The Steelers finished their season on a high note, even if the playoffs are beyond their reach once again.

They rolled into San Diego with the slimmest of hope for post-season action, and saw all hope fade when the Minnesota Vikings folded in front of the Indianapolis Colts. They came oh-so-close to completing a remarkable turnaround from an 0-3 start. The team won 4 of their last 5 games, but it wasn't enough.

Still, a 9-7 season is a big improvement over the past 2 seasons that the Steelers fan has had to endure. This year they played with pride and focus, and most importantly, their confidence has returned.

It was evident in the San Diego game.

• Ryan Leaf throws a 71 yard TD pass to Jeff Graham on the Chargers first offensive play. The Steelers respond with a 98 yard KO return by Will Blackwell.

• Kordell Stewart throws an interception that Rodney Harrison returns 63 yards for a TD. Stewart responds by throwing a beautiful fade pass to Courtney Hawkins in the endzone for the tying score.

In seasons past, Kordell and the Steelers would have given up hope after making terrible mistakes. Instead, they now put it behind them, and move ahead confidently that they can overcome them. Instead of moping and pointing fingers, the defense shut down the Chargers, and Kordell used his arm and legs to lead the Steelers to a 24-14 half time lead. It was the Chargers who started moping, and the Steelers cruised to an easy 34-21 victory.

After the game, Bill Cowher had this to say about Stewart: "He made some big plays. He made some good throws down the field. He did a lot of good things. Look at the guy's record since he came back. What we were able to do with him as the starting quarterback, that's the bottom line. We were able to win football games, and he was instrumental in doing that."

He didn't mention anything about the 2 interceptions Stewart threw. He didn't have to. Every QB throws interceptions, it's how they respond after throwing them that is important. Kordell responded well. He responded like a QB that is confident in his abilities, and confident that he can overcome the odd mistake.

Sure, I'm as disappointed as anyone that the Steelers missed the playoffs this year, but I am confident that the drought has ended. There are many signs that the Steelers are ready to return to prominence.

• The re-emergence of Kordell Stewart.
• The fabulous running of the steady "Bus".
• A much improved offensive line.
• LBs Jason Gildon and Joey Porter with double-digit sacks.
• A cement-head FB in Dan Kreider.
• Free agent FS Brent Alexander emerging as the defensive quarterback.
• Hank Poteat giving the team a true punt return threat.
• Josh Miller consistently giving the team great field position.
• And most importantly, having the core of players returning for next season.

The Steelers have only 4 unrestricted free agents entering the offseason. Jerome Bettis, Shar Pourdanesh, Courtney Hawkins, and Mike Vrabel. Bettis is a "must-sign". The other 3 are expendable.

Can you imagine starting a season with the same players for a change? From everything I have read and heard, this group of players truly like each other. The team chemistry is in place. The coaching philosophy should remain the same. The confidence is there. A new stadium awaits.

I thank the Steelers for an exciting 2000 season, but I can't wait for 2001.

It's only 8 months away.

by SteelerGil (December 26, 00)