THE BLACK AND GOLD POST

As we embark on the second half of this 2002 season (has it been that long already?), the souls of Steelers fans near and far are resting a little easier. After a 1-3 start, the Mighty Black 'n Gold have seemingly righted their wrongs and appeared headed towards winning the inaugural AFC North Division title.

Many will point to this year's NFL feel-good story, Tommy Maddox as the reason for this turnaround. While Maddox has certainly ignited an offense that has become a formidable threat whether it be on the ground or in the air, it's noteworthy to point out that this is a TEAM game and there are many components that make up that team.

Tommy Maddox was not responsible for a defense that made Tom Brady and Rich Gannon look like Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas rolled into one. Tommy Maddox was not responsible for an opponent's third down conversion rate that looked more like a Raven fan's illiteracy rate than a Steelers defensive statistic. There was much more wrong with this team than the play at the quarterback position. This is a team game and that team includes both players and coaches. You must also factor in that there are 13 other teams on our schedule that are looking to do the same thing to us as we are: WIN.

While Touchdown Tommy deserves a lot of credit for what he has done, I will also tip my cap off to Coach Cowher and his staff for making the necessary adjustments to put our team in a position to win. I tip my cap to Kendrell Bell for coming back from his high ankle sprains and bringing back the cohesiveness the defensive unit was lacking. I tip my cap to Casey Hampton for quietly having an All-Pro year and stuffing the middle of the line and anchoring a tough run-stop defense. I tip my cap to Aaron Smith and Jason Gildon for continually taking on double teams so teammates like James Farrior and Joey Porter can roam from sideline to sideline and make plays.

I tip my cap to Amos Zereoue for stepping up in the face of injuries to The Bus and Fu and carrying the running game almost squarely on his shoulders. I tip my cap to Hines Ward for catching damn near anything thrown even remotely in his general direction and keeping the boyish smile on his face that has to drive the opposition crazy. I tip my cap to backup center Chukky Okobi for stepping in for an injured Jeff Hartings and playing like a well seasoned veteran.

Too many Pittsburgh Steelers have done what's needed to be done this year in order to take us where we are today. This is a special team. They have fought back from diversity, injury and public scrutiny to put themselves in a position to move ahead. There's still a lot of 'ball to be played but hopefully, once is all said and done, the cap I will tip will be emblazoned with "Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XXXVII Champions".

Return to the BLACK AND GOLD POST TABLE OF CONTENTS