Watching Sunday’s Steelers v. Titans Game like most fans I anticipated a hard fought game but felt in the end the Steelers would come up short. After going 1-9 over the last few years you accept teams for their shortcomings! Factor in mind numbing heat, no Big Ben which I will comment on in a later blog, no Max Starks, and then losing Dennis Dixon early in the game, it was hard to come up with a formula that equaled a Steelers win!
Then something season defining happened, Dick LeBeau UNLOADED his playbook on the Titans. After a week of hearing how Chris Johnson was going for his 13th straight 100 yard game and that Vince Young was a “dangerous” Quarterback with a 9 and 2 record as a starter, the Steelers proved once again that they play best when counted out! Young, looked like me when Mr. Farrell asked for my Calculus Homework in the 12th grade, confused and downright stupified and by the time he was pulled out was possibly an inch and a half shorter from the beat down he was handed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALKq43Lhqz0
Chris Johnson, an outstanding back, was dominated by the defense. It looked like the game plan was to hit him on every single play whether he had the ball or not. By the time of his departure he looked like he went fifteen rounds with Smokin’ Joe Frazier!
By the way this was with Dennis Dixon, going out early in the second quarter and the Steelers coming down to their count ’em fourth Quarterback. Somewhere Coach Tomlin summoned the ghost of Charlie Batch to not turn over the football. Batch last played a meaningful game when Byron “Whizzer” White was on the Steelers. (That fact might need to be researched.) Batch put in a solid effort though and made sure he managed the game correctly. It is hard not to admire a veteran who comes off the bench and contributes!
Again though the Defense was the talk of the day, Troy Polamalu put in a monster performance including redefining the laws of physics and Lamar Woodley and James Harrison showed why they are the best linebacker tandem in football. I have seen several defensive efforts but none that truly defined dominance like this one!!
THE FACTS
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Dick LeBeau, the defense was in complete command the whole game and set the tone for victory. Honorable Mention: Anyone on defense, Of course Coach Tomlin!
Where I watched the game: MY COUCH on my 65 Inch HDTV! After trying to make a comeback at 37 in flag football earlier in the day it was nice just sitting on the couch! My first weekend with the new Sunday ticket was phenomenal. The new features are just outstanding!
My thoughts on Next Week: TRAP GAME!!! With the Ravens (Aka Ratbirds) looming it is hard not to see this as a trap game. But, if the Steelers play their best game they will win! I am not sold on the 2-0 start in Tampa. I also have to believe Coach Tomlin would like to smack up his former employers!