Bengals D The Difference
Bengals knocked the Steelers out of post season with a 13-10 win. The win puts Cincinnati in the AFC playoffs marking the first time in 30 years the Bengals reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
One of the key differences was the Cincinnati defense. Once again, for the second straight game, Roethlisber was picked off with little time remaining. The Bengals defense came through on some key plays. Their front four sacked Ben four times, all at critical times in the game. The Steelers also had three turnovers.
The stats for the Bengals were pathetic picking up only 14 rushing yards while turning the ball over three times.
The two bright spots for the Steelers were Antonio Brown's 60 yard touchdown, and Troy Polamalu's defense. Troy looked like Polamalu of old breaking up one pass and a beautifully timed blitz in the second quarter to sack Dalton.
Steelers final game is at home against Cleveland next week at 1 p.m.
Needless to say, coach Mike Tomlin will need to do some serious soul searching before the beginning of the 2013 season. The Pittsburgh Steeelers Report will be there to keep our readers of news in the off season.
The Immaculate Reception
There's another bright spot but not having anything to do with this dismal season. Forty years ago today on Dec. 23, 1972, one of the greatest plays in Steeler history took place---The Immaculate Reception. Many observers also consider it the greatest play of all time in any sport.
There continues to be some controversy regarding the play to this day. But we do know this. The Oakland Raiders were leading the Steelers 7-6 with 22 seconds left. As Bradshaw's pass spiraled toward John "Frenchy" Fuqua, Oakland's defensive back, Jack Tatum, collided with Fugua causing the ball to ricochet to Franco Harris who took the deflected pass for a touchdown.
Of course, among Steeler fans, there is no debate. The play is what it was...an immaculate reception. It was also the beginning of a dynasty, one that still has not match to this day---Six Time Super Bowl champions.
