Defending the Fortress

Just moments after All Pro linebacker James Harrison impaled the legendary gunslinger, Brett Favre, into the Heinz Field sod to close out an amazing game, I received the welcoming buzz of a text message from my great friend, Jason W. Knox.

"...great defense...all of Wisconsin is grateful...", read J Bone's text, as he and the lovely missus watched the game with extreme anxiety from the latter's family homestead in quaint Burlington, Wisconsin. Truly this game had special meaning for football fans in both the Three Rivers and the Great Lakes regions. In reality, Sunday's epic struggle between the defending World Champion Steelers and the undefeated Minnesota Vikings was the entertainment in households and bars across the country. Forget the NFL's globalizing attempts at selling American football to the Brits in Wembley, on this given Sunday America was tuned into the War on the North Shore, as the black and gold clad kinsmen resisted a siege by the marauding Vikings, led by the greatest general the gridiron would ever know. This matchup suggested a classic battle from the moment it was imprinted on the schedule. And what a battle it was...

For six weeks, Steeler Nation clamoured for the return of "Steeler Football". Ok, when I use this term today, I'm not harping on about the grind it out run game. I'm talking about that big defense that staunchly and brazenly rises to the occasion when the trenches are about to be overrun and changes destiny with that huge play. The "Renegade Defense", as MP has been coveting for six weeks. We got it yesterday, as our defenders resurrected the never-say-die mantra that propelled the 2008 season into the history books.

For those that tuned into to this one in front of a plasma or cashed in the kid's college fund for Stubhub ransom, you saw a dandy. Perhaps it wasn't the Captain Comeback vs. Big Ben gunfight that was originally billed, but this game reminded us all of why we love American football.

For the Steelers, this game may be the one that gets circled in the yearbook. To pull out a gut check victory against an elite team just before the sanctuary of the bye week was big. Actually, it was huge. To escape the first seven games at 5-2, knowing that you are banged up, and not quite playing your best football is energizing at the least. Hopefully, now the bye will bring some health and focus to a team that Coach Tomlin reminds us is on the rise.

GAME BALLS:

Max Starks - You'll be hearing this from numerous sources today. Starks' neutralization of sackmaster Jared Allen reminded us that Mount Max has the skills and power to match up with any great pass rusher. Now, if only his intensity could match his skills...

The Aaron Smith Replacement Committee - Hats off to the trio of Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason, and Ziggy Hood for stepping it up against the world's greatest running back, aka, Adrian Peterson. Images of Fred Taylor gashing the Smith-less run defense probably encroached into a few brains this week, but the DE by committee was outstanding in keeping the workhorse in the paddock.

Mike Wallace/Santonio Holmes - Wallace had the numbers today (and a most impressive endzone flip), but bear in mind that Holmes drew the coverages that allowed Wallace to get the space. Let's not forget Holmes' human highlight film catch and run that was negated soon after by Rashard Mendenhall's carefree redzone blunder.

James Farrior/James Harrison - Neither of the 30's something LBs scored the TDs, but these vets brought fire and fury all day, harassing both Favre and Peterson, and most importantly, reminded everyone in the house who the bully on the block still is. It's almost safe to say that Harrison, with seven sacks in four games, is back to his 2008 form.

#4 - Ok, chide me with comments. As a 40's something guy myself, I spend about eight hours a week in the gym and I now buy herbal supplements to counteract erectile slothfulness. At 40, Favre is still breaking down blitzes and leading his team down the field. At 40, he's doing what some QB's will only remember doing by the time they hit 35, and what most QBs will have only dreamt of doing. I'm not afraid to tip the cap. He still has it. Of course, thanks to guys like Harrison, he can spend a little extra time in the hot tub this week, wondering why he still chooses to do it.