The Demo Site

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line exhibited superb cohesion Monday night in protecting their QB Ben Roethlisberger, while facing a stout Denver Bronco defense at Mile High. Defenses giving Big Ben that amount of time to throw to receivers Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and tight end Heath Miller is the equivalent of drinking a glass of paint thinner over Dom Perignon. Throw in some gaping holes the size of the ones the 1990’s Cowboys O-line would open for Emmitt Smith for the youthful legs of Rashard Mendenhall and it is going to be a long night for any defensive coordinator. A primitive example of the old saying, “the game is won in the trenches.” A line that is applicable against the evolution of the game.

Witnessing the second half adjustments the Steelers defense executed is the development of a championship caliber defense in every facet. Great in the adjustments, the coaches concocted down to the beautiful textbook execution by the players. Further, it is a testament to the scouting department in enabling the player personnel department to bring in players that are compatible with the coaches’ schemes. Troy Polamalu exemplifies such. There has never been a better safety to have graced an NFL field. Polamalu is capable of changing the momentum of a game on any one single play. Plainly put he is a menace to opposing offenses. Quarterbacks and potential blockers have to be aware of him at all times. The Steelers defense was lacking his threatening presence in his absence. Throw him back into the mix and there isn’t a more lethal defense in the NFL. Defense wins championships.

That intriguing juncture has arrived in the course of the NFL season in week 10 when some teams that came out of the gate on fire have had their flames extinguished. While other teams that were chastised by their home fans for being a disappointment, have discovered a spark of hope in the last few weeks in priming themselves for a potential run.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should be considered the most well balanced team in the NFL heading into week 10. Stay tuned NFL fans stay tuned.