Can I Breath Now?

I may or may not have mentioned this, but I'm a huge Steelers fan. Always have been - growing up in Pittsburgh in the 70's has something to do with it, I'm sure. Anyway, since 1980, the team has really done nothing but break my heart. There's always something that keeps them from getting to the big game or (in 1995) winning the big game. It's usually that they are just good enough to not win. They only win enough to ruin any chances for a good draft pick. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride as they say. So as a Steelers' fan, you develop a sense of self-preservation and brace yourself for the game you are sure they can't win. For me, it was yesterday's game at Indy. Oh sure, anything can happen, but our pass defense had been so porous, and, well, the most I was hoping for was a close game.

Then, BAM! 14-0 and Manning can't complete a pass to save his life. Do my eyes deceive me? Can this be? Ah, but here comes Manning near the end of the half - surely he's going to cut the lead in half. And with the Colts getting the ball first in the second half ... well, it was nice while it lasted. But wait, the Colts are held to 3 points. Whoa, dodged a bullet that time. Maybe the Steelers can hang with them.

Second half - waiting for the inevitable Colts offensive explosion. But wait, the Steelers are now up 21-3. How can that be? I mean, yeah, I love my team, but come on. These are the Colts they are playing, everybody's appointed SuperBowl champ.

Fourth quarter and if you thought things were strange, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Steelers go for it on 4th and 1, not once, but twice. And make it twice. Despite the Refs "do-over" on the offsides/encroachment/illegal motion (don't know what should have been called, but something should have been). And then Troy intercepts Manning. Woo doggies, game over, right? Right? HOW ON G-D'S GREEN EARTH CAN THEY REVERSE THAT CALL??!?!?!?!?!?? We are so screwed. But wait, Manning's sacked at the 2 on a 4th and 16. That has GOT to be game, right? Right? Bettis fumbles? HUH? WHA? The man never fumbles. WHY? WHY? WHY? Thank heavens for Ben's tackle - at least they have a chance (however slim). Guess I should have been happy the Steelers stuck with them this long. WIDE RIGHT!!!! Vanderjagt is wide right! Oh my heavens, they just did it. They won the game. I'm stunned.

Of course, now I'm worried they've spent all of their emotion on this game and will come out flat against the Broncos. They can't win that game, can they? Someone pass the Maalox.