Steelers shut-out Rams 27-0 on Christmas Eve

Even without Big Ben the Steelers (11-4) had little trouble with the St. Louis Rams (2-13), as Pittsburgh pitched its second shut-out of the season at home, winning 27-0.  The Steelers recorded three sacks, one each from Lawrence Timmons, Ziggy Hood, and James "Excessive Awesomeness" Harrison, while also benefiting from two missed field goals by the Rams, including a 33-yarder.

"Fine" this . . .

Charlie Batch was steady in place of Big Ben going 15 of 22 for 208 yards, and the running game was in full swing.  Rashard Mendenhall ran 18 times for 116 yards and a TD.

"He's a maniac, maniac while running . . .
and he's running like he's never run before . . ."

Isaac Redman also scored on the ground for Pittsburgh, as did some guy named John Clay, who was recently signed off of the practice squad.  Shaun Suisham added a pair of field goals, including a 49-yarder, to round-out the Steelers scoring output for the day.

"Don't call me Tim Worley"

Perhaps, the biggest highlight of the day was watching Antonio Brown set the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise record for all purpose yards for a season.  Brown now has 2,048 combined yards for receiving, kick returns and rushing.  Antonio also reached the thousand-yard threshold for receiving yards on the year (1,018) joining Mike Wallace (1,182) as Pittsburgh's other 1,000-yard receiver for 2011.

What can Brown do for you?

Hines Ward, who hasn't played as much of late, had four catches on the day and needs just five more to become only the 8th player in NFL history with 1,000 receptions for his career.  The Steeler Face was somewhat annoyed listening to the national broadcast coverage of the game discuss as a possibility that Ward was playing in his last game at Heinz Field today, and that he may not return to Pittsburgh next year.  That would be a travesty of the highest order.  With absolutely no disrespect to John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, it is this blogger's humble opinion that Hines Ward is THE greatest Steeler receiver of all time, and deserves nothing less than to play his entire career in Pittsburgh. Ward epitomizes what this team and city is all about--hard nosed, workman-like football.  He is an unselfish competitor and does all the little things that are really big things--like BLOCK for his teammates downfield.  His MVP performance in Super Bowl XL speaks volumes about his abilities as a play maker.

"I've been to Disney World, but my
heart is in Pittsburgh"

Okay, I digress.  The Steelers finish out the regular season in Cleveland (4-11) and may still have a little something to play for as the Baltimore Haters (11-4) still need another win to clinch the AFC North Division.  The good news for Pittsburgh is that the Haters will finish out the season in Cincy (9-6), who can claim the final AFC Wild Card with a win (so they will be playing for their playoff lives).  Not that I or anyone else should ever count on the Bungles for anything besides being the Bungles, but it does make next week a LOT more interesting.  A Steeler win at Cleveland and a Baltimore loss in Cincy would equal an AFC North Division title for Pittsburgh, as well as nothing worse than the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, a first round bye, and at least one home playoff game.  That would be HUGE for the Steelers who are 7-1 at home this season and 4-3 on the road.  And, oh, Pittsburgh's quarterback is pretty banged up too--and could sure use the extra recovery time.

Not to get too carried, but Pittsburgh still has a shot at the top seed in the AFC playoffs.  For that to happen (in addition to the aforementioned scenario) the Buffalo Bills (6-9) would need to upset the New England Cheatriots (12-3) in New England next week.  Although, its not likely, still, there is a chance.

Here we go Steelers, here we go!