Jerry Micco's sports chat transcript: 10.31.12

Poll Question: Can the Steelers reach 10 wins this year?

Answer #1: No (20%)

Answer #2: Yes (80%)

Jerry Micco: Hi folks and welcome to the chat. I'll be back in a few minutes to officially start our discussion. In the meantime, feel free to submit early questions and vote in our poll. See you in a few!

Jerry Micco: Hi folks and welcome to the chat. I'll be back in a few minutes to officially start our discussion. In the meantime, feel free to submit early questions and vote in our poll. See you in a few!

Ralph LA: In the Redskins game, do you know what happened on the missed extra point? Did someone spectacularly block it, or did the kicker just mess up?

Jerry Micco: Mike Shanahan said after the game the kick seemed low. Ziggy Hood was credited with the blocked kick.

The Chief: Hi Jerry, Happy All Halloweds Eve! We are at the halway point in the NFL's Season. Your general observations please.

Jerry Micco: The NFC has emerged as the more powerful conference, and the AFC is more balanced. I'm surprised at how poorly Carolina, the Jets, Chargers, Saints, Bengals and Lions have played. I'm equally surprised at Atlanta's start as well as Minnesota's start, though I think the latter is going to slide some in the second half. I still think the Texans and 49ers will meet in the Super Bowl. But in this topsy-turvy league, who knows?

Ralph LA: Was Dwyer on the sports writer's radar before the season?

Jerry Micco: Ed Bouchette mentioned Dwyer many times during preseason saying how good he looked. But Redman was the starter and Dwyer was limited to a back up role. I think a lot of folks thought Dwyer was a steal as a 6th-round pick, but he was overweight his rookie season, then got caught in a numbers game in year 2. But he seems like the real deal now.

Ken: Left unsaid in the "Ben vs. Eli" arguments this week will be the fact that the Browns took Winslow Jr. over Big Ben. What a disastorus decision!

Jerry Micco: I was at the draft that year. Quick story: I was an officer in the Associated Press Sports Editors and we had a meeting with Paul Tagliabue before the draft, thus were invited to stay to watch as much as we wanted. We also had some refreshments provided to us and to draftees' families by the NFL. I can remember the Winslow family being not happy at all, vocally, in that room when the Redskins passed on him. I remember thinking the Browns made a pretty good pick, but figured Ben would fall to the Steelers. Though everyone knows that Cowher wanted Phillip Rivers. Imagine if that had happened.

The Chief: Really funny to see the two discriptions of the the Steelers Skins game by the Post Gazette and the Washington Post. From the Gazettes perspective it was te best Steeler game of the year; from the Post's perspective the Skins gave the Steelers the game based on all the drops. OK , who is telling the truth!

Jerry Micco: Both of us. The drops hurt the Redskins. But the Steelers played their best all-around game of the season against Washington. You write to your readers' interests, which is what all newspapers do.

Jack Splat: Hi, Jerry, Dywer ready to go Sunday? What about Clarke, Wooldy?

Jerry Micco: Dwyer is not expected to practice today, so we won't know more until late week. Clark is going to be tested for his concussion again before the game. Woodley is going to practice and see how the hamstring feels. I think he's absolutely essential this week if the Steelers are to have a chance. They need to put some heat on Eli or he'll tear the Steelers apart.

The Chief: Comparing Dwyer and Redman, what is the difference?

Jerry Micco: Both are big guys who can run well. Dwyer is a one-cut runner who has more speed and I think better vision. Dwyer has quicker feet than Redman, who is more of a straight-ahead runner who can run people over. Dwyer can do that, too, but he can do a bit more.

Praveen: Ben vs Eli. Eli's success is obviously good for the Steelers as Ben will try to one-up him. Problem this week is not the Ben vs Eli but how will our front 7 come close to the effectiveness of the Giants front 7. No comparison there.

Jerry Micco: The Giants DL is excellent. But I think the people behind that DL are not that good. If the Steelers can control the Giants DL, which is no small task, then they have a good shot. Remember, this Giants defense blew a 23-0 lead to Dallas. And were within fingertips of losing that game.

Praveen: What about SD? When Eli demanded a trade, they had a shot at Ben or even keep Drew Brees long term. Those three have won 5 SBs since that draft.

Jerry Micco: I'll never forget seeing Eli standing there with that Chargers 1 jersey and posing for photos. He looked like he was going to throw up. The trade with the Giants was pre-arranged. And by all accounts, the ranking of the Big 3 QBs was Eli, Rivers, Ben. So they did go in order. Just that Rivers has never had enough to get the Chargers to a Super Bowl.

Andrew: Jerry, who would you give the team MVP to at the midway point in the season so far?

Jerry Micco: No question, Ben Roethlisberger.

Andrew: Jerry, how in the world does Heath Miller continue to get open, even though defenses know that he is Ben's main target?! The guy is incredible!

Jerry Micco: Because if you have a 4-receiver set of Wallace, Brown, Sanders and Miller, the other guys can torch you deep and in some cases, need to be doubled. Miller usually is single-covered and he can unglue safties and LBs. And he has great hands in traffic. Having a Pro Bowl year.

Praveen: What annoyed me about AB's showboating while running backwards was not the 15 yard penalty itself, but the fact that he could easily trip on that Heinz Field turf. Plus the timing came at a time where he should have shown some respect for his coach who put his reputation on the line saying the ST mistakes will stop. So why not curb those instincts for at least one week when the eyes will be on STs.

Jerry Micco: The move hurt the team, and Tomlin said yesterday that he had that discussion with Brown. And Brown said on Root Sports that he got the message. I was surprised at how fast Brown ran backwards. But I also knew that he didn't need to show up the other team that way. Steelers fans/players would not have liked, say, Santana Moss doing that to them.

Praveen: Why does the press keep overusing yardage rankings? Steelers are near last in turnovers and sacks. So what use is trumpeting a #2 yardage ranking, which is partly caused by the other offense getting so few chances to be on the field?

Jerry Micco: Because that's how the NFL ranks teams. I think if you read Ed's stories, he has made the point time and again, that the lack of turnovers and sacks is why the defense isn't as effective as it has been in the past.

The Chief: Jerry, if the NHL cancels the Winter Classic, do you see the total season being lost?

Jerry Micco: No, but it'll be very close to that. I think the players want to end the salary cap structure, because Don Fehr has never wanted it from his days of negotiating for baseball players. And that's a non-starter for the NHL owners. I'd say if something isn't done by late November, there's a good chance the season is canceled.

Praveen: I know Steelres have a policy. But damn the policy, and re-sign Starks and Foster for longer terms if they are willing to sign in the 2M or slightly higher with incentives range. You can use that to trade one of the more expensive linemen if you have to in the offseason. Or you can keep them for valuable depth.

Jerry Micco: You can only keep so many guys, but you make a good point: Ramon Foster and Max Starks are playing as well as anyone on the team. But Marcus Gilbert is a LT waiting to happen. Adams has shown what he can do in a small sample. And remember, David DeCastro is out there and might be ready to play by the end of the year. What do you do with Foster then? The depth is important, but some of those guys will opt for free agency if they don't think they'll start and get starter's money here.

Will: I don't get the NFL in London push. What top 15 prospect would want to play in London? What free agent? I've read where the NFL is reaching its "saturation point" so they have to expand--what? It's probably only going to get more popular in the near term.

Jerry Micco: I don't see how the league works with a London franchise. I'd rather see a Los Angeles franchise, wouldn't you? And if you want to go international, Mexico City or Toronto might be better choices. I do not get London at all.

Andrew: @Chief: healthy (Dwyer) vs. Ankle sprains (Redman)

Jerry Micco: Dwyer has a balky quad, so he's not out of the woods yet.

Andrew: The Giants love to put the pressure on the QB, and with the Steelers already known for quick passes and screens, how else can they surprise the Giant's Defense this week?

Jerry Micco: Run the ball right at the front four and maybe max protect on some plays to see if they can get Wallace down field. The Giants secondary is not very good.

Praveen: What is wrong with the Cards? They have feasted on Steelers rejects for years. Yet, when given a chance to try out Starks in back to back years for NO RISK and a veterans minimum in the worst case, they passed despite having one of the worst OLs in recent years. Worse than even our OL from last year.

Jerry Micco: A lot of folks, including the Steelers, gave up on Max Starks. But he keeps coming back and playing solid, if not very good, LT. He'll look back on his career one day as saying no one really believed in me, but I proved them wrong, so they had to keep me. He's getting the last laugh.

Andrew: Since this is a "Sports Chat," what are your thoughts on Andrew McCutchen winning a gold glove this season, and can we expect anymore hardware to come his way?

Jerry Micco: And yes, @Andrew, this is an all-sports chat, so all questions welcomed. I was surprised to see Cutch get the GG. I see him as a solid defender, but not GG quality. It'll be his only hardware this offseason. I have to think Buster Posey will win the MVP, but Cutch will get some votes there, too.

The Chief: How impressive was the Giants sweep of the Tigers, amazing to see what happens when the trade deadline deal actualy helps a club i.e. Scutaro!

Jerry Micco: I was stunned by the Giants even beating the Tigers let alone sweeping them. They actually got Pirates fan favorite Hunter Pence at the deadline, but he had little impact. Scutaro was a nice pickup, but you wouldn't think of him as a game-changer, though he was in the playoffs. Still, the Giants are all about pitching and they showed just how deep that staff is. I used to work in the Bay Area, and I know those Giants fans waited a long time to win a World Series. And now, 2 in 3 years.

BillL: Does one of the Canton spots go to Steve Sabol this February?

Jerry Micco: Is he eligible? I know his dad got in, what, 2 years ago? Maybe someone here can help.

Praveen: My point about the midseason extensions is that if Foster remains that good, Steelers can always find someone to trade for instead of losing him and Starks for nothing. Gilbert probably fetches more than Starks inthe trade market too. I wouldnt say Colon is untouchable either if Steelers can get the right player in returns. Some teams are hurting bad for quality OL guys. Only problem is Steelers rarely trade.

Jerry Micco: All teams in the NFL rarely trade, which is why you see so many guys leave via FA. If you can get a pick or two for a Foster, Colon or Gilbert, then it's worth it. But that's what it'll be, draft picks.

Jerry Micco: All teams in the NFL rarely trade, which is why you see so many guys leave via FA. If you can get a pick or two for a Foster, Colon or Gilbert, then it's worth it. But that's what it'll be, draft picks.

Praveen: haley needs to consider that the Giants DL is very good at tipping passes when he orders all those short passing plays. This would be a good time to mix up some big plays. But then again, Adams and the TE would have to hold their blocks longer too on such plays. I don't envy Todd's position this week.

Jerry Micco: The Giants front line is tough to do much against. As for the short stuff, it helps when your QB is 6-5 and has a quick release. And it also helps if your OL chop block (legally) the DEs so as to knock them down. Again, I'd see if they can establish any type of run, then look to go downfield on them. Need a huge game from the OL this week.

The Chief: This is a Giant team that was almost beat by the Redskins at home two weeks ago except for a Hail Mary to Nix. Sounds to me its up to Ike Taylor to keep on the role he has been the last two weeks!

Jerry Micco: The Giants like to hammer Bradshaw in there and set up some deep throws to Cruz and Nicks. They have the weapons on offense, and it all starts with Manning. I think the Steelers need to keep everything in front of them, and not get burned by big plays. If they do that, and if the offense can play good ball control, they have a fighting chance.

Praveen: I coudl care less about Hoka Hey. I care more about why Kyle Starks gets hired in the first place with no relevant experience to run a major league organization';s minor leagues. He is no boy genius either to offset that lack of experience.

Jerry Micco: Well, there certainly is a story to tell about the front office, and I'll leave it at that. Let's see if the Pirates can make that leap next year. Everyone over there was saying 2013 was the year. OK, let's see it. Certainly improved in 2011 (72 wins) and 2012 (79). Can they get that to 88-90 next season? That likely makes the playoffs. You judge a front office on how the team develops year over year. Let's see if this group can get the Pirates into contention come September 2013.

Praveen: Freddy Sanchez. I remember thinking it was nice of him to say kind words about wanting to stay with the Pirates when he was traded. But he must be the happiest guy and should give gifts to everyone in the Pirates organization for doing him such a great favor and trading him.

Jerry Micco: He's got 2 rings because of the trade. I think he feels well-rewarded.

Andrew: Pitt at Notre Dame this week...who ya got?

Jerry Micco: I think Notre Dame will win because they are just a better team and they are playing at home. That said, I think Pitt will play them tough because they always play the Irish tough. Too bad Pitt is suffering from some big injuries, none more disappointing than Dan Mason, who deserves so many good things but seems to have terrible luck. I think if Sunseri takes care of the ball and the Pitt OL can make some room for Graham and Shell, the Panthers can keep it close. I don't think ND wins by the spread of 16.5.

Praveen: So is Woodley's injury serious or is the injury reporting just being cautious? Why wouldn't he come out of a game they were winning when he felt the slightest tweak? Any info on this injury? At least Pouncey's multiple injuries are caused by other linemen.

Jerry Micco: Woodley's injury is categorized as slight, but we'll see how practice goes this week. I think for him, hamstrings are a recurring injury. The only cure if to rest them, but you really don't have that luxury now. He may have to play with a tweaked hammy, but even at that, he's important to the defense.

Chunkles: Coach LeBeau called one heck of a game. Too bad it wasn't the Super Bowl where he could ride off into the sunset. He seems like such a good man, I hope he leaves on his own terms.

Jerry Micco: I think he will.

The Chief: You surprised by how handilythe NFL game beat Game four of the World Series in the TV ratings?

Jerry Micco: Not at all. The NFL is king in our country, and I think more and more baseball is a regional sport. Now, if the Yankees are playing, all bets are off because they have a huge fanbase and the rest of the fans generally hate them. So you have interest from all sides.

Praveen: It would be nice if the NBA, NBA, and MLB have a strike every year and lose 25% of their games. Seasons are too long. Only the NFL seems to have the perfect season length.

Jerry Micco: I'd be happy to see fewer NBA, NHL and MLB games. But with the contracts the way they are, the teams need as many games as possible to make a profit. Cutting a little away from all 3 wouldn't hurt from a fans' standpoint, but it would from a bottom-line standpoint.

geography: Jerry, you send a columnist to opine on a game for two schools that are both 3 hours from Pittsburgh and on probabtion. Yet for Pitt, who was playing a home game, no columnist, just the beat writer. Does this mean you will be sending Ron Cook to cover the Cleveland Browns? They are only 2 hours from Pittsburgh and more local than PSU or O$U

Jerry Micco: It's not about distance, it's about interest and storyline. But you already know that Mr. Geography. There's a reason PSU-OSU was on ESPN and why 107,000 were in the seats. Look, we try to get to all the teams we cover with our columnists. Sometimes because both cover the Steelers home and away, we can't. But Pitt gets columnists to its games, as does WVU. We use more than geography to make decisions, and we do have a fanbase for Penn State. And the amazing thing about PSU is, I think every game of theirs has been on national TV except Iowa, and it was primetime Big Ten Network. Go figure.

The Chief: Any mention of Steeler travel issues with the effect of Sandy on NYC?

Jerry Micco: No, nothing yet, but we are monitoring.

Paul: Jerry, I can't imagine (or maybe I can) the anger (to put it mildly) being directed at Andy Reid across the state, right? Despite good showings I think a very overrated head coach nationally. No defense, doesn't adapt and develop a running game ...

Jerry Micco: And here's what I think about sometimes: He lost his son earlier this year. I can't believe that's not on him mind every day. Losing a child is tragic. I think, though, his tenure is up in Philly, unless he can get them to a Super Bowl. But I've read where Jimmy Haslem likes him and he may land in Cleveland.

Andrew: @Praveen: the Pirates would go bankrupt with all the gifts that they would be giving out to former players...

Jerry Micco: True this.

PoopyPants Joe: Showing your true colors in your response to Geography. Shouldn't you keep your rooting interestes to yourself. Have to go and take a back handed jab at Pitt that they can't draw 107,000 like your beloved PSU.

Jerry Micco: How in the world is that a backhanded slap at Pitt. Goodness, who sees it that way unless you have a pre-ordained agenda, which by your name I think you do. I mention the attendance because it shows statewide interest in the game, and TV shows a national interest. Wow, you are making a pretty good leap there. It's incorrect, but you went ahead and did it anyway. And it's kind of a cliched thought, don't you think?

AJC: Jay Bell announced as new Pirates hitting coach ... good move?

Jerry Micco: If nothing else, they'll bunt better than any team in baseball. Be interesting to see what he can do with the Pirates hitters, who in my mind, weren't the problem last season.

The Chief: Speaking of "who you got"; who do you like in the big election next Tuesday?

Jerry Micco: Too close to call. By the way, I'm hosting the election night chat here at the PG. From 8:30 p.m. to whenever. I'm a political junkie in my spare time.

WVU Still Better ThanPitt: What's the reason for sitting Ryan Mundy, and starting Will Allen ahead on the depth chart? I know Mundy will probably get the go because of Clark being out, but I thought Mundy is one of the most physical players on that Defense!

Jerry Micco: He is, but he's had some coverage issues and Allen has been pretty solid in his starts. Neither is as good as the starter they replace, but both are serviceable. Mundy will still get his shots, but Allen's experience makes a difference.

Ken: Yes, Sabol's on the nominees list and he absolutely should get in this year. Just the other day, I was watching the great footage of the Steelers celebrating their first AFC Championship on the Raiders home turf.

WVU Still Better ThanPitt: Pitt is 4-4 and going nowhere fast ... The ACC conference next year should drop them from any sort of coverage because they can't win in basketball or football.

Jerry Micco: I think the ACC will only enhance Pitt's programs. And it really doesn't matter to us. We cover every Pitt football and men's basketball game no matter where they play. Only school we do that for because we know of the local interest there. Besides, I think the ACC move will help football with recruiting, etc. And I'm a big fan of Paul Chryst. I think he can keep them competitive after the move.

Will: Beatles or Stones?

Jerry Micco: Beatles. They were groundbreakers in every way.

Jerry Micco: OK folks, time to head back to some other stuff. Thanks for taking the time to chat today. Interesting stuff as always. I'll be chatting this Sunday for the Steelers game, live from my living room. Have a great week everyone, and I hope to see all of you back next time. Follow me on Twitter: @PG_JerryMicco