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STEEL PROUD OF THE BLACK & GOLD
The Pittsburgh Steelers' record-setting 2004 season and 15 game winning streak were decisively ended in a 41-27 loss to a superior New England Patriot team Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. In a scene all too familiar for disappointed Steeler fans, this was Bill Cowher's 4th loss in a conference title game played in Pittsburgh over the last 11 years - a span that also includes 1 Super Bowl loss. None of which prompts THIS Steeler loyalist to join the inevitable hordes of impatient fans who would gladly deliver the "pink slip" to Cowher personally. In fact, I'd like to simply say Thank You to the coach, his staff, the Rooney family and all the players for a great and memorable division-winning season that saw the Steelers return to a championship caliber team.
Now, let's talk about that damn 4th quarter decision to kick the FG........
But first, any true NFL fan, including Steeler fans, must give full credit to the New England Patriots and recognize the level of success they have achieved. In many ways, their recipe for success and high class, yet humble approach to the game mirror that of the Steelers. With arguably one of the best coaches ever, they come well prepared to flawlessly execute a game-plan designed to virtually guarantee their victory. They certainly are a worthy and respectable champion. Now let's see how they did it to us . . . . . again.
Similiar to the Jets game a week earlier, the Steelers made critical mistakes and costly turnovers to give their opponent more chances to win. But unlike the Jets, this Patriot team fully understands how and when to aggressively go for the throat. They can suck the confidence right out of a team, forcing them to deviate from their game-plan despite how successful it has been all year.
Key Play #1: Let's face it, when you throw an interception on the opening drive on your 1st pass of the game against the defending champs, it's gonna be all up hill from there, baby. . . . and the 11 degree weather just dropped to below 0 for Steeler fans. 5 plays later, Pats kick FG. Key Play #2: Next drive- moving the ball well until 4th & 1 at NE 39...Hell, we're the Steelers, we'll pick that up. Gamble and LOSE - Pats take over - drive stalled -confidence of No. 1 seed shaken. Key Play #3: Champions know when to strike. Result: Very next play a 60 yard TD pass - BOOM - 10-zip - confidence going down faster than a $20 hooker during a half-off sale. Key Play #4: Champions know where to strike. Exploiting one of the few weaknesses in the #1 ranked Steeler "D", Notre Dame Charlie calls another bomb and the Brady Bunch hit a 45 yard completion to the Steeler 14 - 2 plays later - TD - Pats up 17-3 and blood pressure in stadium causes ketchup bottles to explode. Key Play #5 Champions know how to strike. After driving 58 yds in 7 plays down to the NE Red Zone, some idiot turns over the Rookie Mistake Card and poor young Ben throws a classic "takin' it to the house" interception. Holy @#*@ Home team down 24-3, home fans in shock, some flatline. And that's how you end a game by halftime.
But wait just a minute, you redcoats. We're the #1 seed, we've won 15 in a row including a victory over you guys snapping YOUR 21-game winning streak. "Yeah, we know" said Brady & company, "The score was 24-3 at halftime in THAT game, TOO." Based on those fightin' words, the Black & Gold came out swingin' in the 2nd half determined to seize the momentum needed for a comeback. After a defensive slam causing a 3&out for the Pats, Big Ben lead a quick strike 5 play drive resulting in a 5 yard cruise for the Bus into the end zone. LOOKOUT We're coming back. Put the kids to bed, this one could get nasty!
Uh-oh KEY PLAY #6 Challengers don't know the vital importance of mistake-free execution. With momentum clearly back on Pittsburgh's side and most all fans off of life supports, the next drive for the Pats is again slammed shut forcing a 4th & 17 and obvious punting situation, get ready Mr. Randel El. What!?!? Defensive holding?...on a screen pass?....by a lineman?... Automatic 1st down. Very next play, unnecessary roughness (a frickin oxy-moron in this sport!) 15 more FREE yards (like they really need them). And like champions do, the next play, BOOM, 25 yards TD run from, the otherwise quiet all day, Corey Dillon. 31-10 This just in! No more momentum for the home team - film at 11:00
Here's the part I am most frustrated about. The Steelers proved to me they deserved to be in that game despite the series of brain farts. They mounted yet another comeback. In the middle of the 3rd quarter, facing 4th & 5 at the NE 30, Cowher showed the confidence champions must possess and went for it. Result: 30 yd TD pass, 31-17 Hmmm... OK, defense rises up again, slams the door and Pats go 3 & out. Showing signs of a champion, the Steelers next 2 plays net 51 yds - including an awesome 25 yd stomp from the Bus - Boom, Boom - 1st & Goal at the 4 - How can that NOT end up 7 pts - I love ya' Bill but just what do you consider to be 4 down territory?. On 4th down at the 2, here comes Jeff Reed - he may as well bring the white flag with him and hand it to Teddie, Willie, Rodney & Company. We get a FG, the Patriot defense gets a confidence boost and the Steeler fans get new therapists. The rest is meaningless.
The rest of the game, that is. The season is far from meaningless as it represents so much progress made towards our return to glory. And while yes, it sucks to lose like this, we as Steeler fans have, for the 1st time in a while, legitimate reasons to have high and realistic hopes for the next decade as the Roethlisberger Era has begun, the Rooney family still guides the ship and they know a good coach when they see one. Our day in the sun will be soon.
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Hey, I'm Yannis. A fellow Steeler blogger, its funny because I live in Texas a few hours away from you in Corpus Christi. Just thought I"d introduce myself, as it seems right now we're the only two steeler bloggers.
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I'm a Pats fan, but I want to commend the Steelers and especially Jerome Bettis on his year-long performance which began with his willingness to take a pay-cut for the good of the team. (as well as be relegated to second string). As the Pats are a TEAM, Bettis showed that he is the ultimate team player. I hope he comes back next year, because, bottom line: He can still help his team.
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the steelers are a true football team you never see them fight or say one player is better then the other they are the one of last true teams. i love them and they will be #1 in 2006 they have had the best records with a rookie quarter back they will come and show them next yr.... go steelers
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As a Patriot fan who also loves the Steelers, what a win..thought it would be alot closer..Ben will be back better than ever.. would have liked to see him lose one during the season..I am a believer that losing builds character..and teaches how not to lose..Anyway..I will be curious to see what happens next year..I still love Bill Cowher.. but will keep our Bill..
8/26/05 7:16 AM