THURSDAY NIGHT NFL KICKOFF

“It`s not the same team. So to expect them to come out the same way they ended last season, that would be asking a lot. It`s going to be a work in progress. It`s going to be very, very difficult for them to repeat.”

Who said this? Some ESPN talking head, possibly the sweet tongued Paul Maguire (member of the Greater Buffalo Hall of Fame, class of 2002) or an even less credible source like Mike Patrick? No. Jerome Bettis. You may remember him from last year. They kinda made a big deal about him during the Superbowl the Steelers won. He's from Detroit, and the Superbowl was in Detroit. I'm sure you heard about. I imagine he overcame some adversity as well. Anyways, if anyone knows this team, it's that guy.

And he's right, this Steeler team is not the same, especially not for tomorrow's game. No Big Ben, No Bettis, No Randel El. Rumours are going around that Cowher wont be back next year too, possibly to take an NC State job.

Miami on the other hand looks to be even better. The Dolphins replaced whoever may have been their #1 QB last year (great choices between Sage Rosenfels or Gus Freortte) with a pilotpicks favorite, Dante Culpepper. Culpepper may be coming of an injury that shortened his season last year, but the guy has looked good in the preseason. Add in a legitimate deep threat like Chris Chambers, a young stud RB in Ronnie Brown, and a Saban coached defense and suddenly Miami looks like a legit superbowl contender.

Also, dont forget how well Miami finished last year, including a win at New England in their last game of the season. They ended 9-7 in 2005, Saban's first year, and I personally think they improve enough towin the AFC East this year.

Pittsburgh, with so many pieces missing, wont be able to get enough going on offense to win a close game at home.

MIAMI -pick em- (**)