Monday Night Football

Just enough time before I jump in the shower and head off to work to take a quick look and the Monday Night match up between the Steelers and Bengals: -- What is it with the Bengals and the first half? They always seem to come out and limp along slowly, ending up trailing as they go into the break, only to turn up the heat in the second half and start making things happen. By that point however -- as in this game -- it's usually too little, too late. -- The roughing the passer penalty called against Casey Hampton was utter nonsense. This is a perfect example of a rule designed to protect the knees of quarterbacks being completely misapplied. It's stuff like this that gets fans really riled up. -- Terrell Owens; 10 catches, 141 yards, 2 TDs and a security guard knocked to the ground like a pin in a bowling alley. I did say at the start of the season there was still life left in this dog.... -- Ben Roethlisberger; 17/27, 163 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. After a solid start in his first game back, Roethlisberger is gradually slipping off. Last time the Steelers won a Super Bowl it was Roethlisberger leading the charge with his downfield passes. Now? Not so much. The Steelers offense looks confused at times as to what they're trying to do. Luckily the Steelers defense is as strong as ever (4 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble). -- And could someone please explain to me what has happened to special teams protection units this year? The number of blocked punts and kicks is rising at what appears to be an abnormal rate compared to seasons past. Mainly thanks to the Chargers, but others as well. -- With the Steelers victory over the Bengals, I'm now 9-4 pick wise this week, which puts me at 67-63 for the season, finally pushing past .500. It's been a weird year for picks, but at least now we're starting to get a good idea of where the various teams stand. Have a great day everyone.