Still, Seattle fans could be heard moaning and groaning about not having a healthy Deion Branch and D.J. Hackett. Well, the Steelers were without their starting wide-outs, as well (Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes). And, the best two players on Pittsburgh's defense (Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton), were also on the sidelines.
Again, Seattle is not the team that they were two years ago. And, neither are the Steelers. But, while the Seahawks have faded into play-off bubble obscurity, the Steelers very well might be better than they were two years ago.
Alright, alright: I might be getting a little carried away..or, am I?
Pittsburgh's running attack in 2005 was dominant; Willie Parker was the lighting, and Jerome Bettis was the thunder. At first glance, one would obviously say that a running game with Najeh Davenport could not hold a candle to one featuring Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis. At the same time, Willie Parker is much better than he was two years ago; he is tied for second in rushing yards per game (101 yards/game). And, if this past Sunday was any indication about Najeh (58 yards, 2 touchdowns), he is a very good complimentary back. Do not get me wrong; I do not expect to see Najeh bowl over Brian Urlacher (like Jerome did), but I feel comfortable in saying that when Willie goes out of the game, Pittsburgh's run-offense does not suffer all that much. In short, while Pittsburgh might have had a better running game in 2005, this year's running game is good enough to be playing late into January.
Even if this year's running game was absolutely pathetic (when compared to 2005), Pittsburgh's passing game would more than make up for the difference. Nay-sayers will point out the fact that Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El are gone. To which I say, I will miss those dropped balls and gadget plays (take note of my sarcastic tone). Thankfully, the Steelers replaced Burress with a legitimate downfield threat, in Santonio Holmes. And, while Nate Washington may not be as dynamic as Randle El, Nate Washington AND Heath Miller combined, more than make up for the loss of Captain Trick-Play. As I have mentioned numerous times, when opponents of the Steelers line up across from Ward, Holmes, Washington, and Miller, defenders have to ask themselves: who do I cover?
Which brings us to my main point: the biggest difference between 2005 and now, and the reason why this year's Steelers team is (possibly) better than their Super Bowl team, is due to the fact that Ben Roethlisberger has become not only the the leader, but the heart and soul of the Steelers.
Announcers, sport-writers, and fans alike have all pointed out the fact that Ben ended the Seattle game by completing thirteen straight passes...despite not having his top two wide receivers (Ward, Holmes). Furthermore, it has been mentioned that Ben had a great statistical game: completing eighteen of twenty-two passes, for 206 yards, and a touchdown (with no interceptions). To which, I cordially say: statistics, shmatistics. As I said last week, I have been more impressed by what Ben has done to keep plays alive, than I have by his box-score numbers.
