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| We're Back! By Magoo It's official the Pittsburgh Steelers now control their own destiny. Their 41-0 pasting of the hapless Cleveland Browns helped set the tone for what may be an interesting run in the playoffs. Of course the Steelers will need to win on New Year's Day over the mighty Detroit Lions in order to make their 4th playoff appearance in past 5 seasons. This season has certainly seen it's ups and downs but to quote Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward right now we're peaking. Although the Browns are far from a true barometer, Saturday's victory did see some impressive performances. Steeler running back fast Willie Parker's 80-yard gallop for a touchdown in the third quarter was the longest scoring run since Kordell Stewart went the same distance in 1996. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was brilliant completing 13-of-20 passes including one for a score, and a passer rating of 120.0 on the day. Then there was the offensive line that opened holes to the tune of 209 yards on the ground. Finally what can you say about a defense that hasn't given up a touchdown in 12 quarters. It might be the understatement of the year to say that the Steeler offense is found its identity with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger. The second year signal caller seemed to have some real zip on his passes and his confidence was apparent. “I think he is a better quarterback than he was last year." Steeler coach Bill Cowher told reporters in his post game press conference. " We got in that stretch in the middle where we had three games and three different quarterbacks. The passing game suffered because it’s hard to get any rhythm when you don’t have your quarterback in there week in and week out. The fact that he is back there you can see it, even in practice, that we are starting to get back in sync throwing the football." The other part of the Steeler identity is their offensive line and how they too are very different and sometimes spectacular with Marvel Smith in the lineup. Saturday's showing is what they are capable of doing when all the cylinders are clicking. "It was great to see Willie break off another run today,” said Cowher. " And the line was good, Marvel got back and got a chance to knock off some of the rust. We need to get our offense going. It’s going to be a big key for us." Another key for the Steelers has been the resurgence of linebacker Joey Porter. His 3 sacks bring his season total to 10.5 with another game to play. The defense has now yielded a mere 12 points over the past 3 games and is second in the AFC in allowing the fewest points. On the day the Browns managed a mere 178 net yards on offense. "We were beaten by a very good football team. The score was evident of that," Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel said. "We couldn't do anything on either side of the ball and that is what happens when you get beat like that." The past three weeks have brought the Steelers up from the brink of playoff elimination. They no longer need to look at the NFL scoreboard for assistance in their quest toward the playoffs, just their own. In order to win the big one this season the Steelers will now need to prevail 5 straight times. A healthy Steeler team with Roethlisberger, now 21-3, is as dangerous as any in the NFL. Cowher more than anyone has to know this. "We know the path that is ahead of us. It’s a tough journey, but I kind of think we are looking forward to it." |