Third Time Could Be a Charm

Opening day, September 9^th, 2002 was the last time the Steelers played at Foxboro. As 2001 Super Bowl champs, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30-16. December 30, 2001, QB Jon Kitna and the Cincinnati Bengals exposed the Steeler secondary and defeating the Steelers 26-23 and left a gaping hole for attack by not only New England but the Oakland Raiders as well. That was then…this is now.

With 6 turnovers, 2 INTs for Big Ben and 4 fumbles by Willie Parker (although he was charged with 2), the Steelers defeated the Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10. Being plagued with penalties all season and the last thing the Steelers need is to give this very important game to New England.

Dec 13, 1997, was the last time the Steelers defeated the Patriots in their home field. Oct 31, 2004, the Steelers snuffed out the Patriots hopes of a perfect season and 21game winning streak with a crushing defeat 31-20 at Heinz Field. It has been two years since these teams have met and everything is on the line for Sunday afternoon’s game in Foxboro. It took 10 years for the Steelers to get to another Super Bowl, will this be a sign that it takes 10 years to defeat the Patriots in their home field. The 12-0 Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 in a fist- clinging game Monday night. It is the second time in a row the Patriots got a win by the skin of their teeth. Could a third time be the charm?

The Steeler D who slept during the Bengals opening drive on Sunday afternoon, stepped up their game to hold the Bengals to 3 points the rest of the game. The offensive line stepped up their game to keep Ben clean and provided a patent pocket for him to work his magic with Hines Ward (franchise leading receiver). On the downside - the running game and the fumbles. SNF Commentator John Madden did bring up a good point about Willie wearing those rubber arm bands in the rain. I question that too. Rubber is slick in the rain and snow- why wear them?

(Remember the controversy over Big Ben and the gloves in bad weather.)

RB Najeh Davenport has a bad foot. It seems he hurt it over the weekend on the elliptical machine putting the running back situation in a precarious position. Currently Carey Davis is subbing for injured fullback Dan Kreider who is on injured reserves and out for the season, leaving Gary Russell who has not had much playing time.

The Steelers have not done well on the road this season. Two of the three losses were to AFC teams that they should have won (Denver and the Jets). Could this also mean that a third attempt is a charm?

A win against New England and a Titan loss will help the Steelers clinch a playoff berth. Let’s get it done Steelers. There is no love loss between these two teams. Let’s Go Steelers.