The Steelers were already out of the playoffs when they stepped onto the field against the Bengals. Some Steelers fans around the world (mostly on the internet) were actually rooting for a Pittsburgh loss...which boggles my mind. Maybe it was the way I was raised, but it is my belief that it does not matter how insignificant the game is, you play to win.
For those covetous of losing, think back to when you were in little league, on the 1-15 team playing against the 14-2 team (who was mostly composed of guys who were six feet tall...and shaving). It did not matter that you were mathematically out of the little league playoffs: you played hard on every single pitch. Aside from ice cream after the game, nothing has really changed. For those nay-sayers who doubt me and/or feel that I am naive, let me point out a few facts to you.
Fact 1: After the Bengals missed their last-second field goal (which would have won the game for Cincinnati), every single Steelers fan in the sports bar that I was in, jumped up and down shouting for joy. This cheering was only eclipsed by the thunderous roar which bellowed from us black and gold clad die-hards, when Santonio Holmes raced 67 yards for a touchdown, on the third play of overtime. In other words, it seems to me that most Steelers fans (or at least the "true" fans) wanted to win that game.
Fact 2: One word...a hyphenated word, but one word nonetheless: dog-pile!!! I can not remember the last time I saw a bunch of grown men celebrate a victory with such enthusiasm as the Steelers did, when the bench cleared and 50 grown men jumped on top of Holmes (after the aforementioned touchdown). Heck, even Casey Hampton ran the length of the field (which is saying something) to jump on the pile. In short, winning meant a lot to the players...regardless of the team's draft pick status.
Fact 3: Cowher's reaction to the win, was worth the price of admission. Cowher looked how I felt: overjoyed.
Speaking of Cowher, for those of you who do not already know, he has resigned. Of course, like all of us, Bill had his shortcomings. But, there was never any doubt that he lived for the game; losing hurt him, and winning brought a broad smile to his equally broad chin. And, his teams almost always matched his enthusiasm, as evidenced by the aforementioned "dog-pile."
Cowher did not motivate his players through fear. Mind you, there has probably never been a coach more intimidating than Bill Cowher after a player makes a "dumb" mistake. But, I associate Cowher's tirades with a father's reaction to his own children: more disappointment than actual anger. At the end of the day, Cowher's players knew that he loved them. In turn, they would run through walls for him. The players did not routinely overachieve because they feared for their jobs; they did so, because they respected their coach.
So, the time has come to ask: Who is the next head coach for the Steelers? Whomever it is, I am sure that the Rooneys will make a smart decision. Let me use the following analogy to help ease your worries. Hall of Famer Mike Webster was the starting center for the Steelers for over a decade. When he retired, there was a hum-drum about who was to replace him. Then, Dermontti Dawson started at center, at a Hall of Fame level for over a decade. Again, when Dermontti retired, fretting occurred in Western Pennsylvania. Then, the Steelers signed Jeff Hartings, who has played at an All-Pro level since he arrived.
So, I understand why Pittsburgh fans are worried about their new coach...but, if anything about the Steelers has remained true, it is that they generally make smart decisions. Ergo, whoever the new coach will be, I am positive that he will continue the legacy that Bill Cowher carried on from Chuck Noll.
Speaking of winning, we now come full-circle in this report: Pittsburgh took a step in the right direction by thumping the Bengals. Pessimists will point out Willie Parker's fumble as he was crossing the goal line. (Note: had Willie scored, the Steelers would have had the longest drive in NFL history: from the one inch line to the opposing goal.) But, while that turnover was indicative of how Pittsburgh's season went this year, something different occurred following that play. The Steelers found a way to win despite the fumble. In any other game this year, that fumble would have solidified a loss for the Steelers. But, since this was the "first game of next season," the Steelers stood up, wiped away their tears, and found a way to win. And, rediscovering their "mojo" is worth more than any one draft pick could ever do for the Steelers.
Furthermore, winning in such an emotional fashion... I can not think of a more appropriate way for Bill Cowher to end his career in Pittsburgh.
In closing, I want to say good bye to Bill Cowher. You were more than a coach to these young men. We will miss you. And, while you left behind some incredibly difficult shoes to fill, you made that transition for the new coach a lot easier by also leaving behind a team rife with talent.
