to make sure the police radar was functioning properly? Was it another Facebook Live production?
If your speedometer is hitting triple digits in broad daylight, there must be a reason.
At the moment these questions remain unanswered. Bell refused to speak after Thursday night's lopsided win over Carolina. When TV cameras caught him entering Heinz Field, he flipped them off three different times.
All of this might be more understandable if Brown were an irresponsible teenager. But he's not. He's 30 years old and the father of four children.
Maybe some of those kids ride a school bus every day. Wonder how their father would feel about someone racing down the highway at 100 miles per hour when his kids are in traffic?
---
Jim Rutherford served notice last week that he isn't much of a Penguins fan these days.
A five-game losing streak put the general manager in a foul mood, and he spoke his mind on his radio show.
Rutherford said changes are a definite possibility, but what could he do that would make a significant difference?
The Penguins' stars are fine. Rutherford insists he and coach Mike Sullivan are on the same page, even though they seem to openly disagree on the potential of former No. 1 draft pick Daniel Sprong.
It's hard to make in-season trades because of the salary cap. The Penguins customarily spend to the limit. That means if they want to add a player with a $5 million contract, they have to eliminate a similar amount from the payroll. That makes it difficult to find trading partners.
The most likely move would be to deal Derick Brassard, who has yet to find a way to fit comfortably into the Penguins' forward rotation. Otherwise, Rutherford will probably be looking to make moves with the fringes of the roster. Will that have an impact? Doubtful.
There is still a considerable amount of talent on the roster. A sharper focus would help, and that may be coming. This group has proven it knows how to win.
It's a very long season, and mid-November is too soon to panic.
---
After 15 seasons of playing for his hometown Minnesota Twins, Joe Mauer announced his retirement from baseball.
He said he was departing with a "full and grateful heart." His wallet was pretty well-stuffed, too.
The Twins paid Mauer $218 million over the course of his career.
Consider that the franchise only kicked in $195 million for their share of Target Field, which opened in 2019. There was $353.5 million that came from public funds, which included a county sales tax that took money from just about every citizen.
---
Chuck Noll coached the Steelers for 23 years, and his teams won four Super Bowls. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is one of the legendary coaches in NFL history.
Yet Fox spelled his name "Knoll" in a graphic outlining the Steelers' coaching lineage during Thursday's broadcast.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 7, 2018
Steelers Sunday comes early this week.
In fact, the home game against the Carolina Panthers will be on Thursday night.
The good news is once it's over, the players and staff will have extra time to recover before the next game, Nov. 18 at Jacksonville.
That's the extent of the good news.
The players will barely be over last Sunday's bumps and bruises when they line up against the Panthers.
They're working in double time. Offensive lineman Ramon Foster broke it down this way: Monday is the normal recovery day, spent reviewing the previous game and getting medical treatment.
Tuesday -- normally a day off -- becomes the equivalent of Tuesday and Wednesday in a regular week. That's the time to get the game plan and do the heavy practice work.
This week's Wednesday is like a combination of Friday and Saturday in a normal week. There's a light practice and a walk through. One benefit is it's a home game for the Steelers. Otherwise, they'd be on a plane to Carolina.
It's not the same as working in a coal mine, but it's a disruption of the normal routine. And there's no real good reason for it.
Thursday NFL games used to be limited to one day per season, Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys had home games and the opponents rotated.
Now there's a game every Thursday, and participation is mandatory. Every team gets stuck with one Thursday game.
The NFL started this "tradition" when the league started its own TV channel and wanted unique content. Now they share some of the games with the networks (this one is on Fox) for more money.
The players are ill served by playing with such a short recovery time, but that's OK in the NFL.
Player safety is something to endlessly discuss. It takes a back seat to making money, though.
---
Ever get together with co-workers after hours and discuss your grievances with the workplace?
It's highly likely. Any non-hook up meetings in bars after 5 p.m. are people complaining about the boss.
It's mostly harmless, just people blowing off steam.
But what if someone had an unseen video camera recording, and the bosses being assailed were able to eavesdrop on the conversation?
In the immortal word of Myron Cope, yoi. That's what happened to a bunch of Ottawa Senators players who got an Uber ride back to their hotel in Arizona. They used the trip to unload on the incompetence of an assistant coach.
The driver had a camera activated, then posted the video online.
As you can imagine, there have been repercussions. The audio quality is quite good, so there's no doubt about what they're saying and who's saying it.
Turns out it is not illegal to record people without their consent in Arizona (it is illegal in Pennsylvania), although it is a violation of Uber policy.
Must have made for an uncomfortable team meeting when nearly one third of the players were seen bashing one of their coaches.
Since there's video evidence, the usual dodges are not applicable. There's no denying what was said or claiming the context isn't understood.
Technology is great in so many ways, but what's happened to America when workers can't have a private boss bash?
---
No more political ads on TV for at least a few months.
There should be a parade today.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
In fact, the home game against the Carolina Panthers will be on Thursday night.
The good news is once it's over, the players and staff will have extra time to recover before the next game, Nov. 18 at Jacksonville.
That's the extent of the good news.
The players will barely be over last Sunday's bumps and bruises when they line up against the Panthers.
They're working in double time. Offensive lineman Ramon Foster broke it down this way: Monday is the normal recovery day, spent reviewing the previous game and getting medical treatment.
Tuesday -- normally a day off -- becomes the equivalent of Tuesday and Wednesday in a regular week. That's the time to get the game plan and do the heavy practice work.
This week's Wednesday is like a combination of Friday and Saturday in a normal week. There's a light practice and a walk through. One benefit is it's a home game for the Steelers. Otherwise, they'd be on a plane to Carolina.
It's not the same as working in a coal mine, but it's a disruption of the normal routine. And there's no real good reason for it.
Thursday NFL games used to be limited to one day per season, Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys had home games and the opponents rotated.
Now there's a game every Thursday, and participation is mandatory. Every team gets stuck with one Thursday game.
The NFL started this "tradition" when the league started its own TV channel and wanted unique content. Now they share some of the games with the networks (this one is on Fox) for more money.
The players are ill served by playing with such a short recovery time, but that's OK in the NFL.
Player safety is something to endlessly discuss. It takes a back seat to making money, though.
---
Ever get together with co-workers after hours and discuss your grievances with the workplace?
It's highly likely. Any non-hook up meetings in bars after 5 p.m. are people complaining about the boss.
It's mostly harmless, just people blowing off steam.
But what if someone had an unseen video camera recording, and the bosses being assailed were able to eavesdrop on the conversation?
In the immortal word of Myron Cope, yoi. That's what happened to a bunch of Ottawa Senators players who got an Uber ride back to their hotel in Arizona. They used the trip to unload on the incompetence of an assistant coach.
The driver had a camera activated, then posted the video online.
As you can imagine, there have been repercussions. The audio quality is quite good, so there's no doubt about what they're saying and who's saying it.
Turns out it is not illegal to record people without their consent in Arizona (it is illegal in Pennsylvania), although it is a violation of Uber policy.
Must have made for an uncomfortable team meeting when nearly one third of the players were seen bashing one of their coaches.
Since there's video evidence, the usual dodges are not applicable. There's no denying what was said or claiming the context isn't understood.
Technology is great in so many ways, but what's happened to America when workers can't have a private boss bash?
---
No more political ads on TV for at least a few months.
There should be a parade today.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Altoona Mirror, November 4, 2018
Aw, who needs Le'Veon Bell, right?
That's been the prevailing sentiment lately as Bell's contract holdout continues with no end or logic in sight. His absence has coincided with some record-setting work by replacement James Conner.
In last Sunday's game against Cleveland, Conner piled up 212 yards from scrimmage. He became the first Steelers running back to rush for at least 100 yards and two touchdowns in three consecutive games.
He's the only one on an all-time roster that includes Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis and, yes, even Tom "The Bomb" Tracy.
Conner has been impressive. His numbers so far this season top those posted by Bell last season.
But the operative words in the previous sentence are "so far." Conner is in his second NFL season. His rookie season, which had a much lighter workload, ended two games early because of a knee injury that required surgery.
Conner only carried the ball 32 times last year. He didn't catch a pass and was only targeted once in his limited role.
He's been a workhorse this year, carrying the ball 127 times and catching 31 passes on 41 targets.
He's obviously been productive, too, with a smashing running style that either makes tacklers miss or simply blasts through them.
Today's game in Baltimore marks the halfway point of the season. Eight games to go, and then the playoffs start. The Steelers expect to be in the postseason.
That's a lot of work for Conner, especially when the weather deteriorates and running the ball often becomes a better option than passing.
This is a concern because there's very little depth behind Conner. Stevan Ridley has 10 carries for 30 yards. He was lifted from last Sunday's game when he fumbled the ball after catching a pass. The Steelers are his fifth team in six seasons.
Jaylen Samuels is a rookie who has run the ball four times in the NFL. The Steelers' No. 2 rusher is Ben Roethlisberger, whose quarterback sneaks and scrambles have amounted to 44 yards in the first seven games.
If anything happens to Conner, the Steelers probably won't have much of a running game.
Bell is a royal pain in the neck, but he would also be a formidable insurance policy to have on the sideline.
---
There was much consternation when Pitt defensive back Damarri Mathis celebrated a play with a gesture Friday night at Virginia.
Some people thought Mathis was miming the shooting of a machine gun. If that had been the case, it would have been in the worst possible taste, given the tragic events that unfolded last week at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
Mathis and Pitt maintained he was imitating a dance move from a popular rap video.
He's a vote for the latter explanation. While his movements could have been perceived as firing a machine gun, it isn't likely. You could even make a case that he looked like he was playing air guitar.
The video is all over the Internet, so check for yourself. If someone hadn't suggested the machine gun angle, how many people would have perceived it that way?
Maybe it was too close for comfort given the rawness still prevalent from the horrific shooting incident, but it seems unlikely Mathis intended any malice.
---
In case you missed it, Los Angeles Dodgers batters managed 34 hits in five World Series games against the Boston Red Sox.
Dodgers batters struck out 56 times in the Series.
Not that the Red Sox were a whole lot better with 42 hits and 53 strikeouts.
It's a different game now, all or nothing.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
That's been the prevailing sentiment lately as Bell's contract holdout continues with no end or logic in sight. His absence has coincided with some record-setting work by replacement James Conner.
In last Sunday's game against Cleveland, Conner piled up 212 yards from scrimmage. He became the first Steelers running back to rush for at least 100 yards and two touchdowns in three consecutive games.
He's the only one on an all-time roster that includes Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis and, yes, even Tom "The Bomb" Tracy.
Conner has been impressive. His numbers so far this season top those posted by Bell last season.
But the operative words in the previous sentence are "so far." Conner is in his second NFL season. His rookie season, which had a much lighter workload, ended two games early because of a knee injury that required surgery.
Conner only carried the ball 32 times last year. He didn't catch a pass and was only targeted once in his limited role.
He's been a workhorse this year, carrying the ball 127 times and catching 31 passes on 41 targets.
He's obviously been productive, too, with a smashing running style that either makes tacklers miss or simply blasts through them.
Today's game in Baltimore marks the halfway point of the season. Eight games to go, and then the playoffs start. The Steelers expect to be in the postseason.
That's a lot of work for Conner, especially when the weather deteriorates and running the ball often becomes a better option than passing.
This is a concern because there's very little depth behind Conner. Stevan Ridley has 10 carries for 30 yards. He was lifted from last Sunday's game when he fumbled the ball after catching a pass. The Steelers are his fifth team in six seasons.
Jaylen Samuels is a rookie who has run the ball four times in the NFL. The Steelers' No. 2 rusher is Ben Roethlisberger, whose quarterback sneaks and scrambles have amounted to 44 yards in the first seven games.
If anything happens to Conner, the Steelers probably won't have much of a running game.
Bell is a royal pain in the neck, but he would also be a formidable insurance policy to have on the sideline.
---
There was much consternation when Pitt defensive back Damarri Mathis celebrated a play with a gesture Friday night at Virginia.
Some people thought Mathis was miming the shooting of a machine gun. If that had been the case, it would have been in the worst possible taste, given the tragic events that unfolded last week at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
Mathis and Pitt maintained he was imitating a dance move from a popular rap video.
He's a vote for the latter explanation. While his movements could have been perceived as firing a machine gun, it isn't likely. You could even make a case that he looked like he was playing air guitar.
The video is all over the Internet, so check for yourself. If someone hadn't suggested the machine gun angle, how many people would have perceived it that way?
Maybe it was too close for comfort given the rawness still prevalent from the horrific shooting incident, but it seems unlikely Mathis intended any malice.
---
In case you missed it, Los Angeles Dodgers batters managed 34 hits in five World Series games against the Boston Red Sox.
Dodgers batters struck out 56 times in the Series.
Not that the Red Sox were a whole lot better with 42 hits and 53 strikeouts.
It's a different game now, all or nothing.
(John Mehno can be reached at: johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com)
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