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Steelers ready for postseason
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo
In this Nov. 28, 2010, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers' defender Troy Polamalu (43) breaks up a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Steelers were reminded again what they were missing when Polamalu was injured for most of the season. Against Buffalo, his instinctive play preserved their chances of winning their division.
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t secure the AFC North title and a playoff bye by beating Atlanta in their season opener. Or by winning their next two games at Tennessee and Tampa Bay with their No. 3 and 4 quarterbacks.
What’s telling is their season didn’t fall apart then, either.
The Steelers supposedly were in disarray after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger drew a four-game suspension for his misbehavior and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP two seasons ago, forced a trade to New York with his off-field problems. There were predictions the Steelers would be 0-4 or 1-3 by the time Roethlisberger returned, and that Baltimore might have the division title secured by then.
“What we had happen to this team in the beginning, that probably would have brought another team down,” defensive captain James Farrior said. “But we didn’t pay too much attention to what everybody thought we’d be like during those games. We had too much to think about other than that.”
The Steelers, one of the NFL’s most experienced teams and one familiar with adversity, turned such talk into equal parts motivation and inspiration.
It didn’t matter when backup quarterback Byron Leftwich was injured in the final preseason game, or that No. 3 QB Dennis Dixon was hurt early in the Tennessee game, one week after he steered the Steelers past Atlanta in overtime. No. 4 QB Charlie Batch, who had thrown just 18 passes since 2006, beat the Titans and Bucs and came within a last-minute drive of beating the Ravens.
Being able to win despite going so far down their depth chart — few teams keep four quarterbacks except during camp — didn’t make the Steelers’ season, but it might have saved it. They went 3-1 during each quarter of the season and, with a 12-4 record and the No. 2 seeding in the AFC, they’re in the same position they were when they won the Super Bowl during the 2008 season.
“I think the situation we went through early on really built up our character, because we realized that we can win even without one of our main guys in there,” Farrior said. “I also think it brought us closer as a team. There’s no doubt that those first four games really helped us out. Everybody took it upon themselves to step up during those games to make sure we were in a good place when he [Roethlisberger] came back.”
Batch was expected to be cut before the season, only to become a valuable fill-in. Flozell Adams, picked up the day before training camp began, stabilized the offensive line at right tackle after Willie Colon was injured. The defense didn’t crumble when end Aaron Smith missed most of the season with a triceps injury.
The multiple fines given Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison for his dangerous hits also didn’t become a major distraction. Mike Wallace replaced Holmes in the lineup and had seven 100-yard receiving games.
“All the adversity we’ve had to deal with, it’s been a great team effort by all the players and the coaching staff,” safety Troy Polamalu said.
The Patriots (14-2) are favored to reach the Super Bowl, partly because of a 39-26 dismantling of the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Nov. 14. If both win their divisional round games next weekend Pittsburgh would play at New England for the AFC title on Jan. 23.
“If we get to that point, we’ll see what happens,” cornerback Ike Taylor said. “I’m sure everybody feels like they have a Super Bowl-contending team, or they wouldn’t be in the playoffs. If we get there, let the best man win.”