Steelers Show Faith, Extend Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers are truly a throwback to not only old-time football, but old-time sports.  Not only do the Steelers rarely stray from their same jerseys that they’ve worn for 40 plus years, but they maintain an old school type of attitude when it comes to winning, and maybe more importantly, patience.

Most head coaches who haven’t won a playoff game in four years would worry about their job security, but Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t have that issue.

Pittsburgh granted Tomlin a two-year contract extension which takes his deal through the 2018 season.

“I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin’s contract through the 2018 season,” said Steelers president Art Rooney II. “Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”

In Tomlin’s eight seasons as head coach, the Steelers have a 82-46 (.641) regular-season record, the best start in franchise history by a Steelers head coach. He has led Pittsburgh to four AFC North titles, five playoff appearances and two Super Bowl berths (XLIII and XLV).

Although those numbers are impressive, Tomlin is only 27-21 over the past three seasons.  The Steelers have seemingly fell behind their rival Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, despite having AFC leaders in passing yards (Ben Roethlisberger), rushing yards (Le’Veon Bell) and receiving yards (Antonio Brown) in 2014.

“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season,” Tomlin said. “These past nine years in Pittsburgh have been a wonderful experience for my family, and I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers’ goal every year – bringing another Super Bowl championship to the City of Pittsburgh.”

Tom Brady News

According to a Pro Football Talk report, there have indeed been settlement discussions between the NFL and Tom Brady regarding his four-game suspension for his role in “Deflategate.”

There hasn’t been any progress toward a deal as Brady believes he should serve no suspension whatsoever and Roger Goodell has reportedly been swayed by some influential owners to keep the suspension at four games.

It’s highly unlikely that Brady’s current suspension will hold up in a court of law, as there is no precedent for a quarter of the season dismissal regarding an equipment violation.

Still, Roger Goodell hasn’t really felt any backlash to having any of his suspensions reduced by federal courts, i.e. Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy…….

In other Tom Brady news, the four-time Super Bowl champion led all NFL players in merchandise sales for the last fiscal quarter.  This is Brady’s first “merch title” according to the NFLPA.

The rest of the top 10 included San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Seattle Seahawks signal caller Russell Wilson, Green Bay Packers quarterback and current league MVP Aaron Rodgers, future Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and the top two picks in the 2015 draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston and Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota.

Guion Gets 3 Games

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion was suspended for the first three games in 2015, according to multiple reports.

The former UCF product was arrested on felony charges that include possession of 357 grams of marijuana and possession of a firearm. He entered a no-contest plea in the case and paid a $5,000 fine.

In this day of overreaction by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, a three-game suspension seems a little light-handed, although there is no evidence that Guion altered any of the oxygen in footballs (he was just dealing drugs with guns in tow).

In 2014, Guion started all 16 regular-season games and two playoff games for the Packers. He had a career-best 62 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks during the regular season and added 12 tackles and a half-sack in the postseason.

Guion inked a one-year $2.75 million deal in March but is expected to lose nearly $500,000 with the current three-game suspension with roster bonuses.

ESPN Milwaukee is reporting that Guion is planning to appeal the suspension.