PITTSBURGH - Mid-week commentary on the news:
The Steelers continue to look for a veteran receiver.
Plaxico Burress stopped by for an interview on his way to signing with the New York Jets. Displaced Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery was the latest candidate to talk to the Steelers.
This is all about insurance in case Hines Ward can't make it through the season.
Beyond Ward, the Steelers have talent, but they don't have a lot of experience.
Coaches get nervous when they lack experience at a position.
With Antwaan Randle El gone, the Steelers would feel more secure if they could add someone who's been around.
There's cap room, and there's a need.
If Cotchery doesn't sign, the Steelers will keep looking.
The dog days of summer are here.
Jim Leyland used to say that the pennant races begin on Aug. 15.
He meant that a lot of teams look like contenders, only to fade away by the time things get really serious.
This year's races look less than compelling.
Thanks to the wild card, it's likely the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will both be in the postseason. It's just a matter of who finishes first.
Being a wild card entry hasn't been a detriment to postseason success.
The National League has two-team races in each division.
The separation between genuine contenders and teams that are just watching seems to be a bit more profound this year.
Pitt opens football camp.
New coach Todd Graham has been talking a good game, so it will be interesting to see what kind of team he puts on the field.
Graham emphasizes a high-energy, fast-tempo approach. The Panthers even run from one drill to the next.
When he was hired, Graham promised that Pitt fans will see an entertaining brand of football that forces the issue.
Huddles are obsolete because the emphasis is on attack, on both sides of the ball.
Despite the transition to new systems, Graham thinks the Panthers can compete for the Big East title.
This is the biggest philosophical change the Pitt program has had since a young Johnny Majors arrived in town in 1973.
If his style works, the Panthers should finally be able to pack Heinz Field.
Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com.
