October 13, 2014

Monday planner: When events collide

DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS

CLEVELAND — A look at the week ahead on the site:

• Monday: Because none of us could possibly get enough of the Steelers’ gem yesterday, Steelers PATs will be posted in the afternoon. I’ll also check in with Paul Chryst at Pitt’s news conference.

• Tuesday: We’ll chat on Tuesday 12 Qs at 1 p.m. following Mike Tomlin’s press conference.

• Wednesday: Steelers column first thing. I’ll check in at Penguins practice closer to noon.

• Thursday: Pitt-Virginia Tech preview column first thing. That game is that night at Heinz Field, but I’ll be at Penguins-Stars over at Consol. Really really tough call for the live coverage, but the hockey team’s off to a strong start. Full column to follow.

• Friday: The Friday Insider will be up at 1 p.m.

• Saturday: I’ll cover the Steelers’ last practice before the Monday night matchup with the Texans. That will lead to a column on the morning of gameday. By nightfall, I’ll be at Penguins-Islanders at Consol. Full column to follow.

• Sunday: Off.

115 Comments Newest to oldest

Wild Bill

10-13-2014, 7:34 am

College football on Thursdays is a marketing gimmick and nothing else. Another demonstration of how deeply the NCAA cares about its student athletes.

JAL

10-13-2014, 7:46 am

JAL’s Don’t Sleep in the Subway Morning Links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvKj8lTuVtk

JAL

10-13-2014, 7:47 am

1 Baseball Prospectus

Fox's Fresh Format: Was the Alternative Broadcast a Step in the Right

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=24846

Tom Armstrong

10-13-2014, 7:47 am

Busy week, Dejan...enjoy that off day on Sunday. Well deserved.

theplanisworking

10-13-2014, 7:49 am

Love the "gem" comment.
.
The Steelers standars is INDEED the standard, and it is awful!
But all is not lost....... the team needs a lot of help in the draft, and by drafting another LB in the 1st round, all will be fixed!
.
;)

theplanisworking

10-13-2014, 7:52 am

Only watched the 1st quarter yesterday. Spent the day in the Burgh visiting friends, playing with their little ones. Gorgeous afternoon. Had a cookout.
In other words, MY day was spent on important stuff.
Small children >>> Steelers.
Every time. :)

AJS

10-13-2014, 10:52 am

Who down voted this? Honestly people. Priorities!

Tom Armstrong

10-13-2014, 7:52 am

Today is the 54th Anniv. of Maz's homer to beat the Yankees in the 1960 Series. Still remains one of the greatest moments in sports...anywhere. In Pittsburgh...absolutely. We can talk about Franco's catch...amazing moment...yes. But Maz still leads the list for me.

George C.

10-13-2014, 7:57 am

Tom; the response is generational; I wasn't borm until 32 days after the Maz homer, so the Immaculate Reception is the big moment for me, but we didn't see it live (old blackout rules) had to rely on Fleming & Cope on WTAE Radio to describe it.

theplanisworking

10-13-2014, 7:53 am

Oh, one final thought.
I know everyone fawns about the view coming out of the Fort Pitt tunnels. But on my way home last night, I came through the Liberty tunnels. I persoanally think that view is better ...... you come through and BOOM! there is the city.
.
Good stuff.

Wild Bill

10-13-2014, 7:57 am

Yer makin' me nostalgic, brother.

Tom Armstrong

10-13-2014, 8:12 am

Hey Plan - Excellent point. Let me add 2 others: Coming down Bigelow Blvd into the city adds an interesting view. And, coming down from the Southside Slopes, too. Pittsburgh is a great city...no matter the angle. And its people...second to none.

10-13-2014, 8:07 am

Tomlin seems ridiculously out of touch. When you highlight a muffed hold on a FG attempt in the post-game presser after THAT debacle, you're desperate.
.
How about the play-calling leading up to that FG attempt and the made FG, Mike? Should we just ignore all of that?

bencschmitt

10-13-2014, 1:37 pm

I'm not defending the guy but I understand that he's trying to hold his team together. He's not going to go all Jim Mora up there.

Dom

10-13-2014, 8:17 am

What are the biggest three positions of needs for the Steelers?
Mine are 1)CB 2) Another CB 3) OLB

Bettis36

10-13-2014, 8:28 am

The sad thing is they need help at nearly every position on D. All comes back to bad drafting. It will take years to fix.

r_adical1

10-13-2014, 11:54 am

A new Offensive Coordinator

BillyBaduka

10-13-2014, 1:02 pm

I think LT needs to be on that list Dom.
.
I like Beachum, but he's not the answer at LT.

Bridge

10-13-2014, 2:10 pm

1) A bigger NT. McClendon is not the right fit for this defense (or we have to change the scheme to fit the players.) I like the player but he is a better fit for a 4-3. Maybe big Dan McCullers is the answer? 2) CB, 3) LT

10-13-2014, 8:19 am

Know he has lost a step but seems Troy is guessing and hunting the splash play all the time now. Said after early games team needs more "standard" safety play from him -- not letting guys behind the coverage -- and less highlight reel stuff. Big plays killing this team.

10-13-2014, 8:22 am

Wanted to say ". . . ATTEMPTED highlight reel stuff" but ran out of characters.
.
Something wrong with blog. Not 280 characters and you cannot Reply to a post.

Dom

10-13-2014, 8:27 am

Didn’t Troy say that he would retire before his play declines? If so, his play has certainly declined. If he does retire, which I doubt, will he still be owed any amount left on his contract?

Kevin Quartz

10-13-2014, 8:25 am

As a Pitt alumni, I don't blame DK for covering the Pens on Thursday. I'll be watching Pitt, but I know I'll be in the minority and I'm okay with that. Go Pens and H2P!

Stuart66

10-13-2014, 8:48 am

Nice to see so few "gray men and women" today. For any of the many new subscribers, go to gravatar.com to set up an avatar.

Steelers are certainly pitiful. Time for a house cleaning.
I also missed watching the game for family events and only saw "highlights".

Stuart66

10-13-2014, 8:50 am

The Steelers are certainly making it easy to make a decision not to watch. I hope the Rooneys are watching the numbers, that is if they care any more.

Stuart

Steve B.

10-13-2014, 9:16 am

Rooney's version of house cleaning is to throw a rug over the dirty floors and a blanket on the broken down couch...Like my Mom can tell ya, it's an Irish thing.

Karen

10-13-2014, 9:54 pm

I love your pic!

Steve B.

10-13-2014, 9:02 am

All I know is if the Steelers keep playing like this, in 15 years or so they might have to perhaps possibly think about maybe changing the coach. Don't want to make a knee-jerk, hasty move. That's if he agrees to it that is, and has a commentator job lined up somewhere.

Joe Yinzer

10-13-2014, 1:04 pm

I appreciate the sarcasm!

Tom Armstrong

10-13-2014, 9:04 am

Is this an invitation, Karen for a Loonie Italian dinner at your house? :) LOL!

Karen22

10-13-2014, 1:18 pm

Heh heh...I am Italian and grew up with Sunday morning sauce & meatball aromas wafting thru the house. That tradition is so ingrained that when I do make sauce, it's always on a Sunday. Sure, c'mon over - I always make enough to feed an army. :)

Tom Armstrong

10-14-2014, 7:52 am

Thanks, Karen. We are Paseanos. ...for me 1/2 on my mom's side. Cool and thanks for the invite! :)

EMK from PSU

10-13-2014, 9:11 am

DK- good article- anyone who knows the Stillers knew the D was going to stink this year & give up 30 a game- just a matter if the O was going to be able to score 35 to overcome the D- anybody else thinking Ben maybe hurt since Upshaw sack in Balto? Throws are a tad off since then

BillyBaduka

10-13-2014, 1:06 pm

I been thinking the same thing about the shoulder.
.
Almost hope it's hurt. All other explanations for Ben's play are harder to fix.

Dom

10-13-2014, 9:30 am

What is it with the Steelers and favoring veterans over young players? It’s time for Stephon Tuitt to start over Cam Thomas. It is clear as day that Thomas is flat out no good. What’s the harm in starting Tuitt?

AJS

10-13-2014, 10:54 am

But but but the system is too complex!

Mosca

10-13-2014, 10:03 am

Maybe someone can address the interesting fact that 3rd round pick Dri Archer's longest play from either scrimmage or kick has been taking a knee in the end zone.

Brotherhood of the Redus

10-13-2014, 10:11 am

For as fast as Archer is, he sure loves running up the backs of his blockers and directly into coverage

YouMeAndDupuis

10-13-2014, 10:13 am

Can Johnston coach the Steelers?

Dom

10-13-2014, 10:22 am

He can but not well…

chethejet

10-13-2014, 10:37 am

Can the Steelers management brass make the decision to can Tomlin? They should, but I don't think they will I see some cosmetic changes like Haley and Lebeau who should go anyway. Tomlin will hire his guys and then all bets are off. Tomlin will have a pass due to Rooneys agenda.

Dom

10-13-2014, 10:53 am

Fired? I think that’s a bit harsh. He did win a super bowl and got us to another. He, as well as Colbert and others, have made a lot of mistakes on personnel but I don’t think he warrants termination.

david.totten

10-13-2014, 10:43 am

I've actually been wondering when you were going to take a day off.

Jacob Clegg

10-13-2014, 11:03 am

I would have liked to see Dejan cover the Pitt game Thursday night considering the amount of football games compared to hockey, but I will still enjoy the Pens recap since I wont get to watch the game. That's why I'm not in charge!

Tom Armstrong

10-13-2014, 11:06 am

Just a quick thought on the Steelers; This may be an apples/oranges thing, granted, but remember when the Pirates were 18 and 26 early in the season and when they lost 7 in a row in Aug/Sept? Nah..forget it....that may be the dumbest thing I have posted. Steelers are bad.

Wild Bill

10-13-2014, 11:20 am

Many ingredients to this mess, but again, not having your last 2 first round draft choices playing hurts a team a lot. Really don't like the offense at all; had to watch Philly for my entertainment last night.

Steve B.

10-13-2014, 11:39 am

Yup. This problem runs much deeper than just wins and losses. I'd rather this team be 0-6 right now and playing respectably in the process than 3-3 (amazingly) and playing arguably the worst football in the league.

Wild Bill

10-13-2014, 12:12 pm

He played on Friday night and did ok, but I don't recall seeing him on the ice at all on Saturday. He needs to fill out, physically. Only 173 lbs or so.

Sarah

10-13-2014, 12:15 pm

I can't imagine they keep Geno at W do you? This was just temp til he gets his legs in the new system, or so I thought....
But who are his Ws when he goes to C? they gave the best guy to Sid and stiffed Geno again! ( tho I LUV KCH!!! Don't change that!!)

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove

10-13-2014, 2:03 pm

It seems to me I remember when James Neal was acquired, it was reported that he would skate with Sidney.
.
Geno got the best of that deal. Sid was "stiffed."

Sarah

10-13-2014, 12:18 pm

I'm patrolling the Fire Haley pitchfork-brigade LOL! So far we've got Starkey, Collier, Dunlap, Madden....and amongst them are FIRE'EM ALL, not just Haley.
Seriously J.J Watt could make things even more embarrassing next week. That guy is a freak.

Sarah

10-13-2014, 12:49 pm

Well, not all columnists are on board.
Rossi is apparently cool w just blaming Ben.
Heavens he's a tool, so glad he is off the Pens beat!

Dom

10-13-2014, 12:51 pm

Like I said above, before MT tenure, we had a terrible ’06 draft, a below average ’05 draft, and 2004 consisted of Ben and Starks. The latter looks good but it was obvious at the time that Ben or Darielle Revis was the pick. Those 3 appears to be what we’ve seen under MT.

Sarah

10-13-2014, 12:53 pm

That's ok cept I guess I have least faith in Tomlin as a coach.....even if only because he seems to have lost the ear of the team.
And as DK has asked before - WHO are the leaders??? the days of Aaron Smith, Hampton, Clark....Porter....GONE.

Arriba Wilver

10-13-2014, 1:42 pm

I don't recall any "power struggle" with Cowher and Colbert. Colbert was brought in after Cowher won the power struggle with Donahoe. I'd be shocked if it wasn't clear where the power lay at that time.

ImEasyEd

10-13-2014, 12:50 pm

I'm sure we can find something for DK to write about on Sunday, can't we?

Sarah

10-13-2014, 1:00 pm

Seriously when you think about it - are Haley/ LeB possibly coming back next year? If not, could brining in new blood now and hoping to salvage the season hurt? I mean does anyone think our C's survive the off-season?

Pitt Critic

10-13-2014, 1:22 pm

Did Pitt pull the offer from the kid from Sayreville NJ involved with the sexual assualt?? Apparantly the ringleader.
I realize he is a PSU commit.

Pitt Critic

10-13-2014, 2:00 pm

It's official, PSU pulled the offer from Sayreville kid.
What took so long after Sandusky ordeal!
Did Pitt pull offer?

Arriba Wilver

10-13-2014, 1:29 pm

Just watching the Tomlin after-game presser, he looked unsure of himself for the first time. That "could" be a good thing if it causes him to question some things.

Biz

10-13-2014, 1:40 pm

I still say I'm glad Ben did not throw anyone under the bus

Tom P.

10-13-2014, 2:06 pm

Dom, who did you pick for your survivor league team?

Dom

10-13-2014, 2:29 pm

I went with the Niners, who play tonight. Should have went with the Ravens or the Browns for that matter.

Dom

10-13-2014, 3:07 pm

Royals play tonight and they are my pick to not only win their league but the World Series. I cannot see any team getting in their way.

10-13-2014, 6:42 pm

$10 says they don't win tonight, Dom.

Zach

10-13-2014, 6:26 pm

Ouch. PITT gets no love. Huge ACC game on national TV and you're covering a meaningless hockey game. Shows how much Pitt has fallen down local sports scene.

Dejan Kovacevic

10-13-2014, 6:31 pm

'Huge ACC game' is false. 'Meaningless hockey game' is false. Generally speaking, if you've got to stretch the truth really, really far to make a point, there isn't much of a point. I explained my reasoning for going with Penguins-Stars on this occasion, and this is that the hockey team is off to a strong start. For what it's worth, the next such conflict looks like I'll lean toward Pitt.

10-13-2014, 6:45 pm

A meaningless Pens game? Says who?
.
Blasphemy.

MikeyC

10-13-2014, 8:36 pm

I don't disagree with your decision to choose Pens over Pitt, but with 80+ Pens game and just 12 for the Panthers, another sign of Pitt's lack of relevance. I think most your readers would agree with your call, but it still saddens me just how far behind Pitt has fallen.

ryman1566

10-13-2014, 9:12 pm

Give me a press pass, I'll gladly cover one or the other for you!! Anything to help lighten the burden.

joesteelerfan

10-13-2014, 9:36 pm

You're killin' it with this new site, Dejan ... just killin' it.

This is serious VALUE to any Pittsburgh sports fan. You'll need a staff of 10 soon.

Dejan Kovacevic

10-13-2014, 10:53 pm

Glad you like it, Joe. No additions planned!

Monday planner: When events collide

CONTACT

ESSENTIALS

ABOUT OUR SITE