A Black and Gold Christmas

As we open our gifts, drink our egg nog, and endure our insufferable in-laws and extended families, our beloved Men of Steel gear up for the "meaningless" season finale. Although this should be a week of love, peace, happiness, and joy, I realize that a few of us towel twirlers have some residual saltiness towards all things black and gold after the Titan-ic debacle last Sunday.

I thought I'd focus this article on reminding us all of what a true gift this season has been (thus far), and what true blessings our teams have bestowed upon us (usually).

• By notching win # 11 in Baltimore, the Steelers have ensured themselves of their 5th division title in the last 8 years, and a record of 10-5-1 or better for an astonishing 9th time in the last 17 seasons.
• 10 wins or better in 11 of those same 17 seasons, 14 seasons .500 or better.
• 12 post season appearances during those 17 years.
• 6 AFC championship berths from 1992-2005, with this season as a potential 7th.

Although it seemed like a slight when the team only garnered three Pro Bowl nods, I think it speaks volumes of the depth of this roster. Nothing should underscore the stellar seasons of Harrison, Polamalu, and Farrior, but the subtitle on this story was "Depth". The continual yeoman effort of veterans Taylor, Smith, Hampton, Ward, Miller, Clark, and Keisel, the emergence of Woodley, and the development of Gay, Holmes, and Timmons are the stories behind the story. Maybe the true MVPs on this team are suit and tie guys Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan.

The Ben for MVP clamor by A Dawg and MP will unfortunately fall upon death ears,...but it carries serious credence. In short, the Rooney family gave His Largeness the keys to the city with a bag full of monopoly moolah, and he embraced his obligations the way a champion and a captain should. To play hurt (and win), behind an average line, with an underachieving corps of receivers, and a stable of runners that is anything but stable, tells you about the leadership and skills of #7 and the unity of his team behind him.

Last, and certainly not least, we must consider the impact of second year head coach, Michael Tomlin. Despite being the youngest head coach of any team found in the four major American sports leagues, Mr. Tomlin has displayed aged savvy while serving as the solidifying force worthy of comparisons to his great predecessors, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. Although Bernie Mac won't be bringing home a Coach of the Year trophy in February, he has now run his mark to 21-10 in regular season play, tops amongst active coaches. His efforts while skippering his vessel through choppy waters this year should not go unnoticed...but they will.

Perhaps I should have posted this article on Thanksgiving, as a composition of how much Steeler Nation should truly be thankful for. This weekend, a good fifteen or so NFL cities can worry about anything other than football, while another dozen cities can desperately cling to their mathematical chances. The Black and Golders are once again in that small fraternity of fans that can enjoy their holiday without any worries as they look ahead to January with high hopes. Thank you Santa for giving us such an incredible and durable present...The Pittsburgh Steelers.