How does that saying go? Never wake a sleeping beast. Well, National Football League the beast has awoken. After falling into a 1-2 hole to start the season and listening to everyone saying that they were done, the Steelers have rolled off 5 straight wins. Including the last two over arguably the two best teams in their respective conference. (Viking, Broncos) The latter of the two wins may have done a lot more than just improved the Steelers record to 6-2. It may just be the turning point to the run at a seventh Lombardi trophy.

One thing that the victory in Denver did was prove that the 2009 version of the Steelers could beat a quality team on the road. (Their only other road win came against the Lions) In their previous road games the Steelers have not looked like themselves at all. A lack of focus and energy along with costly turnovers and missed opportunities to put the other team away were mainstays in those previous road match-ups.  Those evil demons did not show themselves on Monday night. The Steelers were dominant on both sides of the ball, the running game was unbelievable especially in the second half when it mattered the most, and the defense brought that physical brand of football that us Pittsburghers love.

Another point that was made in this game was the fact that even with injuries the Steelers just plug the next guy right in the lineup and there’s no drop off. I mean seriously, how many guys didn’t play for the Steelers in this game? Ryan Clark, Willie Parker, Travis Kirschke, Lawrence Timmons, Aaron Smith and the list goes on. From watching that game you would have never noticed. If it wasn’t Ty Carter making a big pick 6 to start the scoring, it was rookie Ziggy Hood getting big time pressure on Orton. And how about the play of back up linebacker Keyaron Fox, are you kidding me? This guy was a free agent and no one made him an offer.

Last but certainly not least, I have to take a moment to take my hat off to Rashard Mendenhall.  There is no one that has been more critical of the play of not just Mendenhall but the entire running game than me. I just don’t feel that you can win a Super Bowl just throwing the football. But over the past five games and especially in Denver, Mendenhall has been every bit as good as his draft position would say he was. I will admit this: the decision to play Mendenhall over Parker has been made easier due to Parker’s injury. So it will be very interesting to see what coach Tomlin does when Parker gets back to 100%.