Steelers 21, Seahawks 10

One of the enduring curiousities about being a Christian and a Steeler fan is the duality of it all. The very notion of being a fan stems from the word fanatic, and it is very easy for perspective to be lost.

Tonight, none of that matters. All that matters is THIS:

SUPER BOWL XL
STEELERS 21
SEAHAWKS 10
final score

There will be complaints about the officiating. There were complaints about the lack of respect afforded the Seahawks for simply being the Seahawks. One could even complain that it wasn't fair for the Steelers to play what amounted to a home game in the Super Bowl. And many are already saying that the game was boring and not very well played.

The fact remains...

SUPER BOWL XL
STEELERS 21
SEAHAWKS 10
final score

I said early on that this year felt right. All the weaknesses that have plagued the Steelers have finally been eradicated. Time and time again, The Steelers have struggled to pick up the big play on offense, that they have had a propensity to give up when the chips truly get down. Not ONE big play for the Seahawks this time around. Not one blown coverage from one of the youngest and most promising defensive backfields in football. Shawn Alexander had a good game but no game changing runs. Peter Warrick had a good punt return and Kelly Herndon had a long interception return but that wasn't nearly enough. The Seahawks looked, in many ways, the way the Steelers USED to look during big games. They played well, but looked bad at all the wrong times.

On the other hand, the Steelers, who have been known to be a grind it out team up until this year's playoffs, unloaded big play after big play. From the scramble bomb to Hines that setup the first touchdown by Rothlisberger, (yes, it was a touchdown) to the electrifying run by Fast Willie to open the second half, and culminating by Antwaan Randle-El's 43 yard touchdown pass to the Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward, everytime the Steelers needed a big play, it was delivered as if by Federal Express. Seattle was close to the Steelers all night long, but they needed more than good, they needed Perfect, and they were anything but. I believe Mr. Stevens will be hearing Joey Porter's words (and footsteps) in his sleep.

And then to finally send Jerome Bettis, one of the NFL's true warriors, home with a ring. No, he didn't play a huge role in the victory, but he has been the face of the franchise for a decade, one of the great Steelers of all time. Some "Fans" have tried to put the Bus in the garage for many years, but There is no denying the level of accomplishment he has reached. He will be missed, as much for what he brings to the team off the field as on.



When it was all said and done, a twenty-six year wait for the one for the thumb was finally here.

Or is it?

What this is, is ONE.

The First One.

I would love to talk about how to get to the NEXT one, but I am too busy enjoying THIS one.