If there were any doubt as to the improved quality of play of the Steelers offensive line, I suggest you contrast the performance of the Steelers against the Vikings pass rush, and that of the Green Bay Packers against that same D-line in two games.  Jared Allen has earned a spot in the Pro Bowl purely by his domination against Green Bay (7 sacks), and today their QB has two knee sprains.  By contrast, Max Starks neutralized Allen at Heinz Field.  Yes, the Vikings got some sacks on #7, but he was not harrassed and hurried on nearly every play, running for his life as it appeared Rodgers of GB was doing on most snaps Sunday.  Another big test comes this week against Denver and their pass rush.  They got pushed around late against the Ravens, but the defense was very impressive early in that game, as they've been all year.  Let's hope any new wrinkles installed after the bye week work and help bring home a high altitude W.  Go Steelers!

Bumped from the Fanposts. Great stuff from a new member here at BTSC. Quite a first post. Keep it coming guys and gals! -Blitz- (Michael B.)

***********

As we head into the relative quiet in the football world that preceeds training camp, I was reflecting back on some of my favorite moments of the Steelers championship run last season.  I found there were a number of big moments to really stamp the season and team as something special.  The Steelers rarely looked perfect against the daunting schedule they faced, but they almost always rose to the challenge when the game was on the line.  After the jump, see if you agree with some of the big, defining moments of the Steelers 2008-09 season.  I considered everything up to but not including the Super Bowl, which is in a class all by itself. 

Continue reading this post »