There is a common theme that escapes the lips of Pittsburgh Steelers players who have an answer for why the team was able to avoid collapsing this season, in spite of the multitude of excuses that were provided to that that would have justified them doing so.
Whether it was a star player leaving in free agency, another forcing his way out of town, a coach dying, losing your starting quarterback, or a multitude of other moments, the Steelers have had about as bumpy a road this year, going back to January, as I can recall, and yet they remain in playoff contention in a season in which Ben Roethlisberger never threw a touchdown pass.