Some people are crediting the suddenly resurgent Defense for the current 5 game win streak.

Others are pointing to Coach Bill Cowhers fiery nostrils once again. He is coaching with the same enthusiasm, and confidence that he had in his first 6 years with the team.

Some would say it is the return of ball control offense that has turned the teams fortunes around. Control the field position battle, and you win the game.

These are all fine and dandy, but they are not the reason for the teams recent success.

They have me to thank.

It all started 6 weeks ago. The Steelers were mired in an awful funk that had seen them drop the first 3 games of the season. I knew something had to be done.

You see, although my terrible towels had served me well for quite a few years, they seemed to have lost their spark. In years past, I could wave them and Greg Lloyd would get a sack. I could wave them again, and Kordell Stewart would scramble for 20 or 30 yards. Touchdowns, sacks, and plenty of wins.

Then, for some unknown reason, the magic was gone. I tried wearing my Rod Woodson jersey (even though he wasn't a Steeler anymore). I bought T-shirts, pendants, key chains, helmets, and a mini replica of Three Rivers Stadium. Although these things would work for a game or two, the team just couldn't seem to get on track.

Then it hit me. I hadn't bought anything that had a Pittsburgh origin in more than 2 years! I had to work fast if I wanted to turn the Steelers season around. They couldn't afford to start the season with 4 straight losses.

As luck would have it, a friend of mine was taking a trip to Pittsburgh on the Tuesday after we lost to the Titans. I asked him to pick me up a Steelers jersey while he was there. He returned on the Friday, and presented me with my newest Steeler possession.

I have to tell you, I was nervous. The team was heading to Jacksonville to play in a stadium where they had never tasted victory. The Jags were a Superbowl favorite, while the Steelers were predicted to fight Cleveland and Cincinnati for the basement. Yes, I was nervous, but I grabbed that jersey and anxiously awaited the kick-off.

You might not believe this, but I could actually feel the power surging through my veins. I could tell I was in for something extraordinary.

You know the outcome. The Steelers sent the Jags reeling right out of the playoff hunt. The jersey had worked, and I was pumped.

The next test was the following week in New Jersey where they had to face the unbeaten Jets. Same shirt. Same outcome.

Bengals, Browns? No match for the power of the jersey. The mighty Ravens defense? Hah! They are now in the Steelers rear view mirror.

It has been 5 weeks, and I have yet to have the shirt washed. Just can't do it. I know the team is depending on me. They will face their toughest test so far as they travel to Tennessee to face the Titans. I will do my part and wear the jersey proudly.

The Steelers can thank me later.

by SteelerGil (October 30, 00)