I was driving to work this morning during a snow storm, and my wiper fell off. You know what? I don't care.

I went to a restaurant to grab a coffee to go, gave them 20 bucks, and forgot to grab my change. You know what? I don't care.

I hit a huge pot hole, and spilled the coffee all over my lap. You know what? I don't care.

My dog got kidnapped by sick people intent on doing experiments on him. You know what? I don't care.

My name is Gil, and I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

It is always hard when the realization strikes that the Steelers will once again be watching the playoffs on TV. Deep down inside, I knew that the team would likely miss the post-season, but that first day is always the hardest. I look back at the game against the Giants, and there are too many could of, would of, and should of's.

If only the special teams play wasn't so bad. If only the defense could tackle better. If only the receivers could hold onto the ball. If only the line could open some holes for "The Bus". If only Kris Brown could have had a better day. If only we could have scored 31 points. If only we could have held the Giants to 9 points.

But, the more I reflect on the game, it wasn't anything the Steelers did, or didn't do. They simply got beat by the better team. My hat is off to the Giants. They had a very good game plan that worked to perfection. They had the desire, and they had the personnel to make it work.

There is no shame in losing. There is only shame in not trying. I believe the Steelers tried their hardest, but were unable to accomplish their goals against a superior opponent. The end result is that they will miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Disappointed? Yes. Broken? No.

As rough as the previous 2 years have been, this year has been quite a turn around. The Steelers were able to deliver 14 games that had playoff implications. They were also able to show a lot of signs that the playoff-less streak is about to be over.

• The offensive line was a strength this year instead of a liability. Unless the Steelers choose to upgrade, this line should remain intact next year. Hopefully Dermontti Dawson has one more year in him.

• The play of the defensive line was actually pretty good thanks to Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Aaron Smith came out of nowhere to beat out Chris Sullivan at DE.

• Joey Porter and Jason Gildon lead the league in LB sacks.

• We have a very young WR corps that is finally starting to show signs of life. Hines Ward has been amazing.

• Hopefully Jerome Bettis is back next year. If not, we have a young group of RBs ready to take over the stage.

• We have a QB who looks ready to turn his career around. He is showing confidence and poise, and most importantly, he is turning out to be a leader.