This post is in appreciation and acceptance of the Pittsburgh Steelers season end of 2007.
As Ive attempted to adapt to life far from home (here we go again), one of my closest comforts and drive comes from that of The Pittsburgh Steelers (sad but true).
Today marked the end of the 2007 season as the Steelers lost a close, heartfelt game to the pansy Jacksonville Jaguars who can try to be the Steelers but never will be. After being pummeled by the Jags a few short weeks ago in Pittsburgh, today was a chance at redemption for the black and gold in the best situation possible - the underdog role which the Steelers play so well. If you expect the Steelers to lose a game thats when they will show up and smack you in the mouth like against the "Unbeatable Colts" of 2005. Doing the undoable is what we do. Even The Worst Official Call in NFL History (the Polamalu didnt complete a football move during what would have been the game ending interception against the Colts) couldnt deny our destiny that season.
Back to the present, I was delighted to be off work to see the game in HD and expected the Steelers to show up and play hard. Truth is, they did show up to play and outplayed the Jags in all phases of the game and where its most important - being physical. The last minute loss was the result of the turnover game which will get you everytime - if you turn the ball over for scores multiple times you cannot win the game. All of the Jags points came off of turnovers or mistakes made by Pittsburgh other than the final game ending winning field goal. Even that was followed up by a last chance for Pittsburgh to win the game which was quite doable but that also ended in another turnover. Truth is Im proud of the way Pitt played and the heart they displayed during their late game comeback but its sad to see the season end for them and to impatiently await another 8 months until I see them again. And even then its a different team, different year which brings a different connection to that specific team.
The season started off amazing as the Steelers owned the statistics of games at the same pace as the hyped Patriots, but Pittsburgh's successful season was diluted by a combination of the Pats and Colts drive for perfection and domination added to the disappointing senseless losses the Steelers suffered to teams with overall losing records such as the Cardinals, Jets, and Broncos as well as the meltdown they had against the Patriots late in the season. The loss to the Patriots is simply explained, the same reason the Steelers have lost just about every game to the Patriots the past decade is their inability to stop the pass in the secondary and pressure Brady. I dont understand, they never seem to accomplish these feats regardless of being retaught the lesson season after season.
A few things are certain about this past season: Roethlisberger and Parker had amazing seasons that should leave them both very proud and confident in the offseason. Roeth quietly had the second best passer rating in the NFL and a stellar year, but again was overshadowed by Mr. ButtChin (Tom Brady). Parker was realistically the seasons top rusher and had more yards in the season than the amazing LT up until the play he was injured in the next to last game of the season, which speaks for itself without any added selling. With all the corresponding franchise records, Hines Ward showed his unrelentless heart and leadership, as well as his ability to knock people out as he does season after season. Hines played with such passion in the loss to the Jags today to the point I saw him almost cry on the sideline while being consoled by coach Tomlinson when the Steelers were on the comeback late in the game. Along with when he layed a cornerback out returning an interception in the Bengals game this season and immediately stood up facing the Bengals bench and waiving out the medical staff knowing the player wasnt going to get up from his hit (and the player didnt), these were two of the most intense displays of emotion Ive seen from him other than his home visit to South Korea. Two attributes of a great leader are Passion and Intensity. Hines has both. He simply plays the game the way we all wish we could. You cant like football and not love Hines Ward.
Overall Im sad and a little disappointed with the end result of the season, but a pretty decent season is in the books for the Burgh. Unfortunately there can only be one winner which brings me to todays riddle:
Q. Who will win the Super Bowl, the Patriots or the Colts?
A. Who Gives A Shit. Would somebody just Please beat the f#@king Patriots.
After years of spycamming teams it may take a few seasons for everyone to change their entire playbook, but I look forward to the year the Patriots just plain suck.
Guess At this point Ill root for the Packers or whomever the hell else I feel like at the moment should they lose, but as the answer to the riddle indicates it doesnt really matter.
Ive been a diehard Steelers fan pretty much since birth and have the baby pictures of being in my Bradshaw Steelers Jersey blowing out my 4th birthday cake candles. Ive missed probably two dozen games total since as far back as I can remember and Im not ashamed to admit it. My greatest memories are casual Sundays accompanied by those closest to me rooting for the Black & Gold. As a super active youth I always took time out of my schedule to tune in for the weekly battles.
I cant put my finger on what it is exactly but like all phases of my life they are deeply engraved within.
It May Sound Silly But At GameTime I Always Feel I Can Relate:
"Being the Running Back of Hopes And Dreams Facing The Harsh Defensive Front Of Reality and the Hard Hitting Secondary Of Life, And Seeking To Take Them Both... Head On."
This past season of life had me living in hiatus for awhile sleeping in my car thousands of miles from home with noone to depend on, and I made it through that time, like every other obstacle thrown at me during my short lifespan, completely on my own far from the comforts of a previous life - hellbent on the promise of the future. Making my mark.
See You In 2008 Pittsburgh.
All Said, I leave you with the timeless words and interview of Jim Mora.
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