Nice Trophy, But Not The One We Want

Steelers seal their fate 23 to 14 over the Ravens

Don’t get me wrong this is magnificent and never gets old. And maybe my lingering migraines from a recent accident has me a little loopy. But I have always seen the Steelers as a team that aims for the Lombardi Trophy. And I love that. I don’t just want justt being competitive, as a fan for my team. Will we win a Super Bowl every year? Of course not, but we better start the year and play through the season like a team that can.

Ultimately no one cares who leads the league in rushing or passing. A lot of sacks or interceptions may get you to a Pro Bowl but so what. But a winning franchise will be remembered for being Champions.

This game was huge to me because despite the return of a flat tire rushing attack, the Steelers fought through their defiency. And they still maintained a nice balance of 28 rushes and 33 passes.

As usual the defense was the bread and butter of this win. Troy Supermanu appeared healthy and met his weekly quota of big plays. But the Harrison ’ s, the Woodley ’ s, the Clark ’ s, the Farrior ’ s, the Townsend ’ s of the World Defense and so on, all get a standing O. They silenced the Ravens and held them to around 4 yards per play! Honeslty the Steelers being flagged for pass interference was the Ravens best offensive plays all day.

My favorite play among many was the LaMarr Woodley stopping a run play behind his back. The Polamalu sky dive to stop Flacco on a keeper was a close second.

Ben had a nice effort on the day. Let ’ s face it the Ravens have an awesome defense of their own. His 16 for 33 with a TD was very effective. He once again had a respectable 7.7 yards per attempt. He dodged a few bullets in Ben like fashion and kept his offense focused despite the obstacles at hand. Including the loss of Hines Ward early in the game.

I do think the fact that Santonio Holmes stepped up helped negate the loss of Ward. Heath Miller also made some big plays. You had a big play from Carey Davis and even Limas Sweed made a couple big plays. Of course he had a huge mistake also but his turning himself into a defensive back on an almost INT and making a huge block on a Heath Miller play were two plays that will not be on a stat sheet but helped the team win.

The O line has improved through   the year and did a respectable job against the Ravens pass rush at times.   However they were sub par blowing off the line for run blocks but the Ravens defense does excel at run stoppage. I thought Ngata played great for Baltimore. His penetration ruined the Steelers hopes for sustaining a rushing presence.

> For great Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl apparel & jerseys online look to Pro Football Fans and check out the 2008 NFL scores!

 

This was a typical slug fest between the Ravens and Steelers but it was clear which team was ready for prime time. The Steelers do what they need to do.

All in all this was a microcosm of the Steelers season. Big plays against a daunting challenge and overcoming weaknesses and mistakes to prevail. No excuses, just get it done. Play 60 minutes at full speed and let the setbacks be as they may. Make the next play has been the battle cry all year and it has been magical and yet a result of work ethic.

Mike Tomlin has proven he understands the Pittsburgh way and he has his place here.

In 2 weeks it ’ s time to punch the time clock one more shift and show the Arizona Cardinals what the big time really is all about.

Kudos to Ken Whisenhunt also for bringing a Pittsburgh style discipline and preperation to a sorry “ bleep ” franchise and showing them what work and execution can accomplish.

I am really smelling a 6th RING!

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent