Tonights game will be broadcasted by the NFL Network at 7:30 EDT. Also be sure to check out the Planet Steelers Forum and participate in our popular Game Day Chat during all games.

Here are a few players to pay special attention to during tonight's game:

Tony Hills - The tackle from the University of Texas in now a 4th year player and it's now or never for him.  Hills came into training camp in great shape and has played inspired during practice and the last 2 preseason games.  Hills can play tackle as displayed against the Philadelphia Eagles or guard.  Hills has been so impressive that he appears to be the front runner for the RG position. Tonight, Hills is starting at RG.

Antonio Brown - What else can you say about the youngster?  The guy has seized every opportunity in training camp and preseason.  He is continuing right where he left off last year but now he may be in the process of wrestling the 3rd wide receiver spot from Emmanual Sanders.  Sanders has been sidelined with a foot injury.

Cornerbacks - How will our cornerbacks Keenan Lewis, Crezdon Butler, William Gay, Donovan Warren, Bryant McFadden (questionable), and Cortez Allen (questionable) fair against the highly talented and explosive Atlanta Falcons offense.

Ramon Foster and Chris Scott - Will they allow Tony Hills to steal their spot at RG?  At the start of training camp, it was Foster's job to lose.  Apparently, he is starting to lose it.

Marcus Gilbert - The rookie LT from the University of Florida had a rough start to training camp reportedly showing up out of shape.  He has turned things around recently and is getting his first start due to Jonathan Scott's injury (hyperextended knee).  He will have a tough matchup against Atlanta's 4-time Pro Bowler, John Abraham.

Jason La Canfora of NFL.com reported earlier today (and we have since confirmed) that a new deal has been reached, at a value of $7.5 million over three years.

These terms beg the question on why McFadden would accept terms that would reduce his salary 4.75 years and a return to free agency in 2011 at only 29 years old and being an experienced player at a "high value" position such as cornerback.  Instead, McFadden accepted a three-year deal at approximately $2.5 million per year.

As we have heard, the alternative was that McFadden would be cut in favor of younger and cheaper alternatives.  Regardless of the reason, this is a great signing for both McFadden and the Steelers.  The Steelers suffered with the loss of McFadden and William Gay as the starter.  McFadden already has 2 Super Bowl rings with the Steelers and is a welcome addition to a secondary that lacks depth and quality playmakers.

1. Steelers Cap Space
2. Thoughts on Steelers Free Agent Transactions
3. Will the Steelers get another veteran WR to replace Nate Washington
4. Why the Steelers like last years Offensive Line?
5. Why the Steelers must draft Defensive Lineman?
6. Why Bryant McFadden won’t be a Steeler?

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McFadden has been said to have visits scheduled with the Lions, Cardinals and possibly the Ravens.  I also wouldn't be surprised to the see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers interested. 

The Steelers would be very wise to sign McFadden.  That would allow the Steelers to focus more exclusively on the offensive and defensives lines.  They lack quality starters and depth on the offensive line.  The defensive line has very little depth but a solid starting lineup.  The entire defensive line is now over 30 years old and Casey Hampton is in the last year of his contract.  Don't expect the Steelers front office to extend Hampton's contract which leaves a gaping hole at NT, leaving vacant one of the most important positions in the 3-4 defense. 

The Steelers haven't fared well in the offseason thus far.

• The Steelers have been unable to lock down James Harrison for a long-term contract. In fact, his agent said that they're "not close".
• The Steelers franchised Max Starks. The FO has said that they plan on working out a long-term contract. Well, that's what they said last year when they slapped him with the transition tag. Starks made close to 7 million last year with the transition tag and now is scheduled to make close to 9 million this year due to the franchise tag. Wouldn't the Steelers see that it's financially more sound to sign him to a long term deal instead of paying him close to 16 million for 2 years?
• Willie Colon was tendered a 1^st round pick. Are the Steelers planning on signing Colon long-term? Will he be playing guard or tackle?
• The Steelers haven't extended LaMarr Woodley or Heath Miller
• The Steelers are very thin at offensive line and haven't signed ANYONE. Kemo is returning but Essex remains unsigned, and Simmons was cut. This leaves the Steelers with an empty slot at guard and the other guard as Darnell Stapleton who struggled at times last season. A look towards the future (2010 season) indicates that Justin Hartwig, Willie Colon, and Max Starks will all be UFA next season. That could possibly mean that the entire offensive line could contain new starters in one year.
• Nate Washington is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions for #2 wide receiver money.

Pittsburgh's defense doesn't exactly match up well against the high-powered Cardinals offense featuring Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Bolder and Steven Breaston.

Kurt Warner will pose a significant challenge against the Steelers.  Why you may ask.  The Steeler defense was ranking #1 in every statistical category but haven't faced a passing offense like the Cardinals.  However, the Cardinals have not faced a defense even close to the Steelers.  This is a very intriging matchup to say the least.  Warner has the quickest release in football (putside of Tom Brady) which  may neutralize the blitzing of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison.  Then, if the Steelers send additional blitzers such as Troy Polamalu, Deshea Townsend, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior then this could expose the secondary.  Kurt Warner has the experience and field vision to find the open receiver and pick the Steelers apart.  Very few quarterbacks we have faced, have the ability to do that; Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Kerry Collins to name a few.  Kerry Collins was very successful against the Steelers being very accurate and having loads of time to throw the ball.  It will be up to the Steelers defense to get to Warner quickly and early to force him into a few quick turnovers.  The New England Patriots gave the Steelers a very good blue print on how to get to Warner.

Expect Dick Lebeau to have a few tricks up his sleeve to make it a miserable day for Warner.  I see the Steelers getting 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and holding the Cards offense to under 300 yards before becoming the only team in Super Bowl history to have 6 Lombardi Tropheys.

Here We Go Steelers!

1. ESPN

ESPN Magazine is having a story on the Steelers defense. The entire Steelers is on the cover of the magazine (see below).

2. Sports Illustrated

The Sports Illustrated cover features LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers 2^nd year pro, knocking Joe Flacco to the ground. Both of these will make a great addition to your Steelers memorabilia. Be sure to pick up your copies today. Check out a video of the Steelers ESPN cover shoot: