Twas two days before Christmas, when the Bengals came to town
Pittsburgh hoped to get more than one TD from Antonio Brown
In Ben we trusted with our team’s care,
In hopes that the playoffs soon would be there.
Steeler Nation was ready for a big victory, going through the grind
However, visions of the playoffs soon vanished from mind.
Dad was wearing number seven, and I donned forty-three
No longer bringing good luck, they go in the laundry.
There were many chances wasted, as often happens in defeat
Fifty percent through the air, and 95 yards by feet
Neither was good enough to wear out Cincy
Three turnovers put pressure on our Steeler “D”
Six sacks were excellent, best of all year
14 yards rushing allowed? A victory must be near.
But they had a weapon deployed on the scene
A stud young receiver named A.J. Green.
With 17 targets, surely the DBs would know
Which guy would see the ball on that fateful throw
But, of course the 18th proved to be the coup de grace
It left the home crowd in a state of shock and awe
When out on Heinz Field there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter.
It was a Josh Brown field goal with four seconds left,
Which left the Steelers dreams entirely bereft.
Forty years ago was the Immaculate Reception
The ultimate tale of 2012 was one of deception.
The players, coaches, fans all believed we were contenders
Instead the eight losses show we’re truly pretenders
The offseason will determine which direction to head
The roster will change and have a new tire tread
We’ll part ways with Wallace and Mendenhall
Can’t pay guys big money who drop the ball
For this year, only one content does remain
A meaningless Browns game is the last refrain
I can imagine many no shows and boo birds who attend
To put a period at this campaign’s bitter end.
My wish for you is to recall fondly the better days
Because this franchise is firmly stuck in a haze
No identity on which to rely, no stars to stand out
Hines, Jerome, and Porter would certainly shout
Merry Christmas to all…and to all a good night.
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Written by Rob Stroup
I grew up in western Pennsylvania, so I have followed the Pittsburgh sports teams (Steelers, Penguins, Pirates) since the womb. It has become a tradition to make the yearly trek to a Steelers and Penguins game each year despite the distance. I hope to make writing a profession because I thoroughly enjoy attempting to paint a picture with words.
Steven Keys Dec 26 201212:26 pm
Terrific write, Rob.
But careful though, you’re sounding like a disgruntled Packers or Yankees’ fan. Never enough hardware on the mantel. I think Tomlin & Pittsburgh might benefit from a change.
And if you don’t want your Browns’ game tickets (Yeah, right Steve), leave ‘em at ‘Will Call’ for me & my wife. Couldn’t be much colder up there than here in Georgia.
Rob Stroup Dec 26 20125:09 pm
Steve – I appreciate the sentiments. As I’ve said over the last half of this season, I did not expect them to make any noise in this year’s playoffs. Though I am extremely frustrated by the lack of timely plays. If the team performs as it is capable, this is a 10-12 win team. Oh well…the offseason will provide opportunities for improvement/change. I’m still in favor of the team keeping Tomlin / Haley. It’s a matter of execution, in my opinion. I don’t have season tickets and only make it to one or two games per year. If I had tickets for the Browns game, I’d definitely pass them along – ha! Rob
steve massey Dec 27 20123:21 pm
Wouldn’t you rather have a Tomlin/Turner? I understand Norv stated that he would be open to an OC position as soon as the Bolts give him his release, which will be in about…well hell, what time is it?
Sorry about your team’s dysfunction, this year, I really thought they would pull their division out of a magic hat this year.
What’r'ya’gonna do?
Peace.
Rob Stroup Dec 27 20127:57 pm
Pittsburgh has already taken on one AFC west head coach that used to be an OC. Let’s give Haley another year. I honestly think that Ben’s return from injury coincided with him holding onto the ball too long, given the Pittsburgh O-line deficiencies. Haley’s offense is predicated on quick passes. Norv likes to chuck it downfield. With Wallace likely headed for a payday elsewhere, Pittsburgh’s deep threat in the passing game will be significantly diminished. Pittsburgh needs to focus on better route running. I don’t think it is any coincidence that Heath Miller was the best receiver in this offense. Wallace and Brown don’t run precise routes, nor do they fully understand what the defense presents to them when they offer a pre-snap read.