Facing Favre & Co. has (most of) the Steelers pumped

[mesaSteeler]

Facing Favre & Co. has (most of) the Steelers pumped
Friday, October 23, 2009
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09296/1007715-66.stm

Even the Super Bowl champs get pumped when they prepare to play an unbeaten team with a legend at quarterback, the league's best running back and a stout defense.

At least some of them will admit as much.

The prospect of playing against Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen and the Williams Wall of the Minnesota Vikings defense Sunday at Heinz Field can excite even a 34-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker with two Super Bowl rings.

"Oh, yeah, if you don't get excited about this game, then you don't need to be playing," said defensive co-captain James Farrior. "We're going against one of the best teams in the league right now, who have the hottest quarterback in the league, the best running back, a pretty good offensive line."

There were players sticking to the weekly line that every game is the same no matter the opponent, such as nose tackle Casey Hampton.

"It's going to be a challenge, man, but it's never about the other team; it's always about us."

Not even with the fact the Vikings are riding high at 6-0 and their defense barely nosed out the Steelers' as the top run-stoppers in the NFL last season?

"It don't matter, man," Hampton said. "It's early in the season; anybody could be undefeated. That don't matter. It's all about being hot at the end. Being unbeaten early has no significance right now."

Other teammates say playing this type of game is special, particularly after consecutive games against the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, who have one victory apiece.

"It's going to be a good test," said guard Chris Kemoeatu, who might have to contend with both Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, the Vikings' dynamic tackle tandem. "We're going to have fun.

"We're excited, probably a little bit more excited than the past couple of weeks. We finally get to go out there and ... you know."

Play a good team?

"It's kind of like that feeling when the [New York] Giants came to town last year," said safety Ryan Clark. "It's a real big game; you know people are going to be watching. It sets us up to be 5-2, which is important and get an opportunity to give them their first loss. To beat a quality team and have that confidence rolling into the bye week is going to be big.

"And it's going to be fun. You get up for all of them, but I'll admit you practice a little bit harder this week."

Tickets to the game are the most expensive of the weekend on the secondary market, college or pro. Steelers tickets, most of which go for $80 each face value, are selling on average for $485 on the secondary market, according to FanSnap.com, a ticket search engine.

That comes as bad news even to football players.

"Woooowee," Farrior said. "Is that right? I still have to get some. All my friends and family want to see Brett Favre, too."
Troy watches practice

Safety Troy Polamalu did not practice yesterday for the second consecutive time as the Steelers prepare for the Vikings.

Polamalu, who returned Sunday to play for the first time since the opening game, declined to predict whether he will make his second start in a row.

"I don't think it benefits anybody to not practice, but I think regarding injuries it's a benefit."

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau indicated Polamalu will play.

Polamalu sprained a ligament in his left knee in the opener, causing him to miss four consecutive games. He injured it again Sunday playing against the Browns when his knee struck the ground, but coach Mike Tomlin indicated that would be no problem.

"I feel pretty good right now," Polamalu said.

Normally, players who do not practice by Friday do not play Sunday for the Steelers.

Rashard Mendenhall, however, did return to a full practice yesterday and will start at halfback for the fourth consecutive game.
Casey in the flesh

You might want to hide the kids' eyes on this one: Hampton is in the flesh in the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine, one of many athletes to bare it all for the "Body Issue."

What you see, from just below the belly button to his chest, is all skin and lots of it. Hampton weighs 350-something and took issue that his photo might have been air-brushed.

"They didn't do no fudging! That's all me, all natural."
For more on the Steelers, read the new blog, Ed Bouchette On the Steelers at www.post-gazette.com/plus. Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09296...#ixzz0Ul4SDa8X

[HometownGal]

It's great to hear that the guys are pumped up for this game - now get out there and show it on the field on Sunday!

[Steelboy84]

Going up against a 6-0 team and someone who many have picked to play in Tampa come February SHOULD have you pumped. No 4th quarter let downs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[markymarc]

The players and entire Steeler Nation are pumped up for this game

[Steelboy84]

Originally Posted by markymarc

The players and entire Steeler Nation are pumped up for this game

I know Sunday can't come soon enough for me!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Steel_Bus_24]

I hope we get that extra level of fire, because what we've seen thus far won't get it done against the elite of the nfl

Time to get into that championship minded mood

Hit em hard Steelers!....

[stb_steeler]

Tick,Tick,Tick Man i think the clock is slow.....C'mon sunday. Finally some one o'clock games on the schedule.....Woooooooh!

[steelwalls]

Please get in Brett Farve'ras face early and often.

[devilsdancefloor]

cold chills thinking of big snack... maybe he should have let them air brush

But i cant wait for this weekend ihope we get in farves face alot and knck him around a bit make him become that INT machine we all know he is! HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!!!

[JHSilverback]

cue "Renegade"...looks like Brett and Peterson are in for it ...