After the Steelers thorough emasculation of the Baltimore Browns last Monday night I officially became excited about this year's edition of the Black'n Gold. I admitted as much to my Dad that week over the phone but he seemed reluctant to display anywhere near the same level of enthusiasm. I was all "bring on the Patriots" (Dec 9th) and he was all "let's not get ahead of ourselves." Of course, in his sagelike wisdom, he was right to take that approach.
We've been hurt before and just about any true sports fan will tell you that winning as the underdog is always more satisfying than beating the teams you're expected to beat. Thus adopting a general philosophy wherein, if the outcome is out of your hands (and let's face it, from Baltimore I have very little influence over the outcome of Steelers games... no matter how superstitious I may be) it's better to set the expectations low. I know, I know, it's a pessimistic view but think about it... only ONE team can win the Super Bowl every year.
Now that the Steelers essentially dominated the resurgent CLEVELAND Browns for 3.5 quarters in all aspects except special teams (seriously, special teams sucks out loud right now), I'm a little more excited than I was last week and I want to explain what that excitement actually means.
I'm excited about the potential this team has. I honestly believe they are a better team than the rest of the country gives them credit for. They have two questionable losses but when you win enough games, every loss becomes questionable. And despite the Patriots' quacktastic start, there is still only one team in the Super Bowl era that has made it through an entire season without a loss.
I'm looking forward to the game against the Patriots because I believe the Steelers have a very good chance to go to Foxboro and put the league on notice (if it hasn't already taken notice). I like that noone is giving them a chance to win the AFC. Everyone picked them to finish third in the AFC North before the season started and now all those people have reversed field and are saying they pretty much have the division in a choke hold.
Take notice, Steeler Nation... I think it's OK to start getting excited about this team's chances.
1 comment:
Given that the Colts also have 2 losses at this point AND they have several key injuries, the Steelers have a pretty good shot of having the 2nd best record in the AFC. That would mean a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs and then a home game. Stay healthy Steelers you may be able to make another run for the S bowl.
newth3
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