ONE: the only game that matters (Steelers finally get a W)

Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 INNNNN the Buildin'. I am coming to you as one happy camper. This past week I got the chance to go home to NY for a much needed family visit. But not only did I get to go home, I also went to my first Steelers game of the season and the ONE that mattered! Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I was there when the Steelers won their first bringing their record to 1-4! FINALLY a win!
   It was a great day in the Meadowlands if you were a Steelers fan, and this Steelers fan was excited to be there and watch her team finally dig themselves out of the rut they had been in..

  I will say this the one rule I had was, I can't pay the good money I paid for a crappy show by my team. With seats in the Endzone 14 rows up, it was definitely a day I didn't want wasted. And thankfully the boys did not disappoint!

I can't remember or speak on every play so instead I am going to share photos from Game day!

Week 7: Predictions reality and more

Hey Y'all! It's your favorite SportsGal89 IN the buildin'! It has been a while since I have posted and my apologies, but there have been some awesome games in all areas of sports that have distracted me from my writing. I apologize.

I wanted to make sure I came back with the Week 7 Predictions before kickoff so here we go

Game                                  Keesha's Pick                                      Reality
 SEA vs. ARI                         SEA                                                    
 BAL vs. PIT                          PIT (duh 1-4 BABY! Ha)
 TAM vs ATL                        TAM (the way the Falcons have been playing- woof)
 CIN vs. DET                         CINCY
 BUF vs. MIA                        MIA
 PAT vs JETS                        PAT
 DAL vs. PHI                        DAL
 CHI vs DC                           CHI
 STL vs. CAR                        CAR
 SD vs JAC                            SD
 SF vs TEN                            SF
 CLE vs GB                            GB
 HOU vs KC                          KC
 DEN vs INDY                       DEN

MIN vs NY                            NY
(one of these teams is going to do well, this might be the game the Giants need)

See you back here Monday night with the reality!

Another week of disappointment--- What is going on in Pittsburgh?!

Hey Y'all so this week I failed and didn't get my Week 4 predictions up and that's okay.. because I can focus on my team and the horrible season that has been happening in Pittsburgh.

It's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 In the Buildin' and I am about to go OFF on my team- well not really.
 I have said it a few times in these latest posts that I have not been holding my breath for a fabulous season with my team. Going 0-4 in the preseason, and now 0-4 in the regular season! UGH! This is boo boo! Not to mention that this is the first time since 1968 that the Steelers have gone 0-4! Now I knew that our 2013 season was going to be a little rough, but this just stinks.

I thought maybe with the return of Le'Veon Bell and a change in location with our game overseas that the team would rally and come back. But no, this was the STRUGGLE.

Here is the thing. Our QB is older, not only is he older, but the Ben that entered the league in 2004 is not the same in his mobility as he was then. The years of being beat up, sacked etc are wearing on him. I mean Ben has been notorious for staying in the pocket too long, or moving around and taking the hits and when he came debuted, as a fan we loved it. It was exciting to see a QB as mobile as he was, but after a while with as many hits as he has taken and the injuries in the last few seasons, it is just so tough to watch and see. I think for the last two seasons alone, I have talked about how weak we are in our O-Line.. They aren't able to protect him the way he needs to be-- some of that is with the fact that he moves around too much or not enough, but the other part is that at least this season with injuries among our key front men, we are really lacking in support of our QB.

It doesn't make it any better that we have injuries in what is supposed to be the strongest part of our team- The Steel Curtain. What is left of this decade's defense is dwindling. James Harrison in Cincy, Foote injured, Casey Hampton gone, we are just FALLING APART!

It's so frustrating- there is no comeback that can take away from my team looking sorry this season. I mean "Sixburgh" can only get you so far , when the threat of the next two teams close to six are themselves having a shakey season, but son WHAT  is going on?!

I think I have to give the Steelers the NFL Whack Award.. I can't... Even when we haven't gone to the big game, or haven't had a season where we know we are going to succeed in the playoffs, at least the team has it's character and identity.. Right now our character and identity is not what it used to be. And not that I expect them to be, but we are searching for who we are now and who we are in that process is SORRY!

Hopefully this bye that is coming up, gives us the time to figure it out. Otherwise I am wasting money watching my team lose on October 13 when I take my nephew to the Jets vs. Steelers game.. We better get it together!

That's all she wrote!

Week 3: Predictions and more!!

Hey Hey Hey! Hope y'all are having a great day! It's your favorite SportsGal89 IN the buildin' !

So I did it again... I forgot to write about Thursday Night Football.. Please don't hate me, I haven't even talked about College Ball and there have been some games! But anyways, let me give you the quick recap:
   KC & PHIL played: Highlight of the night-- they retired number 5- Donavan McNabb's jersey will forever hang at the Eagle's stadium in honor of the great QB. Additionally, Kansas City is 3-0 under Andy Reid. Reid playing his first game back in Philadelphia not being the head coach of the Eagles.

My Predictions for week 3:

Game                                 My Pick                                     Reality
GB vs. CIN                            GB                                          CIN (34-30)*
STL vs. DAL                          STL                                         DAL (31-7)*
SD vs. TEN                            SD                                         TEN (20-17) *
CLE vs. MIN                          MIN                                        CLE (31-27) *
TB vs. NE                              NE                                          NE (23-3)
ARI vs. NO                            NO                                          NO (31-7)  
DET vs. WSH                        WSH                                        DET (27-20)*
HOU vs. BAL                        HOU                                        BAL (30-9)  *  
ATL vs. MIA                          MIA                                          MIA (27-23)
BUF vs. NYJ                          BUF                                          NYJ (27-20)*
IND vs. SF                             SF                                            IND (27-7) *
JAC vs. SEA                            SEA                                        SEA (45-17)
PIT vs. CHI                            CHI                                         CHI (40-23)
( I know I should go for my team... So let the one time I doubt them be the time they win)
OAK vs. DEN                        DEN                                        DEN (37-21)
                                         

Predictions entered on 9.21.2013, we'll see what happens on 9.22

** By the way, I totally missed Carolina and the Giants  in my predictions... Caroline blew out the Giants 38-0!

So my predictions didn't hold up this week. Oh well there is always next time. But one thing that did hold up was my Fantasy Team!! I was projected to lose, but I came out with the win! I will say watching the game through the lens of a Fantasy Team is much more interesting than what a regular game watching experience can be.

This Week's notables:
 Well today I am not even going to touch the Steelers. As much as I was proud of them FINALLY catching their rhythm and Ben connecting with DOWNTOWN Antonio Brown for some sweet little toss ups, air ups and one brilliant one-handed touchdown. There is still A LOT of work to do. I will still rep my team through it all, but I have decided that beyond them making the playoffs (ha ha), I would be much more pleased if the team just jelled, caught their stride and developed into a stronger better team. For the commentators, I get it, it's uncharacteristic of the Steelers, but is it really. I mean we had that drought before Big Ben came to the team and then we developed then we spent two years after our SuperBowl win in Detroit trying to get our stride again. So is it really that much to assume that a team is going to stay on top?! Yes, admittedly so we are one of the most notable teams, but all teams struggle.

So this week's notables go to the following three teams- Denver, Seahawks and Cincy.

DENVER:
  Let's talk about the fact that Peyton Manning is just a remarkable QB. 37 years old, coming back from one of the most interesting histories with Indiana and then after neck surgery comes into the most amazing deal with Denver. It has definitely paid off for Denver and it continues to pay off for Peyton's legacy. He is by far one of the greatest QB to watch and watching how well he controls his team is remarkable. ESPN noted him as the top "Quality Performer" throwing for 374 yards and 3 TDs. He continues to develop and get better, stronger and much more controlled as the weeks progress, and let us remind you this is only Week 3! Imagine what Peyton will be looking like as the weeks continue. In the three weeks that say an EJ Manuel is still developing his game, Peyton has blown past the development stage and just sits in his own. Watching him play is fascinating and his leadership is unsurpassed. He has definitely transformed the league and his team.

SEAHAWKS:
As a Steelers fan, I will always get the last laugh after the 2006 Superbowl... Despite the fact that Seahawks fans claim we didn't deserve to win etc. But that aside, Pete Carroll's are taking over the west and solidifying why they are a great team. I can't say much, but it is exciting to watch this team continue to grow and establish their brand, their structure and continue to build the momentum. I will not be at all surprised with the Seahawks making a strong playoff run.

CINCY: 
 Cincy doesn't get a notable because I have been HARASSED (AJ), but because they actually continue to prove that they are a team to look out for. When the landscape of the AFC North changes with one of the dominating teams being on the outs (Steelers) it honestly is anyone's game. The rivalry that is Steelers vs. Ravens changes, and it means that teams like the Browns and the Bengals can step up and be seen as better. But let's start with the fact the Bengals are 2-1 and are cleaning up teams that have been the dominate teams- Steelers and now Green Bay. And these wins haven't been by luck, these wins have been due to the tenacity and resilience of the team. This team while, I don't know if they will be a playoff contending team, they are definitely a team to continue to keep an eye on.

Honorable mention:
 Although it pains me to say this Chicago deserves to be mentioned. With a new coach and a transformed Jay Cutler the team is definitely jelling. Cutler has grown into a different kind of QB. He has more energy for the position and seems to enjoy playing the game more than he has actually displayed in the past. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the Bears find themselves up against the ropes, but as much as I was disappointed in the whoppin the Steelers took by the Bears, the Bears played one HELL of a game!


Week 4 Predictions:
  Thursday night--
Game                          Keesha's Prediction                 Reality
SF vs. STL                     SF                                         SF- (35-11)

As of 9.25.2013- I cannot believe that SF can't get out of this rut. Whatever toxic energy is driving a wedge in the team, it needs to be figured out. I like Jim Harbaugh, especially in consideration of his brother, but I need him to be the coach- stay out of the headlines for your antics and your tantrums and coach your team through some wins.

9.30.2013-
  SF finds it's rhythm and takes the W. Hopefully this momentum continues as the season continues.

Week 2: Predictions, reality and more... Oh my!

Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE SportsGal89 IN the buildin'! I must say I am enjoying being back and being in the full swing of my writing and sport watching. It has been fun getting my voice back and hopefully contributing to your love of sports as well.
  I think that if I am going to take this seriously, I do need to study the craft a little more, so my next task is to read and keep up with sports bloggers so I can really craft my own voice.

But that's not why we are here right now. We are here because I am going to do what I should have done last week, and that was write my predictions.

Yes I missed the Jets- Pats game on Thursday but Sunday Funday and Madness Monday (don't ask) are where it's at!
Game        Keesha's prediction                  Reality
STL- ATL (ATL)                                       ATL (31-24)
CAR-BUF  (CAR)                                      BUF (24-23)*
MIN-CHI   (CHI)                                      CHI (31-30)          
WSH- GB   (GB)                                       GB (38-20)
MIA - IND  (IND)                                    MIA (24-20)
DAL- KC     (DAL)                                    KC (17-16)*
SD- PHI       (SD)                                      SD (33-30)
CLE- BAL    (BAL)                                    BAL (14-6)
TEN- HOU  (HOU)                                  HOU (30-24) 
DET-ARI      (ARI)                                    ARI (25-21)
NO-TB          (NO)                                    NO (16-14)

JAC-OAK       (JAC)                                   OAK (19-9)*
DEN-NYG aka Manning Bowl    (DEN)      DEN (41-23)
SF-SEA          (SF)                                     SEA   (29-3)*
PIT-CIN         (PIT)                                   CIN (20-10)*

Not so bad for my predictions huh? 10 picks out of the 15 games..

This Week's notables:

Buffalo's win:
  I think people will continue to talk about this game as long as EJ Manuel continues to develop as a great QB and leader on his team. The way this game ended was phenomenal. Buffalo was down minutes to spare, the rook Manuel at the helm. Remarkable play that he manipulated perfectly with his receiver wide open in the corner of the endzone. If you didn't see that highlight you need to. As a fan of the game, it is moments like those that you remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. It's in moments like those that the money, the cars, the superficial things that athletes focus on when they make it, fall away and you remember that how you play, what you do on the field is exactly you were supposed to. It was an awesome sight and what eclipsed the game and the win for Buffalo.

Baltimore vs. Cleveland:
  There are teams in the NFL that are just expected to win, there are teams in the NFL that are just expected to lose. In all honesty, Baltimore is a team expected to win and Cleveland is a team expected to lose. Baltimore was expected to win in this match-up and yes the result was correct, they won. But they played so sloppy for a championship winning team. With offensive injuries Baltimore relied solely on their defense, as they should and it was their defense that carried them through game and successfully brought them the win.

Battle for the West: Seahawks vs. SF:
These two teams are the teams that are dominating the West. Of any game to watch in Week 2 aside from MNF, this was the game to watch. You have two of the fastest QBs who run when they have the opportunity, two of the best offenses and two of the best defenses in the 2013-2014 season. Watching this game was going to be fun AND it was! Seahawks defense dominated that game! They put the hurt on SF's running game and passing game. There was not a lot that the SF offense could do and it was really the Defense that did work. With that said, the Seahawks had an altogether package. Their offense and defense was seamless. Between Richard Sherman's spectacular coverage to the defense just stopping SF left and right, watching this team play was beautiful. The golden moment goes to Marshawn Lynch- yes, yes, I know he's a sports fan favorite, but I'm going to tell you why he gets the award though- there was a moment in the third or fourth quarter where Wilson and Lynch just hit a rhythm... Wilson throws this sweet little pass to Lynch who runs it out and then sees that he does not have any defenders on him. Stops, takes a look back and then WALKS into the endzone! Who does that?! Only Marshawn Lynch- STUPID for that one!

While this game didn't have the likely ending I wanted (SF taking the W) it was the highlight of my week 2- until the Steelers played in MNF.

Pittsburgh vs. Cincy:
 Now y'all know that I am a STEELERS fan! I have been for the larger part of my adult life, so yes they would make the notables particularly because they are my team and I am FOCUSED on them. My team is STRUGG-U-LING!! We have released several players, restructuring our team with new rookies, trying to figure out what we are going to do with last week's rash of injuries. It's been a trying two weeks. We suffered through Pre-Season and I was just looking for a glimmer of hope that they would do great! And HELLO, it's CINCY!
  Game started slow.. But we picked up speed and ended the first half with a great drive and tied the game. Then it went downhill, Cincy had a few great runs and then took off with a 20-10 lead and win.

How do we come back from this?
What do we need to do to get better?

It all rests on the team and the coaching staff. I would love for my team to win games, but right now I am more focused on their ability to develop as a better strong Steelers team. We'll see how they do in Week 3!


And that's all she wrote folks!

Week 2: Thursday night Football

Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE Sportsgal IN the Buildin' ! Hope that y'all had an awesome Week 1, if you haven't checked my comments about it you should go the blog . Once I get into the rhythm, I will be posting the weeks in advance of Thursday's game so I can lay down my predictions and go from there. Sadly, this week had gotten the better of me and I missed my ability to predict Thursday night's game with the Jets and the Patriots---but while we are on the subject let's talk about it.

As a football fan, there are teams that go without saying are going to be great. Despite personal feelings you recognize the talent on the team. With a sorted history of cheating, the games between the Jets and the Patriots are always interesting. mainly in particular because when it comes to the East in the NFL, the Patriots pretty much reign supreme. Their history is colored with SuperBowl Championships. They have a talented quarterback, even though it pains me to say it, in Tom Brady. And they have a coach who in reality gets the game better than most, and continues to keep the team successful.

But what occurred on Thursday night was a mystery. With expectations to see one of the Gridiron greats playing, you don't think you will see all their weaknesses flash ahead of you. The Patriots played horribly. As a fan watching the Patriots, you always want to see Brady's weak spot exposed because it creates a wonderful display of poor sportsmanship when you catch him tossing a water bottle, cursing and screaming on the sidelines and flaring his face in anger, disappointment and frustration. As the opponent or someone who loves strategy, it is in those moments when you know you have the Patriots and Brady backed against the corner. Sack him a few times and you'll see it. This last game was no different. Something was just off with the Pats, and even thought the Jets had their own issues, they seemed to have it a little more together under the leadership of Geno Smith, than the Pats did. But togetherness, in the end doesn't win games, too many missed opportunities to score points, still created a loss for the Jets. The game ended with the Patriots winning 13-10.

One interesting thing that I will comment on, is the Mark Sanchez injury and something that one of the commentator's pointed out. Sanchez was overworked, and in all honesty the injury can be blamed on poor decision making in the coaching staff, to keep pushing him when he is your starting QB. But the Thursday night crew, surprised me by mentioning that Sanchez has been virtually mum when it comes to calling out his team for their stupidity. He was on the sideline's assisting the QB coach in preparing Geno Smith for the game. He continued to show his leadership and his ability to rise above the chaos. I find it interesting because when the eyes are on the QBs for the most part, you get a different range of professionalism. For instance you can be the Jay Cutler (not now, but once) who shuts down, says screw it and doesn't even want to be there to support his team. Or you can be the Sanchez, who takes the cards he's been dealt and pushes forward.

As much as I think the Jets still need more, and as much as I think Sanchez lacks in his QB abilities, on the real.. That is a true mark of a sportsman.

Well folks, that's all she wrote.. Predictions will be coming soon!

Week 1: Gridiron Greats go down... Steelers Fall hard, RGIII

Hey Hey! It's your FAVORITE SportsGal in the Buildin', bringing you , what I hope is another entertaining edition of my sports antics.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 kicked-off the 2013-2014 Regular Season of the NFL and brought back to me one of my true loves- Football! It has been an INTERESTING Week 1 to say the least...

Let me start with my team, though because clearly we are going to be struggling this season. I wrote a blog a little while back that talked about the concerns others were raising about our offensive running and receiving abilities  with the loss of Mike Wallace. I figured we were going to have some struggles adjusting in this area and also on the defensive side, with the loss of such power in James Harrison.

Whelp, what I imagined as a slow start due to not winning a dang pre-season game and just some sloppiness on the side of the Steelers, resulted in one of the poorest performances I have ever witnessed in my team. Let's start with the fact that they could not catch a rhythm, that the only points they had scored for a while was off of a freaking SAFETY! Let's also talk about injuries that are now pretty much going to shut us down in Pouncey and Foote.

Looking at this season ahead of us, our team still has a lot of work to do. We are in this weird space of having too many old heads and having to teach rookies how to play in the NFL. We might win a few games, but I will be honest, the likelihood of the boys achieving the 7th ring and making the playoffs is going to be a long road ahead. But hey, we are a team and have a history of powering through adversity. And although I can be somewhat realistic about what they are looking like right now, I will still every Sunday, be glad to where that Black and Gold and swing that Terrible Towel.

The highlight of the game has been made into a lovely GIF, courtesy of the one the only Troy Polamalu .... It is definitely something that made my day after their brutal battle on the field, so if you are part of #SteelersNation, I hope it's something that brightens yours as well.

Week 1 Recap:
 Broncos vs. Ravens- 
 The game that many will probably talk about is the Kickoff Game between the Broncos and the Ravens. Peyton Manning has been the focal point of the NFL--how would he be, would his neck issues of the past come into play, would he resemble the Peyton of before etc. Whelp let's just say he didn't disappoint. 7 TDs in one game! Between him and his offensive targets(Julius Thomas, Damariyus Thomas, Wes Welker), whoever had selected the Broncos for their Fantasy Football definitely had a large lead as the games continued through the weekend! The Broncos ultimately stunned the Ravens- reigning SuperBowl Champs. It'll be interesting to see how well they continue through the season.

Other notables:
   Saints and Falcons- Saints came up with a great win during this game against their rivals. The Falcons definitely put up a good fight, but the Saints came up victorious!

 49ers vs. GB- I was excited to watch this game and wasn't the least disappointed by how it turned out. Slow at first, but then it picked up, like they all seem to do, with SF proving to be a contender again for the Ring. We'll see how well these Bay Area boys will do in their last season at the famed Candlestick Park.

Dallas vs. Giants- The boys in Blue, had a horrible game. I won't lie I picked them to win against the Cowgirls, in reality I would pick ANY team to win against Jones' girls.. but whatever. The Giants didn't really start strong and have the solid game play that they normally do. In fact Eli looked like this was his first game then someone who had a little more control like we are used to. Even though compared to Romo he had the better game 450 Yards and 4 TDs, he also had 3 Interceptions which really hurt their rhythm early as the game got started. In total the Giants had 6 turnovers, which allowed the Cowboys to capitalize on it and take the win, despite a hard hit and scare from Romo.

Eagles vs. Redskins- Being in a city where the rivalry is real, is interesting. The Philly vs. DC sports battle is always fun to watch, primarily because I am not invested in it as much as everyone else. But it is something I keep my eye on when I do have the time. It doesn't hurt that their performance was featured as the MNF kick-off either.  So what can you hope for with RGIII? Well, let's see he was about to play in his first game since his injury and surgery. He trained as far as ESPN propaganda had featured in the made for tv short film! Lolz.. Enough, I'll stop... But anyways, what we saw on Monday night was a quick response from Redskins fans to immediately trash RGIII and throw him under the bus when things clearly weren't going his way. Commentators on MNF, spoke about him being unable to plant his foot and really set himself properly to throw accurately and as fiercely as he had before. Additionally, his playing in this game is the first time that he was the most active target- let's be honest, practice is practice, but you aren't trying to hurt your star player when you need him ready and healthy. But just as quickly as the boos and trash talking came, Redskins fans rallied with RGIII as he and his team found a rhythm late in the third quarter. Sadly though it wasn't enough to stop the slaughtering that the Eagles were putting on them.

Clearly there were other highlights, but these were the ones I watched.

Now my only commentary, being that I have a Fantasy Football team, paying attention to these games is much more interesting. I am enjoying the game in a different way. Honestly I didn't think I could love this game anymore than I did, but  with the Fantasy component, it is really growing on me and I am becoming more obssessed with scores and seeing how the other people in my league are matching up.

Well, that's all she wrote folks until next week.. When I'll bring you my predictions for the games!