Substantive Faith

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Whenever adversity strikes, this scripture comes to my remembrance. The very nature of football is that of injury. The very legend of Big Ben is borne directly from the injury of Tommy Maddox, whose legend (such that it was) was borne of an injury to Kordell Stewart. The only reason Charlie Batch is back in his hometown of Pittsburgh is because of the injuries he suffered in Detroit. Who can forget the great Mike Kruczek, who replaced Terry Bradshaw after the infamous Joe "Turkey" Jones hit in 1976?

Ok, I am getting a bit obscure. You see my point. It would be different if this was the NY Jets where a phone call had to be placed to the local AARP chapter to find Vinny Testaverde.

The hallmark of Steeler football has always been running the football, controlling the clock, and stifling defense. Winning ugly is our stock and trade. It is the reason every stadium finds a significant presence of Steeler fans. The Steelers do what is necessary to win — we always have, we always will. If Ben can't go, I have every faith that hometown boy Charlie Batch can.

The bottom line is, a victory like this one is what will bring teams to Heinz Field instead of taking the Steelers into hostile territory.

In the meantime when you hit your knees tonight, remember to send a healing prayer for Big Ben.