Bill Cowher's Retirement

I like that mustache reference! I had not thought of the Whisenhunt-Atlanta connection. Good point. I hope it is Russ.I can't see someone from outside the organization coming in. Somehow, I think that might affect the continuity. On that note, have you heard anything about Hartings? The center position is crutial to the O-line. There's only been like three in the last 30 years...And what about special teams? No game breaking threat since Randel El. Santonio muffed several punt returns. It makes you wonder. Then there's Ben. Do you think his issues were in his head, or some residual affects of all the drama of the accident and surgery?

I'm not worried about Ben. Every now and then he gets a little reckless and tries to force something and ends up with a stupid interception, but he's still the guy for the job. It's not just Hartings that I'm worried about on the O-Line. We've got some big lineman, but we keep bringing in younger players and we're just not creating holes like we used to. I'd love to see the Steelers get a big time left tackle, like Walter Jones or Jonathon Ogden, to pair with Faneca to create the best left side in the NFL. Santonio was never meant to be back there for punts. Willie Reid was drafted solely as a return specialist and he was injured the entire season.

Thats the way that it works in the NFL. If he went into next year without a contract , it would be too much of a distraction. Plus. it would'nt be fair to the organization.You can't wait 'til your contract expires to declare wether you stay or go .Imagine if you were the owner. You'd be up a creek, if the guy decided to leave & youhave no replacement. That's why they always have to extend the contract before it expires or leave. It's hard, but fair.