Steelers 21, Colts 18

Faith.

The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

Tell the truth – did you really think the Steelers had a chance of winning this game? Sure, we all hoped that they’d win, we all cheered for them to win, but when did you begin to believe that they could actually win? Was it when Big Ben opened the game throwing the ball like his name was Marino? Was it when the Colts’ offense self-destructed like a ’72 Pinto? Was it when the Steelers went up 14-0, or 21-3? When did you believe that the Steelers actually would win this game? Was it when Troy intercepted Manning (before the reversal)? Was it when Jerome was heading into the end zone to ice the game? Was it after The Tackle™? When did you first believe?

Coach Cowher is worth every penny that he is paid because he believed in his players from the very beginning of the season, and his faith in them has been rewarded in spades. The Steelers flew to the ball, made spectacular catches, sacked Manning when Manning most needed to make plays, and flat-out played like champions – overcoming adversity like they belong in the Super Bowl. Cowher had his team ready to play, and he unleashed Ken Whisenhunt and Big Ben in a way that has not been seen since teams were trying to avoid the University of Miami (Ohio) in the 2004 Liberty Bowl.

The Steelers needed every point from that offensive onslaught as the referees did everything that they could to keep the Colts in the game. Troy Polomalu’s interception was ruled an incompletion – to the surprise of even the Colts – and the Colts’ mugging of Steeler receivers was never called, but the Steelers overcame all of that, although they almost gave it away at the end. Jerome Bettis, possessing one of the best pairs of hands that the NFL has seen, fumbled on the goal line as the Steelers were about the finish the game. The fumble was returned by Nick Harper and, if not for a shoestring tackle by Ben Rothlesburger (hereafter to be known as The Tackle™), would have sealed the game for the Colts. Then, after the Steelers held the Colts to three plays, the Colts’ sure-footed kicker, Mike Vanderjagt, missed a field goal by a good 30 yards, double-wide right.

O ye of little faith.

Tell the truth – did you doubt that the Steelers would win this game? I know that I did – a lot – but there will be no more backsliding from here to the XL. Next up is the Denver Broncos and Jake “The Snake” Plummer. Jake has done an excellent job of putting his Arizona Cardinal days behind him, looking more like the heir to John Elway that many in the mile-high community were hoping that he would become. The Steelers’ job next week will be to force Jake to relapse into the panicky, snake-bitten quarterback that he’s always been.

Do you believe?