With fewer than three hours remaining until the NFL drops the sheet on the 2010 schedule, count on multiple leaks to be sprung.
For starters, one of the Pittsburgh radio stations that broadcasts Steelers games on radio has posted the team’s entire schedule.
According to WDVE, the Steelers host the Falcons on September 12. On September 19, the Steelers play at Tennessee. The next Sunday, at Tampa. Then, they host the Ravens before taking a bye.
The bye would be conveniently timed, if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended four games.
On October 17, the Steelers host Cleveland. Then, it’s off to Miami.
Next comes a Sunday night game on October 31, at New Orleans. And that’s a significant date because it likely conflicts with one of the early games of the World Series.
In unrelated news, Bud Selig’s head just exploded.
The following Monday, it’s off to Cincinnati, capping three straight road games.
Next comes a Sunday night visit from the Patriots, followed by a return trip from the Raiders to Pittsburgh.
On November 28, the Steelers go to Buffalo, a week before traveling to Baltimore for a Sunday night game, which in theory would be subject to flexing. The next Sunday, the Bengals come to town.
The season wraps with a visit from Santonio Holmes and the Jets, a Thursday night game against the Panthers, and finally a road trip to Cleveland. Those last two games mesh with prior reports suggesting that the Penguins will host the Capitals on January 1 at Heinz Field.
Whether the schedule is legit remains to be seen. The league typically tries to avoid putting a team on the road for three straight games. We’ll know whether WDVE has nailed it come 7:00 p.m. E.T.
UPDATE: The best evidence it’s legit? The schedule has been wiped off the page in question, replaced only with the words, “Schedule Coming Soon!”
SECOND UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has released the schedule, too. Their link is not dead. Yet.