November 5, 2009 News Clippings

Transcription

1 November 5, 2009 News Clippings Pittsburgh Steelers

2 Roethlisberger accuser quits hotel job in Nevada Page 1 of 1 NEWS / BREAKING NEWS Roethlisberger accuser quits hotel job in Nevada Thursday, November 05, 2009 By Dan Majors, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The woman who has filed a civil lawsuit against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger claiming he sexually assaulted her last summer has quit working for the Nevada hotel where she said the incident occurred. Calvin R.X. Dunlap, the Reno-based attorney for the woman, last night confirmed that his client quit late last week because of "the way she was being treated" by managers at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, where she was a casino host. She was not forced to quit, he said. The woman sued Roethlisberger in July, claiming that he sexually assaulted her while staying at the Lake Tahoe hotel in 2008 for a charity golf outing. She also sued eight current or former employees of Harrah's, saying they protected Roethlisberger. The Post-Gazette does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault. Dunlap said his client continued to work at Harrah's "from the time the incident happened until September [2008], when she started falling apart." The woman took numerous leaves for medical reasons between November 2008 and March 2009, when she returned to work. "Her co-workers have been extremely supportive," Dunlap said. "But her employer made the situation impossible for her." After months of filings between Dunlap's office and the attorneys representing Roethlisberger, the case is in limbo pending an appeal of the defense team's request for a change of venue. Dunlap has filed the case in Reno, Washoe County, but Roethlisberger's attorneys -- and those representing the Harrah's employees -- want the trial moved to Douglas County, where Lake Tahoe is. A Reno judge last month rejected the change of venue request. Dan Majors can be reached at dmajors@post-gazette.com or Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details. First published on November 5, 2009 at 12:00 am

3 On the Steelers: Injured Kirschke unlikely to play Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL On the Steelers: Injured Kirschke unlikely to play Thursday, November 05, 2009 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana/Post-Gazette A a torn left calf muscle is expected to sideline defensive end Travis Kirschke for Sunday's game in Denver. That thin air in Denver just got a little thinner for the Steelers' defense with the news that Travis Kirschke almost surely will not play Monday night, and he could miss more time. Bring on the oxygen, along with rookies Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris. Those two -- Hood has played sparingly and Harris not at all -- will play more prominent roles in Denver. Nick Eason will replace Kirschke, who replaced Aaron Smith as the starting left defensive end. Brett Keisel starts at right defensive end. Hood and Harris are the only other ends on their roster. Harris, of course, was not on their roster until two weeks ago because they cut him, Carolina claimed him and they got him back when the Panthers released him. The Steelers and their longtime defensive line coach John Mitchell have often spelled their starting three with backups, and they have done it more often in the high altitude of Denver. "We've played there a few times and we know what it's like," said veteran backup nose tackle Chris Hoke. "I played in high altitude in college, so you need to make sure you have a good rotation going." Hoke will rotate with Casey Hampton in the middle, but he also could be called on to take a few snaps at end. He has practiced there in the past and expects to take some snaps at end in practice this week. Kirschke does not expect to play because of a torn left calf muscle, which normally requires three to six weeks to recover "typically when you have a tear on your calf," Kirschke said. It will be two weeks Sunday since the injury forced him out of the game against Minnesota. "They're happy -- from what they see on the MRI, the type of tear and how much -- that it will be quicker rather than longer," Kirschke said of his return. "I'm preparing myself as if I am playing. However, the injury I have usually takes a little longer than a few weeks." That means that Hood, picked in the first round, and Harris, picked in the sixth, should see plenty of playing time in Denver. There is no getting away from rotating the defensive line. Hoke, in his ninth season with the Steelers, also played at Brigham Young. "You're not worried about it in the first and second quarter, you're worried about it in the third and fourth quarter. You may think in the first quarter, hey, I'm going strong. Come the fourth quarter, though, you probably wish you had a few less snaps." Kirschke, who lives near Denver, concurs. "I think we'll be OK, but the key will be to rotate early and often, so you don't get to where you need it badly at the end." Denver has not been kind to that Steelers' defensive line, either. That is where Aaron Smith's 2007 season ended with a torn biceps, which left the Steelers with only three healthy defensive ends in that loss.

4 On the Steelers: Injured Kirschke unlikely to play Page 2 of 2 "We went out there, and Aaron Smith got hurt," Eason recalled. "I was getting snaps a game, and he went down and I got about 40. It was me, Travis and Keisel. "It wasn't a huge issue, I wasn't about to die or anything. I did some oxygen, of course. I'm going to have plenty of oxygen." Hood had practiced strictly on the left side this year, but believes he will take a few snaps on the right side as well. Harris has played on the right since rejoining the Steelers. Keep the oxygen and the rookies coming. "Get the starters out," Hood said of his role Monday night, "so they can catch their breath and they can be 100 percent every snap." Parker makes adjustments Willie Parker has not had two games with less production in his career like his past two. Not since his rookie season of 2004, when he hardly played, has Parker produced fewer than 28 yards rushing over two games. He has 28 yards on eight carries since returning Oct. 16 from a turf toe injury that caused him to miss two games and lose his starting job to Rashard Mendenhall, who leads the team with 418 yards and has a 5.4-yard average. Parker has just 187 yards and a 3.1-yard average. Parker said he might abandon the special shoes Nike produced for him to protect his toe the past two games because it has healed so well. He also recovered from an illness that sent him home before practice Monday. Mendenhall will make his fifth consecutive start, but it is possible Parker could get more carries because of his improved health and the high altitude in Denver. "It never bothered me," Parker said of the thin air. "When we played the AFC game before the Super Bowl, I was kind of worried and I asked Jerome [Bettis] and he said it hardly bothered him and he has asthma. I don't think it bothers running backs as much." For more on the Steelers, read the new blog, Ed Bouchette on the Steelers at Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. Ed Bouchette's blog on the Steelers and Gerry Dulac's Steelers chats are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details. First published on November 5, 2009 at 12:00 am

5 Clark's status still unknown - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Clark's status still unknown By Mark Kaboly TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 5, 2009 Another day passed, and Steelers safety Ryan Clark isn't ready to announce whether he will play Monday night against the Denver Broncos. But Clark made one thing clear Wednesday: his input will play a significant role in the coach Mike Tomlin's decision, despite having complications from his sickle cell trait two years ago that nearly killed him. His wife, Yonka, might also have a say in the matter. And Clark said if he listens to his wife, he would definitely play Monday. "She is actually fine with it and has been fine with it," Clark said. Clark said his wife is at peace with the situation, and no matter what is decided, she knows her husband will return home safe. "It would be hard for me to play if she would tell me that she didn't want me to play," Clark said. "The decision would've been done if she would've told me that two weeks ago or before the season that she didn't want me playing. We wouldn't even be having this conversation." Quotable "First of all, don't let ya'll put words in my mouth. We will stop it. I know I am cool with all you all, but let me talk, let me say what I am going to say and don't say so and so. Don't do that to me. I don't deserve that from you; I don't do that. I respect you all, so respect me. Ryan Clark Steelers safety, after it was inferred that Tomlin was the one delaying the decision on whether he will play against the Broncos. Digits Wins Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton has while playing at home during his career Losses Orton has while playing at home during his career.

6 Clark's status still unknown - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 Mark Kaboly can be reached at mkaboly@dailynews .com or Images and text copyright 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from Trib Total Media

7 Kirschke may miss Monday's Denver game - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Kirschke may miss Monday's Denver game By Mark Kaboly TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 5, 2009 It appears likely the Steelers will be without starting defensive end Travis Kirschke for Monday night's game in Denver. Kirschke, who has filled in for the injured Aaron Smith at left end the past two weeks, said Wednesday he has a tear in his calf and it doesn't look promising that he will be able to play against the Broncos. "It might be a little close for this type of injury," said Kirschke about having more than two weeks to heal. "I'd like to (play), but we've just got to take it one day at a time. We'll see as it goes through the week." Kirschke has been rehabbing the injury by doing laps in a swimming pool. "I've got to be patient," Kirschke said. "It takes some time for it to heal. Each person is different. Typically it's anywhere from three to six weeks, but hopefully it's sooner than later." The Steelers like to use multiple defensive linemen during a game and rotate them on and off the field as much as possible. That might not be possible Monday night, especially with Kirschke possibly out with a calf injury. The Steelers have dressed six linemen every week, but would have only have six healthy bodies Monday night -- and two of them are rookies Sunny Harris and Ziggy Hood. "Guys are going to have to get a lot of cardio in this week," Eason said. "We want to keep a rotation going." The video of William Gay getting run over by Minnesota's Adrian Peterson has been played repeatedly during the past two weeks. Surprisingly, Gay hasn't had to endure too much flak from his teammates. "It is out the door now," Gay said. "The only people who are whacking me is ESPN." Not practicing for the Steelers were wide receiver Hines Ward (coach's decision), Kirschke (calf), offensive lineman Ramon Foster (back) and linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle). Mark Kaboly can be reached at mkaboly@dailynews .com or Images and text copyright 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from Trib Total Media

8 Ward voted NFL's dirtiest player - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Ward voted NFL's dirtiest player By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, November 5, 2009 Josh McDaniels said Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is the kind of player around whom franchises are built. "He's one of those guys when you say tough, physical football player, his face is probably right there in the dictionary," the Denver Broncos coach said Wednesday. Ward's peers say he's synonymous with more than just a physical brand of play, though. A panel of 296 NFL players -- less than 18 percent of the players on active rosters -- voted Ward the dirtiest player in the league. The anonymous voting, which was conducted in September, will be printed in this week's edition of Sports Illustrated. The (almost) dirty dozen In a Sports Illustrated poll on the NFL's dirtiest players, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward won in a landslide. Here's a breakdown of the vote: Player Team Pos. Pct. Hines Ward Steelers WR 11.6 Albert Haynesworth Redskins DT 6.0 Joey Porter Dolphins OLB 6.0 Roy Williams Bengals S 5.1 Kevin Mawae Titans C 4.6 Cortland Finnegan Titans CB 4.2 Harvey Dahl Falcons G 3.7 Richie Incognito Rams G 3.7 Troy Polamalu Steelers S 3.3 Jared Allen Vikings DE players took part in the poll anonymously Ward, widely considered the best blocking wide receiver in the game, got 11 percent of the vote, nearly doubling the amount cast for Redskins defensive

9 Ward voted NFL's dirtiest player - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 tackle Albert Haynesworth and Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter, a former Steelers player. "I beat Joey? Wow," Ward said, with a laugh. "How can I be the dirtiest player on the field -- a little, old wideout with no speed? I don't know whether to be happy or mad about it." Ward wore a grin as wide as a jack-o'-lantern's as he answered questions following practice yesterday, suggesting he's more amused than anything by the dubious honor. The 12-year veteran has routinely dealt with complaints that his physical play sometimes crosses a line. And last March, the NFL enacted what's commonly known as the "Hines Ward Rule," which penalizes the kind of crack-back blocks with which Ward used to break the jaw of Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers last season. "I'm not going to change the way I play," said the 33-year-old Ward, who's fifth in the NFL with 602 receiving yards. "If people think I'm dirty, I apologize to them now." Several of Ward's teammates said there's no need for the four-time Pro Bowler to apologize for the way he plays the game. "By no shape, form or fashion do I consider Hines a dirty person," outside linebacker James Harrison said. "Those must be people who can't take a little bit of a crack-back block. I don't consider it dirty." Added free safety Ryan Clark: "Other guys are such pansies now. When I play a guy like (Ward), I vote for that guy to go to the Pro Bowl." Ward's reputation offers something of a contrast to all of the work he does away from the field. He was a finalist for the 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given annually to the player that does the most for charity. What surprised Ward and his teammates more than his spot atop the poll for dirtiest player was Troy Polamalu's inclusion in the top 10. The soft-spoken safety is ninth with 3.3 percent of the vote. "Our Troy? Wow," Ward said. "Troy being on that list is definitely a shocker." Said Polamalu when asked about his supposedly dirty play, "I always do my hair before the game." Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from Trib Total Media

10 TimesOnline.com: Steelers Ward is dirty, says poll Page 1 of 1 Thursday November 5, 2009 Steelers Ward is dirty, says poll By: Mike Bires Beaver County Times PITTSBURGH Hines Ward just laughed when told that a sampling of his peers rank him as the dirtiest player in the NFL. How can I be the dirtiest player, a little ol wideout with no speed? said Ward, the Steelers all-time leading pass catcher who s universally regarded as the league s best blocking wide receiver. I don t know whether to be happy about it or mad about it. I guess I ll take it as a compliment. The survey was conducted by Sports Illustrated, which polled only 296 of the league s 1,693 players. Ward got 11.6 percent of the vote, followed by ex-steeler and current Miami linebacker Joey Porter, who tied with Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth for second place at 6 percent. I beat Joey? Wow, that s definitely a big honor to beat Joey Porter, Ward said with a laugh. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was No. 9 on the list. Troy made it, too? Ward said. Our Troy? No way. When told of the S.I. poll, several Steelers defended Ward and said he s actually the toughest player in the league, pound-for-pound. You don t hear about Hines eye-gouging guys or grabbing guys in obscene places under the pile, free safety Ryan Clark said. The things that he does, he does in between the whistle and he does it in the way football s supposed to be played. Those guys (who voted for Ward) must have gotten hit by Hines, tackle Max Starks said. You could look at it as being the nastiest player, or just being the toughest player. I think Hines is one of the toughest players I ve ever seen play the game. Guys may call in dirty. But every player in this league wishes they had a Hines Ward on their team.

11 TimesOnline.com: Steelers' Starks can make 2009 even better Page 1 of 2 Thursday November 5, 2009 Steelers' Starks can make 2009 even better By: Mike Bires Beaver County Times PITTSBURGH It s already been the greatest year in Max Starks life. But it could get even better. In February, he experienced the thrill of winning the Super Bowl for the second time. In June, he became the highest-paid offensive linemen in Steelers history when he landed a four-year, $26.3 million contract that included a $10 million signing bonus. A week later, he got married. Now, as the Steelers prepare for Monday night s showdown in Denver, Starks is receiving acclaim as one of the NFL s best offensive linemen. There s a chance he may be only the second Steelers tackle to make the Pro Bowl in the last 19 years. If that happens, it could cap off a most memorable year for Starks, who went to training camp in the summer of 2008 not knowing where his future would lead him. It s been a great journey, Starks said. In his second year, Starks started all 20 games, four postseason games included, at right tackle as the Steelers won their fifth Super Bowl. But two years later when Mike Tomlin and offensive line coach Larry Zierlein arrived in Pittsburgh, Starks lost his starting job to Willie Colon. Last year, Starks started out as a second-stringer again even though he was paid $6.9 million. But that turned out to be an invaluable insurance policy. When Marvel Smith s back went out, Starks moved in at left tackle and stayed there as the Steelers went on to win another Super Bowl. It s just perseverance, Starks said. People have allowed me to be here. Certain powers-that-be want me to be here. So I m able to just go out and play the game I love. This season, Starks is playing the best football of his career. As a left tackle, he almost always faces an opponent s best pass rusher, whether it s a defensive end or outside linebacker. He s accountable for 4½ of the 20 sacks the O-line has allowed. But in only one of the instances was

12 TimesOnline.com: Steelers' Starks can make 2009 even better Page 2 of 2 Starks beaten off the ball. The other sacks when Starks man got to Ben Roethlisberger were coverage sacks. When the Steelers played in Cincinnati earlier this year, Bengals D-end Antwan Odom came into the game with a league-high seven sacks. Odom had none against Starks. Two Sundays ago against Minnesota, Vikings D-end Jared Allen came into the game with 7.5 sacks. Allen had none against Starks. Allen now leads the NFL with 10.5 after recording three last week in a win over Green Bay. On Monday night, Starks faces Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who s second in the league with 10 sacks. Dumervil, who s 5-foot-11 and 248 pounds, is built similar to Pittsburgh s James Harrison (6-0, 242). He even wears jersey No. 92 like Harrison. James is a little bit stronger, Starks said. But with the Broncos playing at home on a Monday night, the home crowd figures to be loud and rowdy. Starks said he is up for the challenge. I look forward to competing it doesn t matter who the guy is I m playing against, he said. Anytime you re in the NFL and you have a chance to play on Monday Night Football, that s a blessing and a dream come true. Obviously, Stark s ultimate dream this season is to play in yet another Super Bowl. But a spot in the Pro Bowl wouldn t be bad either. The last Steelers tackle to play in the NFL all-star game was Smith in Before that, it was Tunch Ilkin in Max is an elite tackle in this league, Steelers guard Trai Essex said. At least he s been among the elite this season.

13 Steelers walking thin line on defense Page 1 of 1 Steelers walking thin line on defense 3:30 AM PITTSBURGH - It's a good thing the Steelers run a 3-4 defense. With the injuries they've had on the defensive line, the Steelers might have only three healthy linemen when the season ends. Already missing defensive end Aaron Smith, the Steelers saw Travis Kirschke, Smith's replacement, go down with a calf injury two weeks ago against Minnesota. Even with an extra week because of a bye, Kirschke is still questionable to play Monday night at Denver. That means the Steelers (5-2) could be down to five healthy defensive linemen. "We've been in circumstances like this before," said Nick Eason, who will replace Kirschke in the starting lineup if he is unable to play. "We went into Jacksonville when me, Casey (Hampton) and (Brett) Keisel were all out and we won a game on the road. But we realize the Denver Broncos are probably a much better team than Jacksonville was at that point in time." That game was last season when Jacksonville was in the midst of a 5-11 season. At 6-1, Denver is considerably better than the Jaguars were and should be a little angry after suffering its first loss, a 30-7 blowout at Baltimore last week. "I just think the Denver Broncos ran into a buzz saw," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "Any team that would've gone into Baltimore this past Sunday would've had a heck-of-a time winning." Baltimore was angry after having lost three consecutive games and took out its frustrations on the Broncos. The Steelers hope they don't run into a similar situation in Denver, particularly with a depleted defensive line. Eason was inactive for the first three weeks and released by the Steelers Oct. 3. He was re-signed two days later and now could find himself starting ahead of Ziggy Hood, the team's top draft choice. Being released is nothing new for Eason. A fourth-round pick of Denver in 2004, Eason was cut by the Broncos in He signed with Cleveland, which released him in Then he signed with the Steelers. Denver starts former Steelers fourth-round draft pick Ryan McBean. Eason won a roster spot over McBean with the Steelers last year. "It's crazy, huh?" said Eason. "It's the nature of the NFL. You never know what can happen in this league." Hood, meanwhile, feels he's ready to see increased playing time. The rookie has played sparingly in the first half of the season as the Steelers eased him into the NFL. "I see I'm somewhat getting better, not only mentally but physically," Hood said. "I believe I've taken the necessary steps to get better. When the starters need to take a breather, I'll be able to fill in." Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

14 Page 1 of 1 Steelers will walk thin (defensive) line in Denver By: HERALD STANDARD STAFF Herald Standard PITTSBURGH (AP) - The thin air in Denver isn't as much of a concern to the Pittsburgh Steelers as their rapidly thinning defensive line. The Steelers (5-2) already were without defensive end Aaron Smith, a premier run-stopper who is out for the rest of the season with a torn right rotator cuff. Now they're missing his replacement, Travis Kirschke, who has a torn left calf muscle that could sideline him another couple of weeks. He was injured during a victory over Minnesota on Oct. 25. One of the strengths of a Steelers defense that was the NFL's best the last two seasons is its depth, but that's all but vanished now that Smith and Kirschke are hurt. Now, the Steelers must depend on two rookies and a player who was cut last month. Welcome to the NFL, Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris. Welcome back, Nick Eason. Hood, a first-round draft pick, won't start against the Broncos (6-1) on Monday night but is expected to get significant playing time because teams traditionally rotate linemen in Denver's high altitude. Eason, a former Broncos draft pick, will move from right defensive end, where he backs up Brett Keisel, to start at left defensive end. Harris is the other backup. Only a month ago, Eason was let go so the Steelers could activate an extra running back. Suddenly, he is starting on the defense that allows the fewest rushing yards in the NFL. "I was released the fourth game and the next thing you know I'm playing," Eason said Wednesday. "Now I'll be playing a lot more. My snaps have doubled in three weeks. It's amazing, but that's the life story in the NFL." Harris, a sixth-round draft pick, has a similar story. He was released after training camp only to re-sign two weeks ago after spending time on Carolina's practice squad. Because of the injuries, the Steelers must go into one of their biggest games of the season with only one experienced backup defensive lineman in nose tackle Chris Hoke, who plays behind Casey Hampton. Hoke can play defensive end, but it's likely he'll get more playing time than usual in the middle as Hampton takes some plays off. "We go through this every year," Keisel said. "Last year I was out for a few games and Aaron missed some games (in 2007). We have a lot of guys who know how to play." Or at least the Steelers think they know how to play. Hood, a former star at Missouri, has taken a minimal number of snaps this season. He usually spends his practice weeks on the scout team that replicates the opposing defense. "He's a tough guys to block on Wednesdays and Thursdays," coach Mike Tomlin said. "At some point, he's going to be a tough guy to block on Sundays. We'll see when that happens." Hood said it's been a lot to absorb as a rookie, keeping up on the Steelers' ever-changing defense while also learning a different style each week during practice. "Each day, I see I'm somewhat getting better, not only mentally but physically as well," Hood said. "I believe I've taken the necessary steps to get better. When the starters need to take a breather, I'll be able to fill in until they get better and go 100 percent every snap." While the Steelers allow an average of 76.6 yards rushing, the Broncos are averaging 123.1, 11th best in the league. Rookie Knowshon Moreno has run for 420 yards and former Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter has gained 329 yards and averages 6 yards per carry. "I've told a lot of young guys, 'The only way you can get prepared to play is to play,"' Eason said. "You can practice all week, but when you get in a game it's a different mentality. "It's a lot more pressure, there's the fans, it's different - it's 100 miles per hour and it's full-go tackling. And that's the only way that guys like Ziggy and Sunny can get playing experience." November 05, 2009

15 Page 1 of 1 Clark given OK to play in Denver's thin air By: JIM WEXELL Herald Standard PITTSBURGH - The first time Ryan Clark played in Denver, he got real sick. The second time, he needed to have his spleen and gall bladder removed. That's when he and doctors realized it was the altitude in Denver. There'll be another trip to Denver for Monday night's game between the Steelers and Broncos, and Clark told a mob of reporters on Wednesday that he's going. But he's still wrestling with whether to play or not. "I want to go back and play there," Clark said. "And God gets that glory that I've kind of come full circle and I'm able to go there and play. (It's) still a decision between my family and me." Clark, of course, has a rare medical disorder in which his sickle cell trait aggravates his blood when he exerts himself in thin air. Because the organs were removed after his previous game in Denver in 2007, doctors have cleared him to play. But no doctor has put a 100 percent guarantee on the opinion. "That would make it really easy, but you haven't gotten that," Clark said. "So it's just something you've got to pray about, man, and make the best decision you can." Clark, who turned 30 on Oct. 12, has a wife and three children. He said his wife, Yonka, is fine with whatever decision he makes. "She understands that God brought us out of it and she's been praying on it and she feels she's at peace with it," Clark said. "No matter what I do, she knows I'm coming back home and I'll be coming back home fine. So that's comforting in knowing that, because it'd be hard for me to go play if she told me, 'I don't want you to play.' The decision would be done. If she would've said that two weeks ago, or before the season, 'I don't want you playing,' we wouldn't be having this conversation." Clark recognizes that the delay in his decision has put the team and his backups - Tyrone Carter and Ryan Mundy - in a precarious position regarding practice time, but he understands the defense so well that the backups can take most of the practice reps this week, regardless of the ultimate decision. When asked why he's delaying his decision, Clark said, "I can't be forced to play, but if I decide to play and coach (Mike) Tomlin feels like there's no need or he's not comfortable with it, he does have the right to tell me I can't play. So it's not coach Tomlin's decision. Obviously, it's going to be mine. But he is the head coach of this football team and he will have his input." Clark also said his teammates support his decision either way. "They understand," he said. "It's one game. We'll figure it out." November 05, 2009

16 Broncos brace for black-and-gold invasion by Steelers fans - The Denver Post Page 1 of 3 broncos premium Broncos brace for black-and-gold invasion by Steelers fans By Jeff Legwold The Denver Post Posted: 11/05/ :00:00 AM MST It may pay for the Broncos to watch the horizon this week, for the invasion may be coming. Because in the NFL, there are a select few teams with coast-to-coast followings, rabid fan bases willing to pack and go, determined to beg, borrow or scalp their way into somebody else's stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of those teams. They might even be the real America's Team these days. And even a franchise with a 40-year sellout streak like the Broncos' may not be immune. "We always know when we come out of the tunnel, they're going to be there, no matter where we are, what we're doing," Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark said of Steelers fans. "And not just a few here, a few there, where you look up in the stands Denver Broncos Fans, sign up now for Broncos Premium, our website offering don't-miss news, analysis and features only available to registered users. It's free! View video of Josh McDaniels on the upcoming Steelers game. View slide show of rookie Knowshon Moreno. View slide show of Broncos-Ravens game Nov. 1. View slide show of Broncos-Chargers game Oct. 19. Find analysis and notes from the gridiron and locker room on the All Things Broncos blog. Ask Mike Klis about the team or NFL in the Broncos Mailbag. Evaluate the latest team numbers on the Broncos Stats Page. Post photos of your team spirit. Pore over Broncos '09 schedule. and they're way up high. They're everywhere in those stadiums. "I don't know how they do it, but they do it." Advertisement

17 Broncos brace for black-and-gold invasion by Steelers fans - The Denver Post Page 2 of 3 Monday night at Invesco Field at Mile High, where the Broncos (6-1) will play the Steelers (5-2), the depth of the Broncos' home-field advantage could be determined by how many of their own ticket holders have sold their tickets, traded them or given them away to be distributed to those in black and gold twirling the towels. "A lot of our fans have expressed those concerns to us, how some tickets are used," Broncos chief operating officer Joe Ellis said. "They would prefer to sit alongside other season-ticket holders. "That said, we do recognize the right of seasonticket holders to resell their tickets to whomever they wish, for whatever price they desire. Our fans, how-ever, have made it clear what they would prefer and they would prefer our seasonticket holders be the ones in the seats next to them." A quick surf of the Web on Wednesday indicated there were plenty of tickets to be had for Monday's game for fans willing to pay the price. One online ticket broker had 325 tickets available to the game, with seats in the upper deck going for $185 to $246 each. Another online broker had 158 tickets available going for $185 to $250 each in the upper deck. That doesn't include myriad legalized sellers with tickets that will be exchanged between friends, neighbors and co-workers, or tickets that will be lustily scooped up on the streets and sidewalks around the stadium Monday by Steelers fans west of the Mississippi River who have one of the few opportunities to see their team play in person this season. The Dallas Cowboys once were dubbed "America's Team," by NFL Films, and the tag has stuck through the years. But the Steelers, the league's only six-time Super Bowl winners, may have wrestled that title away, both in championships and nationwide fan support. Steelers owner Dan Rooney often attributes the passionate following to the local interest in the team spreading when difficult economic times in the steel industry during the 1970s forced many fans in western Pennsylvania to seek employment elsewhere. They left the state but kept their love of the Steelers. There are now believed to be 72 formal Steelers fan clubs around the world, including one in Denver. Lt. Col. Mike Fincke, a Pennsylvania native, has carried one of the team's Terrible Towels to the International Space Station. From April 1 to Oct. 29 the Steelers were the NFL's top seller in team merchandise, with three players safety Troy Polamalu (second), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (eighth) and wide receiver Hines Ward (16th) among the top 16 in jersey sales. The Broncos were among the league's top sellers, at No. 8 during the same period, but do not have any players among the league's top 25 in jersey sales. The Steelers, Broncos and New England Patriots are the only AFC teams ranked Advertisement

18 Broncos brace for black-and-gold invasion by Steelers fans - The Denver Post Page 3 of 3 in the top 10. The Steelers also have the highest local television ratings in the NFL this season, with an average rating of 42 for games and a 72 share, which means 72 percent of televisions in use during the game are tuned to the Steelers. So the Broncos, who historically been one of the league's best home teams, take on what now may be the best team at making a home away from home. "We love our fans," Broncos safety Brian Dawkins said. "We have no doubt they'll be ready (Monday), and we're going to be ready to play for them." Jeff Legwold: or jlegwold@denverpost.com The sell game Pittsburgh was the NFL's top seller in team merchandise nationally from April 1 to Oct. 29: Rank Team 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2. Minnesota Vikings 3. Dallas Cowboys 4. Chicago Bears 5. New York Giants 6. New England Patriots 7. Philadelphia Eagles 8. Denver Broncos 9. Green Bay Packers 10. San Francisco 49ers Advertisement

19 Krieger: Broncos pit their new physicality against the masters - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 broncos premium Krieger: Broncos pit their new physicality against the masters By Dave Krieger Denver Post Columnist Posted: 11/05/ :00:00 AM MST If you like the collision part of collision sports, Monday night's nationally televised ballgame is for you. Whether it's for the Broncos will tell us a lot about just how physically tough Josh McDaniels has made them in 10 months. The group McDaniels took over in January was known as a finesse team. With small, athletic offensive lines and small, speedy linebacker corps, the Broncos won 60 percent of their games under Mike Shanahan. From the moment he took Shanahan's place, McDaniels emphasized winning one-on-one matchups with more physical play. His training camp and practices have featured more hitting than Shana- han's traditionally did, on the theory that physicality, like the game's other skills, requires practice. For the first six weeks of the season, it paid big dividends. The Broncos routinely wore down their opponents, dominating in the second half. Last week, against the Ravens, they lost the physical battle for the first time. Not coincidentally, they lost a game for the first time too. "They beat us up pretty good, no question about it," quarterback Kyle Orton said Wednesday. If any team in the league matches the Ravens in physical toughness, it's the Steelers, who are up next. So the Broncos have another chance to prove they can hold their own in a black-andblue game. "It's a very physical team in every phase," McDaniels said. "To me, that's where it starts with the Steelers. If you're going to get outphysicaled offensively, defensively, in the kicking game you're going to have a hard time winning. "They're definitely going to challenge you in every area. Every one of their players plays like that. I don't care if it's the kickoff returner, the kicker, the tight ends, the lines, (Ben) Roethlisberger, whoever it is, they're all physical players. They play tough and they're going to present that challenge to us individually and as a team." The offensive line, which seemed virtually impenetrable as the Broncos raced to their 6-0 start, looked vulnerable for the first time against the Ravens. In part, this was because right tackle Ryan Harris was carted off the field with two dislocated toes, although the Ravens had some Advertisement

20 Krieger: Broncos pit their new physicality against the masters - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 success against the left side too. With Harris out, 6-feet-8, 300-pound backup right tackle Tyler Polumbus will have at least part of the responsibility to fend off Steelers left outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley on Monday night. Whether it's Polumbus or tight end Daniel Graham, that matchup will be about speed as much as strength. "(The Ravens) were fast," Orton said. "Pittsburgh's fast. When you're not executing and not playing like you want to, you make the defense look that much better. These guys don't need any help." Safety Brian Dawkins, one of the McDaniels acquisitions who increased the Broncos' toughness quotient, believes the battle against physical teams is rooted in technique more than brute strength. "It's about us doing what we do," Dawkins said. "We're not trying to match somebody. We're trying to be who we are. When you're matching somebody, to me that's saying that they are a team that's above you and you're trying to build up to them. We feel like we are who we are and if we go out and do what we're supposed to do, we feel like we have a chance to win every game." The offensive line is the one part of the team that hasn't changed since Shanahan's last year. The tackles are big, but the interior linemen still are relatively small. The line plays bigger than it is because of Graham, one of the game's best blocking tight ends, who gives it essentially a sixth lineman, just as he did for CU a decade ago. The linebackers have gotten bigger as a group by virtue of Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense, as has the defensive line. But the question remains whether those changes are enough to match the Steelers. "We feel like we've got a physical football team, and certainly Pittsburgh prides themselves on that too," Orton said. "So it'll be a hard-hitting game, and whoever can win that battle is going to have a good chance to win." The last time the Broncos played on Monday night at San Diego they won the battle in the trenches decisively. They dominated the second half and won going away. Doing that to the Steelers is a much taller order. Dave Krieger: or dkrieger@denverpost.com Obviously, the Broncos haven't had nearly as much time to build a physically imposing roster as the Steelers, who have been at it, as Dawkins said, since "before I was born." Advertisement

21 Briefs: Broncos a big zero on opening drives this season - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 broncos premium Briefs: Broncos a big zero on opening drives this season By Lindsay H. Jones The Denver Post Posted: 11/05/ :00:00 AM MST Of the litany of offensive troubles that plagued the Broncos in their 30-7 loss at Baltimore last weekend, perhaps the team's failure on its opening drive should cause the most concern. That's because it wasn't a first-time thing. Failing to score on the opening drive has been an every-time thing. The Broncos are one of four teams to be shut out on their opening drives this season no touchdowns, no field goals. The others are Houston, Kansas City and Oakland. Not entirely pleasant company. The Broncos have punted five times on their first possession. Their best two opening drives ended with a fourth- down stop at the 1-yard line at Oakland and a missed 48-yard field goal against New England. "We're going to try to address it every day that we're here," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "It's been a multitude of different reasons, whether it be execution of a simple thing, a decision we made, a bad call on our part. A mistake here or there changes the beginning of the game just like it will the end of the game." Starting faster will be critical to finding success against Pittsburgh on Monday night, quarterback Kyle Orton said. The Steelers have outscored their seven opponents in the first quarter this season. "These guys are probably the best starters in all of football over the last few years," Orton said. "We can't expect to win if we're down 10-0 or 14-0 to start the game, so we're going to have to figure it out and get it going by Monday." Strong safeties. The Broncos faced one of the NFL's premier safeties last weekend in Baltimore's Ed Reed and will see another, Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, on Monday. Those two are the likely front-runners to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl this season. Denver's Brian Dawkins, who made seven Pro Bowls while with Philadelphia, will be in the mix too. "I'm not ashamed to say that I put on some tapes and watch those guys and see if I can steal some things, because that's how great of a safety he is," Dawkins said Wednesday of Polamalu. "What Advertisement

22 Briefs: Broncos a big zero on opening drives this season - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 separated those guys is their playmaking potential when the ball is in the air, to close on it and to get it. He and Ed are blessed with the ability to be able to do that. When the ball is in the air, a lot of us, it's a (pass breakup); for those guys, it's interceptions." been ruled out of Monday's game after dislocating two toes against Baltimore. Clark update. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said a decision on whether free safety Ryan Clark will play Monday won't come until late this week. Clark, who has the sickle cell trait, became seriously ill the last time he played in Denver in 2007 because of the altitude. Team doctors have cleared him to play Monday and the Steelers will practice this week as if he will play. "It's not something that needs to have a deadline. As the game gets closer, we'll see a situation with better clarity," Tomlin said. "What I didn't want to have happen was make a decision early in the week, and then backtrack potentially later in the week, one way or another." Injury report. Four players missed Denver's practice Wednesday: offensive tackle Ryan Harris, defensive end Ryan McBean, cornerback Jack Williams and safety David Bruton. McBean injured his medial collateral ligament in his knee in the fourth quarter against Baltimore, though the injury likely won't keep him out of Monday's game against Pittburgh. Bruton appeared to injure his ankle on a late kick return. Harris has Advertisement

23 Who wants to be the NFL's MVP? Midseason look at the top contenders - The Huddle: F... Page 1 of 2 The Huddle: The latest word on NFL news, notes and buzz Patriots' Adalius Thomas on rumor of NFL strike: 'We don't want to stop playing football' Patriots' Bill Belichick has glowing words for Dolphins' Bill Parcells Nov 05, 2009 Who wants to be the NFL's MVP? Midseason look at the top contenders 12:20 AM Share 1 2 Comments 2 Recommend With the NFL at its midseason point, it's time to consider the candidates for the league's 2009 MVP award. But the half-season mark can be deceiving. Consider that at the same point last year, the Redskins were 6-2 and QB Jason Campbell, who had yet to throw an interception, was many analysts' top choice for MVP. Campbell and the Redskins went into a tailspin, and Colts QB Peyton Manning rebounded from a sluggish first half to win his third MVP award. Yet the current season has offered several fast starters. USA TODAY's Sean Leahy examines who's in the hunt to win the MVP award in January: Prime contenders -- Drew Brees, Saints QB: While Brees isn't chasing the NFL record for passing yards he nearly captured last year, he is engineering a potentially historic offense that has scored 273 through seven games. His 16 TD passes are tied for the league lead, and Brees ranks third in passer rating at He's the catalyst for an undefeated Saints offense that is on pace to score 624 points, which would break the NFL record of 579, and showed the past two weeks that he's very effective rallying his team from a deficit. -- Brett Favre, Vikings QB: If Favre stays on his hot pace, he and Peyton Manning could have a race to become the league's first-ever four-time MVP. At 40, he is tied for the league lead in TD passes with 16 and is on pace for career highs in completion percentage (68.0) and passer rating (106.0). Favre also has thrown just three INTs. But, paired in a backfield with Adrian Peterson, Favre is not the featured weapon for the Vikings he once was for the Packers. And his body failed down the stretch last season for the Jets, so his durability will be a question mark. -- Peyton Manning, Colts QB: Manning has been far and away the NFL's most outstanding player of the first half. He's passed for at least 300 yards in six games while leading the Colts to a 7-0 start. He leads the league in completion percentage (71.1) and is second in passer rating (109.3), TD passes (15) and passing yards (2,227). The defending MVP, Manning would be the first to win the award four times. His achievements this year are coming while transitioning to a new corps of receivers that includes rookie Austin Collie and second-year player Pierre Garcon. -- Matt Schaub, Texans QB: Schaub shares the league lead in TD passes with 16, despite not throwing for a score in two games. The Texans signal caller has avoided injury to himself, a big problem the past two years, but now must deal with the season-ending injury to TE Owen Daniels, who had 40 catches in the first eight games. Schaub is graced with the NFL's leader in receiving yards, Andre Johnson. And Schaub has the 5-3 Texans off to the best start in franchise history. Other contenders: -- Jared Allen, Viking DE: This is a long shot, as no defensive player has won the MVP award since Lawrence Taylor in But Allen has been a major force for the Vikings' defense in its 7-1 start. He leads the NFL with 10.5 sacks. But 7.5 of those QB takedowns have come against the Packers' porous offensive line. And the Vikings' defense ranks 19th; such a middle-of-the-pack finish would be unlikely to support a defensive MVP. -- Cedric Benson, Bengals RB: The former Bears castoff has been a big surprise for the first-place Bengals, considering he was a midseason flyer when they added him last season. Benson has is fourth in the NFL with 720 rushing yards and five TDs. If the Bengals keep winning and Benson is a dominating presence that helps that grind out victories, he could be in the mix for the award. -- Adrian Peterson, Vikings RB: His pace has slowed since a jaw-dropping 180 rushing yards and three TDs in Week 1. In fact, Peterson has crossed the 100-yard barrier just once since then. But he's a game-changer for the Vikings, and his 784 rushing yards and nine rushing TDs are both second in the league. And the Vikings may lean even more on Peterson as the season grinds on and they look for ways to save the wear-and-tear on Brett Favre's body. -- Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers QB: The leader of the defending Super Bowl champs is on pace for a career-best season. The Steelers have shown uncharacteristic traits of a pass-oriented team, and Roethlisberger, with 2,062 passing yards through seven games, is leading the way. Said Roethlisberger, "We're not the Steelers of the '70s." Tags: NFL Brett Favre Peyton Manning Ben Roethlisberger Drew Brees Adrian Peterson Cedric Benson Matt Schaub Jared Allen PreviousPatriots' Adalius Thomas on rumor of NFL strike: 'We don't want to stop playing football' NextPatriots' Bill Belichick has glowing words for Dolphins' Bill Parcells To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more. You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in Register Submit Post this comment to Facebook? Comments: (2) Showing: Newest first New: Most recommended!

24 Who wants to be the NFL's MVP? Midseason look at the top contenders - The Huddle: F... Page 2 of 2 RaunchyThePirate (0 friends, send message) wrote: 1h 7m ago 4 for 4! 1 Recommend Report Abuse Lex from Norcal (0 friends, send message) wrote: 6h 2m ago I don't see how you don't give it to Heath Evans. Recommend Report Abuse

25 Who makes the playoffs from the AFC East? - AFC East - ESPN Page 3 of 5 Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE New England's Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are facing the AFC's toughest schedule from here on out. Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills are on their bye weeks. The New England Patriots are emerging from their week off. The Miami Dolphins had theirs last month. Not every AFC East club has played eight games, but we're entering the second half of the season. It is November. We're in Week 9, high time to start harvesting the schedules to consider which teams have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Preseason schedule strength is oftentimes misleading. The AFC East owned four of the league's seven most difficult schedules based on last year's records. But we all know last year's successes or failures don't always carry over, right Nashville? Eight weeks of football, however, yield a suitable sample size of how teams are likely to perform the rest of the way. With that in mind, we might be on the verge of a fascinating homestretch. The Miami Dolphins actually might catch the New England Patriots. The Patriots, Las Vegas' pick to win the Super Bowl, would appear to be in command. They lead the AFC East by a game and a half over the New York Jets and are two games ahead of the Dolphins, who, when they opened the season 0-3, were practically condemned. AFC strength of schedule: Weeks 9 through 17 Team Opp. record Opp. win pct. New England Patriots Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs New York Jets Baltimore Ravens Houston Texans Oakland Raiders Denver Broncos Buffalo Bills Tennessee Titans Jacksonville Jaguars San Diego Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers Miami Dolphins Cleveland Browns Cincinnati Bengals AFC strength of schedule: Weeks 1 through 8 Team Opp. record Opp. win pct. Cleveland Browns Miami Dolphins Tennessee Titans Oakland Raiders Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos New York Jets Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers New England Patriots Houston Texans Jacksonville Jaguars Indianapolis Colts But the Patriots are about to embark on the AFC's most difficult remaining schedule. Their opponents are for a robust.576 winning percentage. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have the AFC's third-easiest path and the smoothest in the division by far. Their remaining opponents are for a.462 win percentage. Some fans might be comfortable with a second-place finish and a wild-card berth. That would be a reckless assumption. The way the conference is shaking out, the only AFC East team to reach the postseason will be the champion. The AFC East and forsaken NFC West are the only divisions where the second-place team doesn't have a winning record. It's possible the AFC North could send three teams to the playoffs, with the Cincinnati Bengals (AFC's easiest remaining schedule), Pittsburgh Steelers (fourtheasiest) and Baltimore Ravens (fifth-hardest) worthy candidates. spent eight years at the Buffalo News, where he was an award-winning NHL and boxing writer. The Baldwin-Wallace College grad also has worked for the Las Vegas Sun and Boston Herald. Reader Mailbag Send questions and comments to Graham. NFL Links NFL Home NFL Scoreboard NFL Schedule NFL Standings NFL Stats Team Links Categories Bills Clubhouse Bills Local Dolphins Clubhouse Dolphins Local Jets Clubhouse Jets Local Patriots Clubhouse Patriots Local Buffalo Bills (753) Miami Dolphins (612) New England Patriots (678) New York Jets (720) Recent Posts Video: Are Jets smart enough to make playoffs? (11/4/2009 7:44PM) Patriots enjoy that empty feeling (11/4/2009 6:08PM) Who makes the playoffs from the AFC East? (11/4/2009 4:52PM) Here's a grade for T.O., Ginn: Incomplete (11/4/2009 4:33PM) Jason Taylor: Low-class Jets should shut up (11/4/2009 1:46PM) Archive November 2009 (38) October 2009 (261) September 2009 (274) August 2009 (156) July 2009 (91) June 2009 (119) May 2009 (121) April 2009 (176) March 2009 (142) February 2009 (149) January 2009 (141) December 2008 (235) November 2008 (219) October 2008 (207) September 2008 (187) August 2008 (176) July 2008 (77)