Do not take that the wrong way: what New England's defense did to Indianapolis was amazing...but Pittsburgh's defense played just as well. Yet, nobody recognizes that; what they notice is the 17 points on the scoreboard.
Of course, 14 points scored on special teams and interception returns is part of the game, and can not be ignored. But at the same time, it is also not the defense's fault. Furthermore, overcoming two interceptions, a punt return for a touchdown, and a fumble (yes, Bettis actually fumbled) is difficult to overcome in the regular season, let alone in the play-offs. Yet, the Steelers did just so...despite giving the Jets two touchdowns.
Since we are on the topic of easy points, did anyone notice that Keydrick Vincent was the only person who seemed to be trying to tackle Reggie Tongue after the first interception? Where was everyone else!?! If the Steelers had indeed tackled Tongue, New York showed little ability on offense to move the ball. Hence, the Jets would likely have punted...and that interception would have been merely a "7 point missed opportunity" rather than a "14 point swing." My brain hurts just thinking about it.
At first, I faulted Ben for the interception, because Randle El was open towards the end-zone. Then, I switched my position, and decided that Randle El broke the wrong way (i.e. he should have come back to his scrambling quarterback). After thinking about it, I have come to the conclusion that they are simply two young players who were not on the same page...and, Tongue made a nice play on the ball. My advice for Ben is exactly what Cowher told him after the interception: next time just run for five yards.
On his second interception, Ben compensated for under-throwing his first interception (to Randle El) by over-throwing a pass to Plaxico Burress. Still, as bad as those passes were, I feel that Ben's interceptions were a result of him being a rookie...playing in his first play-off game...with an injured thumb...against a very good defense.
I chalk this game up as a learning experience. Usually those types of learning experiences are accompanied with a loss. The best part is that Ben learned, experienced the playoffs, and STILL gets to continue playing.
By the way, I have noticed a trend. In recent playoff history, the Steelers' quarterbacks have a few great games...and then one horrendous game. Think about Kordell in 1997 and 2001. Or, the quarterback who wore #14 (who I refuse to refer to by name) in Super Bowl XXX. Thankfully, Ben got his "bad" game out of the way.
As poorly as Ben played (and he indeed played poorly), I do not blame him for nearly losing the game. The onus is on Cowher and Whisenhunt for asking a rookie to carry the game on his shoulders. While the Steelers ran the ball for 193 yards (against the fifth best defense in the league), the difference is that they also asked Roethlisberger to throw 30 times.
Speaking of which, Cowher has a tendency to out-coach himself by changing schemes in the playoffs. For example, versus the Jets, the Steelers shied away from their usual game plan (i.e. running the ball) for the first part of the game. Fortunately, the coaches rectified that mistake in the fourth quarter and in overtime...which gives me hope.
Truthfully, I see this Steelers-Jets game, specifically the over-time period, as a reminder for Cowher to get back to doing what his offense does best: run the ball. I have said it all year, and I am not going to change now; the Steelers' game-plan for success against any team, the Patriots included, is: Run the ball. Stop the run. Win.
Do I understand why the Patriots are the favorites? Absolutely. Do I think that the Patriots will dominate the Steelers? Not in the least.
I am not even going to give myself an aneurism trying convince anybody of anything any different. Let them jump off the Steelers' bandwagon. It was too crowded anyway. The only people left will be the true Steelers fans...and we would not have it any other way.
