Steelers get costly, yet meaningless win at Cleveland

A Steeler win and a Bungles victory at home against the Baltimore Haters would give the AFC North Division title to Pittsburgh; but, as you heard it here first on the Steeler Face: You can't count on the Bungles to be anything except the Bungles--so rest up for a road Wild Card game.  However, that advice was unheeded by Steelers Coach Tomlin.  All the starters started for Pittsburgh and the Steelers won 13-9 over the hapless Brownie Elves to finish the season 12-4, and the Bungles lost 24-16 at home.  What did the win cost Pittsburgh?  Running back Rashard Mendenhall is likely lost for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. Mendenhall finished the regular season with 928 rushing yards.

Isaac Redman ran 19 times for 92 yards and a touchdown in relief, but his two fourth quarter fumbles nearly cost the Steelers the win.  Despite the otherwise solid showing by Redman, the two fumbles were likely the reason why Redman was replaced by John Clay (who was signed off the practice squad just a week ago) late in the game.

Redzone Redman (not fumbling)

This was an ugly game most of the way, as the Steelers fell behind 6-0 and trailed 6-3 at the half.  Pittsburgh was able to move the ball with some regularity, but its drives often stalled before reaching the end zone.  With a 6-6 tie in the third quarter, Troy Polamalu's interception gave the Steelers a gift possession at Cleveland's 43 yard line, which set up Redman's 7 yard touchdown run to put Pittsburgh ahead 13-6, as they held on to win 13-9.

Remember me?

Hines Ward did get his 1,000th career reception (albeit on a shovel pass that lost 3 yards).  The Steeler Face firmly appreciates the emergence of Antonio Brown, but is still  having a hard time understanding the sparing use of Hines Ward.  His few targets in this game looked more like charity than a regular part of the game plan.

Look familiar?

Antonio Brown continued to impress with clutch receptions, and by game's end became the first player in NFL history to tally 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 return yards in a single season.  Brown has already set a Steeler franchise record for 2,000+ all purpose yards in a single season, was named team MVP for the 2011-12 season, and made the Pro Bowl.

Yes.

Big Ben passed for over 4,000 yards in a season (again), not that he's an elite quarterback or anything -- you know like Tony Romo or Joe Flacco.

Not MVP, nor elite.  Just a winner (and immortal)

The Steeler Face's basement TV is now 6-0 on the season, where I promise to watch next week's Wild Card game as Pittsburgh (12-4) will travel to Denver (8-8).  A full playoff preview is forthcoming on the Steeler Face.  The playoffs start next weekend.  Here we go Steelers!  Here we go!