Some might say that Pittsburgh's 3-0 start is not that impressive, considering that two of the teams they have played will be battling for the top overall pick in next year's draft. Before last Sunday, I could have agreed with those nay-sayers. But, considering the way that the Steelers manhandled San Francisco, Pittsburgh is (to use the vernacular of our time) "for real."
Sure, San Francisco is a year away from being a serious contender for the Lombardi trophy. And, there is the fact that Alex Smith is the youngest starting quarterback in the league. And, let's not forget that just two years ago, the 49ers had the first-overall selection in the draft (i.e. they were the worst team in the NFL).
Yet, at the same time, Frank Gore is one of the better running-backs in the NFL. Vernon Davis (while he has underproduced) is a freak of nature. And, Alex Smith is going to be great. Alright, I admit that I am slightly biased when it comes to Alex Smith: the coordinator for my own wedding, was also the coordinator for Alex's sister's wedding. In other words, using the "six degrees of separation" mentality, Smith and I are practically related...uh...hmmm.
Anyway...back to football.
Despite all of their young talent, the 49ers did not score a touchdown until late in the game...when perennial back-ups, such as Clint Kriewaldt and Travis Kirschke, were on the field. In fact, Frank Gore was held to his lowest rushing total as a starter (39 yards).
On the other side of the ball, San Francisco fields a defense loaded with talent. While Nate Clements might not be worth the ridiculous amount of money that they paid him, he is indeed an outstanding cornerback. Likewise, Patrick Willis is every bit the player he was promised to be when he was coming out of college. In fact, as much as it pains me to say it, I was wrong in my Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction: it will NOT be LaMarr Woodley. Willis will undoubtedly win that award...although, I am still convinced that Woodley will finish in second place.
Back to my point... San Francisco was a more worthy adversary than either Cleveland or Buffalo could ever aspire to be. And, the Steelers rose to that challenge.
And, "challenge" is the operative word. Because, for quite a while, San Francisco's defense limited Pittsburgh's offense to field goals. Yet, the Steelers never looked flustered; they just kept on plugging away. (Note: Pittsburgh did score a special-teams touchdown, on a kickoff return by Allen Rossum.) Eventually, Pittsburgh's offense wore down the San Francisco defense. In turn, Willie Parker racked up another 100 yard performance (133 rushing yards), Ben Roethlisberger threw another touchdown pass to a tight end (Jerame Tuman), and the Steelers once again beat their opponent by three touchdowns or more.
In summation, while San Francisco is not yet a great team, they are indeed a respectable team...and a decent measuring stick, for how good the Steelers really are. Simply, the Steelers (once again) beat a team that they were supposed to beat.
