The Crystal Ball 2013 Week 13 Thanksgiving Special

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! In a tradition with elements traced to the beginning of our country, today we will gather with family and friends to feast on a cornucopia of delicious foods, share stories and spend time with one another while watching parades and football. Norman Rockwell is somewhere painting this tableau anew each year, as we revive traditions and strengthen relationships. Our best wishes go out to everyone today as you travel and spend this time with your loved ones and our hopes that you have a wonderful and memorable day, and manage to stay conscious after dinner.

Opening Kickoff

"You can't expect the level of football to be as good as it would be on a full week's preparation and rest.” - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on why players dislike Thursday games

And the NFL cannot figure out why it cannot get any traction on an 18 game season, nor why Thursday ratings are typically in the tank.

Upon Further Review

Tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Ravens in Baltimore for 2nd place in the division, and a legitimate shot at not only a potential wild card, but also challenging Cincinnati for the division title. After a horrendous 0-4 start that looked like it could end 0-16 and me blowing at least three blood vessels, having this opportunity at this point in the season is something to be thankful for as a Steelers fan.

And this got me thinking. As a member of Steeler Nation, we are used to being drenched in wins and accolades. Our halls are lined with trophies, awards and many a highly decorated player both past and present, all of whom have put their indelible stamp on such a storied franchise. With so much success, it's easy to forget all the things for which Steeler fans can be thankful.

So, in this year of a challenging season, I have made a list of things I would like to give thanks for as a Steelers fan.

As a Steeler fan, this year I am thankful for.....

....Joe Flacco having a great 8 game stretch last year. His brief flirtation being an elite quarterback led Baltimore to way overpay him after the season, which has effectively hamstrung the organization for the next 6 years. Good luck fielding a competitive team with your cap issues.

....Cleveland. While I feel bad for them, I'm glad their snake bitten luck doesn't travel down the turnpike.

....Mike Brown being cheap. If he was ever serious about winning, and invested real money into his team, they might be a serious threat.

.....Jerry Jones. As long as he's in charge of the Cowboys, I never have to fear Dallas seriously challenging the Steelers record number of Super Bowl victories.

....Jim Harbaugh. For the same reason as above in regards to the 49ers, since he seems more interested in making commercials and intent on wasting Frank Gore and that defense while he tries to turn Colin Kaepernick into a quarterback.

….The Immaculate Reception. That play dramatically altered the course of two franchises. Sure the Raiders were still successful afterwards, and even won a few Super Bowls, but for the last 10 plus years they’ve been a punch line in the NFL. That could have been us!

….Steely McBeam. An odd choice yes, especially since he looks like a scary Nerf version of a bit character from The Simpsons. But he does represent the idea of the Pittsburgh steel worker, from which the name steeler is derived and was bestowed upon the team many a decade ago. That makes sense. Unlike the Kansas City’s wolf mascot, Cleveland’s dog mascot, Tennessee’s cat like mascot or New Orleans’ dog mascot.

….black and gold. I mean, first off it’s a super cool color combination. Second, it matches all the other teams in town AND the city’s colors. Name another football team that can say that. It’s ok, you don’t have to look it up. There are none. And third, if it’s good enough for Bruce Lee, Batgirl, The Bride and Charlie Brown, well then it’s darn good enough for me!

.....a stand up organization that may have ups and downs on the field, but strives to treat each other right off the field, gives of their time and money to the community, and to a man stands up to the kind of nonsense that runs rampant through other organizations.

Now your turn sports fans. For what are you thankful in regards to your favorite teams? I'm sure all of you out there can think of at least a few. Even Cleveland fans.

On Tap Today

Green Bay (5-5-1) at Detroit (6-5)

Green Bay is in dire straights without Aaron Rodgers, but he will eventually come back. Detroit just lost to Tampa Bay. TAMPA BAY! Yikes.

Maybe Packers lineman John Sitton subtly calling Suh and Fairley dirty players will inspire Detroit to win their first Thanksgiving game in 10 years.

Lions over Packers

Oakland (4-7) at Dallas (6-5)

Yeah, Romo can probably not screw this one up too bad. Probably.

Cowboys over Raiders

Pittsburgh (5-6) at Baltimore (5-6)

One of two things will happen this evening. Either Pittsburgh will win, evening their record, sweeping Baltimore and strengthening their potential playoff picture. Or they will lose, splitting the season series with Baltimore and strengthening their draft position. Either way, I have tons for which to be thankful. That being said…

Steelers over Ravens

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!