The Mike Tomlin era began this weekend as the Steelers opened up the NFL pre-season against New Orleans.  The game itself was just one piece of a memorable Hall of Fame weekend in Canton.

So what does it all mean?  Well, it means that football season is upon on us once again.  And it also means the Hall of Fame in Canton now has several more creepy bronze busts to display.

And as boring as pre-season football can be, it's really a good warm-up for everyone.  Not just for the players and coaches.  But for the refs.  For the fans.  For us lame-brained armchair quarterbacks sitting at home.  After all, it's been months since I've watched a game on TV.  Once again, I have to master multi-tasking.  And by "multi-tasking", I mean the ability to focus on the football game while blood trickles out of my ear from listening to Cris Collinsworth and Bryant Gumbel.  That isn't easy you know...

But since I survived it, I thought I would kick off the season with a few observations.

No Joy In Steelville?

Things couldn't have started better for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin, as they attempt to erase the memory of last year's dismal season.  Pre-season final scores don't mean much, but Tomlin certainly has a lot of positives to extract from their opening performance.

First of all, this team has significant depth at almost every position.  The running game looked strong even without the presence of Willie Parker, thanks in part to Najeh Davenport...who should see a fair share of carries this season.  Even Carey (The Mini-bus?) Davis excited the crowd with lengthy scamper.

In the defensive secondary, rookie corner William Gay displayed his hard-hitting style of play...and is a welcome addition to a unit that struggled against the pass at times last year.

At the linebacker position, newcomers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley should be able to fill the void created by the departure of Joey Porter.  Of course, they will both need to talk continuously day after to day to replace Porter's mouth...but that's another story.

Receiving targets Cedric Wilson and Santonio Holmes were both impressive, which gives Roethlisberger and new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians plenty of options to work with.

However, amidst the lopsided victory...there was one glaring weakness.  Offensive Tackle Max Starks.

This behemoth of an offensive lineman (6'8", 337 lbs.) started 14 games last season, and was a big reason that Ben Roethlisberger took a career-high 46 sacks and spent more time on his back than Paris Hilton.  Starks has extremely heavy feet, and is easily fooled by quick defensive ends.  His instincts are poor, and his execution is even worse.  Last night, he must have missed 4 out of every 5 blocks...showing weaknesses in both pass and run blocking.  He reminds me a little bit of underachieving Big Ole' Leonard Davis (formerly of the Cardinals).  Only Davis never stunk like this...

The good news is, this can be corrected...and the Steelers' coaching staff seems to know it.  In the game against the Saints, Starks played longer than most of the other starters...and they tested him on both sides of the line.  If they were paying any attention at all, Max Starks should be done as a starter in this league.  23 year-old Willie Colon should be able to earn the starting nod over Starks with ease.

With a few adjustments on that offensive line, there may be Joy in Steelville after all...

Random Shots

I'm not sure what happened to him, but Bryant Gumbel looks like a homeless guy on crack.  Either that, or he's transforming into a Gumbel Gollum before our very eyes.  It wouldn't surprise me, as I find everything about this guy frightening as hell...

Speaking of Gumbels, I hope brother Greg gets to call the first "Chicwago" game.

Was anyone else freaked out by Michael Irvin lip-locking with his own bronze bust?  I guess for someone possessing that much self-adoration, it's lucky they didn't erect a full-body statue.

I wonder what Bill Cowher is up to right now.

How long do you think it will be until Commissioner Roger Goodell uncovers a gambling ring involving NFL referees?  Or are we not ready to go there just yet?

Football season is almost here...can you feel it?