Paco, as far as the last two games of the Steelers if it isn't obvious what is going on let me point it out to you. (Pay attention, there will be a test.)
The Steelers have basically used the last two as scrimmages. It has been a "just do enough to get the win, but let's try some different things" attitude/mentality. The last time Cowher went to the SB (against Dallas which OMG O'Donnell should have been on the end of a rope at the close of that) ... Cowher pulled out all the stops, to include an onside kick to start that 3rd Qtr which got them the ball back.
Education time: It's spelled Roethlisberger. You might want to get it right now cause when he gets the MVP it will be all over the place and I would hate for you to embarrass yourself by asking "Who is that??".
Also, a little 10-1 record is hard to argue with boys ... especially after the Kordell years which pretty much neutured me as far as my feelings towards the Iron City team. He is for real, period.
Note: I have been a fan since 1975, and my Dad since the 60's (he is from Pittsburgh and lived there for 18 years). We both agree,
WE have not seen a QB work like this since the very early years of Terry Bradshaw (#12), and four SB rings later we all know how he turned out.
As far as home field advantage, that is just about settled. Once the Steelers take care of Jacksonville we are pretty much in the home stretch (Jets, Giants, Ravens and Bills). The Pats, on the other hand, have both the Dolphins (they are about due) and 49ers (another one that could shock folks) still ... and if the Pats decide to show up weak one day (as they have done before) their chances are shot.
The AFC game should be the Pats and Steelers, which will be spectacular. Should by some odd chance the Pats blow it then the Steelers are in the SB (IMO) cause no one is gonna come on game day to knock them off. They are just too hot.
This brings me to the line up for the SB. Eagles, maybe. Atlanta, possible. Green Bay, odd - but it could happen. Either way, the Steelers for the AFC, again, shutting down the AFC with domination. And oh yeah, thanks for trading us Duece, obviously he needed an offensive line who could block and a QB who thought about the team and not about himself and could actually hand the ball of successfully.