41-27

And with that the Steelers season ends. Definitely a tough loss to watch. But I give the Steelers credit for not quitting. They played hard up until the last whistle. The Patriots were just a better team today.

I'm pretty bummed. This may come off as bitter, but I've got to get this off my chest. The Patriots will be going to their 3rd Super Bowl in 4 years. You would think that with all of the big games they've played and won over that time period, they would have learned at some point to show some class. I can almost understand Corey Dillon, who seemed to think 1 yard carries were worth flexing and jawing about, which he continued to do on the Patriots final scoring drive. He never played in big games in Cincinnati. But Deion Branch waving goodbye on his way into the endzone and then mocking fans on the sidelines?! And then getting a hand from his teammates, who felt the need to join in?! My Dad always raised me to act like you been there. And I'm proud to be a fan of a team and organization that does just that.

Case and point: The Steelers organization ordered that during the game this season in which they would clinch the AFC North, under no circumstances would merchandise with the Division Championship logo be put on sale until the final gun sounded. In fact the boxes containing the gear were not even allowed to be opened. The coaching staff made sure that players also did not wear anything with the logo until the game was over. But the Patriots felt the need with 2 minutes left to put down their "Freedom" Towels (or whatever) and put on their AFC Champ hats and shirts and continue to pose and mouth off to the remaining Steeler fans, while the Steelers were driving for the game's final TD.

The Steelers may not be champs this year. But at least they're not chumps.