Football
16y

Turf not only Steelers problem

As much heat as the Steelers are taking over the conditions of the Heinz Field sod on Monday night, they are getting more flak for not playing the national anthem.

The Steelers' switchboard had numerous complaint calls Wednesday because the national anthem wasn't played. The pregame, of course, was messed up by the rain and then a flash of lightning. With a lightning storm in the area, the NFL and Steelers decided to delay the start of the game about 15 minutes until a little after 9 p.m. ET. The tarp was kept on the field longer than normal because of the heavy rains -- more than one inch in downtown Pittsburgh on Monday. The field conditions were about as bad as possible in the Steelers' 3-0 victory over the Dolphins. The controversy about the national anthem is another nightmare for the Steelers.

Steelers and a league official made several trips to Heinz Field on Wednesday to check out how the new sod is drying. The Steelers have a Sunday night home game against the Bengals and are optimistic the sod is settling and the field won't be bad. In retrospect, the team and the league might have been better served to wait until after the Steelers' Monday night game and before the Bengals game to install the new sod. Just the chance of a bad rain storm should have convinced officials that it would be hard for the sod to take to the field in less than 48 hours. A few more days might have been the difference.

If the Steelers keep the natural surface at Heinz Field, they will have to adjust the schedule in future years, making sure there aren't two Steelers games within nine days of the four high school championship games annually played there.

Philly field issue? The Eagles will have their own test with new sod Sunday when the Seahawks come to Lincoln Financial Field. The league recommended the new sod for the stadium. It was installed after the Eagles played the Dolphins Nov. 18, so it had two weeks to take hold.

Jets' end game: The Jets ended up getting defensive end Kareem Brown on waivers from the Patriots, but the Ravens and the 49ers also put in waiver claims. The fourth-round choice apparently was pretty popular among 3-4 teams even though he hasn't played this season. The Patriots had him on the inactive list for 11 games. The Patriots drafted him with the idea of developing him into a defensive end in their 3-4 scheme. He's got the right dimensions for the position at 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds. It will be interesting to see if the Jets keep him as a future prospect for their 3-4 defense.

Brown odd man out? With six other receivers on their roster, it seemed a little odd for the Patriots to bring Troy Brown off the physically unable to perform list, but it may be that his defensive skills can be a help down the line for Bill Belichick. Brown is a career wide receiver, but when injuries occur, Brown is smart and talented enough to help out at cornerback or safety. The Patriots are loaded with receivers but can develop shortages in the secondary. As he's done so many times in the past three or four years, Brown might be a savior for the defense in times of need.

Seahawks get their man: Shaun Alexander returned to practice for the Seahawks on Wednesday and is trying to work his way back onto the field. His knee is still bothering him, and he will have to wear a cast on his left wrist the rest of the season. But if Alexander has three good days of work, he has a chance to start against the Eagles on Sunday.

Kiffin likely staying: As much as Raiders coach Lane Kiffin's name might be mentioned in possible college openings at Nebraska and Arkansas, it's hard to believe he's going to leave Oakland after one season (even though the season has been disappointing at 3-8 so far). Kiffin told Bay area reporters nothing is going on. Al Davis isn't big on letting his coaches out of contracts, and the owner is presumably still in Kiffin's corner. Nebraska seems to be focused on Turner Gill or Bo Pelini. Arkansas is a little more wide open, but expect Kiffin to be back with the Raiders next season.

Russell time nears: JaMarcus Russell still appears to be the Raiders' No. 3 quarterback this week even though he's getting more snaps by the week with the offense. If Russell is going to get any playing time, it will probably be in the final two or three weeks of the season. Daunte Culpepper remains the starter and is backed up by Josh McCown this week.

Redskins trying to adjust: Sean Taylor's funeral is on Monday, which should allow the Redskins to return in time for a Tuesday practice in preparation for next Thursday's game against the Bears. Owner Dan Snyder is taking the entire team and coaching staff to the funeral. Though the league is willing to help them though the tough time, the Redskins have not asked to adjust any of the playing time or days of their games. Their schedule is set for the Bills game on Sunday. They have the short week for the Bears game. After that, they get a 10-day break before going on the road to play the Giants.

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