THE 50-YARD LINE

     It had to go to overtime but our Pittsburgh Steelers were able to run their winning streak to 7 games yesterday, clipping the Clowns 27-24 to end the regular season. It wasn't pretty. It was pretty bad. It was pretty ugly. We'll get to that later because it's time for Mrs. Black-N-Gold to bring you The Good, The Bad and the Ugly from yesterday's victory

GOOD

In a meaningless game, our Favorite Black-N-Gold Football kept their winning streak alive while beating the WORST team in the league. Yes, Black-N-Gold Nation pushed the panic button when it look like the Clowns were going to get their 2nd win of the season. But is this a hollow victory for the Steelers? Did the win come at a cost? 

BAD

Both teams share the blame when it comes to being bad. For the Steelers, it was plain to see why some of yesterday's starters are, typically, bench-warmers. For the Clowns it always came down to the fact that they're still Cleveland. Sure, the Cavaliers and Indians wiped away most of that stigma with their most recent runs, but the Clowns look like they're destined to always be The Clowns. 

UGLY

There was enough ugliness to go around yesterday, too. Ineffectiveness and mental miscues made it look like no one wanted to win this contest. But there was even something uglier than that. 

2 more members of the defensive line left yesterday's game. Rookie DL Javon Hargrave left under the concussion protocol and practice squad pick up DL Johnny Maxey exited with an ankle injury. You can't rest every player in a "meaningless" game. Someone's GOT to play. Still, the Steelers lack of D-Line depth may have finally caught up to them. On top of that, Coach Mike Tomlin played some of his regulars for the ENTIRE game, including overtime. Goodness knows, the Steelers can't afford to have players gassed in next week's Wild Card game. 

The AFC North standings to end the season are as follows: Steelers win it with an 11-5 mark. The Baltimorons lost to the Bungles to finish 8-8. The win left Cincy with a record of 6-9-1. The Clowns get the #1 pick in the draft with a mark of 1-15. 

Speaking of next week, we now know the Steelers opponent for their Wild Card playoff game at Heinz Field. It will be the Miami Dolphins. The same Dolphins team that demoralized the Steelers 30-15 back in October. Surely revenge will be on the Steelers minds. Mrs. Black-N-Gold hopes they have enough healthy bodies to get through it. No word yet on date/time. The kickoff is Sunday at 1pm. Until then, get healthy, get rested, get ready. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!