Heels, Sox & Steelers

It's important to remain calm -- especially when you have no leverage
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that Tommy Maddox has calmed down long enough to realize that this might be his last shot as an NFL quarterback, and he has voiced his desire to stay with the Steelers. Of course this all started when the Steelers promised Maddox that if they didn't take QB Philip Rivers with the first pick they were drafting an offensive tackle. Well, QB of the future, Ben Roethlisberger fell to the Steelers with the 11th pick and if they didn't take him, Cowher may have been out of a job before the NY Jets made their selection with the 12th pick.

I think it's important that Maddox is around for the next few years. This year as the starter, and based on Roethlisberger's progress, maybe next year too. Not only that, but no one has had a rougher NFL ride than Maddox and he would certainly serve as a good mentor to Roethlisberger.

One more thing. The Steelers finally wised up and will give Maddox a 'bump' in his salary -- but what exactly that bump entails may not be decided for a couple of months. Either way, I think it's good to get Maddox back -- especially with the prospects of an improved offensive line and a much more capable running game.