Enjoy While We Can

Mike Wallace, streaking to a 95-yard touchdown vs. Arizona..Photo by Christian Petersen, Getty Images

With Pittsburgh leading, 32-14, at Arizona with 6:51 left in the fourth quarter, Steelers' radio announcer Tunch Ilkin commented on the exodus of red-clad Cardinals fans leaving the stadium.

"It's like the Israelites leaving Egypt," Ilkin said. Indeed.

With tough games coming up vs. New England, Baltimore and Cincinnati, the Steelers absolutely needed a win today, and all the better that it was a convincing, comfortable win. Final score: 32-20.

Mike Wallace dazzled with a 95-yard touchdown reception, Lamarr Woodley dominated on defense with two sacks among his seven tackles, Antonio Brown had more than 200 yards on catches and kick returns, Heath Miller was money, and Ben Roethlisberger passed for 340 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Oh, and the Steelers contained Larry Fitzgerald.  Cornerback Ike Taylor, who is having a tremendous season, shadowed Fitzgerald and limited him to just four catches for 78 yards receiving and no touchdowns.

Good job by the team all around, and it should be nice to enjoy for about 12 hours. Next up for the 5-2 Steelers: The 5-1 New England Patriots, who are coming off a bye week. Screw 'em. Another winnable game.

Best Wishes, Aaron Smith

Too bad for Aaron Smith, one of the past decade's definitive, great Steelers and an easy guy to root for by any measure. The Steelers placed Smith on injured reserve Sunday, which ends his season, and his career may be over. He is going to be tough to replace. He was an anchor at defensive end, almost impossible to move, and has been essential to the ongoing success of the Steelers' run defense since he became a starter.

The Post-Gazette's Dan Gigler, online sports editor at Blog 'n Gold, offers a nice tribute to Smith with several must-see videos accompanying the nice write-up. Check it out here.