True, Dallas went toe-to-toe with the top ranked defense in the league, and in many regards, Dallas played better than Pittsburgh's defense. True, Dallas recorded two more sacks than the Steelers (six to four). True, the Cowboys held the Steelers to fewer yards than the Steelers held the Cowboys. And, lastly, it is true that Dallas led Pittsburgh by ten points heading into the final seven minutes of the game.
All of that said, Pittsburgh drove the length of the field twice in the fourth quarter. Yet, all that you hear about is the fact that on Pittsburgh's first drive (of the aforementioned two drives) Dallas stopped Pittsburgh on fourth-and-goal. Yet, what should be noted is that the Steelers were able to drive into scoring position not once, but TWICE on the Cowboys. Furthermore, were it not for the fact that Pittsburgh's right tackle, Willie Colon, slipped on the aforementioned fourth-and-goal play, the Steelers would have scored twice. In other words, any "amazement" that the Steelers were able to come back on the Cowboys is short-sighted.
In case anyone missed it, Pittsburgh caused five turnovers in this game. Furthermore, Pittsburgh could have forced two more turnovers. Pac-Man Jones fumbled a punt... but, somehow the referees did not notice this fact. And, the "tuck" rule overturned a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown by James Harrison. Simply, considering Pittsburgh's penchant for creating turnovers, having the game decided by a Steeler returning an interception for a touchdown, should have surprised no one.
Maybe people have become so accustomed to Pittsburgh's defense making these types of plays, that when it occurs, it seems commonplace...and easily overlooked. Whereas, Dallas actually playing this type of defense, is something of a rarity. Again, Dallas played a superb defensive game. But, it was only one game. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has played this type of defense the entire season...which also just so happens to be the toughest schedule in the NFL since 1976.
Speaking of the 1970s, I have been watching the NFL for a very long time. A trend that I have noticed is that some teams can "get up" for big games. This is most often seen in the year following a team winning a Lombardi Trophy: every single one of the champion's opponents brings their "A-game." Likewise, it appears as though this year, every opponent that the Steelers have faced, plays extra hard on defense. Once again, Dallas played an amazingly on defense... but, few teams can play at that level for more than one or two games.
Speaking of which, Pittsburgh plays two of the toughest defenses in the league in the upcoming weeks: Baltimore and Tennessee. Furthermore, the game against the Ravens could decide the division, and the game against the Titans could decide home field advantage throughout the play-offs. Thus, everyone should make sure that their chin-straps are on extra tight, because the next two weeks will be slobber-knockers... something to which the Steelers have become accustomed.
