Given all the attention being spent on the Patriots, it makes some sense that other teams in the AFC are being left out of discussions of who will go to the Superbowl. However, it appears that ESPN and all the other so-called NFL experts are convinced that the Colts, Chargers, and Jaguars are the only other contenders in the AFC.
But why is there no mention of the Steelers? Maybe it is because the Patriots whipped the Steelers a few weeks ago. Perhaps it is because of Parker's injury. Still, I think the Steelers deserve serious attention as valid playoff contenders for the following reasons.
1. Big Ben. Roethlisberger has been great this year and his numbers are not far from Brady's. Brady throws on almost every down and he even admits that sometimes he just throws it up and Moss makes the catch. Big Ben does everything to help the Steelers win. He moves around better than Brady, runs harder on QB sneaks, and in my opinion has just as good an arm as Saint Brady. I wish Big Ben had better protection and didn't have to scramble as much, but I bet that if Brady played for the Steelers he would have worse stats than Big Ben.
2. Playoff experience and results. In case anyone has forgotten, the Steelers have won a Superbowl more recently than the Patriots. The Steelers have many veteran players who know how to win in the playoffs. Plus, the addition of Santonio Holmes gives them a deep threat they haven't had in year, even with Randel El. I am sick of hearing about how good the Chargers can be. Phillip Rivers is not half the player Big Ben is and Tomlinsen has yet to play great in the playoffs. I am also tired of hearing about how great Jacksonville is. I can't remember when they even won a playoff game.
3. Running game. Sure, losing Willie Parker hurt the Steelers' chances, but Davenport stepped in and ran for over 140 yards. I think the Steelers offensive line is better at run blocking than pass blocking. Look for Davenport to get even more carries in the playoffs and if teams have to stack the line to stop the run, then Big Ben will pick them apart.
