The NFL’s Best Team

While everyone praises the Patriots for their weekly dominations, let’s take a look at a team that is being a little bit overlooked right now. They’ve dominated as much, but without the passing heroics of Tom Brady and Randy Moss. They’ve shut offenses down, allowing a mere 8.7 points per game, all while scoring an average of 32 points per game.

The team I’m referring to, of course, is the Steelers. (Picture gave it away, eh?)

Consider: they have the NFL’s best defense. Maybe it’s just because we’re accustomed to it being dominant — we’ve labeled it Blitzburgh and the Steel Curtain in the past — but I don’t think enough fans appreciate the Big D. They’ve forced 12 sacks this season — 2nd only to Philadelphia’s 14 — and they’re currently ranked first by Football Outsiders. Those of you who don’t know about these geniuses, head over to the site and start checking out stats. They’re both innovative and useful.

Basically, here’s how it looks: New England is allowing 1.13 points per drive (14th). Pittsburgh is allowing .42 (1st). Baltimore is allowing 26.74 yards per drive (8th), the Steelers have allowed 20.91 (1st).

But defense isn’t the only thing winning games; they also have the NFL’s best running game. Willie Parker is leading the league in yardage — 368, or 123 per game — while the team easily leads the league in the same category, averaging nearly 200 yards per game. In other words, the team is sticking with what they do best: smashmouth offense and defense.

But don’t not credit Ben Roethlisberger. His 102.9 quarterback rating isn’t an accident. Rather, it’s the result of being healthy, both mentally and physically. We see him now as we did several years ago, making smart throws and not turning the ball over. In fact, he has only 1 interception this season vs. 6 touchdown passes. And thanks in no small part to his offensive line, he hasn’t been on his back too often; only 4 times has he gone down to a sack. To put that in perspective, he was sacked 46 times last season; more than twice the rate he’s been sacked this year.

Did I mention Mike Tomlin is one great coach? He’s managed to keep the team playing great, his way. The philosophy left by Bill Cowher is still there, and Tomlin is coaching it to its max potential.

While the Patriots might wow you with great offense this season and Randy Moss might break a record or two, keep your eye on the Steelers. They’ll be the team doing what they do, and doing it better than anyone else in the NFL. Not a lot of flash, just results. Something tells me their fans wouldn’t have it any other way.