Question of the Week

Michael, Flemington, NJ
Subj: Getting defensive
I’ve had plenty of arguments with friends, but I believe the 86 NY Giants had the best defense ever. Others tend to point to the 85 Bears and the 2000 Ravens. Who is your choice and why?

It’s hard to find fault with your selections, Michael, although my personal vote goes to the 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers. The dreaded Steel Curtain was loaded with Hall of Fame talent like Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Mel Blount as well as bruising hitters like J.T. Thomas, L.C. Greenwood, Glen Edwards and Mike Wagner, all of whom were selected to that year’s Pro Bowl team. Given their incredible personnel it’s easy to see how Pittsburgh ranked fourth or better in nine key defensive categories while also holding opponents to a paltry 28 points during their final nine regular season games. In fact, the Steelers’ defense was so dominant that Greene was famous for frequently telling the offense “You guys hold-'em, and we’ll score!" as they came off the field.

Talking Points - O.J. Feels The Squeeze

Welcome back for another edition of Talking Points, a handy cheat sheet designed to help you hold your own in any water cooler discussion. In this week’s column, I’ll examine O.J. Mayo’s NCAA infractions, Steve Nash’s next destination and Brian Urlacher’s contract dispute. Read all about it here.

Question of the Week

Josh, Valparaiso, IN
Subj: Brian Urlacher
Why is it, year after year, Brian Urlacher is considered an over rated player? The guy is obviously a team leader, and is always on top of the ball. I just don't get it.

Neither does his coach, Brian. According to Lovie Smith, "He's one of the best players in the National Football League. I thought that before I got here; I'm totally convinced of it now that I am here. I'll challenge anybody who says anything different." Although I don’t want to get in a bout of fisticuffs with Poppa Bear, Urlacher’s problem could have to do with overexposure. Despite the fact that he’s a five-time Pro Bowler, this “Monster of the Midway” has built up an impossibly big profile due to his endorsements for McDonald’s, Sega, Domino’s Pizza and Campbell’s Chunky Soup. Nike hardly helped matters when they mythologized him in a series of over-the-top ads. Quite frankly, how can anyone live up to that kind of hype? Urlacher’s distracters also criticize him for struggling to elude bigger blockers and sometimes disappearing on the field. Of course, how any one 6’4” and 258 lbs. can disappear is beyond me.

Question of the Week

Debra, Lanham, MD
Subj: Cheerleaders
Does every time in the NFL have cheerleaders and if not, which teams don't?

Superb question Debra. Sadly there are seven misguided teams in the NFL that do not employ cheerleaders. They include the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns, the New York Jets and the New York Giants. In the case of the New York Giants, team officials have resisted hiring cheerleaders in order to make fans focus on the game itself. As for Pittsburgh, I’m going to have to assume the team couldn’t find 25 attractive women within the city limits. At any rate, you can rest assured that I’m presently lobbying my congressman to see what he can do to end this sad travesty.