Note: The Steeler Face apologizes for the delay in posting the game recap, as he was traveling and did not have reliable Internet access. Accordingly, it is short.
A lot can happen in a weekend. The KC Chefs ended the Packers run for a perfect season. And by virtue of losses by the Jets, Houston, Denver, and Oakland on Sunday, the Steelers clinched at least a wild card playoff birth. Better yet, after the Baltimore Haters lost 34-14 on Sunday night, Pittsburgh controlled its own fate -- win its last three games and claim the top seed in the AFC playoffs. However, the Steelers' 20-3 loss in S.F. on Monday night significantly dimmed Pittsburgh's hope of winning the North Division, and taking the top seed in the AFC, while also ceding control of its position in the postseason. That's the difference between playing two games at home to go to the Super Bowl, or having to play three on the road to get there.
Big Ben, who is suffering from a litany of physical ailments (not least of which is a high ankle sprain and broken thumb on his throwing hand) made a gallant effort to play in this game. Roethlisberger passed for over 300 yards, but also threw 3 ghastly interceptions, and lost a fumble. You have to admire this man's commitment to his team, but Big Ben looked like he belonged in a hospital ward, rather than a football field. And after S.F. went ahead 20-3 late in the fourth quarter, you have to wonder why in the wide world of sports was Big Ben allowed to go back on the field. Roethlisberger had been dropped numerous times and was clearly suffering from the ill effects of his innumerable injuries. Reports suggest that Big Ben insisted on staying in the game. Well, sorry, but this is the type of decision that coaches get paid to make and Mike Tomlin should have insisted that Roethlisberger sit down--and live to fight another day.
The Steeler Face hopes that Tomlin will heed this advice with Pittsburgh's two remaining games: rest Big Ben for the playoff run, rather than risk further injury to our QB that would kill our playoff chances.
The Steelers (10-4) are back in action on Christmas Eve as they will take on the 2-12 St. Louis Rams.
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