Alan Faneca Makes His Case For the Pro Bowl

After a butt-kicking like the Steelers had on Thursday night, the game stories are pretty complimentary as expected. The Post-Gazette points out that the NFL Network's Chris Collinsworth said that Bill Cowher told him that if he doesn't coach the Steelers next year, he'll be sitting at home, although Cowher tried to downplay that after the game. The Steelers may miss the playoffs, but they are trying to finish the season strong. The Steelers have three games left with a chance to at least try to sneak into the playoffs at 9-7.

Anthony Smith starred in his first start picking up an interception, causing fear for Browns receivers and giving the Steelers fans a lot to look forward to.

Some other youngsters stepped up on Thursday as well, as Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes had strong starts. Hines Ward was beaming like a proud father after the game.

Alan Faneca stood out on Thursday night with a game that reminded at least one sports writer of his dominance. The Beaver County Times includes a comment that some have suggested that Faneca has slipped a little this year, yep that's because he has. But it did appear that he was exceptional on Thursday. Faneca probably just lined up another trip to Hawaii with a performance like that on national TV (or some form of it).

Diehard fans showed up despite the zero degree wind chill. Jeff Reed just passed Jerome Bettis on the Steelers all-time scoring list, which shows how much kickers outscore everyone else in the NFL.

Mike Prisuta was impressed with how the Steelers played well just for the love of playing the game. Dale Lolley makes sure people know that Willie Parker is really good. Gene Collier says the same thing, pointing out that Parker is better than a lot of the backs who some Steelers fans seem to prefer.

The grades for this week have the Steelers on the honor roll.

The lose cannon that is Joey Porter was firing away on Thursday. Expect a fine.