Guest: Jerry: Happy New Year. Seems like new format does not allow for those that can not attend the chat "live" to send in questions ahead of time? Also disappointed that you did not schedule a pinch-hitter for you last week.

Jerry Micco: We're working on the format so we ask you patience. It's a good format, but we need to get used to working with it. As for a pinch-hitter, that's easier said than done around the holidays and around people's work schedules. When I can do it, though, I provide one.

Big Snack: Am I going to be ticked off if Kevin Colbert slaps the franchise tag on me next year?

Jerry Micco: I think it depends if you thought you could get a much bigger payday on the open market, Snack. I'm not sure there's a huge demand for a huge nose tackle, who, in my opinion, isn't what he used to be Pro Bowl position aside. I think the Steelers can sign Hampton for a good price if he's willing. If not, they are going to have to find a NT in the draft or as a free agent.

tomtom: why, when sportscasters be it local or national, when interviewing someone and the player thinks the he is saying something funny, the media laughs like they should be doing stand up? and what they said was not one bit funny!!

Jerry Micco: I don't know, maybe because they want the interview to continue and if they just stand there and don't laugh it's kind of embarrassing to the player. I never was a sportscaster or TV sideline person, so I can't tell you.

Guest: Bill Polian is an idiot. His team will burn in playoff hell! And I say that not because I am upset over the STEELERS. We lost to Cleve, Oak, KC and are not a legit playoff team. We deserve whatever fat end up with and I seriously doubt we win this week, making the whole discussion moot for STEELERS fans. Indy will lose to either NE or SD.

Jerry Micco: Here is my problem with what Jim Caldwell did: If you are going to start your key players, then pull them after a half, what is the reason? If it's concern over injuries, couldn't they be injured in the first half as much as the second. Note our chat poll question today, feel free to weigh in. As for history on this, the Steelers did this in 04 or 05 against Buffalo, but they benched key starters from the beginning and still won. The Colts had more to play for, like a perfect season. I'm in the minority on this, but if it's me, everyone plays unless they are banged up and need to rest.

Bubs: Handicap Friday's Penn State-LSU tilt for me, if you please ...

Jerry Micco: Should be a good game with a lot of good defense. I think Penn State is a slight favorite because I think their offense is a bit better. If PSU can get some offense together and play tough defense, I think they'll win it 21-17.

PhillyMarty: So does anyone buy the crap from Ben, he knew the flag was on the ground so he winged the last pass? That was the worst play call in the history of the franchise. I almost wish the flag was on us. It would have really stirred the pot. D was playing well. Run the ball and punt at 1:15 with no Balt TO's remaining. And I apologize for not identifying myself on 2 previous Q's.

Jerry Micco: I can only comment on what he said, Marty, but we were all amazed at not only the play call, but the type of pass he tried to throw. Sure, they were lucky on that one, actually, fortunate that Baltimore played undisciplined and committed all those penalties. I was impressed more with the D in the fourth quarter (helped by Mason's incredible dropped TD). But the Steelers have lost games like that this year, time they won one.

Bubs: And I LOVE Tom's question ... not only do the sports media do that with athletes, they do that with each other. Most of those NFL studio shows are unwatchable because those guys guffaw over each other like a bunch of clowns. Although I do like the dry humor of the Eisen-Sanders-Mariucci combo on NFL Network. That trio is excellent in their analysis.

Jerry Micco: Well, in most cases, those are not trained journalists on the show. They are ex-coaches and athletes. There is an anchor, who is trained in broadcast journalism, but the rest of the guys are folks who learned this as they went along. And part of the popularity of these shows is the back and forth they give each other. Like it or not, it gets a pretty decent rating point.

Beano: Jerry, who is your Pittsburgh athlete of the decade?

Jerry Micco: Ben Roethlisberger. Hard to argue with 2 championship rings and he's now the most important player on the city's most important (at least most fans say so) team.

PhillyMarty: Lots of puzzling decisions by Tomlin recently. Onside kick, passing at 2 minutes on 3rd and 14 with no Balt TO's remaining. We had not seen this side of him before. Is he not as field wise as we thought or are these the desperate moves of a coach who knows his team is overmatched, trying anything to win? In any case, leaves me reason to wonder about long term whether we really did hire a good coach?

Jerry Micco: Well, it depends on what coach you see. The one this year that is watching his team struggle, or the one that led them to a Super Bowl. I think he's a little of both. I also think that he lets coordinators call the plays. The onside kick was likely his call, which I did not agree with the call. However, if you watch it, if that ball goes 10 yards, the Steelers get it. Packers weren't looking for it. It reminded me of the SB XXX onside kick Cowher pulled off on the Cowboys. That worked, he's brilliant. Tomlin's fails, he's not a good coach. It all comes down to the performance. If you're rating Tomlin this season, you'd have to say mediocre. But I think overall, he's a good coach.

The Gunner: Jerry, semi serious question as editor, the newspaper business being what it is these days, is it even worth it to send DK across the country to cover this triple A team?

Jerry Micco: You'd have to ask the thousands of our Pirates readers if they care? And if you're not covering a team on the road, at least 95 percent of the time, particularly a pro team, they why cover them? You'll never break stories sitting at home.

ch3: Jerry, my biggest problem with the Colts benching players is that it has never worked for them. The only time they won a Super Bowl was when they had to play every game, along with a Wildcard game. How many times have the Colts rested players and been one and done.

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure of the number, but as I said, I favor playing all your players unless guys are banged up, even if you clinch. Probably why I'd be a lousy NFL coach. But I think if a team is sharp and doesn't have a long layoff, they are more dangerous than a team where the starters sit for 3 weeks and then try to play a game.

Chunkles: Jerry, win or lose, the Steeler franchise is still a class act. Look at the way Willie Parker has handled himself, this year. He was hurt, for the most part, but when he could play, he sat and waited for his number to be called. Look at that loser they have playing for the Redskins. Albert Haynesworth got 100 million dollars to play for them, 40 guaranteed, and he was sent home from practice for behavioral issues. What a waste!

Jerry Micco: The Redskins used to be one of the best-run and most competitive franchises in the NFL before Daniel Snyder bought them. I used to cover them way back when and they were class all the way. And good teams every year. Now, they are a shell of what they once were. I heard they are interviewing Jim Zorn's assistants now for his job. How bad is that?

mike: jerry, with the post season still a possibility and troy p not at 100% do you think tomlin holds him out in the hopes of making some noise if they get in....also do you believe cicny will play to get on a roll (as palmer has suggested)?

Jerry Micco: If Polamalu is cleared medically AND he's ready to play football wise, he should play. If either factor is not met, then he should sit, playoffs or not. Again, I'm in the minority, I think Cincinnati will play that game hard. Of course, it may not matter to them if New England wins its game. And I don't think they will. The Pats, that is.

Chunkles: Jerry, you hit the nail on the head, Daniel Snyder-vs-Dan Rooney. No Contest! Do you think not having Mr. Rooney here, especially over at the South Side everyday, hurt the team? The players seem to love him.

Jerry Micco:I don't think it has hurt the team. Art II has run the club day to day now for a few years. Sure, Dan is an iconic figure with the players and anyone who is a Steelers fan, but whether he's there or not has little to do with on-the-field issues. And I've seen him at a handful of home games this year, so he does get back at times.

Emperor Chaz: Do you think Cowher is coming back to Coach, if so where would be his best fit?

Jerry Micco: It appears he is coming back, but I think he's crazy. He's got a nice gig where he is now and he makes a cool million doing it. But if he does come back, if there were any other owner besides Snyder in DC, it would be a good fit for him. Lot of tradition, strong fan support and a team that needs to be rebuilt. And I wonder if Cowher doesn't want to be a GM and make all the personnel calls rather than coach?

jt: With no free agency next season, do you think the Steelers will try and sign quality free agents?

Jerry Micco: I think they'll sign guys who fit certain needs for them, but won't go crazy in the FA market. They've signed some good ones in the past: Kevin Greene, James Farrior, Jeff Hartings to name a few. But they like to grow their own so I don't look for them to be overly active in the market.

Ironcity0773: Jerry, what is up with the Heath Miller Pro Bowl snub

Jerry Micco: I thought Miller would get a bid, but it's tough to beat out Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates. Now that doesn't mean he won't play. Remember, the Pro Bowl is played before the Super Bowl this year, and if you're in the SB, then you aren't playing in the Pro Bowl.

ch3: Jerry, what do you think of Cody, the DT from Alabama? He seems to be a pretty divisive player among scouts. The Steelers may be looking for a NT this year. Not sure though if Tomlin would want to deal with his weight issues. I'm torn on Cody personally. Not sure what to think. He looks like a great college player, but I could see him hitting 400lbs and ballooning in the NFL.

Jerry Micco: I'm not hot on Cody, and I think the Steelers, in order, need to look for: Safety, corner, outside linebacker. You can address NT a lot of different ways, including franchising Hampton. And if they get a top 20 pick, which they will if they don't make the playoffs, they can get a quality safety or corner there. It's borderline, but you could see one fall to them.

Tyrone: What's the latest on Paulie Spadafora? Also, why don't we sign Dmitri Young?

Jerry Micco: Haven't heard much on the Spadafora front lately. We covered his last fight here. I think the Pirates are trying to rid themselves of guys like Dimitri Young, who have underachieved and had some issues.

EERwax: Jerry, did you read Colin's piece on Bobby Bowden? Of everything written on the coach this week it might have been the best. Great story. My question is did you ever have any interaction with Bowden and what are you memories of him?

Jerry Micco: I thought Colin did a terrific job with that story. Captured Bowden a way a lot of folks didn't, and got a Pittsburgh angle in to boot. I've never had any interaction with Bowden during my career.

mike: jerry, with an uncapped year looming, how do you think the steelers will spend...it was alleged when Heinz field was built it would give them the money to compete and retain their players....question is, are they adding these new investors to keep up with the jones' (and Snyders) ?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure part of adding investors is to give them new revenue sources should they be needed, but the Steelers MO has been the same for year: grow your own and use FA for players to plug gaps. I don't see them changing that formula too much, considering they've won two Super Bowls this decade. And, it doesn't hurt to have more investors if you decide you want a big-time FA.

Dick Lebeau: Jerry, Do you see me retiring after this year, going with Cowher, or staying for another year with the Steelers?

Jerry Micco: Based on comments he made to Ron Cook a couple weeks ago, I think LeBeau stays one more year, at least. If the Rooneys and Tomlin will have him. I mean, we don't know what Tomlin will do this offseason. He's never fired anyone, but this may be the year he has to take more control. That's usually a good way to start.

mike: I agree with you jerry...the bengals have lost 2 straight, and won a stinker, i think they try to get it going....are you saying you think bellicheck doesn't try to get that 3rd seed?

Jerry Micco: I'm saying I don't think Belicheck cares if he's No. 3 or No. 4. Either way, he gets one home game and he's on the road for round 2. I just think Houston is playing better than New York and will give New England a tougher time. I don't think they'll lay down, of course, but I also don't think NE is going all-out to win that game. And Houston will be doing exactly that.

samsam: I think jt meant salary cap in football

Jerry Micco: I didn't see that question. But I thought he was discussing an uncapped year.

Guest: Any update or word on Limas Sweed's personal issues?

Jerry Micco: No, and I don't think we'll pursue them unless they have a direct bearing on the team. My understanding is he has an illness. If there's some newsworthiness to come out of that story, we'll have it.

PhillyMarty: Not sure why everyone wants to put so much blame on the D this year and excuse the O. I don't care how many yards Ben throws for. Again last week, first halt, we left numerous opportunities for a first half blowout to slip away. Easily could have scored 30+ before halftime, yet if we lose, the D would have been blamed.

Jerry Micco: I think the reason for that Marty is that defense, once the hallmark of the team, has given up several late leads. And in my mind, the offense is the best part of this team, which I would not have said in prior years. I think the defense needs the draft/FA attention. On offense, to me, only the offensive line needs some help. As for the coordinators, I think Tomlin will look hard at Arians in the offseason, and despite the offensive numbers, may replace him. That's a gut feeling, not based on what I've heard.

Guest: Any thoughts as to why Mendenhall seems to have lost his edge as the season progressed? When he first got in (after the benching), he was running hard and taking what was there, now it seems as though he's either spinning when he gets to the line or trying to break everything outside.

Jerry Micco: He may be a bit worn out, considering this is really his first full year. And this line is not a great run-blocking line, especially with Kemo out. Also, Green Bay and Baltimore are excellent run defenses. I think Mendenhall has some work to do, yes, the spinning is way too much, but by and large I think he's a good back and will be a steady 1,100- or 1,200-yard guy for the Steelers. He's only going to get better.

Ironcity0773: Jerry, I'm tired of the Colts talk, isn't it the back-ups responsibility to be ready to play when called upon, and seriously Sorgi is on IR and they had to play with a QB who probably hasn't thrown a ball except on the scout team...they put out a product and they lost, so be it

Jerry Micco: That's true, and maybe says more about the depth on that team than they'd like to admit. But, the Steelers played a 3rd team QB against a better team and he had a very good game. Obviously, Painter is not an NFL ready QB like Dennis Dixon seems to be. The problem is, they had more to play for than a playoff spot. They had an unbeaten season, which doesn't come along every year.

mike: Jerry ... Todd McShay at ESPN has Taylor Mays listed as a mid first rounder ... does he fit in an all USC backfield with Troy P.?

Jerry Micco: I like Taylor Mays, but wonder if he's going to be an adequate cover guy in the NFL. Certainly, he's a guy to look at if you make him a strong safety and move Troy to free safety. But he may not last much past the first 12 or 13 picks.

PhillyMarty: So what is our greatest area of need? O-line, D-line, or DB's recognizing that Troy should be back next year.

Jerry Micco: I still say DBs because you don't see guys who can play. Obviously Gay has struggled. Ike Taylor did not have a good season. Ryan Clark did not have a good year. Troy has been hurt 2 of the last 3 years. The guys they drafted -- Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis -- are not ready to play full time yet. I think I'd go safety, corner and linebacker, outside LB actually, depending on who's available. The O-Line may get some help if a healthy Darnell Stapleton returns. He actually looked pretty solid last season, and he can play guard or center.

Ironcity0773: What are your thoughts on the Leach story at Texas Tech?

Jerry Micco: Fuzzy stuff there. Hard to say exactly what went on and why it went on. Mike Leach is an attorney. Hard to believe he'd do something he knew he'd be liable for. And if you are going to mess with a player, if indeed that happened, why make it the player of one of the most well-known guys in Texas and a national ESPN play-by-play guy. Sad situation all around.

Imma Man! Im 40!: Do you agree with the nattering nabobs of negativity that Pitt's football season was unsuccessful? I like the progress. Show of hand of those who foresaw ten wins in August?

Jerry Micco: I think winning 10 games, beating Notre Dame and winning your bowl game all add up to a good season. Not great, but good. Beat Cincinnati and win a Big East title, then it's a great season. But a lot of blocks are in place on the team and they have 2 of the best players in the nation in Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin.

praveen: Steelers may be in a small TV marker, but Steelers have a huge fan base. I refuse to believe they are in a small football market. I think teams like the Steelers generate more revenue for the NFL compared to most clubs.

Jerry Micco: They may generate a lot for the NFL, but when you look at team worth, they are right about in the middle of the NFL pack.

Coach Whiz: Say I take my Cardinals back to the Super Bowl with Russ Grimm, will the Rooney's regret not hiring me instead of MT?

Jerry Micco: Well, no, because he's already got a ring. You can't take that away from Tomlin. And will the Cards make it back to the SB? I think that's a tough ride for them this year.

PhillyMarty: Pens don't seem to play anything remotely close to a 60-minute game. Is it boredom and the length of the schedule? I really don't get too hung up on seeding and our playoff spot is about locked already. Is there anything there for concern over the long haul?

Jerry Micco: I don't think so, but there are some cracks beginning to show. Still, this is one of the top 4 teams in the league and lest we forget, there are other good teams out there, too. Losing on the road to Buffalo is no sin. They are tough at home. Losing to Buffalo when you are up 3-0, well, that's something that bears watching.

jake: jerry, who in your opinion, is the bigger DIVA ... Brett Favre or Big Ben?

Jerry Micco: I always thought WRs were considered the Divas?

Jerry Micco: Well folks it's time to go. Sorry for leaving so many good questions on the table, but I just ran out of time. These chats go way too fast! I wish all of you a terrific New Year and thanks for doing the quick poll. I see half of you agree with me: play it like it matters. Thanks for taking the time to join me and I'll see you next Wednesday at noon.

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