Finally, a game where the Steelers played up to their potential. The offense was in a groove. The defense was sound. Even the special teams played well. Still, in my opinion, while it was an improvement over weeks past, it was still not up to Pittsburgh's "full" potential.
I might be a perfectionist, but the Steelers could have played better. Do not get me wrong: they played well...but, against tougher teams (e.g. Indianapolis), even the smallest of mistakes will be taken advantage of. Ergo, if the Steelers want to go deep into the play-offs, those mistakes need to be eliminated.
For example, the Steelers had allowed the Bears very few yards, let alone points, all game long. Then, the defense relaxed in the fourth quarter...and three plays later, the Bears scored a touchdown. Championship defenses do not allow teams to score on three plays...especially, teams that had struggled to put together a scoring drive of longer than eight yards during their previous few games. In other words, if Chicago's defense can score a touchdown that quickly, just imagine what Indianapolis' offense would be capable of: the Colts might score an 80 yard touchdown of the first play from scrimmage...uh...hmmm.
Speaking of long receptions, Ike Taylor (who covered Marvin Harrison on that 80 yard touchdown) was also covering Bernard Berrian on the play that set up Chicago's touchdown. Before anyone starts to berate Ike for giving up another long pass, look at the replay: Ike was in perfect position; Bernard simply made a spectacular reception. If it sounds like I am a constantly defending Ike, I am. To me, Ike is one of the few players on Pittsburgh's defense that puts forth 100% effort every game. Furthermore, Ike gets better every single game.
Meanwhile, the rest of the defense needs to step it up. For example, one play after Berrian's long reception, Thomas Jones scored on a one yard touchdown run. As I have iterated before: the Steelers of a few years ago would of forced the Bears to kick a field goal.
Similar to Ike Taylor, Jerome Bettis is putting forth great efforts every week...seemingly unnoticed. For example, during Sunday's game, Jerome Bettis rambled for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The last time he had a game like that, Kordell Stewart was the quarterback. Woah! Did I just make a Kordell Stewart reference!?!
Of course, the offensive line was in sync (190 total rushing yards); thus, not all of the credit can go towards Jerome. But, a good portion of it should indeed be heaped upon the 33 year old running back. Bettis still amazes me, every single time I watch him. I constantly count the guy out...and he proves me wrong time and time again. Hopefully, Jerome can prove me wrong for seven more games.
In short, the Steelers have three weeks to get every fact of their team up up to speed. This past Sunday, Jerome Bettis and Ike Taylor showed (once again) that they are ready for the play-offs. Hopefully, against Minnesota, the rest of the defense will start to gel. Then, the following week, against Cleveland, it will be the offense's turn to come together. And, finally, against Detroit, the Steelers can become familiar with the turf in that Stadium...since they could very well be back there a few short weeks later. In other words, by the time the play-offs arrive, the Steelers should be revving to go...peaking at just the right time...all the way to Detroit.
