As far as huge games this year, this one ranks right up there with the Kansas City and Green Bay games. When the Steelers face a quality opponent, for some reason the troops rally together, and overcome all obstacles.
Sunday's game against Jacksonville was huge because they were able to persevere against both the Chiefs, and the Packers. If they hadn't, this game would have been for nothing but pride. This was a game where the Steelers could either make a statement to the rest of the league that they weren't dead yet, or a statement that the Central torch had passed to the Jaguars.
The team chose to show that they refuse to give up the Division title without a fight.
Jacksonville had its worst offensive showing of the year. The Jags players seem to believe that they didn't play up to their capabilities. I believe they didn't have a choice! The Steeler defense was dominating, and put up their most complete effort of the season. Dewayne Washington led the charge with his 2 interception returns, but he was only the brightest star on this day. The defense on a whole effectively shut down the third ranked offense in the NFL.
The offense did its part as well. They may have scored only one touchdown, but they controlled the clock, and kept the ball out of Brunell's hands. Kordell had his fourth consecutive game of 200 plus yards, and his third without an interception. He seems to be playing with the confidence we hadn't seen since last year.
Now comes the hard part! Follow up an impressive victory with another victory. Twice before the Steelers led us to believe they had turned the corner, and were ready to get on a big roll. Twice before, the roll was stopped before it was started by the Oilers. Thankfully, they are not playing the Oilers.
I have the good fortune of making the trip to Detroit, and cheering on the Black & Gold. I am confident the Steelers will follow this big victory with a thorough thumping of the hometown Lions. The team surely has learned their lesson about taking teams for granted. The taste of victory will still be fresh in their mouths, and the smell of another Division championship should be all the motivation they need.
The one player who will have the most motivation will be Jerome Bettis. He will be playing for the first time in his hometown. I have this feeling he is in for a big day.
