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What They're Saying: Pittsburgh Writers On Saturday's Game
A day before the Steelers visit the Coliseum, we take a look at what the Pittsburgh writers have to say about the playoff matchup.
''When their chartered aircraft lands in Nashville, Tenn., tonight, the Steelers will carry similar karma. The emotion from a big victory might be the bruised and battered Steelers' best chance of beating the Tennessee Titans on Saturday in an AFC divisional-round playoff game at The Coliseum.
Quarterback Tommy Maddox, whose football destiny wasn't shaped until 10 years after he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1992, believes the team unity formed while achieiving such a difficult victory will help the Steelers in Nashville.
'I think anytime you win a close game, it helps from a team standpoint,' he said. 'Anytime your backs are against the wall and you come through it, it's a positive.'
Maddox said he believes in destiny, but he also has a strong foothold in reality.
'There are a lot of positives you take from that game, but you realize that that game was that game and you move onto next week.'''
''It really doesn't get any sweeter than the win against Cleveland.
Getting to the next round is what is important, but the comeback showed a lot about the character of this team.
I've never been a part of a comeback like that on any level that I have played. The funny thing is that I never felt like we were out of the game.
I kept thinking, 'We should be able to score 10 points in a quarter.' Little did I know how things were going to unfold.
Tommy (Maddox) was great and he showed exactly why we have so much faith in what he can do. It was a team effort, but he was definitely the leader.
The things that he did can't be taught or learned. His coolness and calmness are innate. He's just that type of guy.
Now we're focused on Tennessee. It was a condensed week with having played on Sunday and turning around and playing on Saturday, but we have managed to get everything in.
Fortunately, they are a familiar opponent and there's less to learn about them than there could have been with a different opponent.
Both of our teams are different than the last time we played, but the one thing that hasn't changed is that both of these teams are going to hit you in the mouth and challenge you.
We're going into this game like every other game - well-prepared and confident that we should win.
Tennessee has been a tough place to play, but we did go there last year and get a win.
People are very excited about the playoffs already because last weekend showed that anything can happen. Two big comebacks and the Falcons winning at Lambeau really help to build the excitement of the postseason.
We're not ready to go home just yet. Saturday has all the makings of what should be a great game.''
''With all due respect to the anticipated return of Chad Scott at cornerback and its effect on a struggling defensive secondary, the Steelers could find themselves needing to win a shootout. If so, the spread, with the no-huddle component, provides the best option for them to suitably exercise their side of the scoreboard at The Coliseum.
About now some likely are protesting, yes, but the Steelers might score too quickly. What a problem to face.
Here's a worse problem. With the basic offense, the Steelers might not score. As abhorrent as it is to traditionalists, the strength of the Steelers has become the passing game. And the strength of that is when there are four receivers on the field and Maddox is in a no-huddle rhythm. A team can run from a spread, too.
The Steelers might be able to pull off another dramatic, comeback win tomorrow. Somehow, though, you'd think they'd prefer to try an easier way, like playing with a lead that the no-huddle look could produce.''
This isn’t the same offense the Tennessee Titans took to Super Bowl XXXIV three years ago. It’s more diverse. More creative. More capable of exploiting a vulnerable secondary like the one the Steelers will bring to The Coliseum on Saturday.''
Yes, the Steelers must find a way to elevate their game. Because although the Titans aren't sending anyone to the Pro Bowl - three Steelers are bound for Hawaii for the NFL's annual all-star game - they are playing as well as any team in the league right now. After a 1-4 start, Tennessee has won 10 of its last 11.''
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