It was sad, but it was sweet.

With legends such as Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Earl Holmes, Mel Blount, and approximately 60 other former players in attendance, the Steelers went out and laid a beating on the Washington Redskins.

It was cold and rainy with a touch of pre-game thunder and lightning, but that didn't slow down the Steelers. Bettis rushed for over 100 yards, Hank Poteat ran a punt back for a TD, and Richard Huntley rushed for 2 scores. It was like the Chief himself was in attendance, and made sure every bounce went the Steelers way.

As it turns out, this was a very important game. Erroneously, I reported last week that the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs. A week ago, Pittsburgh's chances seemed so bleak that they weren't mentioned on the NFL-issued list of playoff possibilities. But guess what? Not only are they still alive, chances look pretty good that they will actually make it.

With the N.Y. Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars losing on Sunday, the Steelers would clinch a playoff spot this weekend with a victory over the San Diego Chargers as long as the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts both lose.

That isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. The Chargers have won only one game this year, and don't seem very interested in adding to that total. It's pretty hard to get motivated for a game when their is nothing on the line. The Chargers haven't had anything on the line in 2 months. The Steelers on the other hand could have lots to play for.

The N.Y. Jets travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens at 1:00 pm on Sunday. The Jets have had trouble scoring on anyone lately, let alone the Ravens with their NFL-best defense. I really can't see the Ravens losing this one. They are still jockeying for playoff positioning, and should have a loud crowd to cheer them on to victory. The Steelers play at 4:05 pm, and will know by then if their game has any meaning.

If the Jets do indeed lose, and the Steelers win, it will come down to the 4:15 pm game in Indianapolis. The Colts have a 2 game winning streak going, and will be hosting the Minnesota Vikings, losers of their past 2 games. This game could be the toughest obstacle to overcome. Not only are the Colts on a bit of a roll right now, but Minnesota QB Duante Culpepper suffered a sprained ankle on Sunday and will be in a walking boot all week. If Culpepper can't go on Sunday, the reigns will be handed over to --are you ready for this?-- Bubby Brister!!

Can you imagine that? The fate of the Steelers could be riding on Bubby's shoulders. I always liked the ex-Steeler, and it would be fun to root for him again if he does indeed start.

None of this would matter if it wasn't for the great performance of the Steelers in their last game at Three Rivers Stadium. Just looking at all the former compatriots on the sidelines was enough to ensure the Steelers would not go down on this day. You could tell the players were fired up, and they weren't about to let the fans, or the ex-Steelers down.

And yes, I think "The Chief", Art Rooney Sr. had something to do with this. How else do you explain Josh Miller fumbling a punt deep in Steelers territory, only to have Washington RB Stephen Davis fumble it back on the next play. Or how about TE Stephen Alexander running into the endzone after a sure TD pass, only to have Jason Simmons knock the ball out of his hands at the 2 yard line to force a touchback.

Every time it looked like the Redskins were going to get back in the game, something happened to dash their hopes. Thanks Art!

It was a wonderful ending to a great era of Steeler football. The old stadium will leave a lot of great memories with it, but it is looking like the new stadium might be ready to start making its own. Maybe this weekend the new era is starting. Go Steelers! Go Ravens! Go Vikings!

by SteelerGil (December 18, 00)