http://www.sbnation.com/users/il_steeler_fan Posts made by il_steeler_fan on SB Nation http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/1/22/731806/loss-to-titans-paved-road il_steeler_fan Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:46:29 -0000 <p>What appeared on the surface to be a crushing defeat at the hands of the AFC's season-long clubhouse leader, ruining the chance at the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs, may have been the twist of fate that propelled the Pittsburgh Steelers into their seventh Super Bowl.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the time, Steelers Nation longed for a statement that our guys were on the same level as a Titans team that had been widely regarded as the AFC's best team since their hot start, and subsequent early clinching of a competitive AFC South.&nbsp; The Steelers, as we all know, had excelled in the face of a brutal schedule, but were still searching for an offensive identity.&nbsp; The team overall looked flat and somewhat uninspired in a 31-14 drubbing that left more question marks than answers in the hearts and minds of the Steelers faithful, and I am sure many players and coaches.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>But let us examine what could have happened had the outcome of that game been in favor of the Steelers.&nbsp; First off, instead of playing the Chargers in round one, they would have traveled to Nashville, and our epic battle with the hated Ravens would have been moved up a week.&nbsp; Assuming the Steelers prevail in the same fashion as they did Sunday, we would have been left with a somewhat beat up team having to travel to Nashville to take on a Titans team who would have likely cruised to a much less physical victory over the pretender Chargers. Ouch.</p> <p>Could this team have perservered and knocked out Tennessee?&nbsp; Perhaps, but I know I would not have had the confidence that I had going into the Ravens game, where I just really had no doubt the Steelers would prevail.&nbsp; Additionally, the physical toll of playing Baltimore and Tennessee in consecutive weeks could have hampered the team in it's quest for the ultimate prize, Super Bowl ring number six.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So Tennessee did indeed win the battle on December 21, but the Steelers are now poised to win the war, and I would like to thank the Titans for their assistance.</p>