THE 50-YARD LINE

     Here ye, here ye! They have declared a victor of the AFC North and it is our Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, with yesterday's 31-27, nail-biting win over the Baltimorons, the Steelers win the division and have clinched the #3 seed in the AFC. Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold looks at The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from yesterday's game.


GOOD

For sure the "good" is the fact that our Favorite Black-N-Gold Football Team clinched the division title yesterday against their long-time rival, the Baltimorons. And did it in dramatic fashion, on home turf, to end their 4-game losing streak against the Baltimorons to win their 6th straight game. But it was the manner in which they did it, that was really good.

Give WR Antonio Brown a game ball for the way he stretched and contorted his body to get the ball over the plain of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. The entire drive was impressive as QB Ben Roethlisberger drove the Steelers from their own 25 with less than 2 minutes to in regulation while the team was down 27-24, going to not only his playmakers, AB and RB Le'Veon Bell, throughout the game but some of the lesser-known players as well. It's important to keep everyone engaged and focused during the course of the game that way when they're number is called at gut-check time, they're ready to roll. 

BAD

Yes, Big Ben did have a big game, going 24 of 33 for 279 yards, 3 TDs and a QB rating of 103.0. But it wasn't all sunshine and unicorns for #7. Two picks will do that 2 you, especially when they put points on the board for your opponent. Ben has always had a habit of throwing interceptions but it's a habit he needs to kick if the Steelers hope to go far in these NFL playoffs, 'cause throwing INTs is B-A-D. 

UGLY

Is Mrs. Black-N-Gold the only one that is concerned that the Steelers defense surrendered 27 points to the Baltimorons? Because if they do that in the playoffs, it will get real ugly, real quick. True, the defensive line was thin thanks to the injury to DL Stephon Tuitt. Hopefully, #91 can return for the postseason at 100%. Still, there were missed tackles and missed opportunities. You can't expect to get away with that come playoff time. Tighten up that D, please. 

Like Mrs. Black-N-Gold said earlier, the Steelers are Kings of the North with a record of 10-5. With the loss, the Baltimorons fall to 8-7 and no chance of the playoffs. Cincy Bungled their way to another loss on Saturday night to drop to 5-9-1. And, what do you know, a Christmas miracle occurred on Saturday when the Clowns won their first game of the season to go to 1-14. 

Next week, on New Year's Day, the Steelers close out the regular season when they clash with the Clowns for a 1pm kickoff at Heinz Field. Coach Mike Tomlin is expected to sit many of his starters to get them rested and healthy for the playoff run. As of now, we don't know who the Steelers will face, only that they'll play either January 7 or 8. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will let you know what's up when it's announced. Until then, you're AFC North Champs but don't settle for that. "Super Bowl Champs" sounds much better. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!