For the past 23 games or so, the main article section of Monday Evening Quarterback has been predominantly focused on the Steelers' offense, and rightfully so. In that time frame, the defense deserved very little criticism, while the offense typically struggled.
A strong trust had developed. The offense could commit whatever atrocities they pleased and the defense would swoop in like a band of "cleaners," mopping up the blood and destroying the evidence. That unwavering trust is officially gone, especially late in games.
Last Wednesday night, the bulk of Steeler Nation sat down and enjoyed America's Game, the final recap of the magical 2008 season.
One of the main themes, one that arose from the incredible December victory over the Ravens to clinch the AFC North, was Mike Tomlin's admonishment not to get "preoccupied with style points." After all, this team found ways to win, and to paraphrase Tomlin, the important thing was to have one more point than the other team at the end of the game.
So, what happened after an important opening game win against the Tennessee Titans, not only the last team to beat the Steelers but one that also racked up plenty of style points along the way?
Steeler Nation came out in force, dissatisfied with a quality win because of...not enough style points.
But they certainly weren't a perfect team, especially on offense.
This fact causes some to worry. It causes me to get excited, because there is plenty of room for improvement and plenty of evidence that improvement is coming.
It had been a long wait since the Steelers last won a Super Bowl, with a series of severe disappointments that seemed to build upon each other in between. Alfred Pupunu. Larry Brown. Terrell Davis. Troy Brown. Rodney Harrison.
In 2005, the loveable loser Bill Cowher finally got his ring. Jerome Bettis got his ring. It was stirring drama that felt like the closing act of a play, complete with curtain calls. And sure enough, it was.
There were conflicting messages circulating last week, and the San Diego Chargers didn't know what to think.
The Steelers' offensive coordinator insisted that the Steelers would run the ball against the Chargers. Meanwhile, the running back complained that he was frustrated, the offensive line rationalized their problems this season and great chunks of Steeler Nation believed that the only thing standing between the Steelers and a Super Bowl was the use of a fullback, even positing that the key to the Steelers' post-season was the unemployed Dan Krieder.
