PRO FOOTBALL: Pittsburgh at Jacksonville

Looks like the defending champs will be on national prime-time television a lot this year. The Steelers opened week 1 of the new season with a Thursday night NBC game in which they beat Miami. Now they play another Florida team on ESPN's new Monday Night Football to close week 2. This should be a good game because I'm very high on Jacksonville this year and the Jags actually beat the Steelers in 2005. In fairness, Tommy Maddux did play QB for Pittsburgh in that game. While Maddux is gone, QB Ben Roethlisberger's status is again questionanble after an apendectomy. Backup Charlie Batch looked solid in the opener, but I expect to see Big Ben make his debut tonight.

Coach Jack Del Rio has instilled a definite toughness to the Jaguars. Makes sense because he was exactly that kind of player himself and they'll need it since the Jags play in the same division as the high-powered Colts. I still have the Jaguars winning the AFC South if their wideouts can somehow fill the void left by longtime star Jimmy Smith's retirement. When healthy, I love what ex-Gator RB Fred Taylor can do for an offense. He's always been a big play guy. And I think former Marshall QB Byron Leftwich is ready to become an elite QB as well. His biggest issue has also been a tendency for injury in his 5 year career.

My pick: Jacksonville. When we lived in Valdosta, we were only about 90 minutes away from Jacksonville. We spent 2 or 3 fun weekends visiting the area....not only to go to beach, but also because Jax had the closest Babies-R-Us to where we lived. Ya gotta love the sticks! Anyway, Duval County is a beautiful area and, well, Pittsburgh is not. Go Jags!

From the Jaguars' website:

The ROAR is an integral part of the Jaguars entertainment package during all home games. These professional cheerleaders captivate Jaguars fans with their explosive, high-energy routines and cheerful personalities. When not on the playing field, members of The ROAR serve as goodwill ambassadors for the Jaguars by participating in various corporate, community and charitable events throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas.



I too am captivated by that goodwill!