Today brings two stories, one high, one low. The low point for one man is Byron Leftwich suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament that he injured on Thursday night. While only said to be sidelined for two to four weeks, the bottom line is he is probably done. Not just done for the year and perhaps as a Steeler, but if he gets released, no other team will probably have an interest. For those of you who were favoring Dennis Dixon as the starter, this is a gift in disguise. No one wants a man to be hurt on the field, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Dixon has more to offer and is a way better athlete. Charlie Batch is probably silently happy as well. There was a chance that had Byron been named starter, once “Big Ben” came back, one of the three quarterbacks would have been cut and it might have been Charlie. Not now.
The other big news is that of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reducing Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension to the minimum of four games. That’s great news for the Steelers who will have to only battle Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa, and Baltimore at home without the services of their start qb. Reaction to both news items follows.
ESPN.com, Video: Byron Leftwich could miss a month
END LINK
ESPN.com, AFC North Blog
'Big Ben' suspension cut to four games
END LINK
Vic Carucci, NFL.com, Shorter suspension doesn't mean Roethlisberger is in clear
Ben Roethlisberger isn't invisible, so on that basis alone, he is constantly tested. The football field only puts the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback in the path of 300-pound human wrecking balls looking to take him down on every snap. It is the game of life that has provided the greatest amount of treachery. Around every corner, there's a mistake waiting to happen. And when you're so closely watched and the majority of what you say and do is for public consumption, those mistakes are easy to come by. Any place. Any time. For the past several months, Roethlisberger has managed to exceed the minimum standards of acceptable behavior that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell set forth when he suspended him for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. That's why Goodell did the expected on Friday and reduced Roethlisberger's suspension to four games. But this story isn't over. Far from it. For every day that Roethlisberger is in the NFL and Goodell's heavy hand of discipline remains in place, Big Ben's off-field conduct will be subjected to significant scrutiny. More than that of any other starting quarterback. Much more than that of any other player. Eliminating two games from the suspension is, in the commissioner's view, a significant recognition of Roethlisberger's going above and beyond while staying on the straight and narrow. With Byron Leftwich suffering a knee injury and Dennis Dixon looking shaky, the Steelers no doubt would have preferred Roethlisberger to miss three games rather than four. After all, the fourth game on their schedule is against the Baltimore Ravens, the presumptive favorite in the AFC North. But competitive disadvantage played no role in Goodell's thinking. This was all about trying to teach a player a lesson and sending a message to everyone else in the league.
Although Roethlisberger wasn't charged with a crime, there were enough incriminating details from the case of a 20-year-old college student who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Georgia nightclub last March to justify Goodell's giving the quarterback a figurative whack upside the head. It also wasn't the first time Roethlisberger had been accused of sexual assault, which was another factor in the punishment. But if Roethlisberger thinks that today marked the completion of what he needed to do to win the approval of the commissioner or anyone else, he is fooling himself. Being the person he has been the past several months -- the one who is acutely aware of his conduct and who treats teammates, fans, reporters and everyone he meets with respect -- must become a full-time thing. Don't miss any of the action with NFL Audio Pass, which gives you access to every game's radio calls. Find out more here. Like it or not, everyone is watching. Everyone is judging ... like never before. "Earlier in his career, he left the building and a lot of people didn't know what he did," wide receiver Hines Ward told reporters in Pittsburgh. "He was just secluded by himself, but now he's opening himself up to guys. He's joking around with everybody, rookies included. He's a different guy." To stay out of trouble, the behavior that prompts Ward and others to describe Roethlisberger as "different" must become what makes them call him "normal."
END LINK
So are any of you doubting Big Ben’s change in character and new lease on life? I’m sure there are those out there who think he is acting, putting on a front, and now getting what he was after, a reduced penalty. If that’s the case, then he should be returning to his reckless lifestyle right? I don’t buy it. I believe him. I think he’s a new man. If you think he is unemotional and not human, think again. Sure there are crocodile tears, but coming from a man who once broke down on national TV when his team failed to get Jerome Bettis to the promised land the year before they did the deed and helped the “Bus” get a Super Bowl title in his final year, I believe Hines Ward when he tells the following story.
USAToday.com, Hines Ward: Ben Roethlisberger 'broke down' in emotional apology to Steelers on Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward said that QB Ben Roethlisberger emotionally addressed his teammates on Thursday night after his final game before a four-game suspension began. "He broke down," Ward told Steel City Insider, via CBS Sports. "The reality sets in. He's feeling the pain because now it's hitting home." Roethlisberger appeared in the Steelers' 19-3 win against the Panthers before heading to New York on Friday, where NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reduced his suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy from six to four games. The QB will not be allowed around the team during his suspension, so Thursday's game was the last interaction he'll be allowed before he serves the punishment. "He apologized to all the guys," Ward said. "It was very heartwarming. He didn't have to do it." Roethlisberger's suspension stemmed from an investigation into an alleged sexual assault against a 20-year-old woman. He was not arrested or charged, and later admitted to "dumb" and "immature" behavior. Steel City Insider's Mike Prisuta reported that Roethlisberger wept while addressing his teammates. Said the QB:
"It's very tough, kind of emotional. I just gotta do what I gotta do."
END LINK
Remember Terry Bradshaw criticizing Roethlisberger? Now he’s placed the commissioner in his own personal doghouse.
Bradshaw: “I'm disappointed in the reduction, but it's his NFL commissioner Goodell call, not mine. Going to bars — treating women like that; oh my God. I’m sure it helped Ben a lot, too, that Dan Rooney accompanied him to his meeting with the commissioner. I know that Roger respects Dan and Ben should be grateful that his owner stood by him. I know that Ben can’t stand me for some of the criticism I have thrown his way over the years. Let’s hope he has learned his lesson and will treat women and everyone else a lot better when he comes back to play.”
Before Friday’s ruling, Bradshaw said: “I prayed they don't cut his NFL suspension to four games. I hope they leave it at six. There is no excuse for that. The egos get out of hand.”
Unless I’m mistaken, didn’t #12 have a bit of a wild side in his younger playing days? Perhaps I’m wrong, but while maybe he didn’t get in as much trouble as Big Ben, I see it this way…EVERYONE makes mistakes. EVERYONE deserves a second chance on some situations. Ben deserves that second chance and there is no reason not to believe that a man can change his character. Especially in this case because it’s just a case of growing up and becoming more mature.
There is plenty more on the Big Ben situation…
Alex Marvez, FoxSports.com, Big Ben, Steelers shouldn't celebrate
Just because NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shortened Roethlisberger’s suspension from six games to four after a Friday meeting at league headquarters doesn’t mean the star Pittsburgh quarterback should celebrate by popping champagne bottles or, for that matter, ordering tequila shots for his “bitches” at a college bar. It was the latter type of deviant behavior with at least one underage female student and ensuing sexual assault claim that led to this situation in the first place. All signs are that Roethlisberger has cleaned up his boorish, alcohol-soaked act. At least Goodell thinks so, which is the most important thing for Roethlisberger’s NFL future. But for the first month of the season, Roethlisberger’s repentance does his teammates and the franchise that pays him handsomely no good. As soon as Thursday night’s preseason finale against Carolina ended, Roethlisberger became persona non grata for the Steelers. NFL rules prohibit him from visiting team headquarters, practicing or standing on the sidelines until the suspension ends. Roethlisberger will instead have to watch from afar as the Steelers try to prevent digging too deep a hole before his October return. Roethlisberger better have his boots ready.
Commissioner (Roger) Goodell met with Ben Roethlisberger today and notified him that his suspension has been reduced to the Steelers' first four regular-season games. The reinstatement is contingent on Roethlisberger continuing to adhere to the program established by our advisors and avoiding any further violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. During the suspension, Roethlisberger cannot be at the team's practice facility, attend games, represent the club publicly in any way, have contact with any member of the coaching staff or other football operations personnel, or engage in any team football-related activities or discussions with teammates away from team facilities. "You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions," Commissioner Goodell said in a letter to Roethlisberger. "Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment." An already suspect backup situation took a turn for the worse when Leftwich suffered a torn knee ligament against the Panthers. The starting responsibility now falls to either Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon. A 13-year NFL veteran, Batch was kept in mothballs during the preseason. He was likely headed for release until Leftwich was injured. Dixon is unproven with just one NFL start in two seasons and a shaky performance in Pittsburgh’s “dress rehearsal” third preseason game against Denver. Dixon, though, possesses the one trait most needed now in Pittsburgh’s offense: the ability to run for his life.
I’m surprised Leftwich lasted as long as he did. A traditional drop-back passer with an elongated throwing release, Leftwich took a beating behind an offensive line that looks even worse than the unit whose shoddy 2009 performance resulted in the offseason firing of position coach Larry Zierlein. In particular, new right tackle Flozell “The Hotel” Adams has opened doors for speed rushers with his plodding play. Roethlisberger may be the NFL’s only signal-caller who can still flourish under these circumstances. He has before while getting sacked a bone-shaking 189 times over the past four seasons, including 46 takedowns during Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl-winning season in 2008. Even though he slimmed down during the offseason – a little less partying, perhaps? – the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Roethlisberger still has the size to shrug off hits from blitzing defensive backs and some smallish linebackers. He has excellent pocket presence. This allows Roethlisberger to sidestep pressure and let his receivers get open downfield. Roethlisberger also excels in the hurry-up offense, which can cover other offensive deficiencies. With two Lombardi Trophies to his credit at the tender age of 28, Roethlisberger deserves mention with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre as the game’s best quarterbacks. The shame of it all: That talent will be squandered for the first month of the season. Roethlisberger’s pending absence has raised the heat on everyone else inside the Steelers organization. Embattled offensive coordinator Bruce Arians must find a way to scheme around his quarterbacks’ flaws. Running back Rashard Mendenhall has to carry an even bigger load to take pressure off the passing game. Even more weight falls on the shoulders of a vaunted defense that slipped last year largely because of injuries that have since healed. The Steelers must weather this storm for a four-game stretch that begins Sept. 12 against visiting Atlanta, a preseason playoff favorite coming off a 9-7 season. The Steelers then have road games at Tennessee – one of the NFL’s hottest teams in the second half of last season – and lowly Tampa Bay before returning home to face archrival Baltimore.
The Steelers are in trouble should they emerge at anything less than 2-2. The remaining schedule looks brutal with two matchups against defending AFC North champion Cincinnati, which swept Pittsburgh in 2009, and out-of-division games against heavies like New Orleans, New England and the New York Jets. Remember, too, that the 2009 Steelers fell apart against some of the worst teams on their schedule like Kansas City, Oakland and Cleveland. Roethlisberger will be made a scapegoat if Pittsburgh falls short of the playoffs for a second straight season. No argument here. This suspension was completely preventable had Roethlisberger learned to change his ways after the first time he was accused of a 2008 sexual assault in Reno, Nevada. The narcissistic “Big Ben” persona crossed the line of human decency. Roethlisberger has admitted such, but only after it was too late to avoid banishment under Goodell’s personal conduct policy. Roethlisberger now has plenty of time to ponder this as well as all the collateral damage he caused: The fans he disappointed, the proud organization he embarrassed, the teammates and coaches he has burdened. When he does, Roethlisberger should feel a greater shame than from any of the individual humiliation he already has suffered. That will be the harshest penalty of all.
END LINK
Sal Paolantonio, ESPN.com, Details from Roethlisberger's meeting
Here's what happened at Friday’s Ben Roethlisberger-Roger Goodell meeting:
After a brief session with lawyers for both sides and team president Art Rooney, the commissioner and Roethlisberger met privately. In that one-on-one meeting, Roethlisberger was contrite, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting. Then Goodell informed Roethlisberger that the suspension would be reduced to four games -- but that Roethlisberger must continue to avoid any further violations of the personal conduct policy. What's next for Big Ben? This weekend, he's going to re-group with close friends and former Steelers running back and current ESPN analyst Merrill Hoge, who has become his mentor. "We're going to talk about how to stay mentally sharp during the suspension," Hoge said. "He's going to work out with high school football players in Pittsburgh, coach my little guys in youth football here in northern Kentucky. He is going to use his services to help others, and make sure he's ready to come back better than ever."
James Walker
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made statements through the team following Roethlisberger's reduced suspension to four games. Here is what both had to say:
Ben Roethlisberger
"I have learned a lot over the past several months about myself as a person. I am committed to continuing on this path of being the type of person my family raised me to be, and exceeding what is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Art Rooney II
"Commissioner Goodell informed us today that Ben Roethlisberger's suspension has been reduced to four games. Ben has done a good job this summer of growing as the person that he needs to be, both on and off the field. I am confident that Ben is committed to continuing in this positive direction. As a team, our focus is now on preparing for the regular season and getting off to a good start on opening weekend."
Share
James Walker, Pittsburgh without Ben Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially begun life without two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell met with Roethlisberger on Friday and reduced his suspension from six games to four. Roethlisberger will not be allowed to train with the team until his suspension ends next month. This was the expected outcome after the commissioner established firm guidelines in April that stated Roethlisberger could have his suspension cut two games for good behavior. Roethlisberger has done and said all the right things and seems to be heading in the right direction in his personal life. Dennis Dixon was 12-for-26 for 145 yards with a TD and an interception in his lone NFL regular-season start. But with Roethlisberger out of the picture until October, let's look ahead to Pittsburgh's four opponents to start the season.
Game No. 1 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: The Falcons are a darkhorse Super Bowl contender. They have a good, young quarterback in Matt Ryan, a strong running game led by Michael Turner and an improved defense that was bolstered in the draft and free agency. Pittsburgh has a chance to win this game by feeding off the emotion of its home opener. But with an inexperienced Dennis Dixon likely getting his second career start against a quality opponent, quarterback play should be the difference.
AFC North blog prediction: Loss
Game No. 2 at Tennessee Titans
Analysis: As Pittsburgh found out during its 2008 Super Bowl season, Tennessee is not an easy place to play. This would be Dixon's first road start of the season and second road game of his career. The quarterbacks in this game are similar, but Tennessee's Vince Young has much more starting experience. Slight edge to the home team.
AFC North blog prediction: Loss
Game No. 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Analysis: We're not sure at this point if Byron Leftwich will be available. But based on the reported diagnosis of an MCL sprain, this could be a target date for his return. Depending on the team's record (I predict 0-2) and how Dixon is playing, the Steelers could turn to the veteran Leftwich, the favorite to win the starting job before Thursday's knee injury. The Buccaneers are rebuilding after last year's 3-13 record, so this is Pittsburgh's safest bet in the first four games.
AFC North blog prediction: Win
Game No. 4 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Analysis: Baltimore is 1-3 against Pittsburgh in its past four meetings, the only win coming last season when Roethlisberger sat out with a concussion. Expect a close game.
AFC North blog prediction: Loss
Here's the NFL's statement on the reduction of Ben Roethlisberger's suspension:
Commissioner Goodell met with Ben Roethlisberger today and notified him that his suspension has been reduced to the Steelers’ first four regular-season games. The reinstatement is contingent on Roethlisberger continuing to adhere to the program established by our advisors and avoiding any further violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. During the suspension, Roethlisberger cannot be at the team’s practice facility, attend games, represent the club publicly in any way, have contact with any member of the coaching staff or other football operations personnel, or engage in any team football-related activities or discussions with teammates away from team facilities. “You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions,” Commissioner Goodell said in a letter to Roethlisberger. “Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment.”
James Walker, Reviewing Scouts Inc. on Dennis Dixon
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. believed Dennis Dixon was the best choice to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 starter even before Byron Leftwich's knee injury. Dennis Dixon's scrambling ability could open things up in Pittsburgh's running game. That prospect is closer to reality now that Leftwich reportedly suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. That likely rules out Leftwich for Pittsburgh's regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He was hit low against the Carolina Panthers Thursday during a pass attempt in the first half. All eyes are now on Dixon to take over during Ben Roethlisberger's suspension. Despite his inexperience (one career start), Williamson likes what Dixon adds to Pittsburgh's offense.
"Dixon is talented," Williamson wrote this week. "His running ability is extremely impressive and that playmaking ability with the ball in his hands is the first thing you notice with Dixon. He also has a big arm and can deliver the ball on the run or from improbable body positions." Pittsburgh's running game will be vital during this period. The Steelers' best chance of winning without Roethlisberger is to run the ball well and play great defense. Williamson believes Dixon's mobility keeps defenders on edge, which could help starting tailback Rashard Mendenhall. Dixon also showed multiple times in the preseason that he can run for first downs when plays break down. "Playing man-to-man against the Steelers is tougher to pull off with Dixon in the lineup," Williamson wrote. "But much like when Vince Young took over in Tennessee last season and Chris Johnson's rushing totals went through the roof, it is harder to defend the running game from an alignment and assignment standpoint on defense. The contain defenders must respect the bootleg and can't crash down on the inside run as hard." Pittsburgh's quarterback derby was unique from the start and had plenty of twists and turns. Therefore, it was only fitting that a last-minute curveball would occur right before the start of the regular season, which opened the door for Dixon.
James Walker, AFC North preseason recap
The preseason is finally over. All four AFC North teams were in action Thursday night for their exhibition finales. Here are some notes from each game:
Pittsburgh Steelers 19, Carolina Panthers 3
The Good
Rookies Emmanuel Sanders and Jonathan Dwyer both made strong cases in their final chance to impress before Saturday's cuts. Dwyer, a sixth-round pick, led the Steelers in rushing for the second straight week with 86 yards on 20 carries. Sanders, a third-round pick, led Pittsburgh in receiving with 66 yards and a touchdown. Both players were up and down in training camp but came on strong late in the preseason to likely earn roster spots.
The Bad
The huge negative was the left knee sprain to quarterback Byron Leftwich, who was expected to be Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter. Leftwich was hit low in the first half and didn’t return. Now his status is in question for the regular-season opener, where quarterbacks Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch may have to step in against the Atlanta Falcons.
END LINK
Here we go again with that discussion, “what it is without Ben Roethlisberger.”
TheSportingNews.com, Test of mettle: How the Steelers can win without Roethlisberger
While Ben Roethlisberger is out, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to keep the wheels on. Although they will be down an important man, a strong, physical team effort can keep them from spinning in reverse. Here are four things they must do to stay on track into mid-October, regardless of who replaces Roethlisberger:
Pound the ball
For the first time since Jerome Bettis and Bill Cowher left, the Steelers have a reliable power back. "Rashard Mendenhall will absolutely be key for them early," Cowher said. Last year, Mendenhall proved he can remain a tough runner with a heavy workload, but he will need a big assist from his line.
AdChoices
The Steelers, set to start rookie Maurkice Pouncey at center, must consistently open holes between the tackles. A potential bonus for the ground game is the dazzling scrambling ability of quarterback Dennis Dixon , who's more likely to start after Byron Leftwich injured a knee Thursday. Rookie Jonathan Dwyer , who is making a late surge to try to make the team, could also be effective if he sticks with a no-nonsense, straight-ahead running style. Even if the Steelers lack Roethlisberger's big arm, they must at least show they can stretch the field for the occasional big pass play to wide receiver Mike Wallace . That will keep opponents from stacking the box to take away Mendenhall.
Rely on the defense
With all due respect to Roethlisberger, he's not the Steelers' most irreplaceable player. "It's a must that Troy Polamalu stays healthy for them," Cowher said. Polamalu, a versatile safety who missed 11 games last season, will be vital as both an extra run stuffer and in helping the secondary cut down on backbreaking plays. The return of defensive end Aaron Smith , who also missed 11 games last season, is key, too. He's a linchpin in the line and will bolster the pass rush. The Steelers have depth in their front seven, so defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will have options to both mix up his 3-4 looks and personnel. While the unit goes into attack mode, it also must maintain discipline.
Win the turnover battle
Though Polamalu's playmaking boosts the takeaway potential, it won't help the team if the offense doesn't take care of the ball. Coach Mike Tomlin knows his team can't afford big mistakes.” The first part about being a tough team to beat is not beating yourself," Tomlin said. Last season, the Steelers were minus-3 in turnover margin, 20th in the NFL. They need someone other than Polamalu to rack up interceptions, and the quarterback must have the mindset of opting to throw the ball away instead of forcing a pass into coverage. The defense must put the offense in position where it doesn't need to score a ton of points, but the team is no position to shorten its possessions.
Take advantage of the schedule
The first six weeks include three home games and a bye. Victories over the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are musts, and the Steelers are fortunate they will face Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens at home in the first month. Perhaps the most crucial game comes against a team that might occupy a similar position in the playoff hunt: at Tennessee in Week 2. For the Steelers, anything less than a 3-2 start in a tough conference won't cut it. Pittsburgh had owned its series against the Ravens until last season, when Baltimore took advantage of a Dixon start to steal a game in overtime. The Ravens have a rising offense with familiar faces and Ray Lewis fronting the defense. In an intense division rivalry, they won't come into Heinz Field intimidated—or sympathetic to the Steelers' plight without Roethlisberger. Baltimore and Tennessee are rough-and-tumble matchups, and the Steelers must be at their physical best to have a chance.
END LINK
Saturday brings final roster cuts. The Steelers got a jump on the game Friday releasing the following players:
Sean McHugh, Scott Paxson, Justin Vincent, Eugene Bright, Dorian Brooks, Kyle Jolly, Brandon London, Matt Stewart, Justin Thornon and Renauld Williams.
For Vincent, he has failed again to make the team and his chances are getting slim. McHugh was a pretty good blocker at tight end but with the arrival of David Johnson and Frank Summers being healthy his need became expendable. The deadline is 6:00 p.m. Saturday for final cuts. The Steelers have 11 more cuts to make.
I mentioned George Whitfield the other day. He is the man responsible for baby sitting Ben Roethlisberger and keeping him sharp until his return at home against Cleveland in October. Whitfield has played a tad of pro football, doing his thing in the Arena Football League. He also coached at the University of Iowa. Now he goes one-on-one with one of the NFL’s best. Reaction?
“I cannot wait for this four-week run to see how sharp I can get him by the time week five rolls around. He'll be ready. I don't know how many guys like to throw in the rain, but he did it in a steady, driving rain for two hours. To him, it was much more than just going through drills. He wanted to know: What did you notice here? What do you have in mind for this drill?' I learned how dedicated this guy is. We did talk to Roethlisberger about being out in Southern California, but he said right away: I don't want to go anywhere. I want to be right here in the city of Pittsburgh, near my teammates. I'm just going to provide the fire and technical support and then go right after it. It's his pursuit. It's his mechanics. It's his season. Everything has to be efficient and well thought out and well executed. There's a challenge, but it's doable.
I know Roethlisberger is looking at this as an incredible opportunity to put these guys in the Super Bowl and overcome a lot of this stuff. I hate to call him Ben 2.0, but that's what I've been told, and I can't wait to get on the ground with him. It will initiate through Ben. I’m really going to draw from him what he’d like to do, what he’d like to put his focus on. Once we determine those areas, I’ll begin wrapping the workouts around them. You can be assured it will be a lot of the classic quarterback ingredients: a ton of drop drills, a lot of footwork, making sure he’s in rhythm, getting his endurance up. Just making sure we’re replicating his routine as best as he can as if he were across town in practice. The game plan is to get him a good daily workout, try to put him through the paces. I’m going to let him craft this thing, and then just provide the technical support and fire behind it.
I was really blown away by how athletic and agile he is. I mean, he’s built like a defensive end, or a big basketball player, but he’s really light on his feet. I can’t believe how a man who’s 6-5 and 250 plus pounds can move and have that type of agility.” Although Whitfield has worked with quarterbacks at every level, he won’t try to alter Roethlisberger’s mechanics. There’s no construction or surgery. This is from a mental standpoint, a footwork standpoint, and a throwing standpoint — how much sharper can he get, let alone keeping up his normal pace. He’s going to have to throw some ‘competition balls’ I call them,” Whitfield said. “ ‘I have to beat this defensive back aside from just completing the pass.”
One last football note. Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens has not been suspended for any reason by the NFL. But he’s still suffering a setback nearly as devastating. He will not play for at least the first six weeks of the season due to health issues. The Ravens have placed him on the reserve physically unable to perform list. Like Big Ben, Reed won’t be in the game in the fourth matchup of the season.
Finally for today, our little Pittsburgh “wonder girl” will be competing for $1 million on “America’s Got Talent.” If you are like me and curious about her Pittsburgh upbringing, I provide you with the following information on the internet about 10-year old Jackie Evancho.
Wikipedia.org, Jackie Evancho
Birth name: Jacqueline Marie Evancho
Born: April 9, 2000 (age 10)
Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres: Classical crossover
Occupations: Singer
Years active: 2009–present
Jacqueline Marie "Jackie" Evancho (pronounced /iːˈvæŋkoʊ/ ee-VANG-koe; born April 9, 2000) is a young soprano from Richland Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who gained popularity after a performance for America's Got Talent. Evancho sings in the "classical crossover" style of singers such as Hayley Westenra and Sarah Brightman. She studies singing with a voice coach,: and also plays the violin and piano.
Evancho was born to Michael and Lisa Evancho and has an older brother, Jacob, a younger brother, Zach, and a younger sister, Rachel. She started singing when she was seven years old, after going to see the stage show Phantom of the Opera. Her mother heard Evancho singing songs from the movie and allowed her to enter a local talent contest just for fun (the performance of which you can watch on her youtube channel). She finished as the runner-up and was voted the audience favorite. Eventually she participated in other talent contests and started a YouTube channel. Jackie began taking vocal lessons in June of 2008, when she was 8 years old.
Evancho has performed onstage with producer David Foster,: was an invited performer on the PBS Special "Celebrate America" with conductor/composer Tim Janis,: sang the National Anthem at an event honoring aviation pioneer General Chuck Yeager,: as well as performing the anthem to start Pittsburgh Pirates games at PNC Park. At the invitation of Pennsylvania Senator Jane Orie, Jackie has also performed. Jackie also performs at numerous events and charity functions in and around her hometown.
She competed in the 15th U.S.A. World Showcase Talent Competition in early 2009, which took place in Las Vegas and the winner receives $100,000 and the opportunity to create a demo CD. "She is just truly blessed with a voice that's phenomenal", says classical-crossover composer/conductor Tim Janis, who is including Evancho in his American Christmas Carol show (Dec. 2, 2010) at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She will be the youngest female vocal soloist ever to have performed there.
Prelude to a Dream (2009–present)
In November of 2009, Evancho released her independent debut album called Prelude to a Dream. The album features mainly covers of songs such as Andrea Bocelli's "Con Te Partiro" and "The Prayer", Josh Groban's "To Where You Are", Martina McBride's "Concrete Angel", and a cover of "Amazing Grace" among others. Schubert's "Ave Maria" heard on the album is not the original song, which is set to a secular text in German; instead, it's an arrangement of the Roman Catholic setting of the "Hail Mary" prayer in Latin. The album debuted on The Billboard 200 at #121 on the chart dated August 28, 2010. It also debuted at #2 on Billboard Classical Albums Chart. Unfortunately, Prelude to a Dream is no longer available for purchase. However, it is possible that it could be re-released at some point in the future.
America's Got Talent
Overview
On August 10, 2010, on America's Got Talent, Evancho performed O mio babbino caro by Giacomo Puccini. The aria is also on her debut album. She received a standing ovation after her performance, and was awarded a trip to Universal Studios in Florida for receiving the most fan votes from the submissions to the show from YouTube. She was then voted into the semifinals by viewers. Her second performance was Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's "Time To Say Goodbye" and once again received great critical reaction.
END LINK
If you have not heard her debut album “Prelude to a Dream,” I’ve listened to it and folks, it is simply, downright, AMAZING. She truly and absolutely has been born with a gift. As a fellow Pittsburgher, I could not be more proud to say she is one of our own!
