Steelers 34, Broncos 17

Two roads diverged in a yellowing wood, and the Steelers –
The Steelers took the XL road.

The Steelers today affirmed that which was known since at least last week – the Bus’ last stop will be in Detroit, XL style. A wide-open offense coupled with trademark Steeler defense led to a dominating outing that quieted Investco Field almost from the onset as the mile-high denizens watched as the Broncos were turned into glue sticks before their very eyes. Big Ben threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns while The Bus rumbled and ran over defenders for an additional touchdown. The Steelers’ defense unleashed their favorite reality series – Linebackers Gone Wild – and transformed Jake Plummer back into Jake “The Snake” of Arizona Cardinal fame, intercepting him twice and forcing him to fumble twice.

Frosty.

Two months ago there were many who thought that it would be a cold day in the Lake of Fire before the Steelers – 7-5 at the time – would make it to Super Bowl XL. Seven straight wins later (5 on the road) the Steelers are heading to Detroit, having avenged two regular-season defeats (Bengals, Colts) and made a statement against the teams with the three best records in the AFC. The Steelers know what it is like to have a lower-seeded opponent come into your home and walk away as the AFC Champion, bound to defeat an unimpressive NFC Champion. Today, the Steelers played the role of usurper and are heading to the Super Bowl to face the Seattle Seahawks.

Nobody gives Seattle a chance.

Hopefully, the Steelers have learned about what happens when people don’t expect you to win, when people expect you to get blown out of the dome. While the Steelers bask in all the adulation that is truly due them for reaching the Super Bowl, let us hope that Coach Cowher has them ready to play in the big game because Seattle – disrespected as they are – will have something to prove, and if the Steelers lose the edge with which they’ve played these past two months then Super Bowl XL will end a lot like Super Bowl XXX. Enjoy the moment, but the Steelers need to win and send The Bus out as a champion.

And that will make all the difference.