cynicschism

       The Pittsburgh Steelers came out winners of the AFC Championship game on Sunday night, beating the Baltimore Ravens 23-14.  Like their two regular season games, this one was a close defensive match with the score close until the last few minutes of the game.  With a little over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Steelers leading by only two points,16-14, the Ravens looked like they might drive down the field and take the lead. That’s when the Pittsburgh D stepped up, like it has done all season long, and made a defensive touchdown.  Troy Palamalu intercepted Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco’s pass and ran it back forty yards for a touchdown, making the score 23-14 after the PA, with four minutes left.  The Ravens had another shot at a score, but Flacco threw another interception and that was it-the Steelers ran the clock out and won the AFC Championship.

       For all the threats and trash-talking prior to the game, there didn’t seem to be much fighting on the field, just the usual back and forth of any game.  The biggest hit delivered was the one on Willis McGahee by Brian Clark in the fourth quarter.  McGahee was to be taken off the field on a stretcher, suffering from neck problems.  Everybody hopes the injury will be minor and that he will be back playing next season.  No one wants to see this happen to any player.  Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco, who had looked so good in the first two playoff games had problems when he ran up against the Steelers’ defense.  They kept him contained and forced three interceptions.  Flacco’s rookie inexperience finally showed.  Even the Ravens’ two touchdowns were set up by Steelers’ penalties. 

       Ben Roethlisberger played much as he did lst week against San Diego. He had good protection and was careful in his passing.  He showed amazing ability to scramble out of the pocket and still make accurate throws.  Again, he helped himself by not throwing a single interception. All in all, Big Ben, though his numbers were not that impressive, turned in a good, solid performance.  Willie Parker, who ran for 146 yards last week against the Chargers, did not do very well against the Ravens, running for only 50 yards or so.  The Ravens’ have a good run defense, and Willie did little more than keep the Baltimore defense honest.  Against a less solid D, Willie might put up much better numbers.

       The Steelers also lifted the curse of playing at home in the AFC Championship game.  They have not done well at home in that game, losing twice to New England in the early 2000’s.  But this time they won, also proving they can beat a team three times in one season. 

       While the game was a great defensive matchup, there was a lot less vitriol displayed on the field than the buildup might have led one to expect, which is just as well.  Two great defenses met, and the better one won. It will be time to look at the Super Bowl matchup a little later.  It is still two weeks away.  Now is the time to celebrate the Steelers’ championship victory and raise a glass to the men in the black and gold.  Go Steelers.