theWellHungarian: If the Steelers don't resign Jeff Reed in the offseason, which seems very possible, what are the chances of them giving Conor Lee a look? The kid was lights-out at Heinz Field for Pitt!

Jerry Micco: That's not a bad idea, hungarian. I think the Steelers will be in the market for a kicker and one thing about kickers, you can find them everywhere. That said, Heinz is a tricky place to kick in so it's not a slam dunk that bringing just any guy in would work. And Lee may be on their list, who knows.

theWellHungarian: My buddy Tony told me that Dion Lewis personally hand-delivered a highlight film to Coach Schiano and still was not offered a scholarship. Whether this is true or not, must have been nice for the young man to "deliver" Coach Schiano & the Rutgers staff a highlight tape live in-person...

Jerry Micco: I've heard this story, too, but I can't verify it actually happened. It seems a lot of teams missed out on a very good running back by passing on Dion Lewis.

theWellHungarian: Offensively, can you think of a more rounded talented Pitt team than the 2009 version? Dion Lewis, Dorin Dickerson, Nate Byam, Oderick Turner, Jonathan Baldwin, Ced Mac, Ray Graham, and don't forget about the season Stull is putting together

Jerry Micco: The knock on that group has always been Stull, but he's played well for the most part this year. I think the rest of that group probably is the best in the Big East, including Cincinnati. Now if Tony Pike is healthy, Cinci's offense may be a bit better, but Pitt can stay with a lot of teams offensively.

theWellHungarian: Do you see Dorin Dickerson in the NFL next year? I do and not only because he is a tremendous athlete, but because the kid is all about the team. One of the top recruited players in the nation and then switches to LB, then switches to WR, and is now leading the nation in TD receptions as a TE. ... Kudos to DD and it just goes to show you that selflessness pays dividends and hopefully he'll have a bright future in the show

Jerry Micco: If he shows he can block a bit, he could be a nice H-back type in the NFL. I'm not sure how well he blocks, but he's a very good receiver who can run a bit. He has good size, too, at 6-2 and 230.

theWellHungarian: If it comes down to Yanks-Phils in the WS who do I root for? I vowed to never root for any team from Philly, but yet I cannot root for the Yankees and the way they ruined my favorite sport. I was thinking of just drifting off and fantasizing that the Buccos are in it and they sweep 'em in 4. ... Let's Go Bucs!

Jerry Micco: If that's the series, no question for me -- the Phillies. National League team, No. 1, and it's the Yankees, No. 2.

theWellHungarian: Maybe I should ask Gene this but is "Splash Plays" gonna get any consideration for the Trite Trophy this year?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure it'll be on the list.

Jacque_Strap: What is your opinion on all of the off days during the MLB playoffs? As a viewer I don't mind it, but if I was a player I wouldn't like it. You play the season in generally warm weather and play almost every day, then the playoffs and world series are the complete opposite (for most eastern teams anyway regarding the weather). TV rules all of course concerning the off days.

Jerry Micco: I think they should play as many games in as few days as they can, just like the regular season. The weather plays a part in this and you have to account for that, but still, the Series is going to end in November. The Series should end no later than this weekend, in my opinion. The baseball season, like every other sports season, is way too long.

Jacque_Strap: Of course it hits home because it's a Steeler, but Jeff Reed just provided example number 23,497 why professional athletes should not be looked at as role models. They're just guys who happen to play a sport well. Steeler fans seem to think that the Rooneys employ players of a higher character than any other team. Do you think that they do?

Jerry Micco: I think like any team where you put a bunch of guys together, you're going to get some who will not toe the line. I don't care who your ownership is. I think the Rooneys are generally regarded as people who are good at finding character guys, but they have had their missteps, too. No one is perfect. I think, by and large though, the Steelers are on the lower end of the "knucklehead" player scale. They have a lot of quality guys.

Jacque_Strap: Is Reed back next year? I am guessing no.

Jerry Micco: From everyone I talk to who covers the team, they are saying Reed's gone after the end of the season.

Jacque_Strap: I would like to take back my comment on Bill Stull, from several chats ago, that he couldn't throw it in the ocean. He can. He could probably even hit a swimming pool at this point. But I'm still not totally sold on him, he threw up a couple of absolute prayers against Rutgers that his receivers bailed him out on.

Jerry Micco: Not to mention some bad throws against UConn. But he has played better overall, so he gets his due from me. But these last 4 games against tougher competition will show us even more.

Jacque_Strap: Are you excited to watch 'ol Brett have some gosh darn fun, running around on the Heinz Field sod like a little kid?

Jerry Micco: I'm not the biggest Favre fan, but I don't exactly dislike the guy either. He's a hall of famer and you don't always get to watch those guys in person. I'm blessed and lucky I get to do that. One guy I can't take my eyes from, though, is Adrian Peterson. Wow, what a talent.

theWellHungarian: With Pitt at #20 in the BCS and State Penn at #13 what scenario would have to play out for the two to meet in a Bowl Game? Nothing more I'd like to hear than a bunch of whining Nitters (there are some in my family) at the dinner table on New Year's Day

Jerry Micco: Well, as a whining Nitter myself, I'd love to see the two play football again. But that's probably not going to happen. If one of the two SEC teams plays in the national title game against Texas, a lot of what I'm seeing has Pitt headed to the Sugar Bowl to play the other team. The Sugar has an SEC tie-in, but it picks last in the rotation. The Fiesta has a tie to the Big 12, but if their champion is in the national title game, they get a first pick. If PSU runs the table (and I don't know if they can) the Fiesta will take them because PSU has played several times out there and brought fans in legion. If Boise stays unbeaten, they'll be the other Fiesta choice by geography.

Jacque_Strap: How many years does Dion Lewis stay at Pitt? At this point it looks like we'll be very lucky if he stays three years.

Jerry Micco: I think three years is probably where he'll land. But I hope it's four because he's fun to watch and he's very good. Always nice to have stars stay around. Good for us media types.

Jacque_Strap: Sounds crazy but Dion Lewis looks every bit as good as McCoy. I don't know if he has the same top end speed, but he has just as much shiftiness, stop and go ability, and power.

Jerry Micco: He seems to possess all the attributes of a great back. But I'll point to these final four games as a real test for Pitt (I'm not counting Syracuse because Pitt will roll them). He'll need to be very good vs. S. Fla.; Notre Dame; WVU and Cincy. Those are some pretty tough teams.

praveen: Ray Shero has done a really nice job this offseason. Rupp, McKee look like very good deals. Don't they?

Jerry Micco: It's hard to argue with anything the Penguins have done this season. And 8-1 start gets you that pass. How do you think Rupp feels, after all those years in Jersey, to be on a fourth line and occasionally be on the ice with a Malkin or Crosby? Jersey gets 2 goals and sits on it. The Penguins get 2 just warming up. He's got to love that.

James_Taipei: Do you think Tyler Kennedy can develop into a real goal scorer(30 plus goals) while playing on Malkin's line?

Jerry Micco: I think he's a 25-30 guy, yes. And he's a black hole, because once he gets the puck, he's shooting. As often as he shoots, and he's a pretty accurate guy, he's capable of those types of numbers.

ajt123: Do you think the fact that the Penguins have gone out of their way to schedule a news conference to discuss Gonchars injury that it must not be to good?

Jerry Micco: I would assume that, but we'll see. I'll update if I hear anything during the chat.

praveen: I always like Goligoski. But I didn't expect him to be this good so fast. He is all over the ice without getting out of position. If Pens handle Gonchar's absence better this year, it will have to be people like Goligoski filling the void.

Jerry Micco: You could see Goligoski starting to get really good last year when they sent him down. They had to do that for Gonchar, but this year, Goligoski and LeTang have really stepped up. And even if Gonch is hurt, Goligoski can QB the powerplay. Maybe not as well as Gonch, but certainly well enough. He's a fine player.

Get_a_New_Kicker: Jerry, Don't you think the Steelers need to make an example of Matt "The world is my toilet" Spaeth and Jeff "Save the Rainforest" Reed? Ed Bouchette seemed to make light of the incident over the weekend and previous Reed legal troubles which I think is part of the problem. Why should anyone, let alone a professional athlete, get special treatment? Reed and Spaeth are two easily replaceable parts and should be on the unemployment line for conduct detrimental to the team's image. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: If you say that, then why not cut Santonio Holmes? How about James Harrison for the trouble he got into with his girlfriend a couple years back? You qualified your statement by saying "two easily replaceable parts." So if you can't be easily replaced, then you get to stay? And remember, Reed is fighting the citations, so he's innocent until proven guilty. Teams go through this all the time. Peeing in public is worthy of being cited for. No one's condoning it, but have you ever gone to a busy golf course with a bunch of guys on it? With no outhouses?

Chooch79: The PG beat writers and columnists seem to get a good amount of exposure outside of the paper (radio, TV, etc.) I've always wondered if there are any restrictions that they have regarding these activities? It seems like a great way to get additional exposure for the PG, but was curious if there are any limits?

Jerry Micco: It can't get in the way of work assigned by the Post-Gazette. And, they can break no new ground. They can discuss stories they've done for us or our Web site, but they are our employees first and we have first right to their materials.

James_Taipei: Is this the year that Heath Miller is finally a Pro Bowl selection?

Jerry Micco: Hard to say he won't be, especially with Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta and the NFC this year. He's putting up those kinds of numbers so far.

praveen: Penguins were definitely on their A Game last night. It didn't matter that they were facing a good goaltending combo. 5 different Pens scoring meant that it was a total team attack.

Jerry Micco: They have had 8 A games out of 9. There is no question they are the best team in the league. Now, if Gonchar is out for a length of time, that might make it a bit tough, but I think they are so loaded and so many guys have improved that they are better than they were last season. And we know what happened then.

Jacque_Strap: Mark Cuban supports supervised steroid use. I'm sure he'll get killed for those comments. I'm guessing he isn't talking about cortisone shots.

Jerry Micco: I think, and I'm reading his quote here, that he wants them used to help heal injuries under a doctor's care. Steroids are legal under a prescription. He's not advocating using steroids illegally. Nor is he saying use human growth hormone. He's saying use them under proper guidelines and if there is no long-term negative effect. I have not problem with that statement.

Trivia: Jerry, I have a bet riding on this. Is it possible for you to look up an answer that was part of the daily trivia question a few weeks ago?

Jerry Micco: I have 25 questions yet to answer, no time now. Sorry.

praveen: To borrow a joke from the PG Plus section, the only splash play Spaeth seems to make is off the field in some bar parking lot. Steelers are better off just using Legursky or/and David JOhnson if Spaeth is just going to predictably block.

Jerry Micco: He's not a good blocker and they don't throw to him. You wonder why he's around?

praveen: Hartwig has looked better in the last couple of games after a rocky start to the season. I sure hope that is not because of the quality of the opposition. This week will be an important test for him.

Jerry Micco: Shaun Rogers is a handful, and he did pretty well with him. The Williamses in the middle for Minnesota are brutes. Tremendous players. The interior of the Steelers line is going to have to play perfect football to win the battles with Kevin and Pat. Not to mention Jared Allen's pass-rush ability tying up Max Starks, and maybe a tight end or RB, all day. Going to be a tough game for the O-line. Let's see how they react.

ajt123: Do you do this chat, in lieu of lunch, while you eat lunch, or eat later. ... For the record I love to eat my lunch while we do this chat. Best part of my Wednesdays!

Jerry Micco: I can't eat and type at the same time because I eat with both hands (if you've ever seen me, you know what I mean). No, I eat a bigger breakfast with my wife on Wednesday, then have lunch some time after the chat. First time I've had that question...

Chooch79: Shaq looked pretty good at the Pete last night. Can he still make enough of a difference to get the Cavs the championship?

Jerry Micco: He certainly won't hurt their chances because he's still a big body in the paint. He's not the offensive player he once was, but I think he helps Cleveland more than hurts them. Can they win it all? I'd say that's still a longer shot than the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, etc.

ted: Didn't Lewis spend a year in prep school? That would make him draft eligible after next season.

Jerry Micco: You know, I think he did, and you'd be right, he'd be eligible to leave after 2 years.

James_Taipei: If Kennedy and Jordan Staal continue to score, the Penguins will really have an amazing season. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think they are already having an amazing season. Barring a major injury to Malkin, Crosby or Fleury, and players like Staal, Kennedy, Goligoski and LeTang continue to grow, they are the best team in the league. And this is without a very nice complementary player in Max Talbot.

RLieberman1234: Hey Jerry, Randy here, sticking with Pitt football, if Wannstedt promised to bring Pitt back to national prominence, why don't they travel and play a good, out-of-conference slate each year? WVU has played Auburn two years in a row. Cincy went to Oregan State. Even Syracuse hung their necks out against Penn State.

Jerry Micco: Hi Randy. Folks, Randy is a former PG sports intern. Good to see you. There was a story, and I can't remember where I saw it, that looked at OOC schedules vis a vis the BCS. First thing the BCS looks at is are you unbeaten. You play a lousy OOC schedule, you might go unbeaten. Texas plays no one this year. Florida hasn't played an OOC game outside the state in something like 8 years (maybe it's 5 years, I can't recall). And they are probably going to play for the national title this year. Sure, fans love it, but teams that think they can win titles generally aim short. Penn State did it this year, though they add Alabama the next 2 years. And some teams schedule years out when a team is good, but then the team turns bad. It happens.

ajt123: Think the loss of A.Smith will be most noticeable this weekend trying to stop A. Peterson?

Jerry Micco: We'll see, but it'll show up more this weekend that it would against, say, Jamal Lewis.

Danny: Why is the PG's coverage of the baseball playoffs so slim? I really enjoy the writing and reportage of Kovacevic and Finder, but there's nothing to be found.

Jerry Micco: We don't staff the baseball playoffs because we can get those stories from other places (like the AP). We try to have stories daily as well as baseball notebooks, but we're a Pittsburgh paper and we concentrate on teams we cover. We don't ignore the playoffs (see above) but we don't have the space to give several pages of coverage to it. Also, the games are usually over past our first deadline, so we get games into the later editions.

James_Taipei: I think the Steelers will lose to the Vikings. How do you see the rest of the season turning out?

Jerry Micco: Well, they'll be 4-3 if you're right, but I still see these guys as an 11-5 team, maybe 12-4. And they will win the AFC North.

Chooch79: ESPN just reported that Gonch has a broken wrist and is out 4 - 6 weeks.

Jerry Micco: We have it too, and that's right, Gonch out 4-6 weeks.

KS_Steeler: Hi Jerry - in my opinion, we learn all we need to know about the Steelers over the next two games; win both, no reason to think we can't repeat; loose both, time to plan for next year; split, and then we know we still have work to do. I think the D has something to prove, and should come up big

Jerry Micco: I think a split is the likeliest scenario, but 2 wins wouldn't surprise me. Two losses would surprise me, though. Again, there are enough winnable games left on the schedule for them to go 11-5 in my opinion. And Sunday is a very winnable game, but they had better bring their A game for 60 minutes. If Ben can get protection, they can score on Minnesota. And they need to force Favre into a couple of turnovers.

praveen: Showtime had an interesting 5 part series on the AFL. Despite NFL FIlms making it, it seemed pretty frank in portraying the rigidity of the NFL in the 60s.

Jerry Micco: I don't get Showtime, so I can't see it. I was a huge AFL fan growing up in the 60s. The Boston Patriots' helmet, the original helmet, was and still is, the best ever.

DJ_Doug: Pitt hoops picked to finish 9th ... sounds low to me. I think they may surprise with these young guys. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think that's about right. Maybe they can creep up a couple of spots, but they are not a top 5 Big East team. Next year, different story.

Chooch79: How come no one is noticing the dramatic decrease in sacks since Rashard started blocking for Ben in passing situations?

Jerry Micco: Well there you go, you're pointing it out now. Also, the defenses the past 3 games haven't exactly scared anyone.

James_Taipei: Do you think the Ravens will really be able to challenge in the AFC North this year or will they end up being 8-8?

Jerry Micco: I think they are going to be better than 8-8 and will challenge the Steelers. I think the Steelers can beat them out for the title, but it's going to go down to that next-to-the last game Dec. 27 when the Ravens come calling at Heinz Field.

praveen: I think Steelers will beat Vikings. Just use Allen's aggressiveness against him with some appropriately designed plays and use last week's passing attack as a launching pad when time is afforded Ben. Everyone saw Baltimore expose that secondary. I would be more comfortable with a -3 over a -4 spread.

Jerry Micco: I think they will pass as much as they can, I agree, but they will want to run it some to keep them honest. The book says (whoever has the book, that is) that you run against a great pass rusher because he then has to be occupied with protecting against it. I think they do a lot of 3 WR and look for Miller on short passing situations. The Steelers offense can score on the Vikings, the question is can the defense stop them?

Chunkles: Jerry, Gerry Dulac's Report Card is a great feature on Mondays. Usually he is spot on. He was not, this past Monday. The coaching staff deserved and "F", specifically, Tomlin. Why? Troy should have not stepped on that field against Cleveland. He will be invaluable against Farve. Willie is still hurt, Rashard should have gotten most of the snaps. Tomlin's replay challenge was un-necessary, and he lost. Ben should have NEVER been in there for the end of the game when the Steelers had sealed the victory. Ben IS the franchise. Tomlin should know better after this being his third year.

Jerry Micco: I agree on the challenge and the fact that there were up by 13 points necessitated Ben playing. Now if you're talking about the very end, he just took snaps and took a knee. As for Willie playing, he was able to play, so he played. Same with Troy. And why not get him some game action against the lowly Browns with the Vikings coming up? He didn't play every snap and if I remember as far as the running game, Mendenhall got the majority of the snaps, didn't he? You may not agree with the report card grade, that's why we do it so folks can weigh in, but an F seems harsh in my opinion.

Jacque_Strap: Did you watch the Yankees-Angels last night? On a play with a guy on third, who is tagging on a fly ball hit to left, the 3rd base ump should move way down the line, so he can have a much better chance of seeing the ball caught and the runner leaving the bag at the same time. Barring that, I don't know why the home plate ump doesn't step in and help on that call. The other play, with both guys being tagged out at third, was just inexcusable. MLB is lucky the final score wasn't close.

Jerry Micco: The umpiring in the playoffs has been spotty at best. I always thought the best were judged and then put into the playoffs. Apparently not. I saw both plays and thought they were atrocious.

Chooch79: Lots of debate at our 30 year HS reunion this past weekend whether the Bucs will ever see another World Series ... 30 years ago this past Saturday. The vote was no. Do you agree?

Jerry Micco: Hard to say because you never know, but I'm thinking not any time soon. Unless they get owners who will shell out for top players and attract them here. Until then, they have a hill to climb that is very high. Not saying they can't do it, and you had to blow it up and rebuild it, but there's a ways to go. And watching the teams in the playoffs and thinking about the Pirates. The difference is beyond vast.

James_Taipei: Do you agree that the AFC playoffs could be a great one for football fans with Big Ben taking it up a notch and with Manning and Tom Brady being as great as ever? It seems like there will be some great quarterback duals in the playoffs.

Jerry Micco: Don't rule out Joe Flacco, either. And the AFC playoffs will be dynamic this season.

KS_Steeler: I don't live in the 'burgh anymore, but his whole Jeff Reed thing just seems ridiculous on all ends; him, the cops, the media coverage (local & national) - this isn't worthy of more than a mention

Jerry Micco: In this city, when a Steeler does something, it's news. These are guys who everyone knows and are public figures. When they do something on or off the field, it's covered. That includes charity work, which we cover some, to off-field issues, which we cover closely. Sorry, but the weekend partier who is cited for public drunkenness isn't news. It is if it's a Steeler, though. Our Web traffic was enormous the next day. People read about this.

PhillyMarty: Tell me our Lions are not overrated and will actually win at the Big House. They are a competitive group, lost close to Iowa and beat ND.

Jerry Micco: Marty, I wanted to get you in before I go, I think it'll be a tough sled for PSU at Michigan. The defense has to play even tougher and the offense has to control the ball. Clark has to be more sharp then he's shown, and he needs the green light to run some. PSU can with this game, but it will not be easy. It never is for them against Michigan. Should be a very good game.

Jerry Micco: I need to run folks. I apologize because I've left about 12 questions unanswered, but I had 64 today. My normal hour is about 45-50 and that's on a good day. So you guys went above and beyond today in turnout and questions. Thanks for taking the time to chat and I look forward to next Wednesday at noon. There will be tons to discuss.

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