(Heinz Field and some guy's head - courtesy of Tito's phone)

I got a chance to take in Heinz Field last night, courtesy of Adam Conn. Beautiful stadium, great atmosphere and amazing support from the fans.

I will post a photo of Conn in his gear, because it is a sight. He’s been going to games for years and his get-up includes a cape and earrings.

Willie Parker looked old last night. Conn says it was the Tennessee defense, but I think Parker is going to struggle this year.

Congrats to those who were smart enough to get good value when they drafted Roethlisberger. He’s going to be solid this year, as the Steelers will have to pass more (see Parker, Willie). Big Ben has an electrifying talent (Santonio Holmes), a savvy veteran (Hines Ward), decent role players that will help and a good offensive line (patting myself on the back for drafting Roethlisberger).

(kicking myself for not drafting Holmes)

(questioning if I am putting too much stock into one game)

It’s amazing – the Steelers and Pirates are housed so close to each other. Two franchises, a stone’s throw from each other but a world apart otherwise.

I can’t wait for Sunday, and then the Monday night doubleheader. Wouldn’t it be smart for the NFL/ESPN to do a doubleheader EVERY Monday? A 7 p.m. game that is hosted in the Eastern time zone and a 10:15 p.m. game out west.

This seems like a no-brainer to me.

That last paragraph I typed is now “the thing I’d like to change most about the NFL.” It has officially unseated my “I wish the NFL wouldn’t force the Lions and Cowboys on us every Thanksgiving” plea.

A quick quiz: Which of these things did NOT happen last night?

A. Conn spent 30 minutes trying to tie his tie and putting his earrings in.

B. The crowd went crazy when Conn arrived, cheering his outfit while Adam swung his cape around like Elvis (not like young Elvis, but older Elvis).

C. Witnessed a near-fight while walking to the stadium and then an actual confrontation inside Heinz Field that left a CSI-like bloody smear on a wall by our section’s ramp.

D. Conn tried to exit Heinz Field with a beer in his hand and was chased down and stopped by a Napoleon Dynamite-looking security guy.

E. Conn drove part of the seven hours of the up-and-back one day trip.

The correct answer: E.