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Originally Posted by 53Fan
True, and if the defense had not scored they would of had to drive for 2 scores to win. Pittsburgh had the best defense in the league, how is it we take that out of the equation in the SB? While playing well in the playoffs, the Cardinals "D" was nowhere near as good as Pittsburgh's. With Pittsburgh's defense the Lions would have probably made the playoffs. Anyone who doesn't think Pittsburgh's defense was the biggest factor in their making the playoffs and winning the SB is just trying to make their point, facts be damned. Pittsburgh gets in the backfield, just like the SB winning Giants the year before. Ask Brady what pressure can do.
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Brady was turned into a mortal, but he still managed to drive his team down the field for the go ahead score late in the 4th quaeter. Despite the Giants pass rush, it took one of the most miraculous plays of all time to beat the Pats. The defense gave the offense a chance, but it was up to the offense to do something with it.
Anyway, nobody can argue that the Steelers D wasn't the main reason for their success, but their offense proved plenty capable and made big plays on a regular basis. Remember, Big Ben was sacked more than JC and they played with their 3rd string RB for much of the season, and he (Melwelde Moore) racked up several 100 yard games. And when we played them, Byron Leftwich came in and lit us up. Imagine what would have happened if we had to play with our second string QB and third string RB. Many give JC and the offense a pass, because of the poor O line play and the lack of a true #1 WR. The Steelers didn't make any excuses. They won with starters, they won with back-ups.
Even though the 0-16 Lions scored more points than the Skins, it's far-fetched to say they would have made the playoffs with the Steelers defense. You have to give credit where credit is due. The Steelers have a great organization, much like the Skins had in the 80s and early 90s. Didn't matter who we had at the skill positions (Ricky Ervins, Gerald Riggs, Ricky Sanders, several different QBs, etc.). We still kept on winning. That's the kind of program I hope to see us build again once day. I think/hope we're on the right track