I just had to make a comment on the Thursday Night game featuring the Steelers and Rams. The game was on NFL Network, so not everyone got to see it, which is good and bad.

THE GOOD

After some suspect play early on, the Steeler defense started to play like the unit we have been accustomed to seeing; stopping the run, applying pressure, and forcing mistakes. The pick-six to seal the game was fitting given how poorly the defense had played recently.

My only issue with this game came at the end of the first half, when the Rams got two free challenges because there was less than 2 minutes left. I've always had a problem with this rule and it reared its ugly head here. At this point in the game, the score was close and every play was crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Twice the Refs on the field called plays against the Rams. First was a fumble that got overturned because the player did not have possession, the second was a non-catch along the sidelines that got turned into a catch. Now, I'm all for the Officials getting things right, but the fact that they got free challenges is the issue. Why can't a coach use a challenge instead just like in other game situations? If it's so important, don't waste time-outs during the game. I think this rule may need to be looked at in the off-season meetings.

THE BAD

I think Marshall Faulk is a great player, I mean, WAS a great player. That means he doesn't play anymore. But if you watched the Thursday Night game, you'd think he WAS playing. That's all Gumble talked about!!! How great Marshall Faulk was/is...

Here's the problem... NFL Network employs Marshall Faulk as an analyst, great. He played for the Rams, great. He was involved in a half-time ceremony to retire his jersey, great. He was calling the game that was being played in St. Louis, NOT GREAT. Is it just me or was that a HUGE conflict of interest for the NFL Network. First of all, how am I, the viewer, able to listen to an unbiased call o####ame when one of the commentators used to play for one of the teams involved in the game?!? I want to hear about the Steelers and how dominant and awesome they looked. I want to hear about how bad the Rams are at everything. I most definitely DON'T want to hear about and watch clips of Marshall Faulk all night!!!

I was also very, very disappointed and upset with one of the conversations that took place during the game. On the first Pittsburgh series, Willie Parker went out of the game with a leg injury. At the time, not much was known about it, fine. A little later on, they announce that Parker has a cracked Tibia in his leg and is likely out for the season. Here's what the conservation was about over the next few minutes.

1. The Steelers are done. If they make the playoffs, they'll lose in the first round. There's no way they can throw now because defenses won't fear the run anymore. Man, good thing Davenport is so bad, what rushing for like 140yds and 2 TD's. Whatever.

2. Hear's what angered me most and has caused me to send a nasty letter to NFL Network. When they found out Parker was out for the year, that no good, know nothing about football, wannabe announcer ####, Bryant Gumble had the nerve, the balls to say,” I guess Fred Taylor will finally get to go to the Pro-Bowl..." and was as happy as a pig in #### when he said it. Hey ####, do you realize that one of the NFL's more marketable players and its leading rusher was just lost for the year!!! Bryant Gumble should go find Tony Cornheiser, they should hold hands and slide under a bus. What an outrage!!!

I guess that is the only way Fred Taylor can make it to a Pro-Bowl.

And why does everyone in broadcasting hate the Steelers? It's because they're mostly old players, and those old players where never as good as the Steelers, or always got the #### kicked out of them when they played. Jealousy is an ugly, ugly sin.