By the way ...

Yeah, there are a lot of storylines this weekend.

One storyline that's been overlooked. undramatically, is the fact that the Steelers hired head coach Mike Tomlin directly out of the Minnesota Vikings organization.

He was defensive coordinator there.

Let's not forget that. He might know a something or two about that organization.

For what it's worth.

Dissa 'n Data

Adrian Peterson: 618 yards rushing. Leads the NFL.

Steelers' Rush Defense: 74 yards per game.

Brett Favre: 69.7 completion percentage. 1,347 yards. 12 TDs/2 interceptions.

Vikings' Offense: 31.5 points per game. 2nd in NFL.

The Vikings: Tops in the league in turnover ratio.

Ben Roethlisberger: 72.5 completion percentage. Second in NFL. 156.3 passer rating when throwing outside the pocket. Nearly perfect.

Hines Ward: The top, most-productive receiver right now in the NFL. Not Larry Fitzgerald. Not Andre Johnson. Not Terrell Owens. Hines Ward.

The Steelers' offensive line according to the NFL Network's Jamie Dukes, a former offensive lineman: Massively under-rated. "The Steelers' offensive line deserves a boatload of credit."

Mike Tomlin on Minnesota defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams: "They trample the run on the way to the pass."

Mike Tomlin on the Vikings' cornerbacks: "They're violent people."

Mewelde Moore: Ex-Viking.

Lots of bad teams this year: Right now, Steel Triangle considers the following franchises bad teams: Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Washington, Buffalo, Oakland, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis and Tennessee. That's nine bad teams. Until last week, I wouldn't have put the Titans on that list, but 59-0 convinced me otherwise.

Lots of high-profile unemployed coaches out there: Some of these guys might be happy broadcasting instead of coaching, but still ... Bill Cowher, Mike Shanhan, Jon Gruden, Herm Edwards, Steve Mariucci, Mike Holmgren, And Brian Billick -- who claims with some satisfaction that he is "still gettiing paid by the Ravens." I gotta believe Billick has his eyes on that job (Norv Turner's) with the under-achieving San Diego Chargers. Or Washington, just down the road from his former employer, Baltimore-or-less.

Animal Rescue League Dog of the Day

Xena!

This is the second time I've posted a photo of Xena.
She is one of the nicest dogs at the Animal Rescue League, and if you ...

Let's just put this way: She needs a home.
And she's a great dog.

If you'd like to inquire about Xena, please email arldogs@yahoo.com.