WK 17 Steelers vs. Browns

12-30-12       Heinz Field

Many players had a great game for the Steelers today.  Its too bad only 51,000 and change were there to see it (lowest in Heinz Field history).  The Steelers will miss the playoffs -- for the first time since 2009 -- Even while having the number 1 defense against the pass, run, and number 1 in yards allowed. From watching this game however, you couldn't tell that it was a 7-8 team.  Many players had excellent games.

Cortez Allen had a solid game including one forced fumble returned for 20+ yards.  Troy Polamalu had another solid game including an interception.  The last two games have all but silenced anybody thinking Troy is no longer an elite player.  Plaxico Burress had a touchdown reception that brought back memories-- jumping up and grabbing it in the endzone with multiple defenders going up with him.  Ben Roethlisberger looked more like the pre-injury Ben-- throwing over the middle of the field.  We saw a lot less of the "Haley Plays" (short passes for <10 yards gain).  Coincidence?

There is a reason the Steelers finished 8-8.  It's simple.  In order for them to win, everything in the above paragraph has to happen.  In most of their losses, it didn't.  Simple as that.