The Sports Monitor

The national media has raved about the dedication of Steelers fans. They're called Steelers Nation because of their following. But what's going on with the crowds at Heinz Field? On Sunday night, just 45,000 and some change showed up for a prime-time game against the Bengals. This was after a less-than sellout crowd showed up for the Dolphins game. Is it because the team is all but mathematically eliminated? Is it because of the weather? I'm not casting blame, just looking for answers. I know all the games have been sold out since 1972. The Steelers announce the attendance based on the bodies that show up. But to see the yellow seats, it makes me scratch my head. Can anyone shed some ideas?

After almost a day to digest the Steelers' loss to the Ravens on Sunday night, there are a few things still unanswered. -- If Shaun Suisham can't be relied upon to kick a field goal, why still have him on the team? Kickers are booting 50-yard field goals with regularity these days, so why can't the Steelers find one? Yeah, I know Heinz Field is an awful place to practice your craft if you're a kicker, but this wasn't a 50-yarder, either. I'm not sure if the delay of game penalty on the Steelers' last drive was planned or not, but it certainly wouldn't have been my call. You either go for it or kick the field goal. The punt shouldn't have been an option. -- Will the NFL review the hit on Hines Ward? It certainly looks like only Steelers get helmet-to-helmet penalties these days. -- I thought the line was fine protecting Ben Roethlisberger. -- Antonio Brown looks like a star in the making. -- Rashard Mendenhall appeared to have Ch...

Before leaving town with their tails between their legs, the Oakland Raiders had a parting shot for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hey, your field stinks ... or something like that. If it makes the Raiders feel better about their 35-3 loss at Heinz Field on Sunday, that's OK with me. For their complaining about the field conditions Sunday, the Raiders didn't seem to have a problem winning on it last season. And it could have been worse. Heinz Field will see plenty of action the rest of the week with Pitt playing on Friday and the WPIAL championships Saturday. I think the bigger problem is that the Raiders were exposed as an average team. Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/green_rick .