There were a lot of happy folks in New England last night when they found out the Patriots wouldn’t have to face the Steelers in the Divisional Round.
We’re not sure a banged-up Pittsburgh team would have really been a tougher matchup than the Broncos.
Pittsburgh’s devastating loss to Denver keeps getting worse. Coach Mike Tomlin revealed Monday via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that nose tackle Casey Hampton and tackle Max Starks both have ACL injuries that may need surgery. While Tomlin wouldn’t confirm ACL tears yet, teams usually don’t say “ACL injury” unless the ligament is torn.
Defensive end Brett Keisel has a “severe” groin injury that may also require surgery. Center Maurkice Pouncey may also get work done on his ankle.
The Steelers defense showed its age on Saturday night. It’s worth wondering how much different that defense will look in 2012.