There are certain games that a team plays each year that help to create an identity. You can pencil this game in as one of them.
Two short weeks ago, the Steelers found themselves 2 games behind Jacksonville, and fading fast. But a Pittsburgh victory over Baltimore, coupled by Jaguar losses to the Bills, and Bronco's, had the Steelers in position to share the lead in the Central division. Not a very easy task considering they had to go into Arrowhead stadium on a Monday night no less. The Chiefs were winners of their last 11 home games. The normally raucaus crowd would be more than up to the task of creating a decibal level equal only to a rocket ship taking off. They had the embarrassment of the Patriot loss to amend, and the Steelers were to be the sacrificial lamb.
There was only one problem. Pittsburgh came to play!
Josh Miller's punt to the 1 yard line, preceded Lance Brown's punt block into the waiting arms of Fred McAffee in the endzone. 7-0 Pittsburgh. Quiet crowd.
The rest of the evening was Bus right, Bus left, Bus up the middle. Bettis did not look like a running back who was suffering the effects of an injured knee. He looked more like an excited kid at Christmas, happy to have his driver back. The Bus and the driver showed up to the game in battle fatigues. They said they knew it was going to be a war, and it would help them prepare mentally to the task at hand. It was definitely a war, and this tandem came out on top.
Bill Cowher had this team prepared for this game, and it was a joy to watch. I loved the Hines Ward to Kordell pass play. I loved the direct snap to Chris Fuamata-Maafala. I loved the play of our special teams. If this is boring football, I don't mind it. This team may not be a powerhouse yet, but they seem to be improving every week. Even though they are not scoring a lot of points, they are playing with confidence.
As the season progresses, I'm sure the team will have its share of ups and downs. This was one of the ups. It is something to build on and bring home to the Oilers.
