Playoffs                                           This year, the Steelers barely made it to the playoffs with an 11-5 record.  But the playoffs would prove to be much different than the regular season for the Steelers.  Their first obstacle was the AFC North division winners, the Bengals.  But they would prove to be no match, losing 31-17 after an an  injury to Carson Palmer on the second play.  After the  victory there was no celebration, because they all aware of who was next.  The best team in the NFL, the Colts.  Although we came in underdogs, we defeated them 21-18 even after a blown polamalu interception call.  After beating them, no one stood in our way.  The next week we trampled the Broncos 34-17. 

         Super Bowl XL                         Now, the three playoff wins meant nothing.  They all just lead up to this.  Win or lose, there were no second place trophies.  This was the moment Bill Cowher had been waiting for since Super XXX in 1995, another shot at glory.  But this game would prove to be nothing like the one 10 years ago. The first three drives of the game led to punts.  But on the fourth drive of the game, the Seahawks scored first from a 47 yard Jeff Reed Field Goal. Four drives later, we scored off of a 1 yard Ben Roethlisberger touchdown run. 7-3 Steelers.  With a minute left in the half, Jeff Reed missed a 54 yard field goal.  Both teams went into the locker room knowing it was only a four point game, and Seattle was still in it.  On the second play of the Steelers first drive in the second half, Willie Parker broke lose for a 75 yard touchdown run, breaking the old Super Bowl record by one yard. The Seahawks tried to answer, but came up short with a missed 50 yard field goal attempt and Pittsburgh gained possession.  But on third down, Ben Roethlisberger threw into the hands of Seattle defensive back K. Herndon.  Three plays later, Hasselbeck threw a touchdown to Jeremy Stevens and put them back in the game.  14-10 Pittsburgh.  Two drives later, with the Seahawks looking to score, Ike Taylor came up with a game winning interception that led to a hines ward touchdown.  The final score, Steelers 21 Seahawks 10.  After the game and the announcement of the MVP Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis announced his retirement and the Steelers got The One For The Thumb.