THE 50-YARD LINE

     Our Pittsburgh Steelers return to the field this week when they travel to Seattle to battle the Seahawks on Sunday. The Steelers should be refreshed following their bye week. It couldn't have come at a better time as players needed to rest, relax and regroup for the playoff run. At 6-4, the Steelers top Wild Card spot in the AFC but Kansas City and Buffalo are both hot on their heals to make the postseason.

      QB Ben Roethlisberger had an extra week to heal his injuries and should be ready to rock as the team chases it's 7th Lombardi Trophy. WR Anotonio Brown is putting up record numbers again this season. RB DeAngelo Williams is turning out to the the steal of the offseason as he has filled in admirably for injured RB Le'Veon Bell. TE Heath Miller continues to be solid in both the running and passing game. The offensive line has overcome season-ending injuries to both C Maurkice Pouncey and LT Kelvin Beachum. OL Coach Mike Munchak has this unit dominating the line of scrimmage.

       The defense is performing well beyond expectations. Thus far, they've intercepted opponents 9 times and forced 9 fumbles. Their turnover differential is at +5. They've also recorded 28 sacks. Sure these number aren't of record-breaking porportions but when you consider the degree of difficulty they had the last few years with turnovers and sacks, this is a vast improvement. They have some good, strong players leading the way in LB Lawrence Timmons, DE Cam Hayward, DE Stephon Tuitt. These players harken back to the days of Jack Lambert, Mean Joe Greene and LC Greenwood. And the secondary has found their forte as a hard-charging, smackdown-laying group led by S Mike Mitchell.

      The Steelers have only won once in Seattle, October 23, 1983. The schedule looks relatively light with 6 games remaining. They face only 2 teams over .500. The Steelers need to keep on keepin' on and stack those Ws. After this week's game, the schedule closes out with all AFC teams, including 3 more in the division. Time to get back to work and carve up the Seahawks. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!