50-YARD LINE

Better late than never! It's still Hump Day and the Steelers are still playing. This is still your Pittsburgh Steelers mid-week report. The Steelers wrap up the season Sunday at the Big Ketchup Bottle against the Cleveland Clowns. The Steelers need a win to finish at an even 8-8. They're trying to avoid their first losing season since they went 6-10 in '03. They'll do so without Miller, Ike and Baron Batch who were all placed on IR today. They also had 2 players named to the Pro Bowl today, Miller and Pouncey. It's the third time in 3 seasons for Pouncey and Miller's second time. Of course, Heath won't get to make the trip to Hawaii as he has surgery scheduled for tomorrow. This is the fewest Pro Bowlers since Jason Gildon was the lone representative following the 2000 season. It's indicative of the kind of season the Steelers had. Going into Sunday's game they've lost 5 games by 3 points or less. They practiced today without Curtis Brown, Troy, Lewis and Wallace. Adams was limited. Sunday may be the last chance to see some of these players donning the black-n-gold. It could be the last round-up for Foote, Mendy, and Wallace. There's some older players that may be shown the door due to performance/contract. Have we seen the last of Troy, Harrison, Keisel, Hampton, Ike, Clark, or Starks? Only time will tell. We did see some young guys, finally emerge this season. Lewis came on but may not play Sunday due to injury. Cortez was a killer last week vs. Cincy. Timmons had his moments but remains maddeningly inconsistent. And put Woodley's face on the side of a milk carton, would ya. It will be a long off season, giving management plenty of time to decide in which direction they want to go. You either go up or you continue on this downward spiral. I'm all for going onward and upward. Go Steelers!!!!!!