Pittsburgh Steelers Will Face Tom Brady In NFL Week One
By Larry Snyder
Did you draft quarterback Tom Brady in the later rounds of your fantasy draft as a back-up in case your starter goes down? If you did, then you team is in better shape today as it appears the New England Patriots signal caller will be ready for the season opener Thursday, Sept. 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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According to Larry Neumeister of the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman voided Brady’s four-game suspension, imposed by National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell eight months ago for his alleged role in Deflategate.
For those who are weary of this story, Berman’s ruling does not mean the end of the case is in hand. Goodell and the league retain the option to appeal the decision. Albert Breer of the NFL Network points out another one of the league’s options on Twitter.
The NFL is likely to appeal Berman's decision to the second court quickly. Immediate question becomes whether they seek a stay.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 3, 2015
The bane of sports talk radio, Deflategate began in January after New England’s convincing 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship match-up. Brady and the Patriots were implicated of employing under-inflated footballs so they could obtain an advantage in the contest.
Head coach Bill Belichick‘s squad downed the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl 49. It was their fourth Lombardi Trophy in six appearances since 2000.
The NFL has already punished the team. New England was fined one million dollars in addition to relinquishing their 2016 first-round draft pick and a fourth-round pick in 2017.
Breer followed up with this tweet from Roger Goodell…
Statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pic.twitter.com/1pBylWSOm3
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 3, 2015
For Black and Gold fans, there is a greater question on the table. The Steelers defense was torched for 395-yards by a quartet of Buffalo Bill quarterbacks. E.J. Manuel went 7-of-8 for 170-yards and two touchdowns. Tyrod Taylor completed 12-of-13 for 122-yards. Matt Simms was 5-for-5 for 65-yards and a score. Matt Cassel rounded out the passing attack with 6-of-7 for 38-yards. Ouch!
Pittsburgh needs to pull it together in the preseason finale tonight against the Carolina Panthers. Otherwise, Brady may be licking his chops to get after the Steelers next Thursday. Let your fellow fans know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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